Chapter 10

Chapter 10:

Judie made her way to the elevator, carrying the package. “Let’s drop the curiosity, shall we? I’m not privy to all the details of her life. We’re not roommates. There was a time when her stepmother came between my husband’s parents, causing a rift in the family. She grew up with her stepmother, and I don’t really know anything else.”

In just a few sentences, Judie cast a shadow over Ruby, branding her a homewrecker, and by extension, telling everyone that Eileen had been raised by that woman. Judie was implying that a homewrecker like Ruby couldn’t raise anyone better.

Silence filled the room as everyone digested Judie’s insinuations. By the day’s end, the company was buzzing with whispers and rumors.

Back at her desk, Eileen mulled over Judie’s behavior and couldn’t suppress a sneer. The property Judie and Roderick wanted was in high demand and pricey, located in a desirable area with excellent schools nearby. Even a modest two-bedroom apartment there was priced over a million dollars. Roderick’s contribution of fifty thousand dollars seemed insignificant. They were practically asking her to buy the place for them.

Eileen received a text from Judie shortly after, apologizing for the mix-up with the delivery, saying it was meant as a gift for Eileen. It was initially intended to be sent home. Redirecting it to the office was supposed to avoid delivery issues, not to spark a scandal.

This wasn’t the first time Judie had engaged in such questionable actions, only to follow up with insincere apologies and rationalizations. Eileen sent a firm reply: “I’m not in a position to assist with your housing issue. If you’re keen on staying in the company, I advise you to act appropriately. Otherwise, I won’t hesitate to take strict measures.”

Judie received the message and went quiet, prompting Eileen to focus on her work.

Later that day, around five p.m., Eileen accompanied Bryan to a dinner event. En route, Bryan got a call from Vivian. He was reviewing some documents, so he opted to put the call on speaker.

“Bryan, will you visit me today?” Vivian inquired.

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“I’m pretty busy today. I have a dinner event scheduled,” Bryan responded.

A sigh of disappointment came from Vivian. “How about tomorrow?” she asked.

“The company is in the midst of a significant project currently. My schedule might not permit a visit. You should concentrate on your recovery for now. I’ll drop by when time allows,” Bryan said, his attention still on the documents, leaving no room for Vivian’s hopes of a visit anytime soon. Eileen caught a glimpse of his expression through the rearview mirror. His expression was cold, yet she recalled the hidden softness and warmth of his lips.

encounters lingered. His hands, now occupied

from these recollections. Unexpectedly, Vivian voiced another query. “Bryan, what do

shifted subtly to his phone’s dimmed display, mirroring his distinct features.

suggesting a meeting. “If you’re unsure

the brakes, a nervous lump forming in her throat as Bryan’s expression tensed, a sign he was sifting through his memories.

finally said, recalling where Eileen had studied. It

Vivian spoke, her voice tinged with disappointment. “But Southlake Technology University graduates

Bryan

shifted to green. She started the car, grateful that Bryan didn’t remember the specific

turned his attention back to the documents, though his glance briefly met Eileen’s. The setting sun cast a warm glow on her profile, illuminating her skin and softening

seemingly oblivious to Bryan’s earlier conversation on the phone. Upon arriving at the club, they found the exclusive top-floor room already bustling with

scene for an animated gathering. Eileen would usually mingle and partake in drinks with them on such occasions

stated, with a cigarette casually resting between his lips. The smoke framed his eyes, and his shirt hung loose, adding unintended

said. Her

buzzed with toasts to Bryan, who managed the situation with ease, steering the discussions toward future collaborations. As the evening progressed and talks of partnership

suit interrupted the flow. He walked in with a confident smile, stopping behind Bryan to rest a hand on his shoulder. “Mr. Dawson, it’s

as common as partnerships, the Mueller family stood as Bryan’s most formidable challenge. The history of competition between their families was long and fraught with tension, making Jonathan’s sudden

a slight rearrangement within the room to accommodate Jonathan’s presence. Taking his place beside Bryan, Jonathan casually draped an arm over the chair’s back, offering Bryan a smile. “Today, I’m not here to challenge you for the

food on the table. “If it’s the pie you’re after, there are plenty right here.” His response left no room for ambiguity

about the project you’re discussing tonight,”

point. “That’s out of the question. What you proposed isn’t sharing; it’s spoiling the

at best. Without the support of his family, most of his ventures

the evening’s libations might have inspired a more forthright approach. Jonathan’s smile evaporated, his annoyance palpable as he processed Bryan’s candid refusal. He then shifted his attention to Eileen. “Miss Curtis, it appears Mr. Dawson may have indulged a bit much.

save face. Eileen, caught in his attempt to

said. He stood up and walked toward Eileen, intending to place his hand on her shoulder. However, Bryan caught his wrist and pulled him back with so much force that Jonathan stumbled back into his chair. Looking up,

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