Shrouded Affections Winning Back My CEO Wife

Chapter 10

Chapter 10:

Judie made her way to the elevator, carrying the package. “Let's drop the curiosity, shall we? I'm not privy to all

the details of her life. We're not roommates. There was a twhen her stepmother cbetween my

husband's parents, causing a rift in the family. She grew up with her stepmother, and I don’t really know

anything else.”

In just a few sentences, Judie cast a shadow over Ruby, branding her a homewrecker, and by extension, telling

everyone that Eileen had been raised by that woman. Judie was implying that a homewrecker like Ruby couldn't

raise anyone better.

Silence filled the room as everyone digested Judie’s insinuations. By the day’s end, the company was buzzing

with whispers and rumors.

Back at her desk, Eileen mulled over Judie’s behavior and couldn't suppress a sneer. The property Judie and

Roderick wanted was in high demand and pricey, located in a desirable area with excellent schools nearby. Even

a modest two-bedroom apartment there was priced over a million dollars. Roderick’s contribution of fifty

thousand dollars seemed insignificant. They were practically asking her to buy the place for them.

Eileen received a text from Judie shortly after, apologizing for the mix-up with the delivery, saying it was meant

as a gift for Eileen. It was initially intended to be sent home. Redirecting it to the office was supposed to avoid

delivery issues, not to spark a scandal.

This wasn’t the first tJudie had engaged in such questionable actions, only to follow up with insincere

apologies and rationalizations. Eileen sent a firm reply: “I’m not in a position to assist with your housing issue. If

you're keen on staying in the company, | advise you to act appropriately. Otherwise, | won't hesitate to take

strict measures.”

Judie received the message and went quiet, prompting Eileen to focus on her work.

Later that day, around five p.m., Eileen accompanied Bryan to a dinner event. En route, Bryan got a call from

Vivian. He was reviewing sdocuments, so he opted to put the call on speaker.

“Bryan, will you visittoday?” Vivian inquired.

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“I'm pretty busy today. | have a dinner event scheduled,” Bryan responded.

A sigh of disappointment cfrom Vivian. “How about tomorrow?” she asked.

“The company is in the midst of a significant project currently. My schedule might not permit a visit. You should

concentrate on your recovery for now. I'll drop by when tallows,” Bryan said, his attention still on the

documents, leaving no room for Vivian's hopes of a visit anytsoon. Eileen caught a glimpse of his expression

through the rearview mirror. His expression was cold, yet she recalled the hidden softness and warmth of his lips.

Her thoughts seldom dwelled on intimacy. She had never initiated such moments with Bryan, but memories of

their past encounters lingered. His hands, now occupied with paperwork, had once explored her with a

gentleness that had left her breathless and overwhelmed.

She inhaled deeply, striving to distance herself from these recollections. Unexpectedly, Vivian voiced another

query. “Bryan, what do you know about that woman?”

Bryan's focus shifted subtly to his phone's dimmed display, mirroring his distinct features. “What do you want to

do?” he asked.

Vivian expressed a desire to learn more about the woman through investigation, suggesting a meeting. “If you're

unsure of her looks or name, is there anything else you remember about her?” she probed.

As they approached a red light, Eileen applied the brakes, a nervous lump forming in her throat as Bryan's

expression tensed, a sign he was sifting through his memories. Eileen’s hands grew damp with sweat.

“Southlake Technology University,” Bryan finally said, recalling where Eileen had studied. It was the sole detail

he could remember about his wife.

After a brief pause, Vivian spoke, her voice tinged with disappointment. “But Southlake Technology University

graduates tens of thousands each year. Do you recall her department?”

“I don’t,” Bryan replied succinctly.

Eileen exhaled in relief as the light shifted to green. She started the car, grateful that Bryan didn’t remember the

specific details she had once shared about her department and class.

Thereafter, the call ended, and Bryan turned his attention back to the documents, though his glance briefly met

Eileen’s. The setting sun cast a warm glow on her profile, illuminating her skin and softening the strands of hair

that framed her face.

Eileen focused on the gathering, seemingly oblivious to Bryan's earlier conversation on the phone. Upon arriving

at the club, they found the exclusive top-floor room already bustling with guests.

Bryan's presence immediately invigorated the room, drawing everyone's attention. Drinks were poured, and

cigarettes were offered, setting the scene for an animated gathering. Eileen would usually mingle and partake in

drinks with them on such occasions when one of the assistants approached with a bottle of whiskey to pour her a

glass. A large hand intervened.

“Sheik on medication for an injury. No alcohol for her,” Bryan stated, with a cigarette casually resting between

his lips. The smoke framed his eyes, and his shirt hung loose, adding unintended charm to his demeanor.

Eileen, having overlooked the doctor's warning against alcohol, offered an apologetic smile to the assistant. “My

apologies, just stick to water,” she said. Her position as an assistant meant Bryan's word was final. Besides,

everyone was eager to drink and talk with Bryan, not her.

The room buzzed with toasts to Bryan, who managed the situation with ease, steering the discussions toward

future collaborations. As the evening progressed and talks of partnership neared conclusion, only the formalities

of contract signing remained.

The sudden entrance of a man in a silver-gray suit interrupted the flow. He walked in with a confident smile,

stopping behind Bryan to rest a hand on his shoulder. “Mr. Dawson, it’s been a while. You're making quick

decisions. We have an interest in this project as well. But it seems like you're nearly done here,” the man said.

Eileen’s expression tightened at the sight of Jonathan Mueller. In the business realm, where rivalries were as

common as partnerships, the Mueller family stood as Bryan's most formidable challenge. The history of

competition between their families was long and fraught with tension, making Jonathan's sudden appearance no

less than a calculated move.

Jonathan eyed the next to him, who promptly rose and vacated his seat for him. His movement necessitated a

slight rearrangement within the room to accommodate Jonathan's presence. Taking his place beside Bryan,

Jonathan casually draped an arm over the chair’s back, offering Bryan a smile. “Today, I'm not here to challenge

you for the project. What do you say to a partnership? I'm interested in a piece of the pie, too.”

Bryan, cigarette in hand, gestured toward the spread of food on the table. “If it's the pie you're after, there are

plenty right here.” His response left no room for ambiguity regarding other ventures.

“Con, Mr. Dawson. I'm talking about the project you're discussing tonight,” Jonathan clarified.

Bryan cut straight to the point. “That's out of the question. What you proposed isn’t sharing; it’s spoiling the

whole thing.”

Jonathan's ability to match Bryan's business acumen was questionable at best. Without the support of his family,

most of his ventures likely would have failed. A collaboration with Jonathan promised more risk than reward.

While Bryan typically maintained a veneer of diplomacy, the evening's libations might have inspired a more

forthright approach. Jonathan's smile evaporated, his annoyance palpable as he processed Bryan's candid

refusal. He then shifted his attention to Eileen. “Miss Curtis, it appears Mr. Dawson may have indulged a bit

much. Would you say it’s fair forto claim a portion of this deal?”

Jonathan's lack of subtlety extended beyond negotiations, resorting to pressuring Bryan's associates in a bid to

save face. Eileen, caught in his attempt to create discomfort, responded with a courteous smile. “That wouldn't

be appropriate.”

“How dare you, a mere assistant, speak tothis way?” Jonathan said. He stood up and walked toward Eileen,

intending to place his hand on her shoulder. However, Bryan caught his wrist and pulled him back with so much

force that Jonathan stumbled back into his chair. Looking up, Jonathan saw Bryan's cold and firm gaze.

“If you wish to stay for dinner, feel free. But if you're here to cause trouble, | suggest you leave,” Bryan stated,

his eyebrows slightly raised in disdain.

It took a moment for Jonathan to collect himself. “Really? You were calm when | attempted to take your project,

but you're defending an assistant with such fervor now. Are you having an affair with her or something?”

Bryan kicked Jonathan's chair. The chair tipped backward, and Jonathan found himself on the floor beside

Eileen’s feet. “Even your dad wouldn't dare challengeover a project. Who do you think you are?” Bryan

stood, looking at Jonathan coldly.

Jonathan had only a nominal role

within his family business, with his

father holding the real power. Bryan

, To

couldn't be DEES veal $th' Aim.

q )

Eiteen Sohsidered that Bryan's

q f q

intolerance for Jonathan's behavior

might have been heightened by

alcohol. However, she also

understood that this altercation could

lead to a serious conflict with the

Mueller family. The content is on

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chapter there!

After standing up and dusting himself off, Jonathan made a cutting remark. “All right, you've shown your bravery.

Provoking the Mueller family for an assistant. You should think if she’s worth it. Soon, you'll understand what |

meant.”

Jonathan's words focused not on his failed attempt at the project but on Bryan's defense of Eileen, evading his

own wrongdoings. Eileen sensed the complexity of the situation, knowing it would be difficult to clear her name.

With those final words, Jonathan left. Bryan and his companions retreated to a different private room. There,

after indulging in a meal and enjoying drinks, they began to engage in games.

Q . ,

Eileen noticed that Bryan's face had

taken on a reddish hue, a clear

indicator that he had perhaps mn

indulged a bit too midh)yet he

cB $0 drink as he participated

in a card game. Eileen was

contemplating whether to caution

him when, unexpectedly, he placed

his cards down, left his seat, and

approached her. The content is on

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chapter there!

He chose to sit right beside her, draping his arm around her waist in a manner that caught her off guard.

Fortunately, the merry atmosphere captured the attention of everyone else, ensuring that their secluded corner

remained unnoticed. Nonetheless, Eileen felt the need to adjust her position.

But suddenly, Bryan spoke; his voice was barely above a whisper and close to her ear. “I want you.” His words

jumbled Eileen’s thoughts, leaving her to grapple with a surge of emotions.

“Let's leave. Settle the bill and head home,” Bryan suggested, his tone soft yet roughened by the effects of

alcohol, his breath carrying a hint of tobacco.

Gathering her composure, Eileen

stood and assisted Bryan to his feet,

guiding him out of the room. She

asked a waiter to infor theitfrignds

that thaywsre depatti early and

ebedited Bryan to the elevator. The

)

moment the doors closed, Bryan's

actions becmore pronounced.

He positioned her against the wall of

the elevator, her hands secured by

his, compelling her to look up at him.

Then he kissed her with a passion

that felt immediate and demanding.