Grayson Pierce and Eloise Caldwell novel Chapter 51

Chapter 51

Eloise hesitated for a moment, then walked over to help. Grayson’s hand froze for a second, and then he looked up at Eloise.

Changed into light gray loungewear, Eloise stood under the warm glow of the lights, the soft hue lending her an air of gentle grace.

It made Grayson feel like everything in the world was suddenly just right. A faint smile curved at the corner of his lips.

Noticing Grayson’s stare, Eloise shot him a quick glare, clearly embarrassed.

Grayson chuckled. “Don’t give me that look, or I might not be able to control myself.”

Eloise caught his meaning instantly. Heat rushed to her face. She dropped her gaze, silently cursing him for being shameless.

After five years apart, he was even more brazen and direct with his words. Eloise was puzzled. Given his status and power, he certainly wasn’t short of options, yet he acted like he was blatantly eager for her.

Just picturing Grayson hooking up with other women over the years made Eloise feel a bitter pang of jealousy.

Once the table was set, Eloise called out, “Noah, dinner’s ready.”

Noah put his model toys aside and walked over. Grayson glanced at the toys and remembered the rocket models Noah played with were still sitting in his office. He made a mental note to bring them back next time.

The three of them sat down together. The food here was actually pretty good. Eloise glanced at the bags. It was from The Mayfair Kitchen.

Just seeing the name brought back memories. It was the place where they finally reunited after five long years.

Eloise couldn’t help but remember that day. She saw Grayson walk in, surrounded by people. His aura was so intense, which made everyone else fade into the background.

Eloise was stunned. She couldn’t connect this powerful man with the ex-boyfriend she remembered. She figured they must just be two guys who happened to look alike.

It wasn’t until everyone started calling him “Mr. Pierce,” and she heard Beckett mention his name was Grayson, that she realized he was her ex.

“Just enjoy your meal,” Grayson said gently.

Eloise glanced down and noticed a piece of ribs in her plate. When she lifted her head, their eyes met.

“What were you thinking about?” Grayson asked softly.

“Nothing,” she said, lowering her gaze and continuing to eat.

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Chapter 51

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Grayson didn’t press further. Noah was eating his food, his eyes darting back and forth between his parents.

Even though things felt a little weird right now, he really liked having dinner together with his mom and dad. He wished he could always cat with both of them.

Then Noah remembered how his mom didn’t really want to talk to his dad, so he decided to keep that wish tucked away for now.

Grayson’s phone on the table started ringing. He glanced at the screen, swiped, and hung up without a second thought.

Eloise caught a glimpse of the caller ID. It was Camille. That was the woman she’d seen with Grayson before, and the same one she’d run into at VirtuFusion Group earlier.

Two minutes later, Camille’s name popped up on his phone again. He declined it just as quickly.

Eloise just kept eating, her expression perfectly calm.

*****

In her apartment, Camille was so mad she nearly snapped her teeth. Camille couldn’t believe that Grayson actually hung up on her, twice.

‘Seriously, what’s he doing? He can’t even answer his phone? Is he with Eloise right now?’ Camille thought, her anger bubbling up.

It hadn’t taken Camille much effort to get Eloise’s name from the front desk. She even knew Eloise was the general manager’s secretary at Hayes Group, transferred from Ucrevine just a few months ago.

And already, Grayson was interested in Eloise. The receptionist said Eloise had visited VirtuFusion Group several times, and every single time, Finn came down to meet her in person.

Finn wasn’t just any secretary; he was Grayson’s right-hand man, the kind of person people bent over backward to please.

The fact that Finn had personally come down multiple times to escort Eloise upstairs was proof enough: Grayson wasn’t playing around. He was genuinely into Eloise.

Camille recalled Hannah’s obvious fondness for Eloise that day and suspected that Eloise had already met Grayson’s family.

She clenched her fists. ‘As long as Grayson isn’t married, I’m not out of the game yet,’ she told herself.

After dinner, Eloise gathered the containers while Grayson helped. Then she grabbed the trash and headed downstairs.

Just as she walked out to wait for the elevator, Grayson came after her, standing close by, his tall figure blocking out most of the light.

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Chapter 51

As soon as they walked into the elevator, Grayson took the trash bag right out of Eloise’s hand.

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Five years ago, it was just like this. After dinner, they’d go downstairs together to toss out the trash. Back then, Eloise was renting a one-bedroom apartment, and Grayson would often stay over.

She never went to his place. Grayson said he was staying with some relatives, so most of the time, he ended up staying at her place.

Now she knew better. He’d been lying. He must’ve been living in some upscale neighborhood, just spinning that story so she wouldn’t catch on to who he really was.

Inside the elevator, Grayson glanced at Eloise. She was unusually quiet, lost in thought.

When they reached the first floor, Grayson took Eloise’s hand and led her out. The moment she noticed someone approaching, she pulled free and put distance between them. Grayson sighed.

A couple passed by. The wife couldn’t help but stare at Grayson. She’d seen Grayson around the neighborhood before. He was so good-looking, and he always drove a Bentley.

There was a small group chat in the neighborhood where everyone was gossiping about who the mysterious man was. It was a moms’ group, just a bunch of regulars chatting about whatever came to mind.

It was the first time the wife had seen this man come out of their building. And just now, he had been holding the hand of the woman walking ahead of him.

The wife thought, ‘That woman has a son and just moved in. She is pretty and has a nice voice. It seems her last name is Caldwell.’

The couple walked into the elevator. As soon as the doors closed, the wife couldn’t wait to gossip with her husband.

“Hey, what do you think is going on between that woman upstairs and that super handsome guy we just saw? He drives a Bentley. Anyone with a car like that has to be rolling in cash,” she whispered.

“Maybe they’re just friends,” the husband said.

“Friends? Holding hands like that?” the wife retorted.

“I mean, you said he drives a Bentley. If he were her boyfriend or husband, would he really let a woman that gorgeous live in a place like this?” the husband said.

“Who exactly are you calling gorgeous, huh? You got a death wish?” the wife snapped.

*****

Thanks to his long legs, it only took Grayson a few steps to catch up to Eloise.

Night had gotten cold, and the wind was really whipping around. Eloise pulled her clothes tighter around herself.

Grayson reached out to pull her close, but Eloise quickly shoved him away. “Quit trying to take advantage of

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Chapter 51

me,” she said.

Grayson said, “I’m just worried you’re cold.”

“I’m not cold.”

“You’re literally shivering.”

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