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."

friends. They were always slandering Clara, and Simon never stepped in. Having a stunning

was, she was a pathetic waste. "Clara, for every bottle you drink, we'll

he knew Clara's drinking habits

can really put it

had uncorked the bottle and was smiling

lounging in his seat. "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.

Quinn; Clara was just

the brim, and drank until the

as if ants were

more bottles. Three million had already been poured out, and no matter how wealthy they were, this wasn't the way

Someone, anxious that Colton couldn't handle it, tugged on

frowned, glaring at Clara. "Enough, Clara, stop making a fool of yourself." Clara finished

Tonight's all about Simon, right? Though you did make sure everyone will remember

bottle, and Colton's face darkened with

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

her eyes landing on Colton. "If this gentleman can't cover it, maybe the rest of you

was red with anger. "Clara, it's antics like these that make Simon despise you.

leisurely finished her last glass. "Oh, so you have a

was out, causing him to panic and

and he shoved Clara. "What nonsense

I'm not making it up by looking at your buddy's face. Maybe check