Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

After running into Eden again, Clara completely lost her appetite. She quickly showered and hit the bed.

The next morning, she was up early for a meeting with her company's top brass. Her eyes caught on a new government project. It promised a decent profit of ten million dollars-small change for the big players, so they likely wouldn't bother.

She tapped the project file, turning to Pierce. "Who's handling the bidding on the government's end?"

"It's someone newly promoted. He's attending a charity gala tonight, hosted by the Warren family."

The Warrens were known for their strict ways, with a lot of them in politics. Walter Warren and his brother were once big shots before stepping down, paving the way for the younger crowd.

Richard Warren, the new heir, ran companies closely tied to the government, sticking to official standards. On the other hand, Dylan Ferguson, the Ferguson family heir, hardly ever used Walter's connections. The Ferguson family had been busy expanding their business empire but hadn't delved into politics.

This guy was backed by the Warrens, but his role wasn't major-probably just linked to someone in the family.

Clara leaned back, thinking how landing this project would really help the Bradford family. She hadn't been to any social events lately, and tonight seemed like the perfect chance.

She glanced at Pierce. "Do we have an invite to the charity gala?”

Pierce looked a bit awkward. "Ms. Bradford, after our company's issues, many partners have distanced themselves. We're stuck with small projects, and after the recent scandals, no one's inviting us to these events."

Alright then.

Clara pulled out her phone and called Scarlette to see if she could help.

Scarlette sounded a bit defeated. "Since I left the Greenard family, it's been small projects for me too. I can't compete with those gala families. Maybe try reaching out to the Warrens, Dylan, or even Jackson."

Clara couldn't go to Nicholas; things were tense between them, and he'd been unusually silent lately. His silence usually spelled trouble, so she needed to stay alert.

She wasn't close to Richard or Dylan, but then there was Jackson.

Kaitlyn popped into her mind. Clara gave her a call and, to her surprise, Kaitlyn had an extra invitation.

Kaitlyn didn't want to attend any events and handed over the invite to Clara.

With the charity gala starting at seven, Clara had time to get ready.

Sitting in the salon chair, she got a message from Z.

"It's really snowing out there."

Clara had a moment and smiled.

"Yeah, I'm getting all dolled up. Busy night ahead."

Her hair was pinned up, and the stylist was working on her makeup. She took a

quick mirror selfie and sent it to him.

"What do you think?"

She didn't usually go for such an elaborate look.

"Gorgeous. Wish I could see it in person."

"But the gala ends at eleven. I'll probably just head home, take off the makeup, and crash."

"I'll see you."

His words were so sure.noveldrama

His whereabouts were always a mystery, but Clara wouldn't be shocked if he

appeared anywhere.

She smiled again.

“Okay, make sure to take a good look. I'm quite the sight tonight."

Z saved the photo to his album and changed his phone wallpaper. He didn't want anyone else to see her like that.