Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 550

Simon was still miles from Palm Bay when his phone buzzed. Michael's name flashed on the screen.

"Simon, I talked to your grandfather already. There's a position for you in the next city over-a Vice President spot. They need someone, and you're the perfect fit. Do well, and you can come back early next year."

"Are you kidding me?" Simon slammed on the brakes, heart pounding, face set hard. "Who said I wanted to be banished to another branch?"

"Grandpa already agreed. He'll probably call you himself soon."

"I said I'm not going!" Simon's voice was sharp.

Michael's tone turned icy. He knew exactly what Simon was thinking. "This is about Clara, isn't it? I've heard the rumors. You're making a fool of yourself for a woman you used to look down on-letting everyone laugh at you. Didn't she already shack up with some male model? Who knows what she's up to these days? Doesn't it disgust you?"

That last jab sent Simon over the edge. He flung his phone at the windshield, hands shaking so hard he could barely hold the wheel. His vision blurred red, jaw clenched so tight he could taste blood.

When the light turned green, he floored it. But as he passed the old school he and Clara had gone to, he slammed on the brakes, unable to drive past. The frustration inside him was a storm, threatening to tear him apart.

He reached Palm Bay in a haze, barely remembering the drive. He'd been waiting outside for ages, ignored by everyone, but now, staring at the big iron gate, he lost it—slamming the gas, ready to smash through, anything to break the silence.

he sped up, the gates swung open. A

braked hard and rolled down

car crept past. Through the open window, Simon caught a

shouted, "Dylan! Did

up from the papers in his lap. Clara had been shadowing him for days, but she

blood boil. Simon

up outside Ferguson

delivery truck roared toward him, screeching to a

second, he thought he

looked over in time to see Dylan getting out, transferring smoothly into his wheelchair. He hadn't said a word, but Simon

teeth. "Dylan,

as a glance, that cool indifference

for ten minutes, debating whether to chase after him, when

down, and Aaron's pale face

"Simon. Get in."

after what happened at the old mansion, he