?Chapter 280:


    The Dawson Mansion perched on the hillside, renowned as one of the finest homes in the country, let alone in Onnd. Valued at over a billion dors, its price matched its majestic stature perfectly. The ambiance exuded grandeur, prompting Ste’s concern that Ruby might find it too imposing.


    Ste’s thoughtful consideration made Eileen feel valued.


    “Alright, I’ll talk to my mother about itter,” Eileen said. Bryan hurried through his meal and turned to Eileen. “I have a meetinging up. It might keep me overnight. If you’re tired, feel free to go back to our room and wait.”


    “Sure.” It wasn’t Eileen’s first time staying here, and she epted the arrangement without hesitation.


    Ste was ted, taking Eileen upstairs after dinner to tend to the flowers, her mind drifting to what life would be like after Eileen married Bryan. As her face was adorned with smile lines, Ste said, “It’s been seven years. Honestly, I initially urged Bryan to marry you out of anger. But as I got to know you better, I saw that you’re a good person. You’re ambitious and hardworking. You’ve kept promises and followed through on everything. Since getting married, you haven’t caused any trouble for me or Bryan.”


    At that time, Ste had resolved that if Eileen ever treated the Dawson family like her personal ATM, asking for money, she would insist Bryan divorce her immediately. But Eileen had never done that. After signing the marriage contract, Eileen had never approached her again. Impressed by Eileen’s decisiveness, Ste had begun to take notice of her. She had even joined thepany and diligently worked her way to a sry increase.


    Gradually, Eileen had gained recognition as an assistant. As a result, Ste had seen potential in encouraging Eileen to engage with Bryan. It had been Ste’s initiative that had led Eileen to be Bryan’s special assistant.


    Ste hadn’t been surprised that she hadn’t recognized Eileen; they had only met once at City Hall. After their marriage, it had been Ste who had kept the marriage certificate. She had wondered how Eileen had felt seeing Bryan, eager to gauge her reaction.


    But it had turned out Eileen had continued to work diligently, which had made Bryan pleased with her. Ste’s admiration for Eileen grew, leading her to orchestrate for Eileen to end up in Bryan’s bed. But she hadn’t anticipated their rtionship evolving into something else.


    Ste had thought Eileen might be pregnant eventually. However, Eileen and Bryan had developed feelings for each other, yet Eileen was still not pregnant. Ste even wondered if Bryan might be infertile. Still, Ste chose not to discuss this with Eileen, fearing she might be seen as too maniptive.


    All of a sudden, a noise from the corner startled Ste and Eileen.


    Eileen and Ste turned together, catching sight of a fleeting ck figure.


    Eileen got up and walked over. There was no one on the stairs outside the garden house, and a metal sign caught the light as ity on the ground.


    Eileen hesitated briefly before bending down to retrieve it.


    It turned out to be a Dawson family servant’s name tag.


    “Look at this,” Eileen said, handing the name tag to Ste. “This belongs to Doris,” Ste said, lost in thought. “She has been with us for about six years. Z was the one who referred her to me.”


    Eileen bit her lip, locking eyes with Ste for a few seconds.


    After a pause, Ste smiled reassuringly. “I’ll return it to herter. Focus on the wedding preparations for now. I’ll take care of everything else.”


    “Okay,” Eileen replied.


    After all, the servant worked for the Dawson family.


    Despite her suspicions, there was little Eileen could do.


    Ste would likely take the necessary precautions.


    Although Eileen had less work to dotely, her nights were still busy, leaving her often exhausted.


    After showering, she climbed into bed and video called Bailee.


    As the call connected, Eileen immediately noticed Bailee’s troubled expression and reddened eyes.


    “What’s wrong?” she inquired with concern.


    “Nothing. Chopping onions earlier while cooking made my eyes water a bit,” Bailee quickly replied, offering an excuse.


    In reality, Bailee shared a simr temperament with Eileen. She was always quietly bearing whatever sadness came her way.


    Realizing she wouldn’t glean much from this call, Eileen decided to let the topic go for now and instead informed Bailee about Ste’s invitation for Ruby and her to the Dawson Mansion tomorrow evening.


    Bailee passed the phone to Ruby, who agreed without hesitation.


    After ending the call, Eileen scrolled through Huey’s post.


    It was apletely ck photo with the caption: “My mood matches the picture.” Had Bailee and Huey quarreled?


    In recent days, Eileen had witnessed moments of joy between them, but she had also seen glimpses of arguments.


    Despite being younger than Huey, Bailee had matured considerably due to Ruby’s illness over the years. Bailee had changed from the carefree girl she once had been.


    Especially since arriving in Onnd, Bailee had taken full responsibility for the education agency and kept herself upied.


    Because of Bailee’s busy schedule, Huey hadn’t gotten to spend much time with her, which had led to their constant arguments.


    To put it bluntly, Huey could be a bit immature, but he truly loved Bailee.


    Lost in her thoughts, Eileen drifted to sleep.


    When Bryan pushed the door open, he found the bedroom bathed in the soft glow of the bedsidemp, casting a gentle light on Eileen’s slender figure.


    Her figure was entuated by her long hair cascading like seaweed.


    The strap of her nightgown slipped off her shoulders, exposing the skin adorned with a blend of old and new hickeys.


    Bryan had been content, thinking such frequency of sleeping with her would satisfy him. Yet, seeing her now, his desire for her only intensified.


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