Shrouded Affections Winning Back My CEO Wife

Chapter 4

Chapter 4:

“The responsibility to purchase a house lies with you two,” Eileen responded. Judie’s eyes brimmed with anger. The moment she realized Eileen was about to leave, she caught Eileen by the arm, her voice tinged with disbelief.

“Can you even say that?”

“Are you aware of your real family ties? You lavish care on a stepmother with your money, yet refuse to purchase a home for your own brother? Think about it. That woman’s time is short, and soon, you’ll find yourself leaning on Roderick, your brother!”

Eileen’s lips curled into a mocking smile as she replied, “Lean on him? Isn’t it supposed to be the other way around? I think you’re mistaken. The money I earn is mine to spend as I please. If you want to keep your job here, mind your manners.”

With a flick of her wrist, she freed herself from Judie’s grasp and left, her expression icy. A shiver of fear crept through Judie. After all, Eileen’s influence was second only to Bryan’s in the company.

But there was Eileen, with a cushy job under Bryan, driving a good car, dwelling in a spacious home, and even tending to her sick stepmother. Yet, she turned a blind eye to her brother’s situation. It just wasn’t right!

With that notion in mind, Judie bolted to the restroom to call Roderick. They had to convince Eileen to buy them a house.

Meanwhile, Eileen returned to her desk, banishing all distractions, and her productivity soared. Earlier, Vivian’s interruption meant Eileen hadn’t completed her tasks on time. Now, as the office emptied for lunch, Eileen remained in her seat to work.

Roderick called twice. She ignored them both, so engrossed in her work that lunchtime passed unnoticed. Soon, it was evening.

Her dedication had not gone unrecognized. Vivian had remarked that her diligence indeed outshone many.

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“Isn’t it time for you to get off work, Eileen?” Vivian’s inquiry broke through the silence.

Eileen offered a faint smile, lifting her eyes, which inadvertently met Bryan’s. He stood casually, one hand resting in his pocket, his gaze briefly meeting hers before shifting to the papers in front of her.

Leaning into Bryan with playful ease, Vivian teased, “I’m whisking Bryan away early. Maybe you’ll get some rest.” Then, she turned to Bryan, “Are Eileen’s tasks urgent? If not, perhaps she could tackle them tomorrow and get off work early today.”

Bryan opened his mouth, his voice calm but clear, “They’re not urgent.”

“Could she then knock off earlier?” Vivian gently tugged at Bryan’s sleeve.

Eileen’s lips parted, yet no words escaped her.

leave now. The work can wait until tomorrow.” Bryan tapped the

Somehow, she felt a

course. Thank

away, pausing only to give a playful wink

lost in thought. What had Vivian and Bryan done inside the office? Had they ever stepped into

early did little to expedite her journey.

a path well-trodden over the years as she attended to her ailing stepmother, Ruby Curtis. Memories flooded back unbidden. Ten-year-old Eileen had been the quiet spectator of a bitter custody battle—not for

Roderick. Visits had ceased until two years prior, spurred by news of Eileen’s success, when they came to seek her aid. Her father, unable to keep Roderick, had grown distant and harsh towards Eileen, demanding she quit school. Her defiance had nearly cost her life, almost

the lifeline in her youth, selling her possessions to ensure Eileen’s education. Eileen had excelled academically, and Ruby had made plans for her future

time, Eileen. There’s something we need to discuss,” called out Dr. Emilio White, Ruby’s primary doctor, as he

offered a smile. “Please, Dr. White,

ward, Emilio said in a

Emilio was almost seventy, his age evident in the sparse hair that crowned his head. Inside the office, Eileen remained standing as Emilio

drugs recently that can treat your mother’s illness.

known for her dedication, had prompted Emilio to share this immediately. Eileen knitted her brows together

“And… the cost?”

replied. After a pause, he added with candor, “The

clear briefing shed light on all she needed to know. Investing more in Ruby’s health would offer precious years—a decision she once would have made without a second thought. But now, Vivian’s return and the shaky ground of her marriage to Bryan cast a

a few days to consider

“It’s not every day such a chance

Ruby’s ward. It was no suite, yet it was more than comfortable, housing just another patient beside

here? Why didn’t you tell me in advance?” she

advance due to her demanding job, and Ruby would always

so I thought I’d drop by,” Eileen explained, placing her belongings aside and noting the other occupant of the room—a woman in the bloom of her life yet facing the trial of breast

interrupting this late,” Eileen greeted them politely, acknowledging the shared space. Leaving work early was a luxury for Eileen, yet for many, the day had already wound down, the

offered a nod in response, staying silent. Eileen unfolded the cot as Ruby’s voice, though strained, reached

some weight again. You don’t need to work

smile. “That’s the trend these days, isn’t it?”

of time, and the scar on her forehead spoke of a past

too much for

from the Garret family she knew well, who was about ten years younger than her.

so much pain. Just promise to look after Bailee. That’ll be