Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Dylan shut his eyes, his long lashes casting soft shadows as he fought to calm the storm inside him. Clara stayed still, sneaking glances at the profile resting against her shoulder. It was hard not to be taken aback by how striking he was. He seemed almost too perfect, like someone from a dream. And here they were, so close.

His skin was flawless, his features sharply defined. It was as if fate had showered him with blessings. Random thoughts flitted through her mind as she took it all in.

After a few moments, Dylan smoothly let go of her waist. Clara rushed to clarify, "Mr. Dylan, I get it. It's just a normal reaction for any guy. I won't read too much into it. Anyone in this situation might feel the same. The atmosphere's just... intense."

As soon as the words left her mouth, his sharp gaze locked onto hers. The warmth in the air vanished, and was replaced by a sudden chill, as the air itself had turned into icy daggers.

Realizing she'd hit a sore spot, Clara quickly switched gears. "Let me help you up."

Dylan's legs were still healing. The warm water helped, but he wasn't ready for that kind of strain yet. With steady hands, Clara guided him out of the pool and over to the changing room. Her robe was drenched, leaving a trail of water behind.noveldrama

Once he was dressed, she brought over the wheelchair. "Mr. Dylan, have a seat."

Dylan settled into the wheelchair, casting a glance at her still-dripping robe. "You should head back."

It was only then that Clara felt the pressure lift from her shoulders. She breathed a sigh of relief. "Okay."

Back in her room, she changed into dry clothes, pausing to look at her reflection. Her expression still looked a bit off. The earlier scene replayed in her mind. The feeling on her hand was still vivid-firm, hot, almost burning.

Without memories of her past, she wasn't sure how things had been with Simon. From his apparent dislike, it seemed there wasn't anything significant between them. So, was Dylan the first guy she'd touched like that?

She glanced at her palm, a little laugh escaping her as she caught herself.

A rapid knock on the door pulled her back to reality. "Clara, the South Ashford mess has exploded! Did you see my texts? Tons of folks are demanding refunds, and the platform's swamped. They might have to cut prices or give stuff away for free. It's so crazy; almost ten thousand orders have been refunded. South Ashford farmers are fuming and looking for the local manager."

Clara opened the door to see Addison's excited face. Addison couldn't help but relish the trouble facing the South Ashford farmers, who'd been so tough on them before.

"Everything's going just like you planned. Quinn was supposed to head back to the Capital today, but this chaos held her up. She tried to buy off the farmers with a million bucks, but those money only gives each a few grand. Plus, with the platform fines, they're actually losing money."

Knowing how stubborn the South Ashford farmers were, they wouldn't take this lying down. They probably stopped Quinn from leaving, insisting she cover the platform fines.

Addison's excitement grew as she spoke, and then she sneered, "Those farmers have had it easy for too long. They always got their way and shut out North Ashford. Now Quinn's met her match. Let's see how much she'll fork out to fix this mess."