Grayson Pierce and Eloise Caldwell novel Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Eloise deftly changed the subject. “So, Juliette, when are you coming back?”

“I think I’ll wander for another week,” Juliette replied, her voice light and carefree.

Eloise truly felt happy for her. “Sounds perfect. Just enjoy yourself.”

“I will. I’ll bring you back something tasty.” Juliette smiled.

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“Can’t wait.” As Eloise ended the call and headed back toward the secretarial department, she didn’t notice a figure standing in the shadowy recess of the hallway.

Beckett had stepped out for a cigarette. He’d been about to light it when he heard Eloise’s voice.

Not wanting to interrupt her private conversation, he’d stayed put, planning to wait until she left. But then he’d overheard her mention leaving Noah with Grayson.

Beckett lit his cigarette, took a long, deep drag, and exhaled a cloud of smoke into the still air.

*****

In his corner office at VirtuFusion Group, Grayson spun once in his executive chair. He kept picking up his phone, looking at the blank screen, then setting it down again with a frustrated sigh.

A knock sounded, and Finn entered. “Mr. Pierce, has Noah gone back home?”

He hadn’t seen the little boy around for a few days. Noah’s week–long presence had brought an unusual, buzzing energy to the entire corporate floor.

Grayson seemed to snap out of his reverie, the previous confusion and irritation momentarily forgotten. He straightened up. “What is it?”

Finn placed a document on the desk. “Your itinerary for the week, Mr. Pierce.”

Grayson nodded. “Leave it there. You can go.”

Once alone, he immediately picked up his phone again. This time, he dialed Noah’s number, which he had saved.

At home, Noah was curled on the sofa with a first–grade textbook reading ahead. He answered casually. “Hello, Mr. Pierce

Grayson asked, “What are you up to? Are you at preschool?”

“I’m reading at home,” Noah answered.

Grayson then asked. “Your aunt isn’t working today?”

Noah answered truthfully, “She is.”

Grayson was stunned. “So you’re home alone?” He couldn’t belie Eloise lett a four–year–old home alone. “Stay right there I’m coming over”

“You don’t-” The line went dead before Noah could finish

Thirty minutes later, Noah’s smartwatch buzzed again. “Noah, wat’s your building and apartinent number?”

Noah hesitated for a second. ‘Mommy said it’s okay to talk to him “Apartment 602. Building 13,” he said.

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Chapter 25

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A few minutes later, Noah opened the door with a mix of excitement and guilt. ‘Mommy probably won’t be too mad, right?

Grayson stepped inside, his eyes sweeping over the modest apartment. It was smaller than his bedroom, furnished with worn but clean pieces, and filled with a welcoming, lemony scen

A simple glass vase on the small dining table held a few fresh roses. It was cozy, a real home.

He noticed that all the necessities there were for women and children. Grayson felt an inexplicable sense of satisfaction. No men’s necessities. No regular male visitors.

Unbeknownst to Eloise, in her absence, Grayson had not only found her sanctuary but had now entered it.

Noah, however, remembered his part in the scheme. “Mr. Pierce he whispered urgently, “remember, don’t tell Aunt Eloise I gave you the address.”

A small, conspiratorial smile touched Grayson’s lips. “Don’t worry. My lips are sealed. Why aren’t you in preschool today?”

Noah looked down. “I didn’t want to go. It’s boring there.”

Grayson could sympathize. He’d hated preschool too, skipping more days than he attended. But he’d always had someone watching him, and private tutors had kept him occupied. A child alone was a safety hazard.

Grayson then asked, “Have you eaten anything?”

Noah nodded. “Yes. Aunt Eloise left food for me.”

Grayson said, “Good. Go change your clothes. You’re coming with me. Do you know how to swim?”

Noah looked puzzled. “No.”

Grayson just smiled. “I’ll teach you.”

He took Noah back to Vernal Road villa. On the way, he stopped at a supermarket, buying Noah swim trunks, a cap, goggles, and an array of floaties and kickboards.

His villa had an indoor pool on the third floor, a fact Noah was now very aware of.

Later that afternoon, Eloise checked the home security feed and saw an empty living room. Her heart jumped. She immediately called Noah.

Grayson, watching Noah splash happily in the shallow end, saw the smartwatch light up. He picked it up. “Hello?”

For a second, Eloise thought she’d dialed the wrong number. She pulled the phone away to check the screen. It was Noah’s number.

Grayson’s voice came through again. “Noah’s right here with me

Eloise’s breath hitched.

She had mentally prepared herself to eventually facilitate a reunion between the father and son, but the reality of it happening now, without her control, sent a jolt of anxiety through her. “How did he end up with you?”

Grayson’s voice was stern. “Eloise, if you can’t properly care for hild, you should send him back to his parents. Leaving a four–year–old home alone is incredibly irresponsible. If I hadn’talled, I wouldn’t have even known.”

Eloise was silent, chastened. To any normal parent, her decision would be condemnable. “I… Noah is very capable. He can take care of himself.”

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Chapter 25

Grayson almost laughed. “You believe a four–year–old’s assessment of his own safety?”

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“Then what am I supposed to do? Sending him away is not an option.” Eloise thought grumpily, ‘Where would I send him? He’s my son.’ Hiring a nanny was currently beyond her financial means.

“I’ll hire a nanny for you,” Grayson stated bluntly.

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