Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 452

Clara kept her eyes on her dinner, her fork moving mechanically as her mind raced. What would she do if Richard decided to stir up trouble? Richard had a reputation for being ruthless, and once he got serious, no one could stand against him.

Despite the whirlwind in her head, she didn't forget to pour Dylan a cup of coffee. "I'm not nervous," she said. "I'm just focused on figuring out how to properly apologize to Mr. Dylan."

"You've always been a good liar," Dylan replied, the words hanging in the air.

The soft gurgle of coffee filling the cup was the only sound. Clara noted his use of "always," a clear sign she'd lost her credibility with him. She carefully placed the coffee pot down, resting her hands in her lap with a serious expression.

"Mr. Dylan, I'm genuinely apologizing today. The gala incident really hurt your reputation. As for breaking up with my boyfriend-well, that's off the table. But anything else, just name it."

"Clara." His voice was light, yet carried a warning.

like being called out by a teacher in class. She straightened up

looked at the clear coffee in his cup, then met her earnest gaze. "Like I said before, don't make promises you

can handle it,"

of the cup. After a long pause, he wiped

sitting upright, was taken aback. Had she misheard? In her panic, she accidentally knocked over the coffee pot. She quickly stood, grabbing a napkin to clean

you say?" Her face

met her eyes directly. "Kiss me. Didn't you claim you

there, gripping the back of her chair so

Dylan had

Surely, he was still upset and trying to teach her a

a moment. If a kiss could fix her mistake at the gala, it seemed like a fair trade. But was Dylan serious, or was he just messing

for it, only to mock her further? Dylan's eyelashes lowered, his