Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Ryan didn't catch the hidden message in the conversation; he just stared blankly at Justin. Justin, picking up on something, glanced over at Ryan before turning back to smile at Clara. They continued chatting for a bit, then got up and walked out of the hospital together. They really did seem more like siblings than anything else.

Ryan drew the curtains in his hospital room and slowly sat back down on the bed. Meanwhile, Sarah had stepped out to call Megan, wanting to know what was next on the agenda.

Sarah had already threatened Megan, warning her that if she didn't help get rid of Clara, she'd expose her. Megan, however, was as cool as a cucumber.

"Sarah, tomorrow's New Year's Eve. I'll find out who Clara's planning to have dinner with—whether it's Ryan or her mysterious boyfriend. You know the best way to ruin a woman, don't you?"

Sarah was clueless, furrowing her brow. "Just spill it."

Megan's eyes gleamed with resentment as she clenched her phone tightly. "If Clara's seeing her boyfriend, she'll probably drive herself. Sure, my old plans went south, but I've learned a thing or two. This time, use Ryan's phone to text her. Tell her you know about her real background and you want a heart-to-heart."

Megan was just winging it, but Sarah, in her naivety, bought it. Her voice sharpened. "What do you mean, real background? Clara isn't part of the Bradford family? Then why does she have everything? It should all be Ryan's. That witch! I'll make sure she pays this time."

Megan hadn't expected her fib to light such a fire under Sarah so easily and found it amusing. Sarah was indeed easy to manipulate.noveldrama

"Exactly, Sarah. I just found out myself. If Clara really belonged to the Bradfords, why don't they care for her? Ryan's still in the dark, treating Clara like his real sister, but to her, he's just competition."

Sarah was livid. After hanging up, she stormed back to Ryan's room.

"Ryan, did you know? Clara isn't your real sister!"

Ryan, who'd been peeling an apple, nearly sliced his hand at the news. His face darkened as he looked up at Sarah.

Sarah assumed he was just shocked

and quickly sat down next to him.

"Never mind how I found out, but I

Clara isn't your sister. She's just with the Bradford family to claw for the inheritance. You can't let your guard down!”

Ryan lowered his gaze, quietly continuing to peel the apple.

Sarah snatched the knife from him, eager to stir the pot. "And get this-I overheard Clara on the phone. She said she never had any faith in you. With Justin's help, the company will soar, way better than if you were in charge."

Although Sarah was clueless, her words hit Ryan where it hurt. He'd always felt like a drag on Clara, holding her back, and now it seemed she thought so too. And Justin? He couldn't stand the guy.

The thought of Justin taking everything Ryan cared about almost made him crush the apple in his hand.

Sarah smirked, "Ryan, she never saw you as her brother. Why treat her like a sister? You need to think of something."

Seeing Ryan's expression change, Sarah knew her scheme was working. Ryan, overwhelmed, began to cough violently and then muttered angrily.

"Get out."

Sarah was thrilled. Tomorrow, she'd set her plan against Clara in motion, and all she needed was for Ryan to see things her way. As long as they could move on and live better lives, it'd all be worth it.