Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 68

After a couple more hours of mingling, Clara finally slipped into Dylan's car, ready to head back to the Capital. The folks from North Ashford were all gathered outside, their faces a mix of reluctance and warmth.

"Clara, once our town gets better, you've got to come back and visit us," one of them called out.

"My family got quite a bit in compensation. We're planning to buy a house in the Capital and come see you," another added with a hopeful grin.

"Sweetheart, how's your back? I was out of line last time and shouldn't have hit you with the rake," an older voice chimed in, full of regret.

The farmers' voices floated in through the open window. Clara had only spent a few days with them, but already they couldn't bear the thought of her leaving.

No one had ever managed to lift North Ashford's apples out of the mud and turn the place into a tourist spot. Old grudges from decades past were finally put to rest, and they didn't have to worry about the folks from South Ashford anymore. Life was on the up, and they would focus on apple growing and tourism

development. The old village leader's dream was coming true, and gratitude was in the air.

the rearview mirror at the people who lingered. She felt

the kids, had a genuine

"Mr. Dylan, developing tourism here could also be great for the company. The locals are genuine and will get along just fine with tourists. I'd worry about the South Ashford folks and their ways. They'd

gave a quiet

Clara had seen through after she woke up, and excitement

in a comfortable silence. She was beat and soon dozed off against

got out, bending slightly to say, "Thanks, Mr. Dylan, for the

she finished speaking, but Dylan looked up from his papers, locking eyes with her. Just as Clara wondered if she had something on her face, he shifted his gaze

a delayed awkwardness. As she turned

nearly losing his mind, and Quinn's not

usual outbursts. She thought Clara would be moved and rush