Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 85

Clara glanced over at Simon, then Ada.

Ada chuckled, "Clara, you've always been so indulgent with Simon. You used to be the one making the tea."

Simon let out a scoff, turning his head away.

Come to think of it, Clara hadn't made him tea in quite a while. Ever since she woke up from her recent accident, they hadn't shared a peaceful meal together. The thought left him uneasy; they had never been at odds for this long before.

Clara got up and followed the housekeeper to the kitchen. Once they were out of earshot, the housekeeper's demeanor shifted. She arrogantly tilted her chin up.

"Mr. Simon's favorite teas are all here, as well as Miss Quinn's. You're already doing this for the Bradford family, so you might as well make them all. Don't worry, I'll be sure to mention your good work to Mrs. Ferguson."

Clara lowered her lashes, grabbed a handful of teabags, and tossed them into the cups, then filled each with tap water. She prepared three cups in this haphazard manner and brought them back, ignoring the housekeeper's attitude.

The housekeeper only noticed how quickly she brewed the tea, not suspecting anything amiss. Clara placed the three cups on the coffee table. "Here you go."

cup, but something felt off about the temperature. Why was it cold?

in one go. It was indeed cold water and teabags clogged his

knew Clara did this on purpose. Ada felt a twinge of annoyance. In the past, Clara would shower her with expensive gifts and flattery, but today she was distant.

"Simon, do you like your

and coughing forcefully. "Why is this cold water? Clara, we're at Ada's home today. If you act out like this, who will manage you after you marry Simon? Even if you and Simon have misunderstandings, you shouldn't upset the elders on

Ada's, dumping the tea in the trash. "Ada, Simon, let me make you fresh cups. Clara might be in a bad mood today. Please don't hold it against

worries, everyone has bad days. Clara is just being

'Just being herself? More like a fool- serving cold water to the elders. This

with the cups, only to hear Clara speak up. "Ada, I'd like to call off the engagement with Simon. That's why I'm here

forced smile vanished instantly at those words. Simon thought he must have misheard. Clara had never dared to be so

a deep breath, he pursed his lips in disbelief. "Clara, have you lost your mind?

him in waves, unsure if he was angry at Clara's audacity or

scolded, "Simon, sit

biting his lip repeatedly. "Mom, say