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.

thinly veiled. “Eileen’s opinion isn’t our concern; it’s with

she faced Bryan. “Why do I need to get

rose to his feet, circling his desk to join Vivian and Eileen. With one hand casually resting in his pocket, he carried himself with effortless grace. “Your family treasures your reputation. Wouldn’t your parents be upset to see you be my secretary here? Better to persuade them

during their last encounter with Bryan.

just miffed that you

Bryan’s lips. “Okay. Then you can head home now. I’ve got my hands full today.” He shot a look toward Eileen. “We’ve got a meeting in ten minutes. Get

heels. Pausing by Eileen’s desk, Vivian leaned in close, lowering her voice. “Eileen, I spotted a scratch on

hold on the files paused as she met Vivian’s gaze, memories of the clash with Bryan that afternoon surfacing. She had forgotten to be careful, resulting in that scratch. Dropping

resort, but now I know that woman must be an employee here. Don’t trouble yourself on my account. Bryan’s

wrist was firm. “You understand where I’m coming

assured, “You’re too kind, Miss Warren. It means a lot that you’re

shoulders. She leaned closer, her voice a whisper. “Talking to my brother about working here will get nowhere. He’d never consent.

Mr. Dawson’s assistant. My help is limited to minor tasks. The best course of action? Take your concerns to Mr. Dawson directly. It’s better than wrestling with this

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

Vivian got married, her secret would surely be exposed. Vivian’s fondness

the documents she held and made her way to the conference room. With a flip of the switch and a swift twist of the blinds, she cast the day’s agenda

suit as dark as night, his entrance exuded understated prestige. The soft thud of his shoes echoed

getting married soon?” he inquired, catching Eileen off

just before. She opened her

it from me. We both know there’s nothing serious between us. If you want to

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 herself and took her place by Bryan’s side,

free to end things whenever she wished, yet Eileen remained silent, unsure of her own

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

leaving her with the sense

and then keep Ruby company at the hospital. Years of focus on her career had left her with few friendships. She often spent her

the phone, “Could you give me a couple of minutes?

rest. Head back to bed, and I’ll head to the hospital

ten minutes, I promise,” she said, compelling