Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 553

Simon was practically buzzing with nerves, staring at Aaron like he was some kind of miracle worker.

Who would've thought Aaron had the inside scoop on everything?

"So, cousin, what now? Tell me what I'm supposed to do," Simon asked, voice

tight.

Aaron leaned back in his seat, eyes drifting shut. "You need to find Clara. Tell her her boyfriend's in trouble-got himself beat up, he's barely hanging on, says he wants to see her one last time."

Simon frowned, not buying it. "That's a terrible lie. She'll never believe me."

"Simon, do you even know why Clara's gone off the grid lately? You think Dylan's going to let her talk to anyone? There's no way she can get in touch with the outside world. As for her and her boyfriend-look, there are things I still need to check out myself. Just say what I told you. I'll handle the rest."

Aaron's confidence was contagious. Simon nodded, determined. "Alright. Leave it to me-I won't mess this up."

He jumped out of the car without another word, his whole posture screaming drive and determination.

Aaron watched him go through the window, eyes cold and unreadable.

He'd only pulled Simon into this mess to take some of Dylan's heat off himself. Grandfather might let Dylan get away with a lot, but no way would he stand by while Dylan finished off every last Ferguson kid. Lincoln's fate was just bad luck.

Aaron's hand curled into a fist, jaw clenched. But after a moment, he took a breath and let the tension drain out. He called out to the driver, voice calm again. "Let's go."

Today's plans were all set. Now, it was time to see if his theory held up.

car rolled forward, quiet

*

feeling genuinely rested for the first time in

just stared at the ceiling, trying to shake off the fog. She could've sworn she'd fallen asleep on the couch-so

stepped out of her room, heading straight

Empty.

study. Still

was busy prepping dinner in the

Dylan?" she asked,

office after lunch," the

kept changing up his schedule, working from different rooms, making Her chase after him like some

the moment he left, she'd

for

down on

a steaming mug of ginger tea. "Ma'am, please put on your slippers. Mr. Ferguson said your period is due soon-you

She'd tried herbal medicine

was so bad she'd black out. She hardly ever kept track of her own cycle,

a pair

feet, all

Clara felt even

from Dylan-it ust made her more frustrated, wanting to snap at him for everything but unable

ginger tea was hot, slices of jujube floating

table