The Billionaire's Forgotten Wife-Chapter 92: The CEO’s Unexpected Smile

After playing for a while, Claire rubbed her eyes and yawned.

"I’m sleepy," she mumbled, hugging Browny tightly.

Zeke smiled and stood up. "Alright, let’s get you to bed."

He gently guided her to her room and helped her climb onto the bed. Claire snuggled under the blanket, still holding her teddy bear.

"I’m glad you’re here, Uncle Zeke," she whispered sleepily. "I had fun playing with you. I can’t wait to go to the park tomorrow."

Zeke’s heart warmed at her words. He brushed a few strands of hair from her forehead and said softly, "I’m glad I’m here too. I had a great time with you. And I can’t wait for the park either."

Claire gave a small smile before her eyes fluttered shut. Within minutes, she was sound asleep.

Zeke stood quietly for a moment, watching her peaceful face.

Unbeknownst to him, Cassidy had been standing by the door, leaning against the frame. She had seen everything and heard every word. Her expression was soft.

When Zeke finally turned around, he blinked in surprise to find Cassidy watching him.

She smiled gently. "Are you staying for lunch? It’s already noon. Clara just finished cooking."

Zeke was caught off guard, pleasantly so. His expression softened. "Are you sure? You don’t mind?"

Cassidy shrugged lightly. "Why would I ask if I minded? Besides, adding one plate and a pair of cutlery won’t hurt."

Zeke chuckled. "That’s true. Then yes, I’d love to stay."

Cassidy nodded and turned toward the dining room. Zeke followed her, a small smile still lingering on his face.

At the table, Clara had already laid out a simple but delicious spread. The warm aroma of home-cooked food filled the room.

They sat down and ate together. There wasn’t much conversation, but the silence was comfortable. The quiet felt natural, and the warmth between them said enough.

When they finished, Clara cleared the plates and excused herself, leaving Cassidy and Zeke alone at the table.

Zeke leaned back slightly and looked at her. "About tomorrow... what time should we go to the park?"

Cassidy, who had been sipping her water, met his gaze. "Whenever fits your schedule."

Zeke nodded. "Alright. I’ll call Andrew first."

He stepped away to make the call.

Meanwhile, Andrew frowned when he saw Zeke’s name flash on the screen. It was rare for Zeke to call during the weekend, especially on a Sunday.

Still, he picked up right away. "Boss? Is everything okay?"

Zeke got straight to the point. "Reschedule the inspection for the pharmaceutical branch tomorrow." ƒreewebɳovel.com

Andrew blinked. "Reschedule? But you’ve had that planned for over a week." He didn’t say it out loud. When Zeke gave an order, there was no room for discussion.

"Yes, boss," Andrew said quickly. "I’ll move it to a later date."

Zeke continued, "Also, clear my schedule after noon. I’m heading out early. No calls or meetings after twelve."

Andrew hesitated for a second. "Understood. I’ll take care of it."

"Good," Zeke said, then hung up.

He returned to the table where Cassidy was still seated. "My schedule’s clear after twelve. We can go to the park anytime after that."

Cassidy nodded. "Alright."

Zeke returned home with a light step, a rare smile still on his face. The day had gone better than he expected. Claire’s laughter echoed in his mind.

In the backyard, Rocco—his fluffy Samoyed—came bounding toward him, tail wagging in excitement.

"Hey, buddy," Zeke greeted, crouching down to ruffle his fur. "Did you miss me?"

Rocco barked and dropped a ball at Zeke’s feet.

Zeke laughed. "Okay, okay. Let’s play."

For the next twenty minutes, they played fetch in the yard, the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the grass. Rocco was especially energetic, sprinting and barking, clearly picking up on Zeke’s good mood.

"You can tell I had a good day, huh?" Zeke said as he threw the ball again. "Yeah, you know."

When they finished, Zeke sat on the edge of the cool marble steps of the back terrace. Rocco flopped down beside him, panting and happy.

Zeke stroked his thick fur. "You’ll meet Claire soon."

Rocco tilted his head as if listening.

Zeke smiled faintly. "She’s sweet. And she already likes you. But be good, alright? No jumping or barking too much. Don’t knock her over."

Rocco gave a soft bark in return.

Zeke continued, "And don’t run circles around her until she’s tired. You’re faster than her. Slow down."

Rocco licked his fingers.

Zeke chuckled. "Good boy. If she ever cries, let her hug you. Just sit still and be there for her."

Rocco rested his head on Zeke’s knee, letting out a soft sigh.

Zeke leaned back, letting the breeze move through his hair as he looked at the orange sky.

"She’s going to love you," he whispered.

***

The next morning, Zeke entered the Salvador Group headquarters with a noticeable smile on his face.

People noticed.

Employees passing by blinked when he responded to their greetings with a quiet but clear, "Morning."

He usually didn’t say much. At best, a nod.

The two receptionists at the front desk exchanged glances.

"Did he just say ’morning’?" one whispered.

"Maybe he won a contract," the other replied.

"Or maybe he’s in love," the first added dramatically.

Inside his private office, Zeke started the day as usual, reading emails, reviewing files. But there was a hum in the air. Literally.

He was humming.

Andrew walked in holding a folder, eyebrows raised as he stepped closer.

"Did you have a really good dream or something?" Andrew asked with a half-smile.

Zeke looked up. "No."

Andrew raised a brow. "Then what’s with the humming? And that smile? I haven’t seen you like this on a Monday. Ever."

Zeke leaned back slightly. "Am I not allowed to be in a good mood?"

Andrew shrugged. "Of course you are. It’s just... rare. Like once every four years rare."

Zeke chuckled under his breath.

Andrew grinned. "You’re not going to tell me, are you?"

Zeke returned his focus to the screen. "Not today."

Andrew sighed dramatically. "Fine. But whatever it is... I hope it keeps you like this."

Word spread fast.

By mid-morning, people on the executive floor were buzzing.

"I heard he approved three proposals without a single angry comment."

"No way. Are you sure we’re talking about Ezekiel Salvador?"

"Someone said he smiled at the receptionist."

Managers with pending requests hurried to his office, some holding onto documents like they were golden tickets.

Inside, Zeke was calm and focused.

One by one, they came in with reports and plans, pharmaceutical distribution, facility expansions, vaccine proposals.

"Sir, our generics for Southeast Asia passed the initial test," one said.

"Good. Make sure quality aligns with WHO standards."

Another stepped in. "There’s a factory in Germany that can produce ten million units a month. We could buy it."

Zeke nodded. "Run full due diligence. If it checks out, proceed."

"We’ve created a new plant-based immune booster," said a third. "We’re targeting Europe and the Middle East."

"Make it our flagship product. Build partnerships with hospitals and telehealth platforms."

Someone came in with a flu vaccine rollout issue in South America.

"Merge with our Mexico distributor. Fix the logistics."

No raised voice. No icy glare. Only clear directions.

"Did he really approve everything?" someone whispered in the hall.

"No shouting?"

"Maybe he’s just in a good mood."

"Or maybe," another voice murmured, "he’s in love."

By 11:20 a.m., Zeke glanced at the clock on his office wall, then pressed the intercom.

"Andrew, come in."

A moment later, Andrew entered the room with his usual folder in hand.

Zeke stood from his chair, grabbing his coat from the backrest. "I’m done for the day. You handle the rest. And don’t call me unless it’s something serious."

Andrew blinked, surprised by the early sign-off but quickly nodded. "Understood, boss."

Zeke gave a short nod and headed toward the door.

As he walked through the halls of the executive floor, word of his mood had clearly made the rounds. People subtly peeked out of their offices or paused near water coolers, pretending to be busy just to catch a glimpse of him.

Some even dared to greet him, testing the rumor.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Salvador," one junior executive offered.

Zeke gave a small smile and replied, "Afternoon."

Murmurs spread like wildfire behind him.

By the time he stepped into the elevator, half the floor was buzzing again.

He made his way down to the parking garage and got into his black car. Sliding behind the wheel, he started the engine and leaned back for a moment. There was no driver today, he’d dismissed him earlier. He was heading straight to Cass’s apartment.

With a quiet smile, he pulled out of the garage, turning toward Cassidy’s apartment.

He couldn’t wait to see Claire’s face again.

And somehow, he found himself looking forward to seeing Cassidy too.

***

Read latest chapters at f(r)eewebnov𝒆l Only