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.

galnσν𝓮ℓs․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.

support may not be an option. We’ll look after Mom together, alright? Just

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

Eileen’s expression, Bailee

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

the screen, her emotions a whirlwind of hurt

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

words, Eileen turned and walked away, her morning

in the busy hallway. She watched until

quick to express her discontent as Bailee

done. She

up amidst Ruby’s ongoing musings,

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

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

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

in Bryan’s 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 familiarity of his corporate lounge contrasted sharply with the foreignness of his

sound of footsteps snapped Eileen back to

entered the dining room. However, in the dining room was only Bryan,

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

is swarming outside. Would you like me to create a diversion

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 with her

“Vivian is here,” he

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

noticed the journalists tailing them in their cars through the

parked in the underground parking lot and got out with Bryan. Their ascent was silent and swift through the CEO’s elevator, delivering them to the top floor. They arrived early and

en route.

“Forget the media frenzy. Come and

eyes wide with surprise.

Bryan had favored. She was used

into his voice as he ushered her into

herself pushed into the bathroom. Bryan’s presence 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

had evaded, yet an emptiness loomed within. She couldn’t stand Bryan being

to shower. Stepping out with damp locks, she found

slightly