The CEO's Regret: Darling, Don’t Leave Me novel Chapter 33

Chapter 22: Face to Face… again.-1

Clara

I was not on the list. That was the first thing I thought when Alexander told me about the event.

A charity cocktail in one of the oldest hotels in the city, one of those where luxury is not shouted, it is

understood. Consolidated companies, surnames that have been circulating in the same salons for

decades, people who do not need to introduce themselves because everyone knows who they are.

“It’s not a formal invitation,” Alexander said over the phone, in that matter-of-fact tone he uses when

something is already decided. “But I want you to come with me.”

I was in the makeshift office of the new headquarters, sitting in front of blueprints, material samples, and supplier lists. My hair was haphazardly pulled back, and I was wearing a white shirt stained with construction dust. My world at that moment was concrete, steel, and deadlines.

“Why?” I asked, sincerely.

Alexander sighed, as if he had already anticipated my resistance.

“Because people need to see you. Not reading you in a report, not listening to you in a closed meeting. See you. That they associate your name with a face, with presence. This type of event serves for that, although

we don’t like to admit it.”

I leaned back in my chair, staring at the half-finished ceiling.

“I’m not part of that circle yet.”

“Precisely,” he answered. “And you’re not going to get in if you don’t start showing up.”

He did not say it as pressure. He said it as truth.

I accepted.

Not because I was excited about the idea, but because I understood that hiding behind work was no longer an option. I had crossed a line by accepting that contract. I was no longer invisible.

That night I looked in the mirror longer than usual.

I chose a sober, jet-black dress with clean lines. Nothing striking. Nothing that would shout “look at me”. I wanted my presence to speak for itself, not my clothes. I let my hair down and opted for discreet makeup. I recognized myself in the reflection, and that calmed me.

I wasn’t the woman I’d been when I attended events on Ethan’s arm. Nor was I someone completely new. I was… me, finally, without translations.

Alexander picked me up.

“You’re perfect,” he said, sincerely. “Ready?”

Chapter 2241

nodded.

The hotel shone inside like an old memory. Warm light, soft music, crystal glasses that clinked in measured conversations Alexander greeted me here and there, introducing me matter-of-factly:

“Clara Sinclair, founder of Sinclair & Co.”

Every time he said it, something inside me would settle down a little more.

People shook my hand, asked me questions, nodded with real interest. Not with condescension. Not with

empty curiosity. Interest.

I was doing well, until I saw her.

Vanessa was on the other side of the room, leaning near the bar, with a drink in her hand. Elegant,

impeccable, self-confident. Her gaze found me almost immediately, as if she had been unknowingly

looking for me. She did not lower her eyes.

She swept me from head to foot with calculated slowness and smiled.

It was not a kind smile. Nor hostile. It was that kind of smile that is used when you recognize territory.

I felt a slight pressure in my stomach, but I didn’t back down.

Alexander noticed my pause.

“All right?” he asked quietly.

“Yes,” I answered.” Just… familiar faces.”

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