Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Emily looked a little surprised for a second, but her face quickly hardened as she took care of the rest without a word.

When she handed the gun back to Clara, Clara just took it and gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

"Don't forget to find Ryan when you get to the Capital."

"Got it."

This time, Emily's answer was firmer, full of resolve.

Clara turned to Charles, a faint smile on her lips. "We're heading out."

Charles nodded, called for Milo and Buddy, and the two of them-dogs in tow- made their way toward the helicopter.

Charles was humming, hands behind his head, a piece of grass between his teeth.

Clara shot him a sideways look. "Why are you in such a good mood?"

He grinned, eyes bright. "Why wouldn't I be? I'm usually out there doing all the dirty work by myself-no backup, no one to watch my back. Turns out you're amazing. Maybe we can team up more often?"noveldrama

Clara smiled, about to agree, but something flashed through her mind. She stopped in her tracks, distracted.

Charles was still humming when he noticed she'd stopped. He frowned. "What's up?"

But before she could answer, Clara clutched her chest, her face going pale. "It's nothing, maybe just—”

She didn't finish. Charles rushed over to steady her, but she collapsed, unconscious.

Panic shot through him. "Clara!"

He scooped her up and got her into the helicopter as fast as he could, heading straight for the Capital.

Hospitals weren't his thing, so he went straight to Palm Bay and carried her inside, bursting into the foyer.

"Where's your doctor? Somebody get a doctor, now!"

Palm Bay was Dylan's place-wasn't Dylan his brother-in-law?

He kept shouting, but the staff just kept their distance, eyeing him warily, obviously not recognizing him.

Charles realized what was going on and quickly set Clara down on the sofa. "Why are you all just standing around? She's married to Dylan, right? That makes her your lady of the house. Get a doctor-now. If anything happens to her, I'll let Milo tear you apart!"

Finally, one of the staff recognized Clara and immediately dialed Dylan.

Actually, Dylan had already gotten word ten minutes ago that the special helicopter was back at Palm Bay.

No one had tried to stop it—his

orders but Dylan had no idea Clara

was with Charles this time. So when the

call came, he almost thought he

was hearing things. fo

"Sir, madam is at Palm Bay. She seems to have fainted. Do you want to come home?"

Dylan's eyes narrowed, his fingers stiff at his side. Was his mind playing tricks on him? He needed to be sure.

"Clara?"

The staff sounded puzzled. Was there another madam?

"Yes, sir. Some man we don't know brought her in. He has two big dogs. Honestly, we're kind of scared."

Palm Bay was supposed to be secure, but this stranger just barged in with two huge dogs.

Dylan hung up and immediately headed for the door.

But the birthday banquet was still going, and there were important guests to see.

Right then he was in a private room with Walter and Rai from the

Ferguson family overseas. Tryone

elders had just arrived, and everyone had gathered in the study.

Even the old matriarch was there. When she saw Dylan get up to leave, her brow furrowed with concern.

The old man set his teacup down with a stern look. "Where are you going?"

Dylan's voice was calm but determined. "I need to head home for a bit."

"Dylan, everyone's here tonight."

"But-"

He barely got the word out before the old matriarch coughed a few times. "Finish things up here first."

Dylan lowered his gaze, but then he spoke up. "Mother, Father, let's talk about this another day."

The old man looked like he was about to explode, but the matriarch

stopped him. "Maybe isel.c

urgent. You know what I

Rai watched Dylan leave but didn't say a word.

like."

As Dylan slipped out, the matriarch hurried after him, lowering her voice so only he could hear.

"Even if this is for Clara, you can't let your father or the elders find out. Otherwise, it'll only make things harder for you both."

"I know."

She walked beside him for a moment, then, as if making up her mind, sighed softly.

"This is the first time I've ever seen you like this."