Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

The housekeeper tapped lightly on the door. "Young master, would you like something to eat?"

Ryan groaned, shoving a pillow over his head, hoping it would somehow block out his thoughts along with the noise. He just wanted the world to leave him alone.

But half an hour later, another knock came-this time, it was Cole.

"I can't find Ms. Bradford anywhere, so I had to come to you," Cole called through the door. “There's a really important document that needs your signature."

Ryan dragged himself out of bed and opened the door. Cole stood there in his immaculate suit, looking every bit the workaholic. Ryan couldn't help but let out a dry laugh.

"Do you have any idea what time it is?"

Three in the morning, and this guy was still hustling. The Bradford Group might as well change its name to "Bradford 24/7," he thought bitterly.noveldrama

Cole adjusted his glasses and walked right in. "This contract is urgent. I've been trying to reach Ms. Bradford, but she's not picking up. No one's home at her place either. Do you know where she went?"

Ryan's mind raced. He was tempted to say Clara had gone on vacation, just to keep Cole from panicking and maybe even calling the cops. But when he looked down at the file in Cole's hands, the words caught in his throat.

It was obvious-this was a huge deal. The kind of contract only Clara, as CEO, was supposed to sign.

Clara had been running herself ragged to save the company. She'd taken risks, invested in new projects, even signed a couple of artists to shake things up. Now, this contract was from a major international company-one that wanted a long-term partnership with

Bradford's electronics team. This

could change everything.

Ryan's grip tightened on the document, his eyes wide with disbelief. "You want me to sign this?"

His voice was shaky. He held the papers so tightly his knuckles turned white.

This was about the future of the company. Whoever signed this would be setting the direction for years. It was supposed to be Clara's call.

"Mr. Ryan, didn't Ms. Bradford ever tell you?" Cole said gently. "When she's not around, you're in charge. She's noticed all the effort you've put in. She told me herself-she believes you're the one who'll carry on the Bradford name."

Ryan pressed his lips together, feeling numb as he moved to the side. "Doesn't

she worry I'll screw it up? Or that I'll just... take everything from her?"

Cole waved a hand in front of his face, as if to snap him out of it. "You know, when you were in trouble, the press went wild. Ms. Bradford had the company issue a public apology, donated five million overnight, and basically turned the place upside down to save your reputation. Even when you had to give up your shares, she didn't take them. She set up a trust no one can touch those shares until you're ready. Not even her. She couldn't sell them if she wanted to. Bradford Group still belongs to you. You're just... not ready yet."

Ryan went pale. He remembered that time—how he'd lost everything, how he'd

been shut out. He'd honestly thought Clara had abandoned him for good.

And then there was Clara getting close to Justin. That had hurt more than anything.

All this time, he'd believed she only cared about the company. But after everything she'd done, she never even took the shares for herself.

Why didn't she ever tell him any of this...?