Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 473

The next morning, Ryan was up before dawn, his mind restless and his eyes heavy with dark circles-clear signs of a sleepless night. The elderly holistic healer noticed immediately. "Ryan, you..."

Ryan forced a smile, trying to hold back tears, and quickly rubbed his cheeks. "Grandpa, I need to head out now. Can't stay for breakfast. Take care, okay? Goodbye." He hurried off, as if something urgent was waiting for him.

The old healer watched him go, unable to muster the courage to ask if Ryan had seen the small note.

*

In the city.

The day after Ryan left, Clara got a panicked call from Sarah. Her voice was shaky and full of tears. "Clara, Ryan's missing! I tried calling, but his phone's dead. He said he was going to his hometown to get you some herbal remedies. You've got to make sure he's safe. If my baby comes into this world without a father, I'll never forgive you!"

she was met with the cold, automated response. Her heart pounded, but

Clara quickly shuffled her work around and decided to drive to his hometown. But

see her, expecting Clara to be on her way to find Ryan. "Clara, why are you here? Weren't you supposed to be

time, her anxiety was obvious. Just one look at Sarah's

filled with resentment as she faced Clara. "Why would I know?

eyes, realizing there was truth to Sarah's words, then turned and got back in her car. As Sarah watched her drive away, a smug smile crept

few miles out, Clara noticed she was being followed. She pressed the gas pedal and checked the rearview mirror-three cars were tailing her. On her way to Ryan's hometown, she had to pass near Z's place. She felt relieved that she had kept his residence a secret, hidden away in such a remote

called Z, who picked up right

your place in ten minutes. Got anything

replied with a single

quickly sent her coordinates and heard him chuckle softly. "What's so funny?" "I'm just