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.

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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.

“Eileen’s opinion isn’t our concern; it’s with Ryan. If he agrees to you being

“Why do I need to

in his pocket, he carried himself with effortless

their last encounter with Bryan. She could bet that Vivian working here would set off alarms for

on a tender note. “Leave it to me. They’re just miffed that you haven’t gotten divorced yet. They fear I’ll

played on Bryan’s lips. “Okay. Then you can head home now. I’ve got my hands full today.” He shot a look toward Eileen.

made her exit, Vivian at her heels. Pausing by Eileen’s desk, Vivian leaned in close, lowering her

afternoon surfacing. She had forgotten to be

yourself on my account. Bryan’s temper flared last time over the hotel booking. That’s part of the

Eileen’s wrist was firm. “You understand where I’m

voice steady, she assured, “You’re too kind,

a whisper. “Talking to my brother about working here will get

minor tasks. The

Her plan had to be covert, beginning with that mysterious woman. She

If Bryan and Vivian got married, her secret would surely be

to the conference room. With

his entrance exuded understated prestige. The soft thud of his shoes echoed as he moved across the room, taking the lead chair. His eyes found Eileen, lingering

soon?” he inquired, catching Eileen

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

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

the influx of colleagues breaking the moment. She composed herself and took

things whenever she wished, yet Eileen remained silent,

with Bryan, once intimate, had settled into a rigid dance of professionalism. The need

storm, leaving her

collect Bailee and then keep Ruby company at the hospital. Years of focus on her career had left her

give me a couple of minutes? I’m running behind. I slept through my alarm and had to stay up

didn’t you mention that to me? You need to rest. Head back to bed, and

ten minutes, I promise,” she said, compelling Eileen