The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 81

Chapter 81

Eleanor POV

At The Atlantic, one of Boston’s most elegant restaurants, James selected a secluded table in a quiet corner, partially screened by an arrangement of tall plants. The ambient lighting was warm and intimate, creating a cocoon of privacy despite the restaurant’s busy

atmosphere.

Olivia wasted no time launching her interrogation once our wine had been poured.

“So, James, she began with a directness that made me cringe, “how many girlfriends have you had? And why did your last

relationship end?”

“Olivia!” I choked on my water, mortified by her bluntness.

James laughed, not at all perturbed by the invasive question. “Enough to know what’s precious, he replied smoothly, “not so many

that I seem fickle.”

“That’s a very diplomatic non-answer, Olivia pressed, clearly enjoying herself.

I apologize for her directness, I said, shooting Olivia a warning look. She tends to forget social boundaries.”

“No need to apologize, James said, his eyes crinkling with amusement. I find honesty refreshing.” He deftly changed the subject.

Have you tried the bruschetta here? It’s the most authentic I’ve found in Boston.”

The conversation gradually shifted to more comfortable territory. James spoke about his time at Cambridge and his unexpected

passion for plant biology alongside his financial career. I was surprised to discover how much he knew about my field, and we fell

into an easy discussion about sustainable growing practices and rare plant conservation.

I was laughing at James’s story about a disastrous experiment with hybrid roses when a familiar voice cut through the restaurant’s

ambient noise.

“Eleanor! What a coincidence.”

My smile froze as I looked up to see Seraphina standing beside our table, resplendent in a navy silk dress. Derek stood at her side,

his expression unreadable, but his eyes were cold as they moved from me to James.

Seraphina. Derek. I managed to keep my voice steady despite the sudden tightness in my chest. Beside me, I felt Olivia’s hand

squeeze mine under the table in silent support.

The restaurant is absolutely packed tonight, Seraphina said with practiced surprise. “Would you mind if we joined you? It seems

there are no other tables available.”

Every fiber of my being wanted to refuse, but years of social conditioning prevailed. “Of course not,” I said, my eyes briefly meeting

Derek’s. In that momentary connection, I caught a glimpse of something that looked like ice-cold fury.

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Chapter 81

Derek remained mostly silent as we ordered another round of drinks and additional appetizers. The conversation was stilted and

awkward, with Seraphina doing most of the talking.

‘I was surprised not to see you at the Preston charity gala last weekend, Eleanor, Seraphina commented, swirling her wine glass. “It

was quite the event.”

“I’ve been busy expanding the business and settling into my new home,” I replied evenly, keeping my expression pleasant despite

the tension.

Throughout the meal, Derek said very little, but I could feel his eyes on me whenever I interacted with James. When I sampled

seafood dish and a bit of sauce caught at the corner of my mouth, Olivia immediately noticed.

“James,” she said with deliberate casualness, “Eleanor has a bit of sauce on her lip. Could you help?”

Before I could react, James had gently dabbed the corner of my mouth with his napkin, his touch feather-light and his eyes never

leaving mine. I heard Derek’s wineglass hit the table with unnecessary force.

“Mr. Fort, Derek suddenly spoke, his voice razor-sharp though his expression remained composed. “I recall you studied finance at Cambridge. Interesting that you share my wife’s passion for botany. Such a coincidence.

“Plant biology and environmental science, actually, James replied smoothly. “A fascinating field that studies how life thrives in

different environments. Quite captivating.

“Indeed, Derek’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. I should point out, however, that Eleanor is still my wife. Your obvious interest in her,

displayed so publicly in my presence, seems rather inappropriate.”

James remained unruffled by Derek’s thinly veiled hostility. I simply appreciate the company of an intelligent, elegant woman. As for marital status, my understanding is that’s merely a temporary legal arrangement, soon to be concluded.”

I stared at James, surprised by his boldness. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Derek’s hand tightening into a fist on the table.

Seraphina attempted to diffuse the growing tension. “Derek has always valued his relationship with Eleanor, haven’t you, darling?”

Derek didn’t respond, and the silence that followed felt heavier than before.

When dinner finally ended, James offered to drive me home.

“I can take you back to Newton,” he said, his eyes warm with genuine interest.

I shook my head, needing space to process the evening’s events. “Thank you for the offer, but I think I need some time alone

tonight.”

James nodded, understanding in his expression. “I look forward to seeing you again, Eleanor.”

As we said our goodbyes outside the restaurant, I noticed Derek standing a short distance away, watching our interaction with an

intensity that made my skin prickle.

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Chapter 81

KIKA

“Tonight was epic, Olivia whispered as we waited for our respective cars. “I live for this kind of drama.”

I sighed, exhausted by the evening’s emotional complexities. “I just want to go home and forget this night ever happened.”

Later that night, as I lay in bed after a long shower, replaying the evening’s events, my phone rang. Derek’s name illuminated the

screen, and I hesitated before answering.

“What is your relationship with James Fort?” His voice was low and dangerous.

“What’s your relationship with Seraphina Bradley?” I countered immediately.

“Don’t change the subject,” he said, his tone clipped. “Does he know about your marital status?”

“Derek,” I said directly, cutting through his attempts to control the conversation, “are you jealous?”

“Don’t flatter yourself, he snapped. “I’m simply concerned about the Wells family reputation.”

“If it’s not jealousy, then you have no right to know about my relationship with anyone,” I replied coolly. “We’re getting divorced

soon, remember?”

I hung up before he could respond, staring at the ceiling as thoughts whirled through my mind. Did Derek actually care about me,

or just his family’s image? What did I truly want? Freedom? Or a genuine connection with someone who saw me for who I am?

Derek had never truly seen me, had he? Or was it possible that he did care, beneath that cold exterior?

The questions swirled in my mind, leaving me restless and confused as the night stretched on.

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love