Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Clara stepped out of the conference room and nearly walked right into Mrs. Ferguson, who was waiting outside.

She froze. The last thing she remembered about Mrs. Ferguson was being dragged to a temple, only to end up nearly buried alive. Maybe Mrs. Ferguson hadn't planned it herself, but she definitely wasn't innocent. And it wasn't exactly a secret that the older woman had once wanted her gone for good.

"Mrs. Ferguson," Clara said, keeping her voice respectful for Dylan's sake.

Mrs. Ferguson had clearly been there a while, watching Clara closely. Her attitude hadn't completely changed, but she couldn't help thinking-if Dylan had seen Clara just now, he probably wouldn't have been able to look away.

But Mrs. Ferguson seemed tired of holding onto old grudges. She just let it go. "Dylan's sick. Thank you for taking care of him," she said quietly.

Clara blinked, caught off guard by the sudden change in tone. Was this another trick? She didn't answer.

Mrs. Ferguson sighed. "Clara, do you have a moment later? I want to bring you and Tara to the temple. There are some things I need to say."

Clara didn't even hesitate. "Last time you took me to the temple, Mrs. Ferguson, I almost didn't make it back alive. I think I'll pass."

No one had ever spoken to Mrs. Ferguson so bluntly before-not that Clara was

lying.

Mrs. Ferguson took a deep breath, softening her tone. "Last time, I acted out of desperation and made a mistake. This time, I swear as Dylan's mother: if I do anything to hurt you, I'll never see Dylan again. Ever."

Clara didn't love Mrs. Ferguson's dramatic style, but one thing was obvious-the woman genuinely loved Dylan. She wouldn't go so far otherwise.

"My work's done for the day," Clara said. "Can you at least tell me why you want to go to the temple?"

She gestured toward her office, inviting Mrs. Ferguson in.

To her surprise, Mrs. Ferguson saw something in Clara—a kind of quiet, natural confidence. It wasn't showy or arrogant, but it made people want to trust her. Maybe Dylan falling for someone like Clara wasn't such a bad thing after all. At least he wouldn't end up miserable, the way she had.

They entered the office. Clara sat at her desk, tidying her papers and waiting. Mrs. Ferguson settled onto the sofa, letting out another long sigh.

"Dylan's feelings for you are real," she began. "I used to think he was just infatuated, that if you disappeared, he'd snap back to his senses. I spent so much energy on him, always hoping he'd be the pride of our family. But I never stopped to ask what he really wanted. I let Tara down too."

Clara's hands paused, and she looked down.

"Mrs. Ferguson, I know I'm not family, but have to say-Dylan's already remarkable. Ferguson

Corporation is a giant. There are net

places overseas that might not even know our country, but they know Ferguson Corporation. Since he became the heir, he's barely had a day off. Lately, he's pushed himself so hard he barely sleeps. What exactly do you expect from him? What's your idea of success?"

How could someone like Dylan still not be enough?

Mrs. Ferguson's hand clenched and released on her lap. "I've been too hard on hima, I know. He's been quiet since he was a teenager. I thought it was good-a family heir should be serious. I arranged his marriage, planned his life, thinking it was for his benefit. Clara, I've spent decades at Ferguson Corporation. Even now, my husband barely acknowledges me. I just don't want my son to suffer in love the way I did."

Clara paused. She didn't know much about the Ferguson family's past, but as a

mother, Mrs. Ferguson's worries made sense.

"I gave the Fergusons so many children," Mrs. Ferguson continued, voice softer: "I never got a single kind word in return. I married him at seventeen, all wide-eyed and hopeful. Now my hair's gray, and the nicest thing he's ever said about me is that I'm too soft. He never respected women like me. Ten years ago, I thought I'd let it go and left the city. But somehow, I ended up back here, and nothing's changed."

She touched her graying hair and closed her eyes. "I thought I'd see Dylan married and go back to my own life. But he chose you. He won't listen to me, and

I just don't have the energy to fight anymore. I still believe the temple can bring peace. If I can take you and Tara there, maybe we can all let go of the past. Tomorrow morning, I'll leave."

Clara lowered her gaze, thinking it over-and finally nodded. "Okay."noveldrama

Mrs. Ferguson got up, her expression softer. "You're a good kid. I should've seen

it sooner."

Clara didn't say anything else. She simply followed quietly behind her.