Shrouded Affections Winning Back My CEO Wife

Chapter 5

Chapter 5:

“You—” Ruby was about to say more, but Bailee cut her off. Bailee had just arrived at the ward and heard what Ruby was talking about.

“Mom, there’s no need to concern yourself with Eileen’s matters like that,” Bailee said, helping Eileen and stopping Ruby from continuing the topic.

Eileen returned the gesture with a smile, took some pieces of bread and a glass of milk, and found a quiet spot to enjoy her meal. Ruby’s stern look fell on Bailee.

“You always stir the pot.”

Yet Bailee’s energy was infectious. She soon had Ruby chuckling, deflecting any further matchmaking talk for Eileen.

After breakfast, it was time for Eileen to depart for work. She and Bailee shared small talk as they descended in the elevator.

“I’m gearing up for my internship,” Bailee said.

Eileen considered that for a moment. “Need me to pull some strings?”

Bailee waved off the offer. “No, I’ve got to carve my own path. It’s important to me.”

A fleeting thought of Judie brought a wry smile to Eileen’s face. Just last night, Roderick had tried to lure her out with a dinner invitation, but Eileen saw through that and politely declined.

Bailee’s tone took on a determined edge. “I’ll be earning soon. Not only will I stand on my own, but I’ll also contribute. And when I’m able, I’ll start to repay you for all the money you’ve spent on Mom.”

Her words were not loud but filled with earnest resolve.

Exiting the elevator, they were greeted by the hustle of the lobby. Eileen halted when Bailee’s words reached her, and they turned to face one another. Eileen’s hand found Bailee’s shoulder in a comforting gesture.

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“Don’t fret about the finances,” Eileen reassured her. “I never expected repayment. It was Mom’s grit that got me here—not to feel like a stranger in my own life. But if you’re set on contributing, that’s alright by me.”

A guilty look often clouded Bailee’s face, which Eileen found heartbreaking. “Just make sure you’re making money through your hard work, Bailee. That’s crucial,” Eileen said.

A shadow passed over Bailee’s usually sparkling eyes. She alone bore the secret of Eileen’s sacrifice for Ruby’s sake.

an option. We’ll look after Mom together, alright? Just say

words. The news of Vivian’s return had quickly spread in the business world and upper society, but

Bailee retrieved

having dinner and a movie. Afterward,

her emotions a

go to work now,” Eileen said, her voice steady despite the storm inside. “You head back to Mom. Remember, if

away, her morning too rushed to absorb the news that now shook

in the busy hallway. She watched

was quick to express her discontent as

I weren’t done. She must be

up amidst Ruby’s ongoing musings,

the second half of

people were taking a stroll outside Bryan’s place. Eileen spotted the leisurely figures for what they were—prying eyes of the press. She viewed

unmistakably Vivian’s from the day before. Bryan’s shoes were its companion, and a weight settled in Eileen’s chest,

on Eileen—she had the access code not out of intimacy, but for utility, to assist Bryan

back to the present. It seemed

as she entered the dining room. However, in the dining room was only Bryan, clad in casual gray

of his athletic build and his striking appearance, Eileen felt her heart flutter

voice was even as she said, “Mr. Dawson, the press is swarming outside. Would you like me to create a diversion to allow you an escape with

of the moment. Her attire was

frowned. “Vivian is here,” he

surprise was genuine, a brief flicker before she regained her poise. Without offering further details, Bryan sipped his milk and ascended the stairs. Eileen, anticipating the next move, stepped outside to ready the car. By the time Bryan emerged, she smoothly took her place at the wheel,

the journalists tailing them in their cars through the rearview

CEO’s elevator, delivering them to the top

front of Bryan’s desk. “I alerted the PR team en route. They’re gearing up to manage the news. The rumors shouldn’t shake

by the lounge entrance, simply arched an eyebrow. “Forget

palpable, her eyes wide

bathroom’s subdued lighting had once flattered her, a setting Bryan had favored. She was used to whatever

voice as he ushered her into the bathroom.

through the closed door, “I’ve got spare clothes from our last event. Get changed when you’re

had evaded, yet an emptiness loomed within. She couldn’t stand Bryan being close

she shed her garments and let the water wash over her. She only took ten minutes to shower. Stepping out with damp locks, she found no dryer and resorted to a half-dried state with the towel’s

her, bending slightly to smell