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.

wanted Eileen to have the bracelet but then felt it a bit inappropriate. So, she turned to Bryan and said, “You should do the honors. After all, she’s the future wife you love.” As for Lydia, Brandon had just

bracelet sparkled, and its value was evident. Lydia’s gaze lingered on the bracelet adorning Eileen’s wrist. Eileen’s marriage into the

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. Raise

high. She then turned to Ruby

Ruby said with a relieved

you find it beautiful? The Dawson family ancestors had impeccable taste. This

Bryan replied,

a look? Eileen probably won’t wear it every day, so you

continued, “It’s alright if you prefer not to see it. You might become too jealous if you do.” She then released Eileen’s hand with a chuckle. “Put it away before someone gets tempted to snatch it.” Eileen hadn’t expected Stella’s adeptness at mockery. Suddenly, she realized that Bryan sometimes shared some similarities

let’s discuss another wedding gift,” Stella declared as she produced another check from the wooden box, sliding it to Ruby.

towards Eileen, stating, “Eileen should have the final say in matters concerning herself.” The

“Mrs. Dawson, you really shouldn’t feel

a gesture of goodwill from the Dawson family to you.

it, I’ll think the amount isn’t to

I’ll accept it,” Eileen agreed without hesitation, tucking the check

provoke Lydia, she said, “Only those acknowledged by me deserve to receive gifts—unlike some

thought Lydia had made the evening less enjoyable, so she purposely provoked Lydia. Lydia

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

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

asked, noting Doris’s troubled expression and growing curious about

an agreement seven years ago,” Doris whispered, lowering her voice to avoid

were recently scheming behind Bryan’s back last time.

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

idea struck Zola. She blinked and said, “You can go back now. I know what to do.” Then she

brought me here just to watch Stella give gifts to that 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

pause, Lydia looked at her and said, “Get