Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 62

Johnny had always stayed out of Clara's business, chalking it up to typical kid squabbles and minor dramas. But now, with the company's interests on the line, he couldn't just sit back and do nothing.

He picked up the phone and called Clara. She'd blocked Naomi and Ryan before but had somehow missed blocking her so-called father. When she saw his name light up on her screen, she was caught off guard. Clara answered, and Johnny's voice came through, sounding none too pleased.

"Clara, what are you up to?" It was clear he was looking for an explanation.

"Is there something you need?" she replied, cool as a cucumber.

"There is! What were you thinking causing trouble at South Ashford? Now, farmers have surrounded Quinn's car. They couldn't find you, so they're venting on Quinn. I used to ignore your antics, but this time, Quinn's there for the company. We need the agricultural mission to be a success so we can get a piece of the tourism pie. Are you really going to let your little whims cost the whole Bradford family?"

than anything else and hung up without a word. Still, she couldn't shake the pang in her

as well.

really lost it. She blocked me, too. Does she seriously want to cut ties with the whole family?"

He overheard and chimed in,

wasn't pleased and instructed someone nearby, "Cancel her credit card." "Sir, Miss Clara's card was canceled ages ago," came

so if her card had been canceled, why hadn't she come crawling back?

a sigh, he rubbed his temples, a flash of disdain in his eyes. "Forget it. We'll just pretend she's not our

daughter! All those apples are sold

last call suggested the deal was a