Shrouded Affections Winning Back My CEO Wife

Chapter 283

Chapter 283:

Huey was a few seconds late, so Bailee walked off with Ruby, holding each other’s arms. During her illness over the past few years, Ruby had slimmed down considerably, which made it easier to find fitting clothes. Within an hour of shopping, she found a suitable outfit.

She had been looking forward to visiting the Dawson Mansion happily, but running into Winona and her son had dampened her spirits. On the way back, Ruby sighed and said, “Bailee, you’re not a kid anymore. I don’t want to meddle in your business, but please be careful and avoid any heartaches, okay?”

“I know. We’ve been arguing for the past couple of days. I guess I’m still upset,” Bailee explained, feeling the need to defend Huey.

“As long as you’re clear on what needs to be done, everything will be fine. Just make sure your mood doesn’t spoil tonight’s dinner,” Ruby patted Bailee’s hand, lost in thought. They might have fought, but Huey’s behavior… it was quite disrespectful.

In the Dawson Mansion, Stella had instructed the servants to prepare dinner in advance, and they were all bustling with their tasks. “Make yourself at home. Your daughter will be the hostess here soon, so there’s no need to be formal,” Stella said.

Noticing Ruby’s uneasy demeanor on the sofa, Stella instructed the servants to bring coffee and desserts. Ruby tried her best to control her nervousness, but she couldn’t completely hide it. She talked with Stella, and with Eileen easing the tension occasionally, Ruby soon felt more relaxed.

Dinner was ready, and the servants led everyone to the dining hall. Just as the group was about to take their seats, two unexpected guests suddenly arrived—Lydia and Zola. Lydia was elegantly dressed, clearly showing her wealth. Beside her, Zola had intentionally dressed plainly and acted modestly, as if merely accompanying Lydia. She nodded at Eileen and Bryan with a polite smile.

“Mom, why didn’t you tell me we were having guests tonight?” Lydia asked as she walked past Ruby and approached Stella, extending a hand to support her. She wanted to guide Stella toward the dining hall, but Stella stood still on purpose.

Stella turned to Ruby with a smile and said, “As I’m getting older, I can only handle a small group of guests at once. I might find it difficult with too many guests tonight, but since they’ve already come, I’ll host you together. Please understand, Ruby—I invited you here for dinner today, not them.”

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This implied that Lydia and Zola were merely guests. Under Stella’s insistence, Ruby and Bailee sat on the left side of the host’s seat. Eileen and Bryan took their seats on the right side of the host’s seat. Lydia and Zola, on the other hand, were seated in the back row. If they were unwilling, they could choose to leave.

Lydia didn’t seem to mind at all. She sat beside Bailee, occasionally chiming in on the conversation about Eileen and Bryan’s wedding without causing any trouble. Stella felt irritated by Lydia’s presence and found her quite bothersome.

But she realized she couldn’t delay the conversation any longer. She needed to present the wedding gifts to Eileen tonight. She looked at Jarred and signaled him. In response, Jarred retrieved a box.

The delicate wooden box was a masterpiece, adorned with intricately carved flowers so lifelike that they appeared real. “This bracelet has been an heirloom in the Dawson family for generations. I’ll give it to you,” Stella announced, taking out a red silk bag from the box. Lydia’s grip tightened on her fork. Despite being married to Brandon for so many years, Stella had never given her the bracelet. Yet now, Stella was giving it to Eileen even before she married Bryan.

“You should do the honors. After all, she’s the future wife you love.” As for Lydia,

it on Eileen’s wrist. Bathed in the bright light, the bracelet sparkled, and its value was evident. Lydia’s gaze lingered on the

over, prompting her to set down her fork with a sharp clatter. Stella had already sensed Lydia’s discomfort, but she continued, “Isn’t it exquisite? Such a bracelet befits only the most delicate of wrists.

hand high. She then turned to Ruby and inquired, “What do you think?

with a relieved

attention to Bryan, asking, “And you? Do you find it beautiful? The Dawson family ancestors had impeccable taste.

Bryan replied, settling back into his

have you? Would you like to come over and take a look? Eileen probably won’t wear

with a chuckle. “Put it away before someone gets tempted to snatch it.” Eileen

she produced another check from the wooden box, sliding it

diverting her gaze. She nudged the check towards Eileen, stating, “Eileen should have the final say in matters concerning herself.” The amount column on the check

“Mrs. Dawson, you really shouldn’t feel

from the Dawson family to you.

added, “If you refuse it, I’ll think the amount isn’t to your satisfaction. If that’s the case, I’ll increase

Eileen agreed

attempt to provoke Lydia, she said, “Only those acknowledged by me deserve to receive gifts—unlike some others who tried to gain acceptance among us without receiving

she purposely provoked Lydia.

away to the glass garden house to admire the blossoms and engage in conversation. Zola had intended to find Eileen and Bryan because she didn’t want them to be alone. But on her way, she received a call from Lydia, asking her to come upstairs. With no other option, she retraced her steps. As she reached the junction between floors,

to a secluded area where they could speak privately. “Miss Murray, I have something important

Doris’s troubled expression and growing curious about the

appears they made an agreement seven years ago,” Doris whispered, lowering her voice to avoid being overheard.

overheard that Stella and Eileen were recently scheming behind Bryan’s back last time. It was confirmed this time that their plan

but she had been too far away to hear the details clearly. She said, “I couldn’t catch all the details, but Eileen mentioned she planned to

and said, “You can go back now. I

woman and talk about the wedding? I’ve put up with Stella’s tabs for so long. What’s wrong with your plan? I think I’ve discovered a huge secret,” Zola said firmly

looked at her