Page 15 of Tempting My Nemesis

As we navigate through the crowd, every glance feels like a spotlight, every murmur like a critique. My insecurities grow with each step, making me question whether I can truly hold my own in Caleb’s world. But I won’t let them see that doubt. Not tonight.

Caleb stops to speak with an older gentleman in a tuxedo who looks important—probably someone powerful in Caleb’s sphere. The man’s gaze flickers over me briefly before returning to Caleb.

“Zoe Archer,” Caleb introduces me smoothly. “This is Richard Pembroke.”

Richard nods politely. “A pleasure.”

“Likewise,” I reply, hoping my voice sounds more confident than I feel.

The conversation drifts into business matters—topics that remind me of why I'm really here—to save Archer Innovations from ruin.

“Are you alright?” Caleb asks quietly when there’s a lull in conversation.

“I will be,” I answer honestly. His concern surprises me—it’s not something he shows often—but it makes this moment feel slightly less daunting.

He nods and turns back to the conversation with Richard Pembroke, but his hand remains on the small of my back, keeping me tethered to reality.

The evening stretches ahead like an endless sea filled with challenges and judgments waiting around every corner. But standing here beside Caleb—even if only for tonight—I’m determined not to drown.

I take a sip of champagne, the bubbles tickling my palate as I try to engage in small talk with the women around me. There’s so much going on around me; the sensory overload only amplifies my anxiety.

I glance over at Caleb, who is deep in conversation with another CEO. His eyes flicker toward me occasionally, a silent assurance that he’s watching. It’s both comforting and a reminder of how much I rely on him in this moment.

One of the women, a tall blonde in an emerald gown, turns her attention to me.

“So, Zoe, what exactly do you do?” she asks, her tone dripping with faux politeness.

I straighten my shoulders, forcing confidence into my voice. “I run Archer Innovations, a renewable energy company.”

“Impressive,” she says with a slight smirk. “It’s rare to see someone in our circle with such… noble endeavors.”

I bristle slightly at the insinuation but keep my tone polite. “I believe in what we’re doing.”And that’s more than I can say for the rest of you, I think to myself, but I manage to hold my tongue.

Why does it feel like I’m being sized up for something more than just conversation? I sneak another glance toward Caleb.

The blonde woman continues, her eyes sharp and assessing.

“How did you end up here with Caleb? He’s quite selective about his company.”

Her words are polite enough, but there’s an edge to them that makes my skin prickle. I force another smile.

“We’re working on a project together,” I say simply, not wanting to give too much away.

“Interesting,” she replies, her gaze lingering on me a moment longer before turning back to her friends.

The conversation drifts away from me, leaving me feeling even more like an outsider. Just smile and nod, I remind myself as I listen to the idle chatter around me. Don’t let them see how nervous you are.

Every comment feels like a hidden barb, every glance like a judgment. The sharp scent of perfume mingled with the floral arrangements is almost too sweet, making my head swim.

My anxiety spikes when I notice a man approaches me, his all too sharp smile not quite reaching his calculating eyes. I recognize him as Kane Holloway, the CEO who caused Caleb’s intense reaction at the last gala. He tilts his head, studying me as if I'm an exhibit on display.

The memory of Caleb's protective stance when we encountered Kane a few weeks ago flashes through my mind. There's clearly a history between them, though I don't know the details.

"So, Zoe… tell me, what's it like being involved with someone like Caleb Steele?"

My heart races, but I force a polite smile.

"I'm not sure what you mean."

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