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.

galnσν𝓮ℓs․cøm opens doors to new adventures

“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.

after Mom together, alright? Just say the word if anything

widened at Bailee’s words. The news of Vivian’s return had quickly spread in the

Bailee retrieved

Bryan and Vivian were out together last night, having dinner and a movie. Afterward, they went back to Bryan’s place together. It’s the talk of the town,”

at the screen, her emotions a

voice steady despite the storm inside. “You head back to Mom. Remember, if the internship throws you

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

Eileen, a soft echo in the busy hallway. She watched until Eileen blended into the distance, then turned to go back to Ruby’s

was quick to express her

off. Your sister and I weren’t done. She must be rekindling that old flame from six

amidst Ruby’s ongoing musings,

instead? I’m graduating in the second

the leisurely figures for what they were—prying eyes of the press. She viewed the scene from her car, typing in the security code with practiced

pair of high heels— unmistakably Vivian’s from the day before. Bryan’s shoes were its companion, and a weight settled in Eileen’s chest, her steps

for utility, to assist Bryan home when he was

footsteps snapped Eileen back to the present.

with a deep breath, donning a practiced smile as she entered the dining room. However, in the dining room was only Bryan, clad in casual gray pants, his upper

build and his striking appearance, Eileen felt her heart flutter every time. But she had become a master at concealing

swarming outside. Would you like me to create a diversion to allow

in hand, regarded her with an intensity that belied the casualness of the moment. Her attire was slightly less than immaculate, and there was a faint smell of disinfectant

is

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

journalists tailing

in the underground parking lot and got out with Bryan. Their ascent was silent and swift through the CEO’s elevator, delivering them to the top floor. They arrived early and encountered no other employees on their way there. Bryan gestured for Eileen

front of Bryan’s desk. “I alerted the PR team en route. They’re gearing up to manage the news. The

simply arched an eyebrow. “Forget the media frenzy. Come and take a

her eyes wide with surprise.

a setting Bryan had favored. She was used to whatever he

into his voice as he ushered her into the bathroom.

presence remained outside as he informed her through the closed door, “I’ve got spare clothes from our last event. Get changed when you’re

with a whirlwind of emotions; the immediate threat had evaded, yet an emptiness loomed within. She couldn’t

she shed her garments and let the water wash over her. She only took ten minutes to

her, bending slightly to smell her