Grayson Pierce and Eloise Caldwell novel Chapter 39

Chapter 39

A little boy nearby, seeing Noah’s impressive display on the high bar, wanted to try too.

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His grandfather lifted him up, but after clinging for only a few seconds, the boy lost his grip and landed hard on his bottom with a thump. He immediately burst into loud, hiccupping sobs.

Noah, unfazed, simply hopped down from the bar. “Juliette, let’s go,” he said, already walking away.

“Oh, okay.” Juliette shot a quick, sympathetic glance at the wailing child before hurrying after Noah.

Noah proceeded to run five full laps around the community complex before finally heading home, sweaty and satisfied.

Eloise was pleased with Noah’s exercise. She sent him straight to shower before dinner.

Freshly cleaned, Noah emerged looking like a proper little gentleman. Juliette’s eyes lit up. “Noah, come give me a kiss.”

Noah’s face instantly darkened. He retreated several steps, putting distance between them.

Undeterred, Juliette playfully lunged for him. Noah darted behind Eloise, clutching her legs. “Mommy, save me!” he pleaded.

Eloise, holding plates, laughed. “Juliette, he’s shy. Stop teasing him.”

Juliette sighed dramatically. “They grow up too fast. No more free kisses.”

Eloise agreed silently. Even she wasn’t allowed to kiss Noah freely these days.

Dinner was a tense affair for Noah, who kept a wary eye on Juliette, anticipating a sneak attack. The moment he finished eating, he fled to his room. The distinct click of his lock echoed down the hall.

“That hurt, Eloise.” Juliette feigned a wounded look. “Your son is brutal. Do I look like the sneaky type?”

Eloise just piled more food onto her plate. “Just eat.”

After a mouthful, Juliette turned serious. “Did you talk to Grayson about Noah?”

Eloise’s hand stilled briefly. “No. I was going to, but he’s out of town. Juliette, Grayson said he wants to get back together.”

Juliette set her fork down hard on the table. “He said what? He thinks he can just waltz back in after disappearing for years? It doesn’t work like that.”

She leaned forward, her expression fierce. “Listen to me. You don’t have to get back with him.

“But he has responsibilities. He should acknowledge Noah, pay child support. And the practical stuff like getting Noah into a proper private school here in Ekloland.

“Do you know how impossible that is without the right connections? I’ve been here for years and I still can’t get the residency status needed for the top schools.”

Eloise pushed the food around her plate. “We’ll see.” She hadn’t thought that far ahead.

Juliette was more pragmatic. “I’m talking about reality. You need to think about it.”

“I believe in Grayson’s character,” Eloise said quietly. “If it comes to it, he’ll help with Noah’s education”

“People change,” Juliette countered, her tone softening with concern. “Don’t be so quick to trust.

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Chapter 39

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“If a man marries someone new, his old life and the children from it often fade from view. If Grayson marries and has other kids, will he still care for Noah?

“You should secure things for Noah now, while he’s still focused on you. A trust fund, a property, a guaranteed spot in a good school. It’s about security for both of you.”

She continued, her voice earnest, “You have a job now, yes. But what if something happens?”

Eloise listened. Juliette’s fears might be exaggerated, but the underlying concerns were valid. Yet, the idea of demanding money or property from Grayson made her stomach clench.

Five years ago, she’d chosen to keep the baby without consulting him. That was her decision. She couldn’t ask him to pay for

it now.

All she truly wanted was for him to be a father to Noah, to give Noah the love he deserved.

Juliette talked until she was breathless, finally grabbing Eloise’s shoulders and giving her a gentle shake. “Don’t be naive about this, okay?”

Eloise squirmed out of her grip. “I hear you, Juliette. Really.”

Satisfied, Juliette finally let the matter drop. After dinner, she drove home.

Eloise cleaned up, did the laundry, and by the time she finally collapsed into bed, it was past eleven. She fell into a deep, immediate sleep, completely missing the soft chime of her phone.

At six the next morning, the gray light of late October in Ekloland filtered through the window.

Reaching for her phone, Eloise saw a single unread message from Grayson, sent last night. [Eloise, are you asleep?]

Eloise closed the messaging app without replying. After pulling on workout clothes, she went for a run. An hour later, sweaty and clear-headed, she returned, showered, and began making breakfast.

Noah appeared at the kitchen doorway, rubbing his eyes. “Morning, Mommy.”

Eloise turned with a warm smile.

Good morning, sweetheart. Go wash up, breakfast is ready.”

After dropping Noah at preschool, Eloise headed to the office.

She had just arrived when Beckett summoned her. “Ms. Caldwell I’ll be traveling to Yaiville shortly. You’ll hold things down here. Report any issues.”

“You’re going alone, Mr. Hayes?” she asked.

“No, Felice will accompany me.” Beckett had originally intended to take Eloise, but upon learning Grayson was already in Yaiville, he’d changed his mind at the last moment.

Eloise didn’t think much of it. “Understood. Do you need me to prepare anything?”

Beckett instructed, “Get me the project file for the Yaiville Resor from the development team,

“Right away, Mr. Hayes.” Eloise quickly retrieved the file.

Beckett was at his desk. “Leave it there, please. Could you also pack my travel case in the lounge? I’m in a rush.

“Of course.” Eloise moved to the adjoining lounge and began ettiently packing the suitcase, familiar with his preferences.

As she finished and turned to leave, she collided with a solid form right behind her.

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Chapter 39

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Startled, she lost her balance, stumbling backward. Beckett’s strong hand shot out, gripping her arm to steady her. She fell briefly against his broad chest.

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