The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 153

Chapter 153

Olivia POV

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Blue Bottle Coffee at Copley Square exuded warmth and sophistication, with its minimalist décor and aromatic espresso scent

permeating the air. The café was busy with the after-work crowd-students from nearby universities hunched over laptops,

professionals unwinding after office hours, couples leaning into intimate conversations across small round tables.

I chose a corner table, away from the floor-to-ceiling windows but with a clear view of the door. My black coat draped over the pack of my chair, I sat rigid with anticipation, my hands wrapped around a ceramic mug of Americano that had long since grown cold. I stirred it absently, the silver spoon clinking against the sides as I checked my rose gold watch every few minutes.

At 7:01, I began to think he wouldn’t come, a mixture of relief and disappointment washing over me. At 7:03, the bell above the door chimed softly, and Derek Wells walked in, bringing with him a gust of cold January air and the unmistakable aura of old

money.

Even I had to admit he cut an impressive figure-tailored coat that probably cost more than my monthly rent, confident stride that parted the crowd without effort, that aristocratic Wells profile. His dark hair was slightly damp from the light snow outside, making him look more human, less like the untouchable finance demigod.

Several patrons glanced up as he entered, a few with recognition in their eyes. His presence commanded attention without trying- something I’d always resented about him and his kind. His piercing eyes scanned the room methodically until they found me. His expression remained neutral as he approached, removing his cashmere scarf with practiced elegance.

“Il give you ten minutes,” he said, sliding into the seat across from me without waiting for an invitation. He didn’t remove his coat,

a clear signal he didn’t intend to stay long.

I met his gaze directly, refusing to be intimidated by his wealth or status. “This is about Eleanor’s life, I stated flatly, watching his eyes narrow slightly at her name. “It’ll take more than ten minutes.”

“You need to stay away from Eleanor,” I said bluntly, watching his reaction with the careful attention I usually reserved for focus

groups evaluating campaign concepts.

One perfectly groomed eyebrow rose slightly, the only indication of surprise on his otherwise composed face. His long fingers tapped once against the wooden table before stilling. “Did she send you to tell me this?”

“She doesn’t know I’m here, I admitted, my voice lower as a barista passed by our table. “But I can’t watch her suffer because of you

anymore.”

Derek’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, a muscle flickering beneath the smooth skin. He leaned back slightly, his posture relaxed but his eyes alert-the stance of a predator assessing a situation.

Impossible,” he said, his voice dropping an octave, intensity radiating from him like heat. “Eleanor is everything to me. I won’t let

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Chapter 153

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her go.

He leaned forward suddenly, the movement causing me to flinch slightly. His eyes burned with an emotion I couldn’t quite name-

possessiveness, perhaps, or obsession masquerading as love.

“I’m going to witr her back, he continued, his voice fervent but controlled. “She’s mine. She loves me, even if she won’t admit it

I laughed coldly, the sound harsh even to my own ears. “You really think this is just a game, don’t you? Some financial acquisition

you can hostile-takeover?” I shook my head in disgust. “Do you have any idea what you did to her?”

“What are you talking about?” His confident facade wavered slightly, confusion momentarily crossing his features.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what I was about to reveal. My voice dropped lower, almost to a whisper, forcing him to

lean in to hear me. “She became depressed because of you, Derek.

His body visibly stiffened, expression freezing as if I’d slapped him. The coffee cup in his hand hovered halfway to his mouth before

slowly lowering back to the table.

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love