Chapter 4 The Price Of Loyalty

That night, the company hosted a team-building event.

Because he was the new hire, Caelum was swarmed by coworkers urging him to drink.

The manager raised a glass. "Caelum, you've only just arrived and already landed the role of Executive Assistant to the Chair. That's impressive—you've got to drink to that!"

Caelum protested halfheartedly but gave in under the group’s teasing. One glass after another, he soon started to look visibly drunk.

Talia sat in silence the whole time, quietly watching him.

Then, the manager handed me a drink. "Tobias, you're the only one at this table who hasn't toasted yet. Come on, give the new hire a proper welcome!"

I took the glass, but before I could say anything, Caelum said, "Buddy, please… I'm begging you. Let me go. I really can't drink anymore."

He made it look like I was the one forcing every glass on him.

I set the drink down without a word, but the others kept egging Caelum on until he clutched his mouth and staggered out of the room.

Talia's expression turned cold. She slammed her cutlery down and snapped at me. "Tobias, have you had enough?"

Everyone fell silent, startled by her outburst. Suddenly, I became the villain of the night.

"If you want to drink, fine—but dragging everyone into bullying him? You think that's funny?"

Before I could reply, she shoved her chair back and stormed out of the room.

The table buzzed with awkward glances. The manager leaned over and whispered, "Tobias, I'm really sorry. We were just trying to lighten the mood. I didn't think Ms. Grant would take it that way…"

"She doesn't seriously think you told us to get him drunk, does she?"

"Man, I feel bad—you're taking the heat for nothing."

"It's fine," I said, managing a smile.

If she wanted to blame me for something, she would always find a reason. In Talia's eyes, I was just a jealous, bitter man. That was the role I played now, whether I liked it or not. Any sense of love or loyalty we once shared was long gone.

Around me, the gossip continued.

"This stuff's barely five percent. Is he seriously that drunk?"

"Right? Maybe he's faking it."

"Trying to get sympathy. A classic move…"

I stopped listening. Suddenly, my phone buzzed—it was a call from my lawyer.

…

After stepping out to take it, I was on my way back when I turned a corner and saw Talia and Caelum. She had him backed against the wall.

"What more do you want from me?" she asked coldly. "Sign the agreement, stay with me, and I'll give you 150,000 a month. How's that?"

I was about to walk away—until I heard Caelum snap, "Never!"

I froze. Maybe he wasn't the kind of man I thought he was.

Talia scoffed. "You sure about that? That night, you came to me. And you're drowning in debt. Doesn't it get exhausting, having people chase you down every day?"

Caelum, shaking with rage, slapped her across the face. "You bitch. Is this payback?"

"Yes! Either be with me, or I'll blacklist you from the entire industry. You'll never work again." Then, her voice softened. "Caelum… you have to know, no one in this world will ever love you more than I do."

He stared at her, eyes burning. "Talia, I won't be your lover."

There was a pause.

Then, she smiled. "You want me to get a divorce? Not happening."

Hearing that, I turned and walked away.