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 off to continue

Bryan into the hotel and was ushered by the waiter to the private room reserved by the Warren family. The intricately patterned carpet was immaculately clean. A

of people. Bryan’s entrance injected a new energy into the crowd. Sporting a white shirt without a tie, Bryan

approach and chat hesitated, noting the aloofness of his demeanor, diverting their attention to Vivian instead. “I knew it. Who else could snag Bryan for a

bells are on the horizon. Though, Bryan’s still got a wife for now.

Vivian waiting longer. You tied the knot with that woman just to save face. Vivian was young and naive back then. Now that she’s back, you can’t act so

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 so often, he would cast a sidelong

breaking away from his family

the crowd today, and I could use your help with serving. Could you lend a

she glanced toward Bryan. Bryan met her gaze, his brow

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 too much, so I took care of it for

box, his fingers drumming on 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. I will set the gift box on the coffee table; I’ve already done my

Eileen, don’t you?” Kian said

gaze hardened ever so slightly, his eyebrow 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

grabbed the gift box and gave Kian a pat on the shoulder

in order for the birthday party. Just as Judie entered, she caught sight

inside, she spotted Vivian engrossed in conversation with two women of similar

a smile, waving

with Vivian. “Your birthday

quite impress them. Since when had

Why is she here?” Judie asked. She didn’t feel comfortable seeing

“She

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

and teary-eyed, could it be that Eileen had had a spat with Bryan earlier

who arrived with Mr. Dawson earlier?” Megan Beckett, Vivian’s cousin from her uncle’s side, spoke up. She had noticed Eileen

not saying

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

raised to cater to 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 hate such gatherings, silently observing Megan’s concern

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

beat to respond, realizing

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

pulled Judie’s arm. “Don’t speak nonsense. It’s not Eileen’s fault,” she said, wearing a faint smile as if unperturbed by

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