Shrouded Affections Winning Back My CEO Wife

Chapter 23 Chapter 23: The day brought an outing by the creek organized by the company's staff. Eileen, haunted by Bryan's text message, walked downstairs just in tto witness the preparations for the gathering.

Upon spotting her, someone from the group extended an invitation to the picnic. Eileen accepted the invitation, although spending twith colleagues was not her usual choice. Her days were often filled with work, leaving little room for social circles. Even during team-oriented events, she would always stay by Bryan's side.

But today was different. As she left the confines of the hotel, she was greeted by the sun. Despite the heat, the light breeze offered a hint of relief, soothing her lingering headache.

It wasn't long before she found herself amid a cluster of chattering colleagues, with the conversation veering towards the nature of Bryan's feelings for Vivian.

"Miss Warren's return has been lengthy. Mr. Dawson should have left his current wife to be with Miss Warren long ago." "You're right. The media had much to say about Miss Warren. There were stories, but the Warren family managed to quiet them. But Mr. Dawson remained silent through it all.” "Eileen, what's your take on this? Doesn't Mr. Dawson like Miss Warren?" The group's musings turned to Eileen, seeking her insight.

Clearing her throat, Eileen maintained her composure. "Mr. Dawson's matters are his own. My insights aren't any deeper than what you all already know." "You're always around him, Eileen. Take a guess-we're all ears." With a gentle shake of her head, Eileen replied, "Speculation isn't my game. I'm as in the dark as you." Find your next read on gVlnovlsAmidst the nudges for a revelation, Eileen's smile barely concealed her discomfort. Bryan's private sentiments were a riddle to her as well.

"Perhaps Mr. Dawson's affection for Miss Warren isn't as profound as we think." The whisper from Roxanne Gomez in the secretary department sparked a wave of intrigue.

"Why would you say that?" someone asked.

Roxanne cast a cautious glance around before saying, "I couldn't help but catch a snippet of conversation between Miss Warren and her brother today. There were tears-she was upset because despite sharing a room with Mr. Dawson, it seems their nights have been quite platonic recently." The implication hung in the air, leaving little to the imagination. Eileen's understanding clicked. Vivian had deliberately made Bryan share a room with her; two evenings had passed without anything happening between them. Vivian must be frustrated about that.

Eileen knew Bryan had plans for the evening today, hinting at further disappointment for Vivian.

"I suspect it's payback from Mr. Dawson against Miss Warren," someone said.

"Could it be a reprisal for the years she left him on his own?" another questioned.

"That's possible. Miss Warren can't expect Mr. Dawson to accept her as soon as she comes back to him. She was the one who left him before, after all. It's natural for Mr. Dawson to be a bit mad at Miss Warren. But he's probably doing this because he still cares about her." Eileen found herself silent, her thoughts a tangled web she couldn't weave clarity from. The speculative chatter cast a shadow over her mood, nudging her to seek solitude.

"I need sair. You guys have fun," she said and left.

Map in hand, Eileen sought the tranquility of the creek-side floral tapestry, a spot the others had explored the day before.

As she neared the area, the scent of flowers greeted her, mingling with the warmth of sunlight and the caress of the breeze. The vibrant tableau of flowers beneath the vast sky buoyed her spirits.

Caught in the beauty of the field, Eileen let the hours slip by, even forgoing lunch. It was only as dusk began to paint the sky that she returned to the hotel for the evening meal. From afar, she spotted Bryan and the others already gathered for dinner.

Vivian's smile was radiant as she sat by Bryan, his face a mask of unreadable calm. She welcomed the group back as though they were her employees.

Eileen took her place at the table among sof her colleagues.

As soon as Eileen took her seat, Vivian said, "The day's activities must have worn everyone out. You're all pretty tired now, right?" Heads bobbed in agreement around the table. The day's exertions had indeed taken their toll.

"Perhaps we should all go to sleep early tonight. After all, it is our final evening here," Vivian suggested, her tone light but hopeful, casting a glance toward Jacob.

"I plan to call it an early night today," Jacob responded. "Tomorrow's agenda is packed. I must rest well tonight." Kian echoed the sentiment. "I've got an early departure. Tonight, rest is also essential for me." Vivian's gaze flitted to Bryan, hinting at her disappointment.

"Then we all agree-early rest it is," she shared, reaching a conclusion.

Bryan's reply was gentle yet firm. “Actually, I have commitments this evening." His tone was light, but his eyes were kind, as if to cushion the letdown for Vivian. "Get srest. There's no need to wait fortonight." Around them, the hushed exchange didn't go unnoticed. Nearby colleagues exchanged fleeting glances, feigning ignorance.

A hint of color drained from Vivian's cheeks as she spoke, her voice steady but laced with tension. "What's so important tonight? You're not in the company, after all." Eileen watched them quietly, wondering how Bryan would reply to Vivian's question.

But the next moment, Bryan turned to Eileen. "She has the details." This caught Eileen off guard, her heart skipping a beat as all eyes at the table turned to her.

Gathering her composure, she told Vivian, "Mr. Dawson is slated for a crucial international meeting this evening.

It involves the Apex Group's global project, and even his parents are joining the call." A colleague chimed in, having witnessed Eileen's earlier diligence. "That explains your morning calls. It was all for this meeting's prep, right?" With a confirming nod, Eileen felt the weight of the table's gaze lift slightly. "Exactly," she said.

Vivian seemed poised to continue, but Bryan suddenly said to Eileen, "Could you ensure the kitchen hurries with our meal? We need to be timely for the meeting." With a nod, Eileen excused herself to hasten the service.

Upon her return, the air was heavy with unspoken words, the disappointment in Vivian's fate evident.

The dinner was a silent affair for Eileen. Once done, she retreated to her room to organize for the impending meeting.

Bryan arrived shortly, and his expression shifted upon seeing her diligence. A smile cracked his solemn demeanor. "Impressive. You really prepared for the meeting," he said.

Eileen's response was a quiet laugh, knowing the complexities the evening held after Roxanne's revelation. That was why she had preemptively rescheduled the meeting for tonight.

It was unclear whether Bryan had done that on purpose.

Regardless, Eileen maintained her composure and said, "Have a seat, Mr. Dawson. I'll get you a cup of coffee." Bryan arranged his papers on the table before settling into the comfort of the sofa.

Returning with coffee, Eileen was momentarily taken aback by the sight of Bryan under the soft lighting. Clad in casual attire, the contours of his face were highlighted, emphasizing a stoic detachment.

As he perused the documents, Eileen composed herself and placed the coffee before him, taking a seat across from him.

"Mr. Dawson, we're here to go over the Apex Group's project progress and our prospects within it," she began, turning the focus to the business at hand.

They engaged in earnest conversation, maintaining professionalism despite the informal setting.

Thirty minutes later, the online meeting commenced. Eileen jotted down notes while Bryan engaged effortlessly with the remote participants.

A knock interrupted them, and Bryan's brief glance was Eileen's cue to open the door.

Vivian stood there, a plate of fruit in her hands. She squeezed past Eileen and stopped behind Bryan Seeing that he was indeed having a video conference on the computer, she placed the fruit down and whispered to Eileen, "Eileen, how long will the meeting last?" "It's hard to say. The tdepends on how the dialogue with our international team unfolds. It could be extended for hours if there's more to debate," Eileen replied.

Vivian's sigh barely masked her disappointment. She mustered a smile, gesturing to the fruit. "Thought you might need a little something during your marathon." Eileen thanked her, and as Vivian left, she settled herself onto the bed, seemingly in no rush to depart anytsoon.

Eileen gently closed the door and returned to her spot at the coffee table to resher note-taking as the meeting continued.

As they worked, tslipped away beneath a canopy of stars. Vivian, lost in thought, drifted between the bed and the window seat, her glances toward Eileen and Bryan carrying a tinge of melancholy.

Dawn crept upon them silently. Eileen discovered that Vivian had succumbed to sleep, her form curled and delicate against the backdrop of the morning light.

Observing Bryan, who had been Om fueled by caffeine throughout the meeting, Eileen noted the weariness etched into his features. Catching her eye, he acknowledged her silent communication with a glance. Without words, Eileen signaled toward Vivian's sleeping form. Understanding something, Bryan briefly used his phone before setting it aside.

A knock on the door soon followed.

Puzzled, Eileen answered Bryan's cue and found Kian outside the door. Kian cin and gently lifted Vivian, exiting the room with her in his arms.

The door clicked shut behind them, sealing the room in quietude once more. As the meeting's diaboguem flowed on, Bryan's voice beca soothing lullaby for Eileen, who started to feel sleepy and closed her eyes.