The CEO's Regret: Darling, Don’t Leave Me novel Chapter 207

Chapter 144 Cracks, Part 1-2

Chapter 144: Cracks, Part 1.-2

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The hotel of the event is full, lights, voices, presence.

It’s an important event, and you can feel it. I walk confidently, recognizing faces.

Businesswomen, managers. Women who have built… like me.

“Clara.”

I turn my face, one of them approaches. She smiles.

“It’s nice to see you here.”

“Likewise.”

We exchanged greetings, then another. And another.

Little by little… I realize, I’m in the right place. Not as a guest.

As part of this, as someone who belongs.

Conversations flow; projects, ideas, opportunities.

My name is no longer unknown, my company… neither. And that… it fills me.

Not of empty pride, of satisfaction. Because I know what it has cost me to get here.

Because I know who I am, and what I can do.

I stop for a second with a drink in my hand, watching the room, the movement.

The conversations, the energy and I smile.

Because yes… I’m fine. I’m in a good moment, in my life, in my career, in my relationship.

Everything is aligning, maybe not perfect. But yes… real.

I pull out the phone for a second, a message.

“How’s everything going?”

Ethan. I smiled.

“Perfect.”

Chapter 144 Cracks, Part 1-2

I look around once again, and this time… I feel it clearly.

+25 Points

I’m growing, I’m moving forward. And best of all… It’s just that I’m not leaving anything

behind.

I’m building… In every way, I put the phone away. I look up, and take another step towards the

center of the event. Because this place… It’s also mine.

The atmosphere in that room is… electrifying.

Not because of the noise, which is elegant, measured. Glasses that clink gently, strategic conversations disguised as courtesy, calculated laughter. No… it’s something else. It’s the feeling of being exactly where you need to be. And for the first time in days… I feel completely in my place.

I hold my glass gently as I move between the groups. I recognize faces, some recognize me. We exchange smiles, brief greetings, promises of “we’ll talk later” that in this world are fulfilled… or at least, they are tried.

This type of event is not just presence. It’s movement. It’s positioning. And I… I’m playing my cards right.

I take a deep breath, keeping my posture, my shoulders relaxed, my gaze firm. There is no sign of the woman who a few days ago was shaking in her own apartment. There’s no fear

here.

Here I am Clara. Businesswoman, director, decisive. And then I see him.

On the other side of the room, the partner. The person in charge of the event and the man who may or may not close this expansion.

He is talking to two other women, but their body language is different. He is not scattered. He is evaluating. Observing. By measuring, like everyone here. But when his gaze meets

mine… I notice it.

He recognizes me, not immediately with a smile, not effusively. But there is a small gesture. A slight nod. Enough. I don’t overthink it.

I walk toward him, each step firm, controlled. Not rushed. Not hesitant.

When I’m close enough, I wait for the right moment… And he makes it easy.

He turns to me, leaving the previous conversation elegantly.

“Clara,” he says, extending his hand.

Chapter 144 Cracks, Part 1-2

His voice is deep, professional. No frills.

I smile lightly and take his hand.

“It’s a pleasure to see you again, Mr. Bustamante.”

The grip is firm, measured. Exactly as it should be.

“I say the same,” he replies. “I have followed your work closely.”

That takes me by surprise for a second, but I don’t show it.

“I’m glad to hear that.”

His gaze stays on me a little longer than necessary. Not in an awkward way… but it is analytical.

+25 Points

“You’ve managed to position yourself very well,” he adds. “Especially in an environment like

this.”

I tilt my head slightly.

“It has been a process.”

And it has been. More than anyone here could imagine.

He pauses. He takes a drink from the tray that passes by us, but he doesn’t drink right away.

“Didn’t Alexander come with you?”

There it is, the first mention. I stay calm.

“No,” I answer matter-of-factly. “Some last-minute compromises arose, but I’m representing the company as a whole.”

I don’t hesitate, I don’t justify, I just affirm. He nods slowly, as if processing the answer.

“I understand.”

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Chapter 144 Cracks, Part 1-3

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Chapter 144: Cracks, Part 1.-3

A brief silence, not awkward. But still… heavy.

“During the event we will be reviewing some pending points of the project,” he continues. “There are certain aspects that still require definition before moving forward.”

I nod.

“I’m aware.”

My tone is confident, prepared. Because I am.

I have reviewed every document, every projection, every possible objection. I didn’t come here to improvise.

“I’m glad,” he says. “It will be an important conversation.”

His eyes are fixed on mine.

“Especially now.”

That last part… It does not go unnoticed. I barely frown.

“What do you mean?”

He doesn’t respond right away. Instead… Drink a small sip from his glass.

Time, he’s buying time. Or testing me.

“The market is changing,” he finally says. “And when that happens… Decisions need to be

even more precise.”

It is not a direct answer, but it is not empty either.

I nod slowly.

“I agree.”

Silence. But this time… I support it.

“And I also understand that this type of project requires trust,” I add. “Not only in numbers…

but on those who lead them.”

There, I say it. Straightforwardly, his lips curl slightly. Very slightly.

“Exactly.”

Chapter 144 Cracks, Part 1-3

+25 Points

There is something in his gaze now, something different. Less evaluator… more interested.

“That’s why this meeting is key,” he continues. “It is not just about numbers.”

I know, of course I know.

It’s about perception, it’s about leadership, it’s about stability. And for some reason… Alexander’s word comes back to my mind.

“Unfocused.”

I squeeze the cup slightly between my fingers, no. I’m not going to let that come in here.

“Then it will be a good opportunity to align everything,” I reply.

“I hope so.”

Another pause, but this time… shorter.

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