Chapter 8: Old Arguments, New Rules

Caleb was humiliating me.

His words stung, but I held my ground. I wouldn’t let him see how much it hurt.

Useless—I was shameless.

I squared my shoulders, forcing myself to meet his gaze. There was no dignity left to lose.

I tilted my head, my nose almost touching his.

“…Of course,” I said sincerely, “as long as you want.”

I let my voice go soft, a challenge and a surrender all at once.

Caleb seemed even angrier.

His eyes flashed, rage flickering just beneath the surface.

He stared at me. “Natalie Quinn, you think too highly of yourself.”

The words hit harder than I expected. I bit my tongue, refusing to show weakness.

I looked at him in confusion, and at last he let me go.

His hands dropped away, as if I’d burned him.

“…Now that I’m the president, I can have any woman I want. Why would I care about someone like you?”

The bitterness in his tone said otherwise, but I didn’t dare call him out.

I thought: Yet you haven’t found anyone else these past years.

I wanted to ask, wanted to taunt, but I kept my silence.

He’s been so distant that outsiders think he has problems.

Reporters speculated endlessly, but the truth was something only we understood.

But I didn’t dare say it.

One wrong word and the entire house of cards would come tumbling down.

I was afraid Caleb would become furious and have me arrested too.

There were enough headlines already.

A wise person knows when to back off—right now, leaving is best.

I took a shaky breath, forcing my voice steady.

I said, “You’re right. It was my wishful thinking. Disturbing you so late at night is really out of line. I’ll take my leave.”

Politeness was my only armor. I turned on my heel, keeping my head high.

After saying this, I immediately turned to go.

The door was just a few steps away, freedom within reach.

Caleb suddenly commanded coldly.

His tone brooked no argument—full presidential authority in every syllable.

“Stop.”

I froze, mid-step, my hand inches from the doorknob.

My steps froze, and he walked toward me step by step.

Each footfall was deliberate, echoing in the cavernous room.

“Do you need me to remind you? Trespassing in the White House, seducing the president—your entire family could be ruined.”

His words dropped like a gavel, the kind of threat only a man at the top could make good on.

Annoyed, I turned back.

I met his gaze, fire rising in my chest. I refused to cower.

“So, what do you want?”

The words were sharper than intended, but I didn't care.

“You still don’t understand your situation,” Caleb stood with his hands behind his back, posture arrogant, “Natalie Quinn, now you’re the one begging me.”

His words echoed in the room, the power dynamic clear as day.