Chasing Light Through Darkness By Caleb Snow 8 Summary
Xavier tries to convince the young intern, Yssa, that he is not a careless playboy by telling a sad story about being trapped by an older woman, who turns out to be his friend’s wife and the person who helped him get his CEO job. This confession gains Yssa’s sympathy, and after some subtle flirting, Xavier manages to win her over. Despite this, he refuses to give up the resources provided by the narrator, Vivian, and continues to manipulate situations and people, even turning women against each other.
Yssa, influenced by Xavier’s lies, publicly attacks Vivian on social media, calling her a slut and a seductress. Xavier wants everything—his wife, his mistress, the business, and the money—but Vivian questions what makes him deserving of any of it. When Xavier tries to explain and win Vivian back, she calmly announces that she is firing him from the company, filing for divorce, and demanding he leave with nothing. Xavier reacts with desperation, pleading for another chance and promising to fire Yssa, but Vivian is firm and unyielding.
Yssa lashes out at Xavier, accusing him of lying and being two-faced, revealing the betrayal she feels after his promises to her. Xavier threatens Yssa to keep her quiet, showing his ruthless and controlling nature. Then, turning to Vivian, he tries to manipulate her by reminding her of her pregnancy and their unborn child, hoping to weaken her resolve. However, Vivian refuses to be swayed, declaring that her child will never suffer, even without Xavier.
The chapter ends with Vivian being cleared by the police to leave, and a car waiting outside to take her away, signaling a decisive turning point in her fight to reclaim her life and protect her future.
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Chapter 8
In an effort to convince the young intern that he wasn’t some careless playboy, Xavier wove a heartbreaking tale, claiming he was trapped by the demands of an older woman.
“Yssa? That woman is actually my friend’s wife,” he whispered, lowering his voice as if sharing a closely guarded secret. “He’s the one who got me this job. If I cross her, I won’t last a day as CEO.”
Naturally, this confession stirred her sympathy.
After a few rounds of subtle flirting, he had her exactly where he wanted.
Yet, even with Yssa on his side, Xavier couldn’t bring himself to relinquish the resources I had provided.
Whenever our paths crossed, he softened his tone, using gentle persuasion. He even came home after work, cooking braised pork and oil-braised shrimp, trying hard to paint himself as a devoted and caring man.
In reality, they were consummate actors—this kind of person excels at putting on a convincing show.
Cunning beyond measure, they knew how to manipulate every resource at their disposal, exploiting situations and people for maximum advantage, even if it meant turning women against one another.
That’s why Yssa felt completely justified in plastering my photo all over social media, calling me a slut and a seductress. The root of that vicious smear campaign was the lie Xavier planted. He sowed the seed, and she did his dirty work.
He wanted it all: the wife, the mistress, the business, and the money.
But what exactly made him deserving of any of it?
“Xavier, you don’t have to explain,” I said finally, keeping my voice calm and steady.
At the sound of my composed tone, a flicker of hope crossed his face.
“So you believe me, right, babe?” he asked quickly, his voice eager. “I knew after all these years we’d be in sync—no outsider could ever come between us. Vivian, let me take you home now, okay? I’ll make your favorite braised pork…”
He reached out for my hand.
I pulled it away coolly.
“Xavier,” I said, steadying myself against the rush of emotion.
Without another word, I pulled out my phone and sent a voice message to the company’s main group chat.
“I have an important announcement. Effective immediately, I am firing Xavier Hennessey. I am also filing for divorce and demanding he leave with nothing.”
The color drained from his face.
“Vivian, you can’t do this,” he protested, his voice cracking with desperation. “I’ve run this company for three, maybe four years. It’s my life’s work! Is this all because of Yssa? I already told you she’s been trying to seduce me. Give me one more chance—I’ll fire her!”
I shrugged off his grasp.
“Too late,” I said flatly.
Nearby, Yssa was unraveling.
“I seduced you?” she cried out, eyes blazing with fury. “Xavier, stop lying! You came after me because I’m young and pretty! How can you be so two-faced? So shameless? In bed, you told me you’d die happy by my side. You said Vivian’s pregnant and can’t satisfy you. You said she’s old and ugly, and the only woman you want to marry is me. Were all those just lies?”
She was on the edge of breaking down. Xavier’s face darkened, as hard as iron, and he glared at her.
“Say one more word,” he hissed, “and I’ll make sure you never stay in this city.”
Yssa snapped her mouth shut, eyes reddening, her hatred fixed on him.
He turned back to me, his voice suddenly pitiful, like a stray dog no one wanted.
“Vivian, you’re pregnant,” he said softly, trying to soften my resolve. “You’re carrying our child. In a few months, he’ll be born. Can you really let him suffer?”
He knew exactly how to strike my vulnerable points, wielding psychology like a weapon—and now he was trying to turn my unborn baby against me.
But I refused to play that game.
“Even without you,” I said quietly, “my child will never know hardship.”
By that time, the police had already cleared me to leave.
Outside, a car waited patiently; its horn chirped twice, signaling it was time to go.
Conclusion
This chapter lays bare the tangled web of deceit and manipulation that Xavier has spun, revealing the depths of his selfishness and duplicity. Despite his desperate attempts to salvage his control over the company and the relationships he has fractured, Vivian’s quiet strength and clarity shine through. Her decision to sever ties, both legal and emotional, marks a pivotal moment of self-empowerment and protection—not just for herself, but for the unborn child she carries. The raw emotions and confrontations underscore the painful but necessary breaking of illusions.
Ultimately, the chapter captures the painful process of disentangling from toxic bonds and reclaiming one’s autonomy. Vivian’s calm resolve in the face of betrayal and threats speaks to her resilience and hope for a future free from the shadows cast by Xavier’s lies. As she steps into the uncertain road ahead, the promise of a new beginning glimmers, anchored by her unwavering commitment to protect the life growing inside her and to build a life defined by truth and strength.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the tangled web of deceit and emotional turmoil that binds Xavier, Vivian, and Yssa. As Vivian takes a stand against Xavier’s manipulations, the repercussions of her bold decision will ripple through their lives, testing loyalties and revealing the true nature of those around her. The fragile alliances and simmering resentments hint at a storm brewing beneath the surface—one that could either shatter or redefine their relationships.
Meanwhile, Xavier’s desperation and cunning are far from spent, and his next moves may push everyone to their limits. Vivian’s resolve will be challenged not only by external battles but also by the internal struggle of protecting her unborn child amid chaos. The emotional stakes rise sharply, and readers will find themselves drawn into a tense, unpredictable dance of power, trust, and survival.

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.