Chapter 9 The night before Queenly Innovations hit the market, stress overwhelmed me. I was the last to leave the office. When I felt a familiar aching in my stomach, I finally remembered that I had forgotten to eat. When the elevator door opened, I saw that the lights in the lobby were still on, but no one was around. Caleb was leaning against the reception counter with an insulated bag beside his foot. Upon seeing me, he straightened up and frowned. "I knew you skipped lunch again. I'm just passing by. I brought stew." His tone was so casual that it sounded like he was talking about the weather. I was stunned. "Mr. Green, you-" "It was convenient for me." He interrupted me and determinedly picked up the bag. "Eat it while it's still warm." We went to the break room. The moment he opened the thermos, an appetizing scent filled the air. I could tell it wasn't takeout, but home-cooked. It had been left to simmer at the perfect temperature. When I took a sip, warmth filled my stomach. Caleb didn't say anything. He simply pulled out his laptop to handle some e-mails and silently accompanied me. The loneliness that haunted me faded away. The next day, during the final stage of the materials' review, I received an anonymous package. I opened it and saw Zachary and Julia's old intimate photos and a printed note. It read, "Did you think that Caleb likes you? He's just using you to take down Zachary.' My face paled, but I still forced myself to smile and entertain my clients. My heart was a mess. Caleb noticed something off with me and asked, "What's wrong?" I shook my head. His eyes darkened when he glanced at the half-opened package at the corner. During the banquet, his assistant rushed in and quietly gave him an update. Caleb's expression did not change. He simply nodded. The next day, the headline of the business news announced the collapse of one of my competitors. Caleb sent me a message. "I took out the trash for you." Then, he added, "My interest in you does not have anything to do with your ex-husband. I simply admire your capabilities and character. Trust me." 1/2 Chapter 9 As I stared at the screen, the wall that I had built around my heart started to crack. +25 Bonus Queenly Innovations went viral on launch day. Wearing a white suit, I stood in the trading center and smiled at the camera. Next to me stood Caleb in an equally magnificent suit. His demeanor was imposing, but he protectively leaned toward me. The reporter asked, "Ms. Scott, rumors say there's more to your relationship with Mr. Green. Would you say that you owe the success of Queenly Innovations' launch to Green Group?" Caleb snatched the microphone away before I could answer. His gaze swept across the venue. "Queenly Innovations' success was hard-earned. I'm simply an investor... and her admirer." The crowd went wild. He turned to me and looked into my eyes. Amplified by the microphone, his voice traveled across the room. "Queenie, would you grant me the honor of taking care of you as you continue to expand your career?" Everyone focused their cameras on my face. Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, I smiled and nodded without hesitation. "Yes." We immediately went viral with "#CalebsPublicConfession" and "#PowerCouple". The Internet's blessings filled the comment section. At the other end of the city, Zachary watched the livestream with a crappy phone, curled up under a bridge. Watching me smile happily in Caleb's arms, he chewed on his lip until it bled, yet he felt no pain. The hole in his heart continued to grow bigger and colder. "Queenie..." He mumbled as tears streaked down his dirty face. He had lost the woman who saw him as her world-me. The smell of rain and alcohol surrounded him. He smashed the phone, held his head, and screamed, "Mine... She was supposed to be mine!" The only answer he got was the cold night air and my glowing face on a distant billboard. He looked like a mad dog in the mud.