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.

made a low sound in agreement

her chin in her hand, quietly watching him for a while. Then, softly,

phone

But then it buzzed again. And again. Frowning, he finally picked up

and felt his entire vibe shift, as if the

"Dylan?" she called, worried.

before he shot to his feet and strode

not here to drive you, your hand's

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

that, he was

of the people from Palm

her chest, a storm

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

she found herself outside the old Ferguson family estate, hoping for a miracle. But she couldn't get in. She drove around,

an unknown number. Attached was a photo of her car.

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

woman stood waiting, face hidden by a mask and cap. When she saw Clara, her eyes brightened. "Clara!!" The woman's voice was raw

Megan. Clara had thought she'd died after going over

with disbelief, but she

down her mask. Underneath, her face was almost unrecognizable, covered in scars, terrifying except

been dragged over rocks. Megan must