Chapter 9 At my front door, Caleb was standing there holding a bouquet of roses, looking at me with this pathetic hopeful expression. I rolled my eyes, turned around in my heels, and started walking away while calling a moving company to pack up my stuff. Caleb chased after me, blocking my path: "Sloane, I booked that restaurant you love, got you those red roses you always liked." "Please forgive me?" ignored him and flagged down a cab. Caleb wouldn't let up: "If it makes you feel better, you can hit me. Beat the shit out of me if you want, okay?" Sloane, please, I literally can't live without you..." A taxi pulled over. I opened the door and turned around to smash those roses right into the ground. Right before getting in, I smiled at him sweetly: Oh, forgot to mention-Dad already pulled his investment from your company. And if you keep harassing me, I'll make sure you can't get work anywhere in his city." Actually, scratch that-I said that wrong. Vithout me and Dad propping him up, he was never going to make it anyway. didn't look back at his completely drained face, slammed the door, and headed to the airport. While I was checking in, Dad called to tell me he'd already had the kitchen prepare all my favorite dishes-the whole family was just waiting for me to land. He'd even cleared his schedule to take me sightseeing around the local attractions. knew we both missed each other. The tourism thing was just Dad's understated way of showing love. smiled softly and said that sounded perfect, then wheeled my suitcase onto the plane. munched on the pastries the bakery owner had given me while staring out the window. The view outside was just like my heart-calm and peaceful, but endless. hree months into my new life abroad, I met this blue-eyes guy. He was a businessman who spoke perfect English and French. nd he was absolutely incredible-not just in business, but in... you know, bed too. hese past few months of being completely spoiled had me living my best life-never lifting a finger, everything taken care of for me. Even Dad said Jason was poiling me rotten. ason just smiled and wrapped his arm around my waist to steady me when I got a little too bouncy, making sure I didn't fall. One morning while I was enjoying the breakfast Jason had made, the TV news announced that his company had just acquired some business. froze mid-bite and looked over at Jason. He was just reading his newspaper, but when he felt my stare, he casually picked up his coffee and took a sip. Darling, I was just evening the score for you." The company he'd bought out was Caleb's. pouted: "What's the point of acquiring some shitty little startup? You're being way too extra-I'm totally over all that ancient history." Jason just smiled: "Good to know." I raised an eyebrow, twirling my spoon playfully: "I don't think this was about evening any score for me, I think someone was settling his own scores." Jason gave me this helpless smile and started walking toward me. I kicked out at him, but he caught my foot smoothly. "Can't hide anything from you." He kissed my pouty lips and said quietly: "You're right, I was pissed. He had no idea how amazing you are." "But I'm also grateful-now I get to be the one who treasures you properly." 1 laughed and pinched his perfect nose: "Who would've thought the big shot business mogul would be such a petty little-ahh!" He suddenly scooped me up bridal style, totally owning up to my accusations while saying in this low voice: "I'm not just petty, I'm also incredibly greedy. Think you can keep up with me, Ms. Thompson?" We tumbled into the bedroom, laughing and teasing each other. Outside, it was a beautiful day. The night was still young.