Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 18

The scene was so ridiculous that Clara just stood there, momentarily dumbfounded.

Was she supposed to apologize every time Quinn teared up?

She couldn't help but chuckle. "Why should I say sorry? Just for breathing the same air as her?"

Simon was left speechless, fumbling for a comeback but finding none.

Quinn clung to his sleeve, tears glistening as she looked at Clara. "Clara, I probably deserved that slap yesterday. Please, don't stay mad. Mom was asking about you at dinner, wondering when you'd come back. Ryan's on summer break, too. You can't keep this up and make everyone miserable."

Simon seemed to latch onto that. "Yeah! You slapped Quinn yesterday. You owe her an apology!"

Clara watched the two of them, a smirk playing on her lips. "Did you two escape from the same loony bin? You both have the same symptoms-delusions. One of you thinks I'm head over heels, and the other thinks I want your cheap affections. Maybe you should head back for some more treatment? Pretty soon, it might be too late."

Then, she walked away with confidence.

Simon was fuming. How had he not noticed Clara's sharp wit before? On impulse, he let go of Quinn and chased after Clara.

liked me! How could you say

her expression twisting into something sinister. She pulled out her phone

"Quinn, what's going on?"

"Colton... I just..."

out to find a quiet place. "Did Clara give you a hard

just... she slapped me. Colton, I'm just

Don't worry, I'll make sure she pays

feeling much better. If she wanted, she could

taxi, and Simon was standing there, arms crossed in frustration. "You never used

already settled inside. "Simon, let's meet at the Bradford estate

smug demeanor quickly faded at her words. "Clara,

unyielding, like a flower refusing to wilt. "Seven o'clock tomorrow night at the Bradford estate." Then, she instructed the driver

to the car as it disappeared

around his waist, her voice laced with tears.

off our engagement tomorrow at the