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.

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

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, know

Bailee retrieved her

night, having dinner and a movie. Afterward, they went back to Bryan’s place together. It’s the talk of the town,”

the screen, her emotions

despite the storm inside. “You

morning too rushed to

She watched until Eileen blended into the distance,

quick to express her discontent as

cut me off. Your sister and I weren’t done. She must be rekindling that old flame

up amidst Ruby’s ongoing

instead? I’m graduating in the second half of the year, and

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 scene from her car, typing in the security code with practiced ease

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

intimacy, but for utility, to assist Bryan home when he

of footsteps snapped Eileen back to the present.

a 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 incredibly

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

Would you like me to create a diversion to allow you

Her

is

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 wheel, starting the car

escape was smooth, but Eileen noticed the journalists tailing them

swift through the CEO’s elevator, delivering

of Bryan’s desk. “I alerted the PR team en route. They’re gearing

eyebrow. “Forget the media frenzy. Come and take

eyes wide with surprise. “A

subdued lighting had once flattered her, a setting Bryan had favored. She was used to whatever he would ask her to do.

his voice as he ushered her into the bathroom.

the bathroom. Bryan’s presence remained outside as he informed her through the closed door, “I’ve got spare

of the moment, Eileen grappled with a 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 coming to her the next. But his distant demeanor now made her feel

took ten minutes to shower. Stepping

her, bending slightly to smell