The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 106

Chapter 106

“What a surprise, James, Derek said, his tone carrying an undercurrent of sarcasm. I didn’t realize you were back in Boston, much

less taking my ex-wife to dinner on your first day back

“Some of us prioritize the people we care about,” James replied smoothly, holding my chair for me. Rather than only remembering

them when convenient.”

1 sat down, acutely aware of the tension crackling between the two men. The special today is risotto with wild mushrooms,” I said,

attempting to change the subject.

Derek ignored my attempt at redirection. Tell me, James, how was London? Still full of second-rate financiers trying to make it in

the big leagues?”

‘Funny, since I was working with most of your former clients, James replied with a measured smile. They mentioned how

refreshing it was to work with someone who actually returned their calls

Derek’s jaw tightened. The waiter approached with water, offering momentary relief from the tension.

Ill have a bottle of the 2015 Brunello, Derek told the waiter without consulting either of us.

‘Just water for me, James countered Unlike some, I’ll be driving this afternoon, not relying on a chauffeur

I suppressed a sigh, feeling like a referee in a particularly vicious tennis match. I have iced tea, please, I told the waiter, who

seemed to sense the tension and retreated quickly.

Derek leaned forward, his gaze fixed on James. “How long will you be staying in Boston this time? A few days before jetting off

again?

I’ve actually transferred back permanently, James replied, his gaze flickering briefly to me. I found I missed certain aspects of

Boston too much to stay away.”

Derek’s hand twitched, nearly knocking over James s water glass. The liquid spilled across the pristine white tablecloth, some

droplets landing on James s sleeve. Instead of reacting, James simply dabbed at the moisture with his napkin, his composure intact.

Careful with your hand there, Derek, James said with mock concern. “Those involuntary spasms might be a sign of something

serious. Stress, perhaps? Or guilt?”

You know what they say about men who are too invested in other men s wives. Derek countered, taking a deliberately slow sip of

his wine

Ex wives, James corrected. And I think the more relevant saying is about men who don’t know what they have until it’s gone.

I sat back watching theu verbal sparring with resignation. This wasn’t my first time witnessing their antagonism, and interrupting

would only fuel their competitive instincts. Instead, I focused on my food when it arrived, allowing them to continue their thinly

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Chapter 106

veiled insults.

“You know, Fort, Derek said casually, cutting into his steak, ‘I’ve always wondered why you jumped to that London position so quickly. Seemed like a lateral move at best.”

James’s smile didn’t falter. Some of us don’t need our family name on the building to prove our worth. I hear your London venture was more about escaping family expectations than building something new.

“At least I had the vision to build something of my own, Derek replied coolly. Not everyone can recognize opportanity when it

knocks.”

Is that what you call abandoning your wife? Recognizing opportunity?”

The rest of the meal continued in this vein, each barb more personal than the last When the check arrived, both men reached for it

simultaneously.

“Allow me, James insisted. I invited Eleanor first

“But I’m paying, Derek stated, sliding his black card to the waiter without further discussion

Outside the restaurant, James turned to me. Let me drive you home.”

Derek’s eyes narrowed. How exactly do you know where Eleanor lives?

James smiled enigmatically I have my ways.

“It’s fine,” I said, feeling exhausted by their posturing. James can drive me.”

Derek’s expression darkened.

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love