The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 191

Chapter 191

Eleanor POV

The January morning brought with it a bitter chill as I arranged a new shipment of tulips that had just arrived at Four Seasons Florals. Despite the cold outside, the shop was warm and fragrant, filled with the earthy scent of fresh soil and the delicate perfume of winter blooms. I was carefully trimming stems when the phone rang, its shrill tone breaking the peaceful atmosphere.

“Four Seasons Florals,, I answered, tucking the phone between my ear and shoulder as I continued, working.

“Good morning, Ms. Wells. The formal address made me wince. No matter how many times I corrected people, the name seemed to stick. “This is Mr. Richards, the Bradley family’s house manager. I’m calling to inquire about your availability for a rather substantial

order.”

I set down my shears, giving the call my full attention. The Bradley name immediately put me on alert. “I see. What kind of arrangement are you looking for?”

“The Bradleys will be hosting several high-profile events in the coming months. Mrs. Bradley specifically mentioned your work, having seen it at the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s winter gala. His tone was polite but carried the unmistakable note of someone accustomed to dealing with service providers. “They require extensive floral decorations throughout their residence. The budget is….

quite generous.

When he named the figure, I nearly dropped the phone. It was enough to cover my shop’s expenses for two months.

That sounds promising,” I said carefully. I’d need to discuss specifics to ensure I can meet their expectations.”

“Of course. Mrs. Bradley would like to see samples first. Could you prepare a few arrangements and bring them to the Bradley residence tomorrow afternoon? They’d like to select their preferred style before proceeding.”

I paused, suspicion forming in my mind. The timing was too convenient. The Bradleys had never shown interest in my work before, and suddenly they wanted a massive order? After Derek had publicly declared he still wanted me despite our divorce?

“I’ll be there,” I said, my voice professional despite my reservations. “Is there a particular color palette or theme Mrs. Bradley

prefers?”

After noting the details, I hung up and stared at the phone, my thoughts racing.

“Everything okay?” Mia asked, looking up from a wedding consultation portfolio she was organizing.

The Bradley family just placed a potentially massive order, I explained, my tone betraying my uncertainty.

Mia’s eyes widened. “The Bradleys? As in Seraphina Bradley’s family?

The very same I picked up my shears again, resuming my work with perhaps more force than necessary. They want me to bring samples to their home tomorrow.”

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“That’s… interesting timing, Mia said carefully.

“Isn’t it? I couldn’t keep the edge from my voice. “This isn’t just about flowers. They want something else.”

Mia approached, her expression concerned. “Eleanor, if you’re uncomfortable-

I’m a businesswoman, I interrupted, softening my tone. “Whatever their motives, this order could significantly help the shop. won’t turn it down because of personal history.”

“Just be careful,” Mia warned. “Those old Boston families play by different rules.”

I nodded, already mentally selecting which arrangements would best showcase my skills. “I’ll prepare something they can’t possibly criticize. Whatever game they’re playing, I’ll meet them on professional ground.”

The next afternoon, I stood before the imposing doors of the Bradley mansion, my arms carefully balancing a case containing five meticulously crafted floral arrangements. Each one represented hours of work, combining traditional elegance with subtle contemporary touches-exactly the kind of balanced design that appealed to old Boston money.

The house manager, Richards, opened the door before I could knock, his expression professionally blank. “Ms. Wells, please come in. The family is expecting you.”

“It’s Ms. Linch now,” I corrected gently, stepping into the marble-floored foyer. ‘I’ve reverted to my maiden name.”

If Richards noted the correction, he gave no indication. “This way, please.”

He led me through the mansion, which exuded old wealth in every polished surface and antique piece. The sitting room where he showed me was decorated in muted blues and golds, with large windows overlooking an immaculately maintained garden.

Mrs. Bradley was already seated, her posture perfect, not a silver hair out of place. Her critical gaze swept over me, then the sample case I carried.

“So you’re the florist,” she said, her tone making the profession sound like something distasteful. “Catherine mentioned you run a little shop downtown.”

I set my case down carefully. “Four Seasons Florals on Newbury Street. We’ve been operating for three years now.”

“How… quaint. She gestured vaguely toward my case. “Well, let’s see what you’ve brought. I hope it’s worth the trip up here.”

I was opening the case when Seraphina entered, wearing what appeared to be a casual outfit. Diamond studs glittered at her ears, and an elegant tennis bracelet adorned her wrist. She acknowledged me with a cool nod.

“Eleanor. I didn’t realize you were the florist Mother had contacted. Her tone suggested she’d known exactly who would be walking through their door.

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“Seraphina,” I replied evenly, continuing to unpack my samples. “I brought several options for your mother to consider.

ง

I arranged the five pieces on the coffee table-a classic arrangement of white roses and hydrangeas, a more modern design with

orchids and tropical foliage, a seasonal arrangement featuring winter berries and pine, a dramatic tall piece with calla lilies, and a

delicate centerpiece of rare blue peonies I’d sourced specifically for this presentation.

Mrs. Bradley examined them with a pinched expression. “These are your high-end designs? They seem rather… basic/

I maintained my professional smile. “Each arrangement is customizable to suit your specific preferences. These samples demonstrate

different styles rather than the exact pieces you’d receive.”

The Wells family winter soiree requires a more refined aesthetic,” Mrs. Bradley commented, deliberately emphasizing the family

name I no longer carried. “These wouldn’t be suitable for Catherine’s standards.”

“The Wells family isn’t currently among my clients,” I replied calmly, though the mention of my former mother-in-law stung. But can certainly adjust to meet your specific requirements.”

Seraphina trailed her fingers over the blue peony arrangement. “Some people simply don’t understand true elegance, Mother. It’s not

something that can be learned.”

The barb was clear, but I refused to react. “Every client has different tastes. That’s why I prefer to discuss preferences in detail

before finalizing designs.”

“Well, Mrs. Bradley sniffed, “these certainly wouldn’t do for the quality of event we host, Perhaps you’re more accustomed to

smaller venues.”

My patience was wearing thin, but I kept my voice level. ‘Mrs. Bradley, my designs have been featured in Boston Magazine and at the Museum of Fine Arts gala last spring. If my aesthetic doesn’t align with your vision, I completely understand. Not every designer

is the right fit for every client.”

Hearing that, Seraphina’s eyebrows rose slightly. “My, my. Quite defensive, aren’t we?”

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love