Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 47

Clara had barely settled in for a half-hour rest when a knock interrupted her quiet time.

She opened the door and found Aiden standing there. His tone was as formal as ever. "Ms. Clara, Mr. Dylan has invited you for dinner."

Clara, having only snacked on apples earlier, was more than ready for a proper

meal.

As she stepped into Dylan's room, the lights were glowing brightly, showcasing a lavish dinner spread. Dylan sat at the table, engrossed in a book. He heard her enter, looked up slowly, and said, "Please, take a seat."

Clara felt her stomach rumble and sat down without fuss. "Thank you, Mr. Dylan."

The table was filled with at least fifteen different dishes-a showcase of culinary delights from land, sea, and air. Clara was taken aback by the luxurious spread, impressed by the effort Dylan had gone to.

She picked up her cutlery and started eating at a leisurely pace. Dylan put his book aside and began slicing into the steak on his plate.

Clara was nearly full when she noticed Dylan had hardly touched his food. She was surprised, expecting a man of his stature to have a bigger appetite.

Just then, a knock echoed through the room, but it wasn't Dylan's door-it was hers.

probably about the big

stood up, but a sharp pain in her knee made her stagger. Her hand instinctively grabbed the tablecloth, pulling

a moment before quickly grabbing napkins to clean up the mess. The soup had spilled onto a rather embarrassing spot, and it took

gently taking her wrist. His eyes were filled with an intensity.

really sorry, Mr.

knee continued

wrist for a few moments

Ashford tonight. It's a bit of a drive from South Ashford,

neglected by the government in favor of South Ashford's more famous apples. If Clara's

go and said, "The farmers in North Ashford can be tough to deal with. They've got a lot of grudges from being overlooked." Clara was surprised he knew so much. Had he thought about North Ashford, too? "I know. I'll make sure they see I mean business. North Ashford's apples are just as good, and they just need a bit more

but then Dylan's phone rang, the screen

Talk about bad timing.

frowned. What did Simon want

speaker. Simon's voice blared through. "Uncle Dylan, where's Clara staying? I just got to South Ashford and need to talk

It either meant delivering a luxury purse to his aunt or apologizing to Quinn.

neutral, "Why

that upset some viewers, and now they're going after Quinn. Quinn's been crying, and I want Clara to apologize. She's her