The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 82

Chapter 82

Eleanor POV

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The late afternoon sun cast long shadows as I locked the door of Four Seasons Florals. My shoulders ached from arranging elaborate

centerpieces for the Pediatric Hospital Foundation’s gala. All I wanted was a hot bath and perhaps a glass of wine to ease my

constant tension.

As I turned to leave, I noticed the Wells family car parked across the street. My stomach tightened. I had been avoiding Derek since

our last encounter, and the prospect of seeing him now sent anxiety through me.

But as the rear door opened, it wasn’t Derek who emerged, but Margaret Wells, his grandmother. She wore a powder pink suit that

accentuated her still-elegant figure, her silver hair impeccably styled.

“Oh, my darling girl! My precious granddaughter-in-law!” Margaret called out, arms extended. “I’ve missed you terribly!”

Her enthusiasm caught me off guard. I walked toward her, my smile becoming genuine. Despite everything, I had always had a soft

spot for Margaret.

“Mrs. Wells,” I said, accepting her embrace. ‘What a surprise.”

‘Oh, none of that Mrs. Wells’ nonsense. I’ve told you a thousand times to call me Grandma Margaret. She held me at arm’s length, scrutinizing my face. “You’ve lost weight, dear. Not eating properly? That won’t do at all

In the car, Margaret insisted I sit beside her rather than across from her. She patted my hand affectionately, her fingers adorned

with family heirloom rings.

“How have you been, my dear? The family hardly sees you these days.”

I’ve been busy with the shop,” I replied, carefully neutral. “And you? How are you feeling?”

“Oh, fit as a fiddle now,” she said with a dismissive wave. “Just a minor heart procedure. Nothing to fuss about.”

I stared at her in shock. “Heart procedure? When? Why didn’t anyone tell me?”

“Because I didn’t tell anyone, dear. Her eyes twinkled with mischief. The surgery was very successful, so they should all be happy for me. And if it hadn’t been…” She shrugged delicately. “Well, then these old bones would have been heading back to heaven, and

that would have been that.”

As we approached the Wells mansion, I contemplated telling her about the divorce proceedings. The words formed on my tongue, but seeing her genuine happiness at our reunion, I couldn’t bring myself to shatter the moment.

The family had gathered in the grand foyer. Catherine stood regally by the staircase, Jonathan beside her with his usual stern expression. Alexander waited nearby, his face lighting up briefly when he saw me. And there was Derek, impossibly handsome in a dark sweater and slacks, his expression inscrutable.

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Chapter 82

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“Look who I’ve brought!” Margaret announced proudly, keeping her arm linked with mine.

“It seems you have quite the high standing, Eleanor, Derek remarked, his voice carrying a hint of mockery. “Even Grandma

personally came to fetch you.”

Margaret beat me to a retort. “Of course I did. Eleanor is family.”

Something shifted in Derek’s expression – a softening I hadn’t expected. He approached his grandmother and kissed her cheek with

surprising tenderness.

“We missed you, you stubborn old woman,” he said affectionately. “Next time you decide to have heart surgery, perhaps a phone call

wouldn’t be amiss?”

“And listen to all of you fret and fuss? No thank you,” Margaret replied with a chuckle.

It was strange seeing this side of Derek – playful, warm, almost boyish. A stark contrast to the cold, distant man I had come to know

during our marriage.

“Eleanor, dear,” Catherine’s voice cut through my thoughts. “Would you mind helping Margaret to her room? She’ll need to change

for dinner.

In Margaret’s bedroom, I helped her select an outfit for dinner.

“The navy silk or the emerald?” she asked, holding up two elegant dresses.

“The emerald brings out your eyes,” I replied honestly.

“Always the navy, Eleanor, Derek’s voice came from the doorway, making me jump. “Grandma thinks it makes her look slimmer,

though she never needs to worry about that.”

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