The CEO's Regret: Darling, Don’t Leave Me novel Chapter 55

Chapter 37: A Long Night, Part 2.-1

Ethan

There are events that one attends because of strategy, and there are events that one attends because one

knows that something is going to happen… This was both.

The Annual Strategic Growth Gala is not just a fancy cocktail. It is the place where alliances are defined,

where movements are read, where smiles are worth millions and silences too.

But that night, none of that was what had my attention.

I knew Clara would be there, not because I researched it. Because it was obvious.

Her company is now in the center of the map. And I helped make that happen. Ironic

I adjusted my cufflinks in front of the mirror before leaving the house. Dark suit. Classic cut. No

extravagances.

I never liked to attract attention, I prefer to control it.

When I arrived at the hotel, the room was already almost full. Warm lights, crystals shining above our heads, strategic conversations disguised as courtesy

I greeted those I had to greet, I smiled when appropriate.

I take a glass of whiskey from a tray that passes in front of me. Not because I need it. Because I need to do something with my hands.

“Ethan.”

I recognize the voice before I turn.

Roberto Salgado. One of those men who is always where there is money moving. Wide smile. Attentive

eyes.

“Roberto.”

We shake hands.

“The agreement with Clara’s company is a great move,” he says. “I didn’t see it coming.”

“That’s the idea,” I reply.

He laughs.

We talked for a couple of minutes about the market, about expansion, about rumors of acquisitions.

And then comes the inevitable question.

“And Vanessa?” he says, looking around. “She always accompanies you at these events. Where is her?”

I’m not surprised.

Vanessa and I have been seen together enough for the industry to take on things.

1 keep the tone neutral.

“She accompanies me when she can or when her schedule allows it. This time she couldn’t.”

Roberto nods, but his gaze barely narrows.

“Ah… I thought you two were together.”

The phrase is casual. But it is not and it is curious how a few weeks ago I would have let that perception

float.

I would have smiled, I wouldn’t have corrected anything.

Not this time.

“No.

The answer comes out immediately.

Clara is a few meters away. I don’t know if she listen. I don’t know if it matters… But I say it anyway.

“Vanessa is a partner in some projects. Nothing more.”

Roberto raises his eyebrows slightly.

“Wow. I thought it was something more serious.”

“It’s not.”

I do not hesitate, I leave no room for interpretation.

He nods slowly.

“Interesting.”

Because in this world, every change is interesting.

“Sometimes things seem more than they are,” he adds

I think about the phrase, about what I assumed. In what others assume.

“Yes,” I answer. “Sometimes they seem so.”

r

Roberto changes the subject, talks about another investment, another table that I must greet.

But when he walks away, I feel something different.

Lightness.

I’m not holding a story that isn’t real. I’m not using anyone to fill a space that still has a name.

I look up and find her. Clara.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify