Grayson Pierce and Eloise Caldwell novel Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Grayson snapped back to the present. “It’s nothing. Where would you like to eat?”

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“That little place we used to go to,” Camille suggested with a nostalgic smile. “It was always good, and so affordable.”

“You don’t need to worry about the cost for me,” Grayson replied his tone distracted.

“I know you’re the heir to a fortune now,” she said, her smile gentle. “But old habits die hard. And besides, your money isn’t endless. Getting great food for less feels like a smart choice to me.”

“Fine. That place it is,” Grayson agreed absently.

“Grayson, do you remember that time in Oniohull?” Camille’s voice grew wistful. “I took you to all those famous bistros. I miss those days. We should go back sometime.”

“Maybe,” he said, his response noncommittal and his expression detached.

Sensing his coolness, Camille fell silent, but a sense of subtle alertness settled in her eyes.

*****

After delivering the documents, it was late. Eloise clocked out and drove straight home, bypassing the grocery store. She parked in her building’s garage and stepped into the elevator.

The car had only risen two floors when it stopped at the lobby. The doors slid open, and someone stepped in.

Eloise looked up, and her breath caught. It was Grayson. ‘He was with that Ms. Hopkins. What is he doing here?”

Grayson moved to stand beside th

“You went to VirtuFusio

The doors closed, enclosing them in the small, mirrored space.

today,” he stated, breaking the tense silence.

Eloise supposed the receptionists must have informed his secretary. “Yes.”

“Why didn’t you bring the documents up yourself?” Grayson asked.

Eloise stated, “You weren’t there. I thought leaving them at reception was fine.”

“How did you know I wasn’t there?” he asked.

Eloise met his gaze in the reflection. “I saw you leave.”

“And you saw me, but didn’t call out?” His voice held a challenge

Eloise frowned. “Why would I?”

The elevator dinged, arriving at the sixth floor. Eloise stepped out first, and Grayson followed her into the hallway.

As she reached for her keys, his hand closed on her shoulder, turning her to face him.

“Eloise,” Grayson said, his voice low and intent, ‘what I said the other night… I meant it. Let’s start over”

Eloise turned her face away. “I don’t want to.”

His expression hardened. “Why not? Don’t I meet your requirements? You wanted to marry someone wealthy. I’m wealthier than you can imagine.”

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Chapter 32

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The words stung. Eloise shoved him back. “Grayson, who I choose to be with is my own business. Yes, you’re rich. Maybe five years ago, I would have said yes. But I don’t need that now.”

Grayson’s face darkened. “Is it because of Beckett? Have you developed feelings for him?”

“This has nothing to do with Mr. Hayes,” Eloise retorted, exasperated. “Stop dragging him into this. I know my place. I’m not good enough for you.”

Grayson’s brow furrowed. “Don’t give me that. If it’s not Hayes, then what is it? Are you still angry with me?”

Eloise felt a wave of exhaustion. She didn’t want to have this circular argument. “Grayson, we’re over. Let it stay that way. Your first love is back, isn’t she? You should go be with her.”

Grayson was puzzled. “What first love?”

Eloise let out a bitter, short laugh. “The woman you were with today. Isn’t she?”

She pondered, ‘For five years, I’ve been the one clinging to a memory. He has clearly moved on. His recent attention is just a resurgence of masculine pride, a desire to conquer the one who got away!

Finally, she said seriously, “Grayson, since you have Ms. Hopkins now, be good to her. Stop coming after me.”

Grayson grabbed her arm as she tried to turn away. “Camille is not my ‘first love. We are not together.” A new, almost hopeful note entered his voice. “Eloise, are you jealous?”

Eloise’s eyes widened, her cheeks flushing. “Of course not.”

Grayson found it doubtful. “Really? Then why are you so angry?”

Eloise said coldly, “I’m angry because you won’t leave me alone.”

“Eloise, that’s enough,” Grayson said, his patience thinning. “I’m trying here. I’ve lowered myself to ask. What more do you

want?”

Tears of frustration welled in her eyes. “So you think my refusal is just a game? That I’m playing hard to get? That the moment you snap your fingers, I should come running back, grateful?”

Grayson was seriously confused. “Eloise, you said you wanted to marry a rich man. How do I not fit that bill? You were the one who ended things back then.

“I’m willing to look past that. What more could you possibly be unhappy about?”

In a burst of fury, Eloise swung her handbag, hitting him squarely in the chest. Her whole body shook “Grayson, get out of here. I don’t want to see you.”

Grayson stood rooted to the ground. I’m not leaving.”

“Are you insane?” Eloise gave him a look.

He shrugged. Consider me insane, then.”

Eloise was seething, her composure shattered. “You call me materialistic? What about you? We were together for over a year, and you never once told me who you really were.

“You were testing me. And I failed your little test. Why this obsession now? I’m a gold-digger, remember? I’d only be after your money. My family background is a mess. I’m completely beneath you.

“So why keep bothering me? Is it because I dumped you? Is this some twisted revenge? You want to lure me back in, make me fall for you again, just so you can be the one to walk away the time

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Chapter 32

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It was the only explanation that made sense to her. The disgust she sometimes saw in his eyes contradicted his recent advances and confusing words.

Grayson stared at her, stunned into silence. He hadn’t realized she viewed his actions through such a lens.

“Eloise,” he began, his voice quieter now, “back then, yes, I did hide my background. And yes, there was an element of testing. I won’t deny that.”

He met her eyes, his expression earnest. “If you’re angry about that, I apologize. But I swear, I have no intention of seeking

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