The Scapegoat’s Return Chapter 2

Later, I stepped onto the balcony to clear my head.

Caleb's slightly hoarse voice came from behind me.

"How have the past three years been?"

The wind gently rustled my hair, creating a moment of dramatic reunion. I turned, not missing the flicker of surprise and complexity in Caleb’s eyes.

"After all that alcohol, how's your stomach holding up?"

I didn't answer his question, prioritizing his health first.

Caleb unconsciously covered his stomach, his expression momentarily distant.

He'd always had stomach issues and was an incredibly picky eater. It took me a year to figure out his tastes and create a special, custom diet plan for him. Every day, I watched him eat, always carrying his medicine and healthy snacks.

Yet, I was ultimately defeated by the girl who would take him to eat street food.

Caleb quickly masked his surprise, looking at me with a complicated expression.

"You don't hate me?"

I shook my head. "It's all water under the bridge. We didn't have an unresolvable conflict. Besides, how does the saying go? No deal is still a good friendship."

Caleb chuckled, the tension between us dissolving.

He teased, "You've grown quite magnanimous."

I smiled back. "We just weren't meant to be a couple. That doesn't mean we can't be friends, right?"

In reality, after Caleb and I broke off the engagement three years ago, the relationship between our families became precarious. For the past three years, they've been commercial rivals, constantly engaged in open competition.

Now, everyone in the circle knows my parents dote on me and is impressed by Chen Group’s momentum. Many power brokers warned their children: Get on Jane’s good side, or at least don't cross her.

The moment I returned, I was flooded with invitations from old and new acquaintances. One more person, Caleb, didn't make much difference.

Besides, our two families didn't need to be so hostile. I believed Caleb's presence today was likely his family's attempt to ease tensions. After all, Preston Corp. was attracting too much attention and showing signs of strain; they didn't need a powerful rival like us.

Hearing the meaning in my words, Caleb's brow smoothed out. He walked up to me, and we leaned against the railing, facing opposite directions.

Our balanced, easy dynamic felt comfortable.

In my peripheral vision, a flash of a white skirt vanished around the corner.

I curled my lips.

The coming months were going to be very interesting.