The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 182

The CEO’s Unspoken Love

Chapter 182

Derek POV

I knew I was pushing my luck, sitting comfortably on Eleanor’s couch with papers scattered across the coffee table, completely immersed in work despite my supposed illness. The afternoon sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the

documents Alan had just delivered-my second batch of the day.

These quarterly projections need your signature,” Alan said, standing at attention like the efficient assistant he was. “And Mr.

Carmichael wants your input on the Abbott acquisition before tomorrow’s board meeting.”

“Tell Carmichael I’ll call him tonight,” I replied, my voice clear and commanding-nothing like the raspy whisper I’d been using

around Eleanor for the past three days.

My laptop screen flickered with an incoming video call. I straightened my posture and accepted it, immediately addressing the faces

that appeared.

This due diligence report is completely inadequate,” I told the nervous-looking junior analysts on screen. “The debt structure analysis is superficial at best, and you’ve overlooked at least three major regulatory concerns.”

One of them started to defend their work, but I cut him off with a wave of my hand.

“Don’t bother. No use wasting more time on this. Don’t send these reports to me anymore-send them straight to recycling. At least then they’ll contribute something to environmental conservation.”

I ended the call without waiting for their response. Alan raised an eyebrow but remained silent. We both knew I was being harsh,

but standards were standards.

My phone alarm chimed-time for medication. I glanced at it dismissively.

“Right hand drawer, second one,” I instructed Alan. “Throw them away.”

Alan hesitated. “Sir, shouldn’t you-

“It’s just a common flu, Alan. I don’t need to pump my body full of chemicals for something my immune system can handle. The truth was, I’d been feeling much better since yesterday, but admitting that would mean returning to my empty house on Beacon

Hill. The human body is remarkably resilient when given the chance.”

Alan looked unconvinced but knew better than to argue. Just as he reached for the drawer, we both heard the sound of keys in the

front door.

In an instant, my demeanor transformed. I quickly unbuttoned the top three buttons of my shirt, ran a hand through my hair to

mess it up, and sprawled across the sofa. I pulled the cashmere throw over my legs and adopted a weary expression.

Alan watched this performance with barely concealed amusement, one eyebrow arched high.

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Chapter 182

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“Not a word, I murmured as the door opened.

ร

Eleanor’s familiar footsteps echoed in the hallway. She was humming softly-a good sign. I closed my eyes and feigned exhaustion.

I see you’re still working despite your condition,” Eleanor’s voice carried from the doorway, tinged with that blend of exasperation

and concern I’d grown to crave.

I opened my eyes slowly, as if the effort cost me greatly. “Just a few urgent matters. Can’t let the company fall apart.”

Alan cleared his throat. “I should be going, Mr. Wells. I’ll have those contracts revised by morning.” He gathered the remaining

documents with practiced efficiency.

“Feel better, sir,” he added, with just enough emphasis that I knew he was laughing at me internally. As he passed Eleanor, he

nodded politely.

Once Alan had left, Eleanor approached, setting down a bouquet of fresh flowers she’d brought from her shop. The scent of lilies

and eucalyptus filled the room.

“Let’s check your temperature,” she said, reaching for the mercury thermometer on the side table.

“Thank you for taking care of me these past few days,” I said softly, allowing genuine gratitude to seep into my voice.

Eleanor’s eyes softened momentarily before she slipped-the thermometer under my tongue. While we waited, she studied my face

with a scrutiny that made me wonder if my performance was as convincing as I’d hoped.

When she removed the thermometer, her eyebrows shot up. 103.2? That can’t be right.” She frowned, reaching into her purse and

pulling out a digital thermometer. “Let me check again.”

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love