The CEO's Regret: His Lost Wife's Secret Twins novel Chapter 32

Chapter 32

ARIA

The next day I stared at the pale pink gown on my closet door. A stylist had delivered it that morning with instructions for hair and

makeup. The off-shoulder design would expose my collarbones and shoulders.

Why is he doing this?

After yesterday with Christine, I’d expected Blake to avoid me. Instead he was dragging me to some mystery dinner. Understanding Blake

Morgan was impossible. Trying could kill you.

I put on the dress. The fabric hugged my body before it flowed to the floor. With my hair up and the pearl earrings the stylist sent, I

barely recognized myself.

Just another costume.

Heavy footsteps in the hall. Blake appeared in the doorway. Black tuxedo. He looked devastating. Those ice-blue eyes scanned me from

head to toe.

“Victoria was right,” he said. His voice was cool and distant.

I frowned. “About what?”

“Every inch of you seems designed to attract attention.”

The words hit me hard. Was that a compliment or an accusation? With Blake I never knew.

I looked down. Couldn’t meet his eyes. “What’s this dinner for? Who are we meeting?”

He checked his watch instead of answering. “The car’s waiting. We should go.”

The private dining room at The Ritz-Carlton overlooked Central Park. City lights glittered below. The moment we walked in, people

swarmed Blake. Practiced enthusiasm.

Blake transformed instantly. The charismatic CEO everyone expected. He shook hands. Laughed at the right moments. Spoke confidently about market trends. This was Blake in his element. He commanded respect without even trying.

I stood quietly beside him until dinner started. I avoided the wine glass. Focused on the elaborate table settings instead. These guests were industry titans. Faces from business magazines and society pages.

“Aria, this is James Williams. Chairman of Goldstein Jewelry, Blake said.

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Chapter 32

James’s handshake lasted too long. His eyes traveled down my body. ‘Pleasure, Ms. Taylor.”

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“Likewise.” I pulled my hand back quickly.

The first course arrived. Some seafood thing. I ate in silence. Listened without talking. No one seemed to notice. I was just Blake Morgan’s

wife. An accessory that completed his image.

Then the conversation shifted to Goldstein’s new campaign.

“So James, have you decided on your new brand ambassador?” A woman across the table asked.

James smiled wide. He swirled his wine. “Actually, I’ve been negotiating with Blake. Emma Grant is our top choice.”

“Emma’s perfect for Goldstein, Blake said. His voice warmed in a way it never did for me. Her elegance embodies everything your brand

represents.”

“Absolutely,” James nodded hard. “We’re prepared to offer her an exclusive three-year contract. Highest compensation in the industry.”

My appetite died. The expensive food turned tasteless in my mouth.

So that’s why he brought me here.

I looked at Blake. He smiled at James. That rare genuine smile he saved for business victories. For Emma.

And what was I? The bargaining chip? The wife he paraded around to secure deals for his precious Emma?

You stupid fool.

“Thank you, James,” Blake said. “Emma will be thrilled with your offer.”

“Anything for you, Blake, James said. His eyes slid to me. Lingered on my exposed shoulders. ‘You’ve always been generous with me,”

Something cold crawled down my spine.

I needed air. My chest felt tight. The room suffocated me.

“Excuse me,” I said quietly. I stood up. ‘Restroom.”

No one acknowledged me as I left. In the hallway I leaned against the wall. Took deep breaths.

You knew what this marriage was. You knew Blake still loved Emma.

But knowing and seeing were different things. And tonight the truth was crystal clear. I wasn’t his wife. I was a transaction.

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Chapter 32

When I came back, Blake was gone. I sat down carefully. Smoothed my dress with shaking hands.

“No wine?’ James had moved to Blake’s empty chair. His words slurred. “You should celebrate.”

“Celebrate what?’ I kept my voice polite. Professional.

“Your husband’s success. James leaned closer. His breath reeked of expensive wine. “He’s very good at getting what he wants.”

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