Shrouded Affections Winning Back My CEO Wife

Chapter 17

Chapter 17:

Eileen noticed Bryan paused for a moment before extending his hand to accept the room key from Jacob. “We got here early and took the liberty of getting the keys for you and Vivian. Imagine our surprise when the front desk gave us only one key, saying you’d booked a single room for the both of you. If you’re here to enjoy your couple time, why bring me and Kian along?”

Jacob’s jesting failed to ease Eileen’s tight nerves. She had forgotten about this on the way here. It seemed natural that Bryan and Vivian would share a room. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, Eileen felt Bryan’s silence radiate evident irritation. Surely he wasn’t upset about sharing a room with Vivian. He was probably upset that she had made the arrangements without his permission.

Vivian cast a glance at Bryan. He was silently looking at the room key in his grip. With a nervous bite of her lip, Vivian whispered, “Could this not be a way to save money?”

Kian realized the truth. Vivian had orchestrated this. It was clear to him that Bryan had been oblivious. Jacob remained blissfully unaware of the undercurrents. “No need for her to cover for you, Bryan; not like you’re strapped for cash for another room. Besides, you’ve booked the whole resort already.”

Sensing a shift in the atmosphere, the rest of the staff moved silently, carrying their bags to the check-in counter. Eileen, however, remained motionless.

Bryan offered a brief smile and said, “Take Vivian and my bags to the room. Afterward, could you organize some lunch? Everyone’s famished, and Vivian has a preference for lighter fare—perhaps a special dish for her.”

Bryan then proceeded with the key, with Jacob in tow, who seemed ready to tease him further.

Vivian caught Kian just before he could make his exit. “Bryan can be so thoughtless. Can you believe he left the baggage for Eileen to handle? Please find some staff to assist her.”

Kian heeded Vivian’s request without protest and headed off to find help. Vivian gently ushered Eileen into the building. Once Eileen secured her room key, they shared an elevator ride.

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“Don’t worry, Eileen. If Bryan tries to blame you, I’ve got your back,” Vivian said, her smile comforting.

Eileen responded with a gracious smile, “I appreciate it, Ms. Warren.”

Exiting the elevator, Eileen paused to see Vivian disappear into Bryan’s room. Then, she used her card to enter her solitary space.

Once Eileen had finished unpacking her luggage, she took on the task of arranging a meal for the group. She then notified the employees about the food in the company’s group chat and had the staff inform Bryan and his companions in their suites.

to eat, Eileen picked at

of smoke lingering in the air. Her eyes caught a lone figure at the window. It was Bryan, his posture relaxed against the wall, a

the compact makeup kit that Vivian had given her. Vivian had

extinguished his cigarette and set the box aside, he approached

gently, his intense yet composed gaze locked on hers. “Eileen, it seems you have

“You’re also good at that, Mr. Dawson. It is a choice for you, yet a necessity for me. I cannot risk upsetting anyone. If my actions have truly angered you, it’s only right for you to discuss this

an eyebrow, his fingers gently pressing against her chin. “You seem like you’re feeling aggrieved. What’s the price of this

about five figures,” Eileen answered

scorn. He had paid her well, yet here she was, coerced into arranging one room for

you worry that I’ll no longer require your services? That the flow of money from me might cease?” He tilted her face up,

truly frightens me is the thought of crossing Ms. Warren. I’d

the apple of her family’s eye. Crossing her would indeed come at a steep cost for Eileen. The protection Bryan could offer her

hotel was laced with cameras. Eileen believed Vivian’s suspicions might deepen if she found out

Dawson, it’s best not to keep Miss Warren waiting for dinner. She’ll

Eileen could finish, Bryan kissed her. His kiss held a hunger, an urgency that overwhelmed her senses.

comforting pressure amidst the storm of emotions. Resistance seemed a distant concept. Her affection for Bryan left her vulnerable to his closeness. Instinctively, she

whisper at her ear. “I haven’t paid you last time, and I’m not going to in

take a rain check now.

heart, yet she managed a smile. “In that

placing a bite on

recoil, her hands instinctively pressing against him for some

now?” Bryan’s grin held a cutting edge. “Am I failing to meet your needs? Is it affection or

turned pale. Her reply came with a tremor. “You’re with Vivian now. Wouldn’t it be fair for me to seek companionship elsewhere? Calling me out like

to sleep

as

her weariness, Eileen felt a familiar surge of excitement, even though she was