Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 856

Back in the present, Nicholas was all smiles, sitting beside Scarlette as they watched a movie together.

Of course, he couldn't resist texting Richard:

[Single and bitter, huh? Admit it—you just hate seeing me this happy.]

Richard stared at the smug message, rubbing his forehead. Love really does make people stupid. Every last one of them. He shook his head and let out a short laugh. Oh well.

He was about to toss his phone aside when a notification popped up—Dylan had posted on social media.

That was rare. Dylan hardly ever posted. When he did, it was always about Clara.

This time, it was a picture of some fancy dessert on a table. If you looked closely, you could see Clara's hand in the frame, unwrapping an elegant box. It was obvious, but subtle-definitely intentional.

Still stinging from Nicholas's gloating text, Richard couldn't help but comment on Dylan's post:

-Lame.

Dylan saw the comment, but didn't bother replying. Instead, he glanced up at Clara.

She'd just finished unwrapping the dessert and set a spoon down next to his hand. “Aiden's in the hospital. You should take it easy, too," she said, her tone gentle but firm. "And with your hand like that, you're not allowed to mess around with anything else until it heals. Dylan, I've warned you enough. You have to listen to me, okay?"

If she really got mad, the consequences wouldn't be pretty.

in agreement and picked up the

while. Then, softly, she asked,

answer, his phone buzzed with

her with his eyes half-closed. But then it buzzed again. And again. Frowning, he finally picked up

felt his entire vibe shift,

"Dylan?" she called, worried.

the name out before he shot to his

to drive you, your hand's

his voice rough and low. “Just wait for me. I'll be

that,

of the people from Palm Bay had already gotten into

had disappeared. Anxiety tightened in her chest, a

another car and drove after him, even though she had no idea where

family estate, hoping for a

alley, her phone rang—a message from an unknown number. Attached was a photo of her car. Someone

got out, scanned the empty street, and, judging the photo's

saw Clara, her eyes brightened. "Clara!!" The woman's voice was raw and broken, sounding like her throat had

Clara had thought she'd died after going over

shook with disbelief,

Underneath, her face was almost unrecognizable, covered in scars, terrifying except for her eyes-those

The wounds looked fresh, like she'd been dragged over rocks. Megan must