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.

??t?st chαptєrs in g?lnovels.c??

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.”

instant. “No! I don’t

quickly excused herself to the

call, Bryan’s advice was firm. “Kian, it’s best to end this deal

I’m doing. Just give her

window with tempestuous winds swirling

reply was barely audible.

enveloped Bryan. Vivian’s tears and Kian’s request

faint smile as she took the card earlier that lingered in

longed to strip away the pretense, to discover if money

echoed in his mind,

night’s rainfall had

to being labeled a mere

find her in the courtyard with Stella, who

masked the chill in his gaze, greeting Stella with a customary

next to Stella, he

to Stella. “Birthday banquet—how do you plan to manage it this year? I’ll have people prepare

your father about your parents’ return. Full house calls for a grand affair; otherwise, a low-key celebration will

she queried, “When is Zola finishing her

gaze briefly tightened as he surveyed the servants bustling in the

Zola’s graduation. For now, a modest birthday gathering for me will do,” Stella said,

see to my

replied, stealing a glance at

warmth of the sun 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 are some things we should

Bryan, subtly seeking

say something. Eileen believed they wanted to discuss the matter

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 for?

with a voice that quivered ever so slightly, “Understood,

his shoulder lightly. “Would you help me choose a gift for your

and he

was telling, hinting at

seeing as you won’t go to the office later, Mr. Dawson,”

Manage the internal meetings this morning on your own. Bryan won’t have the time

inhaled deeply,

previous evening’s scent, held

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

spare, she planned a detour to Springvale Lane for a change of attire. Strangely, as she

as Bryan’s absence left her to

Stella’s birthday banquet also fell into her hands, an affair that had evolved from a simple family

invitations as a gesture of personal touch and

and when Eileen went to deliver the invitation,