Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 439

After waking up and grabbing a quick bite, Clara felt like she was moving through molasses. Everything tasted bland, and by the time she settled at her desk, she could barely stifle a yawn. She just wasn't herself today.

It wasn't until Cole, adjusting his glasses with a sincere look, suggested, "Ms. Bradford, maybe a turtleneck would be better?"

Clara, still foggy from the morning haze, sipped her coffee. "Why's that?"

Cole just gave her a knowing look.

It wasn't until her lunch break that she saw her reflection and noticed the rosy glow on her face and the unmistakable marks on her neck. Her cheeks turned crimson as she instinctively tried to pull up her collar, only to remember she wasn't wearing a turtleneck today and it offered no help.

Caught off guard by her own appearance, she quickly ordered a scarf online with a plea for speedy delivery.

That afternoon, Clara had a critical meeting with a new executive about a potential government contract. She was determined to nail it.

around her neck and headed to the meeting with Cole. The venue was a swanky hotel, perfect for business

she opened the door to the private room, she froze. Along

if he was tight with Jared, their

eyes widened before he cozied up to the person next to him. "Jared, is she the one

had climbed the corporate ladder, thanks in part to his ties with the Warren family. He gently nudged Jeffree aside and nodded at Clara. "Ms. Clara,

took a seat. "Mr. Warren, I've heard a

embarrassed, his lips twitching in a half-smile. "Not sure how much of it is worth hearing. If it weren't for

him up as someone lacking subtlety.

"On the contrary, Mr. Warren. You were the top student of your year. Back when I was hitting the books hard, I'd read about top

face brightened, a blush creeping onto his cheeks as

glass, clinking it

"Jared, you shouldn't partner with her. Haven't you heard about her? She even got on Mr. Dylan's bad side. Who knows how long the Bradford Group will

crossed Dylan got swallowed up. Just last night, Clara had boldly sat on Dylan's lap and