Shrouded Affections Winning Back My CEO Wife

Chapter 33

Chapter 33:

Bryan lowered his gaze slightly, watching the dance of smoke twirling off his fingertips in silence. Vivian offered a gentle smile, saying, “She’s your companion. Your concern is expected in such a bind. Just compensate her for the mental distress later. Don’t let it weigh on you; your plate’s full with other things.”

A crease formed on Bryan’s forehead as he lifted his cigarette, inhaled, and then snuffed it out in a nearby trash can. “Head back to the hotel on your own. I’ve got issues to tackle.” He spoke briskly, cutting off any chance for Vivian to question his departure. He strode away, an unspoken chill in his steps that cleared his path.

Vivian bit her lip, watching him until he was out of sight. She noticed Eileen making her way back to her room and decided to follow her.

Eileen had shifted from her wheelchair to her bed by the time Vivian stepped in. She offered a weary smile that couldn’t hide the fatigue in her eyes. “You’ve given us quite the fright,” Vivian said as she approached.

Eileen believed they had been taken to the hospital by an ambulance. The hospital must have contacted Bryan; that was why Vivian and Bryan were here. Memories of the phone call fluttered in Eileen’s mind, her lashes quivering. “I appreciate your concern, Miss Warren.”

“As long as you’re okay,” Vivian said as she settled into the chair next to Eileen’s bed. She retrieved a card from her purse and offered it to Eileen. “You’re on Bryan’s team, so let’s make this right. There’s a hundred thousand in this card. It’s yours.”

Eileen knitted her brows together in a frown. Could this be Bryan’s idea? The amount was generous, no doubt. It stirred something within Eileen, but she gently refused the card. “Your kindness is enough, Miss Warren. The fault was mine alone. Rest is all I’ll need.”

Yet Vivian was insistent, pressing the card into Eileen’s hand. “Bryan’s always been a man to treat his subordinates well. If you don’t want the money, what do you want?”

Eileen’s breath hitched as she picked up on the subtle hint in Vivian’s tone. Their gazes locked, and in the midst of their silent communication, Eileen thought she could detect the stir of concealed emotions behind Vivian’s calm facade.

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The question from yesterday about the hotel’s location suddenly took on a new meaning for Eileen. It wasn’t about a simple delivery from a friend; it was Vivian’s ruse to come here to surprise Bryan.

Eileen thought of her belongings in Bryan’s suite. Was this a silent warning from Vivian? Eileen pondered the hidden message.

The inevitable exposure of her identity loomed over her. Even though her heart ached thinking about Bryan, it was better than living in constant fear. Eileen chose silence, her composure unruffled. Handing back the card with steady hands, she met Vivian’s gaze evenly. “Miss Warren, should you wish to offer compensation, kindly have Mr. Dawson factor it into my salary for the coming month.”

Vivian’s expression barely shifted. “Understood. I’ll speak to Bryan. He’ll ensure you receive something extra!” Vivian’s voice took on a firmer tone, her words dropping like stones in still water. “I will be heading back to Onaland later today. It looks like you’ll be staying here a bit longer. Why not take a week to rest?”

Her suggestion held the weight of an unspoken order, less of a proposal and more of a directive. A full day would be enough for the effects of the medication to dissipate. Eileen didn’t need a week of rest.

words over, thinking Vivian might be suspecting something. There were advantages to laying low for a while and using this chance to take care of Huey. She gave a small nod in agreement. “Fine, I’ll take the week off. Do let Mr. Dawson know,

to her feet, offering a brief farewell wave. “Look after yourself. I’m on my way out.” Eileen offered a weak smile in return, and once

had probably only asked Vivian to check on her on his behalf. Letting out a long sigh, Eileen laid

murmur filled the private room where a cadre of men raised their glasses in a chorus of toasts. Marcus, seated beside his uncle Theodore Ferguson, partook in the mingling. Then the door suddenly swung open. Bryan’s imposing presence seized the attention of all. His

a century in the business industry, recognized the intent in Bryan’s entrance without a word. “Marcus, what are

the offered seat, Bryan watched as Marcus fumbled, hastily cleaning the chair with his hands. Looking

Dawson, please have a

of his foot, Bryan angled the chair to his

eighty million, Mr. Dawson?” inquired Theodore, extending a lighter towards Bryan. “I was just made aware of the situation by Marcus. Rest assured, you’ll get the money. We’ll sort out the contract details

He simply nodded. The tension eased from Theodore’s shoulders at Bryan’s

CEO of Apex Group. His reputation precedes him; I’m sure you’ve

familiar with Bryan’s reputation. They toasted in his honor, their

of you, Mr. Dawson. Your

a privilege, Mr. Dawson. I work for Quasar…” another

the room with a frosty gaze, declining the drink Marcus offered. “My apologies, but I’m here

had something to do with Eileen. But he believed Eileen was just an assistant; surely Bryan wouldn’t discuss her with an audience

to set the glass before Bryan, only to find it snatched from his grasp. In an instant, Bryan drenched Marcus with the drink inside the glass, droplets

the chair screeched in protest. A swift kick sent Marcus tumbling to the floor. Clutching his abdomen in agony, Marcus squinted at the looming figure of Bryan. The room fell to a hush, Marcus’s discomfort the only

on Marcus’s hand with a force that whitened Marcus’s knuckles. His face was a mask

this the hand that touched her?” Bryan’s

heart that Bryan had come for retribution on behalf of Eileen. An uneasy hush enveloped the onlookers. They bore witness to the scene, their minds racing with questions about Marcus’s plight, yet none

reaching for Bryan’s arm. “Mr. Dawson, please. What’s the purpose of

arm free from Theodore’s grasp, his piercing

held a silent message for Marcus, who remained motionless under

have crossed the line, no matter the circumstance!” Marcus pleaded. His voice was thick with

consumed by the distress Eileen must have endured. In a surge of rage, Bryan withdrew his foot only to deliver a punishing blow to

a mix of pain and entreaty,