The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 193

Chapter 193

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Derek POV

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After she left, I called Alan in. “Clear my schedule after three. Apparently, I’m making a house call to the Bradleys.”

Alan nodded, making a note. “Any particular reason?

“Family politics,” I replied grimly. “The usual manipulation.”

When we arrived at the Bradley mansion, I was led into their opulent sitting room where only Seraphina and Mrs. Bradley were waiting. Mrs. Bradley rose with a practiced smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

‘Derek, how thoughtful of you to visit,” she said, extending her hand. “And Catherine, always a pleasure.”

“Victoria, my mother replied with equal formality. “I mentioned to Derek that Robert hasn’t been feeling well. He insisted on

coming to pay his respects.”

Seraphina moved closer, her perfume too strong as always. “It’s been too long since we’ve seen you, Derek. Father will be so pleased

you came.”

I kept my responses polite but brief, enduring the meaningless small talk about charity galas and board appointments. Just as Mrs. Bradley began describing her latest committee triumph, the study door opened.

I froze. Eleanor walked out beside Mr. Bradley. She looked as surprised to see me as I was to see her.

“Eleanor?” I couldn’t keep the shock from my voice. “What are you doing here?”

She recovered quickly, her professional mask sliding into place. “I’m here on business, Derek. Where there’s a client who needs my services, that’s where I’ll be.” Her tone was even, almost indifferent.

Mr. Bradley’s expression darkened when he saw me. “Derek,” he said, extending his hand with obvious reluctance. “I wasn’t aware

you were coming today.”

‘Robert, I replied, shaking his hand briefly. “Mother mentioned you’ve been unwell. I hope you’re feeling better.”

He nodded stiffly. “Much improved, thank you.” He glanced at Eleanor, then back to me. “Your… former wife and I were just having a productive conversation. I believe we’ve reached an understanding.

Eleanor s eyes flashed with indignation, telling me exactly what kind of “understanding” they’d been discussing. ‘Did you?” I asked, my voice dangerously soft. Id be very interested to hear the details of this understanding.”

It’s a private business matter, Mr. Bradley replied smoothly.

Between you and my wife? I challenged, deliberately using the present tense.

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Chapter 193

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“Ex-wife,” Mrs. Bradley corteceu yurary. The unit was many a ve

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Eleanor stood perfectly still, her composure admirable despite the obvious ambush. “Yes, it was. And Mr. Bradley is right-our

conversation was private.”

“Private conversations about keeping away from me?” I asked, watching her eyes widen slightly. “That’s what this is about, isn’t it?

The Bradleys trying to remove obstacles to their grand plan.”

Seraphina stepped forward, placing a hand on my arm. ‘Derek, you’re overreacting. Mother simply wanted to commission some

flowers-

I stepped away from her touch. “Eleanor,” I said, ignoring everyone else in the room, I’d like to speak with you. Alone.

Her hesitation was brief but noticeable. “I don’t think that’s necessary. I should be going.”

“Please, I said, softening my tone. “Just five minutes.”

After a moment’s consideration, she nodded.

I led her through the French doors to the Bradley’s garden, where the winter air bit at our faces but provided the privacy we needed. Eleanor crossed her arms, whether from cold or defensiveness, I couldn’t tell.

“Did you know I would be here?” she demanded once we were alone. “Was this some elaborate setup?”

“I had no idea, I admitted, wishing I had a coat to offer her. “My mother mentioned visiting the Bradleys because Robert was ill. She

never mentioned you.”

Eleanor’s laugh was bitter. “Of course. They tried to bribe me, you know. To stay away from you.”

The anger that had been simmering inside me flared. “They what?”

Mr. Bradley offered me money to maintain an appropriate distance from you.” Her voice was steady, but I could see the hurt beneath her composure. “Apparently, I don’t bring enough valuable alliances to the table.”

Those self-important, manipulative- I cut myself off, taking a deep breath. I’m sorry they put you through that. It’s unforgivable.”

Eleanor shook her head, looking suddenly tired. “Why are they even bothering? We’re divorced now. You got what you wanted.”

Her words hit me with unexpected force. ‘Is that what you think? That this is what I wanted?”

“Isn’t it?” she challenged. “Three years, Derek. That was the deal. The marriage served its purpose. Margaret got better. The time is

I moved closer, resisting the urge to touch her. “Eleanor, 1–

No, she interrupted. I don’t want to hear whatever you’re about to say. I’m tired of the games, the manipulation, the confusion.”

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Chapter 193

She gestured toward the house. “I’m tired of being a pawn in the Wells-Bradley chess match.”

“You were never a pawn to me,” I insisted.

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Eleanor laughed again, the sound sharp with disbelief. “Really? What would you call it, then?”

I struggled to find the right words, knowing I had only moments before she walked away. “A mistake. My mistake. Not marrying you

-that was the one thing I got right. But everything after… the distance, the coldness. Leaving.”

She looked away, her profile sharp against the winter garden. “It doesn’t matter anymore.”

“It matters to me, I said quietly. “Punish me.”

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Her head snapped back toward me, confusion clear in her eyes. “What?”

“Punish me for hurting you. For all of it. The idea formed as I spoke. Three days. I won’t kiss you for three days, as punishment.”

Eleanor stared at me like I’d lost my mind. “What are you talking about? We’re not together anymore. You don’t get to kiss me at

all.”

“That’s the point, I insisted, the plan making perfect sense to me now. “I want to kiss you every minute of every day. Not being

allowed to will be torture.”

“You’re not making any sense,” she said, shaking her head. “We’re divorced. This conversation is absurd.”

“Just agree to it,” I pressed. “Three days where I’m expressly forbidden from kissing you. A penalty, okay?”

‘Derek, I’m leaving. Eleanor turned toward the house, her posture rigid. This whole situation is ridiculous.”

I wanted to follow her, to explain better what I meant, but Seraphina appeared at the doors, her timing impeccable as always.

“Derek, she called, her voice honey-sweet. “Could we talk for a moment?”

Eleanor didn’t look back as she walked past Seraphina and into the house. I watched her go, the certainty growing within me that

somehow, someday, I would make her understand exactly what she meant to me-punishments, bribes, and family manipulations be

damned.

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love