The CEO's Regret: Darling, Don’t Leave Me novel Chapter 256

Chapter 188: A “Casual” Lunch-1

Vanessa

I don’t believe in coincidences, that’s practically my philosophy of life. People usually call destiny, luck… coincidences. Not me. I believe in opportunities, in seeing them before others

and seizing them without hesitation.

And Alexander… Alexander wasn’t a coincidence. He was an opportunity. I hold the handkerchief between my fingers as I examine it once more. Clean, perfectly folded Too elegant to be a simple gesture of courtesy.

He’s a handsome man, I thought… he has presence, he’s tall, elegant. His face is attractive, he

has money.

What need did Clara have to go back to Ethan when she had someone like Alexander so

close?

I looked at the handkerchief again and felt it between my fingers; I was paying close attention to it, but the object itself isn’t important. It’s what it represents. This handkerchief is an entry point.

I look at the building in front of me from inside my car. High windows, an imposing structure

exactly the kind of place where a man like him works.

I check the time, he’s about to leave. I know because I asked. Because I investigated. Because I never leave things to chance when something interests me. And this… interests

me a lot.

It’s midday, lunchtime.

The weather today is almost perfect. It’s all set for me. I lean back against the seat and calmly cross my legs, though inside my mind is completely active, calculating, anticipating

It’s not just about him, it’s about what he represents. What he can provoke, what he can break. And just as I’m about to look at my watch again… I see him.

He leaves the building with that confident, natural air…. effortless.

He walks like someone who knows exactly who he is and what his place is. I smile slightly. intrigued

I open the car door without thinking too much and get out decisively. I don’t run… but I pick up the pace enough to catch him before he drives off.

<Chapter 183: A “Casual” Lunch-1

“Alexander,” I call.

He stops, turns around, and in his expression… there’s genuine surprise, and I like that.

“Wow…” he says, raising an eyebrow slightly. “I wasn’t expecting to see you.”

I move a little closer, holding the handkerchief between my fingers.

“I think this is yours,” I say, showing it to him.

His gaze drops to the object, and he nods instantly.

“Right…” he replies. “I thought I’d lost it.”

“I should return it to its owner,” I add with a slight smile.

It’s not just a phrase; it’s an intention. He notices it. Of course he notices it.

He takes a step toward me, closing the distance.

“Not many people go to that trouble,” he says.

“I’m not ‘many people,” I reply, holding his gaze.

+29 Points

There’s a second of silence. An interesting one, one of those where things are measured without being spoken. Then he smiles… barely.

“I’d already noticed that.”

Good, very good.

We stay there for a few more seconds, in the middle of the sidewalk, as if neither of us were in a hurry to leave. And then… I take the next step.

“I’m heading out for lunch,” I say casually. “And, coincidentally… I have to eat alone today.” I pause briefly, just long enough for him to process the information. “Would you mind if we had lunch together?”

I don’t say it as a plea, or as a shy invitation. I say it as an option… an interesting one…

He hesitates for only a second, but he does, and I see it. I see that small calculation in his eyes. That quick assessment of what it means to accept… or not. And then…

“Sure,” he says finally. “That sounds good to me.

I smile, not broadly, not exaggeratedly. Just enough.

“Perfect.”

+25 Points

We walk together toward the corner.

He points to a nearby restaurant, elegant, discreet. I accept without hesitation.

As we walk, I watch him out of the corner of my eye. He’s not like Ethan, not in essence. Ethan is more… emotional, even though he tries to hide it. Alexander isn’t… he’s more… I look at him once more, analyze him, and conclude: Alexander is control, well-managed coldness. But that doesn’t make him immune. It only makes him more interesting.

We enter the restaurant and are shown to a table near the window. Everything is calm, orderly

perfect for a conversation that isn’t as casual as it seems.

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