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?"

sat at her side, weaving his fingers through hers. Seeing

me to give her a sedative?" Dylan's voice was rough. "When will the

it. Maybe try talking to her, help her figure out what's weighing on her mind.

already gave her some antidote. It'll clear the toxins, but there was too much—especially with this fever. She might be confused for a while. She shouldn't be

out to

outside tensed, then slowly walked in. Dylan's eyes lingered on the

He'd been in a rush

"Just... two bottles."

angry. "Go take

slipped away. As he left, he passed Aiden in

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

a look, half pity, half annoyance. "Honestly?

you one

get that right. When are you

had never gotten along, and the feeling was mutual.

out