Shrouded Affections Winning Back My CEO Wife

Chapter 271

Chapter 271:

“Eileen, what’s happening? When did this mother of yours suddenly appear?” Phoebe asked.

Phoebe couldn’t hold back her curiosity after Jacob had filled her in and rushed to Eileen’s place. Phoebe was aware that Ruby was Eileen’s stepmother, but Eileen had never talked about her biological mother. Phoebe had always assumed she was dead.

Eileen had just gotten home when Phoebe dragged her into the car. They didn’t drive off; they simply sat parked in front of the building to have a conversation.

“I didn’t think she’d ever come looking for me, so I never brought her up,” Eileen explained, her voice steady. The cool night breeze came through the slightly open window. “How did you hear about it?” she asked Phoebe.

Phoebe collected her thoughts before responding. “Jacob’s mom heard it from someone else. Apparently, it all started with Karen Kennedy. She’s notorious for spreading gossip in high society. It seems she couldn’t keep it to herself…”

Eileen recalled that the woman Benita had been with earlier had been referred to as Mrs. Kennedy by Benita.

“Just take your biological mother to court. She’ll learn her lesson! She’s been saying that the Dawson family can accept a poor daughter-in-law but not a poor mother-in-law. She has told everyone that the Dawson family is forcing you to cut ties with her… It’s ridiculous,” Phoebe said.

Gossip was the favorite pastime in high society, especially concerning a well-known family like the Dawson family. News traveled fast, and within hours, everyone heard about the matter. Phoebe heard from her mom that Karen embarrassed Stella publicly, causing quite a scene. Stella was fuming, Phoebe said.

She doubted the Dawson family would ever behave like that, but with the rumor circulating, they needed to address it. Eileen’s expression grew troubled, her eyes reflecting a storm of emotions.

“Don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s not your fault. Blame your mother. What was she thinking, speaking like that publicly? Though perhaps she didn’t expect the trouble it would cause the Dawson family.” Phoebe attempted to reassure Eileen, seeing her distressed look.

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Eileen’s gaze hardened with resolve. She said, “No, she did that deliberately. And I suspect Benita might be involved.”

She didn’t buy that Benita and Karen had just been passing by coincidentally.

“Look, that’s Bryan’s car. He’s just arrived!” Phoebe suddenly exclaimed, spotting a familiar vehicle. She instinctively reached for the door handle. Eileen quickly stopped her. “Don’t!”

As Bryan’s headlights dimmed, Eileen and Phoebe watched him exit the car and hurry into the building. “Why are you avoiding him?” Phoebe asked, bewildered, after Bryan had disappeared from sight. Eileen let go of Phoebe’s hand, her eyes flickering with uncertainty. She shook her head slowly; she wasn’t sure why herself. It had just been an instinctive reaction.

“Don’t blame yourself for this. This isn’t your fault. Maybe Bryan has a way to fix this,” Phoebe said gently.

Eileen reclined in her seat, her thoughts swirling. It wasn’t her fault, but it involved her. She couldn’t drag Bryan into this. She needed to sort it out on her own.

hidden from Bryan. If she showed any distress, Bryan would intervene, and that would

one of the bodyguards Bryan had detailed to

those two women were at a budget motel earlier. When we tried to approach them, they were picked up by a luxury car and taken to an apartment in the suburbs. We couldn’t follow them

now,” Eileen instructed, ending the

you to take

fired up the car, not bothering to ask

heart. He had noticed Eileen’s car parked outside the building,

couch, thinking she

a restless half-hour

answered after just two rings, and Eileen’s voice was steady. “Are

Bryan asked as he grabbed his coat and made

Dawson, I’ve taken your woman out for the evening. She’s with me,

“Where are

for you to worry about. She’s in good hands,” Phoebe answered, her tone playful before she ended the call. Usually, Bryan would be

silence of the empty house amplified his worry. He called Jacob. “Did Phoebe take Eileen? Why didn’t

see Eileen as soon as she heard about your family’s trouble. I was left behind at the hospital. She cares more about Eileen than about me!”

“What’s with the

retorted, ending the call abruptly. He

safe, he believed she

instructing him to locate Eileen and Phoebe. He then sent a text to Eileen, letting her know he was waiting for her to

stepped out of the

“I didn’t know Mr. Dawson was such

from his meeting,” Eileen said, putting

to bed early without her, but she knew she wouldn’t sleep until she was home. Looking at the imposing building

pressed the button for the top floor. “Don’t worry;

her hands in her pockets. “Isn’t it a bit harsh

him,” Phoebe replied. “Besides, you know this

across Eileen’s face.

too many questions. If your mom’s situation involves

grew even

slid open to a dim corridor, lit only by

toward the only part of the place with