The CEO's Unspoken Love Novel

Chapter 14 Daniel was there, looking distinctly uncomfortable now that Olivia and I had crashed the party. Thomas Stone, another of Derek's inner circle, was glaring at Olivia. "What the hell is this? A private party means private," Thomas snapped, his words slightly slurred. "Sorry about her," I said smoothly, placing a restraining hand on Olivia's arm. "She's had a few too many. You know how it is." Thomas's expression changed when he recognized me. "Wow, Eleanor," he said. "Didn't expect to see you here." I felt Derek's eyes on me, steady and unreadable.

The room's atmosphere shifted, conversations tapering off as everyone assessed this new development. "My apologies for the interruption," I said, my voice carrying just enough to reach every corner of the room. "She's a bit drunk and causing a scene. I'll get her out of your way." "So this is your investment project?" I asked, turning to Derek. "The one keeping you so busy you couldn't even respond to a simple text?" Derek's lips curved into a cold smile. "Just got here a little while ago. Seems I can't go anywhere without you checking up on me.

Playing detective now, Eleanor?" His words stung, but I kept my expression neutral. "No need for detective work when it's all on display." I gestured to the gathered company. "Please, don't let me interrupt. I'll wait until you're free." The look of surprise that flashed across his face was almost worth the ache in my chest. I moved to an empty chair near the bar setup and sat down, reaching for a bowl of mixed nuts on the table. "Eleanor-" Olivia started, clearly confused by my decision to stay. "You should try the pistachios," I said calmly.

"They're excellent." Daniel and Thomas exchanged glances, and I heard Thomas mutter, "This was a bad idea. Why did you let her stay?" The room gradually returned to its previous state of revelry, though noticeably more subdued. Olivia sat beside me, helping herself to a glass of champagne. "This must have cost a fortune," she whispered, looking around at the extravagant setup. I nodded. "Drink up. It's probably the most expensive champagne you'll ever taste." The woman in the red dress leaned closer to Derek, her hand resting possessively on his arm.

"Derek," she purred, loud enough for me to hear. "Why don't we go somewhere more private? I hear there are rooms upstairs." 1/2 A few of the other girls giggled, exchanging knowing glances. "Those girls have zero class," Olivia muttered. "She's practically throwing herself at him." Derek removed the woman's hand from his arm with practiced ease. "I'm not half-paralyzed," he said coolly. "I don't need assistance to bed." The rejection silenced the room momentarily before nervous laughter broke out. "He's such an ass," Olivia whispered.

"I can't believe you were married to him for nearly three years." "Still am, technically," I reminded her, popping another pistachio into my mouth. "For another two months or so." Daniel approached our table, carrying two glasses of amber liquid. "Peace offering," he said, setting them down. "Sorry about earlier. Derek said it was just going to be the guys and... well..." He trailed off, gesturing vaguely at the women scattered around the room. "No need to explain," I assured him, accepting the drink. "I understand completely." Something in my clear-eyed gaze made him shift uncomfortably.

He nodded and retreated to his original seat. "Let's make this more interesting!" one of the women called out suddenly. "Since we're all here, how about a game of truth or dare?" Enthusiastic agreements echoed around the room, the energy shifting as people moved to form a rough circle. I felt suddenly weary, the false calmness I'd maintained all evening threatening to crack. "I think it's time we left," I murmured to Olivia, preparing to stand. Just as I began to rise, Derek's voice cut through the chatter. "Leaving so soon, Eleanor?

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