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.

snuffed out the lit cigarette and waited to light his cigarette until

of names to the

quickly skimmed through the

did you bring a list of all

dismissive. “How could those

names on the list stirred an indescribable

that Josue’s thoughts were

to be too critical, especially considering Josue’s dedication—he had been

were earnest, but not exactly

in the baby carriage, who seemed a touch

Eileen shook her head.

onto the couch, deep in thought for a while, before finally suggesting another name. “What

“Athena?” Eileen looked intrigued.

down on a piece of paper and passed it over to

conjured images of strength and independence, making Eileen chuckle. “How did you come up with this name all of a

at a loss

Bryan had come up with this

he knew was that the names he had agonized over for days paled in

my brain. So, are you going to name the baby Athena?”

and about, stood straighter and wheeled the baby carriage

Athena it is then,”

Josue had also played a part in choosing the

with pride, and he turned to share the news

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

had a name

promptly inquired, “When are you planning

after Eileen’s recovery period

then, Josue interjected, “You heading back? Did you travel all this way

for three months, and they would return a month after the baby was

so thankful for all your help during this

it. I don’t have much to do here,

“I’ve requested a transfer back home.

their

said, “I think she

formal name of the baby

some thought, he declared

momentarily lost

give this nickname to her. This isn’t up for discussion. Athena sounds too mature…” Josue stood his ground and began convincing the

turned to Eileen with a hopeful look. “What do

is good,” Eileen replied, not

each taking turns to call the baby

the window, soaking in the sunlight, and reflected on how much Rylie and Josue’s visit

of the ward left her little space

or maybe his recent presence here, that had made her think

often envisioned him cradling Athena, basking in the glow

smile in her dreams didn’t shine as brightly as Josue’s did in reality, his

surge of emotion swept away all semblance of

had sent Eileen a text, expressing his

from Julio that the Apex Group was facing bleak prospects. Zola had made a public vow

had been in close talks

Apex Group. Even

the

and Eileen found herself repeatedly reading his simple message

want to

make up her mind for a long