?Chapter 75:


    Jonathan regarded Bryan with an air of arrogance, their faces mere inches apart.


    The tension between them was no secret, and a palpable awkward silence descended as onlookers watched the scene.


    Not too far away, Kian’s brow furrowed in concern at the sight, feeling a strong impulse to step in, yet Vivian stopped him.


    “‘Bryan will manage. It’s Eileen who’s truly in a difficult situation here. Let’s just sit back and watch,” she said.


    From the moment Jonathan arrived, his intense focus had been on Eileen.


    With the situation around them, Vivian believed Bryan wouldn’t confront Jonathan to defend Eileen.


    She surmised that Eileen was about to suffer.


    Convinced that their current spot didn’t offer the best perspective, Vivian guided Kian to a more elevated position, ensuring they had a clear view over the crowd to watch the unfolding drama.


    Bryan appeared unperturbed as he squinted at Jonathan and said, “Hello, Mr. Mueller.”


    Clearly, he didn’t regard Jonathan with much concern.


    Eileen felt uneasy because most of the people present were aware that her rtionship with Bryan was a facade.


    No one else dared to expose this or offend Bryan. But Jonathan didn’t care about this.


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    Even though Bryan was known to have a strong connection with Maney, the Hamilton family was famous for their integrity and disdain for deceit.


    If Eileen and Bryan’s real rtionship was exposed here today, the friendship they had built with Maney and his wife based on trust would crumble.


    “Long time no see, Eileen.” Jonathan leaned in slightly as he greeted Eileen, his eyes carrying a clear threat as he subtly raised his eyebrows.


    Bryan stepped in front of Eileen, acting as a barrier against Jonathan’s imposing stare.


    “‘Don’t be defensive, Mr. Dawson,” Jonathan said as he straightened and adopted an innocent expression before the onlookers, “She is just your assistant, isn’t she? She’s not your wife. Why do you seem so upset? I just wanted to say hello to her.”


    Eileen, standing behind Bryan’s formidable presence, pressed her lips together slightly. Her anxiety peaked, causing her fingers to nervously sp.


    Suddenly, a disturbance nearby drew her attention. The crowd parted like a wave, revealing the tall figure of Maney.


    Dressed in a blue tuxedo with golden ents and sporting gold-rimmed sses that sat neatly on his nose, his curious eyes scanned the unfolding drama.


    His demeanor was a stark contrast to the cheerful facade he had disyed just the night before. He asked Jonathan, “What do you mean by that? Are you implying they are actually a couple?”


    “‘Yeah, they’re not a couple,” Jonathan replied coolly, his voice carrying a tone of blunt honesty. “Eileen is simply Bryan’s special assistant, nothing more.”


    Jonathan then took a few steps back, positioning himself as a mere observer.


    Maney, with a mix of disbelief and irritation coloring his expression, confronted Bryan directly. “Bryan, is this true? Are you and Eileen not actually a couple?”


    Eileen, no longer content to remain in the shadows, stepped forward to stand beside Bryan, meeting Maney’s gaze. Her lips parted, ready to say something.


    But suddenly, she felt aforting warmth envelop her waist as Bryan wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. Then, he leaned closer and kissed her.


    Their lips met, the faint scent of lemon from her mingling with the rich fragrance of wine from him.


    Eileen’s fingers tightened instinctively on his shirt.


    As they parted, Bryan tenderly wiped her glistening lips with his thumb, his eyes crinkling in a faint, knowing smile.


    Turning confidently to Maney, he asked, “Mr. Hamilton, do you need more evidence of our rtionship?”


    More evidence? As Bryan’s words hung in the air, Eileen felt her ears heat up. Was he really suggesting escting their intimacy right here in front of the crowd?


    Maney’s demeanor rxed noticeably. He turned to Jonathan and said, “I think it’s just a misunderstanding.”


    Bryan simply arched an eyebrow, not saying anything.


    Jonathan opened his mouth to rify but hesitated, catching Bryan’s cold re.


    The sharp look quieted him instantly.


    After all, this was Bayside City. Anyone in Onnd would be privy to the gossip surrounding Aryan and Vivian.


    Those in the know, wary of Bryan’s influence, kept their lips sealed.


    Jonathan, recognizing his position, reluctantly admitted defeat. With a smile, he turned to Maney. “Mr. Hamilton, please ept my apologies for the misunderstanding. I’m not that familiar with Mr. Dawson.”


    “It’s alright,” Maney responded graciously. “Please, continue your discussion. I’ll arrange for a special vintage to be brought up—the one from the year my wife and I got married.”


    Maney gave Jonathan a meaningful look before pping Bryan on the shoulder and leaving.


    On the outskirts of the gathering, Kristi, drawn by the murmurs, approached Maney swiftly. “What happened?”


    “It’s nothing serious,” Maney reassured her softly.


    “‘Someone said Bryan and Eileen aren’t actually—”


    “‘Did you actually believe that?” Kristi said instantly, her voiceced with conviction. “Eileen’s pregnancy surely settles any doubts about their rtionship!”


    Exhaling deeply, Maney ced a reassuring hand on Kristi’s shoulder as they moved toward the cer.


    As they navigated through the crowd, Kristi acknowledged Kian and Vivian with a subtle, yet gracious nod.


    Vivian stood rooted to the spot, visibly shaken.


    After Kristi and Maney left, Vivian whirled around and clutched Kian’s arm with urgency. “Kian, did you catch what they were just discussing? Is Eileen really pregnant?”


    Kian’s face grew solemn, and he struggled to keep his emotions in check. Gently grasping Vivian’s hand, he replied, “I can’t confirm if it’s true. I’ll look into it.”


    “Look into what?” Vivian’s voice cut sharply through the air. “If even Maney and his wife are talking about it, then it must be true! There’s no need for further snooping. You need to find a way to make Eileen end the pregnancy. I cannot tolerate her having Bryan’s child! It’s bad enough she’s sleeping with him!”


    Vivian’s shrill voice teetered on the edge of capturing the attention of nearby onlookers.


    Kian quickly guided Vivian to a more private corner. Releasing her hand, she began to pace, her head bowed, her movements agitated.


    Opening Vivian’s bag, Kian extracted a white medicine bottle and took out two pills from it. He gently opened Vivian’s mouth, ced the pills inside, and helped her swallow them with her drink.


    Some of the liquid dribbled down Vivian’s chin, staining her dress, her hair disheveled in the struggle.


    Leaning back against the wall, Vivian’s eyes were wild with distress. “I can’t let Eileen have Bryan’s baby. That baby cannot be born!”


    As Kian set the ss down on the nearby steps, Vivian’s legs gave way, and she copsed into his arms.


    Without hesitation, Kian scooped her up and carried her away from the prying eyes of the crowd.


    Behind them, Jonathan had watched the whole scene. After a moment of stunned silence, a slow smile crept across his face. “The plot thickens,” he murmured to himself, anticipation lighting his eyes. “This is turning out to be quite the spectacle. I can’t wait to see what happens next.”


    As the ballmenced, Bryan carefully ced his tuxedo jacket over Eileen’s shoulders and rested his hand gently on her waist.


    They moved together across the dance floor, Eileen’s long hair tracing a graceful arc through the air with each spin.


    Her gaze frequently drifted away from Bryan, scanning the crowd.


    She noted the absence of Vivian and Kian and assumed they had probably left after they had kissed.


    “‘What are you thinking about?” Bryan’s voice, tinged with a hint of dissatisfaction, floated down to her.


    Eileen lifted her gaze slightly, offering him a small, reassuring smile. “Oh, nothing serious. It just felt quite risky earlier. If Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton were to learn about our actual rtionship, I think they’d be deeply disappointed.”


    She held a genuine respect for Kristi and Maney, particrly drawn to Kristi’s straightforwardness and warmth.


    In truth, they weren’t deceiving them. She and Bryan were indeed a couple.


    But she had hidden this from everyone, including Bryan.


    “In the business world, discussing rtionships is often seen as inappropriate. It’s crucial to focus on the most valuable aspects when coborating. Personal rtionships shouldn’t cloud professional judgments,” Bryan stated, reflecting his pragmatic approach to business, always aimed at optimizing the oues of his partnerships.


    Silently, Eileen mulled over his words, pondering her own value in Bryan’s strategic choices. Yet, she felt discussing their personal affection was off-limits.


    She let out a soft chuckle, her grip on his shoulder easing. Her hand gently drifted to rest on his chest as they continued to dance.


    As the ball wound down, the servantsid out avish spread. The guests dispersed, each finding a spot to settle down and indulge in the feast.


    Choosing a quiet corner, Eileen watched Bryan navigate the long tables, his te piled with an assortment of desserts.


    Her heart warmed at the sight—every item was her favorite.


    The thoughtful selection of her favorite desserts from Bryan led Eileen to a sweet illusion that Bryan’s love for her was profound.


    It seemed to her that their connection was woven not only through moments of physical intimacy but also through these tender, thoughtful gestures.


    Her initially detached gaze softened, filled with a warmth and tenderness that transformed her face.


    When Bryan returned, he ced the desserts in front of her and sat down opposite her. “You need to eat something,” he said gently. “The event ends at three, and I have arranged for us to go horseback riding at the—”


    “Okay,” Eileen responded, her voice gentle as she began to delicately nibble on the desserts.


    Bryan watched her with affectionate eyes. As she leaned forward, her long hair cascaded over one shoulder, spilling onto her chest.


    Her demeanor now was a stark contrast to her usual business demeanor. At this moment, stripped of her professional attire, she seemed more vulnerable.


    It stirred in Bryan a deep protective instinct.


    Just then, his phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out to find a message from Kian.


    “Taking Vivian home early. She’s not feeling well. Remember our deal.”


    Bryan’s expression darkened momentarily as he read the message. After that, he slipped the phone back into his pocket as if nothing had happened.


    “Make sure to check that woman’s information as soon as you get back tomorrow afternoon. I want all her details by the morning after tomorrow,” Bryan said to Eileen.


    His tone betrayed a sense of urgency as if he couldn’t afford to wait any longer.


    Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Eileen looked up and asked softly, “Do you remember anything about her?”


    “Not really,” Bryan replied. He genuinely couldn’t recall that woman’s face; it had been merely a fleeting nce.


    He didn’t even remember her name. After his marriage, his grandmother had taken the liberty of hiding the marriage certificate.


    “With what little you do remember, would you like to guess how she has been doing these days?” Eileen probed gently, a subtle smile ying on her lips.


    Bryan furrowed his brow, eyeing Eileen’s smile with suspicion. “What are you trying to say?” he asked, a note of perplexity in his voice.


    Eileen shook her head lightly and responded, “Never mind. Just a passing thought.”


    A heavy silence fell between them. After a moment, Bryan narrowed his eyes thoughtfully and said, “She must be leading a good life. Otherwise, she would have reached out to me long ago.”


    He was skeptical that the woman could remain as steadfast as Eileen.


    Eileen had never asked for more from him.


    If that woman was not livingfortably or found herself in dire financial need, Bryan was certain she would have approached him for financial assistance.


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