The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 86

Chapter 86

Eleanor POV

“What are you two discussing?” he asked, approaching us with deliberate steps. “You seemed quite engrossed.

Alexander rose smoothly from his chair. “I was just updating Eleanor about Grandmother’s condition.” He glanced between Derek and me, sensing the sudden tension. “I think I’ll turn in for the night. It’s been a long day for all of us.” With a polite nod to both of

us, he departed, his footsteps fading down the hallway.

Derek’s eyes followed his brother until he disappeared, then returned to me with renewed intensity. “So, what were you really talking about?” he asked, moving to occupy the chair Alexander had just vacated.

I met his eyes directly, refusing to be intimidated. “I just asked about why his engagement was cancelled,” I answered honestly.

Something shifted in Derek’s expression, a coldness spreading across his features that I recognized all too well. His jaw tightened, and his eyes narrowed fractionally. “I see. You’re not hoping his sudden availability gives you an opportunity, are you?”

The cruelty of his words stung. Heat rushed to my face, both from anger and humiliation. ‘What are you talking about?”

‘Don’t play innocent, Derek continued, his voice low but sharp as he moved closer, towering over where I sat. His cologne- expensive and familiar-filled my senses, making it harder to maintain my composure. “You’ve always wanted to marry my brother, haven’t you? Too bad for you that even if we divorce, you won’t get another chance with the Wells family.”

I stood up abruptly, needing to reduce the power imbalance between us. We were now inches apart, his breath warm on my face.

“That’s ridiculous. I’ve never-

Save it, he cut me off, his eyes never leaving mine. “I’ve seen how you look at him.”

My patience snapped. “If I had married Alexander instead of you, I would have been much happier. At least he knows what respect

means.”

The words hung between us like a physical thing. Derek’s eyes darkened dangerously, and for a moment, I thought he might touch me-whether to push me away or pull me closer, I wasn’t sure. I immediately regretted my words, not because they weren’t true, but because they revealed too much.

Derek s eyes narrowed, and he moved even closer, his voice dropping to a near-whisper that only I could hear. “In Boston society, his marriage will be a business and social project, which was supposed to be. His eyes traced my face, lingering on my lips before returning to my eyes. “Do you think you have that value? Your little flower shop on Newbury Street might have some reputation, but in the Wells family social circle, what does that amount to?”

I refused to back away, even as his proximity made my heart race. “At least Alexander is a gentleman,” I retorted, anger making me

reckless

Derek’s hand shot out, grasping my wrist. Not painfully, but firmly enough that I could feel the heat of his skin against mine.

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Chapter 86

The tension between us was palpable, charged with anger and something else-something neither of us was willing to acknowledge.

Later at night, I locked the bedroom door behind me, grateful for a moment of solitude. I’d just stepped out of the shower, my skin

still flushed from the hot water. Droplets ran down my neck and disappeared beneath the thin silk robe I wore.

I sat on the edge of the king-sized bed, applying lotion to my arms and legs with slow, methodical strokes.

A sharp knock interrupted my thoughts.

“Eleanor, Derek’s voice came through the door, deep and commanding. This is my room. Why are you locking the door?”

I paused, my hand stilling on my calf. “You can use one of the guest rooms,” I called back, trying to keep my voice even. “This house

has plenty.”

“Eleanor,” his voice dropped lower, irritation evident. “Open the door now. If not, I’ll call someone to open it, and I’ll tell

Grandmother you’re bullying me.”

I knew his ridiculous threat might actually work. Margaret adored Derek, and in her current state, I couldn’t risk upsetting her.

Reluctantly, I wrapped my robe tighter around myself, checking that it covered everything properly. I crossed to the door, my bare feet silent on the plush carpet, and turned the lock.

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R Visitor

this girl really needs to get a backbone

7 days ago

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love