Grayson Pierce and Eloise Caldwell novel Chapter 33

Chapter 33

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“I saw you rush off in the middle of dinner, and I was worried something might be wrong,” Camille explained, her voice laced with gentle concern.

Grayson’s head was still pounding from the confrontation with Eloise. He had no energy left for Camille. “You should head home. I’ll take a rain check on dinner.”

“Are you sure you’re alright, Grayson?” Camille asked.

Grayson nodded. “I’m fine.”

Though she was deeply unhappy about being dismissed, Camille forced a smile and turned to leave. She believed pushing him now would only irritate him.

They had been on their way to the restaurant when Grayson had abruptly pulled over, told her to get out, and driven off without explanation, leaving her stranded on the curb.

It stung, but Camille couldn’t let it show. She kept telling herself I’m not his wife yet. I have to remain the picture of gentle grace, understanding, and patience.

Camille couldn’t risk him or his family seeing her as anything less.

Years ago, when Grayson had asked what she needed, she’d asked for sponsorship to study abroad.

She’d thought broadening her horizons would make him see her in a new light and earn the Pierce family’s approval.

*****

Eloise moved efficiently, preparing a simple dinner of two dishes and a soup. The mother and son ate in companionable quiet at the small table.

Eloise glanced at Noah several times, opening her mouth to speak but then looking back at her plate.

“Mommy, is there something you want to tell me?” Noah finally asked, his small voice breaking the silence.

Eloise shook her head quickly. “No, it’s nothing. Eat up, sweetie.

A few minutes later, Noah set down his fork. “I’m finished, Mommy.”

Eloise nodded. “Alright. You can go play.”

But Noah didn’t move. “Mommy, is it really impossible for you and Daddy to get back together?”

Eloise’s heart squeezed. She knew Noah was fond of Grayson. He was just a child. Of course he wanted both parents.

Eloise said, “Noah, grown-up things are very complicated. But whatever happens between your dad and me doesn’t change how much we both love you.

“I will find the right time to talk to Daddy about you. I really believe he’ll be very happy when he knows. I want as many people as possible to love you, sweetheart

“So I won’t stop you from seeing your dad. You don’t have to hide how you feel about him from me. If you want to call him, you can. If you want to visit him. I can take you.

Noah’s eyes shone with emotion. He scrambled out of his chair and threw his arms around her neck. I love you, Mommy You’ll always be my favorite person in the whole world.”

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Eloise hugged him back. “And you will always be my most precious boy.”

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Holding Noah, Eloise made a decision. She needed to find a calm moment to talk to Grayson. Every recent encounter had ended in a shouting match. She had to tell him about Noah.

Whatever the future held for her and Grayson, Noah was his son and that was an undeniable fact. Eloise wanted Noah to have a father’s love. And she believed, from what she’d seen, that Grayson would come to cherish him.

*****

The next morning at work, Eloise was summoned to Cyrus’s office. When she walked in, she was surprised to see Grayson already seated there.

Cyrus smiled expansively. “Ms. Caldwell, this is Mr. Pierce from VirtuFusion Group. No introductions needed between old friends, I see.

“Since it’s Mr. Pierce’s first visit to Hayes Group, I’d like you to give him a tour of our facilities. Take your time. Show him around, and then be sure to join him for lunch. No need to rush back.”

“But Mr. Beckett Hayes’s schedule…” Eloise began..

Cyrus waved his hand. “Don’t worry about that. I’ll handle it. Your only task today is to accompany our distinguished guest.”

Realizing she had no choice, Eloise turned to Grayson with a professional smile. “Mr. Pierce, this way, please.”

Cyrus had his own executive assistants. Eloise knew the fact that he’d specifically called for her was clearly a calculated move.

He’d been the one sending her to VirtuFusión Group with documents lately. He must have sensed something and was now using her to curry favor with Grayson.

Swallowing her resentment, Eloise led the building.

“ay. She guided Grayson through the various departments of the Hayes Group

It was an odd request, given that VirtuFusion Group’s headquarters were far more impressive. She wondered what had possessed Grayson to agree to this.

After a while, Grayson stopped. “I’m getting tired. Let’s find somewhere to sit down.”

“There’s a cafe on the ground floor,” Eloise suggested.

Grayson nodded. “Perfect.”

They took the elevator down in silence. At the counter, Eloise turned to him. “What would you like, Mr. Pierce?”

“The usual,” Grayson replied, then walked to a secluded booth in the back and sat down.

Eloise pressed her lips together. She ordered an iced American and a hot latte. The Americano was for him. A few minutes later, she carried the drinks over, placing the dark, bitter brew in front of him

Grayson raised an eyebrow, a look of distinct pleasure crossing is features. “You do remember, Eloise You still have me in your heart.”

His smug tone annoyed her. “Mr. Pierce, you seem to have a lot of free time on your hands,” she remarked, taking a sip of her latte. “Wandering around a rival company. Don’t your employees mind you being so unproductive?”

A slow smile spread across his face. “Pursuing my future wife is hardly unproductive

Eloise choked on her coffee, coughing several times. Grayson’s and appeared, holding a napkin uear her mouth. “No need to be so dramatic,” he said.

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She snatched the napkin and wiped her mouth herself, glaring at him. “Grayson, will you ever stop?”

He said seriously, “When you say yes.”

Eloise rolled her eyes. “Not a chance.”

Instead of getting angry as he usually did, Grayson just chuckled. “That’s fine. You’ll say yes eventually.”

Eloise said grumpily, “You are unbelievably arrogant. Do you think you’re as irresistible as cash?”

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“If you said yes, I’d be your cash. My money would be yours to spend.” Grayson leaned back, his expression relaxed. Once he’d made up his mind, the internal struggle ceased.

He realized that five years ago, he’d been too rigid. The simple truth was he liked Eloise, and Eloise liked financial security. He had more than enough to provide that.

He thought, ‘Why fight it? I should be happy to earn money for someone to spend.’

He regretted not seeing it sooner, for wasting years on pointless principles. As long as he worked hard to maintain the family’s wealth, Eloise would have no reason to leave.

Eloise stared at him, utterly speechless. She couldn’t believe what she being materialistic?’

Finally, she said, “Grayson, what is wrong with you?”

was

hearing. ‘Wasn’t he the one who despised me for

Grayson said, “Had a malfunction in my brain before. It’s working properly now.”

Eloise took another sip of coffee, studying him over the rim of her cup.

She wondered, ‘It’s just been one night, and now he seems like a different man. Is this some kind of trap? Lure me in, let me think he’s hopelessly in love, then cruelly discard me?

That’s possible. I won’t put it past him. I’m not ready to trust this new version of Grayson.

Wanting to steer the conversation away from them, she thought of Noah. ‘Perhaps this is the moment.’

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