The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 96

Chapter 96

Eleanor POV

The late afternoon sun streamed through the windows of Four Seasons Florals, casting golden patterns across fresh shipments of

roses and hydrangeas. I trimmed stems with practiced precision, but my mind was elsewhere-back at City Hall a week ago, signing

away three years of my life with a few strokes of a pen.

“This is a new beginning,” I whispered to myself, arranging white lilies in a crystal vase. The words felt hollow, rehearsed. I’d been repeating them like a mantra since that day, hoping repetition might eventually make them true.

But his parting words still echoed in my mind: “Don’t think this is over, Eleanor. I’m not done with you yet.”

A week had passed, and I hadn’t heard a word from him. Whatever he’d meant by those words, they apparently hadn’t been urgent

enough to warrant a follow-up.

My phone buzzed with a text from Olivia: [Still on for dinner tonight? That new bistro on Charles Street has your name on it,

honey. And I expect DETAILS about the divorce.]

I smiled despite myself. Olivia had been my rock through all of this. [Absolutely. 8 PM. Though there aren’t many details to share.

Papers signed, marriage over, moving on.]

If only it were that simple.

The shop phone rang, and I reached for it, expecting another last-minute order for tomorrow.

‘Four Seasons Florals, how may I help you?”

“Ms. Linch? This is Janine from the Meridian Foundation Gala Committee. The woman’s voice was tense with barely contained panic. “We have an emergency. Our original florist just backed out of tomorrow’s charity event. We need twenty centerpieces, three statement arrangements, and a full entry display by tomorrow at 3 PM. Price is no object.”

My mind raced through our inventory and schedule. This was exactly the kind of high-profile event that could elevate my shop’s reputation, but the timeline was nearly impossible.

“I’ll need to check a few things and call you right back,” I said, already mentally rearranging tomorrow’s deliveries.

After an hour of frantic calls to suppliers and juggling appointments, I managed to accept the order. The next few hours disappeared in a blur of sketches, sample arrangements, and inventory checks. By the time I noticed the clock, it was already 7:30 PM.

‘Oh no, I muttered, grabbing my phone to text Olivia. [Massive emergency order came in. Rain check for tomorrow? I’m so sorry.]

Her reply came quickly: [You and your rainchecks. Fine, but ONLY because I love you. Tomorrow, no excuses.]

I smiled at her message, grateful for her understanding, and continued working until well after nine. When the last employee left, I

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Chapter 96

stayed behind to finalize the design sketches and place orders for the additional flowers I’d need at dawn.

ร

It was nearly ten when I finally locked the back door and walked toward the small alley that led to the street where I’d parked. The

alley was poorly lit, but I’d walked it hundreds of times.

That’s when a hand clamped over my mouth, yanking me backward into the shadows. The sickly-sweet smell of chloroform filled my nostrils as I struggled against my attacker. My heart hammered in my chest as I fought to break free, fingers desperately reaching

for the pepper spray in my coat pocket.

I managed to grab it, twisting enough to spray directly into my attacker’s face. He cursed and released me, giving me precious seconds to stagger away. But before I could reach the street, a second figure emerged from behind a dumpster.

“Grab her!” the first man shouted, and I felt strong arms wrap around me from behind.

I kicked wildly, connecting with a metal trash can that clattered loudly against the brick wall. The sound echoed through the alley

my only hope that someone might hear and investigate.

The chloroform rag pressed against my face again, more firmly this time. I tried to hold my breath, but eventually, my lungs betrayed me. The edges of my vision darkened, and the last thing I remember was being dragged deeper into the shadows.

I woke with a pounding headache, the world swimming into focus slowly. My wrists and ankles were bound with zip ties, tight enough to cut into my skin. A strip of duct tape covered my mouth. I was lying on what felt like a leather couch in a dimly lit room.

As my vision cleared, I saw a young man standing over me. Tall and muscular, probably in his late twenties, with cold eyes that made my skin crawl. I didn’t recognize him, but the predatory way he looked at me made his intentions clear.

He reached down and ripped the tape from my mouth in one swift motion. The pain made my eyes water.

“Why are you doing this?” I gasped. “We don’t even know each other.”

His lips curled into a cruel smile. “Oh, but I know all about you, Mrs. Wells. Or should I say Ms. Wells now? I heard about the

divorce.

I struggled against my restraints. Let me go. Whatever you want, this isn’t the way.”

“What I want?” He laughed, the sound hollow. I’m just the hired help. I’m being very well paid to make sure you suffer tonight.”

A sick feeling settled in my stomach. Who hired you? I don’t have enemies.”

‘Don’t you?” He leaned closer, his breath hot against my face. I’m only sorry such a pretty face has to get hurt. But business is

business.

“Who hired you?” I demanded again, trying to keep my voice steady.

He straightened, a cruel smile playing at his lips. “If you want to blame someone, blame your husband. Ex-husband, I should say.

Derek Wells has made quite a few enemies in his climb to the top. And some of them have very creative ideas about revenge.”

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My mind raced. “Derek wouldn’t-

“Oh, he didn’t,” he cut me off. “But he’s the reason you’re here. Funny thing is, he’s right next door in private box 265, entertaining

some friends. He won’t hear you scream.”

The revelation hit me like a physical blow. Derek was nearby? “I don’t believe you.”

His smile widened. “Believe what you want. It won’t change what happens next.”

He moved closer, his intentions clear in his eyes. “He’s busy reconnecting with his old flame. He doesn’t care what happens to you in

here.

I twisted away from his touch, but there was nowhere to go. “Someone will come looking for me.”

“Not before I’m finished,” he said, his hand closing around my throat. “And not before you’ve served your purpose.”

As his weight pressed me down into the couch, panic surged through me. With every ounce of strength I had left, I screamed:

“Help!”

He laughed, his hand tightening around my neck. ‘Scream all you want. He can’t hear you.”

As his hands began tearing at my clothes, I continued to scream, praying someone-anyone-would hear me.

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someone always gotta get kidnapped to get rescued

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love