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.

his tie, his annoyance thinly veiled. “Eileen’s opinion isn’t our concern; it’s with

as she faced Bryan. “Why do I

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

Warren family members’ tense expressions during their last encounter with Bryan. She

softened her stance, her voice taking on a tender note. “Leave it to 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 faze

my hands full today.” He shot a look toward Eileen. “We’ve got a meeting in

Vivian at her heels. Pausing by Eileen’s desk, Vivian

the clash with Bryan that afternoon surfacing. She had forgotten to be careful, resulting in that

be with that woman at the resort, but now I know that woman 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

Eileen’s wrist was firm. “You understand

too kind, Miss Warren. It means a lot that you’re concerned about my workload. I won’t

shoulders. She leaned closer, her voice a whisper. “Talking to my brother

found herself feeling resigned. “Miss Warren, I’m only 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

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 have my reasons for doing this. Just lend me

silent smile. If Bryan and Vivian got married, her secret would surely be exposed. Vivian’s fondness for Bryan could turn dire for

meeting room 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 swift

in a suit as dark as night, 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 with an unreadable

getting married soon?” he inquired, catching

Then, she realized he was probably influenced by what Vivian had said just before. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could say anything, Bryan

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

the meeting room door swung open, the influx of colleagues breaking

whenever she wished, yet Eileen remained silent, unsure of

appearances. Eileen’s interactions with Bryan, once intimate, had settled into a rigid dance of professionalism. The need to

life, akin to the stillness before a storm, leaving her with the sense that she was under the shadow of

sun. She had plans: to collect Bailee and then keep Ruby company at the hospital. Years of focus on her career had left her with few friendships. She often spent her

of minutes? I’m running behind. I slept through my alarm

didn’t you mention that to me? You need to rest. Head back to bed, and I’ll head to the hospital on my own,” Eileen

to do that. “Just ten minutes, I promise,” she said,