Page 9 of Tempting My Nemesis

"What if I say no?" I challenge, though we both know the answer.

"Then Archer Innovations goes under," he replies without missing a beat.

His words hit like a punch to the gut. That outcome isn’t an option.

"I'll agree to your terms," I say resolutely, my voice firm despite the flutter in my chest. "Six months. That's all."

"Six months," Caleb repeats, his tone smooth and unwavering. He extends his hand, and I force myself to reach out and shake it. "It's a deal."

The moment our hands touch, a jolt of electricity shoots through me. His grip is strong, unyielding, and it sends an unexpected thrill down my spine. I swallow hard, keeping my face neutral.

"Just business, right?" I say, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course," Caleb replies with a smirk that sends a shiver through me.

I pull my hand back, breaking the contact, though the charged current lingers between us. This is strictly professional. I can't let myself get distracted by anything else.

"No strings attached," I add, needing to hear it one more time.

"No strings," he confirms, his voice low and steady. "Just mutual benefit."

As we finalize our agreement, the weight of what I've committed to settles on my shoulders. This isn't just about the company anymore—it's about stepping into Caleb Steele's world and playing by his rules.

I glance around his office, taking in the cold austerity of the space. It's so different from Archer Innovations—so different from me. But I'm determined to make this work.

Caleb watches me with an focus that makes my skin prickle. He’s so composed, yet there’s something in his eyes that tells me he’s not entirely unaffected by our arrangement.

I force myself to breathe evenly as I gather my things. But as I walk out of his office and the door closes behind me with a soft click, I can't shake the feeling that I've stepped into something far more complicated than I ever imagined.

I square my shoulders and head for the elevator, determined to keep my focus where it belongs—on saving Archer Innovations and honoring my father's legacy.

As the elevator doors close behind me, I take one last look at Steele Tower's sleek interior and remind myself once more: This is just business.

CHAPTER FOUR

CALEB

Headlines flash across my tablet, each one threatening to weaken the foundation of everything I’ve built."Steele's Latest Fling: Another Model, Another Mess." "Investors Question Steele Ventures' Stability Amid CEO's Wild Nights."The words blur together, a cacophony of doubt and judgment.

My jaw clenches. They don't understand. Every party, every woman—it's all been calculated, a carefully crafted image of the carefree billionaire. But now, with the TechFusion merger hanging in the balance, that image is becoming my undoing.

I toss the tablet aside and turn to the window, my view of the Metrotech City skyline a testament to what I've achieved. But it's not enough. Not when whispers of unreliability threaten to unravel everything.

That's when she dropped into my life. Zoe Archer. Young, brilliant, with a reputation as solid as bedrock. The perfect antidote to my poisoned public image. A relationship with her could be the shield I need, the stability that investors crave.

It's a risk, bringing someone so close. But as I look over her investment pitch, I know it's a necessary one. For six months, she'll be mine—in the public eye, at least. Six months to securethe merger, to silence the doubters, to prove that I have the same iron grip on my empire that I’ve always had.

I press the intercom. "Send in Ms. Archer."

The contract lies between us, an unspoken challenge. After all, an agreement only exists if it’s in writing. Zoe's fingers tighten around the pen, knuckles whitening. Her green eyes dart over the document, as if searching for hidden traps. I can see her anxiety, feel it in the air like static before a storm.

"This is a simple arrangement," I say, my voice steady. "Six months, public appearances together, and you’ll have the financial support you need. You’ll also need to move in with me—this way, everyone will know I’m serious."

She looks up at me, eyes sharp. "And in return, I play the role of your live-in girlfriend. Just like that?"

"Just like that." I lean back in my chair, watching her every move. "Unless you’d rather watch your company sink."

Her jaw tightens. She hates this. Good. She should.

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