The CEO's Regret: Darling, Don’t Leave Me novel Chapter 74

Chapter 52: Do I Have a Chance?

Ethan

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The boardroom smells of new paint and freshly polished wood. The building is no longer a project. It is a reality. And she is at the front of the table, reviewing some plans with that concentration she always had when something really mattered to her.

She doesn’t look at me when I walk in, but she knows I’m here. I can feel it in the slight stiffness of her shoulders.

We met today in her building, Clara herself suggested so.

Alexander is sitting to his right, relaxed, confident… Observer.

I take a seat in front of them.

“Good morning,” I say, but my voice doesn’t sound distant. Sounds… present.

Clara barely looks up.

“Good morning.”

She acts normal, as if that kiss is just an illusion.

The meeting begins, we start with the budgets. Hiring. Opening dates.

But this time I don’t just listen to answer.

A secretary of Clara’s enters in the middle of the meeting and tells her something about some interviews she is doing, apparently from her staff working in the building.

She asks for a moment and when Clara explains the plan for the incorporation of the new staff, I do not interrupt her. I’m just keeping an eye out for the information she gives to her partner and investor, Alexander.

“Have you defined the profile of the executive assistant yet?” I ask when she finishes.

She looks at me and nods.

“Yes. Minimum experience of five years, crisis management skills, absolute confidentiality and complete availability.”

It’s what she asks for a personal assistant.

“Good,” I say. “But it adds operational leadership. You’re going to need someone who can make decisions without depending on you all the time.”

K Chapter 52: Do I Have a Chance?

Alexander looks at her.

“That’s true.”

Clara takes note, small gesture, small change.

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Before, she would have assumed that I was questioning her ability. Today she understands that I am strengthening her structure.

“I also want us to review the internal communication area,” he continued. “I don’t want this building to function only as a company. I want it to have an identity.”

Alexander crosses his arms.

“That implies additional investment…”

“I know.”

I hold her with my eyes.

“And it’s worth it.”

Clara observes me for a second longer than necessary. And it’s not hostility, it’s evaluation. I’m here.

Really… giving a suggestion for your company.

The meeting progresses, now with issues of the contracting company; there are moments of silence where before I would have taken control. Not today… Today I let her lead, because this project is also hers. And I want her to know that.

At the end, Alexander leans back in his chair.

“Clara has done a great job,” he says, looking directly at me.

“I know,” I reply without hesitation.

And this time it is not a formality, it is recognition.

She lowers her gaze for a second, she’s not used to that coming from me.

Alexander watches her, then looks at me. There is something in his expression that changes.

Subtle, territorial.

When Clara picks up some documents, Alexander gets up at the same time.

He gets a little closer than necessary to show her something on the screen.

He does not touch her, but he invades her space. I notice it, because I’m a man and I know

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Chapter 52 Do I Have a Chance?

how to read that.

“Clara,” I say, keeping my tone neutral, “can you stay a moment? I need to review the implementation schedule with you.”

Alexander looks at me.

“I can stay if you want.”

“You don’t have to,” I answer calmly.

Clara hardly doubts.

“Okay.”

Alexander holds my gaze for a second longer. Just smile.

“Perfect. I let them work.”

When he leaves, the door closes with a soft sound.

Clara remains standing, organizing papers. She doesn’t look at me.

“He didn’t need to leave,” she finally says.

“Yes, it was.”

Now she does look at me.

“Why?”

I do not dwell on the subject.

“Are you with him?”

The question falls directly, without irony, without anger. Just clarity, Clara blinks.

“No.”

She doesn’t hesitate, she doesn’t waver. She doesn’t lower her gaze.

“““Do you two have something going on?”

“No.”

The air returns to my lungs without me realizing I was holding it.

Real relief. But I’m not naive.

I lay my hands on the table.

Chapter 52: Do I Have a Chance?

“Maybe you don’t,” I say calmly. “But he does have an interest.”

She frowns.

“Alexander is my partner.”

“And he’s a man.”

Silence.

There is no accusation in my voice, only certainty.

Clara holds my gaze.

“And that worries you?”

Yes. But I don’t say it like that.

“I care about knowing where I stand.”

She folds her arms, defensive, but not closed.

“I’m not with anyone.”

I nod.

“Good.”

“Well?”

“Yes.”

I take a step towards her, I don’t invade… I don’t force it.

I just shorten the distance enough for her to hear me without raising my voice.

“Because this time I’m not going to compete with shadows or assumptions.”

Her eyes barely soften.

“Ethan…”

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“I’m not asking you for anything now,” I interrupt her gently. “I’m just making it clear that what

I said… it’s real.”

“What exactly?”

I stare at her.

“That I am not going to repeat what I did before.”

Chapter 52: Do I Have a Chance?

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