Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 416

Clara took a deep breath, trying to compose herself before she finally said, "Naomi." Even now, she couldn't bring herself to call her "Mom."

Naomi tensed up, her face seeming to age a decade in the blink of an eye. She hadn't come here to blame Clara. Her feelings toward her were complicated. There was a time when she wished Clara would just vanish from the Bradford family, but so much had happened that she'd long since changed her perspective.

Spending time in solitude, reflecting on everything, Naomi realized just how wrong she'd been. Now, facing Clara felt incredibly daunting.

But she couldn't ignore this child. Naomi sat down slowly, looking frail. "This is the Bradford family's first child, after all. Let's keep it. It's not like we're hurting for money. I even have some savings tucked away, just in case..."

Before she could finish, Clara cut in, "Sarah went after Ryan on purpose. Even so, should we really keep the child? Naomi, Ryan, let me be clear. If you both want to keep this child, I can go along with it. But if Sarah ever steps out of line with me, I won't just stand by."

clear-she wanted to use the baby to get a hold over

let this child cause you any trouble. Please, trust me just

Clara, gently wrapping his arms around her legs. "Clara, I know I've put you through so much, and I never

cheeks as he spoke. "If I force Sarah to end the pregnancy, I won't be able to face my father. He taught me that responsibility to women is paramount, and it's the one lesson that stuck. Clara, please believe

argue but held her tongue. As long as Clara let

that once she had the child, she'd become the most influential person in the household, and even Clara would have

bear seeing Ryan like this, but she was too afraid

her answer, waiting for Naomi to give her promise. It felt

do what you need to do. I won't interfere. Clara, I'm getting older, and I just