The CEO's Regret: Darling, Don’t Leave Me novel Chapter 40

Chapter 26-4all That Changed Everything -2

Chapter 26: A Call That Changed Everything.-2

“Blackwood,” he said at last.

I nodded.

It wasn’t anger that I felt. Nor is there wounded pride. It was something more complex. Something that had nothing to do with contracts or figures.

Working with Ethan was not a business issue, it was entering a field where i no longer knew who I was. “That’s a good proposal,” Alexander said carefully. “Professionally speaking.”

I looked at him.

“I know.”

And he knew it. Blackwood Enterprises had infrastructure, presence, reputation. The investor wasn’t doubting me on a whim. He was protecting his money.

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“But-” he added.

“But it’s not just professional.”

I softly denied.

“I don’t want this to look like I needed rescue.”

Alexander leaned back in his chair.

“It’s not. It is a strategic solution. Big companies make alliances all the time.”

“With his exes”

He didn’t smile. He did not minimize.

“Does it still affect you?”

The question was not invasive. It was honest.

I thought about the event. In the hallway. In his voice telling me that I looked good. In its calculated

neutrality.

“No,” I answered. “But I’m not naive either. Working with him is going to change the dynamic.”

Alexander nodded slowly.

“It can also consolidate you in this market. It’s your first big contract here. If you run it with Blackwood and it comes out perfect… No one will question you again.”

That part did matter to me, much more than I was willing to admit.

I walked to the office window. New York doesn’t wait for you to sort out your emotions. Just keep going.

Chapter 26: A Call That Changes Everything -2

“If I accept,” I said, “I want it to be clear that my company leads. I’m not an extension of Blackwood.”

We can negotiate that.”

I looked at him.

“I don’t want favors. Nor personal concessions.”

“I wouldn’t allow them.”

I took a deep breath.

It wasn’t the past that made me uncomfortable. It was the memory of who I had been when I was with him. And that woman no longer existed.

I turned.

“We accepted the meeting.”

Alexander held my gaze for a second longer, as if measuring if I was sure.

“Are you ready for that?”

I thought of my last name. In the contract. In the investor. In everything I had built without asking anything of anyone.

“I’m ready for any table where I have to sit.”

The meeting was scheduled for the next day, it was neutral. Private room in the project building.

When I walked in, Ethan was already there. He was impeccable… As always; dark suit, straight posture. Hands resting on the table, but something in his eyes was not as armored as other times.

Our eyes met for just a second, it wasn’t electric, it wasn’t dramatic… He was aware.

“Clara,” he said.

Not “Miss Sinclair.” Not exaggerated distance.

Just my name.

“Ethan.”

Alexander took a seat next to me.

An assistant closed the door, we were the ones who should have been, only us. And a contract that could

change everything.

Ethan spoke first.

“I understand that the proposal arises from the investor’s concern. Blackwood can assume operational oversight without interfering with the creative direction of Sinclair & Co.”

Direct. Professional. Bluntly.

Chapter 26

Changed Everything -2

“My company doesn’t need supervision,” I replied. “It needs strategic support for local implementation. They are different things.”

I saw something cross his expression. No hassle. Respect.

“Then let’s structure it like this,” he said. “You lead. We optimize processes.”

Alexander weighed in on technical points.

I listened, I analyzed. Not with emotions… But in the middle of the conversation there was a moment. A

brief silence while we reviewed the deadlines.

Ethan looked up at me.

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