Shrouded Affections Winning Back My CEO Wife

Chapter 21

Chapter 21:

Eileen couldn’t tell how much time had passed. Night had fallen when Bryan finally released her. His arms enveloped her waist beneath the thin blanket. She tried to push him away without success and resigned herself to his hold.

A knock sounded from the adjacent room. In his embrace, Eileen stiffened. She turned, her eyes wide with alarm. “Miss Warren is in the adjacent room.” Vivian’s eyes, heavy with sleep, fluttered open at the knock. She went to open the door. Greeted by a figure outside, she groaned, “Kian, I’m still sleepy.”

“Come on, you need to eat. Why don’t you rouse Bryan? Let’s all eat together,” Kian said with a warm chuckle as he stepped past her into the room.

Vivian’s gaze fell on the sealed master bedroom door, a look of concern in her eyes. With a determined press of her lips, she knocked firmly. “Time for dinner, Bryan,” she called out.

There was only silence. Pivoting, she faced Kian, worry creasing her brow. “Could Bryan be so worn out that he’s still asleep? Maybe we should let him rest a little longer.”

Kian’s brow furrowed in a frown. He moved to the door, opened it, and found the bed untouched and empty.

A chill swept over Vivian, her mind racing. “Where has Bryan gone?”

Her expression darkened. She didn’t wait for Kian’s reply. Instead, she dashed to her room, slipping into fresh attire in haste. Coming out swiftly, she declared, “Let’s go find him.”

Thirty minutes later, Eileen and Bryan entered the dining hall. The team, back from their morning excursion, was buzzing with conversation and laughter. They made way for Eileen and Bryan as they approached and sat down. When Kian and Vivian arrived, they found Bryan at the center of attention.

Clad in a crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled to his elbows, Bryan reclined in his seat with a grin that commanded the room. Beside him, Eileen’s outfit was simple—a T-shirt and jeans, her hair swept into a playful ponytail. She was smiling as usual.

Vivian approached Bryan. “Where have you been? I’ve been searching everywhere for you,” she said.

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Bryan met her gaze with serene assurance. “Couldn’t sleep, so I took a stroll. Are you hungry? They’ll be serving dinner shortly.”

His voice, ever gentle, seemed to brighten Vivian’s mood, and she relaxed, a smile warming her features. She glanced at Eileen and said, “I’m fine, not really hungry. But what are you guys talking about? It seems fun. Spill the beans!”

Eileen understood the meaning behind Vivian’s glance. Rising, she offered her seat with hospitable grace. “Miss Warren, why don’t you take this spot? I’ll go and see if they’re ready to serve dinner.”

“Sure,” Vivian replied with a nod. She settled in, casually joining the conversation with others.

Bryan watched Eileen leave, his gaze lingering on her, his smile dimming slightly.

knowing the climbers had returned famished. Stepping out from the kitchen, she bumped into Kian,

are you hungry? The kitchen staff is putting the final

did you

rest in my room,”

eyebrow. “Could

What is

help me locate it?” With that, Kian took hold of Eileen’s wrist, ushering her outside. Despite her resistance, Eileen felt compelled to follow. “What have you lost, Mr. Warren? Where did you go

reached the reception, and Kian said, “The specifics of what’s missing aren’t for public ears. Could you request a review of the security footage for me, Miss Curtis? Start around one. I’ve not roamed much, mostly staying on the top floor. Focus the search

that his earnest facade thinly veiled his true intent—he didn’t want to search for a lost item; he wanted to

his eyes. “Is something troubling you? Don’t you want to help

herself to say no. After all,

the front desk, she requested, “Could you show us this afternoon’s

at the desk rose, acknowledging her with a

lost an item of great value. Your assistance would

“Inspect the footage near room 8808 and room 8809 if you would. I lingered in 8808 and passed 8809 on

subtext wasn’t lost on Eileen; Kian

find the item you lost.” With a courteous smile, the receptionist reached for the phone, dialing to engage the surveillance team. “I’m connecting with our security lead now.

a wave of

fought to hold

nonchalantly, “You seem under the

a challenge for

with a gentle tease, “Trouble sleeping in a strange bed? Just endure it for a few days, and

silence. At that moment, the

from one P.M.?” After conveying Kian’s instructions

she ended the call. Then, she turned to Kian and said, “I’m afraid the top floor cameras suffered damage in the recent storms and are pending repair. My apologies, Mr. Warren. May I

saying, “You could specify what’s gone missing. We can begin the

expression shifted to one of amusement. “Don’t bother. It’s

pocketed. Eileen offered the receptionist a thankful

in. The buzz from her phone broke

you owe me a

have the money to

came fast. “Money isn’t the issue. We’ll chat