Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Walter let out a relieved sigh and handed the phone back to the butler. Across the desk, Eden was on edge, watching him hang up so quickly.

"Grandpa, what did Dylan say?" she asked, her voice tinged with urgency.

"He doesn't like Clara," Walter replied.

Eden's fists clenched, and tears started to pool in her eyes. It's always hardest to admit your feelings when you really like someone. Walter picked up his pen to resume his calligraphy, but seeing Eden so upset, he paused, his brow furrowing slightly.

"Why are you so concerned about Dylan's love life? Maybe spend a little more time advising your mom to keep our family issues private."

Eden stood up slowly, feeling the pins and needles in her legs. She wiped her cheeks with a swift, careless motion.

"Grandpa, don't you think it's strange? Dylan, someone so extraordinary, had his legs injured back then and didn't blame Clara. Could it be that he liked her even then?"

Walter chuckled at the thought. "Are you saying that while Clara was chasing your brother all over the place, Dylan secretly had a crush on her?"

Given his looks and status, a secret crush seemed unlikely. Eden's tears flowed even more freely. It felt like the whole world doubted Dylan's feelings for Clara. But she saw it clearly.

Her nails dug deeply into her palms. Taking a deep breath, she declared, "Grandpa, I'll prove it to you."

With that, she turned and left. Walter looked at the calligraphy he had written, strong and bold. He set the pen down and turned to the butler.

"Let everyone know they need to be home for Christmas," he instructed.

The butler nodded respectfully. As Eden left the mansion, she looked up at the sky with determination. She quickly called Megan, her tone confident.

"You need to work with me on this. I'll make sure Clara doesn't suspect you, but Sarah's got to take the fall."

Megan pursed her lips. She'd met Eden Ferguson by chance. Eden wasn't as naive as Sarah, and messing with someone from such a powerful family was playing with fire.

"What do you need me to do, Ms. Eden?"noveldrama

"Have Sarah give Clara a hard time so she can't focus on Dylan."

That way, Clara wouldn't have the energy to be around Dylan, and with the holidays coming up, Dylan would be even busier. Megan's lips curled into a sly smile. She'd been wanting to ditch Sarah anyway. Her lowly status and audacity to dream of Dylan were laughable.

"Alright."

*

On the weekend, Clara headed to Ryan's villa. The place had some servants, but it felt a bit empty with Ryan away. With Christmas approaching, and Ryan's birthday on Christmas Eve, she planned to bring him out for a meal together.

Lately, Ryan had been texting her every day, sharing notes on his studies. He was learning quickly, which was comforting for Clara. She went to the market to pick up some holiday decorations, asking the villa's staff to help out with wreaths and fairy lights, creating a festive vibe.

Meanwhile, after Megan's call, Sarah was waiting by Clara's apartment entrance. When Clara returned and saw her, she frowned.

Sarah stood there with a smug look, holding out her hand. "I need money to raise a child. I can't ask Ryan, so it's up to you. I need gourmet meals daily; the baby inside me deserves the best."

Clara tried to walk past, but Sarah followed closely.

"Clara, your brother cares a lot about the baby I'm carrying. If something happens to me because of you, do you think he'll blame you?"

Clara paused, rubbing her temples. "I'll transfer three hundred thousand to your old account. Don't come to me until after the holidays."

Sarah's eyes lit up at the mention of the money. It was more than she could ever earn, and she had Megan to thank for it.

"That's not enough. I want a villa or let me stay in Ryan's villa."