Page 56 of Tempting My Nemesis

"It was touch and go for a while there, but we pulled through."

"That's what happens when you have the best team backing you up," Riley adds, her eyes shining with admiration as she looks at her husband.

Liam, usually reserved, pulls Nova closer.

"We couldn't have done it without everyone's unique skills."

Nova beams up at him.

"And to think, a few years ago, you all were lone wolves. Look at you now, a real pack."

I feel a surge of affection for my team—my friends. They've become more than just colleagues; they're family. And now, with Zoe by my side, I feel complete in a way I never thought possible.

"Speaking of packs," I say, clearing my throat.

All eyes turn to me, and I can feel Zoe's curious gaze.

"I'd like you all to meet someone special." I take a deep breath, my heart racing. "This is Zoe, my girlfriend."

Zoe's eyes widen in surprise, but before she can say anything, I lean in and kiss her softly. It's a public display of affection I've never allowed myself before, but with Zoe, it feels right.

When we part, I see the shocked expressions on my friends' faces. Dom is the first to recover, a grin spreading across his face.

"Well, I'll be damned," he chuckles. "Never thought I'd see the day Caleb Steele introduced a girlfriend, let alone kissed her in public."

Aria playfully swats his arm. "Don't tease him, Dom. It's sweet."

"Sweet? It's downright miraculous," Nate chimes in. "Remember how Caleb always said he'd never do relationships?"

Riley nods, smiling warmly at us. "It's wonderful to see you so happy, Caleb. And Zoe, welcome to the family."

"Family?" Zoe asks, her voice soft with wonder.

Nova steps forward, taking Zoe's hand.

"That's what we are. A slightly dysfunctional, super-secret hacker family, but a family nonetheless."

Liam nods in agreement. "And now you're part of it too, Zoe."

I look down at Zoe, my heart swelling with emotion. "Is that okay with you?" I ask softly.

Zoe's eyes meet mine, filled with warmth and love. "More than okay," she whispers. "It's perfect."

As we stand there, surrounded by my team—our family—I realize that this is what I've been fighting for all along. Not just to protect my empire or to right past wrongs, but to find a place where I truly belong. And with Zoe by my side and the Silencebreakers around us, I know I've finally found it.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

ZOE

I step into the beach house, the quiet a balm on my frayed nerves. The chaos of the past few weeks feels distant here, replaced by a serenity I haven't felt in ages. I breathe deeply, savoring the scent of salt and sun that fills the air.

"God, it's beautiful," I murmur, moving towards the windows.

My fingers trace the cool glass before I unlock them, pushing them open wide. The breeze rushes in, carrying in the rhythmic sound of waves and the tang of the ocean. It's as if nature itself is trying to cleanse us of our lingering doubts and fears.

I turn to look at Caleb, struck by the change in him. Gone is the tightly wound man I first met, replaced by someone more at ease, more open. His eyes, usually so guarded, now hold a warmth that makes my heart skip.

"I can see why you love it here," I say softly. "It feels like... a fresh start."

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