Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

It wasn't just for show. Sarah's fainting spell was so genuine that she smacked her head on the table's corner, leaving a bloody mark behind.

When Sarah teamed up with Megan, she had promised-cross her heart-to follow Megan's lead. That was her golden ticket to becoming the lady of the Bradford family. And with all the perks she'd gained, Megan's requests became her commandments.noveldrama

The villa was instantly thrown into chaos, with the sight of blood on the floor startling even the doctor. Clara had to stick around to handle the mess. By the time Sarah's wound was bandaged up, it was already eight at night. Watching the sky turn dark, Clara's mood matched the evening gloom.

Once Sarah was asleep, Clara dashed out the door. She hit the gas hard, driving for over two hours until she arrived at the estate. The gate had an old-world charm, with lanterns hanging from the eaves like they were expecting someone.

Stepping out of her car, Clara noticed it was snowing again. She had dug up as much info as she could, but nobody seemed to know who owned the estate-not even Cole. She was taking a shot in the dark.

Just as she was about to knock, the door swung open. Clara didn't step in right away. Instead, she called out, "Hello? Is anyone home?"

The door creaked open wider, like it was inviting her in. Spotting a camera nearby, she gave a polite nod. "Sorry to bother you. I've heard the best roses in the Capital are here. Could I pick a few? I can trade some antique paintings for them."

With a place like this, money probably wasn't an issue, and the owner might be into antiques. She wandered through the open door; the dim lighting was cozy and welcoming.

As she reached the main house, she paused, taking in the soothing sound of water flowing in the courtyard. The scent of roses mingled with the chilly air, urging Clara to follow the fragrance, her steps quickening.

The narrow path led through the woods at the back, with lamps swaying every ten meters or so in the wind.

Meanwhile, Clara had no clue another car had parked near hers. Eli stepped out, narrowed his eyes at the estate, and was about to light a cigarette when a gun was suddenly pressed to his forehead. The click of a bullet being chambered pierced the night air.

Eli couldn't help but chuckle, speaking through clenched teeth, "Is it really necessary to keep such a close watch on us? We're just here to protect Ms. Clara. We're not in each other's way, are we?"

The gun pressed harder, and Seth, in the driver's seat, stayed completely still, a sniper's laser sight fixed on him. The place seemed calm, but it was a wolf's den.

Fed up, Eli leaned into the gun barrel aggressively. "Alright, alright, let your boss take me out if he's got the guts. Let's see if he can handle the fallout!"

Just then, Seth rolled down the window, his voice steady. "If Lily gets killed, she'll be devastated."

Ever since the gala, he and Lily had been worn out from dealing with the threats to Clara. But they both knew this was all part of that guy's plan. With just a flick of his wrist, he'd made them Clara's shields.