Shrouded Affections Winning Back My CEO Wife

Chapter 19

Chapter 19:

In the elevator’s close quarters, Eileen claimed a corner, her finger pushing the button for her floor. She watched the digits climb, trying to calm her quickened breaths.

Next to Bryan, Vivian’s complexion was flushed with anticipation, her lips a tight line. To quell her rising anxiety, she moved closer to Eileen. “Eileen, your efforts today haven’t gone unnoticed. Thank you. Rest tonight,” she said.

“I appreciate it, Ms. Warren,” Eileen mustered a small smile. As the doors glided open, she stepped through, courteously holding them for the others to step out before trailing behind.

Vivian hung back near Bryan, offering a subtle sign to Eileen with a playful wink.

Noticing Vivian’s bubbling excitement, Eileen paused momentarily before continuing to walk without reciprocating the gesture. A few paces away, she addressed Bryan, “If there’s nothing else, I’ll retire for the evening. If you need anything, I’m a call away.”

Bryan came to a halt, the others following suit, his eyes shadowed. “Why would I need to call you this late? What could I possibly need?” he said.

His jest, laced with undertones of discontent, didn’t escape Eileen. She acknowledged him with a nod, her cheeks warming as she entered her room.

Vivian’s voice was tender with concern, “Bryan, if you’re angry, take it out on me, not Eileen.”

Bryan continued walking, his expression stormy and unseen by all. Suppressing a yawn, Jacob made his way past Bryan, offering a casual farewell. “Enjoy your evening. I’ll go back to my room to rest now,” he said.

Settling in next to Bryan’s room, he inserted his key card, teasing, “Not sure if I’ll be needing earplugs.”

Hardly had the words left his mouth when Bryan’s playful ambush sent him straight into his room. Jacob’s protest was halfhearted and amused. “Watch it, Kian. Will you side with Bryan against me once he’s officially family?”

Exclusive updates available at gⱯlnσνeℓs․cøm

Their playful scuffle lightened the mood, and Vivian, feeling somewhat relieved, readied her own entry, slipping into the room with a quick swipe of her card.

Observing Kian and Jacob’s exchange, Bryan smiled. “Why don’t you two join us for a bit? It’s still early,” he said.

paused mid-stride, taken aback by the invitation, and exchanged a curious glance with Bryan, whose gaze had taken on a

aware of the less-than-perfect soundproofing, as sounds from the adjacent room floated through

solitude, Eileen retreated to the sanctuary of the bathroom for a hot shower. Wrapped in the comfort of her blanket afterward, she reclined

Huey felt his abrupt departure from their call earlier was a bit odd, and his

need to assert his independence. His youthful enthusiasm grew on her despite him not being her type. As she sent a casual

from overhearing any disconcerting sounds from the next room, she decided to try the game herself.

he hadn’t responded to her messages. Eileen took some time to get acquainted

‘KnockWood,’ Huey’s account. She clicked on it, only to find the slots full,

a barrage of

sure you

and you bring in a

were clear, and though Eileen was not familiar with the gaming tiers, their tone told her all she needed to know about the gap

I’ll start a new game with her alone,” Huey announced decisively. Before Eileen could grasp the situation, she was ejected from the team and promptly reinvited by Huey.

the stark difference in their ranks, Huey, as the game’s creator, had no trouble circumventing the rules. He initiated a

game with you,” he declared with a hint of pride. “Age is just

how to respond. Any comment on his youthful eagerness might ruffle his feathers, yet she found herself unable to offer any

a vague understanding of the game. She mimicked Huey’s movements

whirlwind of unexpected victories, Eileen found herself on a winning streak, claiming eight consecutive victories that catapulted her from the humble bronze

to rest,” Huey announced, signaling the end

to flaunt his prowess a while longer. “You should get some rest too. Hope your mom doesn’t have to remind

jest, unexpectedly set Huey off. “Sleep?

hit a sensitive chord, Eileen replied, “Alright then, I’ll go rest

aside and trying to find rest. But sleep evaded her, adrenaline keeping her restless and alert throughout the

fatigue of a sleepless

mask the signs of her restless

was filled with early risers already enjoying their meals. They welcomed Eileen warmly, making room for her and filling