Drowning Him In Regret novel Chapter 41

Chapter 41

Dorian didn’t bother softening the edge in his voice. Jude stared at him for a long beat, then suddenly broke into a smile

He said sarcastically, “So that’s what this is–Mr. Huxley’s taken a liking to Mrs. Carson’s design skills. Impeccable taste.”

He turned to me, the smile still in place, and remarked, “In that case, Ada, I hope you’ll give it your best. Let’s work well together.”

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He let the next part hang in the air just long enough to make its weight felt, hinting, “If there’s anything, let’s keep it in the company. Easier to deal with that way, don’t you think?”

I acted like I hadn’t caught the subtext, even if it was impossible to miss.

1, unfazed, offered a nod and stated, “Mr. Carson makes a good point. Let’s get back to work, shall we? No use wasting more time.”

“Especially,” I added with a pointed glance in Vivian’s direction, “since someone’s little mistake has already kept Elitara Group waiting far too long.”

Vivian tugged on Jude’s sleeve and leaned in, whining, “Mr. Carson, I thought I was supposed to be involved in this project?”

Of course, she wanted in.

Never mind the commission–just having Elitara Group’s name on her résumé would be worth its weight in gold.

But I had no intention of letting that happen.

“I’m sorry, but we don’t need senior assistants on this one. The secretarial team can sit this out,” I said firmly, then added, “Besides, you’re still not full- time yet, are you?”

Vivian was still an intern, and no matter how eager she was, she didn’t have the standing to get near a project like this.

She shot me a furious glare. “This was my project to begin with–I was the point of contact. Mr. Merritt said-”

“Cassian?” Dorian cut in smoothly, interrupting her, “Unfortunately, Mr. Merritt’s under internal investigation. He won’t be overseeing this project

anymore.”

Dorian finally looked up, his tone mild but calculated, and probed, “These kinds of financial cases tend to drag a lot of people in. You and Mr. Merritt close, Miss Miller?”

Vivian shook her head as soon as the words hit the air.

She turned to Jude in panic, crying out, “Jude…”

But Dorian was already settling back into his chair, motioning for the others to prepare. “Mr. Carson, we’re about to start.

“Are you planning to have your assistant sit in, or is this your way of pushing someone onto my team?”

The meeting room shifted. His staff had already begun setting up laptops, prepping notes.

Jude’s jaw tightened as he swallowed whatever protest he was about to make. He forced a smile and announced, “Carry on without me. I’ve got other things to handle.”

Then, with a pointed look in my direction, he added, “Mrs. Carson, I’ll expect you in my office once the meeting wraps.”

I offered a polite nod and took my seat, unbothered.

I knew exactly what he was trying to do–he didn’t want me having lunch with Dorian.

And the more he tried to control things, the less inclined I was to listen.

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17:02 Thu, 8 MayGO.

Chapter 41

With all the distractions out of the room, the meeting finally hit its stride.

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It had been years since I’d seen Dorian work like this, and his design instincts had sharpened in ways I hadn’t expected. His suggestions were not only insightful–they were genuinely helpful.

“You’re sure you’re not designing anymore?” I asked, still slightly breathless from our exchange, sounding incredulous.

He shook his head, glancing toward his team, and explained, “The company needs me elsewhere. I’ll have to settle for throwing ideas your way.”

Before I could respond, his assistant piped up proudly, boasting, “Mr. Huxley is the future of Elitara Group. He barely has time to sleep, let alone design.”

I stared at her, wide–eyed. Dorian cleared his throat and looked away.

“Well,” he said, changing the subject with a grin, “since we’ve had such a productive session, how about lunch on me?”

The room erupted.

“You’re the best, boss! I vote steak buffet!” one of them shouted.

“Seconded! The seafood is good–let’s make him pay for real!” another exclaimed.

“Unanimous decision! I’m booking now!” a third one declared.

Dorian’s assistant turned her hopeful gaze toward me and pleaded, “Mrs. Carson, you’ll come too, won’t you?”

Others chimed in, nodding, echoing her enthusiasm.

“You and your assistant should join–it’ll be fun with everyone,” one suggested.

Exactly, Mr. Huxley’s loaded. Two more won’t hurt,” another added.

Even Ellen gave me a hopeful look. In the end, I caved.

Everyone scattered toward the buffet at the restaurant while Dorian and I stayed behind.

“I feel bad,” I admitted quietly, sounding guilty. “It isn’t exactly cheap,”

He waved it off with a half–smile and reassured, “Please. They’d have gone even harder on me if you hadn’t come.”

I glanced at him, curious, and asked, “You seem close with your team. That girl earlier said you’re the heir?”

I looked at him curiously.

Truthfully, I didn’t know much about Dorian’s background. All I’d ever picked up were the vague comments people made.

He gave me a look, one that carried far more weight than the simple smile that followed.