Chapter 1920
Vera’s heart pounded violently.
“It was human nature, wasn’t it? When you were at your lowest and someone told you they had your back. How could you not feel something?” she silently remarked.
But she forced herself to stay rational.
She knew this wasn’t because Caleb had feelings for her.
It was just who he was a man who took responsibility seriously.
The person in his heart wasn’t her.
So when she got home, she calmed down.
A few hours later, Caleb texted her, letting her know that he had arranged a meeting with Nash and had secured a dinner reservation. He sent over the time and location.
Vera nearly jumped in excitement.
“This is it! If I can lock in this deal, everything will turn around,” she muttered.
But then another thought hit her. She needed something appropriate to wear.
She hurried to her closet and started digging through it, tossing clothes aside in search of something suitable.
The commotion was loud enough to attract the attention of the only person still living in the house with her.
“Vera, what on earth are you doing in there?”
Her housekeeper, Aunt Tina, stood in the doorway, looking concerned.
After the Mason family went bankrupt, her father was hospitalized with a serious illness, and her older brother disappeared without a trace.
Their so-called relatives and family friends had all scattered, eager to distance themselves.
Only Aunt Tina, who had cared for her since she was a child, remained.
Vera had tried to send her away.
But Aunt Tina refused to leave.
So she let her stay, paying her wages as usual.
Even though the Mason family had fallen, thanks to Caleb and his father’s help, Vera still had some money on hand. And if this deal went through, their debts and her father’s medical bills would no longer be a problem.
Seeing Aunt Tina felt like seeing family. Without hesitation, Vera shared the good news.
“Aunt Tina, there’s hope for us.
“I have a meeting with a major investor. If it goes well, we won’t have to worry about our debts or Dad’s treatment anymore.”
Aunt Tina had watched Vera grow from a sheltered girl into someone who now carried the weight of the entire family on her shoulders.
She had always felt sorry for the girl.
Hearing this, she was genuinely happy but also a little worried.
“Do you think it’ll work?” she asked hesitantly. “The company went bankrupt. We lost all our projects. And the people who used to work with us… they may not be willing to anymore.”
Vera paused.
But then she straightened her spine, flashed a determined smile, and said, “We won’t know unless we
try.”
If she didn’t try, how would she ever know if it was possible?
Seeing her resolve, Aunt Tina immediately stepped forward to help her pick out an outfit.
Soon, it was time for the meeting.
After leaving the hospital, Vera hailed a cab to the restaurant.
When she arrived at the entrance, she spotted Caleb.
She had already prepared herself mentally, but she still felt nervous.
And when you’re nervous, seeing a familiar face makes all the difference.
Relief washed over her the moment she saw him.
“Dr. Smith, you’re here too.”
Despite their current arrangement,
they weren’t particularly close innét
private, so her greeting was still a little formal.
“Of course. I arranged the meeting, didn’t I?” Caleb replied casually, extending his hand toward her.
Vera blinked for a second before realizing what he meant.
They were supposed to be a couple.
She hesitated only briefly before linking her arm through his.
Together, they walked into the private dining room.
Nash was already there, waiting for them.
The moment he saw them enter,
something flashed across his
eyes an unreadable glint,
vel
accompanied by the faintest hint of a smirk.
But it was gone in an instant.
Vera frowned slightly.
Had she imagined it?
“Take a seat,†Nash said smoothly. “Let’s eat first. Then we’ll talk.”