Grayson Pierce and Eloise Caldwell novel Chapter 6

Chapter 6 I Know My Place

Even though Eloise had prepared herself for this, her heart still tightened the moment she saw Grayson again. She stood up and said, “Mr. Pierce, I’m here to deliver the proposal for Yaiville Resort.”

Grayson gave her a quick, cold glance, shut the door behind him, and walked straight to his office chair. Eloise stepped forward and placed the documents on his desk. “Mr. Pierce, I’ve delivered the documents. Goodbye,” she said.

“Eloise.” His voice stopped her. She turned around, freezing in place.

Grayson had come up behind her, standing so close that she could feel his breath on her neck and catch the familiar woody scent of his cologne. Her fingers curled into tight fists, her whole body tense. “Mr. Pierce, is there anything else?” she asked.

His voice was low and icy. “Eloise, what’s your relationship with Beckett?”

She stared at him, puzzled. “What do you mean?”

Grayson sneered. “So he’s the rich guy you’re after? Don’t be naive, Eloise. Sure, Beckett has money, but he’s a bastard son. Even if he likes you, he’ll never marry you.

“The woman he marries will need to match his status and help his career. Only then can he secure his position at Hayes Group. You could never be that person.”

Eloise had never known Grayson’s words could be so cruel. She had only ever heard sweet words from him before. Although she’d never once thought of marrying Beckett, Gayson’s words still cut deep.

“Grayson, is this your way of telling me not to get any ideas about you?” Eloise said.

Grayson’s brow furrowed slightly.

Her voice was cool and firm. “Don’t worry, I won’t. Just like you said, what happened five years ago was just a small detour. It’s over.

“I know my place. You’re the heir to Ekloland’s wealthiest family. I wouldn’t dare dream of marrying you.”

Grayson felt as if Eloise was mocking him. “Good,” he said finally.

“Is there anything else, Mr. Pierce? If not, I’ll be leaving,” Eloise said.

“Wait.” Grayson stopped her again.

“What now?” Eloise was losing patience.

Grayson fell silent, surprised she would dare snap at him. Then he said, “Explain the proposal to me.”

Eloise’s temper rose. “Can’t you read it yourself?”

Grayson’s gaze turned freezing, locking onto Eloise. “Is this how Hayes Group employees treat their clients?”

Eloise backed down immediately. “I’m sorry, Mr. Pierce. I’m only a secretary. I’m afraid I might misunderstand the details of the proposal.”

Then she went on, her posture humble and her tone formal. “Would you prefer I call Mr. Hayes and have someone from the project team explain it to you?”

Grayson was left speechless. She had given him no room to push back. Yet, his chest burned with irritation. He fixed her with a cold stare. “No. You’ll do it.”

Eloise clenched her jaw. In the end, she opened the proposal and began to read it word for word. Grayson said nothing to stop her, just leaning back in his chair.

Her voice was soft and pleasant, and Grayson’s mind drifted back to those nights long ago. He remembered the intimate sounds she used to make, whispering in his ear.

A familiar heat stirred deep inside him. Grayson cursed himself inwardly for the reaction. “Stop reading,” he ordered, his voice sharp and angry.

Eloise froze, her eyes filling with hurt as she looked at him. ‘He told me to explain it. I don’t know the details. Reading it word for word is all I can do. Why is he yelling? He’s so moody and unpredictable.’

Grayson met her gaze. Her eyes were wide, innocent and clear. The heat within him flared even hotter. ‘Damn it. How pathetic am I?’ Grayson cursed himself again.

“Get out,” he snapped.

Eloise dropped the proposal, grabbed her bag, and fled. She didn’t want to stay there a second longer anyway.

The door slammed shut. Grayson clenched his jaw and closed his eyes, trying to calm down. He had barely taken a breath when the door was pushed open again. “Mr. Pierce…” a voice said.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify