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.

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

quickly spread in the business world and upper society, but how could Bailee, who was still in

Eileen’s expression, Bailee retrieved

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

screen, her emotions a whirlwind of hurt and

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

and walked away, her morning too rushed to absorb

the busy hallway. She watched until Eileen blended into the distance, then

express her discontent as

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

amidst Ruby’s ongoing musings, finally

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

they were—prying eyes of the

high heels— unmistakably Vivian’s from the day before. Bryan’s shoes were its companion, and a weight

Eileen—she had the access code not out of intimacy, but for utility, to assist Bryan home when he was drunk. The familiarity of his corporate lounge

the sound of footsteps snapped Eileen back to the present.

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,

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

swarming outside. Would you like me to create

the casualness of the moment. Her attire was slightly less than immaculate,

is

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

smooth, but Eileen noticed the journalists

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 to proceed straight to his

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

lounge entrance, simply arched an eyebrow. “Forget

confusion was palpable, her eyes wide with surprise. “A

flattered her, a setting Bryan had favored. She

his voice as he ushered her into

outside as he informed her through the closed door, “I’ve got spare clothes from our last

She couldn’t stand Bryan being close to Vivian one minute and then coming to her the next. But his distant demeanor now made her feel bad,

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

slightly to

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