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.

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

her brows as she faced Bryan. “Why

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

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

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

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

Vivian leaned in close, lowering her voice. “Eileen,

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

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

was firm. “You understand where I’m coming

too kind, Miss Warren. It

whisper. “Talking to my brother about

to minor tasks. The best course of action? Take your concerns to Mr. Dawson directly. It’s better than

that mysterious woman.

got married, her secret would surely be exposed.

conference room. With a flip of the switch and a swift twist of the blinds, she cast the day’s agenda onto the screen. As everything was

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

on getting married soon?” he inquired, catching Eileen

by what Vivian had said just before. She opened

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

her just as the meeting room door swung open, the influx of colleagues breaking the moment. She composed herself and took her place by

end things whenever she wished, yet Eileen

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

over Eileen’s life, akin to the stillness before a storm, leaving

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

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

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

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