Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 807

But she told herself that Dylan had been through heartbreak more times than she could count-she couldn't let what was happening now break her.

"Clara, don't be so sad," Megan said softly. "Mr. Dylan isn't like other people. Maybe he'll bounce back soon. But if he does, will you still be able to stay in Palm Bay?"

Everyone in Palm Bay listened to her. No one could just make a move against her. If Clara left of her own accord, Old Mr. Foster would definitely take advantage of that.

Megan kept turning it over in her mind, but she still couldn't figure out how to lure Clara out. Ryan wasn't an option anymore either. For some reason, he'd stopped sharing anything with her—and lately, he hadn't even been picking up her calls.

At first, Megan worried Ryan might have suspected something, that maybe he'd tell Clara. But now, it was clear: these siblings didn't really trust each other.

Clara's voice was rough. "Everyone here does what I say, but I can't stay forever."

Megan's hand, hanging at her side, curled into a fist. "Clara, I'll help you. Whatever you need, just ask. I mean it—we'll be the best of friends."

Clara frowned, a little confused by the sudden promise, though she knew she owed Megan for everything lately.

They fell quiet for a moment, until Megan finally asked, "I overheard Simon say your boyfriend passed away-and they never found who did it. Is that true?"

Just hearing the name Z made Clara's chest ache. Her face went pale, every bit of color draining away.

"Yeah," she said quietly.

Megan's eyes flicked to the red bead bracelet around Clara's wrist. She smiled, trying to keep things light. "That bracelet is gorgeous. Was it a gift from your boyfriend?"

Clara almost never wore jewelry, unless it was something he'd given her-she'd always spoiled that man. Megan already knew this; she was just fishing for confirmation.

She didn't expect Clara to nod, leaning back in her chair, her face drawn with exhaustion.

for him. There's

think I've told you that a hundred times. Clara, try not

lying down and

Palm Bay for a while longer. Late that night, she was woken by the sound

hurried to the window. Dylan's car was in the driveway. He was back again

over to the master bedroom

Do you

words were barely out,

already looking toward the stairs. She could walk

and saw him. Dylan was home. It must have

never meeting her eyes, and didn't even pause as he

by.

stood there, feeling the chill he

the study. Both times he'd come home, he hadn't set foot in the master bedroom. He was probably planning to

he'd been so busy with lately. But her leg started

had

Clara standing in the hallway and offered gentle advice. "Ma'am, you need to take care of yourself. Maybe sir

was right, so she

outside the bedroom, ready to help,

go get some rest

gentle but worried. "Don't

not," Clara replied. "I know this isn't how

lifted her hand, pressing it to her chest. The ring on her finger was

every word

lashes, feeling a little more at