My Ex Built His Empire On My Ruins

A week later, my father's surgery was a great success.

Caleb came to the hospital in person.

He had lost some weight, and there were faint shadows under his eyes, as if caring for my father had taken a significant toll on him.

He brought a bouquet, placed the flowers by the bed, and then casually breached the topic of the past.

"Chloe, about what happened back then... I'm sorry."

He handed me a bouquet of white roses, his voice low.

"I was too young, blinded by ambition."

"Sierra's father could give me everything I wanted. I didn't have a choice."

I looked at him, making no move to take the flowers.

No choice?

He had simply chosen the quickest, most brutal path to power. And my family had been the stepping-stone on his path to power.

"Caleb, you don't have to say that."

I forced a stiff smile.

"It's all in the past."

He gave me a deep look, a flicker of what might have been regret in his eyes.

"I know you hate me."

"Chloe, give me a chance to make it up to you. Please?"

Just then, the hospital room door swung open.

Sierra walked in carrying an exquisite tiered lunch box, followed by a swarm of reporters with cameras.

She feigned surprise at seeing me, then broke into a brilliant smile.

"Chloe, you're here too!"

"I heard your father was awake, so I had the chef make him something."

She placed the container on the bedside table, then took my arm and addressed the cameras.

"Caleb and I have decided to donate a scholarship to our alma mater in your name."

"To help talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds."

"Chloe has such a big heart. She forgave us long ago and even wishes us nothing but the best!"

The camera flashes erupted in a frenzy.

I was held in Sierra's grip, unable to move.

My father lay in the hospital bed, looking at the unfolding scene in confusion.

I couldn't lose my temper. Not here. I couldn't risk upsetting him.

All I could do was watch as Sierra and Caleb performed their moving drama at my father's bedside.

The next day, the news was everywhere.

"Real Estate Tycoon Caleb's Devotion Shines, Donates Lavish Scholarship to Atone for Past with Ex-Girlfriend"

"A Decade of Waiting: Sentimental CEO and Ex Reconcile"

In the articles, Caleb was painted as a paragon of loyalty and integrity.

And I was the woman he had redeemed, the one who had magnanimously forgiven him.

He used my father's life as leverage and public opinion as a weapon, casting me in the role of the pitiful victim who needed his mercy.

That night, I received a call from Caleb.

"Chloe, did you see the news?"

"This is the first step. I'll slowly help you ease back into the public eye."

"My reputation is not yours to restore."

My voice was glacial.

He was silent for a moment, then let out a soft, low chuckle.

"Chloe, don't be difficult."

"Your father's recovery is going to cost a lot of money."

"Can you afford that on what you make designing beach houses in Oregon?"

My heart sank.

"Are you threatening me?"

"I'm helping you."

His voice became gentle again, a silken trap.

"I know you don't like Sierra."

"I'll have her stay away from you from now on. Be good, okay?"

I hung up the phone, a chill seeping deep into my bones.

He used the gentlest of tones to do the cruelest of things, keeping me firmly under his control.