Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Even if he traveled abroad, women still flocked to him. All it took was a flash of his luxury car, and they were pretending to get into the wrong ride. He didn't need to bother with feelings-relationships felt too cheap. In the end, keeping himself happy was what mattered most.

Clara let out a soft laugh. Who said true love only bloomed in wealthy families? For these rich heirs, money was just numbers, and women could feel like nothing more than fleeting impressions. They swarmed around like bees to honey, and finding any genuine connection in the chaos seemed impossible.

She gazed out the window, her voice calm. "That's because Jackson hasn't met the one who truly matters to him yet. Once he does, he'll start caring about the little things. He'll notice whether she picks a gift with money or with thought. The pricier it is, the more it might feel shallow, and that'll sting."

Dylan, sitting nearby, blinked at her words, stealing a quick glance before looking away. Jackson leaned on his hand, deep in thought. After a moment, he chuckled, "It's not that complicated. I still like gifts that are pricey and well-made."

Right then, his phone buzzed. He had plans to meet a casual partner later, but she'd been busy lately, not even a text. They'd hooked up more than a dozen times, always having a good time. What he appreciated most? She never reached out first. When he was interested, she'd just send over the room number.

It was perfect for him-no clingy drama. All he wanted was for the Dawson family to see his antics and push for a divorce. But after so many encounters, he found himself starting to care, though she remained unchanged.

With a sigh, he read her message: she couldn't make it tonight, too busy. It had been weeks since they last met. Didn't she miss him at all?

Staring at his screen, he couldn't resist texting back.

[Busy with what?]

No answer. Ten minutes ticked by, still nothing. It felt like his message disappeared into the void. Jackson felt frustration building, unable to shake it off. He thought he was detached, but he hadn't expected to meet someone even

more so.

His mood soured, recalling Clara was still in the car. He scoffed. "Women are a pain, especially the one at home. I don't even know what she looks like."

Clara held back from responding, not wanting to hit a nerve.

The car pulled up to Moonlight, and the trio headed to the most secluded private room. As Clara settled in, Jackson tossed a contract her way, his tone sharp. "Sign it and leave. I don't want to see you tonight."

She glanced at the contract. The Bradford family stood to gain quite a bit, at least

a hundred million. Surprised, she looked at Dylan, who'd been quiet all night. His mood seemed off.

"Thank you, Mr. Dylan."

Dylan kept his eyes on his wrist, lost in thought, not acknowledging her.noveldrama

She signed her name, said her goodbyes, and quickly left, sensing Dylan's mood

and not wanting to stick around to upset him further.

She left in a hurry, like she couldn't get out fast enough.

Jackson placed the contract on the coffee table, his tone mocking. "I don't get why you'd help her. It can't still be about Simon, right?"