Chapter 457
457
“Don’t you dare try anything! I’m warning you–if you hurt her, I’ll kill you!”
Zeke grabbed Zora’s wrist, his face twisted in pain as the sudden movement pulled at his injury. His eyes burned with anger as he glared at
her
He didn’t want Zora interfering with Caitlin–not to harm her, not to help win her back. He’d let go. He finally understood that loving someone didn’t mean possessing them. Watching her be happy was enough.
Zora yanked her hand free, her face turning cold.
“I just don’t get it. What’s so great about her that you’d defend her like this? I’m your sister–your blood. And she’s what? A stranger! Am I still
not better than her?”
“Don’t compare yourself to her. You’re not even in the same league.”
Zeke’s words were sharp and ruthless, and they stabbed straight through her pride.
“You’re such a fool!” Zora snapped. “You’d give her your heart, your life–do you really think she’ll be grateful? Think she’ll accept you? Love you? She’s already in another man’s arms! That kind of woman–why would you still throw yourself at her like this? One day, she’ll destroy you!”
The hatred in Zora’s heart deepened. He was her brother–if only he’d stand on her side and use the power of SY Capital Partners to back her up, they could crush Caitlin together.
But no–he just had to be this stubborn.
“Get out,” Zeke said through gritted teeth. “I don’t need you here.”
Zora realized she couldn’t change his mind and turned to leave.
Her mother was still waiting outside, but Zora didn’t care anymore. Let her wait if she wanted.
As she stepped into the elevator, the doors opened–and she ran straight into Caitlin.
The moment she saw her, Zora’s expression turned dark.
“What are you doing here?”
“Visiting Mr. Preston,” Caitlin replied simply.
“You don’t need to fake concern. He’s my brother. My mom and I are here–he doesn’t need you.”
“Even if Zeke is your brother, you don’t get to decide who’s in his life.”
Caitlin’s eyes were calm, her tone cool. “And who I visit? None of your business.”
“Hmph.”
Zora sneered. “Caitlin, you’re cunning. You sent Joshua, didn’t you? Just to trap us. That move of yours–downright vicious.”
Thinking back on it, she began to believe Joshua was part of Caitlin’s setup all along.
“You really think I planned all that? No, Zora—you chose to take shortcuts. You wanted to beat me, so you gambled. And you lost. That’s on
1/3
457
you . Don’t blame me for being ruthless. Business is war. If you go soft on your enemies, you’re just hurting yourself. I’m no pu mena
Zora wasn’t backing down, her tone still full of fire.
“You just wait. My mom’s handing the company over to me. Once I’m CEO, FII beat you with my own strength*
“Bring it on,” Caitlin replied, “I’ll be ready.”
The two women locked eyes, the air around them thick with tension.
Just then, the elevator opened again, and Sebastian stepped out. Seeing the standoff, he didn’t even acknowledge Zora. He walked straight over, gently placing an arm around Caitlin’s shoulder.
“I’m here,” he said softly. “Let’s go.”
They walked right past Zora as if she didn’t exist. Sebastian didn’t spare her a glance, treating her like air.
Zora stared after them, fury burning in her chest. One day, she swore, she’d destroy Caitlin and tear them apart.
Inside the hospital, Caitlin and Sebastian reached the room and found Ximena standing nearby.
“Mr. Vanderbilt, Caitlin,” Ximena greeted them politely.
Caitlin nodded, and Ximena spoke again, her voice apologetic.
“I just found out about the product launch incident. I’ve already scolded Zóra. I’m sorry for all the trouble she’s caused you.”
“No need to apologize , ” Caitlin replied. “TIG didn’t lose anything. Your company’s the one taking the hit.”
Ximena sighed.
“I don’t care much about the company anymore. I’ve left everything to Zora. If she messes up again, don’t hold back. Teach her a lesson–she needs to grow up.”
It was clear Ximena was preparing for her own end, tying up loose ends before her death. She knew she wouldn’t be around much longer, and she could only hope her daughter would learn before it was too late.
Caitlin and Sebastian entered the room. Zeke heard their voices and turned his head.
“Caitlin…”
“How are you feeling?” she asked, walking to his bedside with Sebastian beside her. “We came to see you.”
Zeke forced a smile. “Thanks.”
“I should be the one thanking you ,” Sebastian said sincerely. “If you hadn’t stepped in, I might’ve been the one shot. You saved me.”
“I didn’t do it for you. I just didn’t want Caitlin to get hurt.”
Zeke’s words were blunt, but honest–and a bit awkward. Silence settled over the room.
Caitlin broke the tension with a smile.
“Come to think of it, the last time you got shot was for me too. And now again? You really are unlucky.”
“Maybe I’ve got the makings of a human shield,” Zeke joked bitterly.
212‘
457
His self– deprecation lightened the mood . Caitlin laughed , and seeing her smile, Zeke laughed too . He’d finally realized that bein hen wasn’t so bad after all,
“ You know , Caitlin , ” Zeke said. “ You never used to smile. But now, you laugh all the time. It’s nice, I think only Sebastian can truly make happy . I wish you both the best . ”
Sebastian raised an eyebrow. “Seriously? No more rivalry?”
“I mean, look at me,” Zeke said with a shrug. “What kind of rival ends up in the hospital every time? Even the universe is telling me to quit .
Sebastian nodded and hugged Caitlin closer.
“Then rest up. I guess I’m the tougher one–I’ll be the one to protect her.”
Both Caitlin and Sebastian could feel Zeke had truly changed. He was no longer the obsessive man from before. It was time to bring him to their side for real.
Then Caitlin leaned in slightly and said,
“Zeke, there’s something you still don’t know. The truth about your past…
Do you want to hear it?”
AD