CEO'S Secret Baby: A Standalone Surprise Pregnancy Romance by Iona Rose (books for 5 year olds to read themselves .TXT) 📕

help the gloom that had befallen me today. Every time I lifted my head, I caught someone’s gaze, and it was either filled with curiosity or abhorrence. I didn’t miss the ceaseless whispers sent my way, or perhaps it was all in my head. I wanted a cup of coffee, but the last thing I wanted to deal with in the breakroom were snide looks or comments or even questions from the other employees.

The same went for the bathroom. I wanted to speak to Carter, but couldn't, at least not now. I was too shaken and unsettled. I also had no idea what would come out of my mouth.

So I sat still, until Jeremy’s text came in. I picked up my phone and read.

‘The rumor is that you’ve been sleeping with the boss, and used that as leverage to get the VP to consider your personal pitch. Doesn't sound like you but if it is true, just know that the only offense I'm going to take is that you didn't let me in on the details about The Godfather beyond the suit we all see. See you later.’

I gazed at his message for a long time, not exactly knowing how to feel about it. He was on the other side of the floor, and couldn't be reached easily, especially since my plan was to rot in my chair so I never had to stand up or run into anyone.

The clock struck three, and at the ding of the elevator, I turned to see Henry and the VP walk in with the client. The rest of the team was already prepared, and waiting in the meeting room, so all three men walked in and it began.

Without me.

My head fell, as I continued with my mindless responses.

Half an hour passed by, and I kept sneaking looks through the glass wall of the meeting room, curious to see what I could. One thing was for sure, and that was the fact that no one looked happy as they conversed with the client.

I returned my gaze to my screen, and felt just a small twinge of satisfaction. I didn't want the project to completely crash and burn, especially since I had worked incredibly hard on it. Sooner or later however, someone was going to have to pay for the shitty way I felt at the moment when I had done absolutely nothing else besides doing my very possible best.

“Leah…” my cubicle neighbor suddenly called.

I took a deep breath before meeting her gaze.

Her eyes had widened with alarm. She nudged her head towards the entrance door.

I turned my head just in time to see Carter as he pushed the door open and strolled onto our floor.

I pushed my chair back and almost got out of my seat. Thankfully, I remembered the eyes that were on me, and caught myself just in time. But my mind had already gone haywire.

What is he doing here?

I understood that he owned the company and could technically go wherever the fuck he wanted, but I also knew there was no way he wouldn't have heard about what happened. This was the time for him to stay away, and to keep as much distance as he possibly could from this project.

I gathered courage and stared at him as he approached, hoping he would glance at me for even a moment. Hoping, I would somehow, be able to speak to him with my eyes, to tell him to back away, so my grave wouldn’t get dug any deeper.

He didn’t.

His sleeves were rolled up to just below his elbow, his collar, unbuttoned, and absent of a tie. He looked dangerous, and although there was no distinct emotion on his face, I had come to know enough about him to almost feel the heat of his annoyance.

He arrived at the door to the meeting and went in.

My team members present began to rise at his sudden appearance.

With a hand up, he waved away the acknowledgement, and took his seat.

I panicked.

I picked up my phone, and sent him a text. ‘Please don't do anything. Please. Just let this go. It wasn't a big deal at all.’

I watched him, praying to God that he had brought his phone along, so when I saw him pull it out from his pocket to place on the desk, I felt immense relief. His eyes pursued the screen, and I had my look of plea ready, for when he would turn to find my gaze.

To my surprise however, he ignored it… and me. He returned his attention to the presentation being given, and my heart began to sink.

I wondered then if he was also somewhat furious at me.

A few minutes later, I softened my tone and sent another text.

‘Your interference will make this worse. Please let this go Carter… please babe.’

Again, I watched as his eyes went to the phone...

I waited, and almost collapsed when his gaze lifted to find mine. My heart slammed into my chest.

His gaze however was dark, and extremely cold. For a moment, his stare was locked on me, but yet again, he returned his attention back to the presentation.

I couldn’t believe it.

Chapter 32

Carter

By the end of the meeting, I hadn't said a word, but I was more than ready to throw the client out of our office.

I, however, held my peace until it was over, and rose to my feet along with the rest of the team. “Coghlan, see me in my office,” I said, and went on my way.

A few minutes later, I was seated across from him, and allowed a few moments for the restraint against punching his lights out to take effect on my nerves. When I was calmed, I asked him, “Do you truly not see the problems that this client is stirring up or are you choosing to ignore it?”

He went quiet, so I became more specific.

“You’ve been working on this brief for a month now, and there has been no significant progress. The client is not