Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run novel Chapter 24

Clara arched an eyebrow, a flicker of sarcasm dancing in her eyes. Honestly, Colton was being downright stupid.

Why would he say something like that right in front of the cops? It's a bold move, especially here at Moonlight. If the police were showing up, they were clearly ready to take on someone with clout.

And sure enough, the officer wasn't messing around, pinning Colton with a firm grip. “I don't care who you think you are!”

A sly grin played on Clara’s lips. “Mr. Colton, where’s Nate? What's his status?”

Colton had just sent Clara a text about Nate being in the hospital. Now, Clara was grilling him, putting him on the spot, and making him look foolish.

His lips trembled with frustration; nobody had ever challenged him like this before.

The officer tightened his hold on Colton’s arm. “Spill it, where's the other guy?”

Colton felt utterly disgraced, and the people who'd just been showering him with praise were now watching the drama unfold like it was prime entertainment.

Clara was stomping on his prized dignity! Clara! He swore he wouldn’t let this slide!

A crowd had gathered outside the lounge. They were all familiar with Colton since he was a regular here.

“Isn’t that the Warren family's young heir? Why are the cops here?”

“What’s going on? Richard's here tonight. Someone should let him know.”

The last hint of color drained from Colton’s face.

“Don’t.”

But before he could finish, the onlookers parted, and a man in a black shirt stepped forward.

He’d assumed Clara would be too scared to show her face for days, yet here she was, laying everything bare.

Clara kept her cool as she faced the daunting Warren heir, breaking down the events with ease.

“Basically, Colton claimed I see the gynecologist hundreds of times a year and implied anyone could sleep with me. Everyone heard it. If word gets out, can I sue him for defamation?”

Colton’s expression shifted again, his voice laced with urgency. “Clara, you—”

Before he could finish, a sharp slap echoed in the room, striking his cheek. His head whipped to the side, and blood trickled from his mouth.

Colton’s eyes welled up immediately, but Richard hit him, and he didn’t dare make a sound.

Clara raised an eyebrow, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction.