Chapter 5
Clara felt a wave of frustration wash over hec but seeing how exhausted Megan was, she decided to keep her thoughts to herself
Megan tossed a fresh pair of pajamas on the bed. “Your room’s got its own bathroom. Go take a shower and get some rest. I’m wiped out today, so let’s skip the chit–chat
Clara nodded, murmuring a quiet, “Thanks,
As Megan headed towards one of the bedroom doors, Clara realized the other room was hers. After grabbing her pajamas and enjoying a much–needed shower, she finally felt a bit more at ease!
Just as she was about to fall asleep, her phone buzzed with a new message. It was from her brother, Ryan.
Ryan. Hey, I’m back home for the holidays. It’s Quinn’s birthday today. Why aren’t you here? Mom said you ran off again. Seriously, can you just come back? The housekeeper’s cooking is awful. I miss your food. Don’t forget to make your potato salad for breakfast tomorrow
Ryan: Quinn was crying tonight. Just come back and apologize. You stir up drama everytime. It’s exhausting. Simon doesn’t even like you, and sometimes it’s embarrassing for me.]
Clara’s heart ached, feeling like the whole world was team Quinn, while she was just the odd one out. Even if her memories were a bit hazy, the hurt was real and raw
The next moming. Clara was up early with dark circles under her eyes. She headed to the kitchen to whip up something to eat and was surprised to find her cooking skills hadn’t abandoned her.
Megan emerged from her room, drawn in by the delicious aroma, and sighed. “Are you making breakfast for Simon again? Has he ever tasted your cooking? You spent your time cooking, had no job after graduation, and just followed him around. For what? Everyone’s just laughing at you.”
Clara paused, spoon in hand, about to say it wasn’t for Simon. But it seemed no one would believe her
She plated a few side dishes and set them on the dining table. Megan’s resume was lying there, and Clara glanced at it. “Megan, I want to find a job. What did I major in at college?”
Megan looked at the dishes, frowning in thought “Clara, you’re really convincing this time.”
Clara felt a twinge of bittemess and pushed the bowl of soup towards Megan. Just tell me.”
Megan took a few bites and sighed. “Finance. But your family’s company belongs to your brother You probably don’t know where the front door is, and even Quinn holds ten percent of the shares. You’ve got nothing. You had a chance to inter there after graduation, but you blew it off because it would cut into your Simon–chasing time. Now Quinn’s killing it at the company, and everyone’s aware she’s a Bradford. Hardly anyone remembers that the Bradford family even has a first bom daughter“:
I I
Clara quietly ate a few bites and then suddenly said, “Ill work at Ferguson Corporation Dylan’s back, isn’t he? I want to go after him.”
Megan choked on her soup, almost as if she’d heard something out of a fairy tale. She quickly grabbed a napkin to wipe her mouth. “Didn’t you used to hate Dylan? Simon didn’t like Dylan, so you avoided him too. Every time his name came up, you looked upset. Do you even know what league Dylan is in? He graduated from Harvard with dual degrees at eighteen and founded the largest acquisition company overseas by nineteen. He’s a regular in the Wall Street Joumal. If it weren’t for the accident two years ago that left him in a wheelchair, every girl in the city would be in love with him.”
Clara recalled the charming voice she’d heard over the phone and couldn’t help but ask, “What does he look like?”
Megan searched online and pulled up a photo from an international media outlet “Here”
The man in the photo wore a sleek black suit, his shirt buttoned up to the collar, exuding an air of restrained desire. His gaze at the camera was icy, like a winter sea harboring hidden storms. It was the most striking face Clara had ever seen, making Simon pale in comparison
Megan remarked from the side, “Such a shame. After the accident, he hasn’t returned to the city, and there’s been no news about him in the papers. With that face, it doesn’t matter if he’s in a wheelchair. There’d still be a line of girls after him.“2
Clara took a sip of soup and suddenly declared, “Simon said he’s my boyfriend, so I’m going to Ferguson Corporation
Megan’s expression was inscrutable as she rubbed her temples. “Are you going to Ferguson Corporation to chase Simon or Dylan? Do whatever you want. If you can win over Dylan, I’ll never say a word against you again.”
After finishing her meal.
