Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Clara had plans to meet Kaitlyn today, but Jackson had insisted on coming along, making it clear he wouldn't take no for an answer. Begrudgingly, she called him, and to her surprise, he was unusually enthusiastic, showing up outside her apartment building in less than thirty minutes.

With her car still in the shop, she had no option but to tap on his car window. "Hey, Jackson, mind giving me a lift?"noveldrama

Maybe it was just her imagination, but Jackson seemed to have put some effort into looking sharp today. He gave a short, mocking laugh and gestured for her to hop in.

Choosing wisely, Clara slid into the backseat instead of the front. The car suddenly lurched forward, nearly sending her face into the back of the front seat.

Jackson smirked, "Try not to leave your makeup all over my car."

Clara felt her frustration boiling over. She could only dream of a day when Jackson would fall hopelessly in love, turning from the arrogant CEO into a lovesick puppy—that would be just perfect! The thought alone made her chuckle.

Jackson, who had slammed the brakes earlier just to mess with her, was puzzled by her laughter. "What's so funny?"

"Nothing," Clara quickly hid her smile.

They finally reached the café where she was supposed to meet Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn was already there by the window, looking surprised to see them together.

Jackson raised an eyebrow and sat across from Kaitlyn. "What a surprise."

He expected her to show some discomfort, but Kaitlyn only flashed a brief look of surprise before putting on a polite smile. "Hello, Jackson."

The formal tone made Jackson's temper flare.

Clara sat beside him, exchanged a few pleasantries with Kaitlyn, and then started discussing her upcoming investment plans. With Jackson around, she couldn't go into too much detail, until Kaitlyn chimed in.

"Both artists are here, Clara. Want to come take a look? They seem promising."

Clara nodded and stood up, glancing at the silent Jackson. "Maybe you should head back, Jackson?"

No way was Jackson leaving now, not when he was so close to discovering where Kaitlyn worked.

Kaitlyn turned to him, still courteous. "Are you interested in coming too, Jackson?" Jackson tilted his chin. "Maybe there's someone at your studio I'd fancy."

He emphasized "fancy" with a playful undertone, but Kaitlyn just smiled. "Well, that would be their good fortune."

Jackson's mood soured, and he fell silent.

As the three headed outside, Clara felt the odd tension in the air-Kaitlyn seemed to be the only one unfazed.

Kaitlyn opened her car door. "Clara, ride with me."

Clara nodded, about to get in when Jackson pulled her back, not gently at all. He tossed his luxury car keys into her hands. "You drive my car."

Clara stared at the keys, momentarily shocked.

Jackson was already in Kaitlyn's passenger seat, shutting the door with a swift motion. Clara glanced at Kaitlyn.

Kaitlyn remained calm, giving her a reassuring smile. "I'll send you the address. See you there."

Clara nodded, her mind racing about whatever was going on between those two.

Once inside the car, Kaitlyn's demeanor instantly cooled. "Did you come here for me today, Jackson?"

Seated next to her, Jackson let out a cold chuckle. "Don't flatter yourself. Didn't you say we were done? I'm here for Clara."

For Clara?

Kaitlyn's eyes widened, then she regained her composure. "So, Jackson's interested in Clara?"

The thought made Jackson cringe. His family had bad blood with Clara's; he'd rather be interested in a beggar. But to annoy Kaitlyn, he let her believe it.

Kaitlyn started the engine, about to drive off when Jackson's voice stopped her.

"Kaitlyn, the entertainment industry's tough. Sometimes it's better to have someone to lean on. Ever thought about that?"

She frowned, studying his face. "What are you suggesting, Jackson?"

His throat tightened with frustration at her indifferent expression. The fact that she

was unfazed by him being here for Clara was irksome.

How could she be so calm after all they'd been through? Was he not enough for her?

Jackson had never faced such an ego hit and it made him stubbornly persistent.

"When you call me Jackson, do you really know who I am?"

In this city, not everyone could just call him by his name.

Kaitlyn started driving, her tone steady. "No, and I don't need to. That was our agreement from the start."

Jackson felt a surge of frustration, cursing himself for those initial ground rules. He hadn't thought she'd stick to them so well, leaving him simmering with anger.