Chapter 41: Last Fuel
Lucy fell quiet, her gaze fixed on Caleb as if she was trying to read the future through him. Deep down, she already knew—there was no way he could carry this revenge far enough to actually reach Maya. The girl’s influence ran too deep, her networks too wide. Caleb might burn bright with anger, but he’d burn out long before touching her.
That was why Lucy made her choice. If he’s going to destroy himself anyway... then I’ll at least keep him safe until the end.
Caleb leaned back on the couch, exhaling through his nose, his head tipping toward the ceiling. Then something hit him, sharp and sudden.
"Wait... Mona," he muttered. His eyes narrowed. "Why didn’t you ever give her a real job? She’s still out there just... playing influencer?"
Lucy’s lips pressed into a thin line. "I tried. She refused."
Caleb frowned, confused. "Refused? Why?"
"She said a nine-to-five would cage her. That being an influencer was better... more freedom, more money for less obedience."
Caleb let out a sharp breath, rubbing his temples. His head throbbed just thinking about it. "Tch... stupid."
Lucy didn’t push. Instead, she sat back and crossed her arms. "Anyway. I’ll be gone starting tomorrow. Business trip. One week." Her eyes locked on him, serious. "You staying here, or do you want to come with me?"
Caleb shook his head. "Here. I’ll stay."
Lucy studied him for a moment, then pulled a set of keys from her bag and dropped them onto the table with a faint clink. Along with it, she slid a small envelope stuffed with cash.
"Take these. And get yourself a new phone. Use a burner SIM card—something disposable. Don’t be stupid and let yourself get tracked."
Caleb’s eyes lingered on the envelope, then on Lucy. Slowly, a grin crept across his face.
Damn... she’s actually useful.
The room fell quiet again. Caleb glanced at the keys and money on the table, then looked back at Lucy.
"What about your flower shop?" he asked suddenly. "If you’re gone for a week, who’s going to handle it?"
Lucy gave a small, almost careless shrug. "Already replaced. Don’t worry. That shop was never about money anyway. I opened it as a front... mostly just to keep an eye out for you and Melissa."
Her voice softened, and for the first time, her eyes sank downward. "I was devastated when I heard Melissa was gone."
Caleb froze, lips parting slightly. He hadn’t expected that tone from her.
Lucy caught herself, exhaled sharply, then straightened. "The shop’s still open. You can stop by if you want. My right hand is keeping it running."
Caleb blinked, frowning. "Right hand? You mean... someone actually works under you?"
"Yeah," Lucy muttered, glancing at the clock. "Shit. I really have to leave now." She grabbed her bag, then tossed another key toward him. "That’s a duplicate. Don’t lose it. And Caleb—buy new clothes. Take a proper shower. Don’t walk around looking like a stray. Melissa would hate to see you like this."
Her words were quick, almost rushed, as if she wanted to leave before saying too much. Without waiting for his reply, Lucy headed for the door.
The click of her heels echoed through the polished floor until the front door closed behind her, leaving Caleb alone in the massive, quiet house.
He picked up the second key, rolling it in his palm. A faint smirk tugged at his lips.
A week of freedom...
Caleb tossed the key onto the nightstand and headed straight for the bathroom. The place smelled faintly of lavender soap and expensive shampoo. He pulled off his shirt, twisting the faucet until steam filled the glass-walled shower.
Then he saw it. A lacy bra hanging off the towel rack, delicate and black, probably left there in a rush. His throat tightened. Blood rushed hot, pooling low in his body.
Fuck... really? He clenched his jaw, trying to look away, but his eyes kept dragging back. His pulse spiked, hard and heavy.
Damn it, why am I getting hard over this?
Caleb raked a hand through his hair, swearing under his breath. He yanked the shower door open and stepped inside, letting the blast of hot water drown the heat in his blood. He scrubbed himself down, forcing his mind to clear.
When he came out, he threw on the mask again—the same cap and mask combo Lucy had spotted him with. His body still ached, but at least the dirt and stench were gone.
The next stop was survival. He grabbed the cash Lucy left, pocketed it, and left the house.
Walking sucked. Every step on the pavement sent a dull ache up his legs. Still, he kept his head low and moved fast.
At the supermarket, he went straight for the essentials: a couple sets of cheap clothes, plain sneakers, a new mask, and a baseball cap. He made sure to pay in cash—no trace, no record.
Bags in hand, he took the bus back. The ride was cramped, the hum of the engine mixing with chatter and static from the radio. But Caleb just sat still, staring out the window, eyes sharp beneath his new brim.
When he finally returned to Lucy’s empty house, he dropped the shopping bag onto the couch and exhaled, long and deep.
A fresh start. Even if it’s just for a week...
Caleb dumped the shopping bag onto the couch, only to curse under his breath a second later.
"Shit... forgot the phone."
He checked the clock on the wall—almost five in the evening. His chest tightened as another thought crept in. Fiona. They were supposed to meet again.
His eyes narrowed, jaw clenching. But why the hell should I even bother? If Maya already knew about the first meeting, the second one could only mean a trap. Too risky. Pointless.
Caleb grabbed the remote instead and flicked on the TV. Screw it. Chill for now. Think later.
The screen lit up with a live talk show. His stomach dropped. Sitting front and center was his old boss—the office MILF in her too-tight corporate outfit, cleavage squeezed like she was auditioning for attention instead of giving statements.
Her voice was sharp, every word dripping with disgust.
"Caleb was always a problem employee. Reckless. Unstable. We should’ve cut him off earlier before he caused any damage."
Laughter filled the studio. The camera panned to his ex-colleagues, nodding along, some even smirking as they piled on.
"Yeah, he never fit in."
"Guy was a ticking time bomb."
"Total loser."
Caleb’s face twisted, his hands curling into fists on his knees. Heat burned in his chest, spreading up his throat.
These bastards... they think they can just sit there, talk shit, and walk away clean?
His pulse throbbed in his temples, vision blurring red at the edges. A bitter smile tugged at his lips as the rage boiled over.
Fine. Keep running your mouths. One by one, you’ll get your turn.
His eyes darkened, his thoughts sharpening like blades.
"Who else?" he muttered under his breath, teeth grinding.
"Who else is gonna end up on my fucking revenge list...?"