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.

delivered scarf around her neck and headed

private room, she froze. Along with the

spat with Jeffree, and if he was tight with Jared, their project could be

he cozied up to the person next to him. "Jared, is she the

had climbed the corporate ladder, thanks in part to his ties with the Warren family. He

took a seat. "Mr.

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

someone lacking subtlety. A savvy businessperson wouldn't talk down

were the top student of your year. Back when I was hitting the books hard, I'd

creeping onto his cheeks as he

glass, clinking it

on Jared's arm, frustrated. "Jared, you shouldn't partner with her. Haven't you heard about her? She even got on Mr. Dylan's bad side. Who

boldly sat on Dylan's lap and kissed him in front