Grayson Pierce and Eloise Caldwell novel Chapter 31

Chapter 31

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Grayson didn’t answer. Eloise knew the old wound, the resentment, still festered inside him.

He stared at her, his voice flat. “You’re saying no because you’ve got your sights set on Beckett, right?”

The accusation was laced with bitterness. “Let me be clear. He doesn’t have my resources. And he’s never going to marry you.”

A hot wave of anger surged through Eloise, burning away her earlier confusion and hurt. “I don’t need you to tell me that.

“I know. I’ve never harbored any delusions about marrying Mr. Hayes. You, and everyone around you, don’t need to keep reminding me.

“I’m just an ordinary person. No prestigious family background. know I’m not good enough for Mr. Hayes, and I’m certainly not good enough for you, Mr. Pierce.”

She shoved past him, her vision blurring, and fled the room.

Grayson’s words echoed in her head, each one a fresh cut. His friend’s sneering comments replayed.

She had never thought those things, never aimed that high. ‘Why am I being forced to wear this label? They all look down on me from their lofty perches.

And Grayson, standing there offering what feels like a pity proposal after treating me with such condescension… what’s th supposed to be?’

By the time Grayson stumbled out into the hallway after her, Eloise’s car was already pulling out of the parking lot.

He started toward his wheel in frustration.

s own vehicl

then remembered the alcohol in his system and slammed his fist against the steering

Suddenly, his phone rang. Grayson answered it mechanically.

A soft, familiar female voice floated through the line. “Grayson? ‘s me. I’m back.”

*****

Eloise drove aimlessly, tears making the city lights smear into colorful streaks. She finally pulled over, resting her forehead on the steering wheel as sobs shook her shoulders.

It was a long time before she felt composed enough to drive home.

When she walked in, Juliette was waiting up. “Noah’s asleep. Hey, what’s wrong?” She immediately noticed Eloise’s red, swollen eyes.

Eloise just shook her head, walking inside.

Juliette followed her, concern etched on her face. She knew Elo had gone to pick up her drunk boss. “Did that playboy Beckett do something to you? I’ll go give him a piece of ”

“It wasn’t him,” Eloise interrupted quietly, sinking onto the sofat was Grayson.”

“Him again?” Juliette sat down beside her. “What did he do?”

Eloise leaned her head on Juliette’s shoulder, feeling utterly drained. She didn’t explain, but the depth of her sadness was palpable. Juliette stayed the night, a silent, supportive presence.

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The next morning, Eloise called Beckett. “Mr. Hayes, how is your wrist?”

“Don’t worry about it.” His voice came through, strained but calm. “A few weeks in a cast and it’ll be fine.”

Eloise said apologetically, “I’m so sorry. This is all my fault.”

Beckett felt a twinge of guilt himself. “Eloise, you don’t need to apologize.”

Eloise knew she was at fault. “But I do. It’s because of me that Grayson…”

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Beckett’s expression darkened. After a heavy silence, he asked the question that had been burning in his mind. “Eloise, what is your relationship with Grayson?” It was the second time he’d asked.

This time, Eloise saw no point in hiding it. “Five years ago, in Ucevine, we were together for a while.”

Beckett drew in a sharp breath, a sudden, sharp pain lancing through his chest, mirroring the throb in his wrist.

He forced out the next, harder question. “And Noah? Is he… his?”

Seeing no reason to lie, Eloise whispered, “Yes.”

Beckett leaned back against his hospital bed, raising his uninjured hand to massage his temples.

He’d suspected, but hearing her confirm it felt like a physical blow. The line was silent for a long moment.

“Mr. Hayes? Are you still at the hospital? I can come see you,” Eloise offered.

Beckett wanted to say yes. But the memory of Grayson’s violently possessive eyes the night before made him hesitate. “No need. I’m being discharged today.”

*****

On Monday, Eloise saw Beckett at the office, his wrist in a sleek black brace. Guilt gnawed at her. She became excessively attentive, fetching his coffee, adjusting his documents, anticipating his every need.

Beckett watched her bustling around, a wry smile touching his lips. “Ms. Caldwell, you really don’t have to do this.”

Eloise insisted, “I do. You got hurt because of me.”

“Alright then,” he said, his tone suddenly light. “If you feel so responsible, you could always marry me.”

Eloise froze, her eyes wide.

Beckett let out a laugh. “Look at you. I’m joking. Just a joke.”

Eloise exhaled, a hand over her heart. “Mr. Hayes, that was scary Please don’t make jokes like that.”

“Why not?” Beckett continued. “I may be the illegitimate son, bug I’m still a wealthy heir. Money, looks… shouldn’t you be thrilled at the offer? Why the panic?”

Eloise turned to get him a cup of coffee, placing it carefully by his hand. “I wouldn’t dare presume so high, Mr. Hayes

She missed the brief flicker of disappointment in his eyes. “I should get back to my desk. Let me know if you need anything.”

As the door closed behind her, Beckett leaned back in his chair, faint, lonely smile touching his lips before fading

That afternoon, Beckett left the office for an appointment. Eloise was summoned to Cyrus’s office.

“Ms. Caldwell, I have some documents that need to be delivered to Mr. Pierce at VirtuFusion Group, Cyrus instructed, his

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tone leaving no room for refusal.

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It was work, so Eloise had to go. Arriving at the sleek VirtuFusion tower, she found the surface lot full and parked in the underground garage.

Taking the elevator up to the grand lobby, she was about to approach the reception desk when a familiar, tall figure caught her eye.

Grayson was walking toward the main doors. Beside him, gliding gracefully in a chic white knit dress, was a strikingly beautiful woman.

At the reception desk, two young women had their heads together, whispering. “Ms. Hopkins came back from studying abroad even more gorgeous. Her style is impeccable now.”

The other one said, “I heard she’s Mr. Pierce’s first love. The reason he’s never seriously dated or gotten married is because he was waiting for her.”

The first girl was shocked. “Really? Is that true?”

The second girl said, “That’s the rumor. They say that’s why he made such a scene when his family set up those eight blind dates. It was to hold them off until she returned.”

“How romantic! If a man waited for me like that, even without all the money, I’d be over the moon. With Ms. Hopkins back now, an engagement must be coming soon,” the first girl guessed

The second girl gave her a wink. “You know what? I heard Mr. Pierce even sponsored her studies abroad. She’s incredibly lucky.”

Grayson and Camille passed through the revolving doors and out of the building.

The receptionists turned back and noticed Eloise standing there. They looked momentarily startled. “Ms. Caldwell, you’re here.” They recognized her from her previous visits.

Eloise managed a thin, polite smile. “Hello. I’m here to drop off some documents from Hayes Group. Would you be so kind as to ensure they reach Mr. Pierce?” She placed the folder on the counter and turned to leave.

“Ms. Caldwell, wait a moment,” one called after her.

But Eloise was already stepping into an elevator, the doors sliding shut.

The receptionist quickly dialed Finn’s extension. “Finn, Ms. Caldwell from Hayes Group was just here. She dropped off some documents and left immediately.”

Finn had previously instructed them to notify him whenever Eloise visited, as he had personally come down to receive her before.

This special treatment had led them to believe she had high-level connections. They were nervous now, having let her slip away without alerting anyone.

Finn was silent for a beat. “Have the documents brought up to in

“Yes, right away” Relieved there was no reprimand, the receptionist hurried to comply.

Finn then called Grayson. “Mr. Pierce, Ms. Caldwell was just here to deliver documents

Grayson’s voice sharpened. “Is she still there?”

Finn answered, “No. She left them at the front desk and departed

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Grayson’s expression darkened. Finn ended the call.

Beside Grayson, Camille noticed the shift in his demeanor. “Gr

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