Chapter 17

Yasmin and Caleb were inches apart, their breaths mingling, noses almost touching. A kiss felt imminent; the air thrummed with unspoken tension. Caleb raised an eyebrow, relaxing against his chair as his hand rested on her waist. "What if I want the Sparkle endorsement?" Yasmin whispered, her voice honeyed as she leaned closer. "Would you give it to me?" Her flushed lips, temptingly near, were a taste he hadn't savored in a long time. Her soft voice tightened his chest. Caleb lowered his eyes. His hand moved to the back of her head, and he kissed her.

Yasmin's eyes widened in shock. Two seconds later, regaining her senses, she pushed him away. But Caleb anticipated her, swiftly grabbing her wrist. Before she could react, the world spun; she was trapped between his embrace and the desk as he kissed her again. "Mmph! Let go… Mmmph…" The intense kiss stole her breath, leaving her limp and unable to resist. Only when he sensed her gasping did he release her. His gaze, dark and predatory, resembled a carnivore toying with its prey.

Without hesitation, Yasmin slapped him, wiping her mouth in disgust. The slap echoed deafeningly in the silent office. Caleb's jaw tightened; his teeth clenched, his voice hoarse as he spat, "Yasmin, you're the only person who dares slap me." She had, twice! Luckily for him, the kiss had weakened her, leaving no visible handprint this time.

"Serves you right!" Yasmin snapped, breathless, disgust etched on her face. "Don't you dare use your filthy mouth on me again!"

Caleb's fingers gripped her chin, a cold smile curving his lips. "This filthy mouth just kissed you. So, who's dirty now?"

"At least I admit to what I've done. What about you? Do you want me to spell out what you and Veronica were doing here? We're all adults, Caleb. Would a little decency hurt?"

Caleb was puzzled. "What?"

"When I arrived, why were you changing?" she demanded.

"I worked out after lunch. Shouldn't I change?" He grabbed her wrist, pressing her hand against his abs. "You like touching these, don't you?"

"Who the hell likes touching you?" Yasmin yanked her hand away, as if electrocuted. Even she was unaware of her habit of unconsciously touching his abs in her sleep. She lost interest; there was no point. He could lie freely. Was he telling the truth? And working out? What kind of exercise? The kind that took place on the bed?

Yasmin was about to speak when she froze. "Caleb!" she yelled. "This is the workplace! And we're getting divorced!"

The heated atmosphere evaporated. Caleb calmed, returning to their conversation. "Sparkle's been given to Veronica. Pick any brand under Grant Group."

Yasmin pushed him away, standing. "Don't disgust me with your offers." What she'd wanted was never the endorsement; she'd only wanted to see if Caleb would choose her over Veronica. Unfortunately, he never would—not before, not now, not ever.

News of Caleb's decision spread quickly. Yasmin received a private message from Edward upon reaching the office, instructing her to liaise between their team and Caleb. Edward stole a glance at her. No wonder he'd sensed something amiss in Caleb's attitude; Caleb had taken a liking to the stunning intern!

Flustered, Yasmin went to the restroom, splashing cold water on her face. "Yasmin, what happened to your lips?" Karen followed, staring at Yasmin's reflection. Yasmin noticed a faint sting; her skin was slightly broken from the rough kiss.

"Heat rash," she said flatly.

Karen folded her arms. "Tsk. Yasmin, do you think I'm that gullible? Let me remind you—messing around with clients during a project could get you reported!"

"Relax, Ms. Emerson. You're overthinking things." Yasmin turned and left, refusing to argue. Report? Please, someone report Caleb for workplace sexual harassment! she thought.

That evening, a sudden downpour caught Yasmin without an umbrella. After work, she stood outside the Grant Group building, planning to book a ride, shivering in the cold wind. As she was about to do so, an Audi A5 pulled up.

"Yasmin, let me give you a ride!" Adrian rolled down the window, smiling warmly.

Yasmin politely declined. "No, no! I can get a cab, Adrian."

"It's pouring, rush hour. Getting a ride will be tough. Come on, no need to be polite!"

As Adrian's car stopped in the rain, a sleek black Rolls-Royce pulled up behind. Yasmin's heart sank. She saw the passenger window lower, revealing Harris.

"Mrs. Gra—Ms. Whitmore!" Harris nearly stumbled. "Let me give you a ride!"

The backseat window remained closed, but Yasmin knew Caleb was inside. The Rolls-Royce attracted a crowd, their eyes darting between Yasmin and the two cars. Without hesitation, she entered the Audi A5. She wouldn't get into Caleb's car.

Harris was speechless, his smile stiffening. Through the rearview mirror, he glanced at Caleb, his expression obscured by shadow. The tension suffocated Harris and the driver.

"Mr. Grant…" Harris gulped.

"Who is that?" Caleb asked flatly.

"Judging by the car, he's Yasmin's colleague from the legal team. Adrian Elsher," Harris replied. He'd heard of Adrian; Warren had praised him repeatedly. Undeniably handsome, he possessed a sharp presence. Harris added, "He's also a Dunville University law graduate. He's Mrs. Grant's senior in university."

Caleb caught the word. "Senior?" He remembered Yasmin's previous comment about wanting to get together with her university senior.