Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

The Ferguson Corporation project was huge, but honestly, it barely fazed her. Clara had always had a knack for handling things like this-almost like she was born for it.

By the time she wrapped everything up, the sky outside was already brightening with morning light. She got up to wash up, and after her shower, she opened the bathroom door-only to find him standing right there.

He looked like he'd slept well for once. A stubborn bit of hair stuck up at the top of his head, making him look way less serious than usual.

Clara couldn't help but smile. She turned on the tap, wet her hand, and reached over to smooth down the little tuft of hair.

It instantly fell into place with the help of a little water.

She was about to say something when he suddenly stumbled, nearly falling into her arms and ended up hugging her, tight and steady.

She froze for a moment, then instinctively wrapped her arms around his waist, worried. "Are you okay? Did your leg give out again?"

"I'm fine."

He held her close for a whole minute before finally letting go and heading into the bathroom.

Clara stood there, feeling her cheeks heat up, a little flustered. She quickly opened the bedroom door and went for a casual tone, "I'm heading to the office. You're staying in Palm Bay for now, got it? Don't even think about sneaking out. Just focus on getting better."

He was squeezing toothpaste, but at her words, he just grunted an "Mm."

For some reason, the whole exchange made Clara feel weirdly off-balance. Why did it sound so much like a husband worrying about his wife before work, nagging her to take care of herself?

That thought only made her more self-conscious. She hurried downstairs, grabbed a few bites of breakfast, and stopped by the kitchen to give some instructions.

"Make sure he eats a good amount today. Every meal-breakfast, lunch, and dinner-needs to be balanced and nutritious. He needs to recover, so don't let him slack off."

The housekeepers, just like Aiden, seemed totally energized, their faces practically glowing.

"Don't worry, ma'am! We'll look after Mr. Carter like he's royalty!"

Clara just shook her head, a bit embarrassed by all the excitement, and followed Aiden out the door.

As soon as she was gone, the staff got busy, everyone in a great mood.

When Dylan came downstairs, he found the dining table loaded with ten different dishes. Everything looked healthy and delicious-herbal soups, whole grains, grilled fish, fresh fruit. Even the tea was meant to be soothing.

One of the housekeepers couldn't help but gush, "Mrs. Carter was so worried before she left, sir. She kept reminding us to take care of you. You never used to listen to us about eating on time, but now you've got someone who'll keep you in line."

Dylan lowered his eyes, a faint smile playing on his lips as he stirred his porridge, saying nothing.

After a while, he pulled out his phone, snapped a picture of the breakfast spread, and posted it on his social media.

He'd only ever posted once in the past few years, and that was the day he shared

a photo of their marriage certificate.

This time, he simply posted his breakfast. No caption, just a single period.

Nicholas was the first to comment.

"You okay, man? Did you hit your head?"

Nicholas couldn't believe his eyes when he saw the post.

Jackson chimed in next.

"Wait, did Clara make all that?"

Everyone had heard the stories—how Clara became a great cook when she was chasing after Simon.

Dylan replied to Jackson: "No. Clara's at work for me. I'm under strict orders to stay home and recover."

In their group, Dylan was famous for being reserved. Most of the time, he barely replied to messages unless it was urgent.

Yet here he was, actually responding to comments online.noveldrama

Jackson read the reply over and over, feeling a pang of envy. Clara's at work for me...

Seriously, was Dylan showing off or what? The guy was shameless.

Richard saw the post too, put his phone down, and didn't say a word.

It was the middle of the workday, and everyone else was already at Office-except for Dylan, who

the

was still at home, enjoying his

breakfast in peace. fo