Page 8 of Tempting My Nemesis

Caleb leans back in his chair, fingers steepled under his chin. “You need more than just capital,” he says, his tone smooth and measured. “You need stability, direction—someone to guide you through this.”

“I know my company inside and out,” I counter, trying to keep my confidence from wavering. “I just need a chance to prove it.”

He taps his pen against the desk, contemplating. His gaze never leaves mine, and for a moment, I wonder what he’s thinking. Is he impressed? Or does he think I’m wasting his time?

I watch him closely, trying to gauge any reaction from his unreadable facade.Come on, Steele. Just say yes, I think desperately.

“You’re asking me to invest a significant amount of money into a failing company,” he says finally. “I have a hard time justifying that kind of handout without any regulation of how those funds are used.”

He leans back again, considering. The silence stretches on, each second amplifying my anxiety.

“I’ll need to see more than just projections and promises,” Caleb says finally. “I’ll need proof that Archer Innovations can deliver.”

“You’ll have it,” I promise.

“Very well,” he replies, his voice cool and controlled. “I’ll review your materials and get back to you with my decision.”

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. It’s not a yes—but it’s not a no either.

“Thank you,” I say softly.

Caleb nods curtly.

I gather my things quickly, trying to maintain my composure as I leave his office. The door closes behind me with a soft click, and only then do I allow myself to breathe deeply.

Days stretchon in a haze of anticipation and sleepless nights. Each morning, I wake with hope, checking my phone for the message that will buoy me in my hour of need. I replay our meeting in my mind, analyzing every word, every look. The memory of his cool demeanor and piercing gaze haunts me, the intense chemistry between us lingering like a shadow.

I feel the clock ticking on my father’s legacy, my determination to save Archer Innovations a constant companion. I navigate meetings and phone calls with potential investors, all while the uncertainty of Caleb’s decision looms over me, a dark cloud that I can’t shake.

Finally, the moment arrives when I receive a text from Caleb's assistant, summoning me back to Steele Tower. My heart races as I make my way to his office, hope and dread battling within me, each step escalating the tension building in my chest.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady the whirlwind inside me. The formal pitch is over, but Caleb's expression remains unreadable. He leans forward, his tone shifting ever so slightly, catching me off guard.

"I'll make the investment," he says calmly. "But on one condition."

My heart skips a beat. "And what condition is that?"

"You'll pretend to be my girlfriend for the next six months." He meets my gaze with unwavering intensity. "Help maintain my public image."

Girlfriend? My mind reels. This is not what I expected. "Your... girlfriend? What does that have to do with business?"

"Everything," he replies coolly, a slight smirk tugging at his lips. "If you want my help, you'll agree to this arrangement."

The room seems to shrink around us. "Why?" I demand, my voice sharper than I intended. "Why would you need me for that?"

"My public image… is complicated," he explains, his eyes never leaving mine. "I need something to lend my image more stability, and you need my help. It's a simple trade."

Is he serious? Is this the price I have to pay to save my father's legacy? My mind races with conflicting thoughts and emotions.

Caleb watches me carefully, gauging my reaction.

I bite my lower lip. Can I really agree to this? Do I have any other choice?

"You can't be serious," I say finally, though my resolve wavers.

"I am," Caleb states plainly. "Take it or leave it."

The tension between us thickens, charged with an undercurrent of something I can't quite name.

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