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?”

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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.

aback by the invitation, and exchanged a curious glance with Bryan, whose gaze

acutely aware of the less-than-perfect soundproofing, as sounds from the

bathroom for a hot shower. Wrapped in the comfort of her blanket afterward, she reclined in bed and absently scrolled through her phone,

their call earlier was a bit odd,

her despite him not being her type. As she sent a casual reply, she thought about the

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

to her messages. Eileen took some time to get acquainted with the game’s various modes,

up from ‘KnockWood,’ Huey’s account.

the team’s chatter, Huey received a barrage of questions. “Who’s this

are you sure you invited the

and you bring in a

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

her alone,” Huey announced decisively. Before Eileen could grasp the situation, she was ejected from the team and promptly reinvited by Huey. This time, it was

stark difference in their ranks, Huey, as the game’s creator, had no trouble circumventing the

a hint

for words, Eileen hesitated, unsure how to respond. Any comment on his youthful eagerness might ruffle his feathers, yet she found

followed Huey’s lead, selecting her character with only a vague understanding of the game. She mimicked Huey’s movements on screen. As

herself on a winning streak, claiming eight consecutive victories that catapulted her from the humble bronze tier to the illustrious Glory gold. Yet the thrill of the game was fleeting; she played solely to pass the

late. Time to rest,” Huey announced, signaling the

pegged Huey as one to flaunt his prowess a while longer. “You should get some rest too. Hope your mom doesn’t have to remind you,” she

comment, meant in jest, unexpectedly set Huey off. “Sleep? Not my

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

rest. But sleep evaded her, adrenaline keeping her restless and alert throughout the night. The faint sounds from next door did little

fatigue of a sleepless night weighed heavily on

herself at five. With a few touches of makeup to mask the signs of her restless night, she ventured out, making a beeline for the dining

meals. They welcomed Eileen warmly, making room for her and filling her in on the day’s