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.

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“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.

not be an option. We’ll look after Mom

eyes widened at Bailee’s words. The news of Vivian’s return had quickly spread in the

Bailee retrieved

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

screen, her emotions a

to go to work now,” Eileen said, her voice steady despite the storm inside. “You head

her morning too rushed to absorb the news

echo in the busy hallway. She

express her discontent as

I weren’t done. She must be rekindling that old flame from six

up amidst Ruby’s ongoing

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

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 scene

of high heels— unmistakably Vivian’s from the day before. Bryan’s

intimacy, but for utility, to assist Bryan home when he was drunk. The familiarity of his corporate

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

the dining room was only Bryan, clad in casual gray pants, his upper body bare. His abs were visible and

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

Dawson, the press is swarming outside. Would you like

in hand, regarded her with an intensity that belied the casualness of the moment. Her attire was slightly less than

“Vivian is here,”

surprise was genuine, a brief flicker before she regained 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 the time Bryan emerged, she smoothly took her place at the

Eileen noticed the journalists

CEO’s elevator, delivering them to the top floor. They arrived early and

update in front of Bryan’s desk. “I alerted the PR team en route. They’re gearing up to manage the news.

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

her eyes wide with surprise.

subdued lighting had once flattered her, a setting Bryan had favored. She

as he ushered her into

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 sound of the lounge

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

to shower. Stepping out with damp locks, she found no dryer and resorted to a

approached her, bending slightly