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.

couldn’t quite figure it out. He set

ushered by the waiter to the private room reserved by the Warren family. The intricately patterned carpet was immaculately clean.

the crowd. Sporting a white shirt without a tie, Bryan

demeanor, diverting their 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

was young and naive

buzzed with criticism and speculation. Despite the scrutiny, Vivian felt happy in her heart. Bryan appeared to brush off their remarks, standing stoically near Vivian. Every

interjected, breaking away from his family and guiding

we’ve got quite the crowd

glanced toward Bryan. Bryan met her gaze, his brow furrowing slightly.

Vivian’s birthday. You ought to give

been a bit under the weather

You care about Eileen, don’t you?” Kian said

raised. “This has nothing to do with her, and it’s none of your concern. I agreed to that one favor for you, but my condition

box and gave Kian a

the lobby and located the 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 her way to the private room Vivian

Vivian engrossed in conversation with two women of similar age. Rushing over, Judie

with a smile, waving her hand.

arms with Vivian. “Your birthday is a

two women beside them eyed Judie up and down. Her attire didn’t quite impress them. Since when had Vivian started hanging

Warren, who is Eileen? Why is she here?” Judie asked. She

“She came with

assistant. What’s she doing at a private event with Mr. Dawson?

Eileen looking distressed and teary-eyed, could it be that Eileen had had a spat with Bryan earlier and insisted on attending Vivian’s

arrived with Mr. Dawson earlier?” Megan Beckett, Vivian’s cousin from her

not

Burton, Vivian’s cousin from her aunt’s side. With her short hair and neutral appearance, she seemed indifferent, though a flicker of

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

are you feeling jealous that Bryan has such an attractive female assistant?” Megan probed, sensing Vivian’s

at Judie, who took a beat to respond, realizing an opportunity

no need for Miss Warren to feel jealous. 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 Bryan’s relationship, respecting Vivian’s presumed desire for

nonsense. It’s not Eileen’s fault,” she said, wearing a faint

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