Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 671

Charles took a deep breath, then walked straight over to Clara and gently

grabbed her hand.

"Clara, I'm just going to be real with you. You're not actually my sister, but from

now on, you're as good as. If anything ever happens, call me your brother. If

you're in trouble, I'll be the first one there for you, no matter what."

Clara looked at him, her eyes wide with confusion, then surprise. "Brother, what's

wrong?"

Charles looked into her clear, innocent eyes and felt a sharp ache in his chest.

She really didn't understand. In her mind, she was still just a ten-year-old kid.

He tried to smile. "Nothing's wrong. But listen, we can't go out tomorrow. I want

you to memorize my phone number, okay? This one's special-only my big

brother and Mitch know it. If you need anything, call me. No matter where I am, I'll

come find you."

She nodded and reached up to wipe a tear off his cheek. "Brother, why are you

crying?"

Charles let out a shaky laugh and waved her off. "Hey, guys can cry too. It's not a

big deal."

Clara didn't quite get it. "So... are we still playing cards tonight?"

He shook his head. "No, not tonight. I'm taking you to see the stars instead."

him lead her up to the

sat waiting, sleek and ready

worry written on

for two days. Can you please

Charles couldn't sit still. He knew Richard would

like

sis, let's

couldn't change Charles's mind, turned

should get some rest. Your body

the concern in the doctor's eyes and glanced back at

just rest tonight? I

pad, looking worried. "You don't like

do you want? I can get it for you just

moment, remembering the sparkling gemstones they'd

their games. "I like

before he could say anything,

already dialing his phone.

yeah,

you get them

a helicopter? I want a

lot. You've got your

can't you

now. Send

get it done."

to Clara with a grin. "Don't worry, sis.

brother's got plenty

she had no idea what those

were actually worth.

to their conversation, felt like he was about to lose

phone buzzed-a call

stepped away to answer,

The person

end sounded all

Charles suddenly