Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Clara ate quietly, just a few bites, planning to crawl back into bed and rest. But before she could, Charles pulled the covers away.

"Don't just lie down after eating. Get up, put your shoes on. In three days, I'm taking you to meet some people."

"Who are we meeting?" she asked, sliding off the bed and obediently reaching for her shoes. Her hands were still sore, making her movements awkward and slow.

Charles waited, watching her fumble for a bit before crouching down to help. He slipped her shoes on gently. "Just a few outsiders. When the time comes, remember to put in a good word for your big brother, okay?"

"Of course," she replied without hesitation.

Charles paused for a second, his hand lingering on her shoe. That feeling-he couldn't really put it into words, but it was kind of wonderful.

He straightened up and headed downstairs. Just then, his older brother called from overseas.

"Hey, big brother, guess what? I've only been in Country Z for a few days and now I have a little sister."

He thought about handing the phone to Clara, but his brother didn't seem interested. He just got straight to the point. "Did you finish your task?"

Charles's cheerful mood faded. "Yeah. Richard agreed to move the goods."

"Good."

short pause before his brother continued, "I transferred you some money. Don't worry about what happened last time.

time. Charles remembered now. That annoying woman had called

second brothers were doing great, living their best lives. Why

always

brother. Actually, I want to stick around

brother sounded

two best guys to help look for her. But you know how it is-those two are like my

of his nose. He knew Charles was attached to those two, but it was still a little funny how often

"Charles."

here. I even have a little sister now. Maybe someday, if there's a chance, I'll bring her to the family

he remembered

how

of the Chester

doesn't have to come to the estate. She can just hang out here on

a kid left him a little childish. It was only because Mitch

had

a few