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.

Bryan. If she showed any distress, Bryan would intervene, and that would just reinforce the rumor that the Dawson family couldn’t

her phone rang. It was from one of

budget motel earlier. When we tried to approach them, they were picked up by a luxury car and

stop following them now,” Eileen instructed, ending the call and running her fingers

I need you to take me to a

fired up the car, not bothering to ask

had noticed Eileen’s car parked outside the

the light and sank into the couch, thinking she

a restless half-hour wait, he

was answered after just two rings, and Eileen’s voice was steady. “Are you home? I’m

are you?” Bryan asked as he grabbed his coat and made for

Dawson, I’ve taken your woman

“Where are

the call. Usually, Bryan would

empty house amplified his worry. He called Jacob. “Did

soon as she heard about your family’s trouble. I was left behind at the hospital. She cares more

with the rumors swirling about

not spreading gossip,” Bryan retorted, ending the call abruptly. He didn’t have time to

was safe, he believed she must be deeply affected by the

and Phoebe. He then sent a

the

chuckling. “I didn’t know Mr. Dawson was

back from his

until she was home. Looking at the imposing building before her, she turned to Phoebe and asked, “Which

top floor,” Phoebe answered. As they stepped into the elevator, Phoebe pressed the button for

a bit harsh to pull him out at

you’re not paying him,” Phoebe

flashed across

your mom’s

Eileen grew even

to a dim corridor, lit only

her toward the only part of the place with lights