Page 54 of Tempting My Nemesis

I stand near the entrance of the grand ballroom, my hands on autopilot as I adjust my cufflinks and straighten my tie. The familiar motions ground me, a small anchor in the storm I know is coming. Around me, the air buzzes with laughter and the clink of champagne glasses, but I barely hear it. My focus is razor-sharp, scanning the crowd for any sign of trouble.

Everything's led to this moment. CipherClash is out there, waiting to strike. I have to stay sharp, keep control. But... Zoe. I can't let anything happen to her.

My eyes find her across the room, a vision in her evening gown. She exudes elegance, but I see the steel beneath. Our gazes lock, and we share a silent nod. She's ready. We're in this together.

I make my way to her side, my voice low as I lean in.

"It's starting. Stay close to me."

Zoe meets my eyes, her resolve matching my own.

"I'm not going anywhere, Caleb. We'll get through this together."

Pride and affection surge through me, warming my chest. She's more than I ever could have hoped for. We'll face this together, and we'll win.

Suddenly, the lights flicker, and the music cuts out. Confusion ripples through the crowd. My heart rate spikes, but I keep my expression neutral. This is it. The attack has begun.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spot movement. It's Asher, his usually carefree demeanor replaced by intense focus. He catches my eye and gives a subtle nod. The rest of the Silencebreakers are in position.

The ballroom erupts into chaos. Guests gasp as corrupted images flash across the screens, casting eerie glows over the room. The lights flicker, throwing everyone into momentary darkness before buzzing back to life. My phone buzzes with alerts, each one a reminder of the threat we're facing. I take a deep breath and focus.

"Secure the servers. Lock down all communication channels. We can't let them take control."

My fingers fly over the screen, issuing commands to the Silencebreakers. Panic and suspense hang in the air, but I can’t let it get to me. Every second counts.

The room shifts, and I sense him before I see him—Kane Holloway. He steps out of the shadows, a smug smile plastered on his face. Confidence radiates off him like a toxic cloud.

"Did you really think you could keep your lives separate, Caleb? Tonight, they both fall."

His words are like poison, but I don’t flinch. This confrontation was inevitable.

"You’ve made a mistake, Kane. You should have known better than to underestimate us."

Zoe appears beside me, her presence a steadying force. Her eyes are fierce, unyielding.

"You’ve terrorized Caleb long enough. It’s over.”

Her words send a surge of pride through me. She’s strong—stronger than I ever gave her credit for. But fear gnaws at me as CipherClash’s mercenaries close in.

I scan the room quickly. Asher is in position, his green eyes meeting mine with a look of grim determination. The rest of the Silencebreakers are ready, each one prepared for what’s coming next.

I shift my focus from my phone to the physical battle unfolding around us. The digital attack is only part of Kane’s plan; he wants blood tonight.

I glance at Zoe, her resolve bolstering mine. "Stay close," I murmur.

"I’m not going anywhere," she replies, her voice steady.

The first mercenary lunges at me, a knife glinting in his hand. I dodge and counter with a swift punch to his jaw, sending him sprawling backward. Another one charges at Zoe, but she sidesteps gracefully and delivers a knee to his stomach.

"Impressive," Kane taunts from the sidelines, watching us like a hawk.

Ignoring him, I focus on neutralizing the threats around us. My mind races through tactics and strategies as we fight side by side.

"Caleb!" Zoe calls out just as another mercenary grabs her from behind.

Without thinking, I react—my fist connects with his face before he can tighten his grip on her.

"Thanks," she breathes out as she regains her footing.

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