Page 47 of Tempting My Nemesis

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CALEB

I sit in the lair, surrounded by the cold glow of screens and the hum of servers. My fingers tap rhythmically on the keyboard, trying to drown out the silence that’s become unbearable. Numbers and lines of code blur together, each one a futile attempt to escape my thoughts. The ache in my chest is relentless, a hollow pain that gnaws at me.

Focus, Caleb. You have a war to win.

But… why does it feel so hollow without her?

My mind drifts back to Zoe, to the last time I saw her. The hurt in her eyes, the way she looked at me—it’s a wound that refuses to heal. I try to push it away, but the memory clings like a shadow. The isolation that once brought me solace now feels like a prison.

A notification pings on one of the screens, jolting me out of my thoughts. My eyes flick to the alert. Unusual activity related to Zoe. My heart skips a beat as tension coils in my gut.

What the hell is this?

I dive into the data, scanning through logs and reports with laser focus. Each line reveals more about CipherClash’s latest move. It’s not just an attack on Archer Innovations—they’vetargeted Zoe directly. The leaked information includes our fake dating contract, and the media frenzy is pushing her company to the brink.

They’ve crossed a line. This isn’t just business anymore—they’re coming after her. I can’t let them hurt her.

Protectiveness surges within me, mingling with anger. My fingers drum against the desk as I mutter to myself. "I’m going to find who’s responsible… and end this." There’s no place in my life for traitors.

I scan my own systems for signs of betrayal, searching for whoever leaked the contract. Each click brings me closer to uncovering the truth, but also heightens my fear for Zoe’s safety. I won’t let them touch her.

The lair feels colder than ever, every beep and hum of technology a reminder of how isolated I am without her warmth. The data streams across the screens, but all I see is Zoe’s face—the vulnerability she showed me and the strength she possesses.

This has to end now.

I tighten my grip, focusing on one objective: protect Zoe at all costs. Never let them hurt her again.

I sift through encrypted messages and data breaches, each revelation driving my determination deeper.

I pace the length of my lair, running my hand through my hair. The cold glow of screens casts eerie shadows on the walls. My thoughts race, weaving strategies to counteract this attack. Each step brings me closer to resolving this crisis. My mind fixates on one fact: someone within allowed this breach.

Someone I trusted.

I stop mid-step, eyes narrowing at the ongoing security audits displayed on my monitors. My fingers drum against the desk rhythmically as I mentally review my next steps. I order a full internal audit of all communication channels within Steele Ventures and Silencebreakers. The betrayal eats away at me.

The realization that keeping Zoe at arm’s length isn’t an option anymore settles heavily in my chest. She needs protection—not just from external threats but from the shadows lurking within my own walls.

As the audit progresses, one of my team members flags an anomaly: the leak originated from my assistant’s machine. My pulse quickens as I dig deeper into the logs. It becomes clear—she wasn’t a willing participant. A sophisticated phishing attack compromised her laptop, giving Kane temporary access.

Damn it.

I find her in her office, looking pale and shaken.

“You made a mistake,” I say calmly but firmly. “But it’s one we can learn from.” Her eyes widen, relief mingling with guilt.

“From now on, mandatory cybersecurity training for everyone. No exceptions.”

She nods, tears brimming in her eyes. I can’t afford to dwell on it further; there’s work to be done.

Back in the lair, I call my head of security, Luke. The phone barely rings once before he answers.

"Luke, we have a situation," I growl, my voice low and dangerous. "I was compromised, and now Zoe is exposed. This can’t go any further."

"Sir?" Luke's voice is alert, ready for action.

"I want Zoe's security detail tripled, not doubled. Full surveillance, 24/7. I want to know every move she makes, every person she talks to. If a leaf falls near her, I want to know about it."

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