The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 91

Chapter 91

Derek POV

I stood on the balcony outside the study, swirling eighteen-year-old Macallan in a crystal tumbler. The night air was cool against my face, a welcome relief after the suffocating atmosphere of the dining room. Playing the devoted husband had become increasingly difficult, especially with Grandmother’s talk of children. The idea of Eleanor pregnant with my child had stirred something

unexpected within me something I had no intention of examining too closely.

The sliding door opened behind me, and I didn’t need to turn to know it was Alexander. His footsteps were deliberate, unhurried,

just like everything else about my perfect older brother.

“Mind if I join you?” he asked, holding up a bottle of bourbon and another glass.

I gestured to the empty space beside me. “It’s your balcony too.”

Alexander poured himself a generous measure and leaned against the railing. For a few minutes, we drank in silence, staring out at the manicured gardens below. These quiet moments between us had become rare in adulthood-moments that reminded me of nights spent on the roof of our childhood home, planning adventures and sharing secrets.

“Grandmother seemed happy tonight,” he finally said, breaking the silence.

“She’s always happy when she thinks her plans are working out,” I replied, taking another sip. The whiskey burned pleasantly on its

way down.

“And are they? Working out?”

I shot him a sideways glance. “What do you think?”

Alexander swirled his bourbon thoughtfully. “I think you and Eleanor put on a good show.”

“We’re both excellent actors.”

Another silence fell between us, comfortable in the way only siblings can be. Since childhood, Alexander had been my confidant, my protector, and occasionally my rival. He was everything a Wells should be-responsible, dignified, the perfect heir to our father’s

empire.

‘You know,” I said suddenly, “I’ve always envied you.”

Alexander laughed, the sound reminiscent of our childhood. “What could you possibly envy about me?”

“Everything at Wells Investment Bank has been prepared for you since birth. Your path was clear, your future secure.”

“And I’ve envied your freedom,” he countered, tapping his glass against mine in a small toast. “The ability to create something entirely your own with Frontier Capital. To make your own name instead of simply inheriting one.”

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Chapter 91

1 shok my head That Treedom was the rest of being dermed unnecessary to the family buxiness I had to create because the main one was already occupied

The moonlight cast shadows across Alexander’s fare, revealing a depth of understanding that reminded me why, despite everything. he was stili the person I trusted most in the world

is that why you went to London? Alexander asked. To prove yourself?

The question hit closer to home than I cared to admit I tossed back the remainder of my whiskey, welcoming the burn

I went to London to build something of my own, I said. “To prove I wasn’t just some dispensable chess piece in Father’s game

Derek. Alexanders voice softened, you never needed to prove anything. Father and Mother are incredibly proud of what you’ve

accomplished with Frontier Capital They just don’t know how to express it

1 laughed bitterly Well, it doesnt matter now, does it? The three years are almost up

Alexander was quiet for a moment When he spoke agam: his voice was hesitant “Are you really prepared to let Eleanor go?

The question landed like a stone in my chest I stared into my empty glass, seeing Eleanor s face reflected in the crystal-her smile.

when she thought no one was watching, the way her eyes lit up when talking about her flowers, the vulnerability in her expression

when she looked at me sometimes, as if still hoping I might be worth loving

Eleanor was never mine to let go, I finally said She belongs to herself Always has

Alexander studied me his gaze too perceptive But she cares for you Surely you can see that

I laughed, the sound harsh even to my own ears Eleanor doesn’t care for me. Not in the way you think

I’m not so sure about that

In fact, I continued ignoring his comment. I think Eleanor might actually prefer you

Alexander’s expression shifted subtly-something flickered in his eyes that I couldn’t quite read, there and gone in an instant. He

took a slow sip of his bourbon before responding

“What are you talking about? His voice was carefully neutral

“She’s always comparing me to you. Always pointing out how much better you are more respectful, more successful in both

business and relationships The whiskey had loosened my tongue, releasing thoughts I usually kept carefully contained Tell me,

brother, am I really that deficient? Eleanor seems to think so

I watched him closely, but Alexander’s face remained composed, giving nothing away. Only the tightening of his fingers around his

glass betrayed any reaction at all.

“Derek, Alexander set his glass down firmly. “You don’t need to compare yourself to anyone, least of all me. I’m your brother:

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Chapter 91

And wet. I said pouting myself rather drink, il lester had to choose between as I have as dense starch

If that’s what you truly believe, Alexander said carefully why does it bother you so much?

I freex with the glass halfway to my lips It doesn’t bother me.”

Doesn | H? His eyes were searching now, too knowing Derek, is it possible that you ve fallen in love with Eleamer”

The question hit me like a physical blow Inside, my mind raced with images of Eleanor-sleeping peacefully beside me, laughing something Olivia said, the way she bit her lip when facing me. The way my chest tightened whenever she looked at me with those haunted, hopeful eyes

No, I said, my voice rising. How could I love Eleanor?”

Alexander didn’t respond immediately He gazed out at the garden, his profile illuminated by moonlight. The heart doesn’t always

make rational choices. Derek Sometimes we don’t realize what we have until we’ve lost it

Is that supposed to be brotherly wisdom I tried to keep my tone light, but there was an edge to my words

It’s a warning Alexander said quietly Dont let pride cost you something irreplaceable

We stood in silence drinking our respective spirits and watching the night deepen around us But inside my mind. I repeated the

mantra that had become my shield I don’t love Eleanor, I could never love Eleanor: Never

Even as something inside me whispered that I was lying to myself

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The CEOS Unspoken Love