Shrouded Affections Winning Back My CEO Wife

Chapter 86

Chapter 86:

Bryan escorted Vivian to the secluded living room reserved for his use alone, where none could venture without his permission.

On the sofa, tears etched Vivian’s cheeks as she said, “Bryan, this isn’t fair. How am I less than her? My love for you is true, but her? It’s your wealth she’s after!”

His expression tightened at her words. “You’re targeting the wrong person,” he said.

Eileen reached the top of the staircase just in time to catch their words. A hopeful flutter began in her chest.

Was Bryan actually taking her side against Vivian? A fleeting joy bubbled within, only to be quenched by his next utterance.

“She’s merely a distraction,” Bryan said.

The realization stung. Eileen pressed her lips together, questioning her decision to come here.

Yet, in a twisted way, this clarity was a balm, offering her peace in understanding her true standing.

Eileen tightened her hold on the card as tears fell down her face.

Without a sound, she retreated down the stairs.

On the upper floor, Vivian and Bryan’s confrontation continued. With composure regained, Vivian’s voice was softer. “Bryan, losing my cool was wrong, but it’s hard for me to watch you with another woman. Have you considered that if you end things with her and the money stops, she might turn vindictive? What if she—”

She halted, her thoughts teetering on a precipice. She didn’t know if Bryan knew that Eileen was pregnant.

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She added, “What if she turns on the company, or worse?”

“She’s not a threat,” Bryan said, his words short and final. “You need to find a way to persuade my grandmother.”

With that, he turned and went to his room, his exit speaking volumes without a word.

Vivian, driven by a mixture of desperation and resolve, caught him in an embrace from behind. “Bryan, I’m not going anywhere. Take me. Your marital status doesn’t matter. I just want us to be together. Forget about Eileen.”

Her hands awkwardly grappled with his shirt, her efforts to undo the buttons clumsy and futile, but Bryan quickly pulled her hands away with decisiveness.

He faced her, his gaze cold.

The ring of a phone cut through the tense silence—it was Bryan’s.

With a swift motion, he answered, “Hello…”

A brief exchange ensued, and then he turned to Vivian. “Kian is on the line, wondering if you need him to pick you up.”

response was instant. “No! I

excused herself to

“Kian, it’s best to end this deal

doing. Just give her more

tempestuous winds swirling outside, warned, “Don’t get lost

barely audible. “Got

call, a stillness enveloped Bryan. Vivian’s tears and Kian’s request didn’t

faint smile as she took the card

the pretense, to

his mind, igniting a

rainfall had cleansed the

labeled a mere tool,

to find her in the courtyard with

in his gaze,

himself next to Stella, he acknowledged

you plan to manage it this

her cup, Stella replied, “I’ll check with your father about your parents’ return. Full house calls for a

queried, “When

tightened as he surveyed the servants bustling in the courtyard.

might return after Zola’s graduation. For now, a modest birthday gathering

moment of reflection, Bryan told Eileen, “You’ll see to my grandmother’s birthday arrangements.

Mr. Dawson,” Eileen replied, stealing a glance

did little to soften his cold

evening’s drama, and gently grasped Stella’s arm. “Your birthday deserves more than simplicity. My family anticipates the event. There

Bryan, subtly seeking

attention shifted to Stella, waiting for her to say something. Eileen believed they wanted to discuss the matter regarding Bryan

invitations for a select number of our family’s friends. Emphasize attendance. Tell them there’ll be a significant announcement at the birthday

she glanced at Eileen. “What are you still waiting

a voice that

to Bryan, touching his shoulder lightly. “Would you help me choose a gift for your grandmother later? I

and he replied with a

was telling, hinting at

office later, Mr. Dawson,” Eileen said. The discomfort

respond, said, “You’re free to go. Manage the internal meetings this morning on your own. Bryan won’t have

deeply, steadying

of the previous evening’s scent, held a reflective

the road, Eileen’s drive was swift, the scent

Springvale Lane for a change of attire. Strangely,

Bryan’s absence left her to tackle numerous

into her hands, an affair that had evolved from a simple family meal to an elaborate gathering with the Dawsons’ lifelong

the invitations as

Eileen went to