Yes, Caleb successfully maintained his pristine, "self-made" image.
But every time he bought a luxury item, he paid for it using our joint trust fund. This led everyone to believe that I was the one who bought those expensive things.
As a result, I became the "gold digger" in everyone's eyes, drowned in an endless stream of accusations.
"Caleb won't even buy himself a decent watch, but she's spending his money like it's water. Haven't you heard? She even bought a limited-edition Ferrari."
"I knew Nora was only with Caleb for his money. A classic gold digger."
"Poor Caleb, stuck with such a spendthrift wife."
I begged Caleb to clear my name, to tell the truth, but he always refused. Protecting his corporate image, he argued, was more important.
"Nora, you understand. Managing a public company means maintaining a public image. What would happen if the board members found out I'm not the kind of CEO they imagined? For the sake of the company, what's a little blame on your shoulders? It's not a big deal."
So I was supposed to be his scapegoat, just so he could maintain his precious image.
After I brought it up one too many times, Caleb grew impatient. He accused me of being unreasonable and making a mountain out of a molehill. He threatened me with another cold war and finally swore on his life he'd never touch a cent of my prenuptial assets again.
Even so, I tried to call him.
He didn't pick up after more than a dozen calls.
Fine. I didn't hesitate. I called my family wealth manager and demanded an immediate freeze on Caleb’s access to the trust fund.
Less than a minute later, my phone rang.
"I was just talking to a fund manager and missed your calls," Caleb said, his voice feigning innocence. "Is something wrong?"
I replied calmly, "No, everything's fine."
"There's an issue with the trust fund's authorization; it's been frozen," he said, getting straight to the point.
"Oh, I know. I froze it," I said, choosing honesty.
Caleb's fury was immediate. "Are you insane? Why would you freeze the fund for no reason?"
"It's nothing. I just don't plan on using that money anymore. Besides, what does this have to do with you? Didn't you swear you'd never touch my prenuptial assets again?"
Caleb fell silent.
In the past, no matter how much money was involved, I had never questioned him.
When Caleb first started the company, it was a small, struggling startup. I invested my entire savings as his seed money, allowing him to pursue projects and expand.
Back then, he was overwhelmed with gratitude. He'd held my hands, tears welling in his eyes, swearing he would cherish me for the rest of his life and never betray me.
I believed him. I thought it would only strengthen our bond, never imagining it would fuel his future, shameless exploitation of me.
Caleb didn't dwell on that. After a two-second silence, he sighed and launched into his usual self-righteous lecture.
"Nora, you're throwing a tantrum again. Just because I didn't take you to Paris, you're retaliating like this, aren't you? As my wife, can't you be a little less narrow-minded? How am I supposed to trust you with the company?"
"Fine, I promise I'll take you on vacation next time, alright? I didn't bring the company credit card on this trip. Unfreeze the fund first; the sponsorship fee for this dinner is very important to me. Stop acting like a spoiled child. I'm giving you ten minutes. If that fund isn't unfrozen, I will make you regret it at the next board meeting."
He was using threats to force my compliance, his usual tactic.
In the past, I would have caved the moment I heard that edge in his voice. But he never understood that I wasn't afraid of his anger; I just didn't want to add to his burdens when he was already stressed about the company.
But in his eyes, my consideration was weakness. So he used it against me, time and time again.
This time, I would not give in.
"Isn't Brittany your star assistant? Didn't she budget for this little jaunt? Sounds like her professional skills aren't so stellar after all. Since this trip was for her benefit, it's only fair she foots the bill."
With that, I hung up and continued packing my personal belongings.
