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.

galnσν?ℓs․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.

an option. We’ll look after Mom together, alright? Just say the word if anything happens,”

of Vivian’s return had quickly spread in the business world and

Bailee retrieved her

dinner and a movie. Afterward, they went back to Bryan’s place together. It’s the talk of

her emotions a whirlwind

despite the storm inside. “You head back

walked away, her morning

in the busy hallway. She watched until Eileen blended into the distance, then turned to go back

express her

off. Your sister and I weren’t done. She must be

up amidst Ruby’s ongoing musings, finally

a boyfriend for me instead? I’m graduating in the second half

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

her gaze landed on a pair of high heels— unmistakably Vivian’s from the day before. Bryan’s

but for utility,

sound of footsteps snapped Eileen back to the present. It seemed like they went to the

herself with a deep breath, donning a practiced smile as she entered the dining room. However, in the dining room was only Bryan,

flutter

Would you like me to create a diversion to

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 of disinfectant mixed

is here,”

details, Bryan sipped his milk and ascended the stairs. Eileen, anticipating the next move, stepped

escape was smooth, but Eileen noticed the journalists tailing them in their cars through the rearview

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

desk. “I alerted the PR team en route. They’re gearing up to manage

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

palpable, her eyes wide with surprise. “A

bathroom’s subdued lighting had once flattered her, a setting Bryan had favored. She was used to whatever he would ask her to do. But that

he

the closed door, “I’ve got

of emotions; the immediate threat had evaded, yet an emptiness loomed within. She couldn’t stand Bryan being

took ten minutes to shower. Stepping out with damp locks, she found

approached her, bending slightly to