Grayson Pierce and Eloise Caldwell novel Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Having achieved her goal, Hannah left Grayson’s office in high spirits.

Grayson had agreed to the blind date, but he never expected Hannah to invite eight women at once.

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When he arrived at the upscale restaurant and was shown to a private dining area where eight women stood waiting in a neat, expectant line, he saw stars for a moment.

Of course, Grayson thought. ‘Grandma doesn’t just set traps for thers; she saves the best ones for her own family! With a sigh, he called his grandmother.

“Grandma, what is this?” he asked. “Am I on a blind date or judging a beauty pageant?”

Hannah was relaxing on a lounge chair, sipping coffee with a satisfied smile.

“Getting you to agree to one meeting is like pulling teeth. I had to seize the moment and let you see a few options at once.

“Honestly, if it weren’t so over–the–top, I would have invited them all. I have dozens of profiles ready for you.

“Take your time, dear. Look them over carefully. Now, I’m going to enjoy my coffee. Goodbye.” She promptly hung up before he could protest further.

After a final look at the eight women, Grayson reluctantly took his seat. ‘Alright. If this is the game, I’ll find a way to play it.

Very soon, Hannah began receiving a series of irate phone calls from the families of the young ladies. By the time she had taken the last call, her blood pressure had spiked dramatically.

Grayson was summoned home by an urgent call from his father Leo Pierce.

Pierce Manor was located in the most historic district of Eklolan, right by the old imperial grounds. It was a sprawling, lavishly renovated complex of interconnected villas.

It was the largest and most opulent manor in the area. An aerial rone view would reveal its breathtaking scale and grandeur.

Grayson’s car entered through a side gate, which led directly to the family garage. After getting out, he crossed the courtyard and entered the main house.

In the grand living room, aside from a few busy staff members,nly Leo was present, watching financial news.

“Dad, Grayson greeted him and took a seat in a single armchair

Leo glanced at him. “Your grandmother is in her room. Go see r

“Is it serious?” Grayson asked.

Leo adjusted his glasses. “She’s making quite a performance of Your grandmother is getting on in years. Try not to upset her so much.”

“This wasn’t my fault,” Grayson defended himself. “She invited eight women Eight”

Leo had been taken aback by the tactic. Only Hannah could come up with something like that.

He cleared his throat lightly. “While your grandmother’s method are… excessive, her concern for your future is genuine. You’re not a young man anymore. It’s time to seriously consider marriage.”

Grayson had no desire to discuss marriage. He stood up. “I’ll go check on Grandma.”

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Chapter 13

Leo shook his head as Grayson walked away. This boy. The moment you mention marriage, he runs.‘

Grayson knocked on Hannah’s bedroom door. “Grandma? May come in?”

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Inside, Hannah had just been happily munching on a pastry. Hearing his voice, she quickly tossed the remaining piece onto a plate, scrambled under the covers, and began clutching her head with a theatrical moan.

Grayson pushed the door open and walked in. “Grandma, are you still feeling unwell?”

“Oh, it’s terrible. Just awful,” she groaned from the bed.

Grayson’s eyes drifted to the half–empty plate of pastries on her bedside table. “Grandma, you really should eat fewer sweets. Too much isn’t good for you.”

“I haven’t touched them,” Hannah protested weakly. “I’m too upset to eat.”

“Then who ate these?” Grayson asked.

Hannah darted her eyes. “That must have been Nellie. She must have snuck a few.”

Grayson sighed inwardly. Nellie was the maid dedicated to his grandmother’s care. “Is that so? I’ll have a word with Nellie later.”

Hannah immediately dropped her hand from her forehead. “No don’t. They’re just pastries. It’s not a big deal. You’ll embarrass poor Nellie.”

Grayson’s attitude was firm. “No, I insist on getting to the bottom of this.”

Hannah gave up the act. She sat bolt upright, scowling. “Fine. I ate them. Don’t you dare go bother Nellie.”

Grayson bit back a laugh.

Hannah glared at him. “Forget the pastries. What on earth happened with the blind date?”

Grayson pulled a chair up to the bedside and sat down. “You wanted me to go,” he said offhandedly. “So I went. Looked them all over, really. Just didn’t see any that were a good fit.”

Hannah was furious. “If you didn’t like them, fine. But did you have to insult them?”

Her voice rose in indignation. “You told one her skin was too tanhed, another her legs were too short. You said one had an ugly mouth, another had eyes like a donkey’s.

“You criticized someone’s crooked teeth, another’s uneven ears, and pointed out a pimple on someone’s face.

“Do you have any idea how angry their parents are? No one would dare set you up on a date now.”

A grin spread across Grayson’s face as he began to massage her gs. “Well, that’s just perfect then, isn’t it?”

Hannah grabbed a pillow and swatted him with it. “You wretched boy. I knew you did it on purpose. You no–good. You’ve humiliated me… you rascal.

Grayson didn’t dodge, letting her hit him until she was out of breath. Huffing, she threw the pillow aside and turned her back to him, crossing her arms.

Trying to placate her, Grayson massaged her legs. “Come on, Grandma, don’t be mad.”

Hannah’s anger melted instantly into melodramatic sorrow. She sighed, a world of woe in the sound. “I may never live to see my great–grandchild.”

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Chapter 13

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“Grandma, if a great–grandchild is out of reach,” Grayson said smoothly, “why not urge Uncle Tripp to have a child? A new grandson for you.”

Hannah rolled his eyes. “Forget it. Counting on him is even less likely than counting on you.”

Grayson added, “Or you could count on my father. I wouldn’t mind having a younger brother.”

Another pillow came flying at his head. Grayson caught it, laughing. “Grandma, you need to watch your temper at your age. Getting worked up isn’t good for you.”

“Who do you think winds me up?” Hannah retorted.

“Then I’ll leave, so I don’t upset you anymore.” Grayson shrugged.

Hannah said grumpily, “Go on, get out. You’re just annoying me

Feeling awkward, Grayson got up and left.

The matchmaking battle ended in Grayson’s victory. Humiliated Hannah had no energy to set up any more blind dates for the time being.

*****

Eloise received her license plates in the mail. She found a toolkit and installed them herself.

That Sunday, she drove Noah to the zoo. Without a car, their weekend outings had been limited to nearby places.

This trip was a treat. It was Noah’s first time at a zoo, and he was ecstatic. Watching the pure joy on his face filled Eloise’s heart with a deep, quiet contentment.

They stayed until late afternoon and began the drive home around five.

Shortly after they set off, the sky darkened. Thunder rumbled, lightning flashed, and a heavy downpour began. Eloise slowed down, peering intently through the rain–slashed windshield.

“Noah, check your seatbelt, make sure it’s secure,” she instructed making a mental note to buy a proper child safety seat as soon as possible.

Noah dutifully checked. “It’s on tight, Mommy.”

Eloise nodded, her attention fully on the road.

But at an intersection, another car suddenly swerved into her la. She couldn’t react in time. There was a sickening crunch of metal on metal.

Her mind went blank for a second. As soon as the car shuddered a stop, Eloise whipped her head around. “Noah, are you okay? Are you hurt?” Her voice was frantic.

“Mommy, I’m okay.” The impact hadn’t been at high speed. Noal had been jolted against the door, his arm aching a little. but he was otherwise unharmed.

Eloise placed a trembling hand over her heart, letting out a shak breath. “Thank god

After a moment to collect herself, she unbuckled her seatbelt. “Shy in the car, honey. I need to go check the damage.

Noah nodded. “Okay, Mommy. Be careful.”

“I will.” Then, Eloise called the police to report the accident. The said an officer would arrive shortly.

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Chapter 13

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Stepping out of the car, she was instantly drenched by the cold in. The driver of the other car, looking terrified, remained in their vehicle.

In the pouring rain, Eloise surveyed the damage. The rear passenger door of her newly acquired SUV was caved in dramatically. Her heart sank. ‘My poor car…

Then a wave of relief washed over her. ‘Thank goodness Noah wasn’t sitting on that side.

She looked at the dented metal. ‘Well, at least it only cost 6 thousand dollars. Imagine if it were a 100–thousand–dollar car. That would have been unbearable.‘

Abruptly, the rain above her ceased. It was Grayson, holding an umbrella tilted so far in her direction that one side of his own jacket was soaked.