Shrouded Affections Winning Back My CEO Wife

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.

such moments with Bryan, but memories of their past encounters lingered. His hands, now occupied with paperwork, had once explored her with a gentleness that had left her

deeply, striving to distance herself from these recollections. Unexpectedly, Vivian voiced another query. “Bryan, what do you know

focus shifted subtly to his phone’s dimmed display, mirroring his distinct features. “What do you want to do?”

investigation, suggesting a meeting. “If you’re unsure of her looks or name, is there anything

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

University,” Bryan finally said, recalling where Eileen had studied. It

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

Bryan

She started the car, grateful that Bryan didn’t

met Eileen’s. The setting sun cast a warm glow on her profile,

to Bryan’s earlier conversation on the phone. Upon arriving at the club, they found the exclusive top-floor

room, drawing everyone’s attention. Drinks were poured, and cigarettes were offered, setting the scene for an animated gathering. Eileen would usually mingle and partake in drinks with them on such occasions when one of the assistants approached with a bottle of whiskey to pour

casually resting between his lips. The smoke framed

alcohol, offered an apologetic smile to the assistant. “My apologies, just stick to water,” she said. Her position as an assistant meant

to Bryan, who managed the situation with ease, steering the discussions toward future collaborations. As the evening progressed

silver-gray 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 been a while. You’re making quick decisions. We have an interest in this project as well. But

Mueller. In the business realm, where rivalries were as common as partnerships, the Mueller family stood as Bryan’s most formidable challenge. The history of competition between their families

seat for him. His movement necessitated 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 project. What do you say to a partnership? I’m interested in

table. “If it’s the pie you’re after, there are

talking about the

the question. What you proposed isn’t sharing; it’s spoiling the whole

best. Without the support of his family, most of his ventures likely would have failed. A collaboration with

Bryan typically maintained a veneer of diplomacy, 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. Would you say it’s fair for me to claim a

resorting to pressuring Bryan’s associates in a bid to save face. Eileen, caught in his attempt to create discomfort, responded with a courteous smile. “That

speak to me this way?” Jonathan said. He stood up and walked toward Eileen, intending to place his hand on her shoulder. However, Bryan caught his wrist and pulled