Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 298

When Clara cto, she realized she was already back at the hotel.

She could hear Eden sobbing, "Dylan, please, don't be mad at me, okay?"

Through the door, Dylan's voice was chilly, yet there was a touch of indulgence mixed in.

"Just this once."

Eden instantly brightened up, "I knew you wouldn't stay mad at me! Dylan, when are we heading back to the

city? Clara's been asleep forever, it's so irresponsible!"

Clara was fuming. This whole mess was totally Eden's doing, but since Dylan wasn't holding her accountable,

Clara didn't feel she had any right to argue.

Her head was pounding as she checked her phone and saw she had been out for two days straight.

As soon as she got up, she heard the sound of wheels. Dylan pushed open the door and entered.

Remembering the kiss, Clara took a deep breath, trying to stay calm and collected.

"Mr. Dylan, I've made up my mind. Once we're back in the city, I'm planning to resign. Anna still needs me, and |

intend to spend stat the Bradford family's company."

The sound of the wheelchair halted abruptly; he remained seated, unmoving.

Clara turned, offering him a polite smile. "I hope you'll approve, Mr. Dylan."

His throat moved with difficulty, his fingers gripping the wheelchair handles tightly. All his emotions simmered

beneath the surface, but Clara could still sense a chill.

"Why?" he asked.

"It's just to avoid any awkwardness. After what happened, | can't just act like nothing did. Plus, | have a feeling

Cedric will soon have you meeting someone new. The Ferguson family's had a lot going on lately; it's tfor

sgood news."

She got up and checked the project itinerary on her phone. The day after she was brought back, Dylan and his

team went to explore the island, negotiating the project details for a whole day and night.

Clara had slept through it all, missing everything, but it also meant she could head back to the city.

Dylan watched her closely, trying to pick up on any other emotions, but when she talked about quitting, she

seemed completely at ease.

His breathing becheavy, the veins in his hands standing out.

After a long pause, he turned away, his voice hoarse, "Do as you wish."

"Thank you, Mr. Dylan. I'm planning to take the train back. I'll get my ticket soon and might head out tonight."

Dylan's shoulders stiffened, but he just grunted in acknowledgment and left.

Once the door closed, Clara let out a deep breath and lay back down.

Her fever had subsided, leaving her with stark memories of that night.

She remembered Dylan's tongue entwining with hers, his breath mingling with hers, the pressure of his fingers

on her chin, his dark, brooding eyes full of unspoken thoughts.

Staying at Ferguson Corporation any longer could be a recipe for disaster; it was better to leave sooner rather

than later.

During dinner, Aiden couldn't hold back his curiosity.

"Did you and the boss have a fight?"

Clara was caught off guard. What place did she have to fight with Dylan?

"No, | just said I'd resign once we got back."

Aiden gave her a look full of concern and hesitation, then asked, "Do you really have to leave? Ferguson

Corporation pays well, and the boss treats you nicely. Did something happen on the island?"

A flicker of unease crossed Clara's eyes. "No."

"Clara."

"Hmm?"

"Why don't you stay? Even if you go to the Bradford family, the boss will still call

you when he can't sleep. You promised him that."

"Sorry, Aiden, but | have something to do now. | have to go."

"Clara!"

Aiden was genuinely worried, wanting to follow her, but Clara disappeared quickly.

He stood there, glancing at the distant figure who had been sitting silently, then sighed.

Clara hurried back to the hotel, packed her things, and rushed to the station to catch a train.

By the tshe returned to the city, she was utterly exhausted.

She didn't hand in her resignation to Ferguson Corporation in person; she simply emailed Dylan and then

comfortably stayed hfor two days.

On the third day, she awoke to find the room completely dark, despite leaving the lights on before sleeping.

Rubbing her eyes, she noticed a silhouette sitting by the window, unsure of how long they had been there.

zon

She called out, realizing she hadn't been in touch these past few days.

His voice was hoarse as he asked, "Where's the shell?"

Clara froze. She had forgotten about the shell because of what happened with Dylan at Azure Shores.

"Sorry, | forgot. If you want, | can go collect smore another day."

Z strode forward, standing before her. "What can you remember? You've been back for days and haven't sent me

a single message. Even a dog gets a treat now and then! You don't seeas your boyfriend; you're just pitying

me..."

Clara's expression darkened. She had indeed been avoiding the situation, unsure how to tell Z about the kiss

with Dylan, fearing his anger.

Not mentioning it felt wrong too.

In her indecision, she had avoided dealing with it.

Hearing his accusation, she suddenly felt weary.

"Clara, you don't really like me. If | don't reach out, you forget about me. You still despiseas you did before.

You usedand then turned your back, chasing after the senior you adore. Your eyes are always on him. You

hate me, you..."

His rant abruptly stopped, his tone turning dangerous, "Are you playing me?"