Page 55 of Tempting My Nemesis

"We’re not done yet," I reply grimly.

Kane watches us with cold amusement. "You’re putting up quite a show."

"And you’re only delaying the inevitable," I snap back at him.

He smirks but doesn’t respond. He knows he’s hit a nerve—and he’s relishing every moment of it.

The room around us is a cacophony of shouts and frantic movement. I can see Zoe out of the corner of my eye. She’s not just here for the ride—she’s ready to fight.

She reaches into her purse and pulls out a small canister of pepper spray, her fingers wrapping tightly around it. I feel a surge of pride and concern mix in my chest, but I focus on the task at hand.

Zoe steps forward as a CipherClash mercenary approaches. Her movements are deliberate, her expression steely. The man underestimates her—a fatal mistake. She raises the canister and sprays him directly in the face. He recoils, clutching his eyes, groaning in pain.

Next, she pulls a taser from her purse and presses it to his side. The mercenary convulses before collapsing to the floor. Zoe stands over him, breathless but victorious. She's more than capable; she's formidable.

But there's no time to bask in victory. Zoe turns her attention to the panicked crowd, her voice cutting through the chaos.

"Everyone, please remain calm! Follow me to the emergency exit!"

She moves swiftly, guiding terrified guests towards safety. Her presence is commanding, her instructions clear and reassuring. I watch in awe as she directs people away from the danger, her quick thinking saving lives.

With Zoe securing the guests' safety, I turn my attention back to the physical battle at hand, knowing we have what it takes to confront Kane and end this once and for all.

I adjust my stance, grounding myself for the confrontation ahead. The ballroom is chaos, CipherClash's mercenaries battling my security team. My eyes lock onto Kane, standing with that infuriating smirk plastered on his face. He thinks he has the upper hand.

"You're just like me, Caleb," Kane mocks, his voice dripping with disdain. "Willing to do whatever it takes, no matter the cost."

My jaw tightens. I've waited too long for this moment to let him get under my skin. I take a step forward, muscles coiled and ready.

"The difference is," I say firmly, "I'm not alone. I've got something worth fighting for—people worth fighting for."

Kane's smirk falters for a split second, but he quickly recovers. His eyes flash with something dangerous as he lunges at me. My training kicks in; every move is calculated, precise. I disarm him in one fluid motion, sending his weapon skittering across the floor. With a swift pivot, I bring him down.

Kane struggles beneath me, reaching for a concealed weapon. Before he can act, the authorities—tipped off by the Silencebreakers—burst into the room. They descend on him, pulling him away in handcuffs.

The screens around the room flicker to life, displaying irrefutable evidence of Kane's crimes. Murmurs ripple through the remaining guests as realization dawns on them.

Breathing heavily, I turn to find Zoe. She's already by my side, her eyes filled with a mix of relief and pride.

"We did it," I whisper softly, pulling her close. "Together."

"We make a good team," she whispers back, her voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through us both.

I smile, holding her tighter. In this moment of triumph and upheaval, we stand united.

The ballroom begins to return to order as CipherClash's remnants are dismantled piece by piece. Zoe and I stand side by side, ready to face whatever comes next.

As the commotion settles, I spot the rest of the Silencebreakers making their way towards us. Dom leads the group, his arm protectively around Aria's waist. Behind them,Nate and Riley walk hand in hand, while Liam has his arm draped over Nova's shoulders.

"We did it, team," Dom says, his voice filled with pride and relief.

Aria looks up at him, concern etched on her face. "Are you okay? That was intense."

Dom kisses her forehead softly.

"I'm fine, Ri. We all are, thanks to our combined efforts."

Nate nods in agreement, his hand still clasped tightly with Riley's.

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