Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

The two people who had everyone buzzing at the gala had already made their

exit, and the room slowly started to settle. Someone rubbed their eyes and turned to their colleague, asking, "Did I just dream that?"

"Nope, everyone saw it."

The room was filled with high-profile guests, most of them eager to make connections. No one expected Dylan to show up, especially not in such a jaw- dropping way.

After all, it was Dylan.

Even after he moved overseas two years ago, he kept Ferguson Corporation on the map, making headlines in top financial papers around the world. Many tried to get close to him, but very few had the chance. And now, there was a woman sitting on his lap in front of everyone.

People exchanged glances, whispering amongst themselves.

Eden, hidden in the crowd, gripped her glass so hard it shattered, shards piercing her palm. Blood slowly dripped down her skin.

Jeffree stood nearby, nervously trying to help. "Eden, let me take you to the hospital to get that bandaged."

Earlier, Jeffree had spiked Clara's drink under Eden's orders. Eden had even lined up her brother, Simon, for a scandalous encounter with Clara. If Clara had been caught with her brother in front of everyone, she'd forever be seen as desperate.

But no one saw Dylan's entrance coming.

It felt like a slap to Eden's face, leaving her pale and trembling.

Jeffree, worried, reached out to steady her, but she shoved him away.

"Jeffree, you can't even handle this simple task. Useless."

Usually Eden's shadow, Jeffree swallowed his pride, too scared to protest.noveldrama

Eden stormed out, almost tripping on her way.

When she reached her car, she spotted her brother standing by a pillar, smoking. His calm face was betrayed by his tense, veiny hands.

Clearly, Dylan had outplayed everyone.

But no one thought Dylan had orchestrated this. In everyone's mind, he never made the first move, unless it was to take over a business and leave others bankrupt.

Eden tried not to dwell on it; the more she did, the more jealousy consumed her, making her feel like she was drowning.

***

Clara was still groggy as she got into the car. The dim light and comforting warmth next to her started to cloud her mind.

She leaned in for a kiss, but Dylan dodged.

Annoyed, she lifted his chin with one hand, "Why are you avoiding me?"

Dylan stayed silent, his hand resting on her waist, rubbing gently.

The touch felt like a slow, dull ache, and Clara couldn't take it. She leaned in to

kiss him again, but his finger pressed against her lips.

Clara squinted, biting his fingertip.

He didn't speak, just let his finger slide further, pinching her tongue gently.

Unable to close her mouth, she glared at him, signaling to let go.

The car stopped at Palm Bay, and all the staff had been sent away beforehand. Dylan carried her upstairs.

Clara wrapped her arms around his neck, feeling feverish.

The next moment, she was plunged into a tub of cold water.

The shock of the cold snapped her back to reality. She looked up at the man standing before her.

"Mr. Dylan?"

Dylan's lips, neck, and shirt were smeared with lipstick, as if he'd been thoroughly ravaged.

Clara's heart skipped a beat as memories of the gala rushed back, her face instantly burning with embarrassment.