Shrouded Affections Winning Back My CEO Wife

Chapter 26

Chapter 26:

Vivian looked at Eileen. “Eileen, your thoughts?” she asked.

A pause lingered before Eileen’s face broke into a smile. “You’re asking me? I think that’s a question for Mr. Dawson, considering you’re aiming to be his secretary.”

Vivian said, “These tasks are what you do daily. If I join, it will impact you too. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not here to take your place.” She glanced at Bryan and continued, “I’m just looking for a way to be closer to Bryan without being a burden. It would be more convenient if I could work here.”

Eileen kept smiling, her glance brushing against Bryan’s gaze, only to retreat just as quickly. She remained quiet; her thoughts locked away as if they held no weight.

Vivian turned to Bryan and said, “You’re laying it on thick with Eileen, Bryan. She needs a breather. Life’s not all about work, is it? How about her chances at love? Are you willing to shoulder the cost of her happiness?” Vivian’s tone was gentle, seemingly defending Eileen.

A storm seemed to brew in Eileen’s mind as she felt the weight of Vivian’s words. Bryan’s stare was piercing, almost scorching.

“She holds a senior position,” Bryan finally spoke with an edge. “With the salary and the status come the trade-offs. If she wants to get the money, solitude might just be part of the bargain.”

A shiver raced along Eileen’s spine, understanding what Bryan meant. Vivian seemed oblivious. “It’s over the top. Eileen’s bound to get married someday, right? Time waits for no one, especially not for the ladies. If Eileen hesitates, she might miss her chance.”

Bryan’s annoyance simmered, his voice flat. “Then it’s her choice, isn’t it? She can choose between money and marriage.”

Vivian was taken aback.

Lᴀt𝑒st chαptєrs in ɢ𝓪lnovels.𝑐𝑜𝑚

Eileen quickly said, “We’re straying from the point, Miss Warren. Your potential role here has nothing to do with my personal life. And frankly, my views are irrelevant to this discussion. I’ll excuse myself now.”

Vivian reached out to stop Eileen from leaving, her words rushing. “I am worried you will think that I want to steal your job. That’s why I want to seek your insight. Whether you marry or not isn’t my business. Just tell me if I could be Bryan’s secretary.”

Eileen believed Vivian was missing the point; her consent wasn’t necessary here.

our concern; it’s with Ryan. If he agrees to you being my secretary, then it’s

as she faced Bryan. “Why

casually resting in his pocket, he carried himself with effortless grace. “Your family treasures your reputation. Wouldn’t your

their last encounter with Bryan. She could bet that Vivian working here

me. They’re just miffed that you haven’t gotten divorced yet. They fear I’ll be labeled as a homewrecker. But that doesn’t

you can head home now. I’ve got my hands full today.” He shot a look toward Eileen.

gave a brief nod and made her exit, Vivian at her heels. Pausing by Eileen’s desk, Vivian leaned in close, lowering her voice. “Eileen, I spotted a scratch on

with Bryan that afternoon surfacing. She had forgotten to be careful, resulting in that scratch. Dropping her gaze, she concealed

must be an employee here. Don’t trouble yourself on my account. Bryan’s temper flared last time over the hotel booking. That’s part of the reason

on Eileen’s wrist was firm. “You understand

too kind, Miss Warren. It

glanced toward Bryan’s office, a weight lifting from her shoulders. She leaned closer, her voice a whisper. “Talking to my brother about

herself feeling resigned. “Miss Warren, I’m only Mr. Dawson’s assistant. My help is limited to minor tasks. The best course

if Bryan was determined to hide something, he wouldn’t reveal it even if asked. Confronting him would only put him on guard. Her plan had to be covert, beginning with that mysterious woman. She gave Eileen’s shoulder a reassuring tap. “I get it. But I also

married, her secret would surely be exposed. Vivian’s fondness for Bryan could

now,” Eileen said. She gestured to the documents she held and made her way to the conference room. With a flip of the switch and a

shoes echoed as he moved across the room, taking the lead chair.

getting married soon?” he inquired, catching

just before. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could say anything, Bryan cut her

me. We both know there’s nothing serious between us. If you want to end things with me, just say the word,” Bryan said, his voice

of hurt resonated in Eileen’s chest. Words failed her just as the meeting room door swung open, the influx of colleagues breaking the moment. She composed

clear she was free to end things whenever she wished, yet

rare appearances. Eileen’s interactions with Bryan, once

leaving her with the sense that she was under the shadow of a

the sun. She had plans: to collect Bailee and then keep Ruby company at the hospital. Years of

reaching Bailee’s place, Eileen called her. Bailee said over the phone, “Could you give me a couple of minutes? I’m running behind. I slept through my alarm and had to stay up late for

to me? You need to rest. Head back to bed, and I’ll head to the hospital on

that. “Just ten minutes, I promise,” she said, compelling Eileen to agree