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.

years she left him on his

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

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

some air. You guys have fun,”

the tranquility of the creek-side floral

she neared the area, the scent of flowers greeted her, mingling with the warmth of sunlight and the caress of the breeze. The

to paint the sky that she returned to the hotel for the

his face a mask of unreadable calm. She welcomed the

place at the

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

The

final evening here,” Vivian suggested, her tone light but hopeful,

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

got an early departure. Tonight, rest is also

gaze flitted to Bryan, hinting at her

it is,” she shared,

gentle yet firm. “Actually, I have commitments this evening.” His tone was light, but his eyes were kind, as if to cushion the letdown for Vivian. “Get some rest. There’s no

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

of color drained from Vivian’s cheeks as she spoke, her voice steady but laced with tension. “What’s so important tonight? You’re

them quietly, wondering how Bryan

turned to Eileen.

Eileen off guard, her heart skipping a beat as all eyes at the

“Mr. Dawson is slated for a crucial international meeting this evening. It involves the Apex Group’s global project,

witnessed Eileen’s earlier diligence. “That explains your

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

“Could you ensure the kitchen

excused herself to

with unspoken

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

expression shifted upon seeing her diligence. A smile cracked his solemn demeanor. “Impressive. You really prepared for the meeting,” he

response was a quiet laugh, knowing the complexities the evening held after Roxanne’s revelation. That

Bryan

“Have a seat,

arranged his papers on the table before settling into