Shrouded Affections Winning Back My CEO Wife

Chapter 90 Chapter 90: Eileen's world shattered into fragments as Roderick's bombshell words echoed. Her heart raced, and her breath caught in her throat, freezing her in disbelief.

The others all turned to look at her and Bryan, their expressions a mix of shock and curiosity.

Eileen, usually composed, now stood ghostly pale, drained of all color, while Bryan's countenance darkened with a stormy intensity.

Speech failed them both, leaving the accusation hanging in the air, unanswered. It seemed to everyone that what Roderick had said was true.

Seizing the moment amidst the stunned onlookers, Roderick wriggled free from their grasp, rising to his feet. His eyes met Bryan's cold gaze.

With an uneasy swallow, Roderick hesitated to confront the looming figure before him. "You... You can't abandon Eileen like this!" Bryan's response was a disdainful snort, his lips curling in a mockery of laughter.

Beside him, Eileen flinched, hearing the grinding of teeth that spoke volumes of Bryan's suppressed fury. "And what, pray tell, do you propose?" Bryan's voice was icy, his words sharp with barely contained wrath. Stammering, Roderick pressed on, his determination warring with trepidation. “You must compensate her! She has been with you for so many years. What about her future? She-" "Enough!" Eileen's interjection was a desperate plea, her frustration reaching a breaking point.

As all eyes turned to her, she felt the weight of their scrutiny, suffocating her with a sense of vulnerability. Latest chapters in gl.☐☐☐ But the worst of all was the indifference of Bryan; his gaze averted, his silence a dagger to her wounded pride. Eileen cast her gaze downward, unable to bear the potential sarcasm and disdain etched on Bryan's face.

With trembling resolve, she pushed Roderick toward the door. "Leave!" "But Eileen, he promised to make it right! You heard him, didn't you? I can't just leave you here. What if he goes back on his word once I'm gone?" Roderick's concern for Eileen's well-being was evident, especially as he glanced nervously at Bryan's darkened face.

Turning to the bystanders for support, he shouted, "You all heard him! He said he'd compensate her!" "Leave now!" Unable to compel him to go, Eileen's urgency escalated into a shout, her usually composed voice now strained and high-pitched.

Tears streamed down her cheeks, a silent testament to her anguish.

Though she couldn't see Roderick's expression, she sensed his retreat, cowed by her resolve.

"Eileen," his voice wavered, his confusion palpable. “Did I... Did I do wrong? But Judie does have a point. You can't simply allow him to walk away without compensating her." So, it was Judie stirring up trouble once more. Wiping away her tears, Eileen's tone turned resolute. "I won't repeat myself! Leave now!" The escalating commotion had drawn a crowd, prompting someone to call the security guards. The sound of rapid footsteps grew louder as they approached.

Meanwhile, Bryan's gaze hardened, indicating his growing displeasure with the situation.

It now dawned on Roderick that he had made a mistake. He exclaimed, “I can't abandon you, Eileen! I can't simply walk away..." "What a performance!" Bryan's remark shattered Eileen's dignity entirely.

Turning to face him, she found him looking utterly strange, as if he were a different person, his eyes cold and scornful.

The security guards rushed over, batons in hand, and positioned themselves behind Bryan, their gaze fixed fiercely on Roderick.

Seeing Eileen defending Roderick, the security guards hesitated, unsure whether to intervene.

"Mr. Dawson..." They all awaited Bryan's command.

Without hesitation, Bryan stepped forward, whisking Eileen away to his office before anyone could react.

Eileen stumbled as Bryan ushered her into his office. Once inside, he released his grip on her wrist, only to grasp her shoulder firmly.

Eileen found herself compelled to meet his gaze. As she raised her head, her tears flowed even more freely. Bryan said, "Do you need money that badly? Just nyour price. Are you resorting to theatrics? Are you just planning to leaveand vanish?" Bryan's words stung, his breath warm against her skin yet sending chills down her spine. Unable to hold back tears, Eileen couldn't utter a response.

With a sneer, Bryan said, "I thought you were clever. I never imagined you'd be foolish enough to pull a stunt like this." His hand slid to tightly grip her chin, compelling her to meet his gaze. "What's your price?" he demanded. "How much do you think you're worth?" Eileen bit her lower lip, struggling to find her voice under his penetrating stare.

She finally managed to say, "I'm not asking for any of your money. I never even considered it. Roderick was misled by someone." Her explanation seemed futile in front of Bryan, who was furious.

It seemed like he hadn't truly heard her. He said coldly, "Do you really think you can survive in Onaland after crossing me? Allowto offer a suggestion. How about becoming my secret lover for life? As long as you satisfyand behave, I'm willing to keep you indefinitely. I can provide you with whatever money you desire." Eileen felt drained as Bryan's words washed over her.

Bryan released his grip, and Eileen collapsed at his feet, her long hair obscuring most of her face.

Unable to regain his composure, Bryan took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and strode toward the French window. With a flick of his lighter, he ignited a cigarette and began to smoke.

It was as though smoking was his ultimate remedy, providing a sense of relief.

Eileen's tears fell onto the back of her scalded hand, yet she remained numb to the pain.

After a long while, her tearful eyelashes fluttered, and she slowly rose to her feet.

She knew further explanation was futile. Bryan wouldn't listen. Despite the fact that she had been set up by Judie, she acknowledged her role in the situation, realizing that things had escalated beyond repair.

The air was heavy with cigarette smoke as she approached Bryan. She noticed the pile of discarded cigarette butts next to his expensive shoes.

He had been chain-smoking all this while. He seemed truly mad. If the Warren family caught wind of this debacle, it could further delay his marriage to Vivian.

Eileen said, "I apologize for disappointing you, Mr. Dawson. This is entirely my fault. You don't oweany compensation. I'll write my resignation letter immediately." "I won't give you a dime," Bryan interjected coldly. He turned, fixing a stern gaze upon her. "You're suspended for the tbeing. We'll discuss your resignation after my grandmother's birthday." Suspended? Eileen lifted her head, puzzled. She had expected immediate termination.

Bryan glanced down, his eyes settling on the blisters of different sizes that marred the back of Eileen's scalded hand.

He pressed his lips together tightly before finally looking away.

"Handle the situation outside," he commanded, turning back to the window.

Following his directive, Eileen turned and strode out of his office. A crowd still lingered outside.

Roderick was being held back by guards. Seeing Eileen emerge, he hung his head guiltily.

"Enough loitering. Postpone the meeting by half an hour. You can release him," Eileen commanded, authority intact despite her disheveled appearance. The senior executives all went into the meeting room while others dispersed.

The security guards released Roderick and retreated downstairs.

There, Eileen retrieved her bag from her office amidst curious glances. She then entered the elevator with Roderick.

As the elevator doors shut, the previously quiet office erupted with chatter. Eileen believed she could faintly hear the disparaging remarks being exchanged about her behind her back.

Despite the incident unfolding on the top floor, it had swiftly circulated throughout the entire building during Eileen's twith Bryan in his office.

Upon reaching the first floor, the receptionist stole a glance at Eileen from behind her desk. Expressionless, Eileen made her way towards the door with Roderick, Bryan's icy gaze weighing heavily on her mind.

Exiting the Apex Group's building, Eileen and Roderick were greeted by the sun's rays, yet an undeniable chill lingered in the air. Though she had her coat, Eileen's foul mood prevented her from donning it.

Then, she halted abruptly at the sight of two figures by the fountain.

Vivian stood there with her arms crossed, a faint smirk playing on her lips as she looked at Eileen.

Judie glanced briefly at Eileen before she turned away with a guilty conscience. She quickly approached Roderick and took his arm. "Let's go." "Eileen..." Roderick hesitated, unwilling to leave. "I know I messed up. What did he say to you? Did he give you a hard time?" "No," Eileen responded hoarsely. Turning to Judie, she asked, "You asked Roderick to chere, didn't you?" Judie's eyes twitched as she stuttered, "He made the decision himself. I just... agh!” A sharp slap cut her off mid-sentence.

Eileen's voice grew hoarse with frustration. "I slapped you because I can't tolerate foolishness any longer. Let's see how you'll fare if you continue working for Vivian." She then turned to Roderick with words of advice. “Onaland isn't working out for you. Don't hesitate to leave the city!" Judie winced from the sting of the slap. She suppressed her anger, fearful of Eileen's wrath.

Though Eileen appeared calm, her gaze was so menacing that Judie dared not provoke her.

"You act so superior in front of your family, yet you've left Apex Group like this," Vivian sneered sarcastically. She sauntered over and signaled to Judie, who had no choice but to take Roderick's arm and lead him away.

Roderick hesitated, sensing something amiss. But overwhelmed by guilt, he followed Judie.

"You're no better," Eileen said, her eyes narrowing against the wind. "You can only resort to such tactics to achieve your goals. In Bryan's eve eyes, you're no different. Remember, you haven't achieved your goal yet.

And I'm only suspended, not fired.

You're still not part of the Dawson family. What gives you the right to be arrogant?" Eileen couldn't tell if it was stubbornness or resentment that fueled her words in front of Vivian.

With a snort, Eileen brushed past Vivian and muttered, "See you later." Rather than taking the company car, Eileen hailed a taxi and headed back to Springvale Lane.

Feeling numb, she remained expressionless throughout the ride. After giving the driver her address, she sat silently as if in a trance.

Upon arriving home, exhaustion weighed heavily on her, and she collapsed onto the sofa, drifting into sleep. As she slept, she felt cold and curled up, hugging herself tightly.

Meanwhile, as darkness enveloped the city outside, Bryan stood before the French window, his gaze distant.

A half-empty bottle of red wine sat on the table behind him, the scent of alcohol thick in the air Though he in de had imbibed more than half of the bottle, he remained sober, staring blankly into space. Jacob's sudden. arrival broke the silence in the room. Bryan's voice was cold and detached. "Why are you here?" "Your grandmother couldn't reach you or your assistant, so she contacted me," Jacob explained, taking a seat on the bench by the window. Sensing Bryan's foul mood, he glanced around the office.

"Are you working late? Where is Eileen? Why isn't she with you?" Jacob asked.

"She's suspended," Bryan replied, his voice deep.

Jacob realized something bad must have happened. "Are you trying to get rid of Eileen to be with Vivian?" he blurted out.