Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 28

Clara seemed totally unfazed by the two bickering nearby as she chatted with her real estate agent. "I'm good with just a duplex. There's no need for detached

houses or townhouses. Got any other listings?"

"Actually, yes. There's a duplex right around the corner. Are you interested in checking it out now, Ms. Clara?"

Clara nodded, trailing behind the agent.

Naomi was fuming, feeling completely ignored. "Clara, what are you even doing here today? Can you not just stir things up for a change?!"

She rushed over and grabbed Clara's wrist. "Wasn't you gonna call off the engagement yesterday? You ghosted everyone and didn't answer your phone. Now you're here acting like it's no big deal? Have you no shame?"

Clara shook her hand off, her gaze icy. "Have you said enough, Naomi?"

Naomi was taken aback by Clara's use of her first name. "What did you just call me?"

Clara offered a cool smile. "Naomi. I told you I'm cutting ties with all of you. I'm not your daughter anymore, so stop acting like my parent. You've got Quinn, and that's the only daughter you need. Sorry, but we aren't close."

of praise would light up Clara's face, and she'd promise to do better next time. Now, she was addressing her mother by her first

trying to get your attention. Maybe we

it was best to let

arms with Quinn. "We are getting this

or anger, but Clara was

agent took a quick ride to

building was six stories high, with two apartments per floor. The one she was eyeing was 1,500 square feet. Given the primo location, the price was steep at $15,000 per square foot, totaling $1.5 million, but Clara had

You are a locak, so I don't need to tell you

was tastefully decorated,

Can't we haggle a

apartments are going for this much. This one comes fully furnished with quality

the owner and

old. The agent wasn't lying. The owner was in a hurry to sell, so haggling

worried about the money. She had

efficient, wrapped everything up in one afternoon, and even handed over

so quick that Clara found it almost unbelievable. It seemed she'd be able to move in with just a few bedding purchases by tomorrow. Her mood lifted instantly. Meanwhile, across town, Nate was nursing his not-so-serious injuries. His face