?Chapter 229:


    Both apartments featured a simr design, each with a long hallway at the entrance that led to a shoe cab on one side. The decor inside was modern and minimal, with a dining area that couldfortably amodate about eight guests.


    Bailee had prepared eight dishes, all selected because they were favorites of Eileen and Ruby. She even went the extra mile by finely chopping Ruby’s portions to make the food easier for her to eat.


    “Eileen, let me update you on what’s been happening here,” Bailee said as she helped feed Ruby.


    Her previous updates to Eileen during her stay in Wist Land had been somewhat vague, but now she could delve into the details.


    “The middle and upper sses in Onnd really prioritize education. The middle ss tends to prefer tutoring sses, while the upper ss is more than willing to invest in private one-on-one tutoring…”


    Bailee had managed to secure almost all the avable middle-ss families, and by the start of the school year in September, she had filled about seven tutoring sses. She had also chosen twenty capable tutors from around sixty applicants, all of whom were awaiting a second interview with Eileen.


    Several wealthy young clients had requested personal sessions with Eileen, and Bailee had arranged a full schedule for her. For other one-on-one students without specific tutor preferences, a selection of newly recruited, experienced tutors would need to be assigned to meet the demand.


    Eileen’s expression shifted from focused attention to a rxed contentment as she listened.


    After a lengthy discussion, Bailee cautiously added, “There were a couple of things I didn’t get a chance to report to you. I thought they were urgent, so I handled them myself. If there’s anything you’re not pleased with, we can still make adjustments!”


    New updates in g??lησv???s


    “There is actually one major issue,” Eileen said.


    Bailee’s bright expression dimmed slightly, and she quickly inquired, “Really? What’s the big problem? Is it toote to fix it?”


    “There’s still time,” Eileen reassured Bailee, encouraging her to stay calm. “As the Regional Director of the educational institution in Onnd, how can you doubt your abilities? Everything you’ve aplished since you’ve been here, including those details you didn’t initially share, has been outstanding. From now on, I’m leaving the operations here in your capable hands. I’ll focus on being a private tutor, and during my free time, I’ll take updates from you. You have no objections to this, do you?”


    The dining room fell silent, the only sounding from Milford as he chewed his food. He looked around with a puzzled expression.


    “Bailee… Well done!” Ruby managed to say, her hand trembling as she gave a thumbs-up.


    Bailee was on the verge of tears, setting her utensils aside and embracing Ruby. “I’ve learned so much from Eileen, but I’m not cut out to be in charge here; I’m just a receptionist.”


    “That’s nonsense,” Eileen replied firmly. “From this point on, you’ll be in charge. You’ll organize the timing for the second interviews of those tutors, and we’ll conduct them together. I’ll value your opinion.”


    Bailee nodded eagerly but then voiced her concerns. “But how can you just be a tutor?”


    Considering Eileen had founded the educational institution, Bailee felt she might be overstepping.


    Eileen gave her a reassuring wink and smiled. “I’m already preupied with a handful of students. Besides, I have more important matters to deal with.”


    Since returning to Onnd, Eileen felt her rtionship with Bryan needed more attention. She wanted to spend more time with him.


    With that thought in mind, she nced at her phone once more—still no message from Bryan.


    Her heart sank slightly, though her face showed no signs of distress.


    Bailee instantly understood Eileen’s implications. “You’re absolutely right!”


    Only Ruby seemed puzzled, not grasping the “more important matters” Eileen had mentioned.


    “Mom, when there’s a chance, I’ll properly introduce someone special to you,” Eileen said, gently cing her hand over Ruby’s and offering a smile.


    In an instant, Ruby caught on and responded with eager anticipation, “Okay!”


    Due to regional educational differences between the north and south, the teaching materials varied, prompting the introduction of a new online course tform in Onnd. Eileen needed to review some of the materials herself with the start of the courses in September fast approaching, leaving little time.


    After their meal, Bailee and Ruby spent time catching up. Eileen had Bailee create a manager’s ount for her in the online system. She then headed back to the apartment with Milford and dived into work.


    By nine o’clock, Eileen’s phone remained silent. Herstmunication with Bryan was a message she had sent before turning off her phone for the flight.


    Havingnded in Onnd hours earlier, she had yet to receive a text or call from him.


    Was he caught up with something?


    Eileen massaged the bridge of her nose and decided to reach out to Bryan.


    “Hey, I’m back home now.”


    Before the phone screen could go dark, Bryan’s replies popped up, each as sinct as ever.


    “Okay.”


    “I’m currently in a meeting.”


    “If you feel tired, go ahead and rest.”


    Bryan didn’t mention any ns to visit or when they might see each other again. He didn’t even inquire about her whereabouts.


    Feeling a mix of frustration, Eileen set her phone aside and turned her attention to herptop.


    The city lights sparkled against the night sky, and as the evening progressed, many of the lights in the buildings went out. One of the few lights still on was in Eileen’s room, where she worked diligently, sitting on the carpet.


    Though it was almost midnight and she could have waited until morning to tackle her work, she wanted to wait for a message from Bryan.


    After a long day of travel, exhaustion finally took over. Eileen gazed at the stars through her window, took a deep breath, and turned off herptop.


    Restlessly, she fiddled with her phone until she noticed a post from Denzel. The post featured several business leaders, including Bryan, cheerfully clinking sses in a toast. They were celebrating the sessful resolution of a project crisis. The picture had been posted thirty-five minutes ago.


    The meeting had ended, and they were now enjoying theirte-night celebration. Yet, Bryan hadn’t texted her.


    Eileen didn’t think she was being unreasonable. Given how attentive Bryan usually was, even if he didn’t leave the party to see her, he would typically at least send a message.


    Frustrated, Eileen put her phone away, wrapped herself in a light nket, and tried to sleep. The asional sound of distant traffic broke the stillness of the room.


    Suddenly, a soft but distinct tapping sound caught Eileen’s attention. She turned to look at the balcony and discerned a faint shadow moving in the moonlight.


    Quickly, she got out of bed and walked over to open the balcony window. Before she could react, a figure abruptly appeared before her.


    “Ah!” Her startled scream was followed by a backward stumble and a painfulnding on the floor, causing her to wince as tears welled up in her eyes.


    Looking up, she saw Bryan gripping the window sill, a trace of embarrassment on his handsome face. Clearly, he hadn’t intended to scare her. For a moment, he seemed unsure whether to climb in further or retreat.


    Regaining herposure, Eileen felt a surge of anger. She stood up and blocked the window to stop Bryan froming in.


    “Who’s this drunkard showing up at my window in the middle of the night?” she remarked, noticing the smell of alcohol on him.


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