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.

can leave now. The work can wait until tomorrow.” Bryan tapped the desk lightly. The gesture seemed to resonate

it had been Vivian who had convinced Bryan to do so. Somehow, she felt a tug to stay behind, to toil away into the night.

course. Thank you, Miss

tugged Bryan away, pausing only to give a playful wink in Eileen’s

her seat, Eileen was lost in thought. What had Vivian and Bryan done inside the office? Had they ever stepped into the lounge? Eileen furrowed her brow, battling the

After organizing the documents and with her belongings in hand, she left the company. Departing early did little to expedite

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

after her mother had left with 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

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

Eileen. There’s something we need to discuss,” called out Dr.

offered a smile. “Please, Dr. White,

at the ward, Emilio said in a hushed voice,

his head. Inside the office, Eileen remained standing as Emilio

your mother’s illness. However, they are limited. Would you

share this

“And… the cost?”

he added with candor, “The reality is

Emilio’s 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 shadow over her financial security. The future held no promise of

I take a few days to consider this?” Eileen

such a chance comes

yet it was more than comfortable, housing just

what brings you here? Why didn’t you tell

due to her demanding job, and Ruby would always

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

space. Leaving work early was a luxury for Eileen, yet for many,

staying silent. Eileen

weight again. You don’t need to

these days, isn’t it?” With the bed

the brunt of time, and the scar

treatment. It’s too much for her family

the Garret family she knew well, who

and it’s causing you so much pain. Just promise to look after Bailee. That’ll be enough

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