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.

concern; it’s with Ryan. If he

faced Bryan. “Why

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

expressions during their last encounter with Bryan. She could

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

“Okay. Then you can head home now. I’ve got my hands full today.” He shot

and made her exit, Vivian at her heels. Pausing by Eileen’s desk, Vivian leaned in close, lowering her voice. “Eileen, I spotted a scratch on his chest yesterday. It looked

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

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 my

wrist was firm. “You understand where

for some documents. Her voice steady, she assured, “You’re too kind, Miss Warren. It means a lot that you’re

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

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

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

married, her secret would surely be exposed.

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 onto the screen. As everything was

thud of his shoes echoed as he moved across the room, taking the lead

he inquired,

question confused Eileen. 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

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

Words failed her just as the meeting room door swung open, the influx

things whenever she wished, yet Eileen remained silent, unsure

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

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

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

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

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

“Just ten minutes, I promise,” she