Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Jackson's eyes landed on Dylan, and a small smile tugged at his lips. "Dylan, whatever happened, I'm just glad you're okay."

He turned to Clara, his voice gentle but serious. "I'll have to count on you to look after him for a while. If anything comes up that you can't handle, just call one of us, alright?"

Clara nodded.

Once the others had left, Charles made up an excuse and disappeared to play with MiloBuddy.

Finally, Clara glanced at Dylan's hand. She'd noticed it earlier-his wedding ring was missing.

He used to never take it off. Now, all that was left was a chunky signet ring on his thumb.

Where did that come from? Had the Chester family sent it over as some kind of token?

Dylan didn't remember anyone, so if he accepted that ring, did it mean he really planned to go through with marrying into the Chester family?

She spoke before she could think twice. "Can I have that ring?"

He looked up, meeting her gaze. The second the words left her mouth, Clara instantly regretted it. It was a token, probably important. How could she just ask for it like that?

Sure, he was gentle with her-gentler than he was with anyone else—but this was a ridiculous request. He'd probably be annoyed.

to slip away, but he caught her wrist and, without saying a word, slipped the signet ring

amber ring looked regal and a little intimidating, but it was way too big for her. She had to curl her finger just to

so quickly that Clara started second-guessing herself. Maybe it wasn't what

fiddled with the ring, unsure.

sound,

was just a regular old ring after

*

the old house showed up

Palm Bay. He went straight to Dylan.

soon as he finished speaking, he caught sight of the ring on Clara's finger His face darkened. "That's a family

was sitting on the couch, nose in a book. She looked up

butler's eyes, but he ignored her and turned

Master, this was

the head of the Ferguson family is supposed to weaDit. Giving it away is... it's disappointing, to say

fingers trembled. The

just sitting there like nothing happened. He'd handed it over so casually-she really thought

off and set it beside him. "You should keep this

moment, a frown

with