Chapter 235

With a resounding "slam," Caleb forcefully shut the menu. "Susan," he began, his voice laced with a bitter edge, "there's no need for you to constantly remind me of my wife and child. You hold no sway over my family, so don't flatter yourself by thinking otherwise."

The harshness of Caleb's tone sent a shiver down Susan's spine, causing her to tremble slightly. She was well aware of her inability to influence his family. The most she could anticipate was him imposing himself upon her, reducing her to the status of a mistress in a cruel act of humiliation. Could she harbor any hope of him divorcing his wife to be with her?

Caleb would never entertain such a thought.

And Susan wouldn't wish for it either.

She knew that persisting in this tangled affair would only lead to her own detriment. Thus, she was determined to sever the ties that bound them.

Regaining her composure, she ventured, "I just feel..."

"Your opinions are irrelevant. You're insignificant," Caleb retorted, his words stinging Susan, making her feel insignificant. A spark of anger ignited within her. "If I'm so worthless, then why do you seek my assistance in design work and insist on dining together? Have you lost your senses?"

"I do as I please. In this game, I hold the reins," Caleb declared arrogantly. "You betrayed me once, and now you must endure the consequences."

Betrayed him? The irony was palpable. It was Caleb who had been unfaithful. Susan had only discovered that she was the other woman when Grace, his wife, had confronted her. Caleb had concealed his infidelity so skillfully that she hadn't suspected a thing.

Susan was no fool. She knew that Caleb's initial affection for her had been genuine, but so had his deceit. What was even more absurd was his promise of marriage.

In America, the law didn't permit polygamy.

Susan swallowed her anger and resentment, knowing that voicing her feelings would only make the situation more volatile. Yet, Caleb had the audacity to accuse her.

Their faces were etched with discomfort, and the air was thick with tension.

"Caleb, is that you? What a coincidence," a suave gentleman interjected, approaching them. His gaze lingered on Susan's face for a moment too long, clearly harboring unsavory intentions.

"And who might this lovely lady be?" he inquired.

"She's a designer. Her name is Susan," Caleb replied, taking a sip of water, his voice betraying a hint of suppressed anger.

"Ah, a beauty with brains. I'm Hotch Williams, a friend of Caleb's."

Forcing a smile, Susan extended her hand, "Mr. Williams."

As they shook hands, Hotch held on a moment too long. Susan quickly withdrew her hand, a sense of unease washing over her.

Caleb frowned, clearly displeased with Hotch's audacity.

Just then, Susan's phone rang. It was Victoria, reminding her to return home for dinner. Pushing her chair back, Susan rose to her feet, "Excuse me, I need to take this call."

Hotch's gaze remained fixed on her. "Bro, is this woman yours?"

"No," Caleb denied coldly.

"So, you've had an affair with her, haven't you? Don't bother denying it. I can see right through you," Hotch smirked. "She must be quite the enchantress to keep a respectable family man like you out so late. I have a weakness for such seductive women. I bet she's a wild one in bed."

Caleb's grip on his water cup tightened, a flicker of anger crossing his eyes. However, Hotch, caught up in his own excitement, failed to notice the storm brewing in Caleb's gaze.

"Do you see? Since you've had her, why not let me have a taste too? Let's all share this beauty. We grew up together after all. If she's been with you, then she's mine as well. What do you say?"

'What do I say? I want to kill you,' Caleb thought, his fury simmering beneath the surface.

"Are you reluctant to let her go? Have you developed genuine feelings for this woman?"

"Is she even worthy?" Caleb retorted.

"So, I can have her?"

"Go ahead," Caleb responded, his voice laced with deliberate calm.

"Well, you said it. I have your permission," Hotch exclaimed, his face lighting up with glee. "Then I will have a wonderful night with her tonight."

Tonight was going to be fantastic!

Hotch rubbed his hands together in anticipation.

Meanwhile, Susan returned after finishing her call, her mood sinking even lower.

Thinking of her baby boy's disappointed face in the video, she wished she could hurl a glass of water in Caleb's face.

Hotch, brimming with enthusiasm, asked, "What kind of designer is Susan?"

"Architectural."

"That's impressive! What school did you graduate from?" Hotch's enthusiasm grated on Susan, but she suppressed her irritation and answered his question.

"Paris Design Institute."

"With your beauty and talent, you must have many admirers around you."

"Always," Caleb interjected abruptly.

Susan found his remark particularly biting. Why did Caleb take pleasure in mocking her? What was his issue?

"Indeed. Beautiful women like you never lack admirers. If you are single, you should give me a chance too."

Hotch was a trust fund kid who had plenty of money. He was full of confidence in himself, but little did he know that he was the kind of person Susan despised the most, akin to a cockroach.

Susan had encountered many trust fund kids like Hotch. They relied on their wealth and treated women as playthings. They would aggressively pursue them, believing that they could take them to bed in just one night and then discard them like trash.

Oh, birds of a feather flock together. Perhaps Hotch and Caleb were cut from the same cloth, either engaged or married with children. They were both scoundrels who were not bound by marriage, family, or morality.

Susan was planning to reject him coldly when suddenly a voice drifted over from across the table.

"She can never have too many lovers. Certainly, she is willing to say yes to you." Caleb's voice was icy.

This statement completely infuriated Susan.

Susan may be tolerant, but she had her limits.

In that instant, Susan changed her mind about rejecting him. Her expression and tone of voice shifted. She looked at Hotch with alluring eyes and said, "Don't make fun of me."

Hotch was enticed by Susan's smile. Seeing her attitude towards him change, he became even more enthusiastic. He moved closer and said, "I never joke. I've always been serious when it comes to beauties."

Susan lazily rested her chin on her hand, behaving like a seductive cat, her eyes sparkling. "Are you interested in design, Hotch?"

"Yeah. I just bought a villa last week. How about you designing it for me?"

"Okay, it would be my pleasure," Susan said, her smile growing even more seductive.

Across the table, Caleb's face turned icy.

"I have several villas under my name which I can give you. Susan, we should get to know each other better."

"I was thinking the same," Susan replied.

Suddenly, Susan felt a light kick under the table.

She glanced at Caleb across from her, 'Is he doing this on purpose? What is he up to? Despicable.'

"Hotch, I need to go to the restroom," Susan said.

Hotch's eyes were filled with lust, and he couldn't take his eyes off Susan. Smirking, he asked, "Do you want me to accompany you?"

"Annoying," she retorted.

"Bang!" Caleb slammed his glass down heavily.

"Susan is so provocative! I'm nearly being swayed by her..." Hotch excitedly said, growing restless. "I bet she's wild in bed, right?"

Caleb's expression was cold as he stood up and left in large strides.

Susan entered the restroom.

She furrowed her brows and shook her head.

What was she doing just now? Was it necessary to degrade herself just to annoy Caleb?

It was foolish to punish herself for someone else's mistake.

Susan made up her mind. She would find an excuse to leave shortly.

She was not a plaything for these wealthy men.

After washing her hands, she suddenly looked up.

There, in the mirror, she saw Caleb's figure.

Caleb stood there, his expression frosty.