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.

after Mom together, alright? Just

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

expression, Bailee retrieved

heard? Bryan and Vivian were out together last night, having dinner and a movie. Afterward, they went

glanced at the screen, her emotions a whirlwind of hurt

storm inside.

parting words, Eileen turned and walked away, her morning too rushed to absorb the

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

quick to express

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

Ruby’s ongoing musings,

for me instead? I’m graduating in the second half of the year, and I’ll be an intern

were taking a stroll outside Bryan’s place. Eileen spotted 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 ease

before. Bryan’s shoes were its companion, and a weight settled in

not out of intimacy, but for utility, to

of footsteps snapped Eileen back to the

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 body bare. His abs

her heart flutter every time. But she had become a master at

Dawson, the press is swarming outside. Would you like me to create a diversion to allow you an escape with Miss

a glass 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

frowned. “Vivian is

sipped his milk and ascended the stairs. Eileen, anticipating the next move, stepped outside to

but Eileen noticed the journalists tailing

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 to

the PR team en route.

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

palpable, her eyes wide with

favored. She was used to whatever he would ask her to do. But

he ushered her

remained outside as he informed her through the closed door, “I’ve got spare clothes from our last event. Get changed when you’re done showering.” Then, the sound of the lounge door signaled his

Eileen grappled with a whirlwind of emotions; the immediate threat had evaded, yet an emptiness loomed within. She couldn’t stand Bryan being close to Vivian one minute and then coming to her the next. But his distant demeanor now made

the situation, she shed her garments and let the water wash over her. She only took ten minutes to shower. Stepping out with damp locks,

bending slightly to smell