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.

used her first name felt like being called out by a teacher in

in his cup, then met her earnest gaze. "Like I said before, don't make promises you can't

can handle it," she

fingers traced the rim of the cup. After a long pause, he wiped away a stray drop of coffee and

she accidentally knocked over the coffee pot. She quickly stood, grabbing a

did you say?" Her face clearly

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

gripping the back of

echoed, wondering if Dylan had been replaced

he was still upset and trying to teach her a lesson-that she couldn't do everything she

could fix her mistake at the gala, it seemed like a fair trade. But was Dylan serious,

if she went for it, only to mock her further? Dylan's eyelashes lowered, his fingers still tracing