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.

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

her brows as she faced Bryan. “Why do I need

Vivian and Eileen. With one hand casually resting in his pocket, he carried himself with effortless grace. “Your

the Warren family members’ tense expressions during their last encounter with Bryan. She could bet that

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

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. “We’ve got

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

gaze, memories of the clash with Bryan that afternoon surfacing.

expect him to 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 of the reason I want to work here. I’ll handle this and investigate on

firm. “You understand where I’m coming from,

Eileen reached for some documents. Her voice steady, she assured, “You’re too kind, Miss

voice a whisper. “Talking to my brother about working here will get nowhere. He’d never consent. So… I’ll still need

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 better than wrestling with

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

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

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

exuded understated prestige. The soft thud of his shoes echoed as he moved across the room, taking the lead

married soon?” he

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

from me. We both know there’s nothing serious between us. If you want to end things with me,

door swung open, the influx of colleagues breaking the moment. She composed herself and took her

clear she was free to end things whenever she

appearances. Eileen’s interactions with Bryan, once intimate, had settled into a rigid

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

hospital. Years of focus on her career had left her with few friendships. She often spent her free time

phone, “Could you give me a couple of minutes? I’m running behind. I slept through my alarm and had

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

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