The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 30

Chapter 30

Derek POV

I needed to get Eleanor out of there. Whatever game the Bradley kid was playing, it wasn’t one I was willing to let continue- especially not at Eleanor’s expense. The flash of vulnerability I’d glimpsed in her eyes had triggered something protective in me that

I wasn’t prepared to examine too closely.

Ryan Stone was engaged in animated conversation with a group of Boston’s finest when I approached. His eyes lit up at the sight of me, no doubt hoping for some insider information on Wells Investment Bank’s latest moves.

“Derek! I was just telling everyone about your remarkable success in London. Care to share a few details? Ryan’s voice boomed with

enthusiasm.

“Another time, perhaps, I replied smoothly. “I’m afraid Eleanor and I need to make an early exit. She’s had a small accident with her

dress.

Ryan’s face fell slightly before he composed himself. “Nothing serious, I hope?”

‘Just a spilled drink. These things happen at parties.” I kept my tone light, masking my irritation at the Bradley boy’s behavior.

I was about to thank him for his hospitality when my mother materialized beside me, her face a perfect mask of social grace that

did nothing to hide the displeasure in her eyes.

“Leaving so soon?” Catherine Wells’ voice carried just the right note of concern. “Surely a little spill isn’t reason enough to depart from such an important gathering. Eleanor could simply dab it out somewhere.”

I met my mother’s gaze evenly. The years in London had given me practice in handling her particular brand of manipulation.

“Mother, we insist. My tone was deliberately pointed, watching her eyes widen slightly.

Eleanor appeared at my side, her composure restored despite the visible stain on her elegant dress. “I’m terribly sorry to interrupt

everyone’s evening, but we do need to leave early.”

Thomas, who had been hovering nearby, slapped me on the shoulder with a smirk. “Look at that! Derek finally knows what marriage

responsibility looks like.”

The group laughed, and I forced a smile, grateful for the diffusion of tension.

As we made our exit, I placed my hand at the small of Eleanor’s back, a gesture that felt both foreign and strangely familiar. The

warmth of her body through the thin fabric of her dress was distracting, and I was relieved when we finally reached the car.

Boston’s night lights played across Eleanor’s face as she gazed out the window, her profile illuminated in brief flashes. The silence

between us stretched taut, filled with unspoken questions and accusations.

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Chapter 30

Finally, Eleanor turned to face me. “You didn’t have to do that,” she said quietly. “I can handle my own problems.

‘Don’t misunderstand,” I replied, keeping my voice cool and detached. “The Wells family doesn’t need that kind of gossip, and I was tired of the pointless socializing anyway.”

Eleanor didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she studied me with an intensity that made me uncomfortable, as if she were trying to read something written beneath my skin.

“What are you staring at?” I asked, more sharply than I’d intended.

“Nothing. Her voice was soft, almost contemplative.

“Tell me the truth,” I insisted. “I don’t like being lied to.”

Eleanor hesitated, her fingers toying with the silver star pendant at her throat.

“You’ve changed,” she finally said. “I can’t put my finger on exactly what’s different, but you’re not the same Derek who left two

years ago.”

I shifted in my seat, unsettled by her observation. Seeking to change the subject, I remembered something that had been bothering

me all evening.

“That was quite a creative solution you came up with at dinner,” I said, watching her carefully. “When Ryan wouldn’t stop with his

invasive questions about children.”

Eleanor’s cheeks flushed pink, visible even in the dim light of the car. “You know perfectly well that Ryan kept pressing about when

we’re having children. You weren’t helping me deflect, so I had to say something.”

Comments

Beverley Linda van Wyk

Freaking hell kiss her and get over with it… Damn

4 days ago

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11:57 Sat, Jun 27

The CEO’s Unspoken Love