Grayson Pierce and Eloise Caldwell novel Chapter 35

Chapter 35

“Aren’t you getting out, Ms. Caldwell?” Grayson asked, his voice laced with amusement.

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Eloise looked at his infuriatingly handsome face and briefly entertained the fantasy of slapping it. She glanced around, relieved to see the immediate area was clear of colleagues, and quickly opened the car door.

Just as her foot reached the pavement, a sharp, familiar voice cur through the air. “Eloise, what are you doing getting out of Grayson’s car?”

Tessa stomped toward her on towering heels, her face a mask of outrage. She recognized the car because she had tailed Grayson once, memorizing the license plate of this very vehicle.

Gritting her teeth, Eloise turned, forcing a bland, professional smile onto her face. “Ms. Hayes, what a surprise.”

“Don’t ‘Ms. Hayes’ me,” Tessa snapped, stopping inches from Eloise. “I asked you a question. Why were you in his car? What’s your relationship with him? Are you trying to seduce Mr. Pierce

Eloise resisted the urge to massage her temples. “This woman is unbelievable. She isn’t Grayson’s wife or girlfriend. What right does Tessa have to interrogate me like this?’

A small crowd of people entering and leaving the building had slowed to watch the scene unfold.

Before Eloise could formulate a diplomatic response, the driver side door opened. Grayson stepped out, his tall frame instantly commanding attention.

He walked around the car and came to stand beside Eloise, fixing Tessa with a cold, dismissive stare. “Ms. Hayes,” he said, his tone icy. “Who Ms. Caldwell rides with is none of your concern. Does it somehow interfere with your day?”

Tessa faltered, momentarily speechless. This was the closest she’d ever been to Grayson, and a blush crept up her neck despite her anger. “Grayson, I…”

He cut her off. “Don’t call me that way. We’re not acquainted.”

The spectators’ eyes felt like pinpricks on Tessa’s skin. Humiliation washed over her. “Mr. Pierce,” she corrected through stiff lips, “what is your relationship with her?”

Eloise held her breath, shooting a wary glance at Grayson. ‘Please don’t say anything stupid.’

Catching her nervous look, a flicker of irritation passed through Grayson. His annoyance, however, was redirected at Tessa. “Who are you to ask? What business is my personal life of yours

If he weren’t worried about sending Eloise into a full-blown retreat, he would have gladly put his arm around her and declared her his. For now, he seuled for brutal dismissal.

Tessa’s eyes welled up with frustrated tears. ‘Mr. Pierce, how can you speak to a lady like that? You’re so… harsh

Grayson’s expression didn’t sonen “Have I ever presented myse as anything else?”

Tessa was stung into silence. He was right Grayson was notoriously ruthless to women who threw themselves at han

She had confessed her feelings, and he’d had her arrested She’d pent a night in a holling cell, been publicly humiliatest and had all her cards suspended by her furious father.

Tessa’d even heard about the eight-woman blind date Blasco, where Grayson had picked apart every sandidate until they fed

in tears.

Beneath her infatuation. Tessa was afraid of him. Even ber pride aduty bus

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Chapter 35

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With a final, venomous glare at Eloise, she spun on her heel and stalked into the Hayes Group building, her heels clicking angrily on the marble.

Wanting to escape the lingering stares, Eloise didn’t wait another second. She hurried into the lobby, moving faster than she had in years.

Grayson watched her scurry away, a faint, amused smile touching his lips before he got back into his car and drove off.

Eloise deliberately waited in the lobby for a few minutes, allowing Tessa to get well ahead. When she finally reached the seventeenth floor, she walked to Beckett’s office and knocked.

Beckett’s voice rang out. “Come in.”

Eloise opened the door and closed it softly behind her. “Mr. Hayes.”

Beckett finished signing a document before looking up. His eyes were shadowed, his gaze intense as it settled on her.

Eloise, preoccupied, didn’t notice the depth of it. “You needed me for something, Mr. Hayes?”

He slid a file across his desk. “Compile this data into a summary report.”

She took it. “When do you need it by?”

Beckett simply said, “Tomorrow.”

“I’ll get started right away.” With that, she turned to leave.

“Ms. Caldwell.” His voice stopped her.

Eloise turned back. “Yes, Mr. Hayes? Is there something else?”

Beckett stood up and walked around his desk until he was standing in front of her. The movement surprised her.

When Beckett came to a stop, Eloise found the distance between them uncomfortably close and took an instinctive half-step back.

A flash of pain crossed Beckett’s features, quickly masked. He was thinking that if Eloise had any feelings for him, he might fight for her. ‘But if her heart belongs to someone else.

“Grayson drove you back?” he asked, his voice carefully neutral.

“Yes,” she admitted with a nod.

Beckett pressed, “And you’re considering getting back together with him?”

Eloise’s brow furrowed slightly. This felt personal, and she was reluctant to discuss her private life at work. “Mr. Hayes, I…..”

“Don’t misunderstand.” Beckett said. interrupting gently. Tim jus concerned about my employee in this cumpany the only person I feel is truly on my side. I only have you?

Eloise didn’t read too much into his words

She knew Beckett’s position as General Manager was largely a t

Cyrus held all the real power, constanty watching and

restraining his younger son, afraid he might become a threat Elise genuinely felt sorry for Beckett

“Thank you for your concern, Mr. Hayes, she said sincerely. “I always support you

“Really? The question held a trace of uncharacteristic tragiluy

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Chapter 35

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