Caleb smirked, amusement flickering in his eyes. Vera knew he was teasing her. But the truth was, when Caleb had passed out drunk, she was the only one around. Of course, she had to stay. If she had left and something happened to him, it would have been on her. And besides, as Caleb had pointed out, she was now his “girlfriend” in name. If she had abandoned him, what would people think? “You never know what can happen in this world,” Vera said matter-of-factly. “At the time, staying was my only option. But let’s drop it. For now, let’s get breakfast. My treat.” Caleb didn’t argue. “Alright.” Vera led him to a small breakfast cafe nearby. “This place makes amazing beef pasta,” she recommended. “You should give them a try.” “You come here often?” Caleb asked, glancing around. The cafe was close to the club but far from the Mason estate. It wasn’t the kind of place she would end up at randomly. Vera lowered her gaze slightly. “Yeah… I used to come here wit
Vera felt like she was being played for a fool. The realization twisted like a knife in her chest, but she forced out a cold, mocking laugh. “You really think I’m that easy to fool?” The moment she saw the name “Baby” flash across the screen—and the flicker of guilt in his eyes—she knew.This wasn’t just some random contact.For all she knew, he had been with someone else the entire time they were together.Sam’s expression darkened. “Well, maybe if you’d let me touch you, I wouldn’t have needed to find someone else.” He shot her a sharp, mocking smirk. “But looking at you now, seems like you’re not so innocent yourself. Barely a second after leaving me, and you’re already cozying up to another guy. What’s wrong, Vera? Was I not enough for you?” His words grew crueler by the second, his tone dripping with bitterness. Seeing her standing next to another man ignited something inside him—a twisted, ugly fire of resentment and wounded ego. She had never given herself t
Vera’s heart pounded violently. “It was human nature, wasn’t it? When you were at your lowest and someone told you they had your back. How could you not feel something?” she silently remarked.But she forced herself to stay rational.She knew this wasn’t because Caleb had feelings for her. It was just who he was—a man who took responsibility seriously. The person in his heart wasn’t her. So when she got home, she calmed down. A few hours later, Caleb texted her, letting her know that he had arranged a meeting with Nash and had secured a dinner reservation. He sent over the time and location. Vera nearly jumped in excitement. “This is it! If I can lock in this deal, everything will turn around,” she muttered. But then another thought hit her. She needed something appropriate to wear. She hurried to her closet and started digging through it, tossing clothes aside in search of something suitable. The commotion was loud enough to attract the attention of the
Vera was anxious, but she knew that now was not the time to panic. The more critical the moment, the more composed she needed to be. Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself and sat next to Caleb. The food was served quickly, but even though Nash had suggested they eat first, he only took a few casual bites before setting his utensils down. “I hear Mason Corporation is looking to partner with York Corporation on our new project,” Nash said casually.The York Corporation’s latest project required a reliable construction materials supplier. But their vetting process was rigorous. And even with that, Nash had better options. There was no real need to choose the Masons. Still, since Caleb had made the introduction, Nash figured it wouldn’t hurt to hear them out. Hearing this, Vera carefully placed her utensils down, trying to contain her excitement. “Yes,” she said. “The Mason Corporation has been in the construction materials industry for nearly ten years.”
The Mason Corporation specialized in construction materials, ensuring high quality. But with their financial struggles, they desperately needed funding and the security of working under York Corporation’s umbrella. That made them the cheapest and most reliable option.And really—who could say no to cheap and reliable? Not even Nash. He didn’t hesitate. “Alright, let’s sign the contract. I brought my assistant.” His assistant, sharp as ever, immediately stepped forward with the documents. A few moments later, Vera held the freshly signed contract in her hands. Suddenly, the food tasted even better.As they left, Nash pulled Caleb aside for a brief conversation. Vera was curious. But not enough to eavesdrop. When Caleb returned, his expression was a bit complicated, but it didn’t seem to concern her. “Let’s go,” he said. “I’ll drive you home.” She originally planned to take a cab, but since he insisted, she didn’t argue. By the time they arrived, it was la
Caleb emerged from the bathroom, his expression completely neutral, as if nothing had happened. That, at least, spared Vera some of the lingering awkwardness. Still, her mind kept flashing back to what she had seen—the broad chest barely covered by the towel, the long legs that looked even longer than hers. She quickly shoved those thoughts away. “You okay?” she asked, clearing her throat. “The water cuts off occasionally around here.“It didn’t used to happen much, so we never really got around to fixing it,” she added, feeling slightly guilty. Too much had happened with her family, and something like inconsistent water pressure had never made it onto the priority list. Now, she kind of regretted that oversight. Luckily, Caleb didn’t seem bothered. “I’m fine. I already finished showering.” Vera let out a breath of relief. Then she remembered the real reason she had come downstairs. “Oh, right. Do you think Nash will send someone to inspect the factory?”
The fact that Nash even asked this question made one thing clear. He knew the Mason Corporation’s current situation inside and out.Even if Vera wanted to deny it, she couldn’t. She was in a tough spot. The factory was still there, but without workers, it was useless. Her original plan had been to use the remaining money to rehire some of the old employees. But how many of them would actually come back? After all, when the company collapsed, many had lost their jobs overnight. Worse, they were still owed a full month’s salary. A lot of people. A lot of money. Vera had no idea how she was going to handle it. She had been relying on one simple thought—take it one step at a time. Things had to work out somehow. She took a deep breath and pushed down the flicker of pride rising in her chest. Now wasn’t the time for ego. “Just the funding will be enough,” she said. “I’ll take care of the manpower.” The assistant’s eyes flickered with approval. H
Mrs. Scott’s expression was less than welcoming when she saw Vera at the door. She didn’t say much. She just stepped aside and gave a curt nod. “Come in.” Stanley, on the other hand, was much warmer. “Vera, what brings you here?” he asked, immediately setting out tea and fruit for her. Mrs. Scott watched from the side, growing more and more displeased. “That cherry’s for Charlie,” she muttered. “You know how expensive cherries are this time of year.” Stanley shot her a look. “She’s a guest. It’s almost dinnertime. Why don’t you head to the kitchen and start cooking?” He had no idea why Vera had come. Maybe to ask for help. Maybe to plead for understanding. Either way, he wouldn’t turn her away. He wasn’t someone who would hound the Mason family for money, but when they could afford to pay him back, he would accept it. No matter how hard times got, he wasn’t about to forget kindness. “Stay for dinner,” he told Vera. “It’s nothing fancy, but you’re wel
“I only had one surgery today,” Caleb said as he drove, his voice calm but firm. “Now that it’s done, I want to know why this happened.” After that, he said nothing more. Vera sat in silence, her heart uneasy as the car pulled up in front of an upscale club. Even though her hand was already bandaged, she still felt a sting of pain every time Caleb showed concern. “So this is what it feels like to have someone care,” she thought to herself.Back when Vera had been stepped on, her only concern had been the contract—whether the deal would fall apart and if her suffering had been for nothing.If it had been anything else, she probably wouldn’t have cared as much.But Caleb’s concern made it impossible for her to brush aside.It kept lingering in her mind, refusing to let her feel indifferent.“Don’t overthink it,” Caleb said, his voice firm. “Whatever happened between Luna and me doesn’t change the fact that this concerns me too—and I owe it to you to make things right.”
“Oh? So this is the apology you wanted?” Vera’s forehead was covered in cold sweat from the pain, but the two women standing over her barely reacted. As if this was normal to them. As if humiliating her was just another game. “I asked you a question.” Vera remained half-crouched on the ground, her hand still pinned under Luna’s heel. Helena smirked. “Yeah, I’d say that’s good enough.” She hadn’t expected Vera to be this stubborn, but it didn’t matter. With an exaggerated sigh, she casually scribbled her signature onto the contract. The deal was officially secured. Vera didn’t waste another second. She cast one last glance at the two women. “I have no interest in getting involved in your personal drama. As for Caleb and me, that’s between us. We both made our choices.” Luna’s expression twisted slightly. “I won’t bother commenting on your relationship,” she said, voice dripping with disdain. “But don’t think for a second that this will ever earn
The moment Vera heard her assistant’s words, her expression darkened. Her previously calm tone turned firm. “If that’s the case, I understand. But I still have to go. This is my responsibility, and no one else can handle it.” If she didn’t take the lead, the other party would only grow bolder. However, the moment she glanced at the name on the negotiation list, she couldn’t help but frown. Because the person she was supposed to meet wasn’t just anyone. It was Helena Xander. Vera had encountered her before—back when her relationship with Caleb hadn’t yet escalated. Even then, Helena had openly mocked her, saying that since Caleb had been Luna’s devoted lapdog for years, he should know his place and never overstep. She had also thrown a few sharp words at Vera, telling her to recognize her own status—as if warning her that getting involved would only bring trouble. Back then, Vera hadn’t taken it seriously. She never thought she would cross paths with the
“Alright, enough of this. If you’re serious about investigating, you’ll need proper psychological evaluations,” Caleb said nonchalantly.“The best way to assess something like this is through clinical observation—watch for behavioral inconsistencies, memory gaps, or personality shifts. If you can, gather video footage of his daily life. That’s the only way to get a clearer picture. Otherwise, it’s just speculation.”Caleb made the remark casually, then swiftly issued a dismissal.“You came all the way here just to mess with me? What about your own situation? How’s that going?” Caleb’s sarcasm was dry and pointed. Hunter let out a long sigh. “What else could it be? Business as usual. Compared to others, I’m probably the only one with enough patience for this mess.” He was, of course, referring to his ongoing battle with Liam. Caleb gave him a small nod. “Alright, you should get going now. I need to rest. Don’t loiter around here.” Without hesitation, he waved his hand
Vera forced an awkward smile at Hunter before quickly retreating back into the bathroom to change. Hunter, watching her leave, couldn't help but smirk. “You’re really living the good life, huh?” he teased. “Didn’t expect you to have such luck.” Caleb rolled his eyes, clearly uninterested. “Enough with the nonsense. Why are you here? And who exactly were you talking about over the phone?” He didn’t want to entertain pointless banter, especially not about women. If he was being honest, even he couldn’t fully explain his feelings toward Luna. He wasn’t sure what was left between them—was it love, or just the remnants of something that had long turned sour? That pitiful look in her eyes earlier had shaken him. For a fleeting moment, he had wanted to pull her into his arms, to comfort her like he used to. But after so many years of being humiliated and pushed aside, he had forgotten how to even speak to her anymore. So instead, he did what was easiest—he change
Hunter spoke casually, his tone light. “Just someone, that’s all. Do you really need all these details?” Caleb was now certain of his suspicion. “Hunter, did you forget what I do for a living? I’m a doctor. If you’re asking me about this, I need to get a clear picture before I can give you an answer.” Hunter exhaled lightly. “That’s fair, but some things can’t be diagnosed right away.” Based on the information Yelena provided earlier, Hunter was only speculating about Liam. But Caleb was an expert in this area, so he specifically called to ask him.Still, explaining everything over the phone wasn’t going to work. “Forget it,” Hunter said. “This isn’t something I can explain over a call. Where are you? I’ll come over.” Caleb hesitated for a moment before glancing at Vera, who was still beside him. In the end, he gave Hunter the address to his villa. Hunter chuckled. “Haha. I’m surprised. You actually do go home to rest.” Caleb ignored the jab and tossed his p
“Call me Liam.” Before Yelena could finish speaking, Liam cut her off with a sharp, angry voice. She quickly nodded and corrected herself. “Liam, don’t worry. I’ll do exactly as you say. I’ll be good. I won’t make you angry again.” But Liam didn’t care. With a violent shove, he threw her to the ground. Yelena barely had time to brace herself before hitting the cold floor hard, pain radiating through her limbs. Liam, however, just looked down at her with a twisted grin, laughing like she was nothing more than a ridiculous joke. “You’d better learn fast,” he sneered. “And leave your hand broken for a few days—feel the pain properly.” “Alright.” Her voice was quiet, submissive. But Liam wasn’t listening. Without another glance, he turned and walked away. As she watched his retreating figure, Yelena felt a deep sense of dread rise in her throat. Liam wasn’t human. He was something far worse. Her future with him would be nothing short of hell.
Yelena had made her stance clear—her loyalty was with Hunter. But instead of being convinced, Hunter let out a sharp, mocking laugh. “You sure your loyalty is to me? Or is it just to money?” His words hit like a slap. Yelena stiffened, feeling the sting of humiliation. It was true. When she had been desperate, with nowhere left to turn, she had thrown herself at Hunter, begging him for help. If she had any other choice, if she hadn’t been pushed into a corner, she would have never given up her pride like that. Lowering her gaze, she spoke with measured calmness. “Mr. Hall, you gave me two hundred thousand dollars. You helped me when no one else did. That makes you my benefactor. And loyalty to one’s benefactor… that’s only right.” She didn’t dare meet his eyes, but her voice was firm. Hunter studied her for a moment before scoffing. “Enough with the useless talk.” His voice was cold and dismissive. “Just go back to Liam’s side and do what you’re suppose
Yelena needed to tell Hunter about this. But before she could finish, Hunter’s cold voice cut through her thoughts. She lowered her head. “This is just how I normally dress. I didn’t deliberately choose my outfit to seduce you, Mr. Hunter. Besides, your brother isn’t even interested in me.” She hesitated before adding, “That two hundred thousand…” Hunter narrowed his eyes. “What are you trying to say?” Seeing his growing impatience, Yelena clenched her fists, still looking down. “I mean exactly what I said. Any normal man wouldn’t turn down a woman who willingly throws herself at him. That night, Liam clearly said he would take me somewhere else… but when we got there, he never touched me. Ever since then, he treats me like I don’t even exist—like I’m nothing but air.” Hunter’s expression darkened instantly. “Are you implying something?” The implication in Yelena’s words was clear. She had just suggested that any normal man wouldn’t refuse a willing woman.