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.

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

return had quickly spread in the business world and upper society, but how could Bailee,

Bailee

out together last night, having dinner and a movie. Afterward, they went back to Bryan’s place

glanced at the screen, her emotions

steady despite the storm inside. “You head back to Mom. Remember,

walked away, her morning too rushed to absorb

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

express her discontent

and I weren’t done. She must be

amidst Ruby’s ongoing

about scouting a boyfriend for me instead? I’m graduating in the second half of the year,

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

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

but for utility, to assist Bryan home when he was drunk. The familiarity of his corporate lounge contrasted sharply with the

back to the present. It seemed like they

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

Eileen felt her heart flutter every time. But she had become a master at concealing her feelings

Would you like me to create a diversion to allow you

the casualness of the moment. Her

frowned. “Vivian is here,”

before she regained her poise. Without offering further details, Bryan sipped his milk and ascended the stairs. Eileen, anticipating the next move,

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

Their ascent was silent and swift through the CEO’s elevator, delivering them to the top floor.

team en route. They’re gearing up to manage the news. The rumors shouldn’t shake

“Forget the media frenzy. Come and take

palpable, her eyes wide with surprise.

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

he ushered her into 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

evaded, yet an emptiness loomed within. She couldn’t

to 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, she found no dryer and resorted to

slightly to