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

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

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

you’re unsure of her looks or name,

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

said, recalling where Eileen had studied. It was the sole detail he could remember about his

tinged with disappointment. “But Southlake Technology University graduates tens of thousands each year. Do you

Bryan replied

grateful that Bryan didn’t remember the specific details

documents, though his glance briefly met Eileen’s. The setting sun cast a warm glow

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

invigorated the 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

alcohol for her,” Bryan stated, with a cigarette casually resting between his lips. The smoke framed his eyes, and his shirt hung loose, adding unintended charm to

water,” she said. Her position as an assistant

discussions toward future collaborations. As the evening

rest a hand on his shoulder. “Mr. Dawson, it’s been a while. You’re making quick

as partnerships, the Mueller family stood as Bryan’s most formidable challenge. The history of

rose and vacated his 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

the spread of food on the table. “If it’s the pie you’re

Dawson. I’m talking about

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

his family, most of his

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

negotiations, resorting to pressuring Bryan’s associates in a bid to save face.

However, Bryan caught his wrist and pulled him back with so much force that Jonathan stumbled back into his

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