Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Clara had already arrived at Ferguson Corporation. Aiden was behind the wheel up front, and Charles—who absolutely refused to stay behind—was lounging in the back seat.

As they got out, Clara turned to Charles and said, "Hey, could you check out where that explosion happened last night? If you hear anything, let me know, okay?"

Charles thumped his chest, grinning. "Don't worry, sis! I'm keeping an eye on the trending topics, too. I'll handle Mr. Schwaderer for you and dig into that explosion. You can count on me! Just focus on your work... but, uh, when you're off, can we hang out?"

Clara looked into his clear, eager eyes. For a moment, she felt something almost surreal—a real, bone-deep trust that only comes from family. Since losing her memory, she hadn't felt a connection like that with anyone.

She nodded, then followed Aiden up to the top floor of Ferguson Corporation.

She'd been here once before, but back then everyone thought she was just a caretaker Dylan had hired. Now, seeing Aiden following her with such respect, people couldn't help whispering.

"Isn't that Clara? Why is Aiden being so formal with her?"noveldrama

"Is the CEO not coming in today?"

While the gossip simmered, Clara walked straight into the CEO's office. Through the slowly closing door, everyone caught a glimpse of her sitting in the CEO's chair.

Instantly, the executive floor exploded with chatter. The office group chat was blowing up.

"Does anyone know what's going on? Clara's in the CEO's seat, the CEO's not here, and Aiden's acting like her assistant!"

"This is so weird. Who knows the real story? I'm dying to find out."

Only Conlan knew what was really happening.

Looking like he owned the place, he strode toward the CEO's office, a group of senior managers trailing behind. Most of them looked pretty annoyed.

Conlan stepped forward, trying to keep his tone formal. He wanted to call her Mrs. CEO, but thought better of it. "Ms. Clara, these are the documents for today that need your review and approval."

Clara took the papers, scanned them for a few minutes, and signed her name in the corner.

The rest of the executives fidgeted uneasily. One couldn't hold back any longer. "Where's the CEO? Aiden, are you really just going to let a woman play CEO?"

Aiden's expression didn't budge. "The CEO is recuperating at home for a month. All company business will be handled by Ms. Clara in the meantime."

A few of the managers glared. "Even you would be better, Aiden! What does Clara know about running a company?"

Clara just twirled her pen, looking completely at ease. "Aliyah, when I worked at Ferguson before, the biggest projects all came through my team. Now that Mr. Dylan's not well, volunteered to help out if Mr. Dylan trusts me, do you really think you know better than him?"

Aliyah's face turned red as she slammed a folder onto Clara's desk. "Fine. If you're so capable, let's see you approve this."

Aiden stood by quietly, not surprised Clara was getting pushback, but he hadn't expected it to happen so fast. Aliyah was never one to read the room, and today she'd picked the wrong battle.

Clara skimmed the documents, her brow furrowing.

Aliyah let out a cold laugh. "Sure, your past projects were impressive, but everyone knows you and Simon were close. Who really made those projects happen? Seems like you'd know better than anyone."

Aiden was about to jump in, but Clara tossed the folder right at Aliyah.

"Five million dollars for a storefront sign? There isn't a single sign in the country that costs that

much-unless you accidentally. added a zero. If I remember right, when Ferguson commissioned our famous logo, the top design team only charged a million. So, Aliyah, are you trying to pocket some extra cash while Mr. Dylan's away?"

Aliyah went pale, her hands shaking.

She'd hidden that application at the very bottom, never imagining Clara would spot it after just a glance.

Aliyah stayed silent. Clara leaned back in her chair.

"And you had this ready ahead of time, which means you already knew I'd be here instead of Dylan. Otherwise, you wouldn't have submitted it today. Looks like you've got a friend feeding you info from Palm Bay. News sure travels fast.”

Aliyah's lips trembled, but she didn't say a word.

Aiden's gaze turned sharp. "Who's your source?"

The staff at Palm Bay were all strictly screened-there was no way any of them were leaking information.

Aliyah bent down, gathering her fallen papers with shaking hands. "It's... it's just a distant relative who works there. She texted me morning and, uh, mentioned

that well, not the CEO's "What

wife, but

Ms. Clara-was coming in today. Honestly, we never talk, and she's never told me anything before. She was just excited and let it slip. I only found out this morning that Clara is the CEO's wife. It was my mistake. I'm sorry."

Clara just spun her pen between her fingers, a faint smile on her lips.

With barely a word, she'd left a senior manager completely rattled and at a loss for what to say.