Chapter 22 Tit for Tat
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Somehow, Caleb had stood behind Caroline, his eyes radiating cold arrogance.
William’s fists clenched. “You have no say here!”
Caleb ignored him and turned to Caroline. “If you don’t want to ruin this project, give those flowers back, sign this contract, and stay with Martin Group.”
With that, he handed over a contract.
It was clear. He’d invest in Supreme Sword, but Caroline had to stay with Martin Group indefinitely.
The deal matched everything Anthony offered.
For a game studio desperate for investment, it was an enticing offer.
“I know you rejected the offers publicly for attention,” Caleb said. “Now we can discuss this privately. The studio has been stagnant for years—everyone here knows what this kind of capital injection could mean. My demands are minimal. This contract won’t cost you anything.”
“Won’t cost me anything?” Caroline retorted. “Working with a jerk like you is already a loss. The mere thought of working for you makes me sick.”
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Chapter 22 Tit for Tat
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“Caroline!” Caleb finally snapped. “Have you read this contract? Even if you want to reject it, ask your team. Which one of them isn’t tempted?”
William looked over the document carefully, then said, “I’ve read it through. This contract just shows what a manipulative jerk you are!
“You think this piece of paper can trap her forever? Nice try, Mr. Martin. Who do you think you are to demand her compliance?”
Caleb finally deigned to look at William, his gaze pure contempt.
“You’re in no position to challenge me,” he said icily. “One more word, and I can make your game vanish from the industry today.”
“Enough!” Caroline interrupted, swinging the bouquet into Caleb’s face.
Dewdrops splashed across his features as flower stems scraped his skin, petals scattering over him.
Caleb’s face turned ashen, a red rash appearing where the flowers touched him.
He had a severe pollen allergy!
Edwin rushed to support his unstable boss. “Mrs. Martin, you
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Chapter 22 Tit for Tat
knew about Mr. Martin’s allergy.”
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“Of course I did,” Caroline shot back. “Just like he knew how much I hated staying at Martin Group, yet he tried to force me. So, isn’t that just fair play?”
She turned to Caleb. “You’ve sent me countless flowers, air–shipped from abroad. But no matter how carefully cultivated, they’d wilt in two days, leaving nothing but decay.
“These flowers in my hand now? They’re full of life. They’ll last a week in water. They’re not cheap–and I love them.”
Caleb glared at her through narrowed eyes, his chest heaving as the red rashes spread across his face.
He struggled to speak, “So you’d rather become my enemy? Be cornered with them? All to leave Martin Group?”
Caroline’s eyes were hard as she held up her phone.
“Yep, that’s my decision. I’ve recorded everything you just said. You tried to take over the Supreme Sword with threats and shady tactics. If you don’t want this video going public, pull back your contract!”
Caleb sneered. “I’d let you go even without the blackmail. Since you’re set on leaving, I hope Anthony finds you better work. Don’t come crawling back when you crash and burn.”
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Chapter 22 Tit for Tat
With that, he left.
ab
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In his car, Caleb pressed a hand to his forehead, fighting waves of allergic reaction.
In minutes, his throat had swollen so severely he could barely breathe.
If his family doctor hadn’t arrived promptly, his life might have been in danger.
Back then, whenever he’d had an allergy attack, she’d cried with worry, clutching his hand. He could still feel her tears hitting his skin.
Yet today, to escape him, she’d weaponized his allergy against him.
This Caroline was truly different from before.
Fighting to stay conscious, Caleb instructed, “Edwin, have HR issue a statement announcing Caroline’s dismissal.”
Soon, news of Caroline’s dismissal quickly went viral.
Shortly after, reports emerged of her joining the Supreme Sword studio.
Some paparazzi even captured photos of her in an intimate conversation with William.
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Chapter 22 Tit for Tat
The photos set off rumors.
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People speculated Caroline left Caleb and her high–paying job just for a fling with William.
Besides, Anthony’s role in her prison release surfaced.
Soon, rumors of multiple affairs spread like wildfire.
Yet Caroline seemed unfazed. The next morning, she arrived at the Martin Group as usual to complete her resignation paperwork with HR.
Returning to her office afterward, she heard a familiar voice.
“Hello, everyone! I’m looking forward to working with you all. I’m new to this role, so please guide me!”
“Of course! We’re glad to help. You didn’t need to bring treats!”
“Yeah, especially from that expensive café. Even Ms. Warren never splurged there!”
Michelle’s voice dripped with false sympathy. “Well, Ms. Warren has always been frugal. After all, she wasn’t born wealthy–the Martin family sponsored her since childhood. Being thrifty is a virtue, really.”
“What? She was actually a charity case? Yet she acts so superior!
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I thought she came from money!”
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“The poorest people often put on the biggest act,” someone chimed in. “She always seemed so aloof, but behind the scenes, she’s juggling multiple men. I heard she’s now with some young boy toy. Her cheating got her fired. She’s in for a rough time.”
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