Shrouded Affections Winning Back My CEO Wife

Chapter 45

Chapter 45:

Among the invitees was Stella, and she was the VIP guest.

Eileen caught sight of Bryan’s sour expression after he hung up the phone and knew Stella wouldn’t make it. “Is Stella back?” she inquired.

“Yeah,” Bryan said, exhaling deeply. “She returned a few days ago, under wraps. I only found out recently. But then she promptly left again. Mentioned something about needing to.”

Worry etched lines on Bryan’s forehead. Considering Stella’s age, all that traveling didn’t sit right with him. He was genuinely concerned.

Eileen pursed her lips, sensing Bryan’s worry that Stella might be avoiding Vivian. She remained silent for the rest of the ride.

In the quiet afternoon, Roderick headed home for a breather. But no matter how he mulled it over, he couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling gnawing at his heart. Ever since he had known Eileen, she had exuded strength, like she could take on the world solo. Yet, seeing her with swollen eyes at the crack of dawn, skipping breakfast until ten… something must have happened.

Seeing Judie putting on makeup, he queried, “Where are you off to?”

“It’s a friend’s birthday today. I won’t be back for dinner. You’re on your own,” Judie replied, selecting the fanciest dress and shoes from the closet.

“Got it,” Roderick nodded. But he couldn’t resist asking, “Has Eileen been going through a rough patch lately?”

Judie paused, turning to face him. “What do you mean?”

“I delivered breakfast to her this morning, ordered by Mr. Dawson. Saw her with puffy eyes, like she’d been crying. Has she been bullied or something?” Roderick inquired.

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Bullied? But wasn’t it Vivian who got embarrassed yesterday? Judie pursed her lips. No wonder Eileen managed to keep Bryan by her side for so long. Perhaps she had vented to Bryan last night.

“She’s alright. Who in the entire company would dare to bully her?” Judie retorted before leaving.

Roderick pondered for a moment and believed Judie. After all, Eileen was the CEO’s assistant. Who would even dare to bully her?

Could it be Bryan, then?

Roderick furrowed his brow, pondering. Eileen’s relationship with Bryan wasn’t something to boast about. Bryan seemed to be taking advantage of Eileen in this equation, yet he had spent the night at her place. He had even ordered breakfast for her.

time for dinner deliveries, Roderick couldn’t quite figure

ushered by the waiter to the private room reserved by the Warren family. The intricately patterned carpet was immaculately clean. A door across the room was slightly ajar, and laughter and

the focal point, encircled by a throng of people. Bryan’s entrance injected a new energy into the crowd. Sporting a white

attention to Vivian instead. “I knew it. Who else could

them; they seem so well-matched. I bet wedding bells are on the horizon. Though, Bryan’s still got a wife for now. Guess we’ll have to

with that woman just to save face. Vivian was young and naive back then. Now that she’s

in her heart. Bryan appeared to brush off their remarks, standing stoically near Vivian.

interjected, breaking away from

follow but was halted by Kian. “Miss Curtis, we’ve got quite the crowd today,

met her gaze, his brow

hotel’s VIP lounge, Bryan had just stepped in when he was presented with a gift box. “It’s Vivian’s birthday. You ought to give her a gift,” Kian said. “Didn’t want you to spend

it in contemplation. Kian added, “Nina’s been a bit under the weather lately, you know, the nine-to-five grind. Look out for her.

you?” Kian

nothing to do with her, and it’s none of your concern.

gift box and gave Kian a pat on the shoulder

hotel manager, double-checking if everything was in order for the birthday party. Just as Judie entered, she caught sight of Eileen with the hotel manager. Silently, she made

in conversation with two women

glanced over with a smile, waving her hand. “Thought you weren’t making

Judie hurried forward, linking arms with Vivian. “Your birthday is a must-attend for me. Just got held up a bit

and down. Her attire didn’t quite impress them. Since when had Vivian started hanging out with folks like

here?” Judie asked. She

shrugged nonchalantly. “She came

assistant. What’s she doing at a private

be that Eileen

Vivian’s cousin from her uncle’s side, spoke up. She had noticed Eileen right away because

not saying

her aunt’s side. With her short hair and neutral appearance, she seemed indifferent, though a flicker of impatience glinted in

Vivian’s wishes, given their families’ reliance on the Warrens. Being two years younger and not as quick-witted, Phoebe had found herself overshadowed by Megan, who enjoyed more favor from Vivian. This disparity had led Phoebe to

jealous that Bryan has such

beat to respond,

Miss Warren has recently joined the company and assumed some of Eileen’s duties. Perhaps Eileen is apprehensive about her own position, trying to undermine Miss Warren, leveraging her seniority at Apex Group,” Judie explained, opting not to divulge Eileen and

not Eileen’s fault,” she said, wearing a

seemed like Vivian wanted her to play the villain in all this. But if it could secure Vivian’s support for her at work, she was