Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 11

The room went quiet for a beat before a wave of laughter broke out, dripping with

sarcasm.

"Simon, you really called it this time."

Tonight, Simon hadn't brought Quinn along; instead, he had some new escort hanging on his arm.

The moment Simon spotted Clara, a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes, quickly replaced by a resigned look. He frowned, setting his drink down on the coffee table. "Clara, aren't you tired of this nonsense?"

She'd already made a scene at Moonlight a few times, and now she showed up dressed like the staff. Each appearance seemed to cheapen her more.

Clara bent slightly, picked up the priciest bottle of Château Margaux, and flashed a smile at the crowd. "Who ordered this? Need a hand opening it?"

She had caught their chatter while standing outside the door. A twinge of bitterness tugged at her heart, but as she entered and saw their flashy, nouveau riche airs, it felt like staring at a gold mine. Maybe she'd rake in that hundred grand sooner than expected.

Château Margaux was a cool million a bottle.

None of them were strapped for cash, but they were way more invested in seeing Clara embarrass herself.

Nate's eyes lingered on Clara's figure before he nudged Colton with his elbow. "You gotta admit, she's looking hot."

Simon never stepped in. Having a stunning girl

stunning Clara was, she was a pathetic waste. "Clara,

They had money for sure, but he knew Clara's

really put it

he could finish, Clara had uncorked the bottle and was smiling

"I did say it. Go on, drink. And Clara, don't say I didn't warn you— Simon doesn't like you. Everyone here hates you. If you get wasted and make the

Bradfords favored Quinn; Clara

until the bottle was empty. Then she started on the second,

discomfort, as

Three million had already been poured out, and no matter

turned to tense silence. Someone, anxious that Colton couldn't handle it, tugged on Simon's

"Enough, Clara, stop making a fool of yourself."

the room. "Who are you kidding? Tonight's all about Simon, right? Though you did make sure everyone

fifth bottle, and Colton's face

up, grabbing Clara's wrist. "That's enough, stop

wine glass, her eyes landing on Colton. "If this gentleman

humiliation, and his face was red with anger. "Clara, it's antics like these that make Simon despise you. You're nothing compared

last glass. "Oh, so you

causing him to panic and

expression shifted, and he shoved Clara. "What nonsense are you

making it up by looking at your buddy's face. Maybe check if