Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 783

Clara waited for him to finish eating before she picked up the insulated lunch box, ready to head out. She was almost at the door when he spoke up.

"You..."

He was always quick and to the point with everyone else, just issuing orders. But with Clara, it was like he had to pause, gather his thoughts, and even then, he never seemed to know what to say.

She waited, counting out ten seconds in her head. Nothing. So she took a guess. "You have an event tonight, right? No need for me to bring dinner?"

He hesitated, something flickering in his eyes. "Yeah." Then, as if realizing how cold that sounded, he added, "Can't get out of it."

Clara gave him a small smile. "Okay. I'll see you tomorrow morning, then-right on time."

And with that, she opened the office door and slipped out.

Dylan stared at the keyboard in front of him. Lately, he felt like his emotions had been dialed down to zero-nothing really grabbed his attention; everything around him felt washed-out and gray. Work was the only thing that mattered.

on. The dullness faded, and life crept back in,

have to ask himself who she was. He'd just gotten

until six, when Aiden knocked on his door. "Rai's

time, at Walter's birthday, Dylan hadn't seen Rai-he'd already left. But now Rai was back in the city, and they'd

night, the old house was

soon as Dylan walked in, everyone's eyes were on him. Some people looked relieved Clara wasn't by his side. Others looked like they were grinding

one knew exactly what tricks the old man had pulled, but somehow, he'd managed to keep Dylan

Dylan and visibly relaxed.

over slowly. Now that he was out of the wheelchair, he seemed even

on the shoulder.

had happened before, didn't remember much, but

been fine for a while? Why'd you keep using the wheelchair

just smiled and slipped a signet ring onto Dylan's thumb. "Dylan, take this. Now that you're back to normal, the position's still yours. We argued with the elders about waiting for