Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 599

After Aiden slid behind the wheel, he checked the rearview mirror and did a double take. For once, Mr. Ferguson hadn't done his shirt all the way up-two buttons were left open at the top, leaving a hint of collarbone exposed.

Normally, Mr. Ferguson was all about being buttoned up, literally. Every single button, all the way to his throat, as if daring anyone to look at him for too long. Like he'd claw your eyes out if you stared.

But today? Something felt off.

Aiden leaned in for a better look and finally spotted it—a faint mark on Dylan's skin, barely there but definitely not his imagination.

So... did those two actually sleep together last night or not? The suspense was killing him.

He pulled the car up in front of the restaurant, where both the Fergusons and the Warrens were meeting for dinner. Mrs. Ferguson herself had set this up. Not showing up wasn't an option-if Dylan bailed, Mrs. Ferguson's reputation in their circle would take a serious hit.

After parking, Aiden helped Dylan into his wheelchair and couldn't help but mention, "Richard will probably be here too."

Richard was the one running the Warren family now.

Dylan just gave a quiet "Mm."

They made their way into the private dining room; almost everyone was already there.

immediately stood up, waving him over. "Dylan, sit here

were just Tara, Richard,

Warren smiled at Mrs. Ferguson, then looked at Dylan. "Is Dylan still in physical therapy?

hadn't been for Clara, how could someone as perfect as

look, silently

Aiden didn't dare disobey.

in place, Tara was quick to answer, “Grandma, rehab is tough. Dylan's used to doing it on his

weakness-least of all

nodded, clearly pleased. Tara really did think of

mark on Dylan's collarbone. He raised his eyebrows and shrugged, as if to say, "What

go against all of them just to side with Dylan. If he tried, he'd never hear the end of

own.

down, staring at the glass in front

I—” he started, but Tara cut in before

families knows about us. You promised me you'd marry me. When those rumors about you and Shefly started, I thought maybe I you'd changed your mind. But after she died, I thought maybe I had another chance. When I told you how I felt, you

in the air, making whatever Dylan had with Clara seem completely

else, Dylan and Clara weren't childhood sweethearts. They hadn't made secret promises. Even as adults, they barely