Shrouded Affections Winning Back My CEO Wife

Chapter 23

Chapter 23:

The day brought an outing by the creek organized by the company’s staff. Eileen, haunted by Bryan’s text message, walked downstairs just in time to witness the preparations for the gathering.

Upon spotting her, someone from the group extended an invitation to the picnic. Eileen accepted the invitation, although spending time with colleagues was not her usual choice. Her days were often filled with work, leaving little room for social circles. Even during team-oriented events, she would always stay by Bryan’s side.

But today was different. As she left the confines of the hotel, she was greeted by the sun. Despite the heat, the light breeze offered a hint of relief, soothing her lingering headache.

It wasn’t long before she found herself amid a cluster of chattering colleagues, with the conversation veering towards the nature of Bryan’s feelings for Vivian.

“Miss Warren’s return has been lengthy. Mr. Dawson should have left his current wife to be with Miss Warren long ago.”

“You’re right. The media had much to say about Miss Warren. There were stories, but the Warren family managed to quiet them. But Mr. Dawson remained silent through it all.”

“Eileen, what’s your take on this? Doesn’t Mr. Dawson like Miss Warren?”

The group’s musings turned to Eileen, seeking her insight.

Clearing her throat, Eileen maintained her composure. “Mr. Dawson’s matters are his own. My insights aren’t any deeper than what you all already know.”

“You’re always around him, Eileen. Take a guess—we’re all ears.”

With a gentle shake of her head, Eileen replied, “Speculation isn’t my game. I’m as in the dark as you.”

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Amidst the nudges for a revelation, Eileen’s smile barely concealed her discomfort. Bryan’s private sentiments were a riddle to her as well.

“Perhaps Mr. Dawson’s affection for Miss Warren isn’t as profound as we think.”

The whisper from Roxanne Gomez in the secretary department sparked a wave of intrigue.

“Why would you say that?” someone asked.

Roxanne cast a cautious glance around before saying, “I couldn’t help but catch a snippet of conversation between Miss Warren and her brother today. There were tears—she was upset because despite sharing a room with Mr. Dawson, it seems their nights have been quite platonic recently.”

The implication hung in the air, leaving little to the imagination. Eileen’s understanding clicked. Vivian had deliberately made Bryan share a room with her; two evenings had passed without anything happening between them. Vivian must be frustrated about that.

Eileen knew Bryan had plans for the evening today, hinting at further disappointment for Vivian.

suspect it’s payback from Mr. Dawson

years she left him on his own?”

comes back to him. She was the one who left him before, after all. It’s natural for Mr. Dawson to be

her thoughts a tangled web she couldn’t weave clarity from. The speculative

air. You guys have fun,”

the tranquility of the creek-side floral tapestry, a spot

greeted her, mingling with the warmth of sunlight and the caress of the breeze. The

lunch. It was only as dusk began to paint the sky that she returned to the

face a mask of unreadable calm. She welcomed the group back as though they were

the table among some of her

Vivian said, “The day’s activities must have worn everyone out. You’re all pretty tired now,

bobbed in agreement around the table. The day’s exertions

all, it is our final evening here,” Vivian

night today,” Jacob responded. “Tomorrow’s agenda is

got an early departure. Tonight,

Bryan,

agree—early rest it is,” she shared,

eyes were kind, as if to cushion the letdown for Vivian. “Get some rest. There’s no need to wait for

them, the hushed exchange didn’t go unnoticed. Nearby colleagues exchanged fleeting glances, feigning

her voice steady but laced with tension. “What’s so important

them quietly, wondering how Bryan would reply to Vivian’s

next moment, Bryan turned to Eileen. “She has the

guard, her heart skipping a beat as all

composure, she told Vivian, “Mr. Dawson is slated for a crucial international meeting this evening. It involves the Apex Group’s global project, and even his parents are joining the

having witnessed Eileen’s earlier diligence. “That explains

confirming nod, Eileen felt the weight of the table’s gaze lift slightly. “Exactly,” she

to Eileen, “Could you ensure the

a nod, Eileen excused herself

her return, the air was heavy with unspoken words, the disappointment in

a silent affair for Eileen. Once done, she retreated to

her diligence. A smile cracked his solemn

quiet laugh, knowing the complexities the evening held after Roxanne’s revelation. That was why she had preemptively rescheduled

unclear whether Bryan had done that

and said, “Have a seat, Mr. Dawson. I’ll get you a

table before settling into the