Love Is Out of Balance

Chapter 4

I stared at Caleb in disbelief, then forced a bitter smile. Caleb bowed with a gentleman's salute before taking my arm, standing directly in front of Xavier.

"Ms. Lewis, why don't you come down from the stage with me? We can find a quiet place to talk in private."

I was grateful for Caleb's support, especially after the embarrassing scene just now. After stepping off the stage, we made our way to the dining area, grabbed two glasses of wine, and found a quiet corner to sit down. I looked at Caleb, still processing everything.

"Thank you for stepping in back there," I said. "But you were just joking, right?"

Caleb raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Why, can't you take me seriously?"

My expression stiffened. "Mr. Hall, don't make jokes like that. You know as well as I do that we come from completely different worlds. We're not a good match."

Caleb smiled, his gaze intense. "Ms. Lewis, do you really think I'm too good for you?"

I quickly shook my head. "It's not that... I'm just an ordinary, married woman. I'm not worthy of someone like you."

Caleb studied me for a moment, then spoke seriously. "First of all, status doesn't matter to me. I couldn't care less about it. Secondly, you're only 25, just like me. You're intelligent, graceful, dignified, and generous, everything I could want in a partner."

He paused, letting his words sink in. "And truth be told, I've been following your work for years. I read your paper on the future of global finance when you graduated. You've also patented multiple technologies in your company. Ms. Lewis, I work in finance myself, and your achievements have made a huge impact. My family comes from the same industry. I admire you not just for your intellect but for how much you've accomplished. You've been held back by that jerk, and I believe I could give you the space you need to truly succeed. I'd be a better fit for you than him."

His words caught me off guard. I had always assumed that rich kids like Caleb were only interested in shallow flings, but his deep understanding of the financial world impressed me. I felt a spark of interest in our conversation.

"It doesn't sound like you're talking about love," I said, smiling a little. "Sounds more like you're talking business."

Caleb raised an eyebrow again. "Who says love and business can't go hand in hand? Our family built our fortune in finance. The future head of the family and his wife have to understand the business if they're going to lead it together. Why not build something great together, open new business avenues, and lead the family to even greater success?"

I blinked, taken aback. "Well... this is all a little sudden. Plus, I'm still in the middle of divorcing Xavier. First of all, I really appreciate your sincerity, but I'll need to settle this matter before I consider anything further. Does that sound okay?"

Caleb grinned, his expression warm. "Of course."

We exchanged contact information just as a business associate approached Caleb. I excused myself and walked away, but before I could leave the area, I noticed Xavier and Nicole were no longer on stage. The event had moved on, and I felt no need to stick around.

Just as I was about to leave, Xavier appeared in front of me, his face hard and cold. Without warning, he grabbed my arm and yanked me into a small changing room. I tried to break free, my heart pounding.

"Xavier, what the hell are you doing? Why bring me in here?" I demanded.

His eyes flashed with anger. "Grace, how dare you! You humiliated me and Nicole on stage, and now you're running off with Caleb, the son of the richest man in town? Great, just great. When did you start sleeping with him behind my back? Are you so eager for a divorce so you can marry him?"

His words stung, but anger boiled in my chest. "You're out of your mind! You made this mess with Nicole, and now you're blaming me? I only met Caleb today! He stepped in because he couldn't stand seeing you treat me like dirt. And now you're accusing me? Xavier, you're disgusting!"

"You're the disgusting one!" he snapped. "Don't even think about getting a divorce so you can be with your lover!"

Suddenly, there was a loud thud. Xavier collapsed to the ground, and I froze.

"Who's her lover?" came a cold voice from behind me.

I turned to find Caleb standing there, his face an unreadable mask. I let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding.

"Caleb? What are you doing here?"

Caleb sneered at Xavier. "I knew this lowlife would come here to take revenge after you humiliated Grace on stage. See? I was right. Hey, scumbag, can you get up already and stop playing dead?"

Xavier struggled to rise, clutching the back of his head, his face a mix of guilt and fear. He looked at Caleb but didn't dare say a word. Caleb wasn't having any of it. He stepped forward and slapped Xavier across the face.

"I'm asking you again," Caleb said, his voice icy. "Do you have any proof that I'm Grace's lover? No? Then stop slandering me. You know that's illegal, right?"

Xavier quickly stammered, "I... I'm sorry, Mr. Hall. I said that in the heat of the moment. I apologize."

Caleb grabbed Xavier by the collar, turning to me. "Why are you apologizing to me? Apologize to Grace!"

Xavier's face went pale as he begrudgingly mumbled an apology to me. Caleb took a drag from a cigarette, the smoke blowing into Xavier's face.

"Mr. Walsh, now that you've made it public that you're with Nicole, stop wasting Grace's time. Divorce her already, or I'll be forced to meddle in your affairs. I'm a kind-hearted person, but even I can only take so much."

Xavier, now trembling, nodded. "Fine, Mr. Hall, I'll talk to Grace. But please, don't ruin my reputation in the business world..."

Caleb smirked. "That depends on how you handle this. And one more thing, don't ever harass Ms. Lewis again. If I find out you're bothering her, I'll be around to make sure you regret it."

Caleb gave me a wink, turned, and walked away, leaving me standing there, my thoughts racing.

I took a deep breath, looking down at my phone. "Tonight, Xavier... we're having that talk about the divorce."