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

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

Bailee

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

at the screen, her emotions a whirlwind of

voice steady despite the storm inside. “You head back to Mom. Remember, if the internship throws

Eileen turned and walked away, her morning too rushed to absorb the

after Eileen, a soft echo in the busy hallway. She watched until Eileen blended into the distance, then turned to go back to Ruby’s

express her

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

up amidst Ruby’s ongoing musings, finally

the

outside Bryan’s place. Eileen spotted the leisurely figures for what they were—prying eyes of the press. She viewed

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

the night 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

in thought, the sound of footsteps snapped Eileen back to the

smile as she entered the dining room. However, in the dining room was only

felt her heart flutter every time. But she had

as she said, “Mr. Dawson, the press is swarming outside. Would

the casualness of the moment. Her

is here,”

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

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

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 encountered no other employees on their way there. Bryan gestured for Eileen to proceed straight

en route. They’re gearing up to manage the

arched an eyebrow. “Forget the media frenzy. Come

palpable, her eyes wide with surprise. “A shower

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

his voice as he ushered her into the bathroom.

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

a whirlwind of emotions; the immediate threat had evaded, yet an emptiness loomed within. She couldn’t stand Bryan being

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