Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Just as things were getting tense, there was a knock on the door, and in walked Richard with his bodyguard. Clara immediately regretted leaving the door slightly open.

Richard strolled in, placing Jeffree's phone next to her. "Ms. Clara, this number traces back to the assistant your father left behind. Care to explain?"

Most people would have thrown Cole under the bus right then. But Clara wasn't most people. She felt cornered, with Dylan still upset and now Richard on her

case.

After a brief pause, she managed a calm smile. "Cole ditched that number ages ago. If you're trying to pin something on me with this, Richard, you're really reaching."

Richard settled into the chair across from her, looking relaxed yet confident. "You had a run-in with Jeffree at the gala, and now you're conveniently working on a project with that illegitimate kid. Using me to take him out is pretty crafty."

He tossed the phone in his hand as he spoke. Clara kept her cool because Richard was just guessing. He didn't have any real proof.

"Richard, lots of people in this city have had beef with me. How do you know someone else isn't trying to set me up?"

Richard had to admire her guts. Even now, she could still stand her ground. He glanced at Dylan and slid the phone over to him.

The phone stopped right in front of Dylan, making it clear that if Dylan let it go, so would Richard. Clara's heart raced, knowing Dylan was still annoyed.

She took a deep breath and subtly reached under the table to tug at his sleeve. Dylan's gaze followed her hand, landing on her fingers. He didn't say anything, nor did he pull away.

Clara figured Dylan was more reasonable than Richard. She kept her face calm, but under the table, she tugged his sleeve again, hoping he'd help her out.

From across the table, Richard slowly shifted his posture. To him, Clara was putting on a brave face, while Dylan seemed indifferent but had a hint of a smile.

Richard's eyes were back on Clara, and his voice was deeper. "Ms. Clara, no more arguments?"

Clara was still pulling on Dylan's sleeve when Richard's words caught her off guard, making her little finger brush against Dylan's. Dylan's other hand, holding a cup of coffee, shook a bit, spilling a few drops.

Clara quickly grabbed a napkin to clean it up, whispering, "Mr. Dylan, say a word

to Richard for me, and I'll send some roses to Palm Bay later."

She sat back, meeting Richard's gaze with a steady look. Dylan was absentmindedly rubbing his little finger, lost in thought, until Clara's soft cough brought him back. He finally looked down.

"Richard, let's just drop it."noveldrama

Richard glanced at both of them before standing and picking up the phone. "Alright."

Clara let out a sigh of relief, realizing Richard truly valued Dylan's input. Once Richard was gone, it was just her and Dylan again.

Clara fell silent, reflecting. She always thought Dylan was wary of her, maybe even disliked her, especially after the Sarah incident. But when it came down to it, he helped her without hesitation.

As she was lost in thought, Dylan suddenly pulled her chair closer with a firm tug.