Shrouded Affections Winning Back My CEO Wife

Chapter 14

Chapter 14:

“There’s no need for that. I won’t be buying or living in that house anyway,” Eileen said, bringing silence from Judie. After a pause, Eileen asked pointedly, “How much money do you want from me?”

Judie gave a quick laugh before she replied, “At least two and a half million. I also raised fifty thousand, depending on you for the rest.”

“You must be joking, right? More than two million? How can I get that much money for you?” Eileen said.

A hint of entitlement crept into Judie’s tone. “Surely you can request that from Mr. Dawson?”

Eileen stood by the window, her eyes deep as she said, “My relationship with Mr. Dawson is none of your business. Roderick’s my brother, but we’re never close. It’s not my responsibility to do everything for him. If you’re capable of purchasing the house, proceed. If not, don’t expect me to buy it for you.”

Eileen stood her ground, her stance fueling Judie’s frustration. Judie had thought of strategies to leverage Eileen’s sense of obligation against her, so she quickly replied, “That’s not how it should be. Mom said you would be our support. And unlike Roderick, I at least have a university degree. If you’re not going to help, I might as well end the marriage. Then, this is all on you.”

Eileen absorbed her words with cool detachment. “Is your degree your pride? Without my referral, you’d be nowhere near Apex Group. Your status is no better than Roderick’s. Choose divorce if you must; it doesn’t concern me at all. And remember, your position in the company is precarious at best. Step out of line again, and it’s the end of the road for you. Don’t test my word.”

Ending the call decisively, Eileen set the phone aside. The distant echo of its ringing trailed off as she retreated to her room, ignoring Judie’s persistent calls.

Her sleep was uninterrupted. Bryan did not arrive unexpectedly. Moreover, recent days saw him commuting solo, affording Eileen some peace. Yet, Vivian’s presence in the office became more pronounced as she seamlessly assumed Eileen’s usual duties, like bringing in coffee and getting documents signed.

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Eileen’s encounters with Bryan grew scarce, limited to brief exchanges in meetings where subtle acknowledgments passed between them under the cover of professionalism.

In her interactions with Vivian, Eileen remained candid, relaying Bryan’s comings and goings without fail. With the annual team-building event on the horizon, Eileen knew participation was essential. The tradition at Apex Group was a yearly affair, and they would need to vote to determine the location of the event.

destinations was clear. “Bryan, mountain climbing sounds exciting. That peak we once talked about—I’ve always wanted to tackle it. How about we choose

tapped on the spot Eileen had been looking at. “Here’s a thought—four days at this resort should offer everyone a chance to recharge. We’ll leave in three days.” His decision, while reasonable, left Vivian momentarily disappointed, but she acquiesced with a

was nonchalant as he passed her the documents. “Tally the attendees and

processing Bryan’s abrupt choice, Eileen

excited buzz of the employees. Vivian’s concern drew Eileen back from her daze. “You seem absent-minded,” she remarked,

Eileen assured her with a practiced smile. “Mr. Dawson’s decision just caught

Eileen had the notion that Bryan might have seen through her preference,

small talk that hinted at something unsaid. As the day wound down, Vivian

thought this might cheer you up,”

refused Vivian. “Rest is all I need, not luxury. I’ll have plenty of

insisted, nudging the gift closer to Eileen. “It’s already yours. I’d

halted abruptly as Bryan opened the door.

with a hint of unease, met by Bryan’s lingering

participation nonchalantly as she trailed after Bryan. Left alone, Eileen grappled with the tangible opulence in her grasp,

gifting the cosmetics, she stayed away from Eileen, only emerging to leave with Bryan at the day’s

Bryan said, pausing by Eileen’s desk on

nodded, “Yes,

The chance of returning the

gift, if it had been from a casual friend, wouldn’t have been a big deal. But it was from Vivian, and there were likely strings attached.

no sign of Bryan outside and feeling

“Come up,” Bryan said.

ascended the stairs. As she rounded the corner, an unexpected gesture caught her by surprise—Bryan pulled her

bed, feeling the warmth of Bryan’s presence enveloping her in a subtle embrace. His lips met hers in a fleeting touch, and in the dim light, his intense gaze locked with