Grayson Pierce and Eloise Caldwell novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40

ས . 50%B

55 vouchers

Camille stood before Grayson in a tasteful beige dress, her demeanor elegantly understated. “I had some business in Yaiville. I heard you were here too, so I asked around for your location.”

She paused a bit before saying, “Grayson, I was hoping you could do me a favor.”

Grayson didn’t even look up. “What is it?”

Camille went straight to the point. “I want a position at VirtuFusion Group.”

Grayson looked at her, his expression unreadable.

Camille lowered her gaze, nervously twisting her fingers. “I need to work. I’ve sent out so many resumes with no response.

“I didn’t realize the job market here was so tough now that I’m back. I don’t know many people. You’re the most accomplished person I know here. Grayson, can you help me?”

*****

Eloise had been busy all evening after returning home and hadnt checked her phone. It was only after her shower, as she relaxed in bed, that she finally picked it up.

A notification showed a message from Beckett. Thinking it was work-related, she opened it quickly.

It was a photo. The picture showed Grayson with a woman. Eloise recognized that it was Camille, the woman she’d seen at VirtuFusion Group.

They appeared to be deep in conversation. Camille was looking down with a shy, demure expression while Grayson’s gaze was fixed on her, his head tilted slightly.

Eloise wondered, ‘They make a striking pair. A tall, powerful man and a delicate, elegant woman.

A sharp, slicing pain tore through her chest. It hurt. ‘Grayson claimed Camille isn’t his “one who got away,” but the look in the woman’s eyes, and now this… It speaks of a history far from simple.

Eloise turned off the screen, then the light, lying in the dark, staring at the ceiling.

She repeated the mantra to herself. ‘It’s over. You and Grayson are impossible.

But the thought of him with someone else still made her heart ache with a raw, physical pang.

Eloise barely slept that night, managing only three fitful hours before rising to make breakfast.

Noah noticed the dark circles under her eyes immediately. “Mommy, didn’t you sleep well?”

Eloise forced a smile. “No. I couldn’t sleep.”

Noah was confused. “Why?”

“No reason. It just happens.” She ruffled his hair. “Being a grown up comes with all sorts of silly worries. You’re lucky. No insomnia, just eat and sleep. Cherish your childhood, sweethear

Noah’s lips pressed together thoughtfully. “But I want to grow up fast. I want to help you with your worries. I don’t want you to be so tired,”

Eloise’s heart swelled. She put down her fork and pulled him into a hug.

1/4

16:20 Wed, Apr 8 MO

Chapter 40

50%

55 vouchers

The week passed slowly. On Saturday, Eloise took Noah to the science museum.

On Sunday, Juliette treated them to lunch, and the three spent the afternoon window-shopping.

Before Eloise knew it, Monday had arrived. At the office, Beckett was back from his trip.

Eloise went in to brief him. He listened, but his attention seemed elsewhere.

After the work update, she handed him a document. “This needs your signature, Mr. Hayes.”

He glanced at it and signed. As Eloise turned to leave, he stopped her. “Wait.”

Eloise turned back. “Yes, Mr. Hayes?”

Pressing his lips together, Beckett hesitated, then asked quietly, “You saw the photo?”

Her face remained carefully neutral. “I did.”

“And?” he probed. “How do you feel about it?”

“Mr. Pierce’s personal life is no longer my concern. Who he sees is his business.” Her tone was final.

Beckett studied her for a long moment. “Does it not upset you?”

Eloise declined to answer. Discussing her ex with her boss was inappropriate. “If that’s all, Mr. Hayes, I’ll get back to work.”

He didn’t press further. “Eloise, meet me in the parking garage after work. I have something for you.”

She nodded, more puzzled by the familiarity than the request.

After work, Eloise sat in her car, calling Noah. Just as she hung up, a tap came on her window.

She lowered it to find Beckett handing her a small paper bag. “Some local blueberry pies from Yaiville.”

Eloise was taken aback, hesitating to accept.

“I brought some for everyo

in the department,” Beckett added smoothly. “They’re quite good. Try them.”

Relieved it wasn’t a personal gesture, she took the bag with a graceful smile. “Thank you, Mr. Hayes. That’s very thoughtful.”

She secretly praised him for not forgetting his employees on his business trip, which was truly considerate. “Bye, Mr. Hayes.”

He waved a hand and walked toward his Maybach.

Arriving home, Eloise was met with the sight of Grayson sprawled on her small living room sofa, his long legs stretching awkwardly far into the room. Noah sat nearby, absorbed in a book.

Hearing her, he scampered over. “Aunt Eloise.”

As she patted his head, Eloise placed the paper bag from Beckett on the table.

Grayson’s eyes locked onto the bag. His face darkened instantly in three strides, he was in front of her. “Did Beckett give you that?”

Eloise blinked. “What? Oh, the blueberry pies. Yes. He brought some back for the team.”

A sound of pure disdain escaped Grayson. He snatched the bag and tossed it into the nearby trash bin.

2/4

16:20 Wed, Apr 8 MO

Chapter 40

“What are you doing?” Eloise exclaimed, immediately retrieving it. It was unthinkable for her to waste food.

4 ཇཱ 50% –

55 vouchers

Grayson grabbed it from her hands and threw it back in. “I dare you to touch that again, Eloise. You are not eating anything

from him.”

“This is ridiculous, Grayson. Be reasonable.” Ignoring him, she fished the bag out once more and carried it firmly to the kitchen.

Frustrated, Grayson kicked the trash can.

Noah watched him coolly. “Aunt Eloise really hates wasting food.

Grayson’s lips thinned. His eyes then fell on an identical paper bag sitting on the coffee table, and a wave of intense irritation washed over him.

It was only when Eloise came out to set the table that she noticed the second bag. She looked questioningly at Grayson.

He turned his face away, annoyed. He’d brought back the same Yaiville specialties, and now the gesture felt cheapened, unoriginal. He was furious.

Sitting down to a meal Eloise had prepared, which was his first in five years, Grayson was unexpectedly moved. Her cooking was as wonderful as he remembered.

The three of them finished every last bit of the four dishes and soup.

After dinner, Grayson surprised her by clearing the table. Eloise watched him silently but said nothing.

By the time she finished washing up, Grayson hadn’t left. He was on the floor with Noah, engaged in a board game.

“Sweetheart, bath time,” Eloise reminded, checking the clock.

Noah was immered in the game. “One more minute, Aunt Eloise

“I’m going to take the trash out.” After disposing of the garbage, Eloise took a short, slow walk around the complex, giving Grayson time to leave on his own.

She hadn’t asked him to go earlier, wanting Noah to have that time with him, and it felt wrong to create a scene in front of the boy.

As she approached her building, she saw Grayson coming down the steps, holding his own paper bag of blueberry pies.

‘He’s taking the extra back. That’s sensible,’ she thought. ‘Noah and I don’t need two bags.

“Goodnight, Mr. Pierce,” she said softly, keeping her eyes down as she passed Grayson.

She didn’t get far before his strong hand caught her arm and pulled her back. “Why are you avoiding me?”

“I’m maintaining appropriate boundaries,” she replied evenly.

“Appropriate boundaries, my ass,” he snapped, “Eloise, I’ve told you how I feel”

Eloise raised an eyebrow. “And? I haven’t accepted it.”

Grayson frowned, studying the woman before him. She seemed soft, but her will was iron,

Eloise pulled her arm free. “Mr. Pierce, you can spend time with Noah. You can take him out, if it’s convenient. I have no issue with that. But there is no ‘you and me. That’s impossible.”

Grayson felt a surge of sheer frustration. His goal was her, not just the boy. ‘Is she being deliberately obtuse?’ he thought.

3/4

4/4

16:20 Wed, Apr 8 MO

3, 50%

Chapter 40

E55 vouchers

“Whether it’s possible or not,” he stated, his voice low and resolute, “isn’t your decision to make. This time, I decide.”

AD

Comment

Send gift

No Ads