Shrouded Affections Winning Back My CEO Wife

Chapter 48

Chapter 48:

Upon returning to her office, Eileen received some documents from Karla. As they engaged in a bit of light-hearted gossip, Eileen learned what had caused the cheerful atmosphere in the company.

The cause was the money Vivian had shared in the company group chat to celebrate her birthday, sparking waves of gossip when she disclosed that Bryan had gifted her a necklace. But this was no ordinary necklace—it was a limited edition piece, valued at a million dollars.

This revelation sent ripples through the office, with many envying Vivian and sharing in the excitement as if they too were the recipients of Bryan’s extravagant gift.

“Worth a million!” Karla couldn’t help but exclaim, pondering aloud the amount of hard work required to amass such wealth.

Eileen, however, found herself lost in the documents handed to her by Karla, a subtle tremor in her gaze. She couldn’t shake off the thought that, despite everything, the most expensive gifts she had received from Bryan were valued merely in the hundreds of thousands. The disparity was stark.

Upon hearing that, Karla left, leaving Eileen to her thoughts. Once Eileen had cleared her backlog of work, her schedule finally freed up, and she managed to have lunch on time.

By sheer coincidence, she ended up at a restaurant near the Apex Group office where Vivian and a few others, including Judie, had gathered.

Judie, sitting next to Vivian, lavished Vivian with praise. Upon noticing Eileen, she gave a knowing smile and beckoned her over.

“Hey, Eileen. Come over and join us,” Vivian called out cheerily, explaining that if it weren’t for Bryan’s meeting, she would have missed this opportunity for lunch together.

The invitation, coupled with the swift accommodation made by those around, left Eileen with little room to decline.

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Despite the fact that she knew Vivian was putting on a facade now, Eileen placed her order and took a seat among them.

Catching a glimpse of the necklace adorning Vivian, Eileen offered a casual compliment. “Your necklace is beautiful.”

Vivian, basking in the attention, tilted her chin up to afford a better view of her prized possession. “Isn’t it lovely?” she said, sharing that it was a gift from Bryan, something she had long desired.

Eileen had the distinct feeling she had heard these words before, perhaps dozens of times. Just yesterday, Jacob had echoed a similar sentiment, and Karla had said the same today.

Now, listening to Vivian express the same, Eileen couldn’t help but find a bit of humor in the repetition. Yet, she listened to Vivian, maintaining her composure as if this were all routine, before skillfully commenting, “Mr. Dawson really treats you well.”

Vivian was momentarily caught off guard by Eileen’s reaction. She turned to face her, expecting to see a trace of jealousy or discomfort, but finding none, her disappointment was palpable.

After her meal was served, Eileen ate with a speed that betrayed her intention to return to work posthaste. “Enjoy your meal, but I must get back to work now,” she announced, pushing her chair back to stand up.

that moment, Judie’s voice halted her. “Eileen, it’s a rare treat for us to share a table with Miss Warren. Why the rush? You wouldn’t want others thinking you’re avoiding Miss Warren on

her response. She recognized Judie’s attempt to flatter Vivian and had no desire to interfere. But she couldn’t allow Judie to mock her to

your tasks rather than spending time

as a broader commentary on the group’s priorities.

lunch. Vivian, feeling slighted, simmered with rage. “Eileen, how could you?” she muttered

to Eileen, her pointed remark to Judie had sown the seeds of a grudge in Vivian. As the day waned into evening, Vivian seized an opportunity for

this afternoon. I was tied up assisting Bryan and only now remembered to deliver them to you,” Vivian explained. “Fortunately, there’s still ample time for you to address

desk. She arched one brow in realization. It made sense now

to tackle the mound of paperwork alone. Roughly thirty minutes past the

to work?” he

nod, Eileen

Eileen’s swamped with work. Looks like it’s just for

to leave now. Let’s

of their departing

marked eleven, the night deepening as she finally stepped into her home past midnight, the absence

elusive for Eileen, who only found rest as

awake, she found him sitting beside her, a cascade of gentle kisses marking a

dodging his advances with a slight

have it downstairs and then go

helped her to her feet, guiding her through the morning routine with an attentiveness that bordered on

show of affection, Eileen found herself being chauffeured to the neighboring city, Bryan having thoughtfully provided an

pulled up to the branch office’s entrance. Maurice Layton, the general manager here, briskly approached and extended his hand

paused, her hand suspended in mid-air, a

who remained seated behind the wheel. “Mr. Dawson, Miss Curtis, welcome,” he said before moving to Bryan’s side of the car

in a straightforward manner, involving reviews and evaluations of reports from the

interrupted by Bryan’s phone ringing, a call from Vivian displayed

phone aside. Yet, his phone rang again shortly after, silencing the

his phone that the room let out a collective

of calm was short-lived as her own phone began to vibrate insistently from

noticed the persistent vibrations of her phone

had wrapped up his report. He stood up and exited the

phone and, stepping out into the corridor, answered Vivian’s call. The irritation was palpable

why aren’t you at

with measured calm, Eileen explained, “Miss Warren, Mr. Dawson and I are currently inspecting the branch

with a sense of entitlement, pressed further. “Then why didn’t you bring me along? Did you do this