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.

Mom together, alright? Just say the word

widened at Bailee’s 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,

expression, Bailee retrieved her

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

at the screen, her emotions a whirlwind of hurt

storm inside. “You head back to

walked away, her morning too rushed to absorb the

in the busy hallway. She watched until Eileen blended

quick to express

sister and I weren’t done. She must be rekindling that old flame

Ruby’s

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

Villas, several people 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

from the day before. Bryan’s shoes were its companion, and a

utility, to assist Bryan home when he was drunk. The familiarity of his

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

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, his upper body bare. His abs were visible and

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

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

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 with

“Vivian is here,”

anticipating the next move, stepped outside to ready the car. By the

noticed the journalists tailing them in

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

front of Bryan’s desk. “I alerted the PR team en route. They’re gearing up to manage the news. The rumors shouldn’t

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

eyes wide

favored. She was used

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 sound of the lounge door

whirlwind of emotions; the immediate threat had evaded, yet an emptiness loomed within. She couldn’t stand Bryan being close to Vivian one minute and then

over her. She only took ten minutes to shower. Stepping out with damp locks, she found no dryer

slightly