The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 83

CHA

The CEO’s Unspoken Love

Chapter 83

Margaret laughed delightedly. “You always know how to flatter me, Derek.” She turned to me with a conspiratorial smile. “He’s been

this way since he was a boy always knew exactly what to say to charm his way out of trouble.”

As Margaret disappeared into her dressing room, Derek’s smile faded, his eyes meeting mine with intensity.

“We need to talk,” I said quietly. “About telling your grandmother about… our situation.”

“Our situation?” His eyebrow arched. “You mean our divorce?”

I glanced nervously at the dressing room door. “Yes. I think you should be the one to tell her.”

“And why is that?”

“Because she’s your grandmother, and because…” I hesitated. “Because you’re the one who’s already moving on with Seraphina.”

Derek’s eyes narrowed. “I’m not engaged to Seraphina. My marriage isn’t even over yet. How could I possibly be engaged?”

Our conversation was interrupted by Catherine’s voice from the hallway. Before she could speak, the doorbell rang downstairs –

Seraphina Bradley had arrived.

Downstairs, Seraphina had made herself comfortable, greeting the Wells family with familiarity. She handed Margaret a small gift

box with practiced charm.

I stood at the edge of the room, trying to make myself invisible. It didn’t work.

“Eleanor, Seraphina acknowledged me with a smile. “Lovely to see you again.”

I nodded stiffly. Catherine’s eyes were on me, watching my reaction. I knew she expected the perfect daughter-in-law response, but I

couldn’t pretend anymore.

“Eleanor, Catherine’s voice held a warning. “Seraphina was kind enough to bring a gift for Margaret. Isn’t that thoughtful?”

“Very,” I replied flatly. The silence that followed was uncomfortable.

“Really, Eleanor, Catherine finally said. “After all these years in our family, one would think you’d have learned some basic

manners.”

I felt a surge of anger. “Interesting that you mention teaching, Catherine. In the three years I’ve been your daughter-in-law, you’ve

never once attempted to teach me anything. You’ve barely acknowledged my existence except when it suited your social calendar.”

The room fell silent. It was Margaret who broke the tension, addressing Seraphina directly.

Darling,” she said, not unkindly but firmly. “You know, you’ve never been the type that grows on people at first sight.”

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Chapter 83

Seraphina’s smile faltered. “I’m sorry?”

“No need to apologize, Margaret continued. “Tonight is a family dinner, and while I appreciate your concern, I’m afraid only Wells

family members will be joining us this evening.”

Seraphina looked at Derek, clearly expecting him to intervene. Derek, however, merely shrugged.

“There’s not a single person in this room I can afford to offend right now,” he said simply.

Catherine, tight-faced, moved to escort Seraphina out.

At dinner, Margaret insisted I sit beside her, opposite Derek, whose eyes frequently met mine across the table. The conversation

flowed easily as Margaret regaled us with stories.

“Catherine, Margaret said suddenly. “Eleanor called you ‘Catherine.’ Not ‘Mother’ or even Mrs. Wells. Why is that?”

Catherine’s fork paused midway to her mouth. “I’m sure I don’t know. Perhaps you should ask Eleanor.”

“I’ve never felt comfortable using familial terms with Catherine,” I said carefully. “Our relationship has always been… formal.”

Margaret frowned. “That seems odd for a family as close as ours.”

Catherine set down her fork deliberately. “Speaking of family matters, Margaret, there’s something you should know about Derek and

Eleanor-”

Before she could finish, Margaret erupted into a violent coughing fit. Derek and I both reacted instinctively I reached for her water glass while Derek gently patted her back. Our hands brushed as I passed the glass, and for a moment, our eyes met in shared

concern.

As Margaret’s coughing subsided, I couldn’t help but wonder if her timing was coincidental or deliberate. Had she somehow sensed

what Catherine was about to reveal? The shrewd look in her eyes made me suspect the latter.

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love