Shrouded Affections Winning Back My CEO Wife

Chapter 316

Chapter 316:

The surname was settled—Curtis.

However, the baby’s first name had still not been decided, even three days after leaving the hospital for the postnatal care center. They hadn’t chosen a name yet.

Faleen was in no rush; she wanted to take her time to find the perfect name. In contrast, Josue was anxious, presenting Eileen with a new list of potential names daily.

His house was littered with papers scribbled with names.

As Bryan stepped into the room, Josue immediately lunged to scoop up a paper from the floor, clutching it against his chest as if it were a precious gem.

“What brings you here so unexpectedly?” Josue asked.

“Business,” Bryan replied curtly, scanning the room but unable to make out the contents on the papers that Josue guarded so closely.

He settled onto the sofa, arching an eyebrow. “There’s a meeting tomorrow you need to attend.”

Josue didn’t hesitate to refuse. “I can’t. I need to visit my goddaughter in the hospital. She doesn’t have a father. She needs all the fatherly support I can give her to grow up well.”

“Are you sure?” Bryan replied. “Aren’t you worried she might be affected by your bad influence?”

Josue was familiar with Bryan’s biting remarks and knew he couldn’t out-argue him about attending the meeting, but submitting without a fight would be humiliating.

He then nonchalantly said, “Fine, then think of a name for her. No, ten names. Do that, and I’ll attend the meeting.”

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Bryan, unfazed by the minor challenge, readily agreed.

Yet, when he thought of the baby he had met the day before, he found himself unexpectedly tongue-tied, struggling to think of any names.

Casually, he inquired, “What is her…?”

“Surname…” Josue hesitated. Curtis was the agreed surname, but what if Bryan connected that to Eileen?

Josue almost let the word slip. He stopped himself and quickly said, “Payne. She’ll have my surname.”

Bryan cast him a look, aware that Josue was lying, but he didn’t care.

He mulled it over briefly before writing a name on the document.

“Athena.”

After that, his mind drew a blank. His only wish was for the little girl to forge her own path in life.

“Only this one name?” Josue asked, with a hint of scorn.

Bryan set the pen down and replied, “Just this one. Besides, your opinion isn’t relevant here. Why do you care so much?”

Eileen reached for a cigarette, but Josue was quick to intervene. “I can’t visit my goddaughter smelling like your secondhand smoke. Either quit smoking now or leave.”

“And what about the meeting tomorrow?” Bryan queried, the unlit cigarette dangling from his lips.

“I said if you propose ten names, I’ll attend. Less than that, I won’t—”

But before Josue could finish, a “click” echoed as Bryan flicked on his lighter.

The flame neared the cigarette, his gaze carrying a veiled threat.

“I’ll be there!” Josue conceded, his teeth clenched.

the lit cigarette and waited to light

of names to the care center, leaving the

skimmed

of all your ex-girlfriends?”

ridiculous!” Josue responded instantly, his tone dismissive. “How

list

Josue’s thoughts were still

tried not to be too critical, especially considering Josue’s

efforts were earnest,

Josue sighed, glancing at the little girl in the baby carriage, who seemed a touch more charming than she had a few

Eileen shook her head.

in thought for a while, before finally

“Athena?” Eileen looked intrigued.

a piece of

“How did you come up with

a loss for

Bryan had come up

that the names he had agonized over for days paled in comparison to the one Bryan had

are you going to name the

wheeled the baby carriage closer, her fingers tenderly

Athena it is then,” she

had also played a part in

and he turned to

we’re back home, we’ll get the baby officially registered.” Ruby beamed, thrilled that

finally had

“When are

Eileen’s recovery period is over,”

Josue interjected, “You heading back? Did you travel all this way to a foreign land just to have

had come here for three months, and they

She then expressed her gratitude, saying, “I’m so thankful for

“Don’t mention it. I don’t have much to do

lost in thought, finally spoke up. “I’ve requested a transfer back home. I’m going to be close to

their unified affection for

think

that the formal name of the baby

he

momentarily lost for

thousands of miles abroad to have this child, and I want to give this nickname to her. This isn’t up for discussion. Athena sounds too mature…” Josue stood his ground and began convincing the three women to

resonated with Eileen. She turned to Eileen with

think the nickname is good,” Eileen replied,

Rylie, and Ruby gathered around the baby carriage, each taking turns

and reflected on how much Rylie and Josue’s visit

of the ward left her little

presence here, that had made

cradling Athena,

brightly as Josue’s

surge of emotion swept

Eileen a text, expressing

prospects. Zola had made a public vow

in close talks with Leland, nearly

troubles for the Apex Group. Even with the project as a cover, the

the contract, the Apex Group’s only route was a

come here, and Eileen found herself repeatedly reading his simple

want to see

make up her