The CEO's Regret: Darling, Don’t Leave Me novel Chapter 208

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Chapter 145 Cracks Part 2-1

+25 Points

Chapter 145: Cracks, Part 2.-1

Clara

The murmur envelops me again. After the conversation with that partner… everything remains the same. Or at least, that’s what it seems. The lights, the glasses, the elegant laughter, the measured gestures.

But I’m not the same anymore.

There’s something… slight, almost imperceptible… that stayed inside me, like an alert, as if something wasn’t quite in place.

Still, I can’t allow that to show. Not here, not now.

I take a deep breath, adjust my posture, raise my chin slightly and move between people again as if nothing had changed. Because in this world… perception is everything.

And I didn’t come to doubt. I came to reaffirm who I am.

I smile, greet, exchange words with other businesswomen. Some congratulate me on the growth of the company, others mention projects, possible alliances, collaborations. And I

respond.

Confidently, clearly. Because that’s who I am here. And little by little… That strange feeling is diluted, it does not disappear. But it ceases to be the main focus.

Until…

“Ladies,” says a voice from the front of the room, “if you will allow us your attention-”

Conversations begin to die down naturally.

Eyes are directed towards the improvised stage.

One of the organizers takes the microphone. Elegant, confident, with that presence that needs no effort.

“Tonight is not just an event… it’s a reminder,” he says. “Of what we are capable of building.”

I nod slightly, holding my glass of champagne that has just been handed out.

“Of what we are capable of sustaining… and transforming.”

There is soft applause.

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Chapter 145 Cracks, Part 2-1

“For the women who lead, who create, who stand up even when no one is looking.”

I feel something in my chest, because those words… resonate.

+25 Points

“For us.”

He raises his glass, and we all do too.

The sound of the glass gently crashing spreads like a wave.

“Cheers.”

“Cheers,” I answer quietly, almost to myself.

I raise my glass, but I don’t drink right away. I only hold it.

Feeling the weight… the moment and then…

“Cheers to women entrepreneurs.”

The sound of another glass crashing against mine takes me out of that small moment.

I turn around, and I see her. Vanessa.

I recognize her instantly.

She’s always had that presence… polished. Elegant. Controlled. But there’s something about her that has never quite fit me. Never.

I take her in for just a second: her dress, impeccable. Her posture, perfect. Her smile… measured.

Everything about her is in its place, too perfectly placed.

“Cheers,” I finally reply.

Our glasses touch gently, she takes a sip. Not me.

I just hold the cup between my fingers, watching her. Measuring her.

“It’s nice to see you again,” she says.

His tone is light. Close, but there’s something underneath. There always is.

“Same thing,” I reply. “I haven’t seen you for a long time.”

And it’s true… Too much.

Vanessa tilts her head slightly, as if analyzing my expression.

Chapter 145 Cracks, Part 2 -1

“I knew I was going to find you here,” she adds. “This event could not be without your

presence.”

I raise an eyebrow, barely, the compliment is direct.

Too much.

+25 Points>

“You’re an amazing woman, Clara,” she continues. “What you’ve accomplished in such a short amount of time… It’s not something that anyone can do.”

Silence.

I look at her, I don’t smile. I don’t reject.

I just… accept.

“Thank you,” I finally say.

Short, neutral. Because I don’t know what to do with it.

Because coming from her… I don’t know if it’s real. Or if it is a strategy.

Vanessa drinks from her glass again, as if nothing had happened. As if this were a completely normal conversation.

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