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 against

be a reprisal for the years she left him

the one who left him before, after all. It’s natural for Mr. Dawson to be a bit mad at Miss Warren.

thoughts a tangled web she couldn’t weave clarity from. The speculative chatter cast a shadow

air. You guys have fun,” she

creek-side floral tapestry, a spot the others had explored the day

sunlight and the caress of the

the field, Eileen let the hours slip by, even forgoing lunch. It was only as dusk began to paint the sky that she returned to the hotel for the evening meal. From afar, she spotted Bryan

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

her place at the table

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

table. The day’s exertions had

all go to sleep early tonight. After all, it is our final evening

early night today,” Jacob responded. “Tomorrow’s

“I’ve got an early departure. Tonight,

flitted to Bryan, hinting

agree—early rest it is,” she

gentle yet firm. “Actually, I have commitments this evening.” His tone was light, but his eyes were kind, as

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

steady but laced with tension. “What’s so important tonight?

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

Bryan turned to Eileen.

beat

international meeting this evening. It involves the Apex

having witnessed Eileen’s earlier diligence. “That explains your morning calls. It was all for this

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

you ensure

nod, Eileen excused herself to hasten the

the air was heavy with unspoken words, the disappointment in

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

shortly, and his expression shifted upon seeing her diligence. A smile cracked his solemn demeanor. “Impressive. You really prepared

the complexities the evening held after Roxanne’s revelation. That was

was unclear whether Bryan had

seat,

papers on the table before settling into the