Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

The girl's mood swung like a pendulum-one moment she was fiery, the next, calm. She was so open and honest, spilling her family's secrets just because someone laughed.

"He's right up there with my brother-in-law," she said, leaning closer to Clara with eyes sparkling. "Hard to pin down, but he's got this dreamy vibe. Although, his mood could use some work."

She grinned, "Hey, do you live in my building? What floor are you on? If you're into handsome guys too, we should totally hang out more."

She had that vibe of a spoiled rich girl, probably used to getting her way. Clara, who only knew one person, Scarlette, in the neighborhood and was short on friends, jumped at the chance and swapped numbers with her.

As the girl left, she waved her cast-covered hand. "Clara, let's catch up soon. I gotta meet my cousin for lunch."

"Absolutely," Clara replied, smiling as she watched her go before heading to the Bradford Group.

Justin had signed a contract, but he was like a promising stock that wouldn't yield returns for at least a year. The company needed more orders to tide over.

In recent meetings, Clara had laid it all out. Now, it was on the executives to leverage their contacts. As the boss, Clara had to be at the forefront.

She sifted through some recent files and paused at an entertainment company.

The Bradford family was all about electronics, far removed from entertainment. But back in the day, when the Bradford Group was booming, they had roped in minor celebs for endorsements. Johnny, being old-school, wasn't keen on splurging on such things.

If there's quick cash to be made, it's in showbiz.

This entertainment company was small but had a sharp manager named Kaitlyn. Clara noticed it because Kaitlyn had split from her boss and started her own gig, meaning she needed some cash flow.

Clara needed money too, but after selling off all the Bradford family's properties, she had enough funds to last the next six months.

If this investment worked, the company could stay afloat a bit longer.

Taking a deep breath, Clara reached out to Kaitlyn to discuss investing.noveldrama

Kaitlyn was on board immediately, and they set up a meeting.

When Clara arrived, she was taken aback by Kaitlyn's youthful, striking appearance.

Clara's eyes twinkled as she said, "Kaitlyn, ever thought about stepping into the limelight? You'd be a hit."

Kaitlyn, in a sharp power suit, had a look that danced between sultry and sophisticated-just the right mix.

"I'm married, so it's not really my scene," Kaitlyn replied.

Clara sat down, ordered a couple of coffees, and then Kaitlyn said, "Clara, seems like you've got a case of amnesia."

Clara was surprised, looking up at Kaitlyn across the table.

Kaitlyn chuckled, resting her chin on her hand. "We're friends. Otherwise, why would I be here? My time is precious."

"Good friends?" Clara asked.

"Depends on what you mean by 'good.' At least we're confidantes. When my old company tried to mess me over, you paid the four million dollar penalty. My family wouldn't lift a finger, but you did."

It wasn't flattery, just a straightforward statement with a confident smile.

Clara couldn't remember her past deeds. From the Bradford family and Simon's

crowd, all she gathered was how she used to be overly devoted and

embarrassingly self-deprecating, but the rest was a blank page.