Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 132

Dr. Gribble had a rough night, tossing and turning till dawn. When he finally

dragged himself out of bed the next morning, dark shadows hung under his eyes, and he felt like he was in a fog even on his commute to the hospital.

Settling into his chair, he barely had a moment before Quinn stormed in. Her expression was as defiant as ever, glaring at him like he was dirt under her shoe.

"Didn't I already tell you to quit?" she snapped.

Dr. Gribble backed up a few steps, his lips quivering. "Miss Quinn, I was dragged into this mess against my will. Don't burn bridges. We live in a world of rules and laws."

A flicker of disgust passed through Quinn's eyes. She thought he talked way too much. “Dr. Gribble, you've got your money. It's too late to start with this now. You really don't want to cross me. Better do as I say, or else..."

The threat hung in the air, heavy and clear.

After she left, Dr. Gribble slumped in his chair, sweat dripping down his face. The fear of someone trying to run him over again that night gnawed at him. Would he get lucky twice? He couldn't die-not now. He had to survive!

familiar voice from the

Quinn's hospital room door. When

turned red, her rage melting into a look of pitiful vulnerability. “Clara, I begged Mom not to send you to an asylum. Why are you here

and, sure enough, she spotted Naomi and Simon. Naomi rushed forward, ready to slap Clara, but

to slap me whenever we

palpable. Her shoulders were shaking. "Clara, how

steady. "I didn't do it, and my

huh? Do you know what folks are saying about you? They're calling you ruthless, heartless,

Naomi spat out those words, a hundred-dollar

Clara just smiled.

hundred bucks. If only you'd remembered to use it on some protection back when you and Johnny

The impact of Clara's words was so intense that people passing by were left speechless. Nurses rushed

leave. But Simon stepped in her

looked up, her eyes now brimming with tears. "What else do you want, Simon? Seriously, I gotta ask-would