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.

gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s․cо𝗺, your storytelling home

“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 desk lightly. The gesture seemed to resonate

to leave since it had been Vivian who had convinced Bryan to do so. Somehow, she felt a tug to stay

course. Thank you, Miss

away, pausing only to

the office? Had they ever stepped into the lounge? Eileen furrowed her brow, battling the unwelcome tide of emotions and wandering thoughts she

her belongings in hand, she left the company. Departing early did

path well-trodden over the years as she attended to her ailing stepmother, Ruby Curtis.

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,

youth, selling her possessions to ensure Eileen’s education. Eileen had excelled academically, and Ruby had made plans for her future early on. She had juggled multiple jobs when Eileen was in high school, eventually sending Eileen to the best

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

smile. “Please, Dr.

Emilio said in a

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

can treat your mother’s illness. However,

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

“And… the cost?”

“The reality is stark. Without the treatment, she has, at best, two months to live. With it, perhaps up to

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 profit, and her position at work was on

a few days to consider this?” Eileen

day such a chance comes

more than comfortable, housing just another patient beside Ruby. Ruby’s expression was one

here? Why didn’t

in advance due to her demanding job,

noting the other occupant of the room—a woman in the bloom of her life yet facing the trial of breast cancer, surrounded by

a luxury for Eileen, yet for many, the day had already wound down, the

in response, staying silent. Eileen unfolded the cot as Ruby’s voice,

it looks like you’ve lost some weight again. You don’t need to work

the trend these days, isn’t

of Ruby’s face bore the brunt of time, and the

for her family to handle financially,”

about a patient from the Garret family she knew well, who

thinking of stopping mine, too. It’s incurable, and it’s causing you so much