Chapter 14

"Do you have any actual proof? Like Caitlin's drafts, or some other solid documents?" Samantha's tone was chilly. Ethan shook his head, frustrated. "No. But I thought if we went together, it'd have more impact—you calling them out in person would hit harder, right?" "So your plan is to drag Caitlin's company down with them? Go out with a bang and leave nothing behind?" Her detached attitude only made him feel even more defeated. "I just want to get justice for Caitlin!" There was a flicker of deep resentment in his eyes. Samantha let out a short laugh. "She worked her ass off to build that company. You think she'd want to see it crash and burn? Is she supposed to smile from above while you wreck everything?" "And what, just let those two walk away with the investment and live their best lives?" Ethan snapped, fists slamming onto the table. His voice was low and tight with anger. "I can't swallow that!" Samantha scoffed. "Without solid evidence, who the hell is gonna believe us? The moment I speak out as Caitlin and Alexander's wife, the whole internet's gonna explode. Ten minutes flat. Headlines about her ex and copied designs plastered everywhere. Even if nobody knows who's right, the mess is guaranteed." Ethan looked suddenly shaken, the color drained from his face. "I didn't think it through... So that's it? Nothing we can do for Caitlin?" "No, that story needs to come out. We will make it public. Not just that—we're taking back her award-winning work and making them crawl and beg. But it's not time yet." Ethan blinked, thrown off. "Samantha, what are you really planning?" Samantha took a sip of her cola, her gaze calm and unwavering. "You shouldn't go to the party this afternoon. There's nothing meaningful you can do there—it'll only mess with your head. Let me handle this. I'll call you in when I need you." Ethan quietly ate, nodding slightly. After she finished speaking, he stared at her, dazed and confused. "These past few days... every time I see you, I almost think Caitlin's still here. But then you speak, and I'm yanked right back. Everything you say, how you look—just screams that you're Samantha, not Caitlin." Samantha sneered. "Ethan, Caitlin was never really by your side. You pushed her away. Again, and again. All because you were too weak and too stupid." His fork clattered to the floor. His face went pale, chest heaving. It took him a moment to force the words out, almost whispering, "Samantha... for your sister's sake, don't cut that deep." Suddenly, the loud buzz of the restaurant went dead silent. Everyone in the restaurant froze, all turning toward the entrance where a strong, cold presence seemed to suck all the air out of the room. Alexander had arrived. The vibe he gave off was intense enough to make the whole place shiver. His expression was pure ice, that slight crease between his brows radiating pressure. He strode over to Samantha, voice low and cold, "Caitlin, what are you doing here?" The entire room could feel the chill in his tone—but Samantha? She didn't even blink. Calmly dunking food into the pot, she didn't bother to look up. "What does it look like? I'm eating seafood boil. Not that hard to figure out." Lucas, who had heard all kinds of wild stories today about Samantha's stunt last night, nearly choked on air hearing her talk to Alexander like that. He suddenly felt a chill crawl down his spine. Did she just call him dumb? Seriously? If Alexander is dumb, then the whole world's full of idiots.Lucas was practically holding his breath for this fierce woman. Ever since he started working with Alexander, not a soul had dared speak to him like that. Messing with Alexander? Yeah, that was pretty much asking for a one-way trip to trouble. "There's perfectly good food at home—why settle for this greasy mess?" Alexander muttered, face dark as ever, yet casually dropped himself into the seat next to Samantha. Lucas's eye twitched. Seriously? After being given the cold shoulder twice, the man wasn't flipping the table or storming out. Instead, he actually sat down right next to his so-called rival to share a meal. Since when did he become so chill? Sam shifted away from him, clearly grossed out. "Alexander, did you hit your head? Thought you just said seafood boil was greasy mess." Alexander wrinkled his nose and said, dead serious, "I'll allow it once. No next time." Lucas's lips twitched again. Oh no. What was happening to his boss's tone? That wasn't annoyance... it was borderline doting. Creepy. Since Alexander had barged in, chatting about Caitlin with Ethan was off the table. So Samantha just focused on the food. Alexander's sharp gaze flicked to Ethan. "Do you always have this much free time?" "Happened to be free today. Just thought I'd grab a meal with Caitlin," Ethan replied with a light smile. "Next time, check my schedule first," Alexander cut in, not even trying to sound polite. Sam turned to glare at him. "Why should I adjust my plans for you just to have lunch with someone?" "I asked you out today first," Alexander shot back, his eyes locked on hers. "And you bailed on me to come here with someone else." Lucas was frozen on the other side, eyes wide. Whoa. The tension in here? You'd think this was some soap opera. And Alexander... was that jealousy hanging over his head? He leaned in and squinted at Alexander's sulking face. Yep. No doubt. That man was totally jealous. Lucas had known Alexander for years and not once had the guy ever acted like this over a woman. Normally it was women fighting tooth and nail for his attention. "I never agreed to that," Samantha said testily. "Told you I was going out to shop." "What a coincidence. I was shopping too," Alexander said, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Whatever," she groaned, clearly annoyed. "You're wearing the shirt I planned to wear this afternoon. Now I gotta buy another," Alexander said, glancing at the shirt she had on, eyes narrowing. Damn, though. She wore it well. "Caitlin!" Before Samantha could snap back, Ethan stood up out of the blue, a bit on edge. "Mr. Perkins. I've got something to handle at work. Gotta run. Enjoy your meal—on me." Alexander didn't say a word. Lucas, quick on his feet, got up to walk Ethan out. Watching Ethan leave, Lucas squinted again. Boss was slick with that dog food move. Didn't even have to lift a finger—just swooped in and shut it all down. "That guy? Stay away from him," Alexander said the second Ethan was gone, voice dropping cold. "How about no?" Sam rolled her eyes hard. "I don't like him," Alexander huffed. "Why on earth would I care what you like?" Samantha's voice dripped with disdain. She swore this guy tested her patience more than anyone. "Caitlin," Alexander said, voice deep and so serious it made her blink. "Pick out a few more outfits later, alright? What you wore in the past doesn't fit you anymore." Lucas just about choked on his tea. Wait, what? That tone. That name. Wasn't he about to start a fight? Nope. Alexander had just flipped the switch from battlefield mode straight into caring-boyfriend territory like it was nothing. Talk about emotional whiplash.