Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 595

The corridor stretching from the chapel to the main house felt endless, every sound of the wheelchair sharp against the silence, the tension thick enough to taste.

Aiden tried to break the mood. "She's okay, really. Just took a bullet to the shoulder. She's resting now."

Dylan barely seemed to hear him, his eyes drifting over the columns and pavilions around them. There was a wounded look in his gaze, something raw and exposed.

"Don't blame yourself, sir," Aiden added, a little gentler. "Mrs. Ferguson, she's always been tough..."

Dylan's attention dropped to the ring on his finger. His lips twisted into something like a smile, but it was more pain than amusement.

"I just keep wondering," he murmured, "if living in his place is really fair to anyone."

The world felt divided, always just out of reach. Only with Clara did he get a moment's peace—and even that was only because she'd lost her memory. The second she remembered, he knew that peace would be gone, and she'd slip away for good.

When they got back to Palm Bay, the doctor was already there to check Clara. But she was burning up, drifting in and out of consciousness, her face flushed and her hair damp with sweat.

The doctor set his stethoscope aside. "She's exhausted. Worn out from worry. I doubt she's slept properly in days. Should I prescribe something to help her rest?"

weaving his fingers through hers. Seeing her

me to give her a sedative?" Dylan's voice was

try talking to her, help her figure out what's weighing on her mind. Once she lets go, the fever

something. "Someone already gave her some antidote. It'll clear the toxins, but there was too much—especially with this fever. She

expression turned cold. He called out to the hallway, "Get in

walked in. Dylan's eyes lingered on the

been in a

"Just... two bottles."

exhaled, sharp and angry. "Go take your

and slipped away. As he left, he passed Aiden

low whistle. "Punishment at Palm Bay isn't a joke, you know. I've

shot the man a look, half pity,

one

When

had never gotten along, and the feeling was mutual. Aiden always acted like the boss's

his lips together, his words coming out in a stammer. "You...