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.

distress, Bryan would intervene, and that would just reinforce the

her phone rang. It was from one of the bodyguards

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 inside, and we don’t

it. You can stop following them now,” Eileen instructed, ending the call and running her

“Let’s go. I need you

up the car, not bothering to ask for

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

sank into the couch, thinking

half-hour

just two rings, and Eileen’s voice was steady.

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

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

“Where

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

called Jacob. “Did Phoebe take Eileen? Why

in a hurry to 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!” Jacob might have kept his irritation to himself if Bryan

asked, “What’s with the rumors swirling about your family? Is Eileen’s mother

should focus on getting well, not spreading gossip,” Bryan retorted, ending the call abruptly. He didn’t

Although he knew she was safe, he believed she must be deeply affected by the rumor about

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

Eileen stepped out of the car,

phone, chuckling. “I didn’t know

his meeting,” Eileen said, putting her phone away

head to bed early without her, but she knew she wouldn’t sleep until she was home. Looking at the imposing building before her, she turned to Phoebe and asked, “Which floor is

they stepped into the elevator, Phoebe pressed the button

her pockets. “Isn’t it a bit harsh

paying him,” Phoebe replied. “Besides, you

him?” Surprise flashed across Eileen’s face. “What’s his

her shoulder. “Don’t ask too many questions. If your mom’s situation involves

Eileen grew

a

with Eileen, leading her toward the only part of the