Shrouded Affections Winning Back My CEO Wife

Chapter 35

Chapter 35:

Vivian bit her lip, her gaze clouding over. Kian frowned as he told Bryan, “Her field of study isn’t related to the Warren family’s business. It wouldn’t be fair to see her wronged elsewhere. If she’s set on staying by your side, why not let her?”

Bryan lifted an eyebrow upon witnessing Vivian’s distress, yet his demeanor remained steady. Vivian lowered her head further, a silent shudder passing through her. Kian’s hand found its way to Vivian’s shoulder, offering a semblance of comfort. “Calm down. Collect your things and prepare to get off work. Bryan is just…he probably doesn’t want to trouble you with work.”

Bryan suddenly said, “Still, if you’re keen on it, who’s to say you can’t?”

Vivian’s eyes sparked with faint hope as she lifted them to meet Bryan’s. He averted his gaze, drawing a cigarette and lighting it in a fluid motion. The sight sent a wave of letdown through Vivian, prompting her to exit the office with a heavy heart.

Kian moved to follow, yet Bryan skirted past him, reclaiming his seat. Bryan let out a puff of smoke, meeting Kian with a steady gaze. “Only this time. It won’t happen again.”

Kian paused, momentarily taken aback, then approached Bryan. He placed his hands firmly on the table. “Okay, let’s have dinner tonight. Jacob will be there. I owe you one.”

Bryan’s silence hung in the air, a tacit consent.

By noon, Eileen was in the kitchen, whipping up a hearty bowl of noodles for Huey, packed with meat and eggs. However, the result fell flat, and the flavor even more so. Huey’s dramatic reaction was as if he had tasted poison.

That evening saw Bailee’s return, and as she cooked, Huey’s gripes about Eileen’s culinary attempts filled the room. A quiver ran through Eileen’s lips—surely her cooking couldn’t be that dreadful? Bryan had tasted her cooking twice without a word of complaint. Yet the grimace on Huey’s face was unmistakable. Had Bryan merely been enduring it?

Eileen chewed on her lip, contemplating the unreadable nature of their tastes. As for looking after Huey, it wasn’t all that demanding. A spot of lunch and a quick tidy-up barely cut into her day. Most times, Eileen was simply cradling her phone, her eyes flicking through the company chat that had welcomed Vivian.

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Vivian thanked everyone in the group chat, playfully beseeching the team to guide her as the newcomer. Indeed, Vivian had secured a spot within the Apex Group. The buzz was that she might be Bryan’s new secretary. Judie unexpectedly showered Vivian with praises, her texts dripping with eagerness to please.

“Eileen,” a voice broke Eileen’s focus. It was Bailee, observant as always, having drawn closer after watching Eileen for some time. A quick look at Eileen’s screen made Bailee’s face grow thoughtful. “Did Vivian find out about something?”

Eileen put away her phone. “I’m not sure.”

Bailee’s voice softened. “It’s weighing on you. Spill it. I’m here for you, really. I might not have the answers, but I’ve got an ear to lend!”

A smile played on Eileen’s lips. “It’s a bit about Vivian’s addition to work, taking over Bryan’s secretary role. My hours have been cut back quite a bit, so naturally, my pay follows.”

not a big deal,” Bailee said. “After all, my paycheck contributes to the pot, doesn’t it? Come on,

wash her hands. As Bailee turned, she caught Huey’s silhouette by the door, his posture casual. Unsure if he had overheard anything, she quickly excused herself to the sanctuary of the

Club. Glancing at the clock, which declared the hour

exclusivity reigned, and without a VIP card, the doors might as well be walls.

not inside soon, I’ll never hear the end of it. She’s not picking up, and I can’t shake the feeling she’s doing this on purpose, although she always has

unbuckled her seatbelt with resolve. “Come on, let’s go. I’ll

to these spots with Bryan had been frequent enough that her presence was almost a key in itself. Bailee perked up, trailing behind Eileen. They hadn’t even reached the guard when

the vibrant lights. Their casual attire felt

to inquire about Bailee’s boss when the receptionist said, “Miss Curtis, Mr. Dawson is still in his usual suite. Coming to fetch him?” Eileen

this twist, the receptionist’s attention drifted past them. “Right on time. Mr. Dawson is

black, his stature towering and

reacted quickly, slipping through Bryan’s side with an ease that

come for Bryan? How did you know to

on the link of their arms. She curved her lips into a practiced smile as

evening. I’m here with my sister. She has a document

features. An eyebrow arched,

keen to keep Bailee’s

could weave a distraction, the

could ripple through my business—” A woman in her forties with a robust presence approached from the elevator, then halted upon catching sight

are the odds, Ms. Warren? You’re also

her gaze casually as he replied, “Oh, just hanging out with

introduction. “This is Bailee Brooks, our intern. I asked her

on, glancing at Eileen before replying, “Ah, so the sister of Miss Curtis is working in the

words with the woman, informing her of Bailee’s connection

and a fleeting

Eileen was aware of Bryan’s gaze,

when Bryan announced, “You

approached Eileen, escaping from Vivian’s grip. Vivian bit her

decision, Eileen could only reply, “Understood, Mr.

next to her, a blend of sandalwood and the

Eileen a look, then proceeded to usher everyone to leave. “Kian, why don’t you send her home for some rest? Miss Curtis