Page 58 of Tempting My Nemesis

As our laughter subsides, I wipe a tear from my eye—this time from mirth rather than sorrow. "Oh god," I gasp, "can youimagine? Me, showing up at your door with a ouija board and my father's ghost in tow?"

Caleb grins, pulling me close. "I can see it now. 'Mr. Steele, I have an apology from beyond the grave. My father says he's sorry, and also, could you please invest in my company?'"

We dissolve into laughter again, the absurdity of the situation washing away the last of the tension between us. In this moment, I realize that we've truly turned a corner. We can face our past with humor and grace, ready to build our future together.

"We're not responsible for our parents' mistakes, Caleb," I whisper. "We have a choice—to break the cycle, to build something better."

"And we will," he says softly.

Caleb takes my hand, his touch warm and reassuring. He leads me toward the sliding doors that open to the beach, the sound of the waves calling us forward into our future.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

ZOE

EPILOGUE

The flash of cameras blinds me as we step into the ballroom. Caleb's hand tightens around mine, a silent reassurance.

"Zoe! Caleb! Over here!" A reporter waves frantically.

I plaster on my best smile, years of practice kicking in. "Ready for this?" I murmur to Caleb.

He leans in close, his breath warm on my ear. "Born ready. You?"

"As I'll ever be." I squeeze his hand and we move forward, a united front.

The ballroom is a sea of glittering gowns and crisp tuxedos. The room is dreamlike under the glow of shimmering chandeliers. It's hard to believe we're really here, like this.

"Ms. Archer! How does it feel to be expecting?" Another reporter thrusts a microphone in my face.

I rest my hand on my bump, pride swelling in my chest. "It's wonderful. We're thrilled."

Caleb's arm slides around my waist, protective and possessive. "We couldn't be happier," he adds, his voice warm.

As we make our way through the crowd, I can't help but marvel at how different this feels from our first event. Back then, we were pretending. Now, every touch, every glance, is real.

"You're glowing," an older woman gushes as we pass.

I smile, genuinely this time. "Thank you. It's been quite a journey."

Caleb leans in again. "You really do look incredible," he whispers, his lips brushing my cheek.

A shiver runs down my spine. "Behave yourself, Mr. Steele. We're in public."

His low chuckle sends warmth pooling in my belly. "Later, then?"

I bite my lip, fighting a grin. "Later," I promise.

The ballroom sparkles with life, a welcome change from the danger at the gala six months ago. Laughter and music fill the air as Caleb and I weave through the crowd, hands clasped together.

"Zoe! Caleb! Congratulations on your success," a guest beams at us.

I smile, warmth spreading through my chest. "Thank you. We're thrilled with how far Archer Innovations has come."

Caleb's thumb brushes over my knuckles, a subtle reminder of our connection. "And we're just getting started," he adds with a grin.

As we mingle, I can't help but marvel at how different everything feels now. The tension and uncertainty from before have melted away, replaced by a sense of accomplishment and joy.

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