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.

from Mr. Dawson against Miss Warren,”

be a reprisal for the years she left him

before, after all. It’s natural for Mr. Dawson to

from. The speculative chatter cast a shadow over her mood, nudging

You guys have fun,” she said and

floral tapestry, a spot the others had explored the day

of sunlight and the caress of the breeze. The vibrant tableau of flowers beneath

the field, Eileen let the hours slip by, even forgoing lunch. It was only as dusk began to paint the sky that

by Bryan, his face a mask of unreadable calm. She welcomed the group back as though they

her place at the table among some

as Eileen took her seat, Vivian said, “The day’s activities must have worn everyone out. You’re all

around the table. The day’s exertions had

all go to sleep early tonight. After all, it is our final evening here,” Vivian suggested, her tone light but

an early night today,” Jacob responded. “Tomorrow’s agenda is packed. I must

early departure. Tonight, rest is

to Bryan, hinting at her

we all agree—early rest it is,” she shared, reaching a

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

hushed exchange didn’t go unnoticed. Nearby colleagues

Vivian’s cheeks as she spoke, her voice steady but laced with tension. “What’s so important tonight? You’re not in the

quietly, wondering how Bryan would reply

turned to Eileen. “She has the

her heart skipping a beat as all eyes at the

crucial international meeting this evening. It involves the Apex Group’s global project,

in, having witnessed Eileen’s earlier diligence. “That explains your morning calls.

Eileen felt the weight of the

Bryan suddenly said to Eileen, “Could you ensure the kitchen hurries with our

a nod, Eileen excused

was heavy with unspoken

was a silent affair for Eileen. Once done, she retreated to her room to organize for the

her diligence. A smile cracked his solemn demeanor. “Impressive. You really prepared for

after Roxanne’s revelation. That was why she had preemptively rescheduled the meeting for

was unclear whether Bryan

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

on the table before settling