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.

him. There's only one

think I've told you that a hundred times. Clara, try not to be too sad, okay? Just

lying down and shutting

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

car was in the driveway. He was

over to the

back. Do

barely

stairs. She could walk now, but

top of the staircase and saw him. Dylan was home. It must have been raining raindrops

walked upstairs, never meeting her eyes, and didn't even

by.

there, feeling the chill he carried in with

he hadn't set foot in the master bedroom. He

go after him, to ask what he'd been so busy with lately.

had

advice. "Ma'am, you need to take care of yourself. Maybe sir is

right, so

the bedroom, ready to help, but Clara

go get some

nodded, her voice gentle but worried.

Clara replied. "I know this

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

every word

her lashes, feeling a