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."

by Clara's coldness. In the past, a bit 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 name with zero

momentarily at a loss until Quinn chimed in. "Mom, maybe Clara's just trying to get your attention. Maybe we should skip buying

thought it was best to let Clara play her solo act. Clara would come crawling back

arms with Quinn.

but Clara was already

agent took a quick ride to the new

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 the cash. Plus, it was near Ferguson

tell you how great this area is. Everything's close by, and the security is top-notch with nightly patrols. It's perfectly safe for a

was tastefully decorated, likely by a previous

million? Can't we haggle a

This one comes fully furnished with quality pieces. If the owner

contact the owner and sign the

was top-notch, and the place was only two years old. The

about the money. She had

was efficient, wrapped everything up in one afternoon, and

purchases by tomorrow. Her mood lifted instantly. Meanwhile, across town, Nate was nursing his