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

haste, Josue brought a list of names to the care center, leaving the choice to

quickly skimmed through

you bring a list of all

dismissive. “How

the names on the list

were

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

were earnest, but

glancing at the little girl in the baby carriage, who seemed a touch

Eileen shook her head.

in thought for a while, before

“Athena?” Eileen looked intrigued.

on a piece of paper and passed it over

of strength and independence, making Eileen chuckle. “How did you come

a loss

didn’t know how Bryan had come

names he had agonized over for days paled in comparison

you going to name the baby

up and about, stood straighter and wheeled the baby carriage closer, her fingers tenderly

Athena it is then,”

played a

he turned to share the news with Rylie

home, we’ll get the baby officially registered.” Ruby beamed, thrilled that Eileen was pleased with

had a

“When are you planning

period is over,”

heading back? Did you travel all

three months, and they would return

thankful for all your help during this period. Your kindness to Athena will always have a place

waved off the thanks. “Don’t mention it. I don’t have much to do here, and I’ll

a transfer back home. I’m going to be close to

their unified

“I think she needs

that the formal name of the baby had been

thought, he

was momentarily lost for

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

to Eileen with

think the nickname is good,” Eileen replied, not wanting to dampen Josue’s

baby carriage, each taking turns to

in the sunlight, and reflected on how much Rylie and

the ward left her

or maybe his recent presence here, that had

often envisioned him cradling Athena,

brightly as Josue’s did in reality, his joy seemed just

emotion swept away

sent Eileen a text, expressing his desire to

was facing bleak prospects. Zola had made

in close talks

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

the Apex Group’s

times, Bryan had come here, and Eileen found herself repeatedly reading his simple message

I really want to

couldn’t make up her mind