Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 469

When Clara got home, she found a guy sitting by her door. As she got closer, she realized it was Ryan.

Scarlette's door was open too, and when she saw Clara, she let out a relieved sigh. "Clara, thank goodness you're back. Your brother's been out here like he's at a wake for the last half hour."

Ryan jumped up, clearly embarrassed. "Don't exaggerate! I was just knocking for a bit."

Scarlette rubbed her temples, "Ryan, do you even know what time it is? It's 2 AM. You've been knocking for thirty minutes. If I weren't the only one on this floor, someone would've called the cops by now."

Ryan couldn't argue because Clara had been missing for nearly eight hours, and he was really worried. Without her phone, he had no idea where to start looking for her.

Now, finally seeing her, determination sparked in his eyes. "Clara! Where have you been? You need to dump that lousy boyfriend of yours. You have no idea how awful he is!"

Thinking about how he was left behind made Ryan's cheeks flush with anger.

Clara found it amusing and apologized to Scarlette, "Sorry for disturbing you. I'll talk to him later."

Scarlette yawned, crossing her arms. "I wasn't asleep anyway. Just glad you're okay."

Clara opened her door, nudged Ryan inside, and closed it. Then she turned back to Scarlette. "Weren't you supposed to be on a business trip for a week? Why are you still here?"

Scarlette paused, looking uneasy. "It got postponed, maybe after the New Year.”

Clara noticed a dark bruise around Scarlette's wrist, deep red with a hint of purple —not like it was pinched but as if it had been restrained for a long time. She was about to ask when Scarlette stopped her.

spare me

understood. It was Nicholas, wasn't it? Has

she was troubled,

and shut

Ryan asleep on the couch. It had

him awake. "If you're gonna sleep,

water. "Clara, listen to me. Break up with that boyfriend of yours. I don't trust him. You're not even

Clara suddenly asked, "Now do you understand how

instantly went quiet, his eyes

wasn't trying to blame him, so she sighed, "Z is just used to being alone, not great with people, but he's not a bad

the 21st century; who still uses just a letter? What is he, some mysterious figure from a secret organization? Clara, I know I have

Ryan often acted

her this is the last time. If she acts up again, I'll

Sarah's limited understanding, she'd likely

"Ryan, if you're staying the night, use the guest room. Otherwise, head

She needed her rest.

lips and headed to the guest room. "I'll sleep in

look through some old things. Since buying the place, she'd moved some of the Bradford family's items here, hoping to find clues or jog

little left from before, just a few cards and some certificates. She picked up a card that

do you recognize this handwriting? Did

was still upset but took the