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.

after Mom

words. The news of Vivian’s return had quickly spread in the business world and upper society, but how could Bailee, who was still in school, know

Bailee

having dinner and a movie. Afterward, they went back to Bryan’s

emotions a whirlwind of hurt and

to work now,” Eileen said, her voice steady despite the storm inside. “You head back to Mom. Remember, if the internship throws you

walked 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,

express her discontent as

done. She must be rekindling

amidst Ruby’s ongoing musings, finally spoke

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

leisurely figures for what they were—prying eyes of the press.

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

place? A realization dawned on Eileen—she had the access code not out of intimacy, but for utility, to assist Bryan home when he was drunk. The

snapped Eileen back to the present. It seemed

entered the dining room. However, in the dining room was only Bryan, clad in casual gray pants, his upper body bare. His abs

build and his striking appearance, Eileen felt her heart flutter every time.

was even as she said, “Mr. Dawson, the press is swarming outside. Would you like me to create a diversion to allow you an

of the moment. Her attire was slightly less than immaculate, and there was a faint smell of disinfectant mixed with her

frowned. “Vivian is here,” he

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

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

and swift through the CEO’s elevator, delivering

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

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

eyes wide with surprise. “A

setting Bryan had favored. She was used to whatever he would ask

as he ushered her into the bathroom. “Why

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

couldn’t stand Bryan being close to Vivian one

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 a half-dried state with

her, bending slightly