The CEO's Regret: Darling, Don’t Leave Me novel Chapter 169

Chapter 169

Chapter 169

Ruby POV

My dream wedding.

My dream family.

The four of us gelled, like we had been together for years; Cora was already deeply embedded in my heart.

Cora was an easy woman to love and get along with; she listened to what I said, yet wasn’t afraid to give a different point of view. I liked that she wasn’t a yes person, but would speak her mind. Cora had said the idea of the wedding venue was mine, giving me all the credit, yet it was a combined idea, as we slowly agreed to the ones we didn’t want, which led to the one we ended up

choosing.

The day couldn’t have gone off any better, except the ending, I guess.

It would have been nice to block the world outside just for one day.

But the world wants to be heard, and so here we are in the office, talking to Oddball and Hacker.

I can hear Hacker’s frustration in the tone of his voice, but whether that frustration was to do with what was being investigated, or the internal traitors, or Oddball himself, I couldn’t tell without seeing him. Still, my gut tells me it’s more than Oddball and his handling of the Bluey situation that caused a rift, not just with Xavier, but I bet with many in the club.

Keeping some of this quiet was not possible when the enforcer was no longer actively on the job. It would have had tongues wagging and tension in the club. That had nothing to do with shooter

incidents.

The three of them were busy: Demetri on the laptop, Cora on the computer, Xavier flipping through the papers; the three of them engaged in sharing information and ideas, and me?

I watched and listened, because this was beyond me; I had trouble coming to any conclusion or seeing the answers they were giving.

come to that thought?

Chapter 169

The best I could do today was watch, listen, and then what?

Needing to be useful, the only thought was keeping them hydrated and their bellies full.

“Drinks, anyone for drinks?” I asked, as their heads nodded, having heard but most likely not taking in what I asked. I am used to that sort of answer, from years in the kitchen, they subconsciously answer, while their main focus stays on the task at hand, I was upset, we all have our strengths and I recognise what they are doing was not one of mine, I might be able to learn to run the household, and learn the payroll, that sort of things, because I understand how that works, but this, what they are doing, was not me, I never got the right person watching murder mystery movies, so I am not going to get it now, in real life, when it’s important, best leave it for the experts.

Guess I will have to get used to it.

It won’t always be like this.

There was no one in the kitchen; the day’s job was over for them, most likely gone to bed, or home

to their family.

The kitchen was sparkling clean, a level I never reached at the clubhouse, no matter how much I tried. Someone, at some point, had come into the kitchen, made themselves something and left the mess for someone else to clean up; that someone was often me.

Making a mess in this kitchen felt like an intrusion.

But this was Cora’s home, so I shouldn’t feel like an intruder.

It didn’t take long to find where everything was, and I made a pot of coffee, a jug of hot water, milk, and cream, and sugar, although I don’t think any of us have sugar, but I will put it on the trolley just in case. Found a container of muffins and another of cakes, and added them to the trolley, and grabbed serviettes.

Wheeled it back to the office, and carefully pushed the door open; I hadn’t locked it when I headed for the kitchen, and I doubt any staff would walk in. I guess I am too trusting.

They looked up when I entered and moved to grab what they wanted.

“Thanks, Ruby; you are a lifesaver,” Cora said before taking a coffee and muffin back to her desk.

“Thanks, Ruby.” Xavier kissed me on the cheek and moved back to the table where he was sorting paperwork; the phone was still on speaker, and I heard Oddball saying something about the shooters last night.

Demetri kissed me on the lips; he didn’t use his tongue, more of a kiss of promises to come, before he squeezed my bottom and took a coffee and muffin, just like Cora.

THU

OG

111

O

2/4

< Chapter 169

The three of them got back to work, the conversation with Hacker and Oddball never ceasing.

Some names of the past came up, and I moved closer to see what they were doing.

“That’s Skid, he managed that,” I added, getting three heads looking up at me.

Claim

“Ruby, you may know more than you think you do. Please come here and tell us about the men who are no longer members. You have been active in the club longer than us; we were too young and silly to look at the older members back then.” I didn’t take it as an offence, because Xavier was right. While they were still trying to prove themselves, I was already married and active, not stuck in the kitchen but still in the clubhouse helping out where I could.

So I gave them a rundown of the five ex-members: their road names, their real names, what they did on the surface, and what the gossip said they did. I felt included and was contributing, in a way I hadn’t expected; it was thrilling to be useful, like this, part of the team, not the drink lady.

I was able to give more than I realised, as they asked questions, and most of the time, I could give some insight to the men; what the gossip said often had some truth in it. It was getting late, midnight, and still they were discussing this. I am not sure whether they had answers or a direction, but I did feel Oddball learned a lot. Hacker sounded less frustrated, and I, for one, was

ready to call it a night.

“Demetri, it’s midnight, I need my bed.” I tapped him on the shoulder to make sure he heard me.

“That late already. Sorry, Oddball, but my lady needs her bed, and I need to be with my lady. You have enough to work with. When my men report later today, I will share more of what we discover.” Demetri didn’t hesitate to show that I came first.

“Same here, time to hang up. Bed’s calling,” Xavier said, nudging at Cora to stop work. Save and

close the computer.

The goodbyes were spoken in a much friendlier voice than when the call started hours ago, Oddball getting assurances that we would help out where we could, and continue to investigate.

At the bottom of the stairs, Demetri picked me up, bridle style and headed upstairs.

“Hey, I can walk; I am too heavy. Put me down.” My words were said through giggling.

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