ã€ŠShrouded Affections Winning Back My CEO Wifeã€‹


 Chapter 1

    ?Chapter 1:

    In the CEO¡¯s lounge at Apex Group, Eileen Curtis rose from the bed, gathering her shirt and skirt strewn across the floor, putting them on swiftly. As she dressed, a seductive charm lingered in her eyes, fresh from her recent encounter with the man on the bed. Her gaze met his cold expression.

    The man was Bryan Dawson, the CEO of Apex Group, her boss, and her benefactor. Their secret rtionship was confined to this very lounge. Beyond these walls, she was nothing more than his special assistant.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, if there¡¯s nothing more, I¡¯ll return to my duties,¡± Eileen said, offering a practiced smile. As she spoke, she deftly arranged her long hair into a bun, her appearance swiftly transitioning from enticing to strictly professional. It almost seemed as if she hadn¡¯t just been intimate with him.

    Bryan narrowed his eyes, his gaze lingering on her delicate face.

    ¡°Vivian is back.¡±

    Eileen had reached the door, hand poised to open it, when Bryan¡¯s words stopped her in her tracks. Her body stiffened, the color drained from her face; even her breathing momentarily halted. However, she quickly regained herposure and turned around, maintaining her well-measured smile.

    ¡°Understood, Mr. Dawson. I will not step into this room again,¡± she said.

    Bryan¡¯s first love, Vivian Warren, for whom he had waited six years, had returned. Eileen had been nothing more than a means to satisfy his needs. Despite the fact that his presence had been her sole source of support over the past years, she was acutely aware that she only truly had him to herself in those intimate moments.

    Bryan rose from the bed, indifferent to his state of undress. He found his pants on the floor and put them on.

    ¡°What does this have to do with you?¡± he asked with a chuckle, handing her his shirt, which she helped him into. As she buttoned his shirt, his voice came from above.

    ¡°Draft a divorce agreement for me.¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s is your storytelling haven

    Eileen paused, her gaze lifting to his face, taking in the sharp lines of his jaw and his thin lips.

    ¡°She wasted six years of her life on me; it¡¯s time to put an end to it,¡± he stated, handing her his tie, breaking her from her thoughts. ¡°What do you think?¡±

    Without a word, Eileen took the tie, her heart a tumult of emotions. In fact, the wife Bryan had mentioned was her. Besides being his assistant and lover, she held another role in Bryan¡¯s life¡ªhis wife.

    Six years ago, her mother had been diagnosed with cancer and needed urgent, costly treatment. Newly graduated and financially incapable, she had been desperate until the Dawson family¡¯s donation came to her aid, an act of kindness she would never forget. Later, when Bryan¡¯s fianc¨¦e, Vivian, had left him and moved abroad, it had led to widespread gossip and ridicule. At that time, Bryan had needed a wife to save face, and his grandmother had found Eileen, who agreed to marry Bryan to repay the favor.

    Grateful for the Dawson family¡¯s help, Eileen had faithfully yed her part as Bryan¡¯s wife, asking for nothing more. After the marriage, needing to continue paying for her mother¡¯s treatment, she left a smallpany and joined Apex Group, hoping for better opportunities. It was only then that she discovered Apex Group¡¯s CEO was Bryan, her husband, whom she had met only once on their wedding day and who didn¡¯t recognize her since.

    Determined to secure funds for her mother¡¯s ongoing medical treatments, Eileen stayed with thepany, avoiding Bryan as much as possible. Fate, however, had other ns, and she found herself in bed with a drunken Bryan one night. Following this unintended encounter, Bryan had unexpectedly promoted her to be his special assistant. Satisfied with her work, Bryan had forced her to sleep with him multiple times, eventually making her his regr partner.

    Whenever he summoned her, sheplied. At times, he would inquire if she needed anything, and during financially tough moments, she would ask for money openly. But when she didn¡¯t require financial assistance, she would decline his advances, striving to preserve some semnce of dignity in their interactions, resisting the reduction of their rtionship to mere transactions.

    Eileen had considered ending this kind of rtionship with Bryan many times, but the steep costs of her mother¡¯s treatment had forced her to set aside her pride. Moreover, she had fallen in love with Bryan. Feeling unworthy of him, she concealed her feelings, dedicating herself to supporting him at work.

    But now, Vivian had returned. Whether as Bryan¡¯s assistant or his wife, Eileen knew she had to step aside. The realization that neither of her roles couldpete with his first love was truly saddening.

    A bitter smile suddenly crossed Eileen¡¯s lips. Noticing this, Bryan furrowed his brow in confusion.

    ¡°Why are you smiling?¡± he asked.

    Eileen adjusted his tie and stood on her toes to smooth out his cor.

    ¡°Simply happy for you, Mr. Dawson. The woman you cherish is finally back,¡± she said. Taking a deep breath, she stepped back and nodded slightly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go draft the divorce agreement now.¡±

    Bryan frowned, feeling a flicker of annoyance somehow.

    ¡°You¡¯re such an exemry assistant, Eileen,¡± he remarked. Her detachment made him question his charm.

    Eileen merely offered a smile, dismissing the underlying message in hispliment.

    ¡°Thank you for acknowledging my work, Mr. Dawson,¡± she replied.

    As she turned, Bryan¡¯s voice halted her once more.

    ¡°Give her twenty million,¡± he said.

    Eileen paused for a moment and then said,

    ¡°But the agreement was quite clear that she would leave with nothing upon the divorce¡ª¡±

    Bryan interjected, ¡°After all, that¡¯s six years of her life. And she seemed to be having a difficult time back then. Just go and get it done soon.¡±

    After issuing his instructions, Bryan left the lounge.

    Seated at his desk, he reminisced about the timid young woman he had met six years ago at the entrance to City Hall. At that time, he had felt a deep resentment towards his family for forcing him into marriage and had borne no affection towards the woman they had selected to be his wife. As a result, he had never met her again after marriage.

    To his surprise, during the ensuing six years, his wife had never once asked him or the Dawson family for anything. In this respect, she reminded him of Eileen. Consequently, his perception of his wife had significantly improved, leading him to want to give her a divorce settlement of twenty million dors.

    Eileen soon finished preparing the divorce agreement and sent it over to Bryan. With his approval, she printed it out.

    Later, Bryan and Eileen headed to the airport to pick up Vivian. At the bustling airport, young folks were clinging to their moments together, while travelers in gates radiated excitement for their journeys ahead.

    Amidst the crowd, Bryan and Eileen stood out. Bryan, dressed in an exquisitely tailored suit, possessed sharply defined features and a presence thatmanded attention. His lips were slightly pressed together, and his deep eyes disyed a touch of impatience as he watched the arrival gate.

    Standing next to him, Eileen appeared delicate and poised. Her long hair fell loosely around her shoulders, and a light application of makeup enhanced her features. She had dressed up with care, knowing he would want herpany at the airport. Not knowing why and understanding it might be pointless, she had made the effort nheless.

    The look of surprise in Bryan¡¯s eyes upon seeing her earlier had been worth it, especially when he had casually remarked,

    ¡°You look better than in your work attire.¡± It had significantly lifted her spirits.

    Suddenly, arge group of people emerged from the arrival gate. Eileen¡¯s gaze darted among the crowd, scrutinizing every woman. A woman in a floral dress, her long hair dyed a light shade of purple and styled in waves, came into view wearing sunsses. She pushed her suitcase while walking.

    Eileen sensed the woman¡¯s gaze, even behind those lenses, fixed on Bryan. True to Eileen¡¯s intuition, the woman rushed towards Bryan the next moment, her suitcase flung aside as she threw herself into his arms.

    Vivian, unbothered by her suitcase, clung to Bryan, her voice soft and sweet.

    ¡°Bryan, I¡¯m back. I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡±

    Eileen, witnessing their embrace, felt her mood, previously great, plummet in an instant. She turned to retrieve Vivian¡¯s suitcase, taking a deep breath topose herself. The suitcase had traveled a considerable distance, necessitating her to navigate through the bustling crowd, which left her looking slightly awkward.

    Once she retrieved the suitcase and returned, she paused a few steps away from Bryan and Vivian, uncertain whether to approach. Bryan¡¯s hand was on Vivian¡¯s waist as Vivian clung to him, her demeanor suggesting he was her entire world. The longing and affection that enveloped Vivian made it increasingly difficult for Eileen to maintain herposure.

    The realization that the man she had been intimate with just that morning was now embracing another woman felt suffocating. The lipstick she had intentionally applied hid her paleness, concealing her overwhelming destion.

    ¡°Bryan, I¡¯ve missed you so much. Did you miss me?¡± Vivian loosened her grip around Bryan¡¯s neck but kept her hands on his shoulders, their intimacy undeniable.

    Compared to Vivian, Eileen¡¯s earlier presence beside Bryan seemed less fitting. Her own attire was a stark contrast to Vivian¡¯s, and she could never be this affectionate with someone in public.

    ¡°I did,¡± Bryan muttered softly. His eyes briefly met Eileen¡¯s, who stood not too far away. She seemed less poised than usual, though he couldn¡¯t quite discern what was amiss. He frowned slightly.

    Vivian¡¯s eyes reddened as she gazed at Bryan, her voiceden with remorse.

    ¡°Bryan, I will make it up to you now that I¡¯m back.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. Let¡¯s head back,¡± Bryan said, his eyes mirroring her regret and self-me.

    Eileen had mentally prepared herself for a while, now wearing a professional smile.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, Miss Warren, this way, please,¡± she said.

    Bryan led the way. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Eileen, suitcase in hand, trailed behind him, her stride over the years having adjusted to his quick pace. She was able to keep up with Bryan, but Vivian struggled, her high heels cking as she hurried to keep pace with Eileen.

    ¡°Are you Bryan¡¯s assistant?¡± Vivian asked, slightly breathless.

    Eileen gave a slight nod.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Then you must be very capable. We seem to be about the same age. Let¡¯s be friends. I¡¯ll add you on WhatsAppter,¡± Vivian said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 2

    ?Chapter 2:

    Vivian smiled, her face adorned with two dimples. Surprise took hold of Eileen; the thought had not crossed her mind that Vivian might value her professional abilities enough to forge a friendship. Yet, the motive behind Vivian¡¯s offer puzzled Eileen.

    Seeing Eileen¡¯s hesitation, Vivian asked, ¡°Are you unwilling to do it?¡±

    ¡°Oh, of course not,¡± Eileen replied, masking her reluctance with a courteous smile as she retrieved her phone. ¡°I¡¯ll add you now,¡± she said, seeing no valid reason to object.

    Vivian quickly tapped on WhatsApp, and they added each other as contacts. Before Vivian could say more, Eileen noticed Bryan¡¯s absence. She reminded Vivian, ¡°We shouldn¡¯t keep Mr. Dawson waiting. Let¡¯s head out now.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Vivian agreed, then started walking at a quick pace.

    The streets were nearly empty at midnight when they got into the ck Benz. Bryan and Vivian took their seats in the back while Eileen settled into the driver¡¯s seat.

    Eileen¡¯s gaze was fixed on the road ahead, though her focus wavered. The soft murmurs from Bryan and Vivian filled her ears. They sounded like a couple who adored each other with passion. Hearing them talk was reassuring for Eileen; it meant they were simply talking, nothing more.

    But after a brief silence, Eileen suddenly considered the possibility that Bryan and Vivian might be kissing. She nced at the rearview mirror to catch a glimpse of the backseat.

    Bryan appeared cheerful, his smile evident as he sat with his fingers entwined over his crossed legs. Vivian was leaning in his direction, nearly closing the gap between them as if she wished to be in his embrace. It seemed they had paused their conversation, possibly lost in a shared past memory.

    Before Eileen could think any further, she met Bryan¡¯s gaze. His eyes were captivating, and she quickly looked away. Clearing her throat, Eileen said, ¡°We¡¯ll reach the Warren family¡¯s residence soon, Mr. Dawson. Do you prefer to drive through or stop at the entrance?¡±

    She immediately regretted her rushed question.

    Find exclusive stories at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s

    The Warren family¡¯s home was in Sunrise Vis, and there was a significant walk from the gate to the closest vi. Eileen doubted Bryan would want Vivian to make that walk with her luggage.

    ¡°Bryan, why are you dropping me off at my home?¡± Vivian suddenly realized they were nearing her family¡¯s residence. She bit her lip and voiced her reluctance. ¡°I don¡¯t want to go home yet.¡±

    ¡°You haven¡¯t been back in years. It¡¯s time for a family reunion,¡± Bryan said. Then, he looked at Eileen and instructed, ¡°Stop at the gate.¡±

    A heavy silence enveloped the car. Once they had stopped, Eileen exited swiftly and opened the back door.

    ¡°We¡¯ve arrived, Mr. Dawson, Ms. Warren,¡± she announced before heading to retrieve Vivian¡¯s suitcase from the trunk. As she did, she noticed a figure approaching.

    d in a set of sportswear, the man moved toward them under the moon¡¯s glow.

    Kian Warren, who was two years Bryan¡¯s senior, managed the Warren family¡¯s affairs and was well-known in Oand. His frequent meetings with Bryan meant Eileen often encountered him. His gentle demeanor and charming gaze lent him the air of a yboy. However, Eileen was aware of the danger he posed to those who crossed him. He was far from harmless.

    Vivian, as his cherished younger sister, held a special ce in the Warren family.

    ¡°Hello, Mr. Warren,¡± Eileen greeted him.

    Acknowledging Eileen with a nod, Kian embraced Vivian warmly.

    ¡°You were away for years. Are you happy to be back?¡± he asked.

    Seeing her brother brought Vivian joy, yet she felt unsettled by Bryan¡¯s unannounced decision to bring her home. This time, she was back to reconcile with him. She had chosen him over her own family to make him happy.

    ¡°I was the one who asked Bryan to bring you home. Mom and Dad have been eagerly awaiting your return,¡± Kian exined. ¡°Your journey with Bryan is ongoing. There¡¯s no need to rush.¡±

    Hearing Kian¡¯s words, Vivian felt a bit relieved. She smiled and nced at Bryan.

    ¡°I had hoped to spend a bit more time with Bryan, yet now that I¡¯m here, heading home first seems fitting.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s reaction was stoic, his face unreadable. He casually ced a hand in his pocket, leaned against the car, and offered a simple nod in acknowledgment.

    ¡°I think it¡¯s time that I leave,¡± he said.

    Eileen, upon catching this, promptly moved to open the door for him. Bryan turned and got into the car. However, just as Eileen was about to close the door behind him, Vivian intervened, leaning in to exchange a few more words with Bryan.

    ¡°Bryan, I n to visit Ste at Dawson Mansion first thing tomorrow morning,¡± Vivian said.

    The light inside the car was dim, and Eileen could barely make out the defined contours of Bryan¡¯s profile through the window. Bryan parted his lips slightly to respond,

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Content with his answer, Vivian stepped back to rejoin Kian, sending a parting wave Bryan¡¯s way. After shutting the door, Eileen addressed Kian and Vivian with a courteous farewell,

    ¡°Goodbye.¡±

    She then circled to the driver¡¯s side of the car, seated herself, and drove off with a practiced ease that belied the heaviness in her heart. The return to thepany was necessitated by Bryan¡¯s schedule, which included an international online meeting demanding his attendance. As his assistant, Eileen¡¯s duties tethered her to his side almost incessantly.

    Consequently, at two in the morning, she found herself waiting for the end of his meeting.

    He called and said in a clear, pleasant voice,

    ¡°Come in.¡±

    Themand was brief. There was no need for him to confirm her presence. Three years had nurtured a tacit understanding between them, perfect in both personal and professional contexts.

    Eileen, with the divorce papers in hand, walked into the office. Before she could turn around, a strong hand pulled her into an embrace. Bryan kissed her the next second, and his hands moved restlessly over her body.

    Stunned for a few seconds, Eileen leaned back to avoid his lips, surprise showing in her eyes.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Bryan asked, his voice almost hoarse with evident arousal.

    Biting her lip, Eileen gave the divorce agreement to him.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, here is your divorce agreement. Do you need to revise it?¡±

    Bryan took a deep breath, ced the agreement on the desk without looking at it, and turned to gaze at her.

    ¡°Eileen, you don¡¯t seem like yourself today,¡± he said.

    Eileen couldn¡¯t tell if hisment was because she had been watching them in the car or because of the current situation. She tried to change the subject with a strained smile.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, it¡¯s gettingte. Should I take you home to rest? You have to be at the Mansion tomorrow morning, remember?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s toote to go home. Let¡¯s stay here tonight,¡± Bryan said, ncing toward the lounge.

    Eileen¡¯s time in the lounge never exceeded three hours whenever he required her presence. Once he had satisfied his needs, she would put on her clothes and leave. The only asion her stay had extended beyond this was when the weakness in her legs hadpelled her to rest on the bed for some time. This was the first time Bryan had invited her to spend the night.

    It was her first instance of refusing Bryan.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, engaging in such actions is inappropriate, especially now that Vivian has returned.¡±

    But before she couldplete her sentence, Bryan interjected,

    ¡°Are you rejecting my request?¡±

    Eileen furrowed her brow. Shouldn¡¯t she refuse him? As his wife, she was about to get a divorce. How could she continue to stay in the manner of a mistress? Furthermore, if he desiredpanionship, why hadn¡¯t he asked Vivian to stay, especially considering Vivian¡¯s apparent willingness?

    However, it wasn¡¯t her ce to pose these questions. Regardless of her internal confusion, she waspelled to suppress it.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, I havemitments at home,¡± she stated, her words a polite but clear denial.

    Bryan dipped his head, resting it against her shoulder, his breath warm against her corbone, causing a tingling sensation.

    ¡°Then take me to Oak Vis on your way back. Tomorrow, bring the divorce agreement and pick me up to go to Dawson Mansion,¡± he murmured, his breath brushing her neck. Then, he straightened up, walked back to his desk, took his suit, and departed.

    Eileen remained silent. She followed him out. iming she had matters to attend to at home wasn¡¯t entirely an excuse.

    After dropping Bryan off, she reached her apartment within ten minutes. The apartment was duplexed. It was modest in size but spanned two levels, valued at around two million dors due to its desirable location. Bryan had given it to her as a birthday present the previous year, on a night they had been intimate.

    Upon returning, she set down her purse and car keys, switched on the light, and ascended to the second floor. There, she retrieved her marriage certificate and the needed documents from the bedside drawer before heading back downstairs to ce them in her bag.

    If Ste Dawson, Bryan¡¯s grandmother, consented to Vivian and Bryan reconciling tomorrow, the subsequent step would be to finalize her divorce with him. She knew she wouldn¡¯t have the opportunity to return for the documents tomorrow. Exposing her identity as his wife would invariably end her role as his assistant.

    She pondered over how to reveal to him tomorrow that she was the wife he had forgotten. Would Bryan ever believe her intentions had been to solely work for him? Due to Bryan¡¯s inability to recognize her and her urgent need for the job, she had kept her identity hidden. Later, discovering his disdain for deceit hadplicated matters further. She had been too fearful to tell him.

    But now, she was left with no option but to hope that she would not be in a terrible situation tomorrow. Lost in thought, she eventually dozed off on the sofa. The rm, set for six in the morning, woke her up.

    ncing at the clock, she hurried to get ready, applying makeup meticulously, even though it couldn¡¯t conceal the shadows under her eyes. She boiled two eggs and warmed up a bottle of milk for breakfast. She finished eating before setting off for Oak Vis. Despitecking an appetite, she had forced herself to eat. Knowing the divorce would mark the start of her job search, she needed the energy.

    Looking tired, Bryan boarded the car and immediately closed his eyes, adding to Eileen¡¯s already somber mood.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 3

    ?Chapter 3:

    The Dawson Mansion upied a sprawling hillside, epassing over five thousand square meters. At its iron gate, Vivian waited in her vehicle.

    When Bryan and Eileen arrived at the gate, Bryan said,

    ¡°Stop the car.¡±

    Without dy, Eileen steered the car to the roadside and parked. Bryan then opened the door and exited the car. Vivian, who was vibrant like a young girl, had been in the car ahead of them. She also disembarked and hurried toward Bryan.

    ¡°Bryan, I was too apprehensive to enter alone, so I waited for you here,¡± Vivian admitted.

    For the first time, Eileen chose to remain inside the car. She observed through the window, noting Bryan¡¯s face was turned away from her, his expression one of tenderness.

    Bryan¡¯s expression held indulgence toward Vivian. However, Eileen knew that his softness would evaporate once he was confronted with the truth.

    At that moment, the iron gate began to open slowly, and the butler, Jarred, emerged.

    ¡°Miss Warren, wee back. It¡¯s been a while,¡± he greeted.

    With a bright smile, Vivian responded,

    ¡°Yes, it has been a long time! But¡­ we¡¯ll see each other often soon!¡±

    Jarred offered a courteous smile before turning his attention to Bryan.

    ¡°Sir, had you informed me of your arrival earlier, I could have been prepared. Your grandmother mentioned wanting to visit the church, and acting on a sudden impulse, she went therest night. Yet, here you are today.¡±

    Feel the magic at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c¦Ï??

    Vivian¡¯s smile faded at his words. Bryan furrowed his brow in response. Eileen, on the other hand, was still seated in the car, struggling to suppress herughter.

    Her amusement wasn¡¯t sparked by the dy in exposing her identity. Rather, it was Ste¡¯s deliberate avoidance of them and her overt revtion of this fact, designed to provoke their frustration, that Eileen found humorously ironic.

    ¡°When will Ste return?¡± Vivian asked, struggling to conceal her disappointment.

    Jarred took a moment before responding,

    ¡°She didn¡¯t mention a specific time, but she won¡¯t return soon. She usually stays there for at least half a month. This time, she mentioned wanting to enjoy a few extra days of quiet.¡±

    Ste had chosen to be absent this morning because she knew Bryan woulde here with Vivian. Bryan¡¯s parents had been living abroad for more than ten years. Their work kept them so busy that they only managed toe home once or twice a year. Ste had raised Bryan and valued him more than her own life. Eileen could understand why Ste would have hard feelings toward Vivian because of what had happened six years ago.

    Yesterday, Eileen had been too concerned about the consequences of her identity being revealed to consider Ste¡¯s feelings. How could Ste easily forgive Vivian?

    Eileen got out of the car and greeted the butler.

    ¡°Good morning, Jarred.¡±

    When Jarred saw her, his smile was more sincere than it had been for Vivian.

    ¡°Miss Curtis, Mrs. Dawson mentioned you two days ago. She appreciated how hard you¡¯ve been working for Mr. Dawson and reminded me to tell Mr. Dawson to treat you well.¡±

    At that moment, Eileen stiffened because she noticed Bryan and Vivian were both looking at her. Now, it was clear that Ste valued Eileen, Bryan¡¯s assistant, more than Vivian.

    At this point, Eileen regretted getting out of the car. She turned to Bryan, unsure of what to say next.

    ¡°Since Grandma is not here, let¡¯s go back first,¡± Bryan suggested. He didn¡¯t hold Eileen responsible; he knew Ste had done that deliberately. He opened the door of Vivian¡¯s car and told her,

    ¡°You should go back.¡±

    Vivian walked over to the ck Benz and got in, refusing to go back.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to go back. I want to go to thepany with you,¡± she said.

    Bryan remained quiet for a moment before he turned, offered Jarred a look, and entered the ck Benz.

    ¡°Take care, Jarred. Goodbye,¡± Eileen said her farewells. Then, she entered the car and drove off.

    Vivian¡¯s arrival at thepany stirred discussions. Everyone was aware of Bryan¡¯s marriage, understanding it was primarily to please his grandmother. In the six years that followed, his wife had never been seen by them, making it clear the marriage was in name only. Vivian¡¯s return and her presence at thepany seemed to stake her im. The implications for the future were clear.

    While Eileen was preparing coffee, some colleagues approached her, eager for gossip.

    ¡°Eileen, is the boss about to change his wife?¡±

    ¡°He has never actually had a wife before,¡± Eileen replied.

    Despite feeling upset, Eileen reminded herself toe to terms with reality. All she could do was brace for the eventual revtion of her identity and the consequences that would follow. She resolved not to disclose her identity proactively.

    She believed that telling Bryan the truth herself wouldn¡¯t mitigate his anger. Anticipating her inevitable dismissal, she valued each day that she could still work here.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. I just saw Miss Warren. She¡¯s stunning.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, Mr. Dawson has clearly not forgotten her even after years. She must be charming!¡±

    As this topic unfolded, more people joined the conversation. Eileen, holding her coffee, took a sip amidst the chatter. After finishing her coffee, she washed the cup and addressed her coworkers,

    ¡°Let¡¯s focus on our tasks. Remember, work is paramount.¡±

    The identity of Bryan¡¯s enigmatic wife sparked widespread curiosity within thepany. Eileen often caught snippets of their conversations, their spection about the wife¡¯s identity never ceasing. There were even whispers about a n to loosen Bryan¡¯s tongue with alcohol at a social gathering, hoping he would reveal information about his wife.

    Eileen wished she could enlighten them that no amount of alcohol would help because Bryan was oblivious to his wife¡¯s identity himself. As her colleagues dispersed, Eileen anticipated their continued gossip in quieter corners.

    Returning to her desk, she found Vivian upying her chair.

    ¡°Eileen, you¡¯ve returned,¡± Vivian greeted her with a warm smile, looking like she was in a good mood. Clearly, she hadn¡¯t taken the butler¡¯s earlierments to heart.

    ¡°Miss Warren, shouldn¡¯t you be with Mr. Dawson in his office?¡± Eileen approached, wearing a courteous smile.

    ¡°He¡¯s upied with a meeting,¡± Vivian responded, gesturing to the chair beside her. That chair was usually situated in Bryan¡¯s office, but it had been relocated by Vivian, indicating her intentions to stay here for a while.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for formality between us. Just call me Vivian. We¡¯re about the same age, after all.¡± Vivian noticed Eileen¡¯s hesitation and gently urged her to take a seat.

    Eileen, on the other hand, was apprehensive because she was worried about what Vivian might do.

    ¡°Bryan can be quite temperamental. You¡¯ve probably been scolded a lot by him over the years, right?¡± Vivian said, her tone casual.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright. I¡¯vee to understand his actions,¡± Eileen replied.

    ¡°Bryan mentioned you¡¯re the longest-serving assistant he¡¯s had, which is a testament to yourpetence,¡± Vivian remarked. ¡°I¡¯ve seen many male assistants, like my brother¡¯s assistant, Benjamin. You seem to be better than most of them.¡±

    Eileen listened with her gaze lowered. There was a sense of detachment in her eyes, and Vivian¡¯s friendliness left her feeling slightly guilty.

    ¡°Is Bryan always so tied up with work?¡± Despite Eileen¡¯s response, Vivian kept the conversation going.

    ¡°He¡¯s extremely busy, not finishing work until around ten each evening,¡± Eileen replied.

    ¡°Could you share his schedule with me?¡± Vivian asked, gesturing with her phone. ¡°You can send it to me over WhatsApp.¡±

    It became clear to Eileen now that Vivian¡¯s reason for connecting on WhatsApp had been merely to ess Bryan¡¯s schedule.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Miss Warren, but I¡¯m not at liberty to share Mr. Dawson¡¯s schedule,¡± Eileen said, respectfully refusing Vivian.

    ¡°Not with me? Given our connection, I assure you, I wouldn¡¯t disclose his schedule to anyone,¡± Vivian said.

    ¡°Miss Warren, please understand my position. Don¡¯t make things difficult for me,¡± Eileen replied, not wanting to be deliberately obstructive to Vivian. Hermitment to professional ethics simply wouldn¡¯t permit such an action. Disclosing Bryan¡¯s whereabouts carelessly could lead to dire repercussions.

    Vivian exhaled in resignation. ¡°It seems neither of you is easy to sway. Yet, if I can make Bryan happy, I¡¯m confident I can manage the situation with his grandmother.¡±

    Eileen, however, silently considered Vivian¡¯s optimism misced. Had Bryan been capable of navigating his rtionship with Ste, the coerced marriage six years prior would not have urred. The marriage seemed more like an agreement between Bryan and Ste. Bryan wouldn¡¯t even be able to get a divorce without Ste¡¯s approval.

    ¡°I think he holds some resentment for what transpired six years ago. My return is an attempt at restitution. If you¡¯re unwilling to disclose his schedule, might you assist me in another manner?¡± Vivian said, staring at Eileen with hopeful eyes.

    Faced with Vivian¡¯s earnest request, Eileen found herself unable to decline.

    ¡°If it¡¯s within my capacity, I¡¯ll lend assistance,¡± Eileen replied.

    Vivian¡¯s expression brightened at the response. ¡°I haven¡¯t finalized my ns yet, but I¡¯ll reach out to you on WhatsApp once I do!¡±

    Eileen nodded in agreement. Before Vivian could say something more, an inte buzz interrupted them.

    ¡°Bring me a cup of coffee,¡± Bryan¡¯s voice was clear and pleasant to the ear.

    Before Eileen could rise, Vivian was already on her feet, dering,

    ¡°Leave these small tasks to me from now on. Focus on your responsibilities!¡±

    With that, she proceeded to prepare coffee and delivered it to Bryan¡¯s office. Eileen massaged her temples, refocusing on her tasks. She removed the USB drive from herputer and headed to the copy room. There, while lost in thought beside the printer, she inadvertently produced ten copies without realizing it.

    A colleague entering the room noticed and said,

    ¡°Eileen, why did you make so many copies?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s mind had been preupied with thoughts of what might be transpiring between Vivian and Bryan in his office. She was snapped back to reality by her colleague.

    ¡°I finished using the printer; you can use it,¡± she said.

    Exiting the copy room with the documents in hand, she was swiftly guided to a secluded corner.

    ¡°Eileen, is it true that Mr. Dawson¡¯s first love has returned?¡± Judie Curtis asked, donning a business suit and makeup too heavy for her age, not pausing for a response. ¡°What¡¯s gonna happen to you? Were your two years sleeping with him all for naught?¡±

    Perhaps due to how agitated she was, her voice was loud enough to gather the attention of the people leaving the copy room. Frowning, Eileen responded,

    ¡°Please, you don¡¯t need to worry about me. Moreover, such topics are not appropriate for work hours.¡±

    Judie was the only person privy to Eileen¡¯s private matters with Bryan.

    ¡°How could I not worry? Roderick and I are looking for a ce in the school district, remember?¡± she said with urgency.

    Eileen met Judie¡¯s gaze, which carried a hint of self-serving intent. Roderick was her younger brother, and Judie was his spouse, a modest university alumna. Judie had benefited from Eileen¡¯s support to secure a position in thepany. Now, Judie¡¯s expectations had escted to a car and a house, and she wanted Eileen to help her achieve that.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 4

    ?Chapter 4:

    ¡°The responsibility to purchase a house lies with you two,¡± Eileen responded. Judie¡¯s eyes brimmed with anger. The moment she realized Eileen was about to leave, she caught Eileen by the arm, her voice tinged with disbelief.

    ¡°Can you even say that?¡±

    ¡°Are you aware of your real family ties? Youvish care on a stepmother with your money, yet refuse to purchase a home for your own brother? Think about it. That woman¡¯s time is short, and soon, you¡¯ll find yourself leaning on Roderick, your brother!¡±

    Eileen¡¯s lips curled into a mocking smile as she replied, ¡°Lean on him? Isn¡¯t it supposed to be the other way around? I think you¡¯re mistaken. The money I earn is mine to spend as I please. If you want to keep your job here, mind your manners.¡±

    With a flick of her wrist, she freed herself from Judie¡¯s grasp and left, her expression icy. A shiver of fear crept through Judie. After all, Eileen¡¯s influence was second only to Bryan¡¯s in thepany.

    But there was Eileen, with a cushy job under Bryan, driving a good car, dwelling in a spacious home, and even tending to her sick stepmother. Yet, she turned a blind eye to her brother¡¯s situation. It just wasn¡¯t right!

    With that notion in mind, Judie bolted to the restroom to call Roderick. They had to convince Eileen to buy them a house.

    Meanwhile, Eileen returned to her desk, banishing all distractions, and her productivity soared. Earlier, Vivian¡¯s interruption meant Eileen hadn¡¯tpleted her tasks on time. Now, as the office emptied for lunch, Eileen remained in her seat to work.

    Roderick called twice. She ignored them both, so engrossed in her work that lunchtime passed unnoticed. Soon, it was evening.

    Her dedication had not gone unrecognized. Vivian had remarked that her diligence indeed outshone many.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c§à??, your storytelling home

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it time for you to get off work, Eileen?¡± Vivian¡¯s inquiry broke through the silence.

    Eileen offered a faint smile, lifting her eyes, which inadvertently met Bryan¡¯s. He stood casually, one hand resting in his pocket, his gaze briefly meeting hers before shifting to the papers in front of her.

    Leaning into Bryan with yful ease, Vivian teased, ¡°I¡¯m whisking Bryan away early. Maybe you¡¯ll get some rest.¡± Then, she turned to Bryan, ¡°Are Eileen¡¯s tasks urgent? If not, perhaps she could tackle them tomorrow and get off work early today.¡±

    Bryan opened his mouth, his voice calm but clear, ¡°They¡¯re not urgent.¡±

    ¡°Could she then knock off earlier?¡± Vivian gently tugged at Bryan¡¯s sleeve.

    Eileen¡¯s lips parted, yet no words escaped her.

    ¡°You can leave now. The work can wait until tomorrow.¡± Bryan tapped the desk lightly. The gesture seemed to resonate within Eileen.

    Eileen found no pleasure in her chance to leave since it had been Vivian who had convinced Bryan to do so. Somehow, she felt a tug to stay behind, to toil away into the night. Yet, she offered a nod and responded with a touch of formality,

    ¡°Yes, of course. Thank you, Miss Warren.¡±

    Vivian tugged Bryan away, pausing only to give a yful wink in Eileen¡¯s direction.

    Sinking back into her seat, Eileen was lost in thought. What had Vivian and Bryan done inside the office? Had they ever stepped into the lounge? Eileen furrowed her brow, battling the unwee tide of emotions and wandering thoughts she knew were futile.

    After a while, she let out a sigh. After organizing the documents and with her belongings in hand, she left thepany. Departing early did little to expedite her journey. By the time Eileen reached the hospital, darkness had already embraced the city, neon signs flickering to life.

    The outpatient entrance was deste. She parked and made her way to the inpatient wing, a path well-trodden over the years as she attended to her ailing stepmother, Ruby Curtis. Memories flooded back unbidden. Ten-year-old Eileen had been the quiet spectator of a bitter custody battle¡ªnot for her, but for Roderick. Eventually, her father had lost.

    Her life had taken a solitary turn after her mother had left with Roderick. Visits had ceased until two years prior, spurred by news of Eileen¡¯s sess, when they came to seek her aid. Her father, unable to keep Roderick, had grown distant and harsh towards Eileen, demanding she quit school. Her defiance had nearly cost her life, almost getting beaten to death by her father.

    Ruby had been the lifeline in her youth, selling her possessions to ensure Eileen¡¯s education. Eileen had excelled academically, and Ruby had made ns for her future early on. She had juggled multiple jobs when Eileen was in high school, eventually sending Eileen to the best university.

    ¡°You¡¯re right on time, Eileen. There¡¯s something we need to discuss,¡± called out Dr. Emilio White, Ruby¡¯s primary doctor, as he approached Eileen.

    Eileen offered a smile. ¡°Please, Dr. White, go ahead.¡±

    With a backward nce at the ward, Emilio said in a hushed voice, ¡°We should talk in my office.¡±

    Renowned in Oand, Emilio was almost seventy, his age evident in the sparse hair that crowned his head. Inside the office, Eileen remained standing as Emilio took his seat, the overhead light casting a glow on his head.

    ¡°We¡¯ve got some new drugs recently that can treat your mother¡¯s illness. However, they are limited. Would you be interested?¡± Emilio said.

    Eileen, known for her dedication, had prompted Emilio to share this immediately. Eileen knitted her brows together in concern.

    ¡°And¡­ the cost?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s double the price of the existing medication for your mother,¡± Emilio replied. After a pause, he added with candor, ¡°The reality is stark. Without the treatment, she has, at best, two months to live. With it, perhaps up to five.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s medical knowledge was limited, yet Emilio¡¯s clear briefing shed light on all she needed to know. Investing more in Ruby¡¯s health would offer precious years¡ªa decision she once would have made without a second thought. But now, Vivian¡¯s return and the shaky ground of her marriage to Bryan cast a shadow over her financial security. The future held no promise of profit, and her position at work was on the line.

    ¡°Thank you, Dr. White. May I take a few days to consider this?¡± Eileen asked.

    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Emilio replied. ¡°It¡¯s not every day such a chancees by. Think about it carefully.¡±

    Leaving the office, Eileen walked into Ruby¡¯s ward. It was no suite, yet it was more thanfortable, housing just another patient beside Ruby. Ruby¡¯s expression was one of surprise as she saw Eileen.

    ¡°Eileen, what brings you here? Why didn¡¯t you tell me in advance?¡± she said.

    Usually, Eileen¡¯s visits would be scheduled in advance due to her demanding job, and Ruby would always wait for her instead of resting.

    ¡°I managed to leave work early today, so I thought I¡¯d drop by,¡± Eileen exined, cing her belongings aside and noting the other upant of the room¡ªa woman in the bloom of her life yet facing the trial of breast cancer, surrounded by a somber family.

    ¡°Sorry for interrupting thiste,¡± Eileen greeted them politely, acknowledging the shared space. Leaving work early was a luxury for Eileen, yet for many, the day had already wound down, the ward¡¯s lights dimming in the evening calm.

    The other patient offered a nod in response, staying silent. Eileen unfolded the cot as Ruby¡¯s voice, though strained, reached her.

    ¡°Eileen, it looks like you¡¯ve lost some weight again. You don¡¯t need to work that hard.¡±

    ¡°Being thin is good,¡± Eileen replied with a smile. ¡°That¡¯s the trend these days, isn¡¯t it?¡± With the bed made, she caught Ruby¡¯s gaze, her eyes rimmed with red.

    The kind lines of Ruby¡¯s face bore the brunt of time, and the scar on her forehead spoke of a past fall due to exhaustion.

    ¡°Roxana¡¯s stopping her treatment. It¡¯s too much for her family to handle financially,¡± Ruby said.

    Ruby was talking about a patient from the Garret family she knew well, who was about ten years younger than her. Ruby continued in a weary voice,

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of stopping mine, too. It¡¯s incurable, and it¡¯s causing you so much pain. Just promise to look after Bailee. That¡¯ll be enough for me.¡±

    Ruby¡¯s journey had been tough. She had lost her first husband when her daughter, Bailee Brooks, was still young. Then, she had married Eileen¡¯s father, only to stumble into new hardships.

    ¡°Bailee and I are not bound by blood. I have no obligation there.¡±

    ¡°You need to fight, for her sake,¡± Eileen said.

    But Ruby knew Eileen was only saying that to persuade her not to give up. Ruby sighed deeply.

    ¡°Keep on with this talk, and I won¡¯t visit you next time.¡±

    With the bed ready, Eileen motioned for Ruby to rest.

    ¡°Bailee knows I¡¯ll be here tonight. She¡¯lle by in the morning. Now, you need your sleep.¡±

    Without a word, Ruby settled into the bed, sumbing to the needed rest. Eileen knew what Ruby wanted to say; she understood Ruby. Butforting others wasn¡¯t her strong suit. She was more adept at firm discussions than revealing her heart. The thought of yielding to sentiment frightened her; it felt like inviting a crushing defeat.

    Hospital life was a constant ebb and flow, the perpetual sounds of activity disrupting any chance of peace. Her experiences with sleep here were always marred by unrest. This time, she was roused not by the sun, but by the mor of the nearby family preparing for breakfast.

    Ruby¡¯s hushed voice reached Eileen¡¯s ears,

    ¡°Could you please lower your voices? My daughter is still asleep.¡±

    The family responded without words, their volume softening in acknowledgment. Eileen decided to get up, freshening up in themunal bathroom before fetching breakfast for Ruby.

    As Eileen ced the breakfast before Ruby, Ruby¡¯s curiosity broke the silence.

    ¡°Eileen, are you seeing someone now?¡±

    A fleeting image of Bryan crossed Eileen¡¯s mind. She was married, though not in the conventional sense. But Ruby didn¡¯t know this. Eileen smiled and shook her head.

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°At your age, many are pairing up, even tying the knot. It¡¯s time for you to do the same.¡± Ruby looked at Eileen thoughtfully. ¡°I once worked as a maid. The family¡¯s son, around your age, is running his own business now.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 5

    ?Chapter 5:

    ¡°You¡ª¡± Ruby was about to say more, but Bailee cut her off. Bailee had just arrived at the ward and heard what Ruby was talking about.

    ¡°Mom, there¡¯s no need to concern yourself with Eileen¡¯s matters like that,¡± Bailee said, helping Eileen and stopping Ruby from continuing the topic.

    Eileen returned the gesture with a smile, took some pieces of bread and a ss of milk, and found a quiet spot to enjoy her meal. Ruby¡¯s stern look fell on Bailee.

    ¡°You always stir the pot.¡±

    Yet Bailee¡¯s energy was infectious. She soon had Ruby chuckling, deflecting any further matchmaking talk for Eileen.

    After breakfast, it was time for Eileen to depart for work. She and Bailee shared small talk as they descended in the elevator.

    ¡°I¡¯m gearing up for my internship,¡± Bailee said.

    Eileen considered that for a moment. ¡°Need me to pull some strings?¡±

    Bailee waved off the offer. ¡°No, I¡¯ve got to carve my own path. It¡¯s important to me.¡±

    A fleeting thought of Judie brought a wry smile to Eileen¡¯s face. Justst night, Roderick had tried to lure her out with a dinner invitation, but Eileen saw through that and politely declined.

    Bailee¡¯s tone took on a determined edge. ¡°I¡¯ll be earning soon. Not only will I stand on my own, but I¡¯ll also contribute. And when I¡¯m able, I¡¯ll start to repay you for all the money you¡¯ve spent on Mom.¡±

    Her words were not loud but filled with earnest resolve.

    Exiting the elevator, they were greeted by the hustle of the lobby. Eileen halted when Bailee¡¯s words reached her, and they turned to face one another. Eileen¡¯s hand found Bailee¡¯s shoulder in aforting gesture.

    galn¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m opens doors to new adventures

    ¡°Don¡¯t fret about the finances,¡± Eileen reassured her. ¡°I never expected repayment. It was Mom¡¯s grit that got me here¡ªnot to feel like a stranger in my own life. But if you¡¯re set on contributing, that¡¯s alright by me.¡±

    A guilty look often clouded Bailee¡¯s face, which Eileen found heartbreaking. ¡°Just make sure you¡¯re making money through your hard work, Bailee. That¡¯s crucial,¡± Eileen said.

    A shadow passed over Bailee¡¯s usually sparkling eyes. She alone bore the secret of Eileen¡¯s sacrifice for Ruby¡¯s sake.

    ¡°Bryan¡¯s support may not be an option. We¡¯ll look after Mom together, alright? Just say the word if anything happens,¡± Bailee said.

    Eileen¡¯s eyes widened at Bailee¡¯s words. The news of Vivian¡¯s return had quickly spread in the business world and upper society, but how could Bailee, who was still in school, know that?

    Seeing Eileen¡¯s expression, Bailee retrieved her phone.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you heard? Bryan and Vivian were out togetherst night, having dinner and a movie. Afterward, they went back to Bryan¡¯s ce together. It¡¯s the talk of the town,¡± Bailee said.

    Eileen nced at the screen, her emotions a whirlwind of hurt and confusion.

    ¡°I have to go to work now,¡± Eileen said, her voice steady despite the storm inside. ¡°You head back to Mom. Remember, if the internship throws you a curveball, I¡¯m here.¡±

    With those parting words, Eileen turned and walked away, her morning too rushed to absorb the news that now shook her world.

    ¡°Take care¡­¡± Bailee¡¯s voice trailed after Eileen, a soft echo in the busy hallway. She watched until Eileen blended into the distance, then turned to go back to Ruby¡¯s ward.

    Ruby was quick to express her discontent as Bailee reentered.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cut me off. Your sister and I weren¡¯t done. She must be rekindling that old me from six years ago¡­¡±

    Bailee, tidying up amidst Ruby¡¯s ongoing musings, finally spoke up.

    ¡°How about scouting a boyfriend for me instead? I¡¯m graduating in the second half of the year, and I¡¯ll be an intern soon.¡±

    At Oak Vis, several people were taking a stroll outside Bryan¡¯s ce. Eileen spotted the leisurely figures for what they were¡ªprying eyes of the press. She viewed the scene from her car, typing in the security code with practiced ease and stepping inside.

    Upon entering, her gazended on a pair of high heels¡ª unmistakably Vivian¡¯s from the day before. Bryan¡¯s shoes were itspanion, and a weight settled in Eileen¡¯s chest, her steps suddenly leaden.

    Had Vivian spent the night in Bryan¡¯s ce? A realization dawned on Eileen¡ªshe had the ess code not out of intimacy, but for utility, to assist Bryan home when he was drunk. The familiarity of his corporate lounge contrasted sharply with the foreignness of his personal space.

    Lost in thought, the sound of footsteps snapped Eileen back to the present. It seemed like they went to the fitting room.

    Eileen steadied herself with a deep breath, donning a practiced smile as she entered the dining room. However, in the dining room was only Bryan, d in casual gray pants, his upper body bare. His abs were visible and incredibly sexy.

    Despite the familiarity of his athletic build and his striking appearance, Eileen felt her heart flutter every time. But she had be a master at concealing her feelings over the years.

    Her voice was even as she said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, the press is swarming outside. Would you like me to create a diversion to allow you an escape with Miss Warren?¡±

    Bryan, with a ss in hand, regarded her with an intensity that belied the casualness of the moment. Her attire was slightly less than immacte, and there was a faint smell of disinfectant mixed with her familiar scent.

    Bryan frowned. ¡°Vivian is here,¡± he said.

    Eileen¡¯s surprise was genuine, a brief flicker before she regained her poise. Without offering further details, Bryan sipped his milk and ascended the stairs. Eileen, anticipating the next move, stepped outside to ready the car. By the time Bryan emerged, she smoothly took her ce at the wheel, starting the car and bypassing the journalists.

    Their escape was smooth, but Eileen noticed the journalists tailing them in their cars through the rearview mirror.

    Upon arriving at thepany, Eileen parked in the underground parking lot and got out with Bryan. Their ascent was silent and swift through the CEO¡¯s elevator, delivering them to the top floor. They arrived early and encountered no other employees on their way there. Bryan gestured for Eileen to proceed straight to his office.

    Eileen delivered her update in front of Bryan¡¯s desk. ¡°I alerted the PR team en route. They¡¯re gearing up to manage the news. The rumors shouldn¡¯t shake thepany.¡±

    Bryan, lingering by the lounge entrance, simply arched an eyebrow. ¡°Forget the media frenzy. Come and take a shower,¡± he said.

    Eileen¡¯s confusion was palpable, her eyes wide with surprise. ¡°A shower now?¡±

    The bathroom¡¯s subdued lighting had once ttered her, a setting Bryan had favored. She was used to whatever he would ask her to do. But that was before¡­

    Bryan¡¯s impatience crept into his voice as he ushered her into the bathroom. ¡°Why the hesitation?¡±

    Before she could muster resistance, she found herself pushed into the bathroom. Bryan¡¯s presence remained outside as he informed her through the closed door, ¡°I¡¯ve got spare clothes from ourst event. Get changed when you¡¯re done showering.¡± Then, the sound of the lounge door signaled his exit.

    In the stillness of the moment, Eileen grappled with a whirlwind of emotions; the immediate threat had evaded, yet an emptiness loomed within. She couldn¡¯t stand Bryan being close to Vivian one minute and thening to her the next. But his distant demeanor now made her feel bad, too.

    Resigning to the situation, she shed her garments and let the water wash over her. She only took ten minutes to shower. Stepping out with damp locks, she found no dryer and resorted to a half-dried state with the towel¡¯s help.

    Bryan approached her, bending slightly to smell her scent.

    ¡°That¡¯s better,¡± he remarked. ¡°Inform the PR department. No need to suppress the rumors; let¡¯s build some hype instead.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s tenure with Bryan had spanned three years, yet recent events had blurred the man she thought she understood. Regardless, she replied dutifully, ¡°Yes, Mr. Dawson.¡±

    Leaving his office, Eileen clutched the clothes she had worn before. She realized now that their scent was tinged with the sharpness of disinfectant. She stowed them away before delivering directives to the PR team.

    Back at the office, the hum of productivity enveloped her as a secretary leaned in with concern written across her face.

    ¡°Eileen, Mr. Warren and his sister seem quite upset entering Mr. Dawson¡¯s office just now. And they still haven¡¯t left. Could there be trouble?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s voice was calm.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright. Don¡¯t worry,¡± she said.

    Thetest news hadn¡¯t cast a ttering light on Vivian, and murmurs of discontent had been growing. So, it was perfectly normal for Kian to be mad. But what surprised Eileen was that Bryan hadn¡¯t made moves to quell the growing storm in the news.

    Eileen had barely settled into her chair when Vivian stormed out of the office.

    ¡°Miss Warren,¡± Eileen greeted Vivian, standing up from her seat.

    Vivian, fraught with frustration, walked over and copsed into Eileen¡¯s chair.

    ¡°It¡¯s my brother. He is furious and wants to confront Bryan. He might even get physical, and I¡¯m worried.¡±

    Eileen just listened.

    ¡°Eileen, why don¡¯t you go in and check on them? Ensure the situation doesn¡¯t escte. Kian¡¯s barred me from entering, but you could go in,¡± Vivian said.

    Eileen remained unmoved. ¡°Miss Warren, don¡¯t worry. Mr. Dawson is capable enough to deal with this on his own, and my presence would hardly change the course of their actions.¡±

    With a heavy sigh, Vivian walked to the door, seeking sce in eavesdropping. Eileen remained where she was, merely watching as the chair spun because of Vivian¡¯s action. With a gentle touch, she stopped its motion.

    ¡°Even without rity on their discussion, the absence of conflict is reassuring,¡± Vivian said. She walked back toward Eileen and sat down again, lowering her voice to a whisper.

    ¡°Eileen, do you have any idea who Bryan¡¯s wife is?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 6

    ?Chapter 6:

    Uncertainty flickered across Eileen¡¯s eyes, masked by her denseshes. ¡°That¡¯s a question for Mr. Dawson,¡± she suggested gently.

    Vivian was perplexed. ¡°I¡¯ve asked him. He insists he¡¯s in the dark, though I doubt that. Even though his wife was chosen by his grandmother, he must know something about her, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    Eileen could only respond with a shake of her head. ¡°In all my time here, I¡¯ve never seen Mr. Dawson seek out that information. Whether he¡¯s had others look into it, I can¡¯t say.¡±

    The disbelief was evident on Vivian¡¯s face, her mind grappling with the idea of Bryan not pursuing the matter.

    Eileen considered for a moment before replying, ¡°Perhaps Mr. Dawson is waiting for the right moment, needing his grandmother¡¯s say-so for decisions like a divorce.¡±

    Vivian pondered the response, then said, ¡°That¡¯s valid. Yet persuading Ste might prove difficult without his wife¡¯s support.¡±

    The smile on her face began to wane as she felt a sense of burden creeping in.

    ¡°I can¡¯t take this on myself. Bryan doesn¡¯t need the added stress,¡± Vivian muttered.

    The moment Kian emerged from the office, Vivian¡¯s concern propelled her to his side.

    ¡°What happened? Did you do something to Bryan?¡± she inquired, a note of anxiety in her voice.

    ¡°We just had a conversation,¡± Kian assured her, though his attention seemed anchored on Eileen. He leaned in, resting his hands on Eileen¡¯s desk.

    ¡°Miss Curtis, expect Vivian here more frequently. If she steps out of bounds, I apologize in advance,¡± he said.

    Your imagination begins with g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s©q?????

    Eileen held his gaze, her demeanor steady.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Rising to his full height, Kian told Vivian, ¡°I¡¯lle pick you up this afternoon. You¡¯ll go home andy low for a few days. Don¡¯t go out alone with Bryan.¡±

    As Vivian clung to Kian¡¯s arm, her eyes flitting with thoughts, she requested, ¡°Come pick me up after lunch with Eileen.¡±

    Kian, with a yful jab, asked, ¡°Tired of Bryan, are you? nning a surprise?¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t understand. You can leave now¡­¡± Vivian responded.

    With Kian gone, Vivian slipped back into Bryan¡¯s office, leaving Eileen to her thoughts. Composure had returned to her more swiftly than she had anticipated, her resolve firming. Whatever Vivian was searching for might unveil, Eileen was ready to face it without fear.

    As Vivian departed with Kian, she gestured to Eileen with her phone, signaling a promise to reconnect. ¡°Stay in touch!¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Eileen responded, offering a warm smile before returning to her tasks.

    The whirlwind of rumors surrounding Bryan and Vivian had vanished as swiftly as they had erupted, yet the ripples were felt throughout Apex Group. Amid the day¡¯s chaos, Eileen navigated a stream of urgent tasks, her presence in Bryan¡¯s office frequent as she facilitated the necessary approvals.

    Their interactions were brief. Bryan¡¯s prating gaze often met hers,den with unspoken thoughts. Eileen knew better than to engage, focusing instead on her work and keeping her distance.

    The day progressed without much happening between her and Bryan, and soon, it was almost time to get off work. However, a text from Vivian broke the rhythm.

    ¡°There¡¯s a surprise nned for Bryan tonight at the O.V. Club. Could you assist in getting him there?¡±

    A previous dinner, now detailed by the rumors, had cleared Bryan¡¯s schedule for the evening. Eileen was hesitant, but before she could decide what to do, she received the details from Vivian.

    ¡°O.V. Club, Room 520, 7 P.M. Thank you so much!¡±

    With a steadying breath, Eileen texted back an acknowledgment. Approaching Bryan¡¯s office, she rapped on the door with a measured double tap. Bryan¡¯s voice, resonant and inviting, called her in.

    Upon entering, she said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, there¡¯s been a change for this evening. There¡¯s a new dinner engagement.¡±

    Bryan nced at the clock, noting the approach of the evening. ¡°We can reschedule the lesser meetings.¡±

    ¡°This one¡¯s critical,¡± Eileen replied.

    Bryan rose with purpose. ¡°Hand over the paperwork. Meanwhile, ready the car.¡±

    Eileen passed him the papers she had prepared concerning the urgent matter with Quasar and left without dy. Sliding behind the wheel, she navigated the car smoothly from the underground parking lot. Bryan joined her as she drove past the gate, evading the prying eyes of the press.

    The O.V. Club stood resplendently in the vibrant heart of the city, a beacon of opulence. It wasn¡¯t foreign to either of them; its luxury served as a backdrop to many of their shared ventures.

    They entered the elevator together, silence enveloping them as Eileen pressed the button for their destination. The limited space brought her inadvertently closer to Bryan, his distinct scent surrounding her.

    Upon reaching their floor, the doors receded with a soft chime, Bryan stepping forward with an air of familiarity, his gaze capturing the room number. He paused at the entrance to Room 520.

    Eileen, with swift steps, nudged the door open to a room shrouded in darkness. Bryan¡¯s silhouette hesitated as a sudden burst of light unveiled a celebration in wait. The room bloomed to life, awash with roses and the soft glow of candles encircling Vivian, resplendent in salmon, her allure amplified by her makeup.

    Her gaze, tender yet expectant, met Bryan¡¯s, his less-than-pleased expression greeting her as she announced, ¡°Surprise!¡± Friends, familiar faces from Bryan¡¯s university days, came into view. They were Vivian¡¯s schoolmates as well. Eileen¡¯s face remained stoic, betraying none of her inner turmoil.

    Bryan turned suddenly, his unreadable look directed at Eileen, who stood motionless, caught in a moment of uncertainty. As the cheer ebbed under Bryan¡¯s unimpressed demeanor, attention flitted between him and Vivian.

    Confronting the awkward silence, Vivian approached, positioning herself between Bryan and Eileen. ¡°This was my doing,¡± she said, her eyes on his. ¡°It¡¯s me you should be upset with, not Eileen. It was all for a surprise.¡±

    Eileen, feeling the weight of Bryan¡¯s gaze, managed to keep herposure, despite knowing she was part of the ploy. But shouldn¡¯t this be a moment of joy for Bryan, with Vivian orchestrating such an borate gesture? Yet, Bryan¡¯s gaze lingered on Eileen, who finally spoke. ¡°Mr. Dawson, the fault is mine. I¡¯m prepared for any repercussions.¡±

    Vivian, quick to Eileen¡¯s defense, took Bryan¡¯s hand. ¡°Please, no me should fall on her. It was my plea that convinced her.¡±

    The focus shifted seamlessly to Bryan as he gave the slightest smile, a gesture that seemed more diplomatic than joyful. ¡°Let¡¯s just not have a repeat of this,¡± he said.

    Jacob, always the provocateur among friends, couldn¡¯t resist a tease. ¡°Come on, you enjoy the attention, right?¡± His levity cut through the tension as he chided Bryan for not fully appreciating Vivian¡¯s efforts.

    Nods and murmurs of agreement circled Bryan and Vivian as friends closed in, drawn by the festive ambiance Vivian had meticulously curated.

    Eileen, watching from a careful distance, noticed the strained cheer in Bryan¡¯s facade. Was it an unspoken reprimand aimed at her? Navigating this social minefield was delicate for her. Crossing Vivian could do nothing but harm, considering Vivian¡¯s standing within the Warren family.

    As the party buzzed on, Eileen kept a respectful proximity to Bryan, her gaze asionally meeting his over the rim of his drink. With Vivian engaged in conversation with friends, Jacob slid into the space beside Bryan, a cigarette in hand. Lighting it for Bryan, he observed the smoke rings Bryan cast¡ªa veil of sorts.

    Then, turning his attention to Eileen with a mischievous quirk of his brow, Jacob remarked, ¡°Bryan, you¡¯ve got quite the standout assistant, don¡¯t you?¡±

    In the low light, Bryan¡¯s eyes briefly met Eileen¡¯s downturned face. ¡°What do you mean?¡± he asked, an icy undercurrent in his voice.

    ¡°I mean, who knew she¡¯d side with Vivian and draw you in? Do you think it¡¯s because your charm is wearing thin?¡± Jacob¡¯s tone was light but probing. He had been the first to uncover the affair between Bryan and Eileen, but he knew how to keep a secret well.

    Bryan¡¯s gaze, sharp and questioning, met his. ¡°Cut to the chase.¡±

    Jacob, undeterred, nudged at the truth he perceived. ¡°Seems she¡¯s more interested in wealth than anything else.¡± Patting Bryan¡¯s back, a seemingly jovial suggestion followed from Jacob: ¡°Now that Vivian¡¯s back, how about passing Eileen to me?¡±

    The suggestion struck a nerve. Bryan¡¯s expression tightened, a storm brewing in his eyes. Jacob recoiled, his joke souring. ¡°Easy, just a thought. You know what they say about mixing business with pleasure. I was just wondering how she¡¯s managed to get your attention; that¡¯s all. Just forget about what I said.¡±

    Jacob quickly stood up and returned to his seat.

    Bryan reclined on the couch, a cigarette dangling from his hand while his arm foundfort on the armrest. There was an effortless nobility about him, heightened by his charming gaze. Eileen¡¯s pale reflection danced in his dark eyes. She radiated charm, even bare-faced, and he couldn¡¯t deny her allure, both at the office and in bed.

    Eileen lifted her gaze, her eyes locking with Bryan¡¯s. A moment passed before she approached him, her voice a whisper. ¡°Mr. Dawson, how may I assist you?¡±

    Bryan lowered his gaze, scanning the delicate skin on her neck. ¡°The press will swarm us soon. Dawson Mansion and Oak Vis are out of the question. Let¡¯s head to your ceter,¡± he said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 7

    ?Chapter 7:

    Eileen¡¯s eyes grew wide with surprise. The idea of going to her ce had caught her off guard.

    ¡°Bryan!¡± Vivian reappeared, nestling into Bryan¡¯s embrace with a yful smile. ¡°My high school graduation photos are missing, and they¡¯re not giving them to me. Come and help me out here!¡±

    With those words, she rose, took hold of Bryan¡¯s hand, and led him away through a sea of people.

    Eileen sat up straight, turning Bryan¡¯s suggestion over in her mind. The reporters gathered there weren¡¯t just aiming to snap pictures; they would certainly attempt to halt their progress for interviews if given the opportunity. If Bryan ended up drinking too much, it would be a simple task for someone from Oak Vis to intercept them. It was a given that individuals would be waiting at the Dawson Mansion¡¯s gates as well.

    Compared to these scenarios, her home was indeed a safer option, yet it wasn¡¯t the sole choice avable.

    As Eileen waded through her uncertainty, the crowd began to thin out. Jacob made his way to Eileen and spoke, ¡°Bryan¡¯s had too much to drink. Bring the car around, and I¡¯ll assist you in getting him inside.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Meyer,¡± Eileen said. Grateful for Jacob¡¯s offer, she left to fetch the car. She parked at the entrance of the D.V. Club, exited the car, and opened the door to help Jacob with Bryan.

    Bryan slumped into the seat, his head lolling to the side, visibly intoxicated. It was a first for Eileen, witnessing Bryan in such a state.

    ¡°He¡¯s never been one to drink heavily. Vivian¡¯s presence must have thrilled him!¡±

    This remark led to a burst ofughter, with Vivian turning a shade of red and retreating into Bryan¡¯s embrace.

    Exclusive stories avable on g¦Áln¦Òv?ls

    ¡°Miss Curtis, I¡¯m entrusting your care. Please be cautious on your journey,¡± Kian said, turning to Eileen with a smile.

    After closing the car door, Eileen offered a brief nod.

    ¡°Warren, Miss Warren, Mr. Meyer, I¡¯ll be taking Mr. Dawson home now.¡±

    Vivian waved goodbye but whispered aint to Kian.

    ¡°Can¡¯t I go and take care of Bryan?¡±

    ¡°No, you cannot,¡± Kian said, denying her request without hesitation.

    With Vivian watching regretfully, Eileen departed with Bryan. As predicted, Oak Vis and Dawson Mansion were besieged by reporters.

    Driving near her apartment on quieter roads, Eileen found herself circling, unsure of her next move.

    ¡°nning to keep driving until dawn?¡± Bryan¡¯s low, raspy voice broke the silence from the backseat.

    Eileen turned to see him massaging his temples, his eyes still closed. His ability to speak indicated he had been conscious for some time, so he wasn¡¯t truly inebriated.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, perhaps I should book a hotel room for you?¡± Eileen suggested softly. Any location seemed preferable to her own ce now.

    ¡°I¡¯d rather go to your ce,¡± Bryan stated, his voice carrying an undeniable allure in the silence of the car.

    Eileen bit her lip on the verge of speaking, yet Bryan continued, ¡°Alternatively, we could just park by the roadside and spend the night here.¡± He stressed the final words significantly, leaving her no room to interpret ¡°spend the night¡± as merely sleeping.

    Setting aside her reservations, she evaded the reporters in pursuit and headed for her home. The moment they stopped, even before Eileen could unfasten her seatbelt, Bryan exited the vehicle.

    As Eileen made her way to the door, Bryan was already there, leaning against the doorframe. The moonlight stretched his shadow across the floor.

    Eileen approached, her gaze fixed firmly on the door, unable to meet his eyes. She typed in the password to unlock the door.

    ¡°What¡¯s the password?¡± Bryan inquired.

    ¡°My birthday,¡± Eileen replied casually, knowing Bryan wasn¡¯t aware of her birthday. The door clicked open, and she gestured for him to enter. ¡°Wee, Mr. Dawson, to my simple home.¡±

    Bryan let out a softugh and stepped inside.

    After shutting the door, Eileen drew the curtains of the floor-to-ceiling windows, hoping to deter any reporters from taking photos. Such an incident would be difficult to exin.

    Just as she was putting away the remote, she felt a warm hand on her waist. Bryan¡¯s body was close against hers, making her pause. Bryan rested his chin on her shoulder, his breath warm against her ear, causing a shiver to run through her.

    ¡°Forget about the lounge; let¡¯s make this our spot from now on,¡± he whispered.

    His hand guided her to face him, her expression one of worry and confusion.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, Miss Warren has returned. We shouldn¡¯t carry on like this,¡± Eileen managed to say, aiming for directness.

    Bryanughed softly, giving her a look that seemed to challenge her words. ¡°Oh? Don¡¯t need the money anymore? Since when do you make the decisions?¡±

    Speechless, Eileen realized she had no authority over the beginning of their tumultuous rtionship. The mix of alcohol and smoke clung to Bryan, enveloping Eileen as he drew closer. ¡°Eileen, I¡¯ve never been one to y by the rules. Why start now?¡±

    Eileen pondered whether his words were a critique of her transition from assistant to mistress, or for breaking protocol on Vivian¡¯s behalf that evening. Bryan¡¯s gaze was intense as he held her close. Taking a deep breath, Eileen finally looked up at him. ¡°Mr. Dawson, I refuse to be a home wrecker,¡± she said.

    Bryan¡¯s response was a soft chuckle. ¡°A home wrecker? Weren¡¯t you that already?¡±

    That was not what Eileen believed. She was Bryan¡¯s wife, after all. Even if he didn¡¯t acknowledge her, calling her a home wrecker wasn¡¯t fair. But now, with Vivian in the picture and Bryan choosing divorce, the thought of being intimate with him while he had feelings for another was unbearable for Eileen.

    Eileen averted her gaze, sensing the edge in his tone. ¡°Why?¡± Her voice was barely above a whisper, yet it carried firm determination.

    Bryan¡¯s eyes, deep and unfathomable, nced down at her. ¡°Because I need you, and you¡¯re just obedient enough,¡± he said, his voice a mix of allure andmand that clouded her thoughts. Eileen struggled to grasp what he meant. She wanted to challenge him, to question why he wouldn¡¯t seek out Vivian instead. Wouldn¡¯t his actions make Vivian sad?

    ¡°Mr. Dawson¡­¡± she began.

    But Bryan quickly cut her off, ¡°We¡¯re not at work. Call me Bryan, okay?¡±

    Taking a deep breath, Eileen felt a turmoil inside her, making it hard to meet his gaze. It wasn¡¯t until Bryan scooped her up effortlessly that she finally looked directly at him, finding in his eyes a wild, captivating fire that melted her resolve.

    She found herself unable to defy Bryan, nor could she escape the choice he had made for her. Resistance seemed futile, particrly with the looming burden of Ruby¡¯s medical expenses. The reality was, she might be cast aside eventually. So, why not secure what financial support she could get now? The notion that Bryan might look upon her fondly in the future seemed far-fetched.

    The single word, ¡°Impossible,¡± echoed in her mind as Bryan¡¯s fingers worked the buttons of her shirt, the cool air brushing against her skin. At home, she realized, it felt vastly different from when they were in thepany¡¯s lounge. Here, there were no interruptions, no need to rush for fear of drawing suspicion. Bryan¡¯s stamina was a revtion, extending what used to be mere hours into a whole night.

    It wasn¡¯t until after four in the morning that he finally released her, and they emerged from the shower, only to fall into bed, exhausted. But sleep eluded Eileen; Bryan¡¯s scent filled the room, subtle yet intoxicating, and in the dim light, she could just make out the lines of his face. Hey there as if he were in his own home, sleeping soundly.

    As dawn broke, sunlight seeped through the curtains, casting a soft glow on Bryan¡¯s face. He stirred, shielding his eyes with a hand, reaching out for Eileen in a half-awake gesture, only to find her not within his grasp. Opening his eyes slightly, he found the space beside him empty andcking warmth, indicating that Eileen had been up for quite some time.

    He flung the covers back and rose from the bed. Slipping into his pants, he moved downstairs, his feet bare and his torso uncovered. In the kitchen, Eileen, d in her professional attire, busied herself with breakfast. She was holding a white te hosting two fried eggs. Turning, her eyes met Bryan¡¯s.

    Bryan propped himself against the railing, a cigarette hanging unlit from his lips. In his view, Eileen hadn¡¯t changed; she was as steadfast as ever. However, to Eileen, Bryan appeared transformed. His posture rxed, his hair slightly unkempt, he was miles away from his office persona, exuding an effortless charm.

    Eileen set the te on the table, offering a slight nod. ¡°Mr. Dawson, I¡¯ve prepared some breakfast. You can join me if you want. I also arranged some toiletries for you; you might want to freshen up first.¡± She had bought the items early in the morning, even remembering to pick up a pair of men¡¯s slippers for him.

    Bryan turned, heading back upstairs. Returning, he was now wearing his suit. After freshening up, he took his ce at the dining table. The spread included fried eggs, cereal, and several slices of toast.

    It was avish setup. Bryan broke the silence. ¡°It appears you are not tired enough fromst night, Miss Curtis.¡± He reserved the title ¡°Miss Curtis¡± for moments of sarcasm shared between them.

    Eileen, taken aback and unsure of his irritation, nced his way with a mix of surprise and confusion. But he had already immersed himself in his meal. Eileen ate quickly, her hunger sated, then turned to clean up the mess from their previous evening¡¯s escapades upstairs.

    A soft noise from the door caught Bryan¡¯s attention. cing his fork down, he approached the door and peered through the peephole, greeted by a disheveled head of hair.

    Opening the door, he encountered a man in a delivery vest who stumbled in with a pained ¡°Ouch.¡±

    ¡°Are you using delivery as a pretext to spy on single women?¡± Bryan¡¯s voice dripped with disdain as he looked down at the man. ¡°She¡¯s taken. Best to move on.¡±

    Themotion drew Eileen downstairs in haste. Spotting Bryan reaching for his phone, possibly to alert the authorities, she intervened. ¡°Mr. Dawson, he¡¯s my younger brother,¡± she called out.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 8

    ?Chapter 8:

    Eileen grabbed Bryan¡¯s phone and deleted the number he had been dialing. Roderick¡¯s surprise at seeing a stranger in Eileen¡¯s home was evident. When he realized the man was Bryan, his eyes widened.

    Judie had told him that Bryan¡¯s loved one had returned, making Eileen¡¯s rtionship with Bryan unstable. Yet, the scene before him painted a different picture. Rising quickly, Roderick reached out to Bryan with a ttering grin. ¡°You¡¯re Mr. Dawson, right? I¡¯m Roderick, Eileen¡¯s younger brother. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you.¡±

    Bryan paused, eyeing Roderick¡¯s hand without any move to return the gesture. Eileen, caught in an awkward moment, felt sorry for her brother, who seemed unaware of the faux pas. Pulling his hand back, Roderick didn¡¯t miss a beat. ¡°Mr. Dawson, I can¡¯t thank you enough for looking after my sister. As her brother, it means the world to me.¡±

    ¡°Cut it out; we¡¯re alreadyte,¡± Eileen cut him off, urging him with a look. Roderick, with a nod and a respectful bow, moved toward the door, dropping a hint as he walked. ¡°Eileen, about that house in a good school district, I¡¯ve only got fifty thousand saved. I¡¯m counting on you now.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s stare turned icy as Roderick¡¯s smile faded. He left without another word. Hopping on his delivery tricycle, Roderick rang Judie, bubbling with news. ¡°All¡¯s going ording to n. And guess who I bumped into at Eileen¡¯s ce? Bryan Dawson, her boss. He¡¯s at her ce early in the morning. It¡¯s clear she¡¯s in a solid spot with him. That house in the school district is as good as ours!¡±

    Judie¡¯s silence lingered before she queried, ¡°Has Eileen agreed to the house purchase?¡±

    ¡°Well, not yet, but¡­¡±

    Before Roderick could finish, Judie interjected, ¡°What? Sisters making moves with Mr. Dawson and keeping us in the dark? She¡¯ll never buy that house. Are you blind?¡±

    Roderick, at a loss for words, could only ask, ¡°Should we¡­?¡±

    ¡°Time she learned a lesson. With the rumors about Vivian, Eileen must be nervous¡­¡± Judie mumbled a lot, but Roderick didn¡¯t follow. He decided to leave the n to her.

    Back at the house, Eileen felt Bryan¡¯s gaze intensify, his silence weighing heavily. ¡°Is this needed? The money?¡± he asked.

    Eileen, who had kept her mother¡¯s sickness from Bryan to avoid any unwarranted associations, now faced his scrutiny. She didn¡¯t want him to think she was doing this solely to give money to her brother. Bryan took her silence for agreement, his disappointment evident. ¡°You have ten minutes. We need to leave soon.¡±

    With that, he left first.

    Eileen rushed to clean the kitchen; there was no time for her to think about Bryan¡¯s view of her. Once the ten minutes passed, she got in the car and drove off, Bryan¡¯s presence a silent force beside her.

    On the way, Bryan¡¯s phone suddenly rang. He answered swiftly. Vivian¡¯s voice, though unclear, was unmistakable to Eileen.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Hanging up, Bryan directed, ¡°Let¡¯s head to Riverside Estate.¡±

    Eileen, sensing his frustration, made a quick detour. ¡°Mr. Dawson, is there trouble?¡±

    ¡°Reporters have surrounded the Warren family¡¯s residence, so Kian sent Vivian to the Riverside Estate. But the reporters caught wind of it. Now, Vivian¡¯s alone there,¡± Bryan said.

    Eileen pressed on the elerator, determined to outpace the relentless pursuit of hounds known for preying on the vulnerable. They dared to confront Bryan directly, choosing instead to harass Vivian.

    Riverside Estate was no high-end haven. It was respectable enough, yet the security left much to be desired. Reporters swarmed the building where Vivian was.

    Eileen and Bryan made their way into the underground parking lot with a stealth that belied their urgency. The elevator ride up was silent, a calm before the storm. Outside Vivian¡¯s apartment, a gaggle of reportersy in wait, their eagerness palpable.

    The moment Bryan stepped out, the air charged with excitement, and reporters closed in with questions sharp enough to cut.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, your thoughts on Miss Warren?¡±

    ¡°Have you considered your wife¡¯s feelings?¡±

    Eileen found herself a barrier between Bryan and the probing microphones, the crowd¡¯s pressure pushing her against him. She found it puzzling that the reporters seemed more thrilled than she was. After all, she was the wife in question.

    ¡°Everyone, what you¡¯re doing might just cross the line into illegal territory. I¡¯m asking you kindly to leave.¡± Eileen raised her voice, yet her plea was lost in the noise, drowned out by their relentless questioning of Bryan. The sound of the door interrupted.

    Vivian, drawn by themotion, emerged likely unprepared for the situation. Her eyes, red from crying, peeked out. However, in an instant, the door was pulled open from outside, sending her tumbling onto the floor.

    Eileen felt a shove from behind and suddenly found herself amidst the reporters, unable to pinpoint who had stepped on her or which camera tripod had collided with her. Pain shot through her.

    Regaining her bnce, she noticed Bryan had already made his way to Vivian, wrapping her protectively in his arms. His gaze, fierce with anger, was fixed on the photographers who didn¡¯t stop taking photos.

    Eileen attempted to speak, but words failed her, at a loss for how to deal with the insistent crowd. Then, as if on cue, Kian appeared with bodyguards, quickly clearing the reporters away.

    Vivian, now visibly injured on her leg, was carefully picked up by Bryan and escorted away. He shot Eileen a look and noticed her disheveled state. He narrowed his eyes as he dered, ¡°You¡¯reing with us to the hospital.¡±

    Then, he strode into the building. Eileen followed, pressing the button for the floor and remaining quiet, her head bowed. With Kian handling the reporters, it was just the three of them who went to the hospital.

    Once at the hospital, Vivian was whisked away for examination, leaving Bryan in the waiting area. Eileen, having paid the bills, returned slightly limping from the difort in her leg. She tried to mask it, but Bryan caught on immediately. ¡°Did your leg get hurt?¡±

    As she handed the payment receipt to the nurse, Eileen dismissed his concern with a shake of her head. ¡°Oh, nothing serious. A bit of rest should do the trick.¡±

    Bryan, not convinced, told the nurse to ensure her legs got checked. The nurse said to Eileen, ¡°Pleasee this way. The doctor will see you.¡±

    Eileen quickly refused her. ¡°Really, there¡¯s no need. A few days of rest and I¡¯ll be as good as new.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s expression grew stern. ¡°Show me the way. I¡¯ll take her there,¡± he told the nurse, who then started to lead the way.

    Bryan caught hold of Eileen¡¯s wrist. Eileen was on the verge of pulling away when she heard the sound of someone exiting the examination room.

    ¡°Who¡¯s Vivian Warren¡¯s family member?¡± the doctor asked.

    Bryan stopped walking, and Eileen withdrew her hand. ¡°How is Vivian?¡± she asked.

    ¡°The wound on her leg is deep. It requires a couple of stitches, but the patient is not cooperating. She insists on thepany of Bryan Dawson,¡± the doctor exined, looking rather distressed. ¡°We¡¯ll need to heed her request, or we cannot proceed with the stitching.¡±

    Eileen nced at Bryan, noticing the concern etched deep on his face. ¡°You should go in,¡± she suggested.

    Only when Eileen agreed to apany the nurse for her own check-up did he break eye contact. He then went inside to calm Vivian down. The door to the examination room shut gently behind him. From within, Vivian¡¯s voice, tearful and full of grievances, could be heard calling for Bryan.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Eileen told the nurse, who had been waiting.

    While examining her legs, the doctor saw a significant bruise and swelling on one of her knees. ¡°It appears to be caused by an external force. You¡¯ll need to rest adequately for the next few days. Forego wearing high heels and minimize walking,¡± the doctor rmended, prescribing medication to aid blood cirction. ¡°Staying in bed would be ideal.¡±

    ¡°Is there a quicker way to lessen the swelling?¡± Eileen inquired. Staying in bed was not an option for her. She had not taken a single day off in three years, weekends aside, while working for Bryan.

    Understanding her professionalmitment from her attire, the doctor suggested, ¡°Acupuncture could be beneficial. It might take around twenty to thirty minutes and could be slightly ufortable.¡±

    ¡°That is fine,¡± Eileen replied, assuming Vivian¡¯s stitches would take a while too. She had time.

    As shey on the examination table, the doctor approached with a set of small needles, pressing against the swollen area of her leg, which caused difort and made her wince. The real pain came with the insertion of the first needle. She nearly cried out; her instinct was to reach out for something.

    A warm hand then enveloped hers. ncing over, she saw it was the nurse offeringfort. ¡°This might sting a bit. If it bes unbearable, you can hold my hand, but please avoid interfering with the doctor,¡± the nurse said.

    For a moment, Eileen¡¯s gaze lingered. Then she let go, clutching the nket instead. ¡°Thank you, but I can manage.¡±

    Yet, she felt a profound sense of emptiness.

    Once the needles were in ce, the difort began to subside. Fatigue from a restless night took over, and Eileen drifted off to sleep.

    She was rudely awakened by a sharp pain as the doctor began removing the needles. ¡°See, the swelling has significantly reduced,¡± he said, pointing to her leg as she woke. ¡°Should time allow, another session tomorrow could help eliminate the swelling. The medication should heal the injury in about a week.¡±

    Eileen observed the remarkable reduction in swelling.

    She requested medication, indicating she might note tomorrow. The doctor obliged, writing her a prescription for several days. Taking it, Eileen left his office.

    Rather than fetching her medicine straightaway, she made her way to the examination room. There, she learned that Vivian¡¯s stitches were done and that Vivian had been moved to the VIP ward where her family was gathered.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 9

    ?Chapter 9:

    Eileen paused at the doorway of the hospital room, her eyes tracking the cluster of people huddled around Vivian¡¯s bed. She caught a glimpse of Vivian, who clung to Bryan with a determination that spoke volumes.

    The Warren family stood with their backs to her, their displeasure a heavy cloak in the room¡¯s already charged air. Fergus Warren, Vivian¡¯s father, broke the silence with his deep voice, ¡°Our family name is at stake. We¡¯ve adored Vivian from her first breath. Yet now, she¡¯s unfairly portrayed by the press. Bryan, we¡¯re owed an exnation.¡±

    Bryan stood there, his expression unreadable. Debby Warren, burning with anger, stepped in. She tugged at Vivian¡¯s hand, pulling it away from Bryan. ¡°Divorce your wife first. Then you can return to Vivian,¡± she said to Bryan.

    ¡°Mom!¡± Vivian¡¯s voice cracked as she reimed Bryan¡¯s hand, her body leaning into his. ¡°Please, don¡¯t corner Bryan. It¡¯s not his choice. The marriage was his grandmother¡¯s doing. Without her permission, how can he get a divorce?¡±

    Fergus¡¯s eyes bore into Vivian, his frustration palpable. ¡°Forget the divorce for now. He must quell these rumors. He should at least protect your name from being tarnished any further.¡±

    Vivian, undeterred, wrapped herself around Bryan tighter. ¡°I chose this. If I hadn¡¯t walked away then, none of this would have happened. The me is mine to bear, not his. I won¡¯t leave his side this time.¡±

    Fergus and Debby seemed poised to counter, but Vivian turned to Kian, who had yet to speak, signaling his support. Kian broke the silence. ¡°Dad, Vivian is an adult. She should make her own decisions. We ought not to interfere. Besides, she¡¯s correct. Her departure from Bryan led us here. It was her choice. Don¡¯t worry; I¡¯ve dealt with the media. Everyone knows Bryan¡¯s marriage wasn¡¯t for love. The journalists seek only scandal. Vivian won¡¯t be the subject of ridicule.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s grip on the door handle lightened. She knew too well the media¡¯s appetite for scandal. With the Warren family¡¯s intervention, the storm would surely pass. In their circle, mockery was reserved not for Vivian but for the elusive Mrs. Dawson, clinging to her title as Bryan¡¯s wife. Once her identity was exposed in the future, it would turn her into a jest in the circle.

    ¡°I¡¯ll manage my personal matters. Don¡¯t worry, Mr. and Mrs. Warren.¡± Bryan¡¯s voice, firm yet devoid of warmth, cut through the room. He released Vivian¡¯s hand from his and, looking down, whispered, ¡°Rest well. Venture out with more bodyguards. It¡¯s best we n for some days.¡±

    New content avable now at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Vivian¡¯s face fell, her urge to embrace him cooled by his indifferent gaze. She timidly grasped his pinkie, her voice cautious. ¡°Bryan, will you visit me here?¡±

    ¡°If time allows,¡± Bryan answered, then nodded to Fergus and Debby. ¡°If you¡¯ll excuse me, I have to go now.¡±

    Eileen stepped aside, giving space for Bryan¡¯s exit. As he passed, he furrowed his brow slightly. Fergus¡¯s and Debby¡¯s voices of displeasure could be heard from the room.

    ¡°What¡¯s with his attitude? It¡¯s like he doesn¡¯t even care about Vivian!¡±

    ¡°Vivian, show some restraint. You¡¯ve gone to lengths for him, yet he meets your warmth with coldness¡­¡±

    The closing of the door muffled their further words. Though Eileen caught no more, the discontent in Fergus¡¯s and Debby¡¯s tones was unmistakable. They clearly ced the me on Bryan for Vivian¡¯s current plight. Her image was tarnished, and now she was injured. Their frustration with Bryan was palpable, viewing him as the root of Vivian¡¯s woes.

    Eileen looked up at Bryan just as he took the prescription slip from her hand. Bryan studied it closely before asking, ¡°Have you collected all the medicine?¡±

    Eileen responded, ¡°Not yet. Should I try to talk to the media?¡±

    ¡°Get the medicine. I¡¯ll wait for you in the car,¡± Bryan said as he gave the prescription back to her and left. His response suggested that dealing with the media was not necessary at the moment.

    Eileen cast another look towards the ward where Vivian argued with her parents. She decided to follow Bryan, intrigued by his thoughts but unable to decipher them. Except when he was in bed, Bryan¡¯s actions and motives remained as elusive as ever.

    Upon returning to the car with the medicine, Eileen found Bryan in the back seat, engrossed in work on hisptop. He seemed to prioritize his work over addressing the situation with Vivian or the media.

    The Apex Group was in the midst ofunching itsrgest project in years, a venture crucial to its international presence. Bryan was truly busy with his work. That morning alone, Eileen had delivered documents for his signature twice, in addition to bringing him his lunch.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, you have an international conference at 2 p.m. and an evening dinner event,¡± she informed him, suggesting a brief rest after lunch in anticipation of the long evening ahead. Bryan had managed two hours of sleep the previous night.

    Looking up, he remarked, ¡°If you can handle your tasks, why shouldn¡¯t I be able to handle mine?¡±

    Eileen offered a strained smile in return. Her ownck of sleep had left her feeling far from her best. ¡°Then I¡¯ll leave you to lunch,¡± she said before leaving.

    Exiting thepany grounds at lunchtime, she encountered Judie and several other employees. Judie released the arm of the person beside her and hurried over to Eileen, taking her by the hand. ¡°What luck running into you here! Join me for lunch; it¡¯s my birthday. My treat!¡±

    The other employees quickly surrounded them, their ttery directed at Eileen due to her position.

    ¡°Miss Curtis, join us. It would also be a great chance for us to learn about the uingpany outing.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re not trying to use you; we¡¯re simply hoping you might share a bit of inside info!¡±

    Their conversation buzzed around Eileen, and with Judie¡¯s insistence, she found herself agreeing to join them at a nearby restaurant.

    Once seated, the conversation invariably turned toward Eileen. Compliments on her style were interspersed with attempts to glean insights into matters about Bryan.

    ¡°Miss Curtis, could you shed some light on Mr. Dawson¡¯s situation with Miss Warren? Why hasn¡¯t Mr. Dawson divorced his wife to marry Miss Warren if there¡¯s mutual affection?¡±

    ¡°Peoplebel Miss Warren unfavorably, but Mr. Dawson¡¯s marriagecked love from the start. It¡¯s unfair.¡±

    Judie sat next to Eileen. She studied Eileen¡¯s expression before saying, ¡°We¡¯re at the office for such talk. It couldplicate things for Eileen.¡±

    This prompted a hasty retreat into silence from the group, apanied by awkward nces toward Eileen.

    Eileen, meeting Judie¡¯s gaze, offered a smile. ¡°That¡¯s a matter for Mr. Dawson to address. I don¡¯t have the details.¡±

    Judie hummed through her meal and settled in, not missing the chance to underline her closeness with Eileen to the others. This wasn¡¯t new to Eileen, who had grown ustomed to Judie¡¯s antics.

    Back at thepany, the receptionist greeted Eileen and said, ¡°Miss Curtis, there¡¯s a package for you.¡±

    Eileen stopped, turned, and approached the reception desk, a crease forming between her brows as she received the package. She was certain she hadn¡¯t made any online purchases recently.

    ¡°The courier mentioned this was meant for Springvale Lane initially, but since nobody was home, it got redirected here,¡± the receptionist exined.

    This struck Eileen as odd. She used her home address for package deliveries. Moreover, a redirection typically required prior notification.

    ¡°Miss Curtis, do you live on Springvale Lane?¡±

    ¡°That area is so close to our office, and even the least expensive home there is worth millions,¡± someone remarked.

    Judie¡¯s colleagues reacted with astonishment, their eyes wide as they looked at Eileen.

    Here¡¯s the corrected text:

    As Bryan¡¯s executive assistant, Eileen had a substantial sry, yet affording a ce in Springvale Lane implied saving every penny of her ie for years, assuming no expenditures on her part.

    Given her tenure of just three years at thepany and considering what wasmonly known about her and Judie¡¯s modest backgrounds, the notion of Eileen living in such a prestigious area raised eyebrows.

    Eileen seemed to piece something together in her mind. She nced at Judie, who appeared unaffected by the scrutiny and spection.

    ¡°You seem out of sorts. Why not take a moment to rest upstairs? You¡¯ll need to go back to work soon,¡± Judie suggested, her toneced with concern.

    Eileen¡¯s lips twisted into a smile as she approached Judie, thrusting the package into Judie¡¯s hands. She then gave Judie¡¯s shoulder a reassuring pat. ¡°Take this present.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Judie¡¯s eyes widened in confusion. ¡°Isn¡¯t this a bit much?¡±

    ¡°How so? It¡¯s your birthday, isn¡¯t it? Think of it as a birthday gift. After all, we¡¯re family,¡± Eileen said, her eyebrow arched, her gaze piercing as she looked at Judie.

    She was aware that any troubleing her way would also impact Judie, yet here Judie was, engaging in petty schemes right before her eyes.

    She gripped Judie¡¯s shoulder firmly, her gaze unflinching as she observed Judie¡¯s difort. After releasing her grip, Eileen made her way to the stairs.

    As she departed, the crowd turned their attention to Judie, eager to delve into the topic of Eileen¡¯s luxurious home.

    ¡°Exactly how much does Miss Curtis earn a year? Is Mr. Dawson paying her such a high sry?¡±

    ¡°I recall you mentioning her sry being around five or six hundred thousand a year. Were you misleading us?¡±

    As Eileen stepped into the elevator, Judie caught a final glimpse of her retreating figure. The closing doors obscured Eileen¡¯s detached expression, leaving Judie with a pang of guilt.

    The thought of any misfortune befalling Eileen weighed heavily on her; such an oue would undoubtedly mean her exit from thepany. But Judie had intended only to unsettle Eileen slightly, not to cause her real harm.

    She felt confident in her leverage over Eileen, dismissing any potential concerns.

    ¡°Why would I deceive you? Her annual sry is around five to six hundred thousand. When you add bonuses and performance incentives, it barely reaches seven or eight hundred thousand,¡± Judie said.

    ¡°So how is it possible for her to own a ce in Springvale Lane? And you say covering her stepsister¡¯s college expenses? There¡¯s also the matter of her stepmother¡¯s medical bills, isn¡¯t that correct?¡± one of Judie¡¯s colleagues asked.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 10

    ?Chapter 10:

    Judie made her way to the elevator, carrying the package. ¡°Let¡¯s drop the curiosity, shall we? I¡¯m not privy to all the details of her life. We¡¯re not roommates. There was a time when her stepmother came between my husband¡¯s parents, causing a rift in the family. She grew up with her stepmother, and I don¡¯t really know anything else.¡±

    In just a few sentences, Judie cast a shadow over Ruby, branding her a homewrecker, and by extension, telling everyone that Eileen had been raised by that woman. Judie was implying that a homewrecker like Ruby couldn¡¯t raise anyone better.

    Silence filled the room as everyone digested Judie¡¯s insinuations. By the day¡¯s end, thepany was buzzing with whispers and rumors.

    Back at her desk, Eileen mulled over Judie¡¯s behavior and couldn¡¯t suppress a sneer. The property Judie and Roderick wanted was in high demand and pricey, located in a desirable area with excellent schools nearby. Even a modest two-bedroom apartment there was priced over a million dors. Roderick¡¯s contribution of fifty thousand dors seemed insignificant. They were practically asking her to buy the ce for them.

    Eileen received a text from Judie shortly after, apologizing for the mix-up with the delivery, saying it was meant as a gift for Eileen. It was initially intended to be sent home. Redirecting it to the office was supposed to avoid delivery issues, not to spark a scandal.

    This wasn¡¯t the first time Judie had engaged in such questionable actions, only to follow up with insincere apologies and rationalizations. Eileen sent a firm reply: ¡°I¡¯m not in a position to assist with your housing issue. If you¡¯re keen on staying in thepany, I advise you to act appropriately. Otherwise, I won¡¯t hesitate to take strict measures.¡±

    Judie received the message and went quiet, prompting Eileen to focus on her work.

    Later that day, around five p.m., Eileen apanied Bryan to a dinner event. En route, Bryan got a call from Vivian. He was reviewing some documents, so he opted to put the call on speaker.

    ¡°Bryan, will you visit me today?¡± Vivian inquired.

    Read all updates at g?ln¦Òv?ls

    ¡°I¡¯m pretty busy today. I have a dinner event scheduled,¡± Bryan responded.

    A sigh of disappointment came from Vivian. ¡°How about tomorrow?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Thepany is in the midst of a significant project currently. My schedule might not permit a visit. You should concentrate on your recovery for now. I¡¯ll drop by when time allows,¡± Bryan said, his attention still on the documents, leaving no room for Vivian¡¯s hopes of a visit anytime soon. Eileen caught a glimpse of his expression through the rearview mirror. His expression was cold, yet she recalled the hidden softness and warmth of his lips.

    Her thoughts seldom dwelled on intimacy. She had never initiated such moments with Bryan, but memories of their past encounters lingered. His hands, now upied with paperwork, had once explored her with a gentleness that had left her breathless and overwhelmed.

    She inhaled deeply, striving to distance herself from these recollections. Unexpectedly, Vivian voiced another query. ¡°Bryan, what do you know about that woman?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s focus shifted subtly to his phone¡¯s dimmed disy, mirroring his distinct features. ¡°What do you want to do?¡± he asked.

    Vivian expressed a desire to learn more about the woman through investigation, suggesting a meeting. ¡°If you¡¯re unsure of her looks or name, is there anything else you remember about her?¡± she probed.

    As they approached a red light, Eileen applied the brakes, a nervous lump forming in her throat as Bryan¡¯s expression tensed, a sign he was sifting through his memories. Eileen¡¯s hands grew damp with sweat.

    ¡°Soutke Technology University,¡± Bryan finally said, recalling where Eileen had studied. It was the sole detail he could remember about his wife.

    After a brief pause, Vivian spoke, her voice tinged with disappointment. ¡°But Soutke Technology University graduates tens of thousands each year. Do you recall her department?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± Bryan replied sinctly.

    Eileen exhaled in relief as the light shifted to green. She started the car, grateful that Bryan didn¡¯t remember the specific details she had once shared about her department and ss.

    Thereafter, the call ended, and Bryan turned his attention back to the documents, though his nce briefly met Eileen¡¯s. The setting sun cast a warm glow on her profile, illuminating her skin and softening the strands of hair that framed her face.

    Eileen focused on the gathering, seemingly oblivious to Bryan¡¯s earlier conversation on the phone. Upon arriving at the club, they found the exclusive top-floor room already bustling with guests.

    Bryan¡¯s presence immediately invigorated the room, drawing everyone¡¯s attention. Drinks were poured, and cigarettes were offered, setting the scene for an animated gathering. Eileen would usually mingle and partake in drinks with them on such asions when one of the assistants approached with a bottle of whiskey to pour her a ss. Arge hand intervened.

    ¡°Sheik on medication for an injury. No alcohol for her,¡± Bryan stated, with a cigarette casually resting between his lips. The smoke framed his eyes, and his shirt hung loose, adding unintended charm to his demeanor.

    Eileen, having overlooked the doctor¡¯s warning against alcohol, offered an apologetic smile to the assistant. ¡°My apologies, just stick to water,¡± she said. Her position as an assistant meant Bryan¡¯s word was final. Besides, everyone was eager to drink and talk with Bryan, not her.

    The room buzzed with toasts to Bryan, who managed the situation with ease, steering the discussions toward future coborations. As the evening progressed and talks of partnership neared conclusion, only the formalities of contract signing remained.

    The sudden entrance of a man in a silver-gray suit interrupted the flow. He walked in with a confident smile, stopping behind Bryan to rest a hand on his shoulder. ¡°Mr. Dawson, it¡¯s been a while. You¡¯re making quick decisions. We have an interest in this project as well. But it seems like you¡¯re nearly done here,¡± the man said.

    Eileen¡¯s expression tightened at the sight of Jonathan Mueller. In the business realm, where rivalries were asmon as partnerships, the Mueller family stood as Bryan¡¯s most formidable challenge. The history ofpetition between their families was long and fraught with tension, making Jonathan¡¯s sudden appearance no less than a calcted move.

    Jonathan eyed the next to him, who promptly rose and vacated his seat for him. His movement necessitated a slight rearrangement within the room to amodate Jonathan¡¯s presence. Taking his ce beside Bryan, Jonathan casually draped an arm over the chair¡¯s back, offering Bryan a smile. ¡°Today, I¡¯m not here to challenge you for the project. What do you say to a partnership? I¡¯m interested in a piece of the pie, too.¡±

    Bryan, cigarette in hand, gestured toward the spread of food on the table. ¡°If it¡¯s the pie you¡¯re after, there are plenty right here.¡± His response left no room for ambiguity regarding other ventures.

    ¡°Come on, Mr. Dawson. I¡¯m talking about the project you¡¯re discussing tonight,¡± Jonathan rified.

    Bryan cut straight to the point. ¡°That¡¯s out of the question. What you proposed isn¡¯t sharing; it¡¯s spoiling the whole thing.¡±

    Jonathan¡¯s ability to match Bryan¡¯s business acumen was questionable at best. Without the support of his family, most of his ventures likely would have failed. A coboration with Jonathan promised more risk than reward.

    While Bryan typically maintained a veneer of diplomacy, the evening¡¯s libations might have inspired a more forthright approach. Jonathan¡¯s smile evaporated, his annoyance palpable as he processed Bryan¡¯s candid refusal. He then shifted his attention to Eileen. ¡°Miss Curtis, it appears Mr. Dawson may have indulged a bit much. Would you say it¡¯s fair for me to im a portion of this deal?¡±

    Jonathan¡¯sck of subtlety extended beyond negotiations, resorting to pressuring Bryan¡¯s associates in a bid to save face. Eileen, caught in his attempt to create difort, responded with a courteous smile. ¡°That wouldn¡¯t be appropriate.¡±

    ¡°How dare you, a mere assistant, speak to me this way?¡± Jonathan said. He stood up and walked toward Eileen, intending to ce his hand on her shoulder. However, Bryan caught his wrist and pulled him back with so much force that Jonathan stumbled back into his chair. Looking up, Jonathan saw Bryan¡¯s cold and firm gaze.

    ¡°If you wish to stay for dinner, feel free. But if you¡¯re here to cause trouble, I suggest you leave,¡± Bryan stated, his eyebrows slightly raised in disdain.

    It took a moment for Jonathan to collect himself. ¡°Really? You were calm when I attempted to take your project, but you¡¯re defending an assistant with such fervor now. Are you having an affair with her or something?¡±

    Bryan kicked Jonathan¡¯s chair. The chair tipped backward, and Jonathan found himself on the floor beside Eileen¡¯s feet. ¡°Even your dad wouldn¡¯t dare challenge me over a project. Who do you think you are?¡± Bryan stood, looking at Jonathan coldly.

    Jonathan had only a nominal role within his family business, with his father holding the real power. Bryan couldn¡¯t be bothered to deal with him. Eileen considered that Bryan¡¯s intolerance for Jonathan¡¯s behavior might have been heightened by alcohol. However, she also understood that this altercation could lead to a serious conflict with the Mueller family.

    After standing up and dusting himself off, Jonathan made a cutting remark. ¡°All right, you¡¯ve shown your bravery. Provoking the Mueller family for an assistant. You should think if she¡¯s worth it. Soon, you¡¯ll understand what I meant.¡±

    Jonathan¡¯s words focused not on his failed attempt at the project but on Bryan¡¯s defense of Eileen, evading his own wrongdoings. Eileen sensed theplexity of the situation, knowing it would be difficult to clear her name.

    With those final words, Jonathan left. Bryan and hispanions retreated to a different private room. There, after indulging in a meal and enjoying drinks, they began to engage in games.

    Eileen noticed that Bryan¡¯s face had taken on a reddish hue, a clear indicator that he had perhaps indulged a bit too much, yet he continued to drink as he participated in a card game. Eileen was contemting whether to caution him when, unexpectedly, he ced his cards down, left his seat, and approached her.

    He chose to sit right beside her, draping his arm around her waist in a manner that caught her off guard. Fortunately, the merry atmosphere captured the attention of everyone else, ensuring that their secluded corner remained unnoticed. Nheless, Eileen felt the need to adjust her position.

    But suddenly, Bryan spoke; his voice was barely above a whisper and close to her ear. ¡°I want you.¡± His words jumbled Eileen¡¯s thoughts, leaving her to grapple with a surge of emotions.

    ¡°Let¡¯s leave. Settle the bill and head home,¡± Bryan suggested, his tone soft yet roughened by the effects of alcohol, his breath carrying a hint of tobo.

    Gathering herposure, Eileen stood and assisted Bryan to his feet, guiding him out of the room. She asked a waiter to inform their friends that they were departing early and escorted Bryan to the elevator. The moment the doors closed, Bryan¡¯s actions became more pronounced. He positioned her against the wall of the elevator, her hands secured by his,pelling her to look up at him. Then he kissed her with a passion that felt immediate and demanding.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 11

    ?Chapter 11:

    Bryan¡¯s kiss denied Eileen any chance to protest. The confines of the elevator felt increasingly narrow. Every slight noise was magnified, his steady breathing and the pounding of Eileen¡¯s heart included. The elevator announced its arrival with a chime. Bryan¡¯s gaze drifted downward, taking in Eileen¡¯s flushed cheeks and the delicate pink of her lips.

    A smirk crossed his face, a silent testament to his intimate knowledge of her reactions, confident in her inability to resist him. The sound of footsteps echoed from outside, signaling an imminent encounter. Swiftly, he removed his coat, cing it around her shoulders, and lifted her into his arms, exiting the elevator before anyone could get a closer look.

    Eileen made no attempt to escape his hold. Presenting herself in such a disheveled state would only draw unwee scrutiny. As they emerged, a group of men and women fixed their stares on them, watching as Bryan left with Eileen in his arms.

    Just before slipping into the car, Eileen caught snippets of their conversation, a hint of recognition in their tones. ¡°Was that Bryan? Coming with Vivian?¡±

    ¡°They were just in the elevator¡­¡±

    Had she and Bryan encountered acquaintances? This was not good. Bryan secured her in the car and took his ce in the passenger seat, his back to the onlookers. His demeanor was one ofplete disinterest, yet Eileen couldn¡¯t bring herself to look back; the fear of recognition was too great.

    With her thoughts hastily reorganized, she started the car, driving away from the scene. At a junction, her eyes flickered to Bryan. Since he settled into the car, he had been unusually silent, reclining in his seat without stirring. His eyes remained closed, radiating an intimidating aura. It seemed he was asleep.

    Taking a deep breath, Eileen continued driving, steering towards Oak Vis. Having been the driver for Bryan for three years, she was no stranger to the guards at Oak Vis, greeting them with a nod as they passed.

    She requested their assistance to help carry Bryan into the house. Once inside, she removed his coat, tossing it onto the bed, and set a ss of warm water on the nightstand. Without hesitation, she left. For the sake of her own peace, she preferred to spend an extra hour on the road rather than bring him back to her ce.

    g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í?ls has fresh updates for you

    She got back to Springvale Lane around 1 a.m., took a speedy shower, and headed upstairs to get ready for bed. Lifting the pillow, she discovered a check hidden beneath it¡ªhalf a million dors. His generosity was astonishing, even more so than during their time at thepany lounge.

    The discovery chased away her sleepiness, leaving her to ponder over the check. Her initial thoughts remained unchanged: refusing the money and confessing to Bryan sooner wouldn¡¯t guarantee his forgiveness. But somehow epting the money brought a heavy burden to her heart.

    She turned and cracked open the small drawer, taking a deep breath to soothe her nerves. What choice or dignity was left for her now? A bitter smile curled her lips as she picked up her phone to text Emilio.

    ¡°Dr. White, could you help arrange the new medicine for my mother? I¡¯lle by when I can.¡±

    It waste, and Emilio was likely asleep, so she received no reply. Setting her phone aside, she attempted to rest, but restlessness kept her awake for nearly an hour until sleep finally imed her.

    Deep in slumber, she was jolted awake by a sudden weight on the bed. A dark figure settled beside her, his presence startling her.

    ¡°It¡¯s me,¡± Bryan¡¯s voice, low and near, broke the silence. He leaned in, his lips brushing hers lightly. ¡°Eileen, you¡¯re quite bold, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    His words hinted at her decision to send him straight back to Oak Vis. Eileen¡¯s eyes flicked to the digital clock on the nightstand. It was five in the morning. Had he just woken up ande here?

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, I don¡¯t understand what you mean by that,¡± Eileen responded. ¡°Didn¡¯t you request me to escort you home?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s hand gently found its ce on her shoulder, the dim illumination from the window casting enough light for them to clearly see the expressions on each other¡¯s faces. One bore an air of innocence¡ªthe other, a resigned smile.

    ¡°You seem to have an excuse for everything. It¡¯s no use arguing with you,¡± Bryan said.

    He was a man who believed that actions conveyed more than words ever could, and it seemed he did it on purpose, leaving her feeling both exhausted and sore, marking her body deliberately. Even leaving visible signs on her corbone, Eileen doubted she could show up for work the next day.

    Her attempts to resist were overlooked. Eventually, she began to retaliate. This was not a moment of intimacy; it was unmistakably a struggle. Although Bryan had the advantage, he restrained himself.

    There were no injuries on Eileen, yet Bryan¡¯s shoulder bore a precise line of bite marks, and his back was scratched, some marks deep enough to bleed. As Eileen¡¯s energy waned, she fell into a deep sleep before he could disentangle himself from her embrace, her brows knitted together in slumber, her hair cascading over her shoulder.

    Bryan ceased his movements and carefully positioned himself beside her, recalling the fierce yet satisfied expression on her face as she bit him, which brought him a sense of contentment. Drifting off once more, he held her quietly. The morning light crept in, yet failed to rouse them until the abrupt ring of the phone by the bedside did.

    With his eyes still closed, Bryan reached out and answered the call.

    ¡°Bryan, where are you?¡± Vivian¡¯s voice filtered through the phone.

    Bryan inhaled deeply before responding, ¡°At home.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re still in bed?¡± Vivian probed, her tone a mixture of surprise and concern. ¡°It¡¯s after seven already. Why haven¡¯t you gone to thepany?¡±

    Bryan, with his voice rough from sleep, admitted, ¡°I drank too muchst night.¡±

    The sound of his sleepy voice and the sight of his uncovered torso momentarily captivated Eileen, though she had little time to savor the moment. Silently, she slipped out of bed and hurried downstairs, her restless night evident in her bloodshot eyes and the dark shadows beneath them.

    After a quick attempt to freshen up, and just as she was about to apply some makeup, Bryan entered the room. He stood a full head taller than her, their eyes meeting in the mirror¡¯s reflection.

    ¡°You should take today off. Rest for the day,¡± he suggested, his tone leaving no room for argument.

    Eileen, caught off guard, hesitated before inquiring, ¡°Will my sry be affected?¡±

    Bryan, showing a hint of dissatisfaction, replied, ¡°No.¡±

    With that settled, Eileen quickly stopped and made way for him. ¡°I¡¯ll fix you breakfast. After you eat, you can head to the office on your own. You drove here yourself, right?¡±

    Without waiting for his reply, she moved to the kitchen, bustling about with a sense of purpose.

    Bryan noticed the absence of his toiletries from the previous day. Opening the bathroom door.

    In the cab, he found them tucked away in a corner. His discerning pte was evident when he saw the same breakfast as before, causing him to frown involuntarily. It turned out it was her culinary skills that had her¡­ She seemed eager to see him off. Though he wished to discuss this matter further, the pressing demands of work forced him to postpone such conversations.

    After a quick meal, he set off for the office. Eileen, meanwhile, changed into something morefortable and set out for the hospital to cover medical expenses. She headed to Emilio¡¯s office to request the bill, telling him, ¡°If my mom asks, don¡¯t mention we¡¯ve upgraded the medication for now.¡± Emilio, without lifting his eyes from his work, assured her, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve got it covered.¡±

    As Eileen awaited the bill, a message from Vivian popped up on her phone. ¡°Eileen, aren¡¯t youing to the office today?¡± Just as Eileen was about to respond, Emilio handed her thepleted bill, prompting her to set her phone aside and proceed with the stack of files to the payment counter.

    Amid the day¡¯s tasks, she forgot to reply to Vivian, who, growing impatient, called her. ¡°Eileen, where are you?¡± Vivian¡¯s voice carried a note of anxiety. Before Eileen could formte a response, the hospital¡¯s paging system announced a call, inadvertently revealing her location to Vivian. ¡°Which hospital are you in? I¡¯lle find you,¡± Vivian insisted.

    ¡°Miss Warren, is there something you need from me?¡± Eileen queried, puzzled by Vivian¡¯s eagerness to meet. The sound of a car door opening and closing echoed on Vivian¡¯s end. ¡°We¡¯ll discuss it in person. Just tell me which hospital you¡¯re in,¡± Vivian said.

    Eileen provided the hospital¡¯s address before ending the call. She then handed over the payment documents to Emilio. She bypassed waiting in Ruby¡¯s ward, heading directly to the orthopedics department for medication for her legs, keen on keeping her terminally ill mother¡¯s condition a secret from Vivian, fearful of exposing her identity.

    Exiting the hospital with the prescribed medicine, Eileen immediately noticed Vivian scanning the area from the roadside. Approaching Vivian, Eileen greeted her, ¡°Miss Warren.¡± Vivian¡¯s eyes fell on the medication in Eileen¡¯s grasp and recalling a past event, she inquired, ¡°Were you also hurt that day the reporters were at the house?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen replied, pointing to her knee. ¡°I injured my knee, so Mr. Dawson granted me the day off to get it checked.¡±

    Observing Eileen with a sympathetic look, Vivian expressed her sympathy. ¡°I apologize for the inconvenience. I¡¯ll insist Bryan makes it up to you.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Miss. Was there a particr reason you wanted to see me today?¡± Eileen asked with a polite smile.

    Vivian gestured towards her. ¡°Please, get in. We can talk morefortably inside.¡±

    It was evident Vivian had driven here herself, as there was no chauffeur in sight, leaving just the two of them in the car. The urgency of Vivian¡¯s request had Eileen feeling an unexpected knot in her stomach.

    ¡°Last night, at the D.V Club, were there any women present?¡± Vivian wasted no time inquiring.

    Eileen nodded. ¡°Yes, quite a few. Most of the secretaries there were women, about five or six of us in total.¡±

    ¡°Did you notice if any of the female secretaries seemed unusually close to Bryan?¡± Vivian¡¯s intense gaze bore into Eileen.

    Caught off guard, Eileen replied, ¡°What exactly are you asking?¡±

    Vivian pressed on, her voiceced with urgency. ¡°Just a simple yes or no will do.¡±

    Eileen shook her head. ¡°No, I didn¡¯t notice anything of the sort.¡±

    ¡°When did you two leave the club?¡± Vivian asked.

    After a brief pause, Eileen responded, ¡°Around eleven thirty. Mr. Dawson was drunk, so I settled the bill and sent him home.¡±

    A visible wave of relief washed over Vivian, her posture ckening as if a heavy weight had been lifted. ¡°I knew it! Bryan wouldn¡¯t cheat on me!¡±

    Vivian¡¯s words caused Eileen¡¯s heart to flutter with unease. ¡°Are you saying that Mr. Dawson¡¯s female secretary¡­¡±

    ¡°A friend messaged me this morning, iming to see Bryan kiss a woman in the club¡¯s elevator!¡± Vivian¡¯s voice cracked slightly, her eyes brimming with tears at the thought.

    ¡°But since you two left at eleven, it couldn¡¯t have been him.¡±

    Eileen looked at Vivian, puzzled. The timing and the details didn¡¯t quite add up. Vivian¡¯s friend probably had seen that at around eleven that night. But why had that friend chosen to tell Vivian the news at one in the morning?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 12

    ?Chapter 12:

    Eileen harbored a wish to gently alert Vivian about Bryan¡¯s infidelity. But the woman in the car had no one but her.

    ¡°ce your faith in Mr. Dawson. It¡¯s best to address your concerns with him directly,¡± Eileen said.

    Confronted with Vivian¡¯s troubled eyes, Eileen found herself evading the truth.

    Vivian exhaled a burdened sigh. ¡°He¡¯s not being honest with me. Even if that wasn¡¯t him in the elevator, he¡¯s concealing something. This morning¡¯s message had me rushing from the hospital to confront him at Oak Vis, but he was not there. His absence from home and the office left too many questions.¡±

    Vivian¡¯s car seats were made of leather, emanating warmth for the people sitting on them. But Eileen felt the chill of anxiety instead, herposure teetering on the edge as Vivian¡¯s unsuspecting trust weighed heavily on her.

    Eileen eventually suggested, ¡°Miss Warren, it¡¯s best to seek rity directly from Mr. Dawson. Specting won¡¯t do any good.¡±

    Vivian¡¯s expression was a tangle of hurt and determination. ¡°You know what he is like. If he intends to keep secrets, they¡¯ll remain hidden. My asking will only serve to tip him off or, worse, provoke his anger over my distrust. The risk of confrontation is too great.¡±

    Silence hung heavy as Eileen grappled for the right words to reply. Outside, an argument unfolded, granting Eileen a moment¡¯s reprieve as she feigned interest in the disturbance.

    Vivian, growing impatient for a response, pressed the horn to scatter the quarreling duo.

    Before Eileen could gather her thoughts, Vivian¡¯s plea was earnest. ¡°Eileen, I¡¯m at my wit¡¯s end. You¡¯re all I¡¯ve got. Having been abroad for so long has left me with no friends. Please, you¡¯re the only friend I can rely on now.¡± Her voice lowered to a whisper. ¡°My brother cannot know about this, or Bryan will face his wrath.¡±

    Your journey begins on g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s

    ¡°What do you want me to do to help you?¡± Eileen asked.

    ¡°Keep tabs on him for me. Hisings and goings after he returns each day. Tell me,¡± Vivian said.

    Eileen¡¯s heart sank. Despite the turmoil within, her reply was firm: ¡°My days are already consumed by work with Mr. Dawson. To take on such a task would be daunting. Besides, if he finds out about this, my career will surely end.¡±

    Vivian¡¯s posture deted, her hope dissolving. After a while, she conceded defeat. ¡°You can leave now. I need space to think,¡± she said.

    Eileenplied, stepping out of the car and navigating the crowd back to her own vehicle. As she departed, she noticed the absence of Vivian¡¯s car.

    Though uncertain of Vivian¡¯s next move, one thing was clear¡ªVivian would pursue the truth on her own.

    Returning to Springvale Lane, Eileen punched in the familiar passcode and paused, pondering how Bryan had managed to enter this morning. She had told Bryan that the passcode was her birthday, naively believing he wouldn¡¯t know.

    She hesitated before the keypad, considering a change, but eventually let the idea go. After changing into her business attire, she headed for Apex Group.

    A handful of reporters, their disguises fooling no one, lingered outside thepany, a testament to the recent scandal. Their boldness had waned in the face of the Warren family¡¯s decisive actions, leaving them to linger from a safe distance.

    Exiting the elevator, Eileen sensed the shift in her colleagues¡¯ stares¡ªwas it her tardiness that drew their attention?

    ¡°Greetings, Eileen,¡± came the chorus from passing coworkers, to which Eileen responded with a smile before proceeding to Bryan¡¯s office with a file in hand.

    She stepped inside to find not just Bryan but also Vivian and Kian present¡ªan unexpected gathering that caught her off guard.

    ¡°Eileen, you¡¯rete today?¡± Vivian¡¯s tone was casual, her demeanor vastly changed from the morning¡¯s earlier despair. Her poise andposure made it seem like her earlier doubts about Bryan had vanished, her words hinting to Eileen to keep their earlier encounter secret.

    With a subtle nod and a gracious smile, Eileen acknowledged the Warrens. ¡°Mr. Warren, Miss Warren, I injured my leg. Mr. Dawson¡¯s approval for a hospital visit made mete.¡±

    Vivian, with a dimpled smile, responded warmly, ¡°Despite your injury, you¡¯re here. That¡¯smendable. You and Bryan can go ahead with your work; don¡¯t mind me. I left the hospital against advice, and Kian is here to take me back.¡±

    Eileen noticed Kian¡¯s intense stare, his dark eyes seemingly fixated on her despite his polite smile.

    Redirecting her attention, Eileen approached Bryan¡¯s desk, aware of the siblings¡¯ watchful eyes. She had grabbed a random file,ing here to alert Bryan about Vivian¡¯s suspicion, but now that Vivian and Kian were here, she couldn¡¯t do that anymore. And Bryan had already signed the file.

    Bryan perused it, eyeing his signature. ¡°Let¡¯s discuss this in the conference room shortly, and I¡¯ll decide if it requires my final approval,¡± he said.

    Relieved, Eileen collected the file. ¡°Sure, Mr. Dawson.¡±

    She acknowledged Vivian and Kian with a nod as she exited.

    In the solitude of the corridor, her tension melted away.

    Back at her desk, she pondered Bryan¡¯s astute perception, silently thankful for his tactful reaction. Eileen rose to fetch herself some toffee from the pantry. Approaching, she caught a murmur of hushed conversation.

    ¡°Is it really her ce?¡±

    ¡°The ambitious often reach heights with her looks and ability. It¡¯s not tough to attract the elite.¡±

    Upon entering, the chatter teased. Eileen filled her cup, acknowledged the room with a nod, and made her exit.

    Once out of earshot, the whispers resumed, one voice notably louder. ¡°Did anyone else notice the hickeys on Eileen¡¯s neck?¡±

    ¡°Really? Are you sure? But Judie mentioned Eileen¡¯s single.¡±

    The rumor mill churned.

    Back at her desk, coffee in hand, Eileen rested for a short while. She then headed to the conference room early to prepare for the meeting.

    Inside, the blinds cast shadows, creating a muted ambiance. She flicked on the air conditioning and crossed the room to turn on the lights.

    As the lights flickered on, the door swung open. Startled, Eileen collided with Bryan, her nose hitting his firm chest.

    Bryan¡¯s concern was immediate. ¡°Brought you back so soon?¡± he inquired, his fingers tenderly brushing against her nose, eliciting a wince.

    Eileen cast a nce at the door, acutely aware that the emptiness of the meeting room would soon be breached. As she tried to put some space between them, Bryan¡¯s grip on her waist remained firm.

    ¡°What are you doing? We¡¯re at thepany,¡± Eileen whispered urgently. ¡°Besides, Mr. and Ms. Warren are still in your office!¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re not here. No need to worry,¡± Bryan said casually. ¡°Are you scared?¡±

    It was more than evident, wasn¡¯t it? Eileen nearly voiced those very words but held them back, steadying her voice. ¡°Vivian sought me out at the hospital earlier today.¡±

    Bryan was toying with her fingers now, bringing them close to his face. ¡°What was the hospital visit for?¡± he inquired.

    Eileen began, frustration bubbling within her. She was astounded by his knack for diverting the conversation from what mattered. He should be focusing on Vivian¡¯s visit.

    As a shadow darted past the window, Eileen summoned her resolve and pushed Bryan away. She quickly lit the room, and almost on cue, the door swung open.

    A stream of attendees flooded in, dissipating the earlier affectionate atmosphere in the room. Yet, the flutter of anxiety in Eileen¡¯s chest didn¡¯t subside so easily.

    With the room now alight and the meeting imminent, Bryan had already positioned himself at the head of the table, his expression inscrutable, the earlier encounter seemingly erased from the moment.

    Bryan and Eileen being early to meetings was the norm, so their simultaneous arrival sparked no curiosity. Soon, the meetingmenced.

    Two hours flew by before the meeting adjourned near lunchtime. Eileen had just settled into her chair when Kian emerged from Bryan¡¯s office.

    Pausing by her desk, Kian peered down. Rising to greet him, Eileen said, ¡°Mr. Warren, heading out? Won¡¯t you stay for lunch?¡±

    Kian shook his head. ¡°No. With Vivian remaining by Bryan¡¯s side, I¡¯ll skip lunch here. Would you mind arranging a light meal for them at the hotel? Nothing too rich for Vivian.¡±

    Acknowledging his request, Eileen nodded. But Kian remained still. ¡°Is there anything else?¡± Eileen asked.

    ¡°Last night at the D.V. Club, I heard the kid stirred up some drama?¡± Straightening, Kian casually slipped his hands into his pockets. ¡°Did Bryan hit him to defend you?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 13

    ?Chapter 13:

    ¡°He did,¡± Eileen confirmed. ¡°Jonathan was provoking him over the Apex Group¡¯s prime project.¡±

    Kian looked skeptical. ¡°And what sparked Bryan¡¯s reaction? What did Jonathan say?¡±

    Taking a moment to gather her thoughts, Eileen met Kian¡¯s gaze squarely. ¡°Truthfully, it wasn¡¯t monumental. Jonathan couldn¡¯t handle being outdone by Mr. Dawson and took a jab at me to try and regain some pride. Mr. Dawson intervened before he could go further. Perhaps the alcohol yed a part.¡±

    Kian probed further, ¡°So you¡¯re saying Bryan did that because he drank too much?¡±

    Eileen replied, ¡°The tension between Mr. Dawson and Jonathan is a constant undercurrent. It could have been Mr. Dawson¡¯s mood or just Jonathan pushing buttons. Mr. Dawson standing up for me was the right thing to do; after all, I¡¯m his subordinate. If I get bullied, it¡¯ll reflect poorly on him.¡±

    Feeling her stance was reasonable and unshaken by Kian¡¯s inquisition, Eileen held her ground.

    Kian gave a shortugh. ¡°Fair point. Just keep a low profile in future incidents. It¡¯s best not toplicate things for Bryan, especially with the Muellers involved.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll remember that, Mr. Warren,¡± Eileen said, casting her gaze downwards.

    With Kian gone, Eileen arranged a hotel lunch for Vivian and Bryan before deciding on a simple takeout meal for herself.

    Eileen finished the meal and, without realizing it, sumbed to slumber at her desk, a testament to her recent sleepless nights.

    It wasn¡¯t until Vivian called out to her that Eileen jolted awake.

    L?t??¦Ó ?§ß¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?ls.??????

    Eileen¡¯s eyes fluttered open,nding on Vivian sitting beside her.

    Vivian¡¯s expression held concern. ¡°You¡¯ve been looking exhaustedtely. It¡¯s not like you to sleep on the job.¡± She pointed to Bryan¡¯s office and continued, ¡°If Bryan sees you asleep at work, there¡¯ll be consequences.¡±

    Aware of Bryan¡¯s policy against workce lethargy, Eileen massaged her forehead. ¡°My apologies, Miss Warren. It seems I nodded off.¡±

    Vivian¡¯s voice was gentle yet firm. ¡°Come on, refresh yourself in the washroom. I¡¯ll apany you.¡±

    Not fully awake, Eileen was led by Vivian to the shared washroom.

    There, amidst the sound of running water, office gossip permeated the air.

    ¡°Always looked up to Miss Curtis, such an aplished figure,¡± someone said, their tone souring. ¡°Now this? Disappointing.¡±

    Another chimed in, ¡°It¡¯s one thing to mingle with the affluent; another to entangle herself with a married man.¡±

    ¡°And her position as Mr. Dawson¡¯s assistant? It ces her in a different orbit from the rest of us.¡±

    Eileen paused, the weight of the morning¡¯s stares suddenly clicking into ce. Was it because of this kind of gossip? Had Judie ignored her warnings and let things escte like this?

    ¡°Is this what you should do now, spreading rumors during work?¡± Vivian¡¯s voice cut sharply through the chatter, her presencemanding immediate attention. ¡°Who started this ridiculous rumor?¡±

    To the employees, Vivian was practically the future wife of their boss. Being caught in idle talk by her was no small matter, especially since Eileen was on friendly terms with her. The employees¡¯ faces turned pale.

    ¡°Miss Warren, we just overheard this from someone else,¡± words stumbled out of one employee, the evident panic clear.

    ¡°It¡¯s the talk of the office. The source is unclear,¡± another added.

    ¡°Eileen, we were just casually chatting. No need to take our words seriously.¡±

    Unconvinced, Vivian said, ¡°Then tell me who exactly you heard it from. I¡¯ll find out who started this!¡±

    ¡°It was Charity from finance. She was skeptical at first, but she imed she saw hickeys on Eileen earlier today, which seemed to lend credence to the rumors.¡±

    Vivian¡¯s reaction to the mention of hickeys was a briefpse into silence, her eyes flicking to Eileen.

    Eileen felt the weight of Vivian¡¯s gaze and self-consciously adjusted her clothing, even though she was fully buttoned. Bryan had left a hickey just above her corbonest night. She wondered if it had been glimpsed when she bent down to prepare coffee.

    Upon seeing Eileen¡¯s expression, Vivian realized Eileen indeed had hickeys on her. In defense, Vivian spoke up. ¡°Being unmarried, it¡¯s quite ordinary for her to be in a rtionship or live with her boyfriend. Besides, how could you spread such a rumor based on that?¡±

    The crowd fell into silence.

    Vivian continued, ¡°Enough of this. If I catch wind of you talking about this again, there will be consequences.¡±

    Upon hearing that, the group of people left, leaving only Vivian and Eileen there.

    In the privacy of the restroom, Vivian sought confirmation.

    ¡°Eileen, was I correct? Do you have a boyfriend now?¡±

    With a restrained smile, Eileen replied, ¡°Yes.¡±

    Vivian furrowed her brow. ¡°But Bryan seemed to think otherwise when I inquired about this earlier.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s to be expected,¡± Eileen said. ¡°I don¡¯t talk about my personal matters with him.¡±

    Vivian nodded. ¡°Right. Your boyfriend must be quite a catch, right? Let¡¯s go out for dinner together sometime.¡±

    Eileen managed to say, ¡°I¡¯d love to.¡±

    Vivian turned to wash her hands. ¡°Eileen, upon reflection, my earlier request was of little importance. However, could I ask another favor of you?¡±

    Eileen, caught off guard for a second, hesitated before answering, ¡°What would that be?¡±

    ¡°Just let me know every day when you drop Bryan off at home after work and pick him up in the morning,¡± Vivian said with aforting pat on Eileen¡¯s shoulder. ¡°And remember, if the rumor mill starts again or if you face any form of harassment,e straight to me. I won¡¯t let you be treated badly.¡±

    It now dawned on Eileen that Vivian got close to her because of her position as Bryan¡¯s assistant. Vivian was essentially using her to get what she wanted.

    ¡°Appreciated, Miss Warren. I¡¯ll keep you updated on that,¡± Eileen responded, her guilt towards Vivian dissipating.

    ¡°Please, just call me Vivian. It¡¯s a shame our schedules hardly align. We could be out enjoying a drink instead of feeling worlds apart,¡± Vivian said.

    Before Eileen could say something, Vivian continued, ¡°No formalities between us. Consider me a friend. I¡¯ve mentioned to Bryan about lightening your workload. Perhaps you can keep mepany when he can¡¯t.¡±

    Vivian¡¯s intent was evident; she wanted to be close to Eileen. Since Vivian¡¯s arrival, a chair by Eileen¡¯s desk had be her regr spot. Except for her time spent in Bryan¡¯s office, she often engaged in light conversation with Eileen and assisted with tasks like document deliveries and coffee runs.

    It was after ten o¡¯clock in the evening that Eileen saw Bryan again. Kian hade to pick Vivian up earlier, a routine that seemed set to be a regr urrence. Eileen found herself thinking that Kian was a great brother to Vivian.

    Eileen chauffeured Bryan to his residence, the silent journey ending at Oak Vis. As she watched Bryan step into his home, Eileen promptly informed Vivian of his arrival with a brief text.

    After receiving Vivian¡¯s response, Eileen left. As she drove away, a nagging thought took hold¡ªwould Bryan make an unexpected visit to her ce tonight? Considering Vivian¡¯s inquiry about Bryan¡¯s arrival times, Eileen entertained the thought that Vivian might want to drop by his ce or had recruited another person to monitor him. The idea weighed on her.

    Compelled by a mix of caution and concern, Eileen sent a warning to Bryan. ¡°Mr. Dawson, Miss Warren has concerns about yourte-night outings. She suspects you¡¯re seeing someone else.¡±

    She had wanted to directly tell Bryan not toe to her ce again but had stopped herself, believing Bryan would be smart enough to get the hint from her text.

    Bryan didn¡¯t reply to her text, leaving her unsure if he hadn¡¯t seen it or had chosen to leave her on read.

    Feeling uneasy, she changed the password to her ce, preferring to ward off any unwee visits from Bryan than risk an embarrassing encounter.

    As night fell, she received a call from Roderick. Judie¡¯s faint murmurs were in the background; she was clearly with him now.

    ¡°Eileen, I hope I didn¡¯t disturb you at this hour,¡± Roderick¡¯s voice was cautious.

    With the day¡¯s gossip at the forefront of her mind, Eileen¡¯s response was straightforward. ¡°Just pass the phone to Judie.¡±

    After a pause, Judie¡¯s voice came through. ¡°Hey, Eileen?¡±

    ¡°Can you tell me the full price for the house you want in the school district?¡± Eileen asked.

    Judie¡¯s excitement was palpable, barely contained. She believed her earlier scheme had worked and that Eileen was going to give in and buy the house for them.

    ¡°I was just looking at a spacious four-bedroom¡ªit¡¯s perfect for when Roderick and I start our family. And, of course, there must be a room for your mother; she¡¯ll live with us in the future. The total price is around two million. Do you want me to send you the details of the houseter?¡± Judie said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 14

    ?Chapter 14:

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. I won¡¯t be buying or living in that house anyway,¡± Eileen said, bringing silence from Judie. After a pause, Eileen asked pointedly, ¡°How much money do you want from me?¡±

    Judie gave a quickugh before she replied, ¡°At least two and a half million. I also raised fifty thousand, depending on you for the rest.¡±

    ¡°You must be joking, right? More than two million? How can I get that much money for you?¡± Eileen said.

    A hint of entitlement crept into Judie¡¯s tone. ¡°Surely you can request that from Mr. Dawson?¡±

    Eileen stood by the window, her eyes deep as she said, ¡°My rtionship with Mr. Dawson is none of your business. Roderick¡¯s my brother, but we¡¯re never close. It¡¯s not my responsibility to do everything for him. If you¡¯re capable of purchasing the house, proceed. If not, don¡¯t expect me to buy it for you.¡±

    Eileen stood her ground, her stance fueling Judie¡¯s frustration. Judie had thought of strategies to leverage Eileen¡¯s sense of obligation against her, so she quickly replied, ¡°That¡¯s not how it should be. Mom said you would be our support. And unlike Roderick, I at least have a university degree. If you¡¯re not going to help, I might as well end the marriage. Then, this is all on you.¡±

    Eileen absorbed her words with cool detachment. ¡°Is your degree your pride? Without my referral, you¡¯d be nowhere near Apex Group. Your status is no better than Roderick¡¯s. Choose divorce if you must; it doesn¡¯t concern me at all. And remember, your position in thepany is precarious at best. Step out of line again, and it¡¯s the end of the road for you. Don¡¯t test my word.¡±

    Ending the call decisively, Eileen set the phone aside. The distant echo of its ringing trailed off as she retreated to her room, ignoring Judie¡¯s persistent calls.

    Her sleep was uninterrupted. Bryan did not arrive unexpectedly. Moreover, recent days saw himmuting solo, affording Eileen some peace. Yet, Vivian¡¯s presence in the office became more pronounced as she seamlessly assumed Eileen¡¯s usual duties, like bringing in coffee and getting documents signed.

    Find the magic on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s???????

    Eileen¡¯s encounters with Bryan grew scarce, limited to brief exchanges in meetings where subtle acknowledgments passed between them under the cover of professionalism.

    In her interactions with Vivian, Eileen remained candid, rying Bryan¡¯sings and goings without fail. With the annual team-building event on the horizon, Eileen knew participation was essential. The tradition at Apex Group was a yearly affair, and they would need to vote to determine the location of the event.

    Despite not being an Apex Group employee, Vivian joined Bryan for this meeting. Vivian¡¯s enthusiasm for the proposed destinations was clear. ¡°Bryan, mountain climbing sounds exciting. That peak we once talked about¡ªI¡¯ve always wanted to tackle it. How about we choose this location this time?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s attention brieflynded on Eileen, noticing she was gazing at a spot on the documents. He said, ¡°The goal is to unwind and rx. Mountain climbing would be too tiring.¡± Reaching over, he gently tapped on the spot Eileen had been looking at. ¡°Here¡¯s a thought¡ªfour days at this resort should offer everyone a chance to recharge. We¡¯ll leave in three days.¡± His decision, while reasonable, left Vivian momentarily disappointed, but she acquiesced with a yful huff, extracting a promise from him for a future climb.

    Turning to Eileen, Bryan¡¯s manner was nonchnt as he passed her the documents. ¡°Tally the attendees and organize the stay like before.¡±

    Still processing Bryan¡¯s abrupt choice, Eileen replied, ¡°Yes, Mr. Dawson.¡±

    Bryan left amidst the excited buzz of the employees. Vivian¡¯s concern drew Eileen back from her daze. ¡°You seem absent-minded,¡± she remarked, linking arms with her.

    ¡°Not,¡± Eileen assured her with a practiced smile. ¡°Mr. Dawson¡¯s decision just caught me off guard.¡±

    For a fleeting moment, Eileen had the notion that Bryan might have seen through her preference, but she quickly brushed aside the thought as silly.

    After the meeting, Vivian took up a post at Eileen¡¯s desk, engaging in small talk that hinted at something unsaid. As the day wound down, Vivian presented Eileen with a luxurious set of cosmetics.

    ¡°You look so happy these days; I thought this might cheer you up,¡± Vivian said.

    Recognizing the high-end brand, Eileen immediately refused Vivian. ¡°Rest is all I need, not luxury. I¡¯ll have plenty of time to recuperate during the uing trip,¡± she said.

    But Vivian insisted, nudging the gift closer to Eileen. ¡°It¡¯s already yours. I¡¯d hate for it to go unused.¡±

    Their conversation halted abruptly as Bryan opened the door. Reacting swiftly, Eileen concealed the cosmetics.

    Bryan¡¯s instructions were sinct. ¡°We¡¯ll need additional rooms¡ªKian and Jacob are joining the trip.¡± Eileen¡¯s response came with a hint of unease, met by Bryan¡¯s lingering gaze. But Bryan didn¡¯t say anything more and left.

    Vivian announced her participation nonchntly as she trailed after Bryan. Left alone, Eileen grappled with the tangible opulence in her grasp, feeling a heavy burden on her chest.

    Vivian¡¯s consideration was evident. After gifting the cosmetics, she stayed away from Eileen, only emerging to leave with Bryan at the day¡¯s end.

    ¡°Meet up at Oak Vis at eight tomorrow morning,¡± Bryan said, pausing by Eileen¡¯s desk on his way out.

    Eileen quickly nodded, ¡°Yes, Mr. Dawson.¡±

    Catching a glimpse of Vivian¡¯s secretive gesture¡ªa finger to her lips and a conspiratorial wink¡ªEileen could only respond with a courteous smile. The chance of returning the gift hadn¡¯t materialized. Leaving the cosmetics here could invite unwanted spection. Eileen chose to wait until the office had emptied before taking them with her.

    The gift, if it had been from a casual friend, wouldn¡¯t have been a big deal. But it was from Vivian, and there were likely strings attached. Yet without receiving a gift from Vivian, denying her requests was hard for Eileen.

    The following day, Eileen arrived at Oak Vis at eight. With no sign of Bryan outside and feeling uncertain about the next move, Eileen heard a voice from upstairs.

    ¡°Come up,¡± Bryan said.

    With her bag left by the door, Eileen ascended the stairs. As she rounded the corner, an unexpected gesture caught her by surprise¡ªBryan pulled her inside. The room was bathed in soft light, and a gentle, alluring fragrance lingered in the air.

    Eileen found herself pushed to the bed, feeling the warmth of Bryan¡¯s presence enveloping her in a subtle embrace. His lips met hers in a fleeting touch, and in the dim light, his intense gaze locked with hers.

    ¡°You look tired,¡± he whispered. ¡°Haven¡¯t you been sleeping well these past few days?¡±

    ¡°We should head out, Mr. Dawson. We¡¯re almostte for work,¡± Eileen said.

    Bryan chuckled softly. ¡°Late? But I told you to pick me up at eight, not seven. Didn¡¯t youe early on purpose?¡±

    Confusion flickered across Eileen¡¯s face. She had a sh of memory. Indeed, he had mentioned eight the day before.

    Distracted as she had been, she had stuck to her routine and arrived here at seven without a second thought. Bryan¡¯s gaze was knowing, and he wore a slight smile. He had nned this. Eileen wondered why he had been so certain she would arrive at her usual time.

    Eileen bit her lip, a shade of difort coloring her voice. ¡°You changed our schedule on purpose, right?¡±

    Bryan nodded unapologetically. ¡°Yes, an hour is better than nothing.¡±

    Drawing nearer, his breath warmed Eileen¡¯s ear. Eileen tried to resist, only to find herself firmly held. ¡°Let¡¯s not waste the moments we¡¯ve got. I¡¯ve missed you,¡± Bryan said softly.

    His words seemed to melt her willpower every time. She nced down, noticing the fading reminders of passion on his skin¡ªsome healing, some stubbornly lingering.

    One hour was indeed short for them. There was so much to do, and they also needed time to freshen up and change. This was Eileen¡¯s first time doing this at Bryan¡¯s ce. It caught her unprepared, leaving her no chance to cherish their intimate moment before he carried her to the bathroom to shower.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 15

    ?Chapter 15:

    Eileen enjoyed a hot shower while Bryan chose a cold one. By the time Bryan was out of the shower, Eileen was already fully dressed. She quickly approached him and started loosening the belt of his bathrobe.

    However, before she could proceed further, Bryan caught her hand. ¡°Eileen, we have enough time for that,¡± he said.

    Taken aback, Eileen red at him. ¡°I only intended to put some ointment on the wound on your shoulder. It won¡¯t heal if it¡¯s constantly exposed to water.¡±

    Guiding him to sit on the bed, she carefully pulled down his bathrobe, revealing his muscr shoulder and part of his chest. Droplets of water shone on his corbone, trailing down into the bathrobe¡¯s fabric.

    The wound looked worse being wet, and the color of the ointment didn¡¯t make it look any better. As Eileen applied it, she softly blew on the area.

    ¡°This looks like it might be getting infected. It should stay dry. Make sure to apply this ointment daily,¡± she said.

    After covering the wound with gauze, she caught Bryan gazing at her with intensity.

    ¡°Will you be able to do this for me every day?¡± Bryan asked.

    Eileen adjusted his bathrobe and responded, ¡°If you won¡¯t take your health seriously, there¡¯s only so much I can do. I¡¯ll remind you about the ointment, but that¡¯s all.¡±

    At that moment, something in Bryan stirred. The care and attention from her sparked a newfound appreciation in him.

    ¡°Please change quickly. We need to head to the office now,¡± Eileen said, taking the medical kit with her to exit the room. She returned the kit to its ce and made her way to the car to wait.

    Read the newest chapters g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    At eight sharp, she texted Vivian to inform her that she had picked Bryan up. Before she could receive a response, Bryan entered the car,pelling her to set aside her phone and start the vehicle.

    As the car drove away, her phone chimed. A quick nce revealed a new message from Vivian. Bryan, who had also noticed the message was from Vivian, nced at Eileen with a raised eyebrow, his look lingering for a moment.

    Eileen felt a twinge of guilt under his gaze, but he didn¡¯t say anything, reclining in his seat to rest.

    With the team-building event just two days away, the secretary¡¯s office provided the list of participants. Eileen was tasked with organizing the amodations. Given the event¡¯s scale, she reserved an entire hotel to amodate everyone. The first three floors were allocated for standard housing, two employees each, while the top two floors were designated for deluxe suites. Bryan and the other executives were assigned their own suite.

    Owing to Bryan¡¯s influence, Eileen secured a deluxe suite for herself, positioned next to his for convenience, ensuring she was readily avable should he need assistance.

    Just as Eileen was about to finalize the arrangements with the hotel, Vivian made an unexpected visit.

    ¡°Eileen, are you sorting out the hotel bookings?¡± Vivian inquired.

    Eileen replied, ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°May I see how you¡¯ve allocated the rooms?¡± Vivian asked, leaning over Eileen¡¯s desk with a yful smile.

    Eileen passed Vivian the list showing where everyone would be staying. After a brief look, Vivian ced the list down. ¡°Eileen, could you make one adjustment for me?¡±

    Eileen, anticipating this request, calmly inquired, ¡°What kind of adjustment do you need?¡±

    ¡°Given how close Bryan and I are, there¡¯s no need for separate rooms. Could you arrange for Bryan and me to share a room?¡± Vivian suggested, biting her lip as she awaited Eileen¡¯s response.

    Eileen silently considered returning the gift Vivian had given her. ¡°Miss Warren, I¡¯m not certain that¡¯s a good idea. What if it attracts media attention? The rumors have only just subsided,¡± Eileen said.

    Vivian dismissed the concern. ¡°The resort has strict policies against press ess. Plus, Bryan has ensured we have the resort to ourselves. No need to worry about that.¡±

    She then walked around the desk, linking arms with Eileen. ¡°Please, just this once. I want to surprise Bryan. I promise to handle any fallout.¡±

    Eileen managed a polite smile. ¡°Miss Warren, the Warren family might not appreciate such forwardness.¡±

    ¡°Their concerns are separate from my feelings for Bryan. I owe him so much and want to make amends. We¡¯ll get married sooner orter. This is just a step forward in that direction,¡± Vivian said. It was clear she really wanted to be with Bryan.

    Persuaded by Vivian¡¯s words, Eileen conceded. She reasoned that her identity would eventually be exposed. Avoiding Vivian¡¯s displeasure was the priority for her now.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll arrange for you and Mr. Dawson to share a room,¡± Eileen said.

    Despite her rationalizations, voicing this decision left Eileen with an ufortable tightness in her throat. Vivian¡¯s face lit up with happiness as she watched Eileen make the room arrangements over the phone with the hotel staff, waiting until the call ended.

    ¡°Thank you, Eileen. I really appreciate it! And about the cosmetics I gave you, there were some samples included. They should be convenient for the trip, saving you the trouble of packing numerous bottles and jars. Tomorrow, I¡¯ll be getting some things ready for the outing, so I won¡¯t be in the office. If there¡¯s anything specific you¡¯d like to eat, let me know. I¡¯ll buy it and bring it with me,¡± Vivian said.

    Eileen offered a subtle smile in response, expressing her gratitude. ¡°Thank you, Miss Warren, but I don¡¯t need anything. The retreat is a chance for me to unwind. As long as there¡¯s a ce to sleep and meals are provided, that¡¯s sufficient for me.¡±

    ¡°Okay, then. But if you change your mind, just text me. Now, I¡¯ll go see if Bryan needs anything,¡± Vivian said, gesturing towards her phone before swiftly heading to Bryan¡¯s office.

    Striving to keep her feelings in check, Eileen turned her focus back to her work. The night before the team-building event, Eileen visited the hospital with some of Ruby¡¯s favorite fruits and snacks.

    ¡°Why did you spend money on these?¡± Ruby chided, though her expression betrayed her delight.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯ll be out of town for apany team-building activity starting tomorrow. I¡¯ll be gone for about four days. If you need anything at all, just call Bailee,¡± Eileen said.

    Ruby nodded in understanding. ¡°No need to worry about me. Go ahead with your ns. Bailee¡¯s job is more flexible than yours, anyway. You¡¯re always so busy. Can you really keep up with such a schedule?¡±

    Eileen reassured her, ¡°I hardly ever get sick, maybe twice a year at most. I¡¯m quite healthy. It¡¯s good to stay busy while I can. There mighte a time when I wish I could be busy but won¡¯t have the opportunity.¡±

    ¡°Do you remember the young entrepreneur I mentionedst time, the one who went abroad for business? He¡¯s back now. I¡¯ve spoken about you to his mother, and she¡¯s keen on arranging a meeting between you two. When will you be free? You¡¯ve been too caught up with work. You¡¯re not getting any younger. It¡¯s time to consider dating,¡± Ruby said.

    Eileen was well aware that once Ruby set her mind on something, she wouldn¡¯t let it go. Ignoring the suggestion today would only mean facing it again in the future. Ruby would persist until Eileen consented.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll meet him after I return,¡± Eileen replied.

    With a smile, Ruby retrieved a piece of paper from beneath her pillow, disying the man¡¯s phone number. ¡°The timing of the meeting is up to you. Here¡¯s his number. I¡¯ll also share yours with him. Start with a conversation. Remember he¡¯s an executive and might have a certain attitude. You might need to be more proactive. However, what matters is his character. I heard he¡¯s both young and attractive. You¡¯re well-educated and good-looking yourself. There¡¯s no need for you to overly amodate him,¡± Ruby said.

    Ruby¡¯s advice seemed contradictory, encouraging Eileen to assert herself in pursuing the man while also expressing concern over potential disparities in their social standings. After listening for a while, Eileen couldn¡¯t help butugh.

    ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll find the right bnce. I won¡¯t let him underestimate me, but I¡¯ll also be respectful,¡± Eileen reassured Ruby.

    Ruby nodded in approval. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    Eileen spent the night at the hospital with Ruby. Early the next morning, around five, she headed home to pack before driving to thepany for the team-building event assembly.

    There was no need for Eileen to fetch Bryan, as he had stayedte working and spent the night at his office. In the business world, Bryan was known for his efficiency and decisiveness. Yet, in private, he maintained a low profile and was approachable. On team-building excursions, he would ride the bus alongside his employees, fostering a sense of camaraderie.

    Stepping out of her car, Eileen immediately noticed Bryan among the crowd. Away from his usual formal attire, he looked more approachable. Dressed in all-ck sportswear, his slightly disheveled hair softened his usually sharp appearance. Their eyes met across the distance, pulling Eileen back from her momentary distraction. She quickly adjusted her hair before approaching.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, Miss Warren, Mr. Warren, Mr. Meyer, it¡¯s nice to see you all.¡± Greeting Bryan and the others with a respectful nod, she announced, ¡°I¡¯m going to tally up everyone and organize boarding the bus.¡±

    Bryan acknowledged her with a nod, observing as she moved toward the group of employees. Jacob approached, whispering, ¡°Seeing Eileen in casual clothes is a first for me. She looks far better than in her work clothes. Just look at her! The casual jeans and white T-shirt lend her charm. She appears years younger, almost like a college student.¡±

    Bryan cast several more nces at Eileen, acknowledging her appeal. While he appreciated her professional look, this new style showcased a different side of her charm. Vivian, standing nearby, couldn¡¯t help but notice Eileen¡¯s beautiful appearance as well. She nudged Kian with her shoulder and said, ¡°Kian, don¡¯t you think Eileen looks quite attractive? Perhaps even more so than me?¡±

    Kian immediately replied, ¡°How could shepare to you? You¡¯re our family¡¯s darling. Everything suits you perfectly. Plus, you and she have distinct styles. If you were to dress like her, you¡¯d outshine her without a doubt.¡±

    Vivian was wearing a floral dress, and her hair was styled in gentle waves. Her entire look presented a blend of allure and sweetness. Content with Kian¡¯s words, Vivian said, ¡°Let¡¯s be fair, Eileen has her own appeal as well.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 16

    ?Chapter 16:

    Eileen stood out among her colleagues, her height and slim figure drawing attention. Once she had ensured everyone was aboard the bus, she approached Bryan. ¡°Dawson, everyone¡¯s settled in. There are a couple of vacant seats at the front. Will you be taking the bus, or¡­?¡±

    She had noticed a few high-end vehicles parked close by, likely owned by Kian and Jacob. It seemed improbable that they would prefer the bus over their luxurious cars.

    This observation led her to appreciate Bryan¡¯s grounded nature despite his status. Bryan promptly said, ¡°I¡¯ll join you on the bus.¡± He then turned to Kian and the others, saying, ¡°What about you? Will you ride the bus or drive?¡±

    Kian looked toward Vivian, considering that Bryan¡¯s choice to take the bus might influence her preference. However, he knew the bus¡¯s environment wouldn¡¯t match thefort of his own car. He suggested, ¡°Perhaps you and Vivian should go there in my car. Or maybe Miss Curtis could drive you both.¡±

    Eileen waited quietly, ready to adapt to the proposed ns, her gaze shifting to Bryan for direction. However, Vivian quickly interjected, ¡°It¡¯s unfair to ask Eileen to drive for that long. She¡¯s here to enjoy herself, just like everyone else. Kian, you¡¯re not being thoughtful.¡±

    After making her point, Vivian turned to Eileen with a friendly smile and then moved closer to Bryan, linking her arm with his. ¡°You can drive me, Eileen. You can take the bus with the others,¡± she said.

    Bryan frowned at Vivian¡¯s words, but he remained silent. Jacob couldn¡¯t resist a jest. ¡°Vivian, it¡¯s not Miss Curtis you¡¯re worried about; you just want Bryan all to yourself for a few hours. Remember to control yourselves, okay?¡±

    Vivian¡¯s cheeks turned pink with embarrassment, and she sought refuge behind Bryan, casting a sharp look at Jacob. ¡°See? I¡¯m right!¡± Jacob stopped himself from teasing Vivian further when Kian fixed him with a stern look. He then turned to Eileen, chuckling, ¡°What are you waiting for, Eileen? Time to get on the bus.¡±

    With a strained smile, Eileen responded, ¡°Okay.¡± She then made her way onto the bus. The bus started but abruptly halted just a short distanceter.

    New chapters now on g¦Áln¦Òv??ls?c?m

    Standing from her seat at the front, Eileen approached the driver to inquire about the issue. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± At that moment, the door opened, and to Eileen¡¯s surprise, Bryan stepped onto the bus, taking the seat beside hers. His gaze held a silent intensity that unsettled her.

    Vivian followed, wearing a forced smile as she looked at the seat next to Bryan. Eileen¡¯s bag was on that seat. Eileen quickly retrieved her bag, allowing Vivian to sit down, who then lightly chastised Bryan. ¡°You could have checked before sitting. Eileen had to move because of you. There are two empty seats right there.¡±

    Eileen relocated to the vacant seat, offering Vivian a reassuring smile. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± As the bus resumed its journey, thendscape outside blurred past. Eileen watched the scenery outside.

    Vivian was engaging Bryan with lively conversation, asionally touching his shoulder, herughter ringing pleasantly. Amidst the buzz of conversations on the bus, Vivian¡¯s voice stood out to Eileen¡ªmelodious and captivating¡ªwhile Bryan¡¯s responses were brief.

    The sound of an iing message pulled Eileen¡¯s attention to her phone. She saw a text from an unfamiliar number. The message left her stunned.

    ¡°Eileen, this is Huey Baker, three years your junior. I run a gamingpany ande from a family involved in tourism. I¡¯m an only child.¡±

    Eileen spent several minutes processing the message, the realization dawning on her that this was the man Ruby had introduced to her. She couldn¡¯t believe he was three years younger than her. Eileen found the idea of being with someone younger challenging.

    After pondering for a brief moment, she crafted her response. ¡°Hello, this is Eileen Curtis, working as an assistant at Apex Group. Ie from an ordinary background with aplex family situation, which might not align with what you¡¯re looking for. I believe you¡¯ll find someone morepatible.¡±

    Her response was direct, aiming to avoid unnecessary exnations. She hoped Huey would grasp her polite refusal. However, Eileen had misjudged the situation; Huey was not willing to ept her rejection.

    ¡°Are you turning me down? Why? Is it because I¡¯m younger than you, or do you look down on me because I¡¯m in the gaming industry?¡±

    Eileen hadn¡¯t intended any disrespect; she was aware of the gaming industry¡¯s potential and held no bias against it. Just as she was about to rify her stance, another message from Huey came.

    ¡°I¡¯m not in town now. Let¡¯s wait until I return, and I¡¯ll show you what I¡¯m about. I can¡¯t ept a rejection without a proper chance to meet.¡±

    Eileen paused and then opted for a simple ¡°Okay,¡± deleting her previous draft. Having been in Bryan¡¯s orbit, Eileen had learned to quickly assess people¡¯s characters. Huey seemed to possess a certain arrogance, suggesting he might prove challenging. She concluded that a face-to-face meeting would be the best way to address any misunderstandings.

    Huey¡¯s next message suggested a lighter topic. ¡°How about trying out my game? I can guide you through a few rounds.¡± Eileen was taken aback by this message; she had never yed any games before. She looked over at Bryan and Vivian, who were engaged in conversation. Considering she had several hours left in the journey, she decided to give the game a try.

    After downloading the game Huey had mentioned and adding him on WhatsApp, she entered the game and noticed Huey was online. Almost immediately, an invitation from KnockW00d, Huey¡¯s ID, to join a game session appeared. Eileen epted the invitation.

    Before she could fullyprehend the setup, a clear and engaging male voice flowed from her phone¡¯s speaker. ¡°Eileen, stay close to me in the game and watch your back.¡±

    The voice startled Eileen, making her almost drop her phone. This action caught the attention of the person sitting behind her, who leaned forward, peering over the seat. ¡°What¡¯s happening, Eileen?¡±

    The bus was now filled with curious remarks. ¡°Who¡¯s that? He sounds charming!¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s cute and quite the gant protector in the game, huh?¡± Unfamiliar with gaming, Eileen hadn¡¯t thought to lower her volume, inadvertently broadcasting Huey¡¯s voice for all nearby to hear.

    She instinctively looked towards Bryan, finding a yful spark in his deep gaze and a mild smile on his face as he looked at her. Vivian chuckled. ¡°Is that your boyfriend, Eileen? Such a soothing voice he has, and it seems everyone¡¯s a fan. We should all meet him someday.¡±

    Eileen offered a polite smile while she attempted to silence her phone. Despite her efforts, she couldn¡¯t find the option to turn off the sound in the game.

    Huey, enjoying the situation from the other end, spoke up once the chatter on the bus subsided. ¡°Are you all Eileen¡¯s colleagues? Greetings, I¡¯m Huey Baker. Please look after Eileen. And if you¡¯re up for it, we should all y games together sometime.¡±

    One colleague chimed in, ¡°I¡¯ve tried this game. It¡¯s quite engaging, but I¡¯m not very good. Eileen, is your boyfriend skilled? Maybe he could show me a few tricks?¡±

    Another added, ¡°I¡¯d like to join. I enjoy this game too!¡±

    Several of Eileen¡¯s colleagues leaned closer, showing interest. Eileen found herself unable to get a word in as Huey continued to talk to her colleagues.

    ¡°I actually created this game. Since you enjoy it, add meter, and I¡¯ll hook you up with some exclusive benefits,¡± Huey said.

    The group around Eileen reacted with excitement, quickly taking her phone to interact with Huey. Eileen felt resigned. Was Huey using this as an opportunity to promote his game? Huey went on to say that neers to the game could download it and sign up for ten special edition skins among other incentives.

    Eileen¡¯s phone made its rounds among the colleagues¡ªsome already familiar with the game added Huey and imed their rewards, while others who were new began downloading the app and signing up. Vivian cast a look at Bryan and voiced her displeasure. ¡°See how considerate Eileen¡¯s boyfriend is, unlike you, always so distant.¡±

    Eileen stole a nce at Bryan. He sat with his hands on hisp, staring out the window, his expression unreadable but his lips curved in a slight, icy smile. Thement seemed to provoke tension. Although Bryan and Eileen were only friends with benefits, the male ego, especially Bryan¡¯s, was not to be underestimated.

    Half an hourter, Eileen¡¯s phone ran out of battery and was passed back to her. It was turned off, sparing Eileen from any awkward farewells with Huey. Feeling relieved, Eileen connected her phone to a power bank but hesitated to switch it on again, feeling uneasy about reigniting the conversation with Huey.

    The anxiety lingered until they reached the resort. Kian and Jacob were already there, greeting them at the entrance. As the bus came to a stop, everyone prepared to disembark. Bryan and Vivian exited first, with Eileen following close behind. Once they were greeted by Jacob¡¯s jesting.

    ¡°Bryan, you¡¯re never one to miss a chance, huh? Opting to share a room with Vivian on such an asion?¡± Jacob said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 17

    ?Chapter 17:

    Eileen noticed Bryan paused for a moment before extending his hand to ept the room key from Jacob. ¡°We got here early and took the liberty of getting the keys for you and Vivian. Imagine our surprise when the front desk gave us only one key, saying you¡¯d booked a single room for the both of you. If you¡¯re here to enjoy your couple time, why bring me and Kian along?¡±

    Jacob¡¯s jesting failed to ease Eileen¡¯s tight nerves. She had forgotten about this on the way here. It seemed natural that Bryan and Vivian would share a room. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, Eileen felt Bryan¡¯s silence radiate evident irritation. Surely he wasn¡¯t upset about sharing a room with Vivian. He was probably upset that she had made the arrangements without his permission.

    Vivian cast a nce at Bryan. He was silently looking at the room key in his grip. With a nervous bite of her lip, Vivian whispered, ¡°Could this not be a way to save money?¡±

    Kian realized the truth. Vivian had orchestrated this. It was clear to him that Bryan had been oblivious. Jacob remained blissfully unaware of the undercurrents. ¡°No need for her to cover for you, Bryan; not like you¡¯re strapped for cash for another room. Besides, you¡¯ve booked the whole resort already.¡±

    Sensing a shift in the atmosphere, the rest of the staff moved silently, carrying their bags to the check-in counter. Eileen, however, remained motionless.

    Bryan offered a brief smile and said, ¡°Take Vivian and my bags to the room. Afterward, could you organize some lunch? Everyone¡¯s famished, and Vivian has a preference for lighter fare¡ªperhaps a special dish for her.¡±

    Bryan then proceeded with the key, with Jacob in tow, who seemed ready to tease him further.

    Vivian caught Kian just before he could make his exit. ¡°Bryan can be so thoughtless. Can you believe he left the baggage for Eileen to handle? Please find some staff to assist her.¡±

    Kian heeded Vivian¡¯s request without protest and headed off to find help. Vivian gently ushered Eileen into the building. Once Eileen secured her room key, they shared an elevator ride.

    G aln ove ls . has stories you¡¯ll love

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Eileen. If Bryan tries to me you, I¡¯ve got your back,¡± Vivian said, her smileforting.

    Eileen responded with a gracious smile, ¡°I appreciate it, Ms. Warren.¡±

    Exiting the elevator, Eileen paused to see Vivian disappear into Bryan¡¯s room. Then, she used her card to enter her solitary space.

    Once Eileen had finished unpacking her luggage, she took on the task of arranging a meal for the group. She then notified the employees about the food in thepany¡¯s group chat and had the staff inform Bryan and hispanions in their suites.

    With a heavy heart and little desire to eat, Eileen picked at her food before deciding to go back to her room.

    Entering her room and slipping off her shoes, she noticed the scent of smoke lingering in the air. Her eyes caught a lone figure at the window. It was Bryan, his posture rxed against the wall, a cigarette in one hand and a small box in the other.

    Recognition dawned on Eileen. The box was thepact makeup kit that Vivian had given her. Vivian had written a thank-you note on the box, a note Bryan would surely not miss.

    As Bryan extinguished his cigarette and set the box aside, he approached Eileen. She found herself retreating until the wall barred her way.

    Bryan lifted her chin gently, his intense yetposed gaze locked on hers. ¡°Eileen, it seems you have a knack for bncing on a fine line.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s hands found the wall for support as she met his gaze with a calm expression. ¡°You¡¯re also good at that, Mr. Dawson. It is a choice for you, yet a necessity for me. I cannot risk upsetting anyone. If my actions have truly angered you, it¡¯s only right for you to discuss this with Warren. You can refrain from involving me in her requests.¡±

    Bryan arched an eyebrow, his fingers gently pressing against her chin. ¡°You seem like you¡¯re feeling aggrieved. What¡¯s the price of this makeup set?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s worth about five figures,¡± Eileen answered candidly.

    A light scoff escaped Bryan, his face a mix of amusement and scorn. He had paid her well, yet here she was, coerced into arranging one room for him and Vivian without his permission.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you worry that I¡¯ll no longer require your services? That the flow of money from me might cease?¡± He tilted her face up, seeking her eyes.

    ¡°I do,¡± Eileen said. ¡°Yet what truly frightens me is the thought of crossing Ms. Warren. I¡¯d surely be in trouble then.¡±

    Vivian was the apple of her family¡¯s eye. Crossing her would indeede at a steep cost for Eileen. The protection Bryan could offer her was uncertain, given that Vivian was Bryan¡¯s first love. Eileen understood the dynamics all too well.

    The hotel wasced with cameras. Eileen believed Vivian¡¯s suspicions might deepen if she found out Bryan had visited her room.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, it¡¯s best not to keep Miss Warren waiting for dinner. She¡¯ll be anxious if she can¡¯t find you¡ª¡±

    Yet before Eileen could finish, Bryan kissed her. His kiss held a hunger, an urgency that overwhelmed her senses. He wrapped his arm around her, lifting her into his embrace.

    As they copsed onto the plush hotel bed, only his weight bore down upon her, aforting pressure amidst the storm of emotions. Resistance seemed a distant concept. Her affection for Bryan left her vulnerable to his closeness. Instinctively, she held him, her arms finding sce around his solid form.

    A whirl of her attire was gently discarded, anticipation building. Bryan paused, his breath a whisper at her ear. ¡°I haven¡¯t paid youst time, and I¡¯m not going to in the future. Consider this punishment. As for now¡­¡±

    Raising his head, Bryan¡¯s gaze met Eileen¡¯s, a mischievous smirk ying on his lips, which pulled her in deeper. ¡°I¡¯ll take a rain check now. I¡¯d rather not squander my energy on the room prepared for me and Vivian,¡± Bryan said.

    A tension gripped Eileen¡¯s heart, yet she managed a smile. ¡°In that case, I hope you have an enjoyable night.¡±

    Her words seemed to cloud Bryan¡¯s expression. He bent closer, cing a bite on her chest. ¡°Eileen, why are you being so heartless?¡±

    The sharp pain made Eileen recoil, her hands instinctively pressing against him for some distance.

    ¡°Right, almost forgot. You¡¯ve got yourself a boyfriend now?¡± Bryan¡¯s grin held a cutting edge. ¡°Am I failing to meet your needs? Is it affection or finance where I¡¯mcking?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s face turned pale. Her reply came with a tremor. ¡°You¡¯re with Vivian now. Wouldn¡¯t it be fair for me to seekpanionship elsewhere? Calling me out like this seems a bit hypocritical, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    The smirk slowly left Bryan¡¯s face. ¡°I came here to sleep with you, not to debate. Just how serious are you two?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s words rattled Eileen, her brow arching as she deliberately said, ¡°I¡¯ve slept with him already.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s response was a frown and a kiss filled with intent. Despite her weariness, Eileen felt a familiar surge of excitement, even though she was sure this would lead to nothing further.

    Bryan¡¯s sudden chuckle snapped Eileen back to the present. When she opened her eyes, she noticed her phone was in his grasp. Scanning Huey¡¯s brief exchange with Eileen, Bryan¡¯s amusement was evident.

    ¡°You¡¯ve never met him. Don¡¯t try to lie to me.¡± The glint in Bryan¡¯s eyes was clear. ¡°Meeting him would be a waste of your time. No need to do that.¡±

    Before Eileen could protest, Bryan had blocked Huey on her phone.

    Eileen¡¯s anger red. ¡°Since when do you have authority over my personal affairs?¡±

    ¡°Perhaps you should be asking yourself the same question,¡± Bryan said as he moved closer, his breath on her neck quickening her pulse.

    In the muted light of the room, with the curtains shut tight, their breaths came at uneven intervals. Eileen found her racing thoughts interrupted by Bryan, yet he did not advance any further. His fingers brushed through her hair, a gesture that seemed to usher in a sense of rity for her. ¡°Do you want this? I might stay if you beg me,¡± he said.

    While his attire was only mildly ruffled, Eileen was fully naked, feeling exposed. She hastily covered herself with a nket, her cheeks turning red.

    She looked up and sharply told Bryan, ¡°Leave! If you stay, I doubt you¡¯ll have the energy for tonight.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s chuckle was soft, yet it filled the room as he walked away. ¡°Reflect on your mistake. I expect an essay on itter,¡± he said.

    Standing her ground until the door closed, Eileen allowed her head to sink into the pillow, her mind awash with thoughts. Her breathing slowed but remained shaky, her expression one of frustration, the warmth on her face lingering.

    She only had the energy to think about his words regarding saving energy for his night with Vivian.

    A twinge of difort settled in Eileen¡¯s chest, betrayed by the ironic curve of her lips. She tried to lift her spirits, rising to shower away his lingering fragrance, but she couldn¡¯t shake off the thoughts of him. There weren¡¯t many activities nned for the afternoon, but there was an evening pic today.

    Eileen had alreadymunicated with the hotel about the pic¡¯s location and menu. She had the employees distribute the necessary supplies before they all made their way to the chosen spot. They were greeted by an enve of shaded trees and the gentle meander of a river, with nature¡¯s chorus providing a backdrop of calm. The employees busied themselves setting up the grills.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 18

    ?Chapter 18:

    Bryan was engrossed in conversation within the pavilion, surrounded by friends¡ªa setting where Eileen typically remained at his beck and call. But today, Eileen decided to keep her distance and settled herself at a spot near the pavilion.

    After the grilling was done, she gathered a teful of food and approached the pavilion, offering it to Bryan and hispanions. Jacob caught sight of her and gestured invitingly. ¡°Miss Curtis,e join us. It¡¯s rather dull without you; we could use thepany,¡± he said.

    Eileen offered a polite smile in return. ¡°I appreciate the offer, but I¡¯ll just eat something with my colleaguester.¡±

    No sooner had she declined than Vivian approached, gently tugging her into a seat beside Jacob. With Jacob to her left, Kian to her right, and Bryan directly in front of her, Eileen felt ensnared, unsure of what to say.

    ¡°Kian, it just hit me! That game you love was crafted by Eileen¡¯s boyfriend,¡± Vivian announced, steering the focus onto Eileen. ¡°On our way here, we overheard her chatting with him. He¡¯s the kind who¡¯s liberal with gifts in the game, indicative of a thoughtful nature. Maybe not as wealthy as you, but he¡¯s certainly considerate.¡±

    Seated there, Eileen was on edge, feeling Bryan¡¯s intense stare as if it were a tangible force. If it weren¡¯t for the earlier incident with the hickey, she would have exined that Huey was her boyfriend.

    Jacob retrieved his phone. ¡°Are you talking about this game?¡± he inquired.

    With a nce, Eileen responded, ¡°That¡¯s the one.¡±

    Jacob, in a light-hearted manner, said, ¡°Well then, I must meet your boyfriend. I enjoy the game. Don¡¯t worry; I have no interest in whisking him away. I¡¯d just like to chat about the game with him.¡±

    Uncover your next story on g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s,

    Eileen just smiled. ¡°Jacob, you¡¯re jesting. He¡¯s younger and doesn¡¯t share your wealth. You¡¯d be at odds. There¡¯s no need for you two to meet.¡±

    Jacob couldn¡¯t resist a tease. ¡°Seems you¡¯re quick to shield him. It¡¯s amusing how a mere mention of your boyfriend stirs you up. You¡¯re like Vivian.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s smile was her only retort, polite yet firm in her stance.

    But Jacob continued talking, changing the subject to Bryan. ¡°This is the game we got hooked on years back. We were pretty good until it became mainstream. Given Eileen¡¯s boyfriend developed it, why not let her introduce him to us? Perhaps we¡¯ll start ying regrly again. How about it?¡±

    Bryan reclined in his seat, a picture of nonchnce, his gaze briefly touching Eileen. ¡°That¡¯s up to Eileen,¡± he said.

    Eileen recognized her predicament. Having offended Bryan was her mistake. Despite his unteral decision to block Huey, he still tried to make things difficult for her now.

    A subtle smile graced her lips as Eileen retrieved her phone and unblocked Huey, promptly sharing his contact with Jacob. Her actions were swift. Bryan lifted his brow in a muted reaction, his gaze veiling whatever thoughts lingered behind.

    Jacob, busy with his phone, announced to Kian and Bryan, ¡°Once he¡¯s added me, I¡¯ll start a group chat. It¡¯ll be interesting to see his skill in the game as the game¡¯s inventor.¡±

    Eileen eyed Bryan, curious if he was irked by the unfolding events, but her phone suddenly rang. With a courteous nod to the group, she excused herself. ¡°You guys continue without me; I need to take this.¡±

    Turning and walking away, she answered the call. Huey¡¯s barrage of questions flooded in, his voiceced with confusion and frustration. ¡°Why was I blocked? What¡¯s the issue? You haven¡¯t even met me, and you¡¯ve decided already? This feels like a p in the face! And now, out of the blue, you unblock me? Have you had a change of heart about my worth?¡±

    Eileen remained silent, the phone pressing into her pale fingers, her mind racing. With a polite gesture to some colleagues, she found a private spot. ¡°It was to save you some money,¡± she managed to say atst.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that,¡± Huey retorted with an air of superiority. ¡°Didn¡¯t someone just add me on WhatsApp? He said he was a loyal fan of my game. The gifts from me can also help you with your poprity among colleagues, right?¡±

    ¡°That person is an acquaintance of my boss. He¡¯s quite wealthy. He doesn¡¯t need your gifts,¡± Eileen countered.

    She knew well that Jacob and the others were indifferent to Huey¡¯s virtual offerings, capable of purchasing an array of his games without a second thought.

    ¡°Then I embarrass you in front of them,¡± insisted Huey, pride swelling in his words. His speech was cut short by an interruption from his side. ¡°The ce is swarming with guests, and you¡¯re on your phone! Come and lend a hand!¡±

    As the voice drew nearer, Eileen heard Huey¡¯s attempts at hushing him, to no avail. ¡°Need to go, my mom¡¯s calling,¡± he hastily told Eileen before ending the call.

    A softugh escaped Eileen. She was about to leave when she noticed Kian guiding Vivian her way. From her secluded spot, Eileen watched as an invisible observer to the siblings¡¯ earnest conversation about Vivian¡¯s bold move regarding her sharing a room with Bryan.

    Kian¡¯s words carried a note of caution, his face etched with concern. ¡°Vivian, remember you¡¯re still navigating these waters. y it cool, or he might take you for granted.¡±

    Vivian¡¯s voice was tinged with uncertainty as she clutched Kian¡¯s shirt. ¡°Didn¡¯t I remind him when he used to hold me in high regard? Now, I feel there¡¯s this gap between us. If I don¡¯t bridge it, who will?¡±

    Kian attempted to interject. ¡°I¡¯ve grown up, fully capable of making my own choices. You needn¡¯t fret over me.¡±

    Vivian cut him off, her stance resolute. Kian looked at Vivian, his expression softening. Heforted her with a gentle pat on the head but remained silent.

    Eileen, unintentionally caught in their private moment, had no desire to intrude. Yet their proximity left her with no choice but to wait in the shadows. When they finally parted ways, she stepped out, only to encounter Kian, leaning on a column and casually smoking.

    He caught her eye without a hint of surprise, apparently having noticed her presence long ago. ¡°Ms. Curtis, I didn¡¯t expect you to have a habit of eavesdropping,¡± he said.

    Eileen countered, ¡°Mr. Kian, I assure you I had no such intention. I was here first, and it was just that your positioning barred my exit.¡± Around Kian, Eileen often felt uneasy; his demeanor was unpredictable.

    With a probing look, Kian narrowed his gaze. ¡°You have a boyfriend now. Should I expect wedding bells soon? When will you two get married?¡±

    Eileen was startled by Kian¡¯s abrupt question, which seemed out of ce given their distant rtionship. Kian continued, ¡°Age isn¡¯t on your side. It¡¯s wise to consider marriage. Your boyfriend¡¯s a game developer; he¡¯s got potential, and you should seize this opportunity. Otherwise, you might look back on your life with regret.¡±

    Kian¡¯s unexpected advice left Eileen cautious. ¡°Thanks for the advice; I should be going,¡± she said. She was aware of Kian¡¯s protective nature toward Vivian, yet his motives remained a mystery to her.

    As Eileen walked back, she noted that Vivian had reappeared at the pavilion; only Bryan and Jacob were present there. Opting not to approach, Eileen settled among her colleagues.

    Unbeknownst to her, Bryan was watching her every move with keen interest. Eyebrow arched, he observed her merge with the crowd and then questioned Jacob, ¡°Has that person added you?¡±

    Jacob nodded, typing out a message to Huey. With no immediate response and his patience waning, he pocketed his phone. He lifted his gaze, catching Bryan¡¯s thoughtful stare fixed on Eileen. ¡°Bryan, Eileen has the makings of more than just an assistant. She managed the surprise with Vivian and even the room arrangement for you two. That¡¯s beyond thoughtful. You should keep her by your side,¡± he said.

    Jacob was a yboy and didn¡¯t care much about loyalty in rtionships. He continued, ¡°Just remember to keep this under wraps from the Warrens. We don¡¯t want any drama.¡± He stood up, his demeanor shifting as he put his hand on Bryan¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Look, when you and Vivian were a thing, I warned you about getting too involved with the Warren family¡¯s golden girl. You went after her anyway and won her over; she was spoiled by her family¡¯s wealth and left, leaving you the butt of jokes back home. And now that she¡¯s back, you¡¯re just going to let her walk right back into your life?¡±

    Jacob had never been fond of Vivian, finding her a bit too much for his taste. In contrast, Eileen struck him as more genuine. However, he knew it was not his ce to meddle in another¡¯s rtionship.

    Hisment drew a piercing gaze from Bryan, prompting Jacob to swiftly shift gears. ¡°Okay, enough of that. How about a gaming session? Let¡¯s see if I still have the edge or if Eileen¡¯s beau has outdone me with his creation. He may have made the game, but can he beat me? I doubt it.¡±

    After a brief contemtion, Bryan retrieved his phone and engaged in the game with Jacob.

    As night fell, the group wrapped up their pic. Under Eileen¡¯s direction, they made their way back to the hotel. Amid the cleanup, Eileen¡¯s spirits dipped, her attention often drifting to Bryan and Vivian.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 19

    ?Chapter 19:

    In the elevator¡¯s close quarters, Eileen imed a corner, her finger pushing the button for her floor. She watched the digits climb, trying to calm her quickened breaths.

    Next to Bryan, Vivian¡¯splexion was flushed with anticipation, her lips a tight line. To quell her rising anxiety, she moved closer to Eileen. ¡°Eileen, your efforts today haven¡¯t gone unnoticed. Thank you. Rest tonight,¡± she said.

    ¡°I appreciate it, Ms. Warren,¡± Eileen mustered a small smile. As the doors glided open, she stepped through, courteously holding them for the others to step out before trailing behind.

    Vivian hung back near Bryan, offering a subtle sign to Eileen with a yful wink.

    Noticing Vivian¡¯s bubbling excitement, Eileen paused momentarily before continuing to walk without reciprocating the gesture. A few paces away, she addressed Bryan, ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll retire for the evening. If you need anything, I¡¯m a call away.¡±

    Bryan came to a halt, the others following suit, his eyes shadowed. ¡°Why would I need to call you thiste? What could I possibly need?¡± he said.

    His jest,ced with undertones of discontent, didn¡¯t escape Eileen. She acknowledged him with a nod, her cheeks warming as she entered her room.

    Vivian¡¯s voice was tender with concern, ¡°Bryan, if you¡¯re angry, take it out on me, not Eileen.¡±

    Bryan continued walking, his expression stormy and unseen by all. Suppressing a yawn, Jacob made his way past Bryan, offering a casual farewell. ¡°Enjoy your evening. I¡¯ll go back to my room to rest now,¡± he said.

    Settling in next to Bryan¡¯s room, he inserted his key card, teasing, ¡°Not sure if I¡¯ll be needing earplugs.¡±

    Hardly had the words left his mouth when Bryan¡¯s yful ambush sent him straight into his room. Jacob¡¯s protest was halfhearted and amused. ¡°Watch it, Kian. Will you side with Bryan against me once he¡¯s officially family?¡±

    Exclusive updates avable at g?ln¦Ò¦Íe?s?c?m

    Their yful scuffle lightened the mood, and Vivian, feeling somewhat relieved, readied her own entry, slipping into the room with a quick swipe of her card.

    Observing Kian and Jacob¡¯s exchange, Bryan smiled. ¡°Why don¡¯t you two join us for a bit? It¡¯s still early,¡± he said.

    Jacob paused mid-stride, taken aback by the invitation, and exchanged a curious nce with Bryan, whose gaze had taken on a sharper edge as he looked at him.

    Meanwhile, Eileen became acutely aware of the less-than-perfect soundproofing, as sounds from the adjacent room floated through the walls, causing her heart to flutter with unease.

    Seeking solitude, Eileen retreated to the sanctuary of the bathroom for a hot shower. Wrapped in thefort of her nket afterward, she reclined in bed and absently scrolled through her phone, finding a string of new messages from Huey awaiting her attention.

    It seemed like Huey felt his abrupt departure from their call earlier was a bit odd, and hister message, insisting he was his own man, came across as slightly defensive.

    Eileen couldn¡¯t help but smile at his need to assert his independence. His youthful enthusiasm grew on her despite him not being her type. As she sent a casual reply, she thought about the game everyone was talking about.

    To keep herself from overhearing any disconcerting sounds from the next room, she decided to try the game herself. Diving into a game was a wee distraction.

    After logging in, she noticed that Huey was already in the game, which exined why he hadn¡¯t responded to her messages. Eileen took some time to get acquainted with the game¡¯s various modes, considering starting with the practice rounds to build up her skills.

    Just as she was about to enter practice mode, an invite popped up from ¡®KnockWood,¡¯ Huey¡¯s ount. She clicked on it, only to find the slots full, with her in it.

    In the midst of the team¡¯s chatter, Huey received a barrage of questions. ¡°Who¡¯s this new yer? A bronze tier? Seriously?¡±

    ¡°KnockWood, are you sure you invited the right person?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re top-tier yers here, and you bring in a noob?¡±

    The skepticism and astonishment were clear, and though Eileen was not familiar with the gaming tiers, their tone told her all she needed to know about the gap between them.

    ¡°Then you guys go ahead. I¡¯ll start a new game with her alone,¡± Huey announced decisively. Before Eileen could grasp the situation, she was ejected from the team and promptly reinvited by Huey. This time, it was just the two of them.

    Despite the stark difference in their ranks, Huey, as the game¡¯s creator, had no trouble circumventing the rules. He initiated a new game with Eileen immediately.

    ¡°See? Setting aside my team game with you,¡± he dered with a hint of pride. ¡°Age is just a number, and I¡¯m about being considerate.¡±

    At a loss for words, Eileen hesitated, unsure how to respond. Anyment on his youthful eagerness might ruffle his feathers, yet she found herself unable to offer anypliment.

    The gamemenced, and she followed Huey¡¯s lead, selecting her character with only a vague understanding of the game. She mimicked Huey¡¯s movements on screen. As the symphony of game effects filled the air, her confusion was as evident as the cacophony erupting from her phone.

    In a whirlwind of unexpected victories, Eileen found herself on a winning streak, iming eight consecutive victories that catapulted her from the humble bronze tier to the illustrious Glory gold. Yet the thrill of the game was fleeting; she yed solely to pass the time.

    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. Time to rest,¡± Huey announced, signaling the end of their gaming session.

    Eileen, caught off guard, had pegged Huey as one to unt his prowess a while longer. ¡°You should get some rest too. Hope your mom doesn¡¯t have to remind you,¡± she joked lightly.

    Herment, meant in jest, unexpectedly set Huey off. ¡°Sleep? Not my thing,¡± he eximed.

    Realizing she had inadvertently hit a sensitive chord, Eileen replied, ¡°Alright then, I¡¯ll go rest now.¡±

    Feeling Huey¡¯s dissatisfaction, Eileen quickly exited the game, casting her phone aside and trying to find rest. But sleep evaded her, adrenaline keeping her restless and alert throughout the night. The faint sounds from next door did little to soothe her racing mind.

    As dawn approached, the fatigue of a sleepless night weighed heavily on her.

    Resigned, she rose to refresh herself at five. With a few touches of makeup to mask the signs of her restless night, she ventured out, making a beeline for the dining area in search of an early breakfast.

    The dining area was filled with early risers already enjoying their meals. They weed Eileen warmly, making room for her and filling her in on the day¡¯s ns for a hike behind the resort.

    ¡°Are you alling along, Eileen?¡± one of her colleagues inquired. ¡°Mr. Dawson wasn¡¯t exactly thrilled about hiking when it came up before and rejected Miss Warren¡¯s offer. But it¡¯s polite to ask him about it again today.¡±

    Eileen pulled out her phone and sent a message to Bryan to get his take, half-expecting him to be catching up on sleep. His prompt response, however, suggested otherwise:

    ¡°Not going. Didn¡¯t sleep. A bit tired. You should stay, too,¡± Bryan replied.

    The message hinted at a restless night, mirroring her own. Puzzled, Eileen ryed Bryan¡¯s decision to the group. ¡°Mr. Dawson won¡¯t be joining you. I¡¯ll stick around¡ªjust in case. You guys go ahead.¡±

    When pressed by a colleague suggesting she take the day for herself, Eileen¡¯s resolve didn¡¯t waver. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m not much for hiking. Besides, I¡¯m here if anythinges up,¡± she said.

    The breakfast crowd stopped chatting about this, each person absorbed in their morning meal until the room emptied.

    Eileen, dressed in light purple sportswear with her ponytail a bit disheveled, watched from the window as people embarked on their hike.

    Bryan, however, interrupted her solitude with a call. His voice, thick with a husky satisfaction, was brief: ¡°Bring some breakfast here.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen responded. She revisited the dining hall, gathering a selection of breakfast items tailored to Bryan¡¯s usual taste and not forgetting to include something for Vivian.

    With a tray in hand, Eileen paused outside Bryan¡¯s door, inhaling deeply before softly knocking and entering the dimly lit room. The sight of Bryan lounging with a bandage over his shoulder¡ªa stark reminder of their intimate moments before¡ªgreeted her. He was half-dressed and smoking.

    This scene was not new to Eileen. Bryan often smoked leisurely after having sex, a habit she disliked yet found oddly captivating in how it framed his figure. She usually watched silently, the ritual oddly mesmerizing.

    However, the context now tainted the familiar scene. The smell of smoke mingling in the air turned bitter, as Eileen believed Bryan had just slept with Vivian. The once-familiar aroma now seemed to assault her senses harshly.

    Paleness had crept onto her face, but the subdued lighting veiled her difort. Steadying her breath, she ced the breakfast on the table calmly. ¡°Here¡¯s the breakfast for you and Miss Warren.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 20

    ?Chapter 20:

    Bryan extinguished his cigarette, the scent still lingering as he approached the window and drew the curtains. Looking over his shoulder, his voice carried a hint of reprimand. ¡°I thought I mentioned breakfast was just for me; Vivian¡¯s not up yet.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s reaction was muted, a clear acknowledgment of her overstep.

    ¡°Never mind, I¡¯m tired fromst night; I might as well eat for two,¡± Bryan said, catching her expression. He sat down and ate with a certain finesse.

    A tightness formed in Eileen¡¯s throat, making her words waver as she excused herself. ¡°I should get going. Call me if you need anything.¡±

    Without another nce, she departed, not catching the slight lift of Bryan¡¯s gaze, which bore aplex mix of emotions.

    As the door clicked shut behind her, a sigh escaped Eileen, a mix of relief and an ache spreading inside her. The experience, inevitable as it was, left her feeling more hollow than she had prepared for. The proximity of Bryan and Vivian weighed heavily on her chest, hard to ignore.

    Forgoing the idea of returning to her room for rest, Eileen decided instead to seek reprieve in the fresh morning air. She stepped outside, taking a moment for herself¡ªa rare indulgence in light of recent events.

    With her colleagues out on the mountains, the resort grounds offered a tranquil refuge. Eileen found sce under the branches of a flowering tree while the nearbyke¡¯s surface danced with the wind. Her mind was awash with thoughts she couldn¡¯t quite ce.

    Time slipped quietly by, and with the approach of noon, fatigue nudged her toward the hotel¡¯s restaurant. She decided to eat and rest in her room afterward.

    It was there she noticed Bryan, Vivian, and Kian gathered at a table. Vivian beckoned her over with an eager wave. ¡°Eileen, join us!¡±

    Find what¡¯s next on g al no ve ls

    With a brief hesitation, Eileen made her way to them, offering a simple greeting to each of them.

    Vivian¡¯s lighthearted grumble broke the air. ¡°I¡¯m famished. Bryan here didn¡¯t bother waking me for breakfast, and he finished everything you brought on his own.¡±

    Bryan offered a half-hearted nce Eileen¡¯s way before replying to Vivian, his voice tender. ¡°You needed the rest, and I didn¡¯t want to disturb you.¡±

    Having steeled herself against the turmoil inside during her morning outdoors, Eileen managed a measured response. ¡°Well, Miss Warren, make sure you have a hearty meal now.¡±

    Kian observed the exchange, his gazending on Eileen thoughtfully, adding an unspoken depth to the casual lunch encounter.

    Vivian¡¯s cheeks warmed with a rosy glow from Bryan¡¯s attentiveness. Leaning on his shoulder, her contentment was palpable. ¡°I do need more sleep after our long night,¡± she said.

    When their meals arrived, Bryan rose to pour water, prompting Vivian to straighten. She seemed unfazed, simply reaching for her utensils to start her meal.

    Bryan¡¯s meal was a leisurely affair, and he thoughtfully offered Vivian bites of food cut from his te, one being a portion of broli near Eileen.

    With a subdued spirit, Eileen rose, pushing the te toward Vivian with a courteous smile. ¡°I¡¯m not particrly hungry. I¡¯ll retreat to my room. Don¡¯t hesitate to call if you need anything.¡±

    Vivian¡¯s surprise was clear. ¡°You¡¯ve barely touched your food. Are you sure you¡¯re not hungry?¡±

    ¡°I ate a lot this morning. I¡¯m just not hungry now,¡± Eileen replied. Seeing that Bryan kept eating, she felt her heart sink. She quickly excused herself and left.

    She hastened to the elevator, the doors enclosing her in solitude. As they sealed shut, Bryan¡¯s voice reached her faintly, full of gentle prompts for Vivian to eat while the food was still warm.

    Alone in the elevator¡¯s embrace, Eileen exhaled deeply, her gaze falling to the floor as reality settled heavily upon her. She believed she and Bryan were over now. She could deceive herself and ept that Bryan was in love with another woman. But she couldn¡¯t ept the fact that he had slept with another woman as well.

    A silent resolve took shape within her¡ªonce the team-building event concluded, she would resign. Maybe Bryan would ask her to leave before she could find the chance to resign.

    The elevator chimed its arrival, and there stood Jacob, his appearance weary. ¡°Miss Curtis, have you eaten?¡±

    The edges of Eileen¡¯s mouth quivered in an attempt at response, but cheerfulness eluded her. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve eaten. You should hurry. Mr. Dawson and everyone else are downstairs,¡± she said.

    Jacob¡¯s concern was evident. ¡°You look a bit off. Was our noise too muchst night? We¡¯ve been ying games all night.¡±

    ¡°ying games?¡± Eileen was puzzled.

    ¡°We yed a card game in Bryan¡¯s room,¡± Jacob replied. ¡°It was pretty loud. Did we keep you up?¡±

    As the realization set in, contrasting sharply with her previous assumption, augh broke from Eileen¡¯s lips, dispelling the weight she had been carrying. ¡°No, I slept wellst night,¡± she said.

    Jacob lowered his voice, a touch of curiosity threading his words. ¡°Did Bryan fall in love with you or something? He seemed oddly distractedst night. Even when Vivian mentioned being tired, he ignored her request to end the game and go to sleep. It¡¯s almost as if he did it intentionally. Could you be the reason?¡±

    Eileen dismissed the insinuation with a gentle shake of her head. ¡°You¡¯re reading too much into things. That¡¯s not within my power.¡±

    Jacob, seemingly bored, quipped with a scoff, ¡°It seems like you¡¯re not charmed by Bryan at all. No wonder everyone says beautiful people are often heartless.¡±

    With that, he stepped into the elevator. Eileen walked away without a backward nce. Jacob¡¯sment about heartlessness meant that she had hidden her feelings well.

    Back in the sanctuary of her room, Eileen sumbed to the day¡¯s exhaustion. After washing her face and changing into pajamas, shey on the bed and fell asleep soon.

    Meanwhile, Bryan approached the front desk, casual in demeanor. Noticing a young man absorbed in a game, he knocked on the desk and inquired about ess to room 8809. The young man, without looking up, responded routinely, asking for identification.

    Bryan¡¯s reply came with a hint of annoyance. ¡°I don¡¯t have it on me.¡±

    The young man set aside his game and checked the information on theputer. ¡°Sir, the records don¡¯t list you as the upant of 8809,¡± he informed Bryan. Indeed, the system showed a woman as the sole guest registered in that room.

    With an air of authority, Bryan said, ¡°I¡¯m the CEO of Apex Group. We¡¯re here for a corporate retreat. We¡¯ve reserved the entire property.¡±

    The young man suddenly connected the dots¡ªthis was Bryan, head of the Apex Group, a VIP to be amodated without question. He promptly retrieved the key card for room 8809 from the drawer and handed it to Bryan. ¡°Here you are, Mr. Dawson.¡±

    Bryan grabbed the room card and departed. The young man remained absorbed in his game, his agile fingers dancing across the screen. Suddenly, a realization struck him: ¡°Wait! Apex Group? If that¡¯s Bryan Dawson, then his assistant¡­¡±

    He hurled his phone away and swiftly searched for the guest¡¯s check-in details on theputer. Soon, he located the information for the room. That was Eileen Curtis¡¯ room.

    Huey had never imagined he would bump into his blind date, Eileen, while temporarily summoned to the resort for assistance. The burning question now was¡­ Why did Bryan, Eileen¡¯s boss, need her room card? Thinking about this, Huey¡¯s sharp eyes gleamed with unusual intensity.

    Meanwhile, in the room, Eileen slept soundly. Suddenly, she felt a weight on her head. A man¡¯s warm lips trailed from the corner of her eye to her lips. The familiar scent stirred her from slumber. She wanted to speak, but Bryan silenced her with a kiss.

    Furrowing her brows, Eileen struggled to open her heavy eyelids. She attempted to protest, but Bryan persisted until he left her breathless. Only then did he let her go.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, are you worried about Miss Warren catching you here? She and your friends are all on this floor,¡± Eileen said.

    Bryan¡¯s eyes gleamed mischievously. His voice rumbled low and hoarse, ¡°They¡¯re all still asleep. After all,st night was tiring. You also don¡¯t look like you slept wellst night.¡±

    He was intentionally making her misunderstand. Eileen¡¯s bright eyes twinkled with amusement as she arched her eyebrows. ¡°Indeed, I didn¡¯t sleep well. Switching ces often leads to insomnia. It¡¯s an old habit of mine,¡± she said.

    Bryan¡¯s dark eyes dimmed slightly. His slightly calloused fingers gently massaged Eileen¡¯s forehead as he teased, ¡°Your stubbornness is a mdy; it needs curing.¡±

    Though he was teasing her, Eileen found it amusing. ¡°What did you expect? Do you want to see me get jealous? Or fall in love with you?¡± she asked.

    Bryan tensed momentarily before regaining hisposure. A hint of indescribable anger simmered in his eyes. Leaning over, he yfully nipped at her chest. ¡°Cream on.¡±

    Eileen giggled softly, swept away by his yful retaliation. Her voice softened, taking on a flirtatious tone. ¡°Mr. Dawson, are you worn out?¡±

    ¡°Even if I am, I have to satisfy your needs. I don¡¯t want you to still have free time to y games with another man,¡± Bryan said, pulling the thin nket separating them away, his warm body radiating heat like a furnace.

    But Eileen wasn¡¯t about to let him off the hook easily. With his breath growing warm, she leaned close to his ear and whispered, ¡°Next time, let me join you. I¡¯m good at card games, too.¡±

    Bryan stiffened, withdrawing from her neck, his face a mix of embarrassment and irritation. Clenching his jaw, he red at her teasing expression.

    Eileen suddenly regretted her words. She had hoped to fluster Bryan and gain the upper hand, but the cost felt too high.

    Bryan set a fierce, almost punishing pace, reminding her, ¡°Vivian¡¯s right next door. If you¡¯re not worried about her hearing, feel free to make some noise.¡±

    Eileen couldn¡¯t utter a sound. Enjoying it yet holding back, her expression proved to be an irresistible temptation for Bryan.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 21

    ?Chapter 21:

    Eileen couldn¡¯t tell how much time had passed. Night had fallen when Bryan finally released her. His arms enveloped her waist beneath the thin nket. She tried to push him away without sess and resigned herself to his hold.

    A knock sounded from the adjacent room. In his embrace, Eileen stiffened. She turned, her eyes wide with rm. ¡°Miss Warren is in the adjacent room.¡± Vivian¡¯s eyes, heavy with sleep, fluttered open at the knock. She went to open the door. Greeted by a figure outside, she groaned, ¡°Kian, I¡¯m still sleepy.¡±

    ¡°Come on, you need to eat. Why don¡¯t you rouse Bryan? Let¡¯s all eat together,¡± Kian said with a warm chuckle as he stepped past her into the room.

    Vivian¡¯s gaze fell on the sealed master bedroom door, a look of concern in her eyes. With a determined press of her lips, she knocked firmly. ¡°Time for dinner, Bryan,¡± she called out.

    There was only silence. Pivoting, she faced Kian, worry creasing her brow. ¡°Could Bryan be so worn out that he¡¯s still asleep? Maybe we should let him rest a little longer.¡±

    Kian¡¯s brow furrowed in a frown. He moved to the door, opened it, and found the bed untouched and empty.

    A chill swept over Vivian, her mind racing. ¡°Where has Bryan gone?¡±

    Her expression darkened. She didn¡¯t wait for Kian¡¯s reply. Instead, she dashed to her room, slipping into fresh attire in haste. Coming out swiftly, she dered, ¡°Let¡¯s go find him.¡±

    Thirty minutester, Eileen and Bryan entered the dining hall. The team, back from their morning excursion, was buzzing with conversation andughter. They made way for Eileen and Bryan as they approached and sat down. When Kian and Vivian arrived, they found Bryan at the center of attention.

    d in a crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled to his elbows, Bryan reclined in his seat with a grin thatmanded the room. Beside him, Eileen¡¯s outfit was simple¡ªa T-shirt and jeans, her hair swept into a yful ponytail. She was smiling as usual.

    Vivian approached Bryan. ¡°Where have you been? I¡¯ve been searching everywhere for you,¡± she said.

    ???????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.??????

    Bryan met her gaze with serene assurance. ¡°Couldn¡¯t sleep, so I took a stroll. Are you hungry? They¡¯ll be serving dinner shortly.¡±

    His voice, ever gentle, seemed to brighten Vivian¡¯s mood, and she rxed, a smile warming her features. She nced at Eileen and said, ¡°I¡¯m fine, not really hungry. But what are you guys talking about? It seems fun. Spill the beans!¡±

    Eileen understood the meaning behind Vivian¡¯s nce. Rising, she offered her seat with hospitable grace. ¡°Miss Warren, why don¡¯t you take this spot? I¡¯ll go and see if they¡¯re ready to serve dinner.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Vivian replied with a nod. She settled in, casually joining the conversation with others.

    Bryan watched Eileen leave, his gaze lingering on her, his smile dimming slightly.

    Eileen had requested the kitchen to whip up additional fare, knowing the climbers had returned famished. Stepping out from the kitchen, she bumped into Kian, who seemed to have been waiting for her.

    ¡°Mr. Warren, are you hungry? The kitchen staff is putting the final touches on dinner,¡± Eileen said calmly.

    Kian inquired, ¡°What did you do this afternoon?¡±

    ¡°I took some rest in my room,¡± Eileen responded.

    Kian arched an eyebrow. ¡°Could you assist me with something?¡±

    ¡°Certainly. What is it?¡± Eileen asked.

    ¡°It seems you¡¯ve lost an item. It must have slipped away this afternoon. Could you help me locate it?¡± With that, Kian took hold of Eileen¡¯s wrist, ushering her outside. Despite her resistance, Eileen feltpelled to follow. ¡°What have you lost, Mr. Warren? Where did you go after lunch? Should we organize a search party with the hotel staff?¡± she asked.

    They reached the reception, and Kian said, ¡°The specifics of what¡¯s missing aren¡¯t for public ears. Could you request a review of the security footage for me, Miss Curtis? Start around one. I¡¯ve not roamed much, mostly staying on the top floor. Focus the search there.¡±

    Meeting Kian¡¯s gaze, Eileen sensed that his earnest facade thinly veiled his true intent¡ªhe didn¡¯t want to search for a lost item; he wanted to find out about Bryan¡¯s whereabouts this afternoon.

    Seeing Eileen¡¯s expression, Kian narrowed his eyes. ¡°Is something troubling you? Don¡¯t you want to help me find the lost item, Miss Curtis?¡±

    Inhaling sharply, Eileen couldn¡¯t bring herself to say no. After all, liaising with the hotel was her responsibility.

    Addressing the front desk, she requested, ¡°Could you show us this afternoon¡¯s footage from the top floor, around one?¡±

    The receptionist at the desk rose, acknowledging her with a slight nod. ¡°Did you lose something?¡±

    Nodding, Eileen exined, ¡°Mr. Warren here has lost an item of great value. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.¡±

    Kian added, ¡°Inspect the footage near room 8808 and room 8809 if you would. I lingered in 8808 and passed 8809 on my way to the elevator.¡±

    The subtext wasn¡¯t lost on Eileen; Kian was suspecting something.

    ¡°The top floor¡¯s corridor security is always active, Warren. Don¡¯t worry; you¡¯ll find the item you lost.¡± With a courteous smile, the receptionist reached for the phone, dialing to engage the surveince team. ¡°I¡¯m connecting with our security lead now. Just a moment, please.¡±

    Eileen¡¯splexion paled, a wave of anxiety washing over her.

    She fought to hold steady under Kian¡¯s scrutiny.

    Observing her, Kian probed nonchntly, ¡°You seem under the weather, Miss Curtis. Are you not feeling well?¡±

    Eileen offered a weak smile. ¡°Adjusting to new ces is a challenge for me. I had a restless night. I appreciate your concern, Mr. Warren.¡±

    Kian¡¯s response came with a gentle tease, ¡°Trouble sleeping in a strange bed? Just endure it for a few days, and then you can enjoy your own bed¡¯s embrace.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s smile remained, but she held her silence. At that moment, the receptionist got through on the call.

    ¡°Greetings. Could you check today¡¯s top floor security footage, starting from one P.M.?¡± After conveying Kian¡¯s instructions to focus on the area around the elevator, there was a pause on the line.

    The receptionist¡¯s expression shifted to one of regret as she ended the call. Then, she turned to Kian and said, ¡°I¡¯m afraid the top floor cameras suffered damage in the recent storms and are pending repair. My apologies, Mr. Warren. May I inquire what is missing? Should I send someone to look for it? Given that only your party upies the top floor, it would be easy to track down your lost item.¡±

    At this news, Eileen¡¯s tension eased. She turned to Kian, saying, ¡°You could specify what¡¯s gone missing. We can begin the search right away.¡±

    Kian¡¯s expression shifted to one of amusement. ¡°Don¡¯t bother. It¡¯s not of any importance,¡± he said.

    With that, he sauntered off towards the restaurant, hands casually pocketed. Eileen offered the receptionist a thankful nod and left as well.

    Once back in the restaurant, she chose a secluded corner and settled in. The buzz from her phone broke the tranquility; there was a message from Huey.

    ¡°Eileen, you owe me a big favor this time.¡±

    Eileen furrowed her brows in confusion, pausing before replying, ¡°My wallet¡¯s thin, Huey. I don¡¯t have the money to pay you back. Maybe you should stop sending gifts to others in the game.¡±

    Huey¡¯s reply came fast. ¡°Money isn¡¯t the issue. We¡¯ll chatter. How about a game tonight?¡±

    ¡°We can talk about it tonight,¡± Eileen responded.

    With a thoughtful gaze, Eileen sent her response. Bryan, reclining nonchntly nearby, observed her amidst the ebb and flow of surrounding chatter.

    As the dinner crowd gathered, a symphony of clinking cutlery and warmughter filled the air. Eileen joined the table with Bryan and hispanions. Vivian naturally imed the seat beside Bryan, with Kian sitting beside her.

    Eileen took a seat opposite Bryan, leaving the other spot beside him for Jacob.

    Dragging his feet, Jacob descendedst, stifling yawns and barely keeping his eyes open. ¡°Count me out of the card games tonight; exhaustion got the better of me,¡± he said.

    Bryan¡¯s gaze flicked to Eileen, noticing her cheerful demeanor. He seemed to have understood something. As Jacob prepared to sit, Bryan suddenly kicked his chair away.

    With a thud, Jacob met the floor, his face contorted in difort. ¡°Bryan, what¡¯s your deal? Are you trying to kill me or something?¡±

    A cold smile yed on Bryan¡¯s lips. ¡°Consider this a gesture to help you wake up.¡±

    Jacob was perplexed, retracing hisst few interactions with Bryan. He couldn¡¯t remember when he had offended him. He stood up, dusting himself off, and resettled into his chair with a shake of his head.

    Eileen bit back herughter as she continued her meal.

    Post-dinner, the group¡¯s enthusiasm spilled into the hotel¡¯s spacious karaoke hall. Eileen, self-aware of her less-than-melodious voice, skillfully dodged the microphone, leaving the spotlight to the more eager vocalists.

    Bryan and Kian lounged among their peers on plush sofas, theirughter weaving through the air. Dressed in sleek sportswear, Bryan radiated a charm that was both effortless and captivating. His charisma didn¡¯t wane in the rxed atmosphere. Groups of female staff chatted in hushed tones nearby, stealing nces at Bryan and his friends.

    Jacob approached Eileen, his face lit by his phone¡¯s glow. ¡°Eileen, I¡¯ve roped in your boyfriend for tonight¡¯s game fest. It¡¯s all set up.¡±

    He offered his phone to Eileen, showing a new group chat that included him, Bryan, Kian, Vivian, and Huey.

    With a hesitant expression, Eileen weighed her words. ¡°Gaming¡¯s not my strong suit. You all can y without me.¡±

    Jacob was quick to veto her refusal. ¡°No backing out. It¡¯s only fair for you to join since your boyfriend¡¯s here. We¡¯re teaming up for a friendly showdown¡ªthree on three. Think of it as a fun chance to brush up on your skills.¡±

    Eileen had no choice but to agree to the offer. Huey¡¯s growing presence in her circle was unexpected; she hadn¡¯t anticipated that the game would make Huey and Bryan¡¯spanions be close so quickly.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 22

    ?Chapter 22:

    Jacob added Eileen to the lively group chat, where Huey was quick to send a message.

    ¡°Eileen, stick with me, and I¡¯ll protect you tonight. We¡¯ll take them on together!¡±

    Casting a sidelong look at Bryan, Eileen noted everyone¡¯s preupation with their conversations. She was about to dwell on their earlier conversation when Jacob teased, ¡°You¡¯ve got guts for someone so young. Let¡¯s put your skills to the test tonight!¡±

    Vivian replied, ¡°No teasing; Eileen¡¯s boyfriend just wants to protect her in the game. He doesn¡¯t care if he¡¯ll lose or win.¡±

    Kian threw in a yful barb. ¡°Do I hear wedding bells? I¡¯d better start saving for a grand gift for your marriage.¡±

    Huey¡¯s response was prompt. ¡°A wedding would surely call for a celebration with all of you, but it¡¯s up to Eileen.¡±

    The chatter didn¡¯t sit well with Eileen, prompting her to discreetly mute the conversation. After thest note was sung at karaoke, Jacob, buzzing with energy, ushered Eileen toward Bryan¡¯s suite.

    They navigated through the space¡ªbathroom to the left, a generous living room ahead, and bedrooms to the right. However, the room felt less spacious with a full gathering convened around the coffee table.

    When the clock struck, the gaming session began. Bryan and Kian, with Vivian in tow, formed one team, while Eileen allied with Huey.

    Vivian, though not a gaming ace, definitely showed more prowess than Eileen, who quickly became the team¡¯s underperformer, faltering in the initial practice round.

    Huey¡¯s encouragement filtered through Jacob¡¯s phone, which was on speaker. ¡°Eileen, put on your headphones and jump on the voice chat. Don¡¯t worry; I¡¯ve got your back.¡±

    ???????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.??????

    That warm-up defeat sparked apetitive ze in Huey. A yer known as Ax had bested him swiftly¡ªHuey was taken aback by the yer¡¯s sharp gaming instincts. Determined to redeem himself in the eyes of his team and not let Eileen down, Huey silently pledged to up his game.

    As Eileen made to retrieve her headphones, Bryan intercepted her with a pair of Bluetooth earpieces. ¡°Use these. No need to go and grab your own earphones.¡±

    Eileen epted the device, pairing it with her phone and slipping one earpiece in her ear to join the voice chat, Huey¡¯s voice now a private channel in her ear. They dove into another round, with Eileen following Huey¡¯s lead on strategy.

    Jacob, too, donned headphones, a tactical move to ensure their game n stayed within the team.

    Eileen¡¯s character, with the enchanting ability to be a nimble deer, was designed to aid her allies. By the fourth level, she had the power to sync with her team, bing an extension of their will. Huey, wielding the strength to deal significant blows, assisted her in acquiring gear, including shields to fortify their defense.

    In this round, Huey took the lead with caution. The score was even, with both teams having imed three eliminations, ramping up the tension. In this dance, they remained shadows to each other until Vivian¡¯s avatar strayed into their view.

    ¡°Now¡¯s our chance,¡± Huey said with excitement. ¡°Eileen, nk from the left and scout the bush, and I¡¯ll strike the final blow.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s breath hitched, a testament to the moment¡¯s gravity. She adhered to Huey¡¯s n, and their trap ensnared Vivian effortlessly. Eileen heard Vivian¡¯s call for aid. ¡°Bryan, I need backup!¡±

    Vivian¡¯s plea was cut short as her character met its demise. Huey¡¯s victorious cry rang out, a brief burst of joy, before a new threat loomed¡ªa stealthy adversary with a de appeared and killed Huey¡¯s avatar in a swift, ruthless move.

    ¡°Eileen, run now!¡± Huey urged, his voice urgent.

    Heeding the call, Eileen maneuvered her character to safety. Meanwhile, Vivian said to Bryan, ¡°Give them chase. Avenge me!¡±

    Vanishing from the enemy¡¯s view, Eileen followed Huey¡¯s directive. ¡°Stay hidden in the left brush and wait for backup.¡±

    Jacob¡¯s avatar was swift to respond, but Bryan was quicker, circling the bushes before shifting his focus.

    ncing at Bryan, Eileen caught the gleam in his eyes, a sly grin ying on his face. A wave of anxiety washed over her¡ªhis knowing look suggested he was aware of her hiding spot.

    ¡°Trust me. Stick with my lead. Our team¡¯s got the upper hand now,¡± Huey said confidently.

    Huey was relentless, taking down Kian and Vivian repeatedly. Yet Bryan remained his elusive bane, always one step ahead, much to Huey¡¯s bafflement.

    Huey¡¯s suspicions arose as he scrutinized Bryan¡¯s gaming ID. It felt familiar, but he couldn¡¯t remember where he had seen it.

    Jacob, swept up in the thrill, had palpable enthusiasm even without a personal stake in the fray.

    The match stretched on, a dance of strategy and skill. Bryan¡¯s choice to strike Huey rather than focus on the game¡¯s objectives gave the team more time before they finally lost.

    Jacob let out a long sigh, casting a nk look toward Bryan and voicing his frustration to Huey. ¡°Good, but as the founder of the game, you didn¡¯t match my expectations. Thest time Bryan yed with us, we were demolished. Your participation only made the situation a little better.¡±

    Huey paused, a hint of disbelief in his voice. ¡°Wait. ¡®Ax¡¯? That¡¯s Bryan¡¯s main ount, right? What was his previous ID?¡±

    ¡°Apex,¡± Jacob said. ¡°A name that should ring a bell.¡±

    Before Eileen could process this revtion, Huey¡¯s voice broke through the earpiece with a jolt of energy. ¡°No way! He¡¯s Apex, the legend himself? The man¡¯s a gaming titan! And I¡¯m supposed to beat him? This is wild! Remember how he skyrocketed this game¡¯s poprity with his insane skills? His records still stand! I have to meet him in person!¡±

    Eileen¡¯s head was pounding from Huey¡¯s fervor. She swiftly removed the earpiece, seeking respite. Her gaze drifted to Bryan, who sat back casually, a sly smile ying on his lips.

    Eileen spotted a simr Bluetooth earpiece in his ear. It turned out he had been privy to Huey¡¯s strategy all along!

    Jacob removed his headphones and, with a chuckle, activated the speaker. ¡°Why not talk to your hero? He can hear you now.¡±

    Huey¡¯s voice suddenly ceased, leaving the room engulfed in silence.

    ¡°Vivian, caught off guard, said, ¡®You guys logged off.''¡±

    Bowing her head, Eileen noticed the absence of Huey¡¯s online presence. Then, her phone buzzed with his message.

    ¡°My mom¡¯s confiscated my phone. Pass a message to my hero, will you? I¡¯ll treat him to dinner when you¡¯re all back in Pornd!¡±

    Eileen¡¯s lips curled into a soft smile at the underlying admiration in Huey¡¯s words. She ryed to the room, ¡°Huey had somethinge up and had to go offline.¡±

    Jacob exhaled deeply, a reminiscent smile on his face. ¡°ying this game brings me back to the old days. You know, Eileen, I think your boyfriend owes Bryan a favor since Bryan is the one who made the game popr.¡±

    Bryan nced at Eileen and said, ¡°Let¡¯s not get carried away. I¡¯m not familiar with Huey after all. But Eileen could return the favor to me for Huey.¡±

    To Eileen, Bryan¡¯s words heldyers. Jacob then genuinelymended Huey¡¯s skill, acknowledging his ability as the game¡¯s founder.

    Vivian¡¯s attention drifted from the game to something else, the night deepening around them. She reached for Bryan, a yawn hidden in her voice. ¡°The hour¡¯ste, and weariness calls. Let¡¯s call it a night, Bryan.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s gaze fell, her lips pressed into a line. She dimmed her phone¡¯s glow, signaling her intent to depart. Yet, Bryan¡¯s words to Vivian halted her. ¡°Feeling worn out? Head off to bed then. It¡¯s been ages since I¡¯ve dived into this game. The rest of us will y another round.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s focus turned to Eileen. ¡°Are you sleepy?¡± he asked.

    Suddenly, Eileen became the center of attention, a flush of surprise coloring her cheeks.

    ¡°You should head to bed as well. You¡¯re too weak in the game; the three of us will y without you,¡± Bryan said, his voiceced with a subtle jab.

    His gazended on the telltale shadows beneath her eyes, a silent acknowledgment of her sleepless night and the disruption he had caused in her rest this afternoon.

    Eileen mustered a weary grin and rose. ¡°I¡¯ll go rest now. You guys should go to bed early. Try not to make a habit of thesete nights,¡± she suggested, her tone light.

    Vivian, seizing the chance, quickly said, ¡°Eileen¡¯s right. Bryan, aren¡¯t you tired now? Maybe you should get some rest.¡±

    Eileen caught Bryan¡¯s eyes, his look one of annoyance. Sheughed it off awkwardly and left, indifferent to their decision to y on or retire.

    A suspicion nagged at her that Bryan might be purposefully distancing himself from Vivian, but she left the thought unexplored.

    Weighed down by exhaustion, Eileen surrendered to sleep after a shower. Her wet hair, a careless oversight, left her pillow damp.

    A sharp headache punished her neglect as she stirredte, the breeze dancing through a cracked window and bathing the room in gentle light. After rubbing her forehead for a while, she reached for her phone.

    Bryan¡¯s text awaited her:

    ¡°I stayed upst night. I¡¯ll be resting today. Feel free to spend your day as you wish. Wait for me tonight.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 23

    ?Chapter 23:

    The day brought an outing by the creek organized by thepany¡¯s staff. Eileen, haunted by Bryan¡¯s text message, walked downstairs just in time to witness the preparations for the gathering.

    Upon spotting her, someone from the group extended an invitation to the pic. Eileen epted the invitation, although spending time with 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 herposure. ¡°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¡ªwe¡¯re all ears.¡±

    With a gentle shake of her head, Eileen replied, ¡°Spection isn¡¯t my game. I¡¯m as in the dark as you.¡±

    Find your next read on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Amidst the nudges for a revtion, Eileen¡¯s smile barely concealed her difort. 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 nce around before saying, ¡°I couldn¡¯t help but catch a snippet of conversation between Miss Warren and her brother today. There were tears¡ªshe was upset because despite sharing a room with Mr. Dawson, it seems their nights have been quite tonic 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 ns 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 ept her as soon as shees 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 rity from. The spective chatter cast a shadow over her mood, nudging her to seek solitude.

    ¡°I need some air. 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 weed the group back as though they were her employees.

    Eileen took her ce at the table among some of 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 nce toward Jacob.

    ¡°I n 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¡ªearly rest it is,¡± she shared, reaching a conclusion.

    Bryan¡¯s reply was gentle yet firm. ¡°Actually, I havemitments this evening.¡± His tone was light, but his eyes were kind, as if to cushion the letdown for Vivian. ¡°Get some rest. There¡¯s no need to wait for me tonight.¡±

    Around them, the hushed exchange didn¡¯t go unnoticed. Nearby colleagues exchanged fleeting nces, feigning ignorance.

    A hint of color drained from Vivian¡¯s cheeks as she spoke, her voice steady butced with tension. ¡°What¡¯s so important tonight? You¡¯re not in thepany, 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 herposure, she told Vivian, ¡°Mr. Dawson is ted 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 exins 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 quietugh, knowing theplexities the evening held after Roxanne¡¯s revtion. That was why she had preemptively rescheduled the meeting for tonight.

    It was unclear whether Bryan had done that on purpose.

    Regardless, Eileen maintained herposure 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 thefort of the sofa.

    Returning with coffee, Eileen was momentarily taken aback by the sight of Bryan under the soft lighting.

    d in casual attire, the contours of his face were highlighted, emphasizing a stoic detachment.

    As he perused the documents, Eileenposed herself and ced 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 minutester, the online meetingmenced. Eileen jotted down notes while Bryan engaged effortlessly with the remote participants.

    A knock interrupted them, and Bryan¡¯s brief nce was Eileen¡¯s cue to open the door.

    Vivian stood there, a te of fruit in her hands. She squeezed past Eileen and stopped behind Bryan. Seeing that he was indeed having a video conference on theputer, she ced the fruit down and whispered to Eileen, ¡°Eileen, how long will the meetingst?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to say. The time depends 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 anytime soon.

    Eileen gently closed the door and returned to her spot at the coffee table to resume her note-taking as the meeting continued.

    As they worked, time slipped away beneath a canopy of stars. Vivian, lost in thought, drifted between the bed and the window seat, her nces toward Eileen and Bryan carrying a tinge of mncholy.

    Dawn crept upon them silently. Eileen discovered that Vivian had sumbed to sleep, her form curled and delicate against the backdrop of the morning light.

    Observing Bryan, who had been fueled by caffeine throughout the meeting, Eileen noted the weariness etched into his features. Catching her eye, he acknowledged her silentmunication with a nce.

    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 came in 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 dialogue flowed on, Bryan¡¯s voice became a soothing luby for Eileen, who started to feel sleepy and closed her eyes.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 24

    ?Chapter 24:

    As Bryan sipped his coffee, he noticed that Eileen had sumbed to sleep at the table. Her ck hair framed her face, while a pen dangled from her hand, its tip just grazing her skin, leaving a faint mark.

    Bryan called for a brief recess. ¡°Let¡¯s take a five-minute break.¡±

    He rose, gently picked Eileen up, andid her down on the bed. Drawing the nket over her, he carefully removed the ink from her nose, a tenderness in his actions that went unnoticed by himself.

    Unaware of how long the meeting had stretched on, Eileen fluttered her eyes open to the light washing over her. Theptop on the coffee table was closed, and Bryan had left. Murmurs and distantughter drifted in. Eileen checked the time and realized that she only had an hour left before returning to work.

    She swiftly prepared herself to face the day and began to organize her departure.

    Amid the light-hearted banter in the park, Eileen searched for Bryan, her attention interrupted by Jacob¡¯s urgent voice from behind.

    ¡°Eileen, you need to get to Bryan¡¯s suite immediately. There is a situation I¡¯m not equipped to handle,¡± Jacob said.

    Eileen left her belongings with her colleagues and made her way to the top floor. The elevator doors opened to a quiet hall, broken only by muted weeping from Bryan¡¯s room.

    The door stood ajar, revealing Bryan¡¯s silhouette framed by the slender arms of a woman clutching him. His stance was passive, and Vivian¡¯s sobs filled the room.

    ¡°Bryan, have your feelings for me changed? I¡¯ve tried so hard. What¡¯s causing this distance? You¡¯ve been deliberately avoiding me. You¡¯d rather spend the night working in a room with Eileen thane back to the room with me¡­¡±

    Bryan kept hisposure. ¡°Calm down. I had a meetingst night.¡±

    g¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s is your story hub

    ¡°Don¡¯t deceive me. Who could possibly force you into a meeting? You did that on purpose! Is this about what happened six years ago when I left? Are you still upset about that? I know I was wrong; I¡¯m ready to give up everything for you. Please, let me be with you. If not, I don¡¯t know how to make it right!¡±

    Vivian¡¯s grasp around his waist tightened.

    To Eileen, it felt like those hands weren¡¯t just clutching Bryan¡¯s waist but also her heart. Why else would she feel this awful?

    Yet, this was just the beginning. Bryan¡¯s next words sliced through her heart like a sharp de, leaving it in tatters.

    ¡°I don¡¯t need you to make things right,¡± Bryan said.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know¡­ There¡¯s another woman, right? Who is she? Have you fallen for her?¡± Vivian released him, her eyes brimming with tears.

    Bryan¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, his words gentle as he spoke. ¡°No one canpare to you. If I marry you, how could I touch you? Before that, I must protect you. That¡¯s how I love you.¡±

    Eileen felt a chill creep over her as she stood there, unable to fully process their conversation. Vivian seemed deeply touched, convinced of Bryan¡¯s considerate gesture of waiting until marriage.

    But for Eileen, the realization hit hard¡ªshe was merely a tool to satisfy his needs in Bryan¡¯s eyes, not worthy of his protection or consideration for her future.

    Descending the stairs, each step felt like a blow to Eileen¡¯s already bruised heart. She had hoped, perhaps naively, that after three years, she might hold some significance in Bryan¡¯s heart.

    During these past two days, when Bryan purposely distanced himself from Vivian, Eileen had dared to hope she was special to him. But it was all wishful thinking.

    Pushing open the door to the hallway, sunlight flooded in, momentarily blinding her.

    ¡°Eileen!¡± Roxanne¡¯s voice broke through her thoughts. ¡°The bus is here. Where¡¯s Mr. Dawson?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯ll be down soon. Let¡¯s stick to the n and board the bus. Go ahead and let everyone know,¡± Eileen replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her heart.

    Roxanne didn¡¯t pick up on her paleplexion as she hurried off. Eileen steadied herself with a deep breath, taking two steps forward. Suddenly, someone barreled around the corner and collided with her.

    The person towered over her. Their collision sent her elbow crashing into the wall, a sharp sting shooting through her.

    ¡°Sorry¡ª¡± Huey¡¯s apology came swiftly. Suddenly, recognition dawned on him. ¡°Eileen?¡±

    His voice sparked a flicker of familiarity, a sound Eileen had heard several times over the past few days. Rubbing her throbbing elbow, Eileen looked up. The young man before her sported a bright yellow windbreaker and a sleek ck duckbill cap; his features were refined.

    ¡°You¡¯re¡­¡± Eileen began.

    ¡°Huey Baker,¡± he replied, feeling a twinge of embarrassment. He hadn¡¯t intended to reveal his identity here, but his slip of the tongue couldn¡¯t be undone. ¡°You are staying at my family¡¯s resort. My parents manage the ce.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s surprise was evident as she rubbed her sore arm, mustering a strained smile. ¡°What a coincidence.¡±

    ¡°Are you folks leaving too? The resort¡¯s all empty, so I¡¯m off as well.¡± Huey twirled the car keys in his hand. ¡°Did you arrive by bus? How about hitching a ride with me? Would your boss be okay with that?¡±

    Eileen glimpsed Vivian and Bryan emerging from the elevator. Vivian had reverted to her delicate, charming self, while Bryan was dragging their luggage.

    Bryan¡¯s keen eyes seemed to catch something. Abruptly, he cast his gaze in Eileen¡¯s direction. Eileen swiftly lowered her head, with Huey¡¯s figure providing a convenient shield. Bryan didn¡¯t notice her and proceeded out of the hotel.

    ¡°Thank you; I¡¯ll take you up on the offer,¡± Eileen replied to Huey. ¡°I canpensate you for the ride.¡±

    ¡°Are you kidding? Why would I want your money for that?¡± Huey¡¯s tone held a hint of offense. ¡°It wouldn¡¯t sit right to charge you for a lift to Onnd. Plus, if my mom got wind of it, she¡¯d give me an earful.¡±

    Eileen chuckled at his melodramatic tone. ¡°Let me give my boss a heads-up. Meet at the intersection outside the resort.¡±

    ¡°Sure thing.¡± Huey waved before heading for the parking lot.

    Eileen collected her belongings from her colleagues and boarded the bus. She saw Bryan, Vivian, and Jacob sitting together. Seeing her, Jacob shuffled to make room. ¡°Feel free to join us here. I¡¯m here to take care of Vivian since Kian¡¯s gone,¡± he said.

    Eileen paused momentarily, offering Jacob a polite smile. ¡°It would be a pleasure to sit with you. However¡­¡± Her gaze shifted to Bryan. ¡°Mr. Dawson, I bumped into a friend. I won¡¯t be taking the bus back. Just thought I¡¯d let you know.¡±

    Bryan noted her lowered eyes, sensing something amiss, but he didn¡¯t pry. ¡°Alright,¡± he replied.

    Exiting the bus, Eileen waited with her luggage at the intersection for about five minutes before Huey¡¯s car pulled up before her.

    Parking swiftly, Huey hopped out, opened the passenger door for Eileen, stowed her luggage in the trunk, and resumed his position behind the wheel, driving off smoothly.

    As the bus rolled past their car, some keen observers caught sight of Eileen seated inside.

    ¡°Oh, wow! Is that Miss Curtis? The man beside her looks quite the catch!¡±

    ¡°He must be her boyfriend! He¡¯s so handsome!¡±

    ¡°And look at him, so thoughtful, picking her up from the resort!¡±

    Bryan nced over, his gaze narrowing at the sleek sports car cruising in the adjacentne. Though he couldn¡¯t peer inside, he could almost picture Eileen sharingughter and conversation with the young man.

    Someone said, ¡°Perhaps he¡¯s not just arriving today. Remember yesterday when we were out and about? Miss Curtis was MIA all day. Maybe she had a date with him.¡±

    ¡°How romantic. Despite his youth, he¡¯s quite the considerate one, traveling all this way to see Miss Curtis. Doing the right thing! Miss Curtis finally snagged a few days off. Can¡¯t let that slip by without a bit of romance!¡±

    Bryan¡¯s countenance darkened. The sports car faded from view, leaving him with an unsavory sensation gnawing at his chest.

    Vivian¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°Did you see that, Bryan? That guy in yellowing out of the elevator with someone? That¡¯s Eileen¡¯s boyfriend, right? She might have been too scared to unt her romance in front of you. But how did her boyfriend even get into the resort? Didn¡¯t you book the whole ce?¡±

    Seeing Bryan¡¯s cold face, she quickly added, ¡°Bryan, don¡¯t be angry with Eileen. She¡¯s been so busy with work that she couldn¡¯t spare time for her boyfriend. So, she must have found a way to sneak him in. As her boss, you should be more understanding. Besides, she¡¯s not that young anymore.¡±

    Beside her, Jacob¡¯s eyes gleamed with amusement as he observed Bryan¡¯s reaction. If Bryan were upset about Eileen¡¯s covert action to sneak her boyfriend in, that would be one thing. But it seemed there was more to Bryan¡¯s reaction.

    In the sports car, Eileen remained silent throughout the ride. Huey, perceptive, sensed her subdued mood but opted not to pry.

    It wasn¡¯t until they reached downtown Onnd that Huey finally broke the silence. ¡°Eileen, I bet you haven¡¯t eaten. How about I treat you to lunch? We can talk then.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 25

    ?Chapter 25:

    Eileen nced at the time. It was already two in the afternoon. She replied, ¡°I¡¯m not really hungry. Let¡¯s forget about lunch. But we do need to talk. We¡¯re not suitable for each other. If you don¡¯t mind, we can be friends.¡±

    Huey seemed to ponder for a moment and then spoke with a hint of meaning. ¡°Do you have someone you like?¡±

    Taken aback, Eileen struggled to find her words. Huey continued, ¡°If you do, why haven¡¯t you told your family? Why let them set you up on blind dates?¡±

    His words came as an usation, suggesting Eileen was deceiving him and wasting his time.

    Lost for words, Eileen pondered before responding. ¡°Whether I like someone or not is irrelevant to ourpatibility. Your mother is aware of my family¡¯s situation. My mother is ill and requires extensive financial support. Aside from a decent education, I can bring other assets to the table. Plus, I am older than you. Someone of your standing could easily find a more suitable match.¡±

    ¡°My mom really likes you,¡± Huey interjected, nearly causing Eileen to choke. She believed she had never met Huey¡¯s mother before.

    Noticing her confusion, Huey quickly exined, ¡°You¡¯re known as a golden assistant in our industry. My mom thinks Ick the necessary skills and need someone to steer me right. She believes you¡¯re the one who can handle me.¡±

    Eileen grasped his meaning but felt somewhat resigned. Huey continued, ¡°If I can¡¯t win you over, my mom might revoke my gaming privileges. Let¡¯s try this without calling it dating and see how it goes. What do you think?¡±

    Eileen was hesitant and prepared to reject his offer. Suddenly, her phone rang. It was Ruby calling.

    As soon as Eileen answered the call, Ruby showered her with questions and concerns. ¡°Eileen, are youing back this afternoon? Have you arranged to meet the man I mentioned? You mustn¡¯t miss this chance. He¡¯s the best prospect I could find.¡± Ruby¡¯s tone was a mix of caution and insistence.

    Find more chapters now g?ln¦Òv??ls?c?m

    Though Huey was about the same age as Eileen, Ruby had rmended him to her because Eileen had been financially supporting her medical treatments for years.

    Aware that Ruby would keep setting her up with potential suitors if she declined, Eileen reconsidered Huey¡¯s suggestion. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ve met. Whether it turns into anything more, well, that¡¯s in the hands of fate,¡± she said to Ruby.

    On the other end, Ruby paused and then expressed her happiness. ¡°That¡¯s wonderful! Then you two have a good talk. I¡¯ll hang up now. You must be tired from the trip. No need to visit the hospital tonight. I¡¯m fine.¡± She added a few more words of concern before ending the call.

    Eileen looked up to find Huey grinning in the driver¡¯s seat. She made herself clear, saying, ¡°We¡¯ll just get to know each other. Nothing more.¡± She wanted to avoid further confusion, especially when exining the situation to Rubyter. She also had concerns that Huey might hope for more than she was willing to give.

    Huey offered his pinky. ¡°Deal. From now on, you¡¯re my friend!¡±

    Eileenughed and gently pushed his hand away. ¡°Just drop me off at the next intersection.¡±

    ¡°Wait, I still have something to show you,¡± Huey said, pulling out his phone and opening the game app to show the ount ¡°Ax.¡± ¡°Do you know this person?¡±

    Eileen recalled the moment when Huey had mentioned Bryan¡¯s gamer ID. ¡°Yeah,¡± she replied.

    ¡°Could you introduce me to him? I really admire him. He¡¯s the reason I kept ying the game. I¡¯ve tried adding him as a friend several times, but he¡¯s been ignoring me. Do you have his WhatsApp?¡± Huey looked at her with eager eyes.

    Eileen had reservations about Huey getting too close to Bryan, yet she found it hard to ignore Huey¡¯s earnest request. Reluctantly, she shared Bryan¡¯s WhatsApp contact with him.

    Huey¡¯s excitement was palpable as he sent a friend request. ¡°Let¡¯s go! I¡¯ll treat you to a big meal. And from now on, you won¡¯t have to pay when you visit my family¡¯s resort!¡±

    Though amused by his offer, Eileen politely declined and exited the car at the next intersection, choosing instead to take the bus home. The afternoon sun cast a warm glow through the bus window, enveloping Eileen in its warmth. The cacophony of the city buzzed around her, but Bryan¡¯s words lingered in her mind: ¡°Before that, I must protect you. That¡¯s how I love you.¡±

    She believed that Vivian, always the pampered princess, would continue her happy life under Bryan¡¯s care. Eileen thought her own life would eventually find its way back to tranquility. She reminded herself not to harbor any false hopes, for they only served to deepen her sorrow and unease.

    As she prepared to disembark, Eileen took a deep breath, allowing the residual ache in her heart to dissolve. She got off the bus, suitcase in hand, and made her way through the short walk to her home.

    Upon entering her home, her phone rang. It was Bailee, amidst a backdrop of noise. ¡°Eileen, are you back in Onnd today?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve just arrived home,¡± Eileen responded while unpacking.

    Bailee¡¯s voice came with a tinge of sheepishness. ¡°Eileen, I¡¯ve found a job. But my current ce is too far from work. I¡¯ve rented a ce closer to work, but I¡¯ve got too much stuff to move on my own.¡±

    ¡°Send me your address; I¡¯ll be there to help,¡± Eileen said without a second thought.

    After receiving Bailee¡¯s location, Eileen quickly left her house. She boarded a bus to the Apex Group to pick up her cat, arriving at Bailee¡¯s ce an hour and a halfter.

    Bailee indeed had an assortment of belongings. Alongside clothes, she owned everything from pots to pans, underscoring her culinary skills and frugality. She didn¡¯t want to throw anything away.

    ¡°Where¡¯s your new ce?¡± Eileen inquired after they had loaded the car. She tapped on the navigation app, ready to set off.

    Bailee shared the name of a modest neighborhood. ¡°I¡¯m rooming with two other girls. It¡¯s a secure area.¡±

    Eileen, familiar with the area, nodded and keyed the address into the GPS. As their conversation flowed, Eileen asked, ¡°So, whichpany will you be working for?¡±

    ¡°Warren Group,¡± Bailee replied, her voice dropping to a whisper. ¡°I applied everywhere, but Warren Group offered the best sry. I¡¯ll just be a clerk there, nowhere near the Warren family circle.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s surprise was evident; she hadn¡¯t anticipated Bailee working for Vivian¡¯s family¡¯s firm. Nheless, she offered a smile. ¡°The choice of where to work is yours. Just remember, the corporate world can be tough on neers. You¡¯ll need to be prepared.¡±

    Eileen, seasoned in the ways of the workforce, shared her wisdom, aiming to shield Bailee from unnecessary workce challenges.

    Arriving at Bailee¡¯s new ce, it took them several trips to move all her belongings in.

    Transfer all her possessions into her new apartment. Bailee¡¯s new home was a three-bedroom space, modestly decorated. Though her room was the smallest, it was bathed in sunlight, making it a cozy corner.

    Once Bailee had settled in, the day darkened into evening. She considered cooking, but Eileen stopped her. ¡°Let¡¯s not cook tonight. I¡¯ll treat you to dinner¡ªa little celebration fornding the job,¡± Eileen said, leading the way. After dinner, they stopped by the supermarket for groceries and necessities. Eileen then drove Bailee back before heading home herself.

    In the solitude of her home, under the faint glow of a single light, Eileen¡¯s loneliness was palpable. She spent time unpacking, then showered, her mind preupied with thoughts of Bryan¡ªhis scent still lingering, sandalwood mixed with floral undertones.

    Her sleep was fitful, filled with dreams where Bryan returned to hold her close. Awakening to find herself alone, a sense of emptiness enveloped her¡ªa stark reminder of his absence.

    At the Apex Group¡¯s parking lot, Eileen found Bryan¡¯s car parked. It felt like an unspoken pact between them; he hadn¡¯t told her she needed to pick him up, and without asking, she had made her way to thepany alone.

    Riding the elevator to the top floor, Eileen stepped out, only to spot Vivian. Today, Vivian seemed different. Dressed in a knee-length skirt, a crisp white shirt, and an elegant vest, her curly hair neatly gathered into a bun, she appeared notably more mature.

    Vivian, noticing Eileen, broke off from the other employees and hastened towards her, linking arms with her. ¡°Eileen, you¡¯re here!¡±

    ¡°Miss Warren,¡± Eileen responded, a hint of difort in her voice at the closeness.

    Vivian¡¯s expression softened into a pout. ¡°I¡¯ve asked you not to be so formal. Just call me by my first name. Why won¡¯t you?¡±

    Eileen offered a polite smile. ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem right.¡±

    Undeterred, Vivian winked yfully. ¡°It will be. I have a surprise for you! Come on.¡±

    She led Eileen directly toward Bryan¡¯s office. They entered the office, a room bathed in light from the expansive windows. Bryan, seated behind his desk, looked up. His eyes lingered on Eileen for a brief moment before he frowned and diverted his gaze.

    ¡°Eileen¡¯s here!¡± Vivian eximed, halting in front of Bryan¡¯s desk and dragging Eileen along with her.

    Eileen discreetly withdrew her hand from Vivian¡¯s hold and greeted Bryan, who remained silent, offering no response.

    Vivian, interpreting his silence as lingering frustration over the room incident, leaned in to whisper to Eileen. ¡°Don¡¯t take it to heart. I summoned you here because there¡¯s something important I need to discuss with both of you.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s brow furrowed in bewilderment, wondering what Vivian could possibly want to discuss that involved both her and Bryan.

    Bryan, equally confused, allowed his gaze to linger on Eileen briefly before shifting his attention to Vivian.

    With a blush tinting her cheeks, Vivian said, ¡°I¡¯ve decided I want to join Apex Group as Bryan¡¯s secretary. I¡¯ll take care of his daily needs, like bringing him coffee and handling his contracts. What are your thoughts on this?¡±

    Her hopeful eyes danced between Bryan and Eileen, searching for their approval. Bryan¡¯s expression grew more serious, his eyes darkening. He knitted his brows together slightly, yet he remained silent.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 26

    ?Chapter 26:

    Vivian looked at Eileen. ¡°Eileen, your thoughts?¡± she asked.

    A pause lingered before Eileen¡¯s face broke into a smile. ¡°You¡¯re asking me? I think that¡¯s a question for Mr. Dawson, considering you¡¯re aiming to be his secretary.¡±

    Vivian said, ¡°These tasks are what you do daily. If I join, it will impact you too. Don¡¯t get me wrong, I¡¯m not here to take your ce.¡± She nced at Bryan and continued, ¡°I¡¯m just looking for a way to be closer to Bryan without being a burden. It would be more convenient if I could work here.¡±

    Eileen kept smiling, her nce brushing against Bryan¡¯s gaze, only to retreat just as quickly. She remained quiet; her thoughts locked away as if they held no weight.

    Vivian turned to Bryan and said, ¡°You¡¯reying it on thick with Eileen, Bryan. She needs a breather. Life¡¯s not all about work, is it? How about her chances at love? Are you willing to shoulder the cost of her happiness?¡± Vivian¡¯s tone was gentle, seemingly defending Eileen.

    A storm seemed to brew in Eileen¡¯s mind as she felt the weight of Vivian¡¯s words. Bryan¡¯s stare was piercing, almost scorching.

    ¡°She holds a senior position,¡± Bryan finally spoke with an edge. ¡°With the sry and the statuse the trade-offs. If she wants to get the money, solitude might just be part of the bargain.¡±

    A shiver raced along Eileen¡¯s spine, understanding what Bryan meant. Vivian seemed oblivious. ¡°It¡¯s over the top. Eileen¡¯s bound to get married someday, right? Time waits for no one, especially not for thedies. If Eileen hesitates, she might miss her chance.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s annoyance simmered, his voice t. ¡°Then it¡¯s her choice, isn¡¯t it? She can choose between money and marriage.¡±

    Vivian was taken aback.

    L?t??st ch¦Ápt?rs in ???lnovels.??????

    Eileen quickly said, ¡°We¡¯re straying from the point, Miss Warren. Your potential role here has nothing to do with my personal life. And frankly, my views are irrelevant to this discussion. I¡¯ll excuse myself now.¡±

    Vivian reached out to stop Eileen from leaving, her words rushing. ¡°I am worried you will think that I want to steal your job. That¡¯s why I want to seek your insight. Whether you marry or not isn¡¯t my business. Just tell me if I could be Bryan¡¯s secretary.¡±

    Eileen believed Vivian was missing the point; her consent wasn¡¯t necessary here.

    Bryan adjusted his tie, his annoyance thinly veiled. ¡°Eileen¡¯s opinion isn¡¯t our concern; it¡¯s with Ryan. If he agrees to you being my secretary, then it¡¯s settled.¡±

    Vivian furrowed her brows as she faced Bryan. ¡°Why do I need to get my brother¡¯s say-so?¡±

    Bryan inhaled deeply and rose to his feet, circling his desk to join Vivian and Eileen. With one hand casually resting in his pocket, he carried himself with effortless grace. ¡°Your family treasures your reputation. Wouldn¡¯t your parents be upset to see you be my secretary here? Better to persuade them first.¡±

    Eileen recalled the Warren family members¡¯ tense expressions during theirst encounter with Bryan. She could bet that Vivian working here would set off rms for them.

    Vivian softened her stance, her voice taking on a tender note. ¡°Leave it to me. They¡¯re just miffed that you haven¡¯t gotten divorced yet. They fear I¡¯ll bebeled as a homewrecker. But that doesn¡¯t faze me.¡±

    A smirk yed on Bryan¡¯s lips. ¡°Okay. Then you can head home now. I¡¯ve got my hands full today.¡± He shot a look toward Eileen. ¡°We¡¯ve got a meeting in ten minutes. Get ready.¡±

    Eileen gave a brief nod and made her exit, Vivian at her heels. Pausing by Eileen¡¯s desk, Vivian leaned in close, lowering her voice. ¡°Eileen, I spotted a scratch on his chest yesterday. It looked recent!¡±

    Eileen¡¯s hold on the files paused as she met Vivian¡¯s gaze, memories of the sh with Bryan that afternoon surfacing. She had forgotten to be careful, resulting in that scratch. Dropping her gaze, she concealed the twinge of panic.

    Vivian continued, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect him to be with that woman at the resort, but now I know that woman must be an employee here. Don¡¯t trouble yourself on my ount. Bryan¡¯s temper redst time over the hotel booking. That¡¯s part of the reason I want to work here. I¡¯ll handle this and investigate on my own.¡±

    Vivian¡¯s grasp on Eileen¡¯s wrist was firm. ¡°You understand where I¡¯ming from, right?¡± she asked.

    Pulling away gently, Eileen reached for some documents. Her voice steady, she assured, ¡°You¡¯re too kind, Miss Warren. It means a lot that you¡¯re concerned about my workload. I won¡¯t misunderstand you.¡±

    Vivian nced toward Bryan¡¯s office, a weight lifting from her shoulders. She leaned closer, her voice a whisper. ¡°Talking to my brother about working here will get nowhere. He¡¯d never consent. So¡­ I¡¯ll still need your assistance.¡±

    Eileen found herself feeling resigned. ¡°Miss Warren, I¡¯m only Mr. Dawson¡¯s assistant. My help is limited to minor tasks. The best course of action? Take your concerns to Mr. Dawson directly. It¡¯s better than wrestling with this alone.¡±

    Vivian was aware that if Bryan was determined to hide something, he wouldn¡¯t reveal it even if asked. Confronting him would only put him on guard. Her n had to be covert, beginning with that mysterious woman. She gave Eileen¡¯s shoulder a reassuring tap. ¡°I get it. But I also have my reasons for doing this. Just lend me a hand, and when I¡¯m Mrs. Dawson, you¡¯ll see gratitude beyond words.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s response was a silent smile. If Bryan and Vivian got married, her secret would surely be exposed. Vivian¡¯s fondness for Bryan could turn dire for her.

    ¡°I should get to the meeting room now,¡± Eileen said. She gestured to the documents she held and made her way to the conference room. With a flip of the switch and a swift twist of the blinds, she cast the day¡¯s agenda onto the screen. As everything was set, Bryan entered.

    Dressed in a suit as dark as night, his entrance exuded understated prestige. The soft thud of his shoes echoed as he moved across the room, taking the lead chair. His eyes found Eileen, lingering with an unreadable intent.

    ¡°nning on getting married soon?¡± he inquired, catching Eileen off guard.

    The sudden question confused Eileen. Then, she realized he was probably influenced by what Vivian had said just before. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could say anything, Bryan cut her off.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for you to hide it from me. We both know there¡¯s nothing serious between us. If you want to end things with me, just say the word,¡± Bryan said, his voice cold.

    A throb of hurt resonated in Eileen¡¯s chest. Words failed her just as the meeting room door swung open, the influx of colleagues breaking the moment. Sheposed herself and took her ce by Bryan¡¯s side, preparing to document the proceedings.

    He had made it clear she was free to end things whenever she wished, yet Eileen remained silent, unsure of her own desires.

    In the days that followed, Vivian¡¯s presence dwindled, reducing to rare appearances. Eileen¡¯s interactions with Bryan, once intimate, had settled into a rigid dance of professionalism. The need to chauffeur him had dissipated.

    A peculiar calm settled over Eileen¡¯s life, akin to the stillness before a storm, leaving her with the sense that she was under the shadow of a gathering tempest.

    Eileen greeted the weekend with the sun. She had ns: to collect Bailee and then keep Rubypany at the hospital. Years of focus on her career had left her with few friendships. She often spent her free time in the hospital with Ruby.

    Upon reaching Bailee¡¯s ce, Eileen called her. Bailee said over the phone, ¡°Could you give me a couple of minutes? I¡¯m running behind. I slept through my rm and had to stay upte for workst night.¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you mention that to me? You need to rest. Head back to bed, and I¡¯ll head to the hospital on my own,¡± Eileen suggested.

    But Bailee didn¡¯t want to do that. ¡°Just ten minutes, I promise,¡± she said,pelling Eileen to agree and wait in the car.

    As she waited, Eileen¡¯s eyesnded on a sports car nearby. It stirred a flicker of recognition in her, but the pieces didn¡¯t fall into ce until Huey emerged, backpack in tow, and slipped into the driver¡¯s seat of the sports car.

    Was he a resident here? While she was piecing this together, a knock on the window jolted her. There stood Huey, approaching her car because it blocked his way.

    Eileen cranked down the window. ¡°What a coincidence!¡±

    Huey momentarily stared, then beamed a smile at her. ¡°What brings you here?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here for my sister. We¡¯re off to the hospital,¡± Eileen exined as she stepped out of the car. ¡°And you? Are you visiting someone here?¡±

    ¡°No, I live here,¡± Huey said, gesturing upwards. ¡°Mom¡¯s lectures chase me, so I¡¯ve turned this ce into my refuge. Sworn to secrecy, okay?¡±

    Laughter escaped Eileen. She felt a bit envious of Huey¡¯s rtionship with his mother.

    ¡°It¡¯s great seeing you here. How about we grab lunch together?¡± Huey suggested, ruffling his hair with a sheepish grin on his face. ¡°Well, it¡¯s at my mom¡¯s bidding. She tasked me with inviting you for a meal. I¡¯ve been dragging my feet, and today¡¯s the deadline. If we hadn¡¯t crossed paths now, I¡¯d be dialing your number for this.¡±

    ¡°Eileen!¡± The call drew their attention as Bailee approached, slightly out of breath. ¡°Let¡¯s go; I¡¯m all set,¡± she said to Eileen.

    Huey¡¯s eyes flicked to Bailee. ¡°And this is¡­¡±

    ¡°This is my sister, Bailee Brooks,¡± Eileen said. Then, turning to Bailee, she introduced, ¡°And this is Huey Baker, a friend of mine.¡±

    Bailee was wearing sportswear with her hair tied up. She gave a quick nod, ¡°Nice to meet you, Huey.¡± Recognition flickered in Bailee¡¯s eyes as she recalled Ruby mentioning Huey. She shot him a few more curious looks.

    Catching snippets of their earlier conversation, Bailee inquired, ¡°Did I overhear something about lunch?¡± Her eyes danced with mischief. ¡°Eileen, you go. I¡¯ll take care of Mom.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 27

    ?Chapter 27:

    Bailee chimed in swiftly, cutting off any chance for Eileen to refuse. She said to Huey, ¡°You know, Eileen leans towards lighter fare. Find somewhere that fits the bill and text her the detailster.¡±

    Huey caught the hint of reluctance from Eileen and quickly nodded in agreement. ¡°Alright, you¡¯ve got ns. Don¡¯t let me hold you up.¡±

    He offered a parting wave and settled into his vehicle. Eileen let out a soft sigh as she slid behind her wheel, and Bailee hopped into the seat beside her, securing her seatbelt before offering a yful smirk.

    ¡°We seem like a match. A little young, maybe, but he¡¯s impressive. He¡¯s taken a shine to you, and since Mom introduced him to you, why not give it a try?¡± Bailee said.

    With a gentle rumble, the engine came to life. Eileen peered out at Huey¡¯s departing car and chuckled softly. ¡°Is now really a good time for me to dive into romance?¡± The question hung in the air, unspoken thoughts of Bryan lingering in Eileen¡¯s mind.

    Bailee¡¯s eyes widened in sudden realization. ¡°Are you still tangled up with Bryan? With all the media buzz about him and Vivian, I¡¯m surprised he hasn¡¯t ended things with you.¡±

    The puzzle of Bryan¡¯s intentions was a riddle for Eileen as well. ¡°Maybe, just maybe, he has actually fallen for you?¡± Bailee spected.

    Eileen¡¯sugh was light, her gaze filled with mockery. ¡°Are you joking? That¡¯s impossible.¡±

    Bailee was earnest. ¡°No, I¡¯m not! You have everything going for you¡ªbeauty, brains, and you¡¯re genuine. Without considering your family background, you¡¯re way better than Vivian.¡±

    ¡°So, you¡¯re pushing me topete with Vivian for Bryan¡¯s heart? Is that your n?¡± Eileen was blunt.

    Your storytelling destination is g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    Bailee hesitated, the weight of her own words settling in. ¡°You know what? Never mind all that. Huey¡¯s a catch, and he¡¯s into you. You can¡¯t miss this opportunity to be with him,¡± she said.

    Eileen just stayed quiet.

    Bailee¡¯s youth shone through her words, blind to the tangled web of Eileen¡¯s circumstances. If things with Bryan ended in shambles, Eileen would be left in ruins. What prospects could she possibly hope for after being entangled in such a messy affair?

    Inside the hospital¡¯s somber and bustling walls, Eileen¡¯s and Bailee¡¯s presence felt like a burst of sunlight. The ward seemed emptier and more peaceful, with just the trio remaining after a patient transfer.

    Ruby was delighted to see them and soon began chatting. Huey became the topic once more. ¡°Mom, you heard from Eileen, right? They¡¯ve kept in touch. What¡¯s the rush?¡± Bailee chimed in, her tone light. ¡°Eileen¡¯s grabbing lunch with Huey today. You don¡¯t need to worry about this.¡±

    This seemed to energize Ruby, and before eleven, she gently nudged Eileen. ¡°Don¡¯t let time slip by. Off you go to see Huey.¡±

    Eileen found herself nudged out of the hospital¡¯s embrace sooner than expected. Huey had texted her a location not long ago, and there was still time to spare. With no shelter from the harsh sun, she opted to head to the restaurant ahead of schedule.

    Settled by the window, a ss of juice in hand, Eileen surrendered to the digital world, her fingers dancing across her phone¡¯s screen as she awaited Huey¡¯s arrival.

    In the secluded space on the second floor, surrounded by ss that revealed the bustling scene below, Bryan was nestled in a corner, his attention fixed on his phone. Jacob fidgeted with his phone beside him, hisints filling the air.

    ¡°Why pull tight into your dinner with Vivian? It¡¯s awkward for me to be here. Plus, she¡¯s alreadyte,¡± Jacob muttered with a frown.

    On Bryan¡¯s screen, a persistent friend request from ¡®KnockWood¡¯ lingered¡ªan alias he recognized as Eileen¡¯s boyfriend. Bryan¡¯s mind reyed Eileen¡¯s boyfriend¡¯s words: ¡°Eileen, I¡¯ll protect you!¡±

    He scoffed, dismissing the request with a swipe.

    Jacob nced over, confusion written across his face. ¡°Something on your mind? You¡¯re not usually one to y the waiting game.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s response was a frosty look and a nudge against Jacob¡¯s chair. ¡°Just drop it, will you?¡± he said sharply.

    Jacob rose, biting back any retort, and wandered over to the French windows. His eyes searched the crowd below.

    Vivian was absent, but Eileen was there, her juice half-finished, her focus locked on her phone, showing no signs of urgency¡ªclearly, she wasn¡¯t the one runningte.

    Jacob nudged Bryan gently. ¡°See? Eileen¡¯s the whole package. She¡¯s got it all, even punctual for a simple date.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s eyes shifted to catch a glimpse of Eileen. The light dress she wore yed with the sunlight, lending a gentle glow to her features. A mole near her eye stood out against her clear skin, her appearance a picture of softness not seen in her work attire. At that moment, she was the epitome of femininity, waiting for someone else. Bryan¡¯s eyes darkened.

    ¡°If you tell grandmother you want to marry Eileen, will she approve?¡± Jacob asked Bryan.

    Bryan gave him a look that was hard to read, a small crease forming between his brows. Jacob caught the change in his demeanor. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m just thinking out loud here. And even if you want to, Eileen won¡¯t marry you. She has someone who¡¯s already winning the race.¡± He turned, catching sight of a figure approaching. ¡°And here¡¯s her date, flowers in hand and all.¡±

    Downstairs, Eileen¡¯s reaction to the vibrant roses was one of visible surprise. Huey¡¯s muffled voice broke through the floral disy. ¡°Eileen, hurry! I¡¯ve been hurt by a thorn!¡±

    Eileen rose swiftly to ept the bouquet, only to see Huey grappling with a thorn on his face. Laughter escaped her as she witnessed his small misfortune.

    ¡°My mom insisted I bring flowers. Don¡¯t read too much into it,¡± Huey exined with a light-hearted shrug, removing the thorn from his face.

    Eileen arranged the roses beside her and gestured for service, herposure seamless.

    Eileen and Huey¡¯s rapport flowed easily, devoid of any awkwardness. They were like close friends. But for Bryan, witnessing their effortless interaction seemed to illustrate a tender portrait of romance.

    Meanwhile, Vivian made her entrance, her eyes narrowing upon spotting Jacob.

    Jacob couldn¡¯t resist a tease. ¡°Fashionablyte, aren¡¯t you? Good thing Bryan¡¯s the patient type.¡±

    Bryan gestured to the vacant seat beside him. ¡°Sit,¡± he said, his voice calm.

    Vivian settled in, shaking the tension with a practiced smile. ¡°You know it¡¯s almost a ritual for me to take my time getting ready. Waiting is just part of the gentleman¡¯s code, right?¡±

    Jacob reclined in his seat. ¡°I¡¯m starving now.¡±

    As they dined, Eileen felt at ease with Huey, their conversation flowing effortlessly like that of old friends. She listened to his family stories and chatted about her day at work.

    Post-meal, Eileen signaled for the check. Then, she caught sight of Jacob on the upper floor; Jacob¡¯s smile at her was unmistakable.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that one of your colleagues, Eileen? I saw him before at the resort,¡± Huey said.

    Eileen¡¯s eyes followed Huey¡¯s gaze, spotting not just Jacob but also the unmistakable silhouette of Bryan.

    ¡°Should we drop by for a quick hello?¡± Huey asked.

    Eileen exchanged a knowing look with Jacob from a distance, then turned to Huey. ¡°It¡¯s not necessary. He¡¯s more of an acquaintance through my friend. He is the one who yed that game with us before.¡±

    A thought seemed to strike Huey as he peered again toward the private area. ¡°Then is Apex here?¡±

    At that moment, Bryan nced their way, his gaze briefly meeting Huey¡¯s.

    Taken aback, Huey asked, ¡°Is that your boss?¡±

    Eileen confirmed with a nod, her expression neutral.

    ¡°And thedy with him, who¡¯s she?¡± Huey asked. His world revolved around gaming, far removed from the corporate gossip mill. The headlines about Bryan and Vivian had slipped by him unnoticed.

    Aware of Bryan¡¯s request for Eileen¡¯s room key before, Huey now observed Bryan with another woman, their closeness unmistakable. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Eileen was caught in a web of unsolicited advances at work. It might exin her prominent role within thepany¡ªyet, there was no disdain from him, only empathy, considering Eileen¡¯s sacrifices for her mother¡¯s health expenses.

    Driven by a protective instinct, Huey made a decisive move. He escorted Eileen upstairs, directly to where Bryan was.

    Taken off guard by Huey¡¯s assertive manner, Eileen found herself following him. Huey didn¡¯t hesitate, swinging the door open and wrapping his arm around her shoulders intimately.

    ¡°Hello! You¡¯re acquaintances of Eileen¡¯s through work, right? Just stopping by to say hi,¡± Huey said with a warm smile.

    Eileen was momentarily speechless, processing the current situation. Vivian and Jacob were both taken aback by Huey¡¯s bold move.

    Jacob¡¯s gaze swung to Bryan with an air of excitement. ¡°Looks like you¡¯ve got visitors.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s reaction was subtle¡ªa hint of amusement graced his expression as he gestured toward the empty seats.

    ¡°Feel free to join us,¡± he said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 28

    ?Chapter 28:

    Huey was ready to sit, but Eileen gently held him back.

    ¡°We¡¯re just dropping by for a quick greeting. Don¡¯t let us interrupt your dinner. We¡¯ll leave now,¡± Eileen said.

    Bryan¡¯s response was even, betraying no sentiment.

    ¡°Not at all. It seems we¡¯re the ones disturbing you two.¡±

    Eileen couldn¡¯t quite read Bryan; his expression was calm.

    Huey caught on to Eileen¡¯s unease. ¡°Indeed. Eileen rarely takes a break from work, and it¡¯s unusual for her to share a meal like this with me,¡± he said with a subtle nce toward Eileen. ¡°As she¡¯s under your wing at work, I trust she¡¯s in good hands, Mr. Dawson. I appreciate it.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s eyes lingered on Eileen¡¯s departing form, his gaze intense.

    Without looking back, Eileen descended to retrieve her belongings, her pace steady. She was ready to settle the bill, but Huey was one step ahead, having already paid.

    To her astonishment, Huey had also settled the bill for Bryan and hispanions.

    ¡°There was no need for you to cover their meal,¡± Eileen said, her words tinged with disbelief. She couldn¡¯t understand Huey¡¯s intentions.

    ¡°It¡¯s just good manners,¡± Huey said, downying the act, though internally, he was quite satisfied with the subtle power y. Paying the bill was a move that, in his mind, would unsettle Bryan and subtly redress any imbnce in their dynamics¡ªa small victory for Eileen¡¯s honor.

    ¡°Eileen, Apex is still not on my contact list,¡± Huey mentioned again, his tone reflecting a tinge of frustration. ¡°Think you could set up a dinner with him for me?¡±

    Eileen mulled over the unpredictable nature of the situation. It was probably best to keep Bryan¡¯s identity as Apex a secret from Huey.

    Read more stories now g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m

    ¡°We¡¯ll see about that, but his schedule is pretty packed,¡± she replied cautiously.

    With the flowers now settled in her car, Eileen offered Huey a farewell wave and left.

    Huey, a little deted, headed back to his vehicle and scrolled through his phone. Suddenly, a spark of excitement flickered across his face; Apex had epted his friend request¡ªhis ID was ¡®VAX,¡¯ just like his ID in the game.

    Quickly, Huey tapped out a message.

    ¡°Hey, Apex, I¡¯m Huey Baker, the founder of the game!¡±

    Despite his eagerness, the screen remained silent, devoid of an immediate reply.

    Eileen returned to the hospital that afternoon, keeping Ruby and Baileepany. Later, she dropped Bailee off at home, listening as Bailee shared stories about her work life.

    Bailee¡¯s resilience was silent yet strong, prompting Eileen to reflect on Judie¡¯s early days at thepany. Judie had always beenining, entirely different from Bailee. Thanks to Eileen, Judie had secured her position at Apex Group and maintained it.

    Eileen arrived home at seven. She flicked on the lights and set her bag down. Then, she noticed someone. There he was¡ªBryan, a silent silhouette against the soft glow of the room, engrossed in hisptop¡¯s light. His presence, so unexpected, caused Eileen to pause.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, have you had anything to eat?¡± Eileen eventually asked, breaking the stillness.

    Bryan¡¯s response was calm. ¡°Not really. No appetite. The free lunch was more than enough. Still haven¡¯t digested it.¡±

    A chuckle nearly escaped Eileen. ¡°I¡¯ll whip up something light for you.¡±

    Questions about his impromptu visit hung in the air, unasked, and Bryan didn¡¯t say anything to exin his presence here. They also didn¡¯t mention the discussion of marriage that had surfaced earlier.

    Recovering from the initial surprise of Bryan¡¯s presence, Eileen managed to find her stride in the kitchen. However, Bryan¡¯s reaction to the meal caught her off guard.

    ¡°Noodles again?¡± Bryan said.

    Bryan had been over a few times, and noodles were always on the menu.

    ¡°I only know how to cook noodles!¡± Eileen confessed with a touch of embarrassment.

    Bryan offered a simple yet pointed suggestion. ¡°Learn.¡±

    Eileen just nodded, ready to begin their meal. Then, out of the blue, Bryan asked, ¡°Have you two been intimate?¡±

    The question hit Eileen unexpectedly, causing her to cough violently, tears springing to her eyes from the intensity of her reaction.

    Bryan, unfazed by her emotional turbulence, passed her a tissue.

    Eileen, catching her breath, wiped her mouth. ¡°Is that something I should report to you, Mr. Dawson?¡± she asked.

    Bryan said nothing, his dark eyes holding hers in a steady gaze.

    Eileen lowered her gaze, searching for the right words. ¡°At work, you¡¯re my superior; outside of it, we should be on equal footing. I expect you not to leverage your position over me. I respect your private life with Vivian, and I trust you¡¯ll afford me the same courtesy,¡± she said.

    Bryan¡¯s ability to keep personal and work issues separate had always been a gray area for Eileen, but she recognized that the blend of personal and professional was amon human struggle.

    Bryan acknowledged her stance. ¡°Impressive,¡± he remarked before casually sliding a document across the table to her.

    Eileen read the document, and her face turned pale. The document represented a significant deal with another provincialpany, the contract entrusted to Roderick for delivery. But Roderick had lost it. The contract¡¯s value was immense, with a final payment contingent on its sessful conclusion. Tens of millions were on the line.

    ¡°Roderick made ims about Judie being his spouse, which she refuted. She just said he¡¯s your brother. It has created quite the puzzle, and itnded on my desk,¡± Bryan exined, his face stoic but not without a trace of empathy for Eileen¡¯s distress.

    Eileen¡¯s throat felt tight, the weight of the financial stakes pressing on her. ¡°Are we addressing this with our business or personal hats on?¡± Bryan inquired nonchntly as he attended to his meal.

    Eileen¡¯s response was forthright. ¡°Money isn¡¯t something I can stretch in either realm.¡± Her gaze was steady, a silent call for him to provide some insight into his line of thinking.

    ¡°Alright, here¡¯s what I suggest¡ªapproach the client in Lakedale, let the client re-sign the contract, and secure the final payment,¡± Bryan said, turning the matter back to her. He finished his meal and approached her, his stance strategically close. ¡°Let¡¯s set off early. I¡¯ll go there to handle the cooperation while you deal with this. We need to return in three days.¡±

    As Eileen looked up to reply, their proximity led to an unexpected collision, her nose brushing against his face. She was surprised he would go there with her.

    Bryan raised an eyebrow and nced at the table. ¡°I¡¯m off for a shower. Clean this up, then join me upstairs,¡± he said.

    Eileen knew she couldn¡¯t ignore Roderick¡¯s financial mishap, yet her conscience urged her to do something about it. Her childhood memories surfaced, with a Roderick echoed her name in their shared past. He hadn¡¯t reached great heights, but he was family, and that counted for something.

    With the dishes taken care of, Eileen exited the kitchen. Bryan had already retreated to the sanctuary of the second floor. She quickly showered, washing away the day¡¯s tension.

    Fresh from the shower, wrapped in a towel with her hair still wet, Eileen was met by Bryan¡¯s presence. His voice was close and deep. ¡°You¡¯re slow.¡±

    Before Eileen could muster a word, he lifted her into his arms, navigating them both upstairs. In the wake of the swift transition, her hair cascaded down, leaving trails of moisture on the pillow.

    The next morning saw Eileen hastily packing, her sleep scarce from the previous night¡¯s unrest. Bryan guided her to the car, and she braced for a ride to the airport. To her bewilderment, their destination was the bus station.

    Eileen stood by the car, her gaze locking with Bryan¡¯s in sheer astonishment. ¡°Really going by bus? It¡¯s a ten-hour journey. The ne would have us there in just an hour,¡± she said.

    Eileen didn¡¯t understand the situation. Bryan was not known to travel such distances by bus; his preference had always leaned towards efficiency and speed.

    ¡°It was ast-minute decision; there wasn¡¯t a chance to book a flight,¡± Bryan exined casually, dismissing the inconvenience as he imed their bus tickets and boarded.

    Inside the bus, Bryan was already settled, the luggage safely tucked away. He helped Eileen stow her bag above them and gestured for her to take the seat beside him.

    Surrounded by the hum of the bus, Eileen wrestled with a sense of unease. Travels with Bryan were usually marked by the whir of a ne or the privacy of a car. It had never been like this.

    Moments before the bus¡¯s departure, passengers in vivid attire streamed in, scanning for empty seats. Among them, Eileen caught the familiar figure of Huey, donning a hat and the same coat he had wornst time.

    As Huey navigated the aisle, his attention was unexpectedly drawn to Eileen, and his confusion deepened at the sight of Bryan next to her.

    ¡°BOSS, your seat is over here!¡± a voice from Huey¡¯s group called, snapping him back to the moment.

    Finding his seat, Huey sat down, his mind obviously churning. There was only an aisle separating him from Bryan.

    ¡°Eileen, what¡¯s the asion for this trip?¡± he inquired.

    ¡°Dealing with matters in Lak¨¦dale,¡± Eileen replied, offering the simplest truth.

    Skepticism etched across Huey¡¯s features, mirroring his earlier surprise. ¡°Taking a bus to Lak¨¦dale? Why not take the ne?¡± he asked.

    The question was aimed as much at Bryan as at her. Eileen shot Bryan a look, her voice tinged with annoyance. ¡°Didn¡¯t have the time to get flight tickets.¡±

    Huey was unconvinced, knowing well Bryan¡¯s means. A bus seemed like an imusible choice for a man who could just as easily charter a jet.

    Amidst Huey¡¯s contemtion, Bryan¡¯s attention shifted toward him, an inscrutable expression on his face. ¡°It seems fate has its designs, bringing you and Eileen together here. Would you prefer to switch seats?¡± he said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 29

    ?Chapter 29:

    Huey hesitated, the invitation to switch seats hanging in the air. ¡°No need,¡± he said, brushing off the offer.

    There were discussions to be had, gaming strategies to dissect with his friends along the journey.

    His friends caught the brief uncertainty in his voice. ¡°Bryan, who¡¯s this?¡±

    Huey felt a pang of concern over his image. Would introducing Eileen as his girlfriend nowplicate things, given her proximity to Bryan?

    Before Huey could decide how to reply to the question, Eileen said, ¡°I¡¯m his friend.¡± She acknowledged Huey¡¯spanions with a tilt of her head.

    As Huey¡¯s eyes inadvertently met Bryan¡¯s, the faint amusement on Bryan¡¯s face sent a ripple of difort through Huey.

    Clearing his throat, Huey corrected himself with slight emphasis, ¡°She¡¯s my girlfriend!¡±

    His friends turned in unison towards Eileen, greeting her with a collective, ¡°Hi!¡±

    Eileen¡¯s response was muted as Bryan¡¯s gaze fixed on her. Her casual attire contrasted with her serene, almost youthful features, painting a starkly different picture from the high-powered assistant she was at work.

    Bryan¡¯s expression shifted to a knowing smirk. ¡°Eileen, they¡¯re talking to you,¡± he said.

    Caught in the moment, Eileen offered a nervous chuckle. ¡°Well, it looks like we¡¯re all set to go. Let¡¯s just sit down.¡±

    The questioning nces and nudges from Huey¡¯s friends continued, asking Huey when he had found such a beautiful girlfriend.

    More stories at g??lnov???????????m

    Amidst the soft curiosity, Eileen¡¯s cheeks warmed under Bryan¡¯s steady, piercing look. Somehow, she felt an intentional weight behind it.

    Huey managed a brief dismissal of his inquisitive friends, darting between Eileen and Bryan, reading the room¡¯s undercurrents.

    The bus hummed to life, the drawn sunshades muting the daylight and enveloping the interior in a subdued glow. Bryan¡¯s figure shielded Eileen from Huey¡¯s view, casting her in his shadow.

    Retreating to his digital world, Huey scanned his messages with Ax, feeling the one-sided weight of their recent exchanges. The silent stretches between their chats had been punctuated only by a brief reply from Ax regarding the uingpetition.

    With a surge of hope, Huey had invited Ax to thepetition in Lak¨¦dale, but Ax had only asked about the specifics of their trip without confirming whether he woulde. Huey couldn¡¯t help but feel a spark of excitement at the prospect.

    The journey on the bus, punctuated by brief stops, culminated in their arrival at the idyllic Lak¨¦dale under the cloak of evening calm. Feeling the stiffness of the long ride, Eileen stood up from her seat to find Bryan already handling their luggage. Without a word, she trailed behind him to get off the bus.

    Huey¡¯s voice reached her, ¡°Eileen, I have apetition the day after tomorrow. Will youe?¡±

    As she stepped off the bus, Eileen caught sight of Bryan proceeding directly to the exit. ¡°I might,¡± she answered hastily, her mind already racing through her tasks.

    ¡°Then,¡± Huey replied, a protective note threading through his next words, ¡°remember, if trouble finds you, just let me know. I¡¯ll be there for you.¡±

    His offer left Eileen momentarily taken aback, a silent question of its origin hanging in the air.

    Catching up to Bryan, Eileen noticed he had summoned a cab and was loading their bags. Hisment to her was casual, almost indifferent. ¡°No need to be so attached to him. It¡¯s not like you won¡¯t see each other again.¡±

    Though Eileen found his remark strange, she was used to his unpredictable behavior. She got into the cab with him, and they headed straight to the hotel.

    Upon arrival, they approached the hotel¡¯s front desk to secure amodations. Huey and his crew, in a twist of fate, arrived just momentster. The small town¡¯s charm had apparently funneled them to the same lodging. ¡°What are the odds?¡± Huey murmured, a hint of irritation in his voice.

    The receptionist, upon seeing Bryan and Eileen together, made an assumption. ¡°Would the presidential suite suit you and your wife?¡±

    Bryan nonchntly sought Eileen¡¯s input with a nce. Before Eileen could formte a response, Huey, ever protective, interjected, ¡°They¡¯ll need separate rooms.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re not a couple!¡±

    The receptionist paused, taken aback by Huey¡¯s forwardness. No rification came from Bryan or Eileen. Eileen, her cheeks warmed by the moment, silently affirmed they were indeed not an item.

    The receptionist offered an apologetic smile. ¡°My apologies. Let me see what else we have.¡±

    After a brief dance of her fingers on the keyboard, she looked up. ¡°Other than the presidential suite, there are only the two rooms reserved for Mr. Baker.¡±

    Caught off guard by the predicament, Huey was momentarily at a loss for words. He had secured the rooms ahead of time, not anticipating this turn of events. But he didn¡¯t want Eileen and Bryan to share a room.

    Bryan¡¯s voice cut through the tension. ¡°The suite has two bedrooms. I hope you don¡¯t mind, Mr. Baker. It¡¯s not like Eileen and I haven¡¯t shared a suite before for work trips,¡± he said, his tone even.

    Huey¡¯s difort was palpable. Eileen¡¯s face creased with worry as she sensed the judgmental eyes of Huey¡¯s friends on her. How would this scene be construed by them?

    Bryan urged Eileen to speed up the check-in process.

    ¡°Do you mind?¡±

    With a hesitant hand, Eileen reached into her bag to retrieve his wallet but was abruptly stopped by Huey¡¯s firm grasp.

    ¡°Now, don¡¯t¡ª¡± Huey¡¯s protest was sharp, his grip tight.

    ¡°What¡¯s the issue?¡± Bryan interjected, a challenge in his tone. ¡°You want to settle our bill?¡± He dismissed the offer with a casual wave of his hand. ¡°No need. I¡¯ve got this covered.¡±

    Huey retrieved the card from Eileen¡¯s grasp and presented it to the receptionist, finalizing the transaction himself. The receptionist¡¯s lips gave a slight quirk; his audacious actions seemed too bold. Still, his demeanor carried an undeniable allure.

    The check-in process was swift, and Bryan was soon leading the way with the room key and luggage in tow, signaling for Eileen toe along.

    Eileen offered Huey a reassuring smile. ¡°Let¡¯s catch up another time; it¡¯s been a long day,¡± she said before joining Bryan in the elevator.

    As the elevator doors slid shut, Bryan¡¯s nce toward Huey was a mix of acknowledgment and challenge. Huey¡¯s response was not so subtle¡ªa frustrated kick against the luggage.

    A friend¡¯s voice broke through his brooding. ¡°Boss, is she really your girlfriend?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll fill you in soon. Let¡¯s just get settled for now,¡± Huey said, his tone heavy with unvoiced thoughts.

    The rest of the group moved ahead with the check-in process, entering the elevator afterward.

    The friend, sensing the tension, ventured a word of caution. ¡°Boss, if she¡¯s not your girlfriend, it might be wise for you to step back. They look like a perfect match. Besides, that man looks intimidating.¡±

    Huey locked eyes with his friend, his pride stung. ¡°Am I not intimidating?¡± he challenged.

    The friend pondered, choosing his words carefully. ¡°You have a different presence¡ªless imposing than his.¡±

    Theparison left Huey motionless, caught in a moment of self-reflection.

    In her hotel room, Eileen arranged her belongings. As she finished, Bryan¡¯s presence at the doorway was unmistakable.

    ¡°Mind giving a hand with this?¡± Bryan asked, nodding at his suitcase. ¡°What¡¯s the n for dinner? Are we going out or ordering in?¡±

    Eileen weighed her words before speaking. ¡°Are you nning to sleep in my room?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s silence was an answer in itself, his eyes never leaving hers.

    Deciding not to dwell on it, Eileen helped him unpack, setting his things aside. ¡°Let¡¯s just order room service. It¡¯s been a long day,¡± she suggested, fatigue evident. ¡°Don¡¯t you need some rest as well?¡±

    Bryan entered her room, making the space feel smaller with his mere presence. ¡°Doing something rxing would help me sleep,¡± he said.

    Eileen understood what he meant and let out a resigned sigh.

    Following their meal, Eileen didn¡¯t waste any time refreshing herself with a quick shower, looking forward to a moment of rxation. Bryan, however, had a different idea. Post-shower, with his hair damp, he joined her in the room.

    Eileen let out a sigh of tiredness, a softness in her voice that was typical of her.

    Bryan watched her for a moment, something shifting within him as he gently brushed her hair back from her face, his touch careful.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright; you can just sit back and enjoy,¡± he whispered, his lips briefly meeting her forehead in aforting gesture.

    The care in his actions prompted Eileen to lean into thefort, allowing herself a moment of vulnerability under his care.

    A stray droplet from his hairnded on her skin, prompting a gentle touch as he brushed it away. Just as things were getting intimate between them, someone rang the doorbell.

    The doorbell¡¯s chime caused a pause in their closeness, drawing Bryan¡¯s gaze back into focus as Eileen, still enveloped in a haze of rxation, became more aware of her surroundings.

    ¡°There¡¯s someone at the door?¡± Eileen asked. With a gentle nudge against Bryan, she suggested, ¡°You should get that.¡±

    But Bryan didn¡¯t move, absorbing her warmth, then said in a raspy voice, ¡°You sure about that?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s attire was in disarray, a silent testament to thefort of their moments just passed. Recognizing her state, Eileen¡¯s cheeks bloomed with color.

    With an abrupt shift, Bryan rose, donned the robe discarded on the floor, and strode toward the door.

    Huey was outside the door, his expression clouding at Bryan¡¯s appearance. ¡°Where¡¯s Eileen?¡± he asked, a crease of concern marking his brow.

    Bryan met his question with a cool inquiry of his own. ¡°Do you need her for something?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 30

    ?Chapter 30:

    Huey¡¯s expression tightened as he faced Bryan, whose casual attire couldn¡¯t obscure his imposing demeanor. Huey knew Eileen had been in the room with Bryan.

    ¡°I want to take Eileen to dinner. You¡¯re wee to join us,¡± Huey said, attempting to keep his tone light.

    Bryan merely arched an eyebrow. ¡°No need. Eileen has had dinner with me, and she has already gone to bed.¡±

    Huey was momentarily lost for words, the refusal catching him off guard. ¡°Is there anything else?¡± Bryan clearly wanted Huey to leave.

    A fleeting look of unease crossed Huey¡¯s face, an echo of earlier words painting Bryan as the dominant presence in his mind. ¡°That¡¯s all,¡± Huey said, retreating with a shake of his head.

    With the click of the door closing behind Huey, the atmosphere shifted. Eileen, overhearing the exchange, clung to the nket, her voice tinged with uncertainty. ¡°Has he left?¡± she asked as Bryan reentered the room.

    Bryan approached her with a teasing glint in his eye. ¡°Feeling guilty? Perhaps it¡¯s best to break up with him to spare yourself the guilt.¡±

    Eileen fell silent, thinking of Bryan¡¯sck of remorse and hismitment to Vivian. Her internal objections were momentarily muted by his assertive presence, his longing palpable and undiminished. But the persistent chime of Bryan¡¯s phone intruded on the moment.

    Eileen nudged him to respond, but he was momentarily lost in the intensity of the moment. The phone¡¯s incessant ringing eventually pulled Bryan back to reality, and he answered the call.

    ¡°Hello?¡± His voice was rough, as if cloaked in the earlier tension.

    ¡°Bryan, you went to Lakedale? Why didn¡¯t you tell me? I came to the Apex Group looking for you, only to learn this from your¡ª¡± Vivian¡¯s voice was tinged with confusion and a hint of hurt.

    Get lost in stories on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s©q??????

    Bryan¡¯s voice was steady but distant. ¡°It was a sudden issue.¡±

    ¡°I could have joined you. When are youing back?¡± After a pause, Vivian continued, ¡°Who did you go with?¡±

    Even without the speaker on, Vivian¡¯s words carried through the space, audible to Eileen. Eileen¡¯s gaze fell, her lips pressed together in quiet contemtion.

    Holding her look for a moment longer, Bryan stood up. ¡°Eileen¡¯s here with me,¡± he dered before exiting the room.

    Their conversation continued, its contents unknown to Eileen. Bryan¡¯s tone was softer, a contrast to earlier. With a sigh of relief, Eileen allowed a bit of tension to leave her body, but a pang of sadness quickly followed, draining the warmth from her cheeks. She turned away, seeking refuge under the nket, shutting out the outside world.

    Upon Bryan¡¯s return, he found Eileen asleep, her features eased but touched with concern. He watched her for a moment. Then, choosing tranquility over further disturbance, he quietlyy beside her, their sleep mingling with the night¡¯s silence.

    After a good night¡¯s sleep, Eileen woke up, the worries of the previous day washed away in slumber. Dressed now in her work clothes, she checked the time. The clock was inching toward eight, her meeting set for nine.

    She cast a nce at Bryan, who remained asleep, a single sheet draped across his waist. His sleep seemed troubled, a frown on his face. Quietly, Eileen penned a note, ced it near the clock for him to find, and slipped out of the hotel room.

    She was set to negotiate with a notablepany, Fulcrum Group, a known coborator with Apex Group and a significant yer in Lakedale. The urgency of the contract¡¯s issues had granted her an immediate appointment. Yet, hourster, she found herself marooned in the lobby, fueled by coffee and patience, with no sign of the finance team from Fulcrum Group.

    Amidst the uncertainty, her phone buzzed with a message from Huey, suggesting lunch. After a brief exchange, they decided to reschedule and have dinner together.

    Approaching lunchtime, Eileen finally met Marcus Ferguson, the manager of the finance department at Fulcrum Group. His stature was modest, and his demeanor less inviting. Surprised at her direct involvement, Marcus nced at his watch and suggested, ¡°How about lunch to discuss this?¡±

    Agreeing, Eileen followed Marcus to a nearby diner. Without dy, Marcus ordered wine¡ªperhaps too much for a midday meal. Memories of a past encounter at Fulcrum Group, which had ended in a spectacle with Bryan¡¯s intervention, lingered in Eileen¡¯s mind. Marcus, rted to the CEO of Fulcrum Group, surely remembered that as well.

    Despite her concerns, Eileen offered a serene smile and queried, ¡°Don¡¯t you need to work this afternoon, Mr. Ferguson?¡±

    Marcus¡¯ response was dismissive, his smileden with unsaid words. ¡°Miss Curtis, you came all this way here. Whether I need to workter or not doesn¡¯t matter.¡± He ordered for them both, sliding the menu across to Eileen.

    Eileen declined with a polite nod, choosing water instead, her mind alert to the undercurrents of this midday meeting.

    Marcus shifted in his seat. ¡°The lost contract receipt¡ªthat¡¯s a matter for the courier, not us.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s response was measured. ¡°Even if the courier¡¯s at fault, they¡¯re not equipped to cover such a hefty sum. The legal system will decide theirpensation.¡±

    ¡°Our finance team adheres to what¡¯s written. With your side in disarray, we¡¯re not expected to pay you soon. Besides, what if youe up with another contractter and demand eighty million again? What then?¡± Marcus asked, his tone edged with a slyness that didn¡¯t sit well.

    Eileen met his gaze firmly. ¡°Just sign a contract nullification statement, and that¡¯ll be it. Someone with your experience would surely grasp the simplicity of it.¡±

    Marcus¡¯s smile tightened. ¡°And why exactly would I sign the nullification on your say-so? You¡¯re wee to discuss it directly with the courier. Your involvement isn¡¯t required here. But you still came. I wonder why.¡±

    Recognizing Eileen¡¯s position in Apex Group, Marcus would naturally tread carefully. But if he learned about her connection to Roderick, it wouldplicate this matter considerably. This thought left Eileen uncertain of her next move, so she stayed silent.

    Marcus,ying his cards on the table, disclosed his awareness of her personal connection. ¡°Investigation revealed the courier is your brother, Roderick, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes, so can I persuade you to rescind the contract today?¡± Eileen asked, hoping for his cooperation.

    Marcus leaned back, unaffected. ¡°We¡¯ve only met briefly. What reason do I have to assist?¡±

    Eileen faced him with a poised smile. ¡°Your willingness to have lunch with me suggests you might be open to negotiation. Perhaps you¡¯d share what might change your stance?¡±

    A knowing smile slowly crept across Marcus¡¯s face. ¡°Miss Curtis, it is rare to find someone who excels in their professional and personal dealings like you. And you¡¯re also quite captivating.¡±

    Eileen offered a vacuous smile. ¡°I¡¯m ttered by yourpliment. I¡¯ve also heard your wife is quite beautiful.¡±

    ¡°True. She has her charm. She¡¯s the heart of our home, yet your allure is different. You have an untamed grace,¡± Marcus said.

    The implication of his words was clear. He wanted to sleep with Eileen. Eileen stayedposed. ¡°You¡¯re married. Aren¡¯t you afraid your wife will find out?¡±

    ¡°The secret¡¯s ours to keep if you¡¯re willing,¡± Marcus said, his hand enveloping Eileen¡¯s, an unwee heat spreading. His touch, damp, sent a wave of difort through her.

    Eileen¡¯s mind drifted to Bryan. Bryan¡¯s touch was firm, his hands calloused from work, yet it always stirred something deep within her, resonating with a familiar melody offort. Withdrawing her hand sharply, Eileen said, ¡°Mr. Ferguson, you enjoyplicating matters. How certain are you that your wife won¡¯t hear of this?¡±

    From her pocket, Eileen produced apact, a tool that had proved its worth throughout her years with Bryan.

    Marcus¡¯sposure slipped at the sight of the device. ¡°You set me up?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll settle the bill for the meal,¡± Eileen dered, rising with dignity. ¡°I trust you¡¯ll redraft the contract and reach out to me again.¡±

    She proceeded to the cashier, paid, and left without a backward nce. Her tactic felt underhanded yet necessary against a man like Marcus.

    Marcus watched her exit and, in a fit of rage, sent his cup flying across the room. To move forward with the contract changes, Marcus had to get Fulcrum Group¡¯s CEO, his uncle, to sign.

    Marcus called his uncle and told him what had happened. ¡°Why are you afraid of your wife finding out?¡± his uncle said on the phone. ¡°Listen, if you can save thepany money, half of the eighty million will be yours. What can your wife possibly do to you if you can bring forty million home?¡± His uncle¡¯s intent was crystal clear.

    Marcus¡¯s face brightened at the prospect. His wife was formidable, indeed, but the lure of wealth was her weakness.

    Eileen made it back to the hotel by two, the day having stretched long. She opened the door to find Bryan, deep in work, on the couch. There was lunch on the coffee table, a portion for two.

    Bryan¡¯s eyes flicked up at her entrance. ¡°You came backter than anticipated. Seems you¡¯re falling short.¡±

    With a light touch of sarcasm, Eileen responded as she swapped her shoes for slippers. ¡°I suppose I don¡¯t quite measure up to your standards, Mr. Dawson?¡± She slid one of the lunch boxes across the table to him. ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to discuss cooperation here?¡± she asked.

    Bryan snapped hisptop shut. ¡°All set?¡±

    Eileen studied him, her memory painting a clear picture of his recent schedule, which didn¡¯t include discussing cooperation with anyone from Lakedale.

    ¡°Did youe here with me on purpose?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Why would I do that?¡± Bryan queried, a teasing edge to his voice.

    Eileen didn¡¯t know how to respond to his question. This morning, Huey¡¯s messages had beenced with edge, yet he hadn¡¯t pried into her rtionship with Bryan. Could Bryan¡¯s presence here be a deliberate jab at Huey? Thoughts swirled in Eileen¡¯s mind, but no clear answer surfaced.

    ¡°Never mind,¡± she eventually replied.

    Lunch unfolded quietly between them. After eating, Bryan continued to work on hisputer while Eileen cleared the table. Sitting back down, Eileen received a message from Marcus.

    The message illuminated her phone screen, stating the revised contract awaited her at eight in the evening. Eileen nced at Bryan and said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, I¡¯m finalizing the contract tonight. We¡¯re free to fly back tomorrow. Should I book the ne tickets?¡±

    Bryan, eyes still on his screen, casually nodded.

    Eileen considered the flight schedule to Onnd. ¡°If it suits you, I¡¯ll secure seats for us on the morning flight at ten,¡± she said.

    ¡°Repetition is at nine tomorrow,¡± Bryan replied as he slid two VIP passes across the coffee table. ¡°He sent these for the event. It wraps up at noon.¡±

    Eileen weighed her options silently. ¡°Interested in going?¡± she asked, recalling Bryan¡¯s past interest in the event. ¡°I could apany you.¡±

    Bryan leaned closer, his scent filling Eileen¡¯s nostrils. ¡°What about you? Do you want to go?¡± he asked.

    Eileen pondered his words. While the game itself didn¡¯t draw her in, the offer seemed like a test of sorts. With a light-hearted smile, she replied, ¡°I¡¯ll follow your lead. If you¡¯re keen, count me in. If not, we can head straight back to Ortnd. Your schedule is packed.¡±

    Bryan reclined in his seat, a picture of ease. ¡°So, you¡¯re not worried Huey will get angry?¡± he asked.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 31

    ?Chapter 31:

    Eileen¡¯s smile was gentle. ¡°Huey is not that petty,¡± she said.

    Bryan¡¯s look shifted subtly, a raised eyebrow in her direction as he settled back. ¡°It seems you¡¯ve been around him enough to know his moods. Did sharing a suite with me set him off?¡± he asked.

    Just then, Eileen¡¯s phone chimed with a message, breaking the moment. Eileen nced at the screen, keeping herposure.

    A message from Vivian popped up. ¡°Eileen, when¡¯s your return? I need you to fetch some things for me.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re heading back tomorrow,¡± Eileen replied.

    Vivian¡¯s reply came with an address, mentioning a precious item that needed to be transported. Vivian added, ¡°Tell me the hotel¡¯s address¡ªI¡¯ll have my friend deliver it to you. It¡¯ll be a hassle for you to go and pick it up without a car.¡±

    After sending the hotel details to Vivian, Eileen ced her phone down, the conversation visible for Bryan. ¡°Seems the morning flight¡¯s off the table,¡± she said.

    Bryan caught a glimpse of the messages and nodded. ¡°Looks like we¡¯re set for the delivery before our departure.¡±

    Eileen remained silent, absorbing his words while more queries from Vivian filled her screen. Each one hinted at Bryan¡¯s presence in Lakedale.

    Eileen brushed them off, citing the confidentiality of her work, and let her thoughts wander. Bryan hadn¡¯t left the hotel room all day; his world was confined to the screen of hisptop, with no mention of any cooperation here. Was it possible he was here solely to support her in resigning the contract?

    Eileenughed at herself, thinking about the absurdity of the notion. As dusk crept in, the guests¡¯ call for dinner reached Eileen. She turned to Bryan, absorbed in his work, and said, ¡°Heading down for dinner. Need me to bring something up for you?¡±

    Discover fresh chapters g¦Áln¦Ò¦Íe??s

    Bryan looked up, locking eyes with her, a spark flickering in his gaze. Then, with a yful grin, he drew her close. Seatedfortably in his embrace, she felt the reassuring steadiness of his hold. He gently tilted her face up, and his kiss explored the delicate sweetness on her tongue. She had just had some juice, the taste lingering in her mouth.

    Usually, the sweetness wasn¡¯t to Bryan¡¯s liking, yet on her lips, it was an exception he willingly made. For a brief moment, he couldn¡¯t help but indulge in it. As they parted, the intensity of their breaths filled the space. Her lips, warm and tender from their kiss, formed a yful scowl despite the charming blush on her cheeks.

    Eileen excused herself to the sanctuary of the bathroom. The cool water washed away the flush from her cheeks, but the soft swell of her lips remained a telltale sign of their recent closeness. When she returned, Bryan was busy with hisptop again, his voice carrying a barely perceptible hoarseness. ¡°Anything you pick is fine by me,¡± he said.

    With a brief nod, Eileen stepped out. The third floor of the hotel was buzzing with activity. Huey was already there,manding a tableden with food alongside hispanions. He gestured toward a chair, a weing smile on his face.

    ¡°Eileen! I ordered some favorites of yoursst time. Hope they¡¯re still to your liking,¡± Huey said, making room for Eileen to join.

    Eileen took her seat, her gaze sweeping over the familiar dishes spread before her. Just one meal had been enough for Huey to capture her tastes. ¡°This is wonderful. Thanks,¡± she expressed with a smile.

    ¡°No need to be so formal with your boyfriend,¡± teased one of Huey¡¯s friends. ¡°You¡¯ll join us at the match tomorrow, right?¡±

    There was a hint of difort in Eileen¡¯s reply, ¡°Barring any surprises, I¡¯ll be there.¡±

    Huey¡¯s chuckle cut through the air. ¡°Apex might, too!¡±

    Eileen¡¯s surprise was clear as day.

    Huey had spun tales of a close bond with Apex to his friends. Afraid that Eileen would expose him, he quickly exined, ¡°It¡¯s quite the event, after all.¡±

    A subtle quirk of her lips betrayed Eileen¡¯s thoughts: Was Bryan here for the game? The thought remained unfinished, with Bryan an enigma growing harder to decipher.

    Midway through the dinner, Eileen stood up, using the trip to the restroom as a chance to settle the bill and order a hearty meal for Bryan. She returned to the buzz of excitement about tomorrow¡¯spetition, absorbing the chatter as an outsider. It was evident to her that the uing match held significant weight for Huey.

    ncing at her watch, Eileen noted the dwindling time before her meeting with Marcus. She stood up to take her leave. ¡°You guys carry on. Good luck with the game tomorrow. I¡¯ve got a few things to sort out,¡± she announced.

    At that, Huey produced a key card from his bag, extending it toward her. ¡°I noticed someone had checked out today, so I got a room for you.¡±

    Eileen paused, taking the card; Huey¡¯s capacity to surprise her was, by now, a familiar sensation. Huey caught the shift in Eileen¡¯s demeanor and said, ¡°Keep eating, everyone. I¡¯ll escort Eileen.¡±

    He gently grasped Eileen¡¯s hand, guiding her to the elevator, where he promptly let go.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Eileen said, her voice warm with genuine appreciation.

    ¡°Eileen, I heard you need a lot of money for your mother¡¯s treatment. Is that true?¡± Huey asked.

    Eileen confirmed with a simple nod.

    ¡°You know, if money¡¯s tight, just say the word. I can lend you some,¡± Huey said, clearly trying to help without overstepping. He didn¡¯t suggest that Eileen should do something about Bryan. After all, he didn¡¯t have enough money to cover all her mother¡¯s medical expenses. But the thought of Eileen struggling while he stood by was clearly unsettling to him. He wanted to do something.

    Eileen could tell Huey had a knack for picking up on subtleties beyond his years, perhaps even discerning theplexities of her situation with Bryan.

    ¡°I appreciate it, but I¡¯ll handle the issue with the money on my own,¡± she assured him.

    As Huey opened his mouth, likely with more to add, Eileen continued, ¡°If I¡¯m really in dire need of money in the future, I won¡¯t hesitate to reach out to you.¡±

    Huey breathed a sigh of relief. As the elevator reached their floor, he exited first, a courteous offer on his lips. ¡°I can help you get settled in the new room.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s response came with a gentle shake of her head. ¡°I can handle it myself. Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    With a nod, Huey stepped back into the elevator, and the doors slid shut.

    Key card in hand, Eileen made her way back to the suite. The sound of water running announced Bryan¡¯s shower. The dinner delivered by the hotel remained untouched, left on the table.

    Eileen scribbled a quick note to Bryan about her meeting with Marcus. She nned to tell him about changing her room upon her return.

    The restaurant for her rendezvous with Marcus was a stone¡¯s throw from the hotel, oozing opulence. Eileen arrived with time to spare, unexpectedly finding Marcus already at a table set for two in a private room.

    Red tablecloths draped the long table, white tes awaiting their meal. A decanter nestled between two sses, its contents catching the dance of light from the crystal chandeliers above, promising a touch of indulgence. Eileen knew the price of dinner would fall on her, a costly gesture Marcus seemed to insist on. If it would smooth over the transaction, she considered it a small price to pay.

    She signaled the waiter, offering the menu to Marcus with a courteous smile. ¡°Order whatever you like, Mr. Ferguson,¡± she said. The air was still charged from their previous encounter, and Marcus¡¯ displeasure was evident.

    Without hesitation, he selected a parade ofvish dishes and handed the menu back to Eileen. ¡°Can you manage the cost of this meal on your sry?¡± Marcus inquired, a hint of challenge in his tone.

    With confidence, Eileen passed the menu to the waiter. ¡°It¡¯s within my means, Mr. Ferguson.¡±

    The waiter departed, and Eileen didn¡¯t waste a moment, steering the conversation to the purpose of their meeting¡ªthe contract.

    Marcus had prepared two documents: one to cancel the old contract and the other to seal the new deed. They bore the Fulcrum Group¡¯s endorsement, awaiting only the Apex Group¡¯s financial seal from Eileen.

    Eileen¡¯s hand barely grazed the documents when Marcus tucked them aside. ¡°Delete the recording,¡± he said.

    ¡°The recording will be erased once the contracts are in my hands,¡± Eileen assured him, her voice steady with the ease of experience.

    Marcus responded with a nod. ¡°Very well, let¡¯s enjoy the meal first. The contracts will be yours to take afterward.¡±

    Eileen, eyeing the opened bottle of red wine, summoned the waiter once more. ¡°Would you mind selecting some less intense wine?¡±

    Turning back to Marcus, she added, ¡°This one¡¯s a bit much for me. Can I order something else?¡±

    Marcus looked at her, an understanding smile on his face. ¡°Absolutely. I¡¯ll have a few options brought to us.¡±

    With a nod, the waiter departed, soon returning with a selection of gentler red wines. Eileen chose one at random, requesting the waiter to transfer it to a fresh decanter.

    Aware of their future coborations, Eileen didn¡¯t want to step on any toes. She rose to fill both their sses with wine, the red liquid dancing in the light.

    Raising her ss, she offered a smile. ¡°A toast to our ongoing partnership, Mr. Ferguson.¡±

    Marcus grasped his ss, his gaze intent on Eileen. ¡°One ss isn¡¯t enough. Let¡¯s go for three.¡±

    With a nod, Eileen conceded. Her tolerance was modest at best, but she felt confident in her ability to handle three sses of wine. She finished her first ss in a single tilt, then topped it off for another two rounds.

    ¡°Good,¡± Marcus remarked, his smile easing the formality between them. ¡°You¡¯re a breath of fresh air, Miss Curtis. As people who are just doing errands for others, it¡¯s only right for us to help each other.¡±

    He took a casual sip, the tension from their previous encounter nowhere in sight.

    While Marcus refilled her ss once more, Eileen sipped sparingly, mindful of the need to remain sharp. But as the evening wore on and the wine flowed, light-headedness crept over Eileen, clouding her focus.

    A sudden warmth on her hand caused Eileen¡¯s eyes to snap open, noticing Marcus¡¯ grasp. Difort red within her, and she promptly pulled away. ¡°Mr. Ferguson, I need a moment. Excuse me.¡±

    Rising from her chair, the room seemed to tilt, a wave of dizziness overwhelming her. She bit down on her tongue, a sharp pain grounding her in an effort to regain herposure.

    With resolve, she exited the private room, maintaining an outward calm. The stinging in her mouth eased, and dizziness struck again, nearly sending her crashing against the sink.

    It dawned on her with chilling rity¡ªthe wine must have been tampered with. In the wake of this revtion, she didn¡¯t even have time to consider the unsigned contract. She washed her face with cold water twice before turning to leave the restaurant.

    A waiter, witnessing her stagger, hastened to her side.

    Here¡¯s the revised text:

    ¡°Miss, are you all right? Do you need help?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s response was a faint, affirmative murmur. She reached for the waiter¡¯s arm, clinging to it like a lifeline, and informed him of the hotel where she was staying.

    Just as they left the restaurant, Marcus appeared before them, Eileen¡¯s bag in his possession. He smoothly assumed the role of Eileen¡¯s caretaker, pulling her to his side away from the waiter.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 32

    ?Chapter 32:

    ¡°Honey, why are you out here? Don¡¯t be upset with me. I know I said the wrong thing earlier,¡± Marcus said in a gentle tone, as if he and Eileen were just a couple working through a disagreement.

    With a crafted smile, he reassured the waiter, ¡°She¡¯s with me; we just had a little argument. I appreciate your help. I¡¯ll take her back now.¡±

    The waiter gave a knowing nod, recalling that Eileen¡¯s visit had indeed been for Marcus. ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll leave you to it.¡±

    As the waiter disappeared into the restaurant, Marcus guided the half-conscious Eileen toward his car. Eileen slumped into the seat, and since Marcus was less than gentle, her shirt hitched up slightly, exposing a sliver of her waist.

    Momentary hesitation showed in Marcus as he paused by the car door, a conflicting thought crossing his mind. Resigning to the situation with a murmur to himself, he moved to the driver¡¯s seat and set off.

    Left with her belongings strewn aside by Marcus, Eileen¡¯s gaze fell on her bag and phone. They were her lifelines, her means to reach out for help.

    Marcus was preupied with the road ahead, murmuring grievances about the recording.

    Seizing a moment of quiet determination, Eileen dialed Bryan¡¯s number on her phone.

    A few tones in, a voice cut through. ¡°Hello¡ª¡±

    Vivian¡¯s familiar chime ovepped. ¡°Bryan, you¡¯re¡ª¡±

    The connection was severed before Eileen could utter a word, a stinging sense of interruption heavy in her chest. Tears betrayed her frustration, but she gathered herposure with a deep, fortifying breath.

    Discover new releases g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s

    Ignoring the urge to sumb to her emotions, she essed WhatsApp, found Huey¡¯s contact, and swiftly shared her location.

    As she attempted further action, Marcus abruptly halted.

    He caught sight of the phone in her grasp and, with a swift motion, threw it out of the window. Confusion and weakness gripped Eileen, a direct result of whatever had been in her drink. Marcus¡¯s grip was unyielding as he pulled her from the vehicle. Her legs faltered, relying on his support to remain upright.

    ¡°I was nning to fuck you in the restaurant. Who knew you¡¯d bolt on me?¡± Marcus grumbled, frustration thick in his voice. ¡°You brought this on yourself.¡± His insults weighed heavily on Eileen¡¯s spirit.

    Feeling dizzy, Eileen barely registered the clicks and beeps as Marcus secured a room and guided her into the elevator. The dim ambiance of the room made it hard for Marcus to navigate with Eileen¡¯s weight leaning against him. As they entered, he flicked on the lights.

    With a surge of adrenaline, Eileen¡¯s eyes snapped open, the bathroom in sight. Seizing the moment, she shoved Marcus aside and bolted into the sanctuary of the bathroom, locking it behind her.

    His bnce lost, Marcus fell with a thud, his head hitting the cab. ¡°Damn it, Eileen! Hiding won¡¯t save you,¡± he yelled from the other side of the door, his frustration evident.

    Eileen, heart pounding, retorted with as much firmness as she could muster. ¡°Let me out now, or you¡¯ll never be able to work with Apex Group again!¡± With shaky hands, she turned the faucet full st, dousing her face in an attempt to wash away the grogginess.

    She attempted to threaten Marcus, but he wasn¡¯t buying it. ¡°You, a mere assistant, dare to stick your nose in the coboration between Apex Group and Fulcrum Group? Who do you think you are?¡± Marcus taunted, his words dripping with derision. ¡°Just Bryan¡¯spdog. Not his wife. Do you honestly believe Bryan would sacrifice his interests for you?¡±

    Marcus pounded on the door, his kicks resonating loudly enough to pierce Eileen¡¯s eardrums. Eventually, the door was kicked open, and Marcus seized Eileen¡¯s arm, dragging her out and tossing her onto the bed. The soft mattress absorbed her weight, sending her body bouncing up before settling back down. From the corner of her eye, she watched as Marcus began stripping off his clothes.

    Swiftly discarding his own shirt, Marcus reached out for Eileen, roughly tearing open her blouse. In an instant, his eyes fell upon the numerous hickeys adorning her corbone, causing him to freeze momentarily.

    ¡°And you have the nerve to y innocent with me? This isn¡¯t your first time! What¡¯s the big deal about bedding me once?¡± he sneered.

    Marcus¡¯s gaze fixated on Eileen¡¯s smooth skin, and he lunged toward her. However, Eileen fought back fiercely, summoning all her strength.

    With a sudden crash, the door was kicked open from outside. Lost in his lewdughter and desire, Marcus remained oblivious to the intrusion. It wasn¡¯t until someone seized him by the hair, wrenching him away from Eileen and sending him crashing to the floor, that Marcus snapped out of his trance.

    Though several buttons on Eileen¡¯s shirt were undone, she clung tightly to it, revealing only her corbone. She cracked her eyes open slightly, greeted by the sight of a towering figure, tears streaming uncontrobly down her cheeks.

    With trembling lips, she whispered, ¡°Bryan.¡±

    ¡°You scoundrel! How dare you do this to Eileen!¡± A voice filled with fury echoed through the room. Wiping away her tears, Eileen turned to the source. But it wasn¡¯t Bryan.

    It was Huey, locked in fiercebat with Marcus. In retaliation, Marcus snatched a sharp fruit knife from somewhere and lunged at Huey. Reacting quickly, Huey intercepted the de with his bare hand. Instantly, pain shot through his palm, and blood trickled down the knife.

    ¡°If you¡¯ve got the guts, kill both of us today! Otherwise, keep your filthy hands off him and me. The moment I step out of this hotel, I¡¯m calling the cops!¡± Eileen shouted. She gritted her teeth, her heart wrenching at the sight of blood.

    As Marcus saw the blood, his expression shifted to rm. He tossed the knife aside and snatched his clothes from the floor. ¡°You¡¯re lucky this time. Next time, you won¡¯t be so fortunate,¡± he snarled, then turned and fled.

    Eileen parted her lips, words on the cusp of spilling out, but her attention was abruptly seized by Huey. He was fixated on his own hand, now a canvas of red, before he crumpled to the floor.

    Eileen, her heart pounding with concern, rushed to Huey¡¯s side. She rifled through his pockets with shaky hands until she found his phone. With trembling fingers, she dialed for help and gave their location before darkness enveloped her.

    When consciousness returned, the tang of antiseptic filled Eileen¡¯s senses, reminiscent of days spent by Ruby¡¯s hospital bed.

    This time, however, it was she whoy in bed, surrounded by a team of doctors and nurses nking her. Her eyes fluttered open to find the medical team leaning in. ¡°Miss Curtis, how are you?¡± asked a doctor.

    Eileen paused, her mind briefly navigating through the fog of memories. Suddenly sitting upright, she said, ¡°I¡¯m fine. Where¡¯s the person who was brought in with me?¡±

    ¡°Do you mean Mr. Baker?¡± The doctor pointed to the next room. ¡°He¡¯s right next door.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s concern flickered across her face as she prepared to get out of bed. ¡°How¡¯s he doing?¡± she asked.

    Before she could rise, a nurse stopped her. ¡°You still need to rest for a while. The effects of the medication in your system haven¡¯tpletely worn off yet. Staying in bed for a day is the best call.¡±

    After the nurse¡¯s warning, Eileen, swaying slightly in her attempt to stand, eased back onto the bed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Miss Curtis. Mr. Baker¡¯s all right,¡± the doctor said in aforting tone. ¡°He just injured his hand. He passed out from the sight of blood.¡±

    Hearing this, Eileen¡¯s tension melted away. Yet, the thought of Huey¡¯s injured hand cast a shadow over her relief. She knew he wouldn¡¯t be able to attend thepetition now. Restless, she requested a wheelchair and made her way to Huey¡¯s side.

    Huey¡¯s teammates were in the ward with him, the air thick with their frustrations. Eileen caught the scowling looks thrown her way by the teammates.

    ¡°This disaster! Two years of grinding for thepetition, and it¡¯s all wasted!¡± one of them eximed. ¡°I was up all night yesterday, couldn¡¯t even sleep, thinking about the game. We could¡¯ve done well and taken our team overseas!¡±

    Huey¡¯splexion was ashen, and his left hand was bundled in bandages. He offered Eileen a weak smile when their eyes met, trying to mask his disappointment. ¡°Ignore them, Eileen. There will be morepetitions.¡±

    ¡°But Huey, didn¡¯t you promise your mom you¡¯d quit the game if we didn¡¯t take home a trophy this time?¡± a friend said. ¡°So are you going to quit ying from now on?¡± another asked.

    Huey faced his team and silenced their gripes with a stern look. ¡°Enough! I want to speak with Eileen now. Alone.¡±

    The teammates huffed in discontent butplied, leaving the two alone in the quiet room. Eileen didn¡¯t move, keeping her distance from Huey¡¯s side.

    Before she could form words, Huey stopped her. ¡°There¡¯s no need for apologies,¡± he said. ¡°I saw your location and tried calling you. When there was no answer, I knew something was wrong. Life takes precedence over any game. It¡¯s a shame I couldn¡¯t be there, but there will be other chances.¡±

    His words were logical, yet guilt still clung to Eileen like a shadow.

    ¡°You owe me a favor now,¡± Huey dered, his gaze fixed on her. ¡°Who knows when I¡¯ll need it?¡±

    Eileen offered a solemn nod. ¡°Okay. If you need anything in the future, just let me know.¡±

    Huey¡¯s smile broke through, beckoning her nearer. ¡°Come closer. I¡¯ve got something to tell you.¡±

    Eileen maneuvered her wheelchair closer to Huey¡¯s bed.

    ¡°On my way out of the hotel, I saw your boss,¡± Huey began, his voice hesitant. ¡°He was with another woman. They seemed pretty intimate. Maybe I shouldn¡¯t be the one to tell you this, but keeping secrets isn¡¯t my style. Consider this a heads-up. Despite everything, he¡¯s seeing another woman. Don¡¯t fall for him. He¡¯s not worth it.¡±

    The sting of Huey¡¯s words left Eileen nursing a bitter heart, battling emotions she wished she could dismiss.

    With a strained curve of her lips, she managed to say, ¡°I understand.¡±

    In the hallway, the doctor and nurses attending to Eileen and Huey conversed in hushed tones. ¡°They seem quite attached to each other.¡±

    ¡°Just now, he was asking about her.¡±

    ¡°And she¡¯s right there with him, despite needing a wheelchair.¡±

    ¡°The ordeal they facedst night could only bind them closer in the days toe.¡±

    Their talk trailed off into mumbles as they pondered an odd detail. ¡°But who was that man that brought them here? He seemed anxious holding the woman in his arms. There must be something going on between him and the woman.¡±

    They shook their heads and walked back to their office. Bryan, unnoticed at the corridor¡¯s end, had caught every word. His attire was disheveled, his focus unwavering on the door of Huey¡¯s ward.

    Nearby, Vivian¡¯s gaze bore the weight of fatigue. ¡°Bryan, are you¡­ Are you worried about Eileen?¡± she asked.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 33

    ?Chapter 33:

    Bryan lowered his gaze slightly, watching the dance of smoke twirling off his fingertips in silence. Vivian offered a gentle smile, saying, ¡°She¡¯s yourpanion. Your concern is expected in such a bind. Justpensate her for the mental distresster. Don¡¯t let it weigh on you; your te¡¯s full with other things.¡±

    A crease formed on Bryan¡¯s forehead as he lifted his cigarette, inhaled, and then snuffed it out in a nearby trash can. ¡°Head back to the hotel on your own. I¡¯ve got issues to tackle.¡± He spoke briskly, cutting off any chance for Vivian to question his departure. He strode away, an unspoken chill in his steps that cleared his path.

    Vivian bit her lip, watching him until he was out of sight. She noticed Eileen making her way back to her room and decided to follow her.

    Eileen had shifted from her wheelchair to her bed by the time Vivian stepped in. She offered a weary smile that couldn¡¯t hide the fatigue in her eyes. ¡°You¡¯ve given us quite the fright,¡± Vivian said as she approached.

    Eileen believed they had been taken to the hospital by an ambnce. The hospital must have contacted Bryan; that was why Vivian and Bryan were here. Memories of the phone call fluttered in Eileen¡¯s mind, hershes quivering. ¡°I appreciate your concern, Miss Warren.¡±

    ¡°As long as you¡¯re okay,¡± Vivian said as she settled into the chair next to Eileen¡¯s bed. She retrieved a card from her purse and offered it to Eileen. ¡°You¡¯re on Bryan¡¯s team, so let¡¯s make this right. There¡¯s a hundred thousand in this card. It¡¯s yours.¡±

    Eileen knitted her brows together in a frown. Could this be Bryan¡¯s idea? The amount was generous, no doubt. It stirred something within Eileen, but she gently refused the card. ¡°Your kindness is enough, Miss Warren. The fault was mine alone. Rest is all I¡¯ll need.¡±

    Yet Vivian was insistent, pressing the card into Eileen¡¯s hand. ¡°Bryan¡¯s always been a man to treat his subordinates well. If you don¡¯t want the money, what do you want?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s breath hitched as she picked up on the subtle hint in Vivian¡¯s tone. Their gazes locked, and in the midst of their silentmunication, Eileen thought she could detect the stir of concealed emotions behind Vivian¡¯s calm facade.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s makes every story special

    The question from yesterday about the hotel¡¯s location suddenly took on a new meaning for Eileen. It wasn¡¯t about a simple delivery from a friend; it was Vivian¡¯s ruse toe here to surprise Bryan.

    Eileen thought of her belongings in Bryan¡¯s suite. Was this a silent warning from Vivian? Eileen pondered the hidden message.

    The inevitable exposure of her identity loomed over her. Even though her heart ached thinking about Bryan, it was better than living in constant fear. Eileen chose silence, herposure unruffled. Handing back the card with steady hands, she met Vivian¡¯s gaze evenly. ¡°Miss Warren, should you wish to offerpensation, kindly have Mr. Dawson factor it into my sry for theing month.¡±

    Vivian¡¯s expression barely shifted. ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll speak to Bryan. He¡¯ll ensure you receive something extra!¡± Vivian¡¯s voice took on a firmer tone, her words dropping like stones in still water. ¡°I will be heading back to Onndter today. It looks like you¡¯ll be staying here a bit longer. Why not take a week to rest?¡±

    Her suggestion held the weight of an unspoken order, less of a proposal and more of a directive. A full day would be enough for the effects of the medication to dissipate. Eileen didn¡¯t need a week of rest.

    Eileen mulled Vivian¡¯s words over, thinking Vivian might be suspecting something. There were advantages toying low for a while and using this chance to take care of Huey. She gave a small nod in agreement. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll take the week off. Do let Mr. Dawson know, Miss Warren.¡±

    Vivian rose to her feet, offering a brief farewell wave. ¡°Look after yourself. I¡¯m on my way out.¡± Eileen offered a weak smile in return, and once alone, she retrieved her phone from the cab.

    Her screen lit up only to reveal no personal messages. Not a single word from Bryan, not even a token expression of sympathy. He had probably only asked Vivian to check on her on his behalf. Letting out a long sigh, Eileenid her phone aside and settled back against the pillows, the medicine¡¯s remnants coaxing her into slumber.

    At the Titan, a lively murmur filled the private room where a cadre of men raised their sses in a chorus of toasts. Marcus, seated beside his uncle Theodore Ferguson, partook in the mingling. Then the door suddenly swung open. Bryan¡¯s imposing presence seized the attention of all. His sharp and frosty gaze bore into Marcus, making him feel a chill wrap around him in the frigid grip of Bryan¡¯s stare.

    Theodore, with half a century in the business industry, recognized the intent in Bryan¡¯s entrance without a word. ¡°Marcus, what are you waiting for? Dawson needs a ce to sit!¡±manded Theodore.

    Jolted back to reality, Marcus hurriedly vacated a seat. Bryan moved towards him, his piercing gaze never leaving Marcus. Without taking the offered seat, Bryan watched as Marcus fumbled, hastily cleaning the chair with his hands. Looking up at Bryan, Marcus mustered a strained smile.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, please have a seat.¡±

    With a nonchnt flick of his foot, Bryan angled the chair to his liking and settled into it, epting a cigarette from Theodore.

    ¡°Are you here for the eighty million, Mr. Dawson?¡± inquired Theodore, extending a lighter towards Bryan. ¡°I was just made aware of the situation by Marcus. Rest assured, you¡¯ll get the money. We¡¯ll sort out the contract details shortly.¡±

    Bryan drew in a long breath of smoke, forming it into rings as he exhaled leisurely. He simply nodded. The tension eased from Theodore¡¯s shoulders at Bryan¡¯s reaction, and he turned to introduce Bryan to the others.

    ¡°Gentlemen, this is Mr. Dawson, CEO of Apex Group. His reputation precedes him; I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve all heard of him before.¡±

    In the room, seasoned professionals from the corporate sphere were familiar with Bryan¡¯s reputation. They toasted in his honor, their voices tinged with admiration.

    ¡°We know of you, Mr. Dawson. Your youth is surprising!¡± one remarked.

    ¡°It¡¯s a privilege, Mr. Dawson. I work for Quasar¡­¡± another began.

    Bryan surveyed the room with a frosty gaze, declining the drink Marcus offered. ¡°My apologies, but I¡¯m here for business talks today,¡± he said coldly.

    Marcus felt a chill as Bryan ignored his gesture, pondering if Bryan¡¯s visit had something to do with Eileen. But he believed Eileen was just an assistant; surely Bryan wouldn¡¯t discuss her with an audience present.

    Comforted slightly by this logic, Marcus moved to set the ss before Bryan, only to find it snatched from his grasp. In an instant, Bryan drenched Marcus with the drink inside the ss, droplets tracing a path down Marcus¡¯s cheek.

    As Bryan rose, the chair screeched in protest. A swift kick sent Marcus tumbling to the floor. Clutching his abdomen in agony, Marcus squinted at the looming figure of Bryan. The room fell to a hush, Marcus¡¯s difort the only sound.

    Bryan¡¯s foot descended on Marcus¡¯s hand with a force that whitened Marcus¡¯s knuckles. His face was a mask of continued agony.

    ¡°Is this the hand that touched her?¡± Bryan¡¯s tone was cold, his words falling like weights.

    Marcus, struck by disbelief, realized with a heavy heart that Bryan hade for retribution on behalf of Eileen. An uneasy hush enveloped the onlookers. They bore witness to the scene, their minds racing with questions about Marcus¡¯s plight, yet none found the courage to intercede.

    Theodore rose with haste, his hand reaching for Bryan¡¯s arm. ¡°Mr. Dawson, please. What¡¯s the purpose of this? I admit Marcus erred, but Eileen is merely an assistant. This isn¡¯t¡ª¡±

    Bryan interrupted, his response cutting through the tension. He wrenched his arm free from Theodore¡¯s grasp, his piercing stare never leaving Marcus. ¡°How dare youy hands on my woman?¡± he said.

    Theodore paused, his expression changing as he understood something. His gaze held a silent message for Marcus, who remained motionless under the weight of Bryan¡¯s shoe, unable to do more than shift and kneel in a feeble attempt to disy his subservience.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, it escaped my knowledge that Eileen was under your protection. Had I been aware, I wouldn¡¯t have crossed the line, no matter the circumstance!¡± Marcus pleaded. His voice was thick with desperation, his eyes marred by the unsightliness of his bleeding.

    But Bryan¡¯s thoughts were consumed by the distress Eileen must have endured. In a surge of rage, Bryan withdrew his foot only to deliver a punishing blow to Marcus¡¯s abdomen.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, I admit I was wrong! I¡¯m so sorry!¡± Marcus¡¯s protest was a mix of pain and entreaty, his defense shattered, leaving him at the mercy of Bryan¡¯s wrath.

    Theodore intervened cautiously, knowing well the risk of inming Bryan further. ¡°He is of my kin. For my sake, perhaps we can move past this incident. Our future dealings remain, and we¡¯re prepared to offer more favorable terms¡­¡±

    Bryan halted his assault and turned, his attention now fully on Theodore. Theodore harbored a glimmer of hope that his assurances had swayed Bryan. ¡°Believe me, I won¡¯t take a single penny off our future cooperation!¡± he added.

    Bryan¡¯s response was definitive, sealing the fate of their partnership. ¡°Apex Group will sever ties with Fulcrum Group from now on.¡±

    Bryan had discerned Theodore¡¯s involvement in Eileen¡¯s incident. Straightening his tie, Bryan spared a final nce at Marcus, who had blood seeping from his mouth. Bryan left with an icy huff, indifferent to the reaction of those left in the room.

    Abandoned by both pride and alliance, Theodore could do nothing but disperse the assembly in his ire. At the hotel, Bryan walked in to find Vivian packing.

    ¡°You¡¯ve returned. It¡¯s time for us to head to the airport,¡± Vivian said. Her actions extended to packing his belongings as well.

    She looked at Bryan and said, ¡°I went to see Eileen beforeing back. She¡¯s worried about her boyfriend¡¯s injury, so she wants to stay and take care of him for a few days. I agreed to her request. You wouldn¡¯t mind, right?¡± Rising, she approached Bryan with a look of concern. ¡°Her boyfriend was injured protecting her. Surely we can afford to let Eileen take a leave for a few days. Wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡±

    His expression shifted subtly as he turned to pack his things. ¡°A few extra days of rest won¡¯t hurt,¡± he said.

    Vivian attempted to assist, but Bryan maneuvered out of reach, leaving her gesture hanging suspended and unanswered. Vivian quicklyposed herself and said, ¡°Eileen¡¯s intent on taking half a month¡¯s leave to care for her boyfriend. It took some convincing from me to get her to settle for a week. After all, you have a packed schedule, and her absence will be felt.¡±

    Huey¡¯s hand injury was minor. Recovery was expected in at most a week¡¯s time¡ªyet, Eileen wanted to look after him for half a month? Why?

    Bryan pondered this. With a frown, he finished packing and snapped his suitcase shut. As he strode to the door, he realized Vivian hadn¡¯t followed him. He paused, looking over his shoulder. ¡°Vivian, aren¡¯t youing?¡±

    Vivian¡¯s reply was swift as she seized her own suitcase. ¡°Certainly. Eileen remains with her boyfriend while we set off on our journey.¡±

    In the quiet of the hospital, Eileen had surrendered to a deep sleep, only to awakenter to find Huey¡¯s presence by her side. There was plenty of food on the table next to her bed.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 34

    ?Chapter 34:

    ¡°I don¡¯t need you to take care of me, not with your hand still healing,¡± Eileen said to Huey.

    She eased the covers aside, making an effort to rise. The room stayed still this time. Her equilibrium had returned. As long as she kept her movements measured, she wouldn¡¯t feel dizzy.

    With deliberate care, Eileen organized the food containers and ced a chair for Huey. Huey eased into the chair, concern furrowing his brow. ¡°Is your head clearer now? If you¡¯re steady, I can start arranging our discharge. I need to take care of some business back in Onnd tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°The dizziness has passed. I feel alright now,¡± Eileen said. Time had slipped away from her, disrupting her ns to return to Onnd today. Eileen surmised that Bryan and Vivian had likely already left.

    Huey seemed to anticipate her thoughts. ¡°Bryan and Vivian caught a flight back today. Some of my friends spotted them earlier,¡± he said.

    Eileen nodded and made a decision. ¡°There¡¯s a flight to Onnd early tomorrow. I¡¯ll secure our seats.¡±

    While Huey focused on his meal, Eileen took care of the travel arrangements. By the time she had confirmed their journey, Huey¡¯s te was empty.

    Huey stood up. ¡°Finish up, then pack. I¡¯ll take care of our discharge forms.¡±

    Eileen nodded, quickly finishing her meal. Together with Huey, they secured a taxi and returned to the hotel. Silence greeted Eileen in the presidential suite; her own belongings were nowhere in sight.

    With a thoughtful pause, she approached the closet and found her suitcase perfectly arranged inside, its contents restored to orderly precision. Could Bryan have anticipated Vivian¡¯s actions and organized her luggage beforehand?

    Check the newest chapters on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s

    Eileen exhaled slowly, collected her belongings, and rejoined Huey. Later, seated on the ne, Eileen nced at thetest headlines on her phone. Then, her fingers wandered to her messages with Bryan. Their exchange lingered on the details of their most recent project.

    On a whim, Eileen captured the view outside the ne window: a canvas of blue skies and white clouds sprawling above the vast airport. Without adding any caption, she posted the picture and switched off her phone.

    At Onnd Airport, Eileen emerged with her and Huey¡¯s luggage to find Bailee waiting. Bailee¡¯s face lit up as she approached. ¡°Eileen, your picture tipped me off about your return! I was here with clients and guessed you¡¯d be arriving about now.¡±

    Eileen ventured away from Onnd; Bailee was her point of contact, ready to step in for Ruby if needed. Bailee¡¯s attention shifted to Huey¡¯s bandaged hand, her expression dimming. ¡°Why are you here at the airport with Eileen, and what happened to your hand?¡±

    ¡°I went to Lakedale for a match. The hand injury is just a small mishap,¡± Huey responded with a dismissive wave, feigning indifference.

    Eileen considered their next steps. ¡°You need to rest. Stay at Bailee¡¯s ce for a few days; it¡¯ll be more convenient for me to look after you.¡±

    Bailee, ever attuned to Eileen¡¯s nature, took the bags from her hands, guessing that Huey might have gotten injured because of Eileen.

    Bailee spoke up, her tone light. ¡°That works for me. I¡¯ve started a new job, and there are plenty of things I¡¯d love to talk about with Eileen!¡±

    Huey, recognizing Eileen¡¯s sense of responsibility, didn¡¯t protest.

    Eileen chose not to head straight to Bailee¡¯s ce. She sent Bailee and Huey back and detoured to her own home for her belongings.

    Her room felt hollow after two days unupied, the air still holding the scent of sandalwood from Bryan. As she gathered her clothes, Eileen¡¯s thoughts drifted to whether Vivian was aware of the depth of her connection with Bryan.

    Vivian¡¯s actions had been ambiguous, issuing subtle cautions but nothing definitive. Deciding that the riddle was insoluble for now, Eileen focused on her immediate task. With a selection of everyday clothes and essentials packed, she made her way to Bailee¡¯s home.

    She noticed Huey and Bailee had each left a like on her post. Comments from old ssmates filled the thread, envying her freedom to travel. These were friends who were now parents, their days revolving around their homes and children.

    Waiting at a crossroads, Eileen mused over the sentiment. The appeal of a steady home life tugged at her. She acknowledged internally that her own turn to settle down might be on the horizon.

    Evening was settling in when Eileen reached Bailee¡¯s ce. Bailee was in the midst of dinner preparations.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you a hand,¡± Eileen offered, setting aside her belongings and getting ready to work in the kitchen.

    Bailee passed her some vegetables. ¡°You can be on washing duty, and I¡¯ll handle the cooking as usual.¡±

    Eileen nodded and threw a curious look towards the quiet. ¡°Are we alone?¡±

    ¡°Both my roommates are visiting home. They¡¯re fine with you staying while they¡¯re away,¡± Bailee exined.

    With a smile, Eileen joined in the meal preparation.

    Huey¡¯s timing was perfect. He walked in just as they were ready to eat, and his culinary skills won him over.

    ¡°This tastes even better than my mom¡¯s cooking,¡± Hueyplimented, earning a chuckle from Bailee.

    ¡°Well, you¡¯re wee toe here anytime,¡± Bailee said, still smiling.

    They were peers, and Bailee was a gamer too. The conversation flowed effortlessly between them.

    Post-meal, Eileen took the helm at the sink, washing up while Bailee downloaded Huey¡¯s game and yed, theirughter providing a backdrop to the clinking dishes.

    Considering Bailee had work the next day, Huey left as the clock struck nine.

    Afterward, Bailee and Eileen wrapped up their nightly rituals and settled into bed. Bailee curled up to Eileen, seekingfort in the crook of her arm.

    ¡°Huey¡¯s a catch. It might be time for you to let Bryan go,¡± Bailee murmured.

    She hesitated before adding, ¡°It would break Mom¡¯s heart to know you were with Bryan for her sake, all the while letting Huey slip away.¡±

    A shiver ran through Eileen¡¯sshes, yet she kept her eyes closed, her voice a steady whisper. ¡°I will end things with Bryan one way or another, but it¡¯s not within my power to say when. For now, patience is my only option. The choices aren¡¯t mine to make.¡±

    Eileen was entangled in a web of necessity, gathering funds for Ruby¡¯s treatment, a task that forced her into theplex dynamic of Bryan and Vivian, even at great personal risk.

    Bailee gazed at Eileen, a storm of regret in her eyes. ¡°If it¡¯s too much, be honest with Mom. She wouldn¡¯t hold it against you. Remember, without you, she might not still be alive today.¡±

    The truth was a heavy burden. Revealing everything would halt the aid for Ruby, leaving her fate hanging by a thread.

    Upon hearing Bailee¡¯s words, a gentle warmth seeped into Eileen¡¯s aching heart. Eileen responded with a tender pat on Bailee¡¯s head and a reassuring smile.

    ¡°Let¡¯s call it a night. Get some rest; we¡¯ve got this,¡± she said.

    Vivian¡¯s gentleness in the past hinted at stormier days ahead for Eileen, but Eileen brushed those thoughts aside. The mere idea of Bryan was enough to drain her energy.

    Sleep proved elusive for Eileen in this unfamiliar ce as Bailee surrendered to slumber with ease.

    The next morning at Apex Group, Bryan stepped out from the lounge with an icy expression. He settled into his chair in the office and, almost reflexively, dialed the internal line to ask Eileen for coffee. Time ticked by with no response, prompting him to rise and step away from his desk.

    Noticing the void at Eileen¡¯s station, he remembered that Eileen had taken leave to take care of Huey.

    A slight crease formed between his brows as he pondered the vacant space. After a while, he pivoted, leaving the quiet behind.

    The office door swung open abruptly, revealing Vivian with a cup of coffee in hand. Her smile held a touch of shyness.

    ¡°I overheard your request for coffee on the internal line, so I brewed some for you. It took me a tad longer, though. My skills in this area still need improving,¡± Vivian confessed, setting the cup beside Bryan. ¡°Give it a try.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s gaze flicked from the coffee to Vivian. ¡°Why are you here so early?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m here to lend a hand,¡± Vivian replied, leaning lightly on the table. After a moment¡¯s pause, she continued, ¡°Bryan, I believe things are getting serious between Eileen and her boyfriend. Marriage might be on the horizon, and with it, the topic of starting a family. While her boyfriend may not possess your wealth, he might want Eileen to quit working. It might be prudent for you to begin searching for a new assistant in advance.¡±

    With a self-assured pat to her chest, she proposed, ¡°How about me? Eileen¡¯s on leave presently. Let me fill in temporarily. It¡¯ll give me a chance to practice. What do you say?¡±

    Vivian watched Bryan closely, scrutinizing his reaction.

    Bryan¡¯s face remained cold, his eyes darkening subtly. ¡°Okay,¡± he said.

    Vivian couldn¡¯t believe her ears when Bryan agreed. Her tion was palpable. ¡°Really? That¡¯s fantastic! Just say the word if you need anything!¡±

    As Vivian exited, buoyed by her newfound responsibility, Bryan reclined in his chair. A furrow formed on his brow, his expression a blend of emotions.

    Despite her earnest efforts, Vivian¡¯s naivety often led to blunders. She was still more ustomed to being pampered than handling the rigors of a professional role. Throughout the day, mishaps piled up.

    She mistakenly shredded documents meant for printing, engaged in a heated spat with a potential partner over a dinner appointment, and, in a critical oversight, forgot to remind Bryan of an important evening meeting before clocking out.

    As the realization dawned on her that only half an hour remained before the dinnermenced, rendering any attempt to rush there futile, she said, ¡°Bryan, I¡¯m simply inexperienced.¡± Her gaze met Bryan¡¯s darkened visage, frustrationcing her words.

    Entering the office, Kian noticed Vivian lowering her head before Bryan. His brow furrowed in concern as he approached. ¡°What¡¯s happening here?¡±

    Vivian turned to Kian, her eyes beseeching as she confided in him about the mishap in hushed tones, tugging gently at his sleeve. ¡°It¡¯s my first day, you see. Mistakes are bound to happen.¡±

    Bryan, standing by the towering window with his hands in his pockets, turned his gaze towards her. ¡°Youck a professional background, Vivian¡ªmistakes are inevitable. Your focus should align with your academic pursuits from your years abroad.¡±

    His words quelled any further protest from Vivian. She fell silent, her eyes betraying a hint of disappointment. It became apparent to her that Bryan¡¯s morning agreement had been a calcted move, anticipating that her missteps would give her no reason to insist on being his assistant.

    She couldn¡¯t shake the suspicion that Bryan had foreseen her errors but had chosen not to intervene.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 35

    ?Chapter 35:

    Vivian bit her lip, her gaze clouding over. Kian frowned as he told Bryan, ¡°Her field of study isn¡¯t rted to the Warren family¡¯s business. It wouldn¡¯t be fair to see her wronged elsewhere. If she¡¯s set on staying by your side, why not let her?¡±

    Bryan lifted an eyebrow upon witnessing Vivian¡¯s distress, yet his demeanor remained steady. Vivian lowered her head further, a silent shudder passing through her. Kian¡¯s hand found its way to Vivian¡¯s shoulder, offering a semnce offort. ¡°Calm down. Collect your things and prepare to get off work. Bryan is just¡­he probably doesn¡¯t want to trouble you with work.¡±

    Bryan suddenly said, ¡°Still, if you¡¯re keen on it, who¡¯s to say you can¡¯t?¡±

    Vivian¡¯s eyes sparked with faint hope as she lifted them to meet Bryan¡¯s. He averted his gaze, drawing a cigarette and lighting it in a fluid motion. The sight sent a wave of letdown through Vivian, prompting her to exit the office with a heavy heart.

    Kian moved to follow, yet Bryan skirted past him, reiming his seat. Bryan let out a puff of smoke, meeting Kian with a steady gaze. ¡°Only this time. It won¡¯t happen again.¡±

    Kian paused, momentarily taken aback, then approached Bryan. He ced his hands firmly on the table. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s have dinner tonight. Jacob will be there. I owe you one.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s silence hung in the air, a tacit consent.

    By noon, Eileen was in the kitchen, whipping up a hearty bowl of noodles for Huey, packed with meat and eggs. However, the result fell t, and the vor even more so. Huey¡¯s dramatic reaction was as if he had tasted poison.

    That evening saw Bailee¡¯s return, and as she cooked, Huey¡¯s gripes about Eileen¡¯s culinary attempts filled the room. A quiver ran through Eileen¡¯s lips¡ªsurely her cooking couldn¡¯t be that dreadful? Bryan had tasted her cooking twice without a word ofint. Yet the grimace on Huey¡¯s face was unmistakable. Had Bryan merely been enduring it?

    Eileen chewed on her lip, contemting the unreadable nature of their tastes. As for looking after Huey, it wasn¡¯t all that demanding. A spot of lunch and a quick tidy-up barely cut into her day. Most times, Eileen was simply cradling her phone, her eyes flicking through thepany chat that had weed Vivian.

    L§Ñ¦Ó??¦Ó ch?¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?ls.??????

    Vivian thanked everyone in the group chat, yfully beseeching the team to guide her as the neer. Indeed, Vivian had secured a spot within the Apex Group. The buzz was that she might be Bryan¡¯s new secretary. Judie unexpectedly showered Vivian with praises, her texts dripping with eagerness to please.

    ¡°Eileen,¡± a voice broke Eileen¡¯s focus. It was Bailee, observant as always, having drawn closer after watching Eileen for some time. A quick look at Eileen¡¯s screen made Bailee¡¯s face grow thoughtful. ¡°Did Vivian find out about something?¡±

    Eileen put away her phone. ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡±

    Bailee¡¯s voice softened. ¡°It¡¯s weighing on you. Spill it. I¡¯m here for you, really. I might not have the answers, but I¡¯ve got an ear to lend!¡±

    A smile yed on Eileen¡¯s lips. ¡°It¡¯s a bit about Vivian¡¯s addition to work, taking over Bryan¡¯s secretary role. My hours have been cut back quite a bit, so naturally, my pay follows.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal,¡± Bailee said. ¡°After all, my paycheck contributes to the pot, doesn¡¯t it? Come on, wash your hands. Dinner is ready.¡±

    With a nod, Eileen went to the bathroom to wash her hands. As Bailee turned, she caught Huey¡¯s silhouette by the door, his posture casual. Unsure if he had overheard anything, she quickly excused herself to the sanctuary of the kitchen.

    Mid-meal, Bailee¡¯s ringtone sliced through the chatter¡ªurgent business from her boss to handle at the Royal Club. ncing at the clock, which dered the hour close to nine, Eileen reached for the car keys and apanied Bailee.

    They arrived at the Royal Club in due time, where exclusivity reigned, and without a VIP card, the doors might as well be walls. Bailee called her boss several times, but her calls went unanswered.

    A heavy sigh escaped Bailee as her eyes met Eileen¡¯s. ¡°Dealing with my boss is a nightmare. If I¡¯m not inside soon, I¡¯ll never hear the end of it. She¡¯s not picking up, and I can¡¯t shake the feeling she¡¯s doing this on purpose, although she always has an excuse.¡±

    Eileen unbuckled her seatbelt with resolve. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll get you in.¡±

    Her visits to these spots with Bryan had been frequent enough that her presence was almost a key in itself. Bailee perked up, trailing behind Eileen. They hadn¡¯t even reached the guard when he opened the door for Eileen.

    ¡°Miss Curtis, wee,¡± greeted the guard, ushering them under the vibrant lights. Their casual attire felt oddly juxtaposed against the club¡¯s opulence.

    At the front desk, Eileen was about to inquire about Bailee¡¯s boss when the receptionist said, ¡°Miss Curtis, Mr. Dawson is still in his usual suite. Coming to fetch him?¡± Eileen was taken aback. Bryan was here?

    As Eileen processed this twist, the receptionist¡¯s attention drifted past them. ¡°Right on time. Mr. Dawson is on his way down.¡±

    Eileen spun around, her gaze locking on Bryan, who was d in ck, his stature towering and lean. A cigarette rested between his fingers, unlit.

    It was Vivian who reacted quickly, slipping through Bryan¡¯s side with an ease that spoke volumes.

    ¡°Eileen, did youe for Bryan? How did you know to find him here?¡± she asked.

    Eileen¡¯s stare lingered briefly on the link of their arms. She curved her lips into a practiced smile as she approached.

    ¡°Good evening. I¡¯m here with my sister. She has a document to deliver,¡± Eileen said.

    Kian¡¯s attention shifted to Bailee, taking in her long ck hair and delicate features. An eyebrow arched, he queried, ¡°She is your sister? Seems familiar. Have our paths crossed before?¡±

    Eileen held her breath, keen to keep Bailee¡¯s connection to the Warren Group under wraps.

    But before she could weave a distraction, the elevator dinged.

    ¡°Why the dy with that document, Bailee? It could ripple through my business¡ª¡± A woman in her forties with a robust presence approached from the elevator, then halted upon catching sight of Kian.

    ¡°What are the odds, Ms. Warren? You¡¯re also here?¡± the woman said.

    Kian met her gaze casually as he replied, ¡°Oh, just hanging out with friends.¡±

    The woman motioned for Bailee toe closer and gave a quick introduction. ¡°This is Bailee Brooks, our intern. I asked her to deliver a document for me.¡±

    Kian caught on, ncing at Eileen before replying, ¡°Ah, so the sister of Miss Curtis is working in the Warren Group.¡±

    He exchanged a few more words with the woman, informing her of Bailee¡¯s connection to Eileen.

    The woman blinked in surprise. She quickly gave a swift nod and a fleeting smile to Eileen, took the papers, and went back to her clients.

    Throughout the exchange, Eileen was aware of Bryan¡¯s gaze, steadfast on her, stirring a sense of unease.

    With the handoverplete, Eileen was poised to leave when Bryan announced, ¡°You guys don¡¯t need to drive me home now.¡±

    He approached Eileen, escaping from Vivian¡¯s grip. Vivian bit her lip as her eyes darted between Bryan and Eileen.

    Caught off guard by Bryan¡¯s decision, Eileen could only reply, ¡°Understood, Mr. Dawson.¡±

    As Bryan settled next to her, a blend of sandalwood and the lingering trace of tobo filled her senses. It was surprisingly harmonious¡ªalmostpelling.

    Jacob cast Eileen a look, then proceeded to usher everyone to leave. ¡°Kian, why don¡¯t you send her home for some rest? Miss Curtis here seems to be on a perpetual call of duty with Bryan, even during her downtime,¡± Jacob quipped.

    Trailing behind Bryan, Eileen heard Bailee say, ¡°I¡¯ll grab a cab. You can drive Mr. Dawson.¡±

    With a contemtive nod, Eileen epted the arrangement.

    Outside the club, Bailee swiftly caught a taxi and departed.

    Eileen retrieved her car and waited for Bryan to join her. Noticing Bailee¡¯s absence, a shadow crossed Vivian¡¯s features.

    As Bryan reached for the door, Eileen, ready to close it for him, was halted by Vivian¡¯s voice.

    Vivian said to Bryan, ¡°There¡¯s that early international meeting tomorrow. How about I stay at your ce tonight? It beats the dawn trek to join you at the meeting.¡± In the muted glow, Bryan¡¯s features were shrouded in shadows.

    Eileen strained to read his expression, catching only the chill in his voice as he formed decisive words. ¡°¡®I¡¯ve got the meeting under control. No need for you toe along. After I¡¯ve had a drink, I can head home and rest now.¡±

    Without missing a beat, his directive shifted. ¡°Shut the door. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Eileen, knowing that he was talking to her, acted at once. She turned to Vivian, her voice steeped in formality. ¡°¡®Miss Warren, watch your head.¡±

    With a gentle motion, Eileen ensured the door was sealed without a hitch. She offered Kian, Jacob, and the others a parting word, then swung herself into the car, ready to depart.

    Just as Eileen reached for her seatbelt, a rap at the window caught her attention¡ªVivian stood there. ¡°¡®Eileen, once Bryan¡¯s home, give me a call. And don¡¯t stay outte, either¡ªyou¡¯ve got your boyfriend waiting for you.¡±

    Vivian¡¯s every syble hinted at a warning. Eileen offered a smile. ¡°Understood, Miss Warren.¡±

    With the ignition on, Eileen started the car, leaving the scene behind her. A soft breeze wafted through the crack in the window, stirring the silence of the night.

    Bryan sat still, a silent figure whose presence filled the space, almost heavy. ¡°Head to the office,¡± he suddenly said.

    ¡°¡®Okay,¡± Eileen replied. She rerouted towards the Apex Group building, its proximity trumping Bryan¡¯s residence.

    Upon reaching the secluded underground parking lot, she parked the car near the elevator.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 36

    ?Chapter 36:

    ncing over her shoulder, Eileen observed Bryan in his seat, eyes closed, the picture of authority. Was he asleep?

    Eileen¡¯s coworkers had shared updates on looming workloads left from the Lakedale trip. With Vivian unable to lend sufficient support, the brunt of the work was Bryan¡¯s to bear.

    Bryan¡¯s request to go to thepany at this hour surely hinted at unfinished work.

    With a quiet exhale, Eileen released her seatbelt and exited the car. She circled to the backseat, opening the door.

    The movement drew a slight knit of Bryan¡¯s brows, his eyelids fluttering.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson,¡± Eileen¡¯s voice held a gentle edge. ¡°We¡¯re at the office.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s eyes snapped open with a trace of irritation. ¡°¡®Why the rush? Are you eager to get back to your injured boyfriend?¡± he inquired, a weary edge to his voice.

    Shaking her head, Eileen responded with careful neutrality, ¡°¡®Not at all. It¡¯s just better to tackle work promptly. Plus, the sooner it¡¯s done, the sooner you¡¯ll get some time to rest.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s eyebrow arched as he exited the car, just a breath from Eileen. ¡°I¡¯ve got a video call lined up. Stick around and assist with the notes, will you?¡± His voice was a smooth baritone that rolled over her.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Eileen replied, peering up into his fatigued eyes, her resolve softened.

    She secured the car door and shadowed him into the elevator, angling herself to press the button for the top level.

    The confined space grew warmer. Eileen found herself hemmed against the wall, Bryan¡¯s presence overwhelming.

    ???¨¨?? ¡é?¦¤T?¦Å§Á? ?¦Ç ?a?§Úo¦Í???.???

    His kiss was violent, eyes half-mast yet zing with intent. It was his scent that weakened her resolve,pelling in its familiarity. When the doors slid open, he lifted her effortlessly.

    Pressed against him, she heard the solid rhythm of his heart, an odd tranquility settling over her amidst the storm of emotions.

    Her usual haven, the office lounge, hadn¡¯t changed, but she didn¡¯t feel the same. Bryan¡¯s soft approach wasced with an assertive edge, silently dering her his, stirring within her a profound sense of connection. It felt like they belonged to each other.

    Unaware of when sleep had imed her, Eileen¡¯s eyes fluttered open to a sky blushed with the early light of dawn.

    Beside her, Bryany in slumber.

    With a moment¡¯s pause, Eileen rose, dressed, and gathered Bryan¡¯s clothes from the floor, arranging them neatly at the bed¡¯s end.

    ¡°Leaving without a goodbye?¡± Bryan¡¯s voice, rough with sleep, halted her.

    Eileen paused, ncing at him. His eyes remained shut as she approached. She inquired with a gentle edge, ¡°That day at Lakedale, was it you who took care of my luggage?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s eyes unveiled a hint of crimson as he replied, ¡°I prefer to dodge needlessplications. If there¡¯s a straightforward fix, why not use it?¡±

    A crease formed on Eileen¡¯s brow.

    Was she theplication he was referring to? If she was considered a hassle, why was she still here?

    Bryan¡¯s form rose, the nket cascading to his waist. He reached out and lit a cigarette, its smoke weaving a spiral into the air.

    ¡°¡®How¡¯s his hand?¡± he asked.

    ¡°¡®Nothing serious.¡± Eileen was stunned for a few seconds before realizing Bryan was asking about Huey. There would be no aftereffects from Huey¡¯s hand injury; it was just a pity he had missed thepetition.

    Bryan¡¯s displeasure was clear as day. ¡°What? Now you¡¯re taking pity on him?¡±

    Eileen met his shadowed gaze, wondering about his change in demeanor.

    ¡°¡®He was injured because of me. It¡¯s normal for me to feel concerned,¡± she said.

    ¡°Come back to work tomorrow,¡± Bryanmanded, his voice icy as he put aside the nket and went to the bathroom to shower.

    Perplexed by his anger, Eileen knew it was her cue to exit.

    Returning to Bailee¡¯s ce, Eileen found the house with a note and breakfast waiting. After finishing breakfast, Eileen sought out Huey upstairs. He had just finished his meal and was idly handling something on the sofa.

    Huey put his phone down and looked up. ¡°So, you left with your bagst night?¡± he probed.

    ¡°¡®Yes,¡± Eileen replied, gathering dishes to clean.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got one more bandage change at the hospital, then it¡¯s all about us,¡± Huey informed her. ¡°Don¡¯t fuss over me; I¡¯ll be fine. Focus on your job.¡±

    Eileen made short work of the dishes and dried her hands afterward.

    ¡°¡®I¡¯ve got to head back to the office. It¡¯s been busy. Just let me know the details of the hospital bills. I¡¯ll take care of the money,¡± she said.

    Huey looked genuinely perplexed. ¡°You didn¡¯t settle the bill beforehand?¡±

    When he was discharged, there was still a bnce in the ount. He thought Eileen had prepaid the bill in advance, so he had the staff refund the remaining bnce to the original ount.

    Eileen, momentarily bewildered, shook her head. ¡°I didn¡¯t.¡±

    Huey¡¯s brow creased with thought. ¡°Maybe your boss paid it?¡± He nced at Eileen. ¡°Was he there at the hospital?¡±

    Again, Eileen replied with a shake of her head, recalling only Vivian¡¯s presence.

    With a dismissive gesture, Huey brushed the matter aside. ¡°Anyway, can you drop me at the hospitalter?¡±

    After that, you¡¯re free to return to work.

    Eileen replied, already tidying the living space. By noon, Huey wasn¡¯t keen on Eileen¡¯s cooking. He pushed for a lunch out, his insistence unwavering. Eileen agreed, opting for a light meal outside before their hospital visit.

    Later, Bailee got wind of Eileen¡¯s early work resumption and stepped up to take care of Huey. ¡°Eileen, leave it to me. I¡¯ll make sure he eats well until that hand¡¯s better,¡± Bailee said.

    Huey, having developed a fondness for Bailee¡¯s dishes, agreed, ¡°You know, it¡¯s almost a relief. Eating Eileen¡¯s food is almost like torture.¡±

    Eileen, overhearing the critique, was at a loss for words.

    Post-meal, she set the house in order and returned to Springvale Lane. But as she entered the house, a stronger wave of sandalwood greeted her¡ªa subtle hint that Bryan had been within these walls, his slippers now facing a different direction.

    Resting on the foyer cab was a bank card beside an elegant jewelry box, the card¡¯s note signaling it was for the Lakedale trip. The jewelry was likely the reward for the previous evening. The craftsmanship shone through the box, which, upon opening, revealed a crystal ne bathed in purple¡ªa color Eileen favored and one that Bryan often chose for her, reflecting his thoughtful nature.

    Eileen secured the bank card in her bag and carried the jewelry box to her room, cing it delicately on the nightstand. Her collection of such boxes from Bryan had grown, each a testament to his generosity. Among them, their marriage certificatey at the bottom.

    The silence was shattered by the ring of Eileen¡¯s phone. Roderick¡¯s voice came through, soft yet clear. ¡°Eileen, it¡¯s me.¡±

    The surprise in Eileen¡¯s voice was evident. ¡°You¡¯ve been released?¡± The situation with the Fulcrum Group was unresolved, the substantial final payment still outstanding.

    After a brief silence, Roderick replied, ¡°To Judie. I¡¯m out. I heard you haven¡¯t been to work for several days. Did my predicamentnd you in trouble?¡±

    ¡°My absence from work wasn¡¯t for the reasons you might think. I¡¯m d you¡¯re free, though,¡± Eileen said. She had spent her unexpected break mulling over how to aid Roderick.

    Roderick¡¯s tone held a hint of defeat. ¡°The courier job¡¯s done, and Judie¡¯s funds were drained to get me out¡­¡±

    Judie and Roderick¡¯s rented ce was in a coveted area. The rent was high, and with their expenses, their financial cushion was thin. Thebination of Roderick¡¯s job loss and the cost of his release had put them in a tight spot.

    It suddenly clicked for Eileen. Roderick was calling because he needed help.

    ¡°I can send you fifty thousand first. Just make sure to look for work,¡± Eileen said.

    Roderick¡¯s response was swift, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll secure employment promptly and pay you back.¡±

    But would he pay her back? She hadn¡¯t been exactly helpful, and financially supporting him fell on her. In the background, Judie¡¯s biting words reached Eileen.

    Roderick¡¯s interjection was firm. ¡°Enough. Eileen¡¯s done plenty for us!¡±

    Roderick said to the phone, ¡°Eileen, you¡¯ll get your money back.¡± His voice wasden with regret.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen replied.

    Despite Roderick¡¯s ws, he was not ungrateful. Eileen ended the call and promptly wired him fifty thousand.

    Upon receiving the money, a wave of guilt washed over Roderick, the source of the funds all too clear to him.

    Learning of the transfer, Judie couldn¡¯t hide her disdain. ¡°I spent a lot to get you out. Your sister should pay you the amount. She had one simple job¡ªtalk to Mr. Dawson, and you¡¯d have been out. But she couldn¡¯t even manage that!¡± she said.

    Silent, Roderick fixated on the confirmation of the transferred funds.

    ¡°Stop feeling guilty,¡± Judie said with cutting rity. ¡°Eileen¡¯s got her own cushy world. And as for her so-called innocence¡ªshe¡¯s teetering on a fine edge. That Vivian is out for her job. Hosting at dinner? Your sister better grab what she can now before she¡¯s kicked out of thepany!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 37

    ?Chapter 37:

    ¡°The house was originally hers. When she gives it to me, it¡¯s out of kindness, not duty. I ought to repay her regardless,¡± Roderick said.

    Judie, clearly frustrated, let out a sigh. ¡°Will you even pay her back? You haven¡¯t taken care of the house yet, and now you¡¯ve lost even more money. Why are you still talking about paying her back? Let me tell you something. If you don¡¯t secure a house soon, I¡¯m leaving you!¡±

    Judie¡¯s words sparked a quick response from Roderick. ¡°I¡¯ll get the house, I swear. Don¡¯t talk about divorce so easily like that,¡± he said.

    Though abandonment wasn¡¯t a new concept for Roderick, the fallout from his split made him crave stability.

    Stability above all else. His achievements might have been modest, but he was no stranger to hard work. Despite losing his job as a courier, there were always options like food delivery orbor work avable.

    After ending the call, unease gnawed at Eileen. With both Apex Group and Fulcrum Group standing firm, the eighty million final payment was out of the question. There was no way Roderick would be released like that. Even with Judie¡¯swork, a few tens of thousands would barely make a dent in such a significant deficit.

    But Roderick had indeed been released. This puzzled Eileen. Restless, she spent the night turning over in bed, clueless.

    Come dawn, a message from Bryan arrived, asking her to pick him up. She quickly had her breakfast and headed out. Bryan was waiting at their usual spot, and together they made their way to the office. As they emerged from the elevator, they couldn¡¯t help but notice Vivian upying Eileen¡¯s desk, her makeup wless, donned in a light pink dress. Her smile broadened at the sight of Bryan, though it faltered uponying eyes on Eileen.

    ¡°I thought you were off for a week. What brings you back so early?¡± Vivian asked Eileen.

    Eileen eyed the desk taken over by Vivian. ¡°The office is swamped, and I can¡¯t afford to waste time on minor issues,¡± Eileen responded with a level of respect.

    Your update hub: g?l¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??s?c?m

    Bryan¡¯s eyebrow lifted at the mention of minor issues, a slight smile touching his lips.

    ¡°I see,¡± Vivian replied, her smile subtle. She approached Eileen, linking arms with her. ¡°Now that we¡¯re colleagues, I¡¯m here to assist with your tasks. However, my primary duty is to ensure Bryan¡¯s needs are met, so you¡¯ll be relocating to another desk.¡±

    Her gaze drifted to the secretary¡¯s office, aware of the many eyes on them. ¡°Perhaps you could move to a desk in the back office?¡± she suggested.

    Bryan spoke up before Eileen had the chance to reply, casting a brief, unreadable nce at her. ¡°I already have a n for her new location. Concentrate on your responsibilities.¡± He then said to Eileen, ¡°Come with me.¡± He led the way to his office.

    Eileen freed herself from Vivian¡¯s hold. ¡°I¡¯ll head in first,¡± she stated, following Bryan.

    Vivian, left outside, pressed her lips together tightly in frustration.

    Inside the office, Eileen faced Bryan, who was removing his suit jacket to hang it over his chair before taking a seat.

    ¡°Your duties will now focus solely on work-rted tasks and driving me; Vivian will handle everything else,¡± Bryan exined, drawing a key from a drawer and cing it before her. ¡°The office next door is yours now.¡±

    This new office provided the entire secretary¡¯s area and was meant for the executive assistant.

    Until now, Eileen had worked directly outside Bryan¡¯s office to attend to him promptly, leaving the adjacent office vacant. epting the key, Eileen nodded. ¡°Understood.¡± She paused, then ventured, ¡°Was it you who covered Huey¡¯s and my medical bills in Lakedale?¡±

    ¡°What else would it have been?¡± Bryan shot back. ¡°Do you think Marcus suddenly developed a conscience?¡±

    Eileen was about to inquire about whether he had also assisted Roderick with his release when Vivian entered, bringing in coffee. ¡°I made you some coffee. Give it a try and let me know if it¡¯s better thanst time¡¯s,¡± Vivian said, maneuvering past the desk to Bryan and setting the coffee down on the table with a smile.

    Bryan¡¯s expression tightened ever so slightly, his gaze bing more intent. He turned to Eileen. ¡°You can start moving to the new office now.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen responded, casting a fleeting look toward Vivian as she left. The resolve in Vivian¡¯s eyes was unmistakable to her.

    Packing up didn¡¯t take long; Eileen¡¯s possessions were few, and with a colleague stopping by to discuss work and offering assistance, she was settled into her new office in under five minutes. Her new workspace, though smaller than Bryan¡¯s, shared the same minimalist and refined aesthetic.

    Ka Griffith, who had helped her move, couldn¡¯t help butment, ¡°Miss Curtis, your new office is quite nice.¡±

    Eileen, arranging documents on her desk, responded without much thought, ¡°It¡¯s just a ce to work. It doesn¡¯t really matter where it is.¡±

    She hadn¡¯t been in the office for five days, and her work had umted. Looking at Ka, she asked, ¡°What do you need me to do?¡±

    ¡°This needs Mr. Dawson¡¯s signature,¡± Ka said, presenting a document. ¡°It¡¯s urgent. We need it signed today. It¡¯s for a resource order that¡¯s hard to get. After it¡¯s signed, we have to fax it to the supplier for confirmation and delivery.¡±

    Eileen nced towards Bryan¡¯s office, still upied by Vivian. ¡°I¡¯ll handle itter. You can go back to work now,¡± she said.

    ¡°Alright. Oh, Miss Warren mentioned she¡¯s hosting a dinner tonight. Are youing?¡± Ka inquired, her enthusiasm evident. ¡°We don¡¯t know Miss Warren well, but it seems like you two are close. If you¡¯re there, it¡¯ll make us feel more at ease.¡±

    Eileen pondered this, wondering why she and Vivian were considered close. She offered a wry smile, shaking her head. ¡°Given the workload, attending seems unlikely.¡±

    Ka¡¯s face fell, though she quickly attempted to look on the bright side. ¡°Miss Warren is really going out of her way this time. She¡¯s invited a couple of senior team members from each department. It¡¯ll be quite the gathering; it probably won¡¯t be awkward.¡±

    Considering the size of thepany with its numerous departments, Vivian¡¯s invitation list would easily include twenty to thirty people. It was clear Vivian was making an effort to foster positive rtionships within thepany.

    After a while, Vivian exited Bryan¡¯s office, and Eileen finished organizing her workspace. She was on the verge of bringing the documents to Bryan for his signature when Vivian stopped her.

    ¡°Do you have something for him?¡± Vivian inquired.

    Eileen gestured toward the document in her hand. ¡°This needs Mr. Dawson¡¯s signature.¡±

    Without hesitation, Vivian said, ¡°You can hand it to me. I¡¯ll take care of these smaller tasks from now on.¡±

    Despite her smile, Vivian¡¯s eyes held a hint of caution and vignce.

    Eileen nodded with a small smile. ¡°Please ensure it is signed quickly; it¡¯s rather urgent.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Vivian responded, watching Eileen head back to her office. Just then, Vivian¡¯s phone rang.

    The call was from her mother, Debby Warren. She set the document down on her desk and stepped into the hallway to take the call.

    ¡°Vivian, you¡¯re our family¡¯s pride. What¡¯s this about you bing his secretary?¡± Debby¡¯s discovery of Vivian¡¯s position had left her displeased.

    Vivian reassured her. ¡°Mom, there¡¯s no need for concern. I¡¯ll decide what I want to do.¡±

    ¡°But I¡¯m worried about you. Bryan might be decent, but remember, you¡¯re putting yourself out there by being so forward, and that could backfire.¡± Debby¡¯s voice was tinged with frustration.

    ¡°I¡¯ve made my share of errors. If I don¡¯t take action now, I risk losing Bryan forever. If you truly care about me, Mom, please let me follow my own path.¡±

    With those words, Vivian ended the call, yet the warmth and concern in Debby¡¯s voice echoed in her thoughts, starkly contrasting with Bryan¡¯s distant demeanor. A tear slipped down her cheek. She was convinced Bryan belonged to her. He must be, she reasoned, too upset to see it.

    Meanwhile, Eileen found herself buried under a mountain of documents, her workload seemingly endless.

    Vivian¡¯s presence had only helped Eileen with handling menial tasks like serving coffee and managing Bryan¡¯s schedule. She didn¡¯t assist with the significant work challenges at all.

    To add to Eileen¡¯s stress, with only twenty minutes left in the workday, Ka approached her in a panic.

    ¡°Miss Curtis, where is the contract needing Mr. Dawson¡¯s signature? Ipletely forgot to follow up, and now we¡¯re running out of time!¡± Ka eximed.

    Eileen nced at Vivian, who was preupied with her makeup, and approached her. ¡°Miss Warren, did you manage to get that contract signed by Mr. Dawson this morning?¡± Eileen asked.

    Vivian paused, her mirror in hand, as realization dawned. ncing at the files near herputer, she admitted, ¡°I forgot about it.¡±

    After taking her mother¡¯s call, her attention had shifted, and the matter with the file had slipped her mind.

    ¡°What? You forgot?¡± Ka was clearly anxious now. ¡°This is a disaster. We¡¯re almost out of time!¡±

    Without wasting another moment, Eileen seized the file and made for Bryan¡¯s office. However, as she neared the door, Vivian hastened to block her path.

    ¡°You can¡¯t go in there. Bryan¡¯s on a video call and has made it clear he¡¯s not to be disturbed,¡± Vivian said.

    Eileen looked at her firmly. ¡°Except under special circumstances,¡± she said.

    Vivian, noticing Ka¡¯s anxious state, felt the urgency of the situation. She pressed her lips together and extended her hand. ¡°Pass me the document. I¡¯ll make sure he signs it.¡±

    Eileen, with a hint of reluctance on her face, eventually handed the document to Vivian. ¡°Make sure it¡¯s opened to the signature page. He¡¯ll know what to do,¡± she said.

    ¡°I don¡¯t need instructions,¡± Vivian retorted, her tone soured by Eileen¡¯s words. She turned and entered Bryan¡¯s office without further ado.

    Once inside, Vivian observed Bryan deeply engrossed in his online meeting. Despite being there for five minutes, Bryan had barely acknowledged her presence beyond a nce upon her entry.

    Outside, Ka was nearly frantic. ¡°Miss Curtis, it¡¯s been over five minutes since Miss Warren went in. What¡¯s taking so long?¡± she said. ¡°If I don¡¯t act fast, I might lose out on securing those goods.¡±

    The clock was ticking, with only fifteen minutes left until the end of the workday. Eileen checked the time, her brow furrowing in concern.

    After a brief hesitation, she decided to knock on Bryan¡¯s office door with three sharp taps. Without waiting for permission, she pushed the door open and found Vivian standing there. Eileen¡¯s brows knitted together in confusion. She approached, retrieved the contract from Vivian, and swiftly ced it before Bryan, pointing at the spot that needed his signature. Then, she handed him a pen.

    The whole interactionsted no more than a few seconds. Bryan, his attention still partially on his Bluetooth conversation, noticed every action she took. His quick grasp of the situation led him to sign the document promptly, without even diverting his gaze from the screen.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 38

    ?Chapter 38:

    The flourish of Bryan¡¯s signature on the paper spoke volumes of confidence and grace. In Eileen¡¯s eyes, his appeal extended beyond his looks to the elegant strokes of his writing. She gathered the papers, and with a swift retrieval of the pen, she spun around to leave the office, passing the documents to Ka. ¡°Go ahead,¡± she urged.

    ¡°Thanks, Miss Curtis, you¡¯re amazing!¡± Ka said in awe as she clutched the papers and dashed off.

    Now, Eileen found herself facing Vivian. They exchanged a look, and a moment of uncertainty hung in the air. Eileen wrestled with the thought of offering advice on navigating such urgent matters without seeming boastful about her rapport with Bryan.

    ¡°Eileen, what do you say to dinner tonight? I¡¯ve invited lots of people, and they¡¯ll be going too,¡± Vivian said, her smile breaking through the silence.

    ¡°I¡¯m swamped, maybe another time. You all go ahead,¡± Eileen said with a gentle nod, excusing herself to disappear back into her sea of work.

    As time slipped by unnoticed, the evening pulled a veil over the sky. The neon lights outside flickered to life, bathing the room in a warm hue. A sudden burst of light from the overheadmps jolted Eileen from her focus.

    She looked surprised by the night that had crept up on her and turned her gaze towards the door. Bryan¡¯s posture was casual, a stark contrast to the intense look he gave Eileen.

    Vivian, seizing the moment, plucked the pen from Eileen¡¯s grasp and nudged her to rise. ¡°Time to head out. Don¡¯t worry; the work can wait,¡± she said.

    When Eileen came to her senses, they had already moved past Bryan.

    Bryan closed the door to Eileen¡¯s office. Eileen knew she couldn¡¯t refuse now.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s£®?§àm takes you away

    ¡°I¡¯m off to fetch the car,¡± Bryan said, striding towards the elevator.

    No sooner had Bryan¡¯s footsteps faded than Vivian released her grip on Eileen. She walked over to Ka, engaging her in light conversation.

    ¡°What¡¯s your preference for dinner? Pick anything¡ªI¡¯m eager to mingle with all our teams,¡± Vivian said.

    ¡°Anything¡¯s fine with me,¡± Ka replied with a polite smile.

    Eileen was lost in thought.

    Vivian¡¯s attitude towards her had shifted; she pretended nothing had changed before Bryan. And then it dawned on Eileen¡ªthe hidden luggage. Had Vivian found out about it?

    Entering the lift, Eileen caught Vivian and Ka in hushed conversation. Colleagues from various departments joined them, all bound for the same evening meal.

    Then Eileen¡¯s gazended on Judie. Despite her tenure at thepany, she hadn¡¯t quitended a spot on Vivian¡¯s guest list.

    Judie stepped into the elevator, and her eyes met Eileen¡¯s. The moment was tinged with difort before Judie masked it, inching closer to Vivian.

    Eileen locked on, feigning ignorance to the social dance unfolding, recognizing Judie¡¯s efforts to curry favor with Vivian. However, after exchanging a few words with Judie and realizing her rtively low position and deliberate ttery, Vivian stopped talking to her.

    To Vivian, Judie didn¡¯t warrant the investment of her social capital.

    As the group dispersed among the waiting vehicles, Judie found herself without a spot. Her eyes found Bryan¡¯s Land Rover parked curbside, with Vivian the sole upant amid the vacant seats.

    ¡°Miss Warren, might there be more room in the car?¡± Judie inquired, hopecing her soft-spoken request.

    Eileen, who had just arrived from the parking garage, caught the exchange. A gust swept through the crack in the car window, sending a cascade of hair across Eileen¡¯s face. She watched as Judie stood by the Land Rover, trying to win Vivian over.

    The sight coaxed a scoff from Eileen. Judie, ever the social climber, seemed to have hit a wall.

    ¡°I prefer to be alone with Bryan,¡± Vivian said without a hint of guilt, leaving Judie to chill in the evening air.

    The rebuff painted embarrassment across Judie¡¯s features. Her manager, quick to intervene, chided her.

    ¡°Judie, think. You¡¯re interrupting Mr. Dawson and Miss Warren¡¯s private moment. Isn¡¯t Miss Curtis your family? Her car has a seat for you.¡±

    With a hesitant nod, Judie made her way to Eileen¡¯s vehicle, fumbling with the passenger door only to find it locked.

    ¡°Go sit in thest row,¡± Eileen said.

    Judie¡¯s frown deepened, but this was thepany¡¯s car, and she knew Bryan would usually sit in the front passenger seat or the first row of the backseat. So, she had to oblige. She opened the rear door and settled into the seat furthest back.

    Vivian, positioned by the Land Rover, observed Judie settling into Eileen¡¯s vehicle with a puzzled frown. ¡°That woman is family to Eileen?¡± she muttered under her breath.

    A voice cut through her thoughts. ¡°Coming?¡± The chill in Bryan¡¯s voice prompted her into action. She quickly got into the car.

    Eileen followed Bryan in her car, taking the backseat.

    Judie ventured a question, her voice tinged with curiosity. ¡°Eileen, has anything happened between you and Mr. Dawson?¡±

    ¡°Not really,¡± Eileen replied curtly.

    ¡°And with Miss Warren taking over as his secretary, does that change things for you?¡± Judie probed further.

    ¡°She assists with various duties,¡± Eileen responded, her tone t.

    ¡°Why does Miss Warren want to work in Apex Group all of a sudden?¡± Judie shifted closer, her grip tightening on the seat in front of her.

    Eileen¡¯s response was nomittal. ¡°That¡¯s not for me to say.¡±

    Concern flickered across Judie¡¯s face. ¡°You can¡¯t keep on this way. You ought to be more proactive, especially if Miss Warren has her suspicions. Imagine if she does¡ª¡±

    With a sudden stop, Eileen gave Judie a piercing look. ¡°And if she does suspect, what then?¡±

    Judie¡¯s difort was palpable. Eileen¡¯s stare seemed to constrict her very words. Eventually, Judie managed an uneasy smile and a shake of her head. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, I¡¯m just worried about you.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t waver. ¡°Are you worried about me or worried about yourself? Afraid that I will fall out of favor? So you¡¯re trying to suck up to Vivian?¡± She read Judie like an open book.

    Judie¡¯s countenance dropped, and she was at a loss for words. Eileen continued, ¡°Let¡¯s be clear¡ªVivian isn¡¯t someone you can befriend. Your intentions are too¡­¡±

    Eileen knew that without her position as Bryan¡¯s assistant, she wouldn¡¯t warrant a moment of Vivian¡¯s attention. Judie weakly defended her stance. ¡°What¡¯s the harm? Miss Warren is well-off and will be Bryan¡¯s future wife. Isn¡¯t it wise to be on good terms with her?¡±

    She was cut short as Eileen hit the gas at the change of the traffic light, sending her lurching back. ¡°Ouch!¡±

    Ignoring Judie¡¯s protests, Eileen focused ahead, and Judie settled down quietly.

    Two private rooms were booked, and the guests were divided. Being standing meant she was automatically seated at Bryan¡¯s table, where Vivian was also present. Judie was assigned to the adjacent private room. She reluctantly headed towards it, yet Vivian¡¯s voice halted her.

    ¡°There¡¯s space here. Why don¡¯t you join us?¡± Vivian said.

    Surprise flickered across Judie¡¯s face before she quickly replied, ¡°Of course, Miss Warren!¡±

    Vivian sat beside Bryan, leaving another seat beside him empty. This space was reserved for Eileen, considering her position. Once Eileen was seated, Vivian motioned for Judie to sit and signaled for an extra chair.

    ¡°Thank you so much,¡± Judie said, feeling ttered.

    A subtle crease marked Eileen¡¯s forehead as she took in the scene. Catching Bryan¡¯s absorbed look toward Vivian, she sensed the undercurrents of unspoken thoughts. Eileen¡¯s eyes drifted downwards, catching sight of a familiar hair tie encircling Bryan¡¯s wrist, one Vivian often wore.

    ¡°Feel free to order whatever you like,¡± Vivian said, with a touch of grace as she ced the menu on the rotating tform for everyone to choose their favorite dishes. Her warm approach quickly melted the ice, and the table buzzed with friendly conversation.

    Addressing the group, Vivian said, ¡°We¡¯re all here because of Bryan. Your dedication over the years is the backbone of Apex Group, and now, as I step into this circle, I¡¯m counting on your support. Should I slip up, don¡¯t hesitate to correct me, regardless of my ties to Bryan. He has always valued honesty and diligence above all.¡±

    Bryan, a silent observer of Vivian¡¯s mingling, betrayed no emotion. Eileen had heard that Vivian had made many mistakes, but Bryan had never lost his temper with her. He was really good to Vivian.

    Eileen recalled her early days at thepany, where each misstep had been met with Bryan¡¯s stern correction¡ªa stark contrast to the leniency Vivian had received. Even as her rtionship with Bryan developed into something more, he remained clear about business matters and personal affairs. He treated her and Vivian differently.

    At the table, Vivian¡¯s presencemanded respect; everyone regarded her as the boss¡¯s future wife. Feeling the atmosphere grow dense, Eileen excused herself. ¡°You guys continue without me; I need a break.¡±

    After cooling off in the restroom, she stood by the window, seeking tranquility in the chill of the evening air. The sound of approaching footsteps pulled her from her reverie, and she turned to see Bryan, with a lit cigarette adding a smoky haze to his sharp outline.

    Bryan broke the silence. ¡°Something on your mind? You seem down.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s response was nomittal. She didn¡¯t have the right to be affected. ¡°Happy now, Mr. Dawson,¡± she said, deflecting her own unease.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 39

    ?Chapter 39:

    Bryan raised an eyebrow, puzzled by Eileen¡¯s words. Her eyes, indifferent yet filled with stubbornness, made it difficult for him to look elsewhere.

    ¡°I mean, I get to see Miss Warren every day now. You must be quite happy,¡± Eileen said.

    Instantly, Bryan¡¯s expression turned sour. It dawned on him that perhaps her dissatisfaction stemmed from not being able to see Huey, the man she fancied, daily. Silence enveloped them as they stood there, facing each other until Judie and Vivian approached from a short distance.

    As they drew closer, they could see Eileen and Bryan clearly. The warm, orange glow from the light above bathed Eileen and Bryan, creating a cozy atmosphere. Judie cast a warm nce at Vivian.

    Vivian¡¯s expression soured, but she soonposed herself. She smiled and stepped forward. ¡°Bryan, you should really smoke less; it¡¯s not good for you. Plus, we¡¯re here to enjoy dinner together. Stop discussing work issues with Eileen; work can wait,¡± she said. Following her suggestion, Bryan extinguished his cigarette and disposed of it properly.

    ¡°Alright,¡± he said, then excused himself toward the restroom. The faint scent of tobo lingered behind him.

    ¡°Miss Warren, I¡¯ll go back to the private room,¡± Eileen said, choosing to leave as well. Their mutual indifference gave Vivian the impression that she had interrupted them.

    ¡°Miss Warren, you okay?¡± Judie approached Vivian, noticing her stillness.

    Vivian sniffed before turning her gaze to Judie. ¡°What¡¯s your rtionship with Eileen?¡± she asked.

    ¡°She¡¯s my husband¡¯s sister,¡± Judie replied, blinking in surprise.

    ???€$? ?§ß?t??§ñ? 1¦Ð ?al§Úo¦Í¦Å??.???

    ¡°You must be aware of Eileen¡¯s rtionship with Bryan, correct?¡± Vivian¡¯s tone was light, more curious than usatory.

    Judie hesitated, uncertain. Was Vivian merely guessing, or did she truly know something?

    ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me. I¡¯m aware of everything,¡± Vivian stated firmly. ¡°But it doesn¡¯t bother me that Bryan only sees her as a tool to satisfy his needs.¡±

    Judie inhaled deeply, shocked by Vivian¡¯s calm demeanor.

    ¡°My parents disapprove of Bryan and me being together right now, so he¡¯s holding off on intimacy. Once we¡¯re married, Eileen will be out of the picture,¡± Vivian said, a smug smile crossing her face. She then looked directly at Judie, concern flickering in her eyes. ¡°However, I¡¯m slightly worried Eileen might not want to let go of him.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not her decision to make, is it? How could she possibly stand a chance against Miss Warren?¡± Judie spoke hastily, then immediately regretted her words. She mped a hand over her mouth, scanning the area to ensure their conversation remained private. Only after confirming they were alone did she let out a sigh of relief.

    Vivian looked at her, taken aback. ¡°Why would you speak of her in such a manner? Isn¡¯t she rted to your husband?¡±

    ¡°Miss Warren, you¡¯re not aware. We hardly share a bond,¡± Judie confessed, her voice tinged with fear of being associated too closely with Eileen. ¡°Eileen grew up with her stepmother from a young age. After the divorce, my mother-inw took my husband but left Eileen with her father and the woman who had disrupted their family.¡±

    Vivian hadn¡¯t anticipated such aplex backstory for Eileen. Judie continued, ¡°Thus, you shouldn¡¯t underestimate her, Miss Warren. Her upbringing wasn¡¯t influenced by the most moral figures. If she¡¯s plotting anything, it¡¯s best to stay alert.¡±

    Vivian appeared concerned. ¡°Stay alert? Bryan and I aren¡¯t married yet. It wouldn¡¯t be right for me to point out her faults.¡±

    Judie ceased her criticisms of Eileen at that point, waiting to see Vivian¡¯s response. After all, if Eileen were to falter, who would she rely on in the future?

    ¡°Let¡¯s drop this topic and head back,¡± Vivian proposed, offering a smile.

    Although Judie had restrained herself just in time, Vivian had already gleaned some insight from their exchange. She knew that Judie and Eileen didn¡¯t have a great rtionship.

    They made their way back to the private room. Though they sat at a distance from each other, their asional exchanges of nces hinted at a newfound depth in their rtionship.

    Out of the blue, Vivian said, ¡°It¡¯s quite warm in here, Bryan. Could you do me a favor and tie up my hair? I believe you have my hair tie.¡±

    Bryan paused, cing his fork down. He removed the hair tie from his wrist and ced it next to her hand. ¡°Here you go.¡±

    ¡°Would you mind helping with it?¡± Vivian asked, turning so her back faced Bryan, her long ck hair cascading down her waist.

    Bryan¡¯s expression tightened, a mix of emotions ying across his face. From the corner of her eye, Eileen caught this exchange, a sharp ache piercing through her.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson and Miss Warren seem so well-matched, a perfect pair,¡± Judie suddenly said.

    ¡°Absolutely, they¡¯re quite the couple,¡± echoed another voice.

    ¡°Miss Warren¡¯s beauty and prestigious background make her the only suitable match for Mr. Dawson,¡± someonemented as the groupvished praise upon them.

    However, as the ttery continued, a sense of unease crept in. The facial expressions of both Bryan and Eileen betrayed their difort. The mood shifted palpably, charged with tension. Vivian, sensing the change, turned to Bryan. She noticed a coolness in his eyes despite his calm facade.

    She pressed her lips together in a thin line. Did he truly care about Eileen that much? He wouldn¡¯t even help with her hair, and his face darkened when others praised them.

    ¡°Eileen, why such a grim look?¡± Judie seized the moment to back Vivian and solidify their bond. She continued, ¡°Your expression might lead us to think you¡¯re not fond of Mr. Dawson and Miss Warren together.¡±

    Thement made everyone pause, sensing that something was off about the atmosphere. Bryan nced toward Eileen, noticing her difort.

    Eileen¡¯s cold stare was directed at Judie, making Judie feel suddenly uneasy, her gaze faltering.

    ¡°Go ahead; keep the praisesing. It would be beneficial if the media caught wind of Mr. Dawson and Miss Warren¡¯s rtionship, stirring up the same buzz as before and impacting Apex Group¡¯s stock,¡± Eileen said, her voiceced with sarcasm.

    The atmosphere shifted dramatically, remembering how previous rumors had negatively affected Apex Group¡¯s stock value. After listening to Eileen¡¯s words, the public rtions manager quickly suggested caution to avoid another financial hit if the story reached the press.

    Vivian, faced with the awkwardness of the situation, quietly gathered her hair tie and tied her hair on her own. Silence enveloped the room. Judie and Vivian averted their gazes, while Eileen felt a sense of satisfaction.

    Initially nning an early departure, Eileen now decided to stay until the end. Throughout the dinner, Vivian managed to charm everyone. As the group left the hotel, they offered her warm farewells.

    Despite the dinner conversation touching on Bryan¡¯s marriage, it was clear that his estranged wife¡¯s absence over the years did little to deter Vivian¡¯s aspirations to marry him. Thus, Vivian was still seen as the boss¡¯s future wife by those around her.

    Eileen¡¯s cautionary words were interpreted as professional concern, with no one questioning her rtionship with Bryan. To them, Eileen was all about her job. Judie, aiming to put some distance between herself and Eileen, chose to take a taxi home instead of letting Eileen drive her.

    With the evening winding down and most guests departed, Eileen approached Bryan. ¡°Mr. Dawson, since you¡¯ve had a drink, do you need me to drive you and Miss Warren home?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need,¡± Vivian interjected. ¡°I haven¡¯t had any alcohol. I¡¯ll drive Bryan home.¡±

    Eileen, respecting her decision, wished them a safe drive. ¡°Alright then, Miss Warren, take care on the road.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s voice stopped Eileen just as she was about to leave. At that moment, a Ferrari pulled up. Kian stepped out, his ck trousers and salmon-colored shirt highlighting his handsome features and deep eyes drawing attention.

    ¡°Vivian, it¡¯ste. I¡¯vee to take you home,¡± he announced.

    Vivian¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°Kian, how did you know I¡¯m here? I specifically told you not toe tonight!¡± Her nce shifted to Bryan, wishing she could drive him home.

    Kian gently patted Vivian¡¯s head with affection. ¡°Calm down. Mom and Dad are eagerly waiting for your return. They will be worried if you don¡¯te home soon.¡±

    Reluctantly, Vivian nced at Bryan. With an air of indifference, Bryan suggested, ¡°You should head home with Kian. Eileen can drive me.¡±

    Vivian¡¯s eyes shifted toward Eileen, who was lingering in the shadows of a streemp. Her face was shrouded in the dim light, yet Vivian was convinced Eileen must be reveling in the moment.

    ¡°Then let Kian drive you home too. We¡¯re heading in the same direction anyway,¡± Vivian said.

    ¡°No need,¡± Bryan countered with resolve. He nodded at Kian before striding toward Eileen¡¯s car, his hands casually pocketed.

    ¡°Miss and Mr. Warren, take care on your journey back,¡± Eileen called out as she turned to follow Bryan. Their silhouettes stretched out under the glow of the streetmps as they approached her car.

    After watching Eileen¡¯s car vanish into the night, Vivian entered Kian¡¯s vehicle, her features set in a stern expression and her breathing uneven.

    ¡°Did Bryan tell you to fetch me?¡± she inquired, her voice tight with emotion.

    Kian buckled up and ignited the engine before responding, ¡°Yes, he did.¡±

    Vivian quickly cut him off, ¡°Kian, when I decided to return to Bryan, you were my sole supporter. You swore Bryan still harbored feelings for me. What about now? His treatment of me has changed. If you¡¯re not going to support me, that¡¯s one thing. But why follow his requests?¡± Vivian shifted to face Kian, her gaze sharp with frustration.

    Kian¡¯s expression tightened slightly. ¡°Exactly what do you mean by ¡®support you¡¯? Are you asking me to back your decision to live with Bryan despite our parents¡¯ disapproval? Do you realize the bacsh we¡¯d face? If our parents learn of this, their displeasure towards Bryan will only grow. And let¡¯s not forget, he¡¯s married. You¡¯re in the position of his mistress now. You must deal with his wife first. Without resolving that, nothing you do will seed.¡±

    Vivian fell silent, her mind racing with thoughts of Eileen¡¯sments before. She bit her lip firmly and dered, ¡°Help me find out who his wife is. I intend to confront her and persuade her to divorce Bryan!¡±

    ¡°It will take time,¡± Kian cautioned. ¡°Ste has kept his wife¡¯s identity a secret. Tracking her down won¡¯t be easy. Just give me some time to work on it.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll wait. But in the meantime, I¡¯ll seek a solution to deal with Eileen!¡± Vivian¡¯s expression turned solemn, a clear sign of her determination.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 40

    ?Chapter 40:

    The car was enveloped in silence as Bryan reclined in his seat, seemingly asleep. Despite the car stopping at several red lights, he remained motionless, not even opening his eyes.

    However, when they approached the junction leading either to Eileen¡¯s home or his apartment, he unexpectedly instructed, ¡°Head to your ce.¡±

    Eileen didn¡¯t hesitate. She pressed the gas pedal and steered towards Springvale Lane, which caught Bryan off guard. He had half-expected her to refuse him. After they arrived and changed, Bryan encircled Eileen¡¯s wrist with his arm. His voice was low and inviting. ¡°How about we shower together?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not really convenient,¡± Eileen said, only to be met with Bryan¡¯s quizzical look, his raised eyebrow silently questioning her words.

    Before Eileen could rify, her phone interrupted them with a call from Huey.

    Bryan released her and headed for the bathroom to shower.

    ¡°You¡¯re truly a lifesaver, Eileen!¡± Huey¡¯s voice buzzed through the phone, full of excitement.

    Eileen, standing near the French windows, couldn¡¯t help but raise an eyebrow at his enthusiasm. ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±

    Huey¡¯s excitement was palpable, even over the phone. ¡°I told my mom I¡¯d quit gaming if I lost the match. Not showing up would have meant an automatic loss. But after she learned I got injured because of you, she assumed we were close and was thrilled. She¡¯s agreed to let me keep gaming as long as you¡¯re okay with it. Eileen, as long as you stay single, continue this little act with me. Just two more years, and I swear I¡¯ll take this game global!¡±

    With hopes for his future sess, Huey believed his parents would eventually see his passion not as a waste of time but as a legitimate pursuit.

    His upbeat demeanor had a contagious effect on Eileen. She was d to hear that even though Huey had missed thepetition, his gaming career could proceed without hindrance.

    ¡°I see. How¡¯s your injury now?¡± Eileen inquired.

    Latest stories on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s

    ¡°My hand¡¯s healing quickly, even without your help. Bailee¡¯s culinary skills are amazing, plus she¡¯s incredibly thoughtful. Despite her busy schedule and overtime work, she still managed to prepare all three meals for me. I just have to warm them up,¡± Huey replied, praising her.

    Eileen felt overshadowed by Bailee. ¡°That¡¯s great to hear. Since you¡¯re neighbors, keep an eye out for Bailee for me, will you?¡± she said just as the bathroom door swung open. After ending the call, she turned to find Bryan emerging, a towel loosely tied around his waist.

    Water dripped from his toned chest down to his abs, each drop tracing a path into the fabric of his towel. Eileen swiftly looked away.

    ¡°Did I interrupt something?¡± Bryan inquired, drying his hair with a towel. The water vanished, leaving his hair in a state that somehow added to his allure.

    ¡°No. It¡¯ste, and I¡¯m off to shower. You should do the same,¡± Eileen responded. Her workload was daunting, promising a few more days of relentless effort. The thought of managing Bryan¡¯s presence here on top of everything else brought on a mild headache. If he wanted to do something tonight, she anticipated a tiring morning tomorrow.

    ¡°Do as I say tonight, and I¡¯ll take on half of your workload tomorrow,¡± Bryan suddenly stated.

    After pondering for a moment, Eileen firmly shook her head, rejecting the idea. ¡°That¡¯s not fair.¡±

    Bryan was taken aback and asked, ¡°How is it not fair?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m perfectly capable of managing my work. It¡¯ll only take a few more days. I¡¯d rather you pay me instead,¡± Eileen replied, needing the money for Ruby¡¯s medical expenses.

    Bryan paused, caught off guard, then chuckled. ¡°Are you really that strapped for cash? Sounds like your boyfriend isn¡¯t cutting it. Maybe you should dump him.¡±

    ¡°Eileen Dawson, considering you have a wife, a girlfriend, and me, it seems none of us could satisfy you, either. Why not let us all go?¡± Eileen snapped back, her wordsced with a cutting edge.

    Bryan¡¯s expression suddenly turned somber, words caught in his throat. He shot her a look before heading upstairs. Eileen was lost in thought. Bryan wanted her to break up with Huey just because Huey was of no use to her. In light of everything, Vivian was also of no use to Bryan. Perhaps they should end things too. But then what? Should she and Bryan carry on in secrecy indefinitely? Eileen let out a mocking sneer, pping her forehead in disbelief at her own daydreams.

    To her astonishment, Bryan didn¡¯t do anything tonight. He bestowed light kisses on her neck and shoulder after she climbed into bed, then simply fell asleep. The following morning, they headed to work together, maintaining a professional distance in thepany. Eileen busied herself in her office, freed from the routine tasks of serving Bryan coffee.

    Vivian assumed the responsibility of presenting documents for Bryan¡¯s signature in his office. Previously, she undertook these duties as a means to secure more moments alongside Bryan. Now, she seemed more determined to keep Eileen away, personally handling document signings in Bryan¡¯s office. Eileen was unfazed by this change; she would see Bryan in the evening, after all. Despite Vivian¡¯s attempts to stir up trouble behind the scenes, Eileen couldn¡¯t help but feel a tinge of satisfaction, knowing she shared Bryan¡¯s nights.

    The project department¡¯s head, Jaxon Guzman, made his way to Eileen¡¯s office but was stopped by Vivian. ¡°Mr. Guzman, what brings you here?¡± Vivian inquired. Jaxon, with a smile, exined, ¡°Miss Warren, our department worked overnight on a bidding proposal. We¡¯d like Miss Curtis and Mr. Dawson to review it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll handle it. I can give it to Bryan,¡± Vivian gestured for Jaxon to hand over the proposal. However, Jaxon hesitated. ¡°This proposal is sensitive. It¡¯s meant for Miss Curtis and Mr. Dawson¡¯s eyes only.¡± Having attended the dinner hosted by Vivian days earlier, he felt a pang of guilt and couldn¡¯t bring himself to meet Vivian¡¯s gaze.

    Vivian didn¡¯t show any signs of annoyance. Instead, she said calmly, ¡°Do you think Eileen holds a higher status than me? She¡¯s young and might leave thepany any day for marriage. On the other hand, I will always be by Bryan¡¯s side.¡± Jaxon regarded Vivian with surprise. Was this an indication that Miss Curtis was on the verge of marriage, possibly leaving her position? No wonder Bryan had let Viviane to help.

    With these thoughts, Jaxon reluctantly handed over the proposal. ¡°If that¡¯s how things stand, please ensure Miss Curtis and Mr. Dawson receive the proposal.¡±

    After parting ways, Jaxon, though a mature man, couldn¡¯t resist the urge to share what he had heard. Soon enough, the rumor that Eileen was soon to be married and might resign circted within thepany.

    Following the meeting, Eileen and Bryan returned to their tasks. Eileen, organizing crucial notes from the meeting, intended to deliver them to Bryan personally. However, upon stepping out, she was stopped by Vivian. ¡°Eileen, what business do you have with Bryan?¡± Vivian asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m here to pass on the meeting minutes to Mr. Dawson,¡± Eileen responded, offering the documents to Vivian. ¡°Could you deliver these to him for me?¡±

    Her willingness to hand over the minutes left Eileen feeling somewhat guilty. epting the documents, Vivian exined, ¡°I was just about to discuss the bidding proposal with Bryan; I thought I could take this along with that.¡±

    The mention of the bidding proposal caught Eileen off guard. She was aware of thepany¡¯s intention to submit a bid and expected the proposal to require her and Bryan¡¯s review today.

    Vivian continued, ¡°I¡¯m not well-versed in bidding processes myself, but Bryan wants me to learn. He ns to walk me through the details of the proposal gradually.¡± With that, she turned and walked into Bryan¡¯s office.

    Watching Vivian enter Bryan¡¯s office, Eileen knitted her brows in concern. After a moment, she returned to her own office, her mind swirling with questions. She and Bryan had always formed an effective team. His intentional advancement and mentorship had significantly contributed to her professional growth. But now, was Vivian receiving the same tutge?

    Feeling overwhelmed by her emotions, Eileen decided to escape to the pantry for a moment to make a cup of coffee. Meanwhile, in Bryan¡¯s office, Vivian presented the meeting minutes and the bid documents to him.

    ¡°Bryan, Eileen sent me to give you the meeting minutes. She also wanted you to have this bidding proposal and discuss it with me,¡± Vivian said.

    Bryan recognized Eileen¡¯s precise handwriting in the notebook immediately. ¡°Eileen?¡± he inquired.

    Vivian hesitated, then said, ¡°Eileen mentioned she was swamped and suggested I take over these tasks moving forward. But honestly, I¡¯m lost with this material. Could you possibly guide me?¡±

    ¡°It makes sense that you¡¯re not acquainted with the specifics of the bidding proposal; it¡¯s outside your expertise. Let Eileen manage it,¡± Bryan replied, his tone edging into coolness.

    Looking slightly abashed, Vivian said, ¡°Bryan, there¡¯s talk around the office that Eileen might be getting married soon and leaving her position. If she does resign, you¡¯ll need someone to step into her role. Maybe you¡ª¡±

    ¡°Could you start teaching me now?¡± Vivian asked, her gaze sharpening. Then, he gestured to the chair across from him. ¡°Sit.¡±

    Taking this as a sign of his agreement, Vivian smiled, eagerly taking her seat. She leaned forward, watching him closely as he began to review the bidding proposal. However, Bryan had no intention of teaching her. Instead, he focused on analyzing and adjusting the proposal himself, leaving Vivian to observe.

    Vivian reclined her chair momentarily, at a loss. Suddenly, an idea struck her, and she discreetly took out her phone to snap a photo of the bidding proposal, followed by one of Bryan engrossed in his work.

    In the pantry room, Eileen stumbled upon some startling gossip about herself¡ªrumors were swirling that she was soon to be married and would leave her job after marriage. The spection even suggested that a pregnancy might be the reason behind such sudden news. Eileen nced at her own slender figure, baffled by the ludicrousness of the rumors.

    Holding her empty coffee cup, she lingered by the door, lost in thought until a coworker greeted her. The buzz of conversation inside ceased instantly.

    With a gracious smile, Eileen stepped into the pantry room, greeted by a collective acknowledgment from the female colleagues present.

    ¡°Eileen, what a coincidence. We were just finishing up and about to head out,¡± one of them said.

    ¡°Please, go ahead,¡± Eileen responded, prompting them to leave.

    Soon, she was left alone with the colleague who had greeted her. The woman, misinterpreting the situation as a narrow escape from being caught cking, shared a smile with Eileen as she prepared her coffee.

    ¡°It¡¯s funny, isn¡¯t it? They all panicked and left. But you, Miss Curtis, clearlymand more respect than Miss Warren. I¡¯ve seen Miss Warren sneak off here for coffee several times, and yet they aren¡¯t afraid of her,¡± the woman said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 41

    ?Chapter 41:

    ¡°Really?¡± Eileen asked, well aware that Vivian¡¯s strengthy inworking, reminiscent of how Vivian had initially tried to curry favor with her.

    ¡°Absolutely. Though Miss Warren is beautiful,tely she has been involved in minor interdepartmental tasks and dealings with Mr. Dawson, where herck of skill has led to several errors,¡± the colleaguemented, taking a sip of her coffee before adding in a hushed tone. ¡°Between us, everyone still prefers having you liaise with Mr. Dawson. You¡¯ve always been reliable, never making a single error.¡±

    Eileen listened quietly to the gossip, offering noment.

    It seemed Vivian¡¯s approach to winning over colleagues hinged on her social maneuvering, yielding only a facade of respect.

    Her inefficiencies were a poorly kept secret, cloaked in whispers yet publicly unchallenged, partly due to the fear of reprisal. But with Bryan¡¯s guidance, Vivian stood a good chance of improvement. Eventually, she could very well step into Eileen¡¯s shoes.

    Returning to her desk, Eileen found her workload manageable and began aimlessly browsing her phone. The first thing she saw on her social media feed was a post from Vivian, showcasing a candid shot of Bryan at work, his concentration palpable.

    The seriousness disyed in his professional life was starkly different from his more intimate moments with Eileen; both aspects of him were equally irresistible to her. Yet, the sight of Bryan through Vivian¡¯s lens stirred a pang of difort in Eileen, her heart sinking with a mix of pain and heaviness. She scrutinized the photo once more, her expression shifting abruptly.

    She quickly rose and stepped outside, catching Judie and a few other female colleagues approaching Vivian, documents in hand. It was clear their main intent wasn¡¯t work-rted but to engage in conversation with Vivian, who weed the chat with open arms.

    ¡°Miss Warren, I saw your post on social media. You and Mr. Dawson seem quite close,¡± one remarked.

    ¡°It¡¯s wonderful that Mr. Dawson can keep youpany at work. We¡¯re all a bit jealous!¡± another added.

    New updates live on g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe?s

    Vivian, basking in the praise, replied, ¡°Though he might appear distant, he¡¯s actually very considerate towards me privately. But don¡¯t be too envious; each of you has someone special too.¡±

    Judie, juxtaposing Roderick with Bryan, felt a twinge of longing for a life akin to Vivian¡¯s. It was then that she noticed Eileen, who observed the scene with an icy demeanor.

    ¡°Eileen,¡± Judie whispered under her breath.

    With a slight turn of her head, Vivian caught sight of Eileen. ¡°Eileen, are you looking for something?¡±

    ¡°What brings you all here? Run out of tasks to do?¡± Eileen approached, not wanting to discuss Vivian¡¯s social media post in front of so many people.

    Her insinuation prompted the onlookers to turn to leave, their interest deted. Judie, recognizing Eileen¡¯s authority, tried to make a swift exit as well.

    Vivian, attempting to maintain herposure, stopped Judie and the others. Her demeanor hinted at disdain, as if questioning Eileen¡¯s right to intervene, subtlybeling her as beneath her.

    ¡°About that post you shared on social media, I¡¯d like you to delete it,¡± Eileen stated clearly.

    Vivian paused, then scoffed, ¡°Eileen, are you hearing yourself? You¡¯re poking your nose into my affairs now? What does my social media post have to do with you?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not about me personally, but it involves Mr. Dawson in that picture¡ª¡± Eileen began, only to be cut off by Judie.

    ¡°Eileen!¡± Judie interjected. ¡°Why are you so invested in Miss Warren and Mr. Dawson¡¯s private affairs? If Miss Warren chooses to share something, that¡¯s her prerogative. Your interference might lead others to specte something.¡±

    Herment, though framed as a casual reminder, unmistakably suggested that something was going on between Eileen and Bryan. The underlying message was clear¡ªan assistant had no business meddling in the personal matters of her boss¡¯s significant other.

    Vivian, with her arms crossed, wore a look of satisfaction. ¡°My presence here isn¡¯t solely for work; it¡¯s also to stay close to Bryan and ward off any unwee aspirations from others.¡±

    ¡°Miss Warren, truly, no one is more suited for Mr. Dawson than you. Anyone else is merely fantasizing,cking your standing,¡± Judie chimed in,yering her ttery with a veneer of guidance towards Eileen. ¡°Eileen, it might be wise to apologize to Miss Warren now. Moving forward, stick to your duties as an assistant and steer clear of personal matters.¡±

    The gathered female employees were perplexed, sensing the weight behind the seemingly light remarks. The subtext was thick in the air, yet none felt confident enough to voice their thoughts, opting instead to observe in silence.

    Eileen¡¯s gaze briefly met Judie¡¯s, realizing Judie hadn¡¯t grasped the significance of their earlier conversation at all. As she contemted a response, the office door swung open, and Bryan emerged, document in hand. Seeing so many people there, he frowned slightly.

    ¡°Is there nothing for you to do?¡± he asked.

    His presencemanded attention. The casual roll of his shirt sleeves and the absence of a tie did nothing to diminish the authority he radiated.

    Vivian masked her feelings quickly, adopting a slight look of distress as she approached Bryan. ¡°Bryan, I don¡¯t know what has gotten into Eileen. Out of the blue, she¡¯s asking me to take down a photo from my social media. I just captured a moment of you looking particrly focused at work and shared it. She may be your assistant, but that doesn¡¯t give her the authority to meddle in my personal posts, does it?¡± she queried, seeking validation.

    Bryan¡¯s response was a subtle frown as he nced Eileen¡¯s way, a hint of recognition crossing his features. Retrieving his phone, he quickly browsed through the social media tform, his mood shifting noticeably at what he found.

    Judie intervened, aiming to mitigate the tension. ¡°Mr. Dawson, this situation with Miss Curtis may have escted a bit. Perhaps she¡¯s misced her sense of boundaries. Please, let¡¯s not hold it against her.¡±

    Eileen, opting for silence, merely turned her head aside and discreetly rolled her eyes, distancing herself from the confrontation.

    Frustration manifested in the forceful way Bryan dropped the document on Vivian¡¯s desk, causing her to flinch and release his sleeve. ¡°Bryan, there¡¯s no need for anger. Eileen¡¯s been a loyal employee for quite some time. If you¡¯re upset, I¡¯m sure we can find a more constructive way to address this without causing distress,¡± Vivian urged, hoping to calm the situation.

    ¡°Why would I be upset with her?¡± Bryan¡¯s gaze shifted,nding sharply on Vivian. ¡°Wasn¡¯t it you who shared that photo?¡±

    It became apparent now that Bryan¡¯s irritation was aimed at Vivian, leaving her speechless. Beside her, Judie shared in the confusion. Only Eileen understood the root of Bryan¡¯s anger.

    Bryan zoomed in on the photo disyed on his phone. The bidding proposal, with its details sharply in focus, was indisputably visible. ¡°This is a confidential document of thepany, nowpromised because of your actions,¡± he pointed out.

    Vivian, realizing the gravity of her error, hastily began to delete the post from her social media. ¡°Bryan, please don¡¯t be angry. I¡¯m deleting it right now. My friend list is small, limited to friends only. Don¡¯t worry, there won¡¯t be any repercussions.¡±

    ¡°I never engage in a situation I¡¯m not sure to win,¡± Bryan said, turning to Eileen. ¡°Arrange a meeting with Jaxon and the rest. We¡¯re going to have to work through the night to redo the bidding proposal. You¡¯ll be staying far overtime.¡±

    ¡°Understood, Mr. Dawson,¡± Eileen replied.

    ¡°Additionally, Vivian needs a copy of the employee handbook. We¡¯ll handle any breaches ofpany policy ordingly,¡± Bryan said.

    Tapping on the table, Bryan underscored his point, each sound a figurative p to Vivian¡¯s pride, her cheeks flushing with mortification.

    Witnessing the turn of events, Judie and the others quickly excused themselves, their earlier reasons for visiting Vivian evidently just a facade for curiosity.

    Eileen, tasked with preparing for the meeting, also fetched an employee handbook. On her way to notify Jaxon and the team, she dropped the handbook on Vivian¡¯s desk as a silent reminder of thepany¡¯s policies.

    Vivian, swamped with embarrassment, avoided eye contact.

    Eileen, unfazed by Vivian¡¯s difort, proceeded directly to Bryan¡¯s office for a concise discussion about revising the bidding proposal before heading to the meeting room.

    The oversight on Vivian¡¯s part meant a long night for Eileen and the team, culminating in the early hours with thepletion of the new bidding proposal.

    As Bryan and Eileen exited the meeting, they were greeted by the sight of Kian and Vivian waiting in the main office area.

    ¡°Bryan, has Vivian stirred up trouble again today?¡± Kian inquired as they drew closer. ¡°Our dear princess still has much to learn about the business world,¡± hemented lightly.

    ¡°I¡¯ve nned a get-together at D.V. Club. Jacob¡¯s already there waiting. Let¡¯s head over as my way of making amends on Vivian¡¯s behalf,¡± Kian offered.

    With the caffeine from earlier leaving Bryan alert, the invitation was a wee diversion.

    Eileen was tasked with retrieving the car from the underground parking. Emerging at the entrance, she found Vivian alone, Kian and Bryan having already departed.

    ¡°Bryan took off with my brother. I wanted to have a word with you, alone,¡± Vivian stated, stepping into the passenger side without waiting for Eileen¡¯s consent.

    Ensuring Vivian buckled up, Eileen ignited the engine and set off towards the D.V. Club, the car ride marked by a heavy silence, the air thick with unvoiced thoughts.

    Upon arriving at the club¡¯s underground parking and bringing the car to a halt, Vivian finally broke the silence.

    ¡°Eileen, you¡¯re the secret Bryan¡¯s been keeping, aren¡¯t you?¡± she asked.

    Leaning back in her seat, Eileen¡¯s luminescence in the dim light shifted towards Vivian, yet she remained silent, letting the question hang in the air.

    Vivian continued, ¡°It¡¯s futile to deny it. Despite Bryan¡¯s attempt to hide your belongings at the Lakedale Hotel, I still discovered them. During our time at the resort, did he also sneak off to see you? And that night when I called him, only to find he wasn¡¯t home, was he with you? How many times have you two slept together? How did this all begin? I¡¯ve alreadye back to him. Why haven¡¯t you left him?¡±

    Eileen felt a jolt at Vivian¡¯s barrage of questions, a confrontation she knew was inevitable. Vivian¡¯s previous attempts to iste Eileen hadn¡¯t burdened her as much as they had displeased Bryan. That was why Vivian had reached a breaking point and decided to confront Eileen directly.

    Now, there was no need for Eileen to keep pretending. But Eileen found no sce in dropping the facade. With the truth nowid bare, she encountered a new form of torment.

    Eileen parted her lips to respond. ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear it!¡± Vivian cut her off sharply, tears streaming down her face as she buried her face in her hands, sobbing uncontrobly.

    As Vivian¡¯s sobs subsided into quiet whimpers, she lifted her head, eyes filled with betrayal. ¡°Eileen, I thought of you as a friend and treated you with nothing but kindness. Is this how you repay me? By being with Bryan? Don¡¯t you feel guilty?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 42

    ?Chapter 42:

    Vivian¡¯s questions struck Eileen directly, yet she didn¡¯t seem overwhelmed. With a slight smile, she responded with ease, ¡°Warren, your kindness was intended for the identity of Dawson¡¯s assistant, not for me. And as Bryan¡¯s assistant, I have done all within my power to assist you. Even if I am not the one who has been intimate with Bryan, as his assistant, it is not my ce to divulge his secrets. I owe you no apology. After all, you are not Bryan¡¯s wife.¡±

    In the car, Eileen¡¯s voice rang with rity and conviction. She held the steering wheel with one hand, turning slightly to face Vivian.

    Vivian paused, taking a moment to grasp the implications of Eileen¡¯s words. ¡°You¡¯re distorting the facts! I didn¡¯t¡ª¡± she began.

    ¡°If I were not Bryan¡¯s assistant, would you have considered befriending me?¡± Eileen cut in before Vivian could finish.

    Vivian was taken aback. She red at Eileen, her teeth clenched in anger. ¡°Do you even deserve to be my friend? I belong to the Warren family! And you? Eileen, you¡¯d do well to keep your distance from Bryan if you understand your ce.¡±

    ¡°If Bryan really matters so much to you, why approach me instead of confronting him directly?¡± Eileen replied, taking a deep breath and rolling down the car window halfway to ease the tension.

    The underground parking lot was cold, causing Eileen to wrap her coat more tightly around herself. ¡°Youe to me because you know you can¡¯t sway Bryan¡¯s decision. Not even you, with all the prestige of the Warren family, can do that. So, what makes you think I can?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s tone made it unclear whether she was being sarcastic or self-critical. A fleeting sadness appeared in her eyes. She genuinely didn¡¯t understand Bryan¡¯s intentions. Was his interest in her purely physical? She questioned whether she was unfit to be his wife, thus maintaining their secretive bond. Did he n to conceal her indefinitely?

    Vivian said, ¡°I never imagined you¡¯d resort to such cunning tactics. Are you attempting to drive a wedge between Bryan and me by telling me to confront him? You¡¯re shameless! Have you ever scrutinized yourself in the mirror to assess your worthiness for Bryan? Are you aware of the stature of the Dawson family?¡±

    Stay tuned galnov??????.co??

    After a pause, she continued, ¡°Do you presume superiority merely because you¡¯ve been his assistant for a short time? Spare me the absurdities. It¡¯s no wonder you were left adrift after your parents¡¯ separation. If you fail to recognize your station, I¡¯ll make you understand your ce in Bryan¡¯s heart!¡±

    Vivian cast a scornful nce at Eileen, exited the vehicle, and hastily entered the elevator, fuming. Raised amidst privilege, she had always been surrounded by the finest life had to offer, doted on by her parents and brother, exuding an inherent grace.

    Vivian¡¯s leaving image remained in Eileen¡¯s thoughts, persistent and haunting. Resting in the car, Eileen reclined her head against the seat, staring into the darkness of the parking lot. When her parents got divorced, the way they looked at her was like they were looking at trash. If not for Ruby¡¯s intervention, she would have been destroyed by those looks.

    Even now, the memory caused her heart to ache profoundly. What fault was hers in her parents¡¯ divorce? And what had she done wrong now, caught in the dilemma between Bryan and Vivian?

    A wave of bitterness overtook Eileen. She inhaled deeply, fighting to alleviate the burden weighing on her heart.

    Elsewhere, Bryan checked his watch in a secluded area. Half an hour had passed since Vivian¡¯s arrival, yet Eileen was nowhere in sight. Annoyance flickered in him. At that moment, Vivian offered him a ss of vodka. He inquired, ¡°Where¡¯s Eileen?¡±

    ¡°She was in her car when Ist saw her. imed she had some matters to attend to, likely conversing with her boyfriend over the phone,¡± Vivian answered, her previous vehemence reced with a radiant smile as if the confrontation in the parking garage had never urred.

    Bryan set the ss on the table, a crease forming between his brows as he stood up. He moved towards the door with determination.

    ¡°Bryan¡­¡± Vivian rose hastily and followed, her voice trailing off. Her call captured the attention of Kian and Jacob, who paused their game to watch Bryan stride across the room.

    Bryan had almost reached the door, his hand nearly grasping the handle, when it swung open. Standing outside was Eileen, her emotions buried deep, her demeanor as calm as ever. In her clear eyes was the reflection of Bryan, his handsome features marked by an aloof expression.

    After a brief pause, she inquired, ¡°Mr. Dawson, do you need anything from me?¡±

    Bryan pulled his hand back, gliding it into his pocket, his observation of her difort evident, yet he chose to remain silent. Turning, he returned to the sofa and settled into its inviting cushions with ease. ¡°No. Juste and sit here,¡± he said, gesturing to the adjacent sofa.

    Eileen closed the door gently behind her and took the offered seat. Although she had been part of Bryan¡¯s private gatherings many times, a sense of unease washed over her today. The room¡¯s opulence was on full disy, from the glittering array of drinks on the table to the marble floors and crystal chandeliers above.

    As his driver, Eileen¡¯s ce was waiting in the car, yet she found herself beside him more and more often, partaking in the hospitality offered. The juice here had be a favored treat for her since she had tried it for the first time. Its presence on the table had be aforting constant since then. Today was no different, with her preferred drink positioned directly before her.

    Vivian extended a cocktail towards Eileen. Looking up, Eileen met her gaze, which, though smiling, hinted at underlying sharpness. ¡°Eileen, I realize now that I misunderstood you earlier. Please ept my apology. Being new here, there are many things I¡¯m still learning. Let¡¯s not hold any grudges,¡± Vivian said. Eileen now believed Vivian¡¯s performance was so convincing that she could easily have a ster career in acting.

    Eileen didn¡¯t expose Vivian. With a smile, she responded, ¡°Miss Warren, there¡¯s no need for such formality. I¡¯m merely an assistant carrying out my duties. There¡¯s no need for apologies. After all, any overtime I work getspensated by Mr. Dawson. Should there be any errors, they¡¯ll affect Mr. Dawson, not me.¡±

    epting the ss from Vivian, she then ced it back on the table, adding, ¡°I apologize, but I need to driveter. I can¡¯t indulge in alcohol.¡±

    Bryan observed the exchange, lounging with one leg over the other, a cigarette dangling from his lips. The smoke veiled his sharp features, yet his keen gaze lingered on Eileen. He watched her silently, raising an eyebrow but offering noment.

    Kian set aside his phone, approached Vivian, yfully ruffled her hair, and remarked, ¡°Why are you apologizing to her? Bryan¡¯s the one whom you should be apologizing to. You¡¯ve inadvertently caused him trouble.¡±

    He guided Vivian to sit next to him, handed her a ss of wine, and shifted the conversation to a lighter tone.

    Jacob approached Eileen with wine in hand, pulling up a chair to join her. ¡°How¡¯s your boyfriend doing? He hasn¡¯t been online gamingtely.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s injured his hand. He needs a few days to heal,¡± Eileen exined.

    ¡°That exins it. I was puzzled why such an avid gamer was absent. I feared he¡¯d lost interest,¡± Jacob said.

    Noticing Eileen¡¯s nces toward Bryan and the Warren siblings, Jacob shifted the topic. ¡°Do you have any hobbies?¡± he inquired.

    Eileen¡¯s eyes briefly met Bryan¡¯s before she looked away. After a moment¡¯s thought, she answered, ¡°Work. Earning a living.¡±

    Jacob chuckled, ¡°That¡¯s rather mundane. Much like Bryan, always engrossed in work. Despite being heirs, Kian and I find ample leisure time. Bryan, however, only joins us when called upon, never of his own ord. Do you think something might spur him into action?¡±

    Eileen remained silent, her expression unfazed.

    Jacob asked directly, ¡°Is Vivian giving you a hard time?¡±

    Eileen shifted subtly, avoiding a nce as she observed the colorful drinks sprawled across the table.

    Jacob continued, ¡°She¡¯s quite transparent; I can sense it. She learned about your rtionship with Bryan, right? She¡¯s intelligent, aware that antagonizing Bryan isn¡¯t wise, so she targets you instead. And Kian¡ªI¡¯ve had reservations about him for a while. He overly indulges his sister, which isn¡¯t doing her any favors. Just a note of caution¡ªunless you¡¯re certain Bryan will support you, it¡¯s best not to offend Vivian.¡±

    Jacob¡¯s gaze lingered on Eileen. He couldn¡¯t help but add, ¡°I¡¯ve known you for quite some time, and it¡¯s hard to watch you caught up in this. Help me encourage your boyfriend to spend more time gaming with us, and if you face any troubles in the future, I¡¯ll offer my help.¡±

    A small smile tugged at Eileen¡¯s lips. Among Bryan¡¯s acquaintances, she found Jacob to be the most approachable. She harbored a sense of fondness for him, though she was aware their friendship had its limits. It was clear Jacob enjoyed gaming, often seeking to connect with Huey over it.

    ¡°Mr. Meyer, you¡¯re joking, surely. If gaming is what you¡¯re after, reaching out to Huey directly would be your best bet. He¡¯s always up for a game,¡± Eileen said.

    ¡°You might not be aware, but your boyfriend has blocked me. Before doing so, he called me a scumbag,¡± Jacob said. Eileen was taken aback by this revtion.

    Jacob continued, ¡°I¡¯ve tried adding him again, but got no response. Fortunately, he hasn¡¯t deleted me in the game, so I can still keep tabs on his gaming activity.¡±

    A nagging sense of unease took hold of Eileen, though she couldn¡¯t pinpoint the cause. ¡°I¡¯ll speak to him about itter,¡± she said.

    Jacob¡¯s eyes lit up with anticipation. ¡°Please do. Tell him I¡¯m willing to invest in his gaming ventures! He ought to show some respect to me. Had it been anyone else who blocked me¡­¡± He trailed off, mimicking a throat-slitting motion, which drew a smile from Eileen.

    Presenting Eileen with a cocktail, Jacob said, ¡°Here, take this cocktail. Don¡¯t worry about your ride home. My driver will ensure you get back safely.¡±

    Eileen paused before taking the drink, feeling a bit down and hoping the drink would lift her spirits. Her ability to handle alcohol proved sneakier than she had anticipated. After finishing the two sses of wine Jacob offered, she began to feel the effects, with a part of her eager for more.

    Recognizing the potential for things to escte, Jacob intervened to prevent Eileen from drinking more and called Bryan over, saying, ¡°I had no idea her tolerance was so low! She¡¯s starting to feel the effects after just a couple of sses!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 43

    ?Chapter 43:

    Bryan slipped away from the Warren siblings and made his way to see the two vacant sses. He caught Jacob¡¯s eye. ¡°How many of these drinks can you take?¡± he inquired.

    Jacob was at a loss for words. He had focused on the taste of the drinks, forgetting about the alcohol¡¯s strong effects. ¡°Mr. Dawson, may I have another?¡± Eileen¡¯s gaze drifted, her cheeks rosy and her lips glistening, betraying her tipsy state. She looked charming.

    Her mind was hazy with drink, yet she still knew Bryan was her boss, so she asked for his permission to drink. Bryan¡¯s throat tightened as he eased Eileen to her feet. Her bnce wavered, and she leaned into him for support. It was a challenge to keep her upright.

    ¡°It¡¯s time to stop. Let me take you home,¡± Bryan told Eileen.

    ¡°Bryan,¡± Vivian interrupted as she approached with an icy stare towards Eileen, who paid her no mind. ¡°You¡¯ve been drinking as well. Are you sure you¡¯re fit to drive her home? Maybe she should stay at the hotel nearby.¡±

    ¡°My driver will escort you two,¡± Jacob interjected, pulling out his phone. Under Vivian¡¯s scorching gaze, he hastened to add, ¡°It¡¯s the least I can do since I am the one who got her drunk.¡±

    As Jacob held the door open, Bryan supported Eileen¡¯s unsteady form and guided her out. Eileen leaned heavily on him, her steps uncertain. Navigating through the hallway proved a struggle as Eileen¡¯s bnce faltered. Bryan carried her into his arms and marched forward.

    Jacob hustled behind them and summoned the elevator. ¡°Bryan, that was epic. Watching that expression on Vivian¡¯s face was priceless. But you might consider stepping in. Eileen shouldn¡¯t have to face Vivian¡¯s bullying.¡±

    He continued babbling, clearly worried about the aftermath of Vivian¡¯s ire. A mix of unreadable emotions flickered across Bryan¡¯s face. He peeked down at Eileen, who was drunk and dizzy, and let out augh. Jacob sure knew how to stir up trouble for him.

    The first time he and Eileen had sex was in a hotel, and it was because they had drunk too much. Since then, Eileen had never gotten drunk; she always had a sense of propriety. But today she had slipped. Bryan believed he knew why.

    Read exclusive updates g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls

    Downstairs, Jacob¡¯s driver was ready. Bryan and a drowsy Eileen nestled into the back seat. Jacob approached and rapped on the car window. The driver obliged, lowering the window.

    ¡°After you¡¯ve dropped them off, fetch a cab to retrieve me. No need to linger. And raise the partition,¡± Jacob said, then shed a grin at Bryan.

    Bryan sat quietly, fingers intertwined with Eileen¡¯s. She was nestled against the seat, her fixed gaze intense. As the partition went up, the car merged with the city¡¯s flow. The interior fell silent, Eileen¡¯s starepelling Bryan¡¯s attention.

    Bryan looked at her, giving her nose a yful tweak. ¡°Think you¡¯ll go this heavy on the drinks next time?¡±

    ¡°Ouch!¡± Eileen grimaced and rubbed her nose. ¡°Why did you do that? Are you joining in on the bullying, too?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s eyes darkened upon hearing that. ¡°Who¡¯s been bullying you?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious?¡± Eileen¡¯s eyes brimmed with tears. ¡°Your beloved said some harsh words to me. She called me shameless and said I didn¡¯t deserve your time. How could she say that to me? She isn¡¯t your wife. If she¡¯s got an issue with you, why take it out on me?¡±

    Eileen straightened, her hands veiling her face, muffling her soft cries. The pain she had held back seemed to break through her defenses now. Bryan witnessed her breakdown, an ache blooming in his chest.

    He was at a loss, unsure how to ease her sorrow. The alcohol unveiled Eileen¡¯s sadness¡ªthe ache of her parents¡¯ parting from long ago and Vivian¡¯s cold shunning flooded her thoughts. In her sober moments, she could ward off such feelings. Her resilience was her armor. Yet, inebriation had stripped her defenses, leaving her vulnerable.

    She knew that to Bryan, she was merely someone to share a bed with, and that deepened her grief.

    ¡°You have her already. Don¡¯tplicate my life further. You¡¯ve prepped her to be an adept assistant, skilled in the intricacies of bids. Perhaps it¡¯s time for me to resign. There¡¯s no need for me to be a burden to you both,¡± Eileen said between sobs.

    Bryan arched an eyebrow, his eyes turning cold. When had he groomed Vivian as an assistant? With a side lean, he extended his arm to draw Eileen closer. She settled against him, her elbows resting against his chest. Her hands fell from her tear-streaked face, revealing a look of confusion.

    Bryan asked, ¡°You¡¯re thinking of resigning?¡± He barely concealed the sharpness in his tone.

    Eileen¡¯s response was a swift shake of her head.

    ¡°Good.¡± Bryan¡¯s smile was a ghost of warmth as he smoothed her disheveled locks and caressed her cheek. The calluses on his fingers added a whisper of sensation.

    Eileen guided his hand to her waist and repositioned herself on hisp, tilting into his embrace. The heavy scent of alcohol hung between them.

    ¡°Bryan, are you going to leave me behind?¡± Eileen asked. Her question mirrored the abandonment she had known as a child.

    The pain in her voice was tangible, piercing through Bryan¡¯sposure. His reply was soft but firm. ¡°If you behave and listen to me from now on, I won¡¯t leave you.¡±

    ¡°I will,¡± Eileen replied quickly, her arms looping around his neck as she sought his lips. In her view, her affection was the only lure she held for Bryan¡ªshe was blind to any other allure she might possess.

    Eileen¡¯s attire was disheveled, revealing more than intended due to undone buttons. Bryan couldn¡¯t help but notice. A rush of desire stirred within him, his gaze intense with anticipation.

    ¡°You¡¯ll need to do more,¡± he murmured, gently guiding her.

    Eileen¡¯s kisses were hesitant, her movements unskilled in her inebriated state. With every breathced with the scent of alcohol, her eyes a misty veil of half-awareness, she drew him in.

    Bryan¡¯s breath hitched, the yearning evident. But they were still in the car, and the partition did little to muffle the world beyond. In the moment, Bryan was content to savor the raw honesty of Eileen¡¯s affections, unpolished as they were.

    As the kiss waned, Eileen¡¯s hands wandered awkwardly over his attire, blurred as she fiddled with a stubborn button, her efforts futile. Bryan felt a twinge of frustration mixed with desire. He quelled his impatience, deciding to wait until they reached Eileen¡¯s ce.

    He had instructed the driver to head to Springvale Lane, a mere minutes away. From the driver¡¯s seat, muffled sounds from the backseat asionally reached the driver¡¯s ears. The driver quickly understood what was happening.

    elerating, the car arrived at its destination in a brisk fifteen minutes. The driver swiftly exited the vehicle, offering through the window, ¡°Mr. Dawson, I¡¯ll leave now. Enjoy your evening!¡±

    There was no pause for a reply. The driver left promptly after that.

    Eileen¡¯s emotions had spun from distress to an earnest attempt to lift Bryan¡¯s spirits. She had fumbled with the buttons, sessfully freeing two, one with Bryan¡¯s assistance. As she hesitated at the next fastening, she felt her seating change, startling her.

    Bryan fought against his desires. ¡°Time to head home,¡± he said.

    Confusionced Eileen¡¯s thoughts, her mind clouded. A single word was all it took for Bryan¡¯s restraint to snap. He swore under his breath, his hands moving to her cor, abruptly tearing open her shirt.

    Buttons skittered across the interior, and Eileen felt a sudden chill. Seeking sce, she instinctively pressed closer to Bryan for warmth.

    Eileen¡¯s skirt had crept up to her waist as she settled onto him. Her bare legs caught Bryan¡¯s eye¡ªstriking and enticing. Bryan found the newness of the car¡¯s backseat thrilling, an unknown territory that brought a different rush. Eileen¡¯s inebriation only intensified the thrill.

    The vehicle boasted a lofty chassis and superior shock absorption, providing ample room for them. The car was parked in the yard, shielded from prying eyes. The distance from the nearby apartments gave them a bubble of privacy.

    Yet, as the first hints of dawn threatened, Bryan was aware they needed more seclusion. He escorted Eileen inside the house, eager to avoid ascending the stairs.

    Meanwhile, Jacob was faring poorly. After bidding farewell to Bryan and Eileen, he faced repeated defeat at Kian¡¯s hands in their online battle.

    When the driver returned to fetch him, Vivian warned him, ¡°After all these years, you know where your loyalties should lie. Eileen¡¯s role is clear. She¡¯s merely an assistant. Don¡¯t be short-sighted,¡± she said.

    With a grin, Jacob replied, ¡°Your point escapes me.¡±

    Waving farewell, Jacob exited the gaming lounge, his muffled chuckles fading as the door shut. Vivian exhaled deeply and sank onto the couch.

    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. You should head back and rest,¡± Kian advised as he helped Vivian to her feet. ¡°Your birthday is tomorrow; Mom and Dad have picked out a ce to celebrate it. You need to be rested so you can shine tomorrow.¡±

    Walking out with Kian, Vivian voiced her concern, ¡°Do you think Bryan will show up?¡±

    Kian assured her with a touch of intrigue, ¡°Absolutely. I¡¯d be stunned if he missed it. He might even have a surprise waiting for you.¡±

    Hope sparked in Vivian¡¯s eyes, though it quickly dimmed, clouded by images of Bryan with Eileen.

    In the car, Kian¡¯s gaze fell upon Vivian¡¯s troubled look, his thoughts trailing to Eileen. ¡°Stay on as Bryan¡¯s assistant; you¡¯ve got to be proactive. It¡¯s wise to expand your business savvy. Use this job to build a rapport with him. I can handle the rest,¡± Kian said to Vivian.

    Vivian acknowledged his words with a heavy nod. Kian offered aforting pat on her head. But then, he seemed to think of something, his eyes darkening.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 44

    ?Chapter 44:

    The weekend¡¯s leisure meant Eileen had nomitments to thepany. She slept untilte morning, stirred only by Bailee¡¯s call. They made ns to visit Ruby at the hospitalter today.

    After the call, Eileeny looking at the nk canvas of her ceiling, the events of the previous evening escaping her. Fragments of memory lingered, just the sour-sweet taste of grape and grapefruit cocktails, their pleasant burn a ghost on her pte.

    Pain jolted her as she tried to sit up. Grimacing, she eased back down.

    ¡°You¡¯re awake?¡± Bryan¡¯s voice was casual.

    Eileen¡¯s gazended on him. He wasfortably nested in a bean bag chair, his attention captured by theptop¡¯s screen.

    Ignoring the soreness protesting with each movement, Eileen rose. ¡°Mr. Dawson, have you had breakfast yet?¡±

    ¡°No. Waiting on takeout,¡± Bryan replied, putting aside theptop and standing up. Looking at her, he added gently, ¡°Remember, we¡¯re not at work now.¡±

    He was clearly displeased by her addressing him formally as ¡°Mr. Dawson.¡± Eileen just took some clothes and went to the bathroom to change without a word.

    Vivian¡¯s stinging admonitions echoed in her thoughts, a bitter reminder of the gap between her and Bryan. It was a reality check against any daydreams that might have taken root.

    The doorbell¡¯s chime interrupted the silence. Eileen decided to handle it.

    Descending the stairs, she opened the door. Roderick, with a goofy grin, pulled down his mask. ¡°Hey, is Mr. Dawson at your ce?¡±

    Feel inspired by ga  ln o vels .

    The receipt in Eileen¡¯s hand disyed Bryan¡¯s details. Eileen said, ¡°Yeah, he is. Is this your new job?¡±

    Roderick peered past her, lowering his voice. ¡°I won¡¯t step inside; I don¡¯t want to embarrass you. When I saw it was your address, I took this order right away!¡±

    epting the delivery, Eileen lingered on Roderick¡¯s disheveled state. ¡°Hang on for a second,¡± she said.

    Returning, she handed him a couple of cold beverages. ¡°Stay hydrated, okay? Tough work, but it pays. Save what you can; it might help kick-start something of your own.¡±

    Roderick, with a nod of affirmation, caught something odd in Eileen¡¯s appearance. ¡°Are you okay, Eileen? Your eyes are a bit red and swollen,¡± he said.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, just a rough night¡¯s sleep,¡± Eileen assured him, though she recalled the morning¡¯s puffiness¡ªa souvenir ofst night¡¯s excesses. What exactly had happened after the drinks was still a blur.

    Roderick paused, uncertainty lining his features. ¡°Is anyone giving you a hard time?¡±

    Eileen met his gaze, reassured by the concern that was a constant in his eyes. ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing like that,¡± she replied.

    Appreciative of his thoughtfulness, she gave him a nod. ¡°You¡¯d better get going¡ªyou¡¯re busy, right?¡±

    Roderick acknowledged and swiftly departed on his electric bike, continuing with his deliveries.

    Eileen then turned toy out an inviting breakfast spread. As Bryan descended, she said without looking at him, ¡°Go wash up, thene eat breakfast.¡±

    Bryanplied, joining her soon after. The table boasted an array of morning fare; Bryan had ordered a lot. After all, Eileen was exhausted from the night. Bryan was worried she wouldn¡¯t have enough to eat.

    As they ate, Eileen broached the day¡¯s schedule. ¡°Are you nning to go to thepanyter? There¡¯s a meeting¡­¡±

    ¡°Tell me when you¡¯re heading out.¡± Her question hinted at curiosity for his departure time.

    ¡°I¡¯ll escort you to the hospitalter. Then I¡¯ll head to the office. Expect me to pick you up in the evening. We¡¯ve got that event,¡± Bryan said. Then, after a moment¡¯s reflection, he inquired, ¡°Anyone you know staying at the hospital?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Eileen replied tersely, not wanting to say much. After all, she felt guilty.

    But Bryan¡¯s concern broke through. ¡°Who? Is it serious? How have I never heard you mention it?¡±

    Eileen paused, a piece of bread halfway to her mouth, then slowly chewed and swallowed before she could answer. The wordnded heavily between them, and Bryan fell into a pensive silence, recalling her tears from the night before.

    Meal finished, Eileen busied herself with the cleanup, stowing away leftovers. By the time the table was clear, noon was casting its shadow. She slipped into something casual, ready for the day ahead.

    En route, Bryan made stops¡ªa fruit shop for a colorful selection and a mall for health supplements. It wasn¡¯t until they reached the hospital that Eileen realized the items were intended for Ruby.

    ¡°It might not be appropriate,¡± she began, reluctance coloring her tone.

    Bryan¡¯s expression tightened as he set the gifts down. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with it? It¡¯s normal for a boss to support their employee¡¯s family in times of illness, especially given the nature of our rtionship now.¡±

    Their rtionship? What did he mean by that?

    Eileen remained silent, her istion a palpable force Bryan could no longer overlook, echoing the discord sown by Vivian¡¯s words.

    With a sigh that carried more than air, Bryan¡¯s voice grew gentler. ¡°Eileen, there¡¯s no need to keep your distance from me. It¡¯s futile.¡±

    With those parting words, he retreated to his car and drove off, leaving Eileen alone with a mix of relief and reluctance.

    Sighing, she admitted to herself the challenge of maintaining distance. After all, walking away from what was familiar was never simple.

    Entering the ward with the fruits and supplements, Bailee was taken aback by the unexpected sight. Ruby¡¯s expression transitioned from shock to delight.

    ¡°Are these from Huey? Is he here?¡± Her eyes darted to the door, hopeful.

    Previously, Eileen had only ever brought modest selections of fruit. Thevish basket was clearly not her doing, leading Ruby to such an assumption.

    Torn over revealing the source, Eileen hesitated. Ruby had inadvertently offered her an out.

    Eileen replied, ¡°He bought these things on his way here. But he decided not to visit. After all, we¡¯re not officially an item!¡±

    Ruby narrowed her eyes, a mix of disappointment and urgency in her voice. ¡°He is a catch, Eileen. What is holding you back? Didn¡¯t you two go to Lakedale together? And he got hurt because of you, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes, our paths crossed at Lakedale. His injury¡­ It was an ident,¡± Eileen responded while setting aside the fruit basket and health supplements, eager to steer away from a conversation spiraling towards Huey. Seeking to redirect the focus, she turned to Bailee.

    ¡°How have things been with you at worktely?¡± Eileen inquired.

    Bailee was eager to share her news. ¡°Going great! I¡¯ve actually be a formal employee ahead of time. They¡¯ve transferred me to a secretary position on the top floor!¡±

    Her eyes shone with excitement. ¡°My sry bumped up by two thousand!¡±

    Eileen¡¯s concern showed. ¡°A secretary position? What are your responsibilities?¡±

    Uncertainty crept into Bailee¡¯s voice. ¡°I¡¯m not quite sure yet. The notice came in justst night, and I¡¯ll start thising Monday.¡±

    She paused, a frown crossing her features. ¡°It¡¯s just¡ªI don¡¯t see how it fits with my degree. Eileen, any advice?¡±

    After a brief silence, Eileen offered some reassurance. ¡°You¡¯re only beginning. Expect the basics, like brewing coffee or handling paperwork. Don¡¯t expect to see sensitive material right away¡ªnot for the first six months at least. Just take it step by step.¡±

    Ruby chimed in, ¡°Listen to Eileen. She¡¯s got the know-how. Put in the effort, Bailee; learn from your sister.¡±

    Bailee nodded, resolve strengthened by their words. The room filled with their lively exchange, the earlier topic of Huey dissolving away unnoticed.

    The day wore on until Eileen¡¯s phone rang with news from Bryan. He was already at the hospital.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got something to do tonight, so head out; visit another time,¡± she said to Ruby, swiftly collecting her things to leave.

    As Bailee apanied Eileen to the elevator, her voice dropped to a whisper. ¡°Eileen, the fruit basket, it wasn¡¯t from Huey, right? Was it from Mr. Dawson?¡±

    Eileen met Bailee¡¯s gaze, a trace of astonishment on her face. ¡°You always see right through me, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Bailee¡¯s eyes narrowed, piecing together an unspoken puzzle. ¡°But why? Does he know about Mont¡¯s condition now? Didn¡¯t he suspect that you¡¯re his wife?¡±

    Eileen dismissed it. ¡°No.¡± After all, she hadn¡¯t told him the identity of the patient she was visiting.

    Switching subjects, she warned, ¡°When you start at the office, Kian will be around. Just be cautious.¡±

    Bailee nodded with a determined glint in her eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I know what I¡¯m doing. And if it doesn¡¯t sit right, I have no problem walking away.¡± She knew that if Kian¡¯s presence at work ever became a threat, she wouldn¡¯t hesitate to leave.

    Bailee bid her farewell as the elevator doors closed. Stepping out of the hospital, Eileen found Bryan by the roadside, casually leaning against the car with a cigarette in hand. Spotting Eileen, he drew onest drag before crushing the cigarette out and discarding it.

    He swung the passenger door open. ¡°Get in,¡± he said, his voice leaving no room for discussion. Then, without another word, he strode to the driver¡¯s side.

    Feeling weary, Eileen didn¡¯t protest. She settled into the seat and buckled up. ¡°What¡¯s the n?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re celebrating Vivian¡¯s birthday at a hotel. Might head to D.V. Club after. It¡¯ll be ate night,¡± Bryan replied, his attention on the road as he guided the car into the flow of traffic. Partway through their journey, he paused to pick up a meal for Eileen.

    Eileen hesitated before taking the food. She knew she wasn¡¯t qualified to join this kind of dinner. She figured it was better to eat now rather than be left hungryter.

    She found the aromas wafting in the car matched her preferences perfectly, though Bryan seemed to think otherwise. Nevertheless, he continued until they arrived. At a mall close by, he picked out a formal outfit for Eileen. Then they made their way to the hotel.

    During the drive, a call from Ste hade, her anger barely contained even through the muffled sounds. Eileen could hear Bryan¡¯s face tighten, a wordless end to the call marking his frustration.

    The birthday event was small, not thevish affair one might expect. A select few private rooms had been arranged, hosting a mix of Vivian¡¯s friends and members of influential families.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 45

    ?Chapter 45:

    Among the invitees was Ste, and she was the VIP guest.

    Eileen caught sight of Bryan¡¯s sour expression after he hung up the phone and knew Ste wouldn¡¯t make it. ¡°Is Ste back?¡± she inquired.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Bryan said, exhaling deeply. ¡°She returned a few days ago, under wraps. I only found out recently. But then she promptly left again. Mentioned something about needing to.¡±

    Worry etched lines on Bryan¡¯s forehead. Considering Ste¡¯s age, all that traveling didn¡¯t sit right with him. He was genuinely concerned.

    Eileen pursed her lips, sensing Bryan¡¯s worry that Ste might be avoiding Vivian. She remained silent for the rest of the ride.

    In the quiet afternoon, Roderick headed home for a breather. But no matter how he mulled it over, he couldn¡¯t shake the uneasy feeling gnawing at his heart. Ever since he had known Eileen, she had exuded strength, like she could take on the world solo. Yet, seeing her with swollen eyes at the crack of dawn, skipping breakfast until ten¡­ something must have happened.

    Seeing Judie putting on makeup, he queried, ¡°Where are you off to?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a friend¡¯s birthday today. I won¡¯t be back for dinner. You¡¯re on your own,¡± Judie replied, selecting the fanciest dress and shoes from the closet.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Roderick nodded. But he couldn¡¯t resist asking, ¡°Has Eileen been going through a rough patchtely?¡±

    Judie paused, turning to face him. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°I delivered breakfast to her this morning, ordered by Mr. Dawson. Saw her with puffy eyes, like she¡¯d been crying. Has she been bullied or something?¡± Roderick inquired.

    Exclusive updates g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??s.c?m

    Bullied? But wasn¡¯t it Vivian who got embarrassed yesterday? Judie pursed her lips. No wonder Eileen managed to keep Bryan by her side for so long. Perhaps she had vented to Bryanst night.

    ¡°She¡¯s alright. Who in the entirepany would dare to bully her?¡± Judie retorted before leaving.

    Roderick pondered for a moment and believed Judie. After all, Eileen was the CEO¡¯s assistant. Who would even dare to bully her?

    Could it be Bryan, then?

    Roderick furrowed his brow, pondering. Eileen¡¯s rtionship with Bryan wasn¡¯t something to boast about. Bryan seemed to be taking advantage of Eileen in this equation, yet he had spent the night at her ce. He had even ordered breakfast for her.

    Even until it was time for dinner deliveries, Roderick couldn¡¯t quite figure it out. He set off to continue his food deliveries.

    Eileen followed Bryan into the hotel and was ushered by the waiter to the private room reserved by the Warren family. The intricately patterned carpet was immactely clean. A door across the room was slightly ajar, andughter and merriment spilled out.

    Today, Vivian was the focal point, encircled by a throng of people. Bryan¡¯s entrance injected a new energy into the crowd. Sporting a white shirt without a tie, Bryan exuded an effortless nonchnce. Yet, everyone recognized him, their gazes brimming with admiration and reverence.

    Some eager to approach and chat hesitated, noting the aloofness of his demeanor, diverting their attention to Vivian instead. ¡°I knew it. Who else could snag Bryan for a birthday party? Only Miss Warren.¡±

    ¡°Look at them; they seem so well-matched. I bet wedding bells are on the horizon. Though, Bryan¡¯s still got a wife for now. Guess we¡¯ll have to wait a tad longer.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t keep Vivian waiting longer. You tied the knot with that woman just to save face. Vivian was young and naive back then. Now that she¡¯s back, you can¡¯t act so stubborn. We¡¯re all grown-ups here.¡±

    The chatter buzzed with criticism and spection. Despite the scrutiny, Vivian felt happy in her heart. Bryan appeared to brush off their remarks, standing stoically near Vivian. Every so often, he would cast a sidelong nce at Eileen, who was behind him.

    ¡°Bryan,e with me,¡± Kian interjected, breaking away from his family and guiding Bryan outside.

    Eileen instinctively moved to follow but was halted by Kian. ¡°Miss Curtis, we¡¯ve got quite the crowd today, and I could use your help with serving. Could you lend a hand?¡± he said.

    Eileen paused as she nced toward Bryan. Bryan met her gaze, his brow furrowing slightly. ¡°Go,¡± he said.

    In the hotel¡¯s VIP lounge, Bryan had just stepped in when he was presented with a gift box. ¡°It¡¯s Vivian¡¯s birthday. You ought to give her a gift,¡± Kian said. ¡°Didn¡¯t want you to spend too much, so I took care of it for you.¡±

    Bryan arched an eyebrow and epted the gift box, his fingers drumming on it in contemtion. Kian added, ¡°Nina¡¯s been a bit under the weathertely, you know, the nine-to-five grind. Look out for her. I will set the gift box on the coffee table; I¡¯ve already done my part.¡±

    ¡°Oh? You care about Eileen, don¡¯t you?¡± Kian said with a slight smile.

    Bryan¡¯s gaze hardened ever so slightly, his eyebrow raised. ¡°This has nothing to do with her, and it¡¯s none of your concern. I agreed to that one favor for you, but my condition is that Vivian doesn¡¯t overstep.¡±

    With that, he grabbed the gift box and gave Kian a pat on the shoulder before making his exit.

    Eileen pivoted back to the lobby and located the hotel manager, double-checking if everything was in order for the birthday party. Just as Judie entered, she caught sight of Eileen with the hotel manager. Silently, she made her way to the private room Vivian was in.

    Upon stepping inside, she spotted Vivian engrossed in conversation with two women of simr age. Rushing over, Judie eximed, ¡°Miss Warren!¡±

    Vivian nced over with a smile, waving her hand. ¡°Thought you weren¡¯t making it?¡±

    ¡°How could I miss it?¡± Judie hurried forward, linking arms with Vivian. ¡°Your birthday is a must-attend for me. Just got held up a bit due to traffic.¡±

    The two women beside them eyed Judie up and down. Her attire didn¡¯t quite impress them. Since when had Vivian started hanging out with folks like her?

    ¡°Miss Warren, who is Eileen? Why is she here?¡± Judie asked. She didn¡¯t feelfortable seeing Eileen here.

    Vivian shrugged nonchntly. ¡°She came with Bryan.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Judie furrowed her brow. ¡°She¡¯s just an assistant. What¡¯s she doing at a private event with Mr. Dawson? Did she insist on tagging along?¡±

    Recalling Roderick¡¯s mention of Eileen looking distressed and teary-eyed, could it be that Eileen had had a spat with Bryan earlier and insisted on attending Vivian¡¯s birthday party?

    ¡°Vivian, is she referring to the woman who arrived with Mr. Dawson earlier?¡± Megan Beckett, Vivian¡¯s cousin from her uncle¡¯s side, spoke up. She had noticed Eileen right away because of Eileen¡¯s striking appearance.

    Vivian nodded, not saying a word.

    Standing nearby was Phoebe Burton, Vivian¡¯s cousin from her aunt¡¯s side. With her short hair and neutral appearance, she seemed indifferent, though a flicker of impatience glinted in her eyes.

    Both Phoebe and Megan had been raised to cater to Vivian¡¯s wishes, given their families¡¯ reliance on the Warrens. Being two years younger and not as quick-witted, Phoebe had found herself overshadowed by Megan, who enjoyed more favor from Vivian. This disparity had led Phoebe to hate such gatherings, silently observing Megan¡¯s concern for Vivian.

    ¡°Vivian, are you feeling jealous that Bryan has such an attractive female assistant?¡± Megan probed, sensing Vivian¡¯s difort.

    Vivian remained silent, ncing at Judie, who took a beat to respond, realizing an opportunity to be of use had presented itself.

    ¡°Just a female assistant. There¡¯s no need for Miss Warren to feel jealous. Miss Warren has recently joined thepany and assumed some of Eileen¡¯s duties. Perhaps Eileen is apprehensive about her own position, trying to undermine Miss Warren, leveraging her seniority at Apex Group,¡± Judie exined, opting not to divulge Eileen and Bryan¡¯s rtionship, respecting Vivian¡¯s presumed desire for privacy.

    Vivian gently pulled Judie¡¯s arm. ¡°Don¡¯t speak nonsense. It¡¯s not Eileen¡¯s fault,¡± she said, wearing a faint smile as if unperturbed by any perceived bullying from Eileen.

    Judie awkwardly chuckled. It seemed like Vivian wanted her to y the viin in all this. But if it could secure Vivian¡¯s support for her at work, she was willing to do this.

    ¡°Megan, I need to attend to some other guests. You and Judie can talk,¡± Vivian suggested, nudging Judie toward Megan before departing.

    As soon as Vivian turned away, she twisted her face into a look of disgust and wiped the spot where Judie had touched her.

    Judie talked with Megan, spinning tales about Eileen causing trouble for Vivian. Then, she noticed Eileen returning to the room. Panicked, Judie swiftly found a hiding spot, fearful of being seen by Eileen.

    Megan discreetly sized up Eileen, brainstorming strategies to handle her. Phoebe leaned closer to Megan and whispered, ¡°Here¡¯s some advice: don¡¯t y the fool and allow yourself to be used as a pawn. Remember, Eileen¡¯s Bryan¡¯s employee. It¡¯s not your ce to meddle.¡±

    ¡°You can drop it,¡± Megan retorted, rolling her eyes. ¡°She¡¯s just Bryan¡¯sckey. I¡¯m Vivian¡¯s cousin. Would Bryan risk upsetting Vivian for her? I¡¯m not going to let you drag me down.¡±

    With that, Megan strode to Eileen.

    Phoebe watched Megan depart, cursing her under her breath before walking away.

    The hotel staff operated with impressive efficiency, ensuring the birthday party progressed seamlessly. Eileen stood by, observing.

    Meanwhile, Megan, d in a ck dress with her long hair cascading down, approached Eileen with an air of superiority, holding a ss of red wine.

    ¡°Excuse me, waitress¡ªthis wine tastes off,¡± she said.

    Eileen was taken aback. ¡°Apologies, miss. I¡¯m not a waitress. Let me find one for you,¡± she offered, poised to seek assistance as all the staff inside the room appeared upied. However, Megan, wine ss in hand, halted her.

    In an instant, the wine spilled, staining Eileen¡¯s pristine white shirt. The crimson liquid soaked into the fabric, contouring her slender waist. Some also sttered onto Megan¡¯s skirt and shoes.

    ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± Megan erupted, hurling the empty ss at Eileen, which struck her and shattered on the floor.

    Though the carpet muffled the noise of the shattered ss, Megan¡¯s voice rang out too loudly. ¡°Are you blind? Why would you walk into me? Do you have any idea how much my dress costs? Can you afford to reimburse me?¡± Megan shouted.

    Suddenly, all eyes in the room turned towards them. Eileen was momentarily taken aback, her brow furrowing slightly. ¡°Miss, you were the one who blocked my path. And it¡¯s not just your clothes that got wet; mine did too.¡±

    ¡°How much is your dress anyway?¡± Megan scoffed. ¡°My dress is a limited edition.¡±

    ¡°Your dress is thetest style of Ophelia this year, priced at eighty-eight thousand. ck Gold enjoys a thirty percent discount. But the cost of the dress is irrelevant to the situation. After all, no matter its price tag, it¡¯s still just a dress. And causing a scene isn¡¯t appropriate today, wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡± Eileen interjected. She had noticed Megan and Vivian¡¯s closeness when she entered.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 46

    ?Chapter 46:

    Eileen wasn¡¯t certain if Megan¡¯s outburst was rted to Vivian. All she knew was that the disturbance had garnered disapproving looks from the crowd. The Warren family wouldn¡¯t be pleased if Vivian¡¯s birthday party was ruined.

    Eileen wasn¡¯t acquainted with Megan¡¯s ties to the Warrens. She simply hoped Megan would realize that causing a scene wasn¡¯t appropriate on this asion.

    But evidently, Megan had targeted her. Megan wore a cold smirk and said, ¡°Quite the attitude. Can you even afford the dress?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯llpensate you. After Miss Warren¡¯s birthday party concludes, we can discuss it privately,¡± Eileen proposed.

    Megan replied, ¡°I¡¯m not interested in money. I simply want this dress restored to its former glory.¡±

    Eileen furrowed her brow. ¡°Then after dinner, I¡¯ll take it to the dry cleaner.¡±

    ¡°Nope,¡± Megan toyed with her hair, signaling her intent to make things difficult for Eileen.

    ¡°So, how do you suggest we resolve this?¡± Eileen inquired.

    ¡°Apologize.¡± Megan nced around at the onlookers. ¡°It¡¯s rather impolite to create a mess at such a significant event. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s customary for you to apologize?¡±

    Among the crowd, some frowned disapprovingly at Megan¡¯s behavior, while others observed with keen interest. Vivian stood alongside her parents, seemingly indifferent to the situation. She refrained from intervening or gloating. A hint of irony danced in her eyes as she chuckled inwardly. There was no need for her to dirty her hands. She knew Eileen wouldn¡¯t dare to offend anyone present.

    ¡°Apologies. I identally dirtied your dress and shoes. I hope you can forgive me,¡± Eileen said.

    The prospect of footing the bill stung. If a simple apology could resolve the issue, Eileen saw no need to stand her ground. She had encountered and handled simr situations before. Dealing with these sorts of matters was like a walk in the park for her.

    L??t§Öst ch¦Ápt?rs in g??l??ov???s.??????

    Vivian, apparently taken aback by Eileen¡¯s swift apology, pressed her lips together.

    Megan froze, blinking. ¡°That¡¯s it?¡±

    Eileen raised an eyebrow, offering a smile to Megan.

    ¡°Megan.¡± Beside Megan, Megan¡¯s mother stood alongside Vivian¡¯s mother, Debby. Observing Debby¡¯s displeased expression, she grew annoyed that Megan had irked the Warren family by causing a scene at Vivian¡¯s birthday celebration.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Auntie. It¡¯s just a minor issue. Let¡¯s resolve it swiftly. After all, the dinner party is to celebrate. Let¡¯s go try. Otherwise, the ambiance will be ruined,¡± Vivian interjected, aiming to reassure Megan.

    With Vivian¡¯s backing, Megan felt emboldened. She turned to face Eileen again. ¡°Apologies don¡¯t cut it.¡±

    Eileen took a deep breath, her clear eyes reflecting Megan¡¯s smug demeanor. ¡°I can offerpensation.¡±

    ¡°We already told you I don¡¯t need money!¡± Megan lifted the hem of her dress, revealing her dark suede high heels. ¡°Kneel. Clean my shoes,¡± she demanded.

    Eileen raised her eyebrows slightly, her gaze taking on a hint of severity. ¡°Allow me to offer some advice: don¡¯t push it too far.¡±

    ¡°Too far?¡± Megan rolled her eyes. ¡°And what if I do push it too far? If you fail to meet my satisfaction, you won¡¯t be leaving this ce anytime soon!¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± A clear, icy voice cut through from the doorway. Bryan sauntered in, a cigarette between his lips. His raised eyebrows fixated on Megan. ¡°Do you intend to stop her from leaving here? Tell me.¡±

    His tone carried neither haste nor leisure, yet it exuded amanding presence that was difficult to ignore.

    ¡°She¡ª¡± Megan faltered. Under Bryan¡¯s intense scrutiny, she found herself at a loss for words.

    Sensing Megan¡¯s unease, Vivian stepped forward with a smile. ¡°Bryan, don¡¯t be upset. Megan loves this dress. It¡¯s natural for her to be upset when it¡¯s stained.¡±

    With a discreet pinch, Vivian signaled to Megan to let the matter go.

    Taking the hint, Meganplied and said to Eileen, ¡°You¡¯re not even worthy of polishing my shoes. Consider yourself lucky today!¡±

    Bryan¡¯s gaze intensified, the smoke curling from his lips failing to conceal the sharpness in his eyes. To Eileen, Megan¡¯s actions seemed like a provocation. Megan was challenging Bryan¡¯s authority.

    Megan¡¯s father, Stuart Beckett, stepped forward from the crowd, regretting not recognizing Eileen as Bryan¡¯s assistant earlier. He said to Bryan, ¡°Bryan, please ignore her. She¡¯s spoiled. For heaven¡¯s sake, drop it.¡±

    Bryan flicked off the cigarette ash, his lips curving into a smirk. ¡°I¡¯m taking this too seriously. I¡¯ll let it slide. After all, a beaten dog would need its owner¡¯s permission soon.¡±

    Was he calling Megan a dog?

    Eileen struggled to contain herughter. Thankfully, Bryan stood between her and Megan, shielding her from the confrontation.

    Stuart looked embarrassed, opting not to challenge Bryan further. Instead, he swiftly changed the subject and invited everyone to take their seats.

    It was then that Eileen noticed Bryan holding a small gift box, seemingly containing jewelry. It was probably a birthday present for Vivian.

    Bryan cast a fleeting nce at Eileen before taking his seat, his gaze briefly lingering on her wet clothes. Leaning in close to her ear, he whispered, ¡°Handle the clothing situation. There¡¯s a small garden on the hotel¡¯s rooftop. If you find yourself bored, take a stroll up there. Wait for me there.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen replied, feeling it wasn¡¯t appropriate to linger any longer. She didn¡¯t dwell on the meaning behind hisst sentence. Instead, she turned and made her way to the elevator, heading straight for the top floor.

    The rooftop garden was the hotel¡¯s crown jewel, offering a sweeping vista of the ind. The twinkling city lights were mesmerizing.

    Stepping out of the elevator, Eileen was greeted by a refreshing night breeze. Surprisingly, there was no one here in the garden, save for a uniformed attendant stationed near the elevator.

    Finding a secluded spot, Eileen sat down. A warm, amber glow bathed the area from above, enveloping her in aforting embrace.

    Taking out her phone, she noticed a message from Bailee. After their hospital visit, Ruby hadmented about forgetting to inquire about Huey. Upon a sudden impulse, Ruby had called Huey¡¯s mother, leading to a delightful conversation. Ruby had seemed ted.

    Bailee cautioned, ¡°Eileen, you¡¯d better start preparing early. I¡¯m afraid that Mom is going to n the wedding soon.¡±

    Eileen smiled and replied, ¡°Alright.¡± With both families offering such strong support, continuing their trial rtionship seemed inappropriate.

    As soon as she messaged Huey, he responded quickly. It took Eileen a moment to realize what Huey meant. Huey was inviting her to join him in the game. She could onlyply and log in.

    Huey promptly whisked her into a room where another yer named ¡°Moon¡± awaited. The yer was Bailee.

    ¡°Starting today, I¡¯m devoting all my time to gaming with you guys. Your skills are seriouslycking; I¡¯m not okay with that,¡± Huey grumbled discontentedly.

    Then he added, ¡°Eileen, why did you message me just now?¡±

    With Bailee present, Eileen couldn¡¯t broach the topic directly. She simply replied, ¡°No specific reason. It¡¯s just for casual talk.¡±

    ¡°Alright, get ready. Let¡¯s dive into the game,¡± Huey announced.

    With a click, Huey initiated the game, and within moments, teams were formed.

    Eileen struggled with the game, unable to grasp its intricacies. She even had difficulty selecting a character, despite Huey¡¯s guidance. Ultimately, the system chose a character for her automatically. Before she could catch her breath, Huey was already voicing his frustration.

    ¡°Both of you! We¡¯ll grab a meal together soon. I need to school you on character recognition,¡± he dered.

    Eileen said, ¡°Fine, right? You¡¯re a pro at this. We¡¯ll just follow your lead.¡±

    Huey nearly choked. Selecting an assassin himself, he watched as Eileen and Bailee opted for support characters. As they engaged in casual banter, they used their skills to bolster the assassin.

    Three minutester, their random teammates gave up, abandoning the game.

    Five minutester, they suffered defeat.

    A heavy silence descended. Huey even began to question his life choices. Losing their first game to random yers and in such swift fashion was too much for him.

    ¡°Both of you, especially you, Eileen. I¡¯ll give you a crash course on recognizing the characters,¡± he said.

    After some time, Huey managed to regain his confidence. Pushing aside his lingering embarrassment, he patiently began to impart knowledge to Eileen bit by bit.

    Though Eileen grasped a few concepts, when Huey tasked her with identifying a specific character again, she fumbled through the roster to no avail.

    ¡°My boss needs me for some work. I¡¯m a tad better than Eileen. I¡¯ll leave now. You two can continue,¡± Bailee announced abruptly and logged off.

    This afforded Eileen the chance to broach the subject. ¡°My mom is overly invested in our rtionship. It could get messy if we keep up the charade. Perhaps we should just end it.¡±

    Huey fought the urge to refuse her immediately. His mom had just agreed to let him y games as long as he stayed with Eileen. But how could he persuade Eileen to continue the facade?

    After some contemtion, he proposed, ¡°Once you reach the King rank in this game and recognize all characters, I¡¯ll tell my mother the truth.¡±

    Eileen furrowed her brow. With her limited gaming time, this seemed daunting.

    ¡°Can¡¯t¡ª¡± she began.

    ¡°Nope. It¡¯s my way or the highway,¡± Huey cut in firmly, abruptly logging off to forestall any further debate.

    Eileen stared at her phone screen, feeling vexed. While she was adept at handling various people in the business world, dealing with Huey had left her with a pounding headache. She could onlyply with his demands. But how long would she have to wait? She refused¡­ She dreaded the thought of what Huey might do.

    Lost in her worries, she was startled by a familiar voice.

    ¡°I sent you up here to admire the view, not to y games,¡± Bryan said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 47

    ?Chapter 47:

    A shadow fell over her. Eileen looked up, Bryan¡¯s features blurred against the backlight. Bryan was staring intently at the game on her phone screen. Eileen looked away, a soft sniff escaping her, before extending the phone towards him. ¡°Could you show me how to y this?¡± she asked.

    ¡°What seems to be the problem?¡± Bryan took the phone, casually tapping through the screens. The ount level was quite low, yet it boasted aplete collection of characters and skins, all gifts from Huey. Such an ount would be valuable on the market.

    ¡°I¡¯m just not good at it,¡± Eileen said, hesitant to confess her feeling of obligation to learn because of Huey. She feared Bryan might take offense. Despite the absence of romantic feelings between her and Bryan, she believed he had his ego. Bryan, she assumed, would want to best Huey.

    Bryan¡¯s gaze lingered on her, taking in her delicateshes and features. He knew her face well, yet each nce filled him with wonder. Her words brushed against his heart, tender as a feather¡¯s touch. He found himself drawn closer, his voice low and rough, ¡°That will depend on how well you perform.¡±

    His words sent a flutter through Eileen¡¯s chest, prompting a moment of confusion. Where were they again?

    Downstairs was Vivian¡¯s birthday party.

    Realization dawned, and Eileen gently pushed him back. ¡°Miss Warren¡¯s birthday.¡±

    ¡°Now,¡± Bryan answered, his focus sharp, eager to return to the task at hand, dismissing any further distractions.

    Eileen found herself taken aback. She nibbled at her lip, then ventured in a whisper, ¡°Should we head home?¡±

    Feel the thrill at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s©q??o??

    ¡°What¡¯s there to¡ª¡± Bryan¡¯s voice broke through the quiet, his fingers deftly moving a stray lock of her hair behind her ear, his breath tinged with the smell of smoke.

    Eileen cast her eyes downward. ¡°I worry about the trouble I might cause you.¡±

    The thought nagged at her. One moment, he was presenting a birthday gift to Vivian. The next, he wanted to be intimate with her. What if they got caught?

    A shadow seemed to cross Bryan¡¯s face. He rose, his gaze drifting to the distant view before him, then leisurely drew a cigarette from his pocket.

    Taking the initiative, Eileen grabbed the lighter from his grasp and lit his cigarette. The me briefly illuminated his features, casting a warm light in the cool night air.

    They stood together in silence on the rooftop, the gentle night breeze their onlypanion. Words were unnecessary; their presence was enough.

    Bryan didn¡¯t go downstairs again. After soaking in the rooftop vista and receiving a message from Kian that the celebration had concluded, he made his departure from the hotel.

    At the entrance, Vivian¡¯s parents were bidding farewell to departing guests. Vivian herself was caught in conversation with Megan, who threw asional nces Bryan¡¯s way.

    ¡°Bring the car here,¡± he said, his posture shifting subtly. His gaze was anchored on the figures in the distance, yet his words were directed at Eileen.

    With a nod, Eileen moved towards the underground parking, her steps halting when a surge of raised voices reached her ears. Curious, she turned her head, witnessing a couple in the midst of scolding a girl with short hair.

    ¡°You¡¯re utterly worthless. What good are you to us?¡± The woman¡¯s fury neared its peak, her hand poised as if to hit the girl.

    The man¡¯s patience wore thin as he dismissed the girl¡¯s worthpared to Megan. ¡°Try to take a leaf out of her book instead of burying yourself in your studies. What¡¯s the point in that anyway?¡±

    From her vantage point, Eileen could only view the scene from behind. She stood, seemingly detached, her response indifferent.

    ¡°When you decide to throw Elle out, my books wille in handy. They won¡¯t leave me hungry,¡± the girl responded, her voice devoid of emotion.

    ¡°You think we¡¯d kick you out?¡± the woman said, giving a p to the girl¡¯s back. ¡°Keep dreaming! We¡¯ve taken care of you all these years. It¡¯s time you started paying us back. Forget about leaving!¡±

    The girl with short hair stood her ground. ¡°Try me, and I¡¯ll show you exactly what I¡¯m capable of.¡±

    Her tone was defiant, yet it only served to enrage the man further. In a swift motion, he struck her across the face, sending her tumbling to the ground.

    Dissatisfied, he hurled insults at her before storming off towards a sleek luxury car parked nearby. The woman shot a venomous look at the fallen girl and followed the man to leave.

    As the girly on the ground, Eileen got a clear view of her face and recognized her. She must be rted to the Warren family.

    Eileen hesitated, not wanting to embarrass the girl further, but she needed to move past the scene to get to her car.

    ¡°You cane out,¡± the girl suddenly said, pushing herself up to sit and catching a glimpse of Eileen¡¯s feet. Eileen emerged slowly, pointing towards the car nearby. ¡°I need to get to my car over there.¡±

    After speaking, she moved closer to the girl and offered a helping hand. The girl hesitated for a moment before epting the assistance and getting to her feet.

    ¡°Phoebe Burton,¡± she introduced herself. ¡°My mother is Vivian¡¯s aunt.¡±

    Eileen nodded in acknowledgment. ¡°Eileen Curtis, Mr. Dawson¡¯s assistant.¡±

    Phoebe responded tersely, ¡°And just so you know, I don¡¯t get along with Vivian. You have no reason to be cautious around me.¡±

    The deration was blunt and left Eileen momentarily at a loss for words, unsure how to respond.

    ¡°Can you give me a ride home?¡± Phoebe asked, gesturing towards the exit. ¡°My parents left without me, and I¡¯m without any money.¡±

    ¡°I need to get Mr. Dawson¡¯s permission before I can do that. I need to drive him back,¡± Eileen admitted, though she was already forming a favorable opinion of Phoebe from their brief interaction.

    Phoebe showed understanding with a nod. ¡°Okay, then. Could you add me on WhatsApp? I¡¯ll wait by the side of the road. If he says no, just let me know. But if he agrees, you can stop and pick me up there.¡±

    As she spoke, Phoebe had her phone ready, disying the QR code for Eileen to scan and add her as a contact.

    After that, Eileen made her way to the car.

    Outside the hotel, Vivian¡¯s parents were finishing up their goodbyes, while Vivian was still engaged in conversation with Bryan by the roadside, visibly enjoying herself.

    Bryan, however, maintained a neutral expression, with Kian nearby looking at Vivian with a smile.

    As Eileen approached in the car, Bryan cut through Vivian¡¯s continuous banter. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte; you should head home. I¡¯m leaving now,¡± he said.

    Eileen noticed Vivian¡¯s look of displeasure through the window as Bryan joined her in the car. She then turned the vehicle around, leaving Vivian¡¯s figure shrinking in the rearview mirror, her gaze of resentment finally fading away.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, I came across Phoebe Burton on my way out. She¡¯s the daughter of Miss Warren¡¯s aunt, and her parents left her behind without any money. She¡¯s asked me for a ride home,¡± Eileen told Bryan as they drove off slowly, spotting Phoebe waiting by the road.

    Bryan, who had been resting with his eyes closed in the passenger seat, cracked open his eyes at Eileen¡¯s words and gave a nod.

    Eileen pulled over, and Phoebe, without hesitation, climbed into the car. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Dawson,¡± she said, though Bryan offered no reply.

    Eileen returned the thanks with a smile and reminded Phoebe to buckle up. After getting Phoebe¡¯s address, Eileen started the car again.

    Throughout the ride, Phoebe was quiet, her eyes wandering around the interior of the car until theynded on several white buttons in a corner.

    With a puzzled frown, she picked them up, examining each with a growing curiosity before slipping them into her bag.

    The drive to drop Phoebe home took an additional thirty minutes, and Eileen and Bryan reached Springvale Lane around eleven at night.

    Once back, the first thing Bryan did was follow up with a gaming session with Eileen. By chance, Jacob was online too, so they all decided to y together.

    Eileen stayed silent, listening while Jacob animatedly shared tales from Vivian¡¯s birthday party over voice chat.

    It was then Eileen learned Jacob had been at the party as well, arriving just after she had gone up to the rooftop. He had gifted Vivian a ne valued at two hundred thousand dors.

    ¡°I¡¯m not even that close to her. Why did shepare my gift to yours?¡± Jacob vented. ¡°She bragged about the ne you gave her, iming it was a limited edition she had been after for ages, supposedly the only one of its kind globally, worth a million!¡±

    Jacob¡¯s frustration was palpable. ¡°Honestly, if it weren¡¯t for you, I wouldn¡¯t have bothered with a gift at all. The moment she started with herparisons, I was out of there. I didn¡¯t even stick around for the meal.¡±

    Eileen found herself momentarily distracted by the conversation, her activity in the game halting until a notification of her character¡¯s demise snapped her back to reality. On her screen, the characters that had eliminated hers were now being targeted by Bryan.

    Bryan was reclined on the couch, with Eileen resting on his legs. She was unable to discern any emotion from him as he methodically killed their foes.

    ¡°Damn!¡± Jacob¡¯s frustration broke through again. ¡°ying alongside Bryan is just disheartening. Out of eighteen, you snag fifteen kills, your assistant bags three, and here I am with absolutely nothing! No kills, no deaths, no anything. Next game, I¡¯m switching to a support role alongside you.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s response was cutting. ¡°I¡¯m not keen on having a man follow me around.¡±

    Jacob retorted with determination, ¡°You won¡¯t be able to shake me off easily!¡±

    True to his word, in the following game, even as Eileen opted for a support character, Jacob did the same, iming thest support role for himself.

    No matter how much their other two teammates grumbled, Jacob paid them no mind, choosing instead to stick close to Bryan throughout the game. This situation reminded Eileen of the recent game where she had yed with Bailee and Huey; they had lost the game in five minutes. She expected the same result this time again.

    Surprisingly, Bryan secured the first kill against their adversaries early on. Within minutes, he was wreaking havoc among the enemy ranks, leaving Eileen to realize that her earlier gaming struggles hadn¡¯t been dragging Huey down. It was Huey who hadn¡¯t mastered the game.

    After concluding that match, Bryan didn¡¯t hesitate to remove Jacob from the team, opting to continue ying with Eileen instead. Undeterred, Jacob tried to irritate Bryan further by calling repeatedly. Yet, Bryan showed no mercy, promptly blocking Jacob on his phone.

    With a light-hearted shake of her head and a smile, Eileen found herself growing tired. The support characters she yed required little focus, leading her hands to move almost automatically across the screen until sleep overtook her.

    Upon waking the next morning, a quick check of her phone revealed their team¡¯s victory, and to her astonishment, she had somehow achieved a pentakill. On impulse, she saved the game¡¯s video, though shecked the time to watch it as she prepared for work.

    Arriving at thepany, Eileen was immediately struck by a palpably upbeat atmosphere.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 48

    ?Chapter 48:

    Upon returning to her office, Eileen received some documents from Ka. As they engaged in a bit of light-hearted gossip, Eileen learned what had caused the cheerful atmosphere in thepany.

    The cause was the money Vivian had shared in thepany group chat to celebrate her birthday, sparking waves of gossip when she disclosed that Bryan had gifted her a ne. But this was no ordinary ne¡ªit was a limited edition piece, valued at a million dors.

    This revtion sent ripples through the office, with many envying Vivian and sharing in the excitement as if they too were the recipients of Bryan¡¯s extravagant gift.

    ¡°Worth a million!¡± Ka couldn¡¯t help but exim, pondering aloud the amount of hard work required to amass such wealth.

    Eileen, however, found herself lost in the documents handed to her by Ka, a subtle tremor in her gaze. She couldn¡¯t shake off the thought that, despite everything, the most expensive gifts she had received from Bryan were valued merely in the hundreds of thousands. The disparity was stark.

    Upon hearing that, Ka left, leaving Eileen to her thoughts. Once Eileen had cleared her backlog of work, her schedule finally freed up, and she managed to have lunch on time.

    By sheer coincidence, she ended up at a restaurant near the Apex Group office where Vivian and a few others, including Judie, had gathered.

    Judie, sitting next to Vivian,vished Vivian with praise. Upon noticing Eileen, she gave a knowing smile and beckoned her over.

    ¡°Hey, Eileen. Come over and join us,¡± Vivian called out cheerily, exining that if it weren¡¯t for Bryan¡¯s meeting, she would have missed this opportunity for lunch together.

    The invitation, coupled with the swift amodation made by those around, left Eileen with little room to decline.

    Latest novels uploaded g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Despite the fact that she knew Vivian was putting on a facade now, Eileen ced her order and took a seat among them.

    Catching a glimpse of the ne adorning Vivian, Eileen offered a casualpliment. ¡°Your ne is beautiful.¡±

    Vivian, basking in the attention, tilted her chin up to afford a better view of her prized possession. ¡°Isn¡¯t it lovely?¡± she said, sharing that it was a gift from Bryan, something she had long desired.

    Eileen had the distinct feeling she had heard these words before, perhaps dozens of times. Just yesterday, Jacob had echoed a simr sentiment, and Ka had said the same today.

    Now, listening to Vivian express the same, Eileen couldn¡¯t help but find a bit of humor in the repetition. Yet, she listened to Vivian, maintaining herposure as if this were all routine, before skillfullymenting, ¡°Mr. Dawson really treats you well.¡±

    Vivian was momentarily caught off guard by Eileen¡¯s reaction. She turned to face her, expecting to see a trace of jealousy or difort, but finding none, her disappointment was palpable.

    After her meal was served, Eileen ate with a speed that betrayed her intention to return to work posthaste. ¡°Enjoy your meal, but I must get back to work now,¡± she announced, pushing her chair back to stand up.

    At that moment, Judie¡¯s voice halted her. ¡°Eileen, it¡¯s a rare treat for us to share a table with Miss Warren. Why the rush? You wouldn¡¯t want others thinking you¡¯re avoiding Miss Warren on purpose, would you?¡±

    Eileen paused, weighing her response. She recognized Judie¡¯s attempt to tter Vivian and had no desire to interfere. But she couldn¡¯t allow Judie to mock her to please Vivian.

    ¡°Perhaps I should speak with Mr. Dawson about reducing your lunch hour? It might help you focus more on your tasks rather than spending time on gossip. It seems your productivity could use a boost,¡± she suggested, her tone firm.

    This critique wasn¡¯t just aimed at Judie but served as a broadermentary on the group¡¯s priorities. Many people here seemed more invested in courting favor than in their professional responsibilities.

    Eileen¡¯s departure was swift, leaving a tense air that hastened the conclusion of the lunch. Vivian, feeling slighted, simmered with rage. ¡°Eileen, how could you?¡± she muttered under her breath.

    Unbeknownst to Eileen, her pointed remark to Judie had sown the seeds of a grudge in Vivian. As the day waned into evening, Vivian seized an opportunity for retribution. She burst into Eileen¡¯s office, a stack of documents in her hands.

    ¡°These arrived from various departments this afternoon. I was tied up assisting Bryan and only now remembered to deliver them to you,¡± Vivian exined. ¡°Fortunately, there¡¯s still ample time for you to address them.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s gaze lingered on the documents sprawled across her desk. She arched one brow in realization. It made sense now why the afternoon¡¯s expected materials had never shown up.

    Vivian exited swiftly, not pausing for a reply, leaving Eileen to tackle the mound of paperwork alone. Roughly thirty minutes past the end of the work hour, Bryan appeared, his expression turning to concern at the sight of the documents cluttering Eileen¡¯s workspace.

    ¡°Stayingte to work?¡± he inquired, frowning.

    With a simple nod, Eileen replied, ¡°Yes.¡±

    From the doorway, Vivian¡¯s voice carried in, tinged with a hint of satisfaction. ¡°Bryan, I¡¯ve been saying Eileen¡¯s swamped with work. Looks like it¡¯s just for dinner!¡± She shed Bryan a smile, clutching her purse.

    ¡°Tell us to leave now. Let¡¯s not waste the reservation,¡± she added.

    Bryan agreed, albeit distractedly, his response trailing off as he and Vivian walked away. Eileen, catching only a glimpse of their departing figures, felt a flutter of emotion she quickly quashed. She turned her focus back on the work at hand.

    She didn¡¯t leave the office until the clock marked eleven, the night deepening as she finally stepped into her home past midnight, the absence of Bryan echoing in the quiet, the remnants of his scent a faintfort.

    Sleep proved elusive for Eileen, who only found rest as dawn approached, her slumber interrupted soon by Bryan.

    Blinking awake, she found him sitting beside her, a cascade of gentle kisses marking a path across her face, stirring emotions she struggled toprehend in her drowsy state.

    ¡°Am Ite?¡± she murmured, dodging his advances with a slight turn of her head.

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Bryan reassured her. ¡°I¡¯ve brought breakfast. You can have it downstairs and then go to the branch office for inspection.¡±

    With care, he helped her to her feet, guiding her through the morning routine with an attentiveness that bordered on coddling.

    Overwhelmed by his sudden show of affection, Eileen found herself being chauffeured to the neighboring city, Bryan having thoughtfully provided an eye mask and a nket for herfort.

    Two hours into their journey, the car pulled up to the branch office¡¯s entrance. Maurice Layton, the general manager here, briskly approached and extended his hand to open the passenger-side door.

    Caught in the act of opening the door herself, Eileen paused, her hand suspended in mid-air, a wave of awkwardness washing over her as her eyes met Maurice¡¯s.

    Maurice, taken aback for a moment, nced towards Bryan, who remained seated behind the wheel. ¡°Mr. Dawson, Miss Curtis, wee,¡± he said before moving to Bryan¡¯s side of the car to open the door.

    The inspection proceeded in a straightforward manner, involving reviews and evaluations of reports from the various departments. Eileen¡¯s primary task was to document everything and propose necessary adjustments.

    The routine was abruptly interrupted by Bryan¡¯s phone ringing, a call from Vivian disyed on the screen.

    Bryan¡¯s expression turned icy as he declined the call, setting his phone aside. Yet, his phone rang again shortly after, silencing the room filled withpany executives mid-report, all hesitant to proceed under the tense atmosphere.

    It was only after Bryan rejected the call again and muted his phone that the room let out a collective sigh of relief.

    However, Eileen¡¯s sense of calm was short-lived as her own phone began to vibrate insistently from her pocket.

    Catching Bryan¡¯s eye, she knew he must have noticed the persistent vibrations of her phone due to their proximity.

    ¡°Let¡¯s take a ten-minute break,¡± Bryan announced as a general executive had wrapped up his report. He stood up and exited the conference room.

    Eileen, seizing the moment, retrieved her phone and, stepping out into the corridor, answered Vivian¡¯s call. The irritation was palpable in Vivian¡¯s voice.

    ¡°Eileen, why aren¡¯t you at the office?¡± Vivian demanded.

    Responding with measured calm, Eileen exined, ¡°Miss Warren, Mr. Dawson and I are currently inspecting the branch office, as scheduled.¡±

    Vivian¡¯s voice, edged with a sense of entitlement, pressed further. ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you bring me along? Did you do this on purpose?¡±

    Eileen, maintaining herposure, replied, ¡°Mr. Dawson prefers to depart directly from home for such inspections. This protocol is outlined in the employee manual I gave you. Secretaries or assistants apanying Mr. Dawson are to adhere to his travel instructions.¡±

    The implication was clear¡ªthe decision not to include Vivian was Bryan¡¯s. Additionally, Vivian¡¯s frustration was partly her own doing, having neglected to familiarize herself with the employee manual and choosing to wait aimlessly at the office.

    After a brief silence, Vivian¡¯s voice,ced with bitterness, broke through. ¡°Eileen, you¡¯re quite clever, aren¡¯t you? I¡¯m not oblivious to your intentions. You are jealous because Bryan gave me a gift, right?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s response was cool and detached. ¡°You¡¯re reading too much into it,¡± she said, her patience thinning. ¡°It¡¯s perfectly normal for him to give you a gift. I¡¯m not upset by it. And perhaps you¡¯re too pleased with it since it¡¯s natural for him to give you a gift on your birthday.¡±

    With that, Eileen ended the call, unwilling to entertain any further absurdities from Vivian.

    Turning, Eileen¡¯s eyes fell on a solitary figure by the window, a cigarette held loosely between his fingers, the smoke curling upwards. Bryan appeared to have been standing there for some time.

    Eileen¡¯s lips tightened slightly at the sight. ¡°You needn¡¯t look so concerned. You¡¯re my assistant and she¡¯s my secretary. Your handling of the situation was appropriate,¡± Bryan said, his voice neutral.

    Doubt flickered through Eileen¡¯s gaze. She couldn¡¯t shake the suspicion that Bryan had intentionally omitted reminding Vivian about the inspection, preferring to have her apany him instead.

    As the brief pause came to an end, they returned to their duties in the conference room.

    Later that day, after their trip and a hurried return to Apex Group for a scheduled video conference, they encountered Kian. Despite the day stretching beyond regr working hours, Vivian was still at her desk. The sight of Eileen and Bryan seemed to stir a tumult of emotions within her, her eyes brimming with tears as she looked toward Bryan.

    Bryan, carrying his suit jacket, was briefly halted by Kian. ¡°Bryan,¡± he said, ¡°Whatever it is, we¡¯ll talk about it tomorrow. I have a meeting now.¡±

    Kian, with a friendly smile, patted Bryan on the shoulder then turned his attention to Vivian. ¡°What are you waiting for? You¡¯ve aplished little all day. Prepare to assist Bryan with the meeting notes. Let Miss Curtis rest.¡±

    Vivian, hastily gathering her materials, made her way into Bryan¡¯s office.

    Bryan, brushing Kian¡¯s hand aside, threw a nce toward Eileen. ¡°Then you can head home now,¡± he said.

    ¡°Understood, Mr. Dawson,¡± Eileen replied, turning to leave.

    While Eileen was waiting for the elevator, Kian made his way over, his gaze tracking the elevator¡¯s progress as the numbers climbed. ¡°Miss Curtis, you¡¯ve been by Bryan¡¯s side for three years. Clearly, you¡¯re quite skilled. It¡¯s no small feat to meet Bryan¡¯s standards,¡± he remarked.

    Eileen offered a small nod in acknowledgment. ¡°I appreciate your kind words, Mr. Warren.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. But I¡¯ve noticed something¡­¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 49

    ?Chapter 49:

    Eileen suddenly turned to face Kian, whose expression was deceptively calm as if he were making a casual remark. But that was a clear threat.

    Kian¡¯s smile was bright as he spoke. ¡°From now on, Vivian will assist you with your tasks. Whenever you find some spare time, I¡¯d like you to focus on training Bailee more. The fewer mistakes she makes, the fewer penalties she¡¯ll face.¡±

    After making his point, Kian nced at his watch and arched an eyebrow. ¡°You finished your tasks early today, but unfortunately, Bailee won¡¯t be avable for any lessons now. She¡¯s gone to the bar with Benjamin to discuss a partnership. She¡¯ll likely go homete.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s voice was strained as she said, ¡°Mr. Warren, you cane to me if you have any dissatisfactions. Bailee is still young.¡±

    The elevator dinged to signal their floor, but neither of them made a move to exit. Kian adjusted his tie and shed another smile. ¡°What are you worried about? I¡¯ll ensure Bailee is well looked after for your sake. However, bear in mind that Benjamin is known for his¡ª¡±

    How utterly ridiculous! There was no way that Kian wouldn¡¯t be able to control Benjamin Nash, considering that he was Kian¡¯s assistant.

    Eileen couldn¡¯t help but respond with a hint of sarcasm, ¡°Well, thank you, Mr. Warren.¡±

    She and Benjamin had been ssmates in college, constantlypeting and achieving simr grades, earning them the reputation of arch-rivals throughout their college days. After graduation, they lost touch. They both made a name for themselves and became notable figures in the industry.

    Eileen turned to leave. She entered her car and immediately dialed Bailee. After a few rings, Bailee answered the call.

    ¡°Eileen,¡± Bailee¡¯s speech was slightly slurred, ¡°Have you eaten yet? It¡¯s sote.¡±

    Eileen furrowed her brows. It was just a little past five. It was not typically dinner time yet, and Bailee already sounded drunk.

    Find thetest updates g????????????????.??????

    ¡°Send me your location¡ªI¡¯ming to pick you up now,¡± Eileen instructed.

    A hup interrupted the conversation, and she could hear the loud background noise on the other end of the line before the call abruptly ended.

    Looking at her phone, Eileen took a deep breath. She was about to redial when Bailee sent her the location. She quickly started the car¡¯s engine and drove towards the south of the city. An hourter, as darkness enveloped the area, she parked at the entrance of the bar.

    The colorful lights of the bar illuminated her bare face, making her appear somewhat out of ce. She had visited this bar twice before with Bryan, choosing the location based on the preferences of the business partners. She knew from experience that those who preferred this venue were typically troublesome.

    Upon entering, Eileen found herself in a loud lobby. The ground floor was alive with deafening music and flickering lights. Women in revealing outfits danced on the dance floor.

    Eileen scanned the crowd and then approached the front desk to ask about Benjamin.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, we couldn¡¯t find a reservation under Mr. Nash¡¯s name here,¡± the receptionist said apologetically. ¡°You might want to try calling him directly.¡±

    Eileen reached the vicinity of the bar and attempted to call Bailee again. She received no answer.

    She walked further inside, continuing her search. She made phone calls as she ascended the stairs, peering through the small windows on the doors of each private room.

    Upon reaching the third floor, she spotted Benjamin at the end of the hallway. He was engrossed in his phone. The sound of the elevator doors opening caught Benjamin¡¯s attention. He nced up, saw Eileen, and swiftly pocketed his phone.

    Eileen stepped out of the elevator and approached him. ¡°Which room is Bailee in?¡±

    As she got closer, she noticed that Benjamin didn¡¯t smell of alcohol or smoke, suggesting he had not been in the private area where Bailee was. Bailee was probably mingling on her own.

    Ignoring Eileen¡¯s question, Benjamin said, ¡°Bailee¡¯s negotiating a contract that could determine her future at the Warren Group.¡±

    ¡°I asked you a question. Which room is she in?¡± Eileen repeated her question, her tone growing firmer.

    ¡°You¡¯re still as stubborn as ever,¡± Benjamin said, trying to divert the conversation. ¡°Let me give you some advice. It¡¯s not wise to go against the Warren family.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t need your advice. I¡¯ll ask this one more time: where the hell is Bailee?¡± Eileen said, her patience waning.

    After a brief pause, Benjamin finally gave in. ¡°Room 308,¡± he said.

    Eileen quickly nced at the nearby room numbers and walked to Room 308. She pushed the door open and was immediately hit by a strong smell of alcohol and smoke. Bailee was sitting on the sofa, her cheeks noticeably flushed.

    Bailee looked up as the door opened, but her gaze was unfocused, and she did not seem to recognize Eileen.

    ¡°Miss Curtis?¡± The person negotiating with Bailee was a well-known figure in the business world named Ellis Morales, who had met Eileen a few times and recognized her instantly.

    Eileen had no recollection of him, but his recognition of her made things easier for her.

    ¡°Hello. It seems you¡¯ve all had enough to drink. Have you signed the contract yet?¡± she asked.

    Ellis hesitated for a moment before replying. ¡°This coboration is between me and the Warren Group.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m aware of that,¡± Eileen said, pointing at Bailee. ¡°She¡¯s my sister. Looking at her current state, it¡¯s clear she can¡¯t continue drinking. She has shown her sincerity. If you think this is enough, please sign the contract now. I need to take her home.¡±

    Ellis looked at Bailee, then back at Eileen, his mouth slightly agape. Any mischievous ns he had entertained for the evening vanished at that moment.

    ¡°Of course, the sincerity is more than evident. Actually, she hasn¡¯t drunk much; it¡¯s just that her tolerance is quite low,¡± Ellis said. He reached over, retrieved the contract from the sofa, and signed it right in front of Eileen.

    With the contract in hand, Eileen helped Bailee to her feet, and they left the bar.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 50

    ?Chapter 50:

    Benjamin followed them silently. He reached out to offer his help a few times but retracted his hand each time, choosing to keep his distance.

    Once Eileen got Bailee into the car and closed the door, she turned to see Benjamin standing beside her. Taking a deep breath, she said, ¡°Do you remember the favor you owe me from our school days?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Benjamin replied.

    Pointing at the heavily intoxicated Bailee inside the car, Eileen continued, ¡°Even if you can¡¯t help her with work arrangements, please protect her when necessary.¡±

    It was Kian who had arranged for Bailee to negotiate the cooperation. If Benjamin were to help Bailee, it could mean conflicting with his own boss. Benjamin furrowed his brow at the thought.

    ¡°I¡¯m not asking you to directly do something. Just giving me a heads-up would be enough,¡± Eileen rified, understanding that Benjamin prioritized his professional duties and would not jeopardize his standing with Kian over a personal favor.

    She had given Benjamin an out, leaving him little room to refuse. ¡°Alright,¡± he replied.

    As Eileen drove, Benjamin lingered, watching her car disappear into the night. He exhaled deeply and was about to turn away when he spotted Kian¡¯s car parked nearby. He quickly approached and greeted Kian.

    ¡°So, how did it go?¡± Kian asked as he got out of the car and leaned against it. The colorful lights from the bar illuminated his face.

    Benjamin nodded, replying, ¡°The contract has been signed. Seeing Eileen there, the other party didn¡¯t dare to make things difficult.¡±

    The look in Kian¡¯s eyes became colder. ¡°She really is capable, having been taught by Bryan. But it¡¯s not important; this is merely a warning.¡±

    Every story starts at g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s,

    He then turned his gaze to Benjamin and inquired, ¡°Did she say anything to you?¡±

    ¡°Not,¡± Benjamin responded, maintaining a neutral expression.

    Kian¡¯s brow creased slightly as he asked another question, ¡°Do you have a girlfriend?¡±

    Benjamin shook his head.

    ¡°Then how about Eileen?¡± Kian asked, his tone light and teasing.

    ¡°Not interested.¡± Benjamin paused for a few seconds, his thoughts returning to the certificate he had seen in Eileen¡¯s bag at graduation.

    ¡°Alright, you can go home now.¡± Kian¡¯s expression darkened suddenly. He turned, got into the car, and drove away.

    The exhaust fumes from the car wafted towards Benjamin¡¯s face. He finally rxed when Kian was no longer visible.

    After a while, he frowned and muttered to himself, ¡°I should probably stay with Eileen.¡±

    Eileen took Bailee back to Springvale Lane. Despite her drunken state, Bailee was docile and lying still on the bed.

    Eileen fetched a towel to wipe the alcohol smell from Bailee¡¯s body and then went upstairs to grab a clean quilt for her.

    Once Bailee was settled, Eileen remembered to send a message to Bryan. ¡°Bailee is drunk because of work. She¡¯s staying at my ce right now.¡±

    After sending the message, she fell asleep.

    Meanwhile, Bryan¡¯s night at work was fraught with issues. A mistake by Vivian had disrupted the meeting, keeping Bryan upied untilte.

    After the work was done, he turned off hisputer, retrieved his coat from the back of his chair, and said to Vivian, ¡°I¡¯ll take you home.¡±

    But Vivian hesitated and then suggested, ¡°I¡¯m so hungry. It¡¯ste. How about we grab dinner together before going to your ce¡­ Is that okay?¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re hungry, we can go out to eat.¡±

    Before Bryan could finish his words, his phone rang on the desk, its screen lighting up with a WhatsApp notification showing Eileen¡¯s profile picture. Before Vivian could nce at the message, Bryan covered the phone with his hand.

    After ncing at the message, he slipped the phone into his pocket.

    Vivian didn¡¯t see the message¡¯s contents clearly; she only saw the words ¡°my ce.¡± She assumed Eileen had deliberately manipted the situation to lure Bryan to her ce.

    Jealousy surged through Vivian. Watching Bryan walk before her, she clenched her teeth in frustration. In her mind, Bryan was likely still upset with her and was using Eileen to provoke her.

    Determined, Vivian resolved not to let Eileen get the upper hand, not for a second.

    When Vivian stepped out of Bryan¡¯s car, her expression was somber. As she watched his car pull away, she turned and saw Kian approaching slowly. Overwhelmed, she immediately burst into tears.

    She ran to Kian, embraced him tightly, and began to cry. Bailee managed to wake up earlier than Eileen and began to prepare breakfast.

    By the time Eileen came downstairs, Bailee had already packed a lunchbox for her. ¡°Eating out all the time isn¡¯t good for you. I took the opportunity to make this for you,¡± Bailee said, smiling as she cleaned up the kitchen.

    Eileen approached her holding a new set of clothes. ¡°I bought these a few days ago but haven¡¯t had the chance to wear them. Go take a shower and put these on for work.¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± Bailee said cheerfully. After cleaning the kitchen, she went to change. Fifteen minutester, she adjusted her waistband and emerged. ¡°Eileen, you¡¯re too slim. This outfit feels a bit small on me,¡± shemented.

    Eileen responded, ¡°Just make do with it for now.¡±

    Bailee sat down at the dining table. The quiet of the dining room was only broken by the sound of their eating.

    Eileen finished her meal first and looked at Bailee intently. ¡°Don¡¯t you have anything you want to say to me?¡± she asked.

    Bailee stopped eating and looked at Eileen. ¡°Eileen, don¡¯t overthink things. Isn¡¯t itmon for business gatherings to involve drinking?¡±

    ¡°Do you remember how you ended up in my ce?¡± Eileen asked.

    Bailee thought for a moment and replied, ¡°Didn¡¯t the waiter call you to pick me up?¡± She had anticipated the nature of that business gathering, so she had preemptively given a waiter Eileen¡¯s number, instructing him to call Eileen immediately if she became drunk.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 51

    ?Chapter 51:

    ¡°Benjamin took you there to negotiate the contract, but he didn¡¯t even enter the room, leaving you alone with them. That wasn¡¯t business; it was putting you in a difficult situation,¡± Eileen said.

    Bailee¡¯s belief about the waiter only highlighted her naivety.

    Bailee¡¯s face tightened as she contemted her next words. After a pause, she said, ¡°Eileen, I promise to protect myself. If I can earn such a high sry just by drinking a little, I think it¡¯s worth it.¡±

    She didn¡¯t want Eileen to bear all the hardship alone. Compared to what Eileen had endured with Bryan, drinking a bit seemed minor.

    ¡°What if I hadn¡¯t been there yesterday? Have you thought about what might have happened?¡± Eileen asked.

    Bailee was at a loss for words.

    Eileen continued, ¡°This was just a warning from Kian; he informed me of your location beforehand. But if this happens again, he will not give me the opportunity to rescue you.¡±

    She was gently suggesting that it might be safer for Bailee to leave the Warren Group.

    She felt a twinge of guilt; after all, Bailee was targeted because of her. Her expression grew troubled, reflecting theplexity of her emotions.

    Bailee exhaled deeply, then smiled. ¡°Eileen, don¡¯t be upset. I can resign. I never really liked the Warren Group anyway. It¡¯s just a shame to lose such a high sry. But it¡¯s okay!¡±

    For a moment, Eileen considered the possibility of bringing Bailee to work at the Apex Group. However, she quickly shelved the idea, knowing she might need to leave Apex Group at any moment.

    Bailee added, ¡°It¡¯s all my fault. I didn¡¯t think everything through at the start. I was focused solely on the high sry at the Warren Group. But if I end up making less after I switch jobs, don¡¯t be upset if I start asking you for money!¡±

    Every story unfolds at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s£®??????

    Bailee was trying to lighten the mood and alleviate some of Eileen¡¯s guilt.

    Eileen chuckled, touched by Bailee¡¯s words. ¡°Well, the contract was signed yesterday, so I don¡¯t think they¡¯ll give you too much trouble if you resign now. Let¡¯s go; I¡¯ll drive you there.¡±

    Eileen drove Bailee to the Warren Group. She waited until she saw Bailee safely enter the building before leaving. Then she headed to the Apex Group. Eileen needed the meeting record from the previous night for an assessment, but Vivian hadn¡¯t arrived yet, so Eileen went directly to Bryan¡¯s office to retrieve it.

    As soon as she entered, a strong arm wrapped around her waist. The familiar scent of Bryan filled her senses. Her back was pressed against his chest, and before she could turn around, he kissed her earlobe.

    She involuntarily tensed up. ¡°You didn¡¯t go homest night?¡± she asked.

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t wait to see you,¡± Bryan replied passionately, his words making Eileen¡¯s thoughts whirl.

    She had resolved just days ago to keep a distance from him, but all her efforts seemed to melt away under his touch.

    He tightened his grip around her waist slightly, then let go, his expression tinged with mild dissatisfaction. ¡°You¡¯re too thin. You need to eat more,¡± he said.

    Eileen pressed her lips together and averted her gaze, worried he might see the longing in her eyes ignited by his kiss. It would be mortifying if he realized how much she was affected by a simple act from him.

    ¡°Let Bailee work at Apex Group. You can decide on a suitable position for her,¡± Bryan said.

    It clearly didn¡¯t take long for Bryan to see that Kian had set Bailee up.

    Taken aback by his offer, Eileen asked, ¡°Why would you help us? Aren¡¯t you concerned that Miss Warren might be upset?¡±

    She had raised simr questions before but never received a straightforward response.

    This time was no different. Instead of answering her directly, Bryan simply stated, ¡°It¡¯s a matter of principle!¡±

    Bryan was always a man of principle. Given that Eileen worked for him, he felt a degree of responsibility for Bailee¡¯s situation.

    He was protective of his staff, and Eileen understood this. She wasn¡¯t entirely pleased by the rationale, but neither was she disappointed.

    Bryan continued to kiss her, and she found herself enveloped in his tenderness. The frequent closeness had allowed her to witness sides of him that others rarely saw.

    All of a sudden, an idea crossed her mind. Should she have a serious talk with him, telling him everything? Even though Vivian was his beloved, she was the one who had been intimate with him and was his wife. Given his adherence to principles, perhaps there was a possibility that¡­

    Suddenly, Bryan bit her slightly. Her eyes, hazy with emotion, met Bryan¡¯s.

    His stare carried his discontent, clear from his narrowed eyes. He said nothing, but his kisses persistently urged her to focus solely on him.

    His suit ended up discarded on the floor as romance filled the air of the room. The morning sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, casting a warm glow on her flushed face.

    Forty minutester, Bryan emerged from the lounge. Eileen followed, her ears still red but now hidden by the strands of her hair.

    Eileen watched Bryan read the previous night¡¯s meeting record. Noticing his furrowed brows and the stern set of his features, she couldn¡¯t suppress a chuckle.

    Bryan red at her. ¡°Do you still want your job or not?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Eileen replied, her smile fading. She quickly turned and left the office.

    As she exited, she noticed Vivian sitting absentmindedly at her desk. The sound of the door caught Vivian¡¯s attention, and she looked up at Eileen.

    After a brief pause, Vivian stood and asked sharply, ¡°Why are youing out of his office?¡±

    ¡°I went to collect the meeting notes,¡± Eileen responded and started to walk away.

    Vivian extended her arm to block her. ¡°Why would it take so long? Is Bryan also in there?¡±

    Vivian had been under the impression that Bryan hadn¡¯t arrived yet. She had been waiting for a long time. Realizing that Eileen and Bryan had been together in the office all this time fueled her suspicion and anger.

    Vivian¡¯s expression darkened as she said, ¡°Eileen, you¡¯re such a bitch! Do you really think I can¡¯t do anything about this?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that you¡¯re unable to handle it; it¡¯s Bryan,¡± Eileen replied, preferring not to engage further with Vivian¡¯s usations. She brushed past Vivian and left.

    Gritting her teeth, Vivian watched Eileen walk away. At that moment, her phone rang on her desk. She snatched it up and moved to a quieter corner. ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡±

    Her tone was sharp, causing Megan to recoil on the other end. ¡°Vivian, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°What else? I was just pissed off by Eileen,¡± Vivian responded, holding back the details about Eileen being alone with Bryan, as admitting that would be too embarrassing. She quickly changed the subject by asking, ¡°Why are you calling?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s my father¡¯spany anniversary, and he would like Mr. Dawson to attend. Can you help me with it?¡± Megan said.

    Vivian paused to think, then said, ¡°He¡¯s booked tonight, but I might be able to change his schedule. You¡¯ll have to do something for me in return, though.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Megan agreed instantly, desperate to secure Bryan¡¯s attendance at the event.

    Eileen didn¡¯t know why the schedule for the evening had abruptly changed; Bryan was now ted to attend the Beckett family¡¯s anniversary party.

    With the change set, Eileen had to inform the client about the adjustment to Bryan¡¯s schedule. By five o¡¯clock, she was downstairs, having fetched the car, waiting for Bryan at the gate.

    Shortly thereafter, Vivian emerged alongside Bryan. Eileen stepped out, opened the car door for them, and watched as Vivian, ignoring her, slid into the backseat with Bryan, chatting andughing.

    After closing the door, Eileen got back behind the wheel and started the car, the sound of Vivian¡¯sughter and conversation filling the space during the drive.

    The Beckett family¡¯s anniversary wasn¡¯t at a hotel but at a picturesquekeside spot in the western suburbs. Though all guests were business figures, the Beckett family strictly avoided business talk at their parties, focusing solely on celebration.

    The atmosphere was cheerful. Guests clustered in small groups, engaging in lively conversations over drinks.

    Bryan¡¯s entrance caused quite a stir. Dressed in a sleek ck suit, he moved with grace, his hands casually tucked into his pockets.

    Trailing behind him were Vivian, looking lovely and captivating, and Eileen, who appeared both exquisite and reliable.

    Stuart, smiling broadly, greeted them as they approached. ¡°Good evening. We¡¯ve prepared excellent wine and food, and Kian is just over there. You might want to catch up with him.¡±

    Bryan gave a slight nod in acknowledgment. He nced around at the other guests and inquired, ¡°Where is Mr. Gibson?¡±

    Stuart paused and then pointed in a direction, a bit surprised by the question. ¡°He¡¯s over there, enjoying the quiet alone.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go have a word with him,¡± Bryan dered and headed in that direction. Eileen started to follow but was halted by Vivian.

    ¡°Eileen, Mr. Gibson is the mentor of Bryan and me. We¡¯re going to meet him together. You don¡¯t need toe along,¡± Vivian said.

    Eileen looked towards Bryan, who nodded.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen replied and stayed put, watching as Bryan and Vivian left together, pondering the reasons behind Bryan¡¯s attendance here.

    Eileen knew who Soren Gibson was. Bryan always made it a point to visit him every holiday, and she had seen him on several asions, though she had never fully grasped his significance to Bryan. She understood from their previous interactions just how important Soren was to him.

    Since the party involved no business discussions, it was rtively rxing for Eileen. She could just find a corner and enjoy her alone time.

    Taking out her phone, Eileen distracted herself by ying Huey¡¯s game, familiarizing herself with the characters.

    Soren hadn¡¯te to the party alone; his wife had apanied him, someone Bryan and Vivian also knew well.

    Vivian hadn¡¯t seen the Gibsons since her time abroad. Mrs. Gibson was delighted to see her again and started asking her questions right away.

    As they chatted, the conversation naturally drifted to Vivian¡¯s rtionship with Bryan.

    ¡°When you two broke up back then, we both felt so sorry for you. Fortunately, you are back together now. I know that real love wouldn¡¯t fade so easily,¡± Mrs. Gibsonmented, smiling and looking at Vivian and Bryan.

    Vivian responded with a shy smile while ncing at Bryan. Bryan was deep in conversation with Soren; he hadn¡¯t heard what Mrs. Gibson had said. Unaware of their conversation, he didn¡¯t even nce back at Vivian.

    Sensing the dynamics, Soren tactfully steered Bryan a little further away and asked, ¡°After being apart for several years, did your feelings for her change?¡±

    Bryan frowned slightly, pausing to take a sip of his wine. After a moment, he replied, ¡°If the feelings are real, will they change?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Soren said, reflecting on the nature of enduring love. ¡°True love doesn¡¯t fade with time. It stays with you. The one you love will constantly be on your mind, no matter what you¡¯re doing. When you can¡¯t see her, you feel a void inside.¡± He nced at his wife, smiling warmly.

    At that moment, the image of Eileen unexpectedly surfaced in Bryan¡¯s thoughts. Bryan realized Eileen had been a constant presence in his life for three years, never apart for even a day.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 52

    ?Chapter 52:

    Soren¡¯s profound love for his wife made Bryan feel something, and there was only one thought in his mind.

    Bryan excused himself and navigated through the crowd. He spotted Eileen in a quiet corner.

    The light from her phone illuminated her face, showing her focused expression. She frowned as she stared intently at the screen.

    Bryan approached with a smile but halted a few steps away from her.

    Eileen was absorbed in her game, meticulously scrolling through each character with her slender fingers.

    ¡°Why can¡¯t I remember these?¡± she murmured to herself.

    Upon seeing this, Bryan¡¯s demeanor shifted. The warmth on his face vanished, reced by a subtle hint of harshness.

    Ultimately, he remained silent. He tightened his grip on his ss, turned, and walked away.

    Eileen was unaware of what had happened. After some time, she still struggled to recall the game characters, feeling disheartened as the day of distancing herself from Huey seemed far away.

    Her eyes were sore and dry. She put away her phone and walked along thekeside path, feeling the cool night breeze and observing the reflections in the water.

    As she rxed, her thoughts lightened. The idea of having an honest conversation with Bryan and revealing her true identity resurfaced.

    Once this idea took hold, it was hard to dismiss. She repeatedly mulled over the feasibility of this n.

    This was a huge risk for her. She would be leveraging her intimate rtionship with Bryan in order to rece Vivian in his heart.

    Even after contemting this matter, she was still uncertain of where to begin. She wasn¡¯t even sure how Bryan would feel about this, nor was she certain of how to handle things thereafter.

    All of a sudden, Vivian appeared, standing in front of her. ¡°Eileen,¡± she said.

    Vivian wore a shiny gold dress that sparkled under the radiant lights, making her look like a princess. Eileen frowned slightly and said, ¡°Miss Warren.¡±

    ¡°Do you know why I insisted on bringing Bryan here today?¡± asked Vivian.

    Eileen responded, her expression cautious.

    A mocking gleam appeared in Vivian¡¯s eyes as she said, ¡°Because I want you to understand where you stand in Bryan¡¯s heartpared to me.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s eyes widened with confusion. Before she could gather her thoughts, Vivian grabbed her hands. They stood at theke¡¯s edge, teetering on the brink.

    ¡°Eileen, you¡¯ve misjudged me. I never wanted to take your job from you. I just¡­ Ah!¡±

    Vivian¡¯s daring act continued. Before finishing her words, she pulled Eileen into theke.

    Despite it being early fall, the evening air was cool, and theke¡¯s water was icy cold. The freezing water rushed into Eileen¡¯s body through her mouth and nose as she iled her arms instinctively. Vivian fared no better; her scream drew everyone¡¯s attention.

    The crowd pushed forward, and two tall figures made their way through, stepping ahead of the rest. Seeing Eileen¡¯s pale face and the helplessness in her eyes, Bryan felt a pang in his heart. He quickly shed his suit jacket, ready to leap in, but Kian held him back.

    ¡°Save Vivian. I¡¯ll take care of Eileen,¡± Kian said. Before Bryan could react, Kian dove into the water and swam toward Eileen.

    Bryan looked around and noticed Vivian struggling in the water. After pausing to think, he jumped in to rescue her.

    Water choked Eileen, causing her brain to throb with pain. Through her haze, she saw Bryan jump into the water, but he swam toward Vivian.

    Eileen¡¯s heart sank instantly; her body¡¯s tension dissipated, and she slowly lost her strength.

    Two minutester, she was pulled onto the shore. She sat on the ground, drenched and disheveled, her long hair tangled and wet.

    Her eyshes clumped together from the water, and her eye sockets appeared slightly red. She watched Vivian, who was now the center of attention nearby.

    Some people wrapped Vivian in a nket, yet she still trembled in Bryan¡¯s arms, clutching his arm with her hand dotted with water droplets.

    She whispered, ¡°Bryan, I thought I¡¯d never see you again.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re okay now,¡± Bryan responded, his face showing a hint of irritation.

    Megan, noticing Eileen, smirked and said loudly, ¡°Look at how much Mr. Dawson cares about you, Vivian. He didn¡¯t hesitate to save you, ignoring his assistant. If not for Kian, Eileen might have drowned.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s expression turned slightly cold as he nced through the crowd and spotted Eileen alone, her eyelids lowered, concealing her feelings.

    He was about to leave Vivian, but she clung tightly to his arm again.

    Vivian said, ¡°Bryan, don¡¯t be upset with Eileen. I just wanted to tell her that we canceled tonight¡¯sworking dinner because Mr. Gibson is here. If she can¡¯t be at tomorrow¡¯s coboration meeting, I will attend in her ce. I¡¯m not trying to take her position; I¡¯m just concerned she might not want to workte¡­¡±

    A cold wind swept over Eileen, chilling her to the bone and leaving her too numb to react to Vivian¡¯s words.

    Eileen hadn¡¯t anticipated that Vivian would use such tactics to demonstrate that Bryan didn¡¯t care about her at all.

    She and Vivian were worlds apart. She had always known her ce. Yet, why was her heart still aching like this now?

    ¡°How can an assistant be so presumptuous?¡± Stuart said.

    Megan had been embarrassed by Eileen previously, and Stuart, intimidated by Bryan, had not dared to say more that day.

    Today, seizing an opportunity to see Eileen at a disadvantage on their turf, Stuart jumped at the chance to restore pride.

    Stuart continued, ¡°Bryan, I think your assistant is too cunning. After being with you for so long, she still doesn¡¯t know her ce. She overlooked her position with Megan, but now she even dares to undermine Vivian.¡±

    No one dared to cross Bryan. Faced with choosing between Eileen and Vivian, everyone unhesitatingly sided with Vivian.

    ¡°Yes, she has overstepped her bounds. How can she evenpare to Vivian?¡±

    ¡°Even though she is Mr. Dawson¡¯s assistant, she remains just that¡ªan assistant. Perhaps she got carried away thinking she could equate herself with high society.¡±

    Squatting on the ground, Bryan looked down at Vivian in his arms with a cold gaze, causing Vivian to tense up immediately.

    The next moment, he turned his attention to Eileen, his voice devoid of emotion. ¡°Come here and exin. Why are you just standing there?¡±

    Eileen was taken aback, her fingers nervously gripping her clothing. Was he actually giving her a chance to exin?

    The crowd¡¯s expressions varied. Bryan offering Eileen a chance to exin suggested he didn¡¯t entirely ept what Vivian had imed. Kian gave Eileen a look and said, ¡°Since Bryan is asking you to exin, go ahead. That way, no one can use us of bullying you.¡±

    Eileen felt a bit amused at the thinly veiled threat. However, she merely scoffed softly,cking even the energy to smile.

    ¡°Regardless of whether I was worried about Miss Warren taking my position, both of us falling into the water was idental. I mightck discretion, but I understand that Miss Warren is not someone I can bully,¡± she said.

    Her words not only preserved Vivian¡¯s dignity but also deflected much of the me from herself. Those inclined to favor Vivian would continue to do so anyway, regardless of Eileen¡¯s exnation. By framing her response this way, Eileen effectively made it harder for anyone to further criticize her.

    ¡°Bryan, the water is cold. We should get Vivian to the hospital now,¡± Kian said, taking out his car keys. ¡°I¡¯ll drive.¡±

    Bryan inhaled deeply, lifted Vivian, and as he passed by Eileen, he paused.

    ¡°Come with us to the hospital,¡± he told Eileen.

    Eileen stepped back respectfully with her head bowed. ¡°No, thank you, Mr. Dawson. You can take Miss Warren to the hospital; I will head home,¡± she said.

    With that, she walked toward the parking lot. She could feel the intensity of the stares from behind her.

    She reached her car, turned on the air conditioning to the highest setting, and began to drive along the smooth road. The warmth from the heater gradually thawed her cold body, causing her eyes to grow warm and misty.

    She pulled out tissue after tissue, attempting to dab away the moisture, but the mist soon turned into tears. Unable to continue driving, she pulled over and rested her forehead on the steering wheel topose herself.

    Her thoughts drifted back to Vivian clinging to Bryan, who stood with his back to her, his head slightly bowed. Though she couldn¡¯t see his face, she believed he must have been really worried about Vivian.

    At that moment, her life seemed less significant than Vivian¡¯s, and Bryan had chosen to save Vivian first. Still, Bryan was a good boss for her; he hadn¡¯t unjustly med her.

    This realization made it impossible for Eileen to harbor any resentment toward Bryan. She felt deeply wronged but had no outlet for her feelings. The notion of revealing to him that she was actually his wife dissipated then and there.

    After calming herself down, Eileen restarted the engine and drove back home. When she arrived home, she noticed Huey¡¯s car parked outside. She quickly unbuckled her seatbelt, exited her vehicle, and tapped on Huey¡¯s car window.

    Huey, who had been focused on his phone, looked up when he heard the tap on the ss. He swiftly tucked his phone away and stepped out of the car. He was about to open the back door when he noticed Eileen¡¯s unkempt state.

    ¡°Eileen, what happened to you?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Nothing. I just had a minor ident,¡± Eileen replied, her voice shaky. ¡°Why are you here?¡±

    Huey nced towards the car, and that was when Eileen noticed Bailee asleep in the passenger seat.

    ¡°She made your favorite dessert and insisted on bringing it over. We didn¡¯t expect to wait this long,¡± Huey exined as he opened the door and pulled out his coat to drape over Eileen.

    His expressionplex, he looked at Eileen and added, ¡°Bailee might not say it often, but she cares about you a lot. She wants to make sure you have the best.¡±

    ¡°I understand that,¡± Eileen responded. Just as she started to remove the coat, Huey stopped her.

    ¡°Keep it on. The coat is still new; I haven¡¯t even worn it yet,¡± he said.

    Despite this, Eileen tried to take it off again. Huey gently pressed down on her shoulder to stop her from doing so.

    This small act of disagreement was quietly observed by Bryan.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 53

    ?Chapter 53:

    From his vantage point, Bryan could only make out that Eileen was very close to Huey, their proximity suggesting an embrace. He stood there with a cigarette between his lips, the smoke curling upwards, yet his vision remained clear.

    Bryan watched as Huey¡¯s car drove off. He saw Eileen walk into the house wearing Huey¡¯s coat. Just as Eileen reached to sp the door, arge hand stopped it. Stunned, she watched Bryan push the door open and flick his cigarette butt outside.

    Bryan walked up to her, cradled the back of her head, and pressed his lips firmly against hers.

    The taste of his cigarette mingled with the lingering sweetness of the dessert she had just eaten. Bryan pulled at Huey¡¯s coat, causing it to fall to the floor. He then lifted Eileen up, stepped over the coat, and carried her into the bathroom. He turned on the heating and the shower, letting warm water cascade over them both. Eileen, still cold, was pressed against Bryan¡¯s warm, burning chest, the sensation like a sh of ice and fire.

    ¡°Eileen¡­ Eileen¡­¡± Bryan murmured softly. A single conviction filled his mind: Eileen could only belong to him. Later, as they made love, Eileen felt warm, though her head remained foggy. That night, she fell into a deep sleep, her breathing soft in his ear.

    Bryan¡¯s eyes gleamed in the darkness. After ensuring she wasfortably covered with a nket, he walked downstairs. Dressed only in suit pants, his upper body bare, he settled into the sofa. He lit a cigarette, the glow briefly illuminating his features in the dim room.

    Eileen was lost in a dream where her parents were still together, and she and Roderick were both thriving in college. Despite all the challenges, her spirit was indomitable, and her life felt joyous. Her dream was shattered by the shrill ring of a phone. With a frown, Eileen reached out and pressed the answer button. ¡°Hello?¡± Her voice was rife with grogginess, betraying her drowsy state.

    After a brief silence, a harsh voice erupted from the other end, ¡°Eileen! Why are you answering Bryan¡¯s phone? Where is he? Were you two togetherst night? Answer me!¡±

    A wave of anxiety washed over Eileen. Before she could respond, the phone was snatched from her grasp. She looked up to see Bryan standing beside the bed. He stared into her eyes, his lips pressed together, showing that he wasn¡¯t in a good mood.

    Find new stories on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Though the phone¡¯s conversation was indistinct to Eileen, Bryan¡¯s dark expression was unmistakable. The next moment, Bryan ended the call, turned to her with a cold gaze, and said sharply, ¡°Eileen, I know your ce! Don¡¯t overstep!¡±

    With those words, he spun around and stormed downstairs. The sound of the door mming seemed to echo through the apartment. Eileen¡¯s heart sank. He had misunderstood her. She always knew her ce. The chill in his gaze and the bite of his words felt like daggers to her heart.

    Meanwhile, at the hospital, when Bryan reached the hospital, Vivian was still in the emergency room. The corridor was filled with Debby¡¯s cries and venomous usations directed at Bryan. Fergus stood by, holding Debby back from lunging at Bryan.

    ¡°Where¡¯s your assistant? Why didn¡¯t shee? She¡¯s too scared to show up after seducing you, isn¡¯t she? If you dare to protect her, I won¡¯t let you marry Vivian!¡± Debby shouted.

    As Bryan stood by the emergency room door, he remained stoic. Debby¡¯s words prompted him to turn and face her, his expression unreadable yetposed. ¡°This has got nothing to do with Eileen,¡± he said.

    Bryan¡¯s dismissal infuriated Debby further. Just then, the doors to the operating room swung open. Debby dashed toward the doctor. ¡°Doctor, is my daughter alright?¡±

    The doctor, removing his mask and wiping sweat from his brow, replied, ¡°Mrs. Warren, please be assured. The intervention was timely, and Miss Warren is not in danger. She just developed a lung infection after falling into the waterst night. She¡¯s currently weak; she will need some time to recover.¡±

    Relief washed over Debby as she watched Vivian being wheeled out on a stretcher by the nurses. She followed them to the VIP ward. Meanwhile, Fergus went to discuss Vivian¡¯s follow-up treatment with the doctor, leaving Bryan and Kian alone outside the emergency room.

    The two made their way to the rooftop. Kian offered a cigarette to Bryan and remarked, ¡°I never expected Vivian to try to take her own life.¡± He described the sudden shift in Vivian¡¯s demeanor, how she had gone from joyously calling Bryan to overwhelming gloom. Before he could intervene, she had sliced her wrist with a fruit knife.

    The bed had been drenched in blood, instilling a deep sense of fear in him. He added, ¡°My parents are incredibly worried about her. Handling this situation might be quite difficult for you.¡±

    Bryan took a drag of his cigarette, exhaling a long plume of smoke. ¡°This situation has nothing to do with Eileen. I¡¯m going to stay here to look after Vivian and help stabilize her.¡±

    Narrowing his eyes, Kian noticed a figure approaching. He smirked and questioned, ¡°What are you implying? Are you serious about wanting to be with Eileen?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s expression darkened, and he scoffed dismissively. ¡°No. She¡¯s just a toy for me.¡±

    At the entrance to the rooftop, Eileen caught word of this exchange. She turned pale as she processed his words. Her fingers, tightly clutching a fruit basket, turned white from the strain. His harsh words this morning paled inparison. After Bryan left, Eileen took a moment to gather herself. She had wanted to exin that she hadn¡¯t intentionally answered the phone, but she was soon stunned by the news of Vivian¡¯s attempted suicide.

    Within minutes, the news spread rapidly. The mediaunched baseless usations against Bryan, though the exact cause remained murky. Eileen knew the incident was linked to her identally answering the phone, which weighed heavily on her conscience. She felt a responsibility toe to the hospital.

    Benjamin, observing from a short distance, saw Eileen shivering in the wind and said, ¡°You can¡¯t handle Mr. Warren¡¯s tactics.¡± Eileen was indifferent to whether Kian had arranged for her to overhear Bryan deliberately. After all, it was Bryan who had spoken those words.

    ¡°Please ry this to Mr. Warren. I¡¯ll leave now,¡± Eileen said, handing the fruit basket to Benjamin. Without waiting for a response, she turned and headed downstairs. Benjamin exchanged a nce with Kian, who gave a subtle nod. Benjamin then followed Eileen down.

    In the elevator, despite feeling awful, Eileen maintained an eerie calm. She asked Benjamin, ¡°How is Bailee¡¯s resignation proceeding?¡±

    ¡°She can¡¯t resign. She¡¯s tied to a three-month internship contract with thepany. Unless thepany fires her, breaking the contract would cost her ten times the agreed damages,¡± Benjamin replied. Watching the resolve on Eileen¡¯s face, Benjamin added, ¡°Mr. Warren has really left you no options.¡±

    ¡°I never had any options, so I fear nothing,¡± Eileen replied with a cold smile. As the elevator doors opened, Eileen stepped out with a defiant and resolute air. The doors closed slowly behind her. Benjamin, leaning against the wall, paused before finally pressing the button to return upstairs.

    At the Apex Group, the entire staff was reeling from the news of Vivian¡¯s suicide attempt. The sight of Eileen arriving at thepany stirred their curiosity even more.

    ¡°Eileen, did Miss Warren really attempt suicide? Why did she do it? Is it true that it¡¯s rted to Mr. Dawson? Was she trying to force him into¡­?¡±

    As Eileen stepped out of the elevator, she was surrounded by several secretaries. With a distant look in her eyes, she replied, ¡°Please, go back to your work.¡± Recognizing her tone and demeanor, the crowd reluctantly dispersed, their curiosity heightened by the confirmation that Vivian had indeed attempted suicide, though they dared not press further.

    The day was hectic, with everyone buried in their tasks. While Bryan typically oversaw critical decisions, today Eileen handled nearly everything. She had not even taken a break to eat from morning until evening. During a rare moment of downtime, she managed to respond to two messages from Bailee.

    Bailee was shocked by the news of Vivian¡¯s attempt and texted Eileen for details. Eileen, struggling to find the right words, replied briefly that she was involved in the situation somehow and promised to discuss it in detailter.

    ¡°I¡¯lle see you after work,¡± Bailee replied, her concern deepening upon learning of Eileen¡¯s involvement. Eileen set her phone aside and plunged back into her work, not leaving the office until ten o¡¯clock that night. Before finishing up, she took a moment to adjust Bryan¡¯s schedule for theing days.

    She had expected Bailee to be waiting for a while, but as she pulled up to her house, she was surprised to see Bailee arriving at the same time in a taxi. Bailee exited the car and followed Eileen into the house.

    Having stopped to pick up food on her way here, Bailee said, ¡°I got off work prettyte and thought you might not have anything to eat, so I brought some food.¡± Eileen rolled up her sleeves to clear the table, then went into the kitchen to fetch some tes before sitting down to eat.

    Unable to hold back her curiosity any longer, Bailee eagerly asked Eileen to recount the events in detail. Eileen shared everything she knew.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t intentionally answer his phone. How could you have if he hadn¡¯t stayed over? This is not your fault!¡± Bailee said. After only a few bites, Eileen had lost her appetite. She sat down on the carpet, hugging her legs, her figure mostly hidden by the cascade of her long hair.

    ¡°Still, I feel partly responsible for Vivian¡¯s attempt, but I don¡¯t believe she needs anypensation from me,¡± Eileen said.

    She considered that perhaps after this incident, Bryan would be thoroughly tired of her and end their rtionship. That, in her mind, would be the bestpensation for Vivian. She rested her head against her knees, her eyshes casting shadows over her tearful eyes.

    Bailee set down her fork, moved closer to Eileen, and wrapped her arms around her in aforting hug. ¡°Why don¡¯t you also resign? Stay away from Bryan, or he might hurt you even more.¡±

    Eileen pondered Bailee¡¯s words carefully and then slowly shook her head. ¡°I have nothing left to lose now. Eventually, Bryan and I will part ways. But if I can stick it out a bit, I might secure more money. Otherwise, I¡¯ll end up with nothing.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 54

    ?Chapter 54:

    Ruby¡¯s life hung in the bnce, teetering on the edge of Eileen¡¯s crucial decision to stay or leave her job. Tears streamed down Bailee¡¯s face as she held Eileen close. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Eileen. It seems I¡¯ve only made things harder for you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault,¡± Eileen reassured her, gently breaking away to offer some tissues to Bailee. Bailee dabbed at her eyes, the tissues quickly bing soaked. Self-reproach gnawed at her for her inability to support Eileen, and Eileen, moved by Bailee¡¯s and Ruby¡¯s concern for her, also felt a deep sting of helplessness.

    ¡°I can only quit my job after my internship is over,¡± Bailee confessed, drying her eyes again. ¡°Kian wants me as his secretary and says I can¡¯t leave.¡±

    Eileen raised an eyebrow. epting such a role might be fine if it entailed simple tasks like Vivian¡¯s¡ªmaking coffee and filing papers. But with Kian, it was probably moreplicated than that.

    Eileen¡¯s voice was steady as she asked, ¡°What¡¯s the cost for breaking your contract?¡±

    ¡°Sixty thousand,¡± Bailee answered with a heavy heart. ¡°It¡¯s a steep tenfold of what I earn each month.¡±

    Eileen rose and ascended the stairs. She took out a card from a drawer and presented it to Bailee. ¡°There is a hundred thousand in this card. Take it. Leave the Warren Group. Once you¡¯ve handed over your duties in seven days, you won¡¯t have to go to the Warren Group ever again, whether they give their approval or not,¡± she said.

    Since Kian was deliberately making things difficult for Bailee, he would most likely not approve of her resignation. Bailee, upon fulfilling her handover duties in seven days, could pay the sixty thousand penalty for breaking the contract. That amount would sever her ties with the Warren Group regardless of any legal fuss.

    Bailee paused, then returned the card. ¡°Eileen, sixty thousand will suffice. I don¡¯t need more than that.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Eileen didn¡¯t press further. She took out her phone and promptly transferred the specified amount to Bailee.

    Discover your next read at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s

    Three days trickled by; Bryan was nowhere to be seen at thepany. Eileen had neither glimpsed him nor received any word from him, though she was certain of his whereabouts¡ªhe must have been at the hospital. Aware that Vivian might not wee her presence, Eileen still feltpelled to go there to see Bryan.

    The weight of unfinished business pressed upon her. There were things in thepany that needed to be dealt with by Bryan. Eileen gathered the pressing paperwork and drove to the hospital. Halfway there, she bought a fruit basket as a courteous gesture.

    At the hospital, the Warrens were absent; only Bryan remained. Peering through the ward door¡¯s window, Eileen noticed his lean shape. He bore unmistakable signs of countless nights without rest, his face unshaven. He was still d in the shirt he had worn since departing from her ce. He must have been tending to Vivian 24/7, leaving no moment to spare for his own needs.

    Eileen chose not to enter. Thest thing she wanted was to upset Vivian. Instead, she watched Bryan for a moment. She retreated to the end of the corridor and rang Bryan¡¯s number. The ringtone sliced through the quiet, and she turned to find Bryan emerging, phone in hand, his prating gaze finding hers.

    Ending the call, Eileen steadied herself and approached him with a slight nod. ¡°Mr. Dawson, I didn¡¯t mean to disturb you, but there¡¯s pressing work at thepany that needs your attention. Do you wish to return, or should I bring the paperwork to you?¡±

    While she spoke, Bryan advanced toward her, and her pulse quickened. He brushed past her without a word, stopping by a window to light a cigarette. He exhaled a smoke ring into the still air and then spoke with a chill in his voice, ¡°Disturb?¡±

    It was unclear if he was genuinely inquiring. Eileen turned to face him. ¡°There is a video conference at eight. I¡¯ve brought a suit for you. You could make it if you start preparing for it now.¡±

    His gaze met hers, the changes in him stark. His shirt was tucked in, his waist noticeably narrower. Dark shadowsy beneath his eyes. He remained silent. As Eileen raised her eyes, she happened to meet his dark eyes staring at her. His gaze was unreadable.

    ¡°Bryan.¡± Vivian¡¯s voice pierced the quiet. Eileen turned to find Vivian by the door, draped in an ill-fitting hospital gown, herplexion pale. Vivian said, ¡°You promised to be by my side all the time. I woke up alone and feared you¡¯d left.¡±

    She walked over and wrapped her arms around Bryan¡¯s waist tightly, standing very close to Eileen. Eileen remained silent, her gaze cast downward.

    In a gentle tone, Bryan urged, ¡°It¡¯s chilly out here. Let¡¯s go back inside.¡± Nodding, Vivian agreed. Not loosening her hold on Bryan, she began to walk back. Pausing beside Eileen, she questioned, ¡°Bryan, you¡¯ve got work piling up, right? Can it be done from here?¡±

    Bryan gave Eileen a quick look. ¡°Bring everything to the ward. We¡¯ve got a video conference to set up.¡±

    Without hesitation, Eileen sprang into action, retrieving the documents and supplies from her car and delivering them to Vivian¡¯s ward. Bryan was taking a shower in the private bathroom.

    Vivian, alone in the room now, watched Eileen as she brought in an armful of paperwork and a fruit basket. ¡°She bought imported fruits for me. I don¡¯t need your cheap things,¡± Vivian said, her tone subdued, perhaps mindful of Bryan overhearing her. Her demeanor had shifted dramatically from the vulnerability she had disyed just moments before.

    Eileen arranged the fruit basket neatly on the nightstand and ced the documents on the coffee table across from the bed. She said, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter to me if you ept them or not. They were brought as a courtesy.¡±

    Vivian emerged from the warmth of her quilt, approaching Eileen with a hushed intensity. ¡°Why do you insist on speaking to me this way? Have you not learned your ce?¡±

    While connecting theptop for the uing conference, Eileen replied calmly, ¡°My ce has always been clear to me. Your actions seem more about affirming your own standing.¡±

    She arched an eyebrow as she added, ¡°Miss Warren, surely you¡¯re aware of your ce in Mr. Dawson¡¯s heart now. You don¡¯t have to hold grudges against me.¡± It was evident where Bryan¡¯s affectionsy.

    Vivian¡¯sposure wavered, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. She retreated to the bed and warned, ¡°If you expect no furtherplications, then act ordingly. Don¡¯t provoke me with attempts to seduce Bryan.¡±

    ¡°Eileen, my clothes.¡± Suddenly, the showering stopped, and Bryan¡¯s voice came from the bathroom. Eileen reached for his clothes, only for Vivian to intercept with a swift hand, iming, ¡°I¡¯ll take them to him.¡±

    She moved to open the bathroom door, but Bryan only allowed her to open it a crack. Bryan¡¯s hand grabbed the clothes from Vivian¡¯s grasp before he shut the door.

    As Vivian spun around, she noticed Eileen, who had taken a seat at the coffee table, seemingly indifferent to the petty squabble over who would present the clothes to Bryan. To Eileen, the entire ordeal seemed unnecessary. She knew that even if she had been the one to deliver the clothes, nothing would happen between her and Bryan.

    Bryan had been distant since her arrival, avoiding her gaze, his demeanor icy. It was clear to Eileen that he disliked her now.

    The sound of the bathroom door interrupted Eileen¡¯s thoughts, and she nced up to find Bryan restored to hisposed self. He casually rolled up his sleeves as he approached and took a seat on the couch near her. The distance between them was minimal, and his familiar scent was a subtle reminder of their past encounters.

    Eileen¡¯s gaze briefly lingered on the damp strands of his hair, then on the stern set of his jaw. He carried an air of effortless poise without a care. ¡°Let¡¯s begin,¡± he said.

    Promptly, Eileen positioned theptop before him, ready tomence their task. Bryan¡¯s voice filled the room. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting its warmth on Eileen and Bryan. Bryan was absorbed in theptop¡¯s glow, while Eileen diligently took notes. Their silent exchanges spoke volumes, their teamwork seamless.

    Vivian, silently watching them, could hardly conceal her distaste for the harmonious scene. The hours melted away as Eileen and Bryan navigated through a sea of paperwork.

    Approaching noon, Kian arrived with a selection of Vivian¡¯s favorite dishes.

    ¡°Bryan, your dedication to Vivian¡¯s care at the expense of your work hasn¡¯t gone unnoticed.¡± Kian set down the meals and casually suggested, ¡°Why not take a break for lunch? Work isn¡¯t going anywhere.¡±

    After a nce at Bryan, who was finalizing a document, Eileen tidied the space. She then announced, ¡°Mr. Dawson, Mr. Warren, Miss Warren, enjoy your meal. I¡¯ll return in the afternoon for work.¡±

    Before she could depart, Kian said, ¡°I won¡¯t stay. Bryan and Vivian could use some alone time. Let¡¯s leave together.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s reaction was subtle¡ªa tight press of her lips directed at Kian¡¯s words. ¡°You needn¡¯te backter today,¡± Bryan told Eileen, gesturing towards the organized documents. ¡°Take these to the office. See to your matters. I¡¯ll notify you when to collect the remainder.¡±

    Eileen gathered the papers. ¡°Understood, Mr. Dawson.¡± She exited the ward, the stack of documents a heavy load in her arms, Kian trailing with a casual stride.

    As they awaited the elevator, Kian said, ¡°Bailee has submitted her resignation. Was that on your advice?¡±

    Eileen affirmed with a nod, fearing Bailee might struggle with the demands of being your secretary, Mr. Warren.

    Kian replied, ¡°That¡¯s hardly the case. It¡¯s a challenge to find someone of her caliber. I have no intention of epting her resignation.¡±

    Eileen understood that he wasn¡¯t going to let Bailee leave the group easily, but she didn¡¯t say anything more. At worst, she might have to resort to legal proceedings.

    In the solitude of her car, Eileen sought a moment¡¯s peace, though her spirits continued to plummet. Bryan hadn¡¯t said more than ten sentences to her the whole morning; their interactions had been strictly professional. His cold demeanor left her feeling her thoughts involuntarily circling back to him.

    As she ran her fingers through her hair with a deep sigh, an unexpected knock at the window jarred her. Lifting her head, she met Bryan¡¯s deep eyes.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 55

    ?Chapter 55:

    Bryan frowned slightly and looked at Eileen in the car. Eileen quickly wiped her eyes with her hands and stepped out of the vehicle. ¡°Mr. Dawson, do you have any other directives you¡¯d like to give?¡± Eileen asked. She had not expected Bryan toe down.

    From his position behind the car window, he likely did not see her tears. Bryan pressed his lips together and handed her a voice recorder. ¡°This is yours.¡±

    Eileen epted it with both hands. It was the voice recorder she had used to record the meeting. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Dawson.¡±

    People bustled around them, creating a noisy, chaotic environment. Yet, between Bryan and Eileen, a stark silence prevailed. Eileen felt like she could hear her own heartbeat. Seeing that Bryan remained silent, she asked, ¡°Mr. Dawson, is there anything¡ª¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Bryan replied as he pulled a cigarette from his pocket. He stepped back and positioned himself on the stairs. ¡°You can leave now. I¡¯ll smoke a cigarette here.¡±

    Eileen remained in ce, feeling the gentle breeze y with her hair. After a brief pause, she said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, whether you believe it or not, I must rify that I did not intentionally answer Miss Warren¡¯s phone call that morning.¡±

    Bryan paused in his smoking. He seemed poised to respond, but Eileen interrupted, ¡°I¡¯m leaving now,¡± she said before Bryan could say anything.

    She turned, re-entered the car, and started the engine. Through the rearview mirror, she saw Bryan¡¯s tall figure remaining stationary, smoking, one hand casually ced in his pocket. His effortless style andposure lent him an air of distinction, drawing asional nces from passersby.

    As Eileen¡¯s car rounded the corner, Bryan finally allowed himself a brief nce in her direction. The image of her car gradually disappeared from his view, his expression growing contemtive. The two teardrops that had fallen from Eileen¡¯s eyes seemed to strike his heart with force.

    Frustration surged from the depths of his heart. Suddenly, even the strong taste of the smoke seemed nd to him. The workload Eileen had brought upied most of his afternoon. He was preupied untilte at night. By then, Vivian was already asleep. He finally set aside the files, his expression weary, andy down on the sofa.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s is your update hub

    Moonlight streamed in through the window, illuminating the entire ward. The steady sound of Vivian¡¯s breathing filled the room. Suddenly, Vivian opened her eyes.

    She sat up, lifted the thin quilt, and walked over to Bryan¡¯s side without even putting on shoes. She gazed at his handsome face with fascination. ¡°Bryan¡­¡± she whispered softly, careful not to wake him. Even in his sleep, his brow was furrowed as if he were troubled by a dream.

    Despite his furrowed brows, he seemed more rxed asleep than awake, which provided Vivian some relief from his usually expressionless daytime demeanor.

    She reached out to smooth the frown on his forehead with her fingertips. But as soon as she touched him, her wrist was seized by his hand with astonishing strength.

    Bryan murmured. Vivian, looking into his eyes, which had snapped open suddenly, saw a mix of tenderness and confusion in them. He had called out Eileen¡¯s name.

    Regaining his senses, Bryan¡¯s frown deepened. He sat up and released Vivian¡¯s hand. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you sleeping? What are you doing here?¡±

    Vivian crouched beside the sofa and looked up at him. ¡°Bryan, my bed is big enough. Let¡¯s go to bed together. You¡¯ve had a busy day, and you look tired.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t need to,¡± Bryan replied curtly. Observing Vivian¡¯s saddened eyes, he thought of Eileen¡¯s determined gaze. A fresh wave of irritation welled up inside him. He picked up a pack of cigarettes from the table and stood up. ¡°I¡¯m going out for a smoke. You should go to bed.¡±

    ¡°Bryan¡­¡± Vivian called out urgently, but her plea was met with the sound of the closing door. She bit down on her lip hard enough to taste blood, but she felt no pain. She realized she still couldn¡¯t measure up to Eileen now.

    Wiping her tears, she rushed back to the bed and grabbed her phone to make a call.

    ¡°Kian, I don¡¯t want to see Eileen near Bryan anymore! I can¡¯t allow Bryan to fall in love with anyone but me. I want her gone!¡±

    On the other end of the line, Kian remained silent for a while before finally responding, ¡°Okay.¡±

    On the rooftop, the night breeze softly rustled as Bryan looked at the sparkling city lights. Despite the beautiful view, he could not shake off the thoughts of Eileen. Countless cigarette butts littered the ground near his feet. He had hoped the smoke might help dispel his thoughts of Eileen, but instead, each puff seemed to embed her expressions and smiles deeper into his psyche.

    Frustrated, he pulled out his phone to look at his chat history with Eileen, which was strictly professional. Aside from her formal inquiries, there were his curt responses. The only slightly personal message was a reminder she had sent him months ago, telling him to eat on time.

    After a while, he pocketed his phone and walked away. Overwhelmed by his emotions, he left the hospital.

    Eileen had been sleeping poorlytely. She woke up around four in the morning. Deciding against trying to sleep again, she went out for a morning run. She captured a photo of the sunrise and shared it on social media. Almost immediately, someone liked andmented on her post.

    It was Huey. ¡°Eileen, why are you awake this early? Did your tyrant boss exploit you again?¡±

    Sitting on a roadside rack, Eileen sensed Huey¡¯s animosity towards Bryan. She wondered why. She responded, ¡°My boss is fine. You keep making things difficult for me by insisting I recognize hundreds of game characters before you¡¯d agree to rify our rtionship.¡±

    These days, she hadn¡¯t even had time to open the game.

    Huey responded, ¡°Please, just a little longer. If my mom finds out we¡¯re not really together, she¡¯d kill me. Let¡¯s just keep this up for now.¡±

    Eileen couldn¡¯t help but smile as she sent a message to Huey, ready to continue their conversation. ¡°Set a deadline. How long will it take until you tell your mom that we¡¯re not suitable for each other?¡±

    Shortly after, Huey called her. ¡°When will you finally learn all the characters in my game?¡±

    ¡°I doubt I¡¯ll recognize all the characters in your game before our mothers secretly n a wedding, so think about it. Do you really want to keep making this difficult for me?¡± Eileen said as she wiped the sweat from her brow with a towel and turned to head back.

    After a moment of hesitation, Huey finally set a definite timeline. ¡°One month! I¡¯ll tell her in one month, max!¡±

    Eileen quickly agreed. ¡°To save you from your mom¡¯s scolding, you can invent any excuse, and I¡¯ll back you up.¡±

    Huey thanked her for her understanding andplimented her a lot. As Eileen ended the call and walked into her house, she didn¡¯t notice Bryan leaning against a car nearby. From his vantage point, he watched her unlock her door and step inside.

    He lowered his head to read the exchange between Eileen and Huey on Eileen¡¯s social media. Eileen and Huey¡¯s rtionship was fake? She had been trying to memorize hundreds of game characters just to rify her rtionship with Huey?

    His lips formed a tight line, and a hint of regret flickered in his eyes. Hidden in the shadows, he watched as Eileen, now dressed for work, left her house and drove off. He remained there until her car had disappeared from view. Then he got into his car and followed her out.

    Across the street, Kian sat in his car watching the two vehicles, his gaze sharp and cold. After a moment, Kian took a deep breath, started his car, and drove toward the Warren Group.

    At the Warren Group headquarters, Bailee tried yet again to submit her resignation letter to Benjamin.

    ¡°Mr. Warren won¡¯t ept your resignation. No matter how many letters you submit, it won¡¯t make a difference,¡± Benjamin told Bailee, refusing to take the letter. ¡°Your willingness to resign is clear enough. Don¡¯t anger Mr. Warren unnecessarily.¡±

    Bailee was reluctant to incur the hefty liquidated damages, especially since it would mean using Eileen¡¯s hard-earned money. If she could persuade Kian to ept her resignation, she could return the money to Eileen.

    She resolutely ced the letter into Benjamin¡¯s hands. ¡°Please pass this letter to Mr. Warren; thank you.¡±

    Benjamin, ceasing his attempts to dissuade her, took the letter and handed it to Kian, who had just arrived at thepany.

    Later, when Bailee brought coffee to Kian, she noticed four of her resignation letters piled on his desk. Rubbing his chin, Kian looked up at her. ¡°You want to resign?¡±

    Bailee set down the coffee and nodded firmly. ¡°Yes, I hope you can approve it.¡±

    Kian smiled and raised his eyebrows. ¡°Okay, before that, you have one task toplete.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± Bailee responded without hesitation.

    Kian pulled a stack of documents from his drawer. Although not voluminous, the dense array of figures on them was daunting. ¡°These are financial data for the Lothach Group from recent years. I need a detailed summary and report. Also, draft a contract between the Warren Group and the Lothach Group, and make sure it¡¯s delivered to Lothach Group by the end of the day,¡± Kian said.

    This task was overwhelming, but Bailee epted it withoutint. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll get started right away,¡± she said.

    She collected the documents and quickly left the room, watching her hurried departure. Kian¡¯s expression turned thoughtful as he furrowed his brows.

    In the evening, Eileen returned home exhausted and cooked herself a bowl of noodles. While eating, she remembered the times Bryan had sat across from her, enjoying the noodles she had prepared. Despite a hectic day, thoughts of him frequently surfaced in her mind. Now, during the quiet of the night, those thoughts only doubled.

    After showering and changing into fresh clothes, she considered taking two sleeping pills to aid her sleep. Before she could do that, she received a message from Benjamin.

    ¡°Hurry to the hospital.¡±

    The message suggested something bad had happened to Bailee, causing Eileen¡¯s heart to race. She quickly changed her clothes and rushed out.

    She arrived at the hospital in just half an hour. Upon exiting her car, she saw Benjamin waiting at the entrance.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk while we walk,¡± Benjamin said briefly and walked into the hospital with Eileen following close behind. ¡°Bailee went to the Lothach Group to deliver a contract for Mr. Warren. I¡¯m not sure what exactly happened, but she ended up injuring her head, and now she¡¯s here in the hospital.¡±

    As Eileen hurried to keep up with Benjamin, they entered the elevator, where Benjamin pressed the button for their floor.

    Benjamin nced at Eileen and added, ¡°Jonathan¡¯s injury isn¡¯t severe, and he didn¡¯t press charges. Mr. Warren brought Bailee here to discuss a private settlement.¡± Bailee was likely to face consequences, and given Jonathan¡¯sscivious reputation¡­

    ¡°I can only bring you this far. You¡¯ll need to handle the rest.¡± After a brief pause, Benjamin continued, ¡°If the situation esctes, consider calling the police.¡±

    The idea of involving the police was daunting. Given the influence of the Mueller family, if Bailee were taken to the police station, she might face significant challenges in securing her release.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 56

    ?Chapter 56:

    Eileen paused, lost in thought, as the elevator reached Jonathan¡¯s floor.

    Benjamin held the door for Eileen, saying, ¡°I can¡¯t go with you.¡±

    Eileen stepped out and told Benjamin, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    The doors shut as Benjamin watched her leave. Then he pressed the button for another floor, not leaving the hospital.

    Through the ward¡¯s ajar door, the voices within spilled out. Jonathan¡¯s voice carried an edge, ¡°No one can be let off easily after attacking me.¡±

    ¡°You sexually assaulted me first!¡± Bailee¡¯s voice rose, defiant. ¡°Sexual harassment is a serious charge, and I could take you to court.¡±

    Unyielding, Jonathan said, ¡°Proceed! It¡¯s time we see whose actions carry the heavier weight.¡±

    Silence engulfed the room momentarily. Bailee stood there, her fingers clenched in the fabric of her clothes, resolve etched in her posture. Kian was by the window, his hands nestled in his pockets, an observer to the scene.

    Jonathan¡¯s voice,ced with scorn, broke the stillness. ¡°I¡¯ve dealt with many women like you. If you please me, this whole issue will be forgotten.¡±

    Jonathan rose, inhaling deeply near Bailee¡¯s hair, a troubling pleasure evident in his demeanor.

    Bailee instinctively stepped back and kept her distance from him. ¡°No!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re pushing your luck,¡± Jonathan warned with annoyance. Turning to Kian, his displeasure evident, he dered, ¡°Kian, it seems I¡¯ll have to resolve this matter with you.¡±

    g¦Á ?¦Ç ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s holds great reads

    Kian responded calmly, ¡°Mr. Mueller, I think you will be more interested in someone else.¡±

    Bailee, lips pressed together nervously, said to Kian, ¡°I can handle this. Just call the police.¡±

    Jonathan, eyeing Bailee and then Kian, asked, ¡°Who are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s me,¡± Eileen said, stepping into the room.

    Bailee tried to usher Eileen away. ¡°This is my issue; I¡¯ll deal with it,¡± she said.

    She exerted herself to move Eileen out of the room.

    Jonathan ran out to stop Bailee, yet his attention shifted to Eileen. ¡°You¡¯re Bryan¡¯s assistant. Is Bailee rted to you?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Eileen turned to face Jonathan. ¡°Mr. Mueller, being Bryan¡¯s assistant shouldn¡¯t alter how you treat me. Just consider me an ordinary person.¡±

    Jonathan¡¯s smile was chilling as he beckoned Eileen and Bailee into the ward. ¡°Let¡¯s talk this through, all of us together.¡±

    ¡°Eileen¡ª¡± Bailee¡¯s voice broke through her tears. ¡°You can leave. I¡¯ll handle this. I¡¯m ready for whateveres, even jail.¡±

    Bailee¡¯s understanding of the situation was limited. The stakes were higher than she could grasp.

    Guiding Bailee inside, Jonathan was followed by Eileen, who received a look from Kian.

    ¡°With Ms. Curtis here, we can speak more openly. I hope Mr. Mueller won¡¯t press too hard, considering Ms. Curtis¡¯s presence,¡± Kian said.

    Kian was clever. Eileen had managed to handle Ellis easilyst time because that had been just a warning from Kian.

    Yet, this time, Jonathan was a different kind of foe, with a grudge against Bryan that couldplicate things further.

    Eileen¡¯s presence would only make matters worse. But she had to support Bailee.

    Even though Jonathan was aware of Kian using him, he didn¡¯t care. His vendetta against Bryan was his priority.

    Pacing, Jonathan, Eileen masked her concern with a smile. ¡°Here to address this issue on Bailee¡¯s behalf.¡±

    Jonathan¡¯s eyes lingered on Bailee momentarily before settling on Eileen, sensing a different kind of allure from her.

    His smile was swift. ¡°I¡¯m open to hearing your solution, as long as it meets my expectations.¡±

    ¡°Bailee and I are both ordinary people. If you¡¯re displeased, I¡¯m sure you know several ways to make that clear,¡± Eileen said.

    Eileen¡¯s concession seemed to inte Jonathan¡¯s ego. He replied, ¡°Fine, stay and talk this through with me.¡±

    Eileen guided Bailee out. Bailee¡¯s cheeks were wet with tears. ¡°Eileen, please, just leave,¡± she said.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. There¡¯s a way out of this,¡± Eileen reassured her. Comforting Bailee with a gentle touch, she urged, ¡°Get a cab home. You don¡¯t have to go to the Warren Group. Got this?¡±

    Bailee¡¯s despondent eyes found a spark of optimism. ¡°You¡¯re sure you can handle this? Is there really a n?¡±

    ¡°Yes, head home. Leave it to me,¡± Eileen said, her nod firm and resolute.

    With hesitant and lingering looks, Bailee departed.

    Eileen watched until Bailee was safely on the elevator, then she pivoted back to the ward, deliberately overlooking Jonathan lounging there.

    Her attention was on Kian, who was poised by the window. ¡°Mr. Warren, may I have a word in private?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s the one who requested your presence,¡± Jonathan remarked, a note of displeasure in his tone. ¡°Are you counting on his assistance now?¡±

    Kian¡¯s smile didn¡¯t waver as he told Jonathan, ¡°It¡¯ste now, Mr. Mueller. I suggest you rest. Expect a solution by morning.¡±

    Jonathan couldn¡¯t afford to offend either Bryan or Kian. He could only grit his teeth and reluctantly give up the opportunity to make things difficult for Bryan.

    He said, ¡°Remember your promise. I expect results, or my patience will thin.¡±

    Unmoved by the threat, Kian gestured to Eileen, a silent cue for her departure.

    Exiting the room behind Kian, Eileen left Jonathan fuming in the background.

    ¡°Do you want me to do, Mr. Warren?¡± she inquired once they were alone.

    ¡°Your intelligence is apparent. No wonder Bryan values you,¡± Kian replied. ¡°I would like you to resign.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s surprise was evident. ¡°Are you asking me to leave Apex Group?¡±

    Kian¡¯s response was straightforward. ¡°You can join the Warren Group if you¡¯re willing.¡±

    Silence fell as Eileen lost herself in thought, aware that Vivian might not want her to stay by Bryan¡¯s side.

    ¡°Take three days to consider this. In the meantime, I¡¯ll handle Jonathan,¡± Kian said, not forcing her to make the decision now.

    The hospital halls echoed with silence, the night¡¯s cold wind permeating the corridor, failing to disperse the gloom around Eileen.

    She was no stranger to the power ys of the elite, but never before had she felt so cornered, so helpless.

    In the past, Bryan had been her steadfast ally.

    Now, she stood alone against the influence of the Warren family, knowing that Kian wouldn¡¯t help her.

    Stepping out into the night, Eileen¡¯s eyes fell upon Bailee, who was poised for an emergency call, clutching her phone like a lifeline.

    As Eileen approached, her voice tinged with urgency, Bailee was moments away from dialing for help.

    ¡°Get in the car first,¡± Eileen said.

    Bailee settled in the passenger seat, concern etched on her features. ¡°Did they make things difficult for you? What did Kian say to you?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s proposed I leave Apex Group,¡± Eileen started the engine and drove down the road.

    Bailee suddenly became quiet. The warm light above her head shone on her face, revealing her guilt and uneasiness.

    After a moment, she said, ¡°Maybe it¡¯s time for you to leave thatpany. You can have a fresh start.¡±

    ¡°Leaving Apex Group or not isn¡¯t a decision I can make; I need Bryan¡¯s approval to leave,¡± Eileen replied.

    Eileen knew that Kian wanted her to do more than just submit her resignation letter. He wanted her to get Bryan¡¯s approval.

    Somehow, Eileen felt that Bryan wouldn¡¯t agree to her resignation easily.

    After a pause, she told Bailee, ¡°You don¡¯t need to go back to the Warren Group from now on. Find another job.¡±

    Bailee agreed with a nod. ¡°Okay.¡±

    After dropping Bailee off, Eileen returned home alone. She found sce in solitude, lost in the night¡¯s calm.

    The light from her phone brightened her features as she looked at the screen.

    A part of her longed to reach out to Bryan, to seek his help.

    But that morning¡¯s events loomedrge. The disgust in Bryan¡¯s eyes when he saw her take Vivian¡¯s call was still evident in her mind.

    She was standing her ground not only against Jonathan but also against Vivian. She believed Bryan would help her.

    It seemed that there was nothing that could support her in staying by Bryan¡¯s side.

    In the shadowy hospital garden, Bryan melded into the darkness, his presence barely discernible except for the asional glow of his cigarette.

    Benjamin lingered nearby, wrestling with whether to interrupt the silence.

    Eventually, Bryan¡¯s voice cut through the night. ¡°I¡¯m not here to watch the scenery with you.¡±

    Benjamin quickly responded. ¡°I¡¯vee to discuss Eileen¡¯s situation.¡±

    Doubt crept into Benjamin¡¯s mind regarding Bryan¡¯s willingness to assist, but he was certain that only Bryan could help Eileen.

    Taking the risk, Benjamin had stationed himself outside Vivian¡¯s ward, waiting for a moment to approach Bryan in private.

    After hearing what had happened from Benjamin, Bryan let his cigarette dwindle to its end.

    The darkness couldn¡¯t hide the stern look in his eyes.

    Discarding the cigarette, Bryan pocketed his hand. ¡°Tell me, which ward is Jonathan in?¡± he said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 57

    ?Chapter 57:

    Benjamin told Bryan where Jonathan¡¯s ward was and then said, ¡°Jonathan¡¯s rtionship with you is bad. He will only make things difficult for Eileen.¡±

    Bryan fixed Benjamin with a probing stare, asking, ¡°Are you close with her?¡±

    Benjamin hesitated, cleared his throat, and finally added, ¡°We used to be college ssmates. I owe her a favor. That¡¯s all.¡±

    Bryan lifted his eyebrows slightly, and a shadow crossed his eyes. ¡°You are quite reliable.¡±

    Benjamin sensed an unusual shift in the conversation.

    Though he couldn¡¯t quite identify what was happening, he said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, I will leave now.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Bryan responded. After Benjamin departed, Bryan stared at the VIP ward, his gaze fixed on a brightly lit window.

    He understood that the real threat to Eileen was not Jonathan, but Kian.

    Pulling out his phone, he noticed several news alerts and messages frompany executives.

    Yet, there was no message from Eileen. Was she preparing to confront Jonathan directly?

    Early the next morning, after only a few hours of sleep, Eileen appeared worn. She walked downstairs and heard some noise outside her door. She opened the door and saw Bailee.

    Bailee was sitting with breakfast in hand. Upon hearing the door open, she quickly stood up and approached Eileen.

    ¡°Eileen, I made breakfast for you,¡± Bailee said.

    Feel the thrill on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m

    Bailee¡¯s cautious and remorseful expression reminded Eileen of her past self.

    Eileen moved aside, letting Bailee enter. ¡°You didn¡¯t need to make breakfast and bring it over. I could just have something simple on the way.¡±

    Bailee unpacked the breakfast and set the dishes on the table. ¡°Just eating something simple isn¡¯t nutritious. Anyway, I¡¯m not working right now, and I don¡¯t mind waking up early.¡±

    Bailee was clearly trying to atone for her past mistakes, which Eileen noticed immediately.

    Eileen said, ¡°Just this once. If you¡¯re free this morning, go look for a job. With your educational background, it shouldn¡¯t be difficult. Don¡¯t worry too much about the sry. The most important thing is to find something you enjoy.¡±

    Eileen couldn¡¯t fault Bailee for working for the Warren Group despite knowing her history with Vivian before; after all, Bailee had wanted to work there for the money.

    In the stark simplicity of the kitchen, Bailee¡¯s casual attire and somber demeanor made her appear quite pitiful.

    After a moment, she lifted her gaze to meet Eileen¡¯s and nodded firmly. ¡°Eileen, I won¡¯t cause you any more trouble. I will look for a job!¡±

    Eileen handed her some food. ¡°Eat up. After you finish, I¡¯ll send you back.¡±

    Bailee epted the food and said, ¡°I¡¯ll take the bus myself. No need for you to drive me home.¡±

    They finished their meal and parted ways. It was the weekend, traditionally a time for rxation.

    However, Eileen faced an umtion of work because Bryan had been staying at the hospital to apany Vivian. She had to go to work today.

    Thepany was unusually quiet today, yet she found it hard to settle her thoughts. She made a cup of coffee in the pantry and walked back to her desk, pausing outside Bryan¡¯s office.

    Her eyes lingered on Vivian¡¯s desk, where she had worked. Vivian¡¯s little decorations still adorned the space.

    The door to Bryan¡¯s office felt cold and uninviting, yet it had been motivation for Eileen for years.

    The coffee in her hands grew cold as she stood there; she didn¡¯t drink it. After rifying her thoughts, she returned to her office with a newfound resolve.

    It seemed she had finally decided what to do. With a clear mind, her work efficiency soared.

    Benjamin ced a report on Kian¡¯s desk. ¡°Mr. Warren, this is the quarterly report.¡±

    Kian, reclining in his chair, looked up. ¡°Where is Bailee?¡± he asked.

    ¡°She didn¡¯te to thepany today,¡± Benjamin replied, briefly scanning the resignation letters on the desk. ¡°Today is the seventh day. I think she won¡¯te back.¡±

    ¡°Find out where she is and what she is doing,¡± Kian instructed casually.

    Benjamin nodded. ¡°Understood.¡±

    He left the office and quickly tracked down Bailee¡¯s whereabouts. Within an hour, he was back at Kian¡¯s office.

    ¡°Mr. Warren, Bailee went to look for a job today. She graduated from a prestigious university, and twopanies have already scheduled interviews with her,¡± Benjamin reported.

    Given Bailee¡¯s credentials, securing a new job should be easy. She could probably find a job within three days.

    However, Kian wasn¡¯t going to let Bailee do that soon.

    ¡°Pass on the message to thosepanies that Bailee¡¯s contract dispute with the Warren Group has not been settled,¡± he instructed.

    Benjamin had expected this tactic from Kian, but the reality of executing such orders still made him uneasy. He frowned, the image of Eileen involuntarily shing in his mind.

    He lingered a moment, then turned and left. After stepping out of Kian¡¯s office, he made the necessary calls, rying the message to thepanies.

    Once back in his office, Benjamin found himself in a mental tug-of-war over whether to inform Eileen of the situation.

    He had already talked with Bryan for Eileen the night before, which, in his view, settled the favor he owed her.

    After some deliberation, he turned off his phone, picked up his documents, and focused on his tasks, choosing to keep the information to himself.

    Meanwhile, Bailee, buoyed by the prospect of potential jobs, began shopping for ingredients to cook a meal for Eileen.

    But her optimism was short-lived. Calls began toe in from thepanies with which she had scheduled interviews, each informing her that the positions were now filled and that her interviews were canceled. The calls came one after another, and within minutes, all her opportunities had evaporated. She realized Kian was behind all this.

    Though her instinct was to confront Kian, she knew any aggressive action on her part would onlyplicate matters for Eileen.

    She lingered in front of the shelves in the supermarket for over ten minutes, tears gradually streaming down her face. She had envisioned supporting Eileen after graduation, but now, she had inadvertently caused more problems.

    ¡°Bailee!¡± Huey called out, recognizing Bailee from behind. His approach was marked by a warm smile, which quickly vanished when he noticed her tears. ¡°Why are you crying? Did someone hurt you?¡±

    Seeing Huey, Bailee¡¯s tears flowed more freely.

    ¡°It¡¯s not about someone hurting; it¡¯s that Eileen is being targeted. I can¡¯t seem to help, and I just keep making things worse. What should I do¡­¡±

    Her sobs drew the attention of several people nearby.

    Huey quickly offered an apologetic smile to them and guided Bailee out of the supermarket.

    He paid for the items Bailee had picked, got in the car with her, andforted her for over half an hour before she stopped crying.

    Bailee said, ¡°I saw thements you left on Eileen¡¯s social media. You two are not together, right?¡±

    With a sheepish scratch of his head, Huey admitted, ¡°My family¡¯s been pressuring me a lot. I had to ask her to pretend we were in a rtionship.¡±

    That exined their actions for Bailee. She knew all too well how Ruby could be. Eileen must have agreed to Huey¡¯s request because of Ruby.

    ¡°Who¡¯s targeting Eileen? Is it her boss, Bryan?¡± Huey inquired with caution. ¡°Did he do something to her?¡±

    Bailee gazed back at him, her eyes welling up again. She sniffled and asked, ¡°Do you know something?¡±

    A long silence filled the car as they exchanged looks.

    Eventually, Huey broke the silence. ¡°I¡¯m going to be straightforward with you. During thepany teambuilding trip at my family¡¯s resort, I saw Bryan enter Eileen¡¯s room. He stayed there for several hours.¡±

    He paused, unsure if he should continue.

    Bailee¡¯s face fell. ¡°It seems you¡¯re already aware. Yes, Eileen and Bryan have aplex rtionship, but it¡¯s moreplicated than you might think.¡±

    She chose not to mention Eileen¡¯s marriage to Huey.

    Huey mistakenly thought Bailee was hinting at workce harassment, which worsened his impression of Bryan, but he chose not to pursue the topic further.

    ¡°Then what kind of trouble is Eileen facing?¡± he asked, concern evident in his voice.

    Bailee could tell Huey genuinely cared about Eileen. She resolved to keep Eileen¡¯s marriage a secret, holding onto a sliver of hope for Huey and Eileen to be together in the future.

    ¡°This is actually about me struggling with my job¡­¡± she began.

    She detailed her challenges without bringing up the disputes involving the Warren family and Eileen. She simply shared her difficulties in enough support for Ruby¡¯s treatment.

    Huey pondered suggesting his family¡¯s resort for job opportunities but realized that Bailee¡¯s qualifications were too significant for her to settle as an ordinary worker in the resort.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll help you look for jobs,¡± he assured Bailee. ¡°I don¡¯t think that the Warren family can control everything¡­¡±

    As the evening settled and her workday ended, Eileen let her car race down the road. Neon lights flickered, casting a glow that illuminated her troubled expression.

    She paused at a traffic light, staring at the sixty-second countdown on the red signal, using the moment to organize her thoughts.

    Now, she faced two daunting choices: leaving the Apex Group or opposing the formidable Warren family.

    Leaving the Apex Group meant severing all ties with Bryan, ending her rtionship with him entirely.

    However, opposing the Warren family would not only disrupt her own life with instability and challenges but would also drag Bailee into turmoil.

    For a fleeting moment, she wished she were alone; without ties, there would be nothing to fear.

    Yet, the thought of jeopardizing Bailee¡¯s future held her back from standing against the Warren family.

    The only way for her to break away from Bryan involved disclosing a secret. It was her identity as his wife.

    The prospect of his reaction daunted her. She might even need her resignation letter. Confronted with their marriage certificate, Bryan might simply tell her to leave.

    A sharp pain clutched at her heart, making it difficult for her to breathe.

    The traffic light switched to green. She pressed the elerator and turned left, heading straight to the hospital.

    Soon, Eileen¡¯s car glided into the underground parking lot. After turning off the engine, she took a long breath. She gathered the resignation letter and the marriage certificate from the passenger seat before stepping out of the car.

    Standing by the elevator, her mind felt eerily nk. She feared that hesitation might overwhelm her resolve.

    As the elevator numbers climbed, her breathing involuntarily stopped until the elevator doors opened.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 58

    ?Chapter 58:

    A gust of cold wind swept through the corridor, cutting to Eileen¡¯s core.

    Sheposed herself and continued on her path, only to collide with an unexpected figure.

    Before she could utter an apology, the man¡¯s fierce demeanor halted her words. ¡°Eileen!¡±

    Surprised to encounter Jonathan, who was now not in his hospital attire, Eileen wondered if he had been discharged already.

    ¡°Mr. Mueller, why are you¡ª¡± she began.

    But Jonathan cut her off with a heated re. ¡°Save it, Eileen. You never cease to amaze!¡±

    Noticing the evident sarcasm in his tone, Eileen was momentarily lost for words.

    Jonathan¡¯s anger was palpable as he said, ¡°I¡¯ll let you off this time, but don¡¯t think you¡¯ll live in peace after this! Remember, you won¡¯t find peace after meddling in Kian¡¯s and Bryan¡¯s affairs.¡±

    A sly grin then broke through his scowl, as if a new scheme had dawned on him. ¡°You¡¯re all tangled up inplications. I¡¯ll make sure to add a few knots of my own. Kian will see I¡¯m not someone he could use as a pawn.¡±

    With that, Jonathan briskly moved past Eileen and disappeared into the elevator.

    Eileen turned, catching thest glimpse of Jonathan¡¯s retreating figure in the elevator, his anger evident.

    Even after the doors clicked shut, Eileen remained motionless, Jonathan¡¯s words echoing in her mind.

    The ce for great stories: g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°I¡¯ll let you off this time¡­¡±

    He had chosen not to retaliate against Bailee this time?

    Lost in thought, the sudden noise of a door disrupted the silence, drawing Eileen¡¯s gaze. It was Bryan exiting the ward.

    In his hand, he held a beer, taking a sip with an ease that seemed at odds with the hospital setting.

    Their eyes met, locking in a wordless exchange.

    After a while, Eileen approached. ¡°Why are you drinking in the hospital, Mr. Dawson?¡±

    Bryan responded with a nonchnt lift of his eyebrow. ¡°Is there a rule against it?¡± He took another swig, clearly indifferent to the hospital¡¯s usual decorum.

    He looked a little annoyed. Eileen spected it might be because he was concerned about Vivian¡¯s prolonged hospital stay.

    She suddenly didn¡¯t know what to say now.

    Bryan¡¯s inquiry broke the silence. ¡°What brings you here?¡± He stood by the window, a silhouette against the backdrop of the night sky.

    With a hesitant voice, Eileen finally spoke. ¡°I¡¯m here to remind you about the senior executives¡¯ meeting at nine tomorrow, which can be postponed or canceled.¡±

    It seemed Bryan had to go to thepany tomorrow.

    Bryan¡¯s gaze fell upon her, noting the unease she couldn¡¯t quite mask.

    ¡°Anything else?¡± he asked.

    Eileen shook her head. ¡°No, that¡¯s all,¡± she responded. Since Jonathan¡¯s matter had been settled, there was no need for her to mention it in front of Bryan.

    Bryan¡¯s eyes seemed to cloud over, probing for something unspoken. ¡°Are you certain?¡±

    Eileen had been feeling aggrieved, so she almost lost control of her emotions upon hearing him.

    Sheposed herself and gave a nod, not wanting to betray her turmoil.

    The silence hung heavy between them, her bowed head not enough to shield her from the weight of Bryan¡¯s gaze.

    Announcing her departure, she turned and wearily made her way to the elevator. She didn¡¯t feel relieved until the elevator door closed.

    Unbeknownst to her, as soon as the elevator door closed, Bryan quickly walked over and pressed the button to summon the elevator.

    On the road, Eileen¡¯s drive was brisk, the night breeze ying with her hair through the window¡¯s narrow opening.

    Reaching Springvale, she stepped out into the calm of her neighborhood. But the tranquility was pierced by the sudden ze of headlights from a car arriving nearby.

    Shielding her eyes, she glimpsed a figure emerging from the car, moving quickly in her direction.

    Caught off guard, she found herself swept up in an unexpected embrace.

    With swift movements, Bryan punched in the passcode to her door¡¯s lock, whisking her into the dimly lit house in a whirl.

    nting a kiss on her forehead, he then trailed his lips down her cheeks, causing her skin to flush red.

    The faint scent of tobo and alcohol from his breath instantly surrounded Eileen. Leaning against the wall, she sped her hands around his sturdy waist. He kissed her passionately, though he intended to consume her entirely. Yet, amidst his fierce movements, there was a hint of tenderness that drew her in.

    It all began suddenly, yet Eileen found herself unable to resist him. The curtains hung half-open, inviting the moonlight inside. The ambiance was just right for romance. Bryan seemed eager, not even waiting to go upstairs to the bedroom. His touches were fervent.

    cing her on the cab by the door, he unbuttoned her shirt with his slightly chilled fingers, revealing her delicate, alluring corbone. Numerous hickeys adorned her fair skin.

    Bryan¡¯s phone suddenly rang in his pocket. Despite the interruption, he continued kissing her lips as he retrieved it.

    Vivian¡¯s name shed on the screen. Without a second thought, he turned his phone off and set it aside. Then, he shifted his focus back to Eileen, carrying her to the sofa.

    Handling her gently, as if she were fragile porcin, he whispered her name in her ear, ¡°Eileen¡­¡±

    The night stretched on, and it wasn¡¯t until the early light of dawn spilled into the room that they allowed sleep to im them. Their slumber was brief, interrupted by Eileen¡¯s rm clock. Despite the short sleep, they felt both physically and mentally satisfied.

    Refreshed and in high spirits, they faced the new day.

    Propped up on one elbow, Bryan watched with satisfaction as Eileen got out of bed.

    ¡°I¡¯ll fetch you some clothes. How about noodles for breakfast? Would that be alright?¡± Eileen asked.

    She felt a bit guilty about preparing this for Bryan, considering Huey had told her that her cooking was terrible.

    Bryan frowned slightly. Then, his expression softened, his response gentle. ¡°That sounds good.¡±

    Eileen misread Bryan¡¯s initial expression for discontent, yet he surprised her with his assent.

    She slipped away to dress for the day, choosing her professional attire and taking out a suit Bryan had left in her ce before.

    Tidying up the room, she busied herself with the house and prepared noodles for them both.

    Bryan woke up soon, his gaze affectionately fixed on her. His appetite was apparent, the noodles disappearing quickly, though he had a slight frown on his face.

    Eileen, observing this, said, ¡°I will try to improve my cooking.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to do that,¡± Bryan reassured her, polishing off his portion before attending to the dishes.

    Seeing this, Eileen also finished hers quickly. Then, they headed to the Apex Group, managing to arrive just as the meeting was about to begin.

    The senior leaders were all present, a sense of tension palpable in the air. A newspapery on the table, its headlines casting a shadow over the room.

    At the heart of the story were Bryan and Vivian, captured in photographs that chronicled his vigil by her hospital bedside.

    Past rumors had swirled about a rekindled romance between Vivian and Bryan, suggesting his estrangement from his enigmatic wife.

    But now, the media delved deeper, charting Vivian¡¯s steps since her return. It exposed her daily meetings with Bryan and her taking on the role of Bryan¡¯s secretary. usations of her undignified pursuit of his attention sshed across the page.

    In the photos of Bryan apanying Vivian at the hospital, Bryan¡¯s demeanor conveyed disinterest, looking as if he were unwilling to be there.

    Spections ran wild in the press. People believed perhaps Bryan¡¯s affectionsy elsewhere, with the wife who remained a mystery.

    The narrative was shifting, casting Vivian as a homewrecker, making her face public scrutiny for her actions.

    The rumors had spread like wildfire, but they didn¡¯t have much impact on Bryan¡ªVivian was the one who took the brunt of this revtion.

    In the meeting room, under the weight of Bryan¡¯s somber expression, hush fell. The meetingmenced at Eileen¡¯s signal.

    Eileen observed Bryan covertly, noting his frustration as he adjusted his tie, a ripple in his usualposure.

    She couldn¡¯t help but feel he was inwardly contending with the chaos, his concern for Vivian evident.

    The meeting was expected to take two hours, but Eileen managed to shorten it to an hour and a half.

    Walking out of the meeting room, Eileen approached Bryan, her voice soft. ¡°Do you need me to prepare the car now to go to the hospital?¡±

    ¡°No. Focus on your own tasks here. There¡¯s no need for you to think about anything else,¡± Bryan said.

    His firm directive left Eileen momentarily taken aback as she watched him retreat to his office. With a contemtive frown, she returned to her desk to continue her day.

    Vivian was absent from the office today, so Eileen prepared Bryan¡¯s coffee and delivered it to him.

    ¡°¡®Mr. Dawson, there¡¯s a lunch appointment, and the client is hoping for a round of golf afterward,¡± Eileen informed Bryan.

    Bryan nced up from his work. He took the coffee from her and took a sip, raising an eyebrow slightly.

    Before Eileen could continue, the door swung open. Kian entered, a stern look recing his usual smile, with Vivian beside him, visibly distressed.

    ¡°¡®Bryan, the public needs to hear from you on this matter,¡± Kian urged.

    Silence from Bryan might lend credence to the allegations against Vivian. Any defense he offered could shift the narrative. If he coulde out and say that he had no feelings for his wife and had been in love with Vivian all along, Vivian would face less scrutiny.

    Eileen knew that Bryan¡¯s response could change the tide of public opinion.

    Bryan countered the concern with measuredposure. ¡°¡®If my grandmother learned that I did such a thing without her permission, it would worsen her health condition,¡± he stated, locking eyes firmly with Kian, clenching his jaw, but didn¡¯t break his stern look.

    ¡°¡®Eileen, please escort Vivian from here. I must speak with Bryan in private,¡± Kian said.

    Bryan nodded at Eileen. ¡°Go.¡±

    ¡°Miss Warren,e with me, please.¡± Eileen ushered Vivian from the office.

    The moment they left Bryan¡¯s office, Vivian¡¯s frustration manifested in a push that sent Eileen off bnce.

    Vivian¡¯s voice wasden with usation as Eileen steadied herself. ¡°Was Bryan at your cest night? You¡¯re the one who has been sleeping with him! Why should I bear the brunt of this when nothing has happened between Bryan and¡ª¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 59

    ?Chapter 59:

    Eileen¡¯s waist collided with the table¡¯s edge, her expression twisted in agony. Vivian¡¯s question hung unanswered in the charged air.

    Unfazed by the audience of coworkers, Vivian stepped closer. ¡°Eileen, you¡¯re shameless!¡±

    With a swift motion, she reached out to strike Eileen.

    Yet, Eileen caught her wrist, her gaze steady. ¡°ming me isn¡¯t going to work. This has nothing to do with me. We¡¯re at work. Act like it.¡±

    Kian and Vivian thought Eileen was an easy target, stirring up trouble and urging her to engage with Bryan when they should be asking Bryan to solve this.

    Vivian struggled to free her wrist, her cheeks flushed with effort.

    ¡°So what? Are you scared?¡± Vivian taunted. ¡°Scared everyone will see you for who you are? That they¡¯ll judge you for sleeping with the boss?¡±

    Eileen met her gaze coolly. ¡°I¡¯m just afraid you¡¯ll embarrass yourself.¡±

    Releasing Vivian, Eileen smoothed her attire and returned to her office.

    The secretarial staff witnessed Eileen¡¯s sh with Vivian. Upon Eileen¡¯s return, Ka approached her with a stack of documents in hand.

    Ka wanted to ask about the altercation, but noticing Eileen¡¯s somber expression, she chose not to say anything about that and left.

    The whispers had cast a pall over the office. Eileen was also lost in thought about the enigma entwining Bryan and Vivian.

    A suspicion tickled the back of her mind. Perhaps¡­

    L?t?st ch¦Ápt?rs in g??lnovels.??????

    Bryan didn¡¯t love Vivian.

    Memories of Bryan and Vivian¡¯s interactions drifted through her mind.

    She couldn¡¯t quite figure out if her suspicion was true.

    A sharp sound snapped the quiet of the office; the door swung open. Eileen looked up to find Kian strolling in casually.

    His conversation with Bryan remained a mystery, but the smile on his face had returned.

    His eyes, however, were icy and calcting. ¡°You have days left,¡± he told Eileen.

    Eileen didn¡¯t know if Kian was testing her by appearing clueless about the matter with Jonathan. She didn¡¯t want to beat around the bush with him. ¡°Jonathan¡¯s out of the hospital. He won¡¯t take legal action against Bailee,¡± she said.

    Kian, eyebrows arched, lounged against her desk with a nonchnt air.

    He nodded toward Bryan¡¯s office, saying, ¡°Vivian¡¯s in there, and Bryan isforting her. Eventually, they¡¯ll be together. You should walk away from Bryan before Vivian wins himpletely. Otherwise, you¡¯ll face severe consequences.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s response was courteous, valuing the heads-up. ¡°Mr. Warren,¡± she held her ground. ¡°Yet, my fate as Mr. Dawson¡¯s assistant lies in his hands, not mine.¡±

    Kian admired her resilience. It was the first time he had seen someone so fearless in the face of power. He offered a pat on her shoulder, a gesture heavier than it looked. Eileen shifted under the unexpected pressure.

    Kian said, ¡°You and I, we¡¯ve been acquaintances for some time. I appreciate you a lot. But remember, I only give chances to those who act ordingly.¡±

    With those words, he left.

    His attire was unassuming in style but screamed luxury, making clear the influence he wielded.

    Challenging him was unthinkable to most.

    Yet Eileen had crossed that line. She knew that her life hinged on Bryan¡¯s help now.

    Without Bryan, her life would be difficult.

    When Vivian emerged from Bryan¡¯s office, her smile was soft, her earlier distress seemingly eased.

    To Eileen¡¯s surprise, Vivian stayed here to work.

    Thus, Eileen and Vivian joined Bryan for lunch with the client.

    Han rkson, the client, knew Eileen well. He was on the cusp of forty, a widower with a son who had a streak of defiance.

    Eileen¡¯s early days at Apex Group had involved delicate negotiations with Han. Hispany had been on an upswing, making his partnership a coveted prize.

    Striking a deal with Han had been the key to Eileen¡¯s leap from intern to full employee, prompting her to arrange numerous meetings with him.

    Han, seeking to test her, had presented a challenge: mentor his son, aiming for top-ten ss ranks as a condition for coboration.

    Eileen had seeded, lifting his son to third ce. Han, impressed, had promptly inked a deal with her.

    Since then, Han had shown gratitude towards Eileen multiple times. So, Bryan had barred Eileen from continuing any projects with him.

    It had been almost a year since Eileenst saw Han.

    At lunch, Hanplimented Eileen a lot. Then, he said to Bryan, ¡°Mr. Dawson, when I sing praises for your assistant, it¡¯s all in good spirits. Why the long face? I¡¯ve noticed some less-than-ster staff heading our joint project. What¡¯s going on? Didn¡¯t you let Eileen take charge of the project?¡±

    Bryan flicked the ash off his cigarette, his expression unreadable.

    His gazended on Eileen, her eyes clear and bright. The soft light reflecting off her ss of red wine yed across her features, enhancing her natural allure.

    Her attire, simplepared to Vivian¡¯s polished look, didn¡¯t dim her presence.

    Bryan said, ¡°Mr. rkson, you can¡¯t be serious. Our venture is moving smoothly. Eileen just has plenty on her te.¡±

    Han epted the exnation without finding fault but remained keen on engaging Eileen in conversation.

    Meanwhile, Bryan sat with ease, the top buttons of his shirt undone, adding an air of casual authority.

    Han had kept his conversation with Eileen courteous throughout.

    Vivian suddenly said, ¡°Eileen, since Mr. rkson holds you in such high regard, perhaps you should have a few drinks with him to show your respect.¡±

    She offered the bottle to Eileen and instructed, ¡°Pour Mr. rkson a ss.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s expression suddenly shifted to one of displeasure, and he discarded his cigarette, about to snatch the bottle from Eileen¡¯s hand when Eileen nodded in agreement. ¡°You¡¯re right. I should pour Mr. rkson a drink,¡± she said.

    Eileen smiled at Bryan, then rose to attend to Han¡¯s ss.

    Thinking about past encounters, she knew Han always had respect for her boundaries.

    He had asked her out for meals privately before and had gratefully epted her refusals.

    To have a defensive stance against him now would seem ungracious on her part.

    Vivian¡¯s gaze lingered on Bryan, his posture casual yet contemtive.

    ¡°¡®Mr. rkson, let¡¯s hope for the continued smooth sailing of our coboration,¡± Eileen said, pouring a ss for Han.

    Her certainty in action earned Han¡¯s respect. ¡°¡®Indeed. Dawson has no pretenses, and Eileen, yourpetence is impressive,¡± Han said.

    After serving Han, Eileen picked up her ss, toasting, ¡°Here¡¯s to a rewarding path ahead for you and Mr. Dawson.¡±

    ¡°¡®Cheers!¡± Han acknowledged before taking a hearty swig. Then, he said, ¡°Don¡¯t feel obliged to drink up. A sip is enough. Mr. Dawson and I will share moreter.¡±

    Eileen responded with a smile. But she still finished her ss and then settled back into her chair.

    Bryan¡¯s irritation was just a flicker in Eileen¡¯s peripheral vision. Han beckoned Bryan for a drink, and their conversation picked up.

    Her mind elsewhere, Eileen¡¯s eyes inadvertently met Vivian¡¯s, reading the challenge in them.

    ¡°¡®You¡¯ve got quite the talent for charming men, right, Eileen?¡± Vivian said.

    Eileen¡¯s response was tinged with disappointment. ¡°rkson has been nothing but decent. Let¡¯s cast aspersions elsewhere.¡±

    She turned her face to avoid further exchange with Vivian.

    Vivian, sipping on her juice, looked at Han¡¯s smile aimed at Eileen, her skepticism about his decent character evident.

    Bryan excused himself mid-meal, and Vivian promptly followed as he left.

    This left Eileen alone with Han.

    ¡°¡®Eileen, I find myself in need of your assistance,¡± Han admitted, seeming a tad uneasy.

    Eileen set her fork aside swiftly. ¡°What is the matter, Mr. rkson?¡±

    Under the glow of the overhead light, Han¡¯s unease was unmistakable. He paused, collecting his thoughts.

    ¡°My son¡¯s academic performance is slipping as he approaches high school. It¡¯s troubling,¡± Han said, dabbing his sweat with a tissue.

    His gaze met Eileen¡¯s as he continued, ¡°I¡¯ve sought exnations from him to no avail. Tutors havee and gone, dismissed by his frustration. Might you consider guiding him again?¡±

    Eileen felt cornered by the request. ¡°Mr. rkson, my initial assistance was in the spirit of mutual endeavors, with Mr. Dawson¡¯s permission. Regrettably, my current workload is too substantial to offer the same level ofmitment to your son¡¯s tutoring.¡±

    She halted, aware that her response might seem transactional, her earlier mentorship merely a strategic move for partnership leverage. But her capacity to help now was genuinely at its limit.

    Han replied, ¡°No need for concern. I¡¯m not asking for daily tutoring. Perhaps you could just chat with him and unearth the reason behind his academic dip. If he¡¯s open to it, maybe share some resources.¡±

    Monitoring Eileen¡¯s reaction, he understood her time was precious, often stretched thin by extra work.

    With this in mind, he offered, ¡°I¡¯ll pay you for the trouble, rest assured.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s reply was swift, ¡°There¡¯s no need for payment, Mr. rkson. I¡¯ll try to offer what help I can, but I can¡¯t promise a turnaround.¡±

    Han quickly produced his phone. ¡°Would you mind adding him on WhatsApp?¡±

    Left with no choice, Eileen sent a friend request.

    ¡°¡®It¡¯s done. I¡¯ve sent him a friend request,¡± she informed Han, sinking back into her chair. It was then she noticed Bryan, silently watching her from the doorway.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 60

    ?Chapter 60:

    Bryan¡¯s hand gripped the doorknob. His eyes briefly betrayed irritation before he entered, maintaining hisposure.

    Drawing back his chair, the scrape against the floor was stark, but Bryan remained unperturbed, pouring a drink for Han.

    ¡°¡®Shall we continue, Mr. rkson?¡± he said.

    Putting away his phone, Han offered Eileen an amiable grin before resuming his conversation with Bryan.

    Despite the age gap between them, Han and Bryan conversed with the ease of peers, their rapport brotherly and their exchange smooth.

    Vivian¡¯s voice was barely audible. ¡°¡®Shame on you!¡± she said as she settled back into her ce.

    The words reached only Eileen, who cast a brief nce towards Vivian but quickly refocused, realizing Han¡¯s son had epted her friend request.

    Eileen¡¯s mind nked on his name,beling him simply as ¡°rkson¡± in her phone.

    She introduced herself, but the boy didn¡¯t reply. Eileen waited, but as the meal concluded, her message remained unanswered, casting doubt on the efficacy of Han¡¯s hopes.

    During the golf game, Han kept checking in with Eileen about the situation, but Eileen could only shake her head.

    The day was unkind to Han. Bryan bested him repeatedly in golf. At day¡¯s end, Han¡¯s spirits had clearly sunk.

    Afterward, Han bid farewell to them, and they all settled into their own cars.

    Explore more on g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s

    Belt secured, Eileen nced back at Bryan. ¡°Mr. Dawson, would you prefer returning to the office or should I drop you off at home?¡±

    ¡°No need to return to the office.¡± Bryan reclined in his seat, seeking sce in a moment of quiet. ¡°But take her home first,¡± he said.

    Eileen understood he meant Vivian.

    ¡°¡®Go to Waterfront Vis. I¡¯ve moved out of my family¡¯s house,¡± Vivian instructed without a hint of emotion.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen replied. The navigation system guided them to Vivian¡¯s destination. Eileen watched as Vivian exited the vehicle at Waterfront Vis. Then, she started the car again.

    While driving, Eileen recalled the recent news about Vivian. ¡°It seems Miss Warren¡¯s troubles might be linked to Jonathan. At the hospitalst night, I crossed paths with him in her ward,¡± she said.

    Bryan remained silent, seemingly asleep, his calm face reflected in the mirror.

    With no instruction from Bryan, Eileen took the initiative and headed straight for Springvale Lane.

    Her intuition about the destination seemed to align with Bryan¡¯s unspoken thoughts, and it appeared to please him. Arriving home, they slipped off their shoes in unison and stepped inside together.

    A brief, awkward air settled between them. As Eileen rolled up her sleeves, she asked, ¡°What are you in the mood for dinner?¡±

    Bryan, draping his coat over the sofa, was loosening his cuffs to unwind when a knock interrupted the quiet.

    Eileen moved, dering, ¡°I¡¯ll get it.¡±

    Bailee was on the doorstep, her arms full of food containers. shing a quick smile at Eileen, she bustled inside.

    ¡°I¡¯ve made your favorite,¡± she began.

    Huey followed, offering a grateful nod to Eileen. ¡°Eileen, thanks to you, I can always enjoy delicious food as long as I drive her.¡±

    He also walked into the house. Then, he nudged Bailee, who was standing still, and urged, ¡°Move! Are you just standing there?¡±

    Both of them suddenly froze as if they saw a ghost. Eileen quickly shut the door, the click echoing slightly as she entered.

    Huey and Bailee were standing at the entrance of the dining room, looking at Bryan with shock. Bryan was in front of the open fridge, his hand still resting on its door.

    With a light cough to clear the silence, Eileen retrieved Bryan¡¯s coat from the sofa. ¡°Bryan, thank you for dropping by. Since we¡¯ve finished our talk, you can leave now,¡± she said.

    The fridge¡¯s light yed across Bryan¡¯s features, doing little to mask the stormy look that settled there. His gaze sharpened, meeting Eileen¡¯s.

    Offering a strained smile, Eileen extended his coat towards him, bridging the distance between them.

    Bailee and Huey, cognizant of the tangled web surrounding Eileen, found the situation tooplex for understanding.

    Bryan epted his coat, the scent of his recent indulgences briefly overwhelming Eileen as he walked past her.

    ¡°Where¡¯s your food, Eileen?¡± he called, eyeing Bryan yet addressing Eileen. ¡°I¡¯m ready, and since Mr. Dawson¡¯s here, let¡¯s all eat together.¡±

    Eileen was momentarily lost for words.

    Huey didn¡¯t really want Bryan to stay for dinner; he just wanted to use this chance to mock Bryan a bit. With a mischievous glint, he said, ¡°Of course, someone like Mr. Dawson has refined tastes.¡±

    Bryan caught the jest mid-sentence. He quickly interjected, ¡°I¡¯m far from picky. Your invitation is too generous to pass up. I¡¯ll stay and join you.¡±

    Huey¡¯s expression was one of bemused shock.

    Bailee and Eileen exchanged frustrated looks. Bryan¡¯s presence promised a rather strained dinner.

    Huey was at a loss, baffled that Bryan would actually join them for dinner. Was Bryan really unfazed by the awkwardness?

    Amidst their silentmunication, Bryan settled at the table, arranging his coat over the adjacent chair. ¡°What¡¯s the holdup? Don¡¯t keep me waiting, or I might just stay the night,¡± he teased.

    Eileen¡¯s mouth twitched involuntarily. She paused by the chair next to Bryan, unsure.

    Noticing her reluctance, Huey quickly imed the seat beside Bryan.

    Eileen sat down with Bailee, and Bailee arranged the dishes she had prepared.

    While gathering cutlery for the group, Eileen extended a set toward Bryan. It was then that Huey said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, care for a drink?¡±

    ¡°¡®No alcohol,¡± Bailee interjected, her voice a mix of concern and reprimand. ¡°You should remember your limits, Huey.¡±

    Huey was not convinced. The scent of alcohol on Bryan led him to suspect that Bryan had already drunk.

    Huey fancied his chances to outdrink a slightly inebriated Bryan, potentially showing Bryan the door thereafter, trying to teach Bryan a lesson.

    ¡°¡®We¡¯ll share a quick drink. Don¡¯t worry,¡± Huey said.

    Turning to Bryan, he inquired, ¡°Your thoughts, Mr. Dawson?¡±

    Bryan offered a slight, knowing smile to Eileen. Then, he replied to Huey, ¡°I¡¯m up for a drink if you are,¡± he said.

    Eileen let out a weary sigh. But then, unexpectedly, Bryan rose, selected a bottle of red wine from the cab, and began to rinse wine sses in the kitchen before setting them down on the table.

    Bailee and Huey exchanged looks of astonishment.

    Bryan caught their astonished looks and nonchntly said, ¡°No need to be shocked. It¡¯s a small ce. Easy to guess where things are kept.¡±

    Under the table, Eileen kicked Bryan¡¯s foot as a warning. ¡°Time to eat before the food gets cold,¡± she said, wearing a smile.

    After serving wine to Huey and Bryan, she got juice for herself and Bailee.

    Huey, fixated on outdrinking Bryan, barely touched his food, frequently clinking sses with him. But it wasn¡¯t long before Huey was the one swaying.

    He grabbed Bailee¡¯s juice and gulped it down, then topped up her ss with wine.

    ¡°Bailee, join me and drink with Mr. Dawson,¡± he said.

    Eileen frowned, not keen on Bailee drinking. It was clear to her that Huey¡¯s n to inebriate Bryan was backfiring.

    The dining room light highlighted Bryan¡¯s face, his expression unreadable yetposed.

    He narrowed his eyes as he caught Eileen¡¯s gaze.

    Eileen understood that Bryan let Huey get drunk on purpose.

    Yet, Eileen couldn¡¯t fault him¡ªit was Huey who had initiated the challenge.

    Coaxed by Huey, Bailee cautiously sipped her wine, mindful of her modest alcohol tolerance.

    Even so, a half ss proved ample.

    Huey realized his n to outdrink Bryan hade to nothing. Not willing to give up, he urged Eileen to join, only to be declined.

    Eileen harbored no desire to witness a scenario where they all sumbed to alcohol.

    In due course, Huey¡¯s evening ended sprawled across the tabletop. Bailee, too, sumbed to slumber on the couch.

    Eileen, her appetite waning amidst the unfolding drama, watched Bryan enjoy the meal with ease.

    In a hushed tone borne of concern, Eileen said, ¡°You should¡¯ve steered clear of their antics. They are still young.¡±

    A shadow crossed Bryan¡¯s face as he looked at Huey, d casually in denim and athletic wear, his fashionably chosen ck hat now just another casualty of the night¡¯s excesses.

    Meanwhile, Bryan maintained his professional look, the rolled cuffs lending the only casual note to his attire, which added years to his appearance.

    ¡°You¡¯re not so young yourself,¡± he said, an edge of irritation in his voice. Rising from the table, he paused to look at Bailee and Huey.

    Eileen said, ¡°They can stay here. Bailee in my bed, and Huey on the couch.¡±

    She then handed the car keys to Bryan.

    Bryan held the keys, lost in thought. Then, he went and hoisted Huey up with ease.

    ¡°You can leave him to me,¡± he dered to Eileen¡¯s astonished gaze.

    He managed to escort Huey out effortlessly.

    Eileen tidied up. Post-shower, she gently roused Bailee and guided her upstairs for the night.

    As Eileen settled into bed, she finally had the chance to look at her phone.

    A notification from Benjamin awaited her, unnoticed until now.

    His words were sinct: ¡°I¡¯ve helped you as much as I could. The favor is repaid.¡±

    The words left Eileen momentarily frozen, her thoughts inevitably drifting to Jonathan¡¯s ordeal.

    With the Warren Group¡¯s recent alliance with the Lothach Group, Benjamin, in his role as Kian¡¯s assistant, would have ess to privileged information or secrets about Jonathan¡¯spany.

    Could Benjamin have been the one who helped her with her problem with Jonathan? But she knew there were still risks of Jonathan retaliating.

    After some contemtion, Eileen just responded, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 61

    ?Chapter 61:

    Eileen pondered why Benjamin, always chasing personal benefit, would risk upsetting Jonathan for her sake. Something didn¡¯t add up. Restless, she spent the night wrestling with her sheets, sleep elusive. Then her phone rang, startling her into action, careful not to disturb Bailee, who was asleep beside her.

    ¡°Hello?¡± she said.

    A pause stretched on the line before a voice, tentative yet familiar, broke the silence. ¡°Is this Miss Curtis? It¡¯s Aaron.¡±

    Recognition dawned slowly for Eileen. It was Aaron rkson, Han¡¯s son.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen replied.

    ¡°It¡¯s really you!¡± Aaron¡¯s tone,ced with astonishment, carried across the line. ¡°I never thought we¡¯d speak again.¡±

    Eileen remembered their brief time together. Aaron had leaned heavily on her guidance. The years had created distance, yet here he was, reaching out as if no time had passed at all.

    Eileen found a quiet corner on the couch downstairs, her voice a whisper. ¡°How have you been, Aaron?¡±

    Aaron¡¯s words flowed, not typical of teens his age. Eileen noticed he hadn¡¯t changed much from the child she remembered. They lost themselves in conversation for well over an hour. During this, Eileen¡¯s phone buzzed with an iing call, but she chose to let it go unanswered.

    After a while, she decided to broach the topic of grades. ¡°Aaron, what¡¯s been going on with your gradestely?¡±

    Aaron gave a dismissive snort. ¡°Figured you¡¯d get to that. My dad¡¯s pretty mad, too, but I keep it to myself. If I tell you, you¡¯d just report back to him, wouldn¡¯t you?¡±

    Step into fiction with g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s

    Eileen held her silence, her answer clear in the quiet between them.

    Aaron¡¯s voice took on an edge. ¡°I trusted you because I thought you were on my team. If you¡¯re just gonna spill to him, I won¡¯t tell you.¡±

    ¡°Best to leave it unsaid, then,¡± Eileen replied, keeping the peace. Wanting to steer away from the tension, she changed the topic. ¡°Do you want me to tutor you? Regardless of the whys and wherefores, focusing on your education is key.¡±

    From the other end of the line, Aaron¡¯s voice came with a teasing edge. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to convince me a little?¡±

    At Aaron¡¯s teasing remark, Eileen couldn¡¯t suppress a chuckle. ¡°Just tell me, are you in for tutoring?¡±

    Aaron didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°Yes. I don¡¯t want to fall behind in my studies either. But it¡¯s too hard for me to catch up now. When will youe to tutor me?¡±

    Eileen considered for a moment. ¡°I can only provide you with some study materials for you to work through. You need toplete a practice test for each subject so I can assess your understanding.¡±

    Disappointment tinged Aaron¡¯s reply; the face-to-face session wasn¡¯t on the table. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll get it done and send it your way.¡±

    ¡°Then you go to bed now; it¡¯ste,¡± Eileen reminded him before ending the call.

    Afterward, Eileen noticed a missed call from Bryan, followed by a text, a question mark. Unsure if Bryan was already asleep, Eileen opted not to call. She sent a text.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, any instructions?¡±

    No response came. The conversation with Aaron had banished any thought of sleep, so Eileen booted up herputer to pore over the eighth-grade curriculum. Her impromptu study session stretched into the wee hours, ending only at three in the morning. Knowing she needed some sleep to function at work, she finally went to bed.

    However, dark circles still underscored her when she arrived at work, having taken the bus because Bryan had taken away the car. It was her first time beingte.

    When she clocked in at thepany gate and was reminded with the words ¡°You arete,¡± many employees looked at her with surprise. Judie, among the onlookers, exchanged nces with others before joining Eileen with a stack of files in hand.

    ¡°You¡¯rete, Eileen. What made you take the bus today?¡± Judie inquired.

    Eileen, seeking a moment¡¯s sce, rested against the elevator¡¯s wall and spoke without lifting her head. ¡°Just short on sleep.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s attitude was very dull, and Judie felt her words getting stuck in her throat. The elevator halted, yet Judie made no move to exit.

    Eileen pressed the button to open the doors again, fixing Judie with a look. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going back to the office?¡±

    ¡°Oh, yes,¡± Judie responded, stepping out with a backward nce that conveyed her concern for Eileen¡¯s haggard appearance. Clearly, something was off.

    Without hesitation, Judie pulled out her phone and moved down the corridor. ¡°Roderick, there¡¯s trouble with your sister. It looks like she¡¯s had a falling-out with Mr. Dawson!¡±

    Roderick, pausing on his scooter, demanded, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen Eileen take the bus to work before,¡± Judie ryed urgently. ¡°She¡¯s worn out, sporting dark circles, and she was fuming. Looks like she¡¯s had a rough time with Mr. Dawson and is keeping it to herself. She seemed so distant while speaking to me.¡±

    Judie let out a sneer as she added, ¡°She was supposed to be part of my house-buying n. Now what? Do you think Mr. Dawson will offer her any kind of settlement?¡±

    Judie never missed an opportunity to belittle Eileen when out of earshot, and Roderick was aware of this habit. He said, ¡°Enough with the nonsense. I¡¯ll call herter and ask her what¡¯s actually happening.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t let her squander any settlement on that lost cause,¡± Judie said, her voiceden with disdain as she pressed about any potentialpensation before ending the call.

    Eileen had just delivered a file to Bryan when he asked, ¡°Rough night?¡±

    ¡°I stayed up toote,¡± Eileen admitted with a nod.

    ¡°What were you talking to on the phonest night?¡±

    Bryan, still focused on his paperwork, suddenly recalled the previous night¡¯s conversation. ¡°A friend. Did you need me for somethingst night, Mr. Dawson?¡±

    As Bryan finished with the documents, he replied, ¡°Just wanted to ask you where Huey lives.¡±

    Eileen was taken aback. ¡°You don¡¯t know where he lives? Where did you take himst night?¡±

    Bryan reclined in his chair, eyebrows arched as he regarded Eileen. ¡°What? You are worried about him?¡±

    Eileen replied, shaking her head lightly. ¡°Just concerned that he would be a hassle for you.¡±

    Bryan held her gaze, a thoughtful look in his eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Just focus on your tasks,¡± he finally said.

    Eileen took the files and turned to leave. It puzzled her that Bryan wasn¡¯t sure of Huey¡¯s address, but she didn¡¯t suspect any harm woulde to Huey. Bryan was trustworthy.

    Back in her own space, she quickly texted Bailee, telling her to check on Huey.

    The day was a marathon, and by its end, Eileen was exhausted. Kian had already left with Vivian. When she and Bryan departed, it was Bryan at the wheel. Exhaustion overcame her, and she dozed off in the passenger seat.

    The chime of her phone broke the quiet. A WhatsApp notification glowed. Bryan took a brief look; the message was from the name ¡°rkson.¡±

    At a red light, Bryan reached out to grab Eileen¡¯s phone, but Eileen was quicker.

    ¡°It¡¯s my phone,¡± she said, her voice betraying her fatigue and ack of her usual assertiveness.

    The thought of Bryan discovering her private tutoring sessions with Aaron and the impact on her rest and job performance loomed in her mind. It would surely displease him.

    Bryan paused, hand on the wheel, and studied her momentarily with a thoughtful look before returning his attention to the road.

    Eileen checked the message. ¡°I¡¯m going to start on the practice tests and will send you two subjects a day.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Eileen responded. She was about to return the phone to its ce but instead decided to keep it in her hand.

    As the light shifted to green, Bryan elerated, causing Eileen to instinctively reach for the handle above her head.

    Eileen nced at Bryan, noticing the set jaw of his profile. ¡°Keep a firm hold on your phone.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± she replied, her fingers wrapping more securely around the device.

    The journey hastened, and soon they reached Springvale Lane. Following Bryan inside, Eileen was just shutting the door when he stepped close, the coolness of the wall meeting her back.

    He brushed a kiss against her hair, his voice firm. ¡°What¡¯s the n? Dinner first or sex first?¡±

    Turning slightly, Eileen replied softly, her palms resting lightly on his chest. ¡°Can we have dinner first? I¡¯d rather sleep than have sex today because I¡¯m hungry and exhausted.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of dinner,¡± Bryan assured her, his gaze intense. ¡°Tired now? Didn¡¯t think about that when you were upst night, huh?¡±

    Silence was Eileen¡¯s only response.

    The realization hit her hard¡ªbncing the creation of study guides for Aaron and managing her time with Bryan was going to be a challenging task.

    Eileen flickered uneasily and nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure not to stay upte in the future.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s voice was rough. ¡°Never? Then are we going to have sex or not?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s throat tightened. It seemed she couldn¡¯t avoid it.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Bryan gave a nod of approval. ¡°Alright, take a shower and get changed. I¡¯ll start on dinner.¡± He brushed her hair back from her face, leaving soft kisses in his wake, each one drawing a deeper shade of pink across her cheeks.

    Once he let go, Eileen retreated to the sanctuary of the bathroom to regain herposure and start the shower. Bryan, meanwhile, shed his formal attire, rolled up his sleeves, and got to work in the kitchen with a contemtive smile.

    Unbeknownst to them, a car had trailed them home, its upants observing their arrival with spective eyes. Vivian, sitting beside Kian and peering through the car¡¯s half-lowered window, noticed the sight of Eileen¡¯s clothes hanging on the balcony, along with Bryan¡¯s shirt.

    Clenching her jaw, she wound up the window and snatched her phone from her purse with a vengeful grip. ¡°I¡¯m going to call the reporters. I¡¯ll expose their affair!¡± she said through gritted teeth.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 62

    ?Chapter 62:

    Knowing something differed from witnessing it firsthand, after seeing Eileen and entering the house, Vivian was on the verge of losing her mind. But before she could make a call, Kian swiftly seized her phone, cing it beyond her grasp.

    ¡°Kian, why are you stopping me?¡± Vivian stared at her brother in confusion. ¡°Don¡¯t you realize the intense scrutiny faced from the publictely? Even Dad and Mom urged me to distance myself from Bryan because of it!¡±

    With a resigned exhale, Kian urged, ¡°Stay calm, Vivian. Don¡¯t antagonize Bryan. You know his temperament. I¡¯m familiar with Eileen. Despite being aware of Bryan¡¯s marital status, she persists in her involvement with him. There must be underlying motives.¡±

    ¡°What are you implying?¡± Vivian found it incredulous. ¡°Bryan is an incredible man. It¡¯s absurd to think Eileen needs a rationale to pursue him despite the moral implications!¡±

    Kian wasn¡¯t surprised by her perspective, considering her brief acquaintance with Eileen. Having known Eileen for three years himself, he believed he knew her well. He believed Eileen wasn¡¯t the type to engage in a rtionship with her superior or to wreck marriages.

    So, why was she entangled with Bryan? This piqued Kian¡¯s curiosity. He assured Vivian, ¡°Trust me, I¡¯ll assist in separating Eileen from Bryan. But first, heed my advice and avoid impulsive actions.¡±

    ¡°Kian, I trust you, but I¡¯m afraid¡­¡± Vivian bit her lip, fearing disappointment from the revtions.

    Patting her arm, Kian reassured her, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll handle it. Let me drive you home now.¡±

    Starting the engine, Kian drove Vivian back to her home. After dropping her off, he stayed briefly in the car and then dialed Benjamin.

    ¡°I need you to look into Eileen,¡± Kian told Benjamin.

    Step into new worlds with g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§àm

    Jolted awake, Benjamin echoed in surprise, ¡°Look into Eileen?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I want aprehensive report on her. Get me the details by tomorrow.¡±

    With that, Kian hung up the phone.

    Benjamin sat up in bed, gazing at the moonlight streaming through the window, his lips pressed together. After some time, a realization dawned on him. He rose from bed and made his way to the study, where he retrieved a photo from a shelf. It was a graduation photo of their entire ss, including himself and Eileen.

    It was the sole group photo he possessed featuring her. In the picture, a younger Eileen sported an innocent and vibrant smile. After they graduated, he had never seen her smile like that again.

    After a contemtive pause, he returned the photo to its ce and settled into a chair, retrieving his phone and opening the chat with Eileen. His fingers hovered over the screen for a moment before heposed a message and sent it out.

    ¡°Kian wants me to investigate you.¡±

    But within moments, he recalled the message. Then he rose from his seat and left his home to start an investigation about Eileen.

    Eileen and Bryany entwined on the bed, hands sped beneath the thin quilt. Eileen, lying on her stomach, exuded a delicate allure in the dim room light, her tender back gleaming.

    Beside Bryan¡¯s handy her phone, which emitted a sudden beep, a message briefly illuminating the screen. Bryan, with keen perception, noticed that the message was from Benjamin, Kian¡¯s assistant.

    A somber realization flickered across his eyes as he leaned in, pressing a kiss to Eileen¡¯s hair. Enveloped in Bryan¡¯s presence, Eileen remained oblivious to the notification, lost in the sensations he stirred within her.

    He was gentle and possessive during the night. However, when Eileen awoke the next morning, she found no trace of him in the bed. The spot where he had been lying was cold, indicating he had been out of bed for some time.

    She got out of bed, only to be surprised by Bryan standing in front of the French window, smoking. The morning sunlight streamed through the mist, filling the room.

    With his back turned to her, Bryan appeared cold and distant. After a moment of hesitation, Eileen went to change her clothes. When she descended the stairs, she greeted Bryan, who responded with an indifferent nod. Unfazed, she continued to prepare breakfast. Suddenly, she received a message from Roderick.

    ¡°Eileen, have you found yourself in a difficult situation?¡±

    Baffled, Eileen replied, ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Eileen, if you ever need assistance, don¡¯t hesitate to reach out. I¡¯ll be there for you,¡± Roderick replied with concern, assuming she was putting up a brave front.

    Touched by his words yet puzzled by their implication, Eileen responded, ¡°I¡¯m really okay. No need to worry.¡±

    After their brief exchange, Roderick didn¡¯t send any further messages. Putting her phone away, Eileen turned to find Bryan standing behind her. Leaning against the kitchen door with arms crossed, Bryan regarded her with an inscrutable expression.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Eileen asked softly.

    Bryan¡¯s gaze flickered to her phone, his features betraying no emotion. ¡°I won¡¯t be having breakfast here. I¡¯m leaving,¡± he said.

    Swiftly taking his coat and changing his shoes, he left without further exnation.

    Before Eileen could react, he was already gone, the sound of the car¡¯s engine fading as he drove away. That meant she had to take a bus to thepany today. She decided to abandon breakfast. She turned off the stove, grabbed her bag, and left.

    During her bus ride, Eileen received photos of Aaron¡¯s past exam papers from him. Reviewing them, she noted Aaron¡¯s solid grasp of the school material and his struggle to apply it effectively during exams. She left her notes regarding Aaron¡¯s mistakes and then proceeded to check her unread messages. Among them, she noticed the record of a recalled message from Benjamin the previous night. Assuming it might have been just a mistake, she didn¡¯t dwell on it much.

    Skipping lunch, Eileen utilized the break to create a video offering detailed exnations for Aaron¡¯s exams. Shortly after sending it to Aaron, she received a grateful response.

    ¡°Miss Curtis, I haven¡¯t watched the video yet, but I was already enlightened by reading through your notes. You¡¯re an excellent teacher!¡±

    Eileen couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°I¡¯m d it¡¯s helpful,¡± she replied.

    ¡°Could you pick me up from school and take me for dinner tonight? I want to talk with you,¡± Aaron asked.

    He wasn¡¯t typically one to engage in conversation. Thus, it must have taken him a considerable amount of courage to make such a request. Eileen didn¡¯t want to let the boy down. She hesitated briefly before replying, ¡°Let me check my schedule for tonight. I¡¯ll get back to youter.¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± replied Aaron.

    Bryan had an appointment scheduled for that evening. He was meeting with an old client who had been coborating with theirpany for many years. The client intended to renew their contract through dinner. Eileen¡¯s attendance wasn¡¯t a necessity.

    At this thought, Eileen took some documents to Bryan in the afternoon and requested an early day off. She rarely asked for leave over the past few months, except for the instances when Ruby¡¯s condition deteriorated, and she needed to visit her.

    Assuming she was going to see her mother in the hospital, Bryan asked, ¡°How is your mother?¡±

    ¡°Still the same,¡± Eileen managed a bitter smile, surprised that Bryan still remembered this.

    After a moment¡¯s consideration, Bryan said, ¡°Go ahead then.¡±

    His response indicated his approval. Eileen nodded and proceeded to prepare the contract required for the evening. She left work at five o¡¯clock.

    Vivian was taken aback when she saw Eileen leaving early and promptly messaged Kian to report on Eileen¡¯s movements.

    ¡°Okay. Wait for my instruction,¡± Kian replied promptly.

    Raising an eyebrow, Kian examined the information Benjamin had gathered about Eileen on his desk. Her parents divorced when she was young, and her father passed away a few years after remarrying. She was raised by her stepmother, who had cancer and had been hospitalized for treatment.

    Eileen¡¯s motivation for being with Bryan, primarily financial, came as a surprise to Kian. However, armed with this knowledge of her vulnerability, he felt more equipped to handle her.

    Eileen opted not to drive and instead took a bus to Aaron¡¯s school, waiting at the gate for him. They hadn¡¯t seen each other for a few years, and Aaron was now nearly as tall as she was. Spotting Eileen from a distance, Aaron hurried to her.

    ¡°Miss Curtis!¡± Aaron eximed, his hands clutching his backpack straps, joy evident in his eyes.

    ¡°What would you like for dinner? My treat,¡± Eileen said.

    ¡°I¡¯ve chosen a ce. Pleasee with me.¡± Aaron led her through the bustling crowd of students, across the street, towards the rkson family car.

    The driver opened the door, saying, ¡°Miss Curtis, a pleasure to see you again. Please, get in.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Eileen replied, getting into the car with Aaron. The driver then drove them to their destination.

    During the ride, Aaron told Eileen that he had fully grasped the knowledge of the exam papers she had shared with him.

    Their destination was a restaurant with an elegant ambiance. They were escorted to a private room.

    ¡°Mr. rkson?¡± Eileen was surprised to see Han inside.

    Han was equally taken aback. Both of them turned to look at Aaron.

    Withposure, Aaron ced his school bag down and exined, ¡°I haven¡¯t seen Miss Curtis in a while and wanted to invite her to dinner. Plus, Dad, isn¡¯t it natural for you to treat Miss Curtis for tutoring me?¡±

    His reasoning sounded reasonable, but it felt awkward to have it articted by a thirteen-year-old. Embarrassed, Han¡¯s face flushed; his son¡¯s thoughtfulness had highlighted his own oversight.

    ¡°Miss Curtis, please, take a seat. My apologies for the oversight. I¡¯ve been upiedtely and haven¡¯t properly thanked you. And I haven¡¯t asked about Aaron¡¯s tutoring progress. You two have decided to have tutoring sessions regrly, right?¡± Han said.

    Seating herself across from Han, Eileen nodded with a smile. ¡°Aaron has agreed to regr tutoring sessions with me. I¡¯m assessing his progress before we start.¡±

    Delighted by the tutoring arrangement, Han beamed and instructed a waiter to provide Eileen with the menu.

    ¡°Please, feel free to order whatever you¡¯d like.¡±

    The waiter ced the menu in front of Eileen and then stepped back, waiting patiently.

    Aware of the rksons¡¯ straightforward nature and feeling no need for formality, Eileen wasted no time in cing her order.

    She lowered her head, focused on the menu. Little did she know, Aaron kicked Han under the table and signaled him.

    Understanding his son¡¯s cue, Han appeared awkward but said nothing. Aaron shook his head in disappointment. Once Eileen finished ordering, Aaron casually asked, ¡°Miss Curtis, do you have a boyfriend?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 63

    ?Chapter 63:

    Han¡¯s difort was immediate, given the blunt nature of his son¡¯s inquiry. Taken aback, Eileen listened as Aaron rified with earnestness, ¡°I hope I haven¡¯t crossed a line. I was wondering about Miss Curtis¡¯s personal life¡ªsolely to avoid any imposition if she¡¯smitted to her family or something.¡±

    The underlying assumption was clear; Aaron¡¯s directness sought to simplify, notplicate. Eileen, her cheeks warming slightly, took a moment before responding. ¡°That¡¯s very thoughtful of you. To be clear, I am married.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Han¡¯s shock was palpable. ¡°Miss Curtis, there¡¯s no need for pretense on your part¡ªnot at the expense of your integrity.¡±

    Yet Eileen said with sincerity, ¡°No, it¡¯s the truth. I am indeed married.¡±

    Han¡¯s features were etched with disappointment. He pressed his lips together and offered Aaron a bitter smile.

    Aaron gave a look to his father before pivoting to discuss his academic pursuits. During the dinner, Aaron and Eileen¡¯s conversation mostly revolved around Aaron¡¯s educational endeavors. Han, attempting to maintain hisposure, seemed to be disappointed.

    Alone with his wine, Han would asionally steal nces at Aaron and Eileen, his expression a bittersweet tapestry of mncholy and eptance.

    Midway through dinner, Aaron excused himself to use the restroom. Han¡¯s face had already flushed from the wine. He carried his ss over and settled next to Eileen.

    ¡°Are you actually married, Ms. Curtis?¡± he asked.

    He knitted his brows together. Though forty, he seemed younger in his uncertainty. Eileen subtly moved her chair back to create some distance between them.

    ¡°Indeed, Mr. rkson. I am married,¡± she said.

    Han sighed and reclined in his chair, ncing over his shoulder to ensure Aaron¡¯s absence.

    He spoke softly, a note of realization in his voice. ¡°I¡¯m beginning to see why Aaron¡¯s performance at school is declining. An altercation with his peers left himbeled as one without a mother, which must have cut deep.¡±

    Eileen had been privy to Aaron¡¯s yearning for a mother.

    Han cracked a slight grin and shared his thoughts. ¡°He hopes you will fill that role. Yet, it might be best for you to stay as his mentor. If you were to be his stepmother and he didn¡¯t like you anymore once we¡¯re living together, it couldplicate things.¡±

    Eileen nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±

    Taking a deep breath, Han met Eileen¡¯s gaze. ¡°What if you were his godmother?¡± he proposed.

    Eileen was momentarily speechless. That seemed far-fetched, given she was not old enough to be Aaron¡¯s godmother.

    Han quickly added, ¡°No need for worries. There¡¯s no financial burden on you, and you wouldn¡¯t be stepping into a parental role. Your guidance in his education is what we value. You could also be a friend and mentor.¡±

    Eileen knitted her brows together, signaling doubt.

    Han stood up abruptly, returning to his original seat. ¡°Give it some thought, and let me know your decision when we meet again.¡±

    No sooner had he finished than Aaron returned.

    When they had finished eating, Han was adamant about escorting Eileen home.

    Eileen declined with a polite hand wave. ¡°Really, Mr. rkson, I¡¯ll manage. Thest bus will pick me up just over there.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll take you to the bus stop then,¡± Han offered. ¡°It¡¯ste.¡±

    Eileen epted his offer and slid into his car.

    Meanwhile, a figure lingered by a window on the second floor. He had a lit cigarette in hand, casting a faint glow.

    Bryan¡¯s eyes followed Eileen¡¯s form, which the streetlight faintly outlined. She and Han seemed deep in conversation.

    The young teenager peered out, his gaze lingering on Eileen as sheughed and chatted. Then, Bryan watched Eileen climb into the vehicle.

    His expression grew troubled as he watched, the cigarette¡¯s ember ring briefly as he exhaled, and then the car was gone, swallowed by the night.

    With a frown, he adjusted his tie, anger bubbling inside him.

    ¡°Why are you here, Bryan?¡± Vivian emerged and approached him. ¡°Aren¡¯t you enjoying your meal?¡±

    She confessed, ¡°It¡¯s on me¡ªI identally canceled our original restaurant booking. I assumed the dinner tonight was off when Eileen left. But I heard the client loved this restaurant, so I booked here.¡±

    Bryan shrugged off her concern. ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± He put his cigarette out and tossed it into the trash can, offering her a nonchnt look. ¡°Should we go back now?¡±

    At the bus stop, Eileen alighted from Han¡¯s vehicle just as a bus arrived. Without hesitation, she boarded.

    Beneath the streemp, her face was touched by a soft light, reflecting her peaceful enjoyment of the night¡¯s stillness. As the bus made its way to a quieter part of town, she couldn¡¯t help but feel uplifted.

    The ringing of her phone shattered her peace. The call was from Emilio, Ruby¡¯s doctor.

    ¡°Eileen, sorry to disturb you at thiste hour,¡± Emilio said.

    Eileen tensed up, her hold on the phone tightening. ¡°Is my mother alright, Dr. White?¡±

    Emilio paused for a while and replied, ¡°She¡¯s okay, but I have another concern. Have you offended someone?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Eileen was taken aback.

    A gust of night air danced through her hair, streetlights casting worried shadows in her eyes.

    ¡°Your medication has been switched to a trial variant. It costs a bit more than the previous one, but less than the standard treatment. The trial shouldst a few more months. But the director of the hospital suddenly asked me to change the price of the medication to that of the standard one,¡± Emilio said. After a pause, he added, ¡°Her care costs around a hundred thousand dors a month before the change. If we change the price, it could jump to seven or eight hundred thousand a month. Will you be able to handle that?¡±

    Managing that was beyond Eileen¡¯s reach. The two hundred thousand dors a month before had already stretched her thin.

    Emilio¡¯s voice softened. ¡°The medication¡¯s sess led me to believe the hospital wanted to end the trial sooner. But it turned out the director had singled out your mother¡¯s bills for an increase; everyone else¡¯s stayed the same¡­¡±

    A heavy silence fell before Eileen mustered a response. ¡°I¡¯ll sort it out soon.¡±

    ¡°Three days is all I can give you,¡± Emilio said. ¡°Settling your mother¡¯s care is crucial. If you still want her to use this medication, you could pay a one-time fee of five hundred thousand dors for the medication.¡±

    With that, he ended the call.

    Leaning her head against the window, Eileen¡¯s gaze was distant, her thoughts a whirlwind.

    Her ount held only a hundred thousand.

    Realization hit Eileen. Bryan hadn¡¯t contributed to her finances after their intimate evenings this week. Torn, she agonized over what to do. Should she go and ask him for money?

    The thought pained her. It was akin to selling herself. Yet, she saw an alternative. She intended to broach the subject with Bryan soon, figuring the right time might be in private moments. But Bryan was absent from Springvale Lane today. His car wasn¡¯t there, either.

    Restlessness gued Eileen¡¯s night, her mind captive to thoughts of Ruby¡¯s health costs. At Apex Group, Eileen¡¯s eyes found Bryan behind his office table. There he was, posture straight, lost in his work.

    Nearby, Kian paused at Vivian¡¯s desk and set down a box. ¡°Don¡¯t skip breakfast,¡± he reminded her. ¡°I¡¯ve got a midday meeting with Bryan. You¡¯lle with me.¡±

    Vivian epted the breakfast with a grin, her eyes meeting Eileen¡¯s for a moment. Eileen turned away, retreating to the solitude of her office.

    But Kian was quick to follow, halting the door¡¯s swing with a swift move. Eileen had to let the door open. ¡°You seem under the weather, Ms. Curtis. Anything on your mind?¡± Kian¡¯s voice held a note of feigned concern.

    He made himself at home, pulling a chair to sit opposite Eileen.

    Eileen mulled over a nagging suspicion. Could Kian have been behind the change in the price of the medication? Eileen¡¯s gaze sharpened as the thought took hold. Kian had the power to do that, after all.

    ¡°Don¡¯t feel the need to keep your distance,¡± Kian said, his tone softening under the guise ofpassion. ¡°After all, we go way back. I¡¯m here to help with any troubles.¡±

    He paused, a calcted kindness in his eyes. ¡°Yet, given your close work with Bryan, my involvement might stir the pot. Have you considered working for the Warren Group? We could offer you a fresh start¡ªwith a two million dor incentive.¡±

    The two million would barely stretch over several months of care.

    Eileen¡¯s response was icy. ¡°Mr. Warren, Benjamin already does an outstanding job. I have no desire to step on his toes. I thought I made myself clear before, but let mey it out again¡ªI¡¯m not interested in your proposal.¡±

    Kian¡¯s demeanor changed, his brow lifted, a sliver of a warning in his narrowed gaze. ¡°Don¡¯t test my patience!¡±

    Eileen stood her ground. ¡°For me to even consider the position, Mr. Warren, thepensation would have to meet my expectations.¡±

    Her voice was unwavering. ¡°It would have to be twenty million dors. I¡¯ll leave Bryan for that amount.¡±

    She was well aware that Ruby¡¯s ongoing medical expenses would need at least twenty million.

    Kian¡¯s frown deepened as he let out a mocking chuckle. ¡°Really? Who do you think you are to demand twenty million dors? Do you really think you¡¯re worth that much?¡±

    Eileen offered a measured smile in return. ¡°Maybe I¡¯m not worth twenty million in your eyes, but the value of your sister¡¯s lifelong joy? That¡¯s beyond measure. Think about that, Mr. Warren.¡±

    With those words, Eileen pivoted gracefully and took a seat, her message resonating in the space between them.

    The subtext was unmissable¡ªif Kian wasn¡¯t ready to meet her price, it spoke volumes about how little he regarded his own sister¡¯s happiness.

    Anxiety crept into Eileen¡¯s grasp, moisture gathering in her hand as she held a pen. Kian rose suddenly, his voice ringing with finality. ¡°Dream on then. We¡¯ll just see how resilient you really are.¡±

    As Kian left in a huff, Eileen let out a sigh of relief and reclined in her chair, the tension draining from her shoulders.

    Her mind was a whirl of thoughts. She had yed her card. But what good had it done?

    Eventually gathering herposure, she stood up, grabbed a document, and made her way to Bryan¡¯s office.

    Sunlight spilled through the French windows, causing Eileen to narrow her eyes as she entered Bryan¡¯s office.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 64

    ?Chapter 64:

    She approached Bryan¡¯s desk and set down the document. Breaking their usual work-centric dialogue, she ventured into something personal. ¡°Mr. Dawson,st night¡­ Why didn¡¯t youe?¡± she asked.

    Bryan¡¯s reaction was subtle. A slight twitch of his eyelids was the only giveaway to his calm demeanor. He looked up, his question direct. ¡°What makes you think I wasn¡¯t?¡±

    He was referring to Oak Vis, but she was talking about her ce.

    Embarrassment crept into Eileen¡¯s stance, her fingers nervously tweaking the fabric of her clothing. When she finally spoke, her voice was barely above a whisper. ¡°I thought¡ª¡±

    Bryan interrupted her, scrutinizing the paperwork.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t I sign this already?¡± His tone was cold as he critiqued her attention to detail. ¡°Seems you¡¯re not as focused as you usually are.¡±

    The signature wasn¡¯t the point, and they both knew it. Eileen regretted broaching the subject in such a rush at work, realizing this misstep had stirred his frustration.

    With a small nod, Eileen apologized, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Dawson.¡± Taking back the document, she left his office quietly.

    After the door clicked shut, Bryan found his gaze fixed on the door for a moment too long. He exhaled sharply, tossing the pen he had been holding onto the desk with a tter as he closed his eyes. Images of Eileen persisted, unwee yet unyielding.

    Her presence had sown a tapestry of intricate emotions within him, each thread pulling tightly.

    Opportunities for private words with Bryan had eluded Eileen. He had lunched with Vivian and Kian instead, and Eileen mused over a conversation to be hadter that evening.

    But as the day neared its end, Bryan summoned her into his office, extending a document towards her. ¡°Take this to the secretary¡¯s office and request copies to be printed and distributed to each department.¡±

    Let your imagination soar with g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Eileen epted the task with a simple nod. After hesitating for a moment, she asked cautiously, ¡°There¡¯s a meetingter. Do you prefer to convene here or at home?¡±

    Her query was met with a stark look from Bryan, her nervousness palpable in the chilled silence that followed. She added, ¡°I could arrange dinner if we stay at the office.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s unwavering stare lingered, the air heavy around them.

    Then, Vivian swung the door open, stepping in with a grin. ¡°Bryan, dinner¡¯s on me tonight. You enjoyed that spot we tried over lunch, right? Well, it¡¯s on its way.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s gaze fell on Bryan as her eyshes fluttered with disbelief.

    Bryan nced at Vivian. ¡°Thanks. You can all leave now. I¡¯ve got a meeting to handle solo.¡±

    Vivian tossed a casual farewell over her shoulder and left. She was not as reluctant to leave as before.

    The office light cast a glow on Eileen, shadows ying beneath her eyes. She lingered for a while before exiting the room.

    Deciding to make the most of the remaining daylight, Eileen headed to the hospital. Ruby was taken aback by the unscheduled visit.

    ¡°What brings you here on a weekday? Is everything alright?¡± she asked.

    Eileen ced her bag down, offering Ruby a reassuring smile. ¡°It¡¯s all good. Work ended earlier than usual, and it¡¯s been too long since myst visit.¡±

    Ruby¡¯s face softened with a heartfelt smile. ¡°I know you¡¯re looking out for me, but you¡¯re always running around. Why don¡¯t you head home and rest? Don¡¯t worry about me.¡±

    Ruby¡¯s treatment required the attending doctor¡¯s personal attention. That was why she had to stay at the hospital all the time.

    ¡°Home is wherever we¡¯re together,¡± Eileen said with conviction.

    She then took an apple from the table beside Ruby¡¯s bed and began to peel it.

    Hearing that, Ruby¡¯s eyes glistened with unshed tears. She reached out to Eileen, her touch full of love and a hint of regret.

    ¡°This should¡¯ve never been your burden,¡± Ruby whispered. ¡°Bailee and you could have had a different life¡­¡±

    Ruby¡¯s voice was tinged with longing for Eileen to lead the simple, fulfilling life she deserved.

    Eileen offered Ruby the peeled apple, her voice soft but firm. ¡°The best thing for me is seeing you recover, Mom. That¡¯s all that matters.¡±

    Ruby took the apple, her cheeks damp as she managed a bite. She caught her breath, forced a smile, and said, ¡°Let¡¯s drop that subject, shall we? I repeat myself too much¡ªI don¡¯t want to weary you with the same old worries.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s smile was tinged with mncholy.

    Dinner with Ruby was a quiet affair, and afterward, Eileen made her way to Emilio¡¯s office.

    Emilio looked up from his desk, his demeanor shifting to one of concern. ¡°Eileen, please, have a seat. Were you able to sort out the payments for the treatment?¡±

    ¡°Not yet,¡± Eileen replied. Settling into the chair opposite Emilio, she leaned forward. ¡°Tell me, how long does Mom have until her current treatment?¡±

    Emilio weighed his words carefully. ¡°In the best case, perhaps five years, but realistically, at least three. It¡¯s crucial to stay hopeful, though. Ruby has such a resilient spirit.¡±

    The financial aspect loomedrge in Eileen¡¯s mind, a sum that could almost reach ten million a year, with the possibility of escting to fifty million over five years.

    In three years, the total cost would be a staggering thirty million dors. Eileen was acutely aware that the cost was beyond her reach.

    Emilio leaned in earnestly. ¡°Eileen, the financial strain is evident. It¡¯s imperative to investigate who¡¯s influencing the cost. If we can roll back to the trial pricing, we¡¯d save significantly over five years¡ªfar less than the current annual rate. Even if you could afford this, it doesn¡¯t warrant needless spending.¡±

    Eileen knew the gravity of the situation all too well. But standing up to the Warrens seemed like an insurmountable task. The solution seemed to rest with Bryan. Yet the thought of fifty million dors was daunting, almost unreal. Would Bryan even give her that much money? She doubted it.

    Eileen expressed her gratitude to Emilio and left his office.

    The hallway was dimly lit. In the dark, Ruby watched Eileen walk away, not stepping out until Eileen was well down the corridor. Tears stained Ruby¡¯s face, yet she held back from crying aloud. She didn¡¯t know her illness incurred such a staggering expense.

    Without hesitation, she burst into Emilio¡¯s office.

    ¡°Dr. White, you mentioned my treatments were about a hundred thousand monthly. What happened for it to surge to eight hundred thousand?¡± she asked.

    Caught off guard by her entrance, Emilio saw the distress caused by his earlier conversation with Eileen. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for the shock. Let me exin. The hospital has started using a new trial medication recently, which is considerably more expensive. The trial price is two hundred thousand per month, but the original price is about eight hundred thousand,¡± he said.

    Ruby¡¯s voice shook as she spoke. ¡°This is just too much. My life isn¡¯t worth that much money.¡±

    Her anxiety was palpable, her tears flowing freely. The thought of Eileen working tirelessly to cover such costs weighed heavily on her soul.

    Emilio, witnessing Ruby¡¯s distress, took a moment before speaking with a calm and reassuring voice. ¡°Clearly, Eileen cares deeply for you. For her, your well-being trumps any financial concern. Her main priority is spending more time with you.¡±

    After crying for a while, Ruby asked, ¡°You said earlier that someone is deliberately causing these hardships for Eileen? That someone has pushed the cost of my treatment up?¡±

    Emilio replied. He hadn¡¯t anticipated Ruby overhearing all of his earlier conversation with Eileen.

    Understanding dawned on Ruby, and she made a request. ¡°Dr. White, don¡¯t tell Eileen that I¡¯ve learned about this. I¡¯ll be on my way now.¡±

    She left Emilio¡¯s office, deliberately avoiding Eileen, not ready to face her. The hospital garden offered a quiet refuge.

    Eileen, arriving half an hourter, found Ruby alone on a bench in the garden, bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight.

    She approached and wrapped a cozy nket around Ruby. ¡°Why are you out here by yourself?¡±

    Ruby, maintaining her calm, motioned for Eileen to sit. ¡°Join me. Let¡¯s chat here for a while.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Eileen agreed, moving to sit beside Ruby.

    Ruby draped half of the nket over Eileen. They were now sharing the nket. ¡°Let¡¯s stay warm together,¡± Ruby said.

    Leaning into Ruby, Eileen¡¯s mind drifted to a turbulent past. She recalled the night she found herself ousted from her home by her father¡¯s harsh decree.

    Back then, when Ruby had married Eileen¡¯s father, Eileen couldn¡¯t ept it. She had refused to speak to Ruby.

    But afterward, Ruby had often defended Eileen against her father¡¯s tirades, fostering a gradual, if cautious, bond between them.

    The day Eileen¡¯s father was banned from seeing Roderick was a tipping point, igniting his fury and resulting in an alcohol-fueled rage.

    That evening, he hade home and unleashed his fury on Eileen, dering her expendable and ming her.

    In the midst of winter, Eileen had found herself cast out of her home, shivering in the cold with nowhere to go.

    Once Ruby had returned and found Eileen, she hadn¡¯t hesitated to give Eileen the warmth of her own coat. Trying to enter the house, Ruby had found the door had been locked from the inside by Eileen¡¯s father, sealing them out in the cold.

    They had huddled together through the night, Ruby¡¯s words a smallfort in the freezing darkness.

    It had been fortunate that Bailee had been at her grandmother¡¯s at the time, allowing Ruby to offer her coat to Eileen.

    Ruby had made a hopeful promise to Eileen: ¡°Endure the cold until dawn, and I will buy you a doll you love.¡±

    True to her word, Ruby had gifted Eileen the doll, but it hade at a cost. Ruby had received a beating from Eileen¡¯s father for that.

    That had been the first time that Eileen had called Ruby ¡°Mom.¡±

    Ruby had held that title in Eileen¡¯s heart ever since. Noticing Eileen¡¯s teary eyes, Ruby gently probed, ¡°Are you thinking about the past now?¡±

    Understanding Eileen¡¯s thoughts with just a look, Ruby said, ¡°When you were young, I was always there when you needed me. But now, you¡¯ve grown up. You have the strength to stand alone, even if I¡¯m not by your side¡­ You don¡¯t need to be so stubborn about saving.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 65

    ?Chapter 65:

    ¡°I¡¯m not being stubborn. I just don¡¯t want to lose you,¡± Eileen said, gently grasping Ruby¡¯s arm. Her words resonated deeply with Ruby.

    After a lengthy silence, Ruby let out a deep sigh. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. You have work tomorrow. Let¡¯s go back and get some rest.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen said, removing the nket from herself and draping it over Ruby. Ruby, however, stopped Eileen and wrapped her tightly with the nket instead.

    They then walked back to the inpatient building steadily.

    The distance from the hospital to Apex Group was significant. The next morning, Eileen bought breakfast for Ruby before leaving.

    Ruby walked Eileen to the door, watching her disappear down the corridor before she herself returned to the ward.

    While eating the breakfast Eileen had bought, Ruby couldn¡¯t hold back her tears. She quickly wiped her tears away and took out her phone to make a call.

    ¡°Mrs. Baker, it¡¯s me. I think Eileen and Huey have been getting along welltely. When do you think we can arrange a meal to discuss their marriage? Yes, I¡¯m concerned. You¡¯re aware of my health issues. Currently, things are stable, so I¡¯d like to finalize the marriage arrangements between our families. My condition could deteriorate unexpectedly, and nobody knows when that might happen. I don¡¯t want to hold Eileen back¡­ Okay, help me learn about their opinions on this matter, and then we can n to have dinner togetherter on.¡±

    Upon boarding the bus, Eileen reached into her bag to get her phone but found a warm, peeled egg in a stic bag instead. The scent of the egg wafted through the stic bag. A smile formed on Eileen¡¯s face as she ate the egg. It tasted better than any other delicacies she had ever eaten.

    After eating the egg, Eileen turned on her cell phone and looked at the exam papers Aaron had sent the previous night.

    Aaron had managed to barely pass three courses, but his grades in four others were dismal. During hermute, Eileen briefly addressed Aaron¡¯s specific issues and arranged for him to start learning from the basics. She promised to send him several learning materials every day to help him improve.

    Exclusive chapters at g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls

    Her schedule became even busier now. In addition to her day job, she needed to use her lunch breaks to organize study materials for Aaron. She found almost no time to spend alone with Bryan outside of work.

    That evening, Bryan didn¡¯t leave work at the usual time. It was Vivian who delivered his message to Eileen.

    ¡°Bryan told me that he had to work overtime today. He wanted us to get off work first,¡± Vivian said to Eileen.

    Eileen tightened her grip on her pen and pressed her lips together.

    Standing beside Eileen¡¯s desk, Vivian chuckled and said, ¡°What¡¯s the matter? I thought you could maintain your arrogance much longer. It seems Bryan has grown tired of you so soon. By the way, my brother asked me to tell you that you only have one day left.¡±

    Eileen kept her head down, wearing an unreadable expression.

    Seeing Eileen¡¯s silence, Vivian interjected and left.

    The sound of Vivian¡¯s high heels echoed on the floor, fading into the silence of the office.

    Taking a deep breath, Eileen stood up, gathered her things, and walked to Bryan¡¯s office. She knocked on the door.

    ¡°Come in,¡± Bryan said in an indifferent tone.

    Eileen pushed the door open and looked directly into Bryan¡¯s deep eyes. She mustered her courage and finally spoke. ¡°Mr. Dawson, do you have any urgent tasks that require you to work overtime tonight?¡±

    Standing by the French window with a cup of coffee in hand, Bryan turned to face her. After a brief pause, he replied, ¡°Yes.¡±

    The room was filled with a stifling silence. Eileen, still standing by the door, took a deep breath.

    ¡°Do you need me to stay and work overtime with you?¡± she asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Bryan¡¯s response was curt, cutting off any further conversation.

    Feeling a sting of rejection, Eileen¡¯s ears reddened. She nodded, turned around, and quietly left Bryan¡¯s office.

    Bryan remained where he was, unmoving. Long after Eileen had left, he loosened his tie and sank into his chair with a troubled expression.

    Ruby had held that title in Eileen¡¯s heart ever since. Noticing Eileen¡¯s teary eyes, Ruby gently probed, ¡°Are you thinking about the past now?¡±

    Understanding Eileen¡¯s thoughts with just a look, Ruby said, ¡°When you were young, I was always there when you needed me. But now, you¡¯ve grown up. You have the strength to stand alone, even if I¡¯m not by your side. You don¡¯t need to be so stubborn about saving.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not being stubborn. I just don¡¯t want to lose you,¡± Eileen said, gently grasping Ruby¡¯s arm. Her words resonated deeply with Ruby.

    After a lengthy silence, Ruby let out a deep sigh. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. You have work tomorrow. Let¡¯s go back and get some rest.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen said, removing the nket from herself and draping it over Ruby. Ruby, however, stopped Eileen and wrapped her tightly with the nket instead.

    They then walked back to the inpatient building steadily.

    The distance from the hospital to Apex Group was significant. The next morning, Eileen bought breakfast for Ruby before leaving.

    Ruby walked Eileen to the door, watching her disappear down the corridor before she herself returned to the ward.

    While eating the breakfast Eileen had bought, Ruby couldn¡¯t hold back her tears. She quickly wiped her tears away and took out her phone to make a call.

    ¡°Mrs. Baker, it¡¯s me. I think Eileen and Huey have been getting along welltely. When do you think we can arrange a meal to discuss their marriage? Yes, I¡¯m concerned. You¡¯re aware of my health issues. Currently, things are stable, so I¡¯d like to finalize the marriage arrangements between our families. My condition could deteriorate unexpectedly, and nobody knows when that might happen. I don¡¯t want to hold Eileen back¡­ Okay, help me learn about their opinions on this matter, and then we can n to have dinner togetherter on.¡±

    Upon boarding the bus, Eileen reached into her bag to get her phone but found a warm, peeled egg in a stic bag instead. The scent of the egg wafted through the stic bag. A smile formed on Eileen¡¯s face as she ate the egg. It tasted better than any other delicacies she had ever eaten.

    After eating the egg, Eileen turned on her cell phone and looked at the exam papers Aaron had sent the previous night.

    Aaron had managed to barely pass three courses, but his grades in four others were dismal. During hermute, Eileen briefly addressed Aaron¡¯s specific issues and arranged for him to start learning from the basics. She promised to send him several learning materials every day to help him improve.

    Her schedule became even busier now. In addition to her day job, she needed to use her lunch breaks to organize study materials for Aaron. She found almost no time to spend alone with Bryan outside of work.

    That evening, Bryan didn¡¯t leave work at the usual time. It was Vivian who delivered his message to Eileen.

    ¡°Bryan told me that he had to work overtime today. He wanted us to get off work first,¡± Vivian said to Eileen.

    Eileen tightened her grip on her pen and pressed her lips together.

    Standing beside Eileen¡¯s desk, Vivian chuckled and said, ¡°What¡¯s the matter? I thought you could maintain your arrogance much longer. It seems Bryan has grown tired of you so soon. By the way, my brother asked me to tell you that you only have one day left.¡±

    Eileen kept her head down, wearing an unreadable expression.

    Seeing Eileen¡¯s silence, Vivian interjected and left.

    The sound of Vivian¡¯s high heels echoed on the floor, fading into the silence of the office.

    Taking a deep breath, Eileen stood up, gathered her things, and walked to Bryan¡¯s office. She knocked on the door.

    ¡°Come in,¡± Bryan said in an indifferent tone.

    Eileen pushed the door open and looked directly into Bryan¡¯s deep eyes. She mustered her courage and finally spoke. ¡°Mr. Dawson, do you have any urgent tasks that require you to work overtime tonight?¡±

    Standing by the French window with a cup of coffee in hand, Bryan turned to face her. After a brief pause, he replied, ¡°Yes.¡±

    The room was filled with a stifling silence. Eileen, still standing by the door, took a deep breath.

    ¡°Do you need me to stay and work overtime with you?¡± she asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Bryan¡¯s response was curt, cutting off any further conversation.

    Feeling a sting of rejection, Eileen¡¯s ears reddened. She nodded, turned around, and quietly left Bryan¡¯s office.

    Bryan remained where he was, unmoving. Long after Eileen had left, he loosened his tie and sank into his chair with a troubled expression.

    ¡°Bryan, are you asking about this because of your assistant Eileen? But why mention Han? What does he have to do with your assistant? If you want to find out about these things, why not ask her directly instead ofing to me? Let me guess¡ªcould it be that you¡¯re hesitant to ask her because you¡¯ve developed feelings for her?¡±

    Jacob followed Bryan and continued to talk as he hurriedly pressed the elevator button to stop the doors from closing. Unable to hold back his irritation any longer, Bryan grabbed Jacob¡¯s arm and shoved him into the elevator.

    Jacob collided with the elevator wall, feeling a surge of pain throughout his body.

    ¡°What did you just say?¡± While holding his suit jacket on one shoulder, Bryan turned his head to nce at Jacob, cornered against the wall.

    Bryan¡¯s tone carried a threatening edge. Undeterred, Jacob stated firmly, ¡°I have feelings for Eileen!¡±

    Silence suddenly descended. Noticing Bryan¡¯s silence, Jacob was startled. ¡°I¡¯m right, aren¡¯t I? Are you really falling for her?¡±

    Bryan leaned against the elevator wall and frowned as he noticed the pack of cigarettes in Jacob¡¯s shirt pocket.

    ¡°Give me a cigarette.¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡± Jacob gave Bryan a cigarette and lit it.

    Then, with a grin, Jacob asked, ¡°So, how does it feel to fall in love?¡±

    Bryan sneered, dismissing the idea. ¡°I will never fall in love with Eileen.¡±

    As the elevator door slid open, Eileen appeared right outside, visibly shocked.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 66

    ?Chapter 66:

    Eileen had been restless in her bed for a couple of hours when she received the message from Jacob. The clock had struck one in the morning. Sleep had still eluded her. Compelled by Jacob¡¯ste message, she had made her way here without a second thought.

    Her arrival had been marked by high spirits, yet now, sadness overwhelmed her. Bryan¡¯s words had pierced her heart, leaving her shattered. Quietly, she cast her eyes down and tightened her lips.

    In the closing moments of the elevator, Bryan watched her pale face through the diminishing space, squinting slightly. As the doors sealed shut, he turned and fixed Jacob with a fierce re before delivering a swift kick to Jacob.

    ¡°You talk too much.¡± His deep voice echoed within the confined space of the elevator, and Eileen could hear that.

    The button pressed by Eileen brought the doors open once. Now collected, Eileen shed a smile at Bryan. ¡°Mr. Dawson, it¡¯s gettingte. Allow me to send you back.¡±

    Bryan stepped out, handing her his suit. She nodded briefly at Jacob and then followed Bryan to the car. She took the keys, unlocked the passenger door, and gestured for him to get inside.

    Returning to the driver¡¯s seat, Eileen started the car. However, she was uncertain whether to head toward Oak Vis or Springvale Lane.

    The car¡¯s closed space was tinged with the scent of tobo and alcohol from Bryan, prompting her to sniff subtly. ¡°Mr. Dawson, should I take you to Oak Vis?¡± Eileen avoided asking if he preferred to go to her ce instead.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Bryan replied tersely, his brows furrowed. His gaze lingered on her reflection in the window, studying the gentle curves of her face. He couldn¡¯t discern her emotions.

    The car crept along the wide road, bathed intermittently in the glow of streetlights. They reached Oak Vis soon. Eileen parked the car by the entrance and set the parking brake, but she remained seated instead of opening the door for Bryan. She tightened her grip on the steering wheel and turned to look at him.

    Newest chapters on galno¦Íels.c¨®m

    Bryan leaned against the window and fixed her with his dark eyes. ¡°Open the door,¡± he said.

    Eileen kept her eyes on him as her hand shifted from the steering wheel, reaching to unlock the door with a click. Her voice was low in the enclosed space, but the sound of the door unlocking muffled her words.

    With a frown, she got out and opened the door for Bryan.

    Bryan watched her walk around the car to his side and open the door for him. ¡°If you want to say something, just say it.¡± He looked at her, not making any move, but his eyes held a flicker of anticipation.

    Eileen reached out and clutched the fabric of his clothing. ¡°Did I do something wrong?¡± she asked.

    Her brows were knitted together in distress, a look that tugged at Bryan¡¯s heart. He got out of the car, reached out to caress her chin, and leaned in to press a gentle kiss to her lips.

    He treated her with the tenderness one would afford a delicate treasure, cautious as if too much pressure might break her. Eileen rested her hands on his firm waist.

    Then Bryan threaded his fingers through her hair, holding her gently as the kiss deepened. Breathing became uneven, her tension easing as she found support in his embrace. She heard him whisper her name softly.

    In response, she whispered back, then with a sudden urge, he swiftly lifted her into his arms, kicked the car door shut with his foot, and quickly made his way into Oak Vis.

    This was Bryan¡¯s home, a ce Eileen had visited often, always maintaining decorum and never crossing the line. Today was different; Eileen took the initiative, catching Bryan off guard, and they barely made it past the entrance before sumbing to their desires.

    Eileen¡¯s scent filled the hallway and the living room. Bryan had been holding back for days, but right now, all his restraint vanished, overtaken by overwhelming desire. Before, Eileen usually couldn¡¯t endure this kind of energy and would ck out. But today, she made a concerted effort to meet his needs.

    The more she responded, the more his desire grew. As dawn neared, he looked at her weary face and decided to let her rest. He carried her to the bathroom, and they kissed under the shower¡¯s cascade. The warm water covered them, her long hair sticking to her delicate corbone.

    Seeing her like this reignited his desire. He quickly washed and dried her before leaving the bathroom. For the first time, Eileeny in Bryan¡¯s bed at Oak Vis, held in his arms, listening to his heartbeat in silence. She was exhausted but couldn¡¯t sleep.

    She needed to find the right time to ask him for money. But first, she wanted to see if he would offer the money without her asking. She looked down, hiding her feelings, missing the smile.

    His eyes were closed, his thick eyebrows giving him a rxed, satisfied look. As the first light of morning shone through, Eileen realized Bryan would not take the initiative to offer her money. Listening to his breathing, she knew he was not asleep.

    She got up and dressed in yesterday¡¯s clothes. Bryan propped his head up and looked at her. She stood there, her expression as neutral as when she was at work. Bryan opened his mouth, about to tell her she didn¡¯t need to be so formal.

    But before Bryan could say it, Eileen said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, may I ask you for some money this time?¡±

    The room fell into deep silence, and Bryan¡¯s expression darkened. He stared at her, his deep eyes intense, the vein on his forehead pronounced as he sat up slowly. The quilt slid off, revealing his muscr torso.

    ¡°Why?¡± he questioned.

    It dawned on him now that her cooperation was motivated by a need for money. He regretted almost letting his feelings get the better of him. Lighting a cigarette, he took a deep drag, exhaling a ring of smoke, his gaze as cold as ice.

    Eileen bowed her head, afraid to meet his eyes and see the scorn there. But she hadn¡¯t expected his response to be so harsh.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask you to stay herest night. You did that on your own. Why should I give you money?¡± With a smoke ring swirling around him, he uttered the coldest words.

    Eileen trembled, and she looked up at him. What he had said was true. She had braced for some irony, but outright denial was not what she had expected.

    Bryan got out of the bed, put out his cigarette, and tossed it into the trash. Then, he went to change. Within two minutes, he was back, dressed in a fresh suit.

    Suddenly, he was extending a ck card toward Eileen.

    Eileen stared at him, puzzled.

    Bryan ced the card into her shirt pocket, his voice t. ¡°This is for the previous times. Now, get out.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s throat felt dry. Her first impulse was to pull the card out and throw it at him. But she knew better than to do that. She turned and left in a hurry, fearing the scorn she might see in his eyes if she looked back.

    Without a car, she started her long walk to the nearest bus station, which was at least half an hour away.

    Early in the morning, Bailee was jolted awake by a call from Ruby.

    ¡°Bailee, do you have any money? When did your sister offend? Did she do that to get money for my¡­¡±

    ¡°Ruby asked.¡±

    Hearing that, Bailee was fully alert now. ¡°Mom, what are you talking about?¡±

    Ruby replied, ¡°Don¡¯t pretend with me. I know your nature. Even if she won¡¯t tell me, you should.¡±

    ¡°Mom, I honestly don¡¯t know,¡± Bailee replied earnestly. ¡°Eileen doesn¡¯t share much with me about these things. Why are you asking about money all of a sudden?¡±

    After a heavy silence, Ruby finally said, ¡°I don¡¯t actually need money. Your sister has been trying to gather funds for my medical expenses. If you have any money, please send some her way and support her as much as you can. I¡¯ll see about arranging a marriage for her, and everything will be okay.¡±

    Ruby continued talking to Bailee for a while longer. After ending the call, Bailee let out a deep sigh.

    Bailee had long ago crafted a story to fool Ruby. Yet, she truly hadn¡¯t known about Eileen¡¯s urgent need for money. She was determined to help as much as she could, given the circumstances surrounding Ruby¡¯s medical expenses.

    After pausing to gather her thoughts, she made a call to Huey.

    ¡°Huey, remember when you offered me a job at the studio? I¡¯ve thought it over. I¡¯ll take it, but¡­ could I possibly get some of my sry in advance? I promise I won¡¯t run away. I¡¯ll work diligently to pay the debt!¡±

    Originally, Huey had taken her out job hunting, but they hadn¡¯t found anything suitable. She had even considered dishwashing. Then Huey had mentioned letting her work in his game studio, offering a monthly sry of a thousand dors. Now, she decided to ept his offer.

    ¡°Of course, I can advance you whatever amount you need,¡± Huey responded promptly.

    Bailee hesitated for a moment before responding, ¡°I need fifty thousand dors.¡±

    Without a second thought, Huey said, ¡°I¡¯ll transfer it right away. How would you like to receive it?¡±

    ¡°Just send the money directly to Eileen. And please, don¡¯t mention anything about it. I¡¯ll exin it to her myself,¡± Bailee said. Bailee was anxious that Huey might let slip that she had been struggling to find a job.

    Hueyplied and transferred fifty thousand dors directly to Eileen.

    As Eileen received the notification, she paused on the roadside, staring at her phone¡¯s transfer interface. She was about to send a message to Huey to ask about it when Bailee¡¯s call came.

    ¡°Eileen, did you get the money from Huey?¡± Bailee asked.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen replied, puzzled. ¡°Why did he send me money?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been looking for a job, but I haven¡¯t found anything that pays well. It just so happened that Huey¡¯s game studio was hiring, and he offered a good sry, so I decided to take it. He gave me an advance on my sry, and I asked him to send it to you to repay the sixty thousand I owe you. I¡¯ll cover the remaining ten thousand as soon as I get more!¡± Bailee said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 67

    ?Chapter 67:

    Bailee, having stepped away from the Warren Group, had had her contract breach fee covered by Eileen, furnishing a usible exnation. Eileen reassured Bailee with a hint of nonchnce. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about that. There¡¯s no need for you to advance your sry.¡±

    Bailee¡¯s reply was tinged with concern. ¡°If I have the money upfront, it¡¯ll keep me on track. Just keep the money.¡± Continuing, Bailee¡¯s voice held a note of worry. ¡°Eileen, has there been another incident recently? Have Kian and his sister been troubling you again?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve got it under control,¡± Eileen replied.

    Internally, Eileen grappled with her ability to face Bryan¡¯s tactics. Nheless, she chose silence over sharing her doubts with Bailee.

    Her thoughts consumed her, only scattering when Bryan¡¯s car whooshed by.

    In the fleeting reflection, Bryan saw Eileen pause. He couldn¡¯t see her clearly, but he noticed that she was on her phone. Who would be calling her so early in the morning?

    Thinking of this, Bryan¡¯s face darkened. Upon his arrival at Apex Group, Bryan was met with the news of Eileen¡¯s half-day off.

    He tossed his coat onto the chair and ckened his tie, his demeanor somber as he took his seat.

    The office door swung open abruptly. Bryan frowned as Kian made his entrance.

    ¡°I¡¯ve brought Vivian along to work and thought we might talk,¡± Kian announced, settling into the chair across from Bryan, sliding a document across the desk.

    ¡°To put it inly, I don¡¯t like Eileen, perhaps because of Vivian. So, I took the liberty of digging a little deeper.¡±

    Nuevos cap¨ªtulos en g?ln¦Òv?ls

    Bryan¡¯s gaze narrowed at the paper. He had never delved into Eileen¡¯s background.

    Looking up, he questioned, ¡°Is digging into her past really necessary?¡±

    Kian shrugged. ¡°Absolutely. You¡¯ve overlooked the obvious, Bryan. Eileen knows her role, yet you fail to see she¡¯s merely an assistant. Driven by profit, that¡¯s her nature. She¡¯s fixated on money. Don¡¯t trust my words? See for yourself.¡±

    A pang of difort struck Bryan at the mention of Eileen being driven by money.

    ¡°Stared the truth?¡± Kian taunted. He opened the file for Bryan. ¡°Let me help you. I might overlook other matters, but I refuse to watch you be duped.¡±

    The file revealed Eileen¡¯s financial history: seventy thousand from Han, fifty thousand from Huey, and the transactions from Bryan¡¯s own generosity in the past.

    Kian added, ¡°Vivian¡¯s return has probably unsettled her. She¡¯s securing her future, savvy at judging her worth.¡±

    Kian¡¯s drumming echoed Bryan¡¯s sinking feeling. Bryan had two hundred thousand on the card he had given to Eileen, but in the eyes of others¡­ she appeared quite cheap!

    Indignation red within Bryan, a challenge to hisposure. ¡°It¡¯s irrelevant. As long as I feelfortable using her services, it¡¯s fine. That¡¯s what counts,¡± Bryan retorted, dismissing the notion of deceit.

    Kian¡¯sughter was tinted with irony as he stood by the window. ¡°You care, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Bryan clenched his hands together, his eyes piercing the list of numbers. ¡°My personal life is off-limits. If you want to keep helping me, keep Eileen out of this.¡±

    Kian¡¯s posture momentarily tensed at Bryan¡¯s words. But he quicklyposed himself and smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve done my part for what I thought was best for you. If it displeases you, I¡¯ll step back. I¡¯m leaving now,¡± Kian said and left.

    With Kian¡¯s departure, the air in Bryan¡¯s office thickened with contemtion. Outside, Vivian approached Kian with haste, her curiosity urgent. ¡°Kian, how did it unfold? Is Bryan furious?¡±

    Kian¡¯s answer was nonchnt. ¡°So what if he¡¯s angry? Does it make you happy?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely!¡± Vivian¡¯s voice held a victorious note. She had longed for Bryan to hate Eileen.

    ¡°His anger is a telltale sign of his concern for Eileen, which bodes ill for us,¡± Kian said. Kian had before witnessed someone sway Bryan¡¯s feelings too evidently.

    Vivian¡¯s expression clouded with concern. ¡°Then why did you do that?¡±

    Kian¡¯s reply came with an arch of his eyebrow and a squint of his eyes. His intentions remained his own.

    Vivian¡¯s question went unanswered. After Kian left, she lingered in her chair, lost in thought. She felt that she couldn¡¯t just sit around and wait. What if Kian¡¯s n failed? A n was forming in her mind.

    Finding Judie¡¯s name on WhatsApp, she sent a message and invited Judie to lunch. Since she was alreadyte, Eileen decided to just ask for leave.

    Her savings totaled four hundred and fifty thousand, a whisper away from half a million. The shortfall would be covered after she received her sry in about two days.

    At the hospital, Eileen transferred the sum into Ruby¡¯s ount and assured Dr. White of the pending fifty thousand.

    Returning to the office earlier than expected, Eileen¡¯s arrival coincided with lunchtime. Stepping off the bus, she spotted Judie and Vivian, their hands entwined, heading toward a nearby eatery.

    A moment¡¯s hesitation seized her before she entered the building, forgoing lunch to deal with work. Her agenda was set¡ªwrap up early for a crucial meeting tonight with Aaron concerning academic matters.

    They had agreed to meet at seven in the restaurant, yet as the day edged towards its close, the ring of the internal phone pierced the stillness of her anticipation.

    Bryan¡¯s resonant voice on the linemanded, ¡°Prepare the car. Time to get off work.¡±

    A flutter of shock seized Eileen. She hadn¡¯t expected Bryan to ask her to drive him today. If it was merely a drive, she would still have enough time to meet Aaron. Collecting her things, she stepped out.

    In Bryan¡¯s office, she retrieved the car keys. Bryan was engrossed in his work, oblivious to her presence. Eileen maneuvered the car from its underground haven and stationed herself at the top to wait for Bryan.

    Half an hour passed. As dusk embraced the city, bringing it to a gentle glow, Bryan finally appeared. The casual drape of his coat over his arm and the unlit cigarette between his fingers lent him an effortless grace.

    Looking at Bryan, Eileen was in a daze for a moment. Bryan approached the car and pulled the handle, only to find that the car door was still locked.

    It was only then that Eileen snapped out of her daze and realized she hadn¡¯t unlocked the car door. She quickly unlocked it, but it was toote for her to open the door for him.

    Bryan opened the door and settled into the seat himself. Then he sparked a cigarette to life, all without a word. Eileen quickly got into the car and started the engine. A palpable silence engulfed the space, pressing down on her, urging her foot heavier on the pedal.

    Navigating the car for a while, she had to stop at a red light at the turnoff for Oak Vis and Springvale Lane. She took a deep breath and waited, lightly tapping her fingers on the steering wheel.

    ¡°Are you pressed for time?¡± Bryan¡¯s voice cut through the silence, a note of detachmentcing his inquiry.

    Straightening in her seat, Eileen replied, ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Head to your ce,¡± Bryan said.

    The directive detonated quietly in the confines of Eileen¡¯s mind. Her voice wavered with panic. ¡°Why the sudden need to go there?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s reply was terse, probing. ¡°Is there a problem? You don¡¯t want to make money?¡± He leaned closer to Eileen.

    The smell of smoke lingered, a tangible presence that seemed to tighten around Eileen¡¯s neck, challenging her breaths.

    The traffic light turned green. With a smooth motion, Eileen turned right.

    A solitary streetlight cast a weak halo at the apartment¡¯s entrance, the night¡¯s hum underscored by the drone of insects. Eileen bowed her head to key in the code, and with a mechanical click, the door yielded.

    She held it open, allowing Bryan to pass. His inherent clean fragrance mingled with the residual scent of smoke, creating an oddlyforting aroma. Eileen inhaled deeply.

    Before she could cancel the meal with Aaron, she received a call from him. Retracting her step from the threshold, she informed Aaron, already inside, ¡°I have a call to make.¡±

    Then she returned to the room to take Aaron¡¯s call.

    ¡°Eileen, I¡¯m heading to the restaurant. Need a ride?¡± Aaron¡¯s voice came through.

    ¡°Not there; no need for that. I suddenly have something urgent to deal with tonight. How about we schedule for another day?¡± Eileen said.

    Aaron¡¯s displeasure was evident. ¡°How can you cancel? I¡¯ve been waiting for tonight!¡±

    Deprived of maternal warmth, Aaron had grown into a willful character, not one to easily shake off dissatisfaction. Eileen endeavored to calm him. Given her role, funded by his father to guide his studies, her demeanor needed to reflect patience and understanding.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry. Today¡¯s turn of events was unforeseen. Next time, I assure you, mymitment will stand,¡± Eileen said.

    A slight huff from Aaron carried his frustration. ¡°Just remember, if next time slips away, you¡¯ll owe me.¡±

    Eileen chuckled. ¡°Take a good look at what I sent you earlier. We¡¯ll talk about rescheduling another time.¡±

    After ending the call, Aaron¡¯s irritation lingered. He called Han.

    ¡°You arranged for Eileen to tutor me, but she also has a job. Isn¡¯t that too much for her? She might burn out. We should look at lightening her load, or my studies might suffer, and her health with it,¡± Aaron said.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. I¡¯ll find a solution to that soon. Anything else? I need to return to my meeting now,¡± Han replied.

    With the call concluded, Eileen swiveled to find Bryan nearby. He was leaning against the front of the car, his shirt untucked from his pants, his allure wrapped in a smoky veil. His gaze,ced with a touch of mockery, found hers.

    ¡°Do you have ns tonight?¡± he asked.

    Eileen hesitated for a moment, then said, ¡°I already canceled.¡±

    Bryan closed the distance, a cloud of smoke wafting around them. ¡°Feeling regretful? It could be sleeping with you tonight, yet here I am, monopolizing your evening.¡±

    Eileen was taken aback by his words. Her eyes widened as she stared at Bryan.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 68

    ?Chapter 68:

    Eileen¡¯splexion faded to a ghostly white as she bit her lip. Bryan¡¯s hand sped her wrist, causing her to wobble before regaining bnce and returning to the room. He rxed his hold, casually opening the top of his shirt.

    Gloom shadowed his expression once more. He gazed at her and questioned, ¡°Aside from money, is there anything you truly cherish?¡± A subtle tang of blood tinged the air from Eileen¡¯s bitten lip, a testament to the ache she fought within. With effort, Eileen mustered a smile, heavy with irony. ¡°Does it let you down, Mr. Dawson, to have an assistant of such character?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Bryan sat down on the couch, shadows enveloping him. ¡°Skilled professionally, and that¡¯s what counts here. Personal virtues don¡¯t matter.¡±

    His words struck a deep blow to Eileen¡¯s pride. She was unable to pinpoint what she had done wrong to offend Bryan. He was always the one who took the initiative to give her money. She had just asked him for money once.

    Frozen in ce, Eileen watched Bryan, motionless in the couch¡¯s embrace. Neither of them dared to lock eyes, yet each was acutely aware of the other¡¯s slightest movement. After a long while, Eileen moved and said, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. I¡¯m going to take a shower.¡±

    Feeling weary, she retreated to the solitude of the bathroom, shedding her attire. The moment the shower sprang to life, the door swung ajar. She watched Bryan take off his clothes. The allure of his well-toned skin and sculpted form was evident. He appeared a quiet force and pinned her against the chill of the wall.

    His kiss was a fervent blend of tenderness and reproach. Exhausted fromst night, Eileen repelled his advances with a firm push. ¡°Not tonight,¡± she implored.

    Bryan¡¯s demeanor sharpened, his voice dripping with disdain. ¡°Aren¡¯t you here to earn? Don¡¯t you want the money?¡± His words were like a p on Eileen¡¯s face.

    Eileen¡¯s resolve waned. She needed the money, but¡­ Her eyes turned red, tears welling up. But Bryan didn¡¯t seem to notice this; he nestled into the crook of her neck, lost in the allure of her. He had uncovered a gem, as Jacob had so inly spoken.

    Latest novels at g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s?c?m

    Eileen stood, the epitome of grace, her slender waist suggesting fragility. Her belly, devoid of excess, bore the softness of youth, a sensation Bryan found pleasing. Bryan was obsessed with her body, but he was not sure how he felt about her. It might have been because he had been sleeping with Eileen for a long time; the mere thought of her closeness to another kindled a wildfire of jealousy.

    Bryan embraced Eileen with a fervor that whispered of bing inseparable. She was off-limits to anyone else. The bathroom was small; Bryan¡¯s adoration for Eileen was so fierce that he seemed unable to release her, treating her as if she were a toy just for him.

    Embarrassment bit at Eileen, drawing her teeth to her lip with such force it nearly bled, yet she refused to give him the satisfaction of hearing her voice. In a mischievous act, Bryan yfully nipped at her shoulder. Despite his gentleness, she let out an involuntary sound. The next second, silence fell as his kiss stole her protests.

    Time sprinted by, and dawn found Eileen sprawled on the bed, her arms limp beside her. Bryan had already gotten out of bed. He slipped into his clothes, approached, crouched by her side, and tenderly brushed aside her hair.

    His hands, though marked by life¡¯sbors, caressed her skin with surprising softness. Eileen was lost in the tenderness of his gaze. But the next second, the chill of his words jarred her back to reality.

    ¡°How much money do you want this time?¡± Bryan asked.

    Eileen¡¯s throat tightened, a slight frown betraying her difort. Her breath turned so fragile, threatening to vanish like mist. ¡°Name your figure, or I shall¡ªhalf a million dors, would that suffice?¡± Bryan said,ying a card next to Eileen while his touch lingered on her skin.

    After a pause, he added, ¡°You must remain untouched by others. I can provide the money, but you must reserve your body only for me.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. Did Bryan think she would sell her body to others for money? Was that how he thought of her? If it hadn¡¯t been for the ident when he was drunk and if it hadn¡¯t been because he was her husband¡­ she wouldn¡¯t have been his sexual partner for two years.

    Bryan took a deep breath, withdrew his touch, and rose to his feet. He knew he had just humiliated Eileen. But after doing that, he still felt depressed. Seeing Eileen like this, he only felt worse. He turned and descended the stairs.

    Out the door, into the car, he drove off. The light of the car came through the French window and reflected in the lifeless eyes of Eileen. Tears, the size of beans, absorbed silently by Eileen¡¯s pillow, soaked through. The ache was hers to cradle. The sadness was hers to bear. At least Ruby¡¯s impending medical bill would be another month reprieved.

    The weekend offered a respite, and with it, the relief of not facing the office or Bryan. At dawn, Eileen rose and set about erasing the remnants of the previous night. The bathroom air, once thick with Bryan¡¯s presence, cleared with the simple act of opening a window. The fresh air brought sce.

    Garbed in fresh attire and with makeup lightly applied to mask the dark reminders under her eyes, Eileen made her way to the hospital to visit Ruby. Ruby¡¯s words were a familiar tune, yet today they yed a different note.

    ¡°My fifty-second birthday ising up in two days. I¡¯m looking forward to a celebration, Eileen,¡± Ruby said.

    Eileen responded promptly, ¡°Get Bailee to join us and bring cake here. Tell me, what present would bring you joy? I¡¯ll buy it for you.¡±

    ¡°A birthday locked in here isn¡¯t what I yearn for. You¡¯re free today. Let¡¯s go out and find a restaurant to celebrate. Buy me some new clothes for me to wear before that,¡± Ruby said.

    Ruby¡¯s prolonged stay in the hospital had been punctuated by brief returns home, which always ignited genuine happiness in her¡ªa stark contrast to the muted joy of the sterile hospital environment. Ruby¡¯s plea found no resistance. Eileen replied, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll speak with Emilio about this. Just a moment.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead!¡± Ruby said happily.

    Emilio¡¯s nod was as good as given. In the mall, Eileen picked out a dress for Ruby¡¯s delicate frame. d in her new attire and leather ts, Ruby¡¯s transformation was remarkable. Ruby, brimming with anticipation, shared her ns. ¡°I¡¯ve arranged for a cable and invited a couple of friends to join us for my birthday. Is that alright with you, Eileen?¡±

    Eileen responded with a smile. ¡°Yes, your happiness is all that matters.¡± Ruby told Eileen the name of the restaurant.

    On their way to Lliothea, Eileen and Bailee exchanged updates via phone, nning their meet-up at the eatery. ¡°Huey¡¯s heading that way for an errand¡ªI hitched a ride with him,¡± Bailee told Eileen.

    Later, the group met at Lliothea, where they were met with warm hospitality and escorted to the private room Ruby had reserved. Upon entering the room, Eileen met a stranger¡ªa woman with an amiable aura. The woman warmly weed Ruby, her gaze often drifting toward Eileen.

    Ruby said, ¡°Eileen,e over and introduce yourself. Meet Mrs. Baker.¡±

    ¡°Greetings, Mrs. Baker.¡± Eileen offered a polite nod. Almost immediately, the woman grasped Eileen¡¯s hand, guiding her to a seat. Ruby took a seat beside Eileen, seizing her other hand and striking up a conversation with the woman.

    The atmosphere held an odd tension. When Eileen shifted ufortably, Ruby¡¯s grip tightened. Before Eileen could voice her concerns, Huey and Bailee entered the room, their expressions mirroring the oddity they walked into. Spotting the pair, Eileen turned, seeking an ally in Bailee.

    At that moment, she heard Huey say, ¡°Mom, what brings you here?¡± Eileen was taken aback. The woman was Huey¡¯s mother? Recognition dawned on Eileen. No wonder the woman¡¯sst name was Baker.

    Winona Baker released Eileen¡¯s hand and stood up. ¡°Come sit beside Eileen,¡± she said, stepping aside to make room for her son. Under the weight of the moment, Huey¡¯s expression soured as he sought Eileen¡¯s gaze.

    Winona¡¯s exnation for summoning Huey here had been straightforward¡ªshe had told him she intended to show unyielding support for his passion for gaming. But clearly, that was not the case. Huey fretted over the consequences of honesty. If he and Eileen told the truth today, he would probably face a scolding and be forbidden to y games anymore.

    ¡°This is all too sudden. I need a word with Eileen alone now,¡± Huey said.

    Before Winona or Ruby could process the situation, Huey seized Eileen¡¯s arm, guiding her out with haste. Winona and Ruby made to follow, but Bailee intervened and stopped them. ¡°No need for concern; they¡¯ll return. They just need a moment,¡± Bailee said.

    Once out of sight, Huey released Eileen¡¯s arm, pacing with nervous energy before facing her with a plea. ¡°I¡¯m asking for your help again, Eileen. There¡¯s a contest soon¡ªa rare chance for me. Winning that contest would mean everything to me. But it all hinges on my mother¡¯s approval to let me participate,¡± Huey said.

    Eileen grasped the stakes at hand. A convincing performance today was crucial for Huey¡¯s gaming future. Huey¡¯s passion was a rare me, and Eileen admired his intense dedication. ¡°¡®It¡¯s just a dinner, and I¡¯ll manage the act,¡± Eileen assured him. ¡°But keep in mind, we could only show that we¡¯re willing to get to know each other more¡ªno grand fabrications.¡±

    With relieved nods, Huey signaled his understanding, and together they headed back. Meanwhile, Bryan watched the scene from the second floor, holding a cigarette, his gaze dark.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 69

    ?Chapter 69:

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, pleasee in.¡± As Han made his way up from the ground floor, he spotted Bryan by the railing. Quickening his pace, Han approached Bryan with a friendly smile.

    Bryan snuffed out his cigarette and tossed it into the ashtray. He then slipped his hands into his pocket and turned to leave, ignoring Han¡¯s friendly gesture. Han momentarily felt a flush of embarrassment, bewildered by Bryan¡¯s dismissive action. Although rumors painted Bryan as distant, Han had always found him polite. However, Bryan seemed different today.

    Regardless of Bryan¡¯s changed attitude, Han approached him with an unwavering smile, needing to seek his help. Upon entering the room, Han noticed another individual there¡ªJacob.

    ¡°Mr. Meyer,¡± Han was surprised. Jacob, enjoying a sip of his coffee, looked up and greeted, ¡°Mr. rkson, it¡¯s been a while. I was just about to discuss something with Bryan. Would it be alright for me to join you both for lunch?¡±

    Without missing a beat, Han responded, ¡°Of course. I¡¯m delighted you could join us. Waiter, hand the menus to Mr. Meyer and Mr. Dawson.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Bryan sat down. He looked Han in the eye and said, ¡°Mr. rkson, it appears you¡¯re notcking funds. We won¡¯t be formal with you then.¡±

    As Bryan finished speaking, he felt a gentle tug on his arm. Turning, he saw Jacob shaking his head in disapproval. Bryan frowned as he pulled his hands out of his pocket and took the menu from the waiter. Without a second thought, he ordered the priciest dishes on the menu.

    ¡°And another bottle of your finest wine,¡± he added after ordering the dishes. Han was slightly taken aback. Although he could afford the meal, he felt something was off with Bryan tonight. A nagging suspicion lingered in his mind. Could Bryan have discovered that Eileen was tutoring his son? If Bryan opposed the tutoring arrangement with Eileen, what should he do?

    Han believed he needed to ensure Bryan was pleased tonight. He quickly mustered a smile. Jacob said, ¡°I¡¯ll pass on ordering; what Bryan has ordered is more than enough.¡±

    Your story hub is g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s???????

    The waiter took the menu and headed downstairs, soon returning to serve the dishes. Han chatted with both Bryan and Jacob warmly. Bryan ate his food with elegance, yet he remained silent throughout. Han felt a growing unease, unable to voice his thoughts.

    ¡°Why did you ask me to meet you tonight?¡± Bryan suddenly asked, his question directed at Jacob.

    Between mouthfuls, Jacob answered, ¡°I have a matter to discuss with you. But I think there¡¯s a reason Mr. rkson invited you to dine tonight. Perhaps you two should talk first, and I¡¯ll bring up my pointster.¡±

    Han paused, setting down his fork and wiping his mouth with a napkin. ¡°Actually, my reason for being here today concerns one particr person,¡± he said.

    At this, Bryan stopped eating and ced his fork down with a definitive clink. Leaning forward, he pulled out two tissues from the box, spat his food into them, and tossed them into the trash can. Then, turning his full attention to Han, he asked, ¡°Tell me then, is it?¡±

    With a cautious look, Han responded, ¡°Ms. Curtis¡­¡±

    Bryan¡¯s face immediately hardened, his smile twisting into a frosty sneer that sent a shiver through Han.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, please don¡¯t be upset. I had no other choice but to seek Ms. Curtis¡¯ help. My son is particr about whom he listens to, and he only listens to Ms. Curtis!¡± Han quickly said.

    After a pause, he added, ¡°Since Miss Warren is currently your secretary, I believe she can manage many of Ms. Curtis¡¯ tasks¡­¡±

    His suggestion implied that with Vivian taking over some responsibilities, Eileen would have more time to focus on tutoring his son. But what Han had said sounded different to Bryan. To Bryan, Han was suggesting that Eileen could take on the role of being Han¡¯s stepmother.

    Suddenly, a chill seemed to emanate from Bryan. He fixed Han with an icy gaze.

    Feeling the weight of Bryan¡¯s stare, Han shivered. He looked to Jacob for support, confused. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Did I say something wrong?¡±

    Jacob chuckled and waved his hand dismissively. ¡°You didn¡¯t say anything wrong. Eileen is dispensable to Bryan now.¡±

    At Jacob¡¯s words, a chill passed through the room. Bryan¡¯s re made Jacob recoil slightly, realizing his provocation had stirred Bryan¡¯s displeasure.

    Bryan then shifted his focus away from Jacob, calmly unbuttoning his sleeves and rolling them up. ¡°Mr. rkson, you can continue.¡±

    Han dared not speak at this moment. It seemed that Bryan was looking for a confrontation. Observing Bryan¡¯s palpable irritation, Jacob quickly stepped in, grabbing Bryan¡¯s arm and whispering, ¡°What are you trying to do? Start a fight with me over rkson or Eileen?¡±

    Han couldn¡¯t hear what Jacob had said, but he sensed that Jacob might be trying to calm Bryan down.

    Bryan held back from any aggressive actions. He reclined in his chair, his formidable presence underscored by a stiff posture as his cold gaze remained fixed on Han. ¡°I apologize, Mr. rkson. Please, go on,¡± he said.

    Han felt a lump form in his throat. Gathering hisposure, he said, ¡°There is no need for you to be this upset, Mr. Dawson. Ms. Curtis epted my request because of her financial struggles. She could certainly use the extra ie as long as it doesn¡¯t conflict with her primary duties. We might not think twice about a small amount of money, but for someone like Ms. Curtis, two hundred thousand dors a month is significant. She¡¯s really in need of the money. That said, I am concerned about her health, which is why I invited you to dinner tonight. I wanted to discuss possibly reducing her workload. I¡¯m prepared to cover part of her sry.¡±

    Two hundred thousand dors? Bryan¡¯s anger simmered. He crossed his legs and ced his foot on the chair beside him, leaning closer to Han to say, ¡°Eileen is currently downstairs in a private room with another man. Would you care to join me in greeting her, Mr. rkson?¡±

    After a moment¡¯s thought, Han gestured dismissively and responded, ¡°I am aware of the person you¡¯re mentioning. However, given our roles, it might not be appropriate for us to interrupt their meeting. To avoid causing any difort for Ms. Curtis, it¡¯s best we don¡¯t disturb them.¡±

    Hearing Han¡¯s words, Bryan clenched his jaw tightly in anger. The atmosphere in the room downstairs radiated warmth as Ruby and Winona sat closely, hands intertwined, lost in memories of days gone by.

    They exchanged stories of their children¡¯s youth, reminiscing about Eileen¡¯s and Huey¡¯s contrasting personalities: one full of mischief, the other intelligent and level-headed. To them, Eileen and Huey seemed the perfect pair.

    Bailee observed in silence from her corner of the room, asionally ncing over at Huey and Eileen, her lips pressed together in contemtion.

    ¡°I¡¯m not as healthy as I once was. In the future, when they get married and start a family, they¡¯ll have to rely on you, Mrs. Baker,¡± Ruby said with a heavy sigh.

    Winona responded quickly, squeezing Ruby¡¯s hand reassuringly. ¡°I think we should start nning their wedding sooner rather thanter.¡±

    ¡°I agree. Let¡¯s choose a suitable date¡­¡± Ruby began.

    As the conversation about wedding dates began, Eileen started to feel anxious. She nced at Huey. It seemed he was overwhelmed and at a loss for words.

    Eileen realized she needed to intervene if she wanted to stop Ruby and Winona from discussing this further. ¡°¡®Mom, Mrs. Baker, I think Huey and I should take things one step at a time. It¡¯s too early for such discussions,¡± Eileen interjected cautiously.

    Ruby looked over at Eileen and then turned to Winona, dismissing her daughter¡¯s concerns. ¡°¡®Eileen has always been the cautious type. She doesn¡¯t really mean what she just said,¡± Ruby said.

    Winona nodded in agreement, eager to continue. ¡°Let¡¯s keep talking about the wedding ns.¡±

    At this point, Huey could no longer contain his difort. ¡°Mom, could you please consider my feelings before making any ns?¡± He stood up decisively and walked over to Winona. ¡°My rtionship with Eileen hasn¡¯t reached that point.¡±

    He took Winona by the arm, signaling it was time to leave. ¡°Let¡¯s go home and talk this over.¡±

    Winona was caught off guard by Huey¡¯s sudden move, nearly stumbling, and Eileen quickly reached out to stabilize her.

    ¡°¡®You brat, do you want to hurt me?¡± Winona eximed, delivering a sharp smack to Huey¡¯s shoulder.

    Huey released Winona¡¯s arm and turned to Eileen, his face a mix of frustration and resignation.

    Taking a deep breath topose herself, Eileen gently guided Winona to sit down. ¡°Mom, Mrs. Baker, I appreciate your excitement about my rtionship with Huey, but marriage is a seriousmitment,¡± Eileen began, her tone earnest. ¡°Rushing into it without fully understandingpatibility could lead to significant issues down the road, including the possibility of divorce.¡±

    Eileen hoped that presenting a reasoned argument grounded in the realities of marital challenges would resonate with Ruby and Winona.

    Ruby frowned. Her health was declining, and with the medical expenses piling up, she felt an urgency to make the wedding happen sooner rather thanter.

    Winona looked at Ruby, her expression filled with concern. She had initially agreed to push for the marriage quickly because of Ruby¡¯s illness.

    Bailee, sensing the tension, gently took Ruby¡¯s arm and said, ¡°What Eileen is saying makes sense. We need time to see if they are truly right for each other.¡±

    The room fell silent, everyone¡¯s eyes on Ruby as they awaited her decision.

    After a moment of reflection, Winona suggested, ¡°Ruby, perhaps we should give them a bit more time. We shouldn¡¯t rush them. My son can be impulsive, and I¡¯m concerned that if they marry too quickly, they won¡¯t get to know each other. It might negatively impact Eileen.¡±

    Huey, though itching to speak up, remained silent. Convincing Ruby to allow more time was the current priority.

    Ruby turned to look at Eileen. The tenderness in Eileen¡¯s expression seemed to touch Ruby¡¯s heart.

    ¡°It¡¯s my fault. I shouldn¡¯t have rushed things. Let¡¯s just enjoy our meal together today,¡± Ruby said.

    This change in tone lightened the atmosphere.

    After dinner, Winona offered to take Ruby back to the hospital, suggesting they still had much to talk about. Eileen, quiet throughout the exchange, apanied Ruby to Winona¡¯s car and stood by the roadside with Huey and Bailee, waving them off.

    From a shadowed corner nearby, Bryan and the others were watching the scene.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 70

    ?Chapter 70:

    After bidding Ruby and Winona farewell, Eileen turned to Huey. ¡°Where are you headed? Could you give Bailee a ride?¡±

    ¡°¡®No problem, I can give you a ride back too,¡± Huey said, patting his chest, feeling a sense of relief. ¡°Thanks for today. If you ever need to exin this situation to anyone, just me me!¡±

    Eileen smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll take the bus, but you could give Bailee a lift. I also need to thank you for taking good care of Bailee.¡±

    Bailee stepped closer to Eileen, gently grasping her arm, a wave of empathy washing over her as she noticed Eileen¡¯s apparent weight.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. By the way, were you surprised when I transferred you the money the other day?¡± Huey said.

    Eileen looked at Bailee and nodded. ¡°Yes, I was surprised. Baileeter told me it was her advance sry from you. I wouldn¡¯t have epted it otherwise. Please make sure she is well taken care of when she starts working for you.¡±

    Hearing such formal words, Huey felt a bit awkward. He scratched his head and said, ¡°My car¡¯s over there. I¡¯ll leave with Bailee now.¡±

    Bailee released Eileen¡¯s arm and waved. ¡°Bye, Eileen.¡±

    Eileen remained motionless for a moment, waving back as she watched Bailee climb into Huey¡¯s car and drive away.

    She then let out a long sigh of relief and turned to leave. Suddenly, she stopped upon noticing several figures under the restaurant¡¯s lights.

    Han approached her first, with Jacob close on his heels. Bryan, bringing up the rear, sauntered with his hands in his pockets and his suit jacket carelessly hanging over his shoulders.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s£®?????? brings magic to life

    Eileen¡¯s face lost its color. She pressed her lips together and looked away from Bryan.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, what a coincidence to see you here!¡± Han said. Unfamiliar with Eileen¡¯s family dynamics, he felt perplexed after overhearing Eileen¡¯s conversation with Huey. He wondered if Huey was Eileen¡¯s husband but hesitated to ask further.

    Bryan, who had heard Eileen¡¯s conversation with Huey, stood a short distance away. His expression was unreadable as he idly kicked a small stone, choosing to remain silent.

    Eileen, managing a smile, nodded slightly to Han. ¡°What a coincidence to see you all here. Are you here for dinner too?¡±

    Jacob approached, smiling. ¡°Indeed! Mr. rkson invited Bryan specifically to discuss matters concerning you. I just happened to join them.¡±

    ¡°Matters about Eileen?¡± Han¡¯s frown deepened. He quickly realized they were discussing her tutoring Aaron.

    Subconsciously, her gaze shifted to Bryan, concerned he might be upset that she was using her private time for a part-time job.

    She knew Bryan was aware of her need for extra ie. Besides, tutoring was much better than selling herself for money.

    Sarcasm seeped into Eileen¡¯s tone, her smile stiffening slightly. ¡°Mr. rkson, Mr. Dawson, I can rest assured, I won¡¯t let my work fall behind, and I¡¯ll make sure Aaron¡¯s studies are taken care of promptly. His education and my duties will both remain intact.¡±

    Bryan now realized Eileen was actually tutoring Han¡¯s son, Aaron.

    At that moment, he turned, and his eyesnded on Eileen. A night breeze made her shirt cling to her, highlighting her slender figure.

    Han said, ¡°I¡¯m just worried about you overextending yourself. Aaron really benefits from your tutoring. I wouldn¡¯t ask this of you if he didn¡¯t. If you were to fall ill, Mr. Dawson would me me, and Aaron would suffer from missing his tutoring.¡±

    After a pause, Han turned to Bryan and said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, I realize you might not be thrilled about Ms. Curtis earning extra money outside her main job, but I have no other option. Let¡¯spromise: allow Ms. Curtis to earn this additional ie, and in exchange, I¡¯ll ensure you get a bigger slice of the profits in our next deal.¡±

    Bryan shifted his gaze away from Eileen, lost in thought.

    His lips tightened, and he remained silent.

    Both Eileen and Han were puzzled by Bryan¡¯s reaction and looked at him, seeking rification.

    Jacob stepped forward, cing a hand on Han¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Mr. rkson, I can speak for Bryan. You can be assured that Ms. Curtis will continue to tutor your son.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m relieved to hear that, Meyer. Thank you!¡± Han responded, visibly rxed.

    Han then discussed Aaron¡¯s studies with Eileen before departing.

    Jacob escorted Han away and, upon returning, noticed Bryan still lingering on the steps, staring down at a small stone by his feet.

    At the foot of the stairs, Eileen stood bathed in the soft light of the streetmps, her long hair flowing over her shoulders. Her silhouette was striking, and her eyes held a faint trace of sadness as she looked up at Bryan.

    ¡°Eileen, were you dining with your boyfriend just now? If so, why did you talk to him so formally? It doesn¡¯t seem like you two,¡± Jacob said.

    Caught off guard, Eileen smiled at Jacob and replied, ¡°Huey and I are not in a rtionship. You misunderstood.¡±

    Jacob said as he ascended the stairs, casually cing his arm on Bryan¡¯s shoulder. He wasn¡¯t quite tall enough, so he stood on his tiptoes. ¡°A misunderstanding. I see.¡±

    Bryan shifted, quickly shrugging off Jacob¡¯s arm, which nearly caused Jacob to lose his bnce on the steps.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, Mr. Meyer, have you drunk? Do you need a ride home?¡± Eileen asked, maintaining a professional tone.

    Jacob steadied himself and shot a nce at Bryan.

    Bryan descended the steps, closing the distance between himself and Eileen. He spoke in a deep voice, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. You can head back.¡±

    A night breeze brushed against Eileen¡¯s face, causing strands of her hair to tickle her lips. She tucked her hair behind her ear and nodded.

    As Eileen turned to head for the bus station, Bryan¡¯s voice halted her. ¡°You can drive my car.¡±

    Bryan extended his hand. In his open palm rested the car keys.

    Eileen turned to him, took the keys, and left the parking lot.

    The car rolled out of the parking lot. Through the car window, Eileen wasn¡¯t sure if her eyes deceived her, but she saw Bryan look somewhat guilty.

    She just honked the horn to signal Bryan and drove away.

    The fading glow of the tail lights lingered in Bryan¡¯s vision.

    Jacob nudged Bryan, grinning. ¡°If you really want to be with Eileen, I¡¯m all for it. She¡¯s definitely a step up from Vivian.¡±

    Bryan pushed Jacob into the corner.

    ¡°Why did you ask me to meet you?¡± Bryan¡¯s voice was icy, sending a shiver through Jacob.

    Jacob managed a strained smile. ¡°I helped you look into Eileen¡¯s background, seeing how differently you treat her.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s gaze sharpened.

    Towering over Jacob, his daunting stature made Jacob¡¯s knees weak.

    Gathering his courage, Jacob shoved Bryan and used this chance to walk out of the corner. ¡°I¡¯m trying to help you win Eileen¡¯s heart. If you keep this up, I¡¯m out!¡±

    Bryan leaned against the wall, watching Jacob with a calm demeanor. ¡°Enough with the drama. Just tell me what you¡¯ve found out.¡±

    ¡°Eileen¡¯s in a tough spot. Her dad died when she was young, and her mom¡¯s always in the hospital with a disease that can¡¯t be cured. I was digging deeper when I uncovered something rming and had to tell you right away!¡± Jacob said.

    Jacob looked around nervously, lowering his voice. ¡°Kian has made a move! I told you to protect Eileen, but you wouldn¡¯t listen!¡±

    Bryan¡¯s eyes turned cold. ¡°Get to the point.¡±

    As Bryan¡¯s patience thinned, Jacob spilled everything about Kian¡¯s scheme, including how he had bribed the hospital to increase the cost of the medication Ruby was using.

    With each revtion, Bryan¡¯s expression darkened.

    Looking at Bryan¡¯s expression, Jacob said, ¡°It seems like Eileen didn¡¯t tell you about this. I can¡¯t imagine how much she has suffered in silence. When I found out Kian was targeting her, I looked deeper and discovered she¡¯s been tutoring to make extra money. I also found out that Kian has cklisted Bailee, making it impossible for her to get a job!¡±

    Beneath the moonlight, Bryan looked up, his jaw tightening.

    Jacob continued, ¡°Eileen¡¯s a good person. I don¡¯t know why you¡¯re so taken with Vivian. Maybe it¡¯s time for you to think about whom you should be with.¡±

    He crossed his legs. ¡°If you really like Vivian, maybe you should stay away from Eileen. She won¡¯t be able to handle the pressure from the Warren family or your grandmother.¡±

    As he spoke, a sudden kick jolted his leg. He looked up to see Bryan standing beside him.

    ¡°Get up and go home,¡± Bryan stated tly before turning and walking towards the parking lot.

    Jacob sprang to his feet and hurried after Bryan. Just as he was about to speak, Bryan said, ¡°It¡¯s not what you think between me and Vivian. There are other reasons. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll take care of the situation with Kian.¡±

    Realizing that Bryan intended to protect Eileen, Jacob felt a rush of excitement.

    He broke into a grin and said, ¡°If you end up marrying Vivian, I¡¯ll gift you two thousand dors. But if you choose Eileen, I¡¯ll bump it up to two hundred thousand!¡±

    Bryan stopped in his tracks and turned to face Jacob. ¡°So you knew that Han came to me to talk about Eileen tutoring his son?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 71

    ?Chapter 71:

    But Jacob had remained silent throughout the meal, observing quietly as Bryan¡¯s expressions grew increasingly gloomy while conversing with Han, misinterpreting everything. Thinking of this, Bryan¡¯s expression darkened.

    Seeing this, Jacob swiftly got into the car, locking the front door and cautiously lowering the window a little as he said, ¡°Sit in the back. I¡¯ll drive you home.¡±

    Bryan, standing motionless, suddenly wore a smile, adjusting his tie and lifting his eyebrows as he looked at Jacob.

    With a click, Jacob promptly opened the door for the passenger seat, afraid that Bryan would beat him up if he didn¡¯t do that.

    Once in the car, Bryan remained silent, leaning back against the seat and staring at the passing scenery. His eyes held a frosty, unforgiving gaze.

    Despite Jacob¡¯s silence, he was keenly aware of Bryan¡¯s seriousness now.

    It seemed there was about to be quite a show.

    Outside the apartment, as Eileen parked the car, she hesitated before exiting. She gently ran her fingertips over the car key, feeling the lingering warmth left behind by Bryan.

    She knew his mood could shift unpredictably, and she could sense the difference between his good and bad days.

    Lost in her thoughts, she pondered the surreal feeling of his asional kindness, almost like a dream.

    After much consideration, she realized that knowing her ce might ease some of her sadness.

    With her decision made, she opened the car door and stepped out. She washed up and went to bed early.

    Exclusive content avable at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s

    The next morning, upon waking, she noticed a message from Bryan sent half an hour prior, requesting a ride to work from Oak Vis.

    For a moment, it felt like everything had returned to normal.

    At exactly seven-thirty, Eileen set off for Oak Vis, arriving promptly. By seven-forty, she had picked up Bryan, and they were en route to thepany.

    ncing at the rearview mirror, Eileen noticed Bryan¡¯s posture¡ªlegs slightly apart, hands resting on his knees as he sat upright.

    He was looking at the scenery outside, seemingly the same as before.

    Turning her focus back to the road ahead, Eileen was unaware that Bryan had turned his attention to her. Through the mirror, he could only see her full lips.

    At a crossroads, Eileen licked her lips and took a deep breath, causing Bryan¡¯s heart to flutter.

    In the parking lot, Eileen happened to run into Vivian and Kian. Seeing Bryan and Eileen arrive together, Vivian noticeably tightened her grip on the strap of her bag.

    Upon stepping out of the car, Eileen nodded in greeting to Kian. Bryan had already opened the door and was leisurely strolling over, one hand casually tucked in his pocket.

    ¡°Bryan, why did Eileen drive you here today?¡± Vivian couldn¡¯t help but ask.

    Bryan shot Vivian a cold re. ¡°Is there a problem?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s indifferent demeanor left Vivian speechless, a lump forming in her throat as she struggled to find words to respond.

    ¡°Vivian, go upstairs with Bryan; I¡¯m leaving now,¡± Kian interjected, pushing Vivian towards Bryan with a smile.

    As Kian turned to leave, Bryan said to Eileen and Vivian, ¡°You two go upstairs first and have a talk with Kian.¡±

    The tension was palpable. Eileen couldn¡¯t help but nce worriedly at Bryan.

    Bryan motioned towards the elevator, gesturing for Eileen to go.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Dawson,¡± Eileen replied, turning away and leaving.

    Vivian exchanged a worried look with Kian, but Kian reassured her, ¡°Go ahead. It¡¯s been a while since I talked to Bryan. Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    After hesitating briefly, Vivian followed Eileen upstairs.

    In the vast parking lot, silence reigned.

    With one hand in his pocket, Bryan headed towards a corner, followed by Kian at a leisurely pace.

    Bryan halted and lit a cigarette, smoke rings escaping from his lips, failing to conceal the coldness in his eyes.

    Kian seemed to grasp the situation and asked in a low voice, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You want to defend Eileen because I¡¯m causing trouble for her?¡±

    With a muffled thud, Bryan¡¯s fist connected with Kian¡¯s face before he could finish his sentence. Kian stumbled to the ground, his pristine shirt now tainted with dust.

    Struggling to rise, Kian looked up at Bryan in shock. ¡°Did you just hit me because of Eileen?¡±

    ¡°I warned you before. Don¡¯t ever harm her,¡± Bryan said, the pent-up anger of the night finally finding release.

    Throughout the night, Eileen¡¯s cautious gaze, her pleading eyes, and the mix of grievance and stubbornness in her expression had haunted him relentlessly.

    Thinking of the tears and redness around her eyes from that night in the bathroom caused Bryan¡¯s heart to ache.

    ¡°Bryan, is it worth it?¡± Kian stood up, his voice thickening unconsciously. ¡°Eileen is just your assistant. She can¡¯t evenpare to Vivian!¡±

    Bryan smirked. ¡°Do you need me to spell it out for you?¡±

    Kian¡¯s face turned pale, and a tingling sensation spread from the corner of his mouth. He reached to touch it, emitting a soft hiss of pain.

    After a moment, he chuckled and said in a gentler tone, ¡°You know that I can¡¯t let anything harm Vivian. You still owe her! And Eileen is a thorn in her side.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t harm Eileen ever again!¡± Bryan¡¯s gaze turned icy as he confronted Kian with determination. ¡°If something like that urs again, I won¡¯t hesitate to take any necessary actions.¡±

    Bryan tossed the cigarette onto the ground and forcefully stepped on it, breaking it into fragments.

    Inside the elevator, Eileen and Vivian stood side by side. They were using Bryan¡¯s exclusive elevator, so no one joined them during the ride.

    ¡°Have you managed to gather all the medical funds for your mother, Eileen?¡± Vivian asked casually.

    Eileen replied without lifting her head, ¡°Thank you for your concern, Warren. I¡¯ve managed to gather all the medical fees for my mother.¡±

    Vivian scoffed. ¡°What? Even if you gathered it this month, what about next month? You are basically prostituting yourself to Bryan! You¡¯re just a shameless woman. I am fully aware that you¡¯re using the excuse of being Bryan¡¯s assistant to seduce him! If you¡¯re interested, I can introduce you to numerous other wealthy men. Given your appearance, making about a million a month wouldn¡¯t be a challenge.¡±

    Vivian¡¯s arrogant expression disyed both disdain and sarcasm.

    Eileen¡¯s patience was starting to wane. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Miss Warren. I¡¯ll ensure that I earn enough money by spending a few more nights with Mr. Dawson. I appreciate you providing another reason for me to sleep with him in the future.¡±

    Vivian¡¯s mouth twisted with anger as she raised her hand, intending to p Eileen across the face.

    But before Vivian¡¯s blow couldnd, Eileen skillfully grabbed Vivian¡¯s wrist and slowly closed the distance between them.

    Vivian backed off and leaned against the chilly elevator wall, unable to find her voice.

    Eileen said, ¡°This is a professional environment, not your home. If youy a hand on me, you will be fired immediately. I advise you to calm down and avoid a disastrous mistake.¡±

    Her voice remained steady, yet it carried a subtle but potent undertone of threat.

    As the president¡¯s special assistant, her position held more authority than Vivian¡¯s.

    As the elevator doors opened, Eileen released Vivian¡¯s wrist and swiftly walked out.

    In her office, Eileen sank into her chair, pinching the bridge of her nose in an attempt to alleviate the tension that gripped her mind.

    She knew she should have endured Vivian.

    With Bryan¡¯s current animosity towards her, Eileen saw no advantage in further provoking the Warren family.

    Through the window, she observed Bryan¡¯s return. He was halted by Vivian, exchanging words with her before disappearing into his office.

    A few minutester, the internal line rang, and Bryan¡¯s voice echoed through the receiver. ¡°Come here.¡±

    Eileenposed herself and stepped into Bryan¡¯s office.

    The spacious office had a solemn atmosphere. Bryan sat upright at his desk, casually ying with a pen in his fingers.

    As Eileen approached, Bryan put the pen down as he looked at her. ¡°Get ready; we are flying to Bayside City this afternoon.¡±

    Eileen remembered that Apex Group¡¯s most influential clients in Bayside City were Mangy Hamilton and his wife, who had recently sent an invitation to Bryan.

    Mangy and his wife¡¯s uing wedding anniversary was going to be avish event at theirrge property.

    ¡°You¡¯re taking me to the event? What about Warren?¡± Eileen asked cautiously.

    Bryan narrowed his eyes and said, ¡°Have you forgotten that you joined me for dinner with them as my girlfriend when we discussed the cooperation before? Do you want me to tell them that I¡¯ve changed my girlfriend so quickly?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s cautious behavior weighed heavily on Bryan¡¯s heart.

    ¡°I understand,¡± Eileen replied. She remembered that only a couple had been allowed to attend the cocktail party hosted by Mangy and his wife back then.

    Bryan and she had pretended to be a couple to gain ess to the party. They had sessfully formed a friendship with Mangy and his wife and reached an agreement for coboration.

    ¡°Go prepare yourself,¡± Bryan instructed before standing up. He then retrieved a document from the bookshelf. Upon turning around, he noticed Eileen still standing there. ¡°Is there anything else?¡±

    After hesitating for a moment, Eileen said softly, ¡°Your tie is crooked.¡±

    Bryan looked down and noticed that his tie was indeed askew. cing the document on the desk, he walked to stand in front of Eileen and said, ¡°Fix it.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s tall figure shadowed over Eileen. The sudden closeness made Eileen instinctively want to step back.

    Suddenly, arge hand reached for her waist, holding her firmly as Bryan moved closer, pressing his body against hers.

    Surprised and with slight trembling eyshes, Eileenposed herself and reached up to carefully straighten his tie.

    Bryan¡¯s breath was heavy above her head, yet he stayed still, refraining from any further action.

    Once she fixed his tie, he let go of her waist and said in a hoarse voice, ¡°You may leave now.¡±

    Eileen caught a glimpse of the slight bulge in Bryan¡¯s suit pants, causing her ears to turn red. Avoiding eye contact, she quickly turned and exited the room.

    This business trip was sudden and unexpected. Eileen wasn¡¯t sure how Bryan had informed Vivian; Vivian didn¡¯t voice any objections.

    After attending to all the urgent tasks, Eileen went home to pack the afternoon before heading to the airport.

    When Eileen arrived, Bryan was already at the airport, answering a call near the French window. Eileen could vaguely hear his voice from not far away.

    ¡°It¡¯s almost time for your return. There¡¯s no point in hiding from me. I¡¯ll be back in two days after my business trip to Bayside City; I¡¯ll bring her to see you then,¡± he said.

    It seemed like Bryan was conversing with Ste, asking her to return so he could take Vivian to visit her.

    Eileen lowered her head, lost in thought. She didn¡¯t snap out of her daze until a pair of expensive men¡¯s shoes suddenly appeared in front of her.

    ¡°Look into my wife¡¯s identity after we return from Bayside City. I want you to meet up if you could,¡± Bryan suddenly said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 72

    ?Chapter 72:

    Eileen was taken aback; her mouth was left agape, and her heart was pounding rapidly.

    Could it be that Bryan was losing patience? Perhaps he intended to get a divorce without Ste¡¯s permission.

    Under Bryan¡¯s intense gaze, Eileen managed to utter, ¡°Okay.¡±

    Noticing her difort, his expression softened, and he asked with concern, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Eileen mustered a smile, nced at him casually, and said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, it¡¯s time to board. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    With that, she turned and began walking towards the boarding gate. Suddenly, she felt her hand grasped firmly by a warm,rge palm, pulling her to a pause.

    Had Bryan not stopped her, she might have bumped into a passerby.

    Regaining herposure, she felt his slender fingers weave through hers as he confidently led her to check in their luggage.

    Dressed in a sleek suit, Bryan¡¯s tall stature and distinctive charm made him stand out, drawing many admiring looks.

    Beside him, Eileen appeared petite, her long hair flowing. She wore a mask that highlighted her beautiful eyes.

    Her style exuded elegance, entuated by a long coat that lent an air of vibrancy.

    Together, they drew continuous nces. They looked like a perfectly matched pair.

    ?¦Ál§Ú¦Òv???.c§àm has the newest content

    Eileen began to relish the attention they garnered, feeling as though they were truly meant for each other.

    Initially, she felt ufortable with the sudden physical connection, but she reassured herself that everything would be fine once they returned from Bayside City.

    She decided to embrace the moment.

    After handing over the luggage to the staff, Bryan turned to reach for Eileen¡¯s hand again, but she preemptively linked her fingers through his.

    Surprised by her initiative, Bryan looked at her questioningly. Eileen leaned slightly towards him and said, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Bryan said with a faint smile. Thereafter, the two of them boarded the ne.

    In the business ss section of the ne, there were few passengers. Eileen and Bryan sat side by side. Throughout the flight, their fingers remained entwined.

    The flight attendant came with juice and meals a few times. Eileen found herself stealing extra nces at Bryan.

    Each time her eyesnded on Bryan¡¯s intertwined fingers with Eileen, she would smile at Eileen with a hint of envy.

    Eileen savored these moments, cherishing every part of the experience. She deliberately pushed aside the thought that this was theirst journey together, choosing instead to enjoy the moment.

    Three hourster, the nended in Bayside City.

    Bryan and Eileen walked out of the airport into the humid air, feeling the light rain misting from the sky. The car they had arranged was already waiting outside.

    The driver quickly exited the vehicle when he saw them approaching and loaded their luggage into the trunk.

    He noticed out of the corner of his eye that Bryan opened the back door for Eileen, letting her in first, which momentarily stunned him.

    Only after Bryan had entered the car and closed the door with a muffled thud did the driver snap out of his daze. He hurriedly shut the trunk and returned to his seat in the car.

    Once inside the car, the driver avoided looking into the rearview mirror, fearing he might witness something inappropriate.

    The Hamiltons knew of Bryan and Eileen¡¯s arrival and had prepared a room for them in advance. The driver headed directly to Rose Manor.

    As the car approached Rose Manor, the driver could see lush greenery all around, with rows of grape leaves creating a vast green canopy.

    There were clusters of grapes that cast a purple glow in the sunlight.

    On one sidey the expansive wine cer, stretching out as far as he could see. After nearly twenty minutes of driving, they finally reached the home of the Hamilton couple.

    The ssical castle architecture radiated opulence, with servants bustling about.

    As the gates slowly opened, they were bathed in the orange glow of the setting sun.

    At the entrance of the castle, the Hamilton couple awaited Bryan and Eileen¡¯s arrival. Seeing the car, Kristi Hamilton, Mangy¡¯s wife, lifted the hem of her dress and quickly stepped down the stairs to greet them.

    Though she and Eileen had met only a few times, they had maintained contact and got along well.

    During Kristi¡¯s visits to Onnd, Eileen and Bryan were always her hosts.

    Kristi was eager to embrace Eileen with a warm hug.

    However, as the car door swung open, the first thing that caught her eye was a shiny pair of leather shoes.

    Then, the imposing figure of Bryan emerged, carrying a sleeping Eileen in his arms.

    Eileen had been busy tutoring Aaron these days and was evidently exhausted.

    ¡°Eileen¡ª¡± Kristi barely started speaking when she was stopped by Bryan¡¯s icy stare.

    Seeing this, Mangy hurried down the steps, pulled Kristi into his arms, and shot a fierce re back at Bryan.

    ¡°Bryan, how dare you¡ª¡± Mangy began.

    However, Bryan cut him off before he could finish. ¡°Excuse me. Please take me to our room. Eileen is asleep. I want to take her to rest first.¡±

    Mangy was left momentarily speechless.

    Kristi quickly gestured to a servant to show Bryan the way.

    The room assigned to Bryan and Eileen was on the top floor of the castle, its two windows open, allowing the curtains to flutter in the gentle breeze.

    The red bedding gave the room a romantic feel. Bryan gently ced Eileen on the bed, where she fell into a deeper sleep.

    Bryan then closed the windows, drew the curtains, and carefully removed her coat.

    Noticing the dark circles under her eyes, a clear sign of her fatigue, Bryan felt a pang of sympathy.

    He pulled up the thin quilt to cover Eileen and then left the room quietly.

    In the living room, the Hamilton couple cuddled together. When Mangy noticed Bryan descending the stairs, he couldn¡¯t help but make a sarcastic remark, ¡°Why did youe down alone? Are you here to watch me and my wife be affectionate?¡±

    Although the Hamiltons were foreigners, they had studied here years ago and fallen in love with the ce, deciding to stay and establish Rose Manor.

    They spoke fluent English now and were even familiar with a few inte ng terms.

    Bryan sat down on the single sofa and faced Mangy directly. ¡°I didn¡¯t properly greet you just now; my apologies.¡±

    Kristi smiled warmly at Bryan, then said thoughtfully, ¡°I knew Bryan wouldn¡¯t be impolite.¡± She paused, then added, ¡°But you seem different this time. You seem to be treating Eileen better.¡±

    Bryan raised his eyebrows slightly, and his expression softened as he reflected on something.

    Kristi¡¯s eyes sparkled as she asked, ¡°Is Eileen pregnant?¡±

    Bryan was taken aback by Kristi¡¯s assumption.

    Mane-Y¡¯s chest swelled with emotion. ¡°I knew there had to be a reason why Bryan suddenly became so caring and attentive to Eileen. He¡¯s going to be a dad. I think congrattions are in order!¡±

    While touching the spot Kristi had patted, Mangy smiled at her affectionately. He then pointed at the rows of wine cers and told Bryan, ¡°When your wife gives birth, I¡¯ll gift you the wine from the cers.¡±

    Bryan was momentarily at a loss for words.

    Just as Bryan was about to rify, Mangy stood up and pped Bryan on the shoulder. ¡°Come with me. I¡¯ll show you something incredible.¡±

    Bryan nced upstairs, his hesitation apparent.

    ¡°Kristi will stay here. She¡¯ll be with Eileen when she wakes up,¡± Mangy assured him, sensing his reluctance. He then put his arm around Bryan¡¯s shoulder and led him away.

    In the vast vineyard, a solitary light in the center emitted a bright white beam, illuminating the entire manor.

    A shaft of light pierced the room, highlighting the red canopy and casting a crimson shadow on Eileen¡¯s face.

    The light yed upon her fair skin, and her long eyshes fluttered as she gradually opened her eyes.

    The unfamiliar surroundings momentarily nked her mind. It took her a few moments to recall that she had traveled to Bayside City with Bryan and that she was likely at the Hamilton couple¡¯s estate.

    She quickly rose, hurried to the window, and gazed at the night scene outside, confirming that she was indeed at Rose Manor.

    ¡°Eileen, over here!¡± Kristi called out to Eileen from the ground below.

    Eileen smiled and waved back at Kristi, though her attention was drawn to the man nearby.

    d in a tailor-made gray tracksuit, Bryan held a cigarette between his fingers. He casually flicked ashes as he conversed with Mangy.

    At that moment, his dark eyes met Eileen¡¯s, radiating a profound tenderness, and his lips curved into a gentle smile.

    That smile, piercing straight to Eileen¡¯s heart, unexpectedly quickened her pulse.

    Bryan extinguished the cigarette, tossing it into an ashtray. After exchanging a few words with Mangy, he began walking toward the castle.

    Watching this, Eileen felt a surge of confusion as she observed Mangy rise and speak to Kristi. The two then nced up at Eileen, their expressions yfully mischievous.

    Feeling her cheeks warming up, Eileen spun around, grabbed her coat, and headed for the door, which swung open just as she reached it.

    Bryan entered the room leisurely, causing her to step back.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Eileen asked, her voice tinged with bewilderment. ¡°I was just about to go down.¡±

    ¡°I had someone make you soup. Have some before going downstairs,¡± Bryan said.

    Only then did Eileen notice the bowl of soup Bryan was holding, its aroma enticing her taste buds and reminding her of her hunger.

    She epted the soup and sat down. She then stirred it a few times with the spoon before eating.

    Bryan sat next to her and skillfully tied up her long hair with a hairband he had produced seemingly from nowhere.

    His cool fingertips brushed her neck as he did so, making her feel a bit uneasy.

    Turning to look at his face, illuminated red by the canopy¡¯s reflection, Eileen impulsively offered him a spoonful of soup.

    ¡°Would you like some?¡± she asked, immediately regretting her impulsiveness. Just as she was about to retract her hand, Bryan caught her wrist, met her gaze, and epted the spoonful of soup.

    After swallowing, he nodded andmented, ¡°It tastes good. Make sure you have more yourself.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen replied distractedly, continuing to sip from the bowl.

    She was thinking that Bryan had just used the spoon she had been using.

    Though they had shared more intimate moments in the past, these had been about physical needs. This, however, was different.

    Aplex emotion welled up in Eileen¡¯s heart, and she had to acknowledge that she was deeply caught up in this moment.

    ¡°They¡¯re grilling beef downstairs. I know you don¡¯t like beef. But since we¡¯re guests here, it wouldn¡¯t be appropriate to request a change in the menu just for us. If this bowl of soup isn¡¯t enough, I can get you another one,¡± Bryan said.

    His tone was deep and soothing, almost mesmerizing.

    ¡°How did you know I don¡¯t like beef?¡± Eileen asked. Other than Ruby and Bailee, she hadn¡¯t told anyone else about her dislike for beef.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 73

    ?Chapter 73:

    Bryan¡¯s response was straightforward. ¡°We¡¯ve shared enough meals together.¡±

    Eileen cradled the bowl, her gaze fixed on him, his silhouette framed by the window. She bit her lip softly, and soon, Eileen had finished the bowl of soup. ¡°I¡¯m full now, thanks,¡± she said.

    Bryan pocketed his phone and took the bowl from her. ¡°Let¡¯s head downstairs,¡± he said.

    Eileen nodded, trailing behind him. Once Bryan handed the bowl to a servant, he extended his hand toward her. His palm was dry and warm, the lines of his hand capturing her attention.

    Hesitation flickered before Eileen ced her hand in his, a smile on her face as they moved together toward the yard.

    Kristi was eager to approach them but was held back by Maney. ¡°Can¡¯t you see how close they are? Now¡¯s not the time,¡± he advised.

    Watching them, Kristi remarked, ¡°They really are the perfect pair. You¡¯re right; I shouldn¡¯t interrupt.¡±

    As the evening breeze whispered through, Eileen¡¯s hair danced along Bryan¡¯s arm, their fingers intertwined firmly.

    Bathed in the distant light, they appeared almost otherworldly, as if they had stepped out of a painting.

    When Bryan and Eileen got close, Kristi couldn¡¯t resist a yful tease. ¡°Bryan, I¡¯m not going to snatch Eileen from you. Why the need to hold on so tight?¡±

    Bryan was the picture ofposure, yet Eileen felt her cheeks grow warm. She gently pulled her hand back, greeting Kristi with a hint of shyness. ¡°¡®Mrs. Hamilton, it¡¯s been a long time.¡±

    m??r?? ??¦Ñda??es ???? ??a??novels.c??m

    ¡°It certainly has!¡± Kristi replied, seizing the moment to engage. She guided Eileen to a bench, saying, ¡°I¡¯ve been so eager to catch up with you since I heard you wereing here with Bryan.¡±

    As Bryan¡¯s gaze rested softly on Eileen, Maney slung an arm around Bryan¡¯s shoulder and led him a short distance away before handing him a ss of wine.

    ¡°Eileen, congrattions!¡± Kristi handed Eileen a ss of juice. ¡°¡®Here, you can drink this.¡±

    The unexpected congrattions baffled Eileen, but she epted the juice with gratitude, replying, ¡°¡®Thank you.¡±

    Kristi¡¯s smile was radiant. ¡°Let¡¯s drop the formalities. Now, you need to watch your diet closely, especially during this time. And try to steer clear of too many social events with Bryan. Except for this one, of course. We¡¯re friends, and I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re well looked after at the party.¡±

    Eileen knitted her brow in confusion. ¡°Mrs. Hamilton, what do you mean?¡±

    Kristi responded with an air of understanding, ¡°It¡¯smon to keep it under wraps for the first trimester. Don¡¯t worry; your secret¡¯s safe with me.¡± She patted her chest with confidence and deftly shifted the conversation. ¡°Tomorrow¡¯s banquet will be filled with business moguls as well as couples. It might be a bit much, but you don¡¯t have to stress; I¡¯ll whisk you away for some downtime if needed.¡±

    Kristi was known for her vibrancy and impulsiveness. Maney often joked that he had indulged her too much.

    Eileen found Kristi¡¯s spirit charming and smiled. ¡°¡®Alright, thank you.¡±

    Then she saw Bryan sharingughs under the moon¡¯s glow, his gaze flicking to her now and then.

    When their gazes locked, he quirked an eyebrow, and his smile broadened.

    Maney, catching the exchange, pped Bryan on the back and teased him, throwing a knowing look Eileen¡¯s way.

    Eileen quickly looked away, her heart a mix of sweetness and sorrow, cherishing the recognition as a couple yet aware it was fleeting, confined to their time here.

    As Bryan had expected, Eileen avoided beef, settling for vegetables. Thankfully, the earlier soup meant she wouldn¡¯t feel hungry.

    Approaching midnight, Bryan extricated himself from a tipsy Maney and nudged Kristi to escort her husband to bed.

    ¡°Bryan, you always manage to get Maney drunk,¡± Kristi half-scalded. ¡°Eileen, please give him a talking-to on my behalf tonight.¡±

    Before Eileen could respond, Bryan¡¯s arm reached over, resting a hand on her shoulder, their closeness evident. He seemed at ease, his smile effortless and captivating.

    Kristi summoned a servant to assist with Maney, while Eileen and Bryan retreated to their own room.

    Eileen and Bryan¡¯s room boasted a great view, with French windows framing the manor splendidly.

    Outside, a light drizzle cast the moonlight in a prism of colors across the room.

    Eileen, framed by the French windows, took in the serene view, Bryan¡¯s presence by her side stirring a sense of contentment within her.

    She felt satisfied to have the chance to stay here with Bryan for two days, leaving everything behind.

    Abruptly, Bryan¡¯s phone interrupted the moment. A quick nce at the caller ID and a nod to Eileen, Bryan excused himself to take the call.

    It was Jacob on the line, his voiceced with urgency. ¡°What¡¯s the deal with that message you just sent me?¡±

    Two hours earlier, he had received a message from Bryan. ¡°Help me with this.¡±

    The brevity of the message had left Jacob puzzling over its meaning.

    Bryan¡¯s voice was calm. ¡°It¡¯s not appropriate for me to deal with something like this. It¡¯s better in your hands, but keep it under wraps,¡± he instructed, his gaze drifting back to Eileen¡¯s silhouette before the window, his eyes softening.

    Jacob paused, and then understanding clicked. ¡°Ah, got it. Kian¡¯s involvement means a delicate touch, and Eileen¡­ She¡¯s not one to make a fuss, even if she¡¯s been wronged, so I¡ª¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s it,¡± Bryan interjected before ending the call, not waiting to hear more. His attention was pulled back as Eileen moved into the dressing room.

    He set down his phone and gently pushed the dressing room door ajar.

    Eileen had slipped off her coat and was reaching for her shirt, which she lifted slightly, revealing the smooth curve of her belly and the soft contour of her lower breasts.

    Sensing something, Eileen turned and caught sight of Bryan through the crack of the door, arms folded, watching her.

    In a swift motion, she tugged her shirt down to veil her exposed skin.

    Her cheeks bloomed with embarrassment, the flush spreading to her neck.

    ¡°Can¡¯t you knock? It¡¯s rude to just watch someone change,¡± she said.

    Bryan chuckled. He nudged the door wider with his foot, sauntering in while his fingers worked the buttons of his shirt.

    ¡°I¡¯ve seen your body many times already,¡± he said. He took off his shirt, unveiling the defined muscles of his chest, skin bathed in the gentle light.

    Eileen¡¯s pulse quickened. She turned her back to him. ¡°You can shower first since you have taken off your clothes.¡±

    Hardly had the words left her lips when she felt his hand on her wrist. Before she could react, she found herself in the bathroom with him.

    The shower hissed to life, water cascading down and soaking her hair, her shirt clinging to her.

    Lifting her gaze, she was caught in Bryan¡¯s intent look.

    ¡°Remember, you promised Mrs. Hamilton you¡¯d set me straight tonight,¡± Bryan teased, the words dancing with a challenge.

    A rush of trepidation surged through Eileen. If things continued like this, it would be a rough night for her. Tomorrow¡¯s party meant another dress, and she couldn¡¯t afford any marks.

    Eileen mustered her resolve and retorted, ¡°I hardly think I¡¯m the one to give you any lessons, Mr. Dawson.¡±

    The way she addressed him struck a chord, and in response, Bryan narrowed his eyes slightly as he tightened his grip on her waist, knowing it was a tender spot for her. ¡°Don¡¯t call me that,¡± he instructed, his tone yful yet firm.

    Eileen couldn¡¯t help but feel amused by his flirtation. She wrapped her arms around his neck and looked up at him. ¡°Okay, Bryan,¡± she whispered, her voice soft.

    Her words seemed to stir something deep within Bryan. His breath quickened, and he began to shower her lips with kisses.

    ¡°Say it again,¡± he said.

    ¡°Eileen,¡± she repeated, her voice a gentle murmur.

    Hearing his name from her lips felt different, special¡ªunlike anything Bryan had experienced before.

    He leaned in, kissing her softly, their exchange of tender kisses leaving Eileen breathless.

    Bryan was evidently turned on. Eileen gently pushed him back a bit. ¡°You should shower first,¡± she said.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Bryan agreed, his voice rough with desire.

    After a shower, Eileen was carried out of the bathroom by Bryan, wrapped in a bath towel. Bryan put her on the bed. He could hardly suppress his desire.

    Eileen clutched the towel at her chest. ¡°Let¡¯s just go to sleep tonight,¡± she said.

    ¡°What?¡± Bryan¡¯s face was a mix of disbelief and disappointment.

    Was she serious? How could he possibly restrain himself in such a moment?

    ¡°I¡¯m having my period,¡± Eileen stated inly.

    Bryan was momentarily speechless.

    ¡°Let me go. I need to grab a sanitary pad,¡± Eileen added.

    With a gentle push, she managed to break Bryan¡¯s embrace.

    Bryan¡¯s bathrobe hung loosely, giving him a somewhat disheveled look as he sat, still and puzzled.

    Eileen, slightly amused by the situation, walked to the cloakroom and retrieved some sanitary pads from her suitcase.

    Her cycle was sometimes irregr, prompting her to always be prepared during these days.

    After she changed her clothes and returned, she found Bryan lying on the bed, his eyes closed, attempting to calm himself. A noticeable bulge in his loose bathrobe did not escape notice.

    She let out a soft chuckle andy down on the edge of the bed, ensuring there was space between them.

    Time passed, and eventually, Bryan got up, changed into pajamas in the cloakroom, and joined her on the bed.

    He stretched out his arm, pulled her close, and muttered in a sulky tone, ¡°Stay still.¡±

    Eileen remained perfectly still, well aware that Bryan might still pursue intimacy in other ways. Though they hadn¡¯t explored those alternatives, she wasn¡¯t eager to test those waters just yet.

    Despite the tension, nothing happened between them tonight.

    However, Eileen found littlefort in Bryan¡¯s close hold; his heavy breathing and the tight embrace kept her awake.

    Periodically, he would whisper in her ear, a tactic she eventually realized was his yful revenge.

    As dawn crept in, Eileen left the bed and opened the window to freshen the room.

    Just then, she noticed the manor¡¯s gate slowly swinging open.

    A luxury car arrived at the entrance. Kian stepped out from the driver¡¯s side and greeted Maney warmly before he walked to the passenger¡¯s side and opened the door for Vivian, who stepped out gracefully.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 74

    ?Chapter 74:

    Vivian was dressed in a light purple dress, her hair cascading loosely around her shoulders, her makeup subtle yet stunning.

    She embraced Kristi warmly before they both headed to the castle¡¯s rear garden.

    Maney and his wife had their wedding anniversary banquet scheduled for eight in the morning. Despite it being only seven, the arrival of some early guests wasn¡¯t surprising.

    The garden looked enchanting, adorned with a long table brimming with assorted wines and flowers, while another table was piled high with food.

    To the east stood the castle, bisected by a river, painting a perfect backdrop.

    But Eileen wasn¡¯t in the mood to soak in the beauty. She nced at Bryan, who was still lying in bed.

    She said, ¡°Mr. Warren and Miss Warren have arrived.¡±

    At that moment, Bryan¡¯s eyes snapped open.

    He sat up, tossed aside the thin quilt, and rose from the bed to join her. He paused to look outside, his eyes cold.

    ¡°Head down for breakfast. Mrs. Hamilton will help you change,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯m going downstairs.¡±

    He then turned and strode to the cloakroom to change. After freshening up in the bathroom, Eileen emerged to find Bryan had already left.

    Eileen believed he had gone to meet Vivian. Even if he had told Vivian about this before, his presence here with Eileen would surely spark Vivian¡¯s anger. He would need to exin to Vivian at least.

    Eileen had been looking forward to a pleasant final two days at the castle, yet that hope was fading now.

    L¨»t?st ch¦Ápt?rs in g??l??ov?ls.????m

    With a bitter smile, she made her way to the cloakroom to change her outfit.

    ¡°Hello, Mrs. Dawson. Mr. Dawson asked to prepare breakfast for you. Would you like it now?¡± A servant approached Eileen as she descended the stairs.

    Eileen nodded and smiled. ¡°Yes, thank you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wee, Mrs. Dawson.¡± The servant led her to the dining room and said warmly, ¡°Mr. Dawson is so thoughtful. Last night, he used our kitchen to make soup for you. I learned the recipe from him. I hope it¡¯s nearly as good as his.¡±

    It dawned on Eileen that the bowl of soup from yesterday had been prepared by Bryan himself.

    Eileen felt a swirl of emotions as the aroma of the soup enveloped her now.

    She tried to recall the vor fromst night, but the details were fuzzy.

    She remembered ordering the same soup often on business trips with Bryan.

    It turned out he had remembered these details about her¡ªher dislike for beef and her like for the soup.

    As Eileen used the spoon to stir the soup in the bowl, warm steam brushed against her face.

    After a moment, she sighed and started eating.

    No sooner had she finished than Kristi appeared. ¡°Eileen, your dress has arrived. Come with me; you should try it on.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Eileen stood up and followed Kristi to the upstairs cloakroom.

    The cloakroom spanned over 100 square meters, brimming with an array of clothing, some still tagged withbels.

    The most striking piece was a dress draped over a two-meter mannequin in the center.

    It was a purplish dress with a knee-high slit adorned with handcrafted star patterns. The design featured a tastefully hollowed-out back, blending allure with modesty.

    ¡°I fell in love with this dress the moment I saw it. I must say, Bryan would look incredibly well in it. Itplements your style perfectly,¡± Kristi remarked as she instructed the servant to hand the dress to Eileen.

    The fabric felt cool and soothing against Eileen¡¯s skin as she stepped into the fitting room, leaving her in privacy.

    Kristi continued chatting with people from outside.

    About five minutester, Eileen emerged in the new dress.

    ¡°Wow!¡± Kristi¡¯s eyes widened as she gazed at Eileen with exaggerated awe. ¡°You look stunning, Eileen!¡±

    Eileen¡¯s fair skin glowed in the light purple fabric. The high-necked cut of the dress elegantly highlighted her slender neck and entuated her curves, while the slit teasingly revealed glimpses of her long legs.

    Kristi¡¯s eyes contained a hint of envy as she observed the elegant aura radiating from Eileen.

    ¡°Really?¡± Eileen looked down, feeling slightly out of ce in the dress.

    ustomed to her work uniform, she was self-conscious in such borate attire. With a hint of concern, she asked, ¡°Mrs. Hamilton, does this really suit me?¡±

    ¡°Of course. You look fantastic!¡± Kristi responded instantly, taking Eileen¡¯s slender wrist and leading her out. ¡°More guests have arrived. In the morning, everyone just mingles, and after breakfast, there¡¯s going to be a ball,¡± Kristi exined the day¡¯s agenda as they walked.

    But Eileen¡¯s attention was elsewhere. She noticed Bryan across the room, sitting with Kian and Vivian, his long legs crossed elegantly.

    He held a cigarette between his fingers, and there was a nearly empty ss of red wine beside him.

    Vivian was smiling softly, conversing with him, while Kian chimed in asionally.

    Eileen couldn¡¯t see Bryan¡¯s expression since he was facing away from her.

    She thought perhaps he was disying his usual elegance, listening attentively to Vivian¡¯s words, or maybe he was wearing a smile.

    ¡°Bryan!¡± Kristi¡¯s voice suddenly cut through the hum of the room, calling out loudly.

    The trio nced over, their gazending on Eileen simultaneously.

    Eileen¡¯s hair flowed freely down her shoulders, the light purple hue lending her an air of grace.

    Vivian¡¯s eyes sparkled with envy, an emotion she struggled to conceal.

    Bryan¡¯s gaze grew heavier, swiftly shifting from Eileen back to Kian and Vivian.

    He noticed that Kian was looking at him with an assessing eye; Vivian was evidently jealous.

    He just faintly smiled, his eyes cold.

    ¡°Miss Curtis is quite stunning,¡± Kianmented with a casual smile.

    Vivian threw a quick, disgruntled look, biting back any words when she recalled Kian¡¯s earlier advice.

    Kristi guided Eileen to a seat beside Bryan, who, wearing a look of indifference, gave a nod to Kian and Vivian and then diverted his attention, unconcerned with their reaction.

    ¡°Bryan, your taste is impable. Eileen looks gorgeous in that dress. You really know her best as her husband!¡± Kristi couldn¡¯t help butpliment.

    Eileen acknowledged the praise with a courteous smile, while Bryan maintained a nonchnt facade.

    Meanwhile, Vivian¡¯s face contorted with frustration, her teeth clenched as she red at Eileen. It was undeniable¡ªEileen was beautiful.

    ¡°ttered, Mrs. Hamilton,¡± Eileen replied, meeting Vivian¡¯s gaze. She was a tad uneasy and offered a polite smile. ¡°There¡¯s a crowd gathering over there. Perhaps you should join them.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re always so considerate!¡± Kristi returned the smile, gave a nod to Kian and the others, and made her way toward Maney with light, joyful steps.

    Eileen watched Kristi and Maney interact, noting how well-matched they seemed. The word around was that Kristi hailed from a humble background, and in marrying Maney, she had stepped into a life of affluence, much like Cindere.

    ¡°Bryan, after the party, are you heading back to Onnd? Let¡¯s go back together!¡± Vivian said, subtly trying to brush the back of Bryan¡¯s hand.

    Bryan avoided her move. ¡°I have to hash out a deal with the clients. It depends.¡±

    Vivian cast a dart look at Eileen, trying to gauge her reaction.

    Despite Eileen¡¯s calm demeanor, Vivian couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that she was being silently ridiculed by Eileen.

    After a pause, she said, ¡°I¡¯ll stay then. As your secretary, I should be present if you¡¯re discussing business¡­¡±

    As she spoke, Bryan frowned.

    ¡°Vivian,¡± Kian interjected with a smile. ¡°Miss Curtis is here, and you¡¯ve got other tasks waiting back at the office. Let¡¯s not burden Bryan with that.¡±

    He tossed Vivian a lifeline, sensing that Bryan was on the verge of denying her request.

    Eileen remained motionless, an impassive spectator bathed in the morning light that enhanced her beauty.

    As the gathering swelled with more arrivals, Bryan rose, his hand casually pocketed, elbow cocked. ¡°We¡¯ve got some regr clients here today. Let¡¯s go say hello.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Eileen stood up and noticed his subtle gesture. After a brief pause, she took his arm, and together they meandered into the throng.

    Vivian, her gaze fixed on Eileen, bit her lip until it bled, yet she felt nothing.

    ¡°When Bryan discussed the deal, I was there. They had to y the part of a couple,¡± Kian said, attempting to console Vivian.

    His words, however, brought her no sce.

    With eyes brimming, Vivian turned to him. ¡°Doesn¡¯t Bryan like me anymore? Will Eileen take Bryan away from me?¡±

    Kian stood up, offering her a tissue to dab away her tears with gentle patience. ¡°I have some news that might brighten your day. Bryan¡¯s grandmother is back. For Bryan to linger in Bayside City, you can use the time to connect with Ste. When Bryan returns, you¡¯ll see everything fall into ce.¡±

    Grasping the tissue, Vivian dried her eyes and managed a beaming smile. ¡°Is that true? Why didn¡¯t you tell me sooner?¡±

    ¡°I just received the update,¡± Kian exined. ¡°When we wrap up here, we can pick out something special from Bayside City for Bryan¡¯s grandmother.¡±

    Kian knew just what to say to Vivian, having been familiar with her since her youth and understanding her moods.

    Vivian¡¯s spirits lifted at his words, the earlier upset seemingly forgotten.

    After the pleasantries with several clients, Eileen found herself alone in the crowd, feeling the weight of many eyes on her.

    Then, unexpectedly, a warm coat settled on her shoulders. Turning slightly, she saw Bryan offering his coat, its fabric still holding the heat of his body, the scent of him enveloping her. Before she could react, a voice came.

    ¡°¡®Hey, look who it is! You¡¯re here, Mr. Dawson.¡± Jonathan emerged from the crowd, standing before Bryan, hands casually pocketed.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 75

    ?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.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s is where dreams unfold

    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¡ªthe 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¡ª¡±

    ¡°¡®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¡ªevery 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¡ª¡±

    ¡°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.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 76

    ?Chapter 76:

    Eileen, overwhelmed with panic, struggled to mask her emotions.

    She found herself speechless.

    Despite three years of marriage, she had never once considered asking Bryan for financial support.

    However, practically, all the money she had used for Ruby¡¯s treatment and purchasing cars and houses hade from Bryan.

    Who would buy the idea that she hadn¡¯t intentionally approached Bryan?

    Eileen said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, given that she never sought anything from you, I assume you were satisfied with the arrangement. Once we¡¯re back in Onnd, I¡¯ll draft a divorce agreement. What are your thoughts?¡±

    She couldn¡¯t conceal it any longer. She couldn¡¯t admit to him that, as his special assistant, she couldn¡¯t even uncover the identity of his wife.

    Sending the divorce papers was her plea for him not toplicate matters.

    Bryan, for some inexplicable reason, was agitated. Adjusting his tie, he gazed at her. ¡°Fine. Give her twenty million dors, just like before.¡±

    Twenty million was a considerable sum, which moved Eileen.

    If she left Bryan, she would receive twenty million dors upfront. At least for the next two years, she wouldn¡¯t have to worry about Ruby¡¯s medical expenses.

    Though her mouth was filled with dessert now, she couldn¡¯t taste its sweetness.

    As the afternoon banquet concluded, Maney led Bryan and the others to go horseback riding.

    Behind Rose Manory a vast expanse of green grass, where several white horses roamed freely.

    Bryan, d in a navy blue riding suit that entuated his broad shoulders and slender waist, wore a ck helmet and white gloves.

    His tall figure towered slightly over Maney.

    Kristi couldn¡¯t help but say, ¡°Eileen, you¡¯re truly lucky to be with such a man.¡±

    Eileen instinctively smiled and replied, ¡°Yes, I consider myself fortunate.¡±

    Even though her involvement with Bryan had started unintentionally, without him, she would have faced challenging circumstances over the past few years.

    ¡°How did you two get together? Who made the move?¡± Kristi asked curiously.

    Kristi always had the impression that Bryan wouldn¡¯t be the one to pursue a rtionship first, but she hadn¡¯t thought that Eileen would make the first move either.

    After a moment of contemtion, Eileen replied, ¡°Circumstances brought us together, and both of us have been rather passive in this situation.¡±

    Kristi didn¡¯t quite grasp Eileen¡¯s meaning and simply blinked in response.

    Eileen added, ¡°You could say we got married before we fell in love.¡±

    She tucked her hair behind her ears, her gaze reflecting the sparklingke nearby.

    Eileen¡¯s beauty didn¡¯t escape Bryan¡¯s asional nces as he rode his horse not far away.

    Noticing this, Kristi couldn¡¯t help but cover her mouth and chuckle. ¡°I¡¯ve heard of many arranged marriages. They don¡¯t always lead to happy endings, but you and Bryan are fortunate because you genuinely love each other.¡±

    ¡°Fortunate. Love.¡±

    These wonderful words and Kristi¡¯s genuine praise made Eileen feel like she was living in a dream.

    Eileen basked in the satisfaction of this dream and simply nodded, ¡°Yes, I consider myself very fortunate.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s dull with nothing to do. How about we y a game?¡± Kristi took out two dice and ced them in front of Eileen.

    Eileen frowned and admitted, ¡°I don¡¯t know how to y with dice.¡±

    Understanding, Kristi enthusiastically exined the rules. It was a simple game: whoever rolled the higher number would win, and the winner could make a request.

    Eileen won the first round.

    She said, ¡°Mrs. Hamilton, I hope that the coboration between Mr. Hamilton and Apex Group remains strong, no matter what happens in the future.¡±

    The Rose Wine Manor possessed a notable portion of the wine market, and Apex Group had ced great significance on their coboration.

    If she and Bryan were to part ways, ording to Maney¡¯s rules, their coboration would undoubtedly be affected.

    Eileen¡¯s words left Kristi momentarily stunned. ¡°Why did you say that? Has something happened between you and Bryan?¡± she asked.

    Eileen chuckled and shook her head, ¡°Nothing has happened, but who knows what the future holds?¡±

    Kristi looked at Eileen with a hint of confusion, detecting a trace of sadness in Eileen¡¯s eyes, albeit subtle.

    Although it was just a small game, Kristi agreed as she had said before.

    As they yed more rounds, Eileen found herself at a disadvantage. Kristi had made several requests, all rted to Bryan.

    Kristi¡¯s lively spirit kept them entertained until evening. As the sun began to set, the men leisurely rode their horses back.

    Bryan approached their resting spot, holding the reins in hand, and handed his horse over to a servant before removing his gloves.

    Eileen approached, and Bryan¡¯s arm was gently held by her. She leaned closer for a kiss.

    A soft kissnded on Bryan¡¯s cheek, apanied by a delicate fragrance.

    A smile filled Bryan¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°We yed dice, and I lost,¡± Eileen said, her cheeks still flushed from her bold move to kiss him.

    Bryan handed the gloves to a servant before turning to pull Eileen into his arms.

    Unconcerned with the onlookers, he nted a kiss on her glossy lips. ¡°This is called punishment. You only made a basic effort earlier,¡± he said.

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Kristi interjected with a smile, approaching them and linking arms with Maney. She yfully scolded Eileen, ¡°Eileen, you were trying to brush me off earlier!¡±

    Maney looked at Kristi affectionately, unable to contain hisughter at her cute face.

    Eileen felt resigned. She had just been too shy.

    After their lively conversation andughter, the servants arrived to guide them to dinner at a nearby restaurant. Kristi was enamored with the delicious cuisine and insisted on inviting the local chefs.

    She introduced Eileen to a variety of dishes Eileen had never tasted before.

    ¡°Eileen, it seems you¡¯re not familiar with the local cuisine here. Do you cook at home often?¡± Kristi asked. Thinking of her bad cooking skills, Eileen smiled awkwardly and nced at Bryan.

    Bryan calmly remarked, ¡°Her cooking is quite good.¡±

    Good?

    Eileen felt a pang of guilt upon hearing this and focused on her meal without lifting her head.

    Bryan continued, ¡°I¡¯ll have her cook for you another day.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Kristi¡¯s interest piqued. ¡°How about tomorrow morning? Aren¡¯t you leaving in the afternoon?¡±

    Bryan gazed at Eileen, his expression thoughtful.

    Suddenly, he felt a tug on his clothes. Looking down, he saw Eileen¡¯s hand tightly grasping the corner of his clothing.

    Clearly, Eileen wanted Bryan to drop this topic.

    Bryan chuckled. ¡°Maybe another time.¡±

    ¡°Right, she¡¯s not really up for cooking now. Next time we¡¯re in Onnd, you can cook for us!¡± Kristi replied, considerate about Eileen¡¯s pregnancy.

    Eileen breathed a sigh of relief and shot Bryan a re, who still wore a smile. She didn¡¯t exchange words with him when they retired to their rooms in the evening.

    Standing by the French window, Bryan approached her, his hands resting on her slender waist.

    Resting his chin on her head, he inhaled her hair¡¯s scent.

    ¡°My cooking isn¡¯t good at all,¡± Eileen suddenly said.

    ¡°Indeed. Perhaps you should learn to cook when we go back so you can cook for Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton next time,¡± Bryan replied, his voice deep.

    Eileen stepped on his foot slightly. ¡°Is this some form of retaliation against me?¡±

    ¡°Of course not.¡± Bryan remained unperturbed. ¡°I¡¯ll teach you how to cook once we¡¯re back.¡±

    He would teach her how to cook?

    Lost in thought, Eileen pictured Bryan bustling about in the kitchen. It felt surreal, like a dream.

    But how would he have the chance to teach her to cook if he intended to send her a divorce agreement upon their return?

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen said, taking a deep breath and inhaling his pleasant scent. Turning around, she wrapped her arms around his waist.

    Pressing her cheek against his chest, she listened to his steady heartbeat, feeling the bitterness rise within her.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to bed now. I¡¯m tired,¡± she whispered.

    After lying down, Eileen held Bryan tightly, her slender arms enveloping him.

    At first, Bryan was taken aback, his body tensing slightly despite their numerous intimate encounters.

    After some time, he recognized that this was her true self. His heart softened, and he embraced her tenderly.

    At Onnd¡¯s airport, Eileen donned a light green windbreaker, her hair tied back in a bun, reverting to her usual cold demeanor.

    She followed behind Bryan, who strode ahead with a powerful and icy aura.

    After they left the airport and boarded thepany¡¯s car, Eileen sat beside Bryan.

    As the car started moving, Bryan said, ¡°I¡¯m heading to thepany to handle some business. You go and investigate that matter.¡±

    He was referring to the investigation concerning his wife.

    ¡°Understood,¡± Eileen replied, her hands unconsciously tightening, gazing out at the passing scenery.

    After Bryan entered the Apex Group¡¯s office building, Eileen returned home and found her resume on theputer.

    She updated personal information, printed it out, and ced it in her file bag.

    Though her resume was only a few pages, she felt it was heavy.

    She also put the divorce agreement she had drafted in her file bag, indicating her eptance of the twenty million dors from Bryan.

    With Bryan upied with heavy work at Apex Group and working overtime in the office, Eileen went to the hospital to settle the money she owed fromst time.

    During her visit, she conversed with Ruby, who urged her to marry Huey promptly.

    Eileen replied, ¡°Mom, Huey is still young. I believe it¡¯s wise to spend more time with him and really get to know him before considering marriage.¡±

    ¡°I apologize, Eileen. I¡¯m just concerned about you. I won¡¯t mention it again; I won¡¯t rush you into marriage,¡± Ruby reassured her. She mentioned that she didn¡¯t have much time left, so she asked Eileen to make a n for herself.

    Eileen had originally intended to stay overnight with Ruby, but Ruby insisted that Eileen go home and rest, expressing concern that the hospital wouldn¡¯t provide Eileen with proper rest.

    After Eileen left, Ruby went to see Emilio.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 77

    ?Chapter 77:

    ¡°Dr. White, did Eileen juste to pay my medical bills?¡± Ruby asked as she sat down across from Emilio, her smile both kind and inwardly anxious.

    Emilio sighed and said, ¡°Yes, she transferred another four hundred thousand dors to your hospital ount.¡±

    Ruby¡¯s heart fluttered at the mention of the amount. She knew Eileen must have worked tirelessly to gather such a significant sum.

    ¡°Dr. White, I¡¯d like to switch back to the medication I was on before. But please don¡¯t tell Eileen. Let her keep the money in my ount. It will help her when I¡¯m gone,¡± Ruby requested.

    Emilio sighed again. ¡°I understand your concern, but you¡¯ve been ced on this new experimental treatment. Switching back might not be as effective and could deteriorate your condition.¡±

    Ruby paused, absorbing his words, then asked, ¡°How much longer can I expect to live if I go back to using the previous medication?¡±

    ¡°It depends,¡± Emilio answered, showing her two fingers. ¡°Likely no more than two years, maybe just one.¡±

    Ruby bit her lip, pondering the reality of having potentially only one year.

    Emilio then moved to sit closer to Ruby, speaking with gentle earnestness. ¡°Eileen deeply cares about you. It would cause her sorrow to discoverter that you did this without her knowing.¡±

    Ruby smiled. There was a mixture of understanding and resignation crossing her features. ¡°I get it, but I can¡¯t let myself be a burden to her any longer.¡±

    With determination, she inhaled deeply and said, ¡°One year is a lot. I¡¯ve fought this illness on and off for six years. If it¡¯s my time, I won¡¯t resist.¡±

    Fresh updates now on g??ln????e??s.c??m

    Emilio watched Ruby, torn. Though it wasn¡¯t illegal to change a patient¡¯s medication at their request, the ethical implications troubled him.

    What if Eileen wanted to use more of her resources to extend Ruby¡¯s life?

    As Emilio grappled with these thoughts, his phone rang.

    He excused himself and left the room to take the call.

    Left alone, Ruby¡¯s eyes welled with tears, and her lips quivered faintly, reflecting the weight of her decision.

    A few minutester, Emilio returned to the room, visibly happy. ¡°There¡¯s no need to switch your medication now. I¡¯ve just been informed by the administration that your medication costs have been reverted to the trial period rates.¡±

    ¡°Then, how much will it be?¡± Ruby inquired, apprehension in her voice.

    ¡°It will cost two hundred thousand dors a month,¡± Emilio replied.

    This amount was still considerably higher than her previous medication, and it was within the trial period¡¯s pricing. Ruby believed there was a possibility the price could go higher again.

    Despite this news, Ruby remained resolute. ¡°Dr. White, please proceed with my earlier request. I will sign for the medication expenses myself. Please ensure this remains confidential from my daughter.¡±

    Her tone was firm, signaling her determination and making it clear that she would not be easily dissuaded if Emilio objected.

    The morning sun broke across the horizon, casting its rays on Eileen¡¯s face. Her eyelids fluttered open, revealing bloodshot eyes from a night devoid of sleep.

    She looked exhausted.

    Having spent the entire night on the sofa, sleepless, Eileen¡¯s mind was filled with thoughts of her memories with Bryan.

    She was certain that when she presented Bryan with the documentter today, he would react with anger.

    Eileen consoled herself with the reminder that she had secured the necessary funds. Although Bryan didn¡¯t have any feelings for her, there had been a time when he was hers.

    Logically, she should have felt some sense of satisfaction, but her emotions remained heavy and somber.

    She dressed in a crisp, new business suit and stepped into her high heels, bracing herself to face the challenges ahead with poised determination.

    Her fingers, which had turned white from gripping the portfolio so tightly, betrayed the nervousness she felt within.

    As she climbed into the car, her phone rang; it was Bryan, asking her to collect a suit from Oak Vis.

    With a spare key in hand, she drove directly to Bryan¡¯s house.

    The house had been empty for a few days, yet it still carried the distinct scent of Bryan, a reminder of his presence.

    The interior was decorated in shades of ck and gray, reflecting his stern and distant nature.

    She walked up the stairs to the second floor with caution and pushed open the door to Bryan¡¯s bedroom. The bedding had changed since herst visit.

    A troubling thought struck her: this might be herst time here.

    Once her true identity was exposed, it was possible she would never get the opportunity to speak with Bryan again.

    Taking a deep breath as if resolving herself for what was toe, she turned and entered the study next to the bedroom.

    She took paper and pen from theputer desk and sat down in the chair he frequently used. Her thoughts flowed quickly as she wrote.

    After thirty minutes, she finished the letter and ced it inside a book on the right side, where he would surely notice it.

    She then swiftly collected his suit and left for thepany.

    Before leaving, she left her spare key on the porch.

    Back at thepany, in Bryan¡¯s top-floor office, Vivian and Kian were seated on the sofa.

    Eileen entered without knocking, to which Vivian voiced her displeasure.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you usually knock before entering, Eileen?¡± Vivian asked sharply.

    ¡°Mr. and Miss Warren,¡± Eileen greeted, noting Vivian¡¯s casual attire and assuming she was here for work. ¡°I¡¯m here to bring Mr. Dawson his suit.¡±

    Vivian started to rise from her seat but was stopped by Kian, who gently reminded her, ¡°Vivian, remember why we¡¯re here today. Let¡¯s avoid any unnecessary conflict.¡± Heeding Kian¡¯s advice, Vivian paused, then returned to her seat, her eyes momentarily resting on Eileen¡¯s t stomach. She could feel a sense of difort settling within her.

    ¡°Give me the suit,¡± Bryan said from the lounge.

    Eileen walked slowly into the lounge, ced the suit inside, and then retreated.

    Momentster, Bryan appeared, his eyes catching the Kraft paper bag Eileen held.

    Without hesitation, Eileen handed it to him. Bryan took the bag and walked over to where Vivian and Kian were seated, setting it down on the tea table before them.

    ¡°This contains documents about my wife and the divorce agreement. You can have it,¡± he dered.

    Eileen¡¯s heart skipped a beat, her eyes locked on the Kraft paper bag resting on the tea table. Was Bryan really leaving her future to be decided by Vivian and Kian?

    Her anxiety was palpable as she bit her lower lip, watching Vivian reach eagerly for the bag.

    Vivian started to unfold the documents, but she was holding the bag wrong, revealing only the back of the information and a corner of a photo.

    ¡°So ready to see what kind of woman Bryan¡¯s grandmother has chosen for him?¡± Vivian muttered, her fingers gripping the corner of the photo, ready to pull it out. Her actions were abruptly halted by the office door swinging open, and the butler entered, supporting Ste as she walked in slowly.

    With a shudder, Vivian dropped the documents she was holding to the floor. Simultaneously, the photo slipped out, fluttering tond by Eileen¡¯s feet.

    Though itnded face down, the sunlight managed to illuminate it. From her angle, Eileen could just make out the faint outline of her face in the photo.

    Reacting quickly, she stepped on the photo to conceal it, her attention sharply turning toward the door.

    Even though Ste was about to turn seventy, she had entered the room with vibrant energy. Her gray hair was neatly styled into a bun at the back of her head.

    A silver chain hung from her gold-rimmed sses, draping over her shoulder. She was dressed in a purple brocade dress that lent her an air of refined sophistication.

    Despite her age, her eyes held a cunning sharpness. She walked up to Bryan and pped the back of his head.

    ¡°You rascal! Your antics forced me to travel abroad!¡± she said.

    The room fell silent. Bryan looked somewhat embarrassed, yet he remained poised. It seemed he had half-expected Ste might hit him, so he had subtly bowed his head to make the move easier for her.

    Eileen watched, momentarily stunned. Although she had encountered Ste numerous times, she was always struck by her actions.

    Ste had previously traveled extensively to avoid Vivian, but now, she med Bryan for her journeys.

    Regaining her poise, Vivian quickly stood up and moved towards Ste, gracefully sidestepping the table.

    ¡°It¡¯s good to see you, Mrs. Dawson. When I visited two days ago, you weren¡¯t around,¡± Vivian said.

    Vivian¡¯s tone was unusually respectful and cautious.

    Eileen had never seen her like this before.

    Ste nced at Vivian, sizing her up. ¡°Vivian? It¡¯s been a few years. You seem different now. What happened to the arrogance you once had?¡±

    Her voice was light and seemingly friendly, yet the sarcasm was palpable.

    Seemingly unaffected by the sarcasm or perhaps deliberately ignoring it, Vivian gently took Ste¡¯s arm and guided her toward the sofa. ¡°People do change, Mrs. Dawson, but you seem to have maintained your health and spirit remarkably well.¡±

    ¡°Ah, Mrs. Dawson,¡± Kian said as he rose from the sofa, greeting Ste with respect.

    ¡°Ah, Kian, I¡¯ve watched you grow up, and you¡¯ve always been so charming,¡± Ste responded with a warm smile, acknowledging him before turning her attention back to Vivian.

    ¡°I¡¯m not nning on leaving this world anytime soon. I need to be here to keep Bryan in line; he¡¯s a fool. I genuinely worry that he might return to his old, disreputable behaviors after I¡¯m gone!¡± Ste said.

    Ste¡¯s words struck Vivian deeply, each one seeming to wound her.

    Vivian¡¯s smile stiffened as she took a seat next to Ste, ncing towards Kian for some assistance.

    But Ste, known for her stubbornness, rarely followed conventional logic.

    With Kian in a difficult position, not daring to offend Ste, he subtly gestured to Vivian to bear the situation.

    ¡°What¡¯s all this?¡± Ste inquired, pointing to the documents scattered on the floor.

    Bryan didn¡¯t respond, and Vivian and Kian also remained silent.

    ¡°Come here, Eileen,¡± Ste said, motioning with her head as she fixed a sharp gaze on Eileen, who had been quiet during the entire exchange.

    Feeling a heavy sense of pressure, Eileen gathered herself and approached. ¡°With due respect, Mrs. Dawson.¡±

    Three years ago, when Eileen had joined Apex Group, she had been apprehensive about being recognized by Ste.

    After all, they had encountered each other twice before¡ªonce when she and Bryan obtained their marriage certificate and another time during a two-hour chat in a coffee shop.

    However, to Eileen¡¯s relief, Ste, like Bryan, had not recognized her at that time.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Ste inquired, looking at Eileen.

    At that moment, several pairs of eyes turned towards Eileen. She held a slightly stooped posture, her eyes briefly darting towards the Kraft paper bag.

    After pausing to gather her thoughts, Eileen responded, ¡°This contains detailed information about Mr. Dawson¡¯s wife and a divorce agreement.¡±

    The smile disappeared from Ste¡¯s face as she leaned forward, her gaze intensifying on Bryan. ¡°Kneel!¡±

    Bryan¡¯s posture stiffened, his eyes fixated on the Kraft paper bag, unable to move.

    Vivian quickly intervened, saying, ¡°Please, Mrs. Dawson, don¡¯t be harsh. Bryan is an adult, and it wouldn¡¯t be proper for him to¡­¡±

    She subtly signaled Kian as she spoke.

    Kian understood her and quickly said, ¡°Mrs. Dawson, Vivian makes a valid point. Regardless of the circumstances, we should discuss this calmly. It¡¯s inappropriate for someone of Bryan¡¯s standing to kneel when there is an outsider here.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 78

    ?Chapter 78:

    Ste dismissed the room with a flick of her wrist. ¡°I understand now. Since you¡¯re outsiders, I shall handle the matter with my grandson myself.¡±

    Vivian stood mute, thoughts a whirlwind.

    Beside her, Kian was also left speechless by Ste¡¯s words.

    Eileen struggled to mask her amusement. The timing was off, yet the irony of Ste¡¯s rebuke was not lost on her.

    Ste¡¯s words felt like a tangible strike to both Vivian and Kian.

    Ste turned to Eileen. ¡°How dare you, Eileen? How dare you investigate the person I have chosen?¡± Ste¡¯s anger was palpable, her p against the wood echoing in the room.

    Her shout left Eileen visibly shaken.

    ¡°me me, not her,¡± Bryan interjected with calm authority. ¡°She did that under mymand.¡±

    He moved with purpose, positioning himself as a barrier to protect Eileen.

    Vivian¡¯s and Kian¡¯s focus remained fixed on Ste, not noticing Bryan¡¯s move.

    Ste, perceptive as ever, nced at Bryan and Eileen with a meaningful look.

    ¡°I won¡¯t let you ruin Bryan,¡± Ste said.

    ¡°Why?¡± Vivian¡¯s confusion spilled out unrestrained. ¡°If he doesn¡¯t love his wife, why shouldn¡¯t he want to do that for¡­?¡±

    ???§ï$¦Ó ?§ß¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?§ñ$ ¨ª¦Ð galno¦Íe?s

    Ste cut Vivian off with a dismissive gesture. ¡°What¡¯s love got to do with it? Sometimes love does more damage than good. Stay married, and he¡¯s the devoted husband. Get a divorce, and he¡¯ll be the viin in the public¡¯s eyes.¡±

    As Ste made her case, Eileen gathered the strewn papers on the floor, bundled them into the Kraft paper bag, and set them neatly on the table.

    The next second, Ste took the Kraft paper bag and reached out her hand to the butler.

    The butler, momentarily taken aback, eventually produced a lighter.

    With a flick, a me came to life, nibbling at the corner of the bag. The me grew, the smoke curling up before the fire fully caught.

    In an instant, the bag was discarded onto the floor, where it singed a tile a sickly yellow and reduced the contents to ash.

    Everyone in the room watched, fixated on the fiery demise of the documents, a wave of relief washed over Eileen.

    She stole a nce at Bryan. Shadows yed across his face, his eyes betraying a storm of unease.

    ¡°Seems you¡¯ve been back for quite some time, Vivian,¡± Ste said, her demeanor light.

    Vivian, caught off guard, nodded. ¡°Indeed, I returned the day before your trip to the mountain. I dropped by the next day, not knowing you had left.¡±

    Ste¡¯s smile wavered. ¡°I ventured up the mountain only after learning of your return. I didn¡¯t expect you to visit me. After all, we are neither kin nor friends, wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡±

    The battle of wits left Vivian a shade of red, her embarrassment clear as day.

    Though her pride stung, Vivian held her tongue, her face a mask of forcedposure.

    Kian quickly intervened, saying, ¡°Vivian often visits you before she goes abroad. It¡¯s only fitting that Vivian would pay her respects aftering back.¡±

    Ste eyed Kian, her tone light yet piercing. ¡°You¡¯re not getting any younger, Kian. Perhaps it¡¯s time to entertain the thought of marriage. Even my wayward grandson is married. Shouldn¡¯t you consider marriage as well?¡±

    With the conversation ebbing, Bryan returned to his desk, his thoughts deep. Eileen approached, her voice hushed. ¡°Mr. Dawson, shall I prepare another document regarding your wife?¡±

    Observing Bryan turn on hisptop calmly, Eileen noted the pensive pinch in his brow.

    After a while, he finally spoke. ¡°Forget it.¡±

    He was well aware of Ste¡¯s temperament. Too much pressure, and she might snap.

    ¡°Alright. Then I¡¯ll head back to work,¡± Eileen replied.

    With a casual gesture, Bryan acknowledged her, and she made her exit. He watched her leave, and it was after she left the office that he finally averted his gaze.

    He just sat there, lost in the echo of Ste¡¯s biting remarks to Vivian and Kian. Theptop screen was a sea of documents, but his thoughts intermittently wandered to Eileen.

    He couldn¡¯t shake the sense that circumstances were spiraling beyond his grasp. And most importantly, he felt he couldn¡¯t control his heart.

    Returning to her office felt surreal to Eileen. She sank into her chair, the weight of the earlier events grounding her slowly.

    The thought crossed her mind: her information¡ªwas it all just embers now?

    Those papers had disintegrated into nothingness. Bryan, Vivian, and Kian didn¡¯t see anything.

    A fleeting sense of joy passed through her, swiftly chased by a surge of concern.

    Now, she faced the ongoing challenge of interacting with Bryan and Vivian, with the added unpredictability of Ste.

    Ste¡¯s moods were mercurial, leaving everyone guessing her next move.

    Years had passed since Ste orchestrated Eileen¡¯s union with Bryan, vanishing afterward as if she had slipped off the edge of the world, leaving no word behind.

    Ste didn¡¯t care about what happened in Eileen¡¯s marriage with Bryan as long as they didn¡¯t divorce.

    To her, it seemed Bryan¡¯s spouse was merely a piece in a familial game of chess.

    Now, she stood against their separation, fearing the ridicule it might bring upon the Dawson family, that the marriage would dissolve into disgrace.

    Amidst the Warren and Dawson family strife, Eileen felt stuck in between.

    She felt like one misstep could be her undoing.

    A voice broke her reverie. ¡°Miss Curtis.¡± Ka¡¯s arrival with documents in hand, announced by a polite tap at the door, drew Eileen¡¯s focus back to the task at hand.

    Time psed, and soon Bryan¡¯s voice came through the internal line, requesting Eileen to make a reservation at a restaurant. He nned to have a meal with the Warren family.

    Eileen booked a private room in the most luxurious restaurant in Onnd. The room was big enough to amodate more than a dozen, even though there would be only seven or eight people attending.

    As the midday sun climbed, Eileen paused in thought before heading to Bryan¡¯s office.

    She entered, announcing, ¡°Mr. Dawson, the reservation at Laitis is all set. Should I apany you to the lunch?¡±

    In the office, Bryan was busy at his desk alone. Kian and Vivian were chatting with Ste on the sofa.

    Judging from her expression, Vivian was much happier now. It seemed that she had probably made Ste satisfied. That was likely why they would want to have lunch with both families present.

    Bryan¡¯s response was sinct. ¡°There¡¯s no need.¡±

    But Ste interjected promptly, ¡°Oh, why not? It¡¯s on us to extend hospitality to the Warren family. Eileen¡¯spany would be helpful.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s brow creased in contemtion as if he were thinking about how to refuse.

    Eileen quickly said, ¡°Of course, I¡¯lle along. When do we leave? Should I bring the car now?¡±

    Seeing that Eileen knew her ce, Vivian was pleased. ¡°We depart immediately. My family awaits at noon.¡± Eileen nodded and left to fetch the car.

    She chauffeured Ste and Bryan, while Vivian rode with Kian.

    The butler had made his way back to the Dawson Mansion.

    In the car, silence reigned. Without Kian and Vivian¡¯s light-hearted banter, Ste¡¯s smile faded.

    Bryan, statuesque beside her, gazed out at the passing scenery.

    Ste broke the quiet. ¡°Vivian¡¯s grown more astute, it seems.¡±

    Bryan caught her reflection. His profile was etched with indifference.

    He responded coolly, ¡°Is that so? Then your grudge against her should have disappeared, right?¡±

    Ste replied, ¡°It¡¯s you who bore the brunt, the one who faced mockery. If your affections outweigh your pride, what more is there for me to say?¡±

    Her tone was gentle, yet beneath ity a clear frustration.

    Eileen mulled over the depth of Bryan¡¯s feelings. It seemed to her he harbored a profound love for Vivian.

    For six years, he had shelved his pride, holding out hope for a reunion. His intentions to divorce and reignite their past as soon as Vivian returned spoke volumes.

    Bryan remained silent after Ste¡¯sment, leaningnguidly against the car, a subtle lift of his head betraying a furrowed brow.

    Ste didn¡¯t say anything more. When they reached their destination, Eileen was quick to assist Ste out of the car, her actions smooth and practiced.

    ¡°Allow me to offer my assistance,¡± Bryan said, stepping out and offering a supportive hand to Ste.

    Ste, however, recoiled from his touch, instead seizing Eileen¡¯s hand. ¡°The valet will handle the parking. I require your aid,¡± she instructed firmly.

    Without hesitation, Eileen entrusted the keys to the valet and returned to Ste¡¯s side, taking her arm to guide her inside the restaurant.

    Kian, maintaining a presence at Ste¡¯s other side, made another attempt to assist her. This time, Ste epted, leaning on both Eileen and Bryan for support as they entered.

    The VIP box on the first floor was aglow with sunlight as the doors swung open, casting a warm glow over the entire room.

    Sunbeams danced off the ss, spotlighting the Warren family, who seemed uplifted, perhaps in anticipation of Ste¡¯s arrival.

    Wees were exchanged with smiles as they took Ste¡¯s arms, guiding her to the table amidst cheerful conversation.

    ¡°You can grab a bite by yourself outside. Just stay nearby,¡± Bryan said to Eileen casually, one hand in his pocket.

    ¡°I understood,¡± Eileen nodded and stepped away, only to be called by Ste. ¡°Eileen, fetch the menu for Mrs. Warren.¡±

    Turning on her heel, Eileenplied. ¡°Okay.¡±

    She beckoned the waiter at the entrance and presented the menu to Debby Warren with both hands.

    Debby, however, said, ¡°Give that to Vivian. Let her decide what to order.¡±

    Eileen obliged, extending the menu to Vivian, who was seated intimately close to Bryan.

    Kian, sitting beside Vivian, watched Eileen navigate her duties.

    Vivian said, ¡°Mrs. Dawson has always enjoyed the goose liver here. We should order this.¡±

    Ste brushed off the suggestion, growing weary of it. ¡°My preferences have changed. Choose whatever pleases you. After all, we¡¯re all here for you.¡±

    The table fell silent, the weight of Ste¡¯s words hanging in the air as each person absorbed the significance of the gathering.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 79

    ?Chapter 79:

    Standing next to Vivian, Eileen found herself stealing nces at Bryan.

    His rxed posture contrasted with the cool detachment in his eyes, a cigarette casually held between his fingers.

    At Ste¡¯sment, he raised an eyebrow, took a drag, and then snuffed out the cigarette, tossing it into the trash.

    Vivian cast a quick, timid look at Bryan and then quickly looked away. ¡°I¡¯ll pick something Bryan likes,¡± she murmured, her voice barely audible over the din of the gathering.

    Eileen, her ears ringing and thoughts swirling, didn¡¯t hear what Vivian had said.

    She busied herself with the menu, taking orders and ensuring the waiter was prompt in serving the table. After that, she surveyed the upants around the circr table before settling into a corner near Bryan, ready for any directions he might give.

    Debby said, ¡°Mrs. Dawson, please, at your age, you shouldn¡¯t be bustling about. It would be best for you to stay home. Considering Bryan¡¯s parents live abroad all year, you do have the responsibility of overseeing the Dawson family¡¯s affairs.¡±

    Holding Ste¡¯s hand, she smiled as if cueing Ste to address the topic of Bryan divorcing his wife and marrying Vivian.

    Ste, looking over at Bryan, scoffed, ¡°Your point is valid. Without me overseeing things, Bryan might lose his way.¡±

    It seemed she was missing the subtle cues Debby was trying to convey about hastening Vivian¡¯s eptance into the Dawson family.

    Despite Debby¡¯s efforts, Ste skillfully changed the subject each time it veered too close to that sensitive topic.

    Discover more g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s

    Eileen remained on her feet throughout the meal.

    ¡°Eileen,e and pour coffee for Mrs. Warren,¡± Ste called out suddenly.

    Eileen quickly approached Bryan, taking the coffee pot nearby.

    Their eyes met briefly, causing her to swiftly look away as she moved to Debby¡¯s side to pour the coffee. She then served Fergus and Kian.

    Debby noted, ¡°It seems Bryan is quite fond of this assistant of his. She¡¯s always by his side.¡±

    Hearing this, Eileen paused while pouring Kian¡¯s coffee, spilling a few drops. She quickly wiped the mess with a tissue. ¡°Sorry.¡±

    Ste frowned at the mishap. ¡°Really careless. If you upset our guests, it could cost you,¡± she cautioned.

    ¡°Yes, Mrs. Dawson,¡± Eileen responded quickly, cing the coffee pot down and stepping back.

    Ste turned to Debby and exined, ¡°She¡¯s a senior special assistant. Her duties are extensive, and she¡¯s on call day and night. Her sry reflects that. Honestly, her reliability is what I value most. She is always ountable for her errors, and if you¡¯re dissatisfied, you have every right to reprimand her. She wouldn¡¯t dare respond with insolence. That¡¯s a virtue in my book. We¡¯ve had no issues with her over the years. She has been nothing butpliant¡­¡±

    Her tone was strict as she discussed Eileen, yet she acknowledged her contributions. In fact, she portrayed Eileen as a valuable member of her team.

    Debby looked over at Eileen, who stood quietly in the corner, with aplex expression.

    The irony was not lost on her¡ªVivian, from the esteemed Warren family, seemed less appreciated than Eileen, the diligent assistant, in Ste¡¯s eyes.

    Throughout the meal, the members of the Warren family found themselves puzzled, trying to grasp Ste¡¯s underlying motives.

    Eileen felt drained. The intricate conversations at dinner were more taxing than any physical task. As the evening wrapped up, she went to bring the car, unlocking the car doors with a familiar beep.

    Suddenly, she noticed Benjamin standing by the vehicle.

    ¡°You¡¯re here, too,¡± she greeted him, appreciative of his past help.

    Benjamin nodded, pointing at another car parked across from them. ¡°Dinner¡¯s over? I¡¯ll head over there now.¡±

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s finished,¡± Eileen replied. She hesitated for a moment before adding, ¡°Last time¡­ Thank you for your help. Without it, Jonathan wouldn¡¯t have let me off so easily.¡±

    Benjamin¡¯s expression flickered with confusion, but he quickly smiled. ¡°I didn¡¯t do much. Just hope you¡¯re not upset with me for stepping in.¡±

    His involvement had been limited to passing on a message to Bryan. The decisions that followed were Bryan¡¯s alone.

    Eileen shook her head. ¡°Of course not. You helped out, and I¡¯m grateful for that.¡±

    Her gratitude was sincere. Without Benjamin¡¯s intervention, she might have been ensnared by Jonathan¡¯s ploys.

    Benjamin felt uneasy as he caught the sincerity in Eileen¡¯s eyes, sparking twinges of guilt. He averted his gaze and stepped back. ¡°You should head back now. I¡¯m off to pick up Mrs. Warren.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Eileen responded. She got into her car, rolled down the window to nod at Benjamin, and then drove away.

    Watching her leave, Benjamin¡¯s brows furrowed as he climbed into his own car.

    Eileen¡¯s next task was to drop off Ste at the Dawson Mansion before apanying Bryan to thepany.

    Debby, standing by the car, made small talk with Ste, her demeanor suggesting she had more to discuss.

    She seemed to address the topic of Vivian and Bryan¡¯s rtionship but hesitated, aware of the potential repercussions. With a reluctant wavering, she finally said goodbye to Ste.

    The car blended into traffic, making its way to the Dawson Mansion. The butler was already outside, directing the vehicle through the gates.

    The mansion itself was a testament to modern architecture, set on a vast property.

    The driveway was split between manicuredwns and the tranquil expanse of ake, where the breeze created ripples that reflected the blue sky and clouds above. Birds glided over this picturesque scene.

    Having worked for Bryan for years, Eileen was no stranger to the Dawson Mansion. Each visit underscored the stark contrast in their social standings.

    Her own humble living quarters paled inparison to even the homes of the Dawson family¡¯s staff.

    Upon reaching the vi, she parked, and the butler quickly approached to open the door and help Ste out.

    Eileen stepped out of the car, positioning herself beside Bryan and giving Ste a respectful nod.

    ¡°If you dare to assign Eileen any further investigations, I will have no choice but to dismiss her,¡± Ste dered firmly as she climbed the steps, her voice strong despite her age.

    Bryan¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Grandma, what about that woman? What you are doing is wasting her time.¡±

    As Ste reached the doorway, she spun around, took off a bracelet from her wrist, and flung it at Bryan. ¡°You scoundrel, are you trying to provoke me?¡±

    The bracelet, a sh of silver in the air, hurtled towards Bryan. Eileen instinctively moved to protect him, but he quickly stepped in front of her to intercept it.

    The bracelet struck his forehead with a sharp ng and dropped to the ground.

    Ste¡¯s anger had given the throw considerable force, and a mark was quickly forming on Bryan¡¯s forehead, starting to bleed.

    Eileen looked at Bryan with concern. Bryan shook his head slightly to reassure her.

    Ste¡¯s voice, stillden with anger, echoed. ¡°The entire Dawson family is under my control. Can¡¯t I keep you in line? Eileen, listen well. From now on, you are to follow mymands. If he attempts any maneuvers behind my back, you must step in, or you risk being dismissed!¡±

    Eileen stood in shocked silence as Ste was led into the house by the butler.

    Realizing she was still holding onto Bryan¡¯s arm, she quickly let go and turned her attention to the bleeding wound, her mind racing with the gravity of Ste¡¯s words.

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± she asked Bryan, concerned.

    Bryan shook his head and instinctively touched the wound, grimacing at the pain. ¡°Let¡¯s head back to the office,¡± he said.

    He then opened the passenger door, retrieved two tissues, and pressed them against the cut.

    By the time Eileen got back into the car, Bryan had managed a rough patch-up of his wound, his expression returning to its usual stoic coldness.

    The car rolled out of the Dawson Mansion, gliding smoothly along the road.

    Breaking the silence, Bryan nced at Eileen. ¡°Grandma seems to have taken a liking to you!¡±

    Eileen was surprised by hisment. Remembering Ste¡¯s words about her earlier, she replied, ¡°She values my efficiency and dependability, not me as a person.¡±

    ¡°Now, she¡¯s monitoring you, and you are monitoring me,¡± Bryan remarked, his voice carrying a mix of sarcasm and resignation.

    Eileen hesitated, offering, ¡°Mr. Dawson, if you still want to go forward with the investigation, I¡¯m here to help.¡±

    Bryan turned to her, his shadowed expression filled with concern. ¡°What can you really do? Go against my grandmother¡¯s wishes and risk your job?¡±

    His words caught Eileen off guard, leaving her without a response.

    Eileen knew that if Bryan really asked her to keep investigating, she couldn¡¯t refuse him. After all, she was under Bryan¡¯smand, not Ste¡¯s. The idea that Ste could truly oversee Bryan seemed more a formality than a practical reality.

    ¡°I can¡¯t shield you from my grandmother,¡± Bryan said after a long silence, his forehead creasing with the weight of the situation as he reflected on Ste¡¯s vehement reaction.

    At his words, a brief chuckle almost escaped Eileen. She turned to gaze out the window but inadvertently caught Bryan¡¯s reflection looking back at her.

    ¡°Is it funny?¡± Bryan asked.

    Quickly, Eileen stifled her smile and shook her head. ¡°Not at all,¡± she responded, refocusing her attention on the road as she continued to drive carefully.

    Upon reaching the Apex Group headquarters, Eileen headed straight to the pantry to grab a first aid kit before making her way to Bryan¡¯s office.

    Bryan was already seated at his desk when she entered.

    Pausing momentarily as she held the first aid kit, Bryan quickly understood her.

    ¡°To the sofa,¡± he directed, standing up and walking around the desk to take the kit from her.

    Eileenplied, following him to the sofa and watching as he opened the kit and pulled out a cotton swab and iodine. Then, he turned his gaze to her.

    Eileen was momentarily taken aback. The first aid kity open before her, and the cotton swab was already dabbed with iodine. There was not much for her to do; Bryan could clearly tend to the wound himself.

    Nevertheless, she took the swab and moved closer, positioning herself to better reach the wound as she leaned over Bryan.

    Her breath lightly brushed his head as she worked, and from his angle, he could see just the edge of her shirt cor.

    There was only a button undone; all Bryan could see was her corbone.

    The subtle scent of her skin enveloped him, distracting him momentarily.

    In a low voice, he asked, ¡°Is it over?¡±

    ¡°Almost,¡± Eileen responded, setting aside the used swab and picking up a bandage. ¡°Try to keep it dry for the next few days. It should heal faster.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s voice was hoarse, his question more personal this time. ¡°I¡¯m referring to your period. Is it over?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 80

    ?Chapter 80:

    Eileen stood rooted to the spot, Bryan¡¯s words leaving her speechless.

    When she nced down, his face was so near that his nose was nearly touching her chin.

    Her own reflection danced in the depths of his eyes, a blush creeping across her cheeks. With a gulp, she steadied herself.

    Bryan coaxed her chin downward with a gentle touch, his breath warm on her skin. Their lips brushed in a tender prelude.

    ¡°Is it over or not?¡± he asked again, the words thick with anticipation.

    Eileen said, her voice barely above a whisper, ¡°It¡¯s¡­ not over yet.¡±

    Without warning, Bryan¡¯s lips imed hers in a fervent kiss. He wrapped his arms around her, inviting her onto hisp.

    Her hands found sanctuary on his shoulders, her pulse racing.

    His touch was a soft me through the fabric of her shirt, sending shivers down her spine.

    Lost in the moment, Eileen was startled into rity by the sight of charred paper in a nearby bin.

    ¡°We¡¯re still at work,¡± she said, pulling back from his advance and resting against his shoulder.

    Bryan reclined, his head finding support. As Eileen faced him again, his throat moved rhythmically, catching her attention.

    Eileen¡¯s fingers traced a path to his throat, the yful gesture ensnaring him in a web of desire.

    M??? ??????s ?? ????????s.???

    Bryan¡¯s restraint wavered under her caress, the touch at his throat nearly making him unable to control himself.

    But Eileen was just doing it thinking that his Adam¡¯s apple was attractive. As Bryan¡¯s breath hitched, she withdrew her hand, halting the dance of their close encounter.

    Rising, she adjusted her attire and said, ¡°The injury has been tended to. Shall I go back to work now?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s response was a nod, giving away nothing of his flustered state.

    Eileen took the first aid kit and left the office.

    Upon leaving, she found Vivian perched at her station, an earlier absence filled.

    Vivian¡¯s brow furrowed in suspicion at Eileen¡¯s appearance from Bryan¡¯s office.

    ¡°Why were you in his office just now? It¡¯s lunchtime, isn¡¯t it?¡± Vivian asked.

    With an arched brow, Eileen gestured to the first aid kit in her grasp. ¡°Mr. Dawson¡¯s wound needed attention. His grandmother hit him with her bracelet.¡±

    Vivian¡¯s expression shifted from usation to concern. ¡°And you let Ste do that to him? Why didn¡¯t you stop her?¡±

    Vivian¡¯s words carried a tinge of me, making it seem like she believed Bryan had been hit because of Eileen.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for me to spell out the reasons for Mr. Dawson¡¯s predicament. Such things are not within my power to prevent. If you think you¡¯re capable of stopping such things, then maybe you should¡¯ve stepped in, Miss Warren,¡± Eileen countered, her words not meant to sting, only to speak the in truth.

    Vivian¡¯s frown deepened into a crease of disapproval. ¡°Do you pause to consider your prospects before speaking to me in such a way? Bryan and I will tie the knot eventually, and there¡ª¡±

    Before Vivian could finish her words, Eileen interjected, ¡°Your warnings are a record stuck on repeat. I¡¯ve heard it all, from you and your brother both. Let¡¯s drop the act until the wedding, shall we?¡±

    The color drained from Vivian¡¯s face, her eyes throwing daggers.

    Eileen simply moved past her and left.

    What did it matter to her if Vivian and Bryan got married?

    It wouldn¡¯t change her circumstances.

    Besides, Bryan¡¯s absence of affection was already a bitter pill for her. She didn¡¯t need the added sourness of Vivian¡¯s barbs.

    Vivian, seething at her desk, mumbled to herself, ¡°How dare she speak to me in that way? Is it because she¡¯s pregnant, or is it because Ste dislikes me?¡± Her voice was but a whisper in the office. ¡°Changing Ste¡¯s opinion about me can wait. There are more pressing matters to attend to, like dealing with Eileen¡¯s pregnancy.¡±

    Vivian reached for her phone, diving into a conversation with Judie. Theirst exchange was still fresh, with Vivian talking about how Eileen had be out of favor.

    Vivian tapped out a message, seeking confirmation. ¡°Judie, you¡¯ve said before that Eileen¡¯s stepmother is fighting cancer and that the costs are steep. Is it true?¡±

    The reply from Judie was swift. ¡°Eileen¡¯s been pouring her funds into her stepmother¡¯s care, leaving little for me and Roderick.¡±

    Vivian prodded further, ¡°What is her stepmother¡¯s name? And what is the name of the hospital where her stepmother¡¯s being treated?¡±

    Kian might have known about this information, but he had cautioned Vivian against hasty moves concerning Eileen, so she couldn¡¯t ask him.

    Judie, however, was a dead end. She had no information about Eileen¡¯s stepmother.

    With a bit of thought, Vivian decided to reach out to Benjamin, hoping for a subtler approach regarding Eileen¡¯s mother¡¯s condition.

    Benjamin, being cautious, provided only vague details about Ruby¡¯s illness, keeping her name and the hospital she was in under wraps.

    Upon ending the call, Benjamin¡¯s mind raced with the possibility of Vivian stirring up strife. He pondered deeply before taking a discreet step.

    Deciding on a course of action, he sent an anonymous text to Eileen.

    ¡°Vivian is digging for details about your stepmother¡¯s hospital.¡±

    Meanwhile, Eileen was bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun, which made her feel a bit sleepy.

    But then, her eyes widened as the text jolted her to alertness.

    She wasted no time and dialed Emilio¡¯s number.

    ¡°Dr. White, it¡¯s crucial that my mother¡¯s information remains under wraps. Please instruct the nurses to keep her identity away from prying eyes,¡± she said to Emilio.

    Emilio paused, the request setting off rm bells. ¡°That would be hard. Your mother is well-known around here by now. Can you tell me what¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯splicated. More than anything, I want her to have peace in the hospital,¡± Eileen replied.

    Emilio was empathetic but realistic. ¡°Given the length of her stay, hiding her ward would be tricky. Perhaps transferring her to a VIP ward would work. There, privacy is the gold standard.¡±

    In that case, if someone went there and inquired about Ruby, they would be informed that Ruby had been discharged.

    Yet the cost of a VIP ward was steep, and Eileen¡¯s resolve wavered in the face of the expense.

    At that moment, a realization dawned on Emilio. He said, ¡°Concerned about expenses? I forgot to mention the cost of your mother¡¯s treatment has reverted to the trial phase rates.¡±

    Eileen couldn¡¯t mask her astonishment.

    It seemed unlikely for Kian to show such leniency. Someone must have been behind this. Eileen said, ¡°Dr. White, could you possibly investigate who¡¯s helping us with that? Also, help me arrange for my mother¡¯s transfer to a VIP ward.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll see what I can uncover about your silent supporter. As for the transfer, I¡¯ll need your signature to start the process. You¡¯ll have toe here,¡± Emilio replied.

    ¡°Understood, I¡¯m on my way,¡± Eileen responded before ending the call.

    She rose with purpose, heading for Bryan¡¯s office and brushing past Vivian¡¯s icy stare without a second nce.

    Facing Bryan across his desk, she kept her voice steady. ¡°I need to leave for a few hours¡ªfamily emergency at the hospital.¡±

    Bryan paused, considering, before nodding. ¡°Go ahead. And remember, if you need assistance, I¡¯m here.¡±

    The offer hung in the air.

    Eileen fell silent. She didn¡¯t understand why Bryan would offer to help her.

    She eventually smiled and replied, ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind. Thank you.¡±

    After getting Bryan¡¯s permission, Eileen departed the office and went to the hospital, making a call to Bailee en route to enlist her help.

    The process of moving Ruby to a VIP ward was straightforward, yet the secrecy around the move addedyers ofplexity. Eileen had to get Ruby discharged first and then get her admitted to a VIP ward. Alone, Eileen couldn¡¯t juggle the logistics of the transfer and the packing of Ruby¡¯s belongings.

    Thankfully, Bailee was on board, leaving her own tasks to lend a hand. To Eileen¡¯s surprise, Huey hade with Bailee.

    Ruby was taken aback when she saw all three of theme to visit her. ¡°What happened? Is everything alright?¡± she asked.

    Eileen, focused on the goal of securing a better space for Ruby, brushed off the underlying worry. ¡°No need to worry, I¡¯m just arranging a room for you. We need a space that¡¯s more suitable.¡±

    With a nod to Bailee, the packingmenced. Eileen added, ¡°We need to make this quick. If questions arise, the answer is simple¡ªshe¡¯s already discharged.¡±

    After issuing the caution twice, Eileen sought out Emilio to finalize the necessary paperwork.

    Huey stayed to help with the packing, shuttling boxes to his vehicle. The destination was the separate VIP building, where privacy andfort awaited.

    Alone with Bailee, Ruby¡¯s confusion was palpable.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on, Bailee? Why the sudden move to a VIP ward? Has Eileen run into trouble?¡±

    Bailee¡¯s response wasced with uncertainty. ¡°I¡¯m in the dark as much as you are. Eileen called me out of the blue, just telling me to help you pack.¡±

    Ruby¡¯s face creased with concern. ¡°It¡¯s odd, isn¡¯t it? Something¡¯s not right. Whom has Eileen offended? You¡¯re in the know about that, aren¡¯t you? Don¡¯t keep me in the dark. Eileen shouldn¡¯t have to shoulder everything.¡±

    The recent rollback in medicine costs, followed by this abrupt ward change, signaled to Ruby that Eileen was facing a crisis.

    Bailee paused her packing. She suspected the Warrens were stirring the pot once more but hesitated to burden Ruby with her theories.

    Ruby, perceptive, pressed for answers. ¡°Bailee, I need you to spill the beans, or I¡¯ll get angry now!¡±

    Bailee, feeling cornered, cobbled together an exnation. ¡°There¡¯s a bit of a mix-up involving Eileen¡¯s boss. Seems his girlfriend misunderstood Eileen¡¯s rtionship with her boss. But Eileen¡¯s capable. She¡¯ll handle it.¡±

    In her ount, Bailee steered clear of the deeper, more turbulent currents of Eileen¡¯s life, particrly Eileen¡¯splicated ties with Bryan.

    She feared sharing the full scope of Eileen¡¯s predicaments might push Ruby to despair.

    Little did she know, her carefully picked words were already nting seeds of worry in Ruby¡¯s mind.

    Ruby was left pondering the breadth of Eileen¡¯s burdens. How could Eileen¡¯s position cover the exorbitant medical costs? And what could possibly lead Eileen¡¯s boss¡¯s girlfriend to doubt the nature of Eileen¡¯s rtionship with her boss?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 81

    ?Chapter 81:

    Ruby was struck by a sudden troubling thought, causing her pupils to dte.

    She sat on the bed, absorbed in her thoughts for a while before she collected herself.

    ¡°Bailee, does Huey know about your sister?¡± Ruby inquired.

    Bailee shook her head and replied, ¡°He doesn¡¯t know that. But¡­¡±

    Ruby interjected, ¡°That¡¯s good. Eileen is a good girl and deserves Huey¡¯s affection. Any misunderstanding could be disastrous.¡±

    Ruby continued speaking, not waiting to hear if Bailee had more to say, and started packing hastily. ¡°We need to hurry, or we¡¯ll bete!¡±

    As she muttered to herself, Bailee found herself drawn to Ruby¡¯s sense of urgency, unable to stop ncing Ruby¡¯s way.

    She somehow felt an unsettling feeling that something was wrong.

    Emilio helped them, and Eileen quicklypleted the necessary paperwork and returned to the ward to help with packing.

    They made their way downstairs, burdened with numerous belongings due to Ruby¡¯s extended stay in the hospital.

    Huey¡¯s car was filled to capacity, and they transferred everything into the VIP ward.

    By the time they had finished, it had grown dark outside.

    Eileen turned on the lights, instantly illuminating the room, while Bailee and Huey diligently unpacked the items.

    I/t?$+ ?h?pt?r? ?? g????v¨º??.c?m

    Ruby stood by the window outside the VIP ward, deep in contemtion. Eileen walked up to her slowly.

    ¡°Mom, what are you doing out here? It¡¯s cold at night. You should go back to your room,¡± Eileen suggested, feeling Ruby¡¯s chilly hand as she took it.

    Ruby faced her, managing a strained smile, and replied, ¡°I¡¯m not cold. This ce is peaceful and quiet. It will be nice for us to sleep here together in the future.¡±

    ¡°I think so too. To make sure we can sleepfortably here, you should stay in this ward from now on. That way, I cane to visit you more often,¡± Eileen responded with a gentle smile, wondering if Ruby would ept her rationale for the ward change.

    The spacious ward was bathed in the soft light from a white chandelier above.

    Next to the patient¡¯s bed was another bed intended for family members. The room also had its own bathroom, sofa, and coffee table, creating a homelike atmosphere.

    Ruby settled onto the bed and noticed that Bailee and Huey hadpleted the unpacking. She turned to Huey and said, ¡°Huey, you and Eileen aren¡¯t married yet, but you came to help us with all this. Thank you so much.¡±

    Her thanks were heartfelt, acknowledging Huey¡¯s efforts since his arrival at the hospital.

    Ruby felt aplex mix of gratitude and guilt.

    Huey smiled and replied, ¡°There¡¯s no need for formalities. I¡¯m d to help Bailee and Eileen. It¡¯s really no big deal.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s very kind of you, Huey,¡± Ruby said, ncing towards Eileen. ¡°Everything¡¯s almost in order, Eileen. You should find a ce to treat Huey to dinner.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Eileen responded, picking up her bag from the sofa to leave. She was afraid that Ruby would continue the topic about her and Huey if they stayed longer.

    Huey politely bid farewell to Ruby.

    Bailee reached for her bag on the bed, intending to join Huey and Eileen, but Ruby quickly said, ¡°Why are you taking your bag to leave? Let your sister have dinner with Huey alone. You can stay here with me.¡±

    Ruby gave Bailee a stern look. She got out of bed and set Bailee¡¯s bag on the bedside table.

    She then turned back to Huey and Eileen, who paused at the door, taken aback. Ruby said, ¡°Go ahead, you two. Let Bailee stay to look after me.¡±

    Bailee masked her disappointment with a forced smile. ¡°That makes sense. I¡¯ll stay here with you, Mom.¡±

    She reluctantly sat back down on the bed and pretended to focus on her phone.

    Huey turned to Eileen, frowning slightly.

    Eileen said, ¡°Mom, let Baileee with us. You¡¯ll have a special nurse to bring your dinner here, but what about Bailee¡¯s meal?¡±

    She stepped forward, handing Bailee her bag. ¡°If you really want her to stay with you, I can bring her back after dinner.¡±

    Bailee took her bag back, put away her phone, and looked at Ruby. After a moment of hesitation, Ruby said reluctantly, ¡°Alright, go have dinner with them.¡±

    A smile spread across Bailee¡¯s face. She stood up and left the ward with Huey, followed by Eileen.

    Ruby stood at the doorway, watching them leave. Up ahead, Huey and Bailee led the way, engaged in lively conversation andughter, while Eileen walked a bit behind, nodding along to their chatter.

    Taking a deep breath, Ruby turned inside.

    In the vicinity of the hospital, there were numerous dining options avable. Huey and Bailee chose a rtively tidy restaurant, which Eileen also found eptable.

    As they took their seats, Eileen did not hesitate to say to Huey, ¡°You better not appear in front of my mother again.¡±

    Though Huey had brought Bailee along to assist, and the three of them understood the context, Ruby, unaware of these details, had assumed Huey and Eileen¡¯s rtionship was moving fast.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect your mother to react like that,¡± Huey responded apologetically. ¡°I was genuinely here to help.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not ming you,¡± Eileen reassured him. ¡°I¡¯m just worried that if you keep showing up, our wedding will inevitably be a topic of conversation.¡± She shrugged and nced at Bailee, who remained silent, offering a smile.

    Huey, taken aback, quickly said, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll try my best not toe here again.¡±

    As the waiter came over to take their orders, Eileen passed the menu to Bailee and Huey, feeling a bit relieved after making her feelings clear.

    However, she still harbored concerns about Ruby potentially being discovered by the Warren family, while Ruby herself was contemting her possible marriage with Huey.

    She felt a mix of sadness and helplessness.

    During the meal, Bailee shared anecdotes from her employment at Huey¡¯spany, noting the positive treatment she had received from Huey¡¯s staff.

    Yet, something puzzled Bailee. In a low voice, she confided to Eileen while Huey was in the bathroom, ¡°Eileen, since I¡¯ve been at Huey¡¯s,panies I previously applied to have started reaching out to me for interviews. Isn¡¯t that odd?¡±

    After pondering for a moment, Eileen looked at Bailee and said, ¡°So, you ended up at Huey¡¯spany because someone had meddled with your job applications before, and you had no other choices.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s tone was firm.

    Bailee¡¯s face momentarily lost color as she realized Eileen had been unaware of the full truth. She managed a forced smile and replied, ¡°Working at Huey¡¯s has actually been good for me. That¡¯s why I didn¡¯t mention my previous struggle.¡±

    ¡°Then, what about now?¡± Eileen asked, setting down her fork and fixing her gaze on Bailee. ¡°This isn¡¯t really your field. Are you thinking about going to those interviews?¡±

    Eileen believed she knew who had sabotaged Bailee¡¯s job search¡ªKian.

    Bailee paused before replying, ¡°I still owe Huey nearly a year¡¯s sry. It wouldn¡¯t feel right to leave now. Besides, I¡¯m not even sure I¡¯d get the job if I go to the interviews, and it might just be a trap to make me resign without actually hiring me.¡±

    She feared falling victim to Kian¡¯s deceptive tactics.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just keep things as they are for now,¡± Eileen said. Just then, Huey returned from the bathroom, which caused them to quickly switch topics. ¡°Huey is a good man,¡± Eileen remarked.

    Bailee didn¡¯t get the chance to reply as Huey rejoined them, effectively ending their previous discussion.

    After dinner, Huey left with Bailee. Eileen stayed behind, leaning against the car and gazing up at the bright stars in the sky.

    She felt uneasy about the ongoing vignce needed against the Warren family.

    Just yesterday, she had desired a clean break from Bryan, but that hadn¡¯te true.

    She remained caught in aplex rtionship with Bryan.

    The pressure from the Warren family¡¯s influence left her feeling stressed, but she still felt a hint of happiness because she could still stay by Bryan¡¯s side.

    Taking a deep breath, she lowered her gaze, only to catch sight of a tall figure across the street.

    Under the soft glow of the red traffic light, Bryan stood wearing a ck woolen overcoat, his figure cast in a striking silhouette by the light.

    As the light turned green, he crossed the street and walked to Eileen.

    It was then that Eileen noticed he still had the Band-Aid she had applied to his forehead.

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± She straightened herself up and looked at him.

    Bryan slightly raised his eyebrows and nced at the nearby tall hospital building. ¡°I have an international video conference tonight. I need you.¡±

    Hearing the conversation was about work, Eileen felt a hollow ache in her heart, but she managed a forced smile and asked, ¡°Are you nning to go back to thepany or somewhere else?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to my ce,¡± Bryan said, raising his left hand to show that he had brought his briefcase with him.

    Eileen turned around to open the passenger seat. Before she could turn back around, Bryan had ced the briefcase in her hand and taken the car key from her.

    ¡°I¡¯ll drive. Get in the car,¡± Bryan said as he walked to the driver¡¯s side.

    Bryan drove quickly, and Eileen sat in the passenger seat, clutching the briefcase to her chest and crossing her legs. She watched the scenery sh by.

    They arrived at Oak Vis swiftly. Exiting the car, Eileen followed Bryan into the building. When she saw the key she had left on the porch before, her heart skipped a beat.

    She suddenly remembered she had left a letter in Bryan¡¯s study that morning.

    ¡°Remember to take the key next time,¡± Bryan said, thinking she had forgotten it. He ced it in her hand. Noticing her pale expression, he arched an eyebrow and inquired, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Eileen replied, shaking her head while thinking about how to retrieve the letter without Bryan noticing.

    Bryan removed his coat and hung it up. Then, he loosened his tie and proceeded inside. He nced around the living room and then suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s go to the study. Our meeting might take a while, and it¡¯s morefortable there.¡±

    With no other option, Eileen agreed, changed her shoes, and headed straight to the study.

    The study was exactly as she had left it that morning. She had even ced the book with the letter in the center of his desk.

    Bryan immediately noticed the book and picked it up.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 82

    ?Chapter 82:

    Seeing that, Eileen caught her breath. She gripped the straps of her bag and said, ¡°This book¡­¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Bryan waved the book in his hand. ¡°I read it to kill time!¡±

    He then turned and ced the book on the top shelf of the bookcase, sliding it between other volumes without much care.

    Eileen tried to speak, but the words failed her. She watched in silence as Bryan put the book away.

    She took a seat across from him, her thoughts scattered as she prepared for the meeting.

    The video conference included thepany¡¯s top executives, featuring Bryan¡¯s parents among them.

    Eileen caught the figure of another man on the screen¡ªBryan¡¯s father.

    Bryan and his father¡¯s expressions revealed no emotions as they discussed business. From the meeting¡¯s start, they strictly adhered to work-rted matters.

    For two hours, Bryan spoke to his father not as a son, but strictly as a business colleague.

    When the meeting concluded, Bryan¡¯s goodbye was curt.

    From the other end, a female voice said, ¡°Wait a minute. The rest of you are dismissed. I want to have a word with Bryan alone.¡±

    Feeling it was her time to exit, Eileen quickly shut her notebook and left her seat.

    Bryan gave her a fleeting look, his eyes darkening for a moment before he diverted his gaze.

    Your next story is here g?ln¦Ò¦Íels

    Bryan¡¯s conversation with his parents was brief. Eileen figured they had just exchanged quick goodbyes before ending the call.

    Reaching the staircase to descend, she heard Bryan leaving the study.

    ¡°The voice recorder,¡± he called out. The warm overhead light cast his features in sharp relief as he approached.

    Eileen epted the voice recorder from him and replied, ¡°Thank you, Mr. Dawson. Should I leave now?¡±

    Bryan had a somber expression. ¡°You can leave now,¡± he said.

    Eileen was surprised; she had half-expected him to suggest she stay overnight, given his evident interest earlier.

    Yet, she said nothing. She nodded slightly, turned, and descended the stairs. Then, she took the car keys and drove back to Springvale Lane.

    She needed to prepare for Aaron¡¯s tutoring session. Upon entering her home, she dove into a pile of books, working tirelessly until midnight before sending the study materials to Aaron.

    Still not feeling sleepy, she decided to tidy up the meeting minutes, aiming to hand a thorough report to Bryan the next morning.

    She opened her notes, yed back the recording, and began typing a detailed meeting report on herputer.

    As she worked, Eileen discovered that the voice recorder had captured Bryan¡¯s conversation with his parents.

    Their exchange was brief and cold.

    ¡°I heard about Vivian¡¯s return. Your grandmother called me, and we reached an agreement. You are not allowed to get back with Vivian,¡± Bryan¡¯s mother said.

    ¡°I agree with them,¡± interjected Bryan¡¯s father.

    Bryan responded coldly, ¡°It¡¯s my own decision to make.¡±

    ¡°Without our permission, Vivian can¡¯t be epted as a member of the Dawson family. And that woman your grandmother found for you is just a means to vent her anger. Now that Vivian hase back to apologize, you should divorce that woman as soon as possible. Your grandmother is getting on in years, and your father and I won¡¯t always stay abroad. Don¡¯t forget, there is someone still waiting for you here. Z will soon finish her education, and she is now an excellentdy of extraordinary versatility,¡±

    Bryan¡¯s mother¡¯s tone was softer, yet thepulsion in her voice was unmistakable.

    ¡°You cane back whenever you want, but don¡¯t involve me in this,¡± Bryan retorted. Then, he ended the video call.

    The discussion about his marriage had been as detached as a business negotiation, which exined Bryan¡¯s sullen mood when Eileen left.

    It seemed he wanted to marry Vivian but faced strong opposition from his family. Based on the conversation, his parents had other ns for his marital future.

    Eileen realized that regardless of who made the decisions, she was not going to be the option for Bryan.

    This realization made her smile bitterly.

    Bryan and Vivian loved each other, yet they were forbidden to be together.

    As for herself, she was foolishly harboring a one-sided affection for Bryan.

    Taking a deep breath, Eileen stood up and went to the bathroom. After her shower, she tried to sleep.

    She tossed and turned, unable to find rest. When it was nearly dawn, she reluctantly took a sleeping pill. Then, she set multiple rms on her phone, worried she might oversleep.

    She couldn¡¯t recall when she had started relying on sleeping pills. She had gone through half a bottle by now.

    Her poor sleep made her appear pale. With herte wake-up, she didn¡¯t even have time to apply light makeup.

    In the morning, Bryan sent Eileen a message instructing her to go directly to Apex Group instead of his ce. When Eileen arrived at thepany, she noticed Ste and realized Bryan had headed to the Dawson Mansion to pick Ste up that morning.

    Vivian had also arrived early. She had been staying in Bryan¡¯s office, trying to get close to Ste.

    Eileen didn¡¯t have time to focus on Vivian¡¯s maneuvers; upon entering thepany, she sensed a shift in her colleagues¡¯ demeanor.

    ¡°Morning, Eileen¡­¡±

    ¡°Hi, Eileen.¡±

    ¡°Morning, Miss Curtis.¡±

    The greetings were normal, but everyone avoided eye contact. They quickly turned and walked away after speaking, steering clear of her.

    With a frown, Eileen reached her desk. As soon as she sat down, there was a knock at the door.

    Looking up, she saw Judie.

    Without waiting for a response, Judie pushed the door open and hurried over.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me anything about such an important thing?¡± Judie demanded.

    Confused, Eileen asked, ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t hide things from family. You haven¡¯t told me anything, and even now, you¡¯re trying to hide it,¡± Judie said with dissatisfaction. ¡°Tell me, how long have you been pregnant?¡±

    Pregnant?

    Eileen¡¯s mouth fell open in shock. ¡°Who told you I¡¯m pregnant?¡± she inquired.

    Judie sat across from Eileen and leaned in, saying, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter who told me. Just tell me, what are you going to do about it?¡±

    It seemed to Eileen that the wholepany already knew the rumor, so denying it would be futile, and Judie wouldn¡¯t believe her regardless.

    Realizing there was no point in exining, Eileen firmly stated, ¡°I¡¯m just going to say this once: I¡¯m not pregnant. I¡¯d appreciate it if you would mind your own business. And be careful with your words. Don¡¯t spread rumors around thepany.¡±

    Eileen was aware that many sought information about her from Judie since they were rted.

    Noticing Judie¡¯s displeased expression, Eileen added sternly, ¡°If I find outter that you¡¯ve been spreading rumors about me, there will be consequences!¡±

    Afraid of upsetting Eileen further, Judie quickly reined in her displeasure and forced a smile. ¡°Okay, I see. Take care of yourself. I¡¯m leaving now.¡±

    Eileen knew Judie still didn¡¯t believe her. She rubbed her temples, unable to settle down and focus on working.

    After leaving Eileen¡¯s office, Judie didn¡¯t return to her own department right away. Instead, she ducked past Eileen¡¯s office window and hurried over to Vivian, who had just stepped out of Bryan¡¯s office to make some coffee for Ste.

    ¡°What did she say? Did she tell you what she¡¯s going to do with the baby?¡± Vivian asked urgently.

    Vivian had been trying to dig up dirt on Eileen¡¯s stepmother but to no avail, so she was looking for other ways to stir up trouble for Eileen.

    Judie shook her head. ¡°Eileen¡¯s too stubborn to admit anything.¡±

    Vivian, frustrated and agitated, stamped her foot. ¡°Eileen is a real piece of work! But I believe she can stay calm when her reputation is being betrayed!¡±

    Judie said, ¡°She only got close to Mr. Dawson for his money. Even if she is pregnant, I doubt she¡¯ll keep the baby. Besides, everyone in thepany knows about her pregnancy now. She has to handle this soon, or her reputation will be ruined.¡±

    Judie¡¯s words were deliberately harsh, meant to demean Eileen in front of Vivian.

    Vivian was satisfied with the nder.

    ¡°Then, keep a close eye on her for me. In case she does something without informing me,¡± Vivian said with a smile. ¡°Once she¡¯s out of the picture, Bryan and I will get married. We¡¯ll then need to find someone to rece her as his secretary and assistant.¡±

    Judie¡¯s eyes sparkled at the implication. The prospect of earning a sryparable to Eileen¡¯s was thrilling.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Miss Warren. I¡¯ll keep a close watch on her!¡± Judie replied.

    After her conversation with Vivian, Judie returned to her desk, her mind racing with an idea.

    The supposed baby was a chance for her, and it would be foolish not to use it.

    The media had already been buzzing about Bryan¡¯s affair with Vivian. If it came out that he had also gotten Eileen pregnant, it would corner himpletely.

    This thought frightened Judie a bit. But once it took hold, she couldn¡¯t shake it off. She knew she needed to think about this carefully.

    Eileen brought some important documents to the secretary¡¯s office, but Ka was nowhere to be seen. She approached a passing staff member and asked, ¡°Do you know where Ka is?¡±

    The staff member was Jenna Beckett, who had been with thepany for over ten years and was still unmarried. Had Eileen not joined Apex Group as Bryan¡¯s assistant three years earlier, Jenna might havended that position. Because of this, Jenna bore a grudge against Eileen, despite Eileen¡¯s strong reliability and good standing in thepany.

    Jenna had suppressed her resentment for three years, but today, she saw her chance for revenge.

    ¡°Miss Curtis, what do you need to see Ka about?¡± Jenna inquired.

    ¡°I¡¯m here to deliver some confidential documents to her,¡± replied Eileen. ¡°Could you please let her know to pick them up from my office when she returns?¡±

    Jenna said, ¡°Ka is out delivering documents to a client and won¡¯t be back until this afternoon. Why don¡¯t you leave the documents with me, and I¡¯ll make sure she gets them?¡±

    Eileen hesitated. She was scheduled to go out with Bryanter, but the documents had to be delivered by the end of the day.

    ¡°Miss Curtis, you don¡¯t trust me? You could seal the documents then,¡± suggested Jenna, turning to retrieve a seal from a nearby cab designed for securing kraft paper bags.

    Deciding not to dy further, Eileen ced the documents into a kraft paper bag and sealed it, followingpany protocol.

    ¡°Please ensure Ka gets this as soon as she returns. Thank you,¡± she said.

    After receiving Jenna¡¯s assurance, Eileen returned to her office.

    Later that afternoon, it was time for her to leave with Bryan for negotiations. She headed straight to Bryan¡¯s office.

    Inside, she saw Ste sitting on the sofa and greeted her.

    Ste responded with a nod. She looked over at Vivian and said, ¡°Look at Eileen, Vivian. Being around Bryan so much has really shaped her demeanor. Don¡¯t you think she¡¯s starting to resemble him?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 83

    ?Chapter 83:

    Hearing that, Vivian halted and lifted her gaze towards Eileen.

    At the sound of thement, Eileen turned, her gaze meeting Vivian¡¯s.

    ¡°She¡¯s merely an assistant. Her rank hardly measures up to Bryan¡¯s,¡± Vivian remarked, easing her frown into a smile as she faced Ste.

    A flicker of discontent crossed Ste¡¯s kind features, but she kept her attention on Eileen and Bryan, undeterred.

    ¡°Why worry about rank? If someone aids Bryan through his struggles, they¡¯remendable,¡± Ste said, her tone even.

    Eileen approached Bryan, the urge to smile tugging at her, yet her gaze collided with the depth of Bryan¡¯s dark eyes.

    She quicklyposed herself and said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, it¡¯s time we got going.¡±

    Bryan nodded. ¡°Start the documents and take them with you.¡± As Bryan adjusted his sleeves, Eileen bent to her task, sensing the continued conversation between Vivian and Ste, likelyden with ttery.

    ¡°Indeed. Bryan¡¯s schedule is packed. It¡¯s a wonder Eileen manages to assist him. Though, shouldn¡¯t you be guiding him as well? He¡¯s always swamped with work. When do you n on bing a great-grandmother? It¡¯s about time some ns were made,¡± Vivian said to Ste.

    Vivian hinted that she wanted Bryan to divorce his wife and marry her soon. That way, they could have a baby with Bryan to fulfill Ste¡¯s wish.

    Ste, however, didn¡¯t agree with Vivian. ¡°Such decisions can¡¯t be hurried. Bryan will have a family with his wife on their own terms. They¡¯re married, after all. Why fuss about children this soon? I¡¯ll wait for when he¡¯s ready, and the legacy deserves no less respect.¡±

    Ste had a hunch Vivian was fishing for her stance. Enough was enough; Vivian¡¯s insinuations had to stop.

    Gal n o v el s . is your destination for fiction

    But even after Ste finished her words, Vivian¡¯s grin lingered, her head nodding as she sped Ste¡¯s arm.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. I thought so too.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s packing slowed momentarily. Could Vivian¡¯s slyments be jabs at her?

    She dismissed the thought, scoffing at the ridiculousness of the gossip.

    With the documents in order, Eileen gave Bryan a confirming look. ¡°Mr. Dawson, everything¡¯s set.¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s go,¡± Bryan replied. He rose, collected his coat, and sauntered past his desk.

    Approaching Ste, his voice dropped to a tender whisper. ¡°Grandma, I¡¯ll return shortly. Should you need rest, the lounge awaits.¡±

    Ste responded with a casual flick of her wrist, her eyes steady on her task. ¡°Go.¡±

    Eileen and Bryan exited the office.

    Secluded in the elevator¡¯s embrace, Eileen inhaled deeply.

    As the doors converged, the space seemed to shrink. She tilted her head upward, finding herself caught in an unexpected embrace.

    Bryan¡¯s hand found a resting ce between her shoulder des and the cool surface of the lift. His lipsnded on her cheeks and her ears, his eyes filled with desire.

    In that confined space, Bryan found himself yearning for closeness, their foreheads meeting as his breath came in short bursts.

    ¡°Eileen, I,¡± he called out.

    Eileen¡¯s lips formed a tight line, a warm flush spreading to her ears as she whispered a reply.

    Yet, Bryan craved more than whispers. His hand drew her closer by the waist. ¡°Look at me,¡± he said gently.

    The elevator made its swift descent to the deserted underground lot, its doors opening to a gust that scattered the tension.

    Eileen¡¯s gaze met his, eyes wide and shimmering, leaving Bryan utterly enchanted.

    There was something about Eileen, a pull Bryan couldn¡¯t quite pinpoint¡ªunseen but deeply felt.

    Earlier, as she had sorted through paperwork, the sun had graced her features, casting a warm glow over her fairplexion.

    He couldn¡¯t help but feel disarmed, impatient to escape the confines of the office.

    With gentle strength, he lifted her, carrying her close as he walked towards the car.

    Eileen cooperated, the car door clicking open under her touch.

    As she nestled into the seat, Bryan leaned in, his hands threading through her hair with urgency as he nted fervent kisses.

    A soft protest escaped her as she pressed against him, tilting her head aside. ¡°Someone¡¯sing,¡± she said.

    As the echo of footsteps approached, Bryan got into the car, pulling the door shut with a decisive thud as he brought her close onto hisp.

    They spotted a security guard, shlight in hand, inspecting the shadows and mumbling to himself.

    Eileen nestled her head against Bryan¡¯s shoulder, murmuring, ¡°I¡¯m going to bete.¡±

    Bryan leaned back, revealing the contour of his neck to Eileen, his gaze reflecting a storm of emotions tempered by control.

    Eileen¡¯s emotions steadied, synchronized with the rhythm of his heart.

    In a fleeting gesture, she kissed his Adam¡¯s apple, then gracefully moved to the driver¡¯s seat.

    Bryan had a resigned smile, still suppressing the restlessness she had provoked.

    The cooperation that Bryan personally handled was mostly a formality to show respect to the otherpany¡¯s boss.

    Eileen watched Bryan, every deliberate gesture infused with a quiet strength that never failed to draw her in.

    The intensity that charged the air around him had settled. With the meeting finished, they went back.

    Bryan told Eileen his ns in the car. ¡°Tonight, you¡¯ll join me in escorting my grandmother to the Dawson Mansion, and afterwards, we¡¯ll go to your ce.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s response came with a softness touched by joy, a subtle smile gracing her expression. ¡°Okay.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s gaze turned cold as he saw the smile touching Eileen¡¯s lips. He wondered if she had ever felt happy because of him.

    Their arrival at thepany was punctuated by the abrupt ring of Eileen¡¯s phone¡ªKa was calling.

    With a tap, the speakerphone came alive, Ka¡¯s voice tinged with urgency. ¡°Eileen, the document you gave me this morning¡ªit¡¯s been leaked!¡±

    The word escaped her lips, her pulse quickening. The leaked document was critical, ted for discussion tomorrow morning.

    Most importantly, someone inside thepany had leaked the information.

    ¡°I¡¯m on my way,¡± Eileen said. Call ended, she parked the car and told Bryan, ¡°Mr. Dawson, we¡¯re facing a grave issue. It might require your attention.¡±

    They exited the car, Bryan¡¯s movements precise as he prepared to face the crisis.

    Together, they ascended to the executive floor. There, in the sanctum of Bryan¡¯s office, stood Ka, her posture subdued under Ste¡¯s watchful eye.

    As the door creaked, Ka spun around, her gaze pleading when she looked at Eileen.

    Inside the office, Vivian said, ¡°Dawson, despite my short tenure, I know the employees well. Ka¡¯s been with Apex Group for years. She won¡¯t betray thepany.¡±

    Vivian paid little heed to Eileen¡¯s arrival, her attention momentarily diverted by Bryan¡¯s entrance before resuming her insinuations. ¡°Ka, tell us¡ªwho else had ess to that document?¡±

    ¡°The nning case was handled by the team below. Then, Eileen and I reviewed it together. The leaked version reflects our revisions. No one else has seen it,¡± Ka quickly replied.

    Vivian¡¯s reaction was loaded with implications as she turned to Eileen. ¡°So, the leakes down to you or Eileen.¡±

    Eileen furrowed her brows, meeting Vivian¡¯s eager gaze.

    She didn¡¯t know if Vivian was behind this, but she understood that Vivian wouldn¡¯t miss the chance to undermine her.

    After all, Vivian considered her a bigger threat than Bryan¡¯s wife.

    ncing at Bryan by the window, cigarette in hand, Eileen noticed his calm demeanor. The breeze drifted through the room, carrying with it the faint scent of smoke.

    Eileen stood by Ka¡¯s side, drawing a deep breath. ¡°Ka and I finalized the file. We should take some me for the leak, and I¡¯m prepared to face the consequences. But our priority now is uncovering the mole who betrayed us.¡±

    ¡°Agreed,¡± Ste replied promptly. ¡°Then get to the bottom of it.¡±

    Vivian quickly said, ¡°Mrs. Dawson, the one who leaked the information might be her. We can¡¯t let her investigate this¡ª¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re just a secretary. Keep quiet until Bryan has his say,¡± Ste interjected.

    Vivian was momentarily at a loss for words.

    All turned to Bryan as he extinguished his cigarette, his features veiled by wisps of smoke.

    With a nod, he uttered two words that cut through the tension, ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    Ka released a relieved breath, meeting Eileen¡¯s gaze.

    ¡°Eileen, could someone have essed your office?¡± she asked.

    Eileen responded without raising her eyes. ¡°There are cameras in my office. Go and retrieve the nning case and the kraft paper bag with the seal. Also, bring Jenna in.¡±

    Ka nodded, darting out and returning within minutes, apanied by Jenna and the opened kraft paper bag.

    Handing over the items to Eileen, Jenna exined, ¡°I opened it for the final check, only to discover ourpetitor had already posted the nning case on their website.¡±

    Theirpetitor hadn¡¯t intended to steal it. They had simply made it public, rendering it useless for Bryan¡¯spany.

    Eileen studied the documents and the bag thoughtfully before turning to Jenna. ¡°Do you have anything to add?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Jenna replied promptly. ¡°Since I handed the file to Ka, I¡¯ve been by her side the entire time. I can vouch that the leak didn¡¯t originate from her.¡±

    Vivian said with a smile, ¡°Doesn¡¯t that mean Eileen leaked the information? Mrs. Dawson, you might not know Eileen¡¯s full story. Her family is struggling with a sick mother, desperate for money. It¡¯s possible she saw this as a way to help. Though it¡¯s a sad situation, her actions are still reprehensible!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 84

    ?Chapter 84:

    Upon hearing that, Eileen felt guilty. She couldn¡¯t bring herself to look at Ste.

    She feared that the mention of her sick mother would make Ste think of Bryan¡¯s wife.

    Vivian noticed Eileen¡¯s expression. ¡°Eileen, you¡¯ve been with us long enough. Bryan has been fair to you, hasn¡¯t he? We get where you¡¯reing from, but betraying thepany? That¡¯s a real disappointment.¡±

    Jenna chimed in with a nod. ¡°When Eileen became Mr. Dawson¡¯s assistant, I thought it was too sudden. She isn¡¯t fit for the position.¡±

    Ka tightened her grip on Eileen¡¯s wrist, whispering, ¡°Eileen,e on. You need to speak up here.¡±

    Her trust in Eileen was solid, unwavering.

    With a newfound warmth blooming inside, Eileen couldn¡¯t help but let a smile escape. She gestured to the document on the table. ¡°I instructed Jenna to give this to Ka, so Jenna also had ess to the document.¡±

    ¡°But you had sealed it before you gave it to me!¡± Jenna¡¯s retort was swift. ¡°You could just ask Ka. When Ka got hold of the paper bag, wasn¡¯t the seal untouched?¡±

    All eyes turned to Ka, waiting.

    Ka paused, then gave a slow nod. ¡°Right, the paper bag was unopened at that time.¡±

    ¡°Eileen, don¡¯t think about pinning this on me,¡± Jenna said, her confidence unshaken.

    Vivian was clearly pleased by the suspicion cast on Eileen. She rose to her and turned to Bryan. ¡°Bryan, look.¡±

    More chapters avable at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??s

    A stern gaze from Ste stopped her mid-sentence, and she bowed her head to catch Ste¡¯s frown.

    Ste¡¯s voice cut through, sharp as ever. ¡°Are we going to go over this again? Why are you overstepping so much as only a secretary?¡±

    Vivian¡¯s cheeks lost color as she sank back into her chair.

    Ignoring her, Eileen spoke up. ¡°Mr. Dawson, I have evidence that the nning case has been tampered with.¡± She pulled out her phone with deliberate calm.

    She flipped through her phone, stopped on a few photos, and handed her phone to Bryan. ¡°I always snap a picture of the seal and the bag¡¯s code. But the paper bag now is not the one I sealed before.¡±

    Jenna must have opened the bag before and put the document into another bag with a new seal.

    Jenna¡¯s face lost all color.

    Ka, relieved, turned to Jenna. ¡°What did you do?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m innocent!¡± Jenna¡¯s denial was fierce. ¡°Mr. Dawson, Eileen¡¯s spinning stories. She probably took a picture of a random sealed paper bag to pin the me on me!¡±

    Eileen stood firm before Bryan. ¡°A quick look into the trash bins at the secretary¡¯s desk should clear things up. That kraft paper bag Jenna had opened was likely still around, not yet disposed of. Or maybe Jenna hadn¡¯t even thought to get rid of the evidence.¡±

    Vivian frowned. Had Eileen turned the tables? Yet, she held her tongue, remembering Ste¡¯s remark.

    Bryan looked at Eileen, his gaze narrowing as he handed back her phone. Their fingers brushed briefly, and she drew back her hand at once.

    ¡°Sort this out. Follow the rules,¡± Bryan said.

    The air was thick with the unspoken consequences of a broken confidentiality agreement. If word got out, Jenna¡¯s career as a secretary would bepletely ruined.

    ¡°Please, Mr. Dawson, I¡¯m begging you; give me another chance!¡± Jenna¡¯s plea was desperate as she rushed to Bryan¡¯s side, nearly knocking into Eileen.

    Eileen was caught off bnce and almost stumbled, but Bryan¡¯s hand was there to steady her.

    Once stable, she quicklyposed herself and said, ¡°Thank you, Mr. Dawson.¡±

    Then, Jenna¡¯s confession spilled out in a rush. ¡°Mr. Dawson, jealousy got the better of me. Eileen swooped into the Apex Group and snagged the assistant role so fast. Had it not been for her, that could¡¯ve been me! I messed up. Could you maybe give me another shot?¡±

    Her plea hung in the air, met by Bryan¡¯s cold response.

    ¡°Even without her, you wouldn¡¯t get the position.¡±

    Jenna¡¯s lips parted, but no words came out.

    ¡°Wrap up her matters by the end of today,¡± Bryan instructed, sinking into his chair, clearly signaling the end of the discussion.

    Ka pulled Jenna out of the office, and Eileen followed them out.

    Eileen took action without dy, drafting a dismissal for Jenna and notifying HR. Then, she posted a carefully worded statement about the incident on thepany¡¯s website.

    The clock struck seven, a full hour beyond quitting time, when Eileen finished up.

    She had barely stepped back into her office when Bryan¡¯s voice crackled through the inte. ¡°Get the car ready. We need to send my grandmother back to Dawson Mansion.¡±

    Moving swiftly, Eileen collected her things and descended to the parking garage. She drove the car to thepany¡¯s entrance, unexpectedly seeing Vivian there.

    Bryan stood nearby, observing as Vivian chatted with Ste with a smile.

    Eileen, after parking, opened the car door. Vivian helped Ste get into the car and got inside herself.

    Vivian¡¯s voice carried a note of nostalgia. ¡°Mrs. Dawson, it¡¯s been ages since I had the Dawson signature dish. Is the chef still the same after all these years?¡±

    Her nce slid towards Eileen, a silent brag in her eyes.

    The setup suggested a cozy evening ahead at the mansion, presumably with Bryan joining.

    Eileen turned to look at Bryan. ¡°Mr. Dawson, are you getting in?¡±

    Bryan flicked away the remains of his cigarette and put it out.

    Circling to the passenger side, he slipped into the car as Eileen closed the door. Then, Eileen got into the car to drive.

    The descending sun set the sky aze, its light dancing across Eileen¡¯s face. But the beauty was short-lived as dark clouds gathered, promising a storm. Nightfall came quickly after the clouds rolled in.

    Light drizzle started, prompting Eileen to turn on the headlights.

    In the window, Eileen saw Bryan¡¯s face mirrored briefly before the rain veiled it.

    The windshield wipers kept a steady rhythm, the rain dictating a slower pace. What was usually a forty-minute drive turned into an odysseysting over an hour.

    The car glided into the Dawson Mansion¡¯s garage. Jarred, the butler, was quick to help, his smile a wee as he opened the door. Vivian got out first.

    With a collective effort, Jarred and Vivian assisted Ste out of the car. Ste extended an invitation. ¡°Seems I¡¯ll be doing more than dining tonight. This rain isn¡¯t letting up anytime soon. You¡¯ll probably need to stay here.¡±

    Jarred said, ¡°It¡¯s a downpour out there. These roads get tricky with the rain, andndslides are a real threat.¡±

    Vivian¡¯s delight was palpable. ¡°Then I¡¯ll have to stay here tonight. I hope that¡¯s okay with you, Mrs. Dawson.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Let¡¯s get inside,¡± Ste replied as she moved through the garage door into the vi.

    Eileen lingered by the door, watching the rain cascade down, a small frown creasing her forehead.

    ¡°I should head back now, Mr. Dawson.¡± Her voice was soft and unassuming as she made to leave.

    Unlike Vivian, Eileen didn¡¯t see the Dawson Mansion as a ce for her to stay.

    Bryan¡¯s voice halted her. ¡°No need to rush off. Join us for dinner.¡±

    Ste and Vivian, who was already at the door, paused, casting a look back at the duo still in the garage.

    With a frown, Ste said, ¡°Bryan, you sometimes forget your¡­¡±

    Hearing that, Eileen¡¯s spirits dipped, her lips tightening.

    Vivian¡¯s eyes sparkled with a touch of triumph, her gaze on Eileen filled with condescension, as if silently decreeing Eileen unworthy of crossing the Dawson threshold.

    Ste¡¯s voice was sharp, ¡°Didn¡¯t Jarred warn us? It¡¯s pouring out there. Why would you have Eileen risk thendslides?¡±

    She shook her head, her disapproval clear. ¡°Vivian is my guest, and it¡¯s my call to make for her to stay. Bryan, you figure out what to do with Eileen.¡±

    With that, she pulled the bewildered Vivian inside, muttering, ¡°Isn¡¯t he impolite? How unlucky of Eileen to be by his side!¡±

    Eileen remained silent, unable to contain her smile.

    Bryan¡¯s voice broke through her reverie. ¡°Do you think you¡¯re unlucky?¡±

    Eileen shook her head, dismissing the notion instantly.

    Being here with Bryan wasn¡¯t a misfortune at all.

    Bryan¡¯s face was somber. ¡°Head out once we¡¯ve eaten, assuming the rain lets up.¡±

    After all, it was not convenient for them to sleep together here.

    With a voice soft and faint, Eileen agreed, following Bryan into the mansion.

    She had been here many times before but had only been to the living room.

    Crystal chandeliers cascaded down from the vi¡¯s high ceilings, their light bathing the space in brilliance.

    Around her, each seemingly nonchnt piece was an artifact of value, and the rugs beneath her feet muffled her steps, their plushness a silent luxury.

    Bryan seemed oblivious to the grandeur, a stark contrast to Eileen, who moved with cautious reverence in the opulent setting.

    She matched his steps as they navigated through the vi.

    As the clock struck eight-thirty, Ste ushered them into the dining room, Eileen¡¯s difort masking her face with a mask ofposure.

    Bryan imed a spot next to Ste. Vivian settled on Ste¡¯s other side, which left Eileen briefly adrift in the choreography of seating.

    Vivian motioned to the chair next to her. ¡°Eileen, you can sit here.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Miss Warren.¡± Eileen¡¯s response was polite, her movements sure as she moved to sit beside Vivian.

    She remained silent, resting her hands on herp while her gaze lingered on the te before her.

    As the servants presented a parade of dishes vibrant with color and rich with scent, the table transformed into a disy akin to that of a gourmet establishment.

    Vivian¡¯s preferred dish found its way to her with a subtle gesture of favor.

    With the table set, Ste initiated the meal, saying, ¡°Let¡¯s eat; no need to hold back. In this house, we¡¯re all family!¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen agreed with a quick nod.

    Vivian offered serving to Eileen. ¡°Take your time, Eileen. Is this your first time at the Dawson dining table? The chef¡¯s talents are a highlight here. Be sure to indulge. After tonight, these vors might just be a memory for you.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 85

    ?Chapter 85:

    ¡°Thank you, Miss Warren,¡± Eileen said.

    Eileen was familiar with the behavior that aimed to unt her close ties to the Dawson family and her elevated social standing.

    She lowered her head and focused on the food in her bowl, consuming only what was directly in front of her. She finished before anyone else, putting down her fork and quietly waiting for the meal to end.

    During the meal, Vivian engaged in conversation with Ste, predominantly reminiscing about her past experiences with Bryan, highlighting amusing incidents from her numerous visits to the Dawson Mansion.

    Ste remained aloof throughout the conversation, asionally replying with brief remarks.

    As Vivian noticed Ste¡¯s waning interest, she grew quiet.

    Bryan was the one who broke the awkward silence by standing up and serving Vivian some fish. Additionally, he moved a dish with a lighter vor from in front of himself to Vivian.

    ¡°If memory serves me right, you¡¯re fond of this dish. Better eat it quickly before it cools down,¡± Bryan said.

    Eileen, with downcast eyes, felt a pang in her heart, her lips tightening as she observed him return to his seat, his graceful hand reaching for a napkin to dab his mouth.

    His effortless movements exuded a rxed charm, his gaze warmly fixed on Vivian.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Vivian said with a smile, her eyes sparkling with delight.

    Discover more on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??¦Ï?? (uso de ¡°?¡± y ¡°¦Ï¡± griega)

    Ste shot a nce at Bryan, her expression darkening.

    Bryan continued as if he hadn¡¯t noticed, seamlessly picking up the conversation where Vivian had left off.

    His captivating voice filled the dining room, drawing Vivian into a lively discussion, theirughter echoing through the room.

    For Eileen, the scene was painful to witness.

    ¡°Frill,¡± Ste said, setting down her fork and walking over to Bryan. She gave him a pat on the shoulder. ¡°Memories are precious, especially those that can never be recreated. If you two don¡¯t take the time to reminisce, you might forget them entirely,¡± she said.

    Then, she turned to Eileen, ¡°Eileen, let¡¯s not interrupt their trip down memoryne. Come with me.¡±

    Without even ncing at Bryan, Eileen rose and followed Ste, leaving behind a heavy silence that seemed to amplify the sound of her own heartbeat.

    Ste guided Eileen to the elevator, ascending to the ss greenhouse on the top floor, where rainwater cascaded down the windows.

    Inside, vibrant lights illuminated the blooming flowers, casting a surreal beauty.

    ¡°Pass me the watering can,¡± Ste said, pointing at the long-spouted container in the corner.

    Eileen hurried over, presenting it to Ste with both hands.

    As Ste meticulously watered the flowers, she asked, ¡°How long have you been working with Bryan?¡±

    ¡°More than three years,¡± Eileen replied.

    ¡°What¡¯s your impression of him?¡± Ste asked as she led the way watering the nts.

    Eileen followed Ste with slow steps, caught off guard by the abrupt and unusual question.

    She hesitated before replying, ¡°Mr. Dawson is a highlypetent boss, and his business¡­¡±

    ¡°Of course, he¡¯spetent¡ªI trained him myself. I¡¯m asking about your personal opinion of him as a person,¡± Ste interjected.

    Eileen¡¯s clear eyes reflected Ste¡¯s image as she stood there, momentarily stunned.

    ¡°Was she even qualified to evaluate Bryan¡¯s character?¡±

    Ste asked, ¡°Do you think he and Vivian are well-suited?¡±

    She set aside the watering can and settled into a vine chair, fixing Eileen with a sharp gaze.

    The drumming of raindrops against the ss reverberated loudly, matching the turmoil in Eileen¡¯s heart.

    ¡°It¡¯s not my ce toment on Mr. Dawson¡¯s character,¡± Eileen replied respectfully.

    Ste frowned disapprovingly. ¡°You¡¯re too timid,¡± she remarked.

    But Eileen remained silent, offering a smile in response.

    The greenhouse was filled with the fragrance of flowers, and the temperature difference caused the ss to mist up. Ste gazed at the rain outside, saying nothing more.

    An hourter, Ste rose from her chair. ¡°It¡¯ste; you should rest. Have Bryan arrange a room for you.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen replied, walking Ste back to her room before texting Bryan.

    Not knowing which room was Bryan¡¯s, Eileen felt it inappropriate to search the mansion at this hour.

    ¡°Mrs. Dawson has asked you to arrange my¡­¡±

    Bryan¡¯s response was prompt.

    ¡°Come to the garage.¡±

    Taken aback, Eileen nced around the deserted living room before making her way toward the garage.

    The garage was enveloped in darkness. The only sound was the rumble of thunder and rain outside. Through the car window, the glow of the phone screen illuminated Bryan¡¯s distant features.

    Furrowing her brow, Eileen approached the car door and opened it.

    Inside, Bryan sat with his legs crossed, his demeanor rxed as he nced toward her and said, ¡°Get in.¡±

    As Eileen began to climb in, Bryan swiftly pulled her onto hisp.

    Startled, Eileen braced herself against the seat behind him, noticing its warmth indicating he had been there for some time.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, do you n for me to spend the night in the car?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Bryan replied, his lips parting slightly as he leaned back, his breath brushing against her chin.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take you to the guest roomter.¡±

    Eileen sensed his unspoken intentions.

    ¡°But aren¡¯t you concerned about being found by Ste?¡± she asked, meeting his sharp gaze in the darkness.

    Bryan pressed a button, and the garage door locked with a security code. ¡°No one wille.¡±

    Clearly, he had nned this¡ªEileen found it amusing; she couldn¡¯t shake the thought of Bryan sharing sweet memories with Vivian just an hour earlier.

    Now, he was here with her¡­

    Eileen¡¯s emotions were in turmoil, but Bryan wasted no time, removing her clothes.

    He showered her with passionate kisses while gradually unbuttoning her blouse.

    The air inside the car was heating up quickly as their intimacy escted.

    Though this was not Eileen¡¯s first time in a car, it was her first in the Dawson Mansion, adding an extrayer of uneasiness, the unfamiliarity distracting her.

    It wasn¡¯t until Bryan bit her on the chest that she cried out, snapping back to see his frustrated expression.

    ¡°Focus,¡± he said, plunging them both into the depths of pleasure.

    With the rain no longer masking it, Eileen¡¯s moans resonated clearly in the car, a melodious sound that Bryan couldn¡¯t get enough of.

    Afterward, Eileeny back in the seat, spent, while Bryan helped her dress, delicately tidying her long hair.

    His touch on her fair cheek was gentle and considerate, softening Eileen¡¯s heart.

    If not for the ck card Bryan suddenly produced, she might have mistaken his tenderness for genuine affection.

    Her bright eyes quivered slightly as she epted the card, offering a smile. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Dawson!¡±

    epting the card with smooth movements, Eileen felt Bryan¡¯s gaze intensify, his voice taking on a meaningful tone as it reached her ear.

    ¡°Eileen, between me and money, which is more tempting to you?¡±

    Eileen felt a lump in her throat, torn between her heart¡¯s inclination towards Bryan the person and her favoring the money he offered.

    She knew that whatever her answer was, he would likely not be pleased.

    ¡°Between my body and Miss Warren, which one is more important to you?¡± she countered, leading to a tense silence between them.

    After a while, Bryan¡¯s lips curved slightly in a sarcastic smile as he pulled out a cigarette.

    ¡°Cunning,¡± he remarked, lighting the cigarette.

    The me briefly illuminated his face, his eyes gleaming with a cold intensity.

    Eileen believed perhaps Bryan had interpreted her question as a subtle attempt to lower Vivian¡¯s status.

    Eileen straightened, holding the card tightly in her hand.

    ¡°How serious is your mother¡¯s illness?¡± Bryan asked in the darkness.

    ¡°It¡¯s cancer. She can¡¯t be cured. She can only extend her life by treatment,¡± Eileen replied stoically.

    Bryan frowned, turning to look at her. ¡°I¡¯ve never heard you mention it.¡±

    Eileen sniffed, her voice steady. ¡°What difference would it make if I did? One more person knowing would just mean one more person pitying me.¡±

    She had not confided in anyone about her mother¡¯s cancer. Actually, Bryan was the first person she had shared this with.

    While some people in thepany were aware, it was Judie who had spread the news.

    ¡°There¡¯s two hundred thousand in the card,¡± Bryan said.

    Eileen was taken aback. Two hundred thousand was a significant amount, and she couldn¡¯t help but feel her own value rising.

    After Bryan finished smoking, they exited. Eileen opened the window to disperse the lingering scent of sex in the car.

    ¡°Your room is on the third floor, the first guest room on the left,¡± Bryan said.

    Following him out of the garage, Eileen noticed a figure standing nearby.

    Vivian¡¯s eyes were red as she stared at them, her anger evident on her face.

    ¡°You go back first,¡± Bryan instructed Eileen before turning towards Vivian.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen replied, walking towards the vi. But as she passed Vivian, thetter suddenly lunged at her, tearing at her clothes. ¡°Eileen! How shameless can you be? This is the Dawson Mansion, and Mrs. Ste is still upstairs! You¡­¡± Vivian eximed.

    Eileen¡¯s clothes were torn into a mess, and the card from her pocket fell to the floor amidst the chaos.

    At that moment, Bryan pulled Vivian away while simultaneously steadying Eileen as she almost stumbled.

    Vivian stumbled back a few steps, and upon noticing the ck card on the floor, she couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°Slut, offering yourself on a tter, such thorough service!¡±

    Eileen¡¯s clothes were in disarray, but suddenly she felt warmth enveloping her body. It was Bryan¡¯s jacket, draped over her shoulders.

    As Bryan¡¯s refreshing scent enveloped her, Eileen was left with mixed feelings as she observed his tense profile.

    ¡°Come with me.¡± Bryan gave Eileen a nce before leading Vivian away, thetter still cursing under her breath.

    Eileen looked at the ck card on the floor, its sharp contrast against the white floor tiles causing a sting in her eyes.

    Eileen swiftly picked up the card and somehow decided to follow Bryan and Vivian.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 86

    ?Chapter 86:

    Bryan escorted Vivian to the secluded living room reserved for his use alone, where none could venture without his permission.

    On the sofa, tears etched Vivian¡¯s cheeks as she said, ¡°Bryan, this isn¡¯t fair. How am I less than her? My love for you is true, but her? It¡¯s your wealth she¡¯s after!¡±

    His expression tightened at her words. ¡°You¡¯re targeting the wrong person,¡± he said.

    Eileen reached the top of the staircase just in time to catch their words. A hopeful flutter began in her chest.

    Was Bryan actually taking her side against Vivian? A fleeting joy bubbled within, only to be quenched by his next utterance.

    ¡°She¡¯s merely a distraction,¡± Bryan said.

    The realization stung. Eileen pressed her lips together, questioning her decision toe here.

    Yet, in a twisted way, this rity was a balm, offering her peace in understanding her true standing.

    Eileen tightened her hold on the card as tears fell down her face.

    Without a sound, she retreated down the stairs.

    On the upper floor, Vivian and Bryan¡¯s confrontation continued. Withposure regained, Vivian¡¯s voice was softer. ¡°Bryan, losing my cool was wrong, but it¡¯s hard for me to watch you with another woman. Have you considered that if you end things with her and the money stops, she might turn vindictive? What if she¡ª¡±

    She halted, her thoughts teetering on a precipice. She didn¡¯t know if Bryan knew that Eileen was pregnant.

    ????t??st ch¦Ápt?rs in g??lnovels.c????

    She added, ¡°What if she turns on thepany, or worse?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s not a threat,¡± Bryan said, his words short and final. ¡°You need to find a way to persuade my grandmother.¡±

    With that, he turned and went to his room, his exit speaking volumes without a word.

    Vivian, driven by a mixture of desperation and resolve, caught him in an embrace from behind. ¡°Bryan, I¡¯m not going anywhere. Take me. Your marital status doesn¡¯t matter. I just want us to be together. Forget about Eileen.¡±

    Her hands awkwardly grappled with his shirt, her efforts to undo the buttons clumsy and futile, but Bryan quickly pulled her hands away with decisiveness.

    He faced her, his gaze cold.

    The ring of a phone cut through the tense silence¡ªit was Bryan¡¯s.

    With a swift motion, he answered, ¡°Hello¡­¡±

    A brief exchange ensued, and then he turned to Vivian. ¡°Kian is on the line, wondering if you need him to pick you up.¡±

    Vivian¡¯s response was instant. ¡°No! I don¡¯t want to go.¡±

    With that, Vivian quickly excused herself to the downstairs guest room.

    Back on the call, Bryan¡¯s advice was firm. ¡°Kian, it¡¯s best to end this deal soon. It¡¯s not doing Vivian any favors.¡±

    ¡°I know what I¡¯m doing. Just give her more time,¡± Kian replied.

    Bryan, framed by the grand window with tempestuous winds swirling outside, warned, ¡°Don¡¯t get lost in wishful thinking.¡±

    Kian¡¯s reply was barely audible. ¡°Got it.¡±

    After the call, a stillness enveloped Bryan. Vivian¡¯s tears and Kian¡¯s request didn¡¯t bother him.

    It was the memory of Eileen¡¯s faint smile as she took the card earlier that lingered in his mind.

    He longed to strip away the pretense, to discover if money was her only joy.

    Vivian¡¯s insinuations echoed in his mind, igniting a tight knot.

    The night¡¯s rainfall had cleansed the air.

    Eileen, seemingly indifferent to beingbeled a mere tool, rose early.

    Bryan descended to find her in the courtyard with Ste, who was enjoying her morning coffee.

    He masked the chill in his gaze, greeting Ste with a customary nod.

    Seating himself next to Ste, he acknowledged Eileen¡¯s greeting.

    He swiftly turned to Ste. ¡°Birthday banquet¡ªhow do you n to manage it this year? I¡¯ll have people prepare it in advance.¡±

    Setting aside her cup, Ste replied, ¡°I¡¯ll check with your father about your parents¡¯ return. Full house calls for a grand affair; otherwise, a low-key celebration will do.¡±

    Then, as an afterthought, she queried, ¡°When is Z finishing her studies?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s gaze briefly tightened as he surveyed the servants bustling in the courtyard. ¡°Soon,¡± he responded.

    ¡°Your parents might return after Z¡¯s graduation. For now, a modest birthday gathering for me will do,¡± Ste said, rising to her feet.

    After a moment of reflection, Bryan told Eileen, ¡°You¡¯ll see to my grandmother¡¯s birthday arrangements. Keep it to our standard.¡±

    ¡°I understand, Mr. Dawson,¡± Eileen replied, stealing a nce at him.

    The warmth of the sun did little to soften his cold presence.

    ¡°Mrs. Dawson,¡± Vivian approached briskly, her demeanor untouched by the prior evening¡¯s drama, and gently grasped Ste¡¯s arm. ¡°Your birthday deserves more than simplicity. My family anticipates the event. There are some things we should sit down and discuss properly.¡±

    Her eyes flicked to Bryan, subtly seeking his attention.

    Bryan¡¯s attention shifted to Ste, waiting for her to say something. Eileen believed they wanted to discuss the matter regarding Bryan and Vivian at Ste¡¯s birthday.

    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Ste said. ¡°Eileen, draft invitations for a select number of our family¡¯s friends. Emphasize attendance. Tell them there¡¯ll be a significant announcement at the birthday gathering.¡±

    Vivian¡¯s glee was unmistakable as she nced at Eileen. ¡°What are you still waiting for? Didn¡¯t you hear what Mrs. Dawson said?¡±

    Eileen held back the swell of emotions, responding with a voice that quivered ever so slightly, ¡°Understood, Mrs. Dawson.¡±

    Vivian turned to Bryan, touching his shoulder lightly. ¡°Would you help me choose a gift for your grandmotherter? I can¡¯t seem to decide alone.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s expression shifted subtly, and he replied with a gentle tone, ¡°Alright.¡±

    Ste¡¯s silence was telling, hinting at eptance.

    ¡°I¡¯ll head out now, seeing as you won¡¯t go to the officeter, Mr. Dawson,¡± Eileen said. The difort was too much, and she was ready to leave this ce.

    Vivian, stepping in before Bryan could respond, said, ¡°You¡¯re free to go. Manage the internal meetings this morning on your own. Bryan won¡¯t have the time to attend.¡±

    Eileen inhaled deeply, steadying herself. ¡°Okay.¡±

    The car, stripped of the previous evening¡¯s scent, held a reflective quietude.

    On the road, Eileen¡¯s drive was swift, the scent of rain-soaked earth wafting in through the ajar window.

    With time to spare, she nned a detour to Springvale Lane for a change of attire. Strangely, as she put distance between herself and the Dawson Mansion, a tranquil serenity settled over her.

    Eileen found herself swamped with tasks as Bryan¡¯s absence left her to tackle numerous official duties.

    Preparations for Ste¡¯s birthday banquet also fell into her hands, an affair that had evolved from a simple family meal to an borate gathering with the Dawsons¡¯ lifelong friends.

    Steter called, instructing Eileen to hand-deliver the invitations as a gesture of personal touch and respect.

    Among the invitees was the Meyer family, and when Eileen went to deliver the invitation, Jacob happened to be there.

    ¡°Your personal delivery hints at an exceptional celebration for Ste this year,¡± Jacob said, epting the invitation.

    He passed it to Gwh, who couldn¡¯t help but say, ¡°Clearly. Now that Vivian is back, a wedding must be on the horizon, right?¡±

    Her gaze sought confirmation from Eileen.

    ¡°I really couldn¡¯t say,¡± Eileen replied, offering a smile. Without confirmation from Ste, it wasn¡¯t her ce to specte.

    Jacob watched Eileen, her calm demeanor piquing his curiosity.

    ¡°Pass my early congrattions to Ste,¡± Gwh seemed convinced of her own theory.

    Eileen offered a smile and made to depart, but Jacob followed her outside.

    He queried, ¡°Does it trouble you, Eileen?¡±

    Eileen paused, offering him a courteous response. ¡°Mr. Meyer, you are mistaken. There¡¯s nothing for me to be upset about.¡±

    Jacob¡¯s chuckle held a teasing edge. ¡°You¡¯re adopting Bryan¡¯s ways, being this stubborn. I don¡¯t believe you have no feelings for him.¡±

    Eileen remainedposed, her smile unwavering. ¡°Busy day ahead, Mr. Meyer. I have many invitations to deliver; I¡¯ll be leaving.¡±

    But Jacob¡¯s next words halted her. ¡°There¡¯s something amiss about Vivian,¡± he said, barring her path with a casual lean against the wall.

    Surprised, Eileen asked, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    With a knowing smirk, Jacob said, ¡°Just what I said. Persevere, Eileen. I think things will look up for you soon, perhaps with an unexpected twist.¡±

    With that, he moved aside. ¡°Don¡¯t let me keep you. See you at the celebration.¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± Eileen was left to ponder his words, suspecting he was merely stirring the pot with baseless theories.

    She made her rounds, handing out invitations. Curiosity was amon thread among the families that received the invitations. They all wondered about a potential announcement regarding Vivian and Bryan¡¯s rtionship at Ste¡¯s uing banquet.

    Eileen offered no concrete responses to their theories.

    For three days, she had been busy.

    Bryan, for his part, was seen frequently with Vivian. The reporters had taken a lot of photos of them together.

    Yet, the reporters¡¯test strategy was tactful. They negotiated with the public rtions team of Bryan¡¯spany, settling concerns financially, aware that any negative interference about the presumed nuptials would be distasteful.

    Among her myriad tasks, Eileen tended to thepany¡¯s suggestion box¡ªa routine for her each Saturday. This weekend, she found an envelope that drew her focus immediately.

    As she read the contents, her eyes widened with shock.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 87

    ?Chapter 87:

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, how the secret between you and Eileen¡ªshe is pregnant with your child. If you don¡¯t want this matter to spread in thepany, contact me and do as I say.¡±

    A phone number was printed at the bottom.

    Eileen was stunned. She read it twice to make sure she understood the words correctly.

    Just as she was about to leave with the letter in her hand, Bryan appeared beside her. He stood tall and slender under the glow of the light above.

    The air was turning cold. He was dressed in a suit and a ck overcoat, his hands buried in his pockets. His deep eyes fell on her.

    ¡°Whose letter?¡± he asked.

    Eileen gripped the letter tighter and replied, ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I can handle it.¡±

    Bryan didn¡¯t ask further and turned to press the elevator button. ¡°How¡¯s the preparation for the¡ª¡±

    Since Bryan was here, Eileen followed him into the elevator. ¡°It¡¯s nearly done. I¡¯ve notified everyone involved.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Bryan said, leaning against the elevator wall.

    Eileen waited for him to say more, but he stayed silent and headed back to his office to wrap up work.

    After discussing some work details, he told her to head home before him.

    It was about nine in the evening. Instead of going straight home, Eileen stopped by Roderick and Judie¡¯s ce.

    Explore fresh updates g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    She rang the doorbell, and Judie, wearing a mask, opened the door. ¡°Why are you back so early? You should be out there taking extra orders, making more money. You didn¡¯t even bring your key¡ª¡±

    Before Judie could finish, she recognized Eileen standing there. Panic shed across Judie¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Eileen, what brings you here?¡± Judie quickly forced a smile, opened the door wider, and ushered Eileen in.

    ¡°Have you eaten yet? I just made a meal for Roderick. If you¡¯d like, I can get you some.¡±

    As Eileen looked around, she noticed that most things in the room belonged to Judie, except for Roderick¡¯s slippers by the door.

    ¡°No, thanks. I¡¯m not hungry,¡± Eileen responded.

    Judie took off her face mask and washed her face. Returning to find Eileen seated on the sofa with the letter on the coffee table, she asked, ¡°Well¡­ What is this?¡±

    She sat down as far from Eileen as possible.

    Eileen pushed the letter towards her. ¡°Don¡¯t act like you don¡¯t know. Did you put this threatening letter in the suggestion box?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely not. I wouldn¡¯t use your rtionship with him to threaten him. Why would I want to stir up trouble for you?¡± Judie said.

    Even before Eileen could discuss the letter¡¯s details, Judie had already alluded to them.

    Eileen was convinced it was Judie who had sent the letter, even if she hadn¡¯t admitted it.

    ¡°Judie, consider yourself lucky I got to this letter first,¡± Eileen said. ¡°Do you really think you can threaten Bryan? Don¡¯t you see how easily he could ruin your life in Onnd?¡±

    Her voice was cold, sending a chill through the room.

    Judie, dressed only in her thin pajamas, felt a shiver.

    Meeting Eileen¡¯s gaze, she opened her mouth to defend herself but couldn¡¯t say anything.

    Eileen said, ¡°You should resign. It¡¯s best for you not to stay at Apex Group any longer.¡±

    She was giving Judie a chance, thinking of Judie¡¯s impulsive tendencies and the potential trouble she could cause for Roderick.

    Judie stood up abruptly, her intensity rising. ¡°Why should I resign? I haven¡¯t done anything wrong. Sure, I might have acted impulsively, but I was trying to help you! You¡¯re pregnant now, and since you will need an abortion, you deserve somepensation from¡­¡±

    ¡°This is none of your business! I don¡¯t want your help!¡± Eileen interjected, her voice cold. She stood up to face Judie. ¡°I know your motives. Consider this your final warning. Resign by the end of the month, or you won¡¯t like the consequences.¡±

    With that, Eileen grabbed her bag and left quickly, ignoring Judie¡¯s pleas, ¡°Eileen, don¡¯t go! Listen to me. Let¡¯s talk¡­¡±

    The door mmed behind Eileen, echoing through the building like a final verdict on Judie¡¯s hypocrisy.

    Eileen didn¡¯t want to think about what might happen if Bryan saw that letter. She worried not only about Judie provoking Bryan but also about how it might affect her own standing with him. What would Bryan think if he came across the letter?

    Stepping out of the elevator, Eileen ran into Roderick, just back from work.

    ¡°Eileen, what brings you here?¡± Roderick¡¯s face brightened as he approached. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you let me know earlier? I would have taken the evening off to spend time with you!¡±

    Roderick thought Eileen was there for dinner. Eileen smiled and replied, ¡°I lost weight. It must be tougher delivering takeout than handling packages.¡±

    Delivery drivers were constantly on the road and often missed regr meals.

    ¡°Judie thinks I need to lose weight anyway,¡± Roderick responded with a warm smile. ¡°Come upstairs and rx for a bit. It¡¯s been too long since west caught up.¡±

    Eileen shook her head. ¡°No, thank you. Let¡¯s just talk here. Have you thought about going back to our hometown? We can¡¯t leave Mom there by herself. She is getting old.¡±

    Roderick seemed surprised by her sudden change of topic. ¡°I do want to return, but Judie prefers the city. And Mom keeps telling us to look after each other here, not to worry about her.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t offer you much help in terms of money or connections here. Considering your skills, smaller cities might provide better opportunities for you. Think about going back to pursue your career,¡± Eileen suggested, hoping to sway him.

    If Judie resigned from Apex Group, she would lose her sry, making it tough for them to maintain their life here only on Roderick¡¯s sry.

    Judie had the skills to find another job, but matching the high sry from Apex Group would be a challenge. Therefore, moving back to their hometown looked like a sensible choice for Roderick and Judie. There, with their readiness to work, they could still enjoy a good life.

    Roderick seemed to understand the gravity of the situation. ¡°Eileen, are you in some kind of trouble?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing too serious. I might be on the brink of losing my job, so I wanted to let you know you need to start thinking about your future,¡± Eileen responded.

    Roderick caught Eileen¡¯s drift. In this bustling city, his and Judie¡¯s reliance on Eileen was significant. If Eileen were out of work, their situation would worsen.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about us. What about you?¡± Roderick asked, worried. ¡°You¡¯ve built a life here in Onnd. Where will you go? Plus, you have your grandmother with cancer to think about¡­¡±

    Above them, amp buzzed and flickered under a faulty circuit.

    Beneath the unsteady light, Eileen paused, contemting her future.

    It seemed more overwhelming than Roderick¡¯s situation.

    ¡°No need to worry about me. Just focus on your ns for the future,¡± Eileen eventually said, giving Roderick¡¯s shoulder a reassuring pat. ¡°Go home and get some rest. I need to head back.¡±

    As Roderick followed her, he said, ¡°Even though you were raised by our father, Mom always worries about you. If you can¡¯t stay here,e back with me. About your stepmother, before you arrange for her treatment, you need to look after yourself first.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t the first time Eileen heard such advice, but this was the first time it truly touched her heart.

    Roderick was concerned she might not be able to afford the care and wear herself out, while others had suggested that her efforts for her stepmother were wasted, that her stepmother wasn¡¯t worth the trouble.

    ¡°Go back now. If you run into troubleter, don¡¯t hesitate to reach out. I¡¯ll do whatever I can to help,¡± Eileen told Roderick, subtly dismissing his suggestion. She waved and returned to her car to leave.

    Roderick watched her car until it disappeared. Then, he turned and headed home.

    Meanwhile, Eileen made it back to her ce, switched on the heating, and felt the cold in her hands and feet start to fade.

    Settled into the living room, Eileen began organizing learning materials for Aaron.

    She was so focused on the task that she didn¡¯t dwell much on what she should do after Ste¡¯s birthday party, resigning herself to whatever fate had in store.

    The next day, Sunday, she woke up automatically at seven. She decided to contact Bailee and visit Ruby with her.

    Initially, she wanted to pick up Bailee and head to the hospital together, but Bailee had other ns.

    Bailee mentioned she had moved into a dormitory organized by Huey, who could also give her a ride to the hospital.

    At the hospital, the VIP ward was quiet. When Eileen reached Ruby¡¯s room, she saw a nurse withdrawing a needle from Ruby¡¯s hand.

    As soon as Ruby noticed Eileen, she signaled subtly to the nurse.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, you¡¯re here,¡± the nurse said with a smile, removing the needle and leaving the room.

    Eileen greeted the nurse and turned her focus to Ruby. ¡°Mom, you don¡¯t look too good. Have you been feeling unwelltely?¡±

    She then called out to the nurse to stop her from leaving.

    ¡°I don¡¯t remember Dr. White prescribing an IV drip.¡±

    The nurse, holding her tray, stopped at the door and looked silently towards Ruby.

    Ruby got out of bed and urged Eileen to sit down. ¡°I¡¯ve switched medications; Dr. White told me about it,¡± she assured Eileen. Then, she turned to the nurse. ¡°You go on with your duties. My daughter will take care of me today.¡±

    Once the nurse exited, Ruby turned to Eileen with a hint of criticism. ¡°This nurse has been with us since we got here. She might be upset that you questioned her.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to question her; I was just curious about the change,¡± Eileen replied.

    ¡°You¡¯re too caught up in your work. You don¡¯t need to know about every minor change in my medication. I asked Dr. White not to bother you with such details,¡± Ruby exined. She then looked towards the door. ¡°Where is Bailee?¡±

    ¡°She found a new job and had to move into a dormitory. She said she¡¯de by herself,¡± Eileen replied, not wanting to dig further into the medication issue. ¡°Mom, you really don¡¯t look well. Maybe I should talk to Dr. White to see if it¡¯s rted to the medication. Are you experiencing any difort?¡±

    With that, she stood up to go and find Emilio.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 88

    ?Chapter 88:

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Ruby reassured her, still holding Eileen¡¯s hand. ¡°I¡¯m just not used to the new ward and haven¡¯t been sleeping well. Please don¡¯t bother Dr. White too much; he¡¯s very busy.¡±

    It was at that moment that Eileen understood Ruby¡¯s difficulty adjusting to her new sleeping environment. ¡°In that case, speak to Dr. White about prescribing something to help you rx. He emphasized how crucial it is for you to get sufficient rest for your health,¡± Eileen said.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Ruby agreed with a gentle smile. ¡°Go get some fruit. We can sit and chat.¡±

    There was an assortment of fruit on the bedside table. Eileen chose Ruby¡¯s favorite and went to wash them.

    Ruby breathed a sigh of relief as she stood by the window, eagerly waiting for Bailee¡¯s arrival to alleviate her anxiety.

    She had been on edge, nearly revealing something to Eileen in her nervous state.

    Looking out the ward window, Ruby spotted the hospital gate. A shiny car pulled up, catching her eye.

    Bailee stepped out of the car, joined by Huey. They engaged in lively conversation as they retrieved two boxes of nutritional supplements from the trunk.

    Bailee carried the boxes into the hospital while Huey drove away after saying goodbye.

    After washing the fruit, Eileen entered the room and noticed Ruby standing by the window, deep in thought.

    ¡°Mom,¡± she called out.

    New content avable g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re back!¡± Ruby snapped out of her thoughts, returning to the bed to chat with Eileen, smiling. ¡°How have things been between you and Hueytely?¡± Ruby asked.

    Before entering the ward, Eileen had anticipated Ruby¡¯s inquiry about her rtionship with Huey and had already crafted her response. ¡°He¡¯s rather young for me. I don¡¯t believe it¡¯s suitable for us to be involved romantically.¡±

    Ruby¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Why would you say that? Didn¡¯t he get injured to save you? Weren¡¯t you two on good terms before? Tell me the truth. Is it because¡­?¡±

    Her voice trailed off, and the ward fell silent.

    Confused, Eileen asked, ¡°Because of what?¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Ruby replied. ¡°I¡¯m just worried about you. Let¡¯s have some fruit?¡±

    Despite Eileen refraining from further probing, she couldn¡¯t overlook Ruby¡¯s palpable concern.

    Compelled to reassure Ruby, Eileen said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m giving it my all. If there¡¯s even a slight chance, I¡¯ll pursue it. But we shouldn¡¯t rush. If being with him isn¡¯t the right path for me, I can¡¯t force it.¡±

    Ruby smiled and stayed silent. Shortly after, Bailee entered the room.

    ¡°Ma¡¯am, Eileen, sorry for beingte,¡± Bailee apologized as she ced the nutritional supplements on the bedside table.

    Ruby looked at her and asked, ¡°Did you buy the supplements?¡±

    ¡°A friend asked me to bring these as a kind gesture,¡± Bailee replied.

    Ruby maintained a neutral expression as she advised, ¡°It¡¯s best not to ept gifts from others without a valid reason. Remember to conduct yourself appropriately.¡±

    Ruby¡¯s words didn¡¯t seem out of ce, as she had often shared such lessons with Eileen and Bailee.

    Bailee leaned in for a hug, but Ruby gently declined.

    The ward was peaceful as the three engaged in pleasant conversation andter took a nap after lunch.

    Later in the afternoon, Eileen went to the rkson family¡¯s house to tutor, leaving Bailee in the ward with Ruby.

    ¡°Bailee, not young anymore? Have you ever considered¡­?¡± Ruby suddenly brought up the topic.

    Taken aback, Bailee quickly replied, ¡°No, Mom. Are you trying to pressure me into marriage? Even Eileen isn¡¯t married yet. No need to worry about me now.¡±

    ¡°Why not? My time is limited. It would mean a great deal to me to see you get married. Both you and Eileen should settle down soon,¡± Ruby said.

    After a brief moment of reflection, she added, ¡°I¡¯ll have someone search for a suitable match for youter.¡±

    Bailee somehow felt reluctant. She said, ¡°I don¡¯t need that. You can just focus on taking care of yourself.¡±

    Sensing Ruby¡¯s persistence, Bailee quickly excused herself. ¡°I¡¯ll go buy fruit for you.¡±

    Inside the hospital room, Ruby¡¯s expression grew somber.

    Eileen was surprised to find Bryan at the rkson family¡¯s house.

    Seated on the couch, Bryan basked in the afternoon sunlight pouring in through the French window.

    With aposed demeanor, his eyes casually scanned over Eileen as she entered the room.

    As Eileen arrived, Han promptly stood up. ¡°Ms. Curtis, Aaron is waiting for you upstairs. You can go there now. I¡¯ll discuss some work matters with Mr. Dawson.¡±

    After a brief moment of thought, Eileen greeted Bryan.

    He acknowledged her with a nod, rising from his seat and putting out his cigarette. He nced towards the stairs and said, ¡°You can head upstairs now.¡±

    Eileen replied, then smiled at Han. ¡°I¡¯ll go upstairs now.¡±

    With that, she turned and made her way up the stairs, clutching a stack of documents. At the corner, she nced back downstairs.

    Bryan and Han were deeply absorbed in their business discussion. Bryan¡¯s indifference felt chilling.

    Bryan had made no effort to see her for days, and his apparent disinterest was clear.

    Would their rtionship really end like this?

    ¡°Ms. Curtis!¡± Aaron called out.

    Eileen hurried over, noticing that the door to the study had been left open. It looked like Aaron had been waiting for her arrival for a while.

    ¡°Let¡¯s begin.¡± Collecting herself, Eileenid down the files and started the tutoring session.

    Han ced great importance on Aaron¡¯s education, as evidenced by the expansive library that covered almost one hundred square meters, filled with resources for various grade levels.

    Eileen realized that she had forgotten a file. During the twenty-minute break, she ventured into the library in search of a simr book.

    Countless shelves were filled with a wide array of books. The narrow space between the shelves barely allowed for a person to pass through.

    As Eileen neared the end of one shelf, she noticed Bryan deeply engrossed in reading a book about advanced mathematics.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson?¡± she called out, furrowing her brow and stopping a short distance away from him. ¡°You¡¯re still here?¡±

    Bryan raised his gaze slightly, returning the book to its ce on the shelf.

    ¡°Mr. rkson invited me to dinner. I¡¯m just here to kill some time,¡± he said.

    Although it was almost time for dinner, Eileen hadn¡¯t nned on staying for dinner. Her intention was to leave once she finished the tutoring session.

    ¡°I see,¡± she replied, turning to continue her search for the book. However, she found herself oddly distracted.

    Bryan¡¯s deep gaze fixated on her through the cracks in the bookshelf.

    Her lips glowed with a glossy red hue, and her figure radiated a captivating charm.

    The golden rays of the setting sun gently kissed her loose ponytail, lending her a youthful aura.

    After a while, Bryan approached the end of the bookshelf where Eileen stood. ¡°What book are you looking for?¡± he asked.

    ¡°The one about chemistry theory,¡± Eileen replied.

    Bryan moved to another row of shelves. His voice, clear and pleasant, reached her ears. ¡°Here.¡±

    Eileen approached Bryan, studying him as he scanned the bookshelf with his gaze.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, what are your ns after your grandmother¡¯s birthday party? Should I prepare another divorce agreement for you?¡± Eileen asked softly.

    Her words reverberated in the quiet library.

    Bryan contemted for a moment before he replied, ¡°Alright.¡±

    Eileen responded, then a weighty silence enveloped them.

    Bryan didn¡¯t nce around to search for the book; instead, his gaze remained steadily focused on a distant point. After a long silence, he suddenly asked, ¡°Considering you won¡¯t be able to get money from me in the future, what are your ns?¡±

    His casual questionnded like a heavy blow to her heart.

    Swallowing hard, Eileen replied, ¡°I don¡¯t really know.¡±

    Just as she finished speaking, a book suddenly appeared in front of her¡ªthe very one she had been searching for.

    Taking it, she said, ¡°Thank you, Mr. Dawson. I should head back.¡±

    With that, she turned and quickly left the library.

    Sitting at Aaron¡¯s desk, shemenced the lesson, wrapping it up in less than ten minutes. ¡°I¡¯ll send you a couple of questions on this theory for further discussion. I¡¯ll leave now.¡±

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, my father invited you to join us for dinner,¡± Aaron hurriedly said.

    After a moment¡¯s pause, Eileen responded, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I have something to deal withter. Please extend my gratitude to your father.¡±

    With her bag in hand, she left hastily.

    As she walked out the front door, the emotions inside her finally overwhelmed her.

    She came to the realization that Bryan would never be exclusively hers again.

    Even if she wished for any closeness with him, she would require his consent. He wouldn¡¯t activelye to her in the future, regardless of whether she sought money from him or not.

    The turmoil of her crumbling rtionship with Bryan overshadowed the impending storm.

    The end of their rtionship felt inevitable.

    When Eileen got home, she opted to immerse herself in the dark, forsaking the sce of light, and drifted off to sleep on the sofa.

    Throughout the night, the cold breeze seeping through the partially open window made her shiver uncontrobly.

    Despite getting a cold, she pushed through the difort and headed to thepany in the morning.

    There were only two days left before Ste¡¯s birthday party. Eileen noticed Bryan had arrived earlier than usual today.

    She also noticed Vivian¡¯s bag on the secretary¡¯s desk outside his office, indicating Bryan and Vivian had arrived together.

    As Eileen made her way to her office, she couldn¡¯t help but catch snippets of the employees¡¯ excited chatter.

    The atmosphere hummed with anticipation, suggesting that people were probably aware of Ste¡¯s n to announce Bryan and Vivian¡¯s uing marriage at the birthday party. Eileen, however, had a somber mood.

    Judie also seemed upset today.

    With only ten days left until the end of the month, she appeared torn about whether to resign or not.

    As Judie wrestled with uncertainty, a suddenmotion erupted at the door: Two employees were engaged in animated conversation, with Vivian being the topic of their discussion.

    Judie asked them, ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you know? Miss Warren is going to marry Mr. Dawson soon. She has finally earned Mr. Dawson¡¯s grandmother¡¯s forgiveness!¡± one of the employees eximed.

    Stunned, Judie¡¯s initial shock quickly turned into tion. If Bryan was indeed going to marry Vivian, Eileen would be nothing. Eileen would not hold any power over her, and she wouldn¡¯t have to resign because of Eileen. After all, Vivian was going to take control here.

    Judie promptly stood up, grabbed a document, and made her way upstairs to find Vivian. Upon reaching the top floor, Judie found Vivian engaged in casual conversation with a group of female employees in the pantry.

    Seeing Judie approaching her, Vivian just nced at Judie indifferently.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 89

    ?Chapter 89:

    Judie bit her lip, the struggle in her gaze evident.

    To Vivian, Judie was not useful anymore.

    It seemed her only pleasure was to unt in front of Judie. After chatting for a while, Vivian asked the others to leave. This gave Judie a chance to speak with Vivian.

    ¡°Ms. Warren, what joyous news! It¡¯s all over town¡ªMr. Dawson¡¯s grandmother has forgiven you. Seems your wedding with Mr. Dawson is on the horizon!¡± Judie said.

    Vivian beamed. ¡°Bryan¡¯s grandmother has forgiven me long ago. She just stalled because of the Dawson family¡¯s reputation. After all, I had left Bryan before. But now, it¡¯s all good.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear,¡± Judie responded with haste. ¡°But what are you going to do with Eileen?¡±

    Hearing Eileen¡¯s name, Vivian¡¯s grin held a triumph. ¡°She¡¯s nothing but Bryan¡¯s toy. She certainly can¡¯t remain by Bryan¡¯s side, not on my watch! I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll even let her stay in Onnd.¡±

    A thrill raced through Judie. ¡°Incredible! Just two days ago, Eileen told me to resign by the end of this month. She¡¯s got to be riled up, seeing how close I am to you.¡±

    Judie just wanted to make Vivian angrier at Eileen.

    Her crafty words hit their mark.

    Vivian questioned, ¡°What will happen if you stay? Can she actually do anything?¡±

    ¡°Ms. Warren, everyone¡¯s bound to slip up at work, big or small. She could simply use that as a reason to fire you. It¡¯s difficult to predict,¡± Judie replied.

    Keep reading at g¦Ál¦Çovels?c©–m

    While Eileen had the power to fire someone in thepany, Vivian, a secretary, wasn¡¯t granted the authority to countermand such decisions.

    Thus, securing Judie¡¯s position within the firm was anything but easy for Vivian.

    Vivian thought about seeking Bryan¡¯s assistance, yet she doubted his willingness to help her.

    The idea of pleading directly with Bryan had never crossed Judie¡¯s mind. She just focused on winning Vivian¡¯s favor, a strategy to fortify her own standing.

    ¡°Ms. Warren, did the thought ever cross your mind that Eileen might stir trouble at Mr. Dawson¡¯s grandmother¡¯s birthday bash, ruining your ns?¡± Judie asked.

    The mere suggestion caused Vivian to stiffen. The precarious secret of the pregnancy, if unveiled by Eileen, threatened to shatter her carefullyid ns.

    ¡°She has to be out of Onnd before the birthday celebration,¡± Vivian said with a firm resolve.

    Judie nodded in earnest agreement. ¡°Absolutely! If her ties with Mr. Dawsone to light, she¡¯ll have no choice but to leave thepany and Onnd, too. Mr. Dawson will certainly cast her aside to preserve his own image.¡±

    Judie¡¯s words were convincing, and Vivian agreed with her.

    Yet, Vivian was no fool, and the realization that Judie was manipting her lingered at the back of her mind.

    Grasping Judie¡¯s hand, Vivian said, ¡°You need to handle this. It¡¯s not my ce to step in. Should Bryan get wind of any meddling, it would only strain my rtionship with him. As long as my rtionship with him doesn¡¯t change, I¡¯ll have the power to protect you.¡±

    Judie was caught off-guard, speechless.

    Vivian continued, ¡°Look, once Eileen is out of the picture, I¡¯ll have a firm grip on things here. Keeping you inside thepany? That¡¯s the easy part. Promotions, raises¡ªthey¡¯ll care about your husband¡¯s job situation; we can fix that, too. Before you know it, you¡¯ll both be enjoying your life in Onnd.¡±

    Vivian¡¯s words painted a future as bright as the midday sun, striking a chord with Judie¡¯s deepest yearnings.

    How could Judie refuse such an offer?

    She agreed and quickly departed, but once the adrenaline faded, she realized that the situation was tricky.

    If she failed and Eileen¡¯s wrath was roused, she would be cornered without an exit.

    Weighing her options, she reached for her phone and dialed Roderick.

    ¡°Roderick, there¡¯s trouble brewing. Eileen and Mr. Dawson might be on the outs, and he¡¯s set on marrying Ms. Warren,¡± she told Roderick.

    ¡°No wonder Eileen told me to brace for this early. She saw this storming. But there¡¯s a silver lining. At the very least, it means she won¡¯t be stuck in this mess anymore,¡± Roderick replied.

    ¡°And how is that a silver lining?¡± Judie gave a frustrated sigh. ¡°Eileen¡¯s pregnant! And now with Bryan leaving, where does that leave her? Not only will she be left with nothing, but she also needs to have an abortion. That¡¯s so unfair! And once Ms. Warren is in charge, Eileen¡¯s chances here will be gone.¡±

    With each word from Judie, Roderick¡¯s face grew darker. ¡°That man is a jerk! I¡¯ll call Eileen and ask her what she thinks.¡±

    ¡°What good will that do?¡± Judie challenged, her irritation clear. ¡°She¡¯s been wronged, with no parents to support her. You¡¯re her brother. It¡¯s on you to fight for her, not to question her about these matters. Listen, why don¡¯t you take this to Mr. Dawson? He dreads a public spectacle. Demand some kind of payback for Eileen.¡±

    ¡°What are you suggesting?¡± Roderick shot back. ¡°Facing Mr. Dawson could only spell disaster. And if it turns into a fiasco, Eileen¡¯s chance to remain here is out the window!¡±

    ¡°Staying quiet won¡¯t help her, either. Ms. Warren¡¯s not about to let her stick around. If Eileen¡¯s on her way out regardless, her reputation shouldn¡¯t be a concern. I¡¯ll get you into thepany to talk to Mr. Dawson¡­ Just steer clear of mentioning the pregnancy. We don¡¯t want to mar her chances of finding someone in the future,¡± Judie said.

    Judie¡¯s words swirled in Roderick¡¯s mind, leaving him conflicted, unable to settle on what to do next.

    Judie added, ¡°I¡¯m doing this for Eileen¡¯s best interest. She¡¯s got too big of a heart, always putting others first. Can you really just watch and do nothing as her brother?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re making sense. As her only kin, it¡¯s my duty to step up for her,¡± Roderick replied. Once the call ended, Roderick made his way directly to the Apex Group headquarters.

    The office was a vista of grays and cks, mirroring Bryan¡¯s cool demeanor.

    Behind his desk, he watched as Eileen delivered her report.

    Before she could finish, he interjected, ¡°Have you caught a cold?¡±

    Her raspy voice, paired with a creased brow, betrayed her difort.

    She set aside the paperwork. ¡°Yeah. But it won¡¯t interfere with my job.¡±

    Bryan suggested, ¡°If you¡¯re not well, perhaps you should head home. I feel bad watching you like this. Get some rest; your sry will remain untouched.¡±

    Eileen, taken aback, said, ¡°I¡¯m grateful for your leniency, Mr. Dawson. I¡¯ll manage; no need for concern.¡±

    Her resolve seemed to echo in Bryan¡¯s mind. He wondered how long Eileen would stay by his side. Once the quarterly report was settled, Eileen asked, ¡°Is there anything else you need from me, Mr. Dawson?¡±

    Bryan retrieved some cold medicine from his desk and suggested, ¡°Take one. Then have some rest in the lounge.¡±

    Eileen hesitated, her expression uncertain. Resting in his private space was beyond consideration.

    Bryan¡¯s voice was firm. ¡°Rest now. You need it.¡±

    ¡°But Ms. Warren is still outside. Wouldn¡¯t that cause a misunderstanding or even upset her?¡± Eileen had wanted to ask this question countless times, and today, she finally did.

    Understanding dawned on Bryan as he reclined in his seat and narrowed his eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you after the birthday celebrations are over.¡±

    Eileen conceded with a reluctant nod. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll take the medicine. But I¡¯ll forgo the rest.¡±

    ¡°Find some time, and we¡¯ll have a talk in the future,¡± Bryan said, shifting the conversation away from his insistence on immediate rest.

    The implication of a further talk hung in the air. What could he possibly mean, if not a reminder to keep a distance in the future?

    Eileen¡¯s lips quirked into a half-smile. ¡°Should you wish to talkter, I¡¯ll make myself avable!¡±

    She pondered whether he would desire herpany once her true identity came to light.

    Bryan¡¯s gaze lingered on Eileen, deep with confusion. Despite the long look, the message behind her guarded expression remained a mystery to him.

    ¡°I should return to my work,¡± Eileen said, pivoting on her heel to leave.

    Eileen had personally prepared the cold medicine for herself, yet somehow, the medicine he had given her tasted different.

    Feeling dizzy, she allowed her head to rest on the desk¡¯s cool surface for a brief respite.

    An urgent call pierced the midday lull, signaling turmoil within thepany. The afternoon¡¯s agenda was abruptly advanced, erasing any hopes for a leisurely lunch break.

    With weary eyes, Eileen gathered her documents and departed. As she did, Bryan came out of his office.

    Without hesitation, she trailed after him.

    Thepany¡¯s executives, like a current, all gathered to go to the meeting. The congestion of lunchtime only heightened the sense of urgency.

    In the sea of tailored suits, a figure d in blue caught Eileen¡¯s eye. That man was wearing a helmet and a mask.

    His exposed eyes bore into Bryan, their familiarity unsettling to Eileen, though she dismissed the possibility.

    The medicine¡¯s haze left Eileen momentarily adrift until a familiar shout sliced through the fog.

    ¡°Bryan, you bastard! How dare you treat my sister so cruelly?¡±

    Roderick, in a fit of rage, threw his takeout towards Bryan and bolted forward.

    Eileen, jolted to alertness by her brother¡¯s outcry, deflected the airborne takeout in his direction.

    The soup drenched her instead, the burn turning the back of her hand a stark red, the pain etching into her features.

    The onlookers all recoiled from the chaos, their faces etched with shock as Roderick closed in on Bryan.

    Bryan¡¯s gaze, icy and sharp, fell on Eileen¡¯s injured hand before shifting to Roderick.

    With a swift movement, Bryan kicked Roderick, who was sent sprawling.

    Roderick¡¯s grimace was brief. His determination was unshaken as he attempted to rise.

    It wasn¡¯t long before the crowd snapped to action, subduing Roderick and holding him firmly against the floor.

    Pinned down yet undeterred, Roderick spat out usations.

    ¡°Bryan Dawson, you hypocrite! My sister has worked for you for years, loyally at your side in the daylight and bending to your will at night. But when the moment suits you, you discard her like she¡¯s nothing!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 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, usuallyposed, now stood ghostly pale, drained of all color, while Bryan¡¯s countenance darkened with a stormy intensity.

    Speech failed them both, leaving the usation 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 ofughter.

    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 mustpensate her! She has been with you for so many years. What about her future? She¡ª¡±

    ¡°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.

    L?t?st ch¦Ápt?rs in g??lnovels.??????

    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 nced nervously at Bryan¡¯s darkened face.

    Turning to the bystanders for support, he shouted, ¡°You all heard him! He said he¡¯dpensate her!¡±

    ¡°Leave now!¡± Unable topel him to go, Eileen¡¯s urgency escted into a shout, her usuallyposed 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 withoutpensating 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 esctingmotion 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 eximed, ¡°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¡¯smand.

    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 herselfpelled to meet his gaze. As she raised her head, her tears flowed even more freely.

    Bryan said, ¡°Do you need money that badly? Just name your price. Are you resorting to theatrics? Are you just nning to leave me and 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,pelling 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 prating 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 exnation 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 Onnd after crossing me? Allow me to offer a suggestion. How about bing my secret lover for life? As long as you satisfy me and 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 copsed at his feet, her long hair obscuring most of her face.

    Unable to regain hisposure, 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 eyshes fluttered, and she slowly rose to her feet.

    She knew further exnation 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 escted 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 dy his marriage to Vivian.

    Eileen said, ¡°I apologize for disappointing you, Mr. Dawson. This is entirely my fault. You don¡¯t owe me anypensation. 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 time being. We¡¯ll discuss your resignation after my grandmother¡¯s birthday.¡±

    Suspended?

    Eileen lifted her head, puzzled. She had expected immediate termination.

    Bryan nced 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,¡± hemanded, 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,¡± Eileenmanded, 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 nces. 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 circted throughout the entire building during Eileen¡¯s time with Bryan in his office.

    Upon reaching the first floor, the receptionist stole a nce 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 ying on her lips as she looked at Eileen.

    Judie nced 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 toe here, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    Judie¡¯s eyes twitched as she stuttered, ¡°He made the decision himself. I just¡­ agh!¡±

    A sharp p cut her off mid-sentence.

    Eileen¡¯s voice grew hoarse with frustration. ¡°I pped 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. ¡°Onnd isn¡¯t working out for you. Don¡¯t hesitate to leave the city!¡±

    Judie winced from the sting of the p. 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 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 youter.¡±

    Rather than taking thepany 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 copsed 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 had imbibed more than half of the bottle, he remained sober, staring nkly 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 exined, taking a seat on the bench by the window. Sensing Bryan¡¯s foul mood, he nced around the office.

    ¡°Are you workingte? 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.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 91

    ?Chapter 91:

    Bryan¡¯s gaze turned stormy, his expression hinting at the brewing turmoil within him.

    To him, Eileen was the one stirring up trouble, eager to sever all ties with him and vanish from his life forever. Clearly, for the sake of money, she was willing to stoop to any low.

    ¡°Is Vivian really worth it, man? Is she that exceptional?¡±

    Jacob¡¯s words were silenced by a sharp nce from Bryan.

    Jacob paused, realizing he might have misinterpreted the situation.

    ¡°I was ckmailed,¡± Bryan said, his toneced with sarcasm.

    Jacob mulled over the fragments of conversation he had overheard on the way here, piecing them together with sudden rity.

    ¡°So Eileen really loves money, huh? But you¡¯re aware of her mother¡¯s illness, right? She was desperate.¡±

    His sympathetic words were once again quashed by Bryan¡¯s intense stare.

    Having a sick mother didn¡¯t give Eileen the right to exploit him like this.

    Jacob sighed. ¡°She¡¯s wrong, no doubt about it. But why haven¡¯t you let her go? She obviously means something to you. However, if your grandmother or the Warren family catch wind of this¡ª¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Bryan erupted, rising from his seat, grabbing his coat, and striding out. ¡°Let¡¯s head to DV Club.¡±

    It was clear that drowning his sorrows here wasn¡¯t cutting it anymore; he needed a change of scenery to release the pent-up frustration.

    Jacob could only follow, trotting alongside Bryan and murmuring, ¡°Eileen¡¯s really caught in a bind, caught between the Warren family and your grandmother. And now, you¡¯re tightening the screws on her. How¡¯s she going to survive?¡±

    Read more at g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í???s

    With every word uttered, Bryan¡¯s gaze darkened a shade deeper.

    At the hospital, the acrid scent of disinfectant hung in the air as Eileen slowly regained consciousness, her head pounding.

    Her long eyshes fluttered, and she opened her eyes to the sight of the sterile white ceiling, pausing for a moment to gather her bearings.

    ¡°Eileen!¡± Bailee rushed to her side, a look of concern etched on her face. ¡°You¡¯re awake!¡±

    The coolness on Eileen¡¯s forehead was from Bailee checking her temperature. After a quick read, Bailee said anxiously, ¡°The fever hasn¡¯t gone down. I¡¯ll go get a doctor.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll stay here.¡± Huey¡¯s voice came from the foot of the bed.

    Eileen managed to catch a fleeting glimpse of Huey as he hastily exited the ward. She attempted to speak, but her throat felt parched and painful, as if engulfed in mes.

    Furrowing her brow in difort, Eileen was handed a cup of warm water by Bailee.

    With an IV tube in her hand, Eileen attempted to sit up.

    She had never felt so weak; even sitting up seemed like an arduous task. After drinking two cups of warm water, her throat felt slightly better.

    The doctor arrived and exined that her persistent high fever was due to a cold, requiring her to be on IV for a few days.

    Her other hand, which had suffered burns, had been treated while she was unconscious. It was now swathed in bandages, with her fingers barely discernible.

    ¡°Take fever-reducing medicine when the temperature rises. Once the virus in your body is suppressed, the fever should not recur,¡± the doctor said.

    With that, the doctor left.

    Eileen leaned against the headboard, her pale lips moving slightly. ¡°How did I end up in the hospital?¡±

    Bailee spoke up, her voice trembling. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for Huey and me finding you, you might have sumbed to the fever! I heard your phone ringing inside your ce, but when you didn¡¯t answer the door, I knew something was wrong. Thank goodness I knew your ce¡¯s password.¡±

    They arrived around six in the evening, finding Eileen already fast asleep since the afternoon.

    If they hadn¡¯te, Eileen might have truly died alone at home, unnoticed.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay now. No need to worry,¡± Eileen said. Seeing Bailee¡¯s tears, Eileen reached out tofort her, only to realize her hand was swathed in bandages.

    Huey handed Bailee a tissue. ¡°Dry your tears. But Eileen, what happened to your hand? Didn¡¯t you treat it right away?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s gazended on her bandaged hand, memories of Bryan¡¯s cold demeanor flooding her mind.

    ¡°I identally scalded myself, didn¡¯t manage to treat it in time, and was so exhausted that I fell asleep. I didn¡¯t expect to develop a fever.¡± She chuckled softly. ¡°At least I can rest now, which is a good thing.¡±

    Bailee interjected, ¡°You could have asked for leave if you needed rest. Why did you have to handle it this way? What about Mr. Dawson? Did he approve your leave?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen replied. Changing the subject with a light smile, she asked, ¡°Did you twoe to see me for something specific?¡±

    ¡°I thought it¡¯s been a while since we got together and wanted to invite you for a meal,¡± Bailee said, stealing a nce at Huey before quickly looking away.

    Eileen chuckled softly. ¡°Then I should thank you both for saving me!¡±

    Perhaps due to the fever, her head felt heavy, and her eyelids drooped. She drifted off to sleep again after a brief conversation.

    Bailee stayed by Eileen¡¯s bed. ¡°Huey, thank you. Without you, I wouldn¡¯t have known what to do. It¡¯ste; you should go rest. I¡¯ll stay here with Eileen.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it,¡± Huey replied. ¡°But¡­ I can¡¯t shake the feeling that something¡¯s not right with Eileen.¡±

    Huey¡¯s intuition was sharper than Bailee¡¯s, sensing that it was unusual for Eileen to be injured, untreated, and unconscious at home with a fever.

    Bailee immediately tensed up. ¡°What do you mean? Did something happen to Eileen?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just specting. I¡¯ll stay here with you to keep an eye on her. There¡¯s a ce to rest here anyway,¡± Huey replied.

    Huey tidied up the attendant bed for Bailee to sleep on while he settled on the sofa.

    On the cab in front of the sofa, Eileen¡¯s phone disyed a blinking red light, signaling missed calls and messages.

    It was past eleven when the lights dimmed in the ward, and Eileen¡¯s phone¡¯s notification rang once more, breaking the silence.

    Bailee, who hadn¡¯t slept, whispered, ¡°Huey, should we check who messaged Eileen? If it¡¯s work-rted and Mr. Dawson can¡¯t reach her, it might be seen as¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll check,¡± Huey replied, unlocking the phone. There were WhatsApp messages from Jacob.

    There were photos attached, capturing a silhouette broodingly sipping a drink in front of a floor-to-ceiling window, emanating an aura of loneliness and despair.

    The towering figure was cloaked in darkness.

    ¡°Eileen, I¡¯m not taking your side this time. Look at what you¡¯ve done to Bryan. Just don¡¯t hurt him like this again.¡±

    Huey was taken aback after reading that. Eileen seemed to be in trouble, and Bryan was involved.

    But how could Eileen be the one hurting Bryan?

    Huey believed Bryan must have been the one mistreating Eileen and that Bryan was ying the victim now.

    With this thought, Huey swiftlyposed a response:

    ¡°He deserves worse!¡±

    Jacob stared at the screen, his eyes widening in shock.

    Had Eileen really sent this message?

    Before he could process it, Bryan snatched his phone.

    Seeing the messages on the screen, Bryan¡¯s fury surged, and he threw the phone into the fish tank.

    The fish inside scattered in panic.

    Jacob leaped to his feet. ¡°That¡¯s my phone! Why are youshing out at my phone?¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Bryan¡¯s chest burned with rage at Eileen¡¯s response.

    It seemed that she truly wanted to leave Apex Group. There was no need for her to put on that submissive act anymore.

    Jacob felt too intimidated to say anything more to Bryan, so he resorted to trying to retrieve his phone from the fish tank.

    The next morning, Eileen¡¯s fever had subsided, and her throat felt much better than the day before.

    Upon waking up, she looked for her phone.

    Huey had already deleted the messages with Jacob and returned the phone to Eileen as if nothing had urred.

    There were many messages and calls from various people, but Eileen didn¡¯t see any from Bryan.

    She noticed that Ste had called her twice yesterday afternoon. She wasted no time and promptly returned the call.

    Ste answered the call, her voice filled with anger. ¡°Eileen, where did you go? You and that brat disappeared on me!¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Dawson, sorry, there was a slight issue. Mr. Dawson should be at the office,¡± Eileen exined apologetically.

    ¡°You took leave? Then have a good rest. You cane to the banquet tomorrow to help.¡± After a brief pause, Ste added, ¡°Contact thepany¡¯swyer and have theme to the Dawson Mansion to see me.¡±

    Lawyer? Eileen believed it must be regarding Bryan¡¯s divorce.

    Eileen¡¯s grip on the phone tightened, her heart growing heavy. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll have thewyere to you right away.¡±

    After hanging up, she realized she had been suspended. Going to the banquet tomorrow¡­ She wasn¡¯t sure if Bryan would be angry and kick her out.

    Despite her uncertainty about Bryan¡¯s reaction, Eileen decided to attend the banquet, knowing Ste would be preupied with the event¡¯s preparations. Being in a difficult situation was nothing new to her anyway.

    Thepany¡¯s chat group, usually abuzz with chatter, had fallen eerily silent. Since Eileen¡¯s incident, it seemed as if everyone had been muted.

    Chaos must have been brewing behind the scenes, with discussions about her and Bryan¡¯s affairs likely underway.

    Eileen took a deep breath and scrolled through her phone. She saw messages from Aaron.

    She now remembered she was supposed to prepare materials for Aaronst night, but she never got around to it. Aaron had also called her several times, but the calls had been automatically declined.

    Eileen quickly messaged Aaron back, promising him that after tomorrow, she could visit his house every day for face-to-face tutoring.

    Aaron was likely in ss and didn¡¯t reply.

    After handling two urgent work matters sent by Ka, Eileen put her phone aside. She then noticed Bailee and Huey staring at her from the sofa.

    She moved her lips, about to voice her desire to leave, but Bailee immediately interjected, ¡°No! The doctor said yourck of fever is temporary. You need to go 72 hours without a rpse to truly be considered fever-free.¡±

    Eileen hadn¡¯t even spoken, yet Bailee seemed to have expected her request to be discharged.

    After a while, Eileen gave in. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll make sure to rest up today. But I can¡¯t miss Mrs. Dawson¡¯s birthday banquet tomorrow. I might be tied up all day, or I might return early.¡±

    ¡°If you promise to take it easy and stick to your IV treatment today, I¡¯ll grant you permission to go to work tomorrow. But remember, you have toe back right after,¡± Bailee replied.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 92

    ?Chapter 92:

    Eileen endured a full day tethered to IV drips and medication, with Bailee constantly urging her to stay hydrated.

    The medication likely lulled her into sleep for the better part of the day.

    The following morning, she slipped into the professional outfit Bailee had selected for her.

    That was when the realization hit her¡ªshe was heading to the banquet to meet Bryan, destined once more to confront his icy stare and dismissive nces.

    ¡°Eileen, your clothes seem looser,¡± Bailee remarked, pulling at the skirt¡¯s hem, now spacious enough to slide an arm through.

    Eileen spun around, fetched a safety pin from her bag, and quickly secured her skirt. ¡°It¡¯s fine; I¡¯ll adjust it. You two have neglected your work for two days to be here. You can head back to work now. If you¡¯re still worried,e back and check on me this evening.¡±

    She exited the hospital ward, her lipstick lending her a hint of robustness despite her frailty.

    The bandage wrapped around her hand contrasted sharply with her otherwise polished demeanor.

    The venue for Ste¡¯s birthday celebration was a hotel owned by Apex, which had beenpletely reserved for the event.

    A plush red carpet unfurled from the entrance, extending all the way to the curb, greeting the arriving guests.

    The guest list was short, yet itprised exclusively influential figures.

    The banquet was scheduled to start at ten in the morning, and Eileen made her entrance an hour early.

    ???l????v??????.c??m brings fresh updates

    As she stepped out of the taxi, she walked the red carpet to the entrance, where the staff promptly weed her. ¡°Morning, Ms. Curtis!¡±

    Eileen acknowledged them with a nod, feeling a twinge of¡­

    Of unease, and proceeded inside. ¡°There,¡± she expected.

    Ste had already taken her ce.

    The grand hall was alive with festive decorations, all tailored to Ste¡¯s taste and orchestrated by Eileen herself.

    Ste upied the central chair, with Bryan beside her, his back to the entrance, lounging in his seat with a casual lean.

    He seemed engrossed in something Ste was saying, his head slightly bowed.

    ¡°Eileen, are you no longer interested in your job? You¡¯ve even arrivedter than Bryan,¡± Ste¡¯s voice carried a note of clear dissatisfaction as she observed Eileen¡¯s arrival.

    Eileen noticed Bryan¡¯s frame tense momentarily before he rxed again.

    Approaching his side, she offered a slight nod to Ste, saying, ¡°I apologize for thete arrival.¡±

    Ste noticed the bandages on Eileen¡¯s hand, her expression tightening. ¡°Injured? That exins the leave request.¡±

    Eileen hesitated, wondering if Bryan had shared that information with Ste or if Ste had pieced it together herself.

    Since Bryan remained silent, Eileen didn¡¯t rify about that. ¡°Yes, I needed some time to recover after I got scalded.¡±

    Ste responded firmly, ¡°No heavy lifting for you today. You can stay since you¡¯ve already made it here.¡± She then cast a meaningful look at Bryan.

    He didn¡¯t move, his head slightly lowered, maintaining an air of cool detachment, his brows faintly creased.

    Witnessing this, Eileen felt a twinge of guilt.

    Ste¡¯s expression turned into a frown as she nudged Bryan lightly. ¡°Go, take Eileen to the entrance to wait.¡±

    With a flex of his brow, Bryan, one hand casually tucked into his pocket, made his way out.

    Eileen acknowledged Ste with a nod and quickly followed Bryan.

    At the entrance of the banquet hall, the double wooden doors boasted intricate carvings, each nked by towering vases.

    Bryan leaned against the wall, a lit cigarette dangling from his lips, expertly blowing smoke rings into the air.

    ¡°Your grandmother asked me to help out today, Mr. Dawson. I¡¯m aware I¡¯m on suspension, and I won¡¯t be at thepany tomorrow,¡± Eileen stated, keeping her distance, her eyes lowered.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t expect my grandmother to ask you toe here, right?¡± Bryan¡¯s voice carried a hint of challenge.

    That was probably why she had sent that message about him. Then again, the message had been intended for Jacob¡¯s eyes. She likely hadn¡¯t anticipated that he would see it.

    Bryan was just surprised that Eileen would be that bold in private.

    Eileen, confused, lifted her gaze to meet Bryan¡¯s, trying to decipher his cryptic words.

    However, Bryan chose not to borate. He continued to smoke, the swirling smoke veiling his features and adding an air of mystery.

    Eileen could almost feel the icy aura that surrounded him as the smoke danced in the air.

    As guests began to arrive, Eileenposed herself, standing slightly behind Bryan, her smile in ce.

    Bryan greeted the arriving guests with his characteristic poise.

    Some guests even offered him early congrattions, to which he responded with polite gratitude, though his face remained impassive, showing no hint of joy.

    Jacob and his parents were among thest to arrive. Jacob raised his eyebrows at Eileen as he entered, a silent acknowledgment of her presence.

    Thest toe was the Warren family.

    Fergus and his wife arrived in coordinating dark red attire, their expressions radiating happiness.

    Vivian, dressed in a delicate pink with a ck bow adorning her hair, looked every bit the princess.

    Her face momentarily darkened at the sight of Eileen, but she quickly recovered her cheerful demeanor.

    With all attendees ounted for, Bryan ushered the Warren family inside.

    Eileen trailed behind, noting that Vivian and Kian had slowed their pace to match hers.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you¡¯re here, Eileen. I want you to witness firsthand as Mrs. Dawson acknowledges me. Tomorrow, I¡¯ll make sure your suspension turns into a termination. You¡¯ll be kicked out of the Apex Group,¡± Vivian whispered, her voice sweet but her words venomous.

    She wore a triumphant smile, evidently feeling she had finally outmaneuvered Eileen, releasing much of her pent-up animosity.

    This time, Eileen chose not to respond. Her gaze shifted to Bryan ahead, who seemed to catch the tense atmosphere and paused.

    Adjusting his suit with a casual flick of his fingers, Bryan looked back at Eileen. ¡°Go check on the kitchen preparations,¡± he instructed calmly.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen replied, then turned to fulfill the task.

    After ensuring everything in the kitchen was running smoothly, Eileen made her way back to the hall.

    There, a crowd had gathered around Ste, all presenting their birthday gifts.

    Eileen positioned herself slightly behind Bryan, noticing a cluster of young people around him.

    Megan, following closely behind Vivian, delivered a series of biting remarks before shooting a re at Eileen.

    Next to her stood Phoebe, her short hair framing her face.

    She offered Eileen a smile while casting a quick nce toward Jacob.

    Jacob caught her look, giving a soft snort and turning his gaze away, hinting at some unspoken tension between them. Eileen, standing quietly behind Bryan, could only specte about their strained interaction.

    Suddenly, an elder said, ¡°Mrs. Dawson, it¡¯s nearly lunchtime. You mentioned some big news you wanted to share. It¡¯s time.¡±

    The crowd¡¯s attention quickly shifted to Bryan and Vivian.

    Feeling the weight of the moment, Eileen¡¯s gaze dropped even lower. For the elders, the prospect of Ewan and Vivian uniting was a cause for celebration, but for Eileen, it was a distressing spectacle.

    Megan nudged Vivian forward, who, despite blushing, shot a frustrated look at Megan before reaching out to grasp Bryan¡¯s sleeve¡ªa gesture fueled by her overwhelming joy.

    Ste, observing this, smiled warmly and gestured invitingly toward Vivian.

    Believing she was stepping forward to join Ste, Vivian cast a shy nce at Bryan.

    ¡°Mrs. Dawson,¡± Vivian called out.

    ¡°Hi, Vivian!¡± Ste¡¯s voice carried a warm tone, a pleasant first in their interactions.

    The hall buzzed with festivity as people extended their joyful gazes to Vivian¡¯s parents.

    Debby, filled with anticipation for this moment, cast a look at Bryan and said, ¡°Actually, Vivian is quite well-behaved, though a bit stubborn. But no matter her stubbornness, she wouldn¡¯t intentionally hurt anyone.¡±

    Her words hinted at past grievances, seemingly using Bryan of his impulsive decision to marry someone else.

    If not for that, they wouldn¡¯t have had to wait for this moment for so long.

    Bryan¡¯s expression remained unreadable, his eyes downcast, concealing any underlying emotions.

    Eileen observed his perfect profile, its sharp lines softened by the golden sunlight, imbuing him with an aura of aloofness and nobility.

    His distant yet maic presence was striking.

    A man like him, naturally, would draw admiration and love. It was no surprise that Vivian had returned after a six-year absence, still evidently captivated by him.

    ¡°Of course, girls tend to be more attentive than boys,¡± Ste remarked, gently pulling Vivian closer by the hand and patting it affectionately. ¡°Bryan knows nothing and can be quite temperamental, not like you.¡±

    Vivian¡¯s cheeks flushed with a mix of shyness and delight. ¡°Mrs. Dawson, I may not be as perfect as you describe, but I promise that once I be part of the Dawson family, I¡¯ll take very good care of you.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯ve been waiting to hear,¡± Ste responded with a chuckle. She then reached into her bag and pulled out a bracelet, presenting it to Vivian. ¡°This bracelet¡ª¡±

    ¡°I know!¡± Vivian interjected eagerly. ¡°This is the Dawson family heirloom bracelet, right? I remember when I used to visit the Dawson Mansion; you mentioned several times that there¡¯s an heirloom jade bracelet reserved for Bryan¡¯s future wife.¡±

    Ste had once intended to give it to Vivian, who back then had felt too young to ept such a significant gift.

    Yet, regardless of the passage of time, it seemed destined to find its way to Vivian.

    Vivian lifted her gaze, casting a nce at Eileen, whose expression remained enigmatic. Eileen¡¯s indifferent gaze fixed on the bracelet in Ste¡¯s hand, seemingly detached.

    Vivian, unable to contain her excitement, softly snorted as she took the bracelet from Ste¡¯s hand and slipped it onto her wrist.

    Under the lights, the bracelet shimmered, its rity and value unmistakable.

    ¡°Vivian,¡± Debby spoke up, her tone hinting at reprimand yet soft. ¡°Mrs. Dawson hasn¡¯t ever told you to wear it. Why have you put it on already?¡±

    ¡°I¡ªMom¡ª¡± Vivian protested, yfully stomping her foot.

    However, Ste dismissed the concern with a wave of her hand. ¡°It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s rare that she likes something this much. But this bracelet isn¡¯t the one meant for you.¡±

    Vivian paused, a look of confusion crossing her face. ¡°This is not the heirloom bracelet of the Dawson family?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s indeed an heirloom, but one traditionally passed to a granddaughter-inw. This one is meant for a different family member.¡±

    Vivian lifted her gaze, casting a nce at Eileen, whose expression remained enigmatic. Eileen¡¯s indifferent gaze fixed on the bracelet in Ste¡¯s hand, seemingly detached.

    Vivian, unable to contain her excitement, softly snorted as she took the bracelet from Ste¡¯s hand and slipped it onto her wrist.

    Under the lights, the bracelet shimmered, its rity and value unmistakable.

    ¡°I, Vivian,¡± Debby spoke up, her tone hinting at reprimand yet soft. ¡°Mrs. Dawson hasn¡¯t ever told you to wear it. Why have you put it on already?¡±

    ¡°I¡ªMom¡ª¡± Vivian protested, yfully stomping her foot.

    However, Ste dismissed the concern with a wave of her hand. ¡°It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s rare that she likes something this much. But this bracelet isn¡¯t the one meant for you.¡±

    Vivian paused, a look of confusion crossing her face. ¡°This is not the heirloom bracelet of the Dawson family?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s indeed an heirloom, but one traditionally passed to a granddaughter-inw. This one is meant for a granddaughter,¡± Ste exined, gently taking Vivian¡¯s hand in hers.

    After a pause, she continued, ¡°You see, our Dawson family has historically passed down through the male line, and we¡¯ve only had sons. This granddaughter¡¯s bracelet hasn¡¯t found its heir until today. I am very fond of Vivian, so I want to consider her as my own granddaughter from now on. This makes Vivian, in a way, a member of the Dawson family, and I intend to treat her as such. I¡¯ve even instructed ourwyer to prepare a contract that grants Vivian a share of the Dawson family¡¯s dividends and stocks. Do you all agree?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 93

    ?Chapter 93:

    Ste was canvassing the Warren family for their thoughts.

    The lively hall fell silent, as if a spell had been cast, freezing everyone in ce.

    Eileen nced at Bryan, his jaw clenched, a storm brewing behind his eyes.

    Who would have guessed Ste¡¯s announcement wasn¡¯t about giving her blessing to Vivian and Bryan¡¯s rtionship, but to dere Vivian as her granddaughter, effectively making Vivian Bryan¡¯s sister?

    Eileen, mirroring the astonishment of the others, looked at Ste in disbelief.

    The shock reverberated through the Warren family, leaving them momentarily speechless.

    Ste chuckled and added, ¡°I¡¯ve already had thewyer draft up an agreement for the division of assets once Vivian bes my granddaughter. If you all agree, we can sign it right away.¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Dawson!¡± Vivian¡¯s outburst startled the room as she rose to her feet, trying to take off the bracelet on her wrist. ¡°I don¡¯t want to be your granddaughter; I want to be your granddaughter-inw! Bryan and I share genuine love. Why won¡¯t you give us your blessing?¡±

    Despite her efforts, the bracelet clung to her wrist, leaving it reddened and sore.

    Debby intervened quickly, saying, ¡°Take it easy, Vivian. You¡¯ll hurt yourself.¡±

    Fergus, his frustration evident, fixed a stern gaze on Ste. ¡°Mrs. Dawson, this involves the bond between Bryan and Vivian. Your refusal to bless their union will stain my family¡¯s honor!¡±

    Ste¡¯s voice was firm. ¡°You¡¯re wrong. How does granting Vivian the status of my granddaughter bring shame? I¡¯m actually safeguarding your family¡¯s dignity.¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s is full of thrilling adventures

    Standing up, she strode purposefully to Bryan¡¯s side.

    ¡°Bryan, step forward,¡± shemanded.

    Eileen tensed up, observing Bryan¡¯s demeanor as he stepped forward.

    ¡°My grandson is already married,¡± Ste dered, her tone firm. ¡°If Vivian continues like this, she¡¯ll be seen as the mistress. Am I not protecting her reputation now? Or do you truly wish for her to be a home-wrecker and join our Dawson family in such a manner?¡±

    Ste¡¯s gaze softened as she looked at Vivian. ¡°You¡¯re a good girl, raised with proper values by the Warren family. Insisting on breaking up a family is tempting fate.¡±

    With a sigh, Ste touched the bracelet that had resisted Vivian¡¯s attempts. ¡°ept it; you¡¯re not meant to be a mistress in this lifetime.¡±

    Eileen observed Ste¡¯s expression, a mix of kindness and maniption, realizing the depth of Ste¡¯s reluctance.

    She couldn¡¯t help but feel lucky for how effortlessly she had married Bryan.

    However, divorcing him seemed like a formidable task, and Eileen felt emotionally drained from being caught in the middle of this mess.

    ¡°Why can¡¯t you forgive me, Mrs. Dawson? Are you willing to gamble with Bryan¡¯s lifelong happiness? He doesn¡¯t love that woman; you¡¯re being selfish!¡± Vivian¡¯s voice quivered as she withdrew her hand, overwhelmed with emotion.

    Kian approached Vivian, gently soothing her. Then he said to Ste, ¡°Vivian might have been headstrong in the past, but her years abroad were challenging.¡±

    Ste remained resolute. ¡°She brought that upon herself. My family¡¯s reputation has been tarnished by her. If not for the long-standing friendship between my family and hers, I wouldn¡¯t even look at her now.¡±

    It was evident that Ste was showing respect to the Warren family now. If the Warren family didn¡¯t appreciate her efforts, she saw no reason to continue their rtionship.

    Tears streamed down Vivian¡¯s face, and Debby wiped them away, too distraught to engage with Ste.

    Fergus¡¯s expression also darkened with worry.

    Kian said, ¡°Mrs. Dawson, true love cannot be denied. The bond between Vivian and Bryan cannot be erased by your objections.¡±

    Bryan stood tall, hands tucked in his pockets, his unwavering gaze fixed on Ste. He remained silent.

    Eileen couldn¡¯t help but notice the determination in Bryan¡¯s eyes, a silent acknowledgment of his intention to proceed with the divorce. She believed Kian¡¯s words had a point.

    Whether they chose to elope or defiantly face the consequences, it seemed inevitable that Bryan and Vivian would find a way to be together, undeterred by the repercussions on their families¡¯ reputations.

    Kian¡¯s eyes crinkled with amusement as he attempted to lighten the tension with a casual tone. ¡°Let¡¯s be honest; Bryan¡¯s wife is just an ordinary person, and you¡¯re shielding her because she can¡¯t handle the pressure. But you can¡¯t shield her forever. Bryan and Vivian¡¯s union is inevitable; it¡¯s just a matter of time.¡±

    His nonchnt tone carried a veiled threat.

    A heavy silence settled over the hall, with everyone avoiding eye contact, their unease tangible as they hesitated to disturb the delicate stillness.

    Eileen felt suffocated by Kian¡¯s convincing argument. She realized that her survival against Vivian had only been possible because of her position as Bryan¡¯s assistant.

    She had to rely on Bryan¡¯s protection to make it through.

    And what about her secret identity as Bryan¡¯s wife? Alone and unsupported, she seemed like nothing more than a pawn in Ste¡¯s game,cking genuine recognition.

    ¡°If that¡¯s your stance, then I¡¯ll make mine clear!¡± Ste dered, her eyes sharp and resolute. ¡°I intend to pave the way for my granddaughter-inw and remove any obstacles. I¡¯m willing to do whatever it takes.¡±

    Ste was hinting that if Vivian continued to challenge her, she wouldn¡¯t hold back anymore.

    If things escted, what would happen to Vivian? Beingbeled as a mistress would only bring shame upon her.

    The consequences would ripple through the Warren family. If Vivian could marry into the Dawson family in the end, perhaps it would be worth it.

    But what if she couldn¡¯t?

    Ste took a sip of her coffee, her demeanor calm yet firm. ¡°I may not have many years left, but Bryan still has his parents. You can oust me, but can you oust them?¡±

    Vivian paled at the implication.

    Hopelessness washed over her.

    ¡°Grandma!¡± Bryan attempted to speak, but Ste cut him off with a coldmand. ¡°Shut up! If you dare to act recklessly, I¡¯ll die right here!¡±

    Bryan¡¯s expression darkened, a sense of helplessness clouding his features, and he remained silent.

    Meanwhile, Eileen observed the scene quietly, trying to blend into the background. However, she bumped into someone.

    ¡°Eileen, are you happy to see this?¡± Jacob asked, his voice barely audible.

    He leaned closer, a smirk ying on his lips. ¡°Want to make a bet?¡±

    Eileen frowned, puzzled. ¡°Bet? What is there to bet on?¡±

    ¡°I bet that even you could enter the Dawson family, but Vivian can¡¯t,¡± Jacob said, crossing his arms confidently.

    Eileen¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°There¡¯s no need to bet. You¡¯ve already won.¡±

    After all, she was already part of the Dawson family.

    Jacob was taken aback by her response.

    Phoebe approached, pulling Eileen aside and whispering, ¡°I¡¯m with you, Eileen.¡±

    Confused, Eileen asked, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Phoebe winked mischievously. ¡°I¡¯m waiting for you to bring me some good news.¡±

    Eileen was puzzled by Phoebe¡¯s words. ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡±

    Phoebe raised an eyebrow, then reached into her bag and rummaged around for a while before producing some buttons.

    Eileen immediately recognized the buttons from one of her shirts, torn off by Bryan and left inside his car.

    She had searched for them but had found none.

    It turned out that Phoebe had taken them.

    ¡°I¡¯m not trying to stir up trouble,¡± Phoebe reassured Eileen, putting the buttons away. ¡°I mean it when I say I¡¯m on your side.¡±

    Eileen rubbed her temples, her attention returning to Vivian, who remained inconsble despite her family¡¯s attempts tofort her.

    Suddenly, Vivian¡¯s tear-filled eyes locked onto Eileen¡¯s.

    She then pointed usingly at Eileen.

    ¡°Mrs. Dawson, if you¡¯re going to remove anyone, it should be Eileen, not me!¡± Vivian cried out, shaking off Kian¡¯s hand and rushing toward Eileen, dragging her in front of Ste. ¡°She¡¯s pregnant with Bryan¡¯s child! You won¡¯t tolerate the eldest son of the Dawson family having an illegitimate child, will you? Eileen is being a homewrecker!¡±

    Eileen stumbled backward, colliding with a chair. A sharp pain shot through her lower back, causing her to copse to the floor, unable to stand.

    Cold sweat broke out on her forehead and back, soaking her clothes as she struggled to lift her head to see Ste¡¯s reaction.

    Bryan¡¯s eyes narrowed dangerously, his gaze icy as it fixed on Vivian.

    As he moved to help Eileen up, Jacob stopped him.

    ¡°Eileen can¡¯t withstand Ste¡¯s wrath if you defend her,¡± Jacob cautioned in a low voice.

    Bryan nced at Ste, who stared fixedly at Eileen before turning her gaze to Bryan. In an instant, his expression reverted to normal, any hint of emotion suppressed.

    Eileen lifted her head and saw Bryan¡¯s expression. He stood motionless, his demeanor cold and indifferent.

    Eileen¡¯s heart sank, and she lowered her head again.

    ¡°Pregnant?¡± Ste pointed her finger at Eileen. ¡°Is that true?¡±

    Bryan replied coolly, ¡°Whether it¡¯s true or false, why verify it?¡±

    Ste immediately summoned Jarred, who was familiar with medical matters and had previously treated her minor ailments. He could test if the pregnancy was real.

    ¡°Eileen, give me your hand,¡± Jarred instructed, squatting beside her.

    Eileen extended her hand without hesitation, and Jarred examined her wrist.

    After a while, Jarred released her wrist and stood up. ¡°Eileen is not pregnant.¡±

    Vivian staggered, supported by Kian, and yelled, ¡°Even if she¡¯s not pregnant, she¡¯s still a threat to Bryan¡¯s marriage! She has been sleeping with Bryan!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 94

    ?Chapter 94:

    Vivian, without pausing to consider why Eileen wasn¡¯t pregnant, was eager to ruin Eileen.

    Under the curious stares of everyone present, Eileen rose to her feet, wincing from the pain in her back as she smoothed out her clothes. Once upright, she stood still, a look of confusion crossing her face.

    Ste, her brow furrowed in concern, turned to Bryan and demanded, ¡°What exactly is happening here?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll fill you in privately, Grandma. It¡¯s not what you¡¯re thinking,¡± Bryan replied, his voice calm. He nced at his watch and added, ¡°It¡¯s time for dinner. Everyone, please feel free to stay and dine with us if you wish.¡±

    Though his words sounded like an invitation, the guests quickly picked up on the hint that it was time to leave.

    Many guests promptly stood and excused themselves.

    Yet, Vivian remained, determined to stay until Ste addressed Eileen¡¯s situation.

    She approached Ste, about to speak, but Bryan stepped in her path.

    He signaled to Kian, and Kian moved to stop Vivian, pulling her back.

    Kian said, ¡°Vivian, let Mrs. Dawson and Bryan handle this matter with Eileen. We should head home ande back another time.¡±

    ¡°Ryan, don¡¯t stop me!¡± Vivian struggled to break free from Kian¡¯s grip but couldn¡¯t. Kian soon led Vivian away.

    Vivian¡¯s parents, looking furious, left the hall with them, muttering, ¡°I knew this was not going to be good! Why does Vivian want to be with Bryan so much?¡±

    Explore captivating tales at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s???o??

    Despite the words, the Warren family had actually supported Vivian.

    Unlike Vivian, Eileen had to endure Ste¡¯s anger all by herself.

    She considered whether revealing her identity as Bryan¡¯s wife now might help her dodge Ste¡¯s anger.

    But in that case, she would have to deal with Bryan¡¯s reaction.

    ¡°Exin this to me,¡± Ste took a seat, fixing a sharp look on Bryan and Eileen.

    Bryan, full of disdain, spoke first. ¡°She got drunk, in and simple. She¡¯s been suspended already. If that¡¯s not enough, I¡¯ll fire her.¡±

    Hearing that, Eileen tensed up. She bit her lip so hard that she could taste blood.

    She knew Bryan was worried that revealing the shocking truth about their rtionship would anger Ste and harm her health.

    ¡°Eileen, tell me your side of the story,¡± Ste¡¯s gaze was intense, trying to read every small change in Eileen¡¯s face.

    A moment of hesitation appeared in Eileen¡¯s eyes, but she quickly concealed it and met Ste¡¯s gaze confidently. ¡°It happened just like Mr. Dawson described. I¡¯m to me. I ept any punishment.¡±

    Then, she bowed her head again.

    She thought she heard Ste sigh.

    But she didn¡¯t look up, thinking perhaps she had misheard it.

    After a pause, Ste stood up, and Jarred rushed to help her.

    ¡°She works for you. You can decide how to handle this.¡±

    With those words, Ste started walking toward the door. ¡°Let¡¯s go. If I look at my grandson one more time, I might just lose it,¡± she murmured as she reached the door. Then, she stopped abruptly and asked sternly, ¡°You haven¡¯t lied to me, have you?¡±

    ¡°Of course not. I have no reason to lie to you for her,¡± Bryan said as he turned to face Ste, his hand casually resting in his pocket.

    Ste, looking somber, turned and left with Jarred.

    During the drive back to Dawson Mansion, Ste sighed repeatedly.

    Jarred, unable to ignore her distress, finally asked, ¡°Mrs. Dawson, is something bothering you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just disappointed that my grandson can be so naive. What does he see in Vivian that¡¯s so appealing?¡± Ste asked, her face creased with worry. ¡°Why is he so captivated by her?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s understandable if you can¡¯t see what he sees in her. Maybe we shouldn¡¯t pressure Bryan too much, or he might¡­¡± Jilled trailed off, letting the unsaid words hang in the air.

    Ste pondered his words and fell silent.

    After Ste and Jarred left, only Bryan and Eileen remained in the hall.

    Bryan stood by the French windows, smoking. The smoke curled around him, adding to his air of anxiety and frustration.

    Steps behind him, Eileen felt a persistent ache in her back, making it hard for her to stand. Not even her vibrant red lipstick could mask the paleness of her face.

    Suddenly, Bryan turned around, leaning against the wall, and beckoned to her. ¡°Come here.¡±

    Eileen approached, secretly massaging her aching back. The pain slightly subsided but persisted.

    Bryan reached out with his slim fingers, gently pulling her nearer. As his fingertips grazed her ear, he murmured, ¡°Do you realize the trouble this caused?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Dawson,¡± Eileen replied instantly, at a loss for what more to say or do.

    She faintly heard Bryan grinding his teeth. She pressed her lips together in anxiety, flinching as his hand unexpectedly found her waist.

    His hand brushed her injury as he drew her into his arms.

    Eileen nearly yelped from the pain.

    Noticing her furrowed brow, Bryan¡¯s expression shifted as he eased his grip on her waist. ¡°Hold still,¡± he instructed.

    His fingers slipped under her shirt, pulling it up to expose the soft skin of her back.

    He spotted the bruise on her back. It was swollen and asrge as a fist.

    Eileen remained quiet in his embrace, shifting ufortably as he inspected the bruise.

    ¡°Go home now,¡± Bryan said abruptly, releasing her. ¡°Wait for my call.¡±

    He was still unsure how to handle the situation with her.

    Eileenposed herself, her cheeks red. She adjusted her shirt and replied, ¡°Okay.¡±

    Bryan watched her as she walked away. His gaze lingered, his brown eyes revealing a mix of emotions.

    He sighed deeply and pulled out his phone from his pocket.

    Outside the hotel, Eileen felt slightly dazed. She stood by the road for a long time but couldn¡¯t manage to get a taxi.

    The noon sun bathed her in its warmth, making her feel cozy and rxed.

    Just as she decided to head for the nearest bus station, a bright blue car stopped next to her.

    The driver¡¯s window lowered, and Jacob looked out at her and said, ¡°Hop in.¡±

    Eileen leaned over and gave Jacob a puzzled look. ¡°Mr. Meyer, why are you back? How can I help you?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about it in the car.¡± Jacob opened the car door for her.

    With no other options, Eileen climbed in. As soon as her seatbelt clicked into ce, Jacob fired up the engine, and the car sped down the road.

    It was Eileen¡¯s first time epting a ride from any man other than Bryan. For some reason, she felt uneasy.

    ¡°Where do you want to go?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll take you home,¡± Jacob said. Right after he spoke, his phone rang.

    He signaled to Eileen to remain quiet and answered the call. Then, Gwh¡¯s annoyed voice filled the car.

    Jacob responded quickly, ¡°Ma¡¯am, I¡¯ve got something urgent to handle, okay? I¡¯ll invite her out another time. Bye!¡±

    He ended the call before Gwh could reply and turned to Eileen. ¡°Where do you live?¡± he asked again.

    Eileen pondered whether Jacob had postponed an important date just to offer her a ride. It seemed unlikely.

    Despite being confused, she replied, ¡°Just take me to the hospital.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Jacob said. A momentter, Jacob furrowed his brow and inquired, ¡°What happened? Are you feeling unwell? What happened to your hand?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just a minor burn. I¡¯ve also caught a bad cold, and my sister insisted I go to the hospital,¡± Eileen exined, trying to downy her condition.

    Jacob looked at her with a knowing nce and, without further conversation, drove directly to the hospital.

    They reached the hospital exactly at noon. Eileen thanked Jacob and hurried out of the car, not noticing that Jacob remained there for a while longer.

    He was on the phone with Bryan.

    ¡°I¡¯ve done what you asked. To do this, I canceled a date, and my mother nearly lost it on me. How are you going to make it up to me?¡± he said to Bryan on the phone.

    Bryan just hung up without a word, leaving Jacob in shock. Momentster, he burst out with a string of curses and decided to drive back to find Bryan.

    Eileen, though hospitalized, chose not to visit Ruby, fearing that the sight of her scalded hand would make Ruby worry.

    That afternoon, while Bailee and Huey were out, Eileen spoke briefly with the doctor and secured permission to be discharged the next morning.

    She kept this news to herself. When Bailee and Huey came back to visit, the following morning, taking advantage of their absence, shepleted her discharge paperwork and left the hospital.

    Once back at Springvale Lane, she texted Bailee to let her know she was out of the hospital.

    As she had anticipated, Bailee scolded her for not taking better care of herself. Eileen assured Bailee repeatedly that she would be more attentive to her health from now on.

    After changing into a tracksuit, Eileen removed the gauze from her hand, applied some ointment she had gotten from the hospital, and bandaged it again. Then, she headed straight to the rkson family¡¯s house to tutor Aaron.

    She took a bus and walked for about twenty minutes to reach the rkson family¡¯s doorstep, where she rang the bell and was let inside.

    Upon learning how she arrived, Han offered her a car key, saying, ¡°It¡¯s a long walk from the nearest bus station to our house, and it¡¯s not easy to get here by bus. We have a spare car; please use it if you¡¯d like.¡±

    Eileen declined politely. ¡°Thank you for the offer, but I actually enjoy the walk.¡±

    Seeing her determination, Han dropped the subject and showed her to Aaron¡¯s room.

    Aaron¡¯s performance at school had greatly improved. In his mid-term exams, he had scored average in his ss, a significant step up for him.

    In addition to reviewing the errors he had made on the exams, Eileen also introduced him to uing courses to better prepare him.

    During the session, Aaron noticed something was off. While he worked on exercises, Eileen seemed distracted, staring nkly at somewhere.

    ¡°Miss Curtis, what happened to your hand?¡± Aaron asked, setting his studies aside.

    Snapping back to the present, Eileen shook her head and replied, ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious, just a minor burn.¡±

    ¡°You seem distracted today. Is it because your hand hurts?¡± Aaron inquired.

    Eileen found herself momentarily at a loss for words.

    Flustered, she grabbed the textbook and said, ¡°I¡¯m fine. Have you finished the exercises? Let¡¯s start the next chapter.¡±

    But Aaron pressed the book down and looked concerned. ¡°You¡¯re not yourself today. What¡¯s going on? Why have you starteding here every day to tutor me? What about your job?¡±

    Hearing that, Eileen felt a wave of uncertainty. She feared she might be fired soon. Just then, her phone began to ring.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 95

    ?Chapter 95:

    Eileen signaled Aaron with her eyes before rising from her seat to answer the phone call at the window. It was Ka on the line, wanting to discuss work matters. Their conversationsted nearly thirty minutes.

    Eventually, Ka asked cautiously, ¡°When are you nning toe back, Ms. Curtis?¡±

    ¡°I might not return at all,¡± Eileen stated bluntly. ¡°If you encounter any documents you can¡¯t handle, you can reach out to Mr. Dawson directly.¡±

    After a pause, Ka sighed. ¡°Since you left, Dawson has been quite intimidating. I hesitate even to approach him. He scolded several senior executives this morning, causing quite a stir at thepany.¡±

    ¡°That has nothing to do with me,¡± Eileen replied coolly. ¡°He¡¯s probably doing that for Miss Warren. Instruct everyone in private to be vignt and avoid making any mistakes. Otherwise, it¡¯s going to be tough for all of you.¡±

    Eileen was all too familiar with Bryan¡¯s asional mood impacts on his professional demeanor, and she always nned her steps carefully during such times.

    ¡°Eileen, is it really true about you and Mr. Dawson? I can hardly believe it,¡± Ka said.

    Eileen paused, looking out at the peaceful sky and clouds, and responded with a gentle, ¡°I can hardly believe it myself.¡±

    She felt as if the past three years had been a dream.

    Hearing that, Ka realized that the matter between Eileen and Bryan was true. She quickly shifted the conversation back to work before ending the call.

    With the call over, Eileen turned her attention back to Aaron, resuming their lesson without any further distractions.

    Check what¡¯s new on g?ln¦Òv???s?c?m

    After the lesson, she politely declined Han¡¯s lunch invitation.

    ¡°I¡¯ll just teach him in the mornings. He can use the afternoons to practice and review. Once he¡¯s back in school, I¡¯ll visit each week to tutor him,¡± she said.

    The past few days had fallen during a school break, giving Eileen the chance to focus fully on teaching Aaron every day.

    Puzzled by her sudden avability, Han asked, ¡°Ms. Curtis, aren¡¯t you swamped with worktely?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Eileen responded with a smile.

    Finding her response especially surprising given her demanding job as Bryan¡¯s special assistant, Han felt puzzled. Unable to convince her to stay for lunch, he decided to call Bryan.

    The phone was picked up within seconds. Han said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, have you specifically given Ms. Curtis time off to help Aaron with his studies? There¡¯s no need for such measures. Are you doing this to get an additional two percent share in the new project? That won¡¯t be a problem; we can discuss that in person.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re offering me that share, I won¡¯t decline,¡± Bryan replied in a low voice. Then, he asked, ¡°How is Aaron doing with his studies?¡±

    Han was enthusiastic in his response. ¡°Ms. Curtis is doing wonders. Aaron has improved significantly in just a short time. Yet, with the new sports activities introduced this year, he¡¯s not doing as well in that area.¡±

    Sighing, he added, ¡°I¡¯m thinking of hiring a sports coach, but Aaron is quite resistant to change and might not wee a new coach easily.¡±

    ¡°Talk about thister,¡± Bryan said, concluding the conversation before hanging up. He then looked up at a man in a suit standing in his office.

    The man gave a slight nod and introduced himself. ¡°My name is Raymond Brooks. Mrs. Dawson sent me here. With your special assistant on suspension, there are many minor tasks that need attention. You can hand them to me.¡±

    Bryan set his phone aside and scrutinized the neer. ¡°Being my executive assistant is not a job for just anyone. ess to thepany¡¯s confidential documents is restricted to those with several years of tenure.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, I have been appointed by your grandmother and have been working for the Dawson family for many years,¡± Raymond responded with a smile. ¡°Of course, if there are concerns, I can start with less critical tasks.¡±

    ¡°Start by managing my schedule,¡± Bryan instructed, pointing towards the office door. ¡°Find Ka. She will provide you with your initial assignments.¡±

    With the recent incidents, Vivian¡¯s position in thepany had also been terminated.

    The absence of a close aide was indeed inconvenient.

    Besides, Raymond was rmended by Ste, and Bryan felt uneasy about the arrangement.

    The glow of the sunlight poured through the French window, bathing the room in a warm glow.

    Eileen sat by a low table near the window, watching a pot where water gently simmered.

    Despite the steam curling up from the pot, her attention was elsewhere; her gaze was fixed on a button from a man¡¯s shirt thaty forgotten on the floor.

    It belonged to Bryan; every one of his buttons was custom-made. She didn¡¯t know how that button ended up there.

    As she picked it up, her fingers traced its smooth, cool surface.

    In the past, she had longed for moments of rxation, but now, with time on her hands, she found herself feeling more overwhelmed and mncholic than at peace.

    She sighed, reaching for her phone in search of someone to talk to.

    At that moment, she noticed that Ka had added a new member to thepany chat group. The team was busy weing the neer.

    ¡°Let me introduce the new assistant, Raymond Brooks. He will be handling Mr. Dawson¡¯s schedule for now. If you have any issues with work, you can report to him promptly.¡±

    Ka added that Raymond was managing Bryan¡¯s schedule temporarily and stressed the need for discretion with certain tasks.

    She hinted that while Raymond had stepped into Eileen¡¯s role, he was not yet fully trusted.

    Eileen bit her lip and furrowed her brow. Releasing a long sigh of relief, she set her phone down and let her mind wander more.

    Despite Raymond¡¯s presence at thepany, the uncertainty of her job status lingered.

    Each morning, she dedicated herself to tutoring Aaron, and in the afternoons, she found herself at home in a reflective daze. Once her hand had healed, she made asional visits to the hospital to keep Rubypany.

    It had been ten days since shest saw Bryan.

    Online, she found numerous news articles about Bryan and Vivian¡¯s outings for dinner and shopping.

    Bryan seemed not to have suppressed the media coverage, perhaps intending to keep Ste informed.

    Eileen hadn¡¯t anticipated running into Bryan at the rkson family¡¯s home.

    Bryan was dressed in a white tracksuit with a custom logo emzoned on the chest.

    Though he was in casual attire, he still had an intimidating aura.

    Eileen, clutching a book, paused in the hallway, observing Bryan as he engaged in conversation with Han in the living room.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, why are you just standing there?¡± Han called out to her, beckoning her over.

    Bryan continued to focus on his coffee cup, his expression inscrutable.

    Taking a slow, deep breath, Eileen approached and greeted them.

    ¡°No need to be so formal. Go upstairs and start teaching Aaron. I put together a new curriculum for him; he¡¯ll show you in a bit,¡± Han said with a friendly smile, gesturing for Eileen to proceed.

    ¡°Got it.¡± Eileen gave Bryan another look.

    Bryan remained seated, motionless on the sofa.

    Gripping her book more firmly, Eileen turned to leave.

    Aaron was already at the door waiting for her. As she approached, he waved her over excitedly. ¡°Ms. Curtis, let¡¯s finish this math lesson quickly! Mr. Dawson will y basketball with us afterward!¡±

    Eileen was cing her book down. Upon hearing Aaron¡¯s words, she paused for a moment and turned to Aaron. ¡°Why is he trying to y basketball with you?¡±

    Aaron exined, ¡°There¡¯s a new sports program at school that¡¯ll help with our middle school exam scores. My father tried setting me up with some coaches I didn¡¯t like, but I agreed when he mentioned Mr. Dawson. Here¡¯s my new schedule.¡±

    He handed Eileen a curriculum sheet that showed small changes from before.

    Eileen would continue to tutor Aaron every weekday evening from Monday to Friday.

    However, the schedule for Saturdays and Sundays had evolved into full-day sessions, adding a physical education session both in the morning and in the afternoon.

    This new schedule would allow Eileen to see Bryan at the rkson family¡¯s home twice a week.

    Eileen frowned slightly, her calm mood in the past few days suddenly bing unsettled.

    Bryan was always busy, often working overtime on Saturdays. It surprised Eileen that he hadmitted to doing Aaron¡¯s PE lessons.

    Suddenly, a thought crossed her mind.

    She wondered if she was overthinking, yet she could not think of a more usible exnation.

    The ss wrapped up in fifty minutes, and before Eileen could gather her thoughts, Aaron put down his pen and dashed out of the room.

    Eileen quickly got up and followed him downstairs, hearing the faint echoes of Aaron¡¯s cheers as she descended.

    From a distance, she saw Bryan stepping out with a basketball, prompting a joyful Aaron to join him outside.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, you must be tired after ss! Come and have a cup of coffee,¡± Han called out to Eileen as he poured coffee.

    Eileen took a seat on the sofa and said, ¡°Thank you, Mr. rkson.¡±

    With a smile, Han replied, ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. Aaron¡¯s grades have improved significantly. Ms. Curtis, it is you who should be thanking him.¡±

    He was more concerned about any efforts to improve Aaron¡¯s academic progress, not caring about money.

    The air was filled with Bryan¡¯s fresh and pleasant scent, and Eileen noticed she was sitting in the spot he had just vacated.

    His pack of cigarettes and lighter were still on the table, adding a sense of familiarity to the setting.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, please stay for lunch. There are still two more tutor sessions this afternoon,¡± Han said. ¡°I¡¯ve instructed the kitchen to prepare both your and Mr. Dawson¡¯s favorite dishes. From now on, you can have lunch here every Saturday.¡±

    Seeing no reason to refuse and given Han¡¯s thoughtful arrangements, Eileen agreed.

    She watched the two figures ying in the sunlight on the grass; Bryan always stooped slightly to amodate Aaron, the only spot Aaron couldfortably reach.

    The fifty-minute lesson ended swiftly, with Bryan merely introducing Aaron to some basic skills.

    ¡°Let¡¯s take a ten-minute break before the final ss. Look at Aaron; he¡¯s exhausted. It wouldn¡¯t be productive to continue right now,¡± Han said to Eileen.

    As Bryan and Aaron returned, Eileen stood up, positioning herself near the sofa, and replied, ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Why are you standing up?¡± Han said with a smile. ¡°Sit down. This isn¡¯t the Apex Group. You don¡¯t have to be formal around Mr. Dawson here.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 96

    ?Chapter 96:

    ¡°I¡¯m fine standing,¡± Eileen responded. She wasn¡¯t intimidated by Bryan; rather, she preferred not to confront his aloofness and cold demeanor at close range.

    Bryan lit a cigarette and ced it between his lips, casting a nce at Aaron, who was taking a rest. He then walked over to the ceiling window.

    ¡°Look at him!¡± Han remarked with augh. ¡°He¡¯s making sure not to smoke near the child. He¡¯ll definitely be a great father in the future.¡±

    Thismendation inadvertently drew Eileen¡¯s attention to Bryan, who was silhouetted against the light, his tall frame sharply outlined.

    He was scrolling through his phone with one hand while holding his cigarette with the other.

    After a long while, Eileen took a deep breath and stood up. ¡°I¡¯m going to head upstairs to prepare for the next tutoring session.¡±

    She then walked away, the emotional difort twisting inside her like a sharp knife. It seemed better not to see him at all.

    Once she had left, Bryan¡¯s gaze briefly turned to the staircase. He narrowed his eyes slightly and flicked the cigarette butt into a trash can before settling back on the sofa.

    Han, absorbed in discussing educational strategies with Aaron, didn¡¯t notice anything amiss between Bryan and Eileen.

    Ten minutester, Eileen and Aaron began thest morning session, which concluded promptly after fifty minutes.

    When Eileen and Aaron returned downstairs, they found Han and Bryan already seated in the dining room.

    ??????????????????.?????? ¨C more stories here

    Han upied the head of the table, with Bryan taking the seat to his right. Aaron, without any hesitation, imed the seat on the left side of Han.

    By custom, Eileen should sit beside Bryan on the guest¡¯s side.

    However, she paused, eyeing the empty chair next to Bryan that had his coat on it with hesitation.

    ¡°Eileen, don¡¯t just stand there;e and sit down,¡± Han called out, gesturing to the servants to start serving the meal.

    Eileen replied and walked toward them. She initially aimed to sit one seat away from Bryan, but as she approached, Bryan removed his coat and pulled out the chair next to him, gesturing for her to sit there.

    Now, Eileen had to take the seat next to Bryan.

    Bryan carried a refreshing pine scent, underlined by a hint of sandalwood and a trace of smoke. Breathing it in brought Eileen an unexpectedfort.

    This familiar sensation seemed to mend the sense of emptiness she had been feeling for some time.

    The atmosphere during the meal was light, dominated by discussions between Han and Bryan about academic progress.

    Bryan¡¯s voice was deep and resonant like a cello; it made Eileen¡¯s heart flutter slightly.

    ¡°If Aaron secures a spot in a prestigious high school for his middle school exams, I¡¯ll reward you both!¡± Han dered, his excitement palpable.

    After a pause, he added, ¡°Now, let¡¯s toast to that! Don¡¯t worry; we don¡¯t have to get drunk.¡±

    Aware of the afternoon lessons, Han instructed the servants to serve some low-alcohol fruit wine, pouring a bit for Eileen and Bryan.

    Eileen drank a small cup and politely declined when Han offered to pour another.

    However, Han¡¯s high spirits knew no bounds, and he continued to drink several more sses with Bryan.

    Eventually, Han had be slightly inebriated, so he excused himself to rest in his room, advising Eileen and Bryan to do the same.

    Having a question about his studies, Aaron kept Eileen in the dining room for a few minutes longer.

    By the time Eileen finished addressing Aaron¡¯s question, Bryan had already left the dining room, presumably to rest.

    Not prone to taking naps during lunchtime, Eileen headed to the library, which housed not only academic resources but also a variety of novels.

    Selecting a book at random, she walked toward the window but stopped abruptly upon rounding the bookshelf. There, in front of the window, sat Bryan on a sofa.

    Bryan turned his head just then, his deep gaze meeting her slightly startled expression.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Dawson. I didn¡¯t know you were resting here. I¡¯ll leave right now,¡± Eileen said, turning around to leave. But as she moved to leave, her wrist was suddenly caught in a firm grip.

    She found herself pulled into his arms, her body pressing against his legs.

    The faint smell of alcohol on his breath made her eyes waver slightly, caught in the moment.

    ¡°Are you afraid of me?¡± Bryan inquired, noting her lowered gaze and the tense furrow of her brow.

    ¡°No,¡± Eileen replied.

    ¡°Then you must be feeling guilty?¡± Bryan arched an eyebrow slightly, his expression turning unintentionally sarcastic. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be happy that I still want to touch you?¡±

    His biting words felt like a dagger to Eileen¡¯s heart.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson¡­¡± Eileen muttered, biting her lip, her soft voice barely audible, resonating like a faint echo against his heart.

    Bryan felt a surge of emotion, his throat tightening as he observed her delicate features.

    Despite the boiling rage within him and his resentment over that incident, he found it impossible to be harsh with her.

    ¡°If you truly despised me, you wouldn¡¯t want to touch me at all,¡± Eileen thought.

    However, the hands on her waist tightened, pressing her with almost crushing force.

    Bryan didn¡¯t mind that she thought he was drunk right now.

    His fingers shifted from her waist to gently pinch her slightly pointed chin, and he covered her lips with his own.

    Eileen¡¯s body stiffened, and her hands moved to his shoulders, clutching tightly at his cor.

    His kiss was unexpectedly gentle, as if he were savoring a rare treat.

    Eileen¡¯s eyshes trembled slightly during the kiss, and Bryan¡¯s eyes slowly burned with a smoldering intensity. His restless hands clung to her waist, moving upwards.

    Eileen¡¯s body shuddered, and a soft moan escaped her lips involuntarily.

    Bryan believed she must be a poison potent enough to drive him insane.

    Desire stirred within him, threatening to break free, but he knew this was not the ce.

    He caught himself just in time, tilting his head back to stare at the ceiling, his Adam¡¯s apple bobbing as he fought to quell the rising lust within him.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 97

    ?Chapter 97:

    Eileen rested her head on his shoulder, her eyes fixed on his alluring Adam¡¯s apple.

    The room¡¯s silence did little to thin the air of intimacy, and after a while, Bryan¡¯s breathing turned heavy and rough.

    Noticing this, Eileen straightened her clothes, slid off hisp, and moved to sit at the other end of the sofa, clutching a book and staring down, seemingly deep in thought.

    ¡°Why did Vivian say that you¡¯re pregnant?¡± Bryan broke the silence abruptly, turning his head to look straight at her.

    Eileen shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know where she got that.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s expression showed dissatisfaction with her response, frowning. He massaged his forehead before posing another question, ¡°Do you still want to return to Apex Group?¡±

    This question tightened Eileen¡¯s chest, leaving her feeling torn.

    Even though Vivian was no longer at Apex Group, returning to work with Bryan would ce her right back in the midst of the Warren family¡¯s troubles.

    She would once again be embroiled in their conflicts.

    Yet, if she didn¡¯t return, she would forfeit her sry, and she needed money right now.

    Observing her deep in thought, Bryan let out a scoff.

    He stood up, approached her, and rested his hand on the back of the sofa, leaning down to pinch her chin and forcing her to meet his gaze.

    ¡°What are you hesitating for? Everyone inside thepany, even the janitors, knows you¡¯ve slept with me. Do you still have the face to go back?¡±

    Fresh content avable now g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s

    His tone carried a hint of danger, probably still disturbed by the public knowledge of their affair.

    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, why don¡¯t you just fire me, Mr. Dawson?¡± Eileen retorted.

    The pressure on her chin intensified suddenly, and she winced, her heart sinking as she observed Bryan¡¯s icy eyes.

    ¡°Where would you go if I did that?¡± Bryan said.

    Was she nning to find a new sugar daddy and sell herself for money?

    Thinking of that, Bryan¡¯s expression darkened. He released her chin abruptly, and with the force of his release, she turned her head away.

    He hadn¡¯t explicitly voiced his thoughts, but Eileen grasped his implication.

    His words were like shards of ss to her heart. She bit her lip, losing all courage to look him in the eye.

    Her once tidy ponytail had loosened, draping over her shoulders. Strands of hair fell across her chest, subtly highlighting her delicate corbones.

    Seeing her like this, Bryan exhaled sharply, stood up, and rolled up his sleeves as he gazed out the window.

    Eileen straightened her clothes, stood up behind him, and said, ¡°I won¡¯t disturb your rest any longer, Mr. Dawson. I¡¯ll leave now.¡±

    She didn¡¯t wait for his response and just left the room.

    Bryan furrowed his brow as she left, his jaw clenched in frustration.

    Suddenly, his phone rang. Raymond was calling him.

    ¡°Dawson, grandmother asked me to check on your ns for the weekend and inquire why you haven¡¯t returned to the Dawson Mansion to apany her,¡± Raymond said.

    Bryan had cleared his schedule in advance to free up his weekend, which was how he had left Raymond behind today.

    However, he hadn¡¯t anticipated Raymond calling to monitor his whereabouts.

    ¡°I¡¯ll return tonight. I¡¯ve been at Han¡¯s house tutoring his son today,¡± Bryan replied.

    After ending the call, a thought struck him, and he promptly blocked the number.

    When Raymond attempted to call again, he found he couldn¡¯t get through. Frustrated, he reported to Ste, ¡°Dawson has blocked me.¡±

    Ste was in the courtyard, enjoying the sunlight, her eyes narrowed. ¡°I told you to keep an eye on him, and you let him slip away. You should have known he wouldn¡¯t be at thepany this weekend after rushing to finish his work on Friday. Where is he now?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Dawson is at Mr. rkson¡¯s house, iming he¡¯s tutoring Mr. rkson¡¯s son,¡± Raymond responded, in disbelief that Bryan would spend his time tutoring a child.

    Ste was familiar with Han and aware of Aaron¡¯s challenging behavior, so she pondered for a moment before instructing, ¡°Continue to monitor Bryan. If he doesn¡¯t want you to follow, follow him discreetly. Don¡¯t let him disappear again.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Raymond said, promptly departing and making a beeline for Han¡¯s mansion.

    That afternoon, after Bryan had wrapped up the basketball session, he found his way back to the living room for a cup of coffee with Han by the window. It was then that he noticed a car stationed at the entrance.

    The car was unmistakably Raymond¡¯s; Bryan recognized it immediately.

    His expression tightened, and he set down his cup. ¡°I¡¯vepleted the day¡¯s tutoring; I¡¯ll be taking my leave.¡± He retrieved his coat and made his way out, with Han apanying him to the gate and watching him leave.

    Rather than heading straight to his own car, Bryan approached Raymond¡¯s vehicle and rapped sharply on the window.

    Raymond got out of the car at once and greeted, ¡°Mr. Dawson.¡±

    ¡°Are you intending to shadow me everywhere I go?¡± Bryan¡¯s voice was sharp, his stare drilling into Raymond with unsettling precision.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, your grandmother has requested this,¡± Raymond said, feeling resigned.

    Bryan was well aware that this directive hade from his grandmother. He exhaled deeply, pausing for a moment before instructing, ¡°Return to the office and tell HR to release a statement concerning Eileen.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Raymond responded immediately, though he couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°And what about you, Mr. Dawson?¡±

    Bryanmanded with a grim stare.

    Hearing that, Raymond quickly climbed back into his car and elerated away.

    As the sun dipped below the horizon, Eileen concluded her final tutoring session for the day, noting Bryan¡¯s absence.

    She walked down the road in the glow of the setting sun, eventually reaching the bus stop. Just after she boarded the bus, her phone pinged with an email from the HR department at Apex Group.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 98

    ?Chapter 98:

    Eileen¡¯s role as the CEO¡¯s special assistant was officially terminated, and she was reassigned as a front-line employee within Apex Group, assigned to report to the ¡°Dress Special Group¡± of Vicin Mall the following Monday.

    Vicin Mall was a major retail sess under the Apex Group. It generated annual revenues in the tens of millions.

    It had been established after Eileen had joined Apex Group, and she had been integral to its affiliations and market expansions.

    She had witnessed the mall¡¯s rise to prominence firsthand.

    Eileen was surprised that she wasn¡¯t dismissed but was reassigned as service staff.

    As she held her phone, she found it hard to define how she felt at the moment.

    Located on the eastern outskirts of the city, Vicin Mall was a considerable distance from both Apex Group and her home. Commuting by public transport would take her at least two hours.

    Describing Bryan¡¯s actions as heartless didn¡¯t quite fit since he hadn¡¯t fired her; yet calling him merciful seemed off too, given the burdensome nature of her new role.

    Eileen sighed deeply and leaned against the bus window, attempting to rest.

    Though she wasn¡¯t scheduled to start until Monday, Apex Group¡¯s protocol required her toplete aprehensive job handover over the weekend.

    Since Raymond had not fully earned Bryan¡¯s trust, part of her responsibilities was transitioned to Ka.

    The remainder she was to hand over directly to Bryan.

    Arriving at thepany by nine in the morning, she first went to the office to prepare a transfer report on theputer.

    Following that, shepiled a form detailing some significant ongoing projects for record-keeping.

    Once it waspleted, Ka arrived, and Eileen sent the documents to her email.

    ¡°I¡¯ve organized all the important materials and noted them down to send to you. There are also two major ongoing projects I need to discuss with you in detail,¡± Eileen exined to Ka as they sat together in the office, conversing in hushed tones.

    An hourter, Eileen closed her files and said, ¡°That covers everything that needs to be handed over. If you find yourself struggling to recall any details, feel free to call me.¡±

    ¡°Eileen, what position have they transferred you to?¡± Ka asked. ¡°Is it a manager or general manager of a branchpany?¡±

    Given Eileen¡¯s qualifications, it would have been entirely possible for her to secure a top role in a branchpany.

    Such transfers were usually routine, but her situation waspletely different.

    ¡°It¡¯s neither; thepany¡¯s transfers are always confidential in nature, so it¡¯s better not to ask,¡± Eileen said, smiling faintly as she handed Ka some documents. ¡°Take care of these; I¡¯m going to report to Mr. Dawson now.¡±

    Upon hearing that, Ka refrained from asking further and said, ¡°I just saw Mr. Dawsone in with Miss Warren. Be careful.¡±

    Vivian was here too?

    Eileen smiled at Ka and then went to knock on the office door.

    ¡°Come in,¡± came the man¡¯s low and maic voice from within.

    Eileen pushed the door open and immediately noticed Vivian beside Bryan, leaning slightly against him.

    Bryan was engrossed in a document, and opposite him stood a man Eileen did not recognize, though she guessed the man was the new assistant, Raymond.

    She nodded at the man in response.

    ¡°Hello,¡± Raymond greeted her politely, then tactfully added, ¡°I¡¯ll be leaving now.¡±

    After Bryan acknowledged him, Raymond exited, and Eileen ced a document on the table. ¡°Mr. Dawson, I¡¯ve finished the reform n for the nning department that you requested. Whether you ept it or not, I¡¯ve brought it to you. Additionally, there¡¯s¡­¡±

    She reported her work formally, while Bryan flipped through the document she had provided, reviewing it page by page.

    She continued, ¡°There is also thetest project¡ªthe counterpartypany¡¯s opinion on our quotation. This¡­ it¡¯s confidential.¡± She nced at Vivian.

    She wasn¡¯t trying to be intentional, merely following procedure.

    Bryan, ever a stickler for rules, turned his head towards Vivian and said, ¡°You can leave now.¡±

    Vivian, clearly thinking Eileen had done this on purpose, huffed but departed since Bryan had instructed her to.

    This was thest piece of work Eileen needed to report, and it took her only ten minutes to finish.

    But she did not leave immediately; instead, she looked directly at Bryan and said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, thank you for your care over these three years. I¡¯ll leave now.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s tall figure was rxed against the chair, his profile tense, betraying nothing of his thoughts. He nodded without looking.

    As Eileen turned to leave, Bryan¡¯s gaze lingered on her retreating form, noting the firmness of her steps.

    Her face had beenposed and devoid of any sign of grievance or reluctance just now. It seemed out of ce for someone who had just been demoted.

    Bryan creased his brow, and his jaw tightened as agitation surged within him. He grabbed a cigarette and strode to the window to light it.

    It took a few tries to light the cigarette, and when he finally got it lit, he choked on the first inhale, an uncharacteristic slip that made him seem almost vulnerable.

    Outside the door, Vivian lingered, waiting to confront Eileen.

    ¡°Eileen, where have you been transferred to?¡± Vivian asked.

    The HR department had kept matters confidential. Given Eileen¡¯s identity, they would certainly not reveal any details about her transfer.

    ¡°You¡¯re not part of thepany, and even if you are, as perpany rules, changes in employment status are confidential,¡± Eileen responded without giving anything away.

    Vivian scoffed, ¡°You remember Mrs. Dawson¡¯s birthday party, right? You must¡¯ve been so happy that she refused to acknowledge me!¡±

    Eileen faced Vivian with a calm demeanor. ¡°Miss Warren, unting your proximity to Mr. Dawson doesn¡¯t impress me. I know his grandmother can¡¯t stop you from seeing him; trying to provoke me with that is pointless.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s words quenched Vivian¡¯s fiery demeanor, leaving her grinding her teeth in frustration.

    Eileen continued, ¡°Miss Warren, although I¡¯m not from an illustrious background, I won¡¯t be intimidated by you. It¡¯s unlikely that your words will reduce me to tears. I would advise you, if you don¡¯t want to end up hurt, it¡¯s better for us to interact less.¡±

    She gave Vivian her heartfelt advice, refusing to engage in petty quarrels.

    After delivering her words, she walked past Vivian, and Vivian stood frozen, feeling furious. A sense of helplessness overwhelmed her. Was she really powerless against Eileen?

    Pondering her next step, Vivian feltpelled to call Kian. ¡°Kian, Bryan didn¡¯t fire Eileen; he just transferred her!¡±

    ¡°Vivian, you need to stop fixating on Eileen. Your main goal should be to solidify your rtionship with Bryan and gain his grandmother¡¯s approval as soon as possible,¡± Kian said. He had given her this advice time and time again.

    Even so, Vivian had ignored his advice, repeatedly indulging in her obsession with Eileen.

    Kian added, ¡°Now, Bryan is with you day and night. Everyone sees you as a couple, and Eileen is merely known as Bryan¡¯s former mistress. Don¡¯t you thinkparing yourself to her diminishes your own stature?¡±

    Confronted with Kian¡¯s persistent advice, Vivian had only one retort: Eileen didn¡¯t see them as a couple!

    She and Bryan weren¡¯t married yet; they weren¡¯t officially a couple.

    How could Eileen still be allowed to remain in the Apex Group? This gnawed at Vivian, sowing seeds of insecurity.

    ¡°Kian, I need to find out where Eileen has been transferred to,¡± Vivian said.

    On the other end of the line, Kian sighed. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll see what I can find out about Eileen¡¯s new position, but you need to focus on building a stable rtionship with Bryan.¡±

    As thete autumn chill set in, the mornings grew particrly cold.

    Wrapped in a cashmere coat, Eileen left her apartment, grabbed breakfast, and joined the throng ofmuters on the bus.

    After transferring buses, it took her nearly another hour to reach Vicin Mall.

    She ascended to the eighth floor and introduced herself to the Dress Special Group, Apex Group¡¯s in-house dress brand known for its unique designs.

    Then, she presented her transfer notice to the store manager, Charli Rivera.

    ¡°Eileen Curtis, right?¡± Charli read her information. ¡°You were transferred from headquarters?¡±

    The store manager¡¯s tone was surprised; no detailed background had been shared about Eileen¡¯s role at Apex Group¡¯s headquarters, but moving from an office job to the front line clearly suggested a demotion.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen replied.

    Charli then called over two women, both in their twenties and well-presented, yet their presence somewhat paled inparison to Eileen¡¯s refined demeanor.

    ¡°They are Aniya Baker and Essie Hopkins, both service staff here. You can learn from them. Primary duties include greeting customers, taking measurements, and simr tasks.¡±

    Charli introduced them briefly before rushing off to a meeting with a file in hand.

    Eileen knew this routine well; every Monday morning, store managers would gather for a meeting¡ªan initiative she had once set in motion.

    Aniya and Essie weren¡¯t as forting as Charli. As soon as Charli departed, they went about their duties without talking to Eileen.

    Since Eileen had already familiarized herself with the workflow and the workce rules before, she didn¡¯t mind that.

    Once she found tasks that needed to be finished, she got to work immediately.

    This didn¡¯t go unnoticed by Aniya, who whispered to Essie, ¡°Look, the neer is quite sharp.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the use of that?¡± Essie responded dismissively. ¡°She¡¯s new! Can she reallypete with us for the managerial role?¡±

    ¡°There are store rules,¡± Aniya said. ¡°The outgoing manager rmends their sessor. It¡¯s not about seniority; it¡¯s about capability. And remember, she¡¯s not an intern; she has been transferred here. What if she is chosen to be the manager?¡±

    Essie frowned deeply, then turned to Eileen and demanded, ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±

    ¡°Eileen Curtis,¡± Eileen replied, standing up and facing Essie with aposed demeanor.

    Essie gestured towards the door. ¡°There¡¯s a mop in there. Go wash it and mop the floor. We¡¯ll handle everything else.¡±

    Tasking neers with mopping, a rather exhausting job, wasmonce in the workce.

    Eileen didn¡¯t protest. She fetched the mop and headed to the supply closet.

    The basic sry here was a mere six thousand, a contrast to her previous earnings.

    To augment her ie, she would have to rely onmissions, creating a cutthroat atmosphere between her and her colleagues.

    This intensepetition meant that if one¡¯s sales were the lowest for three months, one would risk dismissal.

    With established employees holding onto their clientele, Eileen faced an uphill battle.

    If she were to be the worst in terms of performance for three months, she would face the risk of getting fired.

    With that in mind, she washed the mop and prepared to go back, but then she bumped into someone.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 99

    ?Chapter 99:

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Eileen quickly said, noticing she had identally stained the man¡¯s suit pants with the mop water.

    ¡°It¡¯s no trouble,¡± the man responded with a smile.

    Looking up, Eileen saw the man was in his forties, wearing gold-rimmed sses and giving her a slightly unsettling look.

    Eileen wasn¡¯t in the typical staff uniform yet, as it was her first day here.

    Today, she was wearing her usual professional attire¡ªa knee-length dress that modestly reached her knees but had hitched up slightly when she bent over the bucket.

    Frowning slightly, she thought about excusing herself, but the man continued the conversation.

    ¡°You¡¯re new here, aren¡¯t you?¡± he said.

    After a brief pause, he inquired further, ¡°Are you Eileen Curtis, the employee who has just been transferred here?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s correct,¡± Eileen replied, guessing the man must be from the mall management.

    Straightening his posture, the man introduced himself, ¡°I¡¯m the floor manager on this level, Atley Marshall.¡±

    Every employee of the mall was supposed to send their resumes to the headquarters, so Eileen had a vague recollection of a man named Atley Marshall.

    He had managed to get the general manager position at Vicin Mall just a year ago.

    Politely nodding, Eileen responded, ¡°Nice to meet you, Mr. Marshall.¡±

    Read new content at g?ln¦Òv???s

    Atley smiled again. ¡°I heard about your transfer from headquarters. I know Mr. Ferguson from the personnel department quite well. Do you know him?¡±

    ¡°I do,¡± Eileen answered sinctly.

    Noticing her reserved demeanor, Atley decided not to prolong the conversation. ¡°Well, you can carry on with your work.¡±

    Eileen quickly moved on, feeling Atley¡¯s gaze linger on her as she left.

    As a neer here, Eileen was relegated to the more mundane tasks, such as organizing the warehouse.

    Throughout the entire day, she never got the opportunity to engage with any customers at the store.

    Her schedule was so packed that she found herself too preupied to even think about Bryan.

    As her workday concluded, the sky had darkened.

    Feeling exhausted, Eileen sat down by the hot spring pool outside the shopping mall, craving a brief escape from the daily demands. The evening air was brisk, prompting her to pull her coat tighter around herself.

    After a while, she stood up and headed towards the bus stop.

    A sleek ck car suddenly pulled up beside her; the window rolled down halfway to reveal Atley inside. ¡°Are you on your way home? I can give you a lift,¡± he said.

    ¡°No, thank you, Mr. Marshall. I can manage on my own,¡± Eileen replied with a polite tone, continuing past the front of the car.

    Lit by the streemp, her elongated shadow cast on the ground, her elegant ck cashmere coat hugging her figure gracefully.

    She carried an air of distinctiveness that left Atley feeling somewhat embarrassed by her cool rejection.

    After a moment¡¯s reflection, Atley pulled out his phone and called Marcus Ferguson, the HR manager at Apex Group.

    ¡°Mr. Ferguson, I¡¯ve got a new staff member on the eighth floor, Eileen Curtis. Could you share some information about her? I assure you, it stays between us. The thing is, I¡¯ve taken a liking to her,¡± said Atley.

    Marcus muttered a reply. Atley said, ¡°Please. I promise nobody will hear this. I really want to know more about her¡­¡±

    With a look of frustration, Atley remained seated in his car. He watched as Eileen boarded the bus and left, fighting the urge to follow her, curious to find out where she lived.

    This was the first time he had witnessed such beauty.

    As the bus snaked its way through the city, the re of numerous streetlights danced across Eileen¡¯s eyes. She bowed her head, immersing herself in her phone.

    She had not been checking Instagram for quite some time. She quickly noticed updates from Vivian over thest few days.

    Vivian¡¯s feed was filled with images of her dining and shopping with Bryan. Most of these posts captured Bryan from the side or from behind.

    Eileen could easily spot him, be it at a bar or in crowded scenes.

    Beneath each post, a flurry ofments and likes popted the page, many from thepany¡¯s employees.

    Judie¡¯sments were particrly noticeable. They were simple, yet Eileen could see the ingratiating smile on Judie¡¯s face through the words.

    With Eileen no longer in the office, Judie appeared to be the most delighted since she didn¡¯t have to resign anymore.

    Vivian seemed to revel in the attention, responding cheerfully to eachment.

    However, Eileen noted that Bryan himself had not engaged with any of Vivian¡¯s posts. His own Instagram ount remained unchanged.

    Drawing a deep breath, Eileen switched off her phone. She closed her eyes, trying to find some peace and rest, yet the persistent image of Bryan lingered in her thoughts, refusing to fade.

    At the Dawson Mansion, Raymond swung open the door as Bryan alighted from the car, his stride into the vi both assured and swift.

    Ste was sitting in the living room. She fixed her gaze on Bryan and asked with a hint of provocation, ¡°What¡¯s the matter? No headlines with Vivian today to irritate me?¡±

    Caught off guard, Bryan paused before going into the living room and seating himself next to Ste. ¡°If you had consented to the divorce earlier, you wouldn¡¯t have to be so bothered by that,¡± he said, his tone more conversational than confrontational.

    Ste raised an eyebrow, her voice dripping with calm mockery. ¡°In my mind, you and Vivian can do whatever pleases you. It¡¯s interesting to see who breaks first. The media¡¯s already painting Vivian as a mistress nonstop. It¡¯s unlikely she¡¯ll withstand it indefinitely.¡±

    She resumed sipping her coffee with a dismissive sneer, maintaining an impressive fa?ade of calm.

    Bryan offered a smile, replying lightly, ¡°As long as it pleases you.¡±

    ¡°Where have you sent Eileen?¡± Ste asked. With a sharp nce, she added, ¡°Even Raymond has been tight-lipped about that.¡±

    She had been the one who appointed Raymond as Bryan¡¯s assistant, and now she felt betrayed by his secrecy.

    Bryan gave a nonchnt shrug and said, ¡°She¡¯s now working as a sales associate. I¡¯m not sure of her precise location¡ªthat¡¯s for HR to determine.¡±

    The Apex Group owned a myriad of properties, including malls and hotels, making it a difficult task for Ste to pinpoint Eileen¡¯s exact posting, especially since Bryan had obscured this information intentionally.

    Ste¡¯s frustration boiled. She mmed her cup down hard andmanded, ¡°I don¡¯t want to see you now.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Bryan said calmly, standing up and leaving the room without another word.

    As he departed, Ste¡¯s expression was one of vexed contemtion. She considered two possibilities: either Bryan was indifferent towards Eileen, or his feelings for Eileen were more profound than she had suspected.

    Bryan did not linger at the Dawson Mansion after dinner; he left in his car promptly.

    After a short while, he noticed Raymond¡¯s vehicle shadowing him. A grimace crossed his face as he clenched his jaw in annoyance.

    He drove aimlessly around the city center before returning to Oak Vis. Climbing the stairs to the second floor, he saw Raymond¡¯s car still parked below.

    Raymond, speaking into his phone, assured Ste of Bryan¡¯s whereabouts. ¡°Mr. Dawson is at Oak Vis. He hasn¡¯t gone anywhere else. I¡¯m keeping an eye on him.¡±

    After ending the call, Raymond wiped the sweat from his forehead, feeling the pressure of dealing with Ste¡¯s demanding nature.

    Bryan¡¯s knack for slipping surveince was also a continual challenge.

    Caught in the ongoing tension between Bryan and Ste, Raymond found himselfpromising to maintain his precarious position.

    As long as Bryan didn¡¯t make a concerted effort to shake him off, Raymond could manage to keep Eileen¡¯s whereabouts a secret.

    Eileen had diligently worked for four days, arriving early and departingte, yet she had notpleted any sales.

    Her duties were limited to measurements and minor tasks, which left her no chance to directly interact with customers.

    Despite this, her main goal for the week was to evaluate the personalities of her colleagues, Aniya and Essie, so she felt no urgency.

    On Saturday morning, without the luxury of a lie-in, she rose early and made her way to the rkson family¡¯s residence, carrying her textbooks. As she left her neighborhood, she noticed Bryan¡¯s vehicle parked nearby.

    The elegant Land Rover sat silently by the roadside. Through the tinted ss, Bryan¡¯s distinct profile was barely visible.

    Pausing, Eileen debated whether to approach the vehicle, remaining rooted to her spot.

    It was only after Bryan sounded the horn that she realized he was there for her.

    With a mixture of reluctance and curiosity, she approached the passenger side, where the door opened.

    ¡°Get in,¡± Bryan instructed sinctly.

    Eileen hesitated, but she was momentarily taken aback by his stern look. Sheplied, slipping into the passenger seat.

    As she buckled her seatbelt, Bryan drove off toward the rkson¡¯s ce.

    There was a heavy silence inside the car that unsettled Eileen.

    She stole a nce at Bryan, puzzled by his intentions for driving her there.

    ¡°I happened to pass by,¡± Bryan exined briefly as if sensing her confusion.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Dawson,¡± Eileen responded in a subdued tone.

    The awkwardness lingered.

    Their conversation ended, reced again by silence.

    Upon reaching the rkson residence, Eileen quickly exited the vehicle. She turned just in time to see Bryan stride confidently into the vi.

    Han greeted them at the door. Aaron¡¯s enthusiastic wee for Bryan eclipsed his greeting for Eileen, his preference for sports clear.

    Eileen thought that maybe Bryan really had just been passing by, stopping herself from reading too much into it.

    Collecting her thoughts, she took Aaron upstairs to start the tutoring sessions.

    Likest week, the basketball session was added in the middle, and Bryan and Eileen stayed for lunch.

    During the meal, Bryan suggested, ¡°Aaron has understood the basics now. For quicker improvement, he should practice with more people.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ I don¡¯t really have the staff for that, and four of the five people working for me here are over fifty,¡± Han said, not knowing how to do that.

    ¡°We only need four yers,¡± Bryan said nonchntly.

    Han¡¯s brow creased further. ¡°But¡­¡±

    Seeing his father¡¯s hesitation, Aaron said, ¡°Dad, aren¡¯t there four of us here?¡±

    They all looked around the table.

    Eileen paused with her fork mid-air as she processed the implication, ¡°You want me to y basketball?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. With you here, we have exactly four people,¡± Bryan responded.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never yed basketball before,¡± Eileen said, feeling resigned.

    Bryan met her admission with silence, his gaze shifting briefly to Han before returning to his te.

    Sensing intent, Han quickly said, ¡°We might not be experts, but with Mr. Dawson here, we¡¯d manage just fine.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 100

    ?Chapter 100:

    Before Eileen had a chance to reply, Aaron was already bubbling over with enthusiasm, guiding Han through the rules.

    Eileen nced at Bryan, who was enjoying his meal with an air of detachment, as though the uing match held little weight for him.

    With no other options, Eileen found herself listening to Aaron¡¯s rule briefing, eating little of her food.

    Aaron, in his zest, didn¡¯t have the mood to continue his learning session. After the meal, he decided to start the game soon.

    Han, ever cooperative, partnered with Aaron to transform their backyard into an impromptu basketball arena.

    Eileen faced a snag of her own. Her attire, a short skirt paired with high heels, was far from ideal for sports.

    Observing the ready court, she pressed her lips together.

    ¡°Retrieve your outfit from the car. Make sure you¡¯ve changed before returning,¡± Bryan said. Suddenly, the familiar car key materialized before Eileen.

    Bryan extended the key to Eileen, and she furrowed her brow in mild surprise.

    Grasping the key, she pivoted and strode across the stone-adorned path.

    At the car¡¯s trunk, a moment¡¯s hesitation gave way to resolve, and she lifted the lid to reveal a set of women¡¯s athletic wear, brand tags still affixed.

    The garments were her size, a perfect fit. With the shopping bag in hand, Eileen slipped into the car to change.

    Discover endless adventures on g alno vels ; con

    While changing, a flood of memories washed over Eileen¡ªmemories of moments shared with Bryan in this very car, on this very seat.

    The thoughts turned her cheeks red. She hastened her change of clothes and stepped out, only to find Bryan standing near the car, a cigarette held casually between his fingers. At the sound of the door, he nced back.

    Eileen was now d in gem-blue sportswear, the logo on her chest matching Bryan¡¯s.

    The clothes showcased her great figure clearly.

    Bryan caught a glimpse of her blushing ears, an eyebrow arching yfully as his lips tilted into a subtle smile.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said.

    With a flick, he discarded the ashes and strolled back, nonchntly tossing the cigarette end into a nearby bin.

    As Eileen trailed behind, she smelled the mixed scents of tobo and pine on him.

    Taking a deep breath, sheposed herself, her thoughts pivoting back to the matter of thepetition.

    Unbeknownst to them, in the periphery, a car was stationed. Its upant had been discreetly capturing the scene since Eileen had emerged from Bryan¡¯s car.

    A hand stealthily emerged from the slightly ajar window, maneuvering a phone to capture photos and record videos.

    Once Eileen and Bryan returned to the house, the observer from the car hurried to the fence to snap more photos.

    The game was dyed; Eileen¡¯sck of skills in dribbling was apparent. So Bryan took a pause, dedicating a brief lesson for her benefit while Han and Aaron rested.

    Beneath the shade of the sun umbre, Han and Aaron watched Bryan and Eileen.

    ¡°Dad, are you still pursuing Eileen?¡± Aaron nudged his father with a tentative question.

    ¡°Why would I bother?¡± Han¡¯s response cameced with frustration. ¡°It¡¯s clear what¡¯s unfolding; I can¡¯t rival him.¡±

    Doubts had only surfaced for Han when Bryan started imparting a one-on-one lesson to Aaron¡ªan unexpected turn that suggested something amiss.

    ¡°Dad, there¡¯s still hope,¡± Aaron leaned closer, his voice hushed.

    ¡°The news is abuzz. Bryan¡¯s married, and there¡¯s talk of infidelity. We hold the moral high ground¡ªouch!¡±

    Han¡¯s hand met Aaron¡¯s forehead with a quick tap, cutting him short. ¡°Ignore the rumors. Focus on the fact he¡¯s your tutor. We need him. Any concerns wait until after your exams.¡±

    Aaron quickly zipped his lips, his gaze returning to the impromptu court, where he sighed at the sight. ¡°They look like the perfect match.¡±

    Eileen, her hair swept into a bun and d in athletic wear, carried the youthful air of a high school athlete.

    Beside her, Bryan¡¯s maturity was evident, yet it didn¡¯t overshadow his charm, whichplemented Eileen¡¯s natural elegance.

    Ten minutester, thepetition officially began. Eileen, still green in the sport, struggled to keep hold of the ball, which Aaron often snagged away.

    But Bryan had the upper hand over both Aaron and Han in basketball prowess.

    Han, worn out after thirty minutes, called for a coffee break. Meanwhile, Eileen was on a bench, immersed in work discussions.

    Weekend rest was the norm for an intern like Eileen, yet the regrs, Essie and Aniya, were tied to the store¡¯s schedule.

    Essie had hoped to exchange shifts for theing week, but Eileen, needing to tutor Aaron, had declined.

    Essie didn¡¯t reply more, but she must be displeased.

    Putting away her phone, Eileen¡¯s gazended on Bryan. He was leaning nonchntly under the gazebo.

    Eileen approached with a question. ¡°This sportswear¡­ Did you prepare it in advance?¡±

    The implication hung in the air that perhaps Bryan had anticipated ying basketball with her.

    ¡°Is that a problem?¡± Bryan turned to face her.

    A shake of Eileen¡¯s head was instinctive, but it loosened her hair, some strands cascading onto her shoulder.

    Her rust had little to cool her; her cheeks were flushed, a sheen of perspiration on her nose.

    Breathing slightly through parted lips, she uttered, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s throat tightened as he found himself drawn to Eileen¡¯s lips, kissing her on a whim.

    Her allure was undeniable, and resistance seemed a foreign concept to him, particrly because it had been so long since he had been intimate with her.

    He was overtaken by an intense longing, and in a moment of imbnce, Eileen found herself leaning against a post.

    Her breath mingled with his, the air charged with his palpable desire.

    With a gentle nudge, Eileen signaled for restraint, a silent plea forposure.

    Acknowledging the silent warning, Bryan looked down, his gaze heavy with unspoken words.

    ¡°Han has prepared coffee. It might be good for you to join him,¡± Eileen suggested softly.

    Time stretched on before Bryan finally responded, his voiceced with frustration, ¡°I have no taste for coffee right now.¡±

    As Eileen rolled her eyes, she caught a glimpse of him adjusting his attire hastily, ensuring his lower body was properly covered.

    Eileen¡¯s difort was mirrored in his embarrassment.

    Though she looked away, her flushed cheeks betrayed her inner tumult.

    Han, astute as ever, remained inside, allowing them a prolonged moment of solitude before restarting the game.

    The game ended in the evening.

    With the day¡¯s activities winding down, Eileen and Bryan prepared to leave. Bryan handed Eileen the car key. ¡°Let¡¯s return together,¡± he said.

    With a brief pause, Eileen took the car key and settled into the driver¡¯s seat, noticing Bryan hadn¡¯t joined her.

    Bryan gestured toward a spot nearby. ¡°Wait for me there.¡±

    Eileen nodded, unsure of the reason but following his direction.

    Bryan sauntered in the opposite direction, his figure reflecting in a car window as he rapped on the ss.

    Raymond, seated inside the car, rolled down the window, greeting Bryan with a resigned smile. ¡°Mr. Dawson.¡±

    ¡°Let me have a look,¡± Bryan said, extending his hand.

    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, Raymond surrendered his phone to Bryan.

    It contained a trove of photos capturing Bryan and Eileen¡¯s moments throughout the day, including the kiss at the gazebo.

    ¡°The photos are good. Send these to me,¡± Bryan instructed, handing the phone back.

    Raymond, momentarily taken aback, quickly regainedposure. ¡°Okay,¡± he replied.

    ¡°I know what to do next, right?¡± Bryan¡¯s voice was firm and expectant.

    Raymond looked a bit reluctant. ¡°Mr. Dawson, these photos are my work. I¡¯ve got to give your grandmother something.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Bryan arched an eyebrow, his gaze piercing. ¡°Without the photos, you¡¯re simply ipetent, but if you fail to even keep me in sight, then you¡¯re of no value.¡±

    It was very easy for Bryan topletely get rid of Raymond if he wanted to.

    ¡°Right, the photos will be in your inboxter. The rest I¡¯ll delete,¡± Raymond said, eager toply.

    ¡°Don¡¯t follow me tonight,¡± Bryan left with a warning.

    Raymond slumped in his seat, deted as he watched Bryan walk away, his actions an enigma.

    He thought of Bryan, with a web of rtionships¡ªa wife shrouded in mystery, a mistress with her mboyance, and Eileen, his secret.

    Eileen¡¯s wait was brief. Bryan returned within five minutes, and during that time, her mind had raced with possibilities.

    Would he go to her ce?

    She had been looking forward to it, yet the purpose of his visit¡ªthe transactional aspect¡ªunsettled her.

    Biting her lip, a wrinkle of concern etching her brow, she posed the question at a red light.

    ¡°Dawson, do you want to go to my ce?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s look was an open book of emotions. ¡°Is there an issue with that?¡± he said.

    Eileen smiled as the traffic signal bathed them in green. ¡°Not at all.¡±

    With resolve, she veered the car towards Springvale Lane.

    They stopped at the entrance, the seat belt still fastened.

    Without a word, Bryan leaned in, pressing Eileen back.

    The seat belt clicked open under his careful touch.

    His grasp was gentle but firm, drawing her hands to his waist. His need was palpable, nearly too much for her.

    But she believed they couldn¡¯t do it in the car. Her lips parted, a soft insistence escaping them. ¡°Let¡¯s go inside.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 101

    ?Chapter 101:

    Eileen¡¯s voice carried a soft and tender warmth that made Bryan¡¯s body tense.

    Bryan opened the car door, lifted Eileen in his arms, and got out of the car.

    Once inside the house, he ced her gently on the cab at the entrance. Pressing her against the cab, he kissed her passionately.

    He kissed her everywhere, starting from the corners of her eyes, down to the tip of her nose, and onto her corbone.

    He was intimately familiar with her body; almost every move he made sent shivers through her.

    Eileen¡¯s mind was in a daze, barely hearing him whisper in her ear, ¡°Eileen, I miss you.¡±

    But she couldn¡¯t muster the strength to reply. She was entirely caught up in his touch.

    They had gotten back to the house at six in the evening, and he eventually released her at nine.

    After showering, Bryan slipped into the pants he had left there and went to the kitchen to cook while Eileen was resting on the couch.

    But as Bryan opened the fridge, he found it empty.

    Seeing his puzzled look, Eileen hurried over, feeling a bit embarrassed. ¡°I¡¯ve been so swamped with work that I¡¯ve been grabbing dinner outte; I haven¡¯t cooked in ages,¡± she exined.

    ¡°Is your work exhausting?¡± Bryan shut the refrigerator door and turned toward her.

    The kitchen lights were off. Bryan¡¯s dark eyes caught the light from the living room.

    New chapters avable g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls

    Eileen flushed and smiled. ¡°A bit, but I can handle it.¡±

    Bryan didn¡¯t continue the topic. ¡°What would you like to eat? I¡¯ll go get something.¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s okay with you, I¡¯ve got instant noodles here,¡± Eileen replied. It waste, and a trip to the store would take too much time.

    She walked to the cab and took out several packets of instant noodles.

    Bryan looked at the packets in her hand for a moment before saying, ¡°Okay.¡±

    What surprised Eileenter was that Bryan didn¡¯t leave after they ate; he stayed the night.

    Then, she discovered that he had only taken a break at nine to regain his energy for the night ahead.

    Before they went to sleep, Eileen watched Bryan silence his phone and inform Han that he wouldn¡¯t be tutoring the next day.

    But their sleep was still disrupted by a knock on the door at ten in the morning.

    Eileen got up and peered out the window, spotting Bailee and Huey outside.

    She suddenly recalled her ns to visit Ruby with Bailee every weekend. ncing at her phone, she noticed she had missed over ten calls.

    As she was processing this, Bailee typed in the password and let herself in.

    The sound of the door opening and closing followed, along with Bailee calling Eileen¡¯s name.

    ¡°Eileen!¡±

    Bailee¡¯s voice was filled with panic and concern, fearing something might have gone wrong.

    Eileen quickly slipped into her nightgown. Meanwhile, Bryan, shirtless and exuding weariness, sat up on the bed, a thin quilt covering him from the waist down.

    He was clearly not pleased.

    ¡°Eileen! Oh my God!¡± Bailee stormed upstairs, caught sight of Bryan on the bed, and gasped. She quickly spun around to dash back downstairs.

    Huey, who had been waiting downstairs, quickly approached her, asking, ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Dawson¡­¡± Bailee pointed upstairs, her voice failing her.

    Eileen rubbed her forehead and looked at Bryan with a resigned look. ¡°Why don¡¯t you sleep a bit more, Mr. Dawson?¡±

    Bryan grabbed a cigarette from the bedside table and lit it. The rising smoke couldn¡¯t obscure his displeased expression. He just nodded.

    Eileen rushed downstairs, her expression uneasy as she told the two, ¡°I forgot to mention, I¡¯ve been tutoring a student on weekendstely, so I¡¯ll visit my mom tonight.¡±

    ¡°You have tutoring on weekends? You usually work overtime on Saturdays?¡± Bailee asked, remembering how Eileen often worked extra hours on weekends.

    Eileen hadn¡¯t found the right moment to tell Bailee that she no longer worked as Bryan¡¯s assistant.

    Feeling that now was still not the right time, she forced a smile and said, ¡°I¡¯ve stopped working overtime, though today is an exception. Just wait for me a bit; I¡¯ll head to the hospital with you.¡±

    But as she turned, she saw Bryan standing by the staircase.

    Bryan¡¯s piercing look briefly met Huey¡¯s, who, for some reason, red back like a provoked wolf!

    ¡°Let¡¯s head to the hospital after a meal,¡± Huey suddenly said.

    Eileen was taken aback by his proposal.

    Before she had a chance to respond, Huey asked, ¡°Do you have any ingredients to cook at home?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Eileen shook her head. Before she could say more, Huey added, ¡°Then Mr. Dawson and I will go get some ingredients. We can have dinner together. You don¡¯t mind, do you?¡±

    Footsteps grew louder as they approached, and Bryan appeared behind Eileen.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind at all,¡± he said.

    After getting ready, Bryan left with Huey to go to the store, leaving Eileen and Bailee at home.

    Once Eileen had changed, she sat on the sofa, a worried look crossing her face. She felt uneasy about Huey and Bryan spending time together.

    ¡°Eileen, I thought you and Bryan were no longer together. Hasn¡¯t he always been seen with Vivian recently?¡± Bailee looked puzzled. ¡°And why hasn¡¯t he mentioned a divorce?¡±

    The media had been reporting the news about Bryan and Vivian constantly, so Bailee¡¯s question wasn¡¯t surprising.

    Eileen exined what had happened at Ste¡¯s birthday party. ¡°So, Ste strongly opposes him being with Vivian, and he can¡¯t just divorce.¡±

    ¡°Does he know that you¡¯re his wife now?¡± Bailee was truly confused. ¡°Why does he keeping to you? Doesn¡¯t he really like Vivian?¡±

    At that moment, the sun was high in the sky, bathing the room in light. Eileen sat on the sofa, her loose hair framing her face, her clear eyes shimmering as if she were holding back words she couldn¡¯t quite express.

    She couldn¡¯t just tell that she was merely a tool to satisfy Bryan¡¯s needs, given that Bryan wanted to avoid any intimacy with Vivian until they were married.

    Realizing she had said something wrong, Bailee quickly shifted the conversation. ¡°Speaking of which, haven¡¯t the Warrens been making things difficult for you? Why do they still let you work so closely with Bryan?¡±

    ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t work at Apex Group headquarters anymore,¡± Eileen said, seeing no reason to keep it a secret. She continued, ¡°I¡¯m now an employee in the special dress section on the eighth floor of Vicin Mall.¡±

    Bailee jumped to her feet, stunned by the news.

    The gap between being the CEO¡¯s special assistant and a frontline employee was enormous.

    Without thinking, Bailee blurted out, ¡°Then why stick around? You¡¯re a top-notch assistant; you¡¯d earn more by switching jobs!¡±

    What she really felt sorry for wasn¡¯t Eileen¡¯s low sry now, but the vast difference in her job status.

    Being a frontline employee was truly exhausting. Eileen would have to smile all day to please those affluent women. It seemed like such a misuse of her skills.

    ¡°With the Warren family blocking my path, no one else wants to hire me,¡± Eileen said candidly. ¡°Though my current job is hard, themission is high. I believe my earnings won¡¯t be less than they used to be.¡±

    She wasn¡¯t boasting. Having worked with Bryan for several years, she had encountered all sorts of people, particrly rich women.

    She was good at reading people now.

    Bailee still felt sorry for her, but she held back her thoughts.

    Huey and Bryan returned, lugging a big bag of groceries and going straight to the kitchen.

    For some reason, they just began to work silently, refusing Eileen¡¯s and Bailee¡¯s offer to help.

    Nearly an hourter, avish lunch was served.

    Eileen and Bryan sat next to each other, with Eileen¡¯s eyes darting between Bryan beside her and Huey across the table.

    ¡°Eileen, try this one; I made it myself,¡± Huey suggested, pointing to a dish in front of Eileen.

    Eileen tasted the dish and smiled. ¡°It¡¯s delicious.¡±

    Right after she spoke, Huey pointed to another dish. ¡°That one was made by Mr. Dawson. Give it a try.¡±

    Eileen nced at Bryan, noticing his tense profile as he leaned casually against the back of his chair. He turned his head to look at her.

    Turning her attention away, Eileen tasted the second dish.

    ¡°This is delicious, too.¡±

    ¡°Which one is better?¡± Huey demanded. ¡°Tell me.¡±

    Eileen was at a loss for words.

    Bailee cautioned in a low voice, ¡°Huey, what are you doing?¡±

    Huey¡¯s voice was low, but he was close enough for Eileen and Bryan to hear him.

    Bryan raised his eyebrows casually, while Eileen furrowed hers in confusion.

    ¡°Huey, you¡¯re making it difficult for Eileen,¡± Bailee whispered, tugging at Huey¡¯s sleeve.

    If Eileen said what Huey wanted, that dish wasn¡¯t good, what would her fate be?

    Huey tensed up.

    He looked across at Bryan, who sat there calmly with a slight smirk, obviously unfazed by the challenge.

    ¡°Why so smug?¡± Huey mmed his hand on the table and stood up. ¡°I¡¯ve had enough of you! You¡¯re rich; go what? What you did is shameless! I despise you!¡±

    As this topic came up, Eileen couldn¡¯t help but feel awkward.

    She felt so embarrassed that if she hadn¡¯t been aware she was Bryan¡¯s wife, she might have wished to disappear right now.

    Bryan turned to look at her intently and said, ¡°It¡¯s merely a matter of give-and-take.¡±

    He hoped she didn¡¯t need anything from him, especially not his money.

    It seemed all she was interested in was his wealth.

    Huey pped his forehead, suddenly remembering that Eileen had done that to cover Bryan¡¯s medical costs. Was he inadvertently insulting Eileen by saying what he had just said?

    Eileen cut through the tense atmosphere at the dining table.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just eat; we still need to go to the hospitalter,¡± she said.

    Hearing that, Bailee quickly pulled Huey to sit, giving him a disapproving shake of her head.

    Facing defeat, Huey sat down. He began to text while eating.

    He sent a message to Ax, knowing Ax was Bryan¡¯s friend.

    ¡°You know Bryan, don¡¯t you? He¡¯s a real jerk. He¡¯s sleeping with his subordinate!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 102

    ?Chapter 102:

    ¡°You have seen Eileen, Bryan¡¯s assistant, more times than I can count. She¡¯s a real catch: kind, smart, and generous to a fault, yet he has exploited her kindness. She¡¯s practically wilting under his thumb, and it¡¯s downright maddening. You and I, we¡¯re nothing like him. He¡¯s sunk lower than any creature I know!¡±

    Seated elsewhere, Bryan¡¯s phoney dormant next to his hand, its screen flickering to life unnoticed.

    Bryan caught a glimpse of Huey¡¯s messages, the edges of a chill smile forming on his face.

    As he nced at Huey, who was lost in a frenzy of texts trying to snitch, his smile twisted into a scowl.

    ¡°Ax, a guy like that should get under your skin just like he does mine. We can hatch a nter, invite him over, and teach him a lesson. You¡¯ll have my back, right?¡±

    Huey sent about seven messages, each one a grumble of his gripes.

    Then, he received a response: ¡°Okay.¡±

    Huey mmed his phone down with a flourish, casting a victorious look Bryan¡¯s way.

    Eileen and Bailee were both startled, turning to look at Huey with wide eyes.

    ¡°Trouble¡¯s brewing for you. Just you wait,¡± Huey muttered.

    Eileen¡¯s eyes darted from Huey to Bryan, sensing the tension.

    Huey was basking in his petty win, while Bryan sat there calmly.

    Exclusive updates g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??s.c?m

    Eileen felt the air thick with unsaid words and could do nothing but nudge Huey, hinting at him to eat.

    The feast before them was mostly Bryan¡¯s handiwork, with Huey contributing but a dish or two.

    Eileen savored Bryan¡¯s cooking, relishing each bite more than thest.

    As she finished, she leaned closer to whisper to Bryan, ¡°This afternoon, we¡¯re heading to the hospital. If you¡¯re worn out, feel free to stay and rest, or you can head out.¡±

    Bryan, changing into his spare suit, replied as he grabbed his coat and nced back at his casual clothes left behind, ¡°Make sure you bring my clothes next week to the rkson family¡¯s house.¡±

    ¡°Sure thing,¡± Eileen responded with a nod.

    Bryan was the first one to leave. Bailee watched him go and then turned to Eileen with a puzzled expression.

    ¡°Wait, Eileen, you don¡¯t have a car now?¡± Bailee asked.

    The vehicle Bryan had just taken was the one usually driven by Eileen, apany benefit for her role as the CEO¡¯s assistant.

    Now, her usual parking spoty bare.

    Eileen simply said, ¡°Company cars are a perk only for senior management.¡±

    Hearing that, Huey sprang up, making an obscene gesture at¡­

    Bryan¡¯s fading taillights made Eileen curse under her breath.

    In the end, Huey drove Eileen and Bailee to the hospital, although he didn¡¯t apany them inside.

    At the DV Club, Bryan only showed up at Kian¡¯s nned meetup in the evening. Vivian and Jacob were already there, with Benjamin waiting outside.

    Raymond, being an assistant like Benjamin, also stopped at the door.

    ¡°Bryan.¡± Spotting Bryan, Vivian lit up as she rose to her feet. ¡°We¡¯ve missed seeing you around. What¡¯s kept you hidden away all weekend? You¡¯ve been like a ghost¡ªno calls, no texts, nowhere to be found, even at the office.¡±

    Vivian attempted to loop her arm through Bryan¡¯s, but her grasp slipped as he moved forward.

    With a subtle frown, she trailed behind him, taking a seat beside him.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been staying at the Dawson Mansion with my grandmother,¡± Bryan stated, sprawling on the sofa without ncing Vivian¡¯s way.

    Kian handed Bryan a ss of wine with a smile. ¡°What¡¯s Ste¡¯s take on you and Vivian these days? Still opposed?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s forehead creased just a bit. ¡°The topic upsets her every time.¡±

    ¡°Why not bring Vivian along next weekend? Let her spend more time with your grandmother. It might smooth things over,¡± Kian proposed, his eyes fixed on Bryan¡¯s reactions. Then, quite abruptly, he asked, ¡°Brought a new assistant today? I don¡¯t think you trust him yet. With Eileen gone, I assumed you¡¯d be swamped. But you even seem to have the free time on the weekend to stay with your grandmother at home.¡±

    The inquiry hung in the air, Bryan¡¯s gaze never straying from Kian.

    Ambient light scarcely filled the room, and Kian could see Bryan only in profile.

    Bryan turned to face Kian squarely, their gazes locked. ¡°Her sole purpose is only to assist me. My work efficiency plummets without her. Then what good am I as the CEO of Apex Group?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s look was neutral, but the resolve in his voice was unmistakable.

    Vivian, eager to lighten the mood, chimed in, ¡°You¡¯ve always been top-notch. But Kian¡¯s got a point. Next week, I¡¯ming with you to see your grandmother at the Dawson Mansion.¡±

    ¡°It depends,¡± Bryan said, his reply sharp and sinct.

    Kian settled back into the plush sofa, pulling out his phone to send a text.

    Outside, Benjamin felt his phone buzz; he took a quick look at the screen. His expression darkened slightly.

    Putting away his phone, he said to Raymond, ¡°So, you¡¯re stepping into Mr. Dawson¡¯s world as the new assistant?¡±

    Raymond nodded politely. ¡°Nice to meet you, Benjamin. I¡¯ve heard about you before.¡±

    With a smile, Benjamin said, ¡°In our field, it¡¯s inevitable our paths will cross. How about we add each other on WhatsApp? Considering the ties between Mr. Warren and Mr. Dawson, it mighte in handy.¡±

    To illustrate his point, he briefly shed Eileen¡¯s contact on his phone, an attempt to underscore the practicality of the exchange.

    Yet, Raymond¡¯s caution lingered, maintaining a professional distance.

    Benjamin said, ¡°Mr. Dawson and Mr. Warren favor the DV Club here for their socials. They usually stay in this very room. Sometimes, they venture next door for a meal.¡±

    In a disy of openness, Benjaminid out the usual haunts and habits of Bryan and Kian¡¯s informal gatherings.

    Raymond¡¯s expression softened over time. ¡°I appreciate the rundown. Eileen¡¯s exit was rather sudden, and she left without passing on something as crucial as Mr. Dawson¡¯s personal agenda.¡±

    Hearing Raymond take the initiative to bring up the topic of Eileen, Benjamin nced toward the private room. He gestured towards a quiet spot nearby. ¡°How about we go there for a smoke? It¡¯ll be a while before they emerge.¡±

    Raymond¡¯s reply was gently firm. ¡°No, thank you. I don¡¯t smoke.¡±

    Benjamin shed a wry smile, stepping aside to enjoy a cigarette in solitude.

    Raymond had expected that after Benjamin finished smoking, he would continue talking about matters of Eileen, yet the topic never resurfaced.

    Their conversation drifted instead through the contrasting natures of Kian and Bryan before dwindling into silence.

    Within the private room, Kian insisted on refilling Bryan¡¯s ss repeatedly until a bottle of wine was emptied.

    Jacob took his ce by Bryan¡¯s side, joining in the merriment, and soon, Kian was drunk.

    Bryan, however, maintained a semnce of sobriety beneath the light haze of alcohol.

    Vivian said hesitantly, ¡°Benjamin can drive my brother Bryan; let me escort you home.¡±

    ¡°No need. My assistant is waiting outside for me,¡± Bryan said, his gaze detached as he rose, his coat in hand, his departure marked by unsteady steps.

    Vivian¡¯s instinct was to follow, but Jacob stopped her. ¡°Look after your brother. I¡¯ve got Bryan covered.¡±

    With those words, Jacob after Bryan¡¯s retreating form, Vivian¡¯s eyes darted from Kian¡¯s slumped figure to the exit, stamping her foot in frustration.

    Jacob, stepping out, instructed Raymond firmly, ¡°Go inside and take Kian home.¡±

    He then followed Bryan, saying, ¡°Kian did that on purpose, didn¡¯t he? Trying to get you drunk so that Vivian can sleep with you. He and Vivian are too eager now. You can still stop the situation from escting; just make things clear with Vivian.¡±

    ¡°What should be made clear?¡± Bryan asked. In the elevator¡¯s quiet, his frame rxed against the cold wall, his gaze drifting over to Jacob with an air of detachment.

    Jacob suddenly didn¡¯t know what to say. He wrestled with the thought that perhaps it was time for Bryan to be transparent about his feelings for Eileen. Yet, considering the delicate nature of Eileen¡¯s situation, he doubted the timing for such disclosures.

    No word yet from Eileen.

    Beyond that, even without Vivian in the picture, Bryan still had a wife.

    Even Jacob started to worry about Eileen.

    Bryan¡¯s mind seemed to race, prompting him to adjust his tie and undo a couple of buttons. Then, he casually rolled his sleeves up, revealing his wristwatch that caught the flicker of the elevator¡¯s light.

    Jacob remarked, ¡°Seems Kian can¡¯t really handle his drink¡ªa couple of sses and he¡¯s drunk?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s lips twisted into a smirk. ¡°He¡¯s just putting on a show.¡±

    Kian had realized that Jacob had been helping Bryan, knowing that he couldn¡¯t get Bryan drunk. So, he had feigned drunkenness himself.

    Taken aback, Jacob cursed, ¡°That sly man, baiting you with his chatter, even dropping Eileen¡¯s name¡­ He¡¯s ying a deeper game.¡±

    Indeed, as Bryan suggested, Kian¡¯s drunkenness was just an act.

    As Benjamin stepped into the hush of the private room, he found Bryan with eyes wide open, casually sipping from a ss.

    Vivian, piecing things together, punched the couch in frustration. ¡°Seems Jacob¡¯s not on our side, either.¡±

    ¡°How did your talk go?¡± inquired Kian, eyeing Benjamin intently.

    They needed to pinpoint Eileen¡¯s location, and Benjamin knew that starting with those close to Bryan, particrly Raymond, offered the most direct route.

    With a troubled look, Benjamin replied, ¡°Raymond¡¯s tight-lipped, deflecting anything about Eileen with a shrug. Given his loyalty to Mr. Dawson¡¯s grandmother, if Mr. Dawson¡¯s hiding Eileen, he wouldn¡¯t tell Raymond anything.¡±

    Kian, undeterred, said, ¡°I¡¯m well aware of that, but you need to find a way to let Raymond know. There¡¯s no chance he¡¯s ignorant of Eileen¡¯s location.¡±

    A select few were privy to Eileen¡¯s situation¡ªBryan, Raymond, and the personnel department¡¯s manager, Mr. Ferguson. A long-standing pir in the personnel department, he had given two decades to Apex Group, earning Bryan¡¯s unwavering trust.

    Approaching him haphazardly could rattle Bryan, risking little gain.

    Kian¡¯s strategy was clear¡ªstart with Raymond; Benjamin must lead the effort to avoid any bacsh on Bryan.

    ¡°Understood,¡± Benjamin replied, his eyes a silent well of thoughts.

    Vivian, hearing their scheme, thought of Judie.

    Surely, Judie would know Eileen¡¯s whereabouts. Vivian believed if she found someone to follow Judie, it could unravel where Eileen had been transferred to.

    Meanwhile, Jacob insisted on joining Bryan in the back seat of the car.

    Inside the car, Bryan asked Raymond, ¡°What did you and Benjamin talk about?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 103

    ?Chapter 103:

    ¡°Benjamin talked about the usual gatherings you have with Mr. Warren and seemed interested in engaging me more in conversation. I declined, and after that, he didn¡¯t pursue it further,¡± Raymond replied.

    Raymond couldn¡¯t shake off his curiosity about Benjamin¡¯s probing.

    It was clear to him that Benjamin¡¯s questions were merely scratching the surface,cking any real depth or attempts to charm or gain favor.

    He didn¡¯t understand why.

    Bryan pondered this, his expression shifting subtly. ¡°Apart from matters concerning Eileen, feel free to disclose anything to him.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Raymond replied quickly.

    Jacob grinned, patiently waiting for their conversation to end.

    He wanted to talk more but noticed Bryan had closed his eyes, signaling his disinterest.

    Jacob clicked his tongue, wisely opting to stay silent. He turned his gaze to the nighttime scenery, choosing to enjoy the view.

    The streets were deserted, with only sporadic traffic and the asional bus carrying a handful of passengers.

    Suddenly, Jacob spotted Eileen sitting on one of the buses by the window.

    Her long locks flowed down her back, illuminated by the bright bus interior, entuating her delicate features, which bore the weight of evident fatigue.

    Jacob stole a quick nce at Bryan, who seemed to be sleeping.

    Explore magic at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s£®c????

    ¡°Pull over at the next bus stop,¡± Jacob softly instructed, tapping Raymond¡¯s shoulder.

    Assuming Jacob wanted to get off, Raymond stopped the car in front of the bus stop after the traffic light.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back,¡± Jacob said before exiting the car and striding toward the approaching bus.

    Raymond watched Jacob in the rearview mirror as Jacob approached the bus, wondering what he was up to. Meanwhile, Bryan appeared genuinely asleep in the back.

    As the bus stopped, Jacob stepped onto the tform and called out, ¡°Eileen!¡±

    Surprised, Eileen looked up and asked, ¡°Mr. Meyer, what are you doing here?¡±

    Was he actually nning to take the bus?

    ¡°Get off,¡± Jacob gestured to her.

    With the driver and two other passengers waiting, Eileen swiftly grabbed her bag, apologized to the driver, and followed Jacob off the bus.

    ¡°Come, we¡¯ll give you a ride home,¡± Jacob said, opening the car door for her and then taking the passenger seat himself.

    Eileen immediately spotted the sleek Apex Group business car, and she was certain that Jacob¡¯s ¡°we¡± included Bryan.

    Approaching the car, she saw Bryan seated inside, his eyes slightly open, sweeping a nce over her.

    Seated and already fastening his seat belt, Jacob eximed, ¡°It¡¯ste; no time to waste. Hop in!¡±

    Eileen nodded at Bryan before climbing into the car, which smoothly pulled away onto the empty road.

    Jacob quickly adjusted the navigation to Springvale Lane before turning back to Eileen. ¡°Where do you work now?¡±

    Brushing off Bryan¡¯s warning gaze, he continued to inquire about Eileen¡¯s current job situation.

    ¡°At Vicin Mall,¡± Eileen replied openly. Jacob had always treated her like a friend, so she felt no need to hide anything.

    Surprised, Jacob eximed, ¡°Vicin Mall? That¡¯s quite a distance. Do you take the bus every day? What¡¯s your position? Are you a deputy director or manager? Didn¡¯t they provide you with a car?¡±

    Clearly, Jacob had overestimated Eileen¡¯s significance to Bryan.

    Eileen instinctively cast a nce at Bryan, who sat with his head tilted against the car window, pinching the bridge of his nose, his expression inscrutable.

    He appeared as if he hadn¡¯t heard any of the conversation.

    ¡°I work as an employee in the special asion gown department,¡± Eileen replied, a touch of bitterness creeping into her tone.

    It was clear that Bryan was perturbed by the ¡°ckmail¡± incident. That was probably why he had transferred her there.

    ¡°What?¡± Jacob¡¯s eyes widened in shock.

    He fell into a thoughtful silence, turning away and asionally shaking his head in disbelief.

    When the car came to a halt at Springvale Lane, Eileen stepped out and noticed Bryan still sitting with his eyes closed.

    Trying not to disturb Bryan¡¯s rest, she only said to Jacob, ¡°Thank you, Mr. Meyer.¡±

    With that, she turned around and left.

    Inside the car, Bryan¡¯s dark eyes suddenly snapped open, and through the windows, he watched Eileen walk into the residential area.

    Confusion clouded his mind. Wasn¡¯t this his car? Why did Eileen thank Jacob?

    Raymond was prepared to start the engine, but Jacob stopped him.

    Turning to Bryan, Jacob asked, ¡°Are you getting out?¡±

    ¡°Fuck off!¡± Bryan snapped irritably.

    Jacob burst intoughter, signaling Raymond to start driving.

    He couldn¡¯t resist saying, ¡°Someone has no mercy. Demoting Eileen to the lowest position! Taking the bus during rush hour, Eileen¡¯s vulnerable to all sorts of creeps. With her looks, who knows what she might encounter?¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Bryan¡¯s voice dripped with irritation.

    But Jacob wasn¡¯t deterred. ¡°But she brought it upon herself, didn¡¯t she? Trying to ckmail you and all. You¡¯re probably keeping her around just to make her suffer, aren¡¯t you? I could offer some suggestions on how to make her life even more miserable. Perhaps hand her over to Vivian or your grandmother; they would surely make her life a living hell¡­¡±

    Jacob¡¯s words hit a nerve, and Bryan¡¯s face darkened.

    Meanwhile, Raymond, behind the wheel, was startled. Should he really be privy to this conversation? He hadn¡¯t started working for Bryan for long, yet here they were discussing such sensitive matters without a thought for his presence.

    The car stopped in front of Oak Vis, and Raymond promptly stepped out to open the door.

    However, Bryan remained seated, his dark eyes fixed intensely on Jacob, his thoughts a mystery.

    Feeling the weight of Bryan¡¯s stare, Jacob couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Bryan, you¡¯re not going to make me walk home from your ce, are you?¡±

    Jacob¡¯s phone was dead, and to hail a taxi, he would have to walk several miles.

    ¡°It depends on your behavior,¡± Bryan replied, a faint smirk ying on his lips.

    Realizing there was more to this, Jacob asked, ¡°Alright, what¡¯s the deal? Just spit it out.¡±

    Bryan only raised an eyebrow.

    After a moment, Jacob sighed and patted the seat. ¡°Okay, I get it. Let your driver give me a lift, and I¡¯ll manage everything for you tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Take Mr. Meyer home,¡± Bryan instructed, shutting the car door before strolling away, his demeanor both casual and dignified.

    As Raymond returned to the driver¡¯s seat, he set the navigation for Jacob¡¯s home. During the drive, Jacob grumbled, ¡°This cab fare is damn expensive!¡±

    At nine o¡¯clock, Aniya and Essie strolled into the store and found Eileen diligently organizing the clothes, dressed in her staff uniform.

    Though the uniform was a simple rose pink, it looked positively radiant on Eileen.

    Her wlessplexion and delicate features gave her an ethereal quality as if she had stepped out of a painting.

    Aniya and Essie exchanged nces before approaching Eileen.

    ¡°Eileen, don¡¯t just stand there; go mop the floor,¡± Aniya instructed.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already mopped it!¡± Eileen replied, pointing to a spot that was still drying. ¡°I finished mopping just a few minutes ago.¡±

    Aniya was taken aback.

    ¡°Then go to the back,¡± Essie started.

    Wearing a smile, Eileen quickly interjected, ¡°The dresses reserved by customers in the back have all been ironed and hung up. You can check which customer each dress belongs to.¡±

    Eileen had prepared herself for this, rising at five in the morning, catching the bus at six, and arriving at the store by eight.

    Learning from her previous experience, she hadpleted the tasks necessary for the day.

    Essie and Aniya checked the back and were astonished to see the dresses neatly hung on mannequins, perfectly ironed.

    ¡°We underestimated her!¡± Essie sneered. ¡°Was she just putting on an actst week? She¡¯s not someone we can easily control.¡±

    Looking at Eileen, who was now ready to greet customers, both Essie¡¯s and Aniya¡¯s eyes held caution.

    Aniya crossed her arms. ¡°Can the two of us handle one person? We¡¯ll just create problems for her. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Aniya and Essie exited the backroom together, positioning themselves beside Eileen at the entrance.

    ¡°Eileen, I haven¡¯t had breakfast; go buy me something,¡± Aniya said.

    Essie quickly added, ¡°And I¡¯m feeling too sleepy from waking up early; get me a cup of coffee.¡±

    They had an array of tasks and demands ready to keep Eileen busy, just like they had done the previous week whenever Eileen had a free moment.

    This time, however, Eileen firmly refused them. ¡°Buying breakfast and coffee is not within the scope of my duties. Of course, if you really want them, do that yourself. I won¡¯t report you.¡±

    With that, she brushed past them and positioned herself on the other side of the entrance.

    Standing tall andposed, her clear eyes scanned every passing customer, a subtle smile gracing her lips, exuding professionalism.

    Essie and Aniya were taken aback by Eileen¡¯s refusal, but before they could say anything more, the store manager, Charlie, approached, forcing them to remain silent.

    Observing the situation, Charlie was impressed by how quickly Eileen had turned the tables.

    ¡°Eileen,e here for a second,¡± Charlie called, handing Eileen some documents. ¡°We¡¯re moving to another position in two months, and although you¡¯ve been waiting as an intern, your qualifications make you eligible topete for the store manager role. Here are some materials rted to the store; they¡¯ll give you an edge in thepetition.¡±

    The documents contained crucial details about thepetition¡¯s prerequisites and insights into store operations.

    Eileen epted them and thanked Charlie.

    She then retreated to the back to stow away the materials in her locker before resuming her position outside.

    Charlie found it somewhat unexpected that Eileen didn¡¯t use her working hours to review the materials.

    She assumed that Eileen, like Essie and Aniya, believed that greeting more customers and earning highermissions would boost her chances of bing the store manager. Charlie couldn¡¯t help but shake her head in pity at the misconception.

    Meanwhile, at the entrance of the Vicin Mall, Vivian emerged with her arms folded as she surveyed the vast expanse of the mall. She turned to the person beside her and asked, ¡°Are you certain Eileen works here?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Miss Warren, I followed her from her home and saw her enter the mall. However, the mall wasn¡¯t at the limit, so I¡¯m not sure which department she is in,¡± the driver replied.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 104

    ?Chapter 104:

    ¡°Since I know she¡¯s at Vicin Mall, finding her should be easy,¡± Vivian said before heading back to her car. ¡°Contact Benjamin. The Warren Group is connected to Vicin Mall. He probably knows the staff there. Tell him to look into it.¡±

    The driver nodded and got back into the driver¡¯s seat to make the call. He dialed Benjamin¡¯s number and waited.

    Benjamin answered the call. After a moment¡¯s pause, he agreed to help before quickly ending the conversation.

    Vivian¡¯s act of secretly following Eileen to the Vicin Mall surprised Benjamin.

    Holding the phone tightly, Benjamin thought of Eileen.

    Just then, Kian came out of the office and said, ¡°Get ready for the meeting.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Benjamin quickly pulled himself together and nodded, heading to the meeting room while sending a message to the manager of Vicin Mall as he walked.

    Eileen weed her first customer of the day, a woman in her thirties looking for a dress for a banquet in two weeks that wasn¡¯t too showy.

    ¡°Could I try this dress on? It looks beautiful,¡± the woman asked, picking out a sapphire dress.

    Eileen quickly responded, ¡°Of course!¡±

    As the woman got ready to try on the dress, Essie and Aniya came over at the same time. One reached for the dress while the other approached the customer.

    ¡°Miss, the fitting room is this way. Please follow us¡­¡±

    Updates always live at gal¦Ç¦Òv??ls

    Eileen quickly scooped the dress into her arms, avoiding Essie¡¯s attempt to grab it, and stopped Aniya, who was about to lead the woman to the fitting room.

    ¡°You two stay here; I¡¯ll take care of this customer,¡± Eileen said.

    The air thickened with tension among the three. Oblivious to the conflict, the woman simply paused before walking toward the fitting room.

    Ignoring the sour expressions of Essie and Aniya, Eileen led the woman into the fitting area and shut the door behind them. She turned to the woman and handed her the dress. ¡°The fitting room is right there. This dress zips up in the back. If you need any help, just let me know.¡±

    The woman took the dress with a smile and went into the fitting room. She came out shortly after.

    The woman¡¯s taste was excellent, and the style of the dress was appropriate for her age. The woman quickly decided to buy the dress.

    Eileen used a tape measure to take the woman¡¯s measurements to customize a dress in the same style.

    ¡°It¡¯ll take at least five days to make the dress, at most seven. You can leave your number with me, and I¡¯ll call you as soon as it¡¯s ready,¡± Eileen said.

    She handed over her phone with a smile. The woman quickly added Eileen as a contact, settled her bill at the front desk, and left.

    The dress was quite affordable, priced at just over thirty thousand. Eileen was used to handling such customers. She didn¡¯t n on stealing regrs from Aniya and Essie. That would be out of line.

    As Eileen worked to keep the customer engaged, Aniya and Essie saw Eileen as being too strategic. They worried Eileen would try to take their clients.

    ¡°It¡¯s just a reasonably priced dress. We were trying to help you out just now. There¡¯s no reason to be unappreciative,¡± Aniya approached Eileen, giving her a scornful look.

    Eileen replied with a smile, ¡°You make a good point. Let¡¯s work together and help each other out from now on.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s words were a gentle caution to Aniya and Essie; she knew what they were thinking.

    If they weren¡¯t wary of her possibly stealing their customers, they could try and test her patience.

    Aniya, left speechless, went back to stand by Essie.

    They had more resources than Eileen, so they had little to gain from her.

    If Eileen managed to attract one of their regr customers, Aniya and Essie would face significant losses.

    ¡°She¡¯s really clever. We should stay wary around her for now, then find a chance to give her a hard time¡­¡±

    Aniya and Essie whispered among themselves. Eileen, used to office politics, didn¡¯t worry too much about their words.

    She leaned on her extensive experience to deal with any potential exploitation.

    After work, Eileen left Vicin Mall at half-past eight in the evening.

    The early winter night was freezing cold. Pulling her ck coat tighter around her, she saw a ck car pulling out of the parking lot.

    It was Atley¡¯s car. Eileen quickly turned and walked the other way. That was when she noticed Jacob and Phoebe nearby.

    Jacob stepped out of the car with a stern look, tossed away his cigarette, and said something to Phoebe before walking toward Eileen.

    Phoebe, catching Jacob¡¯s look, paused, surprised, before following him.

    ¡°Mr. Meyer, Miss Burton,¡± Eileen greeted them, her hands slightly red and her long hair tousled by the wind.

    ¡°Why are you following me?¡± Jacob turned around to see Phoebe trailing behind him and grumbled, ¡°Head back by yourself. I¡¯m not driving you home today.¡±

    Despite his words, Phoebe stepped up to Eileen and said, ¡°You can tell me you work here.¡±

    Eileen, ncing at the vast shopping mall, nodded in confirmation. ¡°Actually, I do work here.¡±

    Phoebe¡¯s face lit up as she said, ¡°Interesting. Good luck then. I won¡¯t tell anyone where you work; don¡¯t worry.¡±

    She waved to Eileen, shot a nce at Jacob, and walked away.

    ¡°Do you know her?¡± Jacob asked Eileen. ¡°Why would she offer to cover for you?¡±

    Eileen exined briefly, ¡°I just gave her a lift once. I¡¯m not sure why she said that.¡±

    Jacob motioned toward his car. ¡°Come on, I¡¯ll give you a ride.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Mr. Meyer, but I prefer to take the bus,¡± Eileen replied with a smile, readying to head out.

    Jacob halted her retreat with a gentle insistence. ¡°No need for such formality. The bus ride would take you at least two hours. I can drive you back in one. Plus, I pass by your house on my way home anyway.¡±

    Eileen found it hard to decline his offer again and hesitantly climbed into Jacob¡¯s car, choosing to sit in the back seat.

    Not far from them, Atley watched Eileen slip into Jacob¡¯s car, his hand thoughtfully stroking his chin.

    How did Eileen know Jacob was from the prestigious Meyer family?

    As the warmth from the car¡¯s heater surrounded her, Eileen¡¯s body, chilled from the cold, began to feel better.

    Jacob broke the silence as he drove. ¡°It¡¯s really not convenient for you,muting from your home. It¡¯s quite a distance. Have you thought about moving closer?¡±

    Eileen responded, ¡°It¡¯s a bit of a trek, but I can manage the bus ride and get used to it. It¡¯s really okay.¡±

    She was keenly aware that the rent in the nearby area was prohibitively expensive, at least five thousand dors a month.

    It was a figure way beyond what she could afford now.

    Catching her eye in the rearview mirror, Jacob seemed to sense her predicament and offered, ¡°Actually, a friend of mine moved abroad and left his apartment here. He¡¯s been looking for someone dependable to keep an eye on it during his absence. I think you¡¯re fit for the role. Think about it.¡±

    Eileen found herself stealing a few more nces at Jacob as he drove. He seemed unfazed and serious.

    ¡°Thank you for thinking of me, Mr. Meyer, but I¡¯m happy where I am. You¡¯ll have to find someone else,¡± Eileen said, turning him down.

    She disliked owing anyone favors, and epting Jacob¡¯s offer was something she could not afford.

    Hearing her refusal, Jacob sighed deeply. ¡°It seems you don¡¯t see me as a friend, refusing to help me with this. I owe a big favor to that friend and promised to help him find someone reliable to look after his house. If you don¡¯t ept the offer, I¡¯ll have to move in there myself. Sadly, it¡¯s too far from my work.¡±

    He kept joking and talking throughout the drive, but Eileen stayed quiet.

    When they arrived at Springvale Lane, Jacob stopped the car and rolled down the window, giving her a pleading look. ¡°Eileen, please, can you do me this favor?¡±

    Looking at his expression, Eileen replied, ¡°I just don¡¯t think it¡¯s right. I don¡¯t even know your friend.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Just help me return the favor. You can take leave tomorrow morning, and I¡¯ll help move you into the apartment,¡± Jacob said, then quickly rolled up the window and drove off, leaving Eileen no chance to reply.

    The thought of moving into an apartment made Eileen frown.

    She walked into her room and changed into morefortable shoes. Then, she went to the kitchen and grabbed a pack of instant noodles.

    She had been living off instant noodles for weeks, and she was sick of them now. Moving to a new apartment seemed like a chance for her to finally have the time to prepare a normal meal.

    After thinking it over, she decided to text Jacob to see if she really had to move the next morning.

    Jacob replied firmly.

    Before Bryan bought her the house, she had lived in an inexpensive suburban home that was only six hundred dors a month.

    Bryan had visited that house before, but he never went inside.

    After that, he had bought an apartment for her instead.

    It had been nearly two years, and she had gotten used to her current ce, feeling reluctant to leave.

    She packed her things, some clothes and personal items, into a suitcase.

    While packing, she wondered if she should tell Bryan about her moving into a new ce.

    Holding the marriage certificate, she hesitated for a while before slipping it into her suitcase. Then she went to bed.

    She stayed awake all night, unsure whether she wanted to move.

    Eileen had asked Charli for half a day off before going to bed.

    The next morning, she received a simple ¡°Okay¡± from Charli.

    After reading the text, she heard Jacob knock on her door.

    She quickly opened it, only to be surprised by the sight of Bryan standing behind Jacob.

    Bryan looked like he hadn¡¯t slept well, with red eyes and a frosty expression.

    ¡°Mr. Meyer, Mr. Dawson,¡± Eileen said, her voice uneasy as she greeted them.

    Jacob stepped in first, his eyes scanning the apartment before stopping at the small suitcase by the door.

    ¡°Is that all your luggage?¡± he asked, his tone incredulous. He had already called a movingpany.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen replied softly. ¡°It includes work uniforms, a couple of outfits, and my personal items. I¡¯m only going to look after your friend¡¯s ce temporarily, not moving there permanently. I don¡¯t need much.¡±

    She noticed Bryan¡¯s intense stare as if he was trying to figure out what she was thinking.

    Jacob said, ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have even called Mr. Dawson. It¡¯s unnecessary. I¡¯ll cancel the movingpany now.¡± He dialed a number on his phone and stepped outside.

    Eileen was now left with Bryan. She looked at him while he remained just outside the door.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 105

    ?Chapter 105:

    Eileen, unable to maintain eye contact with Bryan, spoke first.

    ¡°Mr. Meyer mentioned that his friend¡¯s house was vacant, so he asked me to watch over it for him to return a favor.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m aware,¡± Bryan replied in a steady tone, leaning against the door frame as he watched Jacob make a call.

    After a brief conversation, Jacob hung up and motioned for Bryan. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Eileen turned to grab her suitcase and locked the door. She hesitated when she saw Jacob and Bryan waiting by their cars.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not that clueless,¡± Jacob teased with a slight smile, signaling for Eileen to go to Bryan¡¯s car. Getting into his car, Jacob started the engine.

    Eileen made her way to the back seat of Bryan¡¯s car, keeping her head down. As she prepared to get in, she heard Bryan say, ¡°Sit in the front.¡±

    She paused, then moved to the passenger seat.

    The eastern part of the city used to be deserted. Since the inauguration of Vicin Mall, numerous condos and vis had emerged around it, establishing this neighborhood as the upscale district in Onnd.

    The Land Rover drove along the road, with dense trees on both sides, blocking the sunlight.

    Eileen asionally nced at Bryan, who sat at the wheel. His expression was cold and his jaw clenched. At a traffic light, Bryan watched Jacob elerate toward the yellow light at thest moment.

    His frown deepened as he stopped the car. Suddenly, his phone rang. It was Jacob calling.

    Your new favorite stories are at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    ncing at Eileen, Bryan turned off the Bluetooth and answered the call, holding the phone to his left ear.

    Jacob said, ¡°It cost me twenty million dors to snag this house overnight. I¡¯d say I did quite well, don¡¯t you agree?¡±

    Eileen could barely make out Jacob¡¯s voice, his words indistinct.

    ¡°If you¡¯ve got something to say, just say it!¡± Bryan said firmly.

    ¡°Pay me back, or else¡­¡± Without hesitation, Jacob pushed down on the elerator to see if Bryan could catch up with him.

    With a chuckle, Bryan ended the call, casually putting the phone on the armrest, where it slipped into the gap between the seats.

    As the traffic light turned green, he elerated, sneaking a quick nce at the phone wedged in the crevice.

    Suddenly, a hand reached into the gap but struggled to retrieve the phone due to the awkward angle.

    Eileen leaned in closer, resting her head against Bryan¡¯s side, and made another attempt to retrieve the phone.

    A faint whiff of her scent reached his nostrils, causing his Adam¡¯s apple to bob.

    ¡°Here you go,¡± Eileen said as she put the phone in the glove box, breathing a sigh of relief.

    Bryan didn¡¯t say anything.

    In the distance, Eileen observed Jacob¡¯s car speeding up, but Bryan¡¯s quickly caught up and surpassed Jacob¡¯s vehicle.

    Both cars elerated simultaneously, but it was clear that Jacob couldn¡¯t keep up with Bryan. It wasn¡¯t until they pulled up in front of a duplex house that Eileen suddenly realized something: Jacob¡¯s friend must be wealthy.

    The house, spanning two floors, boasted simple yet elegant d¨¦cor, with each floor covering nearly three hundred square meters.

    ¡°This house is absolutely stunning. Why would your friend be so generous as to let someone else stay and watch over it?¡± Eileen eximed, her eyes wandering in awe over thevish furnishings and elegant d¨¦cor after entering the house.

    Jacob exined, ¡°He wanted me to find someone trustworthy, and you¡¯re the one. Here are the keys.¡±

    Jacob handed Eileen the house keys, gesturing towards a drawer by the door. ¡°There are more than a dozen rooms, and each room¡¯s key is in that drawer.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Eileen replied, feeling a sense of responsibility settling over her. She then turned around and noticed Bryan descending the stairs.

    Approaching Eileen, Bryan said, ¡°The room on the right side of the second floor gets the best sunlight. You can stay there.¡±

    Eileen hesitated, a flicker of concern crossing her features. ¡°I care. That must be the master bedroom. I¡¯ll just find a room on the first floor to stay in. I won¡¯t go upstairs.¡±

    Seeing her hesitation, Bryan remained silent, exchanging a brief nce with Jacob.

    Jacob swiftly said, ¡°Actually, my friend ns to sell the house when he returns from abroad. You can choose any room you like.¡±

    He shed an awkward smile, having improvised his exnation on the spot.

    Sensing Eileen¡¯s hesitation, he added, ¡°Just pick the room on the second floor. It might be more convenient for Bryan to spend nights here.¡±

    Jacob¡¯s words made Eileen blush, even though there was no need to hide their rtionship from Jacob.

    Eileen felt slightly better that Jacob¡¯s tone suggested that he considered she and Bryan as a couple.

    Jacob insisted that they all stay for lunch at the house.

    He even encouraged Bryan to get Eileen a housewarming gift.

    But Bryan simply handed Eileen a card, his tone devoid of any emotion as he said, ¡°No gift is more valuable than money.¡±

    He maintained hisposure, though his sincerity wascking.

    Eileen¡¯s heart sank as she looked at the card, but she epted it with a smile.

    Without lifting her head, she said, ¡°Thank you, Mr. Dawson. How about we have a meal another day? I don¡¯t think there are any ingredients here. If I go buy some and cook, it will be toote for lunch.¡±

    It was nearly noon.

    Upon hearing that, Bryan nced at Eileen, then rose from his seat and left the room, followed quickly by Jacob, who said, ¡°Dude, can¡¯t you be nicer? You¡¯ve done so much for her without her even knowing; why do you always speak to her so harshly?¡±

    ¡°I was just stating the truth,¡± Bryan replied coldly.

    He knew in his heart that Eileen only loved his money.

    In the Warren Group, as soon as Benjamin stepped out of the elevator, he spotted Vivian approaching. Instinctively, he hesitated, considering retreating back into the elevator.

    But Vivian had already spotted him. ¡°Benjamin,e here,¡± she said.

    Forced toply, Benjamin mustered a smile and walked over to Vivian. ¡°Miss Warren, how can I help you?¡±

    ¡°I asked you to find out which department Eileen works in. Why haven¡¯t I received any information about that?¡± Vivian¡¯s patience had worn thin after two days of waiting for a response from Benjamin.

    Benjamin¡¯s expression froze for a moment. Then, he quickly replied, ¡°Apologies, Miss Warren. Ipleted my investigation, but I forgot to inform you.¡±

    He took out his phone, opened his chat with the Vicin Mall manager, and handed his phone to Vivian. ¡°The manager couldn¡¯t find an employee named Eileen in their secretary department.¡±

    ncing briefly at the phone, Vivian returned it to Benjamin and said, ¡°Since she wasn¡¯t found in the secretary department, you should investigate other departments. It¡¯s a straightforward task; don¡¯t tell me you didn¡¯t know that.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Benjamin hesitated for a moment before replying, ¡°Eileen used to be a special assistant. It doesn¡¯t seem likely that she would take a position as a frontline employee. Vicin Mall has numerous frontline employees, and I didn¡¯t want to trouble the manager to check every staff member.¡±

    His words prompted Vivian to reconsider the situation. If Eileen had indeed started working at Vicin Mall, would she really take a job as just a frontline employee?

    Vivian found herself contemting the possibilities.

    She began, ¡°I figure it might be¡­¡±

    ¡°Mr. Warren,¡± Benjamin¡¯s respectful voice interrupted Vivian, drawing Vivian¡¯s attention to Kian standing behind her, his expression clouded with displeasure.

    ¡°Kian!¡± Vivian called, her tone softening as she walked over to him. ¡°I¡¯m just curious where Eileen has been transferred to.¡±

    With a somber expression, Kian instructed Benjamin, ¡°Go and carry on with your work.¡±

    Guiding Vivian into his office, he asked in a low tone, ¡°Do you still feel like you haven¡¯t let out all your anger? Or do you still suspect there¡¯s something between Eileen and Bryan?¡±

    ¡°Both,¡± Vivian didn¡¯t hold back. ¡°Even if Eileen¡¯s cut ties with Bryan, I won¡¯t let her off easily! And if she hasn¡¯t, it gives me even more reason to find her!¡±

    With frustration evident, Kian looked at Vivian and asked, ¡°Do you want to seek revenge on Eileen, or do you want Bryan to be your husband?¡±

    ¡°Of course I want Bryan to be my husband!¡± Vivian replied without hesitation.

    ¡°Then you should think about how to capture Bryan¡¯s heart. That¡¯s what counts the most! If you have the energy to search for Eileen, channel it into making Bryan care about you more and marrying you sooner,¡± Kian said.

    Vivian understood Kian¡¯s point, but she just couldn¡¯t help but want to see how miserable Eileen was now!

    Kian¡¯s frustration was palpable, disappointment evident in his eyes. Noticing her reluctance, he added, ¡°If you don¡¯t heed my advice, I won¡¯t be there to help you in the future.¡±

    Hearing that, Vivian quickly reached out, grasping Kian¡¯s arm. ¡°Kian, I¡¯ll listen to you, I promise. Go find Bryan; I¡¯ll be by his side every day from now on.¡±

    There was a flicker of concern in Kian¡¯s eyes, and he didn¡¯t feel angry anymore.

    He knew Vivian remained oblivious to the fact that she no longer held a ce in his heart. If she failed to win Bryan back, all of his previous efforts would be in vain.

    On her first night in the new house, Eileen found it difficult to drift off to sleep.

    The unfamiliar surroundings wrapped around her like a cloak, and the gentle glow of the ceiling light offered scantfort.

    The empty rooms seemed to magnify her sense of unease.

    With a sigh, she nced at the card Bryan had given her, feeling a mix of sadness and disappointment as she delicately traced her fingers over its surface.

    Outside, the chilly winter wind whistled a mncholic tune.

    Suddenly, there was a sharp ring of the doorbell.

    Hesitating for a moment, Eileen quickly threw on a thin sweater and hurried to the door.

    As she swung the door open, she was met with a flurry of snowkes dancing in the air and the unexpected sight of a tall figure standing before her.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson?¡± Eileen stepped aside to allow Bryan to enter. His presence brought with it a rush of cold air that cut through her thin pajamas, making her shiver involuntarily.

    Eileen closed the door behind him.

    ¡°Go buy me some necessities tomorrow,¡± Bryan stated matter-of-factly as he shrugged off his overcoat, hanging it by the door with practiced ease. His gaze briefly flickered over the ill-fitting slippers before he put them on.

    A tense silence hung in the air as Eileen pondered his words.

    Was he implying that he intended to stay here?

    The thought of him being here asionally unsettled Eileen.

    She couldn¡¯tprehend his actions. He clearly held her in low regard and was upset with her because of Roderick, so why was he seeking her out again?

    Abruptly, he paused and turned to face her, his silhouette cast in a deeper shadow under the dim light.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 106

    ?Chapter 106:

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Bryan¡¯s intense gaze met Eileen¡¯s as if asking.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you interested in making money?¡±

    Even though Eileen had grown ustomed to Bryan¡¯s sarcastic looks and tones, each instance still caused her heart to ache.

    She replied in a hushed tone, ¡°Nothing. I¡¯ll go shopping tomorrow.¡±

    Bryan shrugged off his coat and loosened his tie. He exined, ¡°I had a work meeting nearby. It¡¯ste, so I figured I¡¯d crash here for the night. Nothing more.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen replied, stepping closer to Bryan to remove his tie. He could feel her cool fingers graze his chest through his shirt.

    After that, Eileen said, ¡°I¡¯ll prepare a bath for you.¡± She draped the tie over the sofa before heading upstairs.

    Her bedroom boasted an attached bathroom, spacious and equipped with a sizable tub.

    Filling the tub with clear, warm water, she ensured everything was okay before leaving Bryan to his privacy.

    Bryan had imed he was here only for sleep, and indeed, it was just that. Hey on the bed, his chest bare, holding her close with his sturdy arms.

    Throughout the night, he held her in that embrace without shifting once.

    Eileen dared not move, fearing any gesture might be misinterpreted as an attempt to seduce, inviting his potential mockery in return.

    Her body remained tense, and she wasn¡¯t able to fall asleep untilte into the night. Exhaustion overpowered her, and she drifted into sleep.

    Discover more content at galnov??????.c??m

    At five in the morning, Bryan¡¯s phone abruptly broke the silence of the room with its ringing.

    Bryan swiftly reached for it, dismissing the call decisively. It was from Vivian.

    Frowning, he muted the phone and put it aside.

    Upon turning back, he noticed Eileen, her brow slightly furrowed, had shifted in his embrace, her nose against his chest.

    Her warm breath gently caressed his skin, stirring a primal urge within him.

    But he chose to endure the difort.

    It was unusual to see her sleeping so deeply, her delicate skin exposed. Perhaps due to recent fatigue, a small pimple had appeared on her chin.

    Her long, curly eyshes fluttered softly, framing her petite nose and cherry-red lips.

    Bryan closed his eyes, daring not to gaze upon her further, lest he sumb to his inner desires.

    Meanwhile, Vivian, whose call had been abruptly cut off, stood at the gate of Oak Vis. Noticing Bryan¡¯s absence, a sense of unease washed over her.

    The call being cut off left her feeling unhinged, and without clear thought, she instructed her driver, ¡°Take me to Eileen¡¯s ce!¡±

    The driverplied, navigating the short journey to Springvale Lane in just over ten minutes. The proximity of Eileen and Bryan¡¯s residences darkened Vivian¡¯s expression.

    Arriving at Eileen¡¯s door, Vivian pounded on it insistently. ¡°Eileen! Get out! You¡¯re shameless! Did you manipte Bryan into staying the night again?¡±

    Her harsh words reverberated in the early morning air, drawing curious nces from neighbors who peered through their windows.

    Observing this, the driver interjected, ¡°Mr. Dawson¡¯s car isn¡¯t here.¡±

    Vivian paused, noting the absence of Bryan¡¯s car. Grinding her teeth, she resumed her knocking. ¡°So what? Come out! Are you cowering inside, afraid to face me?¡±

    Met with silence, Vivian¡¯s frustration erupted into a storm of punches and kicks on the door.

    The chaotic scene drew the attention of a neighbor who, unable to tolerate the disturbance, intervened, saying, ¡°Stop it! Eileen came backst night. I watched her leave yesterday morning with a suitcase, like she was off on a business trip.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s business travels had been frequent. The neighbor had observed her departure with luggage yesterday morning and assumed she was embarking on another trip.

    Vivian¡¯s mind raced; Eileen hadn¡¯te backst night? So, there was still a chance Eileen could have been with Bryan!

    Vivian¡¯s heart sank. Unable to find answers, she instructed the driver to take her to Apex Group.

    After hours of waiting, Bryan finally arrived at thepany.

    But as soon as he saw Vivian, he said, ¡°I have several morning meetings; you should go.¡±

    ¡°Where did you sleepst night?¡± Vivian asked directly. ¡°Did you go to see Eileen again?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s face darkened. He cast a cold nce at Vivian, causing her to pause, her words caught in her throat.

    With a slight curve of his lips, Bryan replied, ¡°Is that why you called me at five in the morning?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Vivian quickly said. ¡°I just couldn¡¯t sleep. I wanted to see you so that we could have breakfast together.¡±

    ¡°Well, you¡¯ve seen me now. Go back,¡± Bryan replied.

    Taking his seat in the office chair, Bryan called Raymond over to prepare for the meeting.

    His coldness left Vivian bewildered. She felt that Bryan¡¯s feelings for her had changed since her return.

    He was no longer tolerant of her temper as he had been in the past. Did he still love her?

    Distraught with this question looming over her, Vivian returned home and locked herself in her room, refusing to eat.

    Concerned, Vivian¡¯s parents fretted over the possibility of her making impulsive decisions in her distressed state.

    The news of Vivian locking herself in her room spread to both the Beckett and Warren families.

    In the afternoon, Megan went to the Warren family¡¯s house. To Vivian¡¯s parents¡¯ surprise, Vivian weed Megan into her room when Megan knocked on the door.

    Megan was hopeful; if she could uplift Vivian¡¯s spirits, her parents would surely be pleased.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Vivian?¡± Megan gasped as she entered the room, seeing Vivian with disheveled hair and tear-stained cheeks.

    It was a stark contrast to the usually morous Vivian she knew.

    Seating herself beside Vivian, Megan listened as Vivian poured out her worries. ¡°Do you think Bryan doesn¡¯t love me anymore?¡±

    Megan didn¡¯t know much about Bryan, but she knew how to reassure her friend.

    ¡°Who else could he possibly love if not you? The media is always buzzing about your dinners and shopping trips together. He wouldn¡¯t do that if he didn¡¯t love you,¡± Megan said.

    Vivian grasped Megan¡¯s hand, seekingfort. ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right. He loves me.¡± But then doubt crept in. ¡°But during our time together, he hardly speaks to me. Does that mean he doesn¡¯t care about me?¡±

    Megan noticed Vivian¡¯s trembling hands and cautious gaze, prompting a furrow of concern. She sensed something amiss but decided to focus onforting her friend.

    ¡°He¡¯s always been reserved,¡± Megan reassured. ¡°Sure, he may not be the most talkative, but he hardly engages in conversation with other women. Doesn¡¯t that speak volumes about your ce in his heart?¡±

    Vivian¡¯s expression brightened with a glimmer of hope. ¡°You¡¯re right! He still loves me just like before!¡±

    ¡°Vivian, did you really lock yourself in your room and cause so much worry for your parents over this small issue?¡± Megan raised an eyebrow.

    ncing towards the door, Vivian whispered, ¡°Bryan¡¯s grandmother doesn¡¯t approve of me. My parents even urged me to end things with Bryan. I know who to confide in. Thankfully, you¡¯re here.¡±

    She could have turned to Kian, but the thought of facing his scolding deterred her.

    ¡°Vivian, your mother is genuinely worried about you,¡± Megan urged. ¡°Come, get freshened up, and let¡¯s go shopping. Doll yourself up more and Bryan every day. He won¡¯t be able to resist you.¡±

    Megan hoisted Vivian up, determined to coax her out of the room. If she could help Vivian regain her spirits and persuade her to go shopping, it would be a significant aplishment.

    Vivian replied, ¡°Alright, go buy some new clothes and pick up some gifts for Bryan. He¡¯ll be delighted!¡±

    After a change of clothes, Vivian and Megan walked outside. The Warren couple, pleased to see Vivian in better spirits, nodded happily and even praised Megan when they were on the phone with Megan¡¯s parents.

    As Vivian and Megan settled into the car, Megan asked, ¡°Vivian, where should we go shopping? I heard there¡¯s a new mall nearby¡­¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s head to Vicin Mall,¡± Vivian blurted out.

    Megan was taken aback. Vicin Mall was quite a distance away, but she didn¡¯t dare object since Vivian seemed determined.

    Eileen felt a bit drained; she hadn¡¯t even eaten lunch. She decided to take a short break in the warehouse during lunchtime.

    By two in the afternoon, she donned her coat, adjusted her askew name tag, and stepped out.

    Aniya and Essie were busy attending to their regr customers. When they noticed Eileen emerging, they snapped into alert mode.

    ¡°Mrs. Deleon, I recall you favor the coffee from the top floor here. I¡¯ll have my colleague fetch you a cup,¡± Aniya offered promptly.

    She then turned to Eileen and instructed, ¡°Eileen, go upstairs and fetch a cup of coffee for Mrs. Deleon.¡±

    Despite the avability of coffee and desserts in the shop for customer entertainment, the staff always strived to meet any additional requests. It was standard practice, so Aniya¡¯s request was not out of the ordinary.

    After tidying her long hair, Eileen smiled at them and headed upstairs to buy coffee.

    It was noon, and the elevator was empty. Eileen rode up, the ss walls allowing her to watch the floors gradually rise. Unbeknownst to her, Vivian and Megan were in the elevator descending next to her.

    ¡°Vivian!¡± Megan nudged Vivian, pointing discreetly. ¡°Isn¡¯t that Eileen?¡±

    Vivian quickly nced over and caught a fleeting side profile, but even in that brief moment, she unmistakably recognized Eileen.

    ¡°What is she doing here?¡± Megan asked. ¡°I guess being a special assistant is easy, shopping during work hours¡­¡±

    ¡°She got fired,¡± Vivian quickly interjected. ¡°Now, she¡¯s working here.¡±

    Vivian anxiously tried to keep track of which floor Eileen would exit, but she couldn¡¯t spot her.

    ¡°How did she end up working here?¡± Megan was surprised. ¡°I bet Apex Group couldn¡¯t tolerate her. Whatpany would want an assistant who slept with her boss? But she is here¡­¡±

    Megan¡¯s words grated on Vivian¡¯s nerves, and she interjected sharply, ¡°Shut up! Instead of gossiping, find out where she actually works!¡±

    Megan fell silent. As the elevator doors opened, Vivian discovered that the other elevator stopped at the top floor.

    ¡°Top floor? Is she working there?¡±

    ¡°It can¡¯t be,¡± Megan said. ¡°You just reminded me. She is wearing a uniform from the formal wear shop on the eighth floor!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 107

    ?Chapter 107:

    When Eileen returned to the shop with coffee, Aniya had already finished serving the customer and was emerging from the break room.

    Seeing Eileen, Aniya paused, hurried over to take the coffee, and said to the customer, ¡°Sorry for making you wait.¡±

    To Eileen¡¯s surprise, Aniya refrained from criticizing Eileen¡¯s slowness. She raised an eyebrow as she watched Aniya hand the coffee to the customer and say goodbye.

    Essie and Aniya then huddled together, whispering and casting wary nces toward Eileen.

    ¡°Eileen, a customer is waiting for you in the VIP room,¡± Essie dered, her arms crossed.

    Startled, Eileen, leaving her clothes by the door, turned her gaze toward the VIP lounge.

    ¡°Eileen, we¡¯ve had a healthypetition since you started here. We haven¡¯t made it more difficult for you here, so you shouldn¡¯t do that to us either. We¡¯re all colleagues here. From now on, let¡¯s support each other,¡± Aniya proposed, her friendliness sounding slightly strained.

    Confused by their change in tone, Eileen ignored them and headed into the VIP lounge.

    Essie, pulling at Aniya¡¯s arm anxiously, whispered, ¡°Eileen actually knows Miss Warren, the future wife of the CEO of Apex Group! What if they¡¯re really close? What if Eileenins about us to Miss Warren?¡±

    ¡°We haven¡¯t bullied her,¡± Aniya reassured. She then suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s wait outside and listen to what they¡¯re discussing¡ª¡±

    They discreetly positioned themselves outside the lounge to eavesdrop.

    Inside, Eileen was taken aback to find Vivian and Megan lounging on the sofa.

    M??? ?¦Ñ?¦Á??? ?? ?¦Á??¦Ò¦Í???.?¦Ò?

    Vivian beamed, pleased not only to have found Eileen but also to see her in such a humble role.

    ¡°Miss Warren, Miss Beckett,¡± greeted Eileen, quickly adopting a professional demeanor. ¡°Wee. Are you here to order?¡±

    ¡°I found out you worked here, so I came to see you,¡± Vivian responded, her posture poised and crossed.

    ¡°Thank you, Miss Warren, for your concern. I¡¯m managing quite well here,¡± Eileen replied.

    Meganughed mockingly, ¡°Eileen, surely you don¡¯t think we came just to see you, right?¡±

    The hostility was palpable. Eileen knew they were not there to visit her but to stir up trouble.

    However, Megan didn¡¯t seem to realize Eileen¡¯s politeness was insincere.

    After chuckling, Megan¡¯s expression turned to irritation, and she rolled her eyes at Eileen.

    Eileen just smiled again in response.

    ¡°Since we¡¯vee all this way, let us take a look at the gowns,¡± Vivian suggested, rising to peruse the haute couture gowns. She nonchntly pointed to two dresses. ¡°Take those two down for me to try.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen replied, her tone neutral, as she carefully removed the gowns from the mannequins.

    Megan quickly selected two gowns for herself as well.

    Eileen prepared tea and pastries, positioning herself outside the changing rooms to wait.

    Before long, Vivian emerged, nced at herself in the mirror, and dered the gowns unsuitable before retreating to try another.

    Unsatisfied, she continued to pick three more dresses, each time returning the unsuitable dress to Eileen.

    Megan followed suit, and soon, Eileen was holding a stack of about eight rejected gowns.

    Throughout, Eileen¡¯s expression remained courteous, a polite smile never leaving her face.

    Observing this, Vivian pushed the boundaries further. She flopped down on the sofa, exhausted, and gestured at two more gowns, ¡°I¡¯m tired of changing. Just bring those two here so I can feel the fabric.¡±

    Without a word, Eileen fetched the gowns, presenting them to Vivian, who briefly felt the material before handing them off to Megan.

    The mannequins in the lounge soon all stood bare, along with several racks that had been emptied.

    Eileen had presented the gowns with the hangers, but Megan had removed them from their hangers and carelessly piled the gowns onto the sofa.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t found anything I like. I¡¯m quite thirsty,¡± Vivian said. ¡°This tea has gone cold. It¡¯s no problem to rece it, right?¡±

    ¡°No problem,¡± Eileen answered, taking the cooled tea away and promptly returning with steaming cups. ¡°Please enjoy.¡±

    Vivian raised an eyebrow, then requested, ¡°I don¡¯t like tea. Bring me a cup of coffee instead.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t drink tea, either. I¡¯d prefer some juice,¡± Megan chimed in, exchanging a knowing look with Vivian, clearly enjoying the inconvenience they were causing Eileen.

    However, Eileen wasn¡¯t as flustered as they had anticipated. She quickly swapped for the requested juice and coffee.

    Vivian thenined that her coffee was too bitter and requested another type, and Megan asked for ice in her juice.

    Regarding the pastries on the table, Meganined that some were too sweet, others too dry, and a few simply unappealing.

    After three hours had fallen, the lounge was in disarray, with gowns scattered across the sofa.

    The table was cluttered with various drinks and pastries.

    Vivian finally decided to leave after receiving a call from her parents. She stood up and grabbed her purse. As she walked past Eileen, she smiled wryly. ¡°Seeing you just puts me in a bad mood. I don¡¯t feel like buying anything today. You don¡¯t mind, do you?¡±

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Eileen responded, maintaining her professional demeanor with a steady smile.

    Despite Vivian¡¯s provocations, Eileen kept her cool. ¡°This way, please. I¡¯ll walk you out.¡±

    She opened the door to the lounge and escorted Vivian and Megan out.

    Seeing them emerge, Charli approached with a smile. ¡°Miss Warren, thank you for visiting. Please follow me to pay the bill.¡±

    ¡°Pay for what?¡± Vivian looked back at Eileen and remarked, ¡°The gowns weren¡¯t quite to our liking. Are we obligated to purchase anything?¡±

    For the past three hours, Charli, Essie, and Aniya had believed that Eileen was handling a lucrative deal.

    They had assumed Eileen would have sold several gowns, but it turned out that wasn¡¯t the case at all.

    ¡°By the way, the service here is subpar. Is there a way to file aint?¡± Megan asked.

    Charli caught off guard and turned to look at Eileen.

    Eileen, who stood a step behind, made no move to interject.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Essie replied, quickly fetching aint form from the counter. ¡°It might be easier to write this down while sitting.¡±

    Vivian led to another area to sit toplete the form.

    Megan wrote theint first, and as she was about to hand the pen to Vivian after she finished writing, she swiftly added, ¡°Miss Warren, just to rify, guests together can only submit oneint form.¡±

    The implication was clear: Vivian¡¯s and Megan¡¯s grievances would bebined into a singleint about Eileen. Vivian¡¯s face clouded over, her displeasure evident.

    Seeing that, Essie quickly added, ¡°However, Miss Warren, you are wee toe back and express further grievances on another visit. Also, after oneint, Eileen will have a thousand deducted from her sry, and threeints could lead to her dismissal.¡±

    While speaking, Essie nced at Eileen, who was being pulled aside by Charli for a private conversation.

    Vivian, satisfied with what Essie had said, shed a smile. ¡°So that¡¯s how it is. Then I won¡¯t file aint today. See you tomorrow.¡±

    As Essie and Aniya walked Vivian out, they secretly celebrated. The sight of the disarray in the lounge both shocked and excited them.

    Facing Charli¡¯s questioning gaze, Eileen just responded, ¡°We have some personal grudges.¡±

    Seeing the state of the lounge, Charli believed Eileen.

    Charli advised, ¡°You need to manage these situations better. Today, there have been no other customers; otherwise, it could have affected others. If they return tomorrow and you can¡¯t handle it, it¡¯s best to avoid them.¡±

    Eileen nodded in acknowledgment. ¡°Thank you for the advice. I¡¯ll be more cautious.¡±

    ¡°Alright everyone, clean up here and prepare to get off work afterward,¡± Charli instructed, motioning for Essie and Aniya to help clean the mess in the lounge.

    However, Essie and Aniya tly refused.

    ¡°This mess wasn¡¯t our doing, so we shouldn¡¯t have to clean it.¡±

    ¡°Essie and I already have ns after work. Eileen should handle the mess herself.¡±

    Charli opened her mouth to object, but upon seeing Eileen already tackling the mess, she decided against furtherment.

    The custom-made gowns, crafted from delicate materials like silk, had been carelessly tossed aside and now required careful ironing before being hung.

    The used cups needed washing and disinfecting, adding to the cleanup tasks.

    By the time Eileen finished cleaning up, it was nearly midnight.

    Exhausted and hungry, she rubbed her aching waist and allowed herself a brief respite on the sofa.

    After a five-minute break, she surveyed the lounge, now restored to its pristine condition, grabbed her bag, and left the building.

    The mall was eerily quiet now, patrolled only by security guards.

    The streets outside were equally deserted, the biting cold wind whipping across Eileen¡¯s face, adding to her difort.

    ¡°Eileen.¡± Atley¡¯s voice came from his car parked on the roadside. As Eileen approached, he rolled down the window. ¡°Why are you leaving sote from work?¡±

    Caught off guard by Atley¡¯s presence, Eileen replied, ¡°I just cleaned up the store, Marshall.¡±

    ¡°Get in; I¡¯ll drive you home,¡± Atley said, stretching out his arm to open the passenger door.

    But Eileen quickly closed it from the outside, bending down to speak through the window, ¡°Thank you, Marshall, but I live nearby. It¡¯s just a few minutes¡¯ walk; you should go home and rest as well.¡±

    Without waiting for Atley¡¯s response, she turned and walked away.

    Atley sat there, his curiosity piqued. He was eager to learn more about Eileen.

    The HR manager from headquarters had been tight-lipped about Eileen¡¯s background, even advising him to inquire less and keep his distance.

    Driven by his curiosity, Atley started his car and secretly followed Eileen. He trailed her for two streets until he saw her enter an upscale house.

    Stunned, he wondered how Eileen could afford such a ce.

    At Apex Group headquarters,

    Raymond, looking visibly tired with dark circles under his eyes, updated Bryan on his work tasks. After he finished, he didn¡¯t leave; instead, he said to Bryan, ¡°Mr. Dawson, these tasks aren¡¯t that urgent. They can be handled tomorrow.¡±

    It was already midnight, exhaustion evident in Raymond¡¯s demeanor.

    ¡°Arrange a visit to the Vicin Mall tomorrow morning,¡± Bryan instructed, not looking up from his work.

    Raymond¡¯s pulse quickened, realizing the significance of the sudden task as he hurried to arrange the visit.

    At three in the morning, Bryan finally put down his massaged eyebrows and got up. He walked over to the window and lit a cigarette, trying to revive himself with the nicotine.

    The reflection on the window showed his face obscured by smoke, his mood visibly irritable.

    A sudden thought struck him, and he reached for the internal phone. ¡°Eileen,e in.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 108

    ?Chapter 108:

    Raymond opened his mouth, intending to say that Eileen had been transferred for some time now. However, the call was already disconnected. Half a minuteter, Raymond was in the president¡¯s office, cautiously mentioning, ¡°Mr. Dawson, Eileen has been transferred for quite a while.¡±

    The cigarette between Bryan¡¯s fingers burned slowly. After a moment, he said, ¡°You can leave now.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Raymond replied.

    In therge office, only Bryan remained, standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows.

    Eileen had expected Vivian toe back, but she didn¡¯t think it would happen so soon. The mall had just opened, and Eileen was at the store entrance when she noticed Charli hurrying toward her.

    ¡°Eileen, go tidy up the warehouse,¡± Charli said.

    Eileen¡¯s eyesnded on Vivian, who was strolling towards Charli. Understanding the situation, Eileen nodded and headed to the warehouse. Charli wasn¡¯t looking to help Eileen; she was mainly concerned about the store¡¯s business.

    Aniya was expecting a customer who was famous for picking the most expensive gowns to purchase. Worried that Vivian might disrupt her business, Aniya took it upon herself to wee Vivian.

    ¡°Miss Warren,¡± Aniya greeted Vivian.

    Vivian looked around and said straight away, ¡°I want Eileen to serve me.¡±

    As Aniya led Vivian towards the lounge, she stopped and exined, ¡°You¡¯re out of luck today; Eileen isn¡¯t here. She took the day off.¡±

    Find your next story at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s£®??o??

    ¡°A day off?¡± Vivian also paused, giving Aniya a skeptical look. She peered into the lounge and scanned the shop but didn¡¯t see Eileen. She creased her brow. ¡°Is she avoiding me? I¡¯d like to know how long she can keep this up!¡±

    Aniya, with a forced smile, began escorting Vivian towards the exit. After a few steps, she leaned closer and whispered, ¡°Miss Warren, may I add you on WhatsApp?¡±

    Vivian looked surprised and asked, ¡°For what?¡±

    ¡°So if we get new styles of gowns in our shop, I could let you know right away. Or if someone takes a day off, I can keep you updated,¡± Aniya spoke with her eyes downcast, her words not quite direct.

    But Vivian understood her immediately. She pulled out her phone from her bag and added Aniya on WhatsApp. ¡°You did well. I¡¯ll definitely buy something next time.¡±

    Aniya was overjoyed; not only had she managed to outmaneuver Eileen, but she had gained Vivian¡¯s trust.

    At ten o¡¯clock, Charli returned from a meeting with news that Bryan would being for an inspection today. She urged everyone to be alert.

    ¡°Charli, maybe it¡¯s best if Eileen stays in the warehouse. What if Miss Warrenes backter and Eileen doesn¡¯t do a good job? If Mr. Dawson sees that, it could make him upset and affect all of us.¡± Seeing Charli consider letting Eileen out of the warehouse, Aniya quickly shared her concerns.

    After a moment of thought, Charli agreed. ¡°Alright, let Eileen stay in the warehouse until Mr. Dawson¡¯s inspection is over. You two stay sharp.¡±

    After Charli left to handle other tasks, Essie gave Aniya a thumbs up.

    Bryan started his inspection from the ground floor, and it was almost noon by the time he reached the eighth floor, pausing in front of the shop¡¯s entrance.

    His tall, lean figure was undeniably attractive. His gaze swept over the three people at the entrance.

    Charli quickly greeted him, ¡°Mr. Dawson.¡±

    Aniya and Essie also greeted Bryan, their voices filled with excitement. They had only glimpsed Bryan from afar a few times over the years. It was their first time seeing him so close.

    Bryan turned to nce at Raymond, his brow slightly raised.

    Raymond paused for a moment, then quickly said, ¡°Charli, I remember you¡¯re about to transfer, right? Isn¡¯t there another employee here besides these two?¡±

    Charli seemed momentarily confused, overwhelmed by the realization that in the huge mall filled with countless stores and counters, Raymond actually remembered her impending transfer. She regained herposure and quickly replied, ¡°Yes, there¡¯s another employee. She¡¯s organizing the warehouse.¡±

    Bryan stood nearby, his expression unreadable. He moved from his spot.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t I mention that when the CEOes to inspect, everyone needs to be here to greet him?¡± Raymond said, giving Charli a meaningful look.

    Charli was taken aback and quickly told Aniya to get Eileen from the warehouse.

    In the warehouse, there wasn¡¯t much to organize. Eileen had been using the time to familiarize herself with the different fabrics of the gowns, an area she wasn¡¯t well-versed in. Suddenly hearing Aniya¡¯s urgent call, Eileen thought something bad must have happened and hurried out.

    When she saw the crowd at the store entrance and the man leading them, she was shocked. It looked like an inspection. Behind Bryan, a group that included his executives and managers, Atley had gathered. Maison Vasquez, one of the mall¡¯s managers who recognized Eileen, was shocked to see her wearing the uniform of the eighth floor¡¯s staff. His eyes widened in surprise.

    ¡°Miss Curtis,¡± he started, too shocked to finish his words until Raymond discreetly pressed down his pointing finger, signaling him to remain quiet. Maison quickly mped his mouth shut.

    ¡°Eileen¡­¡± Upon noticing Eileen frozen at the warehouse doorway, Charli whispered her name. Snapping back to reality, Eileen hurried over to stand next to Charli, giving a brief nod and greeting Bryan and the others.

    All eyes were on Bryan, who was quiet. Nobody spoke, especially Maison, who was watching intently. Bryan walked to a nearby trash can, pulled out a cigarette, and lit it, remaining silent.

    In hushed tones, Megan quickly asked Raymond, ¡°Raymond, what¡¯s Mr. Dawson doing?¡±

    ¡°He just needs a smoke,¡± Raymond replied awkwardly, then looked over at Eileen. ¡°Next time Mr. Dawsones by, make sure toe out and greet him.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen responded, nodding lightly. She nced up and saw Bryan still standing in the designated smoking area,pletely still, with no one else daring to approach.

    ¡°Wai¡­¡± Raymond, at a loss for words, cleared his throat as he walked over to Bryan. ¡°Mr. Dawson, do you have any more instructions?¡±

    Bryan had seen Eileen, but he remained silent and didn¡¯t move. Raymond simply couldn¡¯t understand what Bryan was thinking. What puzzled him even more was when Bryan suddenly looked over and said, ¡°Weren¡¯t you giving a speech just now?¡± Bryan then put out his cigarette, tossing it into the trash can, and walked away, carrying himself with an air of authority.

    Raymond stood there, confused. After a moment, he quickly signaled to Maison and the others to follow Bryan. Atley, who was in the back, took another look at Eileen. He had noticed that Maison had recognized Eileen just now. He was bing more convinced that Eileen was someone important. He told Raymond, ¡°Make sure to look after the new girl.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Charli replied.

    Eileen lifted her gaze, settling on the man leading the group. Although she could only see his back, it was still captivating enough to hold her attention. There was an inspection at the mall, and this time it had taken ce early. Eileen had joined Bryan for it before. But Bryan came again unexpectedly today. Eileen couldn¡¯t ignore her curiosity about his sudden presence. Despite knowing it was unlikely he was here for her, she found herself daydreaming about it.

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother looking anymore; Mr. Dawson has already left,¡± Aniyamented sarcastically, noticing Eileen¡¯s fixed stare. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you got transferred because you had been caught staring at Mr. Dawson. Why else would Miss Warren target you?¡±

    Essie¡¯s eyes sparkled with realization. ¡°That does make sense. Miss Warren isn¡¯t just anyone. She wouldn¡¯t bother with an ordinary person without a good reason.¡±

    The two women looked at Eileen with disdain. If Charli hadn¡¯t been there, they might have said even worse things.

    ¡°Get back to work,¡± Charli instructed, ncing at Eileen. ¡°You¡¯re here now; go focus on your tasks and ignore them.¡±

    Eileen nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±

    Aniya moved to bite her lip in thought, and then took out her phone to send a message to Vivian.

    ¡°Miss Warren, you cane after half past nine in the morning next Monday.¡±

    Every Monday morning, Charli would be in a meeting, and with Charli out of the way, Aniya was eager to see how Eileen would avoid Vivian. Vivian didn¡¯t question why it had to be on Monday. After responding to Aniya¡¯s text, she suddenly thought of someone¡ªJudie.

    Vivian sent a message to Judie, inviting her to go shopping the following Monday. For Judie, this was an appealing offer. Even though Eileen¡¯s departure hadn¡¯t led to Judie taking over as the president¡¯s assistant, she had managed to keep her position. The fact that Vivian had asked her to go shopping together made Judie feel acknowledged as a friend.

    Despite realizing she would lose several hundred dors in attendance bonuses for taking the day off, she agreed. Eileen hadn¡¯t seen Bryan for several days after that day in the mall. She hadn¡¯t expected to see him again until their weekend tutoring session with Aaron, but to her surprise, she bumped into him on Friday night.

    The air was alive with the gentle descent of soft snowkes. Eileen¡¯s long hair was dusted with a fineyer of crystal snow, even her curled eyshes catching the delicate kes. d in her thick down jacket, she buried her hands in her pockets as she trudged two streets. By the light of the streemp at her house¡¯s entrance, a familiar car was parked; Bryan leaned casually against it, a cigarette burning slowly between his fingers. Snowkes dusted his hair too, showing he had been waiting there for some time.

    The falling snow muffled the sound of Eileen¡¯s footsteps, allowing her to draw near unnoticed until she reached the back of the car. That was when Bryan finally looked her way. ¡°Maybe I should have given you a key so you wouldn¡¯t be stuck outside,¡± Eileen said, but Bryan wasn¡¯t listening; he was too focused on her small, palm-sized face and her inviting, glossy lips.

    Discarding his cigarette, he shifted slightly and drew her in, spinning her around to lean against the car before bending down to gently kiss her. ¡°Lipstick?¡± he asked, picking up the taste of cherry on her lips.

    Eileen¡¯s voice was soft. ¡°It¡¯s cold, and my lips get dry.¡± Instead of lipstick, she applied fruit-vored lip balm. She looked up at Bryan, her clear eyes reflecting his striking features. Bryan¡¯s eyes were full of desire now.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 109

    ?Chapter 109:

    ¡°Are you drunk?¡± Eileen caught the strong scent of alcohol on Bryan. Bryan nodded, his hand sliding down her arm to hold her wrist. He led her toward the apartment.

    Eileen unlocked the door and changed her shoes. ¡°Have you eaten?¡± Bryan noticed the new men¡¯s slippers Eileen had set out, raised an eyebrow slightly, and slipped them on.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Eileen responded, removing her down jacket and hanging it up. As she turned around, she saw Bryan taking off his coat. She naturally took it from him to hang it as well.

    ¡°What about you?¡± She turned to face him. ¡°I¡¯ve got some ingredients. I could make you something.¡±

    Bryan furrowed his brow slightly and casually replied, ¡°No need.¡± He stepped forward, scooped her up in his arms, and headed for the stairs, his deep voice filling her ears. ¡°Let¡¯s get started.¡± He seemed eager, likely due to the alcohol, as he often desired her after a few drinks.

    The bed was not enough for him today; they also did it in the bathtub and on the sofa near the bed. Every time they made love, Eileen found herself lost in the make-believe world of their love. But the fantasy was always ruined by the card that Bryan handed to her afterwards. His face would then turn cold, the warmth vanishing from his dark eyes.

    With her fingertips lightly touching the bank card, Eileen didn¡¯t smile this time and tucked it into the bedside drawer. She paused briefly and then turned to hug Bryan. He appeared to be asleep already, with a light nket draped over his lower half outlining his form.

    Eileen¡¯s gaze drifted to his appealing Adam¡¯s apple, which she had just nibbled on in a moment of desire. She reached out to touch his neck gently, only for him to suddenly grab her hand. Without opening his eyes, he said, ¡°Do you really need money that badly?¡±

    Eileen was taken aback by his harsh words. Yet, having been hurt so often, Eileen managed to answer calmly despite the ache in her heart. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Dawson, for your generosity. Consider this time a gift from me.¡±

    She was stubborn, which eventually led to regret. Bryan, who had been resting just moments ago, was now ready for another round. He said, ¡°The gifted ones are said to be better than the bought ones. I hope that¡¯s true.¡± His strong hand intertwined with hers, the veins slightly prominent. She felt too weak to react and silently vowed not to do this again.

    Your hub for fresh chapters g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls

    The next morning, running an hourte for the tutoring sessions with Aaron, Eileen and Bryan got stuck in a traffic jam and realized they wouldn¡¯t reach Aaron¡¯s ce until around lunchtime. Eileenined, ¡°Mr. Dawson, we can¡¯t let this happen again. Tutoring Aaron is a real job, and we need to be professional.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care much for being professional; I¡¯m more interested in you,¡± Bryan, who was driving, said this with a serious look, causing Eileen¡¯s ears to flush with embarrassment. As expected, when they arrived at the rkson family¡¯s ce¡­

    Despite realizing she would lose several hundred dors in attendance bonuses for taking the day off, she agreed. Eileen hadn¡¯t seen Bryan for several days after that day in the mall. She hadn¡¯t expected to see him again until their weekend tutoring session with Aaron, but to her surprise, she bumped into him on Friday night.

    The air was alive with the gentle descent of soft snowkes. Eileen¡¯s long hair was dusted with a fineyer of crystal snow, even her curled eyshes catching the delicate kes. d in her thick down jacket, she buried her hands in her pockets as she trudged two streets. By the light of the streemp at her house¡¯s entrance, a familiar car was parked; Bryan leaned casually against it, a cigarette burning slowly between his fingers. Snowkes dusted his hair too, showing he had been waiting there for some time.

    The falling snow muffled the sound of Eileen¡¯s footsteps, allowing her to draw near unnoticed until she reached the back of the car. That was when Bryan finally looked her way. ¡°Maybe I should have given you a key so you wouldn¡¯t be stuck outside,¡± Eileen said, but Bryan wasn¡¯t listening; he was too focused on her small, palm-sized face and her inviting, glossy lips.

    Discarding his cigarette, he shifted slightly and drew her in, spinning her around to lean against the car before bending down to gently kiss her. ¡°Lipstick?¡± he asked, picking up the taste of cherry on her lips.

    Eileen¡¯s voice was soft. ¡°It¡¯s cold, and my lips get dry.¡± Instead of lipstick, she applied fruit-vored lip balm. She looked up at Bryan, her clear eyes reflecting his striking features. Bryan¡¯s eyes were full of desire now.

    ¡°Are you drunk?¡± Eileen caught the strong scent of alcohol on Bryan. Bryan nodded, his hand sliding down her arm to hold her wrist. He led her toward the apartment.

    Eileen unlocked the door and changed her shoes. ¡°Have you eaten?¡± Bryan noticed the new men¡¯s slippers Eileen had set out, raised an eyebrow slightly, and slipped them on.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Eileen responded, removing her down jacket and hanging it up. As she turned around, she saw Bryan taking off his coat. She naturally took it from him to hang it as well.

    ¡°What about you?¡± She turned to face him. ¡°I¡¯ve got some ingredients. I could make you something.¡±

    Bryan furrowed his brow slightly and casually replied, ¡°No need.¡± He stepped forward, scooped her up in his arms, and headed for the stairs, his deep voice filling her ears. ¡°Let¡¯s get started.¡± He seemed eager, likely due to the alcohol, as he often desired her after a few drinks.

    The bed was not enough for him today; they also did it in the bathtub and on the sofa near the bed. Every time they made love, Eileen found herself lost in the make-believe world of their love. But the fantasy was always ruined by the card that Bryan handed to her afterwards. His face would then turn cold, the warmth vanishing from his dark eyes.

    With her fingertips lightly touching the bank card, Eileen didn¡¯t smile this time and tucked it into the bedside drawer. She paused briefly and then turned to hug Bryan. He appeared to be asleep already, with a light nket draped over his lower half outlining his form.

    Eileen¡¯s gaze drifted to his appealing Adam¡¯s apple, which she had just nibbled on in a moment of desire. She reached out to touch his neck gently, only for him to suddenly grab her hand. Without opening his eyes, he said, ¡°Do you really need money that badly?¡±

    Eileen was taken aback by his harsh words. Yet, having been hurt so often, Eileen managed to answer calmly despite the ache in her heart. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Dawson, for your generosity. Consider this time a gift from me.¡±

    She was stubborn, which eventually led to regret. Bryan, who had been resting just moments ago, was now ready for another round. He said, ¡°The gifted ones are said to be better than the bought ones. I hope that¡¯s true.¡± His strong hand intertwined with hers, the veins slightly prominent. She felt too weak to react and silently vowed not to do this again.

    The next morning, running an hourte for the tutoring sessions with Aaron, Eileen and Bryan got stuck in a traffic jam and realized they wouldn¡¯t reach Aaron¡¯s ce until around lunchtime. Eileenined, ¡°Mr. Dawson, we can¡¯t let this happen again. Tutoring Aaron is a real job, and we need to be professional.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care much for being professional; I¡¯m more interested in you,¡± Bryan, who was driving, said this with a serious look, causing Eileen¡¯s ears to flush with embarrassment. As expected, when they arrived at the rkson family¡¯s ce¡­

    The hospital was far from the rkson family¡¯s residence, so the following day, before dawn, Eileen only bought breakfast for Ruby. Without time for her own meal, she rushed to catch the bus. Ruby watched from the window as Eileen darted to the entrance, her frail figure hurrying along.

    Ruby then called Winona. After exchanging a few pleasantries, she asked, ¡°Where does Huey live? Are there any properties listed under his name? Just curious.¡± Winona assumed Ruby was pondering whether Eileen would have a home after marrying Huey and quickly listed several properties owned by Huey, exining, ¡°But he bought those properties to avoid me. Now that he¡¯s getting along with Eileen, I leave him be. He¡¯s in the studio with his gaming colleagues¡­¡±

    After boarding the bus, Eileen found Ruby had put a warm egg in her bag, still hot with the shell thoughtfully removed. After transferring buses twice, she arrived at Han¡¯s mansion right on time at eight in the morning.

    When Han saw Eileen, he said, ¡°I¡¯m tied up today and won¡¯t be here. Feel free to manage Aaron¡¯s lessons however you think best.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Eileen felt a twinge of sadness, but she just smiled and went upstairs. She knew it wasn¡¯t odd for Bryan to be busy. Emergencies at thepany weremon for him.

    But after Eileen¡¯s second tutoring session, when she checked her phone and saw the trending news online, it all made sense. It was understandable that Bryan would prefer to spend the weekend with Vivian. In the photos, Vivian was holding onto Bryan¡¯s arm with a smile, her eyes filled with love. Bryan appeared to listen intently to Vivian¡¯s whisper. The journalists¡¯ photos showed them as a close pair, and anyone looking at them would naturally think it best for Bryan¡¯s wife to just step back and let them be.

    ¡°Eileen, you have feelings for Bryan, don¡¯t you?¡± Aaron had been watching Eileen for some time. He noticed that Eileen had kept her eyes fixed on thetest news about Bryan.

    ¡°He¡¯s my boss.¡± Eileen set her phone down, her face showing a change that Aaron noticed immediately.

    Aaron muttered, ¡°Is that so?¡±

    Without a word, Eileen picked up a book to begin the final tutoring session, her thoughts still on that evening with Bryan. Eileen managed to get through the evening. She didn¡¯t eat at the rkson family¡¯s ce.

    ¡°Tomorrow¡¯s Monday; you¡¯ve got a chemistry lesson. Pay attention and text me if you need help understanding anything.¡± After giving some directions to Aaron, Eileen departed.

    As the sun went down, the sky zed with stunning twilight. Standing before therge windows, Bryan snuffed out his cigarette and turned to Vivian, who had waited for him all afternoon. He said, ¡°Tonight, I need to go back to Dawson Mansion. Come with me.¡±

    Vivian¡¯s expression clouded for a moment before she smiled and replied, ¡°Let¡¯s go now. I think I¡¯ll pick up something for Ste as a courtesy.¡±

    ¡°Okay, and remember to bring up the topic of the divorce,¡± Bryan reminded her as he grabbed his coat and strode out. His urgency to discuss the divorce was apparent.

    Vivian nodded and followed Bryan out of Apex Group. They were briefly dyed waiting for Raymond. At that moment, Judie came out of thepany. When Judie saw Vivian, her eyes lit up, and she approached Vivian without a second thought.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 110

    ?Chapter 110:

    ¡°Miss Warren,¡± Judie greeted, ncing subtly at Vivian and Bryan. She harbored the hope that fostering a good rtionship with Vivian would make Bryan pay attention to her. With that thought, she couldn¡¯t help but smile warmly. ¡°I¡¯ve already requested time off for tomorrow. Where shall we meet?¡±

    Vivian cast a nce towards Bryan and replied hurriedly, ¡°Let¡¯s decideter. What brings you here today?¡±

    ¡°I thought I¡¯d prepare for our shopping trip to Vicin Mall tomorrow by clearing up urgent work today,¡± Judie exined. ¡°While spending time with you is a priority, I must also keep up with my duties.¡± She nced at Bryan, wanting to prove that she was skillful in bncing her workmitments with her social ns.

    Upon hearing the mention of ¡°Vicin Mall,¡± Bryan furrowed his brows, but he quicklyposed himself and lit a cigarette as if nothing had happened.

    ¡°Alright, you can go back home now,¡± Vivian dismissed Judie impatiently, then led Bryan to leave.

    Her heart raced, knowing that Bryan showed no concern over her n to visit Vicin Mall. With relief washing over her, she thought about her next moves to make Ste happy.

    The store manager¡¯s meeting on Monday morning would run until nearly noon.

    Before heading out, Charli expressed a nagging worry. ¡°I¡¯ve got a strange feeling something¡¯s up today. Eileen, stay in the warehouse and go over the employee handbook again.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Eileen agreed without objection and went to the warehouse with the handbook. She had only been in the warehouse for a few minutes when Aniya approached her. ¡°Eileen, I need to step into the break room to sort out some new gowns for customers. Could you watch the front for a minute?¡±

    It was just for a short while. Eileen set aside the handbook and stepped out just in time to spot Vivian and Judie at the entrance of the store. She understood the situation immediately.

    L??t??¦Ó ch?¨»¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?l??.?§àm

    ¡°Eileen?¡± Judie expressed surprise upon seeing Eileen. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t you tell?¡± Vivian said, pulling Judie into the store. ¡°Eileen works here now. Let¡¯s support her business.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s change of employment wasmon knowledge within thepany, and Judie was certainly aware. As a matter of fact, many had questioned Judie about Eileen¡¯s whereabouts. When Judie imed ignorance, no one believed her, assuming she was merely withholding information. In truth, she didn¡¯t know. Ever since Roderick¡¯s outburst, she had avoided contacting Eileen.

    ¡°I don¡¯t usually attend to asions that require me to wear gowns,¡± Judie muttered. She knew that she wouldn¡¯t be able to afford one.

    Vivian just said, ¡°Choose any gown you fancy. Consider it my gift to you.¡±

    Judie¡¯s heart surged with excitement, prompting an almost audibleugh, but she quickly masked her reaction with a feigned reluctance. Then, Vivian pulled her into the lounge, with Eileen following behind after taking a deep breath.

    Upon seeing Vivian, Aniya and Essie quickly pocketed their phones, greeted Vivian with a nod, and promptly exited.

    ¡°Bring us two cups of coffee first,¡± Vivian ordered arrogantly as she settled into a chair, cing her purse beside her.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen responded and left. She returned shortly with coffee and two types of snacks. Judie was astounded. She had gone to a clothing store where coffee and snacks were offered for free.

    She was so nervous that she barely spoke, fearing any mistake might draw ridicule. She anxiously fidgeted with her clothes.

    ¡°Pick a gown that will suit Judie,¡± Vivian instructed Eileen. Eileen quickly selected one thatplemented Judie¡¯s skin tone and overall style.

    ¡°Try this one on,¡± she suggested.

    ¡°Sure!¡± Judie eximed, reaching for the gown with careful hands. The fabric flowed like water through her fingers.

    To conceal her excitement, Judie bit her lip and followed Eileen to the fitting room. Inside, Judie whispered to Eileen, ¡°Please don¡¯t be upset. Miss Warren insisted I join her shopping, and I couldn¡¯t say no. Without you at thepany, I have no one else to turn to, so I have to y along, right? Don¡¯t worry, Miss Warren is buying me this gown, and it will count as a sale for you¡ªa win-win situation!¡±

    Eileen pondered whether Judie was genuinely naive or simply oblivious. Still, she chose not to reply.

    Minutester, Judie stepped out of the fitting room d in the gown, her reflection in the mirror causing her eyes to light up immediately. She had never seen herself this beautiful! The ck strapless gown entuated her figure, adding a touch of elegance that she hadn¡¯t known she possessed.

    ¡°This one is perfect, Miss Warren! Just buy this one!¡± she eximed, her eyes shining as she turned towards Vivian.

    Vivian, who had been leisurely sipping her coffee, nced up and directed her question to Eileen. ¡°What¡¯s the price of this?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s eighty-eight thousand, but after the discount, ites to over seventy thousand,¡± Eileen replied.

    Judie gasped at the price. Seventy thousand for a single dress was beyond her usual spend, especially for something she couldn¡¯t wear regrly to work.

    ¡°This is far too cheap. Pick another one,¡± Vivian remarked, pointing towards a red gown disyed on a mannequin. ¡°Try that one.¡±

    Judie was taken aback by Vivian¡¯s words. She hadn¡¯t expected Vivian to think that the price for the ck gown was cheap.

    Eileen retrieved the red gown for Judie, who found it even more to her liking. However, Vivian deemed the color too vivid and casually selected another one. One by one, green, blue, and white gowns were tried on until Judie began to feel something was off.

    Judie was still in thest pink gown, which did not tter herplexion.

    ¡°Miss Warren, the first one is lovely and more affordable. It seems wasteful to wear such expensive ones when I don¡¯t need to,¡± Judie suggested, ncing at the mountain of gowns piled on the sofa and then back at Eileen.

    It was clear that Vivian was making trouble for Eileen on purpose.

    ¡°What are you worried about?¡± Vivian stood up and approached Eileen, her voiceden with implication. ¡°Are you concerned that Eileen will struggle to clean up after us? She¡¯s serving us now. Attending to our needs is her job. As soon as you walk into the store, she needs to listen to you. It¡¯s not just about fetching dresses and serving drinks; she should even be expected to massage you.¡±

    Eileen remained poised. Her gaze was calm yet prating as she looked at Judie. Even though she wasn¡¯t uttering a word or doing anything, it was enough to leave Judie feeling uneasy.

    ¡°Today, you can try on every gown here and pick your favorite,¡± Vivian dered. Then, she turned to Eileen and asked, ¡°Do you have any objections?¡±

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Eileen responded, wearing a courteous smile.

    Witnessing Eileen¡¯s subdued reaction, Judie experienced a mix of satisfaction and an inexplicable sense of triumph. She paused for a moment before pointing to another gown. ¡°I¡¯d like to try that one next.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Eileen replied and went to retrieve it.

    However, when Eileen handed the gown to Judie, Judie epted it and said, ¡°It doesn¡¯t look as nice as it did on the hanger. Maybe¡­ I should try another one?¡±

    Seeing that, Vivianughed and said, ¡°Of course; try as many as you like.¡±

    Eileen, still holding the gown, said nothing, patiently waiting for Judie to make another selection. Now, Judie was convinced that Eileen had no power to change the dynamics of their interaction.

    ¡°I want to try that one,¡± Judie said, pointing to a diamond-studded gown in the disy case.

    Eileen looked at it and replied, ¡°That¡¯s the most expensive gown in the store.¡±

    ¡°Am I not allowed to try it?¡± Judie asked, her tone sharp and confrontational, mirroring Vivian¡¯s earlier demeanor.

    After a brief pause, Eileen¡¯s gaze softened as she replied with a polite smile, ¡°You can try it on. However, I must inform you, as a precaution, that if any damage urs to the gown during the fitting, like lost diamonds or stains, you will be responsible for purchasing it at full price or covering the repair costs.¡±

    The potential cost of even a single missing diamond was more than Judie could afford. Judie turned to look at Vivian, who had resumed drinking her coffee. Vivian appeared oblivious to their exchange. Clearly, she wouldn¡¯t be helping Judie if anything happened.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll try on this one instead,¡± Judie said, choosing a light grey gown.

    Eileen quickly retrieved it for her.

    As Judie tried on several more gowns, Eileen maintained her silence. Judie¡¯s anxiety grew with each gown she tried. Seizing a moment while Eileen was fetching another, she got next to Vivian.

    ¡°Miss Warren, isn¡¯t this enough?¡± she whispered, ncing at the pile of tried gowns. Half of the store¡¯s gowns had already been tried.

    ¡°What do you mean by ¡®enough¡¯?¡± Vivian responded with a look of disdain. ¡°When she was sleeping with my man, did you ever think that was enough? If you¡¯re going soft on her, remember, I can easily find someone else to take your ce.¡±

    The threat in Vivian¡¯s words was rming. Judie quickly responded, ¡°I¡¯m just concerned you might be weary from this for so long.¡±

    ¡°Weary? Not at all. I¡¯m merely bored, wanting to see something more entertaining,¡± Vivian said, making her intentions clear.

    Judie understood Vivian perfectly. She bit her lip, lost in thought for a moment. Eileen returned carrying two sses of juice and set them down on the table just as Judie made another request. ¡°Could I have some milk tea instead? And these snacks aren¡¯t very appealing. Do you have any other choices on the menu?¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Eileen replied promptly, turning to get milk tea and different snacks.

    The second she encountered Vivian, Eileen had braced herself for a challenging morning. Since confrontation was futile and would only worsen matters, she chose to handle the situation with calm, learning from past errors.

    The morning dragged on, consumed by continuous demands, and by nearly eleven, the lounge was more disorderly than before. Having satisfied her taste for amusement, Vivian was now feeling hungry and decided that it was time to leave. Judie didn¡¯t dare to mention that Vivian hadn¡¯t actually purchased the gown for her. She followed Vivian out of the lounge, and Eileen wasn¡¯t far behind them.

    At that moment, just back from the meeting, Charli noticed the unfolding drama and frowned slightly. Vivian murmured something to Judie. Then, Judie dered loudly, ¡°I want to file aint!¡±

    Essie had been waiting for this moment, so she quickly took out theint book, but Charli intervened and stopped her. ¡°What seems to be the issue you¡¯d like to address?¡± Charli asked.

    Overwhelming with feigned indignation, Judie said, ¡°I¡¯m filing aint against Eileen. Her service was subpar, making us feel unwee, and she failed to make us happy.¡±

    ¡°Our staff¡¯s duties are to serve and provide information, not to ensure your happiness,¡± Charli responded with a faint smile. ¡°Could you borate on what specifically was inadequate about her service?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 111

    ?Chapter 111:

    Eileen stood in the back, looking at Judie with a faint smile. Though Judie remained facing forward, she could feel Eileen¡¯s eyes on her, causing her body to be a bit stiff. Nevertheless, she spoke up, her voice carrying a hint of exasperation, ¡°Must I walk you through every misstep one by one? Surely, you¡¯re not oblivious to¡­¡±

    In the world of elite social circles, it was all about the aura of domination. Charli had navigated countless encounters with demanding clients; they were all intimidating people who spoke much. But Judie was a different breed; she had brought the tenacity of a marketce brawler to the refined setting.

    ¡°We¡¯re at a loss here. Perhaps you could provide us with more specific examples so we can guide our team in rectifying any missteps.¡± Charli¡¯s response was measured,cking the deference she had shown to Vivian.

    Judie caught this shift and felt a flicker of irritation. She asserted, ¡°Miss Warren sat here half the day without proper attention. She¡¯s not someone your staff can afford to overlook¡­¡±

    Judie aimed the spotlight at Vivian, trying to use her as an excuse. Eileen just felt disgusted by Judie¡¯s demeanor.

    Eventually, Judie said, ¡°Miss Warren, isn¡¯t what I¡¯m saying correct?¡± She had voiced herint on Vivian¡¯s behalf, so she expected Vivian to back her up now.

    But Vivian¡¯s reaction caught her off guard. Instead of the expected satisfaction, Vivian¡¯s face drained of color, her attention fixed on the imposing figure standing at the store¡¯s entrance. Bryan¡¯s face was calm, one hand casually in his pocket while the other held a slowly burning cigarette, its ash piling up as he observed the scene with a serious expression.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson!¡± Charli¡¯s heart skipped a beat at the sight of Bryan. As the manager, she should uphold fairness in situations where employees faced deliberate trouble. But Vivian was Bryan¡¯s beloved. Whether Bryan would handle the situation impartially remained uncertain.

    At the mention of Bryan¡¯s name, Eileen paused, her surprise evident as she turned to look at Bryan. Why was he here again? Bryan didn¡¯t enter. He just flicked his cigarette ash near the trash can, taking another drag.

    Observing this, Raymond cautiously asked, ¡°Mr. Dawson, should we intervene? Whose side do we support?¡±

    Bryan shot him a sharp nce, conveying a clear message. Raymond quickly replied, ¡°Handle it immediately.¡±

    Entering the store, Raymond asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Charli sinctly summarized theint incident, then gestured towards Eileen, saying, ¡°As for what happened in the lounge, let Eileen exin, or you can go for yourself.¡±

    The door to the break room stood ajar, revealing the mess inside with just a slight movement of Raymond¡¯s gaze. Raymond hesitated, unsure of where Bryan¡¯s allegiancey. Whose side should he take?

    ¡°It¡¯s just perfect that Mr. Dawson is here,¡± Judie¡¯s confidence swelled as she noticed that Bryan hadn¡¯te inside the store, interpreting it as his silent approval of her and Vivian¡¯s actions. Her tone grew bolder: ¡°Your store doesn¡¯t have a rule mandating purchases after trying on clothes, does it? So, we¡¯re not at fault for not buying, right? I was the one who tried on all those clothes, Eileen neglected Miss Warren, and I¡¯m lodging aint on behalf of my friend. Is that unreasonable?¡±

    Charli suddenly fell silent. Aniya and Essie observed the unfolding drama, their hearts pounding. Vivian felt anxious, her lips pressed together as she watched Bryan outside the store. The smoke veiled his expression.

    Tension hung in the air. As Raymond hesitated on what to do, Bryan walked inside. A hint of smoke trailed him as he entered, reaching Eileen¡¯s nostrils. His deep voice cut through the tension. ¡°You made the rules of the store. You know how to handle this?¡± His words were aimed at Eileen.

    An unfamiliar sensation stirred within Eileen. She found herself unable to suppress a smile. ¡°Understood, Mr. Dawson.¡± She turned to look at Vivian and Judie and said, ¡°In our store, if someone tries on more than ten dresses or uses our services for over two hours without purchasing, and then wants to fileints, they¡¯ll be considered ¡®scammers¡¯ and will be charged a service fee at the standard rate of eight hundred and eighty-eight dors per hour. If this urs more than twice, they¡¯ll end up on our cklist.¡±

    ¡°What¡­ What do you mean?¡± Judie was dumbfounded.

    ¡°It means that from the moment you entered the store until now, totaling three hours, you owe a service fee of two thousand six hundred and sixty-four dors. Since this is your first time, you only need to pay the service fee. However, since Miss Warren is here for the second time and has spent over two hours without buying anything, she¡¯ll be added to our store¡¯s cklist,¡± Eileen calmly exined.

    If Bryan hadn¡¯t arrived, she had nned to bring up these agreements. But she knew Vivian wouldn¡¯t ept this oue easily. If Charli didn¡¯t want to upset Vivian, these agreements would not be enforced. At most, Vivian would probably not return to the store. However, Bryan¡¯s arrival had changed everything. He had taken the initiative to remind Eileen of the rules she had set. His intention was clear.

    ¡°Bryan¡­¡± Vivian nced at him. ¡°It¡¯s not what you think. I just brought Judie here to broaden her horizons. I never expected her to cause such a scene¡­¡±

    Judie was caught off guard and tried to defend herself. ¡°Miss Warren, that¡¯s not true! You were the one who told me to do this!¡±

    Before Judie could finish, Vivian silenced her with a piercing look. Their attempts to shift me only elicited a briefment from Bryan. ¡°Follow the rules,¡± he said.

    Charli sprang into action, signaling Aniya with a nce. Aniya approached Judie swiftly and said, ¡°Miss, please settle the service fee.¡±

    Judie was devastated. She hadn¡¯t even worked today and now faced a day¡¯s sry and attendance bonus being docked. The real kicker was being thrown under the bus by Vivian. Judie suddenly realized how naive she had been.

    Turning to Eileen, Judie grasped Eileen¡¯s hand. ¡°Eileen, I don¡¯t have that much money. Can you let me off the hook? We¡¯re practically family; can you just show me some leniency?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Eileen withdrew her hand, firm in her resolve. ¡°I¡¯m just an employee here. I can¡¯t afford to let it slide.¡±

    ¡°Then¡­¡± Judie bit her lip, embarrassed. ¡°Could you at least help me cover the fee? I don¡¯t have that amount of money now¡­¡±

    Essie and Aniya regarded Judie with disdain. They had noticed from the start that she wasn¡¯t dressed very well, but since she was with Vivian, they hadn¡¯t said anything.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, can we deduct the service fee from Judie¡¯s monthly sry and have finance handle the transfer to your side?¡± Eileen asked Bryan.

    Bryan raised his eyebrows slightly as he replied, ¡°Yes.¡±

    Judie was in despair. Her monthly expenses were already high, and she had hardly any savings. The deduction would eat into what little she had left, but with no oneing to her aid, she felt utterly abandoned.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, we should head back to thepany now,¡± Raymond reminded Bryan.

    Having rushed over, he noted that there was a meeting that was already startingter, and Raymond had to remind Bryan.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Bryan slipped his hands into his pockets and turned to walk away, his upright posturemanding attention.

    Watching him leave, Eileen¡¯s lips curved into a smile. Despite Judie and Vivian still being in the store, she turned and entered the lounge to tidy up the clothes.

    After some time, Aniya and Essie also joined her, silently assisting in the cleanup. The three of them worked efficiently and restored the lounge to its original state within an hour.

    Essie and Aniya didn¡¯t pay much attention to Bryan¡¯s words about the rules being set by Eileen. However, they secretly spected whether Eileen had a connection to Bryan. They even admired Bryan¡¯s fairness and impartiality, noting that he hadn¡¯t let his rtionship with Vivian affect his judgment.

    But Charli had caught Bryan¡¯s words loud and clear. During lunch break, she quietly made her way to where Eileen was eating her meal.

    ¡°Were you¡­ Mr. Dawson¡¯s special assistant?¡± Charli asked Eileen.

    Previous encounters between Charli and Bryan had been brief, and Charli had never had close contact with Bryan or his assistant. Charli only recalled that Bryan had a highly capable female assistant, but she couldn¡¯t quite remember what the assistant looked like. She thought about Bryan¡¯s words regarding Eileen having set the rules of the store. She also remembered how Maison had recognized Eileen before Bryan had just changed his assistant. So, Charli took a bold guess.

    Eileen¡¯s movements halted as she lifted her head, asking gently, ¡°What?¡±

    Observing Eileen¡¯s clear eyes and considering how diligently Eileen had worked since arriving at the store, Charli began to doubt her guess.

    Would someone ustomed to being a special assistant tolerate the demanding job of a frontline employee?

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Charli said, turning to leave.

    Eileen had lost her appetite. She had no intention of keeping it a secret from Charli. It was just that she hadn¡¯t quite grasped Charli¡¯s direct question, and before she could fully understand it, Charli had already walked away.

    She couldn¡¯t just chase after Charli and tell her that she indeed used to be Bryan¡¯s special assistant. She thought about Bryan¡¯s sudden appearance in the store. He hadn¡¯te just for her, right? Countless thoughts flooded Eileen¡¯s mind, impossible to suppress.

    On the way back to Apex Group, Raymond pressed down on the gas pedal, but he feared they would still bete for the meeting. Amid concern, he suddenly heard Bryan say, ¡°Apex Group does not tolerate employees who work overtime on weekends just to ck off on workdays.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Raymond nced at Bryan through the rearview mirror, puzzled by the unexpected statement. Suddenly, it dawned on him. He understood that Bryan was talking about Judie. ¡°Yes, Mr. Dawson,¡± he replied.

    While Raymond had been preupied with the impending dy of Bryan¡¯s meeting, Bryan¡¯s mind had been focused on how to handle Judie. It seemed Eileen held significant importance to Bryan, and Raymond had learned his lesson. If a simr situation arose again, he would know how to handle it.

    That afternoon, Judie hurried back to work, eager to salvage even half a day¡¯s wage. But as soon as she entered the office, she heard the devastating news¡ªshe had been fired. The manager listed numerous issues with her work, leaving her no room for argument.

    Carrying a box, she walked out of thepany, stunned by Bryan¡¯s decision to fire her. Had he done this because of Eileen? It must have been Eileen who instigated Bryan to do this!

    Eileen hadn¡¯tpletely cut ties with Bryan yet, but Judie believed Eileen was already finding ways to distance herself from her and Roderick. Thinking of that, Judie immediately reached for her phone to call Roderick, but she hesitated, considering how ipetent he was. Instead, she dialed another number. ¡°Mom, it¡¯s Judie. You need to talk to Eileen. She¡¯s not looking out for her own mother, and she¡¯sing after me. I¡¯ve been fired from thepany.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 112

    ?Chapter 112:

    Eileen finished work early that evening and, on a whim, decided to go to the underground supermarket. She ended up buying a lot of ingredients. With a heavy bag in hand, she trudged two blocks home, her arm throbbing with fatigue.

    As she reached her ce, she noticed the lights were on inside, and her heart skipped a beat. Bryan must be here. As she opened the door and stepped inside, a pair of strong hands reached out to relieve her of the heavy shopping bag.

    ¡°What¡¯s this for? Did you expect me to drop by?¡± Bryan asked with a smile.

    Bryan observed that the ingredients in the shopping bag would be sufficient for the two of them to eat for several days. After changing her shoes, Eileen shed her down jacket. She exined, ¡°I finished work early and impulsively decided to go shopping. Once I was at the supermarket, I couldn¡¯t resist buying everything in sight.¡±

    She trailed behind him into the kitchen and opened the fridge, but she was surprised to find it already stocked with ingredients. Eileen¡¯s eyes widened as she turned to face Bryan, who stood at the dining table, his brow furrowed in concentration. Eileen asked, ¡°You also went shopping?¡±

    ¡°The fridge can be rearranged to amodate more items,¡± Bryan said. Then he quickly emptied the shopping bag and started to reorganize the fridge.

    They both tacitly avoided mentioning the earlier incident in Vicin Mall; their silence was an unspoken understanding. Eileen opted to stick to cleaning and cutting the vegetables, sparing herself the embarrassment of showcasing her culinary skills in front of Bryan. As she washed the vegetables, her phone on the dining table suddenly rang out.

    With her hands still wet from washing the vegetables, she nced at the screen and saw an unknown number shing. ¡°Can you answer that for me?¡± she asked Bryan.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Bryan, still engrossed in reorganizing the fridge, turned around and answered with a swift tap on the screen. He then activated the speakerphone and returned to his task. ¡°What do you want, Eileen? How dare you ask your boss to fire Judie? Are youpletely out of your mind? You abandoned me, your own mother, and squandered all your earnings on your stepmother. And now, you won¡¯t even lift a finger for Roderick and family? I¡¯ll teach you a lesson you¡¯ll never forget!¡±

    The caller was none other than Denise Moran, Eileen¡¯s estranged biological mother, whose voice Eileen had instantly recognized despite over a decade of separation.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s hosts thetest chapters

    Eileen¡¯s eyes widened in shock, and she turned to Bryan in disbelief. She didn¡¯t know that he had fired Judie. Denise continued, ¡°Don¡¯t even think about defending yourself! I know it¡¯s because Roderick visited yourpany, seekingpensation, leaving you reeling embarrassed and exposed, right? He only did that because he cares about you. You¡¯ve been so naive to tolerate mistreatment for so long; you essentially gave yourself away to that man without any self-worth.¡±

    Denise thought that Eileen¡¯s silence was because she was trying to fabricate justification. Eileen swiftly wiped her hands on her attire and managed to end the call. She pressed her lips together, her eyes narrowing as she studied the man framed in the office¡¯s open floor. The interior light cast an eerie glow on his partial profile, leaving the rest of his face shrouded in mystery.

    She couldn¡¯t see his expression, making it hard to read his thoughts. The phone in her hand jolted her again with the same unwanted call. She swiftly rejected it, then silenced her phone and flipped it face-down on the dining table, a decisive move to shut out the persistence. Bryan didn¡¯t look up from the fridge for an extended period, his stillness a testament to his deep contemtion.

    Eileen thought the phone call reminded him of Roderick¡¯s incident, and it probably irritated him. But then Bryan moved. He grabbed a can of sd dressing and put it in the fridge before heading into the kitchen. ¡°Could you wash the tomatoes for me?¡± he asked in a low voice.

    ¡°Yeah, sure.¡± Havingposed herself, Eileen returned to the kitchen to resume preparing the ingredients. Bryan cooked up a storm, serving a satisfying three courses and soup. Eileen had not tasted a home-cooked meal since moving in, and Bryan¡¯s cooking was good.

    After they finished eating, Eileen cleaned up as Bryan went upstairs. Once Eileen finished the dishes and headed upstairs, she encountered Bryan emerging from the bathroom, his sturdy chest glistening with droplets of water from his wet hair. The water ran down his ripped chest, disappearing into the towel knotted at his waist.

    His dark eyes sparkled in the soft light, and the inviting scent of his shampoo lingered, teasing her senses. Eileen¡¯s ears flushed crimson as she struggled to maintain herposure. She said, ¡°The pajamas you worest time are still wet from the wash. I bought a new pair for you. You¡¯ll find them in the cloakroom.¡±

    ¡°Bring it to me.¡± Bryan¡¯s deep, raspy voice was a rich baritone that rumbled over Eileen, causing her to tense up. She spun around and hurried into the cloakroom, emerging with the pajamas and cing them in his hand. Avoiding another nce at his captivating physique, she swiftly retreated into the bathroom.

    She had brought her pajamas into the bathroom, so after her shower, she didn¡¯te out immediately, taking her time to dry her hair and pamper herself with a rxing skincare routine before finally exiting.

    Bryan sat at the coffee table, positioned in front of the French window, surrounded by the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee tinged with the smell of smoke. When he saw Eileen, he transferred the cigarette to his other hand and pointed to the chair next to him. ¡°Sit here,¡± he said.

    When Eileen sat down beside him, he pointed to his pajama pants with a hint of mischief and asked, ¡°Haven¡¯t you learned my size yet?¡± When he was sitting, his pants rode up, barely covering his shins. Meanwhile, the pajama top strained at the shoulders, clearly too snug for his broad frame, and it was evident that the entire set was too small for him.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 113

    ?Chapter 113:

    ¡°I bought it in a moment of haste,¡± Eileen whispered in exnation.

    Bryan arched an eyebrow and then changed the topic, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you exin things to me?¡±

    He finally brought it up with her. Foreseeing his curiosity, Eileen had been pondering how to respond during dinner. She wondered if it was better to confess that his misinterpretation of her had been the source of her sadness, and that his hurtful words had pierced her heart.

    A subtle smile yed on her lips as she replied, ¡°It¡¯s unnecessary.¡± Considering their rtionship, she saw no need to borate further.

    Bryan¡¯s face clouded over, and he somehow felt irritated. Was she not afraid that his misunderstanding would threaten to irreparably damage their bond? He smiled sarcastically and replied, ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± He threw the cigarette butt, drank his coffee, and began to unbutton his shirt, revealing a hint of his chest.

    As he unbuttoned his shirt, his chiseled chest came into view, showcasing his athletic build. His brooding gaze was the only thing that kept Eileen from sumbing to the temptation of his charm.

    Dinner had been a pleasant affair, with their misunderstanding neatly cleared up. Yet, his face now was dark, suggesting a fresh tension had taken hold.

    Eileen was baffled, unable toprehend the sudden shift in his behavior. Yet he began tovish her with ardent kisses, as if he sought to punish her. But then, he became tender: He cradled her face, kissing her eyes with a softness that belied his rough hands. The low, raspy tone of his voice,bined with his heated breathing, enveloped her senses.

    Hershes quivered softly as she stared at him, his face tender with love for her. Since that night, Bryan began living with her in that house. Daily visits became his routine, and when time permitted, he would go the extra mile, walking to Vicin Mall to escort her home. He would envelop her hand with his in his coat pocket as they strolled together.

    Huey¡¯s studio was in a secluded spot¡ªa three-story building in the suburbs. The building¡¯syout was straightforward: reception on the first floor, offices on the second, and staff amodations on the third. At noon, Huey treated his staff to lunch and then made his way to the reception area, searching for Bailee.

    ¡°Let me treat you to lunch today.¡± He put his hands on the desk and looked at Bailee.

    Bailee¡¯s eyes dropped to her te, the food barely touched, before she lifted them to meet Huey¡¯s with a question. ¡°Why? I¡¯ve got my lunch right here.¡±

    Huey picked up the calendar from her desk and tapped on the marked date. ¡°Isn¡¯t today your birthday?¡±

    It was indeed Bailee¡¯s birthday, a day she had marked on her calendar with a circle. But she was baffled as to how Huey had figured it out.

    Huey said, ¡°I¡¯m off to apetition with friends tomorrow and will be away for a few days. But I¡¯ll bring a gift for you when I get back. Today, I¡¯ll just treat you to lunch.¡± He pulled out his car key and gave a friendly wave. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Bailee¡¯s heart swelled with warmth as she set aside her staff meal, grabbed her coat, and followed Huey out. In her haste, she tripped on the stairs, but Huey¡¯s prompt reaction ensured her safety, his firm grasp steadying her before she could tumble.

    After that, he yfully flicked her forehead, his eyes sparkling with concern as he teased, ¡°Watch your step, birthday girl! We can¡¯t have you tumbling on your special day!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just too excited,¡± Bailee replied, her cheeks flushing pink as she ducked her head, her shyness momentarily taking over. She followed him to the garage.

    But then, they stopped in their tracks when they saw Ruby standing a short distance away.

    ¡°Mom?¡± Bailee¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. She walked to Ruby, asking, ¡°Mom, what are you doing here? Why are you not in the hospital?¡±

    She reached out to grasp Ruby¡¯s hand, but Ruby swiftly pulled away, avoiding her touch. Ruby¡¯s gaze was cold, her eyes seeming to regard Bailee as a stranger. ¡°Come with me,¡± she said curtly, her tone devoid of warmth.

    Bailee stood frozen in shock as her mother turned and walked away. She turned to Huey, her face apologetic, and said, ¡°Huey, I¡¯m so sorry. Maybe we can reschedule for another time?¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Huey watched as Bailee and Ruby walked away, hands in his pockets. After a moment, he turned and went back to the studio.

    Ruby walked into a junkyard, heading towards a smelly ditch. Bailee grabbed Ruby¡¯s arm to stop her, saying, ¡°Mom, wait! Let¡¯s talk here. Don¡¯t go any further!¡±

    She approached her mother but was met with a stinging p and a barrage of questions.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on between you and Huey? What are you doing in his studio?¡±

    Bailee¡¯s cheek stung, but the pain inside hurt more. She covered her cheek and looked at Ruby with confused eyes. ¡°Mom, what do you mean?¡± she asked, her voice shaking.

    Ruby¡¯s eyes shed with anger. ¡°Can¡¯t you understand? Huey is the ideal partner for your sister. Why do you keep seeing him?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not what you think! I¡¯m just working at his studio, nothing more!¡± Bailee said.

    Ruby breathed a sigh of relief as she heard Bailee¡¯s words. Then, feeling regretful, she took Bailee¡¯s hand in hers, holding it tightly.

    She said, ¡°Bailee, I¡¯m sorry I was too hasty earlier. But Eileen¡¯s not getting any younger, and if she doesn¡¯t find a partner soon, it will only get harder for her. You need to think about what¡¯s next. If you get too close to Huey, what should Eileen do? You¡¯re young and educated, so you¡¯ll find a great partner, but Eileen¡¯s situation is different. Worry about her.¡±

    Ruby had always treated Eileen as her own daughter.

    Tears streamed down her face as Bailee nodded, her voice trembling as she replied, ¡°I understand, Mom. But I can¡¯t just quit my job because I still owe Huey years¡¯ sry. I promise to maintain a professional distance with him.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 114

    ?Chapter 114:

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the money. I¡¯ll figure something out. When you return, choose the right time to resign and find another job that suits you better,¡± Ruby instructed.

    As she wiped Bailee¡¯s tears away, tears of her own began to fall. ¡°From now on, you and your sister need to support each other.¡±

    The way Ruby spoke, as if she were making arrangements for after she was gone, left Bailee feeling unsettled. ¡°Mom, why are you saying this all of a sudden? What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Ruby realized she had be too emotional. She quickly wiped her tears and managed to smile. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I just got a bit carried away today; it¡¯s your birthday. Why don¡¯t you take the day off? I¡¯ll take you out for a meal.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Bailee agreed, and she immediately messaged Huey to request the day off, which he granted without hesitation.

    Knowing Eileen was busy at work, Ruby and Bailee decided not to bother her. However, Ruby hadn¡¯t forgotten about Eileen and nned a surprise for her with Bailee. They decided to go to Springvale Lane in the evening.

    By six o¡¯clock, they were at Springvale Lane, but even by eight, there was still no sign of Eileen. Concerned, Bailee tried calling Eileen, but the call was abruptly disconnected after less than two seconds. Then, she received a text from Eileen:

    ¡°I¡¯m still tied up at work for another hour. I know today¡¯s your birthday. Are you at the hospital? I¡¯ll head there after work; I¡¯ve got a cake for you.¡±

    Eileen hadn¡¯t forgotten Bailee¡¯s birthday.

    Bailee showed Eileen¡¯s message to Ruby. Ruby said, ¡°It¡¯s sote, and she¡¯s still at work. Let¡¯s not bother her tonight. She can enjoy the cake herself, and we can meet another day. Take me back to the hospital.¡±

    All the magic begins at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Following her mother¡¯s advice, Bailee texted Eileen, mentioning that Ruby was tired and wanted to rest, telling Eileen not toe to the hospital.

    Bailee then hailed a taxi at themunity gate and headed straight to the hospital with Ruby. Near the entrance, an SUV had been parked for hours. As soon as Bailee¡¯s taxi approached, the person inside the SUV made a call.

    ¡°Miss Warren, we¡¯ve been monitoring Eileen¡¯s residence for quite some time without any sight of Mr. Dawson or Eileen. However, I just saw Eileen¡¯s sister, Bailee, with an older woman who appears to be Eileen¡¯s ill stepmother.¡±

    Vivian quickly replied, ¡°Find out which hospital they go to and try to determine Eileen¡¯s stepmother¡¯s ward.¡±

    Since the incident at Vicin Mall, Vivian had not seen Bryan. Her attempts to contact Bryan¡ªcalls and messages¡ªremained unanswered. Left with no other option, she had resorted to having someone watch Eileen¡¯s residence, convinced that Eileen and Bryan were together, though shecked concrete proof.

    After ending the call, Vivian tossed her phone onto the bed. As she turned, she startled to see Kian standing there.

    She quickly stood up, nervously clutching the hem of her clothes. ¡°Kian, why didn¡¯t you make any noise when you entered my room?¡± she asked.

    ¡°What have you done?¡±

    Kian could instantly tell that Vivian was scheming something.

    Vivian bit her lip, her eyes quickly welling up with tears. ¡°Kian, I can¡¯t find Bryan. He must not want me anymore.¡±

    As she began to cry, Kian¡¯s expression softened, and his stern demeanor faded. ¡°Sit down and tell me everything. Remember, I¡¯m here for you no matter what.¡±

    Vivian recounted the events at the mall. With each word, she grew more upset. ¡°What do you think Bryan meant by his actions? Has he fallen for Eileen? Why else would he help her? Is he ignoring me now to spend all his time with her? I had people watching Eileen¡¯s house and Oak Vis for days, but neither of them showed up. Where could they possibly be?¡±

    Kian squinted, a knowing smile crossing his face. ¡°I underestimated Eileen. And Bryan¡­ He¡¯s protecting her. Now do you see why I told you to leave her alone and just stick by Bryan¡¯s side?¡±

    Realizing the gravity of the situation, Vivian panicked. ¡°What should I do now?¡± she asked.

    Vivian felt deep regret. She used to see Bryan every day, but days had passed without hearing his voice. Anxious and flustered, she began pacing the room as conflicting thoughts raced through her mind. ¡°It can¡¯t go on like this; Bryan can¡¯t treat me this way. He still cares for me. He¡¯s just upset because I left him years ago. I shouldn¡¯t have left¡­¡±

    ¡°Vivian!¡± Kian¡¯s expression shifted as he rose. He fetched some medicine and water from the bedside table and offered them to her. ¡°Calm down and take your medicine.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to! I don¡¯t need it anymore. Bryan¡¯s back, and he¡¯s all the medicine I need. He¡¯ll stay by my side!¡± Vivian eximed, batting the medicine out of Kian¡¯s hand. She retreated until her back was against the wall.

    Concern clouded Kian¡¯s face as he retrieved the medicine. In a gentle tone, he said, ¡°You need to stabilize your emotions with this medicine before you see Bryan, or you might frighten him.¡±

    ¡°Will I really scare Bryan? Will he leave if he¡¯s frightened?¡± Vivian asked, touching her face in distress. ¡°Then I¡¯ll take the medicine. Just tell Bryan not to meet¡­¡±

    Clearly on edge, she snatched the medicine from Kian and swallowed it dry. Shortly after taking it, her body rxed, and she fell into sleep.

    Kian left her room deep in thought. He descended the stairs, grabbed his coat, and drove off. While in the car, he called Jacob, inviting him to meet at the club.

    Jacob agreed readily. Upon arriving at the private room, he realized that Bryan was absent and only Kian was present.

    ¡°Where is Bryan?¡± Jacob asked, pausing briefly before casually taking a seat.

    Kian poured wine into an empty ss and pushed it across to Jacob. ¡°I didn¡¯t invite him. Couldn¡¯t get through to him on the phone. He¡¯s probably tied up,¡± he exined.

    Jacob, looking somewhat awkward, nced at the wine. ¡°It¡¯s a bit dull just the two of us for drinks. Maybe we should meet up another day?¡±

    With that, he stood up, reached for his coat, and prepared to leave.

    ¡°Don¡¯t rush off,¡± Kian said calmly, effectively halting Jacob.

    Jacob watched as Kian pulled out a cigarette and offered it to him. After a brief hesitation, he epted the cigarette, lit it, and inhaled deeply. ¡°What do you need from me?¡± he asked.

    With a sigh, Kian pped him on the shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m just curious why you opposed Vivian being with Bryan. They had a good thing going. I know Vivian can be a bit spoiled and headstrong, but she¡¯s not a bad person.¡±

    If Vivian had been more ruthless and clever, Eileen¡¯s situation would likely have been much grimmer. However, Vivian had only ever gained an advantage when Kian stepped in, clearly demonstrating herck of savvy.

    Jacob was well aware of this. He said, ¡°Was their rtionship ever actually good?¡±

    ¡°Vivian has been smitten with Bryan since high school. They made it official in college and stayed together for four years. Growing up together only strengthened their bond,¡± Kian said.

    Jacob scoffed. ¡°I¡¯m telling you, if it weren¡¯t for Eileen, and Vivian hadn¡¯t left back then, Vivian and Bryan might have actually gotten married. Bryan needed a wife to dodge the marriage his parents arranged for him. Remember how they tried to set him up with Z?¡±

    At the mention of Z, a shadow passed over Kian¡¯s face. He raised his ss and clinked it with Jacob¡¯s. ¡°That makes sense.¡±

    Reflecting on the past, Jacob sighed deeply. Though he was merely a spectator to these events, he had watched everything unfold into the present situation.

    He drained his ss in one go, but Kian was quick to refill it. ¡°So you¡¯re saying that Bryan truly had feelings for her back then? He wanted to avoid marrying Z?¡± Kian asked.

    Jacob nodded immediately but then hesitated, unsure whether he liked Vivian or not, but avoiding Z was definitely part of it. Still, he wasn¡¯t heartless. Whether or not he had feelings for her, he was ready tomit. But then Vivian chose to leave.

    Jacob repeatedly circled back to Vivian¡¯s departure, indicating how much it bothered him.

    After a brief pause, Kian raised his ss again, and they both drank.

    Throughout their conversation, Kian skillfully guided Jacob through nostalgic moments, prompting Jacob to drink often.

    An hour into their conversation, Jacob¡¯s face was flushed as he sat on the floor, clinging to Kian¡¯s knees and grinning broadly. ¡°I remember you had a thing for Z back then, but she¡¯s been abroad for over a decade. Do you still remember what she looks like?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± Kian replied coolly, looking down at the intoxicated Jacob. ¡°We¡¯ve reminisced about a lot tonight. Too bad Bryan isn¡¯t here. Where do you think he could be?¡±

    Jacob hupped, his cheeks rosy and eyes barely open. ¡°Where¡¯s Bryan? Where could he be? Call him over!¡±

    He jostled Kian¡¯s leg, yfully shouting to summon Bryan.

    Kian steadied him. ¡°I don¡¯t know where Bryan is; it¡¯s like he¡¯s vanished. I can¡¯t see him or reach him. Eileen¡¯s gone missing, too.¡±

    Jacob squinted, struggling to keep his eyes open. Then his expression turned sly. ¡°I know where they are¡­¡±

    As the cold wind howled and snowkes drifted from the sky, nketing the roads in white, Eileen exited the Vicin Mall.

    She spotted Bryan by the roadside, unmistakable in his ck overcoat and trousers against the snowy backdrop. His features were sharply defined, his expression cool but softening instantly when he caught sight of her. With a gentle smile, he walked toward her, sheltering her from the snow with his ck umbre.

    Eileen, d in a red down jacket, her silhouette slender, had snowkes on her long hair. Bryan reached out, lightly flicking them away, leaving no trace.

    ¡°Are you cold?¡± he asked, his voice aforting presence above her.

    Eileen nodded and looked at his extended hand, palm up. ¡°Come here,¡± Bryan invited, motioning for her to ce her hand in his.

    This interaction, almost a daily ritual now, felt familiar to Eileen. She naturally ced her hand in his, letting him wrap their hands together inside the pocket of his coat.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 115

    ?Chapter 115:

    As Eileen and Bryan arrived at Eileen¡¯s ce, Eileen reached for the door. But suddenly, she felt something solid thrust into her palm by Bryan.

    Startled, she paused. In her handy the gleaming key to a brand-new red BMW.

    She looked at Bryan with puzzled eyes.

    With a yful arch of his eyebrows, Bryan nodded toward a dazzling red BMW parked just a stone¡¯s throw away. ¡°You need a car! Eileen quickly caught onto his implication. Just a quick five-minute drive to¡­¡± she said, brushing off the need for a car.

    ¡°You could drive to Han¡¯s house on Saturdays or drive to the hospital,¡± Bryan said.

    Sometimes, Bryan would head back to the Dawson Mansion to keep Stepany on Saturday evenings. That usually left Eileen to navigate her own way to Han¡¯s house. The chilly mornings often forced her to rise early, braving the darkness to catch a bus.

    Bryan¡¯s handsome face was reflected in Eileen¡¯s clear eyes; she felt warm. Taking Eileen¡¯s hand, Bryan led her toward the car, tilting his head toward the vehicle. ¡°Go ahead: give it a try,¡± he said.

    Just as Bryan reached for the car door, Eileen seized the moment, pulling him into a passionate embrace and initiating a kiss, ignoring the prying eyes of passersby. It was a bold move for Eileen, breaking her usual reserve, but she was swept up in the intensity of the moment.

    Taller than Eileen, Bryan¡¯s gentle nature shone through as he adjusted himself to bridge the gap, making it easier for her to kiss him. He held her waist to support her as they kissed.

    Peeking through partially-lidded eyes, Bryan appreciated the delicate curl of Eileen¡¯s eyshes, even as the distant whistling of passersby filled the air. He noticed a subtle tremor in hershes and felt her hand beginning to slip away. She appeared to hesitate as if considering pulling away, but he held onto her waist more firmly. ¡°Don¡¯t stop,¡± he said.

    Suddenly, her ears turned crimson. Against the snowy backdrop, their intertwined forms stood out beneath the gentle glow of the streemp. It was a tableau of pure harmony.

    L??€$? ¡é??t?€§ñ? ?¦Ç ?@l§Ú?¦Í¦Ål?.c?m

    But inside a nearby car, Vivian¡¯s jealousy erupted into action. Determined to confront them, she made a move to leave the car. However, Kian, positioned at the wheel, swiftly locked the doors, ignited the engine, and sped away.

    Frantically, Vivian tugged at Kian¡¯s shirt and yelled, ¡°Stop the car! Why won¡¯t you let me out? Eileen¡¯s shameless! She has destroyed my rtionship with Bryan!¡±

    ¡°Eileen is inconsequential,¡± Kian replied calmly. ¡°There are many ways to make her leave. It¡¯s not wise for you to confront Bryan.¡±

    But Vivian remained undeterred by his words. She persisted in pounding on the window and yanking at Kian¡¯s hair, disrupting his focus.

    The car veered off course and collided with a pir. The impact sent Kian¡¯s head crashing into the ss window, causing it to shatter and blood to trickle down from the wound on his forehead. He appeared different from the dignified man he usually was.

    Upon waking up in the VIP ward, Vivian felt some pain in her head and instinctively reached up to touch it. Instead of her long hair, her fingers encountered a piece of gauze.

    ¡°Don¡¯t touch it!¡± the nurse said, rushing over to prevent her from pulling the bandage. ¡°Your head has been stitched and it¡¯s freshly bandaged.¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯s my hair?¡± Vivian asked.

    Vivian held the nurse¡¯s hand tightly, causing the nurse to furrow her brow, though she remained patient. ¡°A small section of the injured area was shaved,¡± the nurse said.

    But before the nurse could exin further, Vivian erupted, pulling the nurse¡¯s hand frantically. ¡°Who permitted you to shave my hair? Bryan always cherishes my hair. If he dislikes me for this, will you bear the me?¡±

    Vivian¡¯s grasp was forceful. Then, she kicked the nurse into a corner. The nurse looked at Vivian in terror as Vivian leaped off the bed and lunged forward.

    ¡°Vivian, stop!¡± Kian intervened, swiftly moving to restrain Vivian and signaling for the nurse to leave.

    The shaken nurse quickly left the room. As she left, she encountered a colleague and said, ¡°The patient in this ward must be insane, acting like a lunatic.¡±

    In the ward, Kianforted Vivian, gradually calming her down. ¡°Just wait here. I¡¯ll help you handle Eileen. Stay in the hospital and wait for someone to visit,¡± he assured her.

    Clutching Kian¡¯s hand tightly, Vivian asked, ¡°Kian, do you think Bryan wille to see me? Will he find me ugly now?¡±

    Kian shook his head. ¡°No, don¡¯t think that. He loves you. To him, you¡¯ll always be beautiful, no matter what.¡±

    Once he left Vivian¡¯s ward, Kian wasted no time in calling Benjamin. ¡°Find out Bailee¡¯s whereabouts.¡±

    On the other end of the line, Benjamin replied after a brief pause, ¡°Okay.¡±

    Back in the quiet of the ward, Vivian calmed down. But thinking of Eileen and Bryan¡¯s kiss made her feel jealous, clenching her teeth in frustration.

    Suddenly her phone rang, and she eagerly answered. It was the individual she had tasked with tailing Bailee and Ruby.

    ¡°Miss Warren, Ruby is still in the hospital, but she¡¯s in a VIP ward. The hospital has tight security, so we can¡¯t get in. We don¡¯t know which ward she¡¯s in.¡±

    Anticipation ignited within Vivian as her eyes shimmered with excitement. She nced around the hospital, a thought striking her: Wasn¡¯t this the same hospital where Ruby was admitted?

    The ingredients they had bought had finally run out, prompting Bryan to suggest dining out in Eileen¡¯s new car.

    Agreeing, Eileen took Bryan on a spontaneous drive to a street near her university.

    Inside the car, Bryan surveyed the chaotic surroundings outside, his brow furrowing.

    Eileen said, ¡°I remember a barbecue joint on this street. It was amazing. I practically lived off their food during my college days. I wonder if it¡¯s still around.¡± Just as she began to unbuckle her seatbelt, she noticed Bryan¡¯s hesitance.

    Raising an eyebrow, she asked, ¡°You¡¯ve never been here before?¡±

    Bryan shook his head.

    ¡°Trust me, it¡¯s worth a try. The food here is incredible,¡± Eileen urged, giving Bryan¡¯s arm a gentle shake.

    The sunlight filtering through the window entuated her bright eyes, lending them a sparkling allure. At that moment, Eileen seemed transformed, no longer the same reserved person. Bryan felt flutter in his heart. With that, he nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±

    Upon Bryan¡¯s agreement, Eileen¡¯s eyes danced with joy. Swiftly unbuckling her seatbelt, she urged him, ¡°Let¡¯s hurry. If the barbecue restaurant is still open, we need to move quickly before all the seats are taken!¡±

    With that, she exited the car and hastened to Bryan¡¯s side, taking his arm as they wove through the bustling crowd. Among the crowd, many were youthful college students. Bryan and Eileen, d in formal attire, caught the attention of passersby as they navigated through the crowd.

    Whispers and murmurs rippled through the crowd as they observed Eileen and Bryan with a mix of curiosity and admiration. ¡°They¡¯re such a perfect couple!¡± ¡°Look at them, both so stunning! They must havee back to relive their college romance.¡±

    Eileen caught snippets of the conversation but simply grinned in response. Approaching the barbecue restaurant, Eileen¡¯s smile widened at the sight of its presence. With renewed enthusiasm, she grasped Bryan¡¯s hand and led him to thest avable table.

    The chair was too small for Bryan, causing him some difort as his knees nearly touched his chest. He frowned slightly. ¡°Would you like to take a look at the menu and decide what to order?¡± Eileen suggested, handing Bryan the menu with eager anticipation.

    Bryan shook his head and replied, ¡°I¡¯m okay with your choice.¡±

    Understanding Bryan¡¯s tastes, Eileen decided not to press the matter further, confident in her decision. She took charge and confidently ced their order, handing the menu back to the owner.

    The owner asked, ¡°You look familiar. You used toe here often, right?¡±

    Eileen replied, ¡°I practically lived here every night before I graduated from college. Six years ago, do you remember me?¡±

    During that time, the barbecue restaurant had been hiring hourly workers, and Eileen had been one of them, working there for nearly two years. However, she held back from mentioning her employment directly, fearing that the owner might not recognize her after all these years.

    The owner looked at Eileen once more and nodded warmly. ¡°Of course, I remember you, Eileen. I just couldn¡¯t ce you at first. My wife has always liked you. She often talks about how she wishes our daughter could be as beautiful as you. We even have a photo together. When she was expecting, she often looked at it and dreamed of our daughter inheriting your beauty.¡±

    The owner¡¯s recognition touched Eileen deeply. Intrigued, Bryan interjected, ¡°Can I see that photo?¡±

    Having been seated for a while and noticing the curious nces around them, he couldn¡¯t help but be curious about Eileen¡¯s appearance during her college days.

    Upon hearing Bryan¡¯s words, Eileen¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and her face paled slightly. She knew Bryan couldn¡¯t recognize her as his wife because she had changed significantly over the past six years. However, if he were to see a photo of her from her college days, he would probably recognize her¡­

    ¡°Well, may I see that photo?¡± Bryan asked politely, noticing the owner of the barbecue restaurant standing still.

    The owner nodded. ¡°Sure, but I¡¯ll have to search for it.¡±

    Turning to Eileen with a smile, the owner asked, ¡°Eileen, is this your boyfriend?¡±

    Eileen hesitated, unsure of how to introduce Bryan.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m her boyfriend,¡± Bryan replied in a low but clear voice, nodding slightly to the owner.

    ¡°You two make a perfect couple. I¡¯ll look for that photo for you. Eileen was an absolute beauty back in her college days.¡± With a warm smile, the owner turned and left to search for the photo.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 116

    ?Chapter 116:

    Bryan noticed Eileen¡¯s difort and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Is there something in the photo I shouldn¡¯t see?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Eileen replied, her voice barely above a whisper, the corners of her mouth twitching nervously. ¡°The owner is very busy, and it seems wrong to bother him just to retrieve a photo. Besides, I didn¡¯t look my best in my college days.¡±

    Bryan found it hard to believe that someone as attractive as her wasn¡¯t good-looking back then.

    He said casually, ¡°Just interested in seeing how you looked back then.¡± His tone was nonchnt, leaving Eileen at a loss for words. She could feel her heart pounding. Just then, the waiter arrived with their ordered kebabs, and Eileen quickly changed the subject. ¡°Let¡¯s eat. They won¡¯t taste as good once they get cold.¡± She thought it might be wise to leave before the owner returned with the photo.

    Handing twomb kebabs to Bryan, she took a bite of another and advised, ¡°Just eat them like this.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t often eat, but I certainly know how to,¡± Bryan responded resignedly. He even called the waiter over to order a bottle of beer.

    Eileen watched him then look back. He was so different from his usual self, so carefree and unguarded with his sleeves rolled up. Halfway through their meal, Bryan lit a cigarette. The smoke curled from his thin lips, framing his delicate features in a smoky haze that captivated Eileen. She suddenly thought of the many nights they had spent together. His hand, the one holding the cigarette, had rested on her waist.

    Her reverie was shattered by the owner¡¯s loud announcement. ¡°I¡¯ve found the photo! Take a look!¡±

    The owner handed the photo straight to Bryan. Still holding his cigarette, Bryan took the photo and examined it closely. He furrowed his brows deeply.

    Eileen held her breath as Bryan¡¯s expression grew serious. He held the photo next to her face,paring her current features to those in the picture. After a moment, he said slowly, ¡°Indeed, you weren¡¯t as striking as you are now.¡±

    New content live at g?ln¦Òv????s

    With a frown, Eileen snatched the photo from him. In it, she stood beside the owner and his wife. The image, several years old and poorly preserved, was somewhat blurry. Because of that, Bryan didn¡¯t recognize her in the photo.

    The owner was somewhat embarrassed as he exined, ¡°My wife used to show it to our daughter a lot after she was born. The kid yed with it so much that it became quite dirty.¡±

    While looking at Eileen, he added, ¡°She was as attractive then as she is now. It¡¯s just that the photo isn¡¯t very clear.¡±

    Bryan smiled gently and responded, ¡°I understand. I was just teasing.¡±

    The owner nodded and advised, ¡°Girls often takements about their looks seriously. It¡¯s best not to joke about such things. Enjoy your meal! I¡¯ll get back to work.¡± He then made a move to take the photo.

    But Bryan quickly said, ¡°Could I keep this photo? Or maybe I could borrow it to make a copy and then return it to you?¡±

    ¡°Why do you want it?¡± Eileen¡¯s objection was ignored by both of them.

    The owner said to Bryan, ¡°Of course, take it with you. You can give me a copy of itter.¡±

    With her heart pounding, Eileen silently finished her meal. When she and Bryan tried to pay the bill, the owner refused to ept their money. Fortunately, Bryan had the foresight to ce some cash under their te before they left.

    During their drive back, Bryan answered a phone call. Eileen caught a snippet of the conversation mentioning ¡°hospital.¡± Seeing Bryan¡¯s expression darken, Eileen held her breath.

    After the call, Bryan was silent for a moment before saying, ¡°You can go to the rkson¡¯s ce on your own tomorrow. I have something urgent to deal with.¡± His voice was cold, and his brow was furrowed deeply.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen replied, asking no further questions. She thought about how timely Ewan¡¯s purchase of the car for her had been, as she could drive herself to the rksons the next day.

    That night, as bright moonlight shone through the window, theyy together in bed. Perhaps due to the fact that they had been spending too much time together or perhaps due to Bryan¡¯s inebriation, they repeatedly made love and enjoyed every round. Eileen thought she had never had it this good. Later, she would realize that was theirst moment of true happiness.

    The next morning, Bryan kissed her forehead, got dressed, and left early. Eileen got up after that. She washed up with a smile on her face. Despite the passionate night, she was surprisingly energetic. She changed into fresh clothes and drove straight to the rkson family¡¯s house. But halfway there, she received a call from Benjamin.

    ¡°Vivian was admitted to the same hospital where your mother is. Her driver told me she has found out that your mother¡¯s in a VIP ward. She might cause trouble for your mother!¡± Benjamin said.

    When Kian tasked Benjamin with locating Bailee, Benjamin realized Kian and Vivian were up to no good. Earlier that morning, Vivian¡¯s driver had informed Benjamin that Vivian was now at the same hospital as Ruby. So, he called Eileen to warn her. Even if nothing had happened yet, he knew she had to stay vignt.

    Eileen¡¯s heart sank. Before she could respond, Benjamin added, ¡°Kian had me find out about Bailee¡¯s whereabouts. They¡¯re making moves. Be careful.¡± Then, Benjamin abruptly ended the call and wiped his call log with Eileen.

    As Kian stepped out of the elevator, Benjamin greeted him with a nod.

    ¡°Were you able to find Bailee¡¯s whereabouts?¡± Kian inquired, his hands tucked into his pockets as he walked toward his office.

    Benjamin took a deep breath before responding, ¡°I¡¯ve learned she¡¯s working at Huey¡¯s studio.¡±

    Walking to stand in front of the French window, Kian lit a cigarette and began to smoke. He remained silent until he nearly finished with the cigarette. Then he said, ¡°Arrange to have her brought to me when the opportunity arises.¡±

    After ending the call with Benjamin, Eileen immediately dialed Bailee¡¯s number. She resolved to pick up Bailee first, then proceed to the hospital together. She needed to be with Bailee until she figured out how to protect her; otherwise, she would be consumed with worry.

    Bailee¡¯s residence wasn¡¯t far from Huey¡¯s studio, a mere twenty-minute drive away. Without exining much to Bailee, Eileen drove Bailee straight to the hospital.

    Seeing Eileen¡¯s serious demeanor, Bailee grew anxious. ¡°Eileen, what¡¯s wrong? Has something happened to Mom?¡±

    ¡°No, Mom¡¯s fine,¡± Eileen reassured Bailee, noticing her paleplexion. ¡°I¡¯m concerned someone might be targeting you. I¡¯ll exin everything after we arrive at the hospital.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s n was to transfer Ruby to another hospital and rify matters afterward.

    Thirty minutester, they arrived at the hospital and headed straight for Ruby¡¯s ward floor. Typically, there were only a handful of patients in the VIP wards, with a dozen or so caregivers. However, as the elevator doors opened, Eileen and Bailee were met with a throng of people in the corridor.

    Among the bustling crowd,prised not only of patients and caregivers but also doctors, nurses, and various hospital staff, Eileen struggled to make out Ruby at the center. Though Vivian hadn¡¯te into view yet, her voice echoed through the chaos.

    ¡°I¡¯m asking you, is Eileen your daughter?¡±

    ¡°She is. Why do you ask?¡± Ruby said.

    Eileen hastened forward, elbowing her way through the crowd until she reached Ruby, creating a barrier between Ruby and Vivian. Eileen said, ¡°Vivian, if you¡¯re looking for trouble,e to me. Don¡¯t involve my family!¡±

    Upon seeing Eileen, Vivian hesitated for a moment before bursting intoughter. ¡°You¡¯ve brought this upon yourself, Eileen! I¡¯m going to spill everything to your mother. Let her know that you¡¯re shameless!¡± She lunged forward, shoved Eileen away, and seized Ruby¡¯s arm. ¡°And you listen to me! Eileen¡¯s been the other woman, a homewrecker! She has been sleeping with a married man, shamelessly earning dirty money to save otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have afforded your medical bills! She¡¯s a shameless bitch!¡±

    Vivian¡¯s tirade was abruptly halted by a resounding p across the face. Vivian initially assumed Eileen had struck her, but upon regainingposure, she realized Eileen had been pushed against the wall by her and hadn¡¯t yet moved. The p hade from Ruby. Surprised, Vivian instinctively covered her cheek, gazing wide-eyed at Ruby.

    ¡°My daughter wouldn¡¯t do something like that! Do you have any evidence?¡± Ruby demanded.

    Vivian wanted to speak, but she couldn¡¯t. Ruby continued, ¡°And who are you, exactly? You im she¡¯s slept with a married man. Is that married man your husband?¡±

    Vivian shook her head instinctively. Ruby said, ¡°Youck evidence and aren¡¯t even directly involved. How dare you berate my daughter in such a manner?¡± Her forceful rebuttal echoed through the corridor, leaving everyone present stunned. Yet, despite Ruby¡¯s defense, many still harbored suspicions that Eileen had indeed been entangled in an affair, as Vivian had suggested. Though Viviancked the authority to confront Eileen, her usations held some truth.

    Several onlookers regarded Eileen with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. Eileen brushed her fingers through her disheveled hair, her expression a blend of emotions as she looked at Ruby. Ruby had positioned herself defensively between Vivian and Eileen, offering Eileen protection.

    ¡°Why can¡¯t I confront her? A mistress is detestable and should be despised by everyone!¡± Vivian¡¯sposure faltered, her tone growing more aggressive. ¡°I think I truly understand how she could do that sort of thing. Was it you who taught her that? You¡¯re not her biological mother, are you? Have you been using her to get money to treat your disease?¡±

    Ruby stiffened, her body trembling uncontrobly. The confidence drained from her face. In an instant, she staggered backward. Eileen swiftly rose to her feet, supporting Ruby with both hands. Before Eileen could offer an exnation, Ruby¡¯s head drooped, blood spilling from her bloodless lips to form a pool on the floor.

    ¡°Eileen, your mother is going to die because she¡¯s too angry about what you¡¯ve done. Stay away from Bryan from now on! You hear me?¡± Vivian¡¯s voice cut through the crowd¡¯s exmations, sharp and mean.

    Turning to Bailee, Eileen yelled, ¡°Go find Dr. White. Hurry!¡±

    The onlookers parted silently to make way for Bailee. At the end of the corridor, the elevator doors opened, revealing a tall figure. Bryan¡¯s expression was cold. His eyesnded on Eileen, who was kneeling on the floor.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 117

    ?Chapter 117:

    Eileen, usually calm andposed, lost her poise when she saw blood oozing from Ruby¡¯s mouth. She embraced Ruby tightly, her voice shaky as she whispered, ¡°Mom¡­¡±

    Ruby clutched Eileen¡¯s hand, squeezing it firmly several times. Her lips, stained with blood, opened and closed, but she didn¡¯t say anything.

    Seeing Bryan, Vivian stopped her outburst. Bryan¡¯s deep, mysterious eyes seemed to captivate her, making her scalp tingle and freezing her in her tracks.

    A few nurses arrived with a stretcher, and they quickly helped lift Ruby onto it, rushing her to the emergency room as soon as Emilio arrived. Bryan instinctively started to follow, but he was stopped by Vivian.

    Vivian gripped his wrist tightly. ¡°Bryan, where are you going? Why do you care about her? She caused this herself!¡±

    In the noisy corridor, Vivian¡¯s voice stood out. Her tone was self-assured and defiant, igniting Bryan¡¯s anger.

    ¡°Let go of me!¡± Bryan demanded sharply.

    Vivian didn¡¯t let go. Instead, she held on even tighter. ¡°I won¡¯t let go. I¡¯m not wrong. You can¡¯t treat me so harshly when I love you so much¡­¡±

    Eileen couldn¡¯t make out what Bryan and Vivian were saying next as she followed Ruby, only catching the faint, whining tone of Vivian¡¯s voice. The sound felt like countless sharp needles piercing her heart, bringing her intense pain that nearly took her breath away.

    When they stepped into the elevator, Eileen turned to see Bryan turning away with Vivian. The air in the elevator felt heavy. Eileen¡¯s eyes moved from the slowly closing doors to Ruby¡¯s face. Ruby looked back with a mix of sadness, hesitation, and guilt in her eyes.

    Eileen leaned closer and said firmly to Ruby, ¡°Mom, I¡¯m not the other woman. My money is clean. I¡¯m married. Look, if you don¡¯t believe me¡­¡±

    Eileen found a moment to pull out her phone and showed Ruby a photo of her marriage certificate with Bryan. ¡°We¡¯re legally married,¡± she said.

    Ruby stared at the photo, her expression shifting. After a moment, tears started streaming down her face, and she choked out a few words, ¡°I knew it¡­¡±

    ¡°Please, don¡¯t leave us. I want you to see Bailee get married,¡± Eileen stowed her phone and gently wiped Ruby¡¯s tears. She could barely hear Ruby¡¯s feeble voice and had to lean in closer.

    Ruby said, ¡°Look after your sister.¡± A single tear rolled down Ruby¡¯s cheek as her eyes slowly closed, the sight striking Eileen¡¯s heart with force.

    ¡°Dr. White! Please save her¡­¡± Eileen stepped aside, her eyes conveying both desperation and hope as she looked at Emilio. Emilio examined Eileen¡¯s eyelids, his expression tense, and just as he was about to speak, the elevator doors slid open. The emergency room at the end of the hallway wasn¡¯t far, yet to Eileen, the path seemed endless.

    ¡°Hurry! Get a neurologist here; something¡¯s not right with the patient.¡± Emilio signaled a nurse to fetch a doctor from another department. Eileen and Bailee were halted at the entrance, forced to stand by helplessly as Ruby was rushed into the emergency room. Bailee finally broke down and started sobbing.

    ¡°Eileen¡­¡± Bailee clung to Eileen, tears streaming down her face. ¡°Mom wanted to see me get married and have kids. She¡¯ll make it, right?¡± Eileen gently patted Bailee¡¯s back, her voice steady. ¡°She¡¯ll be okay.¡±

    Eileen wasn¡¯t sure if she was reassuring Bailee or herself. Soon after, a nurse emerged from the emergency room holding several forms. ¡°Who is the patient¡¯s family member? You¡¯ll need to sign here. These are the critical condition notice and consent form for the surgery¡­¡±

    Though Eileen was Ruby¡¯s daughter legally, she wasn¡¯t her biological child. She pulled Bailee toward the documents. ¡°Bailee, you sign it.¡± Bailee¡¯s eyes widened at the sight of the paperwork, and she shook her head vigorously. ¡°I can¡¯t do it! I¡¯m scared.¡± Realizing that without a signature, the doctors wouldn¡¯t proceed with the surgery, and noticing Bailee¡¯s trembling hands, Eileen hardened her resolve and signed all the necessary documents.

    ¡°You two wait outside. The surgery will take a few hours. Check if there¡¯s enough money in the patient¡¯s ount for the surgery fees, and¡­ prepare yourselves mentally.¡± With those words, the nurse took the signed documents and gave Eileen several payment slips.

    Eileen asked Bailee to sit on the bench outside the emergency room. Then, she went to handle the payment. In Vivian¡¯s ward, Bryan stood by the window, still thinking about the sight of Eileen rushing off. His restlessness imbued him with an air of hostility, making him seem unapproachable.

    From her bed, Vivian chattered non-stop. ¡°Bryan, you came to see me, right? Do I look too terrible like this? Is that why you seem upset?¡± She couldn¡¯t fathom Bryan being upset with her because of Eileen. Sitting on the bed, she watched Bryan intently, not daring to blink, afraid of missing any subtle change in his expression.

    Suddenly, Bryan shifted, his hand in his pocket as he turned to face her, his look growing colder: ¡°My feelings for you were gone six years ago when you walked away. This time, it was your brother who sought my help to spend time with you for your depression,¡± he said. Those words formed a truth Vivian couldn¡¯t bear.

    She gazed intently at Bryan, then forced a smile. She slid off the bed barefoot and walked over to him, grasping the edge of his shirt. ¡°Bryan, what are you saying? Are you just upset? You can¡¯t possibly stop loving me. I held onto my feelings for you for six years. How can you just not love me anymore?¡±

    Her hand was met with a cold, dismissive push, and the man before her stepped back, his face a mask of frost. Feeling as though she had plunged into a freezing cavern, Vivian stood frozen, her hand lingering in the air as she heard the door open. She turned and saw Kian. Upon locking eyes with him, she burst into tears.

    ¡°Kian, Bryan says he doesn¡¯t love me anymore. It¡¯s all Eileen¡¯s fault. Go and help me kill her! Kill her!¡± Vivian shouted. She charged toward Kian like a storm, dragging him out of the room. Her wild, desperate anger was difficult to watch.

    Bryan¡¯s gaze grew even icier as he observed Kian summoning a nurse to administer a sedative to Vivian. Afterward, both the nurse and a doctor rmended taking Vivian to see a psychiatrist. Kian allowed them to take the now-sedated Vivian to another department. Within minutes, the once-upied room was eerily empty, leaving just the two men in its silence.

    Kian said, ¡°This is Vivian¡¯s fault. I¡¯ll make it right with Eileen. But telling Vivian all this now¡­ don¡¯t you want a divorce anymore?¡± Once Vivian and Bryan split up, Ste would likely work harder to prevent the divorce. The only upside Bryan saw in his deal with Kian was the chance to get out of his marriage.

    ¡°You think there¡¯s still a chance for me and Vivian if I get divorced?¡± Bryan¡¯s tone was icy as he confronted Kian. ¡°Is that why you¡¯ve been disregarding what I said?¡± He approached Kian, his eyebrow raised. ¡°If that¡¯s really it, then you¡¯re to me for Vivian¡¯s predicament. From now on, keep her away from me, or I won¡¯t be lenient.¡±

    His firm stance and grave expression shocked Kian. Kian knew Bryan meant every word. After a pause, Kian said, ¡°Eileen will never be a Dawson. Even if you leave your wife, there are still your parents to think about.¡±

    ¡°Stay out of her business. I¡¯ve got my own ns,¡± Bryan interjected abruptly, then turned and walked away, his tall frame vanishing through the hospital ward¡¯s doorway. Kian¡¯s expression darkened slowly. A spark of something shed in his eyes after a moment.

    At the billing desk, Eileen stood in disbelief and asked again, ¡°Could you repeat that? How much is left in her ount?¡±

    ¡°Six hundred thousand remaining, which is enough for the surgery costs. There¡¯s no need for further payment.¡±

    The bank cards Eileen had handed over were returned to her, along with the payment receipts stamped and finalized. She took them back numbly, her mind racing. With a shaky voice, she requested, ¡°Can you print out a detailed list of her medical bills for me?¡±

    The staff member printed a summary of Ruby¡¯s medical expenses for the past month. The total was under a hundred thousand. Holding the printout, Eileen walked back and ran into Emilio, who had just exited the operating room. She hurried over to him, asking anxiously, ¡°Dr. White, is the surgery over?¡±

    ¡°The surgery is still ongoing.¡± Emilio¡¯s voice was gentle, filled with sympathy as he said, ¡°It¡¯s that put her in aa. It looks like a cerebral hemorrhage. The other doctors are handling emergency treatments right now, gathering her medical records for reference.¡±

    He nced at the papers in Eileen¡¯s hand and realized something. He continued, ¡°Before she was moved to the VIP ward, she had secretly asked me to change her medication. I didn¡¯t tell you because she was worried someone was causing you trouble over the meds. She met and as a parent myself, I understood her. She was very firm when she signed the medication agreement.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. I understand.¡± Eileen bowed her head, struggling to find more words. Emilio gently patted her shoulder, encouraging her, ¡°Stay strong. I¡¯m going to retrieve her medical records¡­¡±

    Eileen felt a turmoil of emotions as she stood frozen in the long corridor.

    Suddenly, a familiar voice called out from behind her. ¡°Eileen.¡± She felt Bryan¡¯s presence as he appeared at her side, his gaze fixed on her. ¡°Is the surgery over?¡± he asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Eileen replied indifferently, taking a couple of steps back to create some distance between them. From his position, Bryan could only see the top of Eileen¡¯s head and her piercing eyes that sent a wave of panic through his heart.

    He reached out instinctively, saying, ¡°Vivian is¡­¡±

    Eileen interjected, ¡°Aren¡¯t you here to speak for Miss Warren? There¡¯s really no need. She¡¯s from the Warren family, after all. What could someone like me possibly do to her?¡±

    She had watched Bryan walk away with Vivian, and a chill had settled in her heart. Thefort Bryan had provided over thest few days had made her feel as if she were floating on clouds. Yet, he was the one who had pushed her into the abyss.

    Seeing him now, all her bottled-up grievances and helplessness overflowed. The tears she had held back now fell freely, trickling down her chin onto her clothes. What could she do to Vivian? She couldn¡¯t do anything because of how powerful the Warren family was.

    Unable to contain herself any longer, she turned and rested her head against the wall, her body shaking as she cried. Her cries cut deeply into Bryan¡¯s heart.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 118

    ?Chapter 118:

    Bryan moved closer and wrapped Eileen securely in his arms, his whisperforting. ¡°It¡¯s my fault.¡± His resonant voice, close to her ear, made those simple words deepen her tears. Eventually, a damp spot formed on Bryan¡¯s shirt because of Eileen¡¯s tears.

    Eileen regained herposure and stepped back, her voice still quivering. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for losing myposure.¡± She quickly moved away, heading back to the entrance of the emergency room without waiting for a response.

    Bryan¡¯s expression grew more tense as he watched her leave, taking long strides to follow her. Outside the emergency room, Huey was there, sitting beside Bailee and trying tofort her, though she ignored himpletely.

    Nearby, Eileen stood stiff, her eyes fixed intently on the overhead light while Bryan, at the corridor¡¯s end, steadily smoked one cigarette after another.

    Four hours passed, and the light above the emergency room was finally off. Emilio emerged, apanied by renowned doctors from the cardio-cerebrovascr department, a subtle smell of blood emanating from them.

    Eileen detected the smell immediately. ¡°Dr. White, how is my mom?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Calm down, Eileen. Let us exin slowly,¡± Emilio responded, his tone calm. He paused before continuing, ¡°The cause of your mother¡¯s blood vomiting was her anger, but hera resulted from a cerebral hemorrhage. We have managed to save her life after tremendous effort, but she remains unconscious, and we cannot predict when she will wake up.¡±

    So did this mean Ruby was in a vegetative state? The thought of it caused Eileen¡¯s breath to catch.

    Beside her, Bailee burst into tears, clinging to Eileen.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry yet; this might not necessarily be a bad thing,¡± Emilio said quickly. He went on to exin, ¡°There¡¯s a type of drug that can control the growth of cancer cells, but it can¡¯t be administered to someone who is conscious and has a normal metabolism. However, given Ruby¡¯s current condition, we can use this drug to temporarily control her cancer. Also, there¡¯s a targeted cancer treatment drug close to being approved. If we wait until your mother wakes up, this new drug might be avable, potentially curing her cancer. Wouldn¡¯t that be wonderful news?¡±

    New adventures await at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s©q??o??

    Emilio¡¯s exnation made theplex medical situation easier to understand. He suggested that Ruby¡¯sa might provide a critical window to use these new treatments. However, the timing had to be exact. For instance, if Ruby woke up before the new drug was released, she might not survive long enough to receive it. Alternatively, Ruby might pass away before the drug became avable. Or even if the drug was developed on time, Ruby might never wake up.

    With a strained smile and a hoarse voice, Eileen said, ¡°Thank you, Dr. White, and thanks to all the doctors.¡±

    She couldn¡¯t say whether she should feel happy at the moment, but Emilio¡¯s words had given her and Bailee a significant glimmer of hope. The hope was that Ruby might not only wake up but could possibly recover.

    In the seventy-two hours post-surgery, Ruby was under observation in the intensive care unit before she would be moved to a regr ward. During this critical time, it was necessary for someone to be on standby outside the ICU to respond to any emergencies, even during the night.

    Bryan had asked Raymond to bring some food over, but neither Eileen nor Bailee had much appetite.

    Bryan cautioned them, ¡°If you don¡¯t eat and Bailee doesn¡¯t eat either, you two will copse before your mother gets better.¡±

    Eileen nced over at Bailee, who was sitting close by, hugging her knees and remaining still.

    Taking a deep breath, she picked up a bowl of soup and approached Bailee. ¡°Bailee, you should eat too,¡± she said as she ced an opened bowl of soup into her hands.

    There was enough food for four, yet Eileen and Bailee managed to eat half a bowl each. Neither Bryan nor Huey ate, insisting that Eileen and Bailee finish their meals.

    The doctor from the ICU reported that Ruby¡¯s condition had remained rtively stable over thest few hours. ¡°Two people should wait outside, and the rest cane back tomorrow to take turns. There shouldn¡¯t be any major issues, so don¡¯t worry,¡± the doctor said.

    As dusk settled and neon lights began to glow softly red through the window at the corridor¡¯s end, Bailee, urged by Eileen, departed with Huey. Bryan stayed, silent and unwavering.

    In the corridor, two older rtives had made themselvesfortable in a corner, resting on small cushions. Eileen, maintaining her distance, sat without looking at Bryan, though he was right beside her. The subtle scent of pineing from Bryan lingered in the air, which was hard for Eileen to ignore.

    Overwhelmed by the pressing silence, Eileen feltpelled to speak. ¡°You know that she isn¡¯t my biological mother, right?¡± she disclosed suddenly, her voice soft yet steady.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Bryan replied.

    ¡°My father remarried her when I was ten, after a harsh divorce battle over my brother Roderick, during which neither parent wanted me. My father, having lost the case and being poor, took me in. He often berated me, calling me a burden and useless.¡± Eileen¡¯s recounting was calm, her gaze clear and undisturbed.

    She continued, ¡°She stepped into my dark life. She protected me. With her around, my father ceased his beatings. When I was alone, if there was no escape for me, she would suffer alongside me. My academic sess brought her pride. She would treat Bailee and me to clothes. Believing firmly in my future, she juggled several jobs to save up for my college tuition as I approached high school.¡±

    As she shared those memories, Eileen felt a sudden warmth in her hand. It was Bryan¡¯s hand grasping hers, his warmth slowly infusing into her chilled fingers.

    She paused for a moment before continuing her story.

    ¡°Thankfully, I got into a good university. Just as I was about to graduate and felt I could finally repay her, she was diagnosed with cancer. She is such a kind person. It just doesn¡¯t seem fair¡­¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 119

    ?Chapter 119:

    Ruby was her lifeline, the person she would do anything to protect.

    Bryan quietly held her hand as he listened. When she finished, he took a deep breath and said, ¡°You¡¯re lucky to have had a kind-hearted stepmother. My experience wasn¡¯t quite like yours.¡±

    His tone was casual, almost as if he was discussing something minor, yet his words effectively shifted Eileen¡¯s focus. She looked up, her eyes slightly tear-filled, and gazed at him in surprise.

    She knew little about Bryan¡¯s family, but his words made her wonder¡­ Did he also have a stepmother?

    Her train of thought was cut short as the ICU door burst open, prompting her to rise quickly, her nerves rattled.

    However, the nurse called for someone else, unrted to Ruby.

    This brief interruption not only severed Bryan and Eileen¡¯s ongoing conversation but also helped Eileen regain her senses.

    Pulling her hand away, she reverted to her typically reserved expression and said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry; I shouldn¡¯t have shared all this with you. It¡¯s gettingte. You should head home.¡±

    She then moved to the ward¡¯s exterior and looked through the window at Ruby.

    The diminishing sound of footsteps made her assume Bryan had departed, causing her heart to tighten.

    Yet, when she turned around after standing tiredly for some time, she spotted a lone figure at the corridor¡¯s end, a silhouette defined by the glow of a cigarette.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s takes you on a journey

    It was unmistakably Bryan.

    With the arrival of dawn¡¯s first light in the corridor, Bailee and Huey showed up, bringing breakfast.

    Eileen managed only a few bites before Bailee firmly persuaded her to leave the hospital.

    Bryan then drove Eileen to the tranquil setting of Springvale Lane. Worn out in every way, Eileen offered no resistance.

    Despite the exhaustion of an all-night vigil, sleep remained elusive. Eileen tossed and turned in bed, unable to find rest.

    Eventually, Bryan¡¯s lighting of a sleep-inducing aromatherapy candle helped her finally unwind and sink into a deep slumber.

    The atmosphere at Warren Group was fraught with tension. Early in the morning, in a fit of rage, Kian had scolded several top executives.

    Returning to his office, he threw the documents onto his desk and loosened his tie. He then turned to Benjamin and demanded, ¡°How is the situation at the hospital?¡±

    ¡°Ruby remains in aa, under observation for seventy-two hours. Her waking up is now a matter of fate,¡± Benjamin answered.

    Kian leaned back in his chair, lost in thought for a moment.

    Then he said, ¡°Where is Bailee? Bring her here.¡±

    A heavy feeling settled in Benjamin¡¯s chest, and he paused before responding, afraid that it wouldn¡¯t be easy. ¡°Bailee has a strong dislike for you, and the moment she hears you¡¯re looking for her¡ª¡±

    Before Benjamin could finish, Kian, with a cold stare, swept the documents from his desk to the floor. ¡°No matter what, find a way to bring her here!¡±

    ¡°Given Ruby¡¯s condition, Huey has been at her side every day, making it difficult to find a suitable moment,¡± Benjamin exined, his head slightly bowed.

    Benjamin¡¯s words triggered a scornfulugh from Kian. ¡°You don¡¯t understand my request? I need to see Bailee as soon as possible, or you might as well be fired!¡±

    Kian was visibly angered.

    After a moment, Benjamin nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±

    He turned and left, making his way back to his office where he sat pondering deeply, ncing repeatedly at his brief WhatsApp exchanges with Eileen.

    His frown deepened as he recalled seeing a marriage certificate in Eileen¡¯s bag on the night before her graduation.

    Without further dy, he dialed a number. ¡°Keep a close watch on Bailee and inform me the moment there¡¯s an opportunity.¡±

    With the seventy-two-hour critical period behind her, Ruby had been moved to a standard ward. Her already thin hair, due to chemotherapy, had been shaved off, and she was now connected to various medical tubes.

    Emilio delivered a significant update. ¡°We¡¯ve initiated treatment with the static drug following the critical period. We expect it to take effect shortly. The primary research facility for the targeted drug is in Wish Land. Transferring her there could be advantageous as those hospitals will likely be the first to use the new treatment once the drug trials are finalized.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, doctor. I¡¯ll give some thought to moving her to Wish Land,¡± said Eileen, holding back from making any immediate decisions. She averted her eyes from the imposing figure next to her.

    Inside the room, Ruby rested silently, her expression serene under the oxygen mask that covered her pale lips.

    Apart from the mechanical sounds of medical equipment, the room was quiet, creating a stifling atmosphere.

    Previously, conversations with Ruby in the hospital had filled Eileen with joy and a sense of fulfillment.

    But now, with Ruby unresponsive, a void had formed in Eileen¡¯s heart. She longed for the days when she could hear Ruby¡¯s voice and share stories. Ruby would always ce a warm egg near her bag and remind her to eat more. Memories of the past flooded Eileen¡¯s mind, knitting her brows in sadness.

    ¡°Eileen, I¡¯m heading to Huey¡¯s to pack my things. I¡¯ve resigned and rented another house. You stay here to look after Mom, and I¡¯ll be back before dark,¡± Bailee announced, her face showing signs of fatigue and her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions.

    Eileen, taken aback, asked, ¡°Why did you resign? Why would you make such a big decision without discussing it with me? And what about the money you owed Huey?¡±

    ¡°Mom has given me that money. I thought she had asked you for it, but it turned out¡­¡± Bailee¡¯s voice trembled, and she nearly cried, ¡°Mom has given me her own medical funds.¡±

    Outside the ward, at the end of the corridor, Bryan stood smoking while Huey sat on a bench, his darkened face indicating he was probably troubled by Bailee¡¯s decision to resign.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 120

    ?Chapter 120:

    ¡°Go ahead.¡± Eileen didn¡¯t question Bailee. She simply walked out of the ward with her, watching as Bailee and Huey left. She let out a deep sigh.

    As she turned around, she spotted Bryan at the end of the hallway. He had just extinguished his cigarette and was walking toward her, his intense eyes fixed on her.

    ¡°Thank you for everything these past few days, Mr. Dawson,¡± Eileen forced a smile and said, ¡°Now that my mother is out of danger, I¡¯ll hire a caretaker and then get back to work. However, could you pass a message to Miss Warren for me? Tell her if this happens again, fight back at all costs.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s expression shifted as he began to say, ¡°Regarding this issue¡ª¡±

    Before Bryan could finish, Eileen interjected, ¡°I know what I¡¯m doing. Don¡¯t worry about me, Mr. Dawson, and I don¡¯t expect you to take my side. But please, don¡¯t suggest that I forgive Vivian.¡±

    The smile faded from Eileen¡¯s face, and she knitted her brows, looking down to avoid Bryan¡¯s gaze. If she had looked up, she would have seen that Bryan was genuinely feeling sorry for her.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to talk to Dr. White about the caretaker situation. You can leave now,¡± Eileen said, giving a small nod and turning to leave.

    Down the hallway, Bryan¡¯s tall figure cast a long shadow in the setting sun, his gaze lingering on Eileen as she stepped into the elevator. Only after the elevator doors closed did he look away. He pulled a cigarette from his bag and ced it between his lips but didn¡¯t light it. He walked straight to another elevator, made his way to the parking lot, and climbed into his car. At that moment, his phone rang.

    It was Jacob, clearly upset, saying, ¡°How could you keep such a big thing from me?¡± He had heard from Phoebe about the antics Vivian had pulled, and to make matters worse, the Warren family saw Vivian as the victim because she was battling depression.

    With the cigarette still unlit in his mouth, Bryan started the car and drove away from the hospital. His hands were tense on the steering wheel, his brow furrowed as he listened to Jacob¡¯s tirade.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s is where your journey begins

    ¡°What¡¯s your n now? You need to decide between Vivian and Eileen, and Eileen can¡¯t handle being messed with like this¡­¡±

    Decide? Bryan slightly raised an eyebrow, his expression serious. Bailee had few possessions, which made packing a quick twenty-minute affair before she was ready to leave.

    Huey quietly took her luggage downstairs and headed straight to his car.

    ¡°Huey,¡± Bailee called out. She walked over with a polite smile and took the luggage from him. ¡°I called a taxi. It¡¯ll be here soon, so no need for you to drive me. Thanks for all the rides to the hospital recently. I¡¯ll treat you to a meal when I get the chance.¡±

    Her fingers clung tightly to the suitcase handle, her smile strained.

    ¡°Why call a taxi? Even if you¡¯ve resigned, I can still give you a lift. We¡¯re friends, after all,¡± Huey said, his brow creased with concern. ¡°Where are you moving to? Is it far?¡±

    Bailee nodded. ¡°Yes, quite far, and I really don¡¯t want to trouble you. Once I¡¯m settled and have a new job, you muste over for dinner.¡±

    ¡°Then at least let me know where you¡¯re moving to,¡± Huey said.

    Just then, the taxi arrived and honked. Bailee walked toward it with her suitcase, giving Huey a wave. ¡°I¡¯ll let you know once I¡¯m settled,¡± she said, cing her suitcase in the backseat and climbing in. She waved to Huey through the window again as the car drove off.

    Bailee gave the driver an address nearby, about a thirty-minute ride. When they arrived, she paid the driver, got out, and entered a modest apartmentplex, making her way up to the fifth floor.

    The driver, instead of leaving, quickly took out his phone and called Benjamin. ¡°Mr. Nash, it¡¯s time. Bailee is by herself now, in her new apartment.¡±

    Benjamin was about to head into a meeting with Kian when he got the call. He stopped in his tracks and moved aside. ¡°Which floor is she on?¡± he asked.

    As evening approached, the dimly litplex made it hard to see without turning on the lights. The driver watched the building Bailee had gone into and soon noticed the lights of a fifth-floor living room flick on. ¡°She¡¯s in the east apartment on the fifth floor,¡± the driver said.

    Just as Benjamin was about to instruct the driver to leave, he heard Kian¡¯s voice from behind him. ¡°Have you located Bailee?¡±

    Benjamin tensed up and turned around. After a moment¡¯s pause, he nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Where is she?¡± Kian asked, noticing Benjamin¡¯s hesitation and furrowing his brows.

    Benjamin told Kian the location of themunity where Bailee was staying.

    Kian, showing no interest in dying, walked toward the elevator to personally fetch Bailee.

    After taking a few steps, he paused and looked back at Benjamin. ¡°Aren¡¯t youing? What are you waiting for?¡±

    ¡°I need to cancel the meeting first.¡± Benjamin eyed the conference room, bustling with people.

    He approached the conference room door, briefly exined the situation, and turned to find Kian still waiting.

    With no other option, he followed, heading straight for the parking lot to drive Kian to Bailee¡¯s ce.

    When they arrived outside Bailee¡¯s apartment, they saw her stepping out, draped in a thin nket and looking frail.

    Her pale face grew even paler at the sight of Bryan.

    Without giving her time to react, Kian marched forward, ushering her back into the apartment. The door mmed shut behind them, silencing Bailee¡¯s cries of rm.

    Benjamin, just a step behind, seized the moment to call Eileen but received no answer. He resorted to sending a text message.

    After he sent the text, the door opened slightly, and Kian¡¯s irritated voice came, ¡°Since when did you be so slow?¡±

    Benjamin swiftly put his phone away. Upon entering the room, he found Bailee beaten unconscious on the sofa.

    Eileen had arranged for a top-notch caretaker with years of experience to look after Ruby. The caretaker was skilled in handling patients with simr issues.

    Once everything was in ce, she returned to the ward, spending half the day there. She watched the sunset through the window and then saw the neon lights flicker to life.

    She stood up and turned on amp.

    With a frown, she reached into her pocket for her phone to text Bailee to ask why she hadn¡¯t shown up yet.

    That was when she noticed her phone was on mute. The screen lit up with a barrage of missed calls and messages, causing her to tense up immediately.

    She remembered then, Kian had his eyes on Bailee!

    Spotting a text from Benjamin that was sent an hour ago, she bit her lip in frustration and hurriedly returned Kian¡¯s calls.

    The call connected instantly, and Kian¡¯s voice was steady. ¡°I thought you¡¯d given up on everything, that you no longer cared about Bailee.¡±

    ¡°Have you no decency, Bryan?¡± Eileen¡¯s voice was sharp. ¡°You always use these underhanded methods. Doesn¡¯t it ever get old?¡±

    ¡°Whether it gets old or not, it doesn¡¯t matter as long as it works.¡± Kian was not bothered by her. He nced at Bailee, who was unconscious and tied to the bed, and chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve seen Bailee. She¡¯s quite beautiful and has a nice figure.¡±

    Eileen cut him off sharply. ¡°Enough with the nonsense. What do you want from me?¡±

    ¡°The same as before, leave Bryan,¡± Kian said.

    Kian had demanded the same thing previously, but Eileen had managed to escape then. However, this time was different.

    He added, ¡°I¡¯m running out of patience, Eileen. Until you leave, you won¡¯t see Bailee again. And if you even think of telling Bryan, I won¡¯t hesitate to sleep with Bailee.¡±

    Eileen felt trapped now. ¡°Don¡¯ty a finger on her!¡±

    ¡°As long as you do as I say, I won¡¯t touch her. I¡¯ll arrange your international flight and make sure your mother is looked after,¡± Kian stated, effectively sealing her fate.

    But Eileen was defiant. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving the country. I¡¯ll handle things myself. I need constant updates on Bailee. If you harm her, I¡¯ll destroy us both. Don¡¯t underestimate me, Kian¡ªI¡¯m stronger and lesspliant than you think!¡±

    Bailee was at her breaking point. Kian had hit her where it hurt most this time.

    Yet if she showed any weakness now, she couldn¡¯t predict the extent of the troubles that might follow.

    After a brief silence, Kian finally said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll wait to hear the good news from you.¡±

    With that, the call ended. In the cold hospital, the steady beeping of machines filled the air. Eileen looked at the screen disying a call duration of just one minute and thirty-six seconds. She realized then it wasn¡¯t a dream.

    She was really leaving this ce and Bryan.

    She stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, watching the snowkes gently fall outside. Memories of the beautiful moments from the past few days flooded her mind.

    On the snow-covered road outside, couples huddled together,ughing and enjoying themselves as they strolled down the pedestrian path.

    Eventually, Eileen moved. She put on her down jacket and grabbed her bag. After arranging Ruby¡¯s care with the caretaker, she left the hospital.

    She had nned to quietly pack her bags and leave. What she hadn¡¯t expected was to find Bryan in her apartment, standing silently in the dark near the window.

    At the sound of the door, he turned to look at Eileen. Eileen walked over slowly and switched on the light.

    Despite the distance between them, their gazes locked. Her eyes appeared calm yet became tumultuous as she moved toward Bryan.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, what brings you here?¡± she asked.

    The sharp smell of smoke assaulted her as she noticed the full ashtray on the table.

    On the floor, ash scattered around Bryan¡¯s feet.

    ¡°It has be a habit,¡± Bryan said.

    Eileen averted her eyes, falling silent, uncertain how to respond.

    Bryan extinguished his cigarette, one hand in his pocket, and gazed out the window at the snowkes, his Adam¡¯s apple bobbing slightly.

    Eventually, he turned to face her and suggested, ¡°Eileen, what if we give us a try?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s eyes widened in shock.

    What was he suggesting? That they be together?

    She couldn¡¯t believe it.

    And it was just a try; she couldn¡¯t afford to gamble.

    One attempt could provoke the Warren family, and what if he decided she wasn¡¯t right for him after that?

    Eileen couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°Us, together? You know I¡¯m only in it for the money.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s eyes turned cold as he stared at Eileen¡¯s face. The moonlight washed over her, illuminating her features and making her expression unmistakable.

    Was it disdain? Sarcasm? Was she mocking his feelings?

    He grabbed her wrist, pulled her close, and tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze. ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    Reflected in her clear eyes was his undisguised fury.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 121

    ?Chapter 121:

    Eileen found herself locked in Bryan¡¯s gaze, firmly stating, ¡°I told you, I¡¯m only interested in your money. You might be important to others, but to me, you¡¯re just a convenient source of ie.¡±

    Bryan felt a piercing pain as her words hit him, shattering his heart.

    His face turned cold.

    Realizing her words hadn¡¯t quite made the mark she intended, Eileen pressed on, her voice sharp as she delivered the cruel truths. ¡°Apart from your money, I feel nothing for you. You have Vivian in your heart, a wife at home, and me in your bed. You¡¯re despicable. Without your wealth, do you think I would have stayed by your side?¡±

    Her wrist was abruptly released, sending her staggering back into the cane chair, her hair falling across her face in disarray.

    Through her tangle, she saw Bryan¡¯s forehead vein bulging, his jaw clenched tightly.

    She had never seen him so engulfed with rage, and it was clear she was the trigger.

    Bryan loosened his tie and pinched the bridge of his nose, a gesture of deep frustration.

    Then, suddenly leaning forward, he gripped the edges of the cane chair, ring down at her. ¡°Eileen, you truly are heartless. After all the kindness I¡¯ve shown you over the years, this is how you repay me?¡±

    He sneered, his anger boiling over into a cynicalugh, his hands whitening as he gripped the chair even tighter.

    Eileen, however, curled up, resigned to his wrath. Hidden beneath her tousled hair, warm tears began to stream down, cooling as they trickled along her neck.

    The lingering scent of smoke quickly faded. It was because Bryan left in a huff. Shirt-d and seething, he kicked a small stool out of his way with a loud thud and stormed out.

    L?t?st ?h¦Ápt?rs in g??lnov??l??.??o??

    His angry silhouette disappeared through the doorway, and the faint hum of his car slowly faded into the distance.

    The door stood slightly open, letting in a gust that brushed against Eileen¡¯s face, yet she appeared unaffected by the chill.

    With empty eyes, she scanned the dim room, a ce dense with memories despite her short stay.

    Her phone¡¯s ring suddenly cut through the silence, disrupting the tranquility of her reflections.

    It was Kian on the line, but Bailee was the one who spoke.

    ¡°Eileen, don¡¯t worry, okay?¡± Bailee said.

    ¡°Just hang tight. Once I sort everything out, I¡¯ll let you go,¡± Eileen responded, her voice thick with emotion.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Bailee said, a trace of panic detectable in her reply.

    Then Kian grabbed the phone, pressing Eileen to finalize everything by the next day before he abruptly hung up.

    Kian and Benjamin stayed at Bailee¡¯s residence, a newly rented apartment that was devoid of food and drink. Although Benjamin suggested going out to get something to eat, Kian stopped him.

    Kian had his meal delivered for dinner, after which he ordered Benjamin to untie Bailee and bring her to eat.

    Inside the bedroom, Benjamin gently loosened the ropes around Bailee¡¯s wrists and murmured, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. As long as you do as told, he won¡¯t harm you.¡±

    Bailee looked at him, her expression uncertain, then quickly turned away.

    Benjamin¡¯s face showed resolve, and he seemed poised to say more, but Bailee hurriedly began untying her feet.

    Once freed, she rushed to the living room.

    The wooden sofa there looked cheap, making Kian¡¯s refined presence seem even more out of ce in the drab setting.

    He chose not to sit, instead standing to smoke in the middle of the room.

    The dim overhead light attracted a few small bugs, flying around in the smoke.

    In a sudden burst of anger, Bailee grabbed a vase and threw it at Kian. Kian was caught off guard, and the vase hit his forehead.

    The impact reopened a wound from the previous car ident, causing blood to stream down his face. He winced from the pain.

    ¡°You bastard! What did you make Eileen do?¡± Bailee shouted, lunging forward to grab Kian¡¯s cor. ¡°You and your sister are monsters! My mother is in aa because of Vivian! Why do you keep torturing us?¡±

    Regainingposure, Kian pulled her hand away with a firm grip and frowned. ¡°If Eileen had cooperated from the start, none of this would have been necessary!¡±

    Bailee retorted, ¡°We don¡¯t owe you anything! Do you think you can bully us because we¡¯re less privileged and poorer? How dare you try to control our lives? Are you using my life to manipte my sister? I¡¯d rather die than be a burden to her!¡±

    In a burst of defiance, she made a dash for the window, seemingly determined to break it and jump.

    Benjamin was quick to act, blocking her path decisively. ¡°Mr. Warren has never used life as a threat. He would stoop to murder,¡± he asserted.

    Stumbling back from the collision with Benjamin, Bailee paused, then turned to look at Kian.

    Kian, with a serious and astonished tone, said, ¡°Eileen and you are not sisters by blood.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Bailee retorted, looking up at him without fear. ¡°You tried to leverage my sister with threats about my virginity, right? Well, proceed! I don¡¯t care about that!¡±

    She had only one thought in her mind, and that was to avoid causing trouble for Eileen.

    She quickly got to her feet, and in a swift motion, she removed her sweater and lifted her undershirt to reveal her t abdomen.

    Benjamin acted immediately, draping his coat around Bailee and guiding her back to the bedroom. His voice was low and urgent. ¡°Don¡¯t act rashly. Eileen has alreadyplied with Mr. Warren¡¯s demands. Provoking him won¡¯t help you. It will only make things worse.¡±

    He then left the room, closing the door behind him.

    Back in the living room, Kian stood still, blood trickling from his forehead.

    He pressed a tissue against the wound, methodically wiping the blood away, seemingly indifferent to the pain. A sneer formed on his face, not one of mockery but tinged with a different emotion.

    Meanwhile, at Dawson Mansion,

    Eileen confronted a grim reality in the living room, standing opposite Ste, who wore a stern look. A divorce agreementy on the table between them.

    Realizing she needed to leave, Eileen understood it meant divorcing Bryan. Yet, she found herselfcking the courage to present the agreement to Bryan directly.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I¡¯ve kept this from you for so long. Thank you for protecting my position as Mr. Dawson¡¯s wife. But I don¡¯t feel worthy of Mr. Dawson. I¡¯ve signed the divorce papers; I hope you can grant me permission,¡± Eileen said to Ste.

    Ste, taken aback primarily by the divorce papers, furrowed her brow as she was lost in thought.

    Rising from the sofa with resolve, she dered, ¡°Okay, but I have no interest in this divorce agreement. Wait here; have thewyer draw up a new one. You won¡¯t receive anything from our family.¡±

    Ste left those words hanging as she ascended the stairs, leaving Eileen alone in the living room.

    An hourter, thewyer rushed in, quickly going upstairs to discuss something with Ste.

    After spending another moment in discussion, they both returned to the living room,ying a thick divorce agreement before Eileen.

    Eileen, lips pursed in hesitation, contemted opening the document.

    Before she could start, she was interrupted with impatience, saying, ¡°There¡¯s no time to wait for you to read this. Don¡¯t worry; we don¡¯t need anything from you anyway.¡±

    A wave of embarrassment swept over Eileen as she watched Ste quickly turn to the agreement¡¯sst page, sharply saying, ¡°Just sign here.¡±

    Eileenplied, signing the document promptly.

    Ste scrutinized her every move. As soon as Eileen finished, Ste handed the agreement to thewyer and announced to Eileen, ¡°You are now free to leave and go wherever you please, but you will get no property from us.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen replied, a coldness settling in her heart. She had anticipated that Ste might simply agree to the divorce, but she was unprepared for Ste¡¯s rush, likely motivated by the fear of her iming a portion of the wealth of the Dawson family.

    Silently, Eileen departed. Watching her leave, Ste sighed deeply and whispered to herself, ¡°Grandson, my help can only go so far.¡±

    ¡°Dawson, where have you been that Eileen is Mr. Dawson¡¯s wife?¡± The butler was clearly surprised.

    Ste snorted and said, ¡°I let her get the position of Bryan¡¯s assistant; she¡¯s Bryan¡¯s wife.¡±

    This revtion further shocked the butler.

    Ste nced at the divorce agreement in thewyer¡¯s hand, then abruptly tore it apart, retaining only the page with Eileen¡¯s signature. ¡°I need to keep this agreement secure,¡± she murmured to herself.

    After departing from the Dawson Mansion, Eileen headed to a coffee shop to meet with Jacob.

    About half an hourter, Jacob arrived, greeting Eileen with a smile as he sat down across from her. ¡°Why the sudden call? You know, if Bryan learns we¡¯re meeting like this, it could spell trouble for me.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Meyer, I need your help to return some items to Mr. Dawson, including the car parked outside,¡± Eileen stated, pushing a small box and BMW keys across the table toward him.

    Inside the suitcase were the property deed for the apartment on Springvale Lane and the jewelry that Bryan had given her.

    Although these items held significant value, Eileen had no desire to retain or sell them.

    Jacob¡¯s expression hardened as he sat up straight, his eyes locking onto hers. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Being quite clear, I hope you help me with this,¡± Eileen responded calmly.

    After a moment of silence, Jacob reclined on the sofa and let out a heavy sigh. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect things toe to this between you and Bryan.¡±

    Eileen watched with a mixture of bitterness and resignation as Jacob took the box and car keys.

    ¡°Thank you for all the support all this time, Mr. Meyer. I¡¯m leaving now,¡± she said, picking up her bag and walking out of the caf¨¦. Stepping outside and seeing the gleaming BMW, a wave of sadness washed over her.

    She turned her back on the car and walked toward the bus station. The ck wool covercoat she wore did little to shield her from the biting cold wind, and she soon felt the chill prating her bones.

    Back at Springvale Lane, Eileen collected her packed luggage, and as she stepped outside, she saw Roderick waiting by the door.

    He noticed her with the suitcase and quickly rushed over. ¡°Eileen, where are you going?¡± he asked, his voiceced with worry.

    Noticing her reddened, slightly swollen eyes, Roderick¡¯s face tensed with concern. ¡°Has someone been troubling you? Tell me who they are; I¡¯ll teach them a lesson!¡± he said, turning as if to leave.

    Eileen hurried forward, catching up in two quick steps. ¡°Stop. It¡¯s nothing like that. I¡¯m okay. I¡¯m nning to move to Wish Land due to my mother¡¯s illness,¡± she exined.

    Roderick¡¯s eyes turned red, and he looked away, slightly embarrassed. ¡°Judie mentioned she might be leaving, so I came as soon as I could. I¡¯m d I caught you before you leave.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 122

    ?Chapter 122:

    Eileen asked bluntly, ¡°Judie has been fired. What¡¯s your n now?¡±

    Several days had gone by since Judie was let go, yet she stubbornly remained in the city, even begging Roderick to ask Eileen for money.

    But when she heard that Eileen was also quitting and nning to leave, she finally agreed to go back home.

    ¡°I¡¯m getting ready to head back, Eileen. Here, take this money. It¡¯s all I¡¯ve got, and it¡¯s the least I can do to help you out,¡± Roderick said.

    He pulled a bundle of cash from inside his jacket, the bills catching the light in Eileen¡¯s eyes. Eileen blinked twice, hershes fluttering, and gave a small, relieved smile.

    She pushed the money back towards Roderick and said, ¡°No need; I have my own money, and you¡¯ll need to spend a lot when you return. Keep it for yourself.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be staying in the old house; there¡¯s not much to spend on. Just take the money.¡± Roderick stubbornly pressed the money into her hands. ¡°I know I¡¯ve caused trouble for you¡­ But don¡¯t hold it against Judie. She got manipted by Vivian too. Wee from a humble background; we can¡¯t match the slickness of those wealthy folks.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t that theycked the craftiness of someone like Vivian; it was that Roderick was simply less shrewd than Judie.

    Eileen saw it all too clearly, but there was no need for her to spell it out for Roderick.

    ¡°Then think of it as me holding onto the money for you. If you ever need money, you cane and find me,¡± Eileen said.

    She epted the money without further protest and slipped it into her bag. ¡°When do you n to leave?¡± she asked.

    Discover where it all happens: g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m

    ¡°I¡¯m catching the early bus tomorrow morning,¡± Roderick replied.

    ¡°Alright, take care on your journey,¡± Eileen advised, giving his shoulder a reassuring pat. The little boy she remembered from her childhood now stood half a head taller than her.

    ¡°Are you heading to the airport?¡± Roderick inquired, eyeing the luggage behind her.

    Eileen nodded, and with a smile, pointed to his electric scooter. ¡°Could you drop me off at the bus station?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely!¡± Roderick moved to her, hoisted her suitcase onto the scooter¡¯s footrest, and climbed on.

    He then patted the seat behind him. ¡°Hop on.¡±

    Eileen, somewhat hindered by her down jacket, managed to mount the scooter.

    Ten minutester, she was on the bus, gazing out the window.

    Roderick stood at the bus stop, his eyes lingering on her until the bus began to move. At that moment, Eileen saw a tear escape Roderick¡¯s eye. He quickly wiped it away and waved enthusiastically, his bulky clown jacket making him look evenrger.

    Two hourster, Eileen arrived at the airport, suitcase in tow.

    Benjamin and Bailee were already there waiting.

    Bailee couldn¡¯t hold back her tears.

    Eileen said, ¡°Why didn¡¯t we take Wish Land? Isn¡¯t this what we always wanted?¡± She smoothed Bailee¡¯s tousled hair. ¡°The hospital has arranged for Mom to go to Wish Land. We¡¯ll get settled, and this can all be together from now on.¡±

    Bailee knew that Eileen had married Bryan and that Eileen loved Bryan deeply.

    After three years together, the love had grown deep, almost ingrained in Eileen. It wasn¡¯t simple for Eileen to just pack up and leave.

    Eileen¡¯s eyes reddened as she nced at Benjamin.

    Catching her look, Benjamin held her gaze for a brief moment before he dropped his eyes and then turned to Bailee. ¡°Why don¡¯t you go ahead and check in? I need to talk to Eileen alone for a bit.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Bailee took her suitcase to the check-in counter.

    Now, only Eileen and Benjamin remained.

    Eileen was dressed in a ck wool coat, skinny jeans, and a white shirt.

    Her face was bare, just as it had been during their university days, and Benjamin noticed the familiar look.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t help you,¡± Benjamin said.

    Eileen smiled as she shook her head. ¡°Even if you had tried to help me, it wouldn¡¯t have made a difference. Not even ten more people could have stood up to the Warren family¡¯s pressure.¡±

    ¡°Then leaving is probably for the best.¡± Benjamin nced at the passersby and casually asked, ¡°Are you heading to Wish Land?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Eileen moved to stand in front of the window, gazing at the snowyndscape nearby. ¡°Since winter started, Onnd has had a lot of snow. Wish Land is different; it¡¯s spring there all year, and it never snows.¡±

    Benjamin stood next to her, hands in his trench coat pockets. After a moment of silence, he ventured, ¡°Is¡­ Is your husband not going with you to Wish Land?¡±

    ¡°Husband?¡± Eileen was taken aback, and she took a moment to grasp his meaning.

    After six years of marriage, she still found it hard to get used to Bryan being her husband.

    She looked at Benjamin in surprise.

    Benjamin raised an eyebrow and said, ¡°I saw a marriage certificate in your bag on graduation day. Is your husband Julio?¡±

    Julio Ferguson had been popr at the university, and Eileen had once joined others in collecting his photos.

    However, she didn¡¯t really like him. Ruby had teased her once, suggesting she should bring him home.

    She had tried to exin, but Ruby had been unconvinced.

    ¡°No.¡± Eileen hadn¡¯t expected Benjamin to think she had feelings for Julio. ¡°And¡­ I¡¯m divorced now.¡±

    She looked down, a wave of pain washing over her.

    Benjamin¡¯s eyes darkened, his toneced with a strange edge.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Thanks anyway.¡± Eileen had never expected she would stand there talking to Benjamin calmly.

    And Benjamin had even helped her.

    Benjamin said, ¡°I already told you there¡¯s no need to thank me. I just gave you a few tips. I wasn¡¯t much help.¡±

    As the airport loudspeaker announced boarding details, reminding them it was time to head to the waiting hall, Eileen said, ¡°When Jonathan used Bailee to threaten me, you were the one who helped me handle it, right? So, I should thank you.¡±

    ¡°That incident?¡± Benjamin thought back and replied, ¡°That was Mr. Dawson¡¯s doing. I couldn¡¯t do much, so I turned to him.¡±

    Hearing that, Eileen¡¯s body stiffened. She clenched her hands into fists in her pockets.

    The image of Bryan and the uncontroble anger he had disyed as he walked away shed in her mind.

    She bit her lower lip, numb to the pain, until she tasted blood.

    Benjamin added, ¡°Still, he only helped because it was Jonathan. If it had been the Warren family, the result would have been clear, so leaving was the right decision for you.¡±

    Benjamin analyzed it very rationally.

    He even managed to pull Eileen¡¯s logical side back to the forefront. Eileen knew that Bryan helping her didn¡¯t mean she was on par with Vivian in Bryan¡¯s heart.

    Eileen had buried Bryan¡¯s offer to be with her deep in her heart, treating it as if he hadn¡¯t meant it seriously.

    ¡°Goodbye.¡± When Bailee came back, Eileen waved at Benjamin and quickly led Bailee toward the waiting area.

    Benjamin watched Eileen until she turned the corner and vanished from sight.

    On the ne, Eileen gazed at a photo of Bryan on her phone.

    She had snapped it casually during a meeting. His gaze was downcast, his eyebrows slightly knitted, highlighting his straight nose and thin lips.

    Each detail was perfectly distinct, permanently imprinted in her mind.

    She sighed deeply, deleted the photo, and also removed Bryan¡¯s contact information from her phone, even though she had memorized his number long ago.

    At the Apex Group headquarters,

    Raymond walked into the office and was immediately hit by a strong scent of smoke. He coughed as he approached Bryan, who hadn¡¯t put down his cigarette for days.

    He said with respect, ¡°Mr. Dawson, this is Eileen¡¯s resignation letter. The manager of Vicin Mall sent it here. He didn¡¯t feel right approving it¡­¡±

    ¡°Resignation?¡± Bryan sneered, snuffing out his cigarette and taking the resignation letter.

    The neat handwriting was familiar.

    Raymond said, ¡°I discovered that Eileen has already booked a flight.¡±

    Before Raymond could finish, Bryan interjected, ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡±

    His face grew cold. ¡°Focus on work matters.¡±

    Raymond quickly switched to another topic. ¡°There are some big disagreements among the senior executives at Apex Group about where to locate the new project. They¡¯repletely divided, and it looks like it¡¯ll need your final say.¡±

    In the haze of smoke, Bryan¡¯s gaze shifted slightly. ¡°Any proposals for Wish Land?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Raymond hesitated. ¡°Wish Land is too remote, and¡­¡±

    ¡°Then we¡¯ll go with Wish Land,¡± Bryan stated firmly, his decision made in an instant.

    Raymond struggled to speak his persuasive words, only managing to say, ¡°Understood.¡±

    He watched as Bryan lit another cigarette, chain-smoking intensely.

    He sighed in his heart.

    A yearter¡­

    In November, Wish Land retained a touch of warmth. Eileen, dressed in a floral dress, walked from the educational institution to the Fred Hotel. In just five minutes, sweat formed on her forehead.

    She stood outside Room 208 at the Fred Hotel and knocked. A waiter responded by opening the door.

    ¡°Hello, I¡¯m here to deliver an invoice to Denzel Vance,¡± Eileen said.

    Since arriving in Wish Land, Eileen had set up an educational institution, offering tutoring for students of different ages, both individually and in groups, as well as creating online educational content.

    Her life had been busy yet fulfilling, and she had adapted well to her life in Wish Land.

    As for certain memories in her mind, they were fading, except for the faces of some unforgettable people.

    The table inside the room buzzed with businesspeople clinking their sses and talking. Eileen¡¯s eyes settled on the empty main seat, draped with a ck, custom-made suit jacket adorned with a familiar logo.

    Standing by the window was a figure, his back to her, silhouetted faintly by the dim light, exuding a familiar aura.

    ¡°Eileen, over here.¡± Denzel rose from the chair beside the main seat and walked around the table toward Eileen.

    Eileen turned her gaze quickly, greeting Denzel with a smile. ¡°Mr. Vance, here¡¯s the invoice for your daughter¡¯s one-on-one tutoring sessions. I¡¯ll start teaching her next week.¡±

    ¡°Thank you foring all this way.¡± Taking the invoice from Eileen, Denzel exchanged a few more pleasantries.

    Eileen nodded, smiling, as they set time for her to tutor Denzel¡¯s daughter.

    Then, feeling it was time to leave, Eileen let her gaze drift once more to the corner. The figure seemed to be on a call. Turning away, she left the room.

    As she stepped out of the Fred Hotel, she felt slightly dazed.

    shes of some memories flickered through her mind. Then, her phone rang.

    Regaining her focus, she walked down the steps and swiped her finger across the screen to answer the call.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 123

    ?Chapter 123:

    ¡°Eileen, why is it taking so long for you just to send an invoice? The food is getting cold!¡± Bailee grumbled on the other end of the line.

    Eileen smiled as she responded, ¡°It¡¯s taken care of. I¡¯ll be right back. Go ahead and start eating without me.¡±

    ¡°Tomorrow¡¯s Friday, and we have to go to the hospital together in the evening to visit Mom. The doctor said that talking to her might help her wake up sooner. You can¡¯t bete tomorrow!¡± Bailee said.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Eileen quickly agreed and ended the call. As she gazed at the city lights starting to sparkle, she found herself thinking of the silhouette she had glimpsed from the private room.

    She would asionally think of Bryan, maybe because of a familiar silhouette, a voice, or even a piece of clothing that resembled his.

    But now, her life was calm andfortable. The targeted drug that could heal Ruby had been developed; all that was left was for Ruby to awaken.

    What more could she want?

    Brushing her hair away from her face as the breeze scattered it, she walked away.

    At the second-floor window, a tall man stood, a cigarette burning slowly between his fingers as he watched Eileen leave.

    Denzel approached and said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, you¡¯ve been here smoking for a while now. The food will get cold if you don¡¯te eat soon.¡±

    Bryan put out his cigarette, shifted his gaze from the window, and walked back to the table, asking casually, ¡°Who was that just now?¡±

    M?????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.??????

    ¡°That was the tutor I hired for my daughter. She stopped by to drop off the bill. Sorry for the interruption. I owe you a drink for that.¡± Denzel reached for his cup, ready to drink.

    His arm felt a sudden weight as Bryan stopped him. He looked at him confusedly.

    ¡°Is she trustworthy?¡± Bryan inquired.

    After a brief pause, Denzel responded, ¡°Yes, she¡¯s dependable. I¡¯ve done my research; she¡¯s definitely qualified.¡±

    Bryan raised his eyebrows slightly and leaned back, more rxed. ¡°Pass me her contact details then. I might need her.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Denzel was taken aback. He sent Eileen¡¯s mobile number to Bryan and asked, ¡°Mr. Dawson, do you have any kids at home?¡±

    ¡°Why all the questions? Just mind your own business,¡± chimed in another voice.

    Suddenly, the private room buzzed with whispers and chuckles.

    A faint smile touched Bryan¡¯s lips, his deep eyes unreadable as he nced at the numbers Denzel had sent him.

    Great, she had even changed her number.

    It had been a year since he was branded despicable by her, and he still couldn¡¯t forget that. But it seemed she was flourishing here.

    On Friday afternoon, after finishing her online course recordings, Eileen stretched, and Bailee hurried over.

    ¡°Denzel just called. He¡¯s introducing us to a client who wille byter to check things out,¡± Bailee said.

    Eileen nced at the clock; it was almost time to get off work.

    She quickly gathered her materials. ¡°I¡¯ll get ready and head down.¡±

    She ced her materials on the shelf, straightened her outfit, and went downstairs with her phone.

    A luxury car pulled up outside, and Denzel stepped out first, followed by a young boy who looked to be around sixteen years old.

    With his hair dyed green and a ck obsidian earring, the boy radiated a rebellious vibe. His eyes, tinted by colored contacts, briefly scanned Eileen and the others with a hint of disdain.

    ¡°Eileen,¡± Denzel said with a smile before introducing the boy.

    ¡°This is Milford Murray.¡±

    ¡°Nice to meet you,¡± Eileen responded with a polite smile, choosing to ignore Milford¡¯s dismissive attitude. She turned to Denzel, ¡°Did his parents note?¡±

    Denzel nced back at the car, then returned his attention to Eileen with a smile. ¡°I¡¯ll show him around.¡±

    The windows of the parked car were shut, and someone could just barely be seen inside. Eileen¡¯s gaze settled on the figure, a strange feeling surfacing.

    She frowned briefly before she turned her gaze to Denzel. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s head in.¡±

    Inside the car, sitting in the driver¡¯s seat, Raymond watched them go inside and said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, shouldn¡¯t we go greet Eileen?¡±

    In the back seat, Bryan sat, his legs crossed, a ray of sunlight illuminating his face.

    His gaze shifted from the departing Eileen to Raymond, causing a shiver to run down Raymond¡¯s spine. Raymond quickly fell silent.

    It took only about twenty minutes for Denzel to emerge with Milford, clutching an invoice, before they both got back in the car.

    The car drove off, passing two streets before Denzel stepped out and left. Then, the car blended into the traffic again.

    Milford, who had been quiet until then, suddenly said, ¡°I don¡¯t want a tutor.¡±

    ¡°It was your sister¡¯s idea,¡± Bryan replied, his attention fixed on his phone.

    ¡°My sister? What kind of sister is she to me? She grew up with your family, living the good life, while I¡¯ve never even met her. What gives her the right to meddle in my education?¡±

    Milford¡¯s voice was filled with disdain.

    Bryan didn¡¯t look up from his phone; the slight furrow of his brow showed his patience thinning.

    ¡°She¡ª¡± Milford started to add, but suddenly, he caught Bryan¡¯s sharp nce¡ªicy and piercing¡ªwhich silenced him instantly.

    However, his eyes sparkled with defiance. Seizing the moment, he swiftly reached for the door handle, flung open the car door, and leaped out.

    Raymond mmed on the brakes, but it was toote; Milford had already made his escape. Thankfully, the car had been moving slowly through the city center.

    Milfordnded awkwardly, spraining his ankle. He struggled to his feet, only to copse in pain, unable to stand up.

    Cars around Milford halted abruptly, and frustrated drivers rolled down their windows to shout angry rebukes at him.

    The chaos only subsided when Raymond exited the car and, after offering apologies to the onlookers, helped Milford back inside.

    Once they were moving again, Raymond secured the car doors.

    At Bryan¡¯s instruction, they headed straight for the hospital.

    Bryan pocketed his phone and cast a sideways nce at Milford. ¡°Z thought you needed a tutor, not me. I¡¯ve done my bit. If you don¡¯t want to keep up with the lessons¡ªtake it up with the tutor. If you manage to send her packing, that¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll stay out of it. But if you try anything foolish again before that¡­¡±

    He left his threat hanging, the unspoken warning clear to deter Milford from any further antics. Milford let himself be taken to the hospital to have his ankle examined.

    In the hospital, the atmosphere lightened in the VIP ward with Bailee¡¯s cheerful voice. Eileen and Bailee were both in Ruby¡¯s ward.

    ¡°This client is really straightforward, paying everything upfront,¡± Bailee remarked.

    Bailee had chatted non-stop during the entire drive, and Eileen couldn¡¯t help but smile as she set her bag down on the bed next to Ruby¡¯s. She said gently, ¡°You¡¯re always happy when money¡¯s involved, aren¡¯t you? Just remember, starting next week, I¡¯m teaching Milford on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings, from seven to nine. That means I can only visit here after nine on Friday nights. And if someone tries to book another private tutoring session with me, don¡¯t agree to it. I won¡¯t have the time.¡±

    Eileen expressed her concern before getting to the point. ¡°Or, rather, you mentionedst week that if my mom¡¯s vital signs meet the criteria, we could use electroshock therapy to help her wake up. Has she met those criteria this week?¡±

    Austen turned away from his hand being stitched to talk to Eileen. ¡°There¡¯s still one indicator that¡¯s off. We need to keep monitoring her, and as soon as she meets the criteria¡­¡±

    ¡°Clich! That hurts!¡±

    Their conversation was cut short by a sudden yell of pain from another bed in the treatment room.

    There were sheer curtains dividing the beds, so when Eileen looked over, she could only see several silhouettes.

    ¡°A young boy jumped out of a car and sprained his ankle. They¡¯re setting the bone for him now,¡± the surgeon working on Austen exined. ¡°The boy should think twice about jumping from a moving car but couldn¡¯t handle a bone setting. Kids these days¡­¡±

    As the cries of pain echoed, interrupting Austen and Eileen¡¯s conversation, Austen calmly suggested, ¡°Eileen, why don¡¯t you wait for me outside?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± After Eileen agreed, she exited the room.

    The sharp smell of disinfectant in the air overwhelmed her slightly, so she made her way to a window at the corridor¡¯s end.

    Inside the room, Bryan¡¯s eyes followed Eileen as she left. Then, his phone rang. He gestured to Raymond to keep an eye on Milford and walked while pressing his phone to his ear.

    ¡°Hello, Z.¡± His voice echoed clearly down the corridor, his eyes catching the slim figure at the end of it.

    A smile yed on his lips as he began walking towards her.

    ¡°How¡¯s Milford? He always seems to find trouble,¡± Z said from the other end of the line.

    Bryan responded, ¡°It¡¯s just a sprained ankle; nothing we¡¯ve found but he¡¯s not too happy about it. He¡¯ll keep studying¡ªwell, that¡¯s up in the air¡­¡±

    His eyes locked onto that familiar figure.

    Eileen, hearing Bryan¡¯s familiar voice, tensed up and turned her head.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 124

    ?Chapter 124:

    It was nearly time to leave work. The corridor buzzed with doctors and nurses d in white gowns. Eileen only caught a glimpse of a retreating figure dressed in ck.

    She couldn¡¯t clearly discern if the figure was male or female. However, she thought she heard a voice that sounded much like Bryan¡¯s. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she instinctively started to chase after the figure.

    ¡°Eileen, where are you going?¡± Austen called out as he stepped out of the room, his wound now dressed.

    Eileen halted abruptly and regained herposure. She smiled at Austen and exined, ¡°I thought I saw someone I knew; I must have been mistaken.¡±

    She turned and rejoined him. Together, they discussed Ruby¡¯s condition as they exited the hospital.

    At the corridor¡¯s end was Bryan. He leaned against the railing, on the phone with Z.

    Zined, ¡°Please take care of Milford for a while. Your parents are still upset about you going to Wist Land. You left and have to handle the mess. Now you can rx while they pressure me to marry, and I can¡¯t even get away.¡±

    Bryan raised an eyebrow and replied, ¡°You could just leave, like I did.¡±

    ¡°Well, you¡¯re a Dawson by blood, but I¡¯m just adopted. I can¡¯t afford to be as reckless as you,¡± Z responded, her tone resigned, knowing her limitations.

    Bryanughed upon hearing herints. ¡°Didn¡¯t you promise to always stand up for me, like a true sister would?¡± he asked.

    With a dismissive snort, Z replied, ¡°I need to hang up now. There¡¯s a lot of work waiting for me.¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??????? brings great stories

    She ended the call before Bryan had the chance to respond further.

    Bryan sighed deeply. Then, his gaze followed Eileen and Austen as they departed from the hospital.

    He noticed that Eileen still carried herself with refined elegance¡ªunchanged except for a slight increase in weight that softened her features and silhouette.

    Bryan watched her for a moment before heading back.

    Eileen¡¯s tutoring sessions primarily took ce on weeknights, with additional preparation for Saturday online sses done well in advance.

    As she could manage some of her tasks at the hospital, she spent most weekdays there, apanied by Bailee.

    Upon returning to Ruby¡¯s ward after bidding Austen farewell, Eileen observed Bailee tenderly holding Ruby¡¯s hand and dabbing at her tears. Bailee was usually good at concealing her sadness in Eileen¡¯s presence.

    Eileen held back from entering until Bailee had regained herposure.

    As soon as Eileen appeared, Bailee quickly dried her tears and averted her gaze, asking, ¡°What did Dr. Potter say?¡±

    Eileen chose to ignore the obvious signs of Bailee¡¯s distress as she answered, ¡°We¡¯re still waiting for one indicator to meet the standard, but it is nearly there.¡±

    After preparing another bed in the room for Bailee, Eileen settled down on the sofa to sleep.

    It waste into the night. The ward lights were off, and the glow of neon lights from outside filtered through the window, casting dim shapes around the room.

    Suddenly, Eileen¡¯s phone beeped with a new WhatsApp friend request.

    The profile picture showed two hands sped together¡ªone clearly masculine and the other slender and delicate, suggesting a woman¡¯s hand.

    Eileen epted the friend request and sent a simple ¡°hello¡± as a greeting.

    The reply came quickly. ¡°It¡¯s Milford.¡±

    Eileen paused, unsure if it was Milford himself or his parents using the ount.

    After a brief hesitation, she saved the contact under ¡°Milford Murray.¡±

    She then messaged, ¡°The first tutoring session is scheduled for seven o¡¯clock Monday evening. Does that work for you?¡±

    Shortly after, she received a reply with an address in a vimunity in the east of Wist Land.

    Eileen was familiar with the area and knew it was an affluent neighborhood.

    ¡°Got it,¡± she replied.

    After reviewing her schedule, she sent another message. ¡°You can share details about recent academic progress before we meet. This way, we can discuss it during our sessions.¡±

    ¡°In that case, arrive half an hour early on Monday evening.¡±

    The response was blunt and discourteous, but Eileen wasn¡¯t taken aback, remembering Milford¡¯s demeanor from their first encounter. She agreed to arrive earlier and then set her phone aside.

    A solitary beam of light illuminated the room from Bailee¡¯s phone, casting a glow on her face. Eileen noticed Bailee¡¯s lips pursed in a somber expression and guessed she was messaging Huey.

    Bailee had stayed in contact with Huey, though he always initiated their conversations. There had been several instances where Huey wanted to visit while passing through Land, but Bailee consistently declined to meet him, choosing to keep her distance.

    Eileen had inquired of Bailee about why she was avoiding Huey, but Bailee remained tight-lipped about her reasons.

    Eileen¡¯s gaze shifted to Ruby. The numerous tubes that once marred her arms were now gone, reced only by an oxygen tube in her mouth. Ruby¡¯s hair was slowly growing back, making her appear merely asleep. Yet, it was still uncertain when she might awaken.

    Through the educational agency, Eileen and Bailee had earned a substantial ie, more than sufficient to cover Ruby¡¯s medical expenses. Despite this, a nagging unease had somehow settled over Eileen in recent days.

    On Sunday night, Eileen and Bailee were leaving the hospital to drive home. Upon arriving, they found that Phoebe had prepared a dinner consisting of four courses plus soup. Bailee, surprised, eximed, ¡°I had no idea the noble Miss Burton could cook so well!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m pleased you¡¯ve finally realized it,¡± Phoebe replied, stepping out of the kitchen dressed in loungewear, her short hairplemented by ck-framed sses.

    Phoebe had relocated to Wist Land shortly after Eileen, having shared that Vivian was undergoing isted treatment for depression.

    After the Burton family¡¯s efforts to gain favor with the Warrens through Vivian failed, they pressured Phoebe into marriage.

    So, Phoebe left Onnd for good, invested in Eileen¡¯s educational business, and settled into a rxed role as a passive investor.

    Bailee and Phoebe, who took turns making dinner, didn¡¯t see eye to eye and often quarreled, filling the house with their loud disagreements.

    Eileen, now ustomed to their bickering, started her meal as Bailee and Phoebe continued their argument.

    Mid-bite, Eileen interjected, ¡°If you two continue to quarrel, I¡¯ll end up eating all the food myself. I need to prepare for tomorrow¡¯s tutoring sessions and don¡¯t have the time to mediate your disputes.¡±

    This warning made Bailee and Phoebe reluctantly sit down to eat, casting final res at each other. Eileen finished her meal quickly.

    ¡°Wait up for me for dinner tomorrow night,¡± she said. ¡°I¡¯m tutoring Denzel¡¯s daughter first, then I¡¯ll go tutor Milford. I¡¯ll eat on the way.¡±

    ¡°Milford?¡±

    Upon hearing the name, Phoebe paused her meal and inquired, ¡°Is that a new student?¡±

    Standing with her phone in hand, Eileen replied, ¡°Yes, his rtives specifically sought me out for tutoring. It starts tomorrow. He seems like he could be a bit of a challenge.¡±

    While talking, she grabbed herptop from the sofa and headed to the study.

    Phoebe¡¯s lips formed a slight smile as she continued eating. She ted a piece of meat on Bailee¡¯s te, remarking, ¡°Enjoy the meal. We¡¯re in for some entertainment!¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Bailee asked, puzzled.

    ¡°You¡¯ll find out soon enough,¡± Phoebe replied, leaving Bailee curious.

    The following morning, Eileen and Bailee went to the education agency. Alongside them worked many professional educators, responsible for various sses and students, totaling about twenty staff members.

    Bailee not only tutored several students but also handled promotional activities and reception whenever possible.

    Eileen was invariably busy. She created daily videos for online courses and personally tutored several primary and high school students, clearly the most hardworking member of the team.

    After a day filled with usual tasks and concluding the tutoring session for Denzel¡¯s daughter, Eileen packed up and left Denzel¡¯s ce.

    Denzel escorted Eileen to the door, looking pleased. ¡°My daughter just told me she really likes you. She finds your lessons easy to follow,¡± he said.

    Eileen responded, ¡°That¡¯s wonderful to hear. It¡¯s crucial that she understands the material well. She has a solid foundation, and with half a year left before her middle school ends, I¡¯m confident she¡¯ll get into a great high school.¡±

    With that, she slipped on her shoes and stepped out of the house.

    She turned to Denzel. ¡°Thank you for walking me to the door.¡±

    To her surprise, Denzel stepped outside with her and asked¡­

    ¡°Miss Curtis, have you ever been to¡ª¡±

    Puzzled, Eileen responded, ¡°Why do you ask?¡±

    He dismissed curiosity with a smile and said, ¡°Never mind. Just a random question.¡± He thought it must be a coincidence that Bryan had specifically requested Eileen to tutor Milford.

    After bidding Denzel goodbye, Eileen got into her car and drove eastward.

    The roads toward the city¡¯s eastern side were less crowded. The setting sun bathed her in light, prompting her to don her sunsses.

    She followed her navigation to Pianoforte Vis. At the entrance, the security guards didn¡¯t permit her car inside, so she parked outside and walked in.

    Upon entering themunity, Eileen realized she didn¡¯t know which building Milford lived in, so she messaged him on WhatsApp for directions.

    ¡°It¡¯s Building 1. The door¡¯s lock passcode is 348686. Take the slippers from the cab on the left as you enter; you¡¯ll find me in the first room on the left on the second floor,¡± Milford replied.

    Seeing Building 1 just ahead, Eileen was taken aback that Milford would share the ce¡¯s passcode so freely.

    She stood at the door, hesitating for a moment before finally entering the passcode.

    The door clicked open, revealing the quiet interior of the house. Eileen entered, swapped her shoes for a pair of slippers from the cab, and took in the stylish decor.

    A grand chandelier hung overhead, illuminating the entire living room, while a spiral staircase with sleek ck handrails led upstairs.

    As she ascended, Eileen noticed several paintings on the wall to her left¡ªpieces she recognized from a charity dinner she had once attended with Bryan.

    She had admired their style then and was pleasantly surprised to see them here.

    Reaching the second floor, Eileen approached the first room on the left where the door stood slightly open, the light inside dim. Out of courtesy, she knocked on the door but received no response.

    She leaned closer, listening, but heard only silence.

    After a moment, she knocked again, this time calling out, ¡°Milford?¡±

    This time, a faint sound came from within, indicating someone was indeed inside, but it seemed Milford was intentionally ignoring her.

    Pushing the door open, she stepped into the dimly lit room.

    In the shadows, she could make out a figure standing behind the curtain.

    Frowning, she moved toward the curtain and said firmly, ¡°Milford, at least show me some respect. Whoever is in the room should respond instead of hiding!¡±

    Without further hesitation, she drew back the curtains.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 125

    ?Chapter 125:

    The man stood before Eileen, wrapped minimally in a bath towel tied around his waist, moisture still clinging to his freshly washed hair.

    The sight of his immacte, familiar back sent a chill running through Eileen and momentarily robbed her of breath.

    The familiar aroma of pine filled her senses as she looked at the man¡¯s back.

    Her legs failed her, rendering her motionless.

    Suddenly, a youthful voice, likely belonging to a teenager, questioned her presence.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    Regaining herposure, Eileen turned to see Milford at the door of the room, brandishing a toy gun.

    ¡°My apologies for the interruption,¡± Eileen quickly exined, while the man inside paid her no heed.

    The man looked remarkably like Bryan. Could Bryan actually be in Wist Land?

    Afterposing herself, Eileen said to Milford, ¡°You¡¯re the one who directed me to the first room on the left on the second floor? This isn¡¯t your room at all.¡±

    Milford spun around and headed up to the third floor, saying, ¡°I didn¡¯t tell you that. The mistake was yours for entering the wrong room.¡±

    When the educational agency had introduced Milford, his reluctant expression had been unmistakable.

    Given his evident reluctance, Eileen was not surprised he would lie to her, so she didn¡¯t say anything and followed him quietly to the third floor.

    Your hub for updates: g?lnovels.c??m

    Milford led the way into the first room on the left side of the third floor, with Eileen trailing behind.

    Stepping inside, Eileen was immediately struck by the disarray of a bedroom in use: an unmade bed, toys and video game consoles scattered everywhere, and a pile of tattered books relegated to a corner.

    ¡°Stay there; don¡¯te inside,¡± Milford said, settling onto the sofa and casually starting a game on his iPad.

    Eileen, standing in the doorway, recognized the game¡¯s distinct sound¡ªit was unmistakably the one developed by Huey.

    As she stood at the doorway, she asked, ¡°Is this your study room?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the one next door,¡± Milford responded, his attention fixed on the game, not bothering to look up.

    Eileen moved to the neighboring room, discovering arge study filled with an eclectic mix of literature.

    The shelves were crammed with novels and various books on gaming and sports, none particrly schrly.

    The few textbooks in sight were in poor condition, tossed carelessly into the trash bin.

    Eileen sighed before returning to Milford¡¯s bedroom.

    ¡°Do you even n on continuing your education?¡± she asked.

    ¡°I dropped out a year ago,¡± Milford answered bluntly.

    Observing his dyed hair and the earrings that adorned his ears, Eileen realized he was far removed from the norms of traditional education.

    ¡°Don¡¯t waste your time on futile things,¡± Milford said, his fingers busy tapping the iPad as game characters performed actions on the screen. He was utterly engrossed, stating tly, ¡°I¡¯m not nning on going back to school.¡±

    The man Eileen had encountered downstairs crossed her mind¡ªsurely, he was Milford¡¯s father. Though he appeared young, it wasn¡¯t umon for wealthy individuals to maintain their youthful appearances.

    Eileen considered going down to speak with the man, but the awkwardness of their earlier meeting made her hesitant.

    Adding to her frustration was the fact that, although he was aware of her presence, he had made no effort to greet her.

    ¡°Given that your family has hired a tutor for you, they clearly have expectations for you to continue your education. I¡¯ve received the payment and the contract, so you¡¯ll need to work with me. Next time, I¡¯ll bring a third-grade textbook, and we¡¯ll start with the basics,¡± Eileen said to Milford.

    She then pulled out the carefully prepared study materials from her bag. ¡°These are the key points from the third-grade curriculum. Take some time to go through them. I¡¯ll return on Wednesday evening to test your understanding.¡±

    As she offered the materials, Milford¡¯s game character met an untimely end.

    Because of that, Milford cut Eileen off impatiently. ¡°Just leave them there if you must. I¡¯m not going to read them anyway!¡±

    Eileen was ustomed to dealing with difficult students from wealthy families, but Milford¡¯s outright defiance was on another level.

    ¡°If that¡¯s how you feel, I¡¯ll take these back. I¡¯ve already been paid for my services, so whether you choose to benefit from them is up to you. There¡¯s no loss to me,¡± Eileen responded, packing up the materials. ¡°With what your parents are paying, the money for a month of tutoring is enough to buy three top-tier game consoles, and they¡¯ve paid for three months.¡±

    Upon hearing that, Milford threw his iPad down and red at her defiantly. ¡°I¡¯m not studying! So you need to return the money!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here to provide knowledge, not refunds. I don¡¯t return payments,¡± Eileen replied firmly.

    With a smile, she collected her things and left.

    Though it seemed her visit this time had been in vain, she noted Milford¡¯s keen awareness of money.

    It was strange for someone of his wealth and stature to be so concerned about expenses.

    Eileen walked down to the second floor and paused by the closed door of the room the man had been in, feeling a sense of resignation.

    Left with no choice, she exited the building and got into her car. Looking up at a window on the second floor, she thought she saw a shadow. Could that be Milford¡¯s father? The situation was so strange.

    On her drive home, Eileen asked Denzel about Milford and the circumstances.

    Denzel said, ¡°Milford used to be in the same ss as my daughter. His parents died a few years ago. He dropped outst year and now lives with his sister. He¡¯s known for causing trouble. It¡¯s doubtful how much you can change him, but his family asked specifically for you. I had to oblige.¡±

    Denzel¡¯s tone was a bit guilty.

    Eileen rified quickly, ¡°I¡¯m just trying to learn more about him. I truly appreciate you connecting me with this opportunity, Mr. Vance.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t provide much more information. Perhaps you could speak with his sister¡¯s friend who¡¯s looking after him. My daughter said Milford used to be quite a good student. It¡¯s unfortunate how things have turned out.¡± Denzel then shared a contact number with Eileen via WhatsApp.

    ¡°Thank you so much, Mr. Vance,¡± Eileen said as she saved the new contact.

    She ended the call and made her way back home.

    It turned out the young man she had seen on the second floor was not Milford¡¯s father but rather a friend of Milford¡¯s sister.

    Milford was resistant to the tutoring sessions, and Eileen realized she might need to seek help from someone who could influence Milford.

    She contemted the best approach to discuss this over the phone.

    Before she could decide on her next steps, she was already pulling into her driveway. Phoebe and Bailee looked surprised to see her home so early.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t your session supposed to end at nine?¡±

    While changing her shoes, Eileen responded, ¡°It didn¡¯t work out. Milford wasn¡¯t cooperative, and his parents are absent. I need to figure out another way to reach out to his guardian.¡±

    ¡°Have you had dinner yet?¡± Bailee asked, moving toward the kitchen.

    Eileen quickly said, ¡°I¡¯ve eaten already. No need to make anything for me. I¡¯m going to try telling Milford¡¯s current guardian now.¡±

    She then left her bag by the door and headed to the study.

    Phoebe, sitting on the sofa, managed a smile, but her expression showed a hint of displeasure. ¡°This drama is starting to drag a little.¡±

    In the study, Eileen dialed the number, and the call was answered almost immediately.

    ¡°Hello, are you the current guardian of Milford?¡± she asked.

    On the other end, Raymond was caught off guard. He looked at Bryan through the window, feeling uneasy. ¡°Sort of. How can I assist you?¡±

    ¡°I need to talk about Milford¡¯s study,¡± Eileen stated. ¡°Is this a good time for you to speak?¡±

    Raymond switched his phone to speaker and exchanged looks with Bryan.

    Bryan gave him a sharp nce, one that was enough to leave him feeling intimidated.

    After a moment, Raymond, understanding Bryan¡¯s silent message, said, ¡°Well, Milford is the younger brother of my boss¡¯s friend, and I¡¯m just an assistant.¡±

    Since Bryan remained silent, Raymond didn¡¯t dare to say anything more specific.

    ¡°Alright. Then could you perhaps have your bosse to the phone?¡± Eileen said.

    She realized that Denzel had provided her with the assistant¡¯s contact, leaving her unable to directly reach the man she had seen on the second floor.

    Thinking of that man, her face turned red. But she quicklyposed herself.

    Meanwhile, Raymond kept his eyes firmly on Bryan, wary of missing any slight cue.

    Still, he was puzzled by Bryan¡¯s intentions.

    Finding himself in a bind, Raymond looked for a way to buy some time.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, I¡¯m currently not on duty, so it¡¯s not possible for my boss toe to the phone right now. How about I arrange a meeting for you to discuss Milford¡¯s tutoring directly with my boss? It would be easier than trying to sort this out by phone.¡±

    ¡°Milford¡¯s next tutoring session is on this Wednesday evening. Maybe we can have a chat then,¡± Eileen proposed.

    ¡°We have a dinner meeting scheduled for that night,¡± Raymond quickly responded.

    ¡°What about Friday?¡± Eileen asked.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have time on Friday, either,¡± Raymond said.

    Upon hearing that, Eileen frowned.

    Raymond proposed an alternative. ¡°Let¡¯s do this: I¡¯ll let you know when my boss is free for you and him to have a chat, alright?¡±

    Eileen inhaled deeply and responded, ¡°Alright, thanks.¡±

    Once the call ended, she rubbed her temples in frustration.

    Milford¡¯s trip to the education agency and the subsequent payment transaction had taken merely thirty minutes, proceeding without a hitch.

    However, progress now seemed to stall.

    A nagging suspicion that something was wrong haunted her.

    Adding to her difort, she hadn¡¯t heard from Raymond until Wednesday.

    As the evening neared and the time for her session with Milford approached, Eileen decided to call Raymond.

    She called twice before Raymond finally answered, his voice echoing the din of a lunch.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, my boss is tied up in a partnership talk, and now is not a good time,¡± Raymond stated inly.

    But Eileen wouldn¡¯t be swayed. ¡°Which restaurant are you at? I¡¯ll go there and wait. Just a few minutes after your meeting is all I ask.¡±

    She figured that if Milford had been cooperative enough to attend the education agency, there must be a way to work things out.

    Thus, their conversation would be brief. She only wanted Milford¡¯s adherence to her tutoring schedule. Confident in her abilities, she believed she could handle the next steps.

    Raymond nced at Bryan, then covered the phone¡¯s speaker and whispered Eileen¡¯s words to him.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Bryan replied after checking his watch. ¡°Tell her she cane.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 126

    ?Chapter 126:

    Eileen ended the call and headed straight to the location Raymond had provided. Once there, she decided to wait in her car.

    The midday sun beat down fiercely, making the car ufortably hot. After a short while, unable to stand the heat any longer, Eileen got out of the car and walked into the restaurant.

    At the entrance, there was a couch for guests. Eileen took a seat and started reviewing the material for her uing tutoring session on her phone.

    Roughly thirty minutester, a waiter approached her. ¡°Excuse me, miss. Are you waiting for someone, or are you here to dine?¡±

    ¡°Just waiting for someone,¡± Eileen replied. Checking her watch, she saw it was nearly an hour since her arrival. She hurriedly redialed Raymond¡¯s number.

    The call connected, and she could faintly hear the rumble of a car engine through the phone.

    ¡°Hi, is your boss done with his meeting with the client?¡± Eileen inquired while ncing outside. Just then, she noticed a familiar ck car merging into traffic.

    It was the same one that had taken Milford to the educational agency days before.

    Standing up, Eileen opened the door and stepped outside as Raymond exined, ¡°My boss had an urgent mattere up. We¡¯ve only just left the ce.¡±

    Eileen bit her lip as she watched the car drive away. She exhaled slowly before asking, ¡°It¡¯s alright. By the way, what should I call you?¡±

    ¡°Just call me Mr. Brooks,¡± he replied with brevity, throwing a nce at Bryan in the back seat through the rearview mirror.

    Bryan had a slight smile as he looked out the window, seemingly amused by the situation with Eileen.

    Eileen, after ending her phone call, saved Raymond¡¯s number in her contacts as ¡°Mr. Brooks¡± and then drove back to the agency.

    Later that night, after careful thought, she decided to go to Pianoforte Vis, bringing with her textbooks for Milford¡¯s grade.

    Arriving at the door with her suitcase of books, she noticed the door was ajar. However, to be courteous, she still chose to ring the bell.

    From inside, Milford called out with impatience, ¡°The door¡¯s open! Come in!¡±

    As Eileen pushed the door open, a peculiar noise from above caught her attention. Looking up, she was shocked to see a bucket of water tipping toward her.

    The cold water drenched her, streaming down from her head to her dress, tracing a path along her chin.

    The bucket fell on her head with a loud clunk, sending a throbbing pain through her head.

    Milford couldn¡¯t contain hisughter. ¡°That¡¯s what you get!¡±

    With those words, he spun on his heel and dashed up the stairs.

    Eileen stood motionless for a moment, her fingers releasing the suitcase handle and allowing it to hit the floor. She removed the bucket, revealing her face flushed with frustration.

    Her eyshes, clumped by water, flicked as she managed to pry her eyes open and re at Milford, who paused halfway up the stairs.

    Milford said, ¡°You might as well ept it. I¡¯m not going to study with you. Keeping if you want to experience something simr again.¡±

    ¡°My patience has worn thin,¡± Eileen said. ¡°You¡¯re squandering your youth and your potential. Is this how you want to spend your life?¡±

    Her words, however, fell on deaf ears. Leaning on the railing, Milford scowled and retorted, ¡°My life is none of your concern.¡±

    He then disappeared into the hallway.

    Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, Eileen smoothed back her damp hair and knelt to salvage the books from her suitcase.

    Most of the books were only damp around the edges, so they weren¡¯t ruined. Eileen tipped the water out of the suitcase and put all the books back into it.

    After that, she didn¡¯t hesitate. Instead, she went to Milford¡¯s room on the third floor. Milford was cozied up in a bean bag chair, absorbed in a video game.

    He was surprised to see Eileen.

    Unbothered, Eileen kicked a stool out of the way with her foot and walked in. Finding a seat, she pulled out her phone and started scrolling.

    Milford just snorted, his focus returning to his game.

    For two hours, they sat there in silence. When 9 o¡¯clock, the end of what would have been their normal time, arrived, Eileen stood up and left.

    Reaching the door, she noticed the water marks on the floor had vanished.

    Could Milford¡¯s guardian havee home?

    But there was no sign of a car outside.

    Eventually, Eileen left, carrying the suitcase through themunity gates.

    Upstairs, a man stood at the window, watching Eileen leave. Eileen¡¯s hair was still slightly damp, clinging to the nape of her neck.

    She sneezed as she walked, clearly disheveled.

    Once she vanished beyond themunity gate, Bryan headed upstairs and barged into Milford¡¯s room.

    Milford, caught off guard and starting to protest, straightened up instantly when he saw it was Bryan who had entered.

    ¡°If you¡¯re here to persuade me into receiving the tutoring, I advise you not to waste your time,¡± Milford said.

    Bryan surveyed the room, found the only clean chair, and sat down.

    The air was tinged with a scent he knew well, and a small puddle next to his shoe glistened in the light.

    Fishing out a cigarette, he lit it. Soon, the haze of smoke took over the room.

    Milford squirmed under the weight of Bryan¡¯s silence, hastily putting away his gaming tablet and fidgeting.

    But to Milford¡¯s surprise, without a word, Bryan just stood and left after finishing his cigarette.

    Eileen wasn¡¯t surprised when she came down with a cold, suspecting Milford had spiked the water with ice to make it extra chilly.

    The next day, her nose was runny and her cough incessant. Despite Bailee¡¯s ginger soup remedy, her condition didn¡¯t improve, and she eventually sought out medication from the hospital.

    ¡°The doctor insisted on an IV drip. Medicine alone isn¡¯t enough,¡± Bailee said, holding the medicine and trailing behind Eileen outside the hospital.

    Eileen, not looking back, got into her car. Once Bailee hopped in with a hint of reluctance, Eileen said, ¡°I¡¯ve got a morning full of preparing course materials, an afternoon trial lesson, and even tutoring. I don¡¯t have time for an IV drip.¡±

    She dabbed at her nose with a tissue and fired up the engine, heading back to the agency.

    ¡°How about doing it tomorrow?¡± Bailee asked, leaning in. ¡°You keep tutoring that troublesome Milford? What if he tries something drastic like setting you on fire tomorrow? You¡¯ve got to discuss this with his guardian!¡±

    Milford¡¯s name alone gave Eileen a headache, but she knew he wasn¡¯t the main issue.

    The real problem was never getting a chance to really sit down and talk with his guardian.

    ¡°Recall Milford¡¯s file had another emergency contact. Pull it up and send it to me once we get back,¡± Eileen said.

    Bailee nodded in agreement. At the studio, she powered up herputer, located Milford¡¯s file, and sent the two emergency contacts to Eileen.

    One of them was Raymond¡¯s number.

    Eileen picked up the phone and dialed the other number without a second thought. The call connected after a brief wait, and a voice she knew answered.

    ¡°Mr. Brooks?¡± Eileen recognized the voice instantly.

    ¡°Is this Miss Curtis?¡± Raymond, on the other line, sounded just as taken aback.

    A moment of awkward silence passed before Eileen broke it.

    ¡°I stumbled upon this number in Milford¡¯s contacts. I was guessing it was his sister¡¯s or perhaps boss¡¯s.¡±

    Raymond paused for a second before replying, ¡°Well, it is my boss¡¯s number, but it¡¯s mostly used for work matters. So I¡¯m usually the one answering it.¡±

    Eileen realized she had hit a dead end once again.

    ¡°I¡¯d like to schedule a meeting with your boss. It¡¯s important to discuss Milford. His first couple of sessions didn¡¯t go well. I can¡¯t just ignore this,¡± Eileen said. She was in no mood to drag this out until they sorted this out properly. ¡°I¡¯m putting Milford¡¯s lessons on hold.¡±

    Her voice echoed through Bryan¡¯s office; Raymond had switched the call to speakerphone.

    Raymond nced at Bryan, who seemed to be engrossed in papers on his desk.

    Yet Raymond noticed that Bryan hadn¡¯t flipped the page in quite some time.

    After a while, Bryan finally looked and gave him a knowing look. Getting the message, Raymond told Eileen, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll set it up and let you know when.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Eileen said, relieved.

    Once she hung up, Eileen took a deep breath and shifted her focus to other tasks.

    Scheduling an official meeting seemed sensible. Friday morning, Eileen got a call from Raymond telling her toe to their office at two in the afternoon.

    Therefore, Eileen rearranged her ns for the day and got to the specified location at one forty.

    The building loomed sky-high, buzzing with people at the entrance. Despite Eileen mentioning Raymond¡¯s name, the security didn¡¯t let her through.

    Left with no other option, Eileen phoned Raymond and finally gained entry.

    But once inside, no one was there to show her to the meeting room. She had to ask for directions from people passing by.

    She reached the room at exactly two, sat down, and waited quietly.

    Half an hour passed, and no one showed up. Eileen reached out to Raymond again, only to learn his boss was tied up in an unscheduled meeting and couldn¡¯t see her just yet.

    ¡°Then please tell him to drop by the education center when he gets a chance,¡± Eileen said.

    Having said that, Eileen grabbed her bag and walked out straight away, having lost her patience.

    Once an assistant herself, she knew an official appointment wouldn¡¯t be postponed without a significant reason.

    Yet, the calm atmosphere at the office suggested nothing urgent was happening, which made her think they weren¡¯t taking her seriously. So she decided it wasn¡¯t worth her time to stay any longer.

    After ending the call, Raymond turned his attention to Bryan, who was in the middle of a video chat with his parents.

    Indeed, there was a pressing business matter, as Bryan¡¯s parents were discussing personal issues with Bryan.

    ¡°Never assume that just because you¡¯re in Wist Land, you¡¯re out of our reach,¡± Brandan Dawson, Bryan¡¯s father, said with clear displeasure in his voice.

    ¡°Enough of this nonsense, Bryan. You¡¯ll need toe home once things in Wist Land are running smoothly. There are too many issues at Apex Group for Z to manage by herself,¡± Bryan¡¯s mother said, her voice brooking no argument.

    Bryan appeared unfazed by their words, giving them a nonchnt look through the screen.

    Brandon¡¯s frustration peaked at Bryan¡¯sck of concern. ¡°Are you even listening? If the project¡¯s stable and you¡¯re¡ª¡±

    ¡°I will definitely decide when to go back myself. Better to focus on running Apex Group than chatting with me,¡± Bryan interjected before his father could finish.

    Enraged, Brandon shot back, ¡°Since you left Apex Group so abruptly, everything¡¯s turned to chaos. The stock prices took a hit. Who do you think can clean up this disaster you left behind? Without Z.¡±

    Tired of theirints, Bryan swiftly ended the call and snapped theptop shut. He turned to Raymond and asked, ¡°Where is she now?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 127

    ?Chapter 127:

    Raymond sighed resignedly. ¡°She left. She asked me to arrange your schedule and talk with her at the educational institution.¡±

    Bryan frowned slightly. After a long silence, he nodded. ¡°She has quite the temper now. Get me the receipt from the educational institution.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, forgive my impertinence, but I¡¯m genuinely curious as to why you are doing this,¡± Raymond said hesitantly, for he couldn¡¯t understand Bryan¡¯s intentions toward Eileen.

    Bryan arched an eyebrow and looked at Raymond. ¡°Why do you care?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just thinking that when Ms. Curtis left, she didn¡¯t do anything to upset you or betray thepany in any way. What you are doing to her now is probably a bit¡­¡±

    Raymond implied that what Bryan was doing was a bit out of line.

    ¡°Yes, she didn¡¯t,¡± Bryan sneered. ¡°I just want to make things difficult for her because I¡¯m a despicable person. It¡¯s as simple as that.¡±

    Raymond was taken aback by his words.

    After a moment, he turned to retrieve the receipt and gave it to Bryan.

    In the evening, Eileen went to Denzel¡¯s house to tutor his child.

    Seeing Eileen constantly sneezing and coughing loudly, Denzel instructed the servant to bring Eileen a ss of warm water.

    ¡°It¡¯s warm outside. Howe you¡¯ve caught a cold?¡± he asked.

    Exclusive updates live g?ln¦Òv???s

    ¡°Milford poured a bucket of ice water on me yesterday when I went to tutor him,¡± Eileen exined. ¡°Sorry. I won¡¯t let it affect the ss. Besides, wearing a mask, your child won¡¯t be infected.¡±

    She hadn¡¯t removed her mask since she stepped into the room.

    Denzel¡¯s eyes widened before a frown lined his forehead. ¡°That child is uncontroble. I reckon you won¡¯t be able to handle it even if you go there tomorrow. Maybe you should request a day off and rest tomorrow. I¡¯m meeting his sister¡¯s friend at a club tomorrow night. I¡¯ll talk to him. I¡¯m sure he will agree to give you a day off.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Vance. I already spoke to him and temporarily suspended Milford¡¯s tutoring sessions. We¡¯ll discuss it further when we have the opportunity and then resume the lessons.¡± Eileen smiled gratefully. Then, she excused herself and went upstairs.

    Eileen had nned to apany Bailee to the hospital on Friday evening since Milford¡¯s tutoring session had been suspended.

    However, before she could go to the hospital, Raymond called her.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, my boss will be going to Circus Night Club for a business meeting. He wants you toe over and discuss Milford¡¯s tutoring then,¡± Raymond said.

    ¡°Do you usually discuss business over drinks? How can we discuss Milford¡¯s tutoring after drinking? Your boss would be drunk,¡± Eileen countered. ¡°I¡¯d prefer for him to meet me at the institution.¡±

    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, Raymond said, ¡°The receipt you provided clearly states you will refund the full amount if the student doesn¡¯t show significant improvement within a month.¡±

    A week had passed. Eileen hadn¡¯t been able to teach Milford anything.

    ¡°Except in cases of unforeseen circumstances,¡± Eileen reminded him.

    Raymond replied, ¡°That is not stated on the receipt.¡±

    Eileen was taken aback.

    It seemed like an obvious threat. Resuming Milford¡¯s study after a year-long suspension was already challenging. Milford would have to fully cooperate with her if they wanted to see noticeable progress within a month.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, my boss will reach the club by eight o¡¯clock. We can conclude the meeting by eleven. You decide if you¡¯re going to meet him before the meeting or after.¡±

    With that, Raymond ended the call.

    It seemed like Eileen had to go. However, she was aware of the challenges and decided to be prepared in advance.

    She called Denzel to inquire about their evening meeting at the Circus Night Club.

    ¡°Yes, the meeting is at the Circus Night Club. We have a reservation for a room on the top floor. Our appointment is at seven, but I¡¯m not sure when the meeting will end. If we have a good time, we might stay there until dawn,¡± Denzel told Eileen.

    Knowing Eileen, they probably thought she would opt to arrive early to discuss Milford¡¯s tutoring before they started drinking.

    That was why Raymond had provided her with incorrect timing¡ªan hourter than scheduled¡ªintending to keep her waiting until they finished their business meeting.

    Eileen always thought they never took her seriously. However, it was now obvious they were ying with her.

    ¡°Can you tell me more about Milford¡¯s sister¡¯s friend?¡± she asked.

    ¡°He¡¯s not from Wist Land,¡± replied Denzel. ¡°He came here for a project. He is from an influential background. You wouldn¡¯t recognize him even if I told you his name. You must be respectful toward him. I¡¯ll assist you if any issues arise.¡±

    ¡°Okay, thank you.¡± Eileen ended the call and pondered for a moment. She didn¡¯t recall offending any influential person.

    She furrowed her brows. Was the man merely a socialite from the upper echelons who liked to unt his status?

    Eileen recalled the man¡¯s figure she had seen. Maybe he was¡­

    Soon, she brushed the thought aside.

    That evening, Eileen dropped Bailee at the hospital and arrived at the Circus Night Club at half past six.

    The towering building was adorned with neon lights, illuminating the street.

    Eileen was dressed in a simple T-shirt and jeans that entuated her long legs. She stepped out of the car and looked around.

    Despite Eileen¡¯s simple clothing, her figure was still alluring.

    Her hair was pulled back into a high ponytail.

    Her eyebrows perfectly framed her pretty face. Her crystal-clear eyes reflected the hues of the night lights.

    The nightlife in the downtownmenced. A few people were in the club. The staff at the door looked her way.

    ¡°Hello, I have an appointment,¡± Eileen said politely. Although she had never been here before, she had been to simr ces countless times in the past.

    Eileen was familiar with the procedure. She mentioned Denzel¡¯s name and the number.

    ¡°Would you like to wait for Mr. Vance here? We can¡¯t let you in without a VIP card,¡± one of the staff members exined, looking conflicted.

    ¡°Vance arranged for me to wait in the room as he has an appointment with a client. Unfortunately, he is runningte and forgot to ask him to give me VIP cards. Can you please let me in? I¡¯m sure you are aware of the distinguished status of the guest Mr. Vance is going to meet here tonight. If he fails to arrive and disappoints the guest, it could implicate your reputation,¡± Eileen said.

    Eileen¡¯s experience as Bryan¡¯s assistant enabled her to craft a convincing excuse.

    As anticipated, the staff member relented after a moment¡¯s hesitation and let her in.

    Eileen walked into the room and looked around.

    The room was stacked with bottles of wine, fruits, and snacks.

    There was also a billiards table by the window.

    She sat down on the sofa and waited.

    About ten minutester, she felt a wave of warmth trickling down.

    She swiftly sprang up and made her way to the bathroom.

    Her menstrual cycle had been irregr since she came to Wist Land.

    She quickly used a tampon. Despite her prompt reaction, she had stained her pants.

    Fortunately, the dim lighting in the room concealed the stains well; they were barely noticeable.

    After temporarily salvaging the situation, she turned to leave.

    Just then, the door to the private room swung open. Eileen heard a man¡¯s resonant voice that gradually grew louder.

    ¡°Hey, call Denzel,¡± the man said.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Dawson,¡± Raymond said as he followed Bryan into the room.

    Eileen could only catch a glimpse of the man through the crack in the bathroom door, but she instantly recognized him. It was Bryan.

    Her hand froze on the doorknob. She was hesitant to open the door.

    She recalled the man¡¯s assistant telling her to call him Mr. Brooks. The assistant must be Raymond Brooks.

    The absurd idea that had crossed her mind turned out to be true. Eileen almost couldn¡¯t believe it.

    Raymond immediately called Denzel. ¡°Mr. Vance, Mr. Dawson has arrived.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m caught in a traffic jam. Please inform Mr. Dawson that I might bete. Ms. Curtis inquired about the time of our appointment. I think she will arrive shortly. Let Mr. Dawson and Curtis discuss the issue of rescheduling the tutoring sessions for Milford first. I¡¯ll be there as soon as I can,¡¯ Denzel said.

    ring horns could be heard from outside.

    Eileen bit her lip hard until she could taste blood.

    She was unable to collect her thoughts now.

    Raymond ended the call and said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, Miss Curtis is quite clever.¡±

    Bryan was slumped on the sofa with his arms across his chest.

    Suddenly, he tilted his head and nced toward the bathroom with a small smile stretched across his lips.

    ¡°She is clever indeed. Wait for Denzel outside,¡± he instructed Raymond.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Raymond turned and left.

    A tense silence filled the room as Eileen hid in the bathroom with her heart in her throat.

    She wasn¡¯t contemting how to handle the impending situation.

    Instead, a wave of emotion consumed her. She didn¡¯t know how to face Bryan.

    All the words she had said a year ago were meant to end their rtionship. She hadn¡¯t expected to see him again.

    The door to the private room swung open once more, and the sound of footsteps resounded. ¡°Do you have any specific drink preferences?¡± the waiter inquired.

    ¡°Just a ss of wine,¡± Bryan responded indifferently.

    The waiter opened a bottle of red Bryan had and poured it into a decanter.

    Then, he filled Bryan¡¯s ss with wine.

    However, he identally knocked over the almost empty wine bottle, causing it to shatter on the carpeted floor with a muffled thud.

    The remaining wine in the ss sshed onto Bryan¡¯s shoes and pants.

    The waiter grew nervous and dropped the ss he was holding. The drink spilled white on the floor.

    The waiter trembled in fright. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Mr. Dawson. It was an ident.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Bryan said calmly. ¡°I¡¯ll go to the bathroom and deal with it.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 128

    ?Chapter 128:

    The bathroom light was casting an overhead glow on Bryan and highlighting his toned muscles.

    But Eileen didn¡¯t have time to appreciate the view because the next thing she knew, he was already taking off his pants.

    Eileen felt her cheeks and ears burn, and she instinctively lowered her head and turned around. It didn¡¯t stop her from hearing the rustling of Bryan¡¯s clothes behind her, though.

    How was she supposed to exin herself if hepletely undressed?

    ¡°Don¡¯t¡ª¡± she blurted out. ¡°Don¡¯t take your clothes off!¡±

    Eileen buried her face in her hands, feeling utterly embarrassed.

    The man¡¯s eyes were boring into the back of her head like aser locked on its target. Eileen mustered all her courage and slowly turned around.

    Her gaze immediatelynded on Bryan¡¯s well-defined abs.

    Biting her lower lip, she looked up until their eyes met.

    Silence fell over the cramped space, broken only by their shallow breaths.

    At that moment, the memories that Eileen had locked away came flooding back in a rush.

    Bryan appeared more mature now, and his every move exuded sophisticated elegance. His eyes were narrowed, and a hint of a smirk was ying on his lips as he looked at her.

    He knew that she was embarrassed, but the redness of her ears reminded him of something else too. His gaze turned dark.

    Explore captivating tales on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    Seeing that Bryan was distracted by his thoughts, Eileen took the opportunity to sidestep him and dash through the open door.

    She stopped in her tracks when she saw the waiter outside, who looked as shocked as she was. To make matters worse, Raymond and Denzel both walked toward the private room at that very moment.

    Eileen balled her hands in embarrassment. The only thing she wanted was for the floor to open up and swallow her whole.

    ¡°The waiter began, ¡®Where did youe from?¡¯ He clearly had no idea that someone else was in the room.

    He had dealt with simr circumstances in the past and instantly assumed that Eileen was just another scheming opportunist. ¡®This is uneptable! How dare you sneak in here to peep at our valued guests!¡¯

    Eileen was horrified by the waiter¡¯s usations. She was desperate for an escape, to get as far away from Bryan as possible.

    Raymond had already seen her. ¡®Miss Curtis?¡¯

    He cocked his head to the side, his bewilderment evident as he saw Bryan emerge from the bathroom. ¡°Mr. Dawson, when did she get here?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯d like to know too.¡± Bryan walked over as he donned the damp shirt and buttoned it up halfway, exposing his upper chest.

    He then sank into the sofa and casually crossed his legs.

    He nced briefly at Eileen, his expression raised.

    ¡°It¡¯s probably all a misunderstanding,¡± Denzel said as he walked to stand next to Eileen. ¡°I mentioned Eileen woulde. I¡¯m sure she would never hide in the bathroom just to peek at you, Mr. Dawson.¡±

    ¡°Then let her exin what she was doing in the bathroom,¡± Bryan said, still as cool and nonchnt as ever.

    He made no indication of knowing Eileen.

    Eileen picked up on his cue and acted like she didn¡¯t know him either. Sheposed herself and said, ¡°Please excuse my rudeness. I went into the bathroom due to an unexpected issue and never expected someone else toe in, so I panicked. I just didn¡¯t know how to react. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°Are you saying that it¡¯s your fault then?¡± Bryan asked sharply, his displeased gaze directed at Eileen.

    Overwhelmed by his formidable aura, Eileen shook her head.

    ¡°No, of course not! It was just a minor incident,¡± Mr. Dawson. Denzel said, stepping in again. ¡°I would appreciate it if you would be lenient this once. Besides, Miss Curtis is here to talk about Milford¡¯s tutoring. Why don¡¯t we sit down and start the discussion?¡±

    He gestured for the waiter to leave, then handed a cigarette to Bryan.

    The waiter made his exit and closed the door behind him.

    Eileen felt stifled, but there was little else she could do at the moment.

    Bryan lit the cigarette and took a long drag. ¡°All right, take a seat.¡±

    Denzel gave Eileen a small nod. After a few seconds of hesitation, Eileen sat down, making sure to put some distance between her and Bryan.

    ¡°Milford is a very bright child,¡± Denzel began. ¡°My daughter always said so when he was still in school, so¡ª¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about that right now,¡± Bryan interjected. ¡°Let¡¯s review our current coboration first.¡±

    Denzel breathed out a small sigh and red apologetically at Eileen. He could only do so much to appease Bryan.

    Since Bryan wanted to discuss business matters, Eileen would simply have to wait. She nced at her watch.

    It was only a little after seven, but if Bryan decided to drag this thing on¡ªLord knows how long this entire meeting would take.

    Denzel was eager to help Eileen, so he sped through his negotiations with Bryan.

    But thetter kept thwarting his efforts. Every so often, Bryan would interrupt and say somethingpletely off-topic. Then, he would pause the conversation to drink.

    Sometimes, he would even ask Denzel to repeat himself, iming that he didn¡¯t hear Denzel clearly the first time.

    In all the years Eileen had worked with Bryan, she had never seen him like this.

    Still, she sat patiently and only checked her phone from time to time.

    She also sent some messages to Bailee, informing her that she couldn¡¯t return to the hospital just yet.

    When ten o¡¯clock rolled around, Denzel was totally drunk. He was slumped on the sofa, unconscious and unmoving.

    ¡°Send Mr. Vance home,¡± Bryan ordered as he swirled the ss in his hand.

    Raymond was taken aback and asked, ¡°But how will you get home, Mr. Dawson?¡±

    No sooner had he said that than realization struck him. He immediately turned to Eileen and said, ¡°Please send Mr. Dawson home safely. I¡¯ll be taking Mr. Vance away now.¡±

    ¡°Me?¡± Eileen was shocked, but Raymond was already pulling Denzel up.

    Raymond ended up hoisting Denzel over his shoulder. On his way out, he made sure to tell the staff not to let anyone in.

    Now, Eileen and Bryan were alone in the private room.

    Eileen swallowed the lump in her throat and said, ¡°I believe we can talk now, Mr. Dawson.¡±

    ¡°Take me home. We¡¯ll talk on the way,¡± Bryan stood up and grabbed his coat before Eileen could protest.

    He strode out, leaving her no choice but to hurry after him. As she tried to keep up with his long strides, she couldn¡¯t help but find the situation surreal.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 129

    ?Chapter 129:

    They got into the elevator, and Eileen stood in the corner with her back pressed against the wall.

    Instead of pressing a button, Bryan looked at her and asked, ¡°Tell me where.¡±

    Eileen was stunned for a few seconds before saying, ¡°I don¡¯t live by myself anymore, and I need to go to the hospital tonight!¡±

    Without warning, Bryan walked to her and braced both hands on either side of her head, caging her in.

    ¡°I¡¯m asking where you parked your car,¡± he said, his voice low and mocking.

    ¡°At the building entrance,¡± Eileen replied. She deftly ducked under his arms and went to press the button for the first floor.

    She stayed right by the doors and grimaced in shame.

    The man behind her let out a light chuckle, but she was too embarrassed to pay more attention to it.

    Eileen¡¯s car couldn¡¯tpare to Bryan¡¯s Mercedes-Benz. Bryan slipped into the passenger seat and had to struggle to get his legs into afortable position.

    Once he did, he tossed his suit jacket to the backseat and fastened his seatbelt. Then, he leaned back, crossed his arms over his chest, and closed his eyes.

    Eileen started the engine, the windows partially down, letting the night breeze into the car.

    Eileen drove straight in the direction of the Pianoforte Vis and was suddenly struck with the realization that the first time she had been there was when she had identally run into Bryan after his shower.

    Your storytelling begins at g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s,

    She now wondered if that was just a coincidence or¡­

    She shook the memory away and said, ¡°So, Mr. Dawson, about the¡ª¡±

    Eileen failed to finish her sentence when she saw Bryan looking fast asleep.

    He had a well-defined profile that lent him amanding presence even in this state.

    Eileen decided to put the conversation off for the moment and continued to drive in silence.

    She pulled over at themunity gates of the Pianoforte and cleared her throat. ¡°We have arrived, Mr. Dawson.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Bryan, who was supposedly asleep, answered almost immediately. He unfastened his seatbelt in one swift motion, then opened the passenger side door.

    Bryan straightened his wrinkled shirt after he got out of the car. Then, he simply walked away without another word or a single backward nce.

    Eileen fell back in her seat and breathed a sigh of relief. As she watched Bryan walking farther and farther away, she could feel the tension in the car subside.

    Suddenly, she realized that they hadn¡¯t spoken about Milford¡¯s tutoring lessons at all.

    ¡°Wait!¡± Eileen scrambled out of the car and tried to call out to Bryan, but his figure had already disappeared around the corner.

    Eileen got back in her car and mmed the door in frustration. She ran her hands through her hair, feeling dejected. Her time and effort had gone to waste this time. She would have to find another opportunity to talk to him.

    Eileen tidied up her hair, took a deep breath, and drove to the hospital.

    It was already past eleven when she walked into the ward. Bailee was still up, waiting for her.

    ¡°What took you so long? It¡¯s already sote.¡± Bailee had wanted to call Eileen several times and urge her to return early, but she didn¡¯t want to impose on Eileen¡¯s business.

    She had settled for a few reminders via WhatsApp, but Eileen¡¯s replies had been vague.

    Eileen changed into slippers and shook her head resignedly. ¡°Something unexpected came up.¡±

    She didn¡¯t n to tell Bailee about her encounter with Bryan. He was only here for a business trip anyway. He would be gone sooner orter.

    ¡°You must be tired. Wash up and go to bed. Dr. Potter was by this evening and said he has surgery scheduled for tomorrow, but he wille talk to us about Mom¡¯s condition once he¡¯s done.¡±

    While talking, Bailee went into the bathroom and opened the tap to run Eileen some warm water.

    ¡°All right,¡± Eileen said with a smile. ¡°You should rest; I¡¯ll take it from here.¡±

    When Austen came to visit the next morning, Bailee and Eileen were wiping and cleaning Ruby¡¯s room.

    Seeing Austen, they quickly stopped what they were doing and covered Ruby with a nket.

    ¡°Sit down,¡± Austen began as he looked over Ruby¡¯s medical records. ¡°Your mother is stable as of now, and her vitals are all normal. I would suggest that we start electroshock therapy on her by next week. If we do that, however, she will need someone to stay with her the entire time. You may decide among yourselves who it will be, or you may also choose to take turns. The important thing is that you make the necessary arrangements while it¡¯s still early.¡±

    ¡°I see. Thank you, doctor. We will discuss itter,¡± Eileen said.

    After thinking about it for a moment, Eileen asked, ¡°Assuming that the electroshock therapy is effective, how soon are we going to see results?¡±

    ¡°The effects are apparent in the early stages. Some patients respond to the treatment within three to five days. For others, it may take up to two months, but if there is no response after four months of therapy, then that is an indication the treatment is not working. If ites to that, you have no choice but to give up,¡± Austen adjusted his sses and sighed. ¡°You have to understand, this treatment doesn¡¯t work on everyone.¡±

    Just like that, Bailee¡¯s and Eileen¡¯s high spirits were dampened.

    Eileen patted Bailee¡¯s shoulder tofort her and gave the doctor a small smile. ¡°We understand. No matter what it takes, as long as there is a chance for her to recover, we are willing to give the treatment a shot. Thank you, Dr. Potter.¡±

    They exchanged a few more words. Then, Austen took his leave.

    After talking about their schedules, it was decided that Bailee would stay in the hospital to watch over Ruby.

    Bailee handed over her charges to other members of the educational institution while Eileen continued to focus on her work.

    On the night of the weekend, Eileen was leaving the hospital when she nced in the mirror and noticed a piece of clothing crumpled in the back seat.

    Bryan¡¯s suit jacket.

    After hesitating for a few seconds, Eileen pulled out her phone and dialed an all-too-familiar number.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 130

    ?Chapter 130:

    She hesitated for a while before she began to delete the number.

    What should her opening statement be?

    If she were to make use of the opportunity of returning his coat to ask him out to discuss the tutoring matters of Milford, would hee?

    Expectation bubbled up in her heart. She couldn¡¯t tell where it came from.

    Recalling the hours of the previous days spent at the club, she had watched him from the corner of her eyes.

    He had spoken at length with Denzel but had not deemed it fit to spare her a nce.

    That memory was an instant awakening from her daydream. She searched for Raymond¡¯s number and called him.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis,¡± Raymond said as he picked up the phone. ¡°Could you help me schedule a meeting with Mr. Dawson to discuss the tutoring of Milford? Also, inform him that he left his coat in my car,¡± Eileen said.

    Eileen took the coat from behind her and touched it. It still had the faint smell of smoke on it.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll set up a meeting for the discussion of the tutoring. As for the coat, I¡¯m afraid you¡¯d have to see to that yourself, as it¡¯s a private matter. I¡¯m driving now, so I have to go,¡± Raymond said as he nced at Bryan through the rearview mirror.

    After hanging up the phone, he stopped at the traffic light and asked, ¡°Does this arrangement suit you, Mr. Dawson?¡±

    To him, Bryan must have had Eileen in his mind to do what he had done.

    §Þ?§Ô? ¦Ô¦Ñ??§ä?? ?§ä g?l????l?.???

    ¡°What? Do I need to praise you?¡± Bryan said coldly.

    Raymond managed to stifle his smile and said, ¡°No. It¡¯s my job, after all.¡±

    Eileen held her phone in her hand, letting it rest lightly on Bryan¡¯s coat.

    The screen of her phone reflected the confused look on her face.

    Private matter? She didn¡¯t feel the need to see Bryan privately.

    She put the coat in the passenger seat and drove home.

    Phoebe was surprised when she saw her drive home alone. ¡°Where is Bailee?¡±

    ¡°My mom starts her electrotherapy tomorrow, so someone needs to stay with her at the hospital,¡± Eileen said as she sat down at the table and saw that there were various dishes. She gave Phoebe a thumbs up and said, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to be such a good cook, Miss Burton.¡±

    ¡°My cooking skills are okay. Don¡¯t mock me with the title Miss Burton,¡± Phoebe said.

    Eileen smiled, then began to eat.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Is there anything wrong?¡± Phoebe suddenly asked.

    ¡°How can you tell?¡± Eileen asked, surprised.

    ¡°You are frowning. Since we got here, everything has been going well except for the asional mncholy at night. What then could put you in this mood?¡± Phoebe said.

    She watched Eileen for a few seconds before asking.

    Eileen was taken aback by Phoebe¡¯s urate guess.

    ¡°Since you arrived, you¡¯ve avoided listening to business-rted news, so you wouldn¡¯t have known that Bryan has been in Wist Land for a month now,¡± Phoebe said, amused by Eileen¡¯s expression.

    Eileen was even more surprised by this piece of information. Bryan had been in Wist Land that long?

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me this earlier?¡± Eileen asked.

    Phoebe shrugged and answered. ¡°Why should I? It¡¯s not like you were going to see him.¡±

    What Phoebe said made sense. But Eileen couldn¡¯t avoid seeing Bryan because he would use Milford¡¯s case as an excuse to see her.

    ¡°Why did hee all the way from Onnd to Wist Land?¡± Phoebe asked.

    Without thinking, Eileen replied, ¡°I don¡¯t know. He wouldn¡¯te to Wist Land for me anyway.¡±

    Phoebe shook her head in amusement.

    ¡°Did hee here for you? I just wanted to hear your guess. Or is that what you wanted?¡± Phoebe asked, feigning surprise.

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I wanted,¡± Eileen said, then continued eating as she no longer wanted to discuss the topic.

    In her mind, she told herself that Bryan¡¯s appearance here was just a coincidence.

    She couldn¡¯t let this affect her.

    The night stretched on. A cool breeze blew through Wist Land, yet Bryan, who stood by the window, couldn¡¯t be calmed by the wind.

    With a cigarette between his fingers, he scrolled through his phone but saw no texts or missed calls.

    He blew a smoke ring out of his lips; after verifying that his phone bill was indeed paid. Frowning, he threw his phone onto the bed.

    He stood there, lost in thought for a few moments, before he picked up his phone again and ced a call to Raymond.

    Eileen was quite surprised when she received a call from Raymond telling her where her meeting with Bryan would take ce.

    She had thought it would take a few more attempts to arrange a meeting with Bryan.

    On Monday morning, she took out a professional outfit from her wardrobe.

    She was about to change out of her pajamas when she decided to opt for something a little casual.

    That day, she arrived at the Pianoforte Vis by five fifty in the evening and rang the bell.

    The door swung open, but there was no one on the other side. Perhaps it was controlled remotely.

    Eileen took off her shoes at the door. She then finally glimpsed Bryan¡¯s figure in the living room.

    He had on a white t-shirt and sweatpants, along with a pair of ck slippers.

    Eileen hadst seen him dressed this casually years ago, so her heart skipped a beat.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson,¡± she called out. Since they were no longer in a superior-subordinate rtionship, she decided to treat him the way she would treat everyone else.

    Bryan stared at Eileen. Her hair, although ck, was streaked with hints of blue, giving her a yful look.

    She had on jeans and a short ck and white striped top, where her waist was faintly visible.

    Her taste in clothing had improved a lot.

    Bryan¡¯s throat tightened slightly, his voice deep as he said, ¡°Have a seat.¡±

    Eileen waited for him to take his seat first. Then, she sat at the edge of the sofa, the farthest distance from him.

    ¡°Regarding tutoring Milford, I do hope that you, as his current guardian, can help ensure he attends my sses on time. As far as whether or not I¡¯m capable of teaching him well, that would be dependent on whether he can be made to sit and listen to my lessons,¡± Eileen said, getting straight to business.

    ¡°No problem. I¡¯ll make sure that he shows up in the study room on time; the rest is up to you,¡± he replied.

    ¡°And¡­ can I inquire about his background?¡± Eileen asked. She wasn¡¯t being nosy; it was just that Milford¡¯s situation was quite different.

    It was important for her to get him to adjust psychologically so he could learn properly.

    Bryan arched an eyebrow in surprise. He said, ¡°Sure. And I¡¯ll answer.¡±

    ¡°Are both his parents gone?¡± Eileen asked.

    ¡°Yes. They passed away in an ident when he was in his first year of junior high,¡± Bryan replied.

    Eileen felt sympathy well up in her heart. ¡°I heard he has a sister. Do they get along well?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯ve only seen each other three times since he was born,¡± Bryan answered.

    This answer was quite surprising to Eileen. Siblings with the same parents had only met three times? That was odd.

    It seemed like the rtionship between the siblings in the Murray family was quiteplicated. However, Eileen didn¡¯t want to ask more for fear of being thought of as nosy.

    ¡°Any more questions?¡± Bryan asked, staring at Eileen.

    ¡°No,¡± Eileen replied, shaking her head.

    ¡°Alright then. Let¡¯s talk about private issues now,¡± Bryan said, his expression unreadable.

    Eileen blinked several times in confusion. ¡°What private matters do we have to discuss?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Really? You don¡¯t have anything to say?¡± Bryan asked.

    Without hesitation, Eileen said, ¡°I have nothing to say to you, Mr. Dawson. If there are no more matters to discuss regarding Milford, I¡¯ll be going upstairs to begin his lessons.¡±

    She then stood up and began heading up the stairs. However, Bryan stopped her by casually saying, ¡°Milford went out with Raymond to get a haircut. They¡¯ll be a while.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll wait in the study then,¡± Eileen said. She really didn¡¯t want to be alone with Bryan.

    Bryan made no attempt to stop her. Instead, he said, ¡°While you wait for him, you should really try to remember if you might have forgotten to tell me something.¡±

    He then stood up, walked to the French window, and stared outside.

    Eileen stared at him for a while before finally going upstairs. Milford¡¯s study was a mess.

    She began to tidy up the desk and the bookshelf to make space for the materials she had brought with her.

    Then, she sat down and pondered what she might have forgotten to tell Bryan.

    Wasn¡¯t he going to pretend he didn¡¯t know her? What, then, was there to talk about between them?

    Twenty minutester, Milford walked into the room.

    Eileen froze when she saw him. His previously dyed, long hair had been shaved into a crew cut.

    The earrings on his ears were also gone, as were the tattoos behind his ears.

    His colorful clothes were now reced by a simple white t-shirt and sweatpants. He lookedpletely different now.

    Before, he had the look of a thug. Now, he looked quite innocent and handsome.

    He would look even better if he lost the fierceness in his eyes.

    ¡°You really don¡¯t know how to give up, do you?¡± Milford said.

    ¡°The disillusion of your innocent look is suddenly cleared when you speak.¡±

    If he hadn¡¯t spoken, Eileen might have reached out and touched his head.

    ¡°Don¡¯t just sit there. Find something to entertain yourself with,¡± Eileen said, then returned to scrolling her phone.

    Milford was stunned. He watched Eileen for a while to ensure that she was indeed not being sarcastic.

    He then turned around, sat in front of his desk, took out the game console he had hidden in the drawer, and began to y.

    Soon, the sound of Milford¡¯s game console and Eileen¡¯s phone could be heard from outside.

    The two men standing outside could hear it clearly.

    Curiously, Raymond asked, ¡°Is this really a tutoring session? It just seems like Ms. Curtis is here to y.¡±

    ¡°Go prepare them some snacks,¡± Bryan instructed before heading downstairs as if nothing was wrong.

    Ten minutester, Raymond returned with the snacks. Eileen, having heard Raymond¡¯s footsteps, put away her phone and kicked Milford to warn him about Raymond.

    Milford quickly put away his game console and picked up one of the materials prepared by Eileen.

    When Raymond entered the room, he saw both of them looking quite serious in the tutoring session. His mouth twitched, but he said nothing. He just put down the snacks and left to find Bryan.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 131

    ?Chapter 131:

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, I made a mistake rmending Miss Curtis as Milford¡¯s tutor. She¡¯s leading him astray,¡± Raymond began toin about Eileen¡¯sck of responsibility.

    Bryan raised an eyebrow at him and remarked, ¡°Do you find yourself with too much idle time?¡±

    Raymond quickly realized his error in speaking ill of Eileen in front of Bryan.

    He immediately mped his mouth shut and stepped aside, awaiting further instructions.

    Later, in the study, after Raymond left, before Milford even touched his game console, Eileen was already on her phone. Milford noticed this and frowned.

    ¡°Are you here to tutor me or to y on your phone?¡± he asked.

    Without looking up, Eileen replied, ¡°Didn¡¯t you mention that you weren¡¯t interested in my tutoring? I¡¯m amodating that. Is there an issue?¡±

    Milford was left speechless. Although he had indeed expressed disinterest, it irked him to see Eileen doing nothing.

    ¡°You could at least cover for me,¡± Eileen said, even encouraging him to y games.

    She continued to browse her phone, but suddenly, Milford grabbed it from her.

    ¡°If you really want to cover for me, you need to refund the tutoring fees to me and tell Bryan that I¡¯ll start attending sessions at your education agency. But I won¡¯t actually go there, and you should just leave me be,¡± Milford said.

    Eileen immediately rejected the idea. ¡°No way!¡±

    ¡°Then this is immoral!¡± Milford retorted angrily.

    Your source of stories: galn¦Òv??ls.??????

    ¡°I¡¯m paid to tutor me, yet here you are, just scrolling through your phone. That¡¯s hardly fair!¡±

    ¡°And still, here I am,¡± Eileen countered. ¡°My agency is top-rated in Wist Land. If I don¡¯t tutor you, no one else will risk their reputation. I¡¯m not concerned about your family cutting off payments, even if your grades don¡¯t improve.¡±

    Milford couldn¡¯te up with a response and just red at Eileen in frustration.

    Eileen handed him the game console and said, ¡°Don¡¯t waste more time. Go ahead and continue to y! I don¡¯t want to squander any of my time here. I earn a thousand an hour¡ªthat¡¯s four thousand for each evening. I make a lot just to scroll on my phone. Jealous, aren¡¯t you? That¡¯s the advantage of being well-educated and skilled.¡±

    After her remark, Eileen resumed scrolling her phone, oblivious to Milford¡¯s reaction.

    Milford abruptly covered her phone with his hand, proposing, ¡°How about we split the fees fifty-fifty? I can take all the money. Why should I share it with you?¡±

    Eileen brushed his hand aside and turned away from him.

    Milford scowled and retorted, ¡°You¡¯re only inviting trouble. I won¡¯t let you earn this money so easily.¡±

    With that, he turned his attention back to his game console.

    Time flew by, and before Eileen knew it, the tutoring session hade to an end. A thought about Bryan¡¯s earlierments suddenly flickered through her mind.

    But she quickly brushed the thought aside.

    She then gathered her belongings and bid Milford farewell.

    Milford just ignored her.

    However, no sooner had Eileen left the room than Milford pushed aside his game console. He retrieved his phone and began scouring the inte. Shortly thereafter, he jotted down a number and made a call.

    ¡°Hello. Is this Sanchez Education Agency? I¡¯m not inquiring about tutoring services. Instead, I have information on yourpetitor¡¯s unprofessional behavior. This might interest you,¡± Milford said.

    It was nine in the evening. Darkness enveloped the outside, but the vi¡¯s interior was awash with light. The grand chandelier cast a daylight-like glow across the living room. Eileen descended the stairs, her gaze wandering through the spacious house. As she passed a second-floor room, the room¡¯s door suddenly swung open, and before she could react, she was pulled inside.

    She was then pressed against the wall. The light was off inside, and the room darkened as the door almost closed, leaving only a crack of light.

    Eileen, regaining herposure, looked up into the eyes of the man before her.

    Bryan ced a hand on her waist, his scent enveloping her.

    ¡°Have you thought it over?¡± he asked.

    Eileen slowly shook her head and responded, ¡°I have nothing to say to you.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Bryan tilted her chin upward, forcing her eyes to meet his. ¡°Do you need me to remind you?¡±

    His grip tightened, causing her difort. Eileen jerked her head away. ¡°No reminders needed. I told you, I have nothing to say to you!¡±

    Bryan arched an eyebrow and sneered slightly, ¡°So, you¡¯re not nning to return my suit jacket?¡±

    Realization dawned on Eileen, and her eyes widened. She had indeed packed Bryan¡¯s suit jacket but had left it behind in the afternoon rush.

    She quickly said, ¡°Sorry, I forgot to take it with me today. I¡¯ll bring it along next time I¡¯m here for tutoring.¡±

    Moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating Eileen¡¯s face. Bryan could feel the warmth of Eileen¡¯s skin from his hand on her.

    His breathing grew heavier, and he struggled to control himself.

    He turned away abruptly, and with a frosty tone, hemanded, ¡°Get out!¡±

    Eileen didn¡¯t hesitate; she bolted from the room, hurried down the stairs, changed into her shoes, and exited the house.

    His touch had ignited something primal within her, causing her face to flush deeply.

    However, his icy voice had snapped her back to reality.

    It waste, and the streets were nearly empty. Eileen quickly drove home in half an hour. She briefly acknowledged Phoebe upon arrival before rushing to her own room.

    On Tuesday, Eileen spent her morning creating a series of study guide videos for Aaron. Despite Aaron¡¯s excellent exam scores and admission to a prestigious high school, Han continued to secure tutoring for him.

    Currently, Aaron¡¯s tutoring was primarily conducted online by Eileen, which significantly reduced the costs.

    In the afternoon, Eileen prepared for her evening tutoring session with Denzel¡¯s daughter, dedicating her entire day to work.

    Arriving punctually at Denzel¡¯s residence in the evening, Eileen immediately sensed something was amiss.

    Even though Denzel¡¯s wife, Ryann Vance, was already in her forties, she appeared strikingly youthful, easily passing for someone a decade younger.

    Denzel was evidently very attentive to his wife, taking charge of their daughter¡¯s academic needs and tutoring arrangements himself while his wife generally spent her days out.

    However, today was unusual¡ªRyann was at home and fixated on Eileen from the moment Eileen walked in.

    ¡°Mrs. Vance,¡± Eileen greeted her calmly.

    But Ryann responded with a dismissive snort. ¡°You are so young and look inexperienced. Can you truly teach effectively? And since we¡¯ve never met, how do you know Denzel¡¯s¡­¡±

    Eileen replied, ¡°Your child has a group photo with you on her desk. Moreover, whether I¡¯m effective as a teacher will be evident over time.¡±

    As it hadn¡¯t been long since Eileen started tutoring Denzel¡¯s daughter, Adalma Vance, the girl hadn¡¯t yet shown significant academic progress.

    There wasn¡¯t much Eileen could present immediately to alleviate Ryann¡¯s skepticism regarding her teaching skills.

    Ryann stood and approached Eileen with her arms crossed, her tone confrontational. ¡°What if you end up wasting our time? Will you pay us back for what we¡¯ve lost? And if Adalma doesn¡¯t improve, who will take responsibility?¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Vance, our agency provides certain guarantees concerning our tutoring effectiveness. Furthermore, Mr. Vance has extensively reviewed our student improvement rates and chose me as your daughter¡¯s tutor after careful consideration,¡± Eileen said.

    She had fielded simr inquiries from Denzel before and could sense a deeper motive behind Mrs. Vance¡¯s sudden intense scrutiny of the tutoring arrangement.

    ¡°Mrs. Vance, please be assured, I have a contract with Mr. Vance. Should your daughter¡¯s academic performance not improve, we will fulfill our obligations as stipted,¡± Eileen said.

    Sadly, her earnestness seemed to fall on deaf ears.

    ¡°What exactly does ¡®fulfill our obligations¡¯ mean? It sounds like you¡¯ll have the final word!¡± Ryann¡¯s disdain for Eileen was palpable.

    Eileen asked directly, ¡°What exactly are you asking for?¡±

    Caught off guard, Ryann paused before responding, ¡°I expect a guarantee that my daughter will gain admission to a reputable high school. Should she not, you should resign from teaching!¡±

    ¡°Would a mere verbal promise truly reassure you?¡± Eileen said. ¡°If you already doubt my ability, would my assurances change your mind?¡±

    ¡°You speak too smoothly to be trustworthy!¡± Mrs. Vance snorted. ¡°I wonder if there have beenints about your professionalism. It seems you¡¯ve fooled many with your words!¡±

    Comints?

    Stunned, Eileen quickly regained herposure and said, ¡°Mrs. Vance, you are wee to investigate both my background and the agency¡¯s credentials. And remember, sometimes people make such ims with ulterior motives.¡±

    Eileen knew that families of students she had long tutored, who had seen clear improvements, wouldn¡¯t believe such allegations.

    However, for the Vances, who were her new clients, the allegations might carry more weight.

    ¡°I don¡¯t need your advice. I¡¯ve been shown enough proof,¡± Ryann retorted. ¡°You need not continue tutoring today. My husband and I will discuss whether to proceed.¡±

    Then, she signaled to a servant nearby.

    Thetter immediately opened the door for Eileen.

    After a pause, Eileen ced a document on the table. ¡°I respect your decision. Meanwhile, this study material might help Adalina. Please have her look over it.¡±

    Without waiting for Ryann¡¯s reply, Eileen turned and left.

    Earlier in the year, her agency hadn¡¯t been well-known, but after several students had dramatically improved their grades under her guidance, it had gained prominence.

    Eileen couldn¡¯t help but wonder if envy over their newfound sess was driving this hostility.

    And what exactly was the convincing evidence Ryann had referred to?

    Eileen couldn¡¯t unravel the mystery. She headed home. Phoebe was visibly surprised to see her back so early.

    ¡°Weren¡¯t you supposed to be at Denzel¡¯s for tutoring?¡± Phoebe asked.

    ¡°Someone madeints about me, using me of being unprofessional, so they suspended the session,¡± Eileen exined as she removed her coat and headed to the kitchen. She poured herself a ss of water, wanting to rx a bit.

    Phoebe got up from the sofa, her expression one of disbelief. ¡°What did you do?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d love to know myself what supposedly caused this,¡± Eileen responded, downing the water quickly. At that moment, her phone rang.

    It was Bailee calling. Eileen picked up the call immediately.

    ¡°Eileen, a lot of our clients who had scheduled sessions are canceling. Some aren¡¯t even asking for their deposits back. What¡¯s happening?¡± Bailee said.

    Only then did Eileen grasp the gravity of the situation.

    ¡°Just look after Mom. I¡¯ll handle this matter,¡± Eileen reassured Bailee. Then, she briefly inquired about Ruby¡¯s ongoing electroconvulsive therapy before ending the call.

    Observing Eileen¡¯s troubled demeanor, Phoebe voiced a suggestion. ¡°This looks like major trouble. Maybe you should reach out to Bryan for help?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 132

    ?Chapter 132:

    ¡°¡®Are you serious?¡± Eileen quickly dismissed the idea. She felt it was absurd.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Phoebe was a little surprised to see Eileen¡¯s expression. ¡°You have worked for him for several years and solved many of his problems. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s normal for him to help you? He¡¯s merely returning the favor.¡±

    Eileen helped fasten the buttons of Phoebe¡¯s pajamas. Then, she patted Phoebe¡¯s cheek. ¡°Go back to sleep. I¡¯ll handle it,¡± she said.

    Before Phoebe could react, she turned around and left.

    Eileen rarely went to bed early, and she couldn¡¯t fall asleep. She wasn¡¯t surprised about herpetitor ndering her; however, she was curious to know where they had gotten the evidence.

    The next day, early in the morning, she arrived at the educational agency earlier than usual, and the other tutors arrived after her. At nine in the morning, Emmett Bryant, who was filling in for Bailee, approached Eileen with concern.

    ¡°Several parents of online students are requesting refunds,¡± Emmett said anxiously.

    Emmett had recently graduated from university with a major in foreign trade and worked solely as a tutor here for a primarynguage ss. He didn¡¯t have much work, so Eileen had assigned him to take over Bailee¡¯s job temporarily.

    Emmett was inexperienced and didn¡¯t know how to handle the current situation.

    ¡°Give me your phone!¡± Eileen took his phone and read the conversation.

    Not knowing what to tell the dissatisfied parents, Emmett had only replied, ¡°All teachers are professional¡­¡±

    ???? ??d???? ?? g????????.????

    Eileen asked the parents why they were requesting a refund. The parents all told Eileen that they believed the tutors in the organization were irresponsible.

    Eileen invited them all to a group chat and tried calming them down.

    She felt strange to hear simrints from them, suspecting someone was deliberately causing trouble.

    She agreed to provide them with a satisfactory exnation and requested them to wait for two days.

    But after that, several parents who had previously paid fees for offline sses arrived at the institution, also requesting refunds.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, we doubt your sense of responsibility as a teacher. How can we trust a teacher who uses her phone during one-on-one tutoring sessions?¡±

    ¡°How could you do that? Your tutoring sessions are expensive. You are wasting our hard-earned money!¡±

    Eileen calmly responded, ¡°My phone is always on silent mode during sses. Even my family and friends can¡¯t reach me during my tutoring sessions. I don¡¯t know where you heard such rumors.¡±

    The parent sitting at the front table unlocked his phone and showed Eileen a picture. It was a screenshot of the surveince footage.

    It showed Eileen sitting in the chair, staring at her mobile phone while Milford was busy ying a game.

    Another picture showed Raymond walking in with fruits while Eileen and Milford were engrossed in reading books.

    There were several screenshots, each marked with the time in the upper right corner. The pictures proved Eileen was an irresponsible tutor who didn¡¯t pay attention to her student.

    ¡°I agree I¡¯m the person in this photo and that the boy is my student. But you have to understand his situation is different,¡± Eileen said.

    The parents grew angrier when they heard that.

    But Eileen calmly continued, ¡°Every student is different. I meticulously prepared study materials for each student, and Milford is an exception. If you don¡¯t believe my words, check with the parents of other students if such incidents have urred. Since yesterday, only parents of newly enrolled students have visited me withints. This makes me think that only those who are unaware of the situation can be easily misled.¡±

    ¡°We have the evidence. Since you are adamant about denying it, I don¡¯t think we can do anything about it. Anyway, you¡¯ve already received your fees. If you refuse to refund us, what can we do to you?¡± said the parent in the front. The other parents also seemed to agree with him.

    Several people walking by stopped to look at Eileen and the others, whispering among themselves.

    Eileen spotted a familiar figure in the crowd. The person was from the Sanchez Education Agency. Eileen narrowed her eyes and immediately recalled meeting the person before.

    The person locked eyes with Eileen before hastily leaving.

    The Sanchez Education Agency was far from Eileen¡¯s educational institution. Therefore, the person being here couldn¡¯t be just a coincidence.

    There was only one usible exnation.

    ¡°Everyone, if I don¡¯t find any evidence to prove my innocence within two days, I will refund your tutoring fees in full,¡± Eileen announced loudly. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, go inside with Emmett and sign the agreement.¡±

    She then turned and signaled Emmett, who understood the gesture and promptly guided the parents inside.

    Eileen turned to look at the person from the Sanchez Education Agency, but the person had vanished into the street. Eileen sighed and walked inside.

    The parents reluctantly signed the agreementplying with the two-day deadline for the full refund despite their discontentment. They returned within two days before leaving.

    After they left, Emmett asked, ¡°Ms. Curtis, what should we do now? Is that the photo posted by the parents of that student? It is possible that your use of the phone during the tutoring session might have made them displeased, which in turn led them to post the photos.¡±

    Emmett didn¡¯t speak further. He was just hinting that Eileen should apologize to that student¡¯s parents.

    ¡°You are right. I¡¯ll exin everything,¡± Eileen took her bag and called Raymond to ask where Bryan was.

    Raymond stood in the corner of the conference room and nced at Bryan, who was in the middle of a meeting. ¡°¡®Mr. Dawson is currently in apany meeting. There¡¯s an important high-level meeting this morning. Ms. Curtis, do you have anything important to discuss with him?¡± he whispered on the phone.

    Eileen could hear Bryan¡¯s muffled voice over the phone. He was indeed in a meeting.

    She said, ¡°Yeah, I need to discuss something important with him. I¡¯ll go there and wait for him. Please help me arrange a meeting with him as soon as possible. I don¡¯t mind even if it¡¯s during lunchtime.¡±

    As she spoke, she started the car to drive to Bryan¡¯spany.

    Hearing the noise of traffic, Raymond understood Eileen wanted to discuss something urgent. Half an hourter, Eileen arrived at Bryan¡¯spany. Perhaps Raymond had informed the security guard. They let Eileen in right away. The receptionist took her to the waiting room and brought her a cup of coffee.

    Thest time Eileen hade here, Bryan had made her wait. Her visit had ended in vain. However, this time, everything had gone smoothly, which surprised Eileen. As soon as she took a sip of coffee, the door of the room flew open. Bryan strode in with one hand in his pocket and a document in the other. A frown lined his forehead when he saw Eileen. Then, he turned and looked at Raymond. Raymond quickly exined, ¡°Mr. Dawson, Ms. Curtis mentioned she had something urgent to discuss with you and was on her way here. I presumed it was important and required immediate attention, so I prioritized it over other tasks.¡±

    Eileen was taken aback. She hadn¡¯t expected Raymond to perceive the situation this way. She had rushed to schedule an appointment with Bryan because she feared she would lose this opportunity. But she hadn¡¯t figured out how to broach the subject and question Bryan yet. To be frank, she had to hear Bryan¡¯s exnation. But she was anxious because she couldn¡¯t afford to upset Bryan any further.

    She had anticipated a lengthy meeting and believed that would give her ample time to prepare for the conversation with Bryan. But that was not the case. Bryan put the documents on the table and plopped into the chair, leaning backfortably.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± he asked indifferently.

    Eileen took a deep breath. ¡°Although I might not have made significant contributions to thepany, I have worked diligently for you in the past. You shouldn¡¯t have been so hostile toward me.¡±

    Bryan only narrowed his eyes, frowning.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, what are you saying?¡± Raymond asked in surprise.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, I believe you understand the uniqueness of Milford¡¯s situation and the need for special treatment. If you have any problem with my teaching method, you should have approached me directly. You didn¡¯t have to resort to extreme measures.¡± Eileen sounded frustrated.

    She had stood up when Bryan entered the room, and now she looked at him usingly as if she were interrogating him. But somehow, she didn¡¯t feel like she was intimidating enough for Bryan.

    Bryan¡¯s face darkened as he sized her up. He believed she had undoubtedly grown bolder over the years. He couldn¡¯t believe she now dared to question him.

    At that moment, Raymond said, ¡°Ms. Curtis, I guess there is a misunderstanding. Mr. Dawson has been busy with worktely. He didn¡¯t do anything.¡±

    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, he nced at Bryan and asked him politely, ¡°Have you taken any further action besides initially making things difficult for Ms. Curtis?¡±

    Bryan was rendered speechless. A deathly silence prevailed in the room. Bryan red at Raymond. Seeing that, thetter quickly averted his gaze, pretending like he hadn¡¯t uttered a word.

    Then, Raymond cleared his throat and turned to look at Eileen. ¡°Ms. Curtis, I assure you that Mr. Dawson hasn¡¯t taken any action against you recently!¡±

    ¡°Make it clearer to her!¡± Bryan said coldly as he looked at Eileen.

    Eileen was astounded. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder if it was indeed a misunderstanding.

    ¡°Someone sent screenshots of me using my mobile phone while tutoring Milford to my clients. It has undermined my clients¡¯ trust in me. Numerous parents have questioned me about that, requesting refunds.¡±

    Eileen exined, examining Bryan¡¯s face.

    Bryan¡¯s eyes widened for a moment; he was clearly puzzled. Eileen quickly understood him. But then, she shook her head. ¡°The surveince video is from your house. Who else could have done that?¡±

    ¡°I know who did that,¡± Raymond said. ¡°Milford is aputer genius. I¡¯ve thoroughly checked his background. He dropped out of school this year with no support from his family. The only reason he has been making ends meet without starving to death is that he has been relying on his greatputer skills to make money.¡±

    He implied that Raymond had hacked into the surveince footage of the house and taken the screenshots.

    ¡°You go and deal with the rest of the work,¡± Bryan said to Raymond. He then stood up, ced the document on the table beside Raymond, and strode toward the door.

    He opened the door and turned around to look at Eileen.

    ¡°What are you waiting for? Come with me!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 133

    ?Chapter 133:

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen quickly replied, giving Raymond a nod before trailing after Bryan as he left.

    She then got into Bryan¡¯s car with him.

    Once she was in his car, she observed his confident handling of the vehicle as he drove. The car picked up speed, prompting Eileen to instinctively grasp the overhead safety handle.

    ¡°What are you so scared of?¡± Bryan asked, casting a quick nce her way. ¡°Weren¡¯t you quite fearless when you confronted me earlier?¡±

    Eileen released one hand and touched the tip of her nose, a hint of guilt in her expression. ¡°Sorry, I just assumed that¡­¡± She had initially thought Bryan was seeking retribution for her rejection that had urred a year ago, but upon reflection, she realized she might have overestimated her importance in Bryan¡¯s heart. To him, her rejection before was likely just a trivial issue.

    ¡°What did you think?¡± Bryan retorted sharply. ¡°That I¡¯m some petty, despicable guy?¡±

    The reminder of the past made Eileen feel even more guilty. She adjusted her hair and turned to gaze out the window, ignoring his question.

    Bryan didn¡¯t pursue the conversation further and drove directly to the Pianoforte Vis, pulling up in front of the door. He was one step ahead of Eileen. By the time Eileen unfastened her seatbelt and stepped out of the car, he was already at the front door, entering the passcode.

    ¡°Are there just you and Milford here?¡± Eileen inquired as she caught up to him.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Bryan said as he opened the door.

    On the third floor, they found both Milford¡¯s bedroom and study empty. Milford was clearly not there.

    Ga lno vel s . takes you into new worlds

    ¡°Do you have Milford¡¯s phone number?¡± Eileen asked, recalling an earlier observation. ¡°I saw him stash away a game console. Maybe he hid his phone, too.¡±

    A grim look appeared on Bryan¡¯s face. ¡°No,¡± he said. He then promptly called Raymond to ask him to find out about Milford¡¯s whereabouts.

    Within ten minutes, Raymond responded with Milford¡¯s current location. Milford was in a cybercaf¨¦ situated in a secluded area. Bryan parked the car near the main road by the cybercaf¨¦. Bryan and Eileen both got out and began to walk down the alley. The humid southern air made the stone path slick, with moss clinging to its edges. The center of the path remained damp, the air thick with moisture.

    Eileen and Bryan followed the directions on their phones, but the navigation app seemed unreliable, sending them looping through the convoluted alleyways.

    ¡°Let¡¯s split up. The ce must be nearby,¡± Eileen suggested, pointing to two unexplored paths. ¡°You take that one, and I¡¯ll go down this one.¡±

    Before Bryan could respond, she turned and hurried down her chosen path.

    Bryan watched Eileen for a moment, then took the different path with a determined look. As light rain began to fall, Eileen¡¯s hair quickly gathered droplets, but she was too focused to mind that. Rather than wasting time worrying, she stopped a passerby with an umbre to ask for directions.

    ¡°It¡¯s down there,¡± the passerby stated, pointing down the road. ¡°It is quite rowdy. I saw a fight there earlier. It might not be safe for you, especially alone.¡±

    Eileen nced toward the indicated direction, where faint sounds drifted through the air. She thanked the passerby and quickened her pace towards the noise.

    A modest sign marked ¡°cybercaf¨¦¡± hung above a closed door. Nearby, the sounds of conflict grew louder. Upon approaching, Eileen saw Milford on the ground, being roughed up by a group of people with vividly dyed hair. One of them yanked Milford up and mmed him against a wall.

    Milford¡¯s white t-shirt was stained and tattered, his face smeared with grime.

    ¡°Do you still want to roll with us? Then act like it and hand over your money!¡± shouted a person with yellow hair, grabbing Milford¡¯s hair and pping his face.

    Though Milford was taller, he was outnumbered and cornered, unable to defend himself.

    Milford gritted his teeth, his breathing heavy. He turned his head and unexpectedly locked eyes with Eileen¡¯s surprised gaze. He paused, his frown deepening momentarily before he averted his eyes.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± Eileen, struck by the coldness in Milford¡¯s eyes, snapped out of her shock and hurried over.

    The young hooligans, all in their twenties, paused their assault and sneered at Eileen, who appeared not much older than them.

    ¡°Mind your own business!¡± the one with red hair yelled.

    His warning didn¡¯t deter Eileen, and she continued walking toward them.

    Upon reaching them, she swiftly pulled the person¡¯s hand off Milford. Then, she dragged Milford away. She had been able to pull him away easily because the hooligans had all been momentarily shocked and hadn¡¯t reacted swiftly.

    The red-haired hooligan was the first to regain hisposure. ¡°You¡¯ve got some guts interfering with our matters! Do you even know who we are?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not interested in your affairs, but I am concerned about him.¡± Eileen reached into her bag, pulled out a tissue, and began to gently clean the dirt from Milford¡¯s face.

    Not looking at the hooligans, she continued, ¡°What you¡¯re doing is illegal, but I¡¯ll overlook what happened today as long as you leave him alone.¡±

    At the mention of legality, the hooligans exchanged nervous nces, their eyes finally settling on the one with red hair.

    The red-haired man assessed Eileen. After a moment, he said reluctantly, ¡°This time, I¡¯ll let it slide. Milford, don¡¯t let me catch you around here again!¡±

    With that, he signaled his gang, and they all turned to leave.

    ¡°Stop!¡± Milford pushed Eileen¡¯s hand away. He shouted to the hooligans, ¡°Return my stuff!¡±

    The man with red hair paused, then retrieved a small bead hanging on a red string from another hooligan.

    ¡°Almost forgot. Here you go. Catch!¡±

    He callously tossed the object onto the ground. Itnded in the mud, the red string soaking up the murky water.

    With two deliberate stomps, the hooligan with red hair crushed the bead.

    ¡°Damn it! I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Milford eximed.

    Before Eileen could fully understand what was happening, Milford had lunged forward and struck the man with red hair squarely in the face.

    The situation escted quickly as the other hooligans joined the fight, resuming their assault on Milford.

    ¡°Stop it!¡± Eileen rushed forward, trying to reach Milford amidst the chaos, but the fierce scuffle made her attempts futile.

    Suddenly, Milford shoved one of the attackers, who bumped into Eileen, causing her to retreat until her feet slipped. She fell backward.

    A strong, warm hand caught Eileen¡¯s waist just in time, steadying her against a solid chest.

    Surrounded by a familiar scent, Eileen turned to find Bryan behind her, his presence instantly reassuring.

    ¡°Stand aside,¡± Bryan instructed calmly, setting Eileen upright before advancing toward the fray.

    Dressed in ck, his appearance was starkly different from that of the dyed-hair hooligans, his demeanor cool and authoritative.

    With effortless precision, Bryan subdued the hooligans, leaving cries and groans in his wake.

    Meanwhile, Eileen watched Milford dash to the shattered bead, trying to piece it together as tears welled up in his eyes.

    ¡°Milford¡¯s injured. Let¡¯s get him to the hospital!¡± Eileen said to Bryan, noting the blood on Milford¡¯s arm.

    Bryan called Raymond to deal with the hooligans and went to the hospital with Milford and Eileen.

    Throughout the ride, Milford was quiet, his grip tight on the shattered bead.

    During the altercation, one of the hooligans had brandished a small knife, leaving a shallow cut on Milford¡¯s forearm.

    Fortunately, the injury was minor. After receiving medical attention and bandaging at the hospital, Milford was escorted back home by Bryan and Eileen.

    After returning home, Milford headed straight to his room and locked himself inside without saying a word.

    ¡°Who gave Milford that bead? Does it have any special significance?¡± Eileen asked Bryan.

    Bryan was making coffee at the mini bar in the living room, his hands moving with the precision and fluidity of someone familiar with the process.

    Without turning, he answered, ¡°It was from his grandmother. She passed away when he was ten, which really affected him. Then, two years ago, his parents died unexpectedly, and that changed him even more.¡±

    Eileen felt a surge of sympathy. She had thought her own background was fraught with hardship, but Milford¡¯s circumstances were worse.

    ¡°Stay for lunch,¡± Bryan suggested casually, nodding toward the kitchen. ¡°There is food in the fridge.¡±

    It was already past noon, and given the remote location of the vi, public transport options like buses and taxis were scarce.

    Realizing she had no easy way to leave since she hade here in Bryan¡¯s car, Eileen wondered if Bryan was hinting she should cook.

    She hesitated for a moment, then bit her lip.

    Noticing her reaction, Bryan seemed to catch on. ¡°Haven¡¯t had much chance to cooktely?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t really need to. Bailee handles the cooking well,¡± Eileen replied, feeling a bit embarrassed.

    Judging from Bryan¡¯s expression, Eileen believed he remembered her culinary efforts all too well, hinting they were memorably subpar.

    After finishing his coffee, Bryan set down his cup and said, ¡°I brought Milford back for you. You can manage things with him here.¡±

    He unbuttoned his sleeves and rolled them up, exposing his well-defined arms.

    Then, he made his way into the kitchen.

    Eileen went to Milford¡¯s room and knocked twice before announcing, ¡°I¡¯ming in.¡±

    Sounds emanated from within the room. Although Milford didn¡¯t verbally respond, Eileen sensed he was aware of her presence.

    To Eileen¡¯s surprise, Milford had already showered and changed into fresh clothes. He was curled up on the sofa, deeply engrossed in a video game.

    He didn¡¯t even bother to look up when Eileen entered the room.

    ¡°¡®Isn¡¯t Bryan incredible?¡± Eileen said, choosing a topic that caught Milford off guard.

    Milford nced up briefly but remained silent.

    ¡°I know about a taekwondo ss that might interest you. Even though you¡¯re a bit old for the ss, it¡¯s never toote to learn. I promise you¡¯ll turn into a champion, but at least you won¡¯t be bullied anymore,¡± Eileen said as she took out her phone, opened the contact for the taekwondo instructor, and offered it to Milford. ¡°Are you interested? Jot down the number and give them a call.¡±

    Milford stopped ying, turned off the game console, and looked at Eileen. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you scolding me?¡±

    ¡°Why would I scold you?¡± Eileen responded. ¡°You were the one who got bullied and hurt. What reason would I have to scold you?¡±

    Her words were clear and straightforward, yet Milford seemed unable to understand her.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 134

    ?Chapter 134:

    Milford¡¯s unexpected reaction took Eileen by surprise. With a puzzled look, she questioned, ¡°Why would you think I¡¯d scold you?¡±

    ¡°¡®Because I¡¯m not a good kid. I¡¯ve gotten involved with the wrong crowd,¡± Milford admitted, trying to keep his tone light, despite the uncharacteristic sarcasm on his young face.

    Eileen, catching on to something, sat next to him and said, ¡°Who¡¯s to say those people are all bad? Many people whomit major crimes look ordinary. Looks alone can¡¯t tell you who¡¯s good or bad, Milford.¡± Looking thoughtful, he yed with the hem of his trousers without making eye contact with Eileen.

    Eileen continued, ¡°You should practice more before going out there to confront those people. At least, don¡¯t embarrass yourself next time.¡±

    Back in her school days, Eileen would cross paths with intimidating figures at the school gates, their presence alone enough to send chills down her spine.

    But as she grew older, she realized that those tough-looking characters were all bark and no bite, only able to scare those unacquainted with the real world.

    Eileen said, ¡°You were not this timid when you were up to your pranks. To whom did you send the footage of the¡ª¡±

    Milford¡¯s demeanor suddenly turned stormy at the mention of the surveince footage.

    He tilted his head with a sly grin. ¡°I warned you about trying to change me. Feeling remorseful now? Give me seventy percent of the tutoring fees, and I¡¯ll hand over the proof that clears your name. Then, we¡¯ll be done with each other. Deal?¡±

    Milford¡¯s insistence on squeezing money out of Eileen revealed his thoughts. He clearly cared about money a lot.

    ¡°Why are you so desperate for money?¡± Eileen questioned bluntly.

    where stories grow

    Milford replied, ¡°Being poor gets you scorned, while wealth earns you respect. Everyone is chasing the almighty dor.¡±

    ¡°But did you ever stop to think that your way of making money is wed? That the amounts you¡¯re snatching are limited? Put in the work, use your smarts, and earn your keep honestly. You¡¯ll gain the respect that money can¡¯t buy,¡± Eileen said.

    She bit her tongue on asking how he had gotten so cynical about money at such a young age.

    For now, she could only skim the surface in her efforts to reason with him. It barely yielded any results.

    ¡°¡®You just want me to take your sses; you don¡¯t really care about me,¡± Milford used, his anger boiling over as he stood up and stormed out.

    Eileen didn¡¯t mind that. She hadn¡¯t expected Milford to change so easily, after all. As she stood up, her gaze scanned the trash can.

    There, among the refuse,y the cracked bead.

    She hesitated briefly. Then, with resolve, she picked up the bead, wrapped it in a scrap of paper, and slipped it into her pocket.

    She knew she still needed to find an opportunity to handle the issue of the photos by working on Milford.

    Descending the stairs, she was greeted by the mouthwatering aromas of a meal in preparation. In the kitchen, Bryan was immersed in cooking.

    Eileen lingered at the kitchen¡¯s door, watching. There seemed no need for her to help.

    ¡°I¡¯d like toe over to tutor Milford tonight and tomorrow,¡± she said to Bryan.

    With her schedule unexpectedly cleared, she decided to dedicate her time to Milford, hoping to get to the root of the problem swiftly.

    ¡°¡®Sure,¡± Bryan replied, not bothering to look up.

    Soon, hepleted his culinary task and turned off the stove.

    ¡°Take the dishes to the dining table,¡± he told Eileen.

    ¡°Got it.¡± Eileen quickly brought the dishes to the table.

    Bryan had prepared four dishes and a soup in less than half an hour. Eileen was impressed by his culinary prowess.

    She remembered his cooking skills being decent before, but she hadn¡¯t anticipated such an improvement over thest year.

    While Eileen was debating whether to ask Milford to join dinner, Bryan texted Milford. In no time, Milford appeared.

    He settled at the table and began eating quickly without anyck of manners.

    Just as he was wrapping up his meal, Bryan reminded him, ¡°Take a break, then prep yourself. You¡¯ve got tutoring at six.¡±

    Milford stopped and shot a look at Eileen, clearly frustrated.

    But he eventually replied, ¡°Understood.¡±

    He seemed unexpectedlypliant with Bryan.

    Suddenly, Eileen¡¯s phone interrupted the silence. She answered promptly. It was Emmett calling.

    Emmett¡¯s voice, resonant and full of life, floated through the receiver.

    ¡°¡®Miss Curtis, have you dealt with the issue?¡± he asked.

    Eileen, catching that Milford had something to say to Bryan, stood up and moved to the living room for the call to give them some space.

    Unnoticed by her, Bryan¡¯s expression turned stormy, his gaze following her as she left.

    Golden sunlight flooded the French windows, bathing Eileen in a soft light as she talked on the phone.

    Bryan, unable to see her face, could only guess how tender her demeanor must be.

    Who was on the line? Why did she need to avoid him to answer the call?

    Bryan¡¯s eyes grew chilly. He continued his meal in silence.

    After ending the call, Eileen came back to find Milford had retreated upstairs.

    She swiftly finished eating, tidied the table, and departed with Bryan.

    On the road, Eileen said to Bryan, ¡°Sorry if I misunderstood you earlier. Thanks for your help.¡±

    Bryan remained silent, casually resting a hand on the steering wheel, his demeanor cold.

    Eileen bit her lip, a wave of guilt washing over her.

    Upon reaching his office, Bryan came to a stop and said simply, ¡°Get out now.¡±

    Eileen unbuckled her seatbelt and got out of the car. The car then sped off without her.

    The wind it left behind tousled Eileen¡¯s hair.

    Her guilt turned into disappointment.

    She realized just sharing a meal with Bryan wasn¡¯t enough to bridge the gap between them.

    With a forced smile, she headed back to the education agency.

    She then got ready for Milford¡¯s evening lesson. Before leaving for Bryan¡¯s ce, she texted Phoebe on WhatsApp, telling Phoebe not to wait for her for dinner.

    On the way to Bryan¡¯s ce, she grabbed a sandwich for her meal and took advantage of a red light to eat.

    Milford might have shown up for the tutoring session, but his mind was elsewhere.

    He sprawled across the desk, leaving no space for even a single book, clearly uninterested in the lesson.

    Eileen noticed that the textbooks she had left herest time had vanished.

    Thinking of something, she faced Milford and said, ¡°You know those old textbooks could be sold for recycling. They might fetch a good sum. It seems such a waste to throw them away.¡±

    Milford, with his eyes shut tight, replied, ¡°Leave me alone. Don¡¯t disturb my sleep!¡±

    ¡°¡®Fine,¡± Eileen responded. She then dragged a bean bag near the window and reclined on it to bask in the fading sunlight.

    After some time, Milford opened one eye and peered at Eileen. A hint of a smile appeared on his face as he stealthily snapped a couple of pictures of her with his phone.

    The room had sunk intoplete darkness two hourster, and they still hadn¡¯t turned on the light.

    It was time for the tutoring session to end. Eileen got up, packed her things, and patted Milford, saying, ¡°Time¡¯s up. Go sleep in your bedroom.¡±

    Milford, following Eileen¡¯s guidance, demanded five thousand per picture.

    Not long after, he saw a deposit of thirty thousand in his bank ount. He gazed at the figure in disbelief for quite some time.

    Eileen said, ¡°You¡¯re a sharp kid. You know how to y the grown-up game and even profit from it. But you see, you didn¡¯t earn as much as you would have if you¡¯d listened to me. You got fooled and blocked. Why¡¯s that?¡±

    Tapping on the desk, Eileen continued, ¡°You¡¯re still young, and they won¡¯t treat you like an adult. It¡¯s important to act your age, you know.¡±

    She gave Milford a smile, adding, ¡°Remember, you owe me a meal one day. I did help you get that money back.¡±

    With that, she left the room. She swiftly sent the screenshots Milford had posted online to Emmett.

    ¡°¡®Could you send these screenshots to the parents¡¯ group chat, so they¡¯ll understand we were framed? Also, schedule a meeting with those unhappy parents for tomorrow morning at the agency. We need to go over this thoroughly with everyone,¡± she texted.

    Emmett¡¯s response came quickly, ¡°Got it!¡±

    Eileen pocketed her phone. She was descending the stairs with joy when she saw the front door burst open.

    Bryan stumbled in and fumbled with his shoes at the door. He lifted his head, resting it against the wall.

    His lips parted slightly, his striking Adam¡¯s apple moving rhythmically. He appeared drunk.

    He then made his way toward the stairs, his slender fingers starting to undo his shirt buttons.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 135

    ?Chapter 135:

    Eileen quickly averted her gaze, unsure whether to continue down the stairs.

    At that moment, Bryan had already removed his shirt and draped it over his shoulder. He began ascending the stairs, his intense gaze locked firmly on her.

    Reeling instinctively, Eileen stepped back, forgetting her position on the stairs, and stumbled,nding awkwardly on a step.

    She grimaced in pain and rubbed her backside, the sharp scent of alcohol wafting up to her as Bryan¡¯s legs came into view.

    Looking up, she saw his face drawing closer, his features sharp and his eyes slightly clouded. His lips had a glossy sheen.

    ¡°¡®Eileen?¡± Bryan sounded confused as he reached out to touch her face, leaning closer.

    ¡°¡®Mr. Dawson,¡± Eileen murmured softly, grasping his wrist with both hands. ¡°You¡¯re drunk. Let me help you to your room to rest.¡±

    Bryan offered no resistance as Eileen gently pushed his hand away and stood up. She then assisted him up the remaining stairs.

    She fumbled with the light switch on the wall, flooding the dark room with light. Bryan just leaned against the wall.

    He was half-naked, exposing his defined Adam¡¯s apple, delicate corbones, and well-sculpted chest muscles to Eileen.

    Eileen averted her gaze quickly and guided Bryan toward the bed. As they neared the bed, Bryan¡¯s bnce faltered, and he leaned heavily into Eileen.

    Caught off guard, Eileen found herself pinned beneath him, his sudden weight forcing an exmation of surprise from her lips.

    Keep reading on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s

    His arms were positioned on either side of her head. They were just inches apart, their breaths mingling, heating up the space between them.

    His gaze moved from her delicate brows down to her petite nose, and then to her inviting red lips.

    He licked his lips and lowered his head towards hers. Eileen quickly turned away, but Bryan mirrored her movement.

    His slightly cool lips brushed against hers.

    Then, hey still beside her, his arm resting on her waist.

    Suddenly, untimely images invaded Eileen¡¯s thoughts, causing a sudden reaction in her body.

    Frowning, she sat up, removed Bryan¡¯s hand from her, and tidied her hair.

    Once her breathing steadied, she moved Bryan onto the bed and covered him with a light nket.

    Secondster, Bryan quietly drifted into slumber.

    Standing by the bed, Eileen pursed her lips and looked at Bryan as memories and emotions overwhelmed her.

    After a long while, she took a deep breath, turned around, and left the room.

    The photos from Milford revealed that the Sanchez Education Agency had been orchestrating everything behind the scenes.

    Eileen¡¯s exnation about Milford¡¯s unique situation helped the parents of both online and offline tutoring students understand.

    Although a few people requested refunds, most of them epted the situation.

    Eileen then dived back into work, recording course materials and crafting study ns for each child.

    Early in the morning, Bryan woke up with a severe headache from the hangover. He sat up, furrowed his brow, and found two strands of long ck hair in his hand as he massaged his temples.

    The hairs were Eileen¡¯s. He stared at them briefly before setting them aside.

    He had drunk excessively the night before and couldn¡¯t recall anything that had transpired.

    He nced up at the security camera installed in the room. After a moment, he got out of bed to freshen up.

    He then booted up hisputer and started reviewing the surveince footage. While he was watching, his phone rang. He answered the call and switched to speakerphone.

    ¡°¡®Bryan, how are the tutoring sses for Milford going?¡± Z¡¯s voice came through, sounding slightly out of breath.

    ¡°They haven¡¯t officially started yet,¡± Bryan responded candidly. ¡°Are you jogging now? I¡¯ll hang up.¡±

    He continued to watch the surveince footage, which showed Eileen standing on the stairs as he entered the house.

    Just as he was about to end the call, Z quickly said, ¡°I only had a chance to call you during my morning run. Can you talk for a bit? What is so urgent that you have to hang up so quickly?¡±

    She sounded frustrated. ¡°Why hasn¡¯t Milford started his tutoring sessions yet?¡±

    At that moment, the door opened, and Milford poked his head in. ¡°Bryan, I¡¯m hungry,¡± he said.

    ¡°¡®You can ask Milford yourself,¡± Bryan said to Z as he handed the phone to Milford. ¡°Give the phone back to me after the call. I¡¯ll make breakfast once I finish up here.¡±

    Milford took the phone and went back to his room, putting the phone on the bedside table. ¡°Why did you want to talk to me?¡± he asked Z.

    ¡°¡®I¡¯m your sister. Do I have to have a reason to talk to you?¡± Z said, her tone patient despite her irritation. ¡°Why haven¡¯t you started your tutoring sessions? What have you been up totely?¡±

    ¡°¡®I don¡¯t want to receive tutoring sessions,¡± Milford confessed. Then, he proceeded to tell Z all the things he had been doing these past few days.

    Z immediately became upset. ¡°Milford, how many times must I say this? Those hooligans are bad news. Stay away from them! If you keep this up, you¡¯re headed for trouble. Do you really want to ruin your life?¡±

    Milford had grown ustomed to hearing such reprimands from Z. His frustration reached a breaking point. ¡°You didn¡¯t even ask if I was hurt from the fight! Don¡¯t you care about why I was fighting? You just assumed I was wasting my time with badpany!¡±

    ¡°¡®I don¡¯t need to ask. I know exactly what you¡¯re up to,¡± Z retorted sharply. ¡°Listen, you need to study diligently for the next six months and secure a spot in one of Onnd¡¯s top high schools!¡±

    Grinding his teeth, Milford said, ¡°Are you seriously dictating what I should be doing with my life? Who gave you that right? Even our parents never meddled this much. What makes you think you can?¡±

    ¡°¡®Milford, I am your sister!¡± Z eximed.

    ¡°¡®What kind of sister are you? You¡¯re not even as thoughtful as Eileen. She actually worried about me getting hurt and suggested I take up training to defend myself. But all you do is scold me!¡± Milford countered.

    The more he spoke, the more his anger boiled over. He leaped from his position to smash the phone against the floor.

    But in a sudden sh of realization that it was Bryan¡¯s phone, he restrained himself and quickly ended the call.

    Z, taken aback by the abrupt disconnection, paused briefly before swiftly dialing another number. ¡°Kian, what was the name of the woman who caused Bryan and Vivien to split up?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Eileen Curtis,¡± Kian answered. ¡°Why do you ask? She hasn¡¯t been in Onnd for over a year.¡±

    ¡°Do you know where she might have gone?¡± Z asked again.

    Kian pondered for a moment then admitted, ¡°I¡¯m not sure. But she is always true to her word and won¡¯t return to Onnd. She¡¯s no threat to Vivien. The real threat to Vivien now is her recurring illness.¡±

    After a thoughtful pause, Z said softly, ¡°Kian, would you hold it against me for not informing you about Vivien¡¯s condition before?¡±

    ¡°¡®Absolutely not,¡± Kian replied promptly. ¡°I treat her like a sister. After her graduation, she was determined to go abroad to be with you, which proves she sees you as family.¡±

    Z let out a soft sigh and said, ¡°I believed Vivien had dealt with her feelings for Bryan before she left for abroad. But it turned out she fled from Bryan and has been emotionally fragile ever since. Her distress worsened when she learned about Bryan¡¯s marriage. She was not in a state to return then. I hoped to help her stabilize, so I kept her condition a secret to spare you the worry. But now, she¡­¡±

    ¡°Z, listen,¡± Kian spoke gently. ¡°You don¡¯t have to justify yourself. None of us are upset with you. You¡¯ve been overseas caring for Vivien for years, investing time and resources in her treatment. We¡¯re grateful for that.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for thanks. We¡¯re all in this for Vivien and Bryan, aren¡¯t we? By the way, Milford mentioned Eileen earlier. I suspect Eileen knows Bryan is in Wist Land now and might have gone to see him,¡± Z said.

    Hearing that, Kian¡¯s eyes turned cold. ¡°Really?¡±

    Z paused for a moment before replying, not entirely sure, but we should be cautious. I think I heard her name correctly.¡±

    Z and Kian exchanged a few more words before ending the call. Z¡¯s eyes sparkled mischievously as she turned and jogged toward Dawson Mansion.

    Meanwhile, Kian clenched his phone tightly. After a moment, he dialed Benjamin and said, ¡°Locate Eileen immediately.¡±

    ¡°¡®Mr. Warren, Eileen left a long time ago. Why this sudden interest?¡± Benjamin asked instinctively.

    ¡°Just do as I say!¡± Kian snapped sharply. ¡°You have one hour.¡±

    Then, he hung up the phone.

    Benjamin was eating breakfast when he received Kian¡¯s call. After ending it, he tossed his phone aside, his expression turning sour as he adjusted his tie.

    He then sent a WhatsApp message to Eileen.

    ¡°¡®Kian wants to find out about your location.¡±

    Eileen was driving to the education agency when she received the message from Benjamin. Upon seeing it, she pulled over to read its contents.

    Howe there was already news getting to Kian just after her few encounters with Bryan? Aside from Raymond, nobody in Wist Land knew her past with Bryan.

    Before Eileen could decide how to reply to Benjamin, another message from him appeared on her phone.

    ¡°Have you met Mr. Dawson recently?¡±

    Eileen responded quickly, ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Look after yourself,¡± Benjamin replied.

    After sending the message, Benjamin stood up, his face settling into a cold expression. ¡°Eileen, you never really learn, do you?¡± he muttered.

    He then descended the stairs and stepped into his car. On his way to the Warren Group, he sent a text to Kian.

    ¡°¡®Eileen¡¯s in Wist Land.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s sess in managing her education agency here was partly because Benjamin had a friend in the area who provided substantial assistance.

    Over thest year, her interactions with Benjamin had been sporadic, mostly concerning work or everyday matters.

    Eileen felt grateful to Benjamin, but given Wist Land¡¯s distance from Onnd and the minimal influence the Warren family had here, she wasn¡¯t overly concerned about Kian.

    Once Bryan left Wist Land, she believed things would settle down.

    In his study, Bryan finished watching the surveince video, pausing at the part where Eileen stood by the bed, looking at him with aplex expression.

    He touched his lips thoughtfully. After a moment, he turned off theputer and headed downstairs to make breakfast.

    Milford brought Bryan¡¯s phone downstairs and put it on the dining table. Then, he waited for breakfast.

    Bryan efficiently prepared the meal and brought tes of sandwiches to the table. He asked Milford,

    ¡°What do you think of Eileen?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 136

    ?Chapter 136:

    ¡°¡®What do you mean?¡± Milford scratched his head, puzzled by Bryan¡¯s question.

    Bryan set down the sandwiches and grabbed a bottle of milk from the fridge, motioning toward the bar counter behind Milford. ¡°Grab two sses,¡± he instructed.

    Milford turned, retrieved two sses from the counter, and observed as Bryan poured milk into them, a flicker of realization dancing across his face.

    He said, ¡°You are going to tell me she¡¯s some kind of genius tutor and that I should dly start taking tutoring sessions from her, right? Not a chance! Studying is not my thing.¡±

    In the dining room, Milford and Bryan¡¯s interaction seemed peaceful on the surface, yet there lingered an undercurrent of pressure, emanating from Bryan.

    Considering Bryan had been taking care of him, Milford got a little flustered about the harsh words he had just said.

    However, Bryan did not find Milford¡¯s words harsh at all.

    After finishing pouring the milk, Bryan resumed his seat, taking a leisurely sip.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t say that; I was merely curious about your opinion of her. If you don¡¯t like her, I can arrange for a different tutor,¡± Bryan said casually.

    Eileen wasn¡¯t the first tutor Bryan had hired for Milford; he had already gone through a slew of them in an attempt to set Milford on the right path.

    Milford reflected on his past encounters with tutors, each attempting to impart wisdom and persuade him to study.

    Yet, they had all eventually given up, citing his stubbornness to Bryan upon departure.

    Updated stories galno¦Íe?s

    Milford felt Eileen was different from them.

    He said, ¡°No need for that. Too much hassle switching tutors. I won¡¯t study anyway.¡±

    To his surprise, Bryan simply continued eating, seemingly unfazed by his deration.

    Once he finished his sandwich, Bryan wiped his mouth and raised an eyebrow at Milford. ¡°Then continue butting heads with Eileen. If you can¡¯t wear her down, maybe it¡¯s time you consider hitting the books. And if you manage to convince her to give up, I¡¯ll handle your sister for you.¡±

    Milford¡¯s eyes widened at the unexpected offer. Was Bryan really giving him free rein?

    ¡°¡®Bryan, are you serious about this?¡± Milford asked.

    Bryan met Milford¡¯s gaze with a solemn expression. ¡°¡®Do I look like I¡¯m joking?¡±

    ¡°¡®Alright, deal. So, if I manage to pull it off, you¡¯ll let me off the hook for good?¡± Milford sought confirmation.

    Bryan pondered for a moment before responding, ¡°I promise not toe after you myself, but I can¡¯t guarantee your sister will do the same.¡±

    ¡°¡®She can¡¯t reach me without your help.¡± Milford grinned, popping the remainder of his sandwich into his mouth and giving Bryan a thumbs-up.

    In high spirits, he cleared his te and darted upstairs, already plotting his strategy to make Eileen give up.

    Meanwhile, Eileen mulled over strategies to change Milford. She suddenly thought of Adalina.

    Sheter arrived at Denzel¡¯s home for tutoring. While Denzel stayed at home, his wife went out to y cards with her friends as usual.

    ¡°Miss Curtis, my apologies for my wife¡¯s earlier behavior. She¡¯s easily misled. Once she understood, she went back to her card games. Please overlook her actions,¡± Denzel apologized to Eileen on his wife¡¯s behalf.

    Eileen smiled warmly. ¡°Mr. Vance, your wife¡¯s skepticism only shows her concern as a mother. I don¡¯t mind.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re certainly a dedicated tutor, Miss Curtis. I assume there¡¯s a reason behind your unique approach with Milford,¡± Denzel said.

    After some small talk, Eileen went upstairs.

    The second floor of the house was not very spacious, but the decor was exquisite.

    The second-floor rooms were designated for Adalina¡¯s piano practice, studies, dance practice, and sleeping.

    At the age of fifteen, Adalina was a graceful girl with a slender figure and attractive features.

    As she was learning too many skills at the same time, she was running on fumes before she knew it. As a result, she failed to keep up with her schoolwork.

    Denzel had hired Eileen to tutor her for that reason.

    Adalina had prepared all the necessary materials and was patiently waiting for Eileen¡¯s arrival for tutoring.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get started. Have you reviewed the materials I left with your motherst time?¡± Eileen asked, sitting down.

    She then began by providing instructions on Adalina¡¯s homework. An hour had passed before they took a brief break, during which Eileen seized the opportunity to ask Adalina about Milford.

    ¡°I heard you and Milford used to be ssmates. Is that true?¡± Eileen asked Adalina.

    ¡°We¡¯ve known each other since primary school. We used to live in the same neighborhood until my family moved. After that, we only saw each other at school,¡± Adalina replied.

    ¡°Can you share anything about him?¡± Eileen asked, cing a fruit tter Denzel had prepared on the table.

    Adalina¡¯s gaze grew sad talking about Milford, but she obliged, ¡°Sure. We¡¯ve been neighbors since childhood. My mother always warned me to stay away from him, iming his family was too focused on money.¡±

    Adalina¡¯s words offered Eileen insight into Milford¡¯s background.

    Milford¡¯s sister had been adopted by a wealthy family shortly after Milford¡¯s birth. It was rumored that the wealthy family had given a significant amount of money to the Murrays. Unfortunately, Milford¡¯s parents had recklessly spent the money without taking care of their family.

    Milford had been raised by his grandmother in modest surroundings. While his parents livedvishly, he and his grandmother led a frugal life.

    Initially, Milford had excelled academically and obeyed his grandmother dutifully. However, her passing had left him withdrawn.

    Milford had endured bullying at school, with his indifferent parents turning a blind eye to his struggles.

    Adalina and another peer lived in the same neighborhood as Milford. They could always hear Milford¡¯s parents fighting at home.

    They argued day in and day out, but then, out of the blue, the squabbling ceased.

    They started swapping pleasantries with the neighbors, chatting about their daughter asionally.

    It was as if their life had gone back on track, but just as they settled into this newfound tranquility, tragedy struck¡ªboth of them met their demise, leaving Milford to fend for himself.

    With no one to keep an eye on him, Milford spiraled into trouble, eventually dropping out of school.

    Adalina only managed to spot him among the riffraff loitering in the alleys near their school after that.

    When Eileen heard of Milford¡¯s parents¡¯ deaths, a chill ran down her spine.

    Gazing into the darkness outside, she swallowed hard. ¡°Now I get it. His life has been difficult. Let¡¯s continue our lesson now.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Adalina replied.

    Another hour slipped by. After wrapping up the tutoring session, Eileen summarized the key points of the night for Adalina and began packing up.

    ¡°Miss Curtis?¡± Adalina suddenly looked up. ¡°Milford used to excel in his studies. He was way ahead of me. You¡¯ll help him, won¡¯t you?¡±

    Her eyes were earnest as they met Eileen¡¯s.

    Eileen put the materials into her bag and then patted Adalina¡¯s head. ¡°Absolutely. You two used to be close, right?¡±

    ¡°We used to walk home together,¡± Adalina blushed and lowered her head, lost in thought.

    Eileen didn¡¯t notice Adalina¡¯s demeanor; her mind was set on helping Milford turn his life around.

    Back at home, sleep eluded Eileen. She retrieved the cracked bead with the red string from her bag.

    The bead, once smooth, now bore scars. Yet, it still had some of its former splendor. Eileen washed the red string and dried it with a hairdryer.

    She then used adhesive to repair the bead and strung it.

    In a few seconds, the bead was one piece, returning to its former glory.

    With a smile, Eileen put it back into her bag, then busied herself preparing materials for Milford¡¯s next tutoring session.

    Even though she knew she might never use them, she insisted on bringing the necessary materials with her every time.

    Friday morning arrived.

    Exiting the education agency¡¯s meeting room, Eileen spotted Emmett at the door, wearing a hesitant expression.

    When Eileen approached, Emmett scratched his head. ¡°Miss Curtis, could you do me a favor?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Sure thing,¡± Eileen slowed her pace.

    ¡°My mom wants to add you on WhatsApp,¡± Emmett said.

    ¡°What?¡± Eileen was taken aback.

    Pausing, she looked at Emmett in surprise.

    Emmett exined, ¡°Please don¡¯t misunderstand. I just graduated and started here. My mom¡¯s worried. She came by just now to talk to you but had to leave because of an urgent matter.¡±

    It seemed Emmett¡¯s mom wanted assurance that Emmett was in good hands.

    Eileen nodded understandingly. ¡°Alright, let her add me on WhatsApp.¡±

    ¡°Thank you!¡± Emmett quickly whipped out his phone.

    Within moments, Eileen received a friend request and epted it.

    ¡°Hi, I¡¯m Emmett¡¯s mother. Sorry to bother you.¡±

    Emmett¡¯s mother wasted no time in reaching out. Before Eileen could respond, Emmett¡¯s mother sent another message.

    ¡°You are his boss, right? Emmett speaks highly of you. Please look after him!¡±

    Her directness brought a smile to Eileen¡¯s face.

    ¡°Mrs. Bryant, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll take good care of Emmett,¡± Eileen replied.

    After some pleasantries, Emmett¡¯s mother suggested dinner with Eileen, which Eileen politely declined.

    Assuring Emmett¡¯s mother once more, Eileen ended the chat.

    Come evening, Eileen arrived at Pianoforte Vis.

    Raymond greeted her at the door.

    Inside, the vi gleamed with lights, a handful of figures upying the living room.

    Milford, sporting a gloomy look, lounged on the sofa, arms crossed.

    Bryan stood by the French window, a cigarette between his fingers.

    Smoke escaped through his thin lips as he narrowed his eyes.

    Apart from them, there was a woman in her forties, seated on the sofa. She had taken good care of herself and appeared younger than her age. She was adorned with multiple jewels and had styled her hair in an elegant bun.

    Her gaze fell on Eileen. ¡°Are you Milford¡¯s tutor?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen said with a smile, nodding to the woman.

    Their exchange was brief, but it left Eileen feeling a tad awkward.

    Unsure of the woman¡¯s identity, Eileen refrained from probing further. Raymond, sensing her difort, said, ¡°This is Mrs. Deleon.¡±

    Raymond offered no further details.

    Eileen nodded and greeted Mrs. Deleon, ¡°Good evening.¡±

    ¡°Good evening. What¡¯s your name?¡± asked Mrs. Deleon.

    By the French window, Bryan frowned slightly as he stubbed out his cigarette.

    ¡°Eileen Curtis,¡± Eileen replied.

    ¡°Take Milford upstairs for tutoring,¡± Bryan instructed.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Eileen turned to Milford, who promptly rose and headed upstairs.

    As Eileen ascended the stairs, she caught snippets of Mrs. Deleon bidding farewell, followed by the sound of the door closing.

    Exiting the vi, Mrs. Deleon hopped into a luxurious car and dialed a number.

    ¡°Ryan, I got it! Eileen Curtis is the one tutoring Milford. Don¡¯t worry; I¡¯ll handle it!¡± she said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 137

    ?Chapter 137:

    Eileen thought Milford was ready for the tutoring session when he went upstairs.

    Milford¡¯s solemn expression after they got into the study said otherwise.

    Milford pulled out a chair from behind the desk and gestured for Eileen to sit. ¡°I want to have a word with you,¡± he said.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Eileen said, mildly surprised. ¡°But if you¡¯re trying to get me to give up on you, I¡¯ll tell you now that it¡¯s going to be a waste of time.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d really hate to do this the hard way. Are you sure you won¡¯t give up? Because once I take action, it¡¯ll be toote for you to regret your decision,¡± Milford said, his tone threatening.

    ¡°As long as you do not resort to murder, I have nothing to fear,¡± Eileen replied.

    ¡°You¡­ Let¡¯s wait and see,¡± Milford sneered.

    He then pulled out another chair and sat down. He and Eileen each did their own thing, as usual.

    The only difference was that they had exchanged seats.

    It was when the time for a ten-minute rest came that Eileen found she couldn¡¯t stand up from her seat.

    She touched her pants, surprised to see that they had been glued to the chair.

    ¡°Now, you¡¯re stuck! I knew you would be stubborn, so I made preparations in advance,¡± Milford said.

    He then stood up from his seat and turned off the light in the room before sneaking back to his bedroom.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s©qc??m has it all

    Eileen sighed resignedly.

    She had witnessed simr tricks back in her school days, but she had never thought she would be pranked this way.

    Her pants were quite thin, so when she had felt a slight chill on her thighs while sitting down, she had ignored it.

    That had turned out to be a mistake.

    Gritting her teeth, Eileen held the chair down and tried to stand up. There was a tearing sound as her pants split slightly.

    She knew giving up on her pants was necessary if she wanted to leave the chair.

    Angrily, she sent a message to Milford.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be in real trouble if anything happens to me in your study.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Milford replied.

    ¡°You¡¯ll pay for this!¡± Eileen retorted back.

    She then proceeded to take off her pants.

    She tied the sleeves of her coat around her waist, the coat covering her lower body.

    When she was about to take her bag and leave, the door to the study opened. Eileen could see the figure opening the door through the light from the corridor.

    It was Bryan.

    He stood there, a silhouette against the dim light. He turned on the light in the room and looked at Eileen.

    His gaze caught on her slender form.

    ¡°Uh, I have something urgent to attend to right now, so I¡¯ll have to end the tutoring session,¡± Eileen said, her face coloring in embarrassment.

    She felt extremely ufortable without her pants, and the cold air against her legs made her tense up slightly.

    Bryan just stood at the door, saying nothing. Eileen didn¡¯t dare go toward him for fear of bingpletely exposed if she walked.

    Suddenly, Bryan took two steps back, leaving the doorway open.

    There was now enough space for Eileen to get past him and out of the room.

    Eileen hesitated for a few seconds. After ensuring that the coat wouldn¡¯t fall from her waist, she began her walk toward the door.

    Her coat was barely long enough to cover her lower body.

    As she walked, her slender legs werepletely exposed.

    Bryan¡¯s eyes darkened when he noticed that.

    As Eileen made her way downstairs, Bryan grabbed her hand and dragged her into his room.

    He then took off the coat tied around her waist.

    It all happened too fast for Eileen to react.

    Fortunately, her shirt was long enough to cover her underwear. She hurriedly tugged it down.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Eileen asked, her embarrassment evident.

    Bryan began to unbutton his shirt. Shocked, Eileen began to fasten the buttons that he had just unbuttoned, her hands trembling as she did so.

    But Bryan sped her hands over her head, forcing her to raise her head.

    Eileen was anxious. She felt a lump form in her throat.

    Bryan took off his shirt and leaned closer. Eileen immediately tilted her head; she thought Bryan was going to kiss her.

    ¡°What do you think this is?¡± Bryan said, his grip on her waist loosening.

    When Eileen looked down, she saw Bryan tying his shirt around her waist.

    His shirt could reach down to her knees and was much better than her coat.

    When his shirt touched her skin, she could still feel the warmth of his body left on the shirt.

    Her face immediately turned red.

    Bryan narrowed his eyes when he thought of how Eileen had tilted her head to avoid him.

    ¡°What did you think was going on? Do you think I still have that much money to waste on you?¡± he asked coldly.

    Eileen forced a smile to her lips and said, ¡°Please don¡¯t joke about this again, Mr. Dawson.¡±

    She then gently pushed him away from her and made her way to the door.

    She fled fast.

    Bryan watched Eileen from the window as she ran out of the vi and into the darkness.

    He lit a cigarette and began to smoke.

    After a while, he was still unable to get Eileen out of his mind.

    He threw away the cigarette butt and went into the bathroom to take a cold shower.

    The cold water helped calm him.

    When Eileen returned home, Phoebe was quite surprised at Eileen¡¯s strange outfit.

    Phoebe lifted up the shirt tied around Eileen¡¯s waist and saw that Eileen only had her underwear beneath. She nearly jumped off the sofa in shock.

    ¡°Did you go there to tutor or to sleep with Bryan? What did you two do? Did he tear your pants?¡± Phoebe asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Eileen said, shoving Phoebe¡¯s hand away.

    Phoebe, however, didn¡¯t believe Eileen. ¡°I heard men would tear women¡¯s dresses and stockings when having sex, but this is the first time I¡¯ve seen someone tear their pants. Your pants cost several hundred dors. It must not have been easy to tear. Or had it been so long since you two had sex that he was energized by lust?¡±

    Eileen frowned at Phoebe¡¯s words.

    She took an apple from the bowl on the table and stuffed it into Phoebe¡¯s mouth. When Phoebe was finally silent, she said, ¡°It¡¯s not what you think. My pants got torn, so he lent me his shirt to help cover me up.¡±

    Phoebe took a bite of the apple and said, ¡°Alright, let¡¯s change the subject. I just want to know where the rtionship between you and Bryan is going!¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Eileen asked.

    Her mind suddenly went back to the divorce agreement that they had signed. Bryan must have known she was his wife when he signed it.

    However, he had not mentioned that to her. Maybe he didn¡¯t care, or maybe he had been angry at her for hiding the truth from him.

    After all, he must have been joking when he said he wanted to be with her, so her refusal wouldn¡¯t offend him.

    She believed there was no chance for a rtionship to blossom between them.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t hee to this city because of you?¡± Phoebe asked Eileen.

    When the media had begun to report on the Apex Group¡¯s new project in Wist Land half a year ago, Phoebe had suspected Bryan had wanted toe here for Eileen.

    Once Eileen and Bryan beganmunicating after Bryan hade here, Phoebe became convinced of her suspicion.

    ¡°You are overthinking this. Apex Group had been nning for that project even before I resigned. The senior leaders had different opinions on the project. The cities around Onnd were chosen as potential sites, so businessmen from every city had been drawing the attention of the senior leaders of Apex Group. If such had continued, arge part of the capital would have been embezzled. That must have been why Bryan picked a city far from Onnd,¡± Eileen exined.

    Although Wist Land was not the only city that was far away from Onnd, Eileen didn¡¯t think Phoebe was right.

    Phoebe wasn¡¯t able toprehend Eileen¡¯s exnation of the Apex Group project. She didn¡¯t know how to refute Eileen¡¯s words.

    Eileen said, ¡°I¡¯m going to bed now. I need to go to the hospital tomorrow. You should go to the agency and find some work to do rather than filling your head with such nonsense.¡±

    She then stood up from the sofa and went into the bathroom, where she took off Bryan¡¯s shirt and threw it into the washing machine.

    Phoebe returned to her room, unconvinced. She took out her phone and unblocked Jacob¡¯s number.

    Then, she sent him a message, ¡°Did Bryane to Wist Land for Eileen?¡±

    Soon, a request for a voice chat from Jacob came. Phoebe epted it and threw the phone to the end of her bed.

    Jacob¡¯s furious voice quickly filled the room. ¡°How dare you message me after everything that¡¯s happened, Phoebe? Those bastards in Onnd believe you ran away because you were dissatisfied with me. You made me aughingstock!¡±

    Although Phoebe and Jacob had not been dating, their families had intended that they get married.

    All of their acquaintances had been paying attention to things between the two of them when unexpectedly, Phoebe fled the city.

    When Phoebe fled the city, everyone thought she did that because she was dissatisfied with Jacob.

    That had made Jacob aughingstock. After that, he had angrily bombarded Phoebe with messages, chastising her. Phoebe had eventually had enough and blocked him.

    ¡°What are you angry about? It¡¯s not like I were in. If I had stayed, we would have been forced to get married,¡± Phoebe said. Changing the topic, she added, ¡°Answer my question first.¡±

    Jacob went silent for a while. Frustrated, he finally asked, ¡°Eileen is in Wist Land?¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t know that?¡± Phoebe replied.

    ¡°How was I supposed to know?¡± Jacob retorted. He was aware that Phoebe had moved to Wist Land, but he had not known that she had followed Eileen there.

    ¡°Okay, thanks for nothing,¡± Phoebe said. She then hung up and blocked Jacob again.

    Jacob tried to call back but realized that he had been blocked again. Feeling furious, he jumped off the sofa.

    He quickly made another call. ¡°Do you remember when you suggested letting me go to Wist Land to learn more, Dad? I¡¯m ready to go there.¡±

    At the hospital,

    Eileen brought some bread, and she and Bailee had it for breakfast as they stood beside Ruby¡¯s bed.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a week, yet there¡¯s no sign of improvement,¡± Bailee said, nibbling on a piece of bread.

    ¡°Give it a few more days. She¡¯ll wake up,¡± Eileen replied. She had been expecting Bailee to call and give her the good news these past few days.

    However, she had been sorely disappointed.

    Soon, they had finished eating the bread. Eileen threw the wrapper into the trash can. When she turned around after that, she saw Ruby¡¯s finger twitch.

    ¡°Eileen!¡± she called, rushing to Ruby¡¯s bedside.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 138

    ?Chapter 138:

    Ruby¡¯s hand twitched again at the sound of Eileen¡¯s voice. Immediately, the machine beside Ruby emitted a pair of beeps.

    Bailee promptly reached for the emergency button, summoning a swift response from a team of doctors who flooded into the room.

    Despite Austen¡¯s absence, Austen¡¯s assistant, Jaden Calderon, stayed in the hospital today.

    Familiar with Ruby¡¯s condition, Jaden, after examining Ruby, delivered encouraging news with a smile: ¡°This is a promising sign. Your mother has responded to your words!¡±

    Eileen and Bailee couldn¡¯t contain their joy, tears welling in their eyes as they looked at Ruby with hope.

    ¡°Continue talking to her. Let us know of any developments,¡± Jaden advised before hurrying off to inform Austen of the positive progress.

    Eileen and Bailee spent the entire afternoon by Ruby¡¯s side, conversing with her and holding her hand, not stopping untilte into the night.

    The following day unfolded simrly.

    Despite Ruby¡¯sck of further progress, Eileen and Bailee remained happy.

    In the evening, Eileen received an unexpected call from Emmett.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, I¡¯m in a bit of a predicament. Could you lend me a hand?¡± Emmett asked.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Eileen replied, standing up and moving to the window to answer the phone in a hushed tone.

    Discover stories now galnov??s.c?m

    Emmett hesitated for a moment before admitting, ¡°The parents of a few students I tutor have been contacting me incessantly. Despite my best efforts, the students¡¯ exam results continue to disappoint. I can¡¯t shake the feeling that I¡¯m approaching this the wrong way, and I¡¯m at a loss for how to help them improve.¡±

    As the night wore on, the neon lights outside flickered to life, casting a soft glow in the hospital.

    Eileen¡¯s slender figure was outlined against the window as she furrowed her brow and asked, ¡°Have you adjusted your teaching methods based on their feedback and focused on addressing their weaknesses?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but I can¡¯t seem to figure out why their grades aren¡¯t getting better. Maybe my teaching isn¡¯t effective. Ms. Curtis, could you spare some time on weekends to coach me? I need guidance on how to exin concepts better to my students,¡± Emmett said anxiously.

    However, with a nce at Ruby, Eileen firmly declined, ¡°I¡¯m unavable on weekends.¡±

    On the other end of the line, Emmett fell into silence.

    ¡°If you¡¯re willing, I can wrap up my tutoring sessions by around nine o¡¯clock Monday to Friday and then meet with you. Let¡¯s make it concise. One week should be sufficient. And I¡¯llpensate you for the additional time,¡± Eileen suggested, knowing it was the best she could offer.

    Emmett readily agreed, stating, ¡°Absolutely, and there¡¯s no need for overtime pay. I truly appreciate your assistance.¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s get started right away. Beginning tonight, you can wait for me at the agency after your shift. I¡¯ll arrive. It¡¯s understandable. Now, tell me the situation about your students,¡± Eileen replied, cing her bag on a nearby chair before taking a seat across from Emmett.

    Emmett gathered the examination papers of several of his students, sat down, and asked, ¡°Ms. Curtis, are you married?¡±

    After a moment¡¯s pause, Eileen shook her head and replied,

    ¡°Then do you have a boyfriend?¡± Emmett looked at Eileen, his curiosity evident.

    He believed that someone as attractive as Eileen must have a boyfriend.

    Eileen shook her head again, answering, ¡°No. Why do you ask?¡±

    Emmett¡¯s expression momentarily registered surprise before heposed himself, smiling. ¡°Nothing. I just worry about you workingte into the night. If you had a boyfriend, they might get jealous. But since you don¡¯t, I suppose it¡¯s not an issue.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s image briefly shed through Eileen¡¯s mind, leaving a tinge of bitterness in her expression.

    ¡°Let¡¯s focus on our work,¡± she said.

    Eileen delved into the examination papers, dissecting strengths and weaknesses while addressing issues within Emmett¡¯s teaching methods.

    Two hours flew by swiftly. Emmett said with an awkward smile, ¡°Ms. Curtis, thank you for being patient enough to offer me guidance.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯remitted to learning, I¡¯mmitted to teaching,¡± Eileen replied sincerely.

    Emmett¡¯s dedication had inspired Eileen to give her all.

    ¡°That¡¯s all for today,¡± Eileen said as she packed up her things. ¡°Your phone rang several times. I assume your family is concerned. You should head home now.¡±

    As Emmett and Eileen descended the stairs together, they were met with a downpour outside.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, let me walk you to your car,¡± Emmett said, offering his coat to shield them both from the rain.

    In that instant, Eileen found herself standing too close to Emmett.

    Instinctively, Eileen hesitated, but Emmett persisted, wrapping his arms around her as he sheltered them under the coat.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Emmett said, gently prodding Eileen forward, encouraging her to head towards her car.

    Eileen hastened her steps, but after a few paces, she noticed a Mercedes-Benz G-ss parked behind her vehicle and stopped.

    In the dimly lit car, a man¡¯s silhouette became visible in the passenger seat, his gaze sharp as it fixed on her.

    As Eileen abruptly stopped, Emmett, unable to halt in time, drew nearer to her.

    Raymond emerged from the car with an umbre, moving to the passenger side to open the door for Bryan.

    Bryan stepped out and approached Eileen with Raymond. Observing Emmett and Eileen¡¯s closeness, sharing a coat in the rain, Raymond remained silent, his head bowed.

    Eileen¡¯s mind raced, struggling to find words, momentarily stunned.

    Emmett suddenly called.

    Eileen turned to see happiness spread across Emmett¡¯s features.

    Did Emmett and Bryan know each other?

    Bryan simply nodded to Emmett, his gaze falling on Eileen.

    Through the misty rain, their eyes met, their expressions obscured.

    But Eileen could feel the sharpness and indifference emanating from Bryan¡¯s gaze.

    Emmett, taken aback but d to see Bryan, asked, ¡°Bryan, what brings you here?¡±

    Raymond exined, ¡°Ms. Curtis is tutoring Milford.¡±

    Emmett¡¯s surprise deepened at the revtion. He nced at Eileen, lowering his head, and asked, ¡°Is that true? I¡¯ve heard you took on a challenging student, but I didn¡¯t know it was Milford. Handling Milford must be quite the challenge, Ms. Curtis.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all part of the job,¡± Eileen replied lightly.

    Bryan showed no signs of leaving, and Eileen remained rooted in ce.

    Bryan said, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. You should head back.¡±

    His words were directed at Emmett.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Emmett replied, pausing for a moment before realizing Bryan was here for Eileen.

    Emmett draped his coat over Eileen, noticing her pale face.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about Bryan. Despite his cold exterior, he¡¯s a decent guy,¡± Emmett assured Eileen before turning to Bryan, ¡°Bryan, don¡¯t be too harsh on Ms. Curtis.¡±

    Under the shelter of the ck umbre, Bryan¡¯s face darkened.

    Startled, Eileen attempted to remove Emmett¡¯s coat, but Emmett¡¯s firm hand on her shoulder stopped her.

    ¡°It¡¯s cold. Better keep it on,¡± Emmett said before hurrying to his car in swift strides.

    The rain had dampened Eileen¡¯s long hair, forming a glistening sheen.

    Running her fingers through her hair, Eileen felt the weight of the coat on her shoulder. Unsure whether to remove it, she lowered her gaze, her lips pressed together.

    A strange unease settled in her heart, growing stronger as a shadow loomed over her.

    It was Bryan, approaching her with an umbre in hand. His gaze, seemingly indifferent, met hers as he said,

    ¡°Stay away from Emmett.¡±

    His words were cold,ced with mockery, and his eyes bore into hers with chilling intensity.

    The simple yet chilling words gripped Eileen¡¯s heart.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Eileen asked, a mix of stubbornness and disdain for Bryan¡¯s attitude in her gaze.

    ¡°I mean exactly what I said,¡± Bryan replied, his tone cold.

    ¡°Don¡¯t y dumb.¡±

    Since Eileen had been his employee for years, he doubted she genuinely didn¡¯t understand his implication.

    Eileen felt herplexion drain as she wondered if Bryan suspected her of having a close rtionship with Emmett.

    She averted her eyes and said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, I¡¯m no longer your employee. Even if I were, you wouldn¡¯t have the right to interfere in my personal life.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s lips curled into a cold smile as he suddenly seized Eileen¡¯s wrist. Eileen stumbled and looked at Bryan with anger in her eyes.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect such defiance from you,¡± Bryan said, tightening his grip on Eileen¡¯s wrist, causing her to wince in pain.

    Gritting her teeth, Eileen said, ¡°Let go of me. If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the hurry?¡± Bryan raised an eyebrow. ¡°You spent quite a while upstairs with Emmett. Can¡¯t you spare some time for me in public?¡±

    His gaze darkened as he nced at Emmett¡¯s coat on Eileen.

    Clearly, he had misunderstood Eileen and Emmett¡¯s rtionship.

    But Eileen had no intention of exining herself to Bryan.

    With anger simmering inside her, Eileen forced a sarcastic smile. ¡°Why don¡¯t you mind your own business, Mr. Dawson? I just don¡¯t want to be around you!¡±

    The unexpected encounter with Bryan had shattered Eileen¡¯sposure.

    Eileen unleashed the emotions she had suppressed for too long.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 139

    ?Chapter 139:

    Under the shelter of the ck umbre, Bryan¡¯s features shifted to an icy demeanor.

    Under Bryan¡¯s mocking gaze, Eileen was so angry that she couldn¡¯t help but snap, even though she didn¡¯t mean what she said.

    ¡°Without Milford¡¯s tutoring, our paths wouldn¡¯t have crossed again. Even now, my hope is that we can maintain just the simple rtionship of a tutor and the student¡¯s guardian.¡±

    She spoke with indifference, raindrops peppering her cheeks and causing her curly eyshes to clump.

    A sneer brimming with scorn and fury slipped from Bryan as he listened.

    He dismissed her thoughts silently.

    Rain drenched the car, soaking Eileen¡¯s coat and shirt, sending shivers of cold deep into her bones.

    Her lips turned a frosty blue.

    Suddenly, Bryan¡¯s hold on her waist eased, and he caught her chin with his cold fingers.

    ¡°You¡¯re not the one who can decide what our rtionship is,¡± he dered.

    Eileen had never held the power to influence their rtionship from the start.

    Before Eileen could respond, his lips imed hers passionately, the sudden kiss overwhelming her senses.

    The umbre was no longer above them, lost to the wind.

    Step into fiction with  .

    The rain continued to pour, drenching them both; Bryan¡¯s grip was so tight that it hurt, pressing her sharply against the car.

    Their muffled moans mixed; Bryan almost couldn¡¯t control himself.

    Raymond had already settled back into the car and averted his gaze outside.

    He sighed deeply, knowing well that Bryan was not here for discussions about Milford¡¯s tutoring. He knew Bryan merely wanted to see Eileen here.

    Bryan, denying his true intentions, wouldn¡¯t even let Raymond say this obvious truth.

    Eventually, Bryan rested his forehead against Eileen¡¯s, his eyes drawn to the shine of her lips.

    He adjusted his tie and said with a strained voice, ¡°Eileen, our rtionship is destined to be anything but simple. Keep your distance from Emmett!¡±

    His voice, rough and low, seemed strangely alluring given the situation.

    Eileen began to respond,

    But Bryan interjected sharply, ¡°Say another word, and you¡¯ll regret it.¡±

    His menacing gaze served as a stern warning against further protests.

    Shocked into silence, Eileen froze as Bryan¡¯s hands moved gently over her face, asionally brushing her earlobes, sending a shiver through her.

    Suddenly, Bryan stepped back. Eileen, leaning against the car, watched him leave in the rain, biting her lip hard.

    Tears started gathering in her eyes as she watched his car fade into the distance. Overwhelmed, she turned, opened her car door, and climbed inside.

    She rxed against the seat and closed her eyes, seeking sce in the quiet.

    As the rain outside the car intensified, Eileen received a call from Phoebe.

    ¡°It¡¯s going to rain hard tonight. When will you return?¡± Phoebe asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back soon,¡± Eileen responded with a hint of hoarseness in her voice.

    She quickly ended the call and made her way back, struggling to see the road through the windshield wipers. She drove painstakingly slow, her brow furrowed with concentration.

    Unaware, she passed by Bryan¡¯s car, parked discreetly at a corner.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, that is Ms. Curtis¡¯ car,¡± Raymond said.

    ¡°Follow her,¡± Bryan instructed coolly, his expression unreadable. Peering through the dim light at the car ahead, his eyes grew sharp.

    After a while, as Bryan remembered his recent closeness with Eileen, his fingers brushed his lips, and a subtle smile formed.

    An hour passed before Raymond announced, ¡°Mr. Dawson, Ms. Curtis is home.¡±

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s return,¡± Bryanmanded calmly.

    The rain was relentless, and visibility was poor. Observing the downpour, Raymond hesitated to drive further.

    He suggested to Bryan, ¡°Perhaps we should stay at Ms. Curtis¡¯ ce tonight?¡±

    They had seen Eileen to her door but seemed unlikely to make it back themselves safely.

    Bryan reacted sharply. ¡°Are you out of your mind?¡±

    Raymond didn¡¯t know how to reply.

    Realizing Raymond¡¯s reluctance to drive through the storm, Bryan said coldly, ¡°Get in the passenger seat.¡± Raymond quickly slid into the front passenger seat while Bryan maneuvered into the driver¡¯s seat.

    Despite the torrential rain, Bryan drove them safely home.

    Bryan¡¯s appearance in Wist Land had previously left little imprint on Eileen¡¯s everyday life.

    Yet, after theirst encounter, Eileen couldn¡¯t shake off the thought of Bryan. She couldn¡¯t fall asleep at all.

    Positioned by the window, her arms crossed, she watched the relentless rain.

    asionally, she touched her lips, the memory of their kiss unsettling her thoughts.

    The harsh words Bryan had spoken jolted her back to reality.

    She remained awake, seated by the window until dawn as the rain ceased and the first light of daybreak filtered through the ss.

    Sunlight momentarily dazzled her, causing her to flutter her eyshes and lower her gaze. Despite a night spent in contemtion, Bryan¡¯s intentions remained a mystery to her.

    Eventually, she sighed, rose to freshen up, and began her day¡¯s usual routine.

    Her tutoring of Milford continued. She stayed vignt, easily navigating Milford¡¯s cunning attempts, which visibly annoyed him for several days.

    On Wednesday, after another routine tutoring session in Milford¡¯s study, Milford unexpectedly said, ¡°I¡¯ll go to your education agency for tutoring this Friday night. You don¡¯t need toe here.¡±

    Eileen stared at him, puzzled and concerned. ¡°Why?¡± she asked.

    She sensed something was amiss, her intuition hinting at his underlying schemes.

    ¡°The reason is none of your business. Just answer me, is it okay or not?¡± Milford demanded.

    Eileen thought briefly before replying, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll wait for you at the education agency on Friday night.¡±

    She felt confident handling any potential issues with Milford.

    She quickly gathered her things and hurried back to the education agency to continue Emmett¡¯s training.

    Thanks to several intensive days, Emmett¡¯s educational skills had significantly improved.

    Their rapport also blossomed¡ªthe awkwardness that had once hovered between them had dissolved, allowing them to interact freely like close friends.

    asionally, Emmett would bring Eileen snacks and drinks during their sessions, which Eileen gratefully epted, not wishing to hurt his feelings.

    Eileen¡¯s recent sleepless nights caught up with her. She dozed off during overtime on Thursday, her hair cascading over her shoulders as she slumped at her desk.

    Her face, makeup-free and peaceful, rested on her arm.

    When Emmett noticed her silence, he turned and was momentarily captivated by her. Ovee by an impulse, he took out his phone to capture the moment.

    Still feeling a yful urge, he snapped a selfie with her in the background.

    He then set his phone aside and continued to gaze at her, feeling an unexpected surge of emotion.

    A chilly breeze fluttered through the open window. After hesitating, he gently woke her. ¡°Ms. Curtis¡­¡±

    Eileen¡¯s eyes flew open as she realized she had fallen asleep. Standing quickly, she apologized, ¡°Sorry, I¡¯ve been having trouble sleepingtely.¡±

    Emmett dismissed her apology with a wave of his hand.

    ¡°No need to apologize. It¡¯s my fault you¡¯re workingte. You could have been home sleeping by now. Let¡¯s wrap up for today.¡±

    Taking a deep breath, Eileen began to pack her belongings, saying, ¡°Tomorrow night, I¡¯ll show you how to make the concepts easier for the students to grasp. After that, we can conclude our sessions.¡±

    After packing up, Eileen and Emmett descended the stairs, returned to their cars, and drove away.

    Emmett¡¯s sleek ck supercar hinted at his wealth. A sudden realization struck Eileen as she drove¡ªperhaps Bryan¡¯s insistence on keeping her away from Emmett stemmed from Emmett¡¯s affluent background.

    Did Bryan believe she was unworthy of Emmett?

    Disturbed by this thought, she continued to drive.

    About half an hourter, Emmett reached home and promptly texted Eileen to tell her of his arrival.

    Upon entering his house and spotting his mother in the living room, Emmett approached her quickly. ¡°Mom, I told you not to wait up for me,¡± he said.

    ¡°But I had to,¡± Mrs. Deleon responded, standing up with a roll of her eyes. ¡°You could have joined your father¡¯spany. Why must you work sote elsewhere? It worries me.¡±

    As they ascended the stairs, Emmett reassured his mother, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mom. I¡¯m striving to better myself. My boss treats me well, and after tomorrow, I won¡¯t need to workte anymore.¡±

    Mrs. Deleon expressed her concern but recognized her son¡¯s determination. After encouraging him to rest early, she left his room.

    After Emmett ced his phone on the bedside table and headed to shower, his phone buzzed with a new message.

    Mrs. Deleon, pausing at the doorway, turned back to nce at Emmett¡¯s phone. The screen disyed a message from Ms. Curtis.

    ¡°I¡¯ve arrived home. Wishing you a good night¡¯s sleep.¡±

    With a frown, Mrs. Deleon scrolled through Emmett¡¯s messages with Eileen, finding nothing amiss, yet she remained uneasy.

    Checking Emmett¡¯s phone, Mrs. Deleon was immediately drawn to a photo in the gallery.

    She clicked on it and recognized Eileen¡¯s face, which made her expression darken.

    ¡°That¡¯s Eileen Curtis,¡± she murmured.

    Only two new photos linked to Eileen were on Emmett¡¯s phone, yet even this slight connection unsettled her.

    Nevertheless, she quickly controlled her emotions, ced the phone exactly as she found it, and exited the room.

    On Friday, Eileen arranged for dinner to be ready by five o¡¯clock. She and Emmett enjoyed the meal together.

    ¡°We¡¯ll begin the training after we eat,¡± Eileen said. ¡°Milford is scheduled for tutoring at seven, so we should finish in time to avoid workingte tonight.¡±

    They engaged in light conversation and hastened to finish eating. Instead of heading upstairs, they started their session right at the reception desk.

    As the evening progressed, Emmett and Eileen sat side by side by the window, bathed in the gentle glow of the room¡¯s warm lighting.

    Just then, Mrs. Deleon pulled up at the gate. Spotting the scene as she exited her car, her demeanor visibly darkened, and she rushed inside with a frown.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 140

    ?Chapter 140:

    ¡°What on earth are you doing?¡±

    The tranquil atmosphere was shattered by an irate voice, causing Eileen to nearly drop the pen in her grasp.

    Raising her head, Eileen was met with a figure swiftly approaching. Before she could react, she was seized by the cor and yanked off the sofa and onto the floor, where she was dragged a few paces, her t-shirting undone to reveal her slender waist.

    ¡°Shameless! You seduce my son!¡±

    The fuming reprimand jolted Eileen back to her senses, despite the pain in her side from the fall.

    Looking up, she recognized the formidable figure. ¡°Mrs. Deleon?¡± Eileen was shocked.

    ¡°Mom!¡± Emmett quickly approached and called his mother to make her stop. Then he instinctively reached to help Eileen up.

    But Mrs. Deleon forcefully yanked Emmett¡¯s arm back, saying, ¡°You are not to touch her!¡±

    ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± Emmett shook off his mother¡¯s grip, asserting, ¡°Ms. Curtis has been working overtime to tutor me. Why are you making such a scene?¡±

    ¡°Is she truly tutoring you or deliberately seducing you?¡± Mrs. Deleon¡¯s shrill voice reverberated through the room.

    Eileen felt her heart sink under Mrs. Deleon¡¯s disdainful gaze. Gathering her long hair, she rose and smoothed her disheveled attire.

    Eileen¡¯s once soft, casual demeanor turned cold, unsettling Emmett.

    Feel inspired on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s£®c§à??

    Emmett quickly said, ¡°Mom, please cease this unreasonable behavior. I get that you don¡¯t want me to work, but there¡¯s no need to make things difficult for others!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not!¡± Mrs. Deleon scoffed, pointing usingly at Eileen. ¡°Do you know who she is? She¡¯s the woman who seduced Bryan, driving your cousin Vivian into despair!¡±

    Emmett was stunned, his lips moving but no wordsing out.

    Hearing Mrs. Deleon¡¯s words about Vivian, Eileen suddenly recalled something.

    The Warren family had a distant rtive who married into a different family, a living son-inw.

    Emmett and Mrs. Deleon, whose name is Ka Bryant, were actually rtives of the Warren family.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying anything?¡± Mrs. Deleon red at Eileen. ¡°Relying on your alluring facade, you shamelessly flirt without restraint. Failing to ensnare Bryan, you¡¯ve set your sights on my son!¡±

    Eileen¡¯s face paled with each scathing remark. ¡°Mrs. Deleon, regardless of the past, my rtionship with your son is purely professional.¡±

    Upon hearing that, Mrs. Deleon spat, grabbing Emmett¡¯s phone and showing Eileen two photos.

    She demanded, ¡°Then what are these photos? Pretending to be asleep to seduce my son? How much more brazen can you get?¡±

    Turning to Emmett, she said, ¡°You must not be fooled by this woman of ill repute!¡±

    Eileen was surprised by the photos, having no knowledge of them. She looked at Emmett with confusion.

    Emmett blushed, snatching back his phone. ¡°Mother, I took those photos myself, just for fun. Ms. Curtis had no idea! I just thought that she looked cute while asleep.¡±

    He dared not even look Eileen in the eyes now.

    His feeble exnation did little to appease Mrs. Deleon, who said, ¡°It¡¯s all her trickery! She ensnared even Bryan, so of course a naive boy like you can¡¯t see through her¡­¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Eileen interjected, her patience wearing thin. ¡°Mrs. Deleon, take your son and leave! There¡¯s no need for this unnecessary spectacle. Time will reveal the truth of my intentions towards your son!¡±

    Turning to gather the documents, she added, ¡°Emmett, from this day forth, you no longer work here!¡±

    She knew that Emmett was innocent. But he shouldn¡¯t stay here; it would only cause problems for the two of them.

    Emmett¡¯s heart sank. ¡°I won¡¯t leave! My students are waiting for me to teach them!¡±

    He then confronted his mother, pushing her toward the door. ¡°Mom, please leave. Ms. Curtis is not the person you im. She is a responsible, qualified teacher and boss!¡±

    Mrs. Deleon, left speechless by Emmett¡¯s stubborn determination, was ushered toward the exit.

    ¡°Stop talking. Leave!¡± Eileenmanded firmly.

    The words deeply upset Emmett. He turned his head, his face taut with frustration, and directed his anger at his mother. ¡°You¡¯re crossing the line. I¡¯m telling you, I¡¯m sticking with this job until the end! If you keep making things difficult for Ms. Curtis, I won¡¯t acknowledge you as my mother anymore!¡±

    As soon as Emmett¡¯s words hit the air, a bad feeling gnawed at Eileen¡¯s heart.

    Predictably, Mrs. Deleon¡¯s temper red. She struck Emmett¡¯s back hard twice, then lunged at Eileen, her hand raised high, ready to p her. ¡°You¡¯ve actually bewitched my son to this extent. You need a good lesson!¡±

    But the p nevernded. Mrs. Deleon¡¯s wrist was caught firmly by arge hand.

    Eileen instinctively wanted to step back, but before she could move, a tall figure appeared.

    It was Bryan, carrying a hint of the cool outside air, easing some of the tension in Eileen¡¯s heart.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson?¡± Mrs. Deleon hesitated, intimidated by Bryan¡¯s cold stare, and reluctantly withdrew her hand.

    Emmett rushed to Bryan like a drowning man gasping at a lifeline. ¡°Please, talk some sense into my mom. She¡¯spletely out of control!¡±

    Mrs. Deleon red at Emmett, then turned to Bryan. ¡°I¡¯ve heard about your involvement with Eileen from Kian. You may toy with women as you please, but I will not allow this to get close to my son. I hope you won¡¯t take Dawson.¡±

    Mrs. Deleon¡¯s words drained the color from Eileen¡¯s face.

    She pressed her lips together tightly and looked at Bryan.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind,¡± Bryan replied coolly. Then, he turned to Emmett. ¡°Listen to your mother. Go home.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s response seemed to confirm Eileen¡¯s supposed impropriety.

    Eileen clenched her teeth, a fiery blush of embarrassment painting her cheeks.

    Then, Emmett¡¯s words put her in an even more precarious position. ¡°You two are overstepping your bounds. There is nothing between Ms. Curtis and me, and I firmly believe she is not the woman you im her to be.¡±

    Bryan nced at Emmett with an air of indifference. ¡°Do you really know her?¡± he asked. ¡°You¡¯ve only known her for a few days.¡±

    He stood before Eileen, shielding her from the malicious gaze of Mrs. Deleon. His tone was one of nonchnce as if he couldn¡¯t have cared less about Eileen.

    Mrs. Deleon was positively delighted by Bryan¡¯s words. She turned around and shoved Emmett out the door, saying, ¡°You foolish boy, women like that would easily trick someone like you.¡±

    Her venomous words trailed off into the distance as she whisked Emmett away, not even allowing him a moment to gather his belongings.

    Outside the door, Milford and Raymond stood waiting. Seeing Emmett and his mother departing in a heated argument, Milford was about to step inside.

    Raymond quickly stopped him. ¡°And just where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I have a tutoring session with Eileen,¡± Milford replied.

    ¡°In this situation, you¡¯re still considering the tutoring session? Go back to the car and wait!¡± Raymond hooked his arm around Milford¡¯s shoulder, and they both retreated to their faces pressed against the ss to catch a glimpse of the drama unfolding inside.

    Eileen remained hidden behind Bryan¡¯s imposing figure.

    Bryan, with his chiseled features and serious expression, tilted his head slightly to sneak a peek at Eileen through the reflection on the ss.

    After a moment, Eileen said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, do you truly know me as well as you perhaps think?¡±

    Her voice was uncannily calm, sending a ripple of uncertainty through Bryan¡¯s heart. He lowered his head, retrieving a cigarette from his pocket and lighting it.

    Turning to look at Eileen, he said, ¡°At least better than Emmett does.¡±

    ¡°Then tell me, what kind of person do you believe me to be?¡± Eileen raised her chin, taking a deep breath.

    Bryan frowned, remaining silent.

    Eileen repeated the question, ¡°In your eyes, what kind of woman am I?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s gaze was intense, his deep eyes reflecting every feature of Eileen¡¯s face. Eileen¡¯s eyes suddenly became red-rimmed.

    ¡°You should be well aware of the history between Mrs. Deleon and the Warren family,¡± Bryan said slowly. ¡°You won¡¯t gain any favors from her. It¡¯d be in your best interest to distance yourself from Emmett in the future.¡±

    He thought she was worried about not benefiting from the Deleon and Warren connections? How absurd! In reality, what she was bothered by was his attitude. In front of Mrs. Deleon, he hadn¡¯t uttered a single word to defend her honor and clear her name.

    Perhaps he simply didn¡¯t care about her reputation or feelings, so he felt no need to stand by her side.

    ¡°Thank you for the advice, Mr. Dawson,¡± Eileen took a steadying breath. ¡°I would appreciate it if you would also distance yourself from me, Mr. Dawson.¡±

    The swirling smoke couldn¡¯t conceal the dark expression that clouded Bryan¡¯s face, turning him into a tempest in her eyes.

    He raised his hand and grasped Eileen¡¯s chin, the smoke escaping from his lips and spreading around her face.

    ¡°That¡¯s not your decision to make,¡± he said.

    Eileen gritted her teeth, seething with anger. ¡°Then I won¡¯t tutor Milford anymore! I¡¯ll refund the money to you!¡±

    ¡°Very well,¡± Bryan shrugged indifferently. ¡°Make the necessarypensation ording to the contract.¡±

    Eileen was taken aback. Ten times the amount was almost a small fortune. Where on earth could she get that kind of money?

    Seeing her at a loss for words, Bryan smirked. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Don¡¯t have enough money?¡±

    His gaze traveled down from her smooth cheeks to the slightly loosened neckline, catching glimpses of her delicate corbone and the graceful curves of her body.

    Eileen was aware of where his eyes hadnded, and she even caught the sudden surge of desire in his gaze.

    She frowned slightly. ¡°Dawson, do you still wish to y this game? But I¡¯m done with that. I¡¯m not in need of money anymore.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 141

    ?Chapter 141:

    The worst-case scenario was enduring the situation until Eileen finished tutoring Milford for three months. Or perhaps Bryan would return to Onnd before that, and Eileen believed she could make it through.

    Eileen¡¯s expression was fierce, but Bryan remained unfazed.

    Instead of being angry, heughed, taking a drag on his cigarette and blowing the smoke directly into Eileen¡¯s face.

    ¡°It¡¯s got nothing to do with whether you¡¯re short of money or not. I¡¯m a despicable person. I¡¯ll do as I please!¡± he said.

    The smoke induced violent coughing from Eileen. She broke free from his grip on her chin, only to clutch his fingers tightly as she coughed.

    As she leaned down, his arms wrapped around her slender waist.

    Tears welled up in Eileen¡¯s eyes. Seeing her distress, Bryan ced a cigarette between his lips and gently patted her back.

    Concerned that the ashes of the cigarette might fall on her, he tilted his head slightly.

    It took a while for Eileen¡¯s coughing to stop. Realizing she was still holding Bryan¡¯s hand, she angrily bit into it.

    Bryan winced in pain, pulling the cigarette from his mouth. ¡°Let go!¡±

    Eileen refused, and Bryan didn¡¯t withdraw his hand. Eileen didn¡¯t let go until the metallic taste of blood filled her mouth.

    With flushed cheeks, she said angrily, ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of you.¡±

    The best stories are at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s???????

    Bryan examined his bleeding wrist, clearly marked by Eileen¡¯s bite, reminding him of the teeth marks he had left on her shoulder before in bed.

    It would be a few more days before this could heal.

    Suddenly, a mischievous idea crossed Bryan¡¯s mind, causing his throat to tighten. Just then, a honk from outside interrupted his thoughts.

    ¡°Let¡¯s wait and see,¡± Bryan dered before turning and walking away.

    Meanwhile, inside the car, Raymond delivered a firm p to Milford¡¯s head. ¡°Why did you do that?¡±

    Clutching his head, Milford saw Bryan exiting, prompting him to hurriedly move from the passenger seat to the back.

    In a hushed tone, he muttered, ¡°I couldn¡¯t see properly!¡±

    In his attempt to get a better view, he had identally leaned forward and honked the horn.

    ¡°That¡¯s not for you to see!¡± Raymond said. He swiftly unlocked the car to let Bryan in.

    Bryan adjusted his tie and lounged back in his seat. Without leaning back, he addressed Milford. ¡°You¡¯re free to do as you please at home.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Milford replied, grasping the implicit instruction.

    Emmett was immediately ushered into his mother¡¯s car, simmering with anger as he sat in a corner.

    Mrs. Deleon showed little concern for him, opting to call Kian first.

    ¡°That woman is bothering Emmett now. She¡¯s truly insufferable. But you needn¡¯t fret too much; I gave her a piece of my mind today. She couldn¡¯t utter a word, not even in front of Bryan¡ªBryan didn¡¯t defend her. Perhaps he doesn¡¯t take her seriously now,¡± she said to Kian.

    After a moment of contemtion, Kian replied, ¡°Maybe that¡¯s his way of protecting her.¡±

    Soon, Mrs. Deleon grasped Kian¡¯s implication. ¡°Do you believe so?¡±

    ¡°Regardless, please assist me in resolving this issue,¡± Kian said. Then he added, ¡°Your husband has been in West Land for over a decade. He has no intention of returning. I¡¯ll aid you in managing the family business.¡±

    It was difficult to discern whether this statement served as a temptation or a threat. The Deleon family¡¯s primary business operations were based in Onnd, predominantly intertwined with the Warren family. Consequently, Mrs. Deleon feltpelled toply with Kian¡¯s request.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll handle the situation with Eileen,¡± Mrs. Deleon quickly replied.

    When she hung up the phone and saw Emmett¡¯s livid face, she coaxed him patiently, ¡°I¡¯m doing this for your own good. I won¡¯t hurt you. You should believe me, not an outsider, right?¡±

    Emmett¡¯s voice was edged with frustration. ¡°I know you weren¡¯t hurt, but she won¡¯t hurt me either! We¡¯re not what you think. You shouldn¡¯t haveshed out at her like that. How am I supposed to face her now?¡±

    ¡°Do you still want to see her?¡± Mrs. Deleon¡¯s expression turned dark.

    ¡°Absolutely not. As long as I¡¯m alive, you won¡¯t be able to see her again! She¡¯s just a ything for spoiled rich men. Do you really think she¡¯s worth your time? Don¡¯t drag our family through the mud.¡±

    Emmett¡¯s face drained of color with anger. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t talk about her like that! I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on between her and Bryan, but Bryan? He¡¯s not some saint. He¡¯s got power, and I wouldn¡¯t put it past him to force Eileen into whatever she did¡ªouch!¡±

    ¡°Enough with this! Do you even understand who Bryan is? I won¡¯t let you make any more mistakes!¡± Mrs. Deleon¡¯s voice rose in the confined space of the car.

    Despite his mother¡¯s heated words, Emmett remained steadfast in his belief that Eileen was a decent person. This time, his mother had crossed a line. Emmett knew he had to find a way to apologize to Eileen.

    Eileen sank into the sofa, running her hands through her disheveled hair, lost in thought.

    Her tranquil life here had been disrupted, and now she needed to gather her wits to find a way forward. Yet, despite the chaos, she found sce in the fact that she now wielded some power, unlike a year ago when she waspletely at the mercy of others.

    A sudden ringtone shattered the silence, pulling Eileen out of her reverie. ncing at the phone screen, she quicklyposed herself, suppressing the myriad of emotions bubbling within her.

    It was Bailee calling. Excitedly, Bailee eximed, ¡°Eileen! Come to the hospital! Mom is awake!¡±

    Without hesitation, Eileen hung up the phone and started the car immediately.

    With neon lights illuminating the quiet streets, she sped through the sparse traffic, disregarding two red lights in her haste to reach the hospital as quickly as possible.

    Upon arrival, she found Ruby being wheeled into the operating room. Bailee was waiting outside the room, tears glistening in her eyes.

    ¡°How is she?¡± Eileen gasped for breath, halting beside Bailee.

    Bailee quickly pulled Eileen down to sit beside her, a mixture of joy and sorrow evident on her face. ¡°Mom just opened her eyes. She looked at me but didn¡¯t respond when I called out to her. Luckily, Austen was still on duty, and he rushed her to the operating room.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Eileen¡¯s face lit up with joy, and Bailee enveloped her in a tight embrace. Tears of relief streamed down their cheeks as they clung to each other.

    After a while, the operating room¡¯s lights were turned off, signaling the end of the procedure.

    The doctor emerged, his smile warm and reassuring as he removed his mask. ¡°Your mother¡¯s vital signs have stabilized, and she has regained consciousness.¡±

    Eileen couldn¡¯t contain her emotions at Austen¡¯s words.

    Tears continued to flow freely down her cheeks.

    ¡°There¡¯s also some less-than-ideal news,¡± Austen said, his tone grave. ¡°While she¡¯s regained consciousness, she¡¯s not fully recovered. It will take time for her awareness to fully return. However, we can now initiate targeted cancer treatment.¡±

    Ruby¡¯s bodily functions had normalized, and her metabolism had resumed, indicating a resurgence of cancer cells. The targeted medication offered hope for effective treatment.

    ¡°Thank you, Dr. Patter,¡± Eileen said gratefully. Turning her gaze to Ruby, who was wheeled out of the operating room, she felt a surge of hope wash over her.

    From a distance, Eileen could see Ruby¡¯s eyes flicker open. Though devoid of any strong emotions, the mere presence of life within them brought a sense of relief.

    With Bailee by her side, Eileen hurried over to assist in pushing Ruby back to the ward.

    Austen then briefed Eileen on the various considerations and potential reactions associated with the targeted cancer treatment.

    After about an hour of discussion, Eileen returned to Ruby¡¯s bedside.

    ¡°Eileen, look, Mom¡¯s conscious!¡± Bailee eximed eagerly.

    Bailee turned to Ruby, her voice quivering with emotion. ¡°Mom, if you can hear me, just blink your eyes.¡±

    In response, Ruby blinked her eyes.

    Tears cascaded down Eileen¡¯s cheeks, but she made no move to wipe them away.

    Although a feeble response, it was a promising start.

    Coincidentally, it was the end of the week, allowing both Eileen and Bailee to remain by Ruby¡¯s side in the ward for the next two days.

    Ruby¡¯s eyes remained open almost constantly, except when she drifted off to sleep.

    As Sunday evening approached, Eileen prepared to return to work.

    Holding Ruby¡¯s hand, she spoke softly, ¡°Mom, I¡¯m heading back to work now. I¡¯ll earn money to ensure you receive the best treatment. If you understand me, just blink your eyes.¡±

    Ruby blinked in response.

    With a sense of satisfaction, Eileen instructed Bailee to look after Ruby before leaving the hospital.

    Perhaps because of the positive progress in Ruby¡¯s condition, Eileen found herself in high spirits, brimming with energy as she tackled her tasks on Monday.

    However, as the day progressed, she suddenly remembered her tutoring session in Bryan¡¯s ce scheduled for the evening. Bryan was still in West Land.

    Eileen hesitated before deciding to send a message to Milford.

    ¡°Is Bryan at home tonight?¡±

    ¡°Are youing to tutor me or see him?¡± Milford replied.

    Eileen frowned at his response, choosing to sidestep the question. ¡°Didn¡¯t you mention meeting at the education agency today?¡± she asked, hoping to avoid going to Pianoforte Vis.

    Yet, before she could further borate, Milford responded, ¡°Nope,e to my ce to tutor me.¡±

    Milford¡¯s response dashed any hopes Eileen had of avoiding Pianoforte Vis. With a resigned sigh, she packed her things and made her way there.

    Upon arrival, she found the door slightly ajar. Despite calling out twice, there was no response. Bracing herself, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.

    She scanned the room cautiously, alert for any sign of Milford, while also pondering if Bryan might be present.

    After ensuring the coast was clear on the ground floor, she ascended to the second floor. As she nced upwards, she caught sight of Milford emerging from the study on the top floor, clutching a textbook.

    ¡°Why the hesitation? I want to have the session on the top floor in the ss greenhouse. You¡¯ve got two minutes to get there,¡± Milford dered, striding off without waiting for Eileen¡¯s response.

    Hurrying to keep pace, Eileen followed Milford into the greenhouse. But as she entered, her attention was drawn to the peculiar setup, simr to the one at Dawson Mansion.

    However, instead of being filled entirely with flowers, one half housed an easel approximately two meters tall, now serving as an art studio.

    Before Eileen could inquire about the painting on the easel, the door mmed shut behind her, leaving her startled. Turning around, she saw Milford outside, holding the key with a grin on his face.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 142

    ?Chapter 142:

    ¡°When you decide to return the money, I¡¯ll let you out,¡± Milford slipped the key into his pocket and then made a mocking face at Eileen.

    ¡°You¡¯re not the only person in this house. You should think about letting me out sooner rather thanter!¡± Eileen said, frowning at the locked door.

    She walked over and jiggled the handle a couple of times, but it remained steadfastly shut.

    Milford said, ¡°If you¡¯re brave enough, go ahead and ask Bryan to rescue you. If you manage to convince me to let you out today, I¡¯ll willingly attend your tutoring sessions in the future!¡±

    He nced at the phone in Eileen¡¯s hand, regretting not taking it from her earlier. However, he couldn¡¯t open the door now to get it.

    With no other choice, he decided to abandon the attempt. Resolving not to unlock the door, he turned away and left with a cold snort.

    Before Eileen could utter another word, Milford was already gone.

    She could only sit down on the chair and rest for a while.

    The evening deepened. The starry sky above was dazzling, and the fragrance of the flowers filled the air.

    Another hour drifted by, yet there was no sign of Milford, and Eileen¡¯s patience wore thin.

    She pulled out her phone and sent a flurry of messages to Milford.

    ¡°Imprisonment is illegal. Do you understand that?¡±

    M?§Ô? ??????? ?? ??l????l?.???

    ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, I¡¯ll call the police. You¡¯re going to get into serious trouble!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have any money on me. Let me out, and I¡¯ll give it to you.¡±

    Silence was the only reply. Milford probably didn¡¯t believe her and couldn¡¯t be bothered to respond.

    Frustrated, Eileen sniffled and pondered Milford¡¯s taunt,

    ¡°If you¡¯re brave enough, go ahead and ask Bryan to rescue you.¡±

    Eileen stared at Bryan¡¯s WhatsApp profile on her phone screen, lost in thought.

    After a long internal debate, she abandoned the idea of reaching out to Bryan and resolved to wait for another hour.

    At nine o¡¯clock, it was time for the tutoring session to end. Through the dim reflections from the vi¡¯s lights, Eileen saw Milford in his bedroom, the light faintly illuminating his presence.

    With no other recourse, she picked up her phone and messaged Milford again,

    ¡°If you don¡¯te home, my family will get worried. They¡¯ll call the police, and they¡¯lle here!¡±

    Within two minutes, the light in Milford¡¯s bedroom extinguished.

    Milford had gone to bed.

    A sharp pang of frustration hit Eileen, and she slumped into the chair. The stunning starry sky held no charm for her now.

    But she refused to believe that Milford would leave her locked up and let her stay here.

    Patience, she thought, was her ally. Surely, Milford would relent eventually.

    There was power in the garden house, and with her phone¡¯s hotspot, she could use herptop to work.

    A small room in the corner stored various nutrients and tools for the flowers. There was a bathroom. Though not often used, it was functional.

    Eileen decided to postpone Adalina¡¯s tutoring session for the next night. She would stay put for now. It wasn¡¯t cold here, after all.

    In his room, Milford poked his head out of the window, hoping to see into the ss house, but the angle was wrong.

    He had no choice but to head to the top floor. But as he emerged from the stairs, he saw Bryan standing in the corner.

    Milford¡¯s heart skipped a beat.

    ¡°What are you up to?¡± Bryan asked, holding a cigarette between his fingers. He seemed to have juste back and hadn¡¯t changed out of his suit yet.

    Oddly enough, there was a pile of cigarette ash at his feet, suggesting he had been there for some time.

    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, Milford said, ¡°I just wanted to go for a walk. I couldn¡¯t sleep and needed some fresh air.¡±

    ¡°It iste. Don¡¯t wander around. Go back to your room and sleep,¡± Bryan said firmly.

    The corridor¡¯s atmosphere grew tense. Milford wondered how long he could keep the fact that he had locked Eileen in the ss greenhouse a secret.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Milford replied softly, nning to conceal the truth as long as possible. He turned back, returning to his room and falling onto his bed.

    Bryan extinguished his cigarette and tossed it into the trash can. With one hand in his pocket, he made his way upstairs.

    The ss greenhouse on the top floor upied a quarter of the vi¡¯s area, surrounded by colorful lights.

    The entire garden house was illuminated as if it were daytime, with Eileen¡¯s long hair bathed in a warm glow.

    She was curled up in a chair, her ck windbreaker draping her body.

    Even as Bryan stood outside the ss house and watched her for a long time, Eileen remained sound asleep.

    ¡°You¡¯ve got some resilience,¡± Bryan murmured with a smile. He took out his phone, tapped a few times, then turned and went back downstairs.

    Around five in the morning, the first rays of sunlight streamed in, casting a glow on Eileen¡¯s face through the ss.

    She shifted ufortably and nearly fell off the chair, catching herself with her hands on the floor.

    Disoriented for a few moments, she remembered that Milford had locked her here.

    She got up and checked the door, finding it still locked.

    Then, she noticed a few cigarette butts near the door and paused, puzzled.

    Milford didn¡¯t smoke. Could it have been Bryan?

    But Eileen wasn¡¯t sure if the butts had been there the previous day.

    She knocked on the door a few times; it didn¡¯t budge. So she returned to her seat.

    Eileen tidied up the garden house, moved a small ss table near an outlet, and began working on herptop.

    At ten in the morning, her phone rang. It was a colleague from the education agency calling.

    ¡°Mrs. Curtis, are youing to the office today?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I can make it,¡± Eileen replied, ncing at the time. ¡°I might not be here tomorrow, either!¡±

    She was ready for a long standoff, determined not to give in to Milford.

    The colleague hesitated. ¡°Emmett is here. He said he wants to see you first before he packs up and leaves.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have time to see him. Let him pack up and go,¡± Eileen replied, guessing that Emmett probably wanted to apologize in person.

    After giving her a few instructions, she ended the call and stretched. Suddenly, she spotted a te of spaghetti outside a small window.

    It was still steaming.

    Eileen rubbed her eyes, but the te of spaghetti remained there.

    Eileen¡¯s hunger was a distant concern. Skipping meals was a regr urrence when she was immersed in her work, so she decided to ignore the te of spaghetti.

    Perhaps Milford had brought her breakfast out of fear that she would starve. However, eating it would only make him unwilling to open the door sooner for her.

    Eileen needed to push her hunger strike to the extreme to make Milford uneasy.

    Determined, she refrained from eating and even closed the small window.

    Returning to her work, she saw a message from a colleague. Emmett had left but was resolute about seeing her again.

    Eileen didn¡¯t respond, merely sighed.

    Milford, from the third-floor stairway, leaned over to peek at the first floor, catching a glimpse of Bryan lounging on the sofa.

    Why wasn¡¯t he at work?

    Milford nced upstairs, feeling conflicted.

    At noon, he descended for lunch, discreetly slipping a piece of toast into his pocket when Bryan wasn¡¯t watching.

    ¡°What are you doing? Take it out,¡± Bryan said.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to be hungryter,¡± Milford exined, his voice wavering.

    Bryan arched an eyebrow. ¡°There¡¯s food in the fridge if you¡¯re hungry.¡±

    The cold indifference in Bryan¡¯s eyes made Milford¡¯s heart race.

    Reluctantly, Milford took out the toast, ate his lunch absentmindedly, and headed back upstairs.

    Confirming that Bryan was out of sight, he quickly made his way to the top floor.

    The midday sun was bright, and Eileen, having worked all morning, was napping in her chair.

    A sudden noise woke her. She turned and saw Milford knocking on the window.

    When Milford saw Eileen turn around and look at him, he said, ¡°I¡¯ll give you onest chance. Are you going to return the money or not?¡±

    ¡°No, I won¡¯t,¡± Eileen closed her eyes again, resting with a calmness that sharply contrasted Milford¡¯s agitation.

    ¡°Let me tell you, there are ghosts in this garden house. Aren¡¯t you afraid of being alone at night?¡± Milford said.

    Milford¡¯s attempt to scare Eileen was almostughable to her.

    ¡°Ghosts would be goodpany. I won¡¯t get bored,¡± Eileen replied without hesitation.

    Milford, clearly frustrated, turned and hurried downstairs, worried Bryan would notice his prolonged absence.

    Eileen didn¡¯t even get a chance to ask him to take away the te of spaghetti.

    Turning, she noticed it was gone and wondered if Milford had taken it. His actions were contradictory: threatening her while worrying about her being hungry.

    She napped for a while and woke to find a sandwich outside the small window.

    The aroma was tempting, but she resisted the urge to eat it.

    Later that evening, Milford posed a question to Bryan, ¡°Bryan, do you think someone will die if they go without food or water for a few days?¡±

    ¡°People canst three days without water and seven without food,¡± Bryan answered, his mind seemingly elsewhere.

    Milford sighed in relief. It had only been a day.

    He looked at his te, puzzled. ¡°Bryan, what¡¯s this?¡±

    ¡°Leftover spaghetti from the morning,¡± Bryan said nonchntly.

    Leftovers¡­ Why would Bryan want him to eat it? Milford grumbled inwardly, then noticed a sandwich on the table.

    ¡°And this?¡± he asked.

    ¡°One te of spaghetti might not be enough for you, so I added a sandwich,¡± Bryan said, pushing it towards him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t waste it.¡±

    Milford ate, feeling something was amiss but unable to pinpoint it.

    As night enveloped the garden house, Eileen adjusted the lighting, leaving only one light on.

    The night in West Land was warm, or she wouldn¡¯t have made it till now.

    Hungry for a full day, she regretted not eating earlier.

    Then, she turned and saw another dinner outside the small window.

    Eileen got out of the chair and hesitated all the way.

    Should she eat the food? If she did, Milford would think he could keep her here indefinitely.

    If not, she was truly hungry!

    Was she really going to turn to Bryan for help?

    She hesitated, scratching her head, caught between her resolve and her hunger.

    Her mind urged her not to eat, but her eyes kept drifting to the food.

    Then, she noticed a note under the te.

    Quickly, she took the note and read it.

    There was only one word written on it: ¡°Stupid!¡±

    The handwriting was unmistakable; it was Bryan¡¯s.

    So, Bryan had been the one who had prepared the food for her, not Milford?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 143

    ?Chapter 143:

    Eileen didn¡¯t have time to wonder why Bryan knew she was locked up here or if Milford had noticed that Bryan had slipped her some food.

    She served herself the meal and ate eagerly while it was still warm, finally quenching her hunger.

    Perhaps Bryan had realized that her confrontation with Milford would be the decisive one, so he had covertly helped her.

    She didn¡¯t ponder his reasons; her main focus was to get Milford on board with her tutoring n.

    The following morning, Milford came back to find Eileen looking exhausted from a sleepless night.

    Milford thought she was still famished and questioned, ¡°Are you trying to starve yourself? I¡¯m underage, so even if you do, it won¡¯t get me in trouble. Just follow my orders and give me back my tutoring money!¡±

    He was clearly oblivious to the fact that Bryan had secretly sent food to Eileen.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care. My life has been miserable anyway. Maybe dying young will offer me a fresh start,¡± Eileen murmured feebly, feigning a fatalistic eptance as she looked at Milford.

    A flicker of concern crossed Milford¡¯s face, but he tightened his jaw, preparing to depart, fortified by Bryan¡¯s reassurance that Eileen wouldn¡¯t die of starvation for at least three days.

    ¡°Wait,¡± Eileen called out suddenly, retrieving a repaired bead with a string from her bag and slowly walking towards Milford. ¡°I fixed it for you,¡± she said, offering the bead.

    Milford¡¯s eyes widened in surprise as he approached, extending his hand through the small window. ¡°Hand it over.¡±

    Eileen ced the bead in his palm, exining, ¡°I used some clear glue to fix it. It won¡¯t spin freely on the string anymore, but you can still wear it.¡±

    After she made some final tweaks and cleaned off the leftover glue, the bead appeared pristine, showing no signs of repair.

    Milford bit his lip, his gaze hardening as he met her eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t think I¡¯ll let you off the hook just because you fixed this!¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t suggesting that. I just thought if I ended up dying in this ss prison, I wanted to make sure you had it. Otherwise, I might never have the chance to give it to you,¡± Eileen replied.

    Turning away, she copsed back into her seat, her body sagging as if it might give out at any moment.

    She kept her gaze averted from Milford, feeling the tension in the air. Perhaps she could get out of here smoothly today.

    After that, Milford began visiting her after lunch, quietly making sure she was still breathing.

    Bryan never got the chance to show up with any food, and by the afternoon, Eileen¡¯s stomach was growling with hunger.

    Trying to get up, Eileen identally stumbled over a chair, and a sharp pain shot through her leg.

    ¡°Ouch¡ª¡± She inhaled sharply, pain ring up.

    Suddenly, the sound of a door opening reverberated behind her as Milford burst through. ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    Milford looked at Eileen with concern, fearing she was starving to death.

    A look of dread washed over his youthful face. As he reached out to assist her, someone grabbed his arm.

    Lifting his gaze, Milford found Bryan crouching before him, helping Eileen from the floor.

    ¡°Open the door,¡± Bryan ordered.

    Without hesitation, Milford obeyed. As Bryan carried Eileen toward the door, Eileen suddenly clung to the doorframe.

    A weak voice emerged from her lips. ¡°I can¡¯t leave. If I do, he¡¯ll refuse to let me tutor him.¡±

    Bryan pivoted to face Milford.

    Taken aback, Milford hesitated briefly before eximing, ¡°Why are you still thinking about that now? Do you want me to put your name in a ce no one would ever encounter? Alright, I¡¯ll agree to your tutoring! Satisfied now?¡±

    Hearing that, Eileen quickly withdrew her hand.

    She was not in pain anymore, but she feigned injury and continued the act, fearing Milford¡¯s wounded pride might push him to rethink their agreement.

    She allowed Bryan to carry her, navigating several turns before gently setting her down on the bed.

    Having spent two exhausting days in the chair, a wave of fatigue swept through her now.

    She sank into the plush mattress and stretched, sumbing to itsfort.

    When Eileen opened her eyes, she noticed Bryan seated next to her, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he lit a cigarette and watched it burn slowly between his fingers.

    A sense of familiarity enveloped Eileen, and she realized that her deal with Milford was now something she had to face.

    ¡°Are you using what I taught you against me?¡± Bryan asked, his brow creasing as he adjusted his tie and stood up. He walked to the window, took a drag from his cigarette, and faced her again. ¡°That¡¯s quite bold of you.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s smile was one of acknowledgment, seeing his words as apliment. She nodded slightly, ¡°Thank you for the acknowledgment, Mr. Dawson. Unless there¡¯s anything else, I shall leave now.¡±

    As she turned to exit, the door burst open.

    Milford rushed in, clutching a bottle of milk and a few slices of bread. ¡°Here¡­¡±

    His voice faded away when he noticed Eileen standing there, surprise etching his features.

    Bryan quickly snuffed out his cigarette and stepped in to calm Milford before things escted. ¡°It¡¯s over. You¡¯ve already lost,¡± he dered, implying that Eileen had been pretending to be weak before.

    ¡°So, both of you have plotted against me?¡± Milford¡¯s anger boiled over, and he threw the food onto the bed.

    Pointing at Eileen and Bryan, he blurted out, ¡°You¡¯re a shameless couple!¡±

    The corner of Eileen¡¯s mouth twitched, and Bryan¡¯s face darkened.

    Realizing that he had said something wrong, Milford quickly turned and fled from the room.

    ¡°He still has a lot to learn about proper behavior,¡± Bryan muttered under his breath.

    ¡°I should get going,¡± Eileen announced, and with that, she left Bryan¡¯s bedroom. She headed to the ss garden house to pick up a few things before departing.

    After days in the garden house, she could finally breathe the air outside and had resolved the tutoring issue with Milford.

    She left the vi happily.

    Bryan stood by the window, a sneer forming as he watched Eileen¡¯s pleased expression.

    Did she really think he would let her off easily just because she had thanked him?

    She had definitely be more audacious with time.

    As dusk approached, Eileen returned home to freshen up before heading to the education agency to deal with a few things.

    It was Wednesday, a day usually reserved for tutoring Milford, but she had hurriedly left Pianoforte Vis; she wouldn¡¯t be back now.

    So she moved Adalina¡¯s lesson to today.

    She had informed Denzel ahead of time. Afterpleting her tasks at the agency, she headed directly to the Vance residence.

    Upon her arrival, she discovered Denzel was not home. A greeted her at the door. As she was changing her shoes,ughter echoed from the living room.

    ¡°Is Mrs. Vance at home?¡± Eileen asked, recognizing theughter as belonging to Denzel¡¯s wife.

    ¡°Yes, Ms. Curtis,¡± the servant replied with a smile. ¡°Mrs. Vance is currently enjoying a card game with a few friends.¡±

    Eileen returned the smile and proceeded to the living room, where she found four women engrossed in a card game near the French window.

    The light overhead cast a soft, cool glow that brought a touch of elegance to the gathering.

    Among them, Ka, also known as Mrs. Deleon, stood out as possibly the eldest, yet she carried herself with a poise that matched her youngerpanions.

    Ka broke the silence first. ¡°Is someone here?¡±

    Ryann nced over her shoulder. A hint of embarrassment colored her expression, a residue from her earlier encounter with Eileen. She gave a small nod to Eileen and then turned back to her friends, dismissing the interruption. ¡°Alright, she¡¯s my daughter¡¯s tutor. We can carry on.¡±

    Ka smirked and gave Eileen a fleeting nce before she returned her attention to the card game, looking as if she didn¡¯t know Eileen at all.

    Eileen excused herself and went upstairs. She couldn¡¯t wait to share with Adalina that Milford had agreed to let her tutor him.

    Adalina¡¯s face blossomed with happiness. ¡°That¡¯s wonderful, Ms. Curtis! Are you in touch with him on WhatsApp?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I am. Why do you ask? Do you want to add him?¡± Eileen said.

    Adalina nodded with enthusiasm. ¡°Yes, I¡¯d love to help him with his studies if he finds them challenging.¡±

    Eileen then shared Milford¡¯s WhatsApp contact with Adalina, who wasted no time in sending Milford a friend request.

    Before this, Eileen had already given Milford a heads-up that an old friend would be reaching out to connect on WhatsApp.

    With everything settled, Eileen and Adalina began the tutoring session.

    Downstairs, a lively card game was in progress.

    Ka remarked casually, ¡°Mrs. Vance, your daughter¡¯s tutor is quite young and stunning.¡±

    ¡°Yes, my husband was the one who hired her,¡± Ryann responded. ¡°He mentioned that she had previously tutored several students earlier this year, and their grades improved significantly.¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s rare to find tutors who are both capable and as youthful and attractive as she is, wouldn¡¯t you agree? I¡¯d keep a close eye on her,¡± Ka advised Ryann.

    Taken aback by Ka¡¯sment, Ryann paused, a card suspended in her hand.

    Among the elite, maintaining family prestige was paramount, so Ka¡¯s words resonated deeply, sparking conversation.

    Disinterested in the same, they delved into a lively debate on the subject.

    ¡°How did your husbande across this tutor? Did someone rmend her, or did she seek out the position herself?¡±

    ¡°When I was hiring maids, I insisted on only considering those over fifty who were out of shape and in-looking. Men are often ves to their desires, prone to wander in the face of temptation.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right. The tutor is extraordinarily young and appealing. If she decided to seduce a man, who could possibly stand firm against her?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 144

    ?Chapter 144:

    There was no need for Ka to say anything more. The words of the two other women were enough to send Ryann¡¯s heart into turmoil.

    But then, Ryann thought about how well Denzel usually treated her, and she found the courage to refute their ims. ¡°My husband will never do that.¡±

    ¡°Look, I don¡¯t mean to stir up any trouble,¡± Ka said, ¡°but what is the name of your daughter¡¯s tutor?¡±

    ¡°Curtis,¡± Ryann said. ¡°I don¡¯t remember her first name¡­¡± She had never really paid much attention to Eileen¡¯s name.

    Ka said, ¡°Eileen Curtis?¡±

    ¡°Oh, yes, that¡¯s her name!¡± Ryann¡¯s eyes lit up for a few seconds. ¡°How did you know?¡±

    Ka ced the cards on the table with an angry huff. ¡°Well, I know her. My son¡¯s former boss. She used to make my son work overtime, well into the night. But it was all a ruse to seduce him. Even after my son tendered his resignation, she continues to keep in contact with him, constantly flirting and baiting him into seeking her out¡­¡±

    Ryann was visibly taken aback. ¡°Is that so? So that¡¯s the kind of person she is?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m telling you, people might look innocent on the surface, but that isn¡¯t always the truth. Most of them disguise their true, wicked nature. Trust me, I know this Eileen rather well. Are you familiar with Bryan Dawson?¡± Ka said.

    Ryann nodded; she had heard Denzel mention Bryan over a dozen times in the past.

    Ka said, ¡°Bryan is one of the most influential men in Onnd, but he once fell under Eileen¡¯s charms. I mean, just think about her slender waist and long legs. Every man would be tempted. But Bryan was just ying around with Eileen. After all, he never runs short of any woman he wants. As for your husband, however¡­ well, there is no telling what will happen in the future, right?¡±

    Ka¡¯s words hit Ryann like a freight train, and the ball of dread in her stomach only tightened.

    I??€$? ¡é?@t?€§ñ$ I¦Ç g??§Úov¦Å??.c?m

    Denzel was everything to her. There was no way she was going to stand by and let another woman seduce him.

    ¡°Well, enough of this distasteful topic. Let¡¯s continue ying.¡± With that, Ka expertly reshuffled the deck of cards.

    Ryann was no longer in the mood to y at that point, but she couldn¡¯t bring herself to ask her friends to leave. She continued to y, even though her mind was somewhere else.

    As a result, she lost quite a bit of money.

    Ka asked when Adalina would finish her sses and then ended the game right before that. She packed up her things and left with the others.

    No sooner had they left than Eileen came downstairs. She found Ryann sitting by herself in the living room and hesitated for a brief moment before saying, ¡°I am done with the lessons, Miss Vance. I will see you tomorrow. Goodbye.¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡± Ryann stood up and walked over with her arms crossed. ¡°I have a question for you. Did Denzel ask you to do this tutoring job, or were you the one who offered your services to him?¡±

    Eileen paused and thought about it. ¡°I called Mr. Vance for the job,¡± she replied.

    Ryann¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Do you even have his phone number?¡±

    Eileen inhaled slowly, not really surprised by Ryann¡¯s sudden interrogation. The moment she saw Ka in the Vance residence, Eileen knew that the woman was up to something.

    She said, ¡°Because Mr. Vance made an online inquiry about tutoring lessons and left his contact number. Wepile all this data on a periodic basis and then take the initiative to call up prospective clients. Mr. Vance happens to be one of them. I believe Mr. Vance was also contacted by other institutions that have ess to the online forum.¡±

    After a pause, she added, ¡°Actually, I wasn¡¯t the one who called Mr. Vance the first time, but our receptionist.¡±

    Silence ensued as Ryann processed everything. She couldn¡¯t find any fault in Eileen¡¯s exnation.

    Twin beams of light streaked through the window as a car ground to a halt outside. Eileen took that as her cue to leave. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte; I won¡¯t impose on you any longer, Mrs. Vance. Have a good night!¡±

    Then, she turned to the door and left the house.

    Denzel was drunkenly stumbling out of the car when Eileen came out. As Eileen drew near to him, he tripped on his feet.

    Eileen quickly steadied Denzel, then immediately stepped back to put some distance between them.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ms. Curtis.¡± Denzel had to squint at Eileen for a few seconds before finally recognizing who she was.

    Eileen smiled politely and shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s all right, Mr. Vance. Mrs. Vance is waiting for you inside.¡±

    Sure enough, when she nced back, she found Ryann standing in the doorway, staring at them.

    Ryann looked like she had just caught them doing something wrong.

    Eileen immediately turned away and got into her car, driving onto the road.

    A few minutester, Denzel was slumped on the sofa, utterly confused by Ryann¡¯s sudden questioning. ¡°What¡¯s your rtionship with Eileen?¡± Ryann asked.

    ¡°What rtionship?¡±

    Ryann said, ¡°Tell me! Did she seduce you? Is that why you hired her to be Adalina¡¯s tutor? Were you swayed by her good looks?¡±

    Denzel let out a loud burp and waved his hand. ¡°What kind of nonsense are you spouting? As long as you¡¯ll let me sleep peacefully, you are the only one in my heart!¡±

    Unfortunately, Denzel¡¯s drunken ramblings did not help his plight. Ryann lunged at him and pped his back multiple times.

    ¡°You ungrateful bastard! Have you forgotten exactly who it was that stuck with you during your worst times? Mark my words, if you dare to be unfaithful to me, I will kill you and that woman with my own hands!¡± Ryann eximed.

    Ryann continued to cry and rant. But after a while, she found that her husband had already fallen asleep on the couch.

    She wasn¡¯t done with the matter, though. When Denzel woke up the next morning, he was greeted by a still-seething Ryann.

    Now that he was sober, it only took a few disgruntled words for Denzel to grasp what his wife was mad about.

    He exined, ¡°Please don¡¯t misunderstand, honey. We only met Ms. Curtis a handful of times before, and there is nothing going on between us. We are acquaintances at best, and Ms. Curtis is a good and respectable person, yet listen to these gossip mongers who are trying to poison your judgment!¡±

    Ryann believed Denzel. In fact, she knew that her husband was loyal to her now.

    What worried her was the possibility that Denzel might stray in the future. She felt it was necessary to make things clear to him while it was still early.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 145

    ?Chapter 145:

    ¡°Alright.¡± She smiled at Denzel. ¡°By the way, I was fiddling with your phonest night and identally invited someone. Bryan ising over for a meal. He epted the offer. You don¡¯t mind, do you?¡±

    Denzel¡¯s heart sank. He quickly grabbed his phone to check the chat history.

    But the message Ann had sent made very little sense to him.

    ¡°His grades have improved a lot under Ms. Curtis¡¯s tutge. She ising again tonight, and I n to invite her to dinner. Feel free to join us.¡±

    The timestamps showed that it had taken Bryan a while before sending a reply.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ryann asked as she looked at Denzel and studied his reaction. ¡°Are you upset by what I did?¡±

    ¡°Of course not!¡± Denzel vehemently shook his head.

    ¡°You¡¯re awesome, do you know that? Mr. Dawson rarely epts social invitations, especially to an intimate gathering. Yet, you managed to do it!¡±

    Denzel was beaming with excitement. He proceeded to call his boss to say that he was taking a leave of absence from work. Then, he made a few additional calls to arrange for professional cooks to service them during dinner.

    Reading Ryann¡¯s message reminded him that Adalina¡¯s studies were indeed improving as ofte. And seeing how Eileen and Bryan were also acquainted, he saw no reason not to invite Eileen to dinner.

    He could alsopliment Eileen¡¯s efforts in front of Ryann and hopefully help her boost her reputation.

    When Eileen received the dinner invitation, her first instinct was to say no. However, after mulling it over for a while, she decided to go.

    L?t??¦Ó ch?¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l?ov?l??.??§à??

    She believed that the dinner was orchestrated by Ryann. The woman probably wanted some sort of proof that would quell her suspicions. Eileen couldn¡¯t really me her for that. Even if there was an ulterior motive behind tonight¡¯s dinner, she decided to soldier through the whole affair.

    Eileen finished some work during the day, then began to prepare the teaching materials she used for Adalina.

    As she did so, she pondered ways to keep her job and gain Ryann¡¯s trust without hurting or offending anybody in the process.

    She wrapped things up at around five in the evening, then bought some flowers on her way to the Vance residence.

    Unlike before, the gates were wide open today, with servants bustling in and out of the premises.

    Eileen got out of her car, baffled by this unexpected scenario. She was just a tutor, after all. Surely, they weren¡¯t preparing all this for her.

    With a cloud of apprehension hanging over her head, she slowly entered the house and ran into Denzel. He was decked out in a business suit and looked like he was just about to go.

    ¡°Oh, Ms. Curtis! You¡¯re here.¡± Denzel jovially led her to the living room. ¡°You even brought flowers; how kind of you! Now,e and have a seat. Make yourselffortable.¡±

    Eileen walked and sat on the sofa. She caught a nce at the dining table on the way. It wasden with over ten dishes, and the servants were stilling in and out of the kitchen.

    She smiled at Denzel. ¡°Mr. Vance, you don¡¯t need to go to so much trouble.¡±

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s no trouble at all! It might take a while before everything is ready, so feel free to rx here!¡± When Denzel noticed the look of unease on Eileen¡¯s face, he quickly added, ¡°Or you can go upstairs and tutor Adalina for a while.¡±

    Eileen didn¡¯t even hesitate. ¡°Great! I¡¯ll go upstairs.¡±

    She went upstairs and pushed through Adalina¡¯s door.

    The girl was texting on her phone, and she quickly put it down when she saw Eileen.

    ¡°You need to have a proper bnce between work and y in order to learn,¡± Eileen said. ¡°You can y with your phone if you like!¡±

    She thought Adalina might be afraid of getting reprimanded.

    Adalina smiled awkwardly and said nothing. As if on cue, her phone buzzed several times, indicating a bunch of new messages.

    Eileen said, ¡°Just carry on with what you were doing. I arrived early, anyway. Your parents invited me to dinner.¡±

    She settled down by the window and also took out her phone. Seeing this, Adalina finally grabbed her phone and continued texting.

    Eileen nced at Adalina, who was grinning as she typed on her phone. Adalina must be chatting with her friends.

    Eileen didn¡¯t pay much attention to Adalina and checked her own emails. About ten minutester, they heard the honk of a car outside.

    Adalina immediately put her phone down. She paused for a few seconds before saying, ¡°I¡¯ll go change my clothes, Ms. Curtis.¡±

    ¡°What for?¡± Eileen asked in confusion. ¡°We¡¯re not going out; we¡¯re just having a meal downstairs.¡±

    But Adalina was already rushing into the cloakroom without a backward nce.

    ¡°We have a dinner guest,¡± came Adalina¡¯s muffled voice as she rifled through her clothes. ¡°It¡¯s only right that I change into something more presentable. Here, what do you think of this dress?¡±

    Adalina came out holding an orange dress that had a sash around the waist. It was a good match for her temperament.

    ¡°You still consider me a guest?¡± Eileen asked, smiling as she walked over and ruffled Adalina¡¯s hair. ¡°I¡¯ve already seen you in your pajamas many times before. You don¡¯t have to bother with your appearance.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re certainly not a guest,¡± Adalina said as she rushed off to change.

    Before long, she came out again, bouncing with youthful excitement and grinning from ear to ear.

    Eileen had never seen Adalina in such a good mood before.

    ¡°Do I look nice?¡± Adalina stood in front of the mirror, her cheeks red as she carefully arranged her hair.

    ¡°You look great,¡± Eileen replied, getting increasingly curious now. ¡°Why are you so excited, anyway?¡±

    Adalina lowered her head without saying anything, though her lips were still curled into a smile.

    Sounds of conversation came from downstairs.

    Eileen frowned. She didn¡¯t know the Vance couple had invited someone else.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head down a littleter, Ms. Curtis,¡± Adalina suddenly said. She looked nervous as she sat back on her bed and yed with her phone.

    Eileen could no longer contain her curiosity. ¡°Did your parents invite someone else to dinner?¡±

    She had just finished speaking when she heard the sound of footstepsing from the hall. The sound stopped right in front of Adalina¡¯s room, then the door was pushed open. A figure came into view.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 146

    ?Chapter 146:

    Milford, head slightly tilted, broke the silence of the room. ¡°May Ie in?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Adalina eximed, her voice tinged with excitement.

    Peering around as he entered, Milford surveyed the room¡¯s decor, his eyebrows arching slightly.

    Sitting down, he pulled his phone from his pocket, his face adopting a cool detachment. ¡°Those people downstairs are too much. I think I¡¯ll hang out here for a bit,¡± he said.

    ¡°Those people? Is Bryan downstairs?¡± Eileen asked, her brow furrowing.

    Seeing Eileen, Milford¡¯s impatience was palpable, and his tone was far from courteous. ¡°Why else would I be here?¡±

    At a loss for words, Eileen wondered if it was toote for her to leave now.

    Silence enveloped the room again, with each person absorbed in their own thoughts.

    About ten minutester, servants ascended to invite them to dinner.

    Eileen led the way downstairs, with Milford close behind and Adalina trailing behind them.

    Eileen caught sight of Bryan lounging on the sofa.

    The chill emanating from his ck suit contrasted sharply with his rxed posture.

    A cigarette dangled between his fingers, his gaze lifting to meet Eileen¡¯s through the veil of smoke.

    The light captured Eileen¡¯s image. Her casual attire wasplemented by a fluffy ponytail, with strands gently resting on her shoulders.

    ?????????????????.c??m hosts thetest

    Her skin radiated wlessness, and her soft refined features, especially her eyes and eyebrows, conveyed a serene purity.

    Bryan lifted his eyebrows briefly before he averted his gaze, murmuring something to Denzel.

    Then, Denzel and Ryann turned to look at Eileen and the others.

    ¡°Dad, Mom!¡± Adalina¡¯s voice echoed as she dashed downstairs, brushing past Milford and Eileen to reach Denzel and Ryann, who stood to embrace their daughter and smooth her disheveled hair.

    ¡°This is Mr. Dawson.¡± Denzel gestured towards Bryan, prompting Adalina to greet him.

    With a shy smile, Adalina said, ¡°Nice to meet you, Mr. Dawson.¡±

    After a brief exchange of nods with Denzel and Ryann, Eileen approached Bryan, offering a greeting, ¡°Hello, Mr. Dawson.¡±

    ¡°Well, everyone is here. Let¡¯s eat,¡± Denzel said.

    He then turned to Adalina. ¡°Honey, please wee Milford and¡ª¡±

    He hesitated before saying, ¡°Calling Eileen Ms. Curtis seems too formal, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± Adalina nodded, then turned to Eileen.

    ¡°Eileen, is it alright if I just call you that?¡±

    At that moment, Bryan, who was about to extinguish his cigarette and stand up, paused abruptly and nced at Eileen.

    Eileen, standing beside Milford and Adalina, appeared to be their peer, though her slightly more pronounced eyebrows and deeper eyes suggested a touch more sophistication.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, if you please,¡± Denzel called out to Bryan, asking him toe to the table.

    Bryan collected himself and strolled into the dining room.

    With Bryan¡¯s presence, Denzel declined the head seat. Eventually, everyone found their ces at the elongated table, which was set up in two rows.

    Somehow, Eileen ended up sitting next to Bryan, directly across from Ryann.

    ¡°This is perfect. The kids will have their own space to eat and y, making it easier for us to chat,¡± Denzel said, noticing Eileen¡¯s slight difort.

    Eileen nodded with a slight smile. Despite her reluctance, she couldn¡¯t embarrass Bryan in their presence.

    Bryan carried a faint scent of smoke that mingled with the crisp fragrance of pine. The overhead crystalmp cast shimmering reflections on the amber liquid in their sses.

    The meal was rather mundane, predominantly focused on the business dealings between Denzel and Bryan.

    Ryann didn¡¯t intend toplicate things for Eileen. She engaged Eileen in a conversation about tutoring the children.

    Milford remained silent throughout, asionally fiddling with his phone.

    Adalina, on the other hand, was quite the conversationalist. She quickly struck up a lively conversation with Eileen.

    Eileen didn¡¯t mind, but Bryan grew increasingly annoyed as he listened to them tackle a tough physics problem from the study material.

    Adalina was stumped by the problem. Despite receiving two hints from Eileen, she couldn¡¯t solve it.

    Milford suddenly interjected, ¡°Can¡¯t you solve such a simple problem?¡±

    All eyes turned towards Milford.

    ¡°Can you?¡± Eileen asked, a hint of surprise in her voice. She then suggested to Adalina, ¡°Why don¡¯t you show him the physics problem I left for you yesterday and let him try?¡± Before Milford could respond, Adalina dashed upstairs to retrieve the material.

    Within moments, she was back, cing the physics problem before Milford.

    All eyes were on Milford as he picked up a pen and began to work through the problem, following Eileen¡¯s earlier guidelines.

    However, he soon slowed down in his solving, and Eileen gave him a few hints.

    To Eileen¡¯s surprise, Milford had outshined Adalina in learning ability. Under Eileen¡¯s guidance, Milford had adeptly solved the problem.

    ¡°Weren¡¯t you taught that in junior high school by first grade?¡± Eileen asked, a hint of disbelief in her voice.

    Given that physics was only introduced in the second year of junior high, it was unexpected for Milford to have any knowledge of it.

    Milford set his pen and notebook aside with a dismissive sneer, boasting, ¡°I¡¯m just naturally smart.¡±

    Eileen remarked, ¡°You¡¯re impressive, Milford.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s praise caused Milford to blush with a mix of embarrassment and pride, rendering him speechless for a moment.

    ¡°You¡¯re right; he really is impressive,¡± Adalina added, supporting the praise.

    The room was filled with a warm atmosphere, though outside, the rain poured down fiercely.

    Perhaps influenced by the mood, Bryan had drunk a little too much, the corners of his eyes reddening.

    As Bryan got up, a cigarette positioned between the fingers of his left hand, his right hand surreptitiously reached under the table to sp Eileen¡¯s. Eileen froze, her body tensing as she instinctively tried to pull away.

    But Bryan tightened his grip, caressing the back of her hand gently.

    All the while, he carried on conversing with Denzel as if nothing out of the ordinary was urring.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, what happened to your wrist?¡± Denzel had caught sight of the bite mark on Bryan¡¯s wrist before and initially thought he had been mistaken.

    Bryan had removed his coat and rolled up his sleeve during dinner; it was only then that Denzel confirmed it was indeed a bite mark.

    ¡°I was bitten,¡± Bryan murmured, bending his wrist to examine it closely.

    Eileen¡¯s throat tightened, and she averted her gaze ufortably.

    Then, Denzel, in utter disbelief, eximed, ¡°Really? This looks pretty bad. Have you been to the hospital for a vine shot?¡±

    Bryan just chuckled softly and replied, ¡°No, I haven¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Denzel asked, visibly shaken. ¡°Mr. Dawson, is it from a cat or a dog?¡±

    Eileen remained silent, lost for words.

    Bryanughed, a trail of smoke escaping his lips.

    It was the first time Denzel had ever seen Bryanugh. He was puzzled about why Bryan could stillugh at such an incident.

    With her ears blushing, Eileen turned her face away, pretending not to catch the details of their conversation.

    Understanding the situation, Ryann gave Denzel a yful poke and asked, ¡°Do you know what makes a manugh even after being bitten?¡±

    Her voice was low yet audible to all seated at the table.

    Adalina, curious, inquired, ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll know when you¡¯re older,¡± Ryann replied, patting Adalina¡¯s head gently. ¡°For now, just focus on your dinner.¡±

    She then turned and offered Eileen a smile, making Eileen feel more embarrassed.

    ¡°Mrs. Vance,¡± she began, unable to contain her restlessness, ¡°Since the kids have finished eating, I¡¯ll take them upstairs for their lessons.¡±

    ¡°Actually, I was considering canceling today¡¯s session. But since it¡¯s pouring outside, I figured you might be stuck here for a while. You can take them upstairs for the session now,¡± Denzel replied, suggesting that Milford also join them upstairs.

    Eileen, turning to steal a nce at Bryan, caught the brief heat of his fingertips before he let go.

    Bryan, avoiding her gaze, turned away and took a drag of his cigarette.

    Even though Milford had joined their tutoring session, he was still unfamiliar with the subjects Adalina intended to study.

    Eileen handed Milford two of Adalina¡¯s textbooks and began the tutoring session with Adalina.

    Their tutoring started at eight in the evening and wrapped up at ten.

    As the tutoring session concluded, thunder cracked, lighting up the evening sky as if it were midday.

    Eileen and Milford descended the stairs to find Bryan engrossed in a game of chess with Denzel.

    Emerging from the kitchen with a tray of fruit, Ryann asked, ¡°Has the ss ended?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mrs. Vance,¡± Eileen replied with a smile. Her gaze fell on Bryan and Denzel.

    Outside, a light drizzle set the stage, lending an artistic touch to the scene.

    Upon noticing Eileen, Denzel ced his chess pieces down and said, ¡°Ms. Curtis, Mr. Dawson, since the lesson¡¯s over and it¡¯s still raining, I think it¡¯s best not to keep you here any longer.¡±

    It was a subtle way to ask Eileen to leave.

    Ryann set some fruit on the table, turned to Denzel, and lightly patted his shoulder, saying, ¡°Mr. Dawson¡¯s had a fair bit to drink. With the rain and slippery roads, driving could be risky.¡±

    Denzel paused, realization dawning on him. He recalled that Bryan had driven here with Milford, and they hadn¡¯t brought a driver.

    He quickly said, ¡°It was an oversight on my part. I¡¯ve had a bit to drink myself. What should we do now?¡±

    Ryann frowned slightly. Then, she turned to Eileen, suggesting, ¡°Since you¡¯re here, perhaps you could offer Mr. Dawson and Milford a ride?¡±

    Eileen was taken aback. She nced up, her expression one of bewilderment.

    Denzel stood there, equally surprised.

    Meanwhile, Bryan picked up his coat from the sofa and draped it over his arm, his tall figure silhouetted against the light.

    Turning to face Eileen, his voice devoid of emotion, he said, ¡°Then I should thank you in advance, Ms. Curtis.¡±

    Eileen was momentarily at a loss for words.

    Was Bryan really expecting her to drive him home?

    ¡°Wait¡­¡± Denzel appeared uncertain.

    Ryann, shing a friendly smile, chimed in, ¡°Thanks for the effort, Ms. Curtis. Let me walk you out.¡±

    Led by Bryan, the group made their way outside, with Eileen trailing behind in a state of mild confusion.

    They walked the short distance from the gate to the car in the rain.

    It was only when Bryan and Milford settled into the snug confines of the car that Eileen realized she was supposed to drive them home.

    She honked the horn as a goodbye to the Vance couple and slowly pulled away.

    Standing by the door, Denzel sensed something amiss but couldn¡¯t pinpoint what it was.

    Ryann, arms folded, turned to him and prodded,

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you noticed anything odd?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 147

    ?Chapter 147:

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Denzel shook his head, a puzzled frown on his face. ¡°But I do feel like something is off.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Mr. Dawson. Will he let someone he barely knows give him a ride home?¡± Ryann said. ¡°And I¡¯m betting Dawson is at tonight¡¯s dinner for Ms. Curtis. Those two have a rather unique rtionship!¡±

    Denzel paused, uncertainty clouding his features, then asked, ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you notice how Mr. Dawson took his eyes off Ms. Curtis? It was like he was glued to her,¡± Ryann said as she ushered Denzel inside.

    Denzel took the towel offered by a servant and gently dried Ryann¡¯s face. ¡°What are you getting at?¡±

    ¡°I bet it was Ms. Curtis who left that mark on Mr. Dawson¡¯s wrist!¡± Ryann¡¯s tone grew impatient yet exnatory. ¡°Ms. Curtis is Mr. Dawson¡¯s woman, Denzel. Don¡¯t try to get close to her.¡±

    ¡°So, sending that invite wasn¡¯t a mix-up? You meant to bring Mr. Dawson and Ms. Curtis together tonight?¡± Denzel¡¯s voice carried a hint of realization.

    Ryann nodded, her impatience evident as she reiterated her point to Denzel, who finally seemed to grasp the full picture.

    The soft patter of misty rain drummed against the car windows. There was only silence inside the car.

    Eileen drove as quickly as she could, eager to get Bryan and Milford home.

    Upon reaching the gates of the vi, she opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted as Milford flung open the car door and dashed out. Her eyes widened in surprise, following Milford¡¯s retreat. Then, she turned to look at Bryan, who remained seated beside her.

    Stories live now on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s.c¦Ïm

    Eileen started to say something, then turned to watch Milford.

    Milford hurried to the door, leaving her alone in the car with Bryan.

    Eileen wondered why Bryan hadn¡¯t exited the car yet.

    She stole a nce at him, then quickly averted her eyes.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, we¡¯ve arrived,¡± she said.

    ¡°So? Are you trying to avoid me or something?¡± Bryan turned and leaned casually against the door, adjusting his posture to face her.

    Eileen offered an awkward smile and shook her head.

    ¡°Of course not, I just¡ª¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good. Because avoiding me isn¡¯t an option,¡± Bryan interjected, smirking as he adjusted his tie.

    Yet, he made no move to leave the car.

    Eileen had been waiting for a long time, and yet Bryan remained seated in the car. ¡°It¡¯s still drizzling. There¡¯s an umbre in the trunk. I¡¯ll grab it for you,¡± she eventually said.

    It seemed worthwhile to hand him the umbre and send him on his way.

    ¡°You¡¯re lying,¡± Bryan countered abruptly.

    At his words, Eileen stopped her move to unbuckle her seatbelt.

    She turned to face him and retorted, ¡°I¡¯m not lying. I did this for your sake; I wanted to give you the umbre because I didn¡¯t want you to get soaked, Mr. Dawson.¡±

    ¡°You im you want to keep your distance, yet you want to hand me your umbre, perhaps hoping I¡¯d have to return it to meet you again,¡± Bryan said.

    No sooner had Bryan spoken than Eileen, irritated, grabbed a pack of tissues and threw it at him. ¡°You¡¯re shameless! I¡¯m not going to hand you the umbre! You might as well get drenched!¡±

    She hurled whatever she couldy her hands on at him, but he was already stepping out of the car, moving so swiftly that everything she threw only struck the car door.

    The headlights illuminated his tall form momentarily before dimming, the rain enveloping himpletely.

    As he walked away, his posture radiated sheer arrogance. Eileen could imagine the smug smile stered across his face.

    She was so angry that she just started the car and left. The rain was pouring by the time she got home. Coming from the driver¡¯s seat to the back, she popped the trunk open and grabbed an umbre, managing to shield herself from gettingpletely soaked.

    She had lingered at the Vance family¡¯s ce longer than intended, and, to be courteous, had silenced her phone.

    Upon arriving home, she noticed her phone was flooded with missed calls. Some were from Phoebe, and others were from numbers she didn¡¯t recognize.

    Emmett had left a few texts telling her that he was at the coffee shop near the education agency, waiting for her.

    He told her that if she didn¡¯t go see him, he wouldn¡¯t leave.

    Phoebe wasn¡¯t answering. When Eileen finally reached her, Phoebe¡¯s voice sounded strange.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Where are you?¡± Eileen didn¡¯t beat around the bush.

    ¡°I¡¯m out. I won¡¯t be back tonight. Try to get some rest early, okay? Bye¡­¡± Phoebe rushed through her words and ended the call before Eileen could respond.

    Worried, Eileen tried calling back several times, but Phoebe didn¡¯t pick up.

    Then, out of the blue, a voice message from Phoebe arrived: ¡°Don¡¯t worry; I¡¯m fine. I was just bitten by a dog!¡±

    Eileen knew Phoebe was telling her that she was okay.

    Since her arrival in Wist Land, Phoebe had rarely ventured outside, and Eileen was confident that Phoebe had no enemies here.

    Eileen texted Phoebe, telling her that she would alert the police if she didn¡¯t hear from her by morning. Then, she opened the chatbox with Emmett.

    She had received the messages from Emmett five hours ago, but after some thought, she decided to ignore him.

    She believed Emmett had probably left the coffee shop by now.

    At midnight, the rain started pouring down again.

    As soon as Eileeny in bed, weariness swept over her, and she quickly fell asleep.

    When the rm sounded, she shut it off and checked her phone, discovering two new messages from Phoebe.

    Phoebe reassured her that she was okay and mentioned she had some matters to handle over the next two days, so she wouldn¡¯t be returning home.

    Eileen knew it wasn¡¯t her ce to pry into Phoebe¡¯s private matters. She simply cautioned Phoebe to stay safe.

    Then, she got up, refreshed herself, and headed directly to the education agency.

    Upon arriving, she noticed a crowd gathered around the entrance. She hastily parked her car, exited, and approached the scene.

    ¡°Is he¡ª?¡±

    ¡°I think he¡¯s still breathing. I think he needs help!¡±

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s time to call an ambnce!¡±

    Someone in the crowd recognized Eileen and cleared a path for her. ¡°Curtis, look! Someone¡¯s copsed at the gate of your education agency!¡±

    Eileen nced over and spotted Emmett on the ground, soaked to the skin and looking ghostly pale.

    His lips had lost all color, and his eyes were shut tight.

    ¡°Emmett!¡± Eileen hurried over, setting her bag down without caring about the wet ground.

    After gently tapping Emmett¡¯s cheek twice, Eileen looked up at the crowd and called out, ¡°Could someone please dial 411?¡±

    An ambnce was called immediately, and it arrived within ten minutes. Eileen apanied Emmett to the hospital.

    After an initial examination, the doctor informed Eileen, ¡°He¡¯s very weak. He caught a cold and fever. Looks like he was in the rain all night. Why did he do that?¡±

    Eileen opened her mouth, at a loss for words. Had Emmett been waiting for her the entire night?

    ¡°Are you his family?¡± the doctor asked. ¡°We need to do aprehensive check-up. If you agree, pleasee and sign here.¡±

    Eileen shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not his rtive.¡±

    ¡°Then you must inform his rtives immediately!¡± the doctor replied.

    Then, the doctor left.

    The sound of footsteps resonated through the hallway. asionally, nurses or other patients¡¯ family members hurried past Eileen.

    Eileen suddenly recalled having Emmett¡¯s mother¡¯s WhatsApp on her phone and decided to reach out.

    However, she quickly discovered she had been removed as a contact.

    ¡°Miss, you need to settle the fees first, or we can¡¯t even start the basic tests.¡± A nurse approached Eileen and spoke, presenting a bill.

    ¡°Okay!¡± Eileen pocketed her phone and proceeded to pay for Emmett¡¯s hospital stay.

    After settling the bill, Eileen was informed by the doctor that Emmett had regained consciousness but was refusing a thorough check-up. They had moved him to a ward.

    Upon entering the ward, Eileen saw Emmett trying to rise from his bed, the nurse struggling to restrain him.

    ¡°Stop that. Your girlfriend¡¯s here!¡± the nurse eximed. She gestured to Eileen and added, ¡°Can you help with your boyfriend? He¡¯s feverish and stubborn about leaving.¡±

    As soon as Emmett caught sight of Eileen, he fell silent and sat back on the bed.

    His gaze flickered, unable to look Eileen in the eye.

    ¡°Thanks for your help,¡± Eileen expressed her gratitude to the nurse, who quickly exited the room.

    She then approached Emmett¡¯s bed, hands buried in the pockets of her windbreaker.

    She had brought him to the hospital. Her usually neat long hair was now tousled.

    She ran her fingers through her hair, attempting to smooth it out. ¡°You can¡¯t think about leaving until your fever¡¯s gone.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Emmett blurted out, his voice tinged with urgency.

    ¡°I don¡¯t need an apology,¡± Eileen responded calmly. ¡°You¡¯ve done nothing wrong to me!¡±

    ¡°Last time, my mother overstepped,¡± Emmett said, his head bowed like a child admitting to a fault.

    The sun bathed him in early morning light, revealing his weary appearance.

    After a long silence, Eileen said, ¡°There¡¯s no use rehashing the fights and wrongs of that incident now. The best course is not to strain our rtionship further, so an apology isn¡¯t necessary.¡±

    Emmett looked up, meeting her gaze for a brief moment.

    His words were stuck in his throat.

    ¡°Call your parents and have theme get you. I need to return to work,¡± Eileen said.

    ncing at her watch, Eileen realized it was past ten now.

    ¡°I understand. You can leave now,¡± Emmett responded, his eyes flickering as he lowered his head, concealing his emotions.

    He was clearly in poor shape. Eileen talked to the nurse for a while before leaving.

    Following a hectic morning, Eileen visited Milford in thete afternoon, papers in hand.

    To her surprise, Milford awaited her in the study, ready to be tutored as promised.

    Though his demeanor was still less than ideal, he caused no issues.

    Eileen was pleased to discover Milford¡¯s brilliance; he grasped concepts quickly without needing extensive exnation.

    He managed to master the basics of the first-grade and second-grade materials instantly. The challengey in the new third-grade subjects he had yet to study.

    Eileen hesitated momentarily, then turned to Milford with a tentative offer. ¡°How about joining Adalina¡¯s sses? We could schedule your sessions on Fridays. It would save us a lot of time.¡±

    ¡°Will you refund my tuition?¡± Milford inquired with a serious tone.

    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Eileen replied simply. ¡°No one is getting their money back from me.¡±

    Milford shrugged nonchntly. ¡°I¡¯m fine with it as long as Adalina is on board.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll take care of it,¡± Eileen assured him. She finished packing and descended the stairs. As she passed by Bryan¡¯s room, she paused briefly; he wasn¡¯t there.

    Despite theteness of the hour, she hurried toward the hospital, unable to dy any longer.

    Stepping out of her car, Eileen walked toward the inpatient department, clutching her bag. Suddenly, a furious voice came from the distance.

    It was Ka¡¯s voice. ¡°You¡¯re out of your mind! Why on earth did you do thatst night? Look at the state you¡¯re in now!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 148

    ?Chapter 148:

    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business,¡± Emmett then moved ahead in silence. He had just looked up when he saw Eileen standing nearby.

    Pausing, he asked, ¡°Ms. Curtis, why are you here again?¡±

    ¡°Again?¡± Ka hurried, ncing between Emmett and Eileen.

    ¡°I didn¡¯te to the hospital for your¡­,¡± Eileen began.

    But before Eileen could finish speaking, Ka interjected, ¡°Then why are you here?¡±

    She approached Eileen and asked, ¡°Did you send him to the hospital? Did he run away home to see you yesterday? Why did you torture him like this? The doctor mentioned he was in the rain all night. His body is already weak. Do you know that?¡±

    As Ka walked over, a gust of wind brushed Eileen¡¯s face. Eileen looked at her coldly.

    Taking a deep breath, Eileen responded, ¡°He was lying outside my tutoring center. I took him to the hospital, paid the bill, and left. I don¡¯t know anything else.¡±

    It was around nine in the evening now, and the hospital corridors were silent. Ka¡¯s raised voice had caused some patients to peek from their windows.

    Several nurses gathered at the door, murmuring amongst themselves.

    Eileen preferred not to cause a scene, especially since Ruby was also a patient here.

    But Ka didn¡¯t let her go. She eximed, ¡°Stop lying! When I was checking my son out, the nurse said you imed to be his girlfriend!¡±

    ¡°The nurse assumed that on her own. I never admitted it,¡± Eileen said, her expression tightening.

    Fresh chapters are live at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s

    ¡°I¡¯m not interested in your excuses! Eileen, you¡¯re not suitable for my son. I won¡¯t let you marry him! If you don¡¯t back off, I¡¯ll make sure you can¡¯t stay in Wist Land!¡± In a fit of anger, Ka threw her bag at Eileen.

    Eileen dodged it easily, and the bag crashed into a nearby car, setting off its rm.

    ¡°I have no intention of marrying your son!¡± Eileen¡¯s eyes were cold as ice as she expressed her stance to Ka. Then, she turned to Emmett. ¡°If you genuinely wish to avoid troubling me, please stop approaching me from now on. Your apologies will only cause more harm than good.¡±

    She purposely made her point serious to ensure it was clear.

    Then, she walked toward the inpatient department.

    Emmett and Ka stood frozen, watching her leave.

    ¡°Why¡­ Why did she go there?¡± Ka asked, bewildered.

    Emmett had a sudden realization and said, ¡°My mother is sick and is hospitalized here, which is why she visits the hospital every weekend.¡±

    It dawned on him that Eileen wasn¡¯t there for him at all.

    He said to Ka, ¡°Haven¡¯t you realized that you¡¯ve misunderstood her?¡±

    Ka, still unyielding, retorted, ¡°Whether I misunderstood her or not doesn¡¯t matter. I just want you to end things with her. It¡¯s better if she stays away from you. If she bothers you, I swear I will kill her!¡±

    Emmett felt a headache and got into the car in frustration.

    He suddenly realized that what Eileen had said made sense. By staying away, he would not cause her further trouble.

    Once in the car, he remained silent, choosing not to engage with Ka.

    Ka¡¯s hostility toward Eileen wasn¡¯t just because of her son; it was mainly because of Kian¡¯s instructions.

    Upon entering the hospital room, Eileen ced her bag on the sofa and immediately went to the bedside. She grasped Ruby¡¯s hand, saying, ¡°Mom, I¡¯m here. Blink if you can hear me.¡±

    Ruby blinked, showing a slight response, which brought joy to Eileen.

    ¡°Eileen, was that Mr. Bryant I saw downstairs earlier?¡± Bailee had seen him but wasn¡¯t sure.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen responded, standing up to look at Bailee.

    ¡°But he¡¯s no longer with the education agency.¡±

    The ward was silent, yet Ka¡¯s harsh words still resonated in Eileen¡¯s mind.

    Perhaps due to a deep-seated calm, Eileen managed to maintain aposed expression.

    Unable to contain her concern, Bailee blurted out, ¡°Was that Mr. Bryant¡¯s mother who was yelling at you earlier? Why was she so furious?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s been a small misunderstanding. We won¡¯t see each other in the future, so it won¡¯t happen again,¡± Eileen replied.

    Eileen didn¡¯t think Emmett was a stubborn person. She was confident he wouldn¡¯t insist on apologizing after what had happened tonight. As long as Emmett stayed away, Ka wouldn¡¯t have an opportunity to cause further issues for her.

    ¡°Eileen, if you find yourself in trouble, please let me know. Even if I can¡¯t protect you, I can help you find a solution,¡± Bailee said.

    Bailee didn¡¯t want Eileen to face her problems alone.

    Eileen gave a reassuring smile. ¡°Okay.¡±

    The two stood on opposite sides of the bed. Suddenly, Bailee released Ruby¡¯s hand, walked around the bed, and guided Eileen to sit in a chair by the window.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me that Bryan hase to Wist Land?¡± Bailee asked Eileen.

    ¡°How¡­¡± Eileen was taken aback. ¡°How did you find out about this?¡±

    Bailee pouted and said, ¡°First, you tell me what¡¯s going on between you two. Then, I¡¯ll exin how I found out about this.¡±

    What indeed was going on between her and Bryan? This question left Eileen momentarily at a loss for words.

    She hesitated briefly before saying, ¡°At best, we¡¯re old acquaintances now. He is probably upset because I called him a despicable person before leaving Onnd. But once he leaves here, he and I will have nothing to do with each other.¡±

    ¡°Has he been troubling you?¡± Bailee was concerned.

    Eileen shook her head and said, ¡°No, he hasn¡¯t. Actually, he helped me a bit. But we didn¡¯t interact much beyond that.¡±

    Eileen and Bailee continued talking about Ruby¡¯s condition for a while, then got ready for bed.

    Since it was Saturday, Eileen stayed with Ruby and discussed with Denzel on the phone about having Milford and Adalina attend tutoring sessions together.

    This arrangement would offer Milford and Adalina five sses a week at no extra charge. Eileen suggested Denzel weigh the advantages and disadvantages, but Denzel immediately agreed, and they decided to start the tutoring sessions on Monday.

    On Sunday afternoon, Phoebe called Eileen, inviting her to a club in central Wist Land for some fun.

    Jacob shouted over the phone that he was paying, telling Eileen that he wanted a gathering of old friends.

    Hearing this, Eileen knew she couldn¡¯t refuse.

    Even after Jacob mentioned that Bryan would be there, she decided to attend, hoping to discuss her tutoring ns for Milford with Bryan.

    She bid Bailee farewell and left the hospital.

    By evening, around nine, the city center was alive with activity and cars zipping past.

    The entrance of the high-end club was lined with luxury cars.

    Eileen¡¯s car didn¡¯t stand out here, but she looked strikingly beautiful in her wool coat.

    As she stepped out of her car, she drew many admiring nces.

    Next to the club was a high-end beauty salon. Ka, just leaving the salon, spotted Eileen.

    Ka instructed her driver to stop, took a photo of Eileen in front of the club, and sent it to Emmett with a message.

    ¡°Look at that! Do you think a decent woman woulde to a ce like this for fun? Maybe she¡¯s here to meet a pimp!¡±

    The gentle glow in the photographs softened Eileen¡¯s features, enhancing her stunning beauty with a mesmerizing effect.

    Emmett found himself captivated by Eileen¡¯s photo for a moment.

    Then, noticing the message from Ka, he quickly responded, ¡°She¡¯s not that type of person.¡±

    This response infuriated Ka. Looking up, she noticed Eileen had been stopped by a man at the entrance of the club.

    The young man was in a floral shirt, paired with ck suit trousers. His slightly squinted eyes gave him a lewd look. As he moved closer to Eileen, he inhaled deeply twice.

    Eileen, disgusted, took a few steps back and said, ¡°Sir, please don¡¯t get too close.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re all here for a good time. Don¡¯t act like you¡¯re not interested.¡± The young man took a couple of steps closer to Eileen, lifted an eyebrow, and asked, ¡°Are you here alone? Would you like to join me in my private room?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m actually looking for a friend,¡± Eileen replied firmly.

    Despite her cold response, the man didn¡¯t walk away and seemed more intrigued. ¡°Who are you looking for? Let me take you inside. This ce is mine. You¡¯re very attractive, and men will try to harass you. I can keep you safe.¡±

    As he spoke, he reached out to touch Eileen¡¯s shoulder, but Eileen quickly stepped aside.

    Eileen¡¯s patience was wearing thin. ¡°No, thank you. If you¡¯re trying to find a woman as your target, you should look elsewhere. I¡¯m not interested!¡±

    She then turned and made her way into the club.

    The young man thought to follow her, but one of his associates reminded him, ¡°Mr. ke, your friends are almost here.¡±

    Hearing this, the young man, Arthur ke, watched Eileen walk away and instructed, ¡°Find out which private room she goes into.¡±

    He then grabbed a cigarette from his pocket and descended the stairs. Just as he lit the cigarette, someone approached him.

    ¡°Mr. ke?¡± Ka stood before Arthur, holding her purse.

    Arthur took a puff of his cigarette and recognized Ka. He said with a smile, ¡°Mrs. Deleon, what a surprise to see you here.¡±

    ¡°I just finished at the salon next door.¡± Ka gestured to the nearby beauty salon.

    The salon¡¯s red sign illuminated Arthur¡¯s handsome face.

    He frowned slightly but said nothing.

    Ka said, ¡°I noticed you were hitting on the woman who just walked into the club. Thought I¡¯de over and talk to you.¡±

    ¡°Do you know her?¡± Arthur became interested.

    ¡°Yes, I know her well. She¡¯s quite the flirt. If you run with her over, I¡¯ll support you at your family¡¯spany¡¯s next shareholder meeting,¡± Ka said.

    Ka owned shares in the ke family¡¯s business, and Arthur wasn¡¯t the sole heir of his family. His im to the ke family¡¯s wealth hinged on the number of allies he had within thepany.

    Arthur¡¯s attention peaked immediately after hearing what Ka had said.

    When Eileen came out of the elevator on the fifth floor, she saw Raymond standing at the door. ¡°Hi, Raymond,¡± she greeted.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 149

    ?Chapter 149:

    Raymond swung the door open with a beaming smile.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, wee.¡±

    His voice carried a note of ttery that Eileen almost thought she could see on his face.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± she replied, stepping into the room with a nod of appreciation.

    The room was a cozy private space, and Bryan was there, d in a crisp white shirt and dress pants, loungingfortably on the sofa.

    The colorful lights from above cast down on his sharp features.

    Jacob was decked out in a sleek ck Armani tracksuit. Despite a year having passed, his energy remained undiminished.

    Upon noticing Eileen, Jacob popped a piece of fruit into his mouth and hurried over. ¡°Eileen, it looks like you¡¯ve been having a st in Wist Land!¡±

    ¡°Mr. Meyer,¡± Eileen responded with a smile, ¡°It¡¯s wonderful to see you again.¡±

    ¡°Likewise!¡± Jacob¡¯s grin widened. He gestured toward a spot next to Bryan. ¡°Come, have a seat here. Let¡¯s catch up.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s gaze followed his gesture to the indicated spot, with Bryan on the left and Phoebe on the right.

    Phoebe mirrored Jacob¡¯s action, giving the seat next to her a vigorous pat.

    After a moment of hesitation, Eileen went there and sat down.

    Fresh updates now on g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s

    Jacob settled down beside Phoebe and started chatting with Eileen.

    ¡°I heard from Phoebe that you are engaged in the education industry here?¡± he asked.

    Eileen nodded in affirmation. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±

    Jacob probed further, ¡°And I heard you¡¯re quite sessful?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s been alright,¡± Eileen responded. ¡°I guess I¡¯ve just been lucky.¡±

    She genuinely believed in her luck. Considering the numerous tutoring agencies that dotted Wist Land, her sess in just one year had indeed surpassed her expectations.

    Jacob shed a grin. ¡°Well, they say luck favors thepetent, and you¡¯re certainly proving that.¡±

    ¡°You tter me, Mr. Meyer,¡± Eileen said, her cheeks warming with thepliment. Feeling the conversation was veering too much towards praise, she decided to steer it elsewhere. ¡°And how about you, Mr. Meyer? Have you taken over the Meyer family business yet?¡±

    Jacob shook his head and replied, ¡°Not yet. My father believes one should settle down and start a family before diving into ambitions. No marriage, no business handover!¡±

    Eileen was taken aback for a moment. Then, she nced at Phoebe and smiled. ¡°Mr. Meyer, you¡¯re still quite young. There¡¯s no need to hurry, really.¡±

    Jacob leaned back on the sofa, crossing his legs. ¡°That¡¯s right; quite a catch.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s expression soured at the exchange.

    He set his wine ss down on the table a bit too forcefully, and the sound abruptly halted the conversation.

    Everyone¡¯s gaze shifted towards him.

    ¡°Are you just here to catch up?¡± Bryan¡¯s tone was tinged with irritation. ¡°Seems like you two are quite close. Maybe save catching up for another time, privately!¡±

    Jacob hastily raised his ss in acknowledgment. ¡°My apologies, I got carried away with the chat and neglected you. Let¡¯s have a drink together.¡±

    Jacob stood up, maneuvering around Phoebe and Eileen to reach Bryan¡¯s side.

    Seizing the moment, Phoebe tugged Eileen to a quieter spot.

    ¡°I was wondering if you would show up,¡± Phoebe said.

    Eileen watched the two men clinking sses and whispered, ¡°I came out of respect for Mr. Meyer. Plus, I needed to discuss something with Mr. Dawson.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s it about?¡± Phoebe murmured. ¡°Are you going to talk about love?¡±

    Eileen was momentarily lost for words.

    The lighting of the private room was dim, yet Eileen could distinctly make out the mocking smile on Phoebe¡¯s face.

    With a gentle smile, Eileen inquired, ¡°What brought you to the hospital?¡±

    Phoebe¡¯s cheeks flushed at the question. ¡°Just¡­ I got a minor injury.¡±

    ¡°Were you there visiting a gynecologist, perhaps?¡± Eileen asked directly.

    Phoebe¡¯s reaction was swift and fierce. ¡°No! Because of the fact I fled to Wist Land, Jacob became a joke in Onnd, and that angered him. During our encounter, he downed two bottles of strong liquor, lost hisposure, and tried to get too close to me. I identally injured his arm.¡±

    Eileen was taken aback. Imagining the situation, she couldn¡¯t help but smile.

    Phoebe, seeing her amusement, joined in theughter. ¡°Before I came to Wist Land, our families were pushing him to marry me, but he always refused. But after I left, he felt he was the aggrieved party. Back then, when he wouldn¡¯t marry me, I was the one being ridiculed.¡±

    Eileen had not delved deeply into their personal matters before, but it was clear that even in Onnd, their connection had been significant.

    Now, it appeared their ties ran even deeper.

    Phoebe¡¯s meeting with Jacob was nothing like Eileen¡¯s unexpected encounters with Bryan. Eileen couldn¡¯t help but smile as she said, ¡°Mr. Meyer really is a nice man.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Dawson is quite nice as well,¡± Phoebe replied.

    Eileen ended this topic and popped a piece of fruit into her mouth.

    Phoebe shifted the topic to Ruby¡¯s situation, and Eileen shared everything with her.

    Before she realized it, Eileen had been sitting there for over an hour, having removed her wool coat, her long hair draping over her slender frame.

    She nced over at Bryan, who was deep in conversation with Jacob. Despite being in the same room, she and Bryan hadn¡¯t spoken at all since her arrival.

    Bryan was sitting with his legs crossed, enveloped in a haze of smoke, his expression unreadable and distant.

    Jacob suddenly stood up and made his way to the restroom, giving Phoebe a look.

    ¡°I think I¡¯ll head to the restroom,¡± Phoebe announced and promptly left the room.

    Now alone with Bryan, Eileen realized the cool pine scent emanating from him had filled her senses.

    Bryan¡¯s eyes fixed on her, causing her to momentarily falter. Clearing her throat, she managed to say, ¡°Mr. Dawson, there¡¯s something I need to discuss with you.¡±

    He merely raised an eyebrow and nodded, his indifference palpable.

    Eileen said, ¡°Regarding tutoring Milford, I n to tutor him and Adalina together. This way, you can provide sses for them five days a week. What do you think?¡±

    She was seeking Bryan¡¯s opinion with a polite tone.

    Bryan pondered for a moment before replying, ¡°As long as Milford is on board, I see no issue with it.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s agreed, so it¡¯s settled,¡± Eileen replied, then reached into her pocket to pull out her phone, intending to coordinate with Denzel about the locations for the sses.

    Absorbed in her task, Eileen didn¡¯t notice the shift in Bryan¡¯s expression. His gaze had darkened.

    It was only when he suddenly snatched the phone from her hand that she looked up in surprise. ¡°What are you doing?¡± she asked.

    Bryan¡¯s face was clouded with displeasure. Was that all she had to say?

    ¡°Give the phone back to me!¡± Eileen¡¯s brow furrowed in annoyance, and she made a grab for the phone, hoping to catch him off guard.

    But Bryan deftly leaned back, keeping the phone just out of her reach.

    Simultaneously, his other arm encircled her slim waist, pulling her closer. Her waist was so slender that his arm could easily wrap around it.

    As Eileen was pressed against his chest, she could feel the steady thump of his heart and the coolness of his muscles under her palms.

    The arm around her waist held her firmly, leaving her no room to pull away.

    Her nose was nearly touching his chin, and his breath was warm as it washed over her face.

    This closeness wasn¡¯t their first since reuniting; Eileen vividly recalled the intense kiss they had shared previously.

    She noticed his breathing quicken, growing shallow and rapid.

    Shifting uneasily, she suddenly felt his other hand lift her chin, drawing her into a kiss with his cool lips.

    This tender gesture halted her resistance.

    Their breaths mingled, the air between them heating rapidly as his hand ventured into the long locks at the back of her head, deepening their kiss.

    Overwhelmed by the flood of sensations, Eileen¡¯s thoughts scattered.

    Instinctively, her hands found their way to his solid waist.

    Eventually, Bryan broke the kiss, his gaze lingering on her dewy and flushed lips.

    Eileen looked vulnerable now, her guardpletely down.

    Bryan¡¯s smile was a mix of satisfaction and a slight annoyance that the setting wasn¡¯t quite right.

    ¡°Let¡¯s continue this tonight,¡± he whispered, his voice low and raspy.

    The sound of his voice snapped Eileen back to reality. She jerked her hands away from his waist abruptly. Her ears flushed a deep red as she red at him, ¡°I¡¯m not interested!¡± she retorted.

    Attempting to pull away, she fumbled, her energy sapped by his earlier antics. Her move revealed the delicate line of her corbones and a hint of her slender waist.

    Bryan averted his gaze, his eyes momentarily darkening with desire. Fumbling with his shirt, he unbuttoned the top buttons in a futile attempt to calm his restlessness.

    He snatched up a drink from the table, gulping it down. The cold liquid traced a path down his throat, and in his haste, a few droplets escaped, trickling along his jawline.

    Noticing that, Eileen¡¯s cheeks turned a darker shade of red.

    She scooted further away from him, putting some space between them.

    Just then, Phoebe and Jacob returned to the room.

    Phoebe, oblivious to the tension, immediately grabbed a microphone and started to sing.

    Jacob, picking up a cellphone from the couch, inquired, ¡°Whose phone is this?¡±

    ¡°It is mine,¡± Eileen responded quickly, circling the coffee table to im her device.

    She settled into an armchair, maintaining a careful distance from Bryan.

    Yet, her thoughts were in turmoil. What exactly had he meant by his cryptic intention of ¡°continue this tonight¡±?

    Shaking off some unsettling thoughts, Eileen reached for her phone to check a message from Denzel.

    Denzel had decided not to trouble Bryan with sending Milford to his ce daily.

    Instead, he chose the Pianoforte Vis as the tutoring site for the two children.

    Eileen would drive past Denzel¡¯s house en route to the Pianoforte Vis, so she willingly undertook the responsibility of escorting Adalina there.

    With arrangements smoothly in ce, Eileen put her phone away, turned around, and caught Bryan¡¯s intense stare.

    Her heart skipped a beat. iming she needed to use the bathroom, she excused herself from the room.

    She reached the restroom at the end of the hallway, where her reflection stared back at her from the mirror.

    Dressed in a white V-neck blouse, her cheeks were tinged with pink, ck waves of hair flowing down her back.

    Arthur caught a glimpse of Eileen¡¯s figure from behind and was instantly mesmerized. He whistled and approached her.

    As he drew near and recognized Eileen, his smile broadened. ¡°It¡¯s you again! We must be destined to keep meeting each other,¡± he eximed joyfully.

    ¡°Sorry, I really must be going,¡± Eileen replied, hands still damp, eager to escape.

    However, Arthur stood in the way, shifting slightly to his left. He left a narrow space on his right, barely wide enough for her to squeeze through.

    ¡°You can pass through here,¡± he said with a mischievous smirk.

    Eileen frowned, noticing his hands emerging from his pocket, clearly up to something if she maneuvered past him.

    ¡°Or maybe, you give me your number, and I¡¯ll let you go,¡± Arthur suggested.

    ¡°Sorry, but it¡¯s not convenient for me to share my number,¡± Eileen responded, striving to keep her tone polite.

    She knew that anyone in this club was likely wealthy or influential. Eager to maintain her peaceful life in this city, she aimed to avoid offending Arthur.

    Nevertheless, Arthur didn¡¯t budge. Left with no choice,

    Eileen said, ¡°Fine, hand me your phone.¡±

    Arthur quickly unlocked his phone and passed it to her, watching as she typed in a string of numbers.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 150

    ?Chapter 150:

    ¡°This is my phone number,¡± Eileen handed the phone back to Arthur and asked politely, ¡°Can I leave now?¡±

    Arthur checked the number she had entered and dialed it.

    Eileen frowned. She had intentionally swapped thest two digits of her phone number, not expecting Arthur to call it immediately.

    No one answered the call. Arthur raised his eyebrows at Eileen.

    Eileen maintained herposure and said, ¡°I didn¡¯t bring my phone with me; it¡¯s in the private room.¡±

    ¡°Okay, what should I call you?¡± Arthur hung up the call, ready to save the number under her name.

    Eileen invented a name on the spot. Seeing Arthur¡¯s skeptical look, she added, ¡°It¡¯s really my name.¡±

    Arthur¡¯s smile broke through, his eyes alight with curiosity. He tapped on his phone continuously before stepping aside.

    Eileen walked away. She knew she and Arthur belonged to different worlds here.

    He was enchanted by ces, while she was engulfed in her city work, making it unlikely she would see him again.

    Now, her main concern was to avoid anyplications with him, believing their paths would not cross in the future.

    When Eileen returned to the private room, she found Bryan not on the sofa but by the window, talking on the phone.

    Keep reading at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s.c?m

    He was smoking, wearing a gentle smile, his expression affectionate¡ªa side of him Eileen hadn¡¯t witnessed before.

    ¡°Has Ze back?¡± Phoebe asked Jacob.

    Phoebe and Jacob were deep in conversation and hadn¡¯t noticed Eileen¡¯s return. Their eyes were on Bryan.

    ¡°Bryan arrived at Wist Land shortly after her return,¡± Jacob replied. ¡°They¡¯ve only been able to talk over the phone. It¡¯s been years since they¡¯ve seen each other.¡±

    Phoebe remarked, ¡°No wonder they¡¯re so smitten with each other now.¡±

    Eileen settled into a corner and listened to their chat.

    A pang of sadness hit her. She had heard the name Z before.

    But this was the first time she had seen Bryan so tenderly engaged on the phone with another woman.

    His low chuckles reached her from across the room.

    She twirled her hair, the red light overhead casting a glow on her face, making her appear almost ethereal.

    Lowering her head, she masked her emotions.

    Bryan, leaning against the window, caught sight of her. He felt his throat tighten.

    Perhaps it was the anticipation of their nned meeting tonight that made him restless.

    ¡°Bryan, your parents are urging you toe home. What are you nning to do?¡± Z¡¯s voice came through the phone.

    ¡°If you want to avoid their nagging, just stay away from them. And if it helps, you can me me,¡± Bryan suggested, his smile fading.

    ¡°But dragging this out isn¡¯t an option, Bryan. I¡¯m trying to help you here.¡± Z said. ¡°I won¡¯t take the fall for you. If they ask, I¡¯ll just point them your way.¡±

    Hearing that, Bryan¡¯s smile returned. ¡°Okay, that¡¯s settled.¡±

    He ended the call, his gaze never leaving Eileen, not realizing that Z was still speaking when he hung up. ¡°Wait¡­¡±

    He pocketed his phone and grabbed his jacket from the sofa.

    Turning to Jacob, he said, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. Time to head home.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Jacob rose, then noticed Eileen in the corner.

    He was surprised and whispered to Phoebe, ¡°When did Eileen get back?¡±

    Phoebe shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    Just as they whispered, Eileen had donned her coat, grabbed her bag, and walked out of the room with her hands in her pockets.

    The downtown area buzzed with lifete at night, with crowds flowing in and out of the club.

    A gust of wind swept through, causing Eileen¡¯s long hair to billow into an arc. She tried to tuck it behind her ear, but it fluttered back onto her chest.

    Bryan followed not far behind. Eileen could hear his footsteps.

    She suddenly remembered his earlier words: ¡°Let¡¯s continue this tonight.¡±

    Seeing his shadow, her heart began to race.

    ¡°By the way, Z asked me to bring you something,¡± Jacob suddenly said to Bryan. ¡°She told me to give it to you as soon as possible, but I didn¡¯t get around to it the other day. I¡¯ll bring it out to you when you drive by my houseter.¡±

    After a brief silence, Bryan replied, ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Are you going home?¡± Eileen asked Phoebe as she opened the car door.

    Jacob interjected firmly. ¡°She has to take care of me.¡±

    He stressed those words deliberately.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll head back first. Goodbye, Mr. Meyer, Mr. Dawson,¡± Eileen said.

    She then climbed into her car, buckled up, started the engine, and drove off.

    Jacob approached Bryan and gave him a slight shove on the shoulder. ¡°Mr. Dawson? Looks like you need to keep trying to get to her.¡±

    ¡°Get lost!¡± Bryan rolled his eyes, turning to get into his car.

    The car window was half-open, letting in the cool night air. Eileen stopped at a red light.

    She nced at her phone several times, but no messages appeared.

    Eventually, she arrived home and changed into her slippers. The quiet of the empty room filled her with a sense of loneliness.

    This was probably because Phoebe hadn¡¯t been hometely.

    After a shower and before climbing into bed, Eileen paused to send a message to Milford.

    ¡°Starting tomorrow, I will bring Adalina over to your ce. You two will continue the tutoring sessions together.¡±

    She waited over ten minutes for a response.

    Finally, Milford replied, ¡°Got it.¡±

    Eileen pressed her lips together. The brief message glowed on her phone screen.

    After a moment, she sent another message.

    ¡°Milford, what is your rtionship with Bryan?¡±

    Eileen remembered Denzel mentioning that Milford¡¯s sister knew Bryan.

    She was familiar with many of Bryan¡¯s acquaintances but could not recall any female friend of his whosest name was Murray.

    Milford¡¯s response came quickly this time. ¡°Are you interested in him?¡±

    Eileen was jolted back to reality by the question.

    Why was she asking about Bryan?

    She frowned, realizing that the rtionship between Milford¡¯s sister and Bryan was none of her business.

    Firmly, she replied, ¡°No.¡±

    Then, she set her phone on the table, turned away, and drifted off to sleep.

    The night deepened. Bryan stood by the French window, scrolling through his messages with narrowed eyes.

    His expression darkened, and the cigarette between his fingers glowed faintly. He took a drag and exhaled a stream of smoke.

    He set his phone aside and picked up an elegant box from the table.

    Inside the box was a men¡¯s watch, apanied by a note: ¡°Happy birthday!¡±

    His gaze lingered on the message. He picked up his phone again and sent a simple reply to Z. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Then, he headed toward the bathroom. As soon as he left, another message from Z pinged.

    ¡°You¡¯re back! It¡¯s been years since I¡¯ve celebrated your birthday. I¡¯lle to Wist Land once I sort out the matters of Apex Group. We¡¯ll have a birthday party then!¡±

    In the wintry climate of Wist Land, the temperature dropped significantly at night, but a woolen coat usually sufficed to keep the cold at bay.

    Eileen¡¯s ck woolen overcoat, bought in Onnd years earlier, had once elicited apliment from Bryan about its elegance.

    Not quite understanding his remark and considering the coat¡¯s expense, Eileen hadn¡¯t reced it with a new one. Today, however, she felt reluctant to wear that overcoat.

    So she chose a berber fleece double-sided jacket, slipped on long boots, and donned a pure white dress underneath.

    When she reached the education agency, several acquaintances greeted her warmly andplimented her.

    She responded with a polite smile, opened the door, and started her day.

    Unknown to her, across the street, a man in a parked car took her photograph and sent it to Arthur.

    Arthur, who had a woman in his arms, was instantly captivated by the photo on his phone.

    Disinterested in his currentpany, he pushed the women aside, sat up, and made a phone call.

    ¡°It¡¯s her. Keep an eye on her; I¡¯lle over this evening after I finish my work. Keep watching her!¡± he said.

    ¡°Understood!¡± the man in the car responded, focusing his surveince on Eileen.

    Eileen¡¯s office was on the second floor, close to the window. As soon as she sat down, she became so absorbed in her work that she barely moved, only pausing to eat and drink.

    At six in the evening, she donned her jacket and gathered her belongings to head downstairs. Observing this, the man in the car hurriedly called Arthur.

    ¡°She¡¯s leaving. Looks like her workday is over!¡± the man said.

    Arthur responded with irritation, ¡°I¡¯m stuck in traffic. Follow her and figure out where she lives. Send me the flowers. I could have dinner with her, and perhaps, I could even spend the night.¡±

    Arthur¡¯s tone was urgent, and his instructions were clear. The man in the car understood the importance of the task, especially given Eileen¡¯s striking appearance.

    Previously, when Eileen had worked for Bryan, she had always been vignt about reporters lurking around.

    But since moving to Wist Land, she had let her guard down and didn¡¯t notice anyone following her.

    She drove from the education agency to the Vance family¡¯s house, picked up Adalina, and proceeded to Pianoforte Vis.

    The man Arthur hired didn¡¯t follow Eileen into the Vance family¡¯s neighborhood, missing the chance to see Adalina enter Eileen¡¯s car.

    By the time Eileen reached Pianoforte Vis and parked, the man was just rounding the corner and didn¡¯t see Adalina with Eileen.

    Arthur was taken aback when he learned that Eileen had entered Pianoforte Vis, a ce not easily essible to just anyone.

    But then, he thought it over and understood the situation. Knowing Eileen¡¯s charm, it didn¡¯t surprise him that affluent men mightvish her with gifts. He assumed that one of them might have bought her this expensive house.

    Hemanded, ¡°Find out which house she¡¯s in!¡±

    Then, he hurried towards Pianoforte Vis.

    It was Adalina¡¯s first visit here, and she seemed nervous. She clung close to Eileen, taking in the new surroundings.

    Upon entering the house, Adalina and Eileen found Bryan sitting on the sofa. Adalina greeted him.

    Bryan frowned, turning to nce at them. They stood in the entryway, looking at him.

    Bryan just nodded and remained silent.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take you upstairs,¡± Eileen said to Adalina. She then led Adalina to Milford¡¯s study.

    The room had been rearranged; what used to be a single desk was now a double.

    Milford was dozing on the desk. Eileen tapped on the desk, and he woke up.

    He stretched and pulled out some books.

    Although Milford and Adalina were close in age, their academic levels were different. Eileen had Adalina start with the basics.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 151

    ?Chapter 151:

    Eileen then advised Milford to absorb the basics quickly to set the stage for future learning.

    An hour passed in the blink of an eye. Bryan prepared a te of fruit and brought it to them. He looked younger in a white shirt and cks, with strands of hair framing his forehead, entuating his wless features.

    He ced the fruit te before them and asked, ¡°Have you had dinner?¡±

    Eileen wasn¡¯t sure if he was asking her or Adalina.

    Adalina shook her head and said, ¡°My father is working overtime at thepany. My mother has gone to y cards and hasn¡¯t returned home. She let me have some desserts and said she would cook dinner after my fatheres home tonight.¡±

    ¡°What? You haven¡¯t eaten yet?¡± Eileen was taken aback. ¡°It¡¯s already eight o¡¯clock. Aren¡¯t you hungry?¡±

    ¡°Well, my mom usually prepares my meals.¡± Adalina smiled bitterly. She believed her mother wasn¡¯t exactly reliable when it came to preparing meals. But she couldn¡¯t do anything about it.

    Eileen didn¡¯t know what to say. After all, this wasn¡¯t her home.

    ¡°What about you?¡± Eileen heard Bryan¡¯s voice from above her.

    She turned to look at him and shook her head. ¡°I didn¡¯t eat. But I drank a bottle of milk beforeing here. I¡¯m not hungry. I usually don¡¯t have dinner at night.¡±

    ¡°Come and cook with me. You can continue your lessons after dinner.¡±

    Explore more now on g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls

    With that, Bryan turned around and went downstairs.

    Adalina looked at Eileen, seemingly uneasy.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll make spaghetti. Remind your mom to let you have dinner before I pick you up tomorrow,¡± Eileen said.

    She stood up. ¡°You review the practice problems first. I¡¯ll call you when dinner is ready.¡±

    Bryan was already in the kitchen when Eileen came downstairs. He boiled the water and turned around to look at her. ¡°Come and help me,¡± he said.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Eileen rolled up her sleeves and walked into the kitchen.

    She stared at the pot for a long time, unsure of what to do. Finally, she took a deep breath and looked at Bryan. ¡°What should I do?¡± she asked.

    Bryan pointed to the refrigerator. ¡°There are tomatoes andtro in there. Wash them.¡±

    Eileen remained silent, thinking Bryan had deliberately asked her to help him. Even so, she did as she was told.

    Then, she stood aside and watched Bryan cook.

    He soon finished cooking and filled four tes with spaghetti.

    ¡°I¡¯ll ask them toe downstairs.¡± Eileen took her phone and sent a WhatsApp message. She thought for a while and added Adalina and Milford to a group chat so they could discuss lessons together in the future.

    She sent a message: ¡°Kids,e downstairs for dinner.¡±

    Momentster, Milford and Adalina came downstairs. The four sat down to eat.

    After Eileen ced the forks on the table, Milford looked at Bryan and smiled. ¡°Happy birthday, Bryan.¡±

    Eileen was stunned; she hadn¡¯t known it was Bryan¡¯s birthday. He had never celebrated it when she had worked for him.

    ¡°Is today Mr. Dawson¡¯s birthday?¡± Adalina asked in surprise. ¡°Happy birthday, Mr. Dawson. I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t know, or I would have gotten you a present.¡±

    Eileen scratched her head in embarrassment. She then looked at Bryan, who was sitting at the main seat. ¡°Mr. Dawson, happy birthday.¡±

    She turned to Adalina. ¡°It¡¯s fine. We¡¯re not really close to Mr. Dawson, so we don¡¯t need to get him a gift.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Adalina still looked a little ufortable.

    Bryan felt a pang in his heart as he watched Eileen continue eating the spaghetti. He frowned and finished his entire te, already upset by Eileen¡¯s indifferent attitude. Little did he know that what was about to happen would dampen his mood even further.

    Suddenly, lights appeared outside the house, illuminating the room.

    Both Adalina and Milford put down their forks and walked over to the window. Eileen and Bryan followed them. The four stood in front of the French window and saw a Porsche pull up outside the vi.

    The car¡¯s headlights were aimed at the window, and a person stood in front of the car, though it was difficult to see them clearly.

    ¡°Bryan, is that person here for you?¡± asked Milford.

    Bryan shook his head, frowning. ¡°No.¡±

    He hadn¡¯t seen that car before.

    Just as they wondered what was going on, Eileen¡¯s phone rang. It was a call from an unknown number.

    She picked it up and heard a strange voice.

    ¡°Ophelia, I¡¯m at your door. Come out!¡±

    Eileen was taken aback. It took her a moment to realize the caller was the same person she had met at the clubst night. She quickly hung up the phone and turned around to see Bryan, Milford, and Adalina all staring at her.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I think he¡¯s here for me. I¡¯ll handle it,¡± she quickly said.

    She grabbed her coat, slipped it on, and hurried out. Arthur stood there at the door, dressed in a mboyant shirt with a bouquet of red roses.

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Eileen looked at the bouquet Arthur was offering but didn¡¯t take it.

    ¡°Did you think I wouldn¡¯t be able to find you if you gave me a fake name and phone number?¡± Arthur said, gesturing for her to take the bouquet.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir. I think I haven¡¯t made myself clear.¡±

    Eileen smiled politely. ¡°If you¡¯re looking for fun, I¡¯m not your ymate. If you¡¯re serious, I¡¯m not interested in you.¡±

    With that, she turned to leave.

    Arthur quickly caught up with her and grabbed her wrist. ¡°Are you ying hard to get? If so, it¡¯s working, mainly because you¡¯re gorgeous.¡±

    Then, he thrust the flowers into Eileen¡¯s hand. ¡°I know what you¡¯re doing. Don¡¯t act innocent. Just let me in, and I promise to make you happy. What do you think?¡±

    Eileen tried to withdraw her hand, but Arthur¡¯s grip only tightened. She couldn¡¯t take it anymore and could feel a sharp gaze on her without turning around.

    Throwing the flowers on the ground and ring at Arthur, she said, ¡°This is not my home. I¡¯m here to tutor my students. If you disturb my employer, I¡¯ll call security.¡±

    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s too bad. I don¡¯t want you to call security. I¡¯d prefer you to call me ¡®Daddy¡¯ in bed.¡± Arthur¡¯s lustful gaze swept over her body, and his hand caressed her wrist.

    Eileen squirmed with disgust and tried to yank her hand away from Arthur¡¯s hold. However, Arthur exerted all his strength and pushed her toward the vi.

    Eileen staggered backward and almost lost her bnce.

    ¡°Let go of her!¡± Bryan said coldly as he grabbed Arthur¡¯s hand.

    Eileen watched as Bryan squeezed Arthur¡¯s wrist, causing his expression to change. Arthur grimaced in pain and had no choice but to let go of Eileen.

    ¡°Stay away from her!¡± Bryan released Arthur¡¯s hand and took Eileen¡¯s, gently running his fingertips over her wrist where Arthur had touched. It was already red.

    Arthur returned to his arrogant demeanor. ¡°Who do you think you are? You better mind your own business. Do you have any idea who I am?¡±

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t. Why don¡¯t you introduce yourself?¡± Bryan said indifferently.

    Outside the vi, only one streetmp was on, casting a shadow over them. Bryan towered over Arthur, his indifference suppressing Arthur¡¯s arrogance.

    ¡°I¡¯m Arthur ke,¡± Arthur said confidently. ¡°Who are you? Trust me; you don¡¯t want to provoke me!¡±

    It took Bryan a moment to recall someone named Arthur ke in Wist Land. Bryan arched an eyebrow and said, ¡°I¡¯m Bryan Dawson.¡±

    The name sounded familiar to Arthur, but he assumed Bryan wasn¡¯t someone powerful, as it wasn¡¯t well known in Wist Land.

    Arthur grew more arrogant. ¡°I don¡¯t care what rtionship you share with this woman. I want her! Give her to me, and¡ª¡±

    ¡°No way!¡± Bryan interjected and tightened his grip on Eileen¡¯s wrist. ¡°Get lost!¡±

    Then, he turned and walked into the vi with Eileen, mming the door behind him.

    Arthur quickly ran to the door and knocked. When both Eileen and Bryan ignored him, he ran to the French window and knocked on that.

    Adalina stood in front of the French window. She hadn¡¯t witnessed such a scene before, so she retreated in fear.

    Milford quickly stood in front of her. He nced at Arthur for a few seconds before looking away.

    A memory of the past shed in his mind, and he hurriedly pulled Adalina away from the window.

    Soon, the security guards arrived. They said something to Arthur, and he angrily left.

    After getting into the Porsche and driving away, Arthur found the man who had followed Eileen and said, ¡°Go find out who Bryan Dawson is. How dare hepete with me for a woman? He¡¯s asking for trouble!¡±

    A momentter, Arthur remembered something. ¡°Why is Milford here?¡± he asked, frowning.

    ¡°Well¡­ I don¡¯t know,¡± the man answered.

    ¡°You better find out now! Go!¡± Arthur patted the man¡¯s head and left.

    Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the vi was tense.

    Bryan told Milford to go upstairs and study with Adalina. Eileen sat on the couch and looked at Bryan with unease.

    ¡°How did you know that man?¡± Bryan asked.

    ¡°I met him at the clubst night, but I don¡¯t know him. I only learned his name after he just said it.¡± Eileen subconsciously lowered her voice like a child being chastised.

    However, Bryan didn¡¯t believe her. ¡°If that¡¯s true, how did he get your phone number?¡±

    ¡°I¡­¡± Eileen didn¡¯t know how to exin it to him.

    She had switched thest two digits of her phone number, but Arthur had still managed to find out her real number. She had checked the number twice before giving it to Arthur to make sure it wasn¡¯t her real number.

    Bryan suddenly leaned forward and pinned her against the sofa. ¡°Eileen, you better behave. Don¡¯t get involved with those people.¡± The thought of the bouquet of red roses irked him.

    Eileen was taken aback for a few seconds. Then, she pushed his chest, trying to create some distance between them.

    She said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, this has nothing to do with you. You better stay out of my business!¡±

    The moment the words slipped out of Eileen¡¯s mouth, Bryan grabbed Eileen¡¯s arm and slung her body over his shoulder. Then, he carried her upstairs to his room.

    Eileen groaned as he threw her on the bed. In the darkness, she saw him taking off his shirt.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 152

    ?Chapter 152:

    He usually maintained hisposure, but the sight of her with another man made him unable to control himself. Just as he was about to take off his shirt¡­

    ¡°Bryan!¡±

    Milford¡¯s voice echoed from outside the room.

    Bryan stopped abruptly and muttered a curse. It seemed like it was always the wrong ce or the wrong time.

    Eileen quickly straightened her clothes and exited the room.

    Upon seeing Eileen emerge from Bryan¡¯s room, Milford was taken aback.

    ¡°If you need something, go straight to Bryan. I¡¯ll head upstairs now,¡± Eileen said hastily, not turning back as she ascended the stairs.

    In the study, Adalina was still recovering from the shock of seeing Arthur. The sound of the door swinging open startled her again.

    ¡°Are you scared?¡± Eileen asked, sitting down across from Adalina.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s just that I¡¯ve never encountered someone like that before,¡± Adalina replied.

    Eileen just smiled, not continuing on that topic. She bowed her head to peruse the notes from thest lecture.

    Thinking of something, she said, ¡°By the way, I¡¯ve found some useful study materials online. I¡¯m going to share them in our group chat.¡±

    After uploading the documents to the newly formed group chat, Eileen noticed there were now four members in it.

    The magic happens on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s??????

    ¡°Who did you invite into the group chat?¡± she asked Adalina.

    Eileen noticed that someone had just been added to the group chat by Adalina moments before.

    Adalina responded without hesitation, ¡°Milford.¡±

    ¡°Milford? But isn¡¯t this ount Milford¡¯s?¡± Eileen questioned, pointing to the ount she had added to the group chat.

    Adalina parted her lips to reply, but before she could speak, Milford walked in and interjected, ¡°Is there an issue if I use more than one ount?¡±

    He snorted coldly, settling into a chair to read the study materials.

    Eileen furrowed her brows, but she chose not to press the issue and resumed her teaching.

    Throughout the tutoring session, Milford¡¯s phone buzzed several times. He secretly slid it under the table and unlocked it.

    But before he could do anything, Eileen snatched the phone from his hands.

    ¡°Give it back,¡± Milford demanded, his expression icy.

    ¡°We¡¯re in ss right now. Phones aren¡¯t allowed,¡± Eileen replied firmly.

    Her eyes were resolute as they locked with Milford¡¯s furious stare.

    It had been a while since anyone had asked Milford to behave, and Eileen¡¯s defiance seemed to ignite his temper further, the veins on his forehead visible from anger.

    ¡°You¡¯re just a tutor. Stop acting high and mighty here. Once the ss is over and you get your payment, your job is done. Stay out of other matters!¡± Milford snapped.

    Adalina watched the exchange in shock, biting her lip and remaining silent for a long while. Milford seemed almost unrecognizable to her now.

    ¡°Do you think I¡¯m only in it for the money?¡± Eileen responded. ¡°Sure, many work for financial reasons, but there are also those who are driven by passion and amitment to make a difference. Making a living and fulfilling one¡¯s duties hold equal weight.¡±

    Her words seemed to prate Milford¡¯s anger, softening the harshness in his eyes slightly. Realizing Milford wasn¡¯t going to say anything, Eileen added, ¡°Just so you know, if you dy the session, I¡¯ll need to extend it. We¡¯ll finish five minutester than nned now. Any questions about that?¡±

    Milford, with obvious reluctance, eventually responded.

    ¡°Alright, then let¡¯s proceed with the lesson,¡± Eileen dered and continued teaching.

    An hour went by swiftly. After the session ended and seeing that Milford had been rtivelypliant, Eileen gave Milford his phone back. He grabbed it and stormed off without a backward nce.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Adalina began, her instinct to intervene kicking in.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis hasn¡¯t dismissed you yet!¡±

    ¡°Let him go,¡± Eileen said calmly. ¡°He was on edge when I confiscated his phone. He can¡¯t change overnight.¡± Eileen knew that forcing Milford to change could even make things worse. In a moment of anger, he might just hurl her from the third-floor window. He was only fifteen but already stood taller than her. If it came down to it, she knew she wouldn¡¯t stand a chance in a physical altercation.

    Adalina gave a nod of understanding, gathered her belongings, and left with Eileen.

    When they left, they didn¡¯t see Bryan. By the time Adalina was dropped off at the Vance family¡¯s residence, the clock had struck ten. Exhausted from the evening¡¯s events, Eileen felt utterly drained as she returned home.

    After taking a shower, she went straight to bed. The lights at Pianoforte Vis still shone brightly after Eileen left. Emerging from the bathroom, Bryan was greeted by a soothing night breeze through the open window. He lit a cigarette and sent a text to Jacob.

    ¡°How long will it take for your injury to heal?¡±

    Jacob found the message cryptic and took a moment to process its implications before calling Bryan. ¡°What did you mean by that?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Just what I said. Phoebe has to look after you until you¡¯re better, right?¡± Bryan replied, setting his phone on speaker and cing it on the windowsill as he leaned against the wall.

    Though Bryan had been indirect, Jacob caught his drift. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll keep her busy for you,¡± he said.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got another call. Gotta hang up now.¡± Ending the call with Jacob, Bryan immediately answered an iing call from Dawson Mansion.

    It was Brandon calling, his voice cold. ¡°I heard the project prep is done. Hand the rest of the work over to Raymond ande back tomorrow.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s eyes darkened as he responded, ¡°Apex Group has your oversight. I need to monitor things here. I¡¯ll return once everything¡¯s wrapped up.¡±

    ¡°Enough with the excuses. I know what you¡¯re up to! Come back tomorrow, or I¡¯ll deal with this my own way!¡± Brandon¡¯s voice was stern as he ended the call.

    Bryan¡¯s expression darkened.

    Above Bryan¡¯s room, Milford was still awake, the light in his room visible. The window, slightly open, allowed fragments of conversation to drift out.

    ¡°I had no idea¡­ I really didn¡¯t.¡± Milford¡¯s voice sounded frustrated. ¡°No need for a face-to-face; just pass the message to Arthur. That¡¯s it, end of discussion!¡±

    With a flick of irritation, Milford tossed his phone onto the bed. He had taken a year off from school, and during that time, he had gotten involved with questionable associates, Arthur being one of them. Back when he had been younger and easily targeted, Arthur had stepped in to defend him. That act had marked him in their circle as one of Arthur¡¯s people. He hadn¡¯t expected to see Arthur again now, and Arthur was showing an interest in Eileen.

    Milford¡¯s phone buzzed again on the bed, shing the same number. He nced at the screen and swiftly ended the call. The caller persisted, and Milford hung up again. After several more attempts, he eventually switched off his phone.

    As the first streaks of dawn brushed the sky, Eileen was already at the gates of the educational institution. She had arrived early, anticipating a busy day ahead. Seated at her desk, she nibbled on a sandwich while reading her study materials. Before she realized it, her colleagues had arrived, engaging in light chatter.

    ¡°He¡¯s incredibly good-looking.¡±

    ¡°So? You can tell he¡¯s someone influential just by looking at him. Better not get your hopes up!¡±

    ¡°But look, he¡¯s outside our building. Maybe he¡¯s here for someone?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that Miss Rayne over there? She¡¯s speaking with him. I wonder if he¡¯s here to see her?¡±

    The chatter caught Eileen¡¯s attention. She turned toward the window and saw Arthur clutching a bouquet of flowers. His shirt, strikingly simr to the one from the previous evening, fluttered slightly in the breeze. Parked behind him was a sleek ck Lamborghini, and he was engaged in conversation with Danielle Rayne from Eileen¡¯s institution.

    Danielle, just twenty-five, had only been working at the institution for a short time, having finished university a year earlier. While she was recognized for her solid teaching skills, her personal life was less stable. She had changed several wealthy boyfriends. Her social circles often included the affluent, which was how she hade to meet Arthur, a well-known yboy of Wist Land.

    ¡°Mr. ke, what brings you here today?¡± Danielle asked, a hint of excitement in her voice. They hadst crossed paths on Saturday night, and she wondered if Arthur was here for her. Thinking of that, Danielle felt a sense of joy in her heart. But when Arthur turned to face her, his expression showed no sign of recognition. ¡°Who are you?¡± he asked bluntly.

    The smile on Danielle¡¯s face dimmed. ¡°They say brilliant minds often forget quickly,¡± she said, trying to mask her annoyance. ¡°I¡¯m Danielle Rayne. We met at the bar just two nights ago.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t remember you.¡± Arthur¡¯s reply was terse. ¡°Do you have anything else to say to me? If not, stay away, and don¡¯t bother me.¡±

    Danielle¡¯s smile vanished entirely. Observing the mix of gossip and envy in her colleagues¡¯ eyes, sheposed herself and asked, ¡°Then, Mr. ke, who are you here to see? Maybe I can call the person out for you?¡±

    Arthur paused, a realization dawning on him. ¡°You work here?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Danielle answered.

    Arthur hastened to say, ¡°I¡¯m here to see Eileen Curtis. Could you fetch her for me?¡±

    Danielle had initially assumed Arthur was at the wrong ce, given that everyone at the institution was married, except her. However, she suddenly remembered that Eileen, her boss, was still single.

    ¡°I¡¯ll call her for you. But with so many eyes on us, it might be better if you waited at the caf¨¦ across the street,¡± she suggested, then pulled out her phone. ¡°If it¡¯s fine with you, let¡¯s swap WhatsApp contacts. That way, you can reach me if you need to get in touch with Eileen or if there¡¯s anything else you need in the future.¡±

    Upon hearing that, Arthur swiftly pulled out his phone and added Danielle on WhatsApp.

    ¡°Send me her social media details and ask her to meet me at the caf¨¦,¡± Arthur instructed. After ensuring Danielle was added, he turned and got into his car. He parked near the caf¨¦ and entered.

    As soon as Danielle returned, she found herself encircled by a group of curious colleagues.

    ¡°Danielle, who is that man?¡± one asked.

    ¡°Is he wealthy? What¡¯s your rtionship with him?¡± another chimed in.

    Their curiosity was palpable. With a dismissive wave of her hand, Danielle responded, ¡°It¡¯s not what you think. We haven¡¯t confirmed our rtionship yet. Get back to work; I need to find Ms. Curtis.¡± She then made her way through the crowd and headed upstairs.

    When Eileen caught sight of Arthur, her first thought was that he hade looking for her. But upon seeing him engaged in cheerful conversation with Danielle, she exhaled a sigh of relief. It wasn¡¯t unexpected for a yboy like him to be seen with different women frequently.

    Danielle knocked and entered Eileen¡¯s office, finding Eileen gazing out the window. She bit her lip before saying, ¡°Ms. Curtis, Mr. ke asked me to¡ª¡±

    Eileen interjected, ¡°You don¡¯t need to share your personal matters with me. However, if hees looking for you again, try to keep it low-key. You¡¯re a teacher, and it wouldn¡¯t reflect well if the students¡¯ parents were to witness you interacting with him.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 153

    ?Chapter 153:

    Eileen hadn¡¯t heard of Arthur before. However, her experience taught her that affluent men who flirted with women often carried a certain notoriety. As a teacher, Eileen knew all too well the scrutiny that came with any hint of a messy personal life. A teacher couldn¡¯t afford to be associated with someone like Arthur, regardless of how innocent their interaction might be.

    Danielle¡¯s eyes widened in shock. After a moment of silence, she finally spoke. ¡°Ms. Curtis, don¡¯t you know him?¡±

    ¡°I know who he is, but we¡¯re hardly more than strangers,¡± Eileen replied. Sensing Danielle¡¯s curiosity, she redirected the conversation. ¡°Did you need something from me?¡±

    ¡°Not really,¡± Danielle blurted out, abruptly turning to leave Eileen¡¯s office.

    As Danielle departed, she suddenly remembered that Arthur was waiting for Eileen at the caf¨¦ across the street, wanting to add her on WhatsApp. Yet, Eileen had indicated she wasn¡¯t familiar with Arthur at all. Danielle now believed she didn¡¯t need to give Arthur Eileen¡¯s WhatsApp information.

    Danielle returned to her desk with a mischievous glint in her eye. With a few quick taps, she created a new WhatsApp ount tailored to seduce Arthur. The profile boasted alluring photos and an irresistible name, designed to captivate Arthur¡¯s attention. The moment Arthur added the new ount, he was instantly smitten, eagerly engaging in conversation.

    Despite his eagerness to meet, Danielle skillfully dodged his invitations, citing her busy schedule. Recognizing her willingness to engage, Arthur refrained from pressing for an immediate meeting. He suggested lunch, but Danielle hesitated, offering excuses and postponing it until the evening, then to the following day.

    Their conversations stretched on for four days, testing Arthur¡¯s patience as he eagerly awaited a face-to-face encounter. He attempted to video call several times, but Danielle refused to answer. Frustrated, he resorted to a phone call.

    As Eileen prepared to leave to pick up Adalina, she received an iing call from an unknown number. Unaware it was Arthur, she answered it.

    New stories uploaded on g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls

    ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this, Eileen?¡± Arthur snapped as soon as the call was connected. ¡°Is this a joke to you? Do you think you can trick me repeatedly?¡±

    Realizing it was Arthur on the line, Eileen swiftly ended the call and cklisted his number. Furious at being blocked, Arthur mobilized his subordinate. ¡°Find out where Eileen is!¡± hemanded.

    Arthur¡¯s subordinate briefed him, stating, ¡°Eileen tutors Milford every evening at Pianoforte Vis. It¡¯s confirmed that she¡¯s his tutor. Milford¡¯s ce is the same location we visited previously.¡± Arthur¡¯s subordinate had already investigated the rtionship between Milford and Eileen thoroughly.

    Arthur¡¯s mind raced with apprehension, recalling his recent confrontation with Bryan. After deliberating, he instructed his subordinate, ¡°Bring Milford here tomorrow. I need to speak with him.¡±

    When Eileen arrived at the Vance family¡¯s residence, she was informed that Adalina was unwell and had to take a leave for the day. So Eileen made her way to Pianoforte Vis alone. Upon reaching the grand estate, she found no sign of Milford in the study on the third floor.

    Curiosity piqued, she ventured to the bedroom, where muffled shouts caught her attention. Peering through the partially open door, she witnessed Milford in a fit of anger, his voice raised in frustration as he smashed something against the floor. Eileen glimpsed the shattered screen of a phone.

    After a pause, she pushed the door open and saw Milford, who sat on the couch, visibly upset.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Eileen inquired, her voiceced with concern.

    Turning his gaze towards Eileen, Milford seemed on the verge of speaking but then changed his mind. Instead, he rose from his seat, retrieved the damaged phone, and tossed it into the trash can. ¡°It¡¯s time for ss,¡± he said briskly, striding towards the study.

    Eileen followed suit and settled into her seat in the study, initiating the day¡¯s lesson as Milford joined her. Noticing Adalina¡¯s absence, Milford casually inquired, ¡°Where is Adalina?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s unwell,¡± Eileen replied, organizing her papers. ¡°Her health hasn¡¯t been optimaltely, especially with her busy schedule of sses and after-school tutoring.¡±

    As Milford furrowed his brows in concern, he retrieved his books and began to focus on the lesson. Throughout the session, his distraction was palpable, leading Eileen to allow him to work through the problems mostly on his own.

    ¡°At the end of Saturday, I¡¯ll send some practice materials to the group chat for you and Adalina. Additionally, I¡¯ll post a detailed video recap of today¡¯s lesson. If you¡¯re still unsure about anything, you can refer to the video, and if you need further rification, feel free to ask me,¡± Eileen said.

    After the tutoring session ended, Eileen gathered her things and announced, ¡°Next week, both you and Adalina will have a test. If you pass, I¡¯ll reward you with a new phone.¡±

    Milford¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°Are you serious?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Eileen replied with a smile. ¡°I understand you might regret smashing your phone in the heat of the moment. I¡¯ll get you a new one if you pass the test.¡±

    Recognizing the inconvenience caused by the absence of his phone, Eileen hoped this offer would motivate Milford to pay closer attention to the lessons. After a brief moment of hesitation, Milford said, ¡°You better not go back on your word!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a deal!¡± Eileen said, preparing to depart.

    As she exited the study, Eileen noticed Bryan¡¯s room was empty at the corner of the second floor. Curious, she casually inquired, ¡°Has Bryan been quite busytely?¡± Noticing the absence of Bryan¡¯s car in the yard over the past few days, Eileen concluded that he must have been preupied with work and unable to return home.

    Milford shut the door to his study before responding, ¡°Yes, he doesn¡¯t return until I go to bed, and by the time I wake up, he¡¯s already left.¡± Considering the ongoing project in Wist Land, which had recently transitioned into normal operation, Eileen deduced that Bryan¡¯s prolonged absence at home indicated potential trouble at work.

    As Eileen drove home, thoughts about Bryan and his potential troubles at Wist Land upied her mind. Even though Wist Land wasn¡¯t Bryan¡¯s usual domain, with Apex Group¡¯s prominent position in the country, it seemed unlikely that anyone would dare challenge him.

    Unable to pinpoint any specific issue, Eileen found herself instinctively reaching for her phone to call Raymond for insights. Yet, as she pulled out her phone, a sudden chill swept over her from the car window, jolting her back to reality. It dawned on her that she had no connection to Bryan anymore. Why was she so invested in his affairs?

    With a decisive click, she put away her phone and pressed down on the gas pedal, redirecting her focus to her destination: the hospital. Ruby¡¯s condition showed a slight teau, but Austin reassured everyone that Ruby¡¯s ability to open her eyes and disy glimmers of consciousness was already a good sign. Ruby was expected to make a gradual recovery.

    Upon hearing the encouraging news, Phoebe paid a visit to Ruby, arriving early Saturday morning with an array of fruits. ¡°I figured Mrs. Curtis wouldn¡¯t be able to eat, so I brought some fruits for you guys,¡± Phoebe said.

    ¡°Look at that. You¡¯ve got all my favorite fruits,¡± Bailee quipped as she epted the offering. ¡°Thanks.¡±

    Phoebe chuckled. ¡°You owe me some delicious meals when you get back home!¡±

    Laughter and conversation flowed effortlessly between Phoebe and Bailee. On the other side of the room, Eileen beamed with joy as she gently sped Ruby¡¯s hand, saying, ¡°Mom, this is my friend, Phoebe Burton. You can blink your eyes to say hello to her.¡± Ruby responded with a gentle blink, her eyes conveying a silent greeting.

    ¡°That¡¯s truly remarkable!¡± Phoebe eximed. ¡°I truly believe she¡¯ll recover soon!¡±

    Phoebe¡¯s arrival injected a dose of optimism into the ward, and she dly lingered for lunch, contributing to the buoyant atmosphere. After lunch, Bailee excused herself to wash the fruits, leaving Eileen and Phoebe to settle onto the sofa.

    ¡°I heard you¡¯ve been ¡®taming¡¯ Milford?¡± Phoebe¡¯s inquiry wasced with curiosity.

    Eileen¡¯s smile was gentle as she responded, ¡°He¡¯s just navigating through the tumultuous waters of puberty. I¡¯m trying not to push him too hard.¡± The afternoon sun bathed Eileen in a soft glow.

    Phoebe¡¯s eyes twinkled mischievously. ¡°You¡¯ve tamed Bryan. Taming a little boy should be a breeze for you.¡± Eileen¡¯s frown softened into a yful scold. ¡°Stop talking nonsense. By the way, have you been living in Jacob¡¯s cetely?¡±

    Phoebe lounged back casually. ¡°Yes,¡± she replied.

    ¡°Then have you seen Bryantely?¡± Eileen¡¯s curiosity about Bryan couldn¡¯t be contained. ¡°Is he facing trouble at work?¡± For a brief moment, the ward fell into a hush. Then, Phoebe erupted intoughter.

    She said, ¡°Jacob tried to rope me into a bet earlier, wagering whether you¡¯d notice Bryan¡¯s predicament or not. But neither of us wanted to bet against your perceptiveness, so we called it off.¡± Phoebe¡¯sughter echoed through the room, making Eileen¡¯s face turn red.

    Eileen said, ¡°I was merely asking. I haven¡¯t spotted him during my recent visits to tutor Milford.¡±

    ¡°I know what¡¯s on your mind,¡± Phoebe¡¯s teasing persisted. Then, she exined, ¡°He¡¯s found himself in a tight spot, but the specifics elude me. Seems his problem is about money.¡±

    Eileen swiftly refuted Phoebe¡¯s assumption. ¡°That¡¯s unlikely. With the Apex Group¡¯s extensive reach and the Dawson family¡¯s resources, how could Bryan possibly be short on money?¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s not about thepany¡¯s resources; it¡¯s about Bryan¡¯s personal finances,¡± Phoebe said.

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying he can¡¯t ess the funds of the Apex Group?¡± Eileen remained skeptical, unwilling to entertain the notion. But the thought of Bryan¡¯s parents being abroad made the idea seem less surprising.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have all the details. If you¡¯re curious, you might want to ask Jacob. Or perhaps I can arrange for you to meet him someday¡­¡± Phoebe said.

    Phoebe¡¯s suggestion was cut short by Eileen. ¡°Thanks, but I have no desire to delve further into Bryan¡¯s affairs.¡±

    Just as Phoebe seemed poised to continue, Eileen¡¯s phone rang. Eileen hastened to the window to take the call, and Arthur¡¯s voice greeted her on the other end. ¡°Eileen, if you cklist me again, you¡¯ll regret it. I¡¯ll ensure you never see Milford again!¡±

    The moment Eileen heard Arthur¡¯s voice, she wanted to hang up the phone. But when Arthur mentioned Milford, Eileen suppressed her rising anger and inquired, ¡°What do you mean? How do you know Milford?¡±

    ¡°Of course, I know him,¡± Arthur scoffed. ¡°After he dropped out of school, he started hanging out with me. Why else would he dare to be so arrogant?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s frown deepened, but she remained silent.

    ¡°I¡¯ll send you the location of a caf¨¦. You have half an hour to get there. Come alone, or face the consequences,¡± Arthur said, interpreting Eileen¡¯s silence as concern for Milford, knowing she wouldply.

    After Arthur disconnected the call, he swiftly sent the caf¨¦¡¯s location to Eileen via WhatsApp. Scrolling through their previous chats, he sneered. He believed Eileen had been trying to cozy up to Bryantely. He thought she was adept at charming and manipting men online. She was merely putting on an innocent facade!

    Once the call ended, Eileen swiftly gathered her belongings and made for the door. ¡°I have something urgent to attend to. Please let Bailee know I¡¯ll be backter,¡± she said to Phoebe, her mind preupied with thoughts of Milford¡¯s safety. She felt responsible for the situation and was determined to handle it. She didn¡¯t even consider seeking assistance.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 154

    ?Chapter 154:

    The coffee shop was no ordinary venue; it was the talk of Wist Land for its bold approach to entertainment. Unlike traditional coffee shops, it boasted private rooms where patrons indulged in personalized service from waitresses. Each floor was a yground of sorts, featuring billiards and table tennis, where lively interactions between guests and staff were the norm.

    Upon telling the staff Arthur¡¯s name, Eileen was led to the top floor, a realm of luxury and indulgence. A sprawling swimming pool took center stage. In the midst of the pool¡¯s shimmering waters, a bevy of women d in swimsuits frolicked carelessly, theirughter mingling with the sshes of water. Among them, Arthur¡¯s presence stood out, indulging in thepany of the women around him.

    Eileen observed the scene with a stoic facade, concealing her inner repulsion as she scanned the surroundings. It didn¡¯t take long for her to spot Milford, tied up in a corner by two imposing figures. His bruised visage and muffled cries for help tugged at her heartstrings.

    As Arthur caught sight of Eileen, he casually released the woman in his arms, opting to lounge on the pool¡¯s edge instead. His predatory gaze and suggestive whistle aimed squarely at Eileen drew the scornful res of the women around him, who regarded Eileen with contempt.

    ¡°Why is she dressed like that?¡±

    ¡°Look at her, acting so innocent being here.¡±

    ¡°Arthur, is she really your type?¡±

    Arthur¡¯s smirk grew broader at the malicious chatter. He waved off theirments with a casual shrug. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t be ridiculous. She¡¯s a teacher,¡± he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

    ???€$? ???t??§ñ? ?n ??ln?¦Í¦Ål?.c??

    ¡°Release Milford,¡± Eileen demanded, her voice cold. She wanted to shield Milford from the unsavory scene. The boy was only fifteen, after all.

    Arching an eyebrow, Arthur¡¯s gaze flickered to Milford as he chuckled. ¡°Seems like he led you straight to me. But don¡¯t think your presence here would change anything for him.¡± Hearing that, Milford¡¯s struggles intensified, earning him a harsh p from one of the guards.

    Eileen¡¯s eyes sparked with fury at the sight. ¡°Arthur, are you still a man? He¡¯s just a boy, barely fifteen! How could youy a hand on him?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll learn whether I am still a man after you spend the night with me,¡± Arthur retorted with a smirk, his words drawingughter from the women around him in the pool.

    Eileen had dealt with men like Arthur in the past when she had been working for Bryan, but they always tempered their behavior in Bryan¡¯s presence. Facing such brazen audacity alone was a first for Eileen, and she instantly regretted not bringing backup.

    Arthur¡¯s demeanor sent a chill down her spine as she pondered how to safely navigate this encounter. Her expression darkened while Arthur¡¯s grin only widened.

    ¡°I¡¯m not one for serious business talks. There¡¯s a swimsuit over there. Change into it, and let¡¯s discuss matters then,¡± Arthur suggested, his tone dripping with insinuation.

    Eileen remained unruffled, keenly aware of Arthur¡¯s ulterior motives. ¡°I¡¯m not one for public spectacles, not with an audience, especially not in front of my student,¡± she stated firmly, her gaze flickering toward Milford. ¡°Release Milford and clear the room. Then, we can discuss matters further.¡±

    ¡°Do you take me for a fool?¡± Arthur retorted, arching an eyebrow challengingly. Without uttering a word, Eileen strode purposefully toward a nearby window. She flung it open, perched herself on the sill, and fixed a steely gaze on Arthur. ¡°Either youply with my demands, or you¡¯ll have to deal with my corpse,¡± she dered, her voice firm and unwavering.

    Eileen wagered that, despite Arthur¡¯s depraved nature, he wouldn¡¯t risk the consequences of escting the situation. The smile vanished from Arthur¡¯s face, reced by a somber stare as he regarded Eileen. Perched on the windowsill, her hair tousled by the wind, Eileen appeared resolute, as if she were ready to leap at any moment. Her seriousness was palpable.

    Milford ceased his struggles, his gaze on Eileen, his eyes suddenly brimming with tears. The tension in the room mounted, the silence thickening with each passing moment. Finally, Arthur relented, his expression darkening. ¡°Everyone, leave,¡± he said begrudgingly.

    The women dispersed with sshes resonating across the room as they hastily departed. Following their lead, the two bodyguards also made their exit, leaving Milford still tied up on the floor, immobile. Eileen swiftly moved, approached Milford, and removed the gag from his mouth. With practiced hands, she untied the ropes binding his hands and feet.

    ¡°Are you alright? Can you walk?¡± Eileen inquired with concern, her eyes scanning Milford for any signs of injury. ¡°Take a taxi home. Do you have any money?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving,¡± Milford replied firmly, his voice resolute despite the bruises marring his face. ¡°Why did youe here?¡±

    Eileen helped him to his feet and said, ¡°You need to leave right now. Staying here will only bring you trouble.¡±

    ¡°Bying here, you¡¯re asking for trouble!¡± Milford retorted, his tone a mixture of frustration and defiance. ¡°Do you have any idea how many punches I¡¯ve taken? It¡¯s all for nothing now because you¡¯vee here!¡±

    It was evident from his words that Arthur had wanted to let Milford call Eileen. Milford had refused and gotten a beating because of that. That was why Arthur had called Eileen himself.

    ¡°If you leave now, the punches you suffered won¡¯t be in vain,¡± Eileen urged, her voice tinged with urgency as she nced at Arthur, who was approaching in a bathrobe. She gently pushed Milford¡¯s arm, her eyes darting toward the door. ¡°If we both stay, who is going to call for help? Arthur¡¯s men are all outside. We can¡¯t get out of here on our own,¡± she said.

    Arthur overheard her words and sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. ¡°Eileen, you think you¡¯re clever, but you forget that no one dares to cause me trouble in Wist Land. Milford, whates next isn¡¯t something you should witness. Get out!¡±

    Fueled by adrenaline and defiance, Milford turned and tried to confront Arthur. ¡°You cane at me! Kill me if you dare!¡± Eileen reached out to restrain Milford, but her grip was feeble. She stumbled, falling into the pool with a ssh.

    The water soaked Eileen¡¯s T-shirt, entuating her curves. Her long, dark hair drifted in the water, adding a surreal touch to the scene. Despite the pool¡¯sfortable temperature, Arthur¡¯s predatory stare sent a chill down Eileen¡¯s spine. Thankfully, the pool wasn¡¯t deep, and Milford swiftly pulled Eileen out. He then draped his jacket over her shoulders.

    ¡°You¡¯ll catch a cold if you stay wet. I can get you to somece warm,¡± Arthur said, intervening and shoving Milford aside. His hands eagerly grasped Eileen¡¯s wrist, his touch invasive and unsettling.

    ¡°Fuck off!¡± Milford reacted swiftly, delivering a powerful kick that sent Arthur tumbling into the pool.

    Before Eileen could fully process the situation, Milford grabbed her wrist and pulled her along as they made a desperate dash for the exit. ¡°Run!¡± Milford said, his voice filled with urgency.

    ¡°Stop them!¡± Arthur screamed.

    Eileen and Milford were quickly stopped by two burly men. The men blocked their path. ¡°Run as fast as you can and don¡¯t look back!¡± Eileen urged Milford, pushing him in another direction as they tried to navigate through the chaos.

    However, their efforts were in vain as more bodyguards appeared, blocking every possible escape route. Meanwhile, Arthur approached Milford with fury in his eyes. With a grimace, he delivered a punishing kick to Milford¡¯s leg. ¡°How dare you kick me!¡± he eximed. Then, he ordered his men, ¡°Teach him a lesson!¡±

    Milford was then overwhelmed by the onught of blows from the bodyguards. Eileen wanted to help, but she knew she couldn¡¯t match the physical strength of the men. ¡°I¡¯ll offer you a deal. I¡¯ll let the boy go if you sleep with me.¡± With Arthur¡¯s patience wearing thin, he issued a stern ultimatum, his hand instinctively reaching to soothe the spot where Milford¡¯s kick hadnded.

    ¡°Just let him go!¡± Eileen¡¯s response was swift and unwavering. ¡°But whether I will sleep with you dependspletely on your ability.¡±

    She stood her ground, ready to face whatever challenge Arthur threw her way. The flicker of interest in Arthur¡¯s eyes hinted at his appreciation for her resilience. ¡°I¡¯m not one to back down from a challenge,¡± he said. Then, he turned to his bodyguards. ¡°Get Milford out of here!¡±

    Arthur¡¯s bodyguards quickly moved toply, dragging Milford away. Eileen knew the odds were stacked against her. She was now faced with a harrowing decision: endure Arthur¡¯s advances or leap out of the window to die. Her breath quivered, and her heart pounded in her chest. With a steely resolve, she backed away from Arthur.

    ¡°We¡¯re all adults here. What¡¯s wrong with a little fun?¡± Arthur approached Eileen. ¡°Let me show you what real pleasure is.¡± Arthur took off his bathrobe and lunged at Eileen.

    Refusing to submit, Eileen attempted to flee, but Arthur seized her by the hair, yanking her back and throwing her to the floor with brutal force. The impact left Eileen reeling in pain. Arthur eagerly tried to take off her T-shirt. Eileen struggled and resisted, and her shirt was askew, revealing her slender waist and corbone. This only pushed Arthur¡¯s excitement further as he leaned in to kiss her.

    Suddenly, a tumultuous uproar erupted outside the door, making Arthur pause. ¡°Damn it! What¡¯s going on? Who dares to cause trouble for me?¡± he muttered. He nced from Eileen¡¯s frightened eyes to the door, hesitating for a moment before resuming his assault. ¡°I¡¯ve got men stationed outside. Anyone trying to intervene will face dire consequences. Now, let¡¯s get back to business!¡±

    His movements grew more forceful. But just as he was about to tear Eileen¡¯s shirt, the door swung open.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 155

    ?Chapter 155:

    Dressed in a ck shirt, Bryan¡¯s very presence seemed to put a chill in the air. Approaching with the intensity of an eagle stalking its prey, Bryan fixed his gaze on Arthur. Watching Arthur¡¯s hand tugging at Eileen¡¯s clothes, Bryan clenched his teeth, the tension visibly etching lines into his jaw. He reached out, grabbed Arthur by the cor, and hauled him away from Eileen.

    With a quick jab to Arthur¡¯s nose, blood erupted like a geyser. The pain sent Arthur sprawling, howling in agony, yet Bryan¡¯s fury was far from satisfied. He raised his foot, delivering a punishing blow to Arthur¡¯s stomach.

    Eileen,ing back to her senses, felt tears welling in her eyes, warmth trickling down her cheeks. She hastily pulled her T-shirt down, desperately trying to cover herself. She could see the anger in Bryan¡¯s eyes. The muscles in his arms spoke of the power behind his blow.

    It seemed Bryan was hell-bent on delivering a crushing blow to Arthur. Eileen¡¯s lips quivered as she whispered, ¡°Bryan, please don¡¯t¡­¡± Hearing that, Bryan paused and took a deep breath. Then, with a decisive shove, he sent Arthur hurtling into the swimming pool, the resulting ssh painting the water a crimson hue.

    Turning on his heel, Bryan grabbed Milford¡¯s coat on the floor and draped it over Eileen¡¯s shoulders. Then, with a firm hold, he scooped her up and made his way toward the exit. Only then did Eileen take notice of the chaos in the corridor. Jacob, Raymond, and several bodyguards bore visible injuries, while Arthur¡¯s entouragey scattered on the floor. In a corner, Milfordy unconscious.

    ¡°Milford¡­¡± Eileen instinctively wanted to say something. But Bryan shot her a sharp nce. ¡°Stay quiet and mind your own business!¡± Silenced, Eileen shrunk in Bryan¡¯s arms.

    ¡°You handle the aftermath here,¡± Bryan instructed his men sharply before stepping into the elevator. Within the confined space, the air was heavy with Bryan¡¯s smoky scent, filling Eileen¡¯s senses. His clenched jaw betrayed his anger.

    Eileen knew she had been the one who faced the threat. She couldn¡¯t understand why Bryan was so angry. She found herself uneasy about his demeanor.

    L¨»t??¦Ó c§ß¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?ls.??????

    In the car, Bryan secured her seatbelt before taking the wheel and starting the engine. The vehicle shot forward like an arrow. In just twenty minutes, they reached the Pianoforte Vis. As soon as the car halted, Eileen¡¯s first impulse was to protest, ¡°Why did you bring me here? I want to go!¡± But before she could finish, Bryan had stepped out of the car and shut the door.

    The sound of the door closing sent a shiver down Eileen¡¯s spine. When she snapped back to reality, Bryan was already opening her side of the door. He unfastened her seatbelt and, encircling her waist with his arms, lifted her effortlessly from the car.

    Hurrying up to his room on the second floor, he settled her in the bathroom and turned on the shower. ¡°Get undressed,¡± he said, his voice sharp. Eileen furrowed her brow and stammered, ¡°I¡¯ll do that after you leave.¡±

    ¡°Are you shy of me seeing you naked?¡± Bryan¡¯s challenge came through gritted teeth. ¡°I¡¯ve seen every inch of your body.¡± His words left Eileen speechless. Still chilled from the pool, her body was now warmed by his touch as he skillfully removed her disheveled clothes. Red marks had marred her skin, remnants of her struggle. Warm water cascaded down, soaking both of them. Bryan¡¯s ck shirt was now clinging to his muscr chest and abs. He immediately took off his shirt, the water failing to mask their quickening breaths.

    This wasn¡¯t their first time in such a situation, but for Eileen, it was the first time she felt utterly defenseless, facing what was toe without resistance. Bryan¡¯s desire for Eileen, long suppressed, now threatened to overwhelm him. Especially as the memory of Arthur¡¯s assault lingered, Bryan seemed determined to erase every trace of Arthur¡¯s touch on Eileen.

    Eileen winced in pain, unable to suppress her tears. Suddenly, Bryan became gentler, kissing away her tears. In a low, raspy voice, he whispered, ¡°Don¡¯t cry.¡± But Eileen felt even more wronged after hearing that. She clung to him like a ko, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck. She could only hear the sound of water and his heavy breathing. As her sobs returned, he silenced her with another kiss.

    Not having done this for a year, she had grown somewhat unfamiliar with this, and he took the lead. Effortlessly, he made her overwhelmed, finally releasing the desire that had been simmering within him for so long. Outside, darkness enveloped the world, but soft light filled the room. Bryan stood before the French window, a towel wrapped around his waist, cigarette smoke veiling his angr features.

    ncing at the sleeping woman on the bed, a sense of satisfaction washed over him. Observing the marks on her skin, a surge of heat coursed through him once more. But he restrained himself. She had shed enough tears, initially from a sense of injustice, butter, because of him.

    Sitting by the window, Bryan continued to smoke as the phone on the bedside table buzzed and rang incessantly, its sound muted. He noticed it but had no desire to answer. As the morning sun painted the sky in hues of gold, he turned off the room light and climbed into bed, holding Eileen close in his arms. His presence blocked the sunlight for her as she shifted in his embrace, continuing to sleep.

    Eileen had fallen asleep without a stitch of clothing. Bryan didn¡¯t have any spare clothes for her. His hand rested on her waist, his calloused fingertips tracing gentle patterns on her soft skin. Eileen stirred awake, memories of the night before flooding her mind, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. Did she have sex with Bryan again?

    Bryan was still right beside her, a sensation she hadn¡¯t felt in so long. Trying to inch away, Eileen felt his firm grip pulling her back into his embrace. Beneath the thin quilt, their bodies were pressed closely together. Eileen could feel every subtle movement of Bryan. ¡°Stop moving!¡± Bryan cautioned, his voice husky and low.

    Feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration, Eileen blurted out, ¡°I want to go home!¡±

    ¡°Eileen, haven¡¯t you thought about staying by my side?¡± Bryan¡¯s warm breath danced across Eileen¡¯s ears and lips as he nuzzled her neck. His words sent her thoughts into a whirlwind. Her body tensed, and he noticed.

    With a smirk, he said, ¡°Who would dare toy a finger on you when you¡¯re by my side, just like before?¡± Like before? Like she had been selling her body for money?

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, I¡¯ll say it again. I don¡¯t need money anymore! I won¡¯t sell myself. We¡¯re both adults. What happenedst night¡­ Let¡¯s just forget it. We¡¯ve been intimate before, anyway!¡± Eileen said.

    Her words stung Bryan, and he held her shoulder to make her turn around. He looked at her angry face, slightly red and makeup-free. Why did she have to reduce their rtionship to a transaction? A slight smirk tugged at Bryan¡¯s lips as his hand slid to her waist, drawing her closer. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to do that, I¡¯ll sell myself to you then,¡± he said.

    Eileen was bewildered. ¡°What?¡± Her surprise was short-lived as Bryan rolled on top of her, ready to have sex again. ¡°I¡¯m the one putting in the effort, and you¡¯re the one reaping the rewards. So, you should pay me!¡± Bryan said firmly.

    ¡°But I didn¡¯t enjoy it!¡± Eileen retorted. However, Bryan had already seized her wrists, holding them above her head. No matter how Eileen argued, her words couldn¡¯t deny the pleasure his touch had brought her.

    Three hourster, Bryan sat at the edge of the bed, while Eileen, d in his ck shirt, held a box of ointment. She stood behind him, her legs slightly trembling as she applied ointment to his back. The scratches on his back were her doing, partly out of frustration with him and partly¡­ because she couldn¡¯t contain her affection. There were also bruises from Bryan¡¯s fight with Arthur and his cronies the day before, a grim reminder of the violence.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you need to go to the hospital?¡± Eileen asked, her tone tinged with an edge.

    ¡°No, I¡¯ll be fine in a few days,¡± Bryan replied coldly.

    Hearing that, Eileen continued tending to his wounds. With his gaze fixed downward, Bryan noticed her standing barefoot on the carpet, her slender legs shaking. Frowning, he turned around, gently pulled her down to sit, then presented his back once more. His bronzed skin and sturdy back exuded strength.

    Eileen dabbed at a couple of scratches with a cotton swab, but he seemed unaffected. ¡°How¡¯s the situation with Arthur now?¡± she asked.

    Bryan raised an eyebrow. ¡°I haven¡¯t had the chance to check.¡± Since returning yesterday, he had been preupied with her. Despite theck of sleep, he appeared content.

    Eileen rolled her eyes behind his back. Just as she was about to ask him something, he reached for the phone on the bedside table and dialed a number. ¡°Mr. Dawson¡­¡± Raymond¡¯s voice came through the phone. He reported the situation to Bryan before Bryan could even ask. ¡°Arthur has three broken ribs and is currently hospitalized for recovery. His family is aware of the situation and is pressing for an exnation. I¡¯ve managed to keep it under control for now, but they¡¯re not backing down. Additionally, our project is facing a financial shortfall, and if¡ª¡±

    Before Raymond could finish, Bryan interjected, ¡°What about Milford?¡±

    After a brief pause, Raymond replied, ¡°He¡¯s also in the hospital. No serious injuries, but the doctor rmends two more days for observation. However, he refused to do that and insisted on seeing Eileen. I¡¯m about to let him be discharged from the hospital.¡±

    ¡°Tell him to listen to the doctors. Let him stay at the hospital,¡± Bryan instructed firmly. Then, he asked, ¡°Is your hand injured?¡±

    Raymond was taken aback by the question, pondering it for a moment. He replied, ¡°Yes, my hand is badly injured. I may not be able to work for several days, and there¡¯s a lot of tasks I won¡¯t be able to handle.¡±

    ¡°You can take some time off,¡± Bryan said before ending the call and tossing the phone aside.

    ¡°So many people were hurt, all because of you and Milford,¡± Bryan said, turning to face Eileen. After a brief hesitation, Eileen asked tentatively, ¡°Should I go to the hospital to take care of Raymond then?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 156

    ?Chapter 156:

    ¡°If you¡¯re not afraid I¡¯ll kill him, go ahead and take care of him,¡± Bryan said, his voice cold. After applying ointment to thest scratch, Eileen tossed the swab into the trash. The room fell silent for a few moments before she broke it. ¡°I have to go to the hospital anyway. I need to check on Milford. I don¡¯t know how he¡¯s doing.¡±

    She couldn¡¯t shake the image of Milford getting beaten up by those thugs yesterday without uttering a single word. He had stayed with her instead of running away, even though he could have easily escaped. Milford reminded her of Roderick.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take you thereter,¡± Bryan said, scrolling through his phone, his brows furrowing at something he saw. Eileen nced down at the oversized shirt she was wearing. ¡°I don¡¯t have any clothes here.¡±

    ¡°When Jacob and Phoebe arrive, you can tell Phoebe what you need,¡± Bryan said, standing up and ncing at her.

    His eyes lingered on her legs, visible beneath the ck shirt, long and slender. He swallowed hard, memories ofst night flooding back. Those legs had mesmerized him all night. He wasn¡¯t satisfied, not even close. Suppressing his restlessness, Bryan headed to the bathroom. He paused, remembering something, and went to retrieve a new set of toiletries from the cab.

    ¡°Come freshen up. They¡¯ll be here soon,¡± he told Eileen, leaving no room for argument. Eileen hesitated briefly, then followed him into the bathroom. The sink wasrge enough for two. Bryan handed her the toiletries, clearly meant for women.

    Eileen unwrapped the toothbrush and squeezed out some toothpaste. As she started brushing her teeth, she caught their reflections in the mirror. Bryan nced at her, noticing how she was a head shorter than him, and he arched his eyebrows.

    Half an hourter, Bryan descended the staircase from the second floor. Jacob and Phoebe had already arrived. Bryan strolled over,zily gesturing upstairs. ¡°Eileen¡¯s in the first room on the left side of the second floor.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Phoebe replied, heading up with the clothes she had brought for Eileen.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s brings you fresh updates

    Bryan sank into the sofa, fiddling with his phone contentedly, wearing a faint smile. Jacob clicked his tongue before sitting next to Bryan. ¡°Look at you. You slept with Eileenst night, didn¡¯t you? But you¡¯re having a hard time in Wist Land now, and you¡¯ve ticked off the ke family. What¡¯s your n?¡±

    Bryan nced up as if he didn¡¯t care. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you,¡± Jacob said. ¡°I got a call from my father this morning. He¡¯s cut me off. He won¡¯t let me give you the money.¡± He sighed, crossing his legs. ¡°He must have known I¡¯d help you, so he froze my assets in advance. Now, because of you, I had to tell him even when I bought a loaf of bread.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s frown deepened, his demeanor growing serious. ¡°Feeling the heat now?¡± Jacob gloated. ¡°Reality¡¯s tougher than you thought. Your project is short on funds. Only one man in all of Wist Land can help, Mr. White, but he happens to be Arthur¡¯s uncle.¡±

    So, Bryan¡¯s original n to get Mr. White¡¯s investment was destined to fail. Phoebe¡¯s gaze made Eileen feel uneasy as she entered the room. Eileen stood up, took the clothes from Phoebe, and got changed in the cloakroom. When she emerged, she said with embarrassment, ¡°Why did you buy this dress?¡± The dress¡¯s square cor did nothing to conceal the marks on Eileen¡¯s body.

    ¡°Wow!¡± Phoebe grinned. ¡°Looks like you had quite a night. We¡¯re both adults. What¡¯s there to be shy about?¡± Eileen was speechless. Her ears turned red as she futilely tugged at her cor.

    ¡°I have a question for you,¡± Phoebe said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. ¡°Is Bryan any good in bed?¡± Phoebe looked serious, waiting eagerly to hear about Eileen¡¯s sex life with Bryan. But Eileen rolled her eyes and ignored the question.

    Phoebe leaned closer with a mischievous glint in her eye. ¡°I¡¯ve heard that a man with a high nose is good in bed. Is that true? You¡¯ve had many suitors this year, yet you turned them all down. Are you still hung up on Bryan? Do you just want to sleep with him, or are you looking for a serious rtionship?¡±

    ¡°Phoebe!¡± Eileen snapped, grabbing a pillow and hurling it at Phoebe. ¡°He¡¯s just average, and no, I don¡¯t want to sleep with him!¡±

    Her eyes shed angrily at Phoebe. ¡°If you¡¯re so curious, why don¡¯t you try Jacob yourself and leave me out of it!¡± Phoebe¡¯s grin widened, but it quickly faded when she noticed the man standing at the door. ¡°I¡¯m just asking about your experience,¡± she said.

    Eileen had been keeping her temper in check in the presence of Bryan before. Now, she decided to vent all her frustration to Phoebe. ¡°Fine,¡± she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. ¡°Since you asked, I¡¯ll tell you. You¡¯re better off without a guy like Bryan. He sucks in bed. Now, let¡¯s go downstairs¡ª¡±

    When she turned, she suddenly saw Bryan. Phoebe, sensing the tension, stood up and quickly fled the room. Bryan narrowed his eyes, a smirk ying on his lips. ¡°Seems like my services aren¡¯t appreciated by my employer. I suppose I need to improve.¡±

    The weight of his dangerous gaze made Eileen¡¯s heart race. Eileen instinctively took a step back, frowning. The noon sun filtered through the French windows, casting a golden glow on her graceful figure. Her smooth skin gleamed, and the faint hickeys on her corbone made Bryan frown.

    After a pause, he moved to the closet and pulled out one of his T-shirts. ¡°Put this on,¡± he ordered sharply. Eileen took the shirt and put it on. It wasrge for her, but she tied the hem, making it look stylish with her dress.

    When she descended the stairs with Bryan, the house was quiet. Jacob and Phoebe had already left. Bryan whipped up a quick meal. They ate in silence, then made their way to the hospital.

    In the VIP ward, they found Milford and Raymond. Milford and Raymond were both d in the standard blue and white hospital uniforms, sharing the same room. Milford had a bruised face and a sprained ankle. He was sitting on the bed when Eileen entered. Seeing her, he instinctively tried to get out of bed but quickly gave up, turning his head away in awkwardness.

    Raymond appeared unscathed, and Eileen wondered why he was also in the ward. Reading her confusion, Raymond rolled up his sleeve, revealing a wrist wrapped in gauze. ¡°My wrist is injured,¡± he exined.

    Eileen nodded. She set her bag on the couch and moved to Milford¡¯s bedside. Bryan called Raymond out of the room, leaving Eileen and Milford alone.

    ¡°You¡¯re an idiot!¡± Milford couldn¡¯t control his anger once he was alone with Eileen. ¡°I have nothing to do with you! Why did youe to save me? If you hadn¡¯t shown up, I¡¯d just get a beating. Arthur wouldn¡¯t dare kill me anyway!¡±

    Eileen remained silent, letting him vent. Milford, despite his rough words, was fiercely loyal to his friends. ¡°Don¡¯t evere to save me next time!¡± he eximed. Then, realizing something, he added, ¡°No, I¡¯m sorry. There won¡¯t be a next time!¡±

    Eileen couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°You must have picked that up from your grandmother. If you say something bad, you have to apologize.¡±

    Milford¡¯s face flushed with irritation. ¡°What are youughing at? My grandmother always said there are powerful deities in the sky watching over us. So if I say something wrong, I should apologize.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s right,¡± Eileen agreed, sitting down. ¡°Didn¡¯t she also tell you to study hard?¡±

    Milford red at her, momentarily speechless. Eileen smiled, trying to lighten the mood. ¡°It¡¯s over now, and I¡¯m fine. Why are you still angry? Besides, you¡¯re still a kid. We adults have our own ways of solving problems.¡±

    Milford snorted. ¡°What would you have done if Bryan hadn¡¯t shown up? Were you nning to jump off the building?¡±

    Eileen marveled at Milford¡¯s perceptiveness. He could read her thoughts from the slightest expression. She replied, ¡°Well, I didn¡¯t jump, did I? And the problem got solved.¡±

    Milford grunted again. ¡°Only Arthur is dealt with,¡± he said dismissively. ¡°I heard Raymond¡¯s been on the phone a lot. Bryan¡¯s in trouble because he offended the ke family.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s eyes widened as she remembered what Phoebe had mentioned. Bryan had been in deep water, and it seemed the tides were only rising against him now. She pressed her lips together and turned toward the door. Through the frosted ss, she could make out the blurry outline of Bryan¡¯s silhouette.

    A slight crack in the door allowed snippets of the conversation between Bryan and Raymond to filter through, but the words were muffled. Even so, Eileen could hear that Raymond¡¯s voice carried an unmistakable note of anxiety.

    ¡°I want to leave the hospital,¡± Milford said. ¡°The doctor said I could go home. Why are you guys keeping me here?¡±

    Eileen turned to him, her brow furrowed. ¡°Did the doctor really give you permission to leave?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Milford replied, his impatience clear. ¡°Raymond was supposed to discharge me, but instead, he¡¯s been stuck here with me.¡± Milford couldn¡¯t quite make sense of this.

    Hearing that, Eileen was also confused. At that moment, the door swung open. Raymond entered, a strained smile on his face. He grabbed his phone from the bed and started to walk out. But then, he paused. In his haste, he had grabbed his phone with his bandaged hand. Shifting the phone to his other hand, he turned guiltily to find Eileen looking at him.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been so busy that I forgot I was hurt. I really need to take it easy,¡± he said and quickly left the room. After a brief conversation in the hallway, Raymond returned to the ward with Bryan, settling back onto the bed. He told Bryan and Eileen, ¡°Thank you for visiting, Mr. Dawson and Ms. Curtis. Don¡¯t worry; I¡¯ll take good care of Milford.¡±

    Eileen nodded. ¡°Thank you, Raymond. I appreciate you looking after Milford.¡± She felt a pang of sympathy for Milford. Arthur¡¯s wrath had been aimed at her, and Milford had been caught in the crossfire.

    Raymond cast a quick nce at Bryan and said to Eileen, ¡°Ms. Curtis, could you handle some of my responsibilities for the time being? Official work and Mr. Dawson¡¯s personal matters¡ªyou¡¯re familiar with them. This should be an easy task for you.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 157

    ?Chapter 157:

    Eileen furrowed her brows. ¡°I¡¯ve been out of the loop working as an assistant for quite some time. I¡¯m not sure I can be of much help.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s alright,¡± Raymond replied, smiling. ¡°There¡¯s just that one project in Wist Land needing attention. Mr. Dawson should be able to handle it himself. You just focus on his day-to-day needs.¡±

    Standing by the expansive floor-to-ceiling window, Bryan drew slowly on his cigarette. His lips curled into a faint smile, though his eyes remained serious. He even said to Eileen earnestly, ¡°Thank you.¡± Somehow, Eileen followed Bryan out of the hospital just like that.

    Once they were settled in his car, Bryan turned to her. ¡°So, are you moving in with me, or am I supposed to go to your ce?¡± It was then that it hit Eileen. She had unwittingly been dragged into something moreplicated than she had thought.

    She said, ¡°Wait, you¡¯re Milford¡¯s temporary guardian. It¡¯s your responsibility to arrange care for him while he¡¯s injured. But why should I owe Raymond a favor?¡± Why would she step in for Raymond to look after Bryan?

    Bryan raised an eyebrow, acknowledging her point with a serious nod. ¡°Given your current state of mind, returning as an assistant might not be the best fit.¡± His words hinted at calling her foolish, yet he quickly covered it with an excuse. ¡°But remember, Arthur took Milford away because of you.¡±

    So, she was indebted to Milford. Had Raymond not stepped in, she would have been running to the hospital daily. That meant Raymond was taking care of Milford on her behalf, right? Something about this felt off, but Eileen couldn¡¯t quite put her finger on it.

    ¡°So, where are we going?¡± Bryan asked, his voiceced with impatience.

    ¡°My ce is out of the question. It¡¯s cramped, and I¡¯m living with Phoebe and Bailee,¡± Eileen replied. There was a room for each of them, leaving no space for Bryan.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s is your gateway to fiction

    Starting the engine, Bryan steered towards Eileen¡¯s ce. ¡°Looks like small isn¡¯t to your liking.¡± Eileen was at a loss for words.

    ¡°Pack your things first. My ce is big and convenient,¡± Bryan suggested, his toneden with implication.

    An hourter, Eileen, having packed a couple of outfits, arrived at Bryan¡¯s expansive residence. She reiterated that her stay was only temporary, just until Milford was out of the hospital. However, her firm derations lost their weight as soon as she stepped into the opulent Pianoforte Vis. Bryan¡¯s every look and insinuatingment seemed to hint at more than just hospitality.

    Choosing to ignore the underlying tension, Eileen avoided his intense gaze as she set her luggage down in a guest room on the first floor. She then prepared spaghetti for their dinner.

    Bryan scowled as he took hisst bite, puzzled by how she managed to keep the spaghetti disastrously bad. For the first time, Eileen also recognized the dismal quality of her spaghetti. Perhaps herck of practice was to me, since Bailee had taken over cooking duties for the past year.

    After they finished eating, Eileen cleaned up the kitchen and headed toward her room. ¡°I need to prepare some course materials to send to Milford and Adalina. Let me know if you need something, but please don¡¯t interrupt unless it¡¯s urgent,¡± Eileen cautioned. She doubted Bryan would keep to himself tonight, but it seemed wise to set boundaries.

    ¡°What counts as urgent?¡± Bryan asked, a yful look in his eyes, his hand casually tucked in his pocket.

    ¡°You¡¯re perfectly capable of doing anything on your own. There shouldn¡¯t be anything urgent. So please, let me work in peace,¡± Eileen answered, leaving him in the hallway as she retreated to her room to work on herptop.

    Working on the course materials served as a convenient excuse to avoid Bryan, though it wasn¡¯t entirely fabricated. She did have ns to prepare various materials for Adalina and Milford. By a little after nine, she had finished her tasks. Yet, she remained seated at herputer, hesitant to sleep, her senses sharp, bracing for any disturbance from Bryan.

    ¡°Take some time to review these materials.¡± She sent a message in the group chat. Although Milford¡¯s phone was broken, she was aware that he had an old backup he could resort to. Both Milford and Adalina quickly replied with a simple ¡°OK.¡± Around thirty minutester, they both sent messages confirming their understanding of the materials.

    ¡°I¡¯ll walk you through the new course material then. Let¡¯s start with a brief overview,¡± Eileen replied. She was surprised at their quick grasp of the material. It wasn¡¯t even ten o¡¯clock yet, and they were already done¡­ It seemed a bit early. It would probably be best to stay upied untilte at night.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, we¡¯re both weak and tired now. Please, skip the preview. Give us a break,¡± Milford responded sharply. After reading Milford¡¯s message, Adalina immediately inquired if something had happened to him. As they chatted, Eileen tuned them out and began to prepare the new course materials.

    Twenty minutester, Milford realized Eileen was serious about letting them preview the new course. He couldn¡¯t help but send her a voice message. ¡°Ms. Curtis, is it really necessary to push us this hard? It¡¯s already ten o¡¯clock. How much longer will this lesson go on?¡±

    Checking the clock, Eileen realized it was indeed ten in the evening now. It was ate hour for Milford and Adalina since they were both in poor health. Yet for Bryan, the night was still young.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, do you suffer from insomnia?¡± Adalina was confused. Eileen, ever the advocate for health, often advised her to rest early and avoidte nights. But now, here they were, embroiled in a lesson at such an hour.

    The continual probing left Eileen scrambling for a response. Pressing on with the lesson seemed insensitive. She could only reply, ¡°I¡¯m just concerned that if you take a break for a few days, you might forget everything we¡¯ve covered so far.¡±

    Milford responded, ¡°Here¡¯s the thing. You want to introduce a new lesson now.¡± Eileen was at a loss for words. She struggled to think of a solution.

    Suddenly, a new message appeared in the group chat. ¡°Let them finish early today. Come upstairs and assist me with a meeting.¡± The wording and tone were so unmistakably Bryan¡¯s that it felt as though he were standing in front of Eileen.

    Eileen remained dumbfounded for a few moments, unable to understand what was happening until Milford sent a message. ¡°Ms. Curtis, we¡¯ll take a break. You go and help Bryan!¡±

    Eileen suddenly realized the WhatsApp ount she had always assumed belonged to Milford was actually Bryan¡¯s. With a growing sense of embarrassment, she quickly opened Bryan¡¯s profile and scrolled through their chat history, which consisted mostly of her own messages. The realization that she had mistaken Bryan for Milford all this time made her wish she could disappear into thin air.

    Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, she turned off herputer and headed upstairs. She intended to go to the study, but she found only the bedroom door slightly open, leaking soft light into the hallway.

    Bryan¡¯s distinctive, resonant voice floated out from the room. Eileen tapped lightly on the door twice. ¡°Come in.¡± Bryan¡¯s crisp response came as his gaze met hers. He nodded towards the chair across from him, silently inviting her to sit.

    The meeting had already begun. There were voicesing from Bryan¡¯sputer. Eileen settled into the chair. Bryan had prepared a notebook and pen for her. She opened the notebook and began to jot down notes.

    It only took a few moments for her to recognize the conversation was a shareholders¡¯ meeting, the voices familiar as those of the Apex Group¡¯s shareholders. ¡°We believe that if your father doesn¡¯t see the value in this project, there¡¯s no need to continue.¡±

    ¡°Exactly. Mr. Dawson, please don¡¯t push this. Five hundred million is not a trivial amount.¡±

    ¡°epting our losses now, even if it¡¯s a few tens of millions, is better than risking more and losing it all. We simply can¡¯t afford that.¡±

    ¡°Unless, of course, you¡¯re willing to take on the risk yourself!¡±

    Voices of agreement echoed, building a wave of opposition. Eileen lifted her gaze, looking at Bryan, who was seated before theputer screen. The light from the screen cast a glow on his face, highlighting his sharp features. His eyes were slightly narrowed, and a cigarette hung loosely from his lips, the smoke curling upwards. Despite the opposition, his demeanor remained calm. He tapped the ash from his cigarette into an ashtray, then let out a cold sneer.

    ¡°I¡¯m the one taking the risks, but the moment there¡¯s profit, you all want a piece? Cunning old foxes,¡± he said. His words silenced the dissent immediately. Though Eileen couldn¡¯t see theputer screen, she could easily picture the disgruntled expressions on the faces of the shareholders.

    After a moment of uneasy silence, someone spoke up, their tone considerably softer. ¡°Mr. Dawson, it¡¯s not like that. It¡¯s just¡­ Your father doesn¡¯t want you to continue with this project. He¡¯s asking for you toe home!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve all helped build thispany alongside your father. Ignoring his wishes isn¡¯t an option.¡± They were ready to y hardball but knew they couldn¡¯t outmaneuver Bryan. Instead, they aimed to tug at his heartstrings, hoping Bryan would grasp theplexity of their situation.

    Bryan¡¯s face showed no emotion. He arched an eyebrow and dered, ¡°Cut it out with the bullshit. You have two options. Either release the funds, or step aside and let me handle the project. I assure you it will be profitable, but don¡¯t expect a share of the profits if I take over.¡± With those words, he ended the video call and shut hisptop with a snap.

    He pulled at his tie in frustration. Lifting his eyes, he noticed Eileen sitting across from him, looking bewildered in the harsh lighting, her eyes clear. His heart fluttered. Reaching out, he wrapped an arm around her neck and pulled her into a forceful kiss. The kiss was intense, almost a release of his frustration, and Eileen whimpered softly in difort. Only then did Bryan rx his grip, slowly letting her go and leaning back in his seat with a grave expression.

    Eileen¡¯s notebooky open but untouched. There was no need to take notes during the meeting, and Eileen wondered silently why Bryan had insisted on her presence here. The atmosphere was thick with his discontent, enveloping her in an ufortable haze.

    He rose abruptly and stepped out onto the balcony, lighting one cigarette after another. Through the expansive ss, Eileen watched his silhouette merge with the shadows. A sharp ache clutched at her heart; she knew he only resorted to chain smoking when he was truly cornered. In the three years she had worked for him, such moments had been few.

    Gathering her resolve, she approached him, plucked the cigarette from his lips, snuffed it out, and tossed it into the trash. ¡°Smoking won¡¯t solve anything. I may not understand your conflict with the Apex Group shareholders, but I¡¯m sure you have a n, given how resolutely you spoke just now,¡± she said. She had unwavering faith in Bryan¡¯s capacity to change everything. His skills were unmatched; in the corporate arena, no one could rival him.

    Eileen¡¯s voice was clear and firm, her expression resolute. This Eileen, unlike the tentative one Bryan had known a year ago, seemed far more intriguing and vibrant to Bryan. A subtle smile tugged at his lips, easing the weight in his chest. ¡°It seems I¡¯ll have to depend on you moving forward,¡± he said.

    Eileen was taken aback by his words.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 158

    ?Chapter 158:

    Suddenly, Eileen felt her worries werepletely unnecessary. Her clear eyes flickered with irritation. ¡°Ridiculous,¡± she said. Could she possibly manage to support him? Turning away, she hurried from the balcony to the door without a backward nce. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. I¡¯m going to rest.¡±

    By the time Bryan reacted, Eileen had already left. A soft chuckle filled the room as Bryan shut the balcony door and walked back to his desk. He nced at the spot where Eileen had been, the air still carrying the faint trace of her scent. His expression softened as he turned on theptop and got back to work.

    Back in her own room, Eileen was restless in her bed. The image of Bryan smoking on the balcony haunted her. Eventually, she sat up, turned on herptop, and started looking up information on Apex Group¡¯s project in Wist Land. But the online details were scant, merely outlining the project and hinting at its likely cancetion by Apex Group. There was no useful information.

    Such family conflicts were rarely aired in public, so it had to be Bryan¡¯s father who wanted to drop the project. After a fruitless search, Eileeny back down. Though she was temporarily taking care of Bryan for Raymond, she hadn¡¯t abandoned her duties at the education agency.

    The next day, she took herptop and joined Bryan in his office, a ce filled with unfamiliar faces. Bryan¡¯s staff looked on with curiosity at the new face. His office remained a stark mix of ck and gray, reflecting the coldness of its owner. Eileen, her hair neatly tied in a bun, wasn¡¯t dressed too formally as she sat at Raymond¡¯s desk, scanning the schedule. That evening, Bryan was supposed to dine with Gilbert White.

    Eileen phoned Gilbert¡¯s assistant to confirm the dinner, only to be brusquely turned away. ¡°Sorry, Mr. White is too busy tonight.¡± Despite the dismissal, Eileen kept her tone courteous. ¡°Then when might Mr. White be free? Can we reschedule?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. We¡¯re in a meeting. I need to hang up now.¡± The assistant ended the call abruptly, not allowing Eileen to say more. This was the first time Eileen had faced rejection as Bryan¡¯s assistant, and she was a bit confused. She nced at Bryan and decided to call Raymond. ¡°Mr. White canceled tonight¡¯s dinner. Any idea why?¡± she asked Raymond.

    Raymond hesitated before responding, ¡°Sorry, I forgot to tell you, the dinner is destined to be canceled. No need to confirm it.¡± Eileen was baffled. ¡°Why is it destined to be canceled?¡± Hearing that, Raymond realized Eileen clearly didn¡¯t grasp the dynamics between the White and ke families. After a pause, he rified, ¡°Well, Mr. White is Arthur¡¯s uncle.¡±

    Bryan had been the one who put Arthur in the hospital. Raymond continued, ¡°Mr. White only has one sister, Arthur¡¯s mother, and he¡¯s very protective of her. Since this incident, the White family hasn¡¯t been responding to my calls.¡± Eileen had used her personal phone, which exined why Gilbert¡¯s assistant had answered her call.

    Noticing Eileen¡¯s silence, Raymond added, ¡°But the White family doesn¡¯t dare challenge Mr. Dawson. They can¡¯t afford to provoke him, so they just avoid him.¡± Bryan came from a powerful family, after all. Despite his family¡¯s internal conflicts, outsiders wouldn¡¯t dare to offend him. ¡°What did Bryan want to discuss with Mr. White over dinner?¡± Eileen inquired.

    Raymond was straightforward in his response. ¡°Apex Group is pulling out of the project and halting funding. The project is in a financial crisis, and Mr. Dawson is looking to secure an investment from the White family.¡± After a moment of silence, Raymond softly reminded Eileen, ¡°The White family is the only one in Wist Land capable of providing Mr. Dawson with the substantial funds he needs.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Eileen ended the call, her mind swirling with thoughts. She hadn¡¯t expected Arthur¡¯s situation to affect Bryan so much. This project had been ongoing since her time at Apex Group and was Bryan¡¯s most significant undertaking in recent years. If it were abandoned, all his efforts would be in vain.

    While Eileen was lost in thought, a sudden tapping on the table jolted her. Looking up, she saw Bryan standing before her desk, his gaze fixed on her. ¡°Take this document to the finance department,¡± he ordered. ¡°Okay.¡± Eileen grabbed the document and stood up. ¡°The dinner with the White family is off.¡±

    ¡°I know. Concentrate on your work; I¡¯ll take care of everything else,¡± Bryan replied. He then turned and went back to his office.

    After Eileen delivered the document, she started devising strategies to manage the situation with the White family. Around noon, she ordered two meals and, with a document in hand, walked into Bryan¡¯s office. The Wist Land branch was a modest outpost of the Apex Group, dwarfed by the main office in Onnd. The building was a mere ten stories high. Though Bryan¡¯s office here was smaller than his workspace in Onnd, he maintained an aura of elegance.

    Eileen found him by the floor-to-ceiling window, deep in a phone conversation. Noticing Eileen, he gestured for her to sit on the sofa and wait. After wrapping up his call ten minutester, he joined her, eyeing the takeout boxes that had just arrived. ¡°Is this our lunch?¡± he asked with a slight frown.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know the local restaurants¡¯ numbers yet,¡± Eileen exined. Back in Onnd, Eileen could recite the contact details of all the top restaurants. But her move to Wist Land had seen few visits to such luxurious establishments. She pushed the takeout toward Bryan. ¡°It¡¯s the best I could do under the circumstances.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s voice was gentle, his tone lightly teasing. ¡°It seems you¡¯re unhappy with my recent services. Not every decent meal? I remember treating you better.¡± In the past, Eileen¡¯s dining and amodation had matched Bryan¡¯s when she had worked closely with him. ¡°If you don¡¯t want it, never mind.¡± Eileen¡¯s expression darkened, and she reached for the food to take it back.

    Bryan grabbed the takeout with his left hand and used his right to block her hand. ¡°I¡¯ll eat. Consider it a push for me to improve,¡± he dered, signaling his intention to strive for her satisfaction in the future.

    Retracting her hand with a huff, Eileen moved a bit further from him and began to eat. Once she finished, she wiped her mouth with a tissue andid the document she had brought before Bryan.

    ¡°Here¡¯s Mr. White¡¯s schedule,¡± she said. ¡°He has a golf game this afternoon. Tonight¡¯s dinner is off, but he has no other ns. Tomorrow includes a press conference and apany meeting. The day after, the White family is hosting a business seminar, and we received the invitation yesterday.¡±

    This meant that if Bryan wanted, it wouldn¡¯t be hard for him to meet Gilbert. Finishing his meal, Bryan studied the schedule and allowed a small smile to form.

    ¡°Raymond has been working for me for a year, to no avail,¡± he suddenly said. Eileen had a knack for providing Bryan with precisely what he needed, quickly warming his heart. Such attentiveness brought him great joy.

    Pausing, Eileen frowned, puzzled by hisment. ¡°Enough with the cryptic remarks. What¡¯s your next move?¡± she asked. Did he n to meet Gilbert and convince him, or did he have a different strategy for resolving the investment dilemma?

    ¡°Just handle the business of your education agency and manage my daily life,¡± Bryan responded, lifting an eyebrow to signal that she should stay out of his professional dealings. Eileen somehow sensed that Bryan preferred to keep her out of the ke family¡¯s mess. Yet, feeling responsible for offending Arthur, she carried a sense of guilt.

    ¡°Milford and Adalina won¡¯t be able to attend their tutoring sessions, and I¡¯ll take care of the agency¡¯s business matters by working nights. Since I¡¯m here, I might as well do the work.¡± She sat on the couch, fixing Bryan with a serious look that reached something deep within him. He responded, ¡°Working nights will cut into your rest.¡± After all, he wanted her to spend her nights with him.

    The mention of their intimate rtionship again caused Eileen to frown. ¡°Can we please stay focused on work?¡± Their one night together had thrown her emotions into turmoil. Were it not for Raymond¡¯s hospitalization and Arthur¡¯s troubles, she might have distanced herself from Bryan to think things clearly. Now, she needed to proceed cautiously, unsure of her own feelings.

    Noticing the turmoil in her eyes, Bryan¡¯s expression darkened. He insisted she concentrate on her responsibilities at the education agency. Later that afternoon, after wrapping up her tasks, Eileen secretly prepared for potential issues with the White family. She and Bryan got off work at seven.

    As if by poor fortune, Bryan¡¯s car got a t tire, leading him to call a tow truck. Luckily, Pianoforte Vis was only a half-hour walk away. So when Bryan suggested they walk back home, Eileen agreed without hesitation.

    As evening fell and the temperature dipped, Eileen was thankful for her purple coat. Her ponytail swayed with each step as she walked. Bryan trailed slightly behind to her right, one hand in his pocket and the other holding a cigarette. In the past, she would always walk behind him, constrained by their work roles. Now, freed from such boundaries, they navigated their new dynamic, sparking unfamiliar emotions in Bryan.

    Bryan tossed the cigarette, quickened his pace, and grasped her wrist. Eileen, startled by the sudden touch, instinctively wanted to withdraw her hand. ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Bryan warned, his eyes narrowing with displeasure. Eileen stopped her action, blinking as he guided her onward.

    Their shadows merged and elongated under the streetmps. Gradually, Bryan¡¯s grip shifted from her wrist to her hand, their fingers intertwining.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 159

    ?Chapter 159:

    The atmosphere between them changed suddenly, and Eileen felt an unmistakable unease. Her heart beat faster, and she couldn¡¯t help but steal nces at Bryan. Then, Bryan¡¯s dark eyes met hers. He spoke first. ¡°How is your mother doing now that they¡¯ve developed the new medicine? Has she recovered?¡±

    His recollection of Ruby¡¯s medical n took Eileen by surprise. She managed a small smile and answered, ¡°She hasn¡¯t woken up yet, but it looks like she might wake up any day now.¡± Bryan¡¯s face grew solemn upon hearing this. He paused before responding, ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±

    The memory of the troubling event at the hospital a year ago, which involved Vivian, lingered in their minds. Eileen inhaled deeply and shifted the conversation. ¡°Wist Land feels like spring year-round, and the air here is so much cleaner than in Onnd.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Bryan said. He was about to say more when his phone interrupted him.

    Eileen let go of his hand and quickened her pace. Bryan¡¯s expression darkened as he took the call from Z, who was asking about Milford at the hospital. He spoke in a low voice, patiently exining something. Eileen didn¡¯t stray too far and couldn¡¯t hear the details, but she could tell a woman was on the other end.

    Once the call ended, they reached the door. The warmth they had felt earlier was gone, and Bryan was annoyed because of that. Eileen stayed quiet, cooked in silence, and then went to clean up in the kitchen after eating. Afterward, she announced, ¡°I¡¯m going to rest.¡± Then, she quickly went back to her room.

    Bryan remained on the sofa, watching her leave. Once in her room, Eileen intended to stay there, but when she tried to take a shower, she found the water wasn¡¯t working. Left with no choice, she ventured out to see what was wrong. Bryan was no longer in the living room.

    Eileen tiptoed to the kitchen, where the tap flowed freely, yet no water reached her bathroom. She returned to her room, and after a moment¡¯s thought, sent Bryan a message. ¡°The shower in my room seems to be broken.¡± She was about to suggest calling a plumber when Bryan quickly replied, ¡°I¡¯ll be right there.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s response surprised her. In no time at all, he pushed open her door. Eileen, wrapped in a bath towel that barely reached her thighs, stood with her slender legs exposed. Bryan¡¯s gaze darkened, his expression changing visibly.

    Exclusive stories gal¦Ç¦Òv??l??

    ¡°You are really smart,¡± he said, closing the door behind him. He unbuttoned his shirt cuffs, rolled up his sleeves, and approached her slowly, his voice hoarse and his eyes intent. After being apart for a year, his desire for her was still strong despite having spent a night with her not long ago.

    ¡°You really know how to make an excuse, not like me,¡± he said in a deep voice. ¡°That¡¯s not¡­¡± Eileen suddenly realized he believed she had called him here deliberately. Her ears turned red, and her neck and corbone flushed. Her smooth skin gleamed under the bright light, drawing Bryan¡¯s intense gaze.

    Bryan switched off the main light, leaving only a dim glow from the ceiling. As he walked toward her, he began to unbutton his shirt, revealing a glimpse of his muscr chest. Eileen found herself captivated, losing all coherent thought until she was in his arms. Heid her down on the bed. The bath towel slipped away from her body, and the chill in the air made her shiver, prompting her to ce her hands on his chest.

    ¡°Could you stop doing this?¡± she said. ¡°What?¡± Bryan arched an eyebrow, their faces so close their breaths mingled. ¡°If I were as passive as you, when would I ever get to sleep with you again?¡± His tone was teasing, yet there was a challenge in his voice.

    Eileen¡¯s voice was barely a whisper. ¡°I didn¡¯t pay you. This is not what you think it is.¡± ¡°Then that¡¯s your issue. I¡¯ve slept with you, but why didn¡¯t you pay me?¡± He lightly pinched her chin. ¡°I¡¯ve always been amodating in the past.¡±

    Eileen gripped the quilt tightly, her fingertips turning white with tension. Although he was short on funds for the new project, she knew it wasn¡¯t her money that he cared about. This was intentional. ¡°If you don¡¯t pay, I¡¯ll assume you¡¯re dissatisfied with my service. Don¡¯t worry; I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re satisfied today,¡± Bryan said. He paid no heed to the expression on her face, driven by his desire. He was more relentless than that night, as he had warned.

    Eileen now understood his insistence on not having her work nights because she had been kept awake by his presence until dawn even without work. Her voice was hoarse, and her body ached. Despite the chill of the night outside with the window half open, she had kept sweating.

    When Bryan finally moved away from her body, Eileen forced her eyes open only to see his muscr chest and defined abs. Exhausted, shey on her stomach as he pulled the quilt up from her waist. His rough fingers traced her smooth back, causing shivers to run through her. Eventually, she fell asleep.

    Bryan watched her, gently smoothing her tangled hair with his fingertips.

    Her face bore signs of fatigue, her thick, curlyshes framing her closed eyes. Her lips were slightly parted, and her breathing was light. It was three in the afternoon when Bryan decided to wake her, afraid she would be hungry. Eileen blinked sleepily at him, adjusting a strap that had slipped off her shoulder.

    Bryan stood beside the bed, holding a hair tie, and carefully tied her hair as he perched one leg on the bed. ¡°Eat something before you go back to sleep,¡± he suggested gently. Eileen tried to respond but found her voice too hoarse, her throat still sore from the night¡¯s exertions. Thankfully, she didn¡¯t have to work in theing days. She rolled her eyes at Bryan and devoured her food.

    With food in her belly, she felt her strength return, and her throat significantly improved. She asked in a low voice, ¡°Don¡¯t you need to go to thepany?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Bryan replied, clearly in good spirits. His white shirt clung to his frame, several buttons undone to reveal his corbone, which sported a deep tooth mark. Eileen couldn¡¯t recall when she had bitten him and wondered if he felt the pain at all. Considering the wounds on his back from that night and now the teeth marks on his corbone, she puzzled over why he kept trying to provoke her further.

    With frustration, she pulled two hundred dors from her pocket despite her sore legs and slipped the money into his shirt pocket. ¡°Your payment!¡± she dered in a hoarse voice. Bryan¡¯s expression darkened immediately, but then he smiled, a hint of amusement in his voice. ¡°Are you implying that I¡¯m not capable enough?¡±

    Upon hearing that, Eileen tensed up, her legs feeling even weaker. ¡°Very well,¡± Bryan said, plucking the two hundred dors with two fingers, folding them neatly, and slipping them into his trouser pocket. ¡°Two hundred is enough.¡± With that, he squinted his eyes, turned, and walked away.

    Watching his departing figure, Eileeny down on the bed with mixed feelings. In the evening, the setting sun cast a golden glow across the room, enveloping the figure on the bed in warm light. The sunlight was so bright that Eileen couldn¡¯t keep her eyes open. She reached out, grabbed her phone from the bedside table, and noticed Bryan had silenced it. She had missed several messages and calls, all rted to the education agency. Methodically, she responded to each one.

    Then, she heard the door open and footsteps approaching, apanied by voices outside. Someone wasing. Eileen turned to see Phoebe entering the room, her eyes filled with curiosity. After shutting the door, Phoebe hurried over and sat beside Eileen. ¡°I think you need to confess everything to me,¡± Phoebe said.

    Subconsciously, Eileen pulled the quilt over her shoulders, hiding the marks on her corbone. ¡°Confess what?¡± she asked. She could faintly hear the conversation of the men outside. She recognized the voices as Bryan¡¯s and Jacob¡¯s. Instinctively, she lowered her voice.

    Phoebe said, ¡°No wonder Bryan told me to keep quiet. He mentioned it was hard for you to talk. It turns out your voice is hoarse.¡± Eileen frowned, acknowledging her hoarse voice but feeling ufortable with how casually they had discussed it.

    ¡°Tell me the truth. Who initiated the things between you two?¡± Phoebe asked.

    ¡°He did,¡± Eileen replied without hesitation.

    Phoebe¡¯s astonishment grew. ¡°I really admire you for winning Bryan over!¡±

    Eileen responded sharply, ¡°Who said I won him over? Can you cut out the nonsense?¡± She rose from the bed, grabbed her clothes, and went to the cloakroom to change. Peeking through a crack in the door, Phoebe said, ¡°I suspect he came to Wist Land just for you. He¡¯s only been here a few months, yet he¡¯s already back with you. Of course, he likes you!¡±

    Pausing in her dressing, Eileen blinked twice but didn¡¯t reply. The dim light in the cloakroom shielded her expression from Phoebe¡¯s view. Noticing Eileen¡¯s silence, Phoebe continued, ¡°Jacob told me he¡¯s divorced now. You don¡¯t have to worry about anything when you¡¯re with him, and nobody will call you a mistress again.¡±

    Eileen pondered this for a while. Only Bailee knew about her past marriage and divorce with Bryan. It seemed from Jacob and Phoebe¡¯sments that Bryan hadn¡¯t shared the information that she had been his wife. It was all in the past, and Eileen had no intention to bring that up again. Instead, she muttered with a hint of uncertainty, ¡°He said he wanted to sell his body to me.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Phoebe paused in shock for a few moments, then burst intoughter so intense that she nearly fell to the floor. ¡°That indeed sounds like something Bryan would say.¡± She then teased, ¡°Can you afford him? What do you think of him?¡±

    After slipping into jeans and a shirt, Eileen headed to the bathroom to wash up. It was there she figured out how to respond to Phoebe. ¡°I gave him two hundred this morning. He took it and insisted on selling his body. I didn¡¯t have much choice,¡± she said. She believed he would leave eventually. So why fret so much? Plus, it wasn¡¯t unpleasant sleeping with him.

    ¡°You are impressive!¡± Phoebe eximed, giving Eileen a thumbs-up. She was ready to watch and see who would reveal their true feelings first in this daring game of love and transactions.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 160

    ?Chapter 160:

    After freshening up, Eileen emerged from the bathroom and casually asked, ¡°What brings you two here again?¡±

    ¡°Sorry for the interruption,¡± Phoebe said with a yful tone. She then replied, ¡°Jacob is here to talk about something with Bryan.¡±

    Eileen, while tying her hair, paused to ask, ¡°Are they discussing the White family issue?¡±

    Phoebe¡¯s face took on a serious look. She scrutinized Eileen for a moment and said, ¡°You know Arthur is Gilbert¡¯s nephew?¡± Her voice carried a mix of guilt and surprise.

    Eileen looked confused. ¡°What? Should I not be aware of that?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that,¡± Phoebe replied, peering out the door. ¡°But we were concerned you might go behind our backs to Arthur.¡±

    Eileen finished tying her hair, rolled her eyes, and exined, ¡°I do have some sense, you know. Right now, Bryan and I are allies. If I approached Arthur to plead, it would just embarrass Bryan. Plus, Arthur would surely want something in return, and I¡¯m not one to back down easily. If we¡¯re unlikely to reach a deal, why seek out the hassle?¡±

    Getting caught by Arthur again would onlyplicate things further. Then, Eileen asked Phoebe, ¡°Was it Bryan who told you not to tell me?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Phoebe said with a sheepish grin. ¡°It was Jacob.¡±

    ¡°That makes more sense.¡± Eileen felt she knew Bryan well enough. She trusted that Bryan understood her, too. He wouldn¡¯t hide such a thing deliberately; he simply wouldn¡¯t mention it unless she brought it up. But not looking for trouble herself didn¡¯t mean trouble wouldn¡¯t find her.

    While Eileen was talking with Phoebe, there appeared ten missed calls on Eileen¡¯s phone, which was on silent mode. Eileen was on her way out of the room with Phoebe when she noticed the missed calls. She said to Phoebe, ¡°You go ahead. I need to return a call first.¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s delivers what you seek

    Phoebe headed to the living room while Eileen stepped back onto the balcony to make her call. Even though it was an unfamiliar number, the persistence of the calls indicated something urgent. The moment the call was connected, any thought of urgency vanished from Eileen¡¯s mind with the angry voice on the other end.

    It was Arthur, shouting, ¡°Eileen Curtis, are you messing with me? How many men have you hooked up with?¡±

    ¡°What nonsense are you spouting? Since you¡¯re already at the hospital, maybe get your head checked while you¡¯re at it!¡± Eileen responded sharply.

    Her cold response and cutting words made Arthur instinctively want to stand up. But the ache in his ribs made him wince and slump back. He said, ¡°I understand. You can¡¯t talk freely because Bryan is around, right? Let me make this clear: Bryan is after my uncle¡¯s investment, which will only go through if I approve. If you¡¯re smart,e to the hospital and serve me well¡ª¡±

    Eileen instantly ended the call, blocked the number, and set her phone to reject all calls from unknown numbers. When Arthur tried to call again, he found himself blocked, which infuriated him.

    That day, Arthur had meant to send his location to Eileen, but he had actually sent it to Danielle, since Danielle had given him the wrong WhatsApp ount. After pondering for a while, Danielle had dressed up and gone there. But she had arrivedte. Upon her arrival, she had seen Eileen being carried out by Bryan, and soon after, Arthur had also been carried out on a stretcher.

    Realizing something had gone wrong, Danielle had quickly fled in fear. When Arthur had regained consciousness, he had messaged Danielle, using her of betrayal. From his messages, Danielle had deduced that Arthur had attempted to rape Eileen but had been stopped by Eileen¡¯s friends, which had exined his anger.

    Danielle had quickly apologized and tried to exin, but Arthur had demanded shee to the hospital. Terrified, Danielle had chosen not to go, which had only made Arthur angrier. Arthur then had called to confront Eileen but had been taken aback by her dismissive response, contrasting sharply with the apologetic, flirtatious tone of her WhatsApp messages.

    This inconsistency made him even more furious, worsening his chest pain. As the ward door opened, Arthur¡¯s mother, Hadlee ke, entered with Ka. Both women were elegantly dressed and around the same age. However, Hadlee appeared visibly older recently, looking worn and tired due to Arthur¡¯s troubles.

    ¡°Mrs. ke, don¡¯t worry too much. Your son is alright,¡± Ka reassured Hadlee as her people set down the gifts they had brought. Hadlee forced a smile and replied, ¡°If only Arthur were as well-behaved as your son, I wouldn¡¯t be so concerned.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. Every child has their strengths,¡± Ka responded. Upon Hadlee¡¯s cue, Arthur reluctantly greeted, ¡°Hello, Mrs. Deleon.¡±

    ¡°I never imagined Eileen could bring you to such a state,¡± Kamented, surprised to learn that Bryan had beaten Arthur so badly that Arthur was hospitalized. Hearing this, Hadlee was taken aback. ¡°What do you mean? Who is Eileen?¡±

    ¡°Mrs. ke, you¡¯re not aware?¡± Ka looked at Arthur, noticing his darkened expression. Arthur hadn¡¯t been entirely honest about the matter with his mother. Hadlee picked up on this right away and, guiding Ka to sit next to her, urged, ¡°Mrs. Deleon, please, share the whole story. What exactly happened?¡±

    Arthur shot a look at Ka, who subtly motioned for him to remain silent before she said, ¡°It¡¯s not your son¡¯s fault. It¡¯s all because of Eileen. She¡¯s been flirting around, getting involved with Bryan while also seducing your son. Honestly, she¡¯s been leading my son on, too.¡±

    In Ka¡¯s description, Eileen was maniptive, engaging with several men simultaneously. Arthur quickly showed his messages with ¡°Eileen¡± to support the im. ¡°Mom, I was not aware she was involved with someone. I wouldn¡¯t have pursued her if I knew. Just see how she talked to me online¡­¡± He had found himself thinking about her even in his dreams.

    ¡°This woman ispletely despicable!¡± Hadlee was outraged. Reviewing the messages, Ka¡¯s disdain for Eileen intensified. She believed Eileen adapted her demeanor based on who she was dealing with. With Emmett, Eileen maintained an air of purity and distance. With someone like Arthur, Eileen was nearly sending nudes.

    Ka suspected that Bryan might also have been misled by Eileen. She quickly said, ¡°Mrs. ke, you can¡¯t let this affect your brother¡¯s cooperation with Bryan. Your brother can¡¯t afford to upset Bryan too much, so he¡¯s being cautious. If Bryan bes angry, it could be disastrous for all of us. I think we should focus on dealing with Eileen to smooth things over with Bryan. I have a n¡­¡±

    Ka gently touched Hadlee¡¯s hand and shared her idea. Understanding that the White family needed to maintain good terms with Bryan, Hadlee agreed with Ka¡¯s approach. Ka said, ¡°Just let everyone recognize Eileen¡¯s true nature. We don¡¯t need to make things too tense with Bryan.¡±

    Then, Ka turned to Arthur, saying, ¡°Arthur, you¡¯re a man of high standing. Enjoy yourself with Eileen, but don¡¯t consider anything serious.¡±

    ¡°I know!¡± Arthur had already lost patience with Eileen¡¯s deceit. With a new resolve after hearing Ka¡¯s n, Arthur was determined to see Eileen pay once Bryan dumped her. He nned to hold her to every word she had said online.

    Exiting the hospital, Ka exhaled deeply and called Kian. ¡°Eileen is quite the problem. She¡¯s indeed with Bryan, but don¡¯t worry, I¡¯vee up with a n.¡± She then exined her strategy to Kian, adding, ¡°The White family doesn¡¯t want to upset Bryan. Everything should settle down except for Eileen.¡±

    Kian picked up on an important detail. ¡°You mean¡­ Bryan is looking to attract investment from the White family?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Ka replied, then curiously asked, ¡°But what¡¯s happening with the Dawson family?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not something you need to be concerned with,¡± Kian responded, then disconnected the call. He mulled over the situation¡­ It seemed likely that Bryan had gone to Wist Land because of Eileen. If Ka¡¯s n worked out, Bryan would likely drop the project ande back. But to be safe, Kian needed Bryan to return for certain, not just possibly¡­

    In the evening, Jacob and Phoebe joined Eileen for dinner. Given that she was filling in for Raymond to look after Bryan, Eileen couldn¡¯t let Bryan handle the cooking. And since her cooking skills werecking, she had ordered the food.

    Before, in Onnd, with its dry, chilly climate, Eileen seldom ate spicy food to avoid getting sick and impacting her work.

    However, things had changed here. She had grown ustomed to the spice. Her lips were flushed pink, and since she had only had one meal earlier in the day, her appetite was great. Therge vi was brightly lit. The expansive chandelier cast light over them, and the rising steam from the hotpot added a cozy feel to the atmosphere.

    Bryan, wearing a ck shirt, reclined in his chair, a cigarette dangling between his fingers. He watched Eileen with a yful gaze as she talked with Phoebe, eating. Stray hairs clung to her sweaty forehead, yet she appeared effortlessly neat. Tiny sweat droplets adorned her nose, and her flushed cheeks were wless.

    Noticing her empty bowl, Bryan took a drag of his cigarette, exhaled smoke to the side, and filled her bowl with a generous helping of meat. Eileen paused, looked up at him briefly, then bowed her head and continued eating. She didn¡¯t even say thank you to him. A year ago, she would have thanked him politely and mentioned that it was inappropriate. Thinking of that, Bryan had a faint smile on his face.

    ¡°Tomorrow night, let¡¯s attend the White family¡¯s business event together,¡± Jacob suggested, raising his wine ss and offering it to Bryan. ¡°I might not be able to assist with finances, but for everything else, I¡¯m in your corner¡­ Well, not really, but I¡¯ve got this.¡±

    Bryanughed, positioned his hand with the cigarette on the chair¡¯s back, and clinked his ss with Jacob¡¯s. As they drank, Phoebe also felt tempted and pulled Eileen into having some wine. While the men discussed the White family¡¯s issue, Eileen and Phoebe engaged in light conversation. It wasn¡¯t until they had finished eating that Phoebe realized a dilemma.

    ¡°We¡¯ve all been drinking, so who¡¯s going to drive?¡± she asked.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 161

    ?Chapter 161:

    If they drove like this, they would be arrested for drunk driving. Jacob said without hesitation, ¡°Then let¡¯s stay here tonight. There are lots of rooms anyway.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Bryan quickly said, putting out his cigarette. At that moment, everyone¡¯s attention turned to Bryan. But Bryan just frowned and offered no exnation.

    ¡°Come on,¡± Jacob said in a low voice. ¡°Bryan, your house is soundproof. What are you afraid of? We can sleep on the third floor if you want!¡±

    Bryan¡¯s expression darkened. He said coldly, ¡°Take a taxi back.¡±

    Jacob quickly searched his pockets and protested, ¡°My father won¡¯t even give me money for a taxi.¡±

    ¡°I will pay for you,¡± Bryan said swiftly. He paused, thought for a moment, and pulled the two hundred dors from his pocket.

    As soon as Bryan had the money in his hand, Jacob snatched it. But before Jacob could put the money away, Bryan snatched it back. He stood up and hesitated. Looking reluctant, he turned to Eileen. ¡°Do you have fifty dors?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Eileen replied. She had only two hundred dors in her bag, which she had given to him.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll give you a hundred dors for it. Remember to give me the change tomorrow.¡± Bryan handed Jacob the hundred-dor bill and pocketed the remaining bill. His stern look made it clear he was serious. After all, it had not been easy for him to earn the two hundred dors. Now, giving Jacob a hundred made him visibly ufortable.

    Eileen lowered her head, her long hair hiding her face but not her suppressedughter. When Bryan walked to the living room, Jacob followed, berating Bryan for his stinginess. Eileen, still smiling, joined Phoebe in clearing the table.

    Phoebe, having just heard the story behind the two hundred dors from Eileen, was alsoughing. Jacob was the only one out of the loop.

    L??€$? ???t??§ñ? I¦Ç ?a?n?¦Í¦Ål?.c?m

    ¡°Can you wear a dress tomorrow?¡± Phoebe asked, ncing at Eileen¡¯s neck. There were some marks there, but they weren¡¯t very noticeable. However, a strapless dress was out of the question.

    Without looking up, Eileen responded, ¡°I¡¯ll just wear my business suit. It¡¯s a business party, not an evening party.¡±

    She rarely wore dresses. When she did go to parties with Bryan, she mostly wore business attire, which made it easier to conduct business.

    ¡°But you¡¯re not Bryan¡¯s assistant now,¡± Phoebe said after a moment¡¯s thought. ¡°Wist Land is different from Onnd. I¡¯ve heard that at their business meetings, women dress up more, and the meetings are not as formal as you think.¡±

    Her implication was that such business gatherings were often for socializing. Resting against the cupboard, Eileen considered for a moment before replying, ¡°I¡¯ll think about it.¡±

    Truthfully, she was hesitant. Should she buy an evening dress? A decent one would cost at least one hundred thousand dors. Although she could afford it, she was reluctant to spend so much on a dress. After the table was cleaned up, the unhappy Jacob left with Phoebe.

    Jacob keptining about Bryan¡¯s stinginess, saying to Eileen that it was right she chose not to be with Bryan. Eileen knew better than toment, especially since she needed to stay the night in Bryan¡¯s ce. Her quality of sleep would hinge on Bryan¡¯s mood. Fortunately, Bryan was in a good mood tonight. Though he slept in her room, he didn¡¯t do anything to her.

    After a full day¡¯s rest and an evening of overtime dealing with matters at the education agency, Eileen didn¡¯t go to bed with Bryan until close to midnight. Bryan held Eileen in his arms, and Eileen shifted uneasily. Noticing that, Bryan assured her he wouldn¡¯t force anything and held her more firmly.

    The White family¡¯s banquet was set for three in the afternoon at the most opulent hotel in downtown Wist Land, which was an hour¡¯s drive from Pianoforte Vis. Eileen and Bryan woke around ten. Stepping out of her room, Eileen discovered a ssically styled dress in the living room. She put the dress on.

    The dress¡¯s high neckline subtly concealed the faint marks on her neck, and the light green fabricplemented her arms perfectly. The slit running up to her thighs seemed to elongate her legs. Her hair was styled up, entuating her delicate features and adding to her elegance. Bryan was always captivated whenever Eileen donned such ssic attire.

    Today, he matched her in a ck suit paired with a dark green tie, echoing the hues of her dress. Together, they looked like a perfect pair. As they exited the car at the venue, the assembled reporters were momentarily stunned. Arm in arm, Eileen bnced on five-centimeter heels, reaching just up to Bryan¡¯s ears. They proceeded along the red carpet, gracefully escorted to the banquet hall by a waiter.

    Their poised figures captivated the onlookers until they vanished from view, leaving the reporters regretting their missed photo opportunities. The banquet hall, embellished with intricate door carvings, buzzed with activity. Rows of tablesden with wine and snacks lined the room. The elegantly dressed attendees turned their attention to Eileen and Bryan as they entered, sparking murmurs and exmations of admiration.

    ¡°Is that Bryan Dawson? He looks so handsome!¡± some girls whispered, surprised. Surveying the scene, Eileen realized this gathering was unlike the business-focused parties she was ustomed to in Onnd. It felt more like a social extravaganza, a blooming garden of festivities she didn¡¯t quite care for. Had she known it was like this, she would have reconsidered her attendance.

    Just then, Phoebe and Jacob emerged from the crowd. Phoebe, in a striking red dress and with short hair, approached with Jacob, who quickly whispered to Bryan, ¡°Gilbert isn¡¯t here yet. Maybe he¡¯s too scared to show up.¡± This was a crucial moment; if Bryan proposed a business deal and Gilbert declined, it could cause a spectacle.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just find our seats first,¡± Bryan suggested with a quick scan of the room, dissatisfied that Eileen¡¯s allure had attracted so many men¡¯s attention. Jacob, who had arrived early, had already secured their seats. They all sat down.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, Ms. Curtis,¡± someone suddenly called out to them. Denzel approached. ¡°Mr. Dawson, I knew you would be here today, but I didn¡¯t expect¡­¡± He nced between Eileen and Bryan, a hint of surprise in his expression. Could the rumors his wife had mentioned about Eileen and Bryan being a couple be true? Denzel found it astonishing to see it confirmed with his own eyes.

    ¡°Mr. Vance,¡± Eileen greeted, standing up and nodding politely. ¡°How is Adalina feeling?¡± Since Eileen avoided the topic, Denzel didn¡¯t ask anything about it.

    ¡°She¡¯s recovering well and should be able to attend tutoring sessions by Monday,¡± Denzel said.

    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful to hear,¡± Eileen responded with a warm smile, suddenly remembering she needed to visit the hospitalter, as today was Friday. After a brief chat about his daughter¡¯s studies with Eileen, Denzel walked away.

    The party¡¯s atmosphere buzzed along until a sudden stir at the stairway caught everyone¡¯s attention. Bryan¡¯s eyes flicked toward the neers. Although Eileen had never met Gilbert, she recognized him immediately, noting the familial resemnce he shared with his nephew Arthur. The two women apanying him must be Arthur¡¯s mother and Gilbert¡¯s wife, Margery White.

    The trio was quickly enveloped by a crowd, indicating they would be tied up for some time. Bryan, ever patient, twirled the liquid in his goblet with slender fingers, asionally sipping and leaning over to whisper to Eileen.

    ¡°Arthur may resemble his uncle, but he has his father¡¯s roguish ways. Gilbert, on the other hand, is known for his decency,¡± Bryan said. Eileen caught sight of Gilbert holding hands with Margery as they entered, a rare disy of affection that seemed notable for their age.

    Jacob remarked, ¡°It looks like it¡¯ll be at least an hour before we can speak with Gilbert.¡± He craned his neck, trying to get a better look at Gilbert, who was well-known in Wist Land and often the target of ttery.

    ¡°He¡¯lle over,¡± Bryan said calmly. Since Gilbert had shown up today, Bryan believed Gilbert must have figured out how to deal with him. As they waited, Eileen admired Bryan¡¯s profile, the noble air he projected effortlessly captivating her.

    From across the room, Gilbert¡¯s eyes met Bryan¡¯s intermittently. He realized that Bryan had no intention toe to him. Gilbert had long admired how Bryan had steered Apex Group to prominence at such a young age.

    After a while, Gilbert announced to the crowd around him, ¡°Excuse me. Mr. Dawson is over there. I¡¯ll go say hello first.¡± The crowd parted, allowing Gilbert a clear path to Bryan, while whispers about Bryan¡¯s recent altercation with Arthur circted among the onlookers.

    ¡°The rumors are about that beautiful woman next to Bryan, right? No wonder Mr. ke is interested in her.¡±

    ¡°But I think he had iting for making a move on Bryan¡¯s woman.¡±

    ¡°The thing is, with the ties between the White and ke families, the Whites ought to defend Arthur.¡±

    ¡°Will Mr. White choose to cooperate with Bryan or not?¡± someone said, asking the question everyone was thinking about.

    The room fell silent as Gilbert approached Bryan. Setting down his ss, Bryan stood up and greeted Gilbert with a raised eyebrow and an outstretched hand. ¡°Mr. White, I¡¯ve heard much about you.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, nice to meet you,¡± Gilbert responded, clearly affected by Bryan¡¯smanding presence, and shook Bryan¡¯s hand. After the handshake, Bryan quickly withdrew his hand.

    Eileen rose, gesturing for Gilbert to take the seat next to Bryan, but Bryan caught her wrist gently, guiding her back to her seat. He gestured to the seat across from them and said, ¡°Mr. White, please, let¡¯s sit and talk.¡±

    Even in his own domain, Gilbert found his usually dominant presence oddly diminished by Bryan¡¯s assertiveness. Hadlee, observing Eileen, couldn¡¯t help but admire her beauty. Yet, her admiration was tinged with disdain. She scoffed, ¡°We won¡¯t sit with a shameless woman!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 162

    ?Chapter 162:

    ¡°Suit yourself then,¡± Bryan said briefly, already seated. His brief three words ced Hadlee in a tough spot, making it awkward for her to decide whether to sit or leave.

    Gilbert was unsure whether to sit or stand alongside his sister. Bryan appeared unaffected by the tension. He grabbed a cigarette from Jacob, lit it, and gave Gilbert a casual nce. Jacob then also passed a cigarette to Gilbert, asking, ¡°Mr. White, won¡¯t you take a seat?¡±

    This offered Gilbert a subtle way out. After a brief hesitation, Gilbert epted the cigarette, sat down, and offered Bryan a polite smile. ¡°Mr. Dawson, you¡¯re certainly an impressive young man.¡±

    ¡°Sadly, your ability to judge people seemscking.¡± Seeing Gilbert settle down, Hadlee became visibly upset. She, too, sat down, her anger boiling over so intensely that she interrupted Gilbert before he could finish his courteous remarks.

    She said, ¡°Thedy beside you is despicable, flirting with men everywhere. I wouldn¡¯t trust her to tie my shoes, yet you hold her in high regard!¡±

    Instantly, Bryan¡¯s expression turned stern, his eyes narrowing with annoyance. The fierce intensity of his stare made Hadlee stop, unable to continue. Observing this, Gilbert quickly said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, please, don¡¯t get upset. My sister may be blunt, but she¡¯s not wrong. It¡¯s not worth the discord between you and my nephew over Miss Curtis.¡±

    He then gestured to Hadlee, who hurriedly pulled her phone from her purse. Yet, seeing Bryan¡¯s darkened face, Hadlee didn¡¯t dare to show him directly. Instead, she approached the spectators nearby, showing them the images.

    ¡°See! This woman has been engaging suggestively with my son and also involved with the Bryant family¡¯s grandson. There¡¯s Mr. Dawson, too. Notice her flirtatious words. I¡¯ve heard she teaches¡­¡± Arthur had saved ¡°Eileen¡± as ¡°Baby¡± in his WhatsApp, clearly at her request, ording to their chat.

    Other parts of their chat were very explicit, including some revealing photos without her face visible. Eileen¡¯s conversations with Emmett looked standard, mainly about his tutoring sessions, which were scheduledte at night. Additionally, there were photos taken by Emmett of Eileen sleeping.

    Hadlee continued, ¡°Mrs. Deleon said her son won¡¯t even speak to her now because of this woman. He stays home all day. Thest time he went out, he was soaked in the rain all night for her. Who knows where she was spending her time then?¡±

    Every journey starts at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q??§à??

    After Hadlee finished speaking, people¡¯s perceptions of Eileen shifted dramatically. Crude remarks and suspicions were thrown her way.

    ¡°A teacher? Can someone like her really be a positive role model?¡±

    ¡°Teachers interact with lots of people. Maybe she uses that to connect with wealthy men!¡±

    ¡°Mr. Dawson fought Mr. ke over her? He¡¯s clearly been fooled!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t hold it against Mr. Dawson. Look at her conversations with Mr. ke and the Bryant family¡¯s son. She¡¯s ying different roles. She must be just as deceitful with Mr. Dawson!¡±

    Amidst all this scrutiny, even Eileen started to doubt her own character. The conversations between her and Emmett were innocent, yet everyone seemed to overreact. But when had she ever messaged Arthur?

    The crowd¡¯s support gave Hadlee more confidence, and she walked back to confront Eileen. ¡°Stop pretending to be innocent. Who do you think you¡¯re fooling?¡± Since she couldn¡¯t retaliate against Bryan for the hurt Arthur had endured, she directed her anger toward Eileen. If Bryan relented, she nned to send Eileen to Arthur¡¯s hospital room to face his anger.

    She changed her tone, turned to Bryan, and said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, this woman¡¯s deception sparked the conflict between you and my son. We can put the past behind us, but don¡¯t be fooled by her any longer. Take a look at these.¡± She set her phone on the table and slid it toward Bryan, revealing the explicit messages with Arthur.

    Bryan looked contemtive, deep in thought. Phoebe quickly picked up the phone, scanned the contents, and showed it to Eileen. ¡°Is this really you?¡± Noticing the WhatsApp profile picture she didn¡¯t recognize, Eileen realized she had been impersonated.

    ¡°That¡¯s not my WhatsApp ount.¡± She pulled out her phone, opened WhatsApp, and disyed her profile on the table. ¡°The one chatting with Emmett is me, but I¡¯m not the one chatting with Arthur.¡±

    Hadlee paused for a moment, then retorted, ¡°Just because you say it is not you doesn¡¯t make it true. Maybe you use different ounts for different guys. You just won¡¯t admit it.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s face grew cold as she replied, ¡°So, by your logic, even if I¡¯m innocent, I can¡¯t prove it? You can make usations without proof, but I can¡¯t defend myself without proof? Besides, aren¡¯t you aware of what kind of person your son really is?¡±

    Eileen was determined not to let Hadlee tarnish her reputation andplicate things for Bryan. Her sharp response clearly upset Hadlee. But Eileen wasn¡¯t done. ¡°I¡¯m aware of your son¡¯s reputation. Scammers target the type who throw money around for fun, like your son. If you¡¯re looking for justice, find out who really owns that WhatsApp ount and deal with them directly.¡±

    She then realized where Arthur¡¯s confusing usations came from. Someone had been pretending to be her. Eileen thought hard but couldn¡¯t pinpoint who it might be.

    Phoebe feltpelled to stand up for Eileen. ¡°Mrs. ke, using Eileen just based on these messages is too much. Look at her messages with Emmett. They¡¯repletely professional. Making such ims is unfair. Also, your son is fooled easily, while Emmett is naive and good-hearted, but who could possibly fool Bryan?¡±

    Neither Emmett nor Arthur could outsmart Bryan at all. The thought of Bryan being tricked by any woman seemed absurd.

    Suddenly, Eileen noticed Bryan had been quiet the whole time. She looked at him, observing his unreadable face. He was clearly deep in thought. Did he not believe her? This thought caused Eileen¡¯s heart to sink, her lips pressed together tightly.

    Jacob stood up. ¡°I can attest that Eileen isn¡¯t that type of person. The ke family has mistaken their target, and this whole situation is messing with Mr. White¡¯s and Bryan¡¯s partnership. It¡¯s a significant loss.¡±

    Now, it didn¡¯t matter who vouched for whom. Ultimately, what Bryan believed was crucial. Everyone¡¯s attention turned to Bryan as he held his cigarette, the ash lengthening, his expression stoic.

    Abruptly, he tapped off the ash and took a puff. With the smoke swirling, his expression remained enigmatic.

    ¡°Are you guys finished?¡± Without borating, Bryan cut straight to the chase. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about the project.¡±

    Did Bryan trust Eileen or not? Questions filled everyone¡¯s minds. Gilbert was taken aback, but Margery softly pulled at his sleeve, snapping him out of his daze. He nodded and said, ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s talk about it.¡±

    Bryan didn¡¯t have any paperwork with him; he kept all the details in his head. He began to speak artictely. Meanwhile, Eileen was too distracted to follow his words. Phoebe guided Eileen to sit down, and Eileen anxiously yed with a button on her dress. Bryan¡¯s resonant voice filled the room, each word echoing in Eileen¡¯s heart.

    The purpose of today¡¯s meeting was to find out Gilbert¡¯s attitude. With the crowd present, it wasn¡¯t the moment for in-depth discussions. Bryan briefly outlined the project and set a meeting for theing Monday to discuss the details of the contract.

    The business talk wrapped up, and though things seemed clearer regarding Eileen, a sense of unresolved tension lingered. It was still unclear whether Bryan believed Eileen or not. One thing was clear: Eileen left the banquet with Bryan and hispanions.

    As evening approached, the sun cast long shadows, and the air grew colder. A chilly breeze made Eileen shiver. She hugged herself, her eyes lingering on Bryan¡¯s back. He was deep in conversation with Jacob, his jacket slung over his arm. Then, he loosened his tie and unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt, his demeanor shifting to a more rxed one. They stopped next to his car.

    ¡°By the way, we need to look into the ke family¡¯s ims. Without solid proof, they¡¯ll continue to defame Eileen,¡± Jacob suggested, then turned to Eileen. ¡°Considering someone used your identity tomunicate with Arthur, it¡¯s likely someone close to you. Any idea who it could be?¡±

    Eileen was caught off guard, her gaze shifting away from Bryan. After a brief pause, she shook her head and said, ¡°No. I can¡¯t think of anyone.¡±

    ¡°Stay vignt about those around you. The culprit is probably close,¡± Jacob said firmly. ¡°A woman¡¯s reputation is vital.¡±

    Hearing that, Eileen looked at Bryan. He was leaning against the car, smoking. His face was hard to read, but it seemed he wasn¡¯t concerned about the discussion or her innocence. Or maybe, he just didn¡¯t share Jacob¡¯s level of concern for her reputation or character. Wasn¡¯t his silence just suspicion?

    Eileen mustered a smile, though it wasced with sarcasm. ¡°It¡¯s not important. It¡¯s Friday, and I need to visit my mom in the hospital. You guys go on without me.¡±

    She stepped back, making room for their car to pull out.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have a car. Bryan can drive you to the hospital,¡± Jacob suggested, moving closer to take her wrist and gently guiding her toward Bryan.

    ¡°Enough talking.¡± Phoebe, sensing something was off, shot Jacob a warning nce.

    Realizing something wasn¡¯t right, Jacob watched as Eileen quickly stepped away from Bryan. What was happening? Jacob looked at Eileen and Bryan, puzzled. The scent of smoke on Bryan drifted around Eileen and caused her to scrunch her nose. With a slight smile, she said, ¡°No need to bother. I¡¯ll just take a taxi.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 163

    ?Chapter 163:

    ¡°Well¡­ Alright, take care,¡± Jacob said, scratching the back of his head as he waved goodbye to Eileen.

    Eileen offered a smile but did not look back at Bryan. Instead, she exchanged a nce with Phoebe and departed. Being in the city center made hailing a cab effortless, particrly given her striking attire. A taxi pulled up beside her almost at once.

    Once she was seated inside, Eileen finally allowed her gaze to drift towards Bryan. He was still finishing his cigarette. Meanwhile, Jacob and Phoebe had climbed back into their car. Bryan leaned against the vehicle, his expression one of deep contemtion. He had voiced no suspicions, yet his every gesture had seemed to radiate mistrust.

    Jacob, who was now driving, remained puzzled. ¡°What¡¯s the problem? Why did the atmosphere between Eileen and Bryan turn cold all of a sudden?¡±

    After a brief silence, Phoebe crossed her legs and said, ¡°Imagine this. A woman sells herself to a man to pay her mother¡¯s medical bills. Later, when she reunites with the man, he finds her mingling among affluent men. What do you suppose he would conclude?¡±

    ¡°Clearly, he would suspect she had sold herself to those men!¡± Jacob eximed, then suddenly grasped that Phoebe was referring to Bryan and Eileen. After a pause, he asked, ¡°So, do you believe Eileen is really involved with those two men?¡±

    The mood in the car shifted instantly. Phoebe rolled her eyes and turned away, eximing, ¡°I refuse to talk to an idiot!¡±

    Phoebe believed Bryan¡¯s judgment was clouded by his emotions. But Jacob¡¯s interpretation now was utterly absurd!

    ¡°Whom are you calling an idiot?¡± Enraged, Jacob stopped the car to the side of the road and reached out to seize Phoebe by the head, forcing her to look at him. ¡°You¡¯re saying anyone who doubts Eileen is an idiot? Then Bryan is an idiot, too!¡±

    Phoebe fought to free herself without sess. In her fury, she headbutted Jacob. Stunned, Jacob released her, his vision blurred. Then, a fight erupted in the car.

    galno¦Í?ls is your update source

    As evening approached, the streetlights bathed Bryan in a warm glow. At his feet, a cluster of cigarette butts umted. Having smoked hisst cigarette, he dialed Raymond.

    ¡°Track every action Eileen has taken since her arrival in Wist Land, especially how she has seeded in the education industry so swiftly,¡± hemanded. After pondering for a moment, he added, ¡°You can leave the hospital now.¡±

    Raymond replied, ¡°Understood, but gathering details on Ms. Curtis in Wist Land might take time.¡±

    ¡°Do it as quickly as possible,¡± Bryan said before hanging up. Though Raymond was set to leave the hospital, a nagging sense told him something was amiss. Delving into Eileen¡¯s affairs hinted at an underlying issue that might upset Bryan¡¯s mood. He feared he would be affected¡­

    Approaching the ajar door of Ruby¡¯s hospital room, Eileen heard Bailee speaking inside.

    ¡°Mom, things are looking up for us. Eileen¡¯s well-connected. There¡¯s Benjamin Nash. He¡¯s been a big help back in Onnd. After moving here, he introduced his localwork to Eileen, and her client base has been expanding,¡± Bailee said as she tended to Ruby with a warm towel. ¡°And remember Phoebe, who visited you the other day? She invested in Eileen¡¯s educational project. Without that, Eileen¡¯s education agency couldn¡¯t have seeded¡­¡±

    Ever since Ruby regained some consciousness, Bailee often spoke to her about their life, carefully avoiding any mention of Bryan since Eileen had divorced him. Bailee mentioned Benjamin and Phoebe to reassure Ruby that Eileen¡¯s finances were legitimate. She told Ruby that they now had enough funds to manage her medical expenses.

    ¡°Why are we telling Mom all this?¡± Eileen entered the room, closed the door, and set her bag on the sofa. She took the towel from Bailee, who was preparing to wash it, and said, ¡°Let me handle this. You should get some rest.¡±

    Bailee, seated at the bed¡¯s foot, watched Eileen and replied, ¡°Mom¡¯s likely curious about our situation. I thought I¡¯d update her early.¡±

    Eileen believed Benjamin was no longer a part of their daily lives, and once Ruby was well, there would be little reason to mention him. But Bailee had already filled Ruby in, so Eileen chose not to say anything about that.

    ¡°What prompted this outfit today?¡± Bailee inquired, eyeing Eileen¡¯s attire curiously. ¡°Where have you been?¡±

    After a brief pause, Eileen replied, ¡°I was at a business banquet.¡±

    Bailee suddenly fell silent, looking at Eileen. Eileen quickly added, ¡°Phoebe was there as well.¡±

    This information seemed to ease Bailee¡¯s concern. Eileen wasn¡¯t trying to keep secrets. However, defining her current rtionship with Bryan was hard. She and Bryan would go their separate ways once he returned to Onnd, so there was no point in troubling Bailee with this detail.

    ¡°Oh, by the way, Huey will be visiting soon,¡± Eileen casually said. ¡°He has a match here in Wist Land and will be staying for about a week.¡±

    Having finished tidying up, Eileen suggested as Ruby slept, ¡°When Huey arrives, have the caregiver look after Mom. It¡¯d be good for you to support him at his match, especially since you two are friends.¡±

    Bailee remained silent for a considerable time before nodding. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll see when that happens.¡±

    ¡°So, how has Mom been this week? What did Dr. Potter say?¡± Eileen inquired.

    As dusk settled and neon lights cast reflections into the hospital room, Eileen and Bailee sat down, facing each other. Their conversation was subdued yet clear.

    Disappointment was evident on Bailee¡¯s face as she sighed and spoke softly. ¡°There¡¯s been no significant progress. Dr. Potter mentioned that initial improvements are quick, but then they taper off.¡± Since Ruby had opened her eyes and shown the ability to respond, Bailee¡¯s hopes for a swift recovery had soared. However, after nearly a month with no new progress, her spirits had waned.

    Eileen said, ¡°Mom is already on the targeted medications. Dr. Potter mentioned that with two or three months of treatment, Mom¡¯s cancer might be cured. Then, we could bring her home for further rehabilitation.¡± She gently patted Bailee¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Seeing us every day and getting out in a wheelchair might hasten her recovery.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Bailee¡¯s voice was tinged with hope. She had been devoted to Ruby¡¯s care, so there were aspects she hadn¡¯t grasped as fully as Eileen had.

    ¡°Would I lie to you? In a couple of months, we¡¯ll bring Mom home!¡± Eileen assured Bailee.

    The thought of bringing Ruby home brought tears to Bailee¡¯s eyes. Feeling constricted by her tight dress, Eileen slipped into one of Bailee¡¯s morefortable outfits: a short skirt and a cropped top that revealed a hint of her waist, a sharp departure from her usual attire.

    As darkness enveloped the surroundings, Eileen received a message from Phoebe. ¡°Eileen, aren¡¯t you going to deal with the woman who impersonated you?¡±

    Eileen felt overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. Arthur likely already knew the woman was a fraud and had said something, possibly eliminating any potential leads. Phoebe¡¯s message continued, ¡°Remember, if you don¡¯t unearth some evidence, the ke family will persist, and it will affect you.¡±

    Perceiving Eileen¡¯s hesitation, Phoebe realized Eileen was considering ignoring the issue. As a tutor for children of affluent families, Eileen could not risk her reputation being damaged by the ke family¡¯s ims.

    ¡°Alright. Understood.¡± Eileen¡¯s response showed she had been convinced by Phoebe. After pondering for a while, Eileen knew she had to confront Arthur. Thoughts of Arthur brought Bryan to mind, entangling her emotions. Feeling suffocated, Eileen took a coat and slipped out of the hospital room silently.

    She settled in the quiet hospital garden, the clock nearing ten, and found herself alone. Bryan¡¯s image filled her mind as if he were etched deeply in her heart. A brisk wind suddenly jolted her back to reality. Why was Bryan still influencing her so deeply? His visit was just a fleeting moment in her life. She reminded herself not to be affected.

    She then took out her phone and dialed the number she had previously blocked¡ªArthur¡¯s. The call connected after a few rings, and Arthur¡¯s voice came through, filled with uncertainty. ¡°Eileen?¡±

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me,¡± Eileen responded with aposed tone. ¡°I need to discuss the impersonator.¡±

    Arthur felt a headache at the mention, dissatisfied that he, an experienced yer, had been deceived. Realization dawned on him that Eileen wouldn¡¯t reach out unless the situation would affect her.

    ¡°I know who that person is,¡± Arthur dered.

    ¡°Really?¡± Eileen responded, her expression turning into a frown.

    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Arthur replied. Sensing Eileen¡¯s skepticism, he added, ¡°Lying isn¡¯t in my nature.¡±

    His blunt honesty suggested he expected something in return. Eileen fell quiet for a brief moment. Arthur continued, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. This woman is an adversary to us both. Just keep my number unblocked and add me on WhatsApp, and I¡¯ll reveal her identity to you.¡±

    Arthur had figured out that Eileen was more receptive to a softer approach than forceful tactics. Eileen was unlike any woman he had encountered before, fueling his ambition to win her over. He resolved that today he would persuade Eileen by any means necessary.

    ¡°Okay, but you need to make sure that you won¡¯t disturb my life,¡± Eileen said.

    ¡°Deal,¡± Arthur replied. Suddenly recalling a detail, he inquired, ¡°Is your WhatsApp ount associated with your phone number?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen said. Just then, she caught the sound of footsteps and turned to see Bryan a short distance away. Following him were Milford and Raymond, each carrying their luggage. Bryan was seemingly there to collect Milford and Raymond after their discharge from the hospital.

    Bryan¡¯s gaze fell on Eileen¡¯s outfit¡ªa short skirt and crop top worn sote in the evening. His scrutinizing stare left Eileen feeling guilty somehow. She intended to end her call with Arthur. But instead, her finger slipped and activated the speakerphone.

    Arthur¡¯s voice resonated. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s then connect on WhatsApp. Perhapster, if you¡¯re avable, we could have a video chat¡­¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 164

    ?Chapter 164:

    In the quiet garden, Arthur¡¯s voice, though not loud, cut through the stillness like a sharp de, catching everyone¡¯s attention instantly.

    Bryan¡¯s gaze darkened as he took a cigarette from his pocket. He walked to the roadside to smoke. Raymond hesitated, unsure whether to follow Bryan or talk to Eileen. Eileen ended the call and approached the trio.

    ¡°Are you leaving the hospital?¡± she asked Raymond.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Raymond nodded with a smile, then turned to nce at Bryan. Bryan stood under the streetlight, a solitary figure enveloped in smoke. His silence was deafening, his gaze fixed elsewhere.

    ¡°You can hurry back now; it¡¯ste,¡± Eileen said, her heart sinking as she nced at Bryan. It was just a nce, but his image etched itself into her mind. After thinking for a while, Raymond decided to leave. ¡°Ms. Curtis, you should go back and rest, too,¡± he said.

    Milford chimed in, ¡°Don¡¯t linger outside at this hour, especially dressed like that.¡± With that, they departed, leaving Eileen alone with Bryan. Bryan remained motionless, a half-smoked cigarette in his hand.

    Eileen wondered whether Bryan wanted to finish his cigarette before leaving or if he had something to say to her. She didn¡¯t leave either, her hands clutching her cell phone, her fingertips pale. As she contemted speaking, the ringing of her phone interrupted her thoughts¡ªa video call from Arthur. She frowned and declined the call.

    However, Arthur persisted, calling again.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Bryan crushed the cigarette butt against the tray of a nearby dustbin, his gaze meeting Eileen¡¯s with a quizzical tilt of his head. ¡°Are you avoiding the call because I¡¯m here?¡±

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Eileen quickly denied it. She hadn¡¯t nned to answer Arthur¡¯s call regardless. She hadn¡¯t agreed to answer Arthur¡¯s video call, after all.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s is your fiction sanctuary

    Observing the sardonic twist of Bryan¡¯s lips, Eileen suddenly understood something. Bryan flicked the almost spent cigarette into the trash, hands sliding into his pockets as he turned and walked away. After a long while, Eileen took a deep breath and made her way back to the ward.

    Arthur bombarded her with more messages, questioning her why she had dismissed his video calls. Eileen brushed him off, citing her family¡¯s sleep as an excuse. Then, she asked him about the identity of the person who had been impersonating her. Arthur proposed to visit her at the education agency on Monday to discuss it further.

    It appeared that Arthur saw this as an opportunity to have more interaction with her; he didn¡¯t intend to tell her directly. But since Arthur chose to meet at the education agency, a location that posed no threat, Eileen agreed.

    As two days flew by, Eileen found herself on a weekend evening, leaving the hospital and strolling towards the intersection, a sudden realization dawning upon her. Her luggage was still at Bryan¡¯s ce, and with Raymond discharged from the hospital, it was clear she couldn¡¯t continue living at Pianoforte Vis.

    Yet, remembering Bryan¡¯s retreating figure from that night, Eileen felt a knot of uncertainty tighten in her chest. She couldn¡¯t fathom how she would broach the topic with him. She reached out to Raymond via WhatsApp first, probing for any insight into Bryan¡¯s mood.

    Raymond replied that Bryan had gone out for dinner with Jacob and Milford, likely returning homete. Left with no other choice, Eileen decided to head back to her own ce for the time being, nning to retrieve her belongings from Bryan¡¯s house when she found the opportunity.

    On Monday morning, she dressed in a pair of loose jeans, a crisp white shirt, and a beige windbreaker. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail, a few strands cascading over her shoulders. Opting for a natural look, devoid of any makeup, she exuded an aura of youth. But her eyes betrayed a hint of unreadable emotion, adding an intriguing mystique to her demeanor.

    Arriving at the education agency, she was greeted warmly by several colleagues at the door. With a smile, she made her way straight to her office, eager to tackle the tasks left untouched from the previous week.

    Around ten o¡¯clock, Arthur messaged her and asked her to go downstairs. ncing out the window, she spotted his car, recognizing him as the sole upant. She rose from her desk, donned her coat, and descended the stairs, approaching Arthur¡¯s car with measured steps.

    ¡°Mr. ke,¡± she greeted, bending down beside the vehicle.

    ¡°Get in the car,¡± Arthur gestured.

    Eileen furrowed her brow and said coldly, ¡°You can just tell me that person¡¯s name. No need for me to enter the car.¡±

    Arthur said, ¡°Back at the caf¨¦, I misjudged you and mistook that person for you. I yed dirty, and for that, I apologize. I see now, you¡¯re not that type of woman.¡±

    Despite his ws, Arthur was a yboy. He knew how to navigate the intricacies of female interaction. He knew that a woman like Eileen couldn¡¯t be forced. He thrust the car keys towards Eileen and said, ¡°Take them. I¡¯m not kidnapping you or anything. I just need a witness for what¡¯s about to go down.¡±

    After hesitating for a few seconds, Eileen epted the keys and slipped into the driver¡¯s seat. As soon as she got into the car, a suffocating cloud of perfume assaulted her senses, making her recoil with a frown of distaste. Suddenly, she found herself appreciating the pleasant scent of Bryan more.

    ¡°Wait and see.¡± Arthur closed the window, pulled out his phone, opened WhatsApp, and dialed Danielle for a voice call. A few secondster, the call connected, and Danielle was clearly speaking in a hushed tone. ¡°Arthur, why are you calling me now?¡±

    ¡°I had a friend buy you a bag overseas, but I couldn¡¯t deliver it myself. He¡¯s waiting outside the education agency with it, in a ck BMW. Just go out and get it,¡± Arthur replied. Upon hearing that, Danielle¡¯s voice brimmed with excitement. She promised to head out immediately before ending the call.

    Eileen suddenly realized something. ¡°Is she an employee of my education agency?¡± After pondering for a brief moment, Eileen¡¯s mind settled on a particr individual. A few minutester, Danielle emerged from the education agency. Spotting the car, she hurried over, tapping on the window.

    As the window rolled down, Danielle said with a friendly smile, ¡°Hi, Arthur told me to¡ª¡± But she stopped abruptly as she caught sight of the upants in the car, her expression shifting in an instant.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you finish your sentence? Feeling guilty now?¡± Arthur eximed, his hand reaching for the door, ready to get out. Reacting on instinct, Danielle turned on her heel and dashed back into the education agency, her high heels clicking against the pavement in aically awkward manner.

    Realizing he couldn¡¯t catch up with Danielle, Arthur resigned himself to the situation. ¡°The first time I came here to see you, she imed to know you well. It turns out she gave me her WhatsApp contact, telling me that it¡¯s yours,¡± he exined.

    ¡°I see.¡± Eileen nodded, her expression somber. Danielle¡¯s flirtation with Arthur was of no concern to Eileen. But now, Danielle had created a significant problem for her, and she knew she had to deal with it.

    Eileen told Arthur, ¡°Thank you for letting me know. I¡¯ll handle it.¡± She then reached for the door handle, only to find it locked. Turning her gaze to Arthur, she realized he had locked the car door.

    ¡°Wait, there¡¯s something I need to tell you,¡± Arthur said, turning to face Eileen directly. ¡°Do you know who told me about your job here?¡± Given Arthur¡¯s influence, it wouldn¡¯t have been challenging for him to uncover this. If he hadn¡¯t delved into her personal details himself, then who had informed him?

    Eileen frowned slightly, releasing her grip on the car door. ¡°Mr. ke, if you have something to say, spit it out. No need to dance around the topic.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll cut to the chase. It¡¯s Emmett¡¯s mother. She urged me to pursue you. Seems she believes you¡¯re influencing her son and wants to cause you trouble,¡± Arthur replied.

    Ka? In an instant, Eileen pieced together the situation. Arthur was not stubborn. If he couldn¡¯t win her over, he would have set his sights on someone else. So Ka must have yed a significant role in Arthur¡¯s persistence.

    ¡°The Bryant family holds considerable sway around here. If they decide to make things difficult for you, you¡¯ll be at a disadvantage. Perhaps it¡¯s worth weighing the options. If you choose to be with me, I can ensure Mrs. Deleon won¡¯t be able to touch you,¡± Arthur proposed, his tone persuasive.

    Upon hearing Arthur¡¯s proposition, Eileen fell silent for a few moments before she asked, ¡°Be with you? In what way?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re both adults here. You should know what I¡¯m suggesting, and¡­ I believe you¡¯re wise enough to make this decision,¡± Arthur replied. He wouldn¡¯t consider marrying someone like Eileen, whocked a powerful family background.

    After a pause, he continued, ¡°In reality, for someone like me, marriage is merely a formality. Even if I were to marry, I¡¯d still have freedom outside the bounds of matrimony. As long as youply, I can provide you with anything you desire, aside from marriage.¡±

    He wanted her to be his lifetime secret lover. Eileen was taken aback, her thoughts reeling. Was she destined to be some man¡¯s ndestine affair for the rest of her life?

    ¡°Thank you for your ¡®generosity¡¯,¡± Eileen replied, her toneced with sarcasm. ¡°But I¡¯m not the woman you think I am. I¡¯m not in need of money, and I¡¯m certainly not afraid of Mrs. Deleon or anyone else. I¡¯ll relocate if I must, but I refuse your offer of assistance. Now, if you don¡¯t mind, I have work to attend to.¡±

    With a gesture, Eileen signaled for Arthur to unlock the car door. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, Arthur said, ¡°You could get married or find a boyfriend in the future. Plus, you could lead your own life and benefit financially from me. Why not consider it?¡±

    ¡°What you said may bring joy to someone like Danielle, but it¡¯s insulting to me,¡± Eileen said firmly. ¡°Different personalities lead to different perspectives and stances, so you and I will never see eye to eye on this matter.¡± Growing impatient, Eileen rapped her knuckles on the car door. ¡°Unlock the door.¡±

    Ignoring her request, Arthur spun around and retrieved arge bouquet of roses from the backseat, thrusting them into her arms. ¡°I refuse to believe there¡¯s a woman who doesn¡¯t appreciate money. You¡¯re only saying that because you haven¡¯t experienced the happiness it can bring. Take these flowers and get out of the car!¡± Then, he reminded her, ¡°Don¡¯t you have the car keys?¡±

    A realization struck Eileen¡ªshe had indeed taken the car keys when she entered the vehicle. In her frustration upon seeing Danielle, she must have put the keys somewhere, and now, she had no clue where. Observing her predicament, Arthur unlocked the car door. He told her to get out of the car with the flowers while he searched for the keys himself.

    Eileen stepped out of the car, clutching the bouquet. As she turned around, her gaze fell upon a car parked outside the education agency. Through the partially open window, she caught a glimpse of a man¡¯s angr profile.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 165

    ?Chapter 165:

    Eileen took a few steps when suddenly, the back window of the car rolled up, leaving only a sliver of the driver¡¯s side window open. ¡°Ms. Curtis, Mr. Dawson and I have brought yourptop. We won¡¯t be able to pack your luggage, though. Since you¡¯ll be tutoring Milford tonight, you can take care of it then,¡± Raymond exined as he stepped out of the car and fetched Eileen¡¯sptop bag from the trunk.

    Eileen indeed needed herptop. She had nned to work in the evening when she fetched it. But now, Raymond had retrieved it for her. Eileen took theptop bag from Raymond and peered at the rear window, catching a glimpse of Bryan¡¯s silhouette.

    ¡°Thank you, Raymond.¡± She smiled at him.

    ¡°No need to thank me. It was Mr. Dawson¡¯s idea,¡± Raymond replied, his gaze also drawn to the sealed window. Realizing Bryan would remain silent, he bid Eileen goodbye, climbed back into the car, and drove off.

    From inside the vehicle, Bryan¡¯s stern gaze lingered on the parked BMW, his deep eyes reflecting a chill. His attention shifted to the rearview mirror, where he saw Eileen clutching a bouquet of red roses. His expression hardened.

    Upon returning to the education agency, Eileen handed the flowers to the receptionist. She then requested the receptionist to send Danielle to her office. She went back to her office and put theptop bag on her desk. The bag seemingly carried a trace of Bryan¡¯s scent. Her frown deepened, her heart heavy.

    A knock at the door disrupted her thoughts. The receptionist entered with a resignation letter. ¡°Ms. Curtis, Danielle had to leave urgently. She left this resignation letter and said she doesn¡¯t need her sry.¡± Danielle had fled.

    Eileen took the letter and ced it aside. ¡°Okay. Please ask the other teachers to take Danielle¡¯s sses temporarily.¡± Eileen had yet to decide on how to deal with Danielle. Since it was not a legal issue, she chose to let it go. Out of sight, out of mind.

    Collecting herself, she started her work, her brows still knitted together. Later, at five, Denzel informed her he had a meeting with Bryan and would personally take Adalina to her lessons. Thus, Eileen gathered her belongings and headed straight to Pianoforte Vis.

    Upon arrival, she found Denzel and Bryan in the living room, both wearing grave expressions. Bryan looked down, smoking, seemingly oblivious to Eileen¡¯s presence. Denzel acknowledged Eileen. ¡°Adalina has already gone upstairs. They¡¯re waiting for you.¡±

    ¡°Alright, you two carry on,¡± Eileen said and proceeded to the third floor to the study room. There, Milford lounged on a bean bag chair, fiddling with an old phone, while Adalina, ready with her study materials, asionally nced at him.

    Spotting Eileen, Adalina quickly whispered to Milford, ¡°Ms. Curtis is here. Stop ying.¡± Milford reluctantly set aside his phone and sauntered over to the desk.

    ¡°I mentioned giving you two a small testst time. Let¡¯s do it today,¡± Eileen said, ignoring Milford¡¯s dismay as she ced the test papers on the desk.

    Milfordined, ¡°We haven¡¯t had a lesson in a week, and now you¡¯re giving us a test?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve uploaded the study videos to the group chat. It¡¯s all review, no new topics. If you¡¯re not familiar with it, that¡¯s on you,¡± Eileen replied firmly, sitting across from them.

    With Eileen present, the option to cheat was off the table. In response, Milford and Adalina fell silent and began working diligently on their papers.

    Eileen operated on a tight schedule¡ªfive days a week, two subject tests each day. By the end of the week, she would have a thorough understanding of their progress across all subjects. Her nning was meticulous, aimed at ensuring the achievement of desired results. During the ten-minute break, Eileen allowed them to drink water and use the restroom while she remained seated. She nned to pack up quickly once the session concluded, estimating it would take about ten minutes.

    With twenty minutes remaining, Milford and Adalina submitted their papers. Adalina¡¯s paper was neatlypleted and thorough, whereas Milford¡¯s was marked by many nk spaces and less thorough answers. Eileen spent just ten minutes grading both papers.

    ¡°Adalina, you scored 108 out of 120. Well done,¡± she said. Scoring 108 was impressive, but considering this was Adalina¡¯s best subject, it was not surprising. Milford looked downcast and avoided eye contact. Eileen turned to him with a warm expression. ¡°You scored 65. Every question you answered was correct. The nk ones are simply the ones that you don¡¯t know how to answer yet. Once you learn more, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll achieve a perfect score.¡±

    Milford was visibly surprised by her encouragement. He had anticipated a critique of his performance.

    ¡°Why that look?¡± Eileen raised an eyebrow. ¡°You¡¯ve been away from school for a year. It¡¯s natural to forget some basics or to be unfamiliar with more advanced material. You weren¡¯t expecting to score over a hundred, were you? Don¡¯t hold yourself to unattainable standards right now. Take it step by step.¡±

    Adalina¡¯s eyes sparkled with admiration as she turned to Milford. ¡°I noticed you solved a problem even I couldn¡¯t crack. That¡¯s impressive.¡±

    ¡°Then let Milford exin that question to you,¡± Eileen suggested, handing them their papers.

    Milford smirked as he epted his paper. ¡°It¡¯s really not that difficult. Let me show you¡­¡±

    The room was as bright as day, filled with Milford¡¯s slightly smug voice. When he asionally stumbled in his exnation, he grew a tad irritable. Eileen would offer a subtle hint, helping him find his stride again. Within ten minutes, he had exined everything about that question clearly, and Adalina had understood it.

    ¡°Alright, ss dismissed,¡± Eileen announced, standing to gather her things.

    ¡°Goodbye, Ms. Curtis. I¡¯m leaving with my dad,¡± said Adalina, her school bag already slung over her shoulder. Eileen nodded and followed her downstairs, bag in hand, while Milford retreated to his room.

    The downstairs area was brightly lit, the glow from the crystal chandelier enveloping both Bryan and Denzel. Upon hearing footsteps, Denzel stood up quickly. ¡°Mr. Dawson, that¡¯s the situation. The White family sent me because they feared you might be upset.¡±

    Bryan extinguished his cigarette and nodded at him. ¡°Understandable.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be leaving then,¡± Denzel said as he joined Adalina, taking her school bag. Then, he asked Eileen, ¡°Ms. Curtis, it¡¯ste. How about I give you a ride home?¡±

    ¡°No, thank you.¡± Eileen quickly dismissed the offer with a wave of her hand. After a pause, she added, ¡°I still need to get some things, which will take a while. You go ahead.¡±

    Upon hearing that, Denzel recalled his wife¡¯s words. He nced between Bryan and Eileen before nodding. ¡°Alright, goodbye then.¡± He then left with Adalina.

    The expansive living room was now upied by only Eileen and Bryan. The once amicable atmosphere grew tense. Eileen, without looking up, said, ¡°I¡¯ll go pack my things and leave right away.¡± She turned and went into the room she had been using on the first floor, quickly packing her cosmetics and clothes.

    Her suitcase was soon filled. While packing, she only had one thought in her mind: her absurd rtionship with Bryan would end now. With the White family ready to invest and the project moving forward, Bryan would return to Onnd. Eileen looked forward to resuming her peaceful, busy life, yet a sense of emptiness lingered.

    After packing thest item, she zipped up her suitcase and set it down. When she turned around, she saw Bryan in the doorway. He leaned against the door frame, a cigarette between his fingers. The ash at the tip showed he had been there for a while.

    ¡°What? Leaving without saying goodbye?¡± Bryan¡¯s tone was edged with displeasure. To Eileen, his tone sounded harsh.

    ¡°Raymond¡¯s discharged. There¡¯s no reason for me to stay. You know this, Mr. Dawson,¡± Eileen said.

    Hearing that, Bryan flicked his cigarette away. The butt sparked briefly as it hit the floor. He stepped closer, and Eileen stepped back. The smell of alcohol and smoke from Bryan was strong; Eileen suddenly recalled the red wine on the table earlier. She frowned and looked up at him. ¡°You¡ª¡±

    Bryan¡¯s arm encircled her waist, pulling her close for a kiss, his foot shutting the door with a kick. Pressed against the cold wall, Eileen felt the chill through her clothes, but Bryan¡¯s warmth countered the cold.

    ¡°What do you want to do?¡± Eileen managed to speak, turning her face to dodge another approaching kiss. Her rejection seemed to touch a nerve with Bryan. ¡°You,¡± he replied curtly. He switched off the light and drew her towards the bed, beginning to remove her coat. His hands moved to her shirt, unbuttoning one button, then suddenly tearing it open¡ªthe buttons scattering to the floor.

    Before Eileen could react, he was at her jeans, unbuttoning and unzipping them quickly and roughly. Eileen was about to protest when footsteps sounded outside¡ªit was Milford. ¡°Bryan?¡± Milford¡¯s voice came through. Eileen bit her lip, holding her breath and staying silent. When there was no response, Milford turned off the living room light, and his footsteps receded.

    Relieved for a moment, Eileen then realized she and Bryan were already naked. In the moonlit room, Bryan¡¯s eyes locked onto hers, her expression suddenly turning a bit painful. He had begun without warning.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 166

    ?Chapter 166:

    Eileen¡¯s pained expression brought back some of Bryan¡¯s reason. He inhaled deeply several times, then slowed down. His cold, slender lips trailed down from her eyebrow. He eased his grip on her wrist, his fingers softly caressing the faint red mark left behind. Bryan knew Eileen¡¯s body too well. Soon, her pained expression faded as the atmosphere in the room became affectionate.

    Eileen felt frustrated by her own surrender. It seemed she couldn¡¯t resist him whenever he insisted. Caught up in the heat of the moment, she submitted to the passion he stirred within her. Clenching her teeth, Eileen tried to maintain her rity until midnight. Once it was over, she intended to rise and leave. But as soon as she attempted to step out of bed, her legs gave out, and she copsed onto the floor.

    Bryan¡¯sughter echoed behind her, turning her cheeks a deep shade of red. She turned around to re at him. ¡°Why are youughing?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯mughing because you¡¯re trying to y a tough game that¡¯s way out of your league,¡± Bryan retorted. Having nearly satisfied all his desires, Bryan found the idea of her walking out right then almost offensive.

    ¡°You¡­¡± Eileen pressed her lips together and lowered her head, her hair falling forward to cover the marks on her skin. Seated on the floor, her eyes met Bryan¡¯s. Bryany on the bed, resting his head on his muscr arm. His robust silhouette under the nket resembled a perfect sculpture, yet his expression was so irritating that Eileen felt an urge to hit him.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t trust me, did you?¡± Eileen¡¯s voice carried a hint of grievance. Her words seemed to darken Bryan¡¯s expression. Shifting to the edge of the bed, he reached out, pinched her chin, and lifted her face to meet his gaze. ¡°Even if you tried, you wouldn¡¯t have the strength,¡± he said, his voiceced with sudden irritation.

    In bed, he had felt an undeniable im over her, which had finally dissolved his anger. It was as if he was addicted and she was his only cure. A flush of red spread across Eileen¡¯s face to her neck as she forced a snort, thinking he was overly arrogant. Her voice was raspy; despite her efforts to suppress the moans earlier, they had had sex for too long, leaving her throat dry.

    Bryan leaned forward, wrapping an arm around her waist, pulling her onto his chest, and nestling them both under a nket. ¡°What the hell do you want?¡± Unable to resist, Eileen pressed her body against his, her voice weak. ¡°The White family will invest in your business, and your project is going well. In the future, I¡¯ll continue tutoring Milford. We can¡¯t keep doing this.¡±

    Your update hub: g?l¦Ç¦Òv?ls?c?m

    His hand, rough and wandering, traced patterns on her smooth back, eliciting a slight tremor from her. Finally, his hand stilled on her waist. His eyes lingered on her flushed cheeks. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say it just now?¡± he asked.

    Eileen could maintain herposure as long as they were not having sex. She rolled her eyes at him as her breath brushed across his chest. ¡°The White family didn¡¯t agree to invest in my project,¡± Bryan confessed, his voice breaking the silence.

    Taken aback, Eileen struggled to raise her gaze from his chest. ¡°Why not? Hasn¡¯t the issue with Arthur been sorted out?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a problem with the White family¡¯s finances,¡± Bryan exined. ¡°It¡¯s serious. Gilbert was concerned I might think he would deceive me, so he asked Denzel to be a mediator to rify things.¡±

    Bryan took the pack of cigarettes from the nightstand, selected one, and positioned it expertly between his lips. A flick of his lighter momentarily illuminated his face, casting a glow that made him more attractive. Yet, Eileen was not in the mood to appreciate that. She brushed her fingers through her disheveled hair and posed her concern. ¡°What¡¯s your n then? Half a billion isn¡¯t exactly pocket change. Nobody else in Wist Land has that kind of money. And if you bring on multiple investors, you¡¯ll dilute the ownership too much. That could jeopardize your whole project.¡±

    She knew these business intricacies well. After all, they were her expertise, even if she had been out of the game for a year.

    ¡°Are you worried about me?¡± Bryan¡¯s voice was calm, tinged with amusement as smoke danced between his words. He fixed his gaze on her.

    Outside, the night was still. The vi was enveloped in silence. There was only the intermittent glow of the cigarette in the shadowy bedroom.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t this a critical moment? How can you still joke around?¡± Eileen turned her gaze away. She was not sure if her feelings of concern were for Bryan or the long-cherished project.

    Her hair cascaded over her shoulders, subtly revealing her corbones. The nket hugged her figure. Noticing that, Bryan¡¯s eyes darkened. He believed he just couldn¡¯t resist her allure.

    He extinguished the cigarette in the ashtray, his voice low. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You can help me with my business more.¡±

    With that, he reclined back and gently led her to straddle him. ¡°Continue then,¡± Eileen said.

    She hadn¡¯t expected him to have any energy left. But it turned out she was wrong. They didn¡¯t stop until dawn began to break. Before drifting off, Eileen still harbored concerns that Milford might grow suspicious if he found out she had stayed the night.

    Bryan¡¯s whisper was soft in her ear. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Just go to sleep. I¡¯ll handle everything.¡± Eileen fell asleep after that.

    When she woke up, it was already bright outside; the midday sun filled the room with light. She reached for her phone on the nightstand and saw it was nearly noon. She hurried out of bed, grabbed some clothes from her suitcase, got dressed quickly, and left the room.

    At the dining table, Milford turned and gestured to her. ¡°Ms. Curtis,e and have lunch.¡± After a moment¡¯s hesitation, Eileen approached. Entering the dining room, her eyes were drawn to the figure still bustling in the kitchen.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 167

    ?Chapter 167:

    Four dishes were already on the table, and Bryan was preparing another. ¡°Please, make yourself at home and sit down.¡± Milford leaned in, his elbows resting on the table. ¡°Did you and Bryan know each other before?¡±

    ¡°Why do you think that?¡± Eileen hesitated, careful not to reveal too much. She was unsure what Bryan had told Milford about why she had spent the night at their house.

    Milford replied, ¡°Bryan mentioned you helped him generate some iest night to tackle his project¡¯s financial issues.¡±

    Eileen was taken aback. Her lips twitched slightly, and as she gathered her hair, she frowned. She wondered how Bryan could say such things without a hint of embarrassment.

    ¡°That¡¯s adults¡¯ business. Don¡¯t be too nosy.¡± Bryan, emerging from the kitchen, ced a dish in front of Eileen and shot Milford a warning look.

    Milford bit back his words, recoiling slightly. Eileen stood up to pour soup into their bowls, and the three of them ate in silence. Bryan appeared preupied, intermittently checking his phone while eating. After a few bites, he set down his utensils, his te still half full.

    ¡°You can get back to work after lunch. I¡¯ll be in my study upstairs for a teleconference,¡± he told Eileen. He gave her a brief look before heading to the second floor.

    Eileen nodded, hurriedly finished her meal, and cleaned up the table. Afterward, she went to her room to repack her suitcase and left the house without informing anyone.

    It was midday, and the streets were bustling, likely because of the approaching Christmas season. The malls and stores were adorned with festive decorations. Loud music sted through her car window. At an intersection, Eileen stopped her car and waited for the traffic light.

    To her, Bryan seemed to have a magical power. She was never able to remain calm before him. She couldn¡¯t resist him. Yet, after their encounters, she would regain her rity and realize what she should do. She decided to distance herself from Bryan, aiming to regain the tranquility she had enjoyed over the past year.

    Discover stories now g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í??s

    However, thoughts of her nightlymitments to tutor Milford at Pianoforte Vis gave her migraines. With a heavy sigh, she resolved to take things as they came. Fortunately, Bryan seemed to be preupied. After all, Gilbert was unable to invest in Bryan¡¯s project, and Bryan would need to reorganize his ns if he hoped to salvage it.

    For half a month, Eileen hadn¡¯t seen Bryan around when she had gone to tutor Milford. She heard no news of him, either; it was as if he had disappeared. Eileen even wondered if he had abandoned his project here and returned to Onnd.

    Though Bryan was absent, Phoebe made her return. One night, after her tutoring session with Milford, Eileen returned home. The living room was aze with light, sparking fears of an intruder in Eileen. She fetched a baseball bat from her car trunk and crept to the living room. She eased the door open, her body tensed for confrontation.

    To her surprise, she saw Phoebe emerging from the room, donned in cartoon pajamas and a facial mask. Their eyes met, and a wave of relief washed over Eileen. Phoebe looked at her curiously. ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    Eileenughed nervously. ¡°I thought you were a burr. What brought you back so suddenly?¡± Setting the bat aside, Eileen removed her coat and hung it.

    Phoebe chuckled. ¡°This is my home. Should I really surprise you by being here?¡±

    Pausing as she slipped into her slippers, Eileen considered her words carefully before saying, ¡°Has Jacob¡­¡± Eileen couldn¡¯t make out Phoebe¡¯s expression beneath the mask, but she could see Phoebe¡¯s eyes twinkle.

    Phoebe stepped closer to Eileen and sighed dramatically. ¡°Go ahead; cry if you feel like it.¡±

    Eileen had inquired about Jacob¡¯s whereabouts because she was curious if Bryan had also left. She was quite sure Phoebe had caught on. From Phoebe¡¯s reaction, Eileen gathered the answer was affirmative.

    After pausing momentarily, she forced a smile, walked into the dining room, and took a soft drink from the refrigerator. ¡°Why would I cry? My mother is close to recovery now. Bailee and I can finally let go of that weight. From then on, it¡¯s just about making money. The three of us will have a carefree life,¡± she said.

    Phoebe followed her into the dining room and leaned against a chair, studying her. ¡°Do you really believe that? Once your mother recovers, she¡¯ll be dictating your marriage ns. What are you going to do? You¡¯re nearly thirty, old woman!¡±

    ¡°Watch your tone!¡± Eileen snapped back. ¡°You are about the same age as me.¡±

    ¡°I have no interest in marriage. Plus, I¡¯ve severed my ties with my family. There¡¯s no one left who can force me into anything. You¡¯re different, though. If your mom pulls out all the stops to get you married, you¡¯ll have to go along with it,¡± Phoebe said with a pragmatic tone, always one to calcte her moves well in advance.

    Back when she had been with her family, she had never ttered Vivian the way Megan had. She had already been prepared to cut ties with her family. Eileen, too, liked to n things out, but she often found that her ns couldn¡¯t keep pace with life¡¯s unexpected turns. Thus, she decided to go with the flow.

    ¡°I¡¯ll cross that bridge when Ie to it.¡± Eileen shrugged.

    But Phoebe wasn¡¯t having it. A secondter, she was dragging Eileen to the bedroom. ¡°It¡¯ll be toote then, Eileen. What if your mother just picks someone at random and tells you to marry him? Change your clothes. I¡¯m taking you to a blind date right now.¡±

    Eileen realized Phoebe was dead serious. Her lips twitched in bemusement. ¡°Why are you setting up a blind date for me all of a sudden? Besides, it¡¯ste now. Are you sure this is a blind date, not just some casual hangout?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 168

    ?Chapter 168:

    Phoebe stated, ¡°You should know that you¡¯re safe with me. Go change, and let¡¯s head out together.¡± She then returned to her room to change her own attire. After witnessing Phoebe¡¯s serious expression, Eileen realized she had no choice but to go out with Phoebe tonight.

    As someone who usually buried herself in work and seldom indulged in outings, Eileen weed the change of pace. asionally stepping out for some fun didn¡¯t seem like a bad idea. It was past ten o¡¯clock in the bustling heart of Wist Land. Dressed in a purple floral dress as Phoebe had suggested, Eileen felt the vibrant nightlife pulse around her. The dress fell just above her knees. Her natural beauty was evident, and her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, turning heads.

    Bars weren¡¯t her usual scene¡ªthe mix of patrons often made her uneasy. Despite the catcalls from several boldly styled men, she and Phoebe proceeded inside. The bar they entered wasvish, with an inviting open lobby that included a dance floor and seating. Quieter spaces were avable upstairs, offering varied entertainments. Yet, Phoebe¡¯s intent was clear¡ªshe was here to enjoy the night. They settled on the bustling first floor.

    At Phoebe¡¯s request, the waiter brought over two cocktails, and they watched the lively dance floor. ¡°Check that out; that man¡¯s quite the looker.¡±

    Phoebe leaned closer to Eileen, nodding towards a man in a white shirt and a mask on the dance floor.

    His shirt was loosely buttoned, revealing his muscr body. His figure and the slight sweat in his short hair added to his allure, a vision that could easily captivate any onlooker.

    Upon seeing him, Eileen couldn¡¯t help but be impressed, though a part of her resisted the appeal, her thoughts drifting to Bryan.

    Bryan, with his well-defined shoulders and slim waist, seemed more appealing to her.

    L?t?st c§ß¦Ápt?rs ¦Én g??lnov?ls.??????

    Besides, Bryan¡¯s distinguished presence was something others could rarely match even in such settings. Eileen just smiled at Phoebe, keeping her thoughts to herself.

    While Eileen was distracted, Phoebe swiftly captured a photo of Eileen sipping her drink and sent it to Jacob. Under the vivid lights, Eileen looked radiant in the photograph. Even through the digital disy, the sight made Bryan¡¯s heart race.

    ¡°Unbelievable! We just left Wist Land for a day, and Phoebe¡¯s already taken Eileen to a bar?¡± eximed Jacob, putting away his phone.

    He then smirked, looking at the traffic light ahead.

    ¡°She¡¯d be surprised to know we¡¯ve managed to return sooner than expected.¡±

    Bryan, who was driving, pressed the elerator as the traffic light turned green. Jacob asked Phoebe where the bar was. Phoebe nonchntly disclosed the location and quipped, ¡°Too bad you¡¯re not here to join us. Next round could have been on me!¡± Jacob couldn¡¯t help but curse out loud in frustration upon seeing Phoebe¡¯s message. ¡°Step on it! We¡¯re heading there right now,¡± he urged Bryan. Silently, Bryan sped up without hesitation.

    Despite its low alcohol content, the cocktail made Eileen¡¯s cheeks flush red. Feeling warm, she removed her coat. She had declined advances from a string of men over the past half hour, growing weary of the attention.

    Meanwhile, Phoebe delighted in collecting contact details from several admirers. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you¡¯re not interested in marriage?¡± Eileen asked Phoebe.

    ¡°Indeed, I don¡¯t want to get married,¡± Phoebe replied. ¡°But I¡¯m all for falling in love and experiencing life¡¯s pleasures.¡±

    Eileen grinned and probed further, ¡°How are things between you and Jacob then?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean? What does this have to do with Jacob and me?¡± Phoebe retorted.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing between me and him now.¡±

    Eileen was about to respond when someone approached. She kept her gaze down and stated, ¡°I¡¯m sorry; I don¡¯t drink, and I¡¯m not sharing my phone number with you.¡± ¡°I already have your number, though,¡± Arthur said. He slid into the seat next to Eileen and said, ¡°It¡¯s been challenging trying to catch your attention. Haven¡¯t you noticed the messages I send you daily?¡±

    Eileen instinctively shifted away from him. While she had seen his messages, she had chosen not to respond.

    Arthur continued, ¡°Meeting you here must be fate. Let¡¯s celebrate it with a drink.¡± He then signaled to the waiter.

    ¡°The usual, please.¡± Soon, their table was adorned with vibrant drinks. ¡°We came here for a breath of fresh air, not to party with you.¡±

    Phoebe quickly stood, pulling Eileen to her side protectively.

    ¡°She¡¯s with Bryan. It¡¯s best you remember that,¡± she informed Arthur, whose face darkened at the mention of Bryan.

    If Gilbert hadn¡¯t been so adamant about keeping him away from Eileen, Arthur would have approached Eileen sooner.

    Despite Bryan not rifying his rtionship with Eileen before, his influence had been evident, overshadowing the White family.

    The Whites were cautious not to cross Eileen until they fully understood her connection with Bryan.

    ¡°Her rtionship status doesn¡¯t change the fact that I can offer her a drink,¡± Arthur said, undeterred by Phoebe¡¯s words. His confidence grew, pondering further actions. He believed he wouldn¡¯t be med if Eileen became intoxicated and slept with him afterward. Arthur offered a ss of strong wine to Eileen. ¡°Ms. Curtis, please have a drink. I also know someone looking for a tutor.¡±

    Eileen declined the drink and replied, ¡°My agency doesn¡¯t enroll students over eighteen.¡± ¡°No,¡± Arthur responded, realizing his blunder. ¡°I meant my friend¡¯s child.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t take preschoolers, either,¡± Eileen said. Aware of Arthur¡¯s youthful circle, Eileen pondered how his friends could have school-aged children.

    ¡°Mr. ke, you¡¯re wasting your time here. I won¡¯t drink with you,¡± Eileen stated firmly. She rose, collected her coat and bag, and exchanged nces with Phoebe, signaling it was time to leave. Phoebe got up quickly. Their evening was meant for enjoyment, not for awkward encounters like this. But Arthur blocked their path as they tried to leave. ¡°Why do you always avoid me when we bump into each other? You should show me some respect!¡±

    Arthur thought of Ka¡¯s assurance of support at the ke family¡¯s shareholder meeting, which had made him bold enough to pursue Eileen. ¡°No,¡± Eileen replied directly. Arthur¡¯s face fell as he grabbed Eileen¡¯s hand and forced her to sit back down. ¡°You¡¯re not allowed to leave until you finish all the wine on the table,¡± he dered.

    Phoebe now regretted her decision to bring Eileen out. ¡°You¡¯re too arrogant for your age,¡± came a distinct voice. Despite the mor around them, Eileen heard the voice clearly. She looked up to see Bryan approaching, a cigarette between his fingers. The dim lighting barely revealed his expression, masking the chill in his demeanor and obscuring any emotional cues in his eyes.

    Arthur tried to respond. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. The next second, Bryan sat beside Eileen, his arm casually resting behind her. It seemed like Eileen was in his arms. It was only when Eileen heard Bryan¡¯s voice and caught his familiar scent that she realized he was really here. ¡°I¡¯ll settle this with youter,¡± he murmured, his voice audible only to Eileen.

    ¡°You think you can take her from me just like that? This is my ce. You¡¯ll need my permission to take her anywhere,¡± Arthur retorted. Though Arthur¡¯s tone was bold, he didn¡¯t dare to make any move. Bryan quirked an eyebrow. ¡°Do I need your permission to take my woman away as well?¡± The simple phrase underscored Bryan¡¯s assertive stance. Eileen felt her heart flutter, her thoughts swirling in her mind. Arthur was at a loss for words, his face betraying his anger.

    ¡°If it¡¯s not clear to you, let me spell it out,¡± Bryan dered. ¡°Eileen is mine. Keep your thoughts and actions away from her in the future.¡± He offered Arthur a cigarette, his voice icy. ¡°You weren¡¯t aware of this before, so I¡¯ll let it slide. But from this point forward, stop bothering her.¡± His gesture was an olive branch, albeit a stern one. Embarrassed, Arthur hesitated, unsure whether to ept the peace offering.

    Noticing that, Jacob intervened, emphasizing the significance of the gesture. ¡°Not many can im they¡¯ve received a cigarette from Mr. Dawson. We¡¯ve shown you considerable respect today. Why the hesitation? Aligning yourself with Mr. Dawson is only going to benefit you.¡± Arthur mulled over his next steps, acutely aware that aligning with Bryan could be good for him. He knew that if the project in Bryan¡¯s hands seeded, Bryan would quickly be the leading entrepreneur in Wist Land.

    Recognizing Bryan¡¯s power, Arthur reluctantly epted the cigarette, smiling. ¡°Alright, Mr. Dawson. Let¡¯s consider ourselves friends from now on.¡± His smile didn¡¯t quite reach his eyes, leaving his sincerity in question. But Bryan was unfazed by it. He rose, signaled for Eileen to gather her belongings, and promptly left with her. Phoebe tried to keep up, but Jacob grabbed her wrist, guiding her to walk with him.

    ¡°Why did you guys suddenlye back tonight?¡± Phoebe asked. Jacob responded, ¡°If we hadn¡¯t returned, you would have been in serious trouble tonight!¡± Phoebe frowned and said, ¡°Is Arthur really that influential here? Even Bryan fears him?¡± Jacob¡¯sughter was tinged with frustration. ¡°Why would Bryan fear him? If we were in Onnd, Arthur wouldn¡¯t even stand a chance! It¡¯s merely that Bryan prefers not to have Eileen attract unnecessary hostility.¡±

    If Bryan really offended Arthur, Eileen would be the one being affected. ¡°But now, all of Wist Land will know that Eileen belongs to Bryan,¡± Jacob said. Phoebe and Jacob couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of exhration thinking of that.

    Meanwhile, Eileen didn¡¯t share their enthusiasm. Bryan had swiftly escorted her out. Eileen was about to tell Bryan that she would return to Phoebe¡¯s car when Bryan dragged her into his car.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 169

    ?Chapter 169:

    From her position inside the car, Eileen observed Bryan as he circled to the front of the vehicle and climbed into the driver¡¯s seat. No sooner had Bryan ignited the engine than Jacob hastened toward them and tapped on the window. Bryan responded by lowering the window halfway. Jacob smiled at Eileen before addressing Bryan in a subdued tone, ¡°I¡¯ll look after Phoebe tonight. Feel free to enjoy yourselves.¡±

    ¡°Is there anything else you¡¯d like to add?¡± Bryan asked, his finger poised over the window switch, indicating his readiness to close the window. Jacob said, ¡°Also, you don¡¯t need to worry about the White family¡¯s financial issues. I¡¯ll handle the investigation. You¡¯ve been putting in a lot of effort recently; it¡¯s time for a break.¡± He then stepped back and waved goodbye to Eileen.

    Though not in the mood, Eileen tried to smile at Jacob. However, before her smile fully materialized, Bryan had already closed the window. With a quick adjustment of the steering wheel, he drove off.

    As they traveled in silence, Jacob¡¯s mention of investigating the White family¡¯s financial issues lingered in Eileen¡¯s thoughts. It was peculiar for the White family to encounter such financial difficulties just after agreeing to coborate with Bryan. Eileen pondered who would dare to challenge Bryan as she studied his focused expression.

    ¡°Have you been very busytely?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Not really, but I¡¯m definitely busier than you. After all, my nights aren¡¯t spent at bars,¡± Bryan replied with a slight edge in his voice as he maneuvered the car past another vehicle.

    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m an adult. My social life is hardly your concern,¡± Eileen retorted. She softened her tone slightly, adding, ¡°Thank you for earlier. Just drop me off at the next intersection. I can get a taxi from there.¡± Her mind was made up; she would not go to his ce with him.

    ¡°Your thanks seem somewhat insincere,¡± Bryan remarked, stopping the car at a red light and ncing her way. Eileen¡¯s appearance was striking; her crossed legs, entuated by the rising hem of her floral dress, revealed more than intended. Even though she had a lean frame, she had curves in all the right ces.

    As they neared the intersection, Eileen was about to remind him of her decision to go home. But to her surprise, he was already steering the car toward her ce. The remainder of the drive was enveloped in silence until the vehicle halted near Eileen¡¯s ce.

    Discover more on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s

    Eileen expressed her gratitude once again as she reached for the door, only to find it locked. With deliberate calmness, Bryan lit a cigarette and cracked the window open. Turning to face her, he asked, ¡°Are you really going to leave without inviting me to your ce?¡±

    ¡°Sorry, but tonight¡¯s no good,¡± Eileen responded curtly. They were both adults, and from their past encounters, Eileen knew that he was interested in sleeping with her. Inviting him to her ce would clearly imply an invitation to her bed.

    Eileen asked, ¡°Do you have anything else to say to me?¡± Her clear eyes captured the reflection of his rxed posture as he leanedzily against the window, smoke curling up from the cigarette in his hand. He massaged the bridge of his nose, revealing the fatigue etched on his face.

    ¡°You still owe me for thest one,¡± he said after a pause, taking a puff from his cigarette. Eileen was taken aback. Feeling a mix of annoyance and amusement, she pulled out a hundred-dor bill from her wallet. ¡°Do you have change?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s face darkened. ¡°How much do you intend to give me?¡±

    ¡°Fifty dors,¡± Eileen stated. The transaction was nothing but a pretense. So she intended to give him as little money as possible. Before she could think further, Bryan had already snatched the bill from her hand.

    The next second, he discarded his cigarette, closed the window, and unbuckled her seatbelt. With a firm grasp, he pulled her onto hisp. He then gently reminded her, ¡°Lower your head.¡± Eileen instinctivelyplied, her heading close to his, avoiding any potential bump with the car.

    ¡°Eileen, your obedience iscking,¡± Bryan whispered. His voice was soft, yet he made no further moves, his hands steady on her waist. As he tilted his head slightly, his Adam¡¯s apple became more visible.

    ¡°What¡­ What do you mean?¡± Eileen¡¯s pulse quickened.

    Bryan¡¯s hold on her waist tightened. In a maic voice, he said, ¡°When we were together, you were all I had. But now, you visit bars while I¡¯m away. What¡¯s your intention?¡± His words carried a tone of rightful questioning, somehow making Eileen feel guilty. She hadn¡¯t realized that their rtionship permitted such inquiries.

    ¡°It was just a curious visit with Phoebe, nothing more,¡± she rified sincerely. In such a situation, lying would have only worsened matters. Bryan snorted, then spoke in a low, husky voice. ¡°So, how will you make it up to me?¡±

    ¡°Keep the hundred dors,¡± Eileen responded promptly. Bryan frowned. He slid his hands from her waist up to her head and pulled her into a kiss. Their lips met, mingling the residual smokiness of his cigarette with the sweet cherry vor of her lipstick. Although the car was spacious, it still felt too cramped for them, especially with the lights from the nearby buildings making it hard to get into the mood.

    Taking a moment, Eileen collected her thoughts and steadied her breath. ¡°I dislike outstanding debts. This kiss is enough to cover the fifty dors you owe me,¡± Bryan said, his eyes lingering on Eileen. Seeing the transfer of her lipstick onto his lips, Eileen quickly grabbed a tissue and wiped it off. She then got off hisp, straightened her attire, opened the car door, and swiftly exited.

    A small sense of triumph washed over her for having unlocked the car door earlier, though she was oblivious to Bryan having noticed her discreet action. Bryan was preupied with other matters tonight, so he had decided to let her go for the time being.

    Just as Eileen stepped inside her home, her phone rang. It was Phoebe, calling with a reminder. ¡°Make sure to collect your bra from the balcony before Bryan sees it.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t let him in,¡± Eileen told Phoebe while ncing out the window to see Bryan¡¯s car still parked outside. Bryan was leaning his arm out of his window, smoking. He flicked ash from his cigarette and took another drag. Clearly, he felt the need to calm down a bit before leaving.

    ¡°Really?¡± Phoebe sounded surprised. ¡°So I set all that up for nothing?¡± Eileen sank into the sofa and lowered her voice. ¡°Quit joking around. Phoebe, next time, try to see things from my perspective before doing something like that.¡± Eileen believed she couldn¡¯t possibly be with Bryan. She was deeply tangled in her own feelings and wanted to break free, yet Phoebe was still nudging Bryan her way.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you like him?¡± Phoebe cut straight to the point. Eileen massaged the bridge of her nose. ¡°Does that even matter?¡± After a brief silence, Phoebe responded earnestly, ¡°It does matter. Bryan¡¯s attitude toward you is obvious. Consider this: why would he pick the project in Wist Land if not for you? Do you honestly believe your two hundred dors could entice him to sell himself? There¡¯s more you need to know. Jacob told me recently that Bryan¡¯s feelings for Vivian had faded long ago. He only endured herpany because of his agreement with Kian, made to support Vivian through her depressive episodes.¡±

    Taking a moment to catch her breath, Phoebe concluded, ¡°I truly believe he has developed feelings for you.¡± The notion that Bryan harbored feelings for her gently impacted Eileen, rendering her momentarily without words. She was aware of Vivian¡¯s struggles with depression. She had assumed before that Ste was the main obstacle in Bryan and Vivian¡¯s rtionship, which had caused Vivian¡¯s depression. But it turned out that Vivian¡¯s depression predated her return to the country and that Bryan¡¯s involvement with Vivian was merely a facade to aid her recovery.

    Eileen was convinced that Bryan had been merely ying a role, whereas Vivian and Kian had thought otherwise. Phoebe continued, ¡°You¡¯re both adults. Given your intimacy, there¡¯s no need for total avoidance. Give it a try. And don¡¯t fuss over who wins or loses. Besides, Bryan¡¯s not nning to go back to Onnd soon, so you can¡¯t just wait for him to leave.¡± Then, Jacob¡¯s murmurs came from Phoebe¡¯s end before the call was abruptly ended.

    Looking out the window at the moonlight, Eileen¡¯s expression was a mix of contemtion and uncertainty. If Bryan was not leaving anytime soon, she might have to give serious thought to their rtionship. The following day, while picking up Adalina, Denzelplimented Bryan¡¯s character in front of Eileen, calling him a good man. His gaze implied that Eileen had stumbled upon something priceless. After talking with Denzel more, Eileen discovered the impact of Bryan¡¯s words at the bar the previous night.

    Bryan¡¯s deration had reached the ears of almost every notable figure in Wist Land. Everyone now knew that Eileen was his. Though Wist Land was far away from Onnd, those monitoring Bryan¡¯s activities were now well aware of this news.

    In the Dawson Mansion, on the third floor, Z stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, wine ss in hand. The red wine caught the light as she swirled it gently. She nced at her phone, frowning as she read thetest updates. ¡°Kian¡­ You are incredibly useless,¡± she muttered, emptying the ss of red wine in one swift motion.

    A spark of curiosity then lit up her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m intrigued by what sort of woman Eileen is.¡± She wondered how Eileen had captivated Bryan¡¯s heart. Without hesitation, she reached for her phone and made a call. ¡°Expedite Bryan¡¯s urgent tasks and arrange my travel to Wist Land,¡± she instructed.

    When Eileen went to tutor Milford, she didn¡¯t see Bryan at Pianoforte Vis. She had nned to address the swirling rumors about them, yet she hesitated to meet him solely for this purpose. She resolved to wait for a more fitting moment.

    After the session, as she approached her home, she found Bryan perched on her doorstep with a cigarette in hand. Several spent cigarette butts were collected inside an empty water bottle near his feet. Holding her house key, Eileen paused, her eyes wide with astonishment upon seeing him.

    ¡°Why are you still standing there? Aren¡¯t you going in?¡± Bryan asked as he snuffed out his cigarette and tossed the butt into the bottle, rising to his feet and picking up the bottle. Eileen was skeptical of his motives for visiting sote, doubting it was merely for coffee or casual conversation. Nevertheless, she unlocked the door and, almost reflexively, fetched a new pair of slippers from the cab, setting them down by his feet.

    Bryan slipped them on and stepped inside, surveying the interior with a slight furrow of his brows.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 170

    ?Chapter 170:

    The three-bedroom apartment was spacious. Butpared to Bryan¡¯s house, it seemed quite modest. As Bryan stood in the living room, his presence made the space seem cramped. His scent quickly filled the air. He tossed the water bottle into the trash, shrugged off his suit jacket, loosened his tie, and unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt. Slumping onto the couch, he massaged his forehead.

    Looking up, he asked, ¡°Got anything to eat?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Eileen replied. She could see he was tired. She headed into the kitchen, took the ravioli from the fridge, and cooked them. In less than twenty minutes, the ravioli was ready. Eileen brought the te to Bryan along with a fork.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you having any?¡± Bryan asked, noticing the single fork.

    Eileen shook her head. ¡°I ate earlier, before tutoring Milford.¡±

    Hearing that, Bryan began to eat, his face softening, an improvement from his reaction to the spaghetti she had once made. While he ate, she showered. When Eileen emerged from the bathroom, Bryan had finished his meal and washed the dishes.

    Since she didn¡¯t have pajamas that fit him, he wrapped himself in Eileen¡¯s bath towel and went straight into her bedroom after showering. Hey down on her bed, naked under the towel. Eileen braced for what mighte next, but Bryan simply rested his arm around her waist and nestled his head in the crook of her neck and shoulder. His breath tickled her corbone, and within ten minutes, he was asleep.

    But Eileen remained awake. She shifted slightly to grab her phone from the nightstand, spotting a message from Phoebe sent half an hour earlier. ¡°I wonder what Jacob and Bryan have been up totely. Whenever Jacob returns home, he is exhausted.¡±

    Eileen rested her chin on Bryan¡¯s head. His short hair prickled her. She recalled his appearance at her door earlier, noticeably quieter than usual. His expression had been etched with fatigue. Eileen figured he had been so hungry that he had needed to eat before he could even think of sleep.

    Her cold fingers gently caressed his straight nose, causing him to furrow his brow slightly. Eileen quickly moved her hand to his shoulder and soon drifted to sleep alongside him. She had nned to wake up at six thirty the next morning and had set her rm ordingly. Yet, she didn¡¯t stir until eight. Sunlight streamed through a gap in the curtains, gradually illuminating the room. Still, nothing roused her until the temperature of the man beside her gradually heated.

    ?@?€?? ¡é??????? ?? g?lnove?s.c???

    She slowly opened her eyes to find Bryan¡¯s intense gaze filled with desire. She noticed her nightgown no longer covered her adequately. His gaze nearly overwhelmed her. He had been too tired to initiate anything the night before, and he felt that this morning was the right time.

    Besides, although the room wasn¡¯t very bright, they could clearly see each other¡¯s expressions, which would be a new experience for them. Eileen was flushed with embarrassment and turned her head away, her hair covering her face. Bryan gently brushed her hair aside and kissed her ear. His warm breath and whispered words soothed her initial bashfulness.

    The walls of the three-bedroom apartment weren¡¯t very soundproof. But Bryan didn¡¯t hold back, and as a result, Eileen bore the brunt of his passions. They continued until nearly noon. Feeling sweaty, Eileen took another shower. As she emerged, she noticed food on the living room table. Bryan had already suited up in a brand-new outfit. Raymond stood by the door, offering her a quiet smile.

    ¡°You¡¯ll assist Jacob in reviewing the White family¡¯s financial operations. I¡¯m leading the project,¡± Bryan said. He gestured for Eileen to join him at the table. Bryan¡¯smand was directed at Raymond, who promptly responded, ¡°Okay, Mr. Dawson. Enjoy your brunch with Ms. Curtis. I¡¯ll get back to work.¡±

    Bryan nodded. He handed Eileen a fork and began to eat his meal leisurely. ¡°What have you been up totely?¡± Eileen remembered his exhaustion from the night before. ¡°Have you secured a new investor for your project?¡±

    Bryan ced thest cinnamon roll on her te. ¡°Don¡¯t worry; I can handle anything.¡± He set his fork aside and wiped his lips with a napkin. Looking into her eyes, he said, ¡°Eat up. You need to build some strength. Your waist is too slender. I dared not hold it too tightly.¡±

    Eileen had faith in Bryan¡¯s capability to deal with any problem, but his flirtatiousment left her speechless. She quickly finished eating, cleaned up the table, and got out of her home with Bryan. She headed to the educational agency, unsure of Bryan¡¯s destination.

    Bryan returned to her apartment at night. He had somehow obtained a key to her ce. Eileen also noticed two sets of men¡¯s casual clothes in her closet. It seemed to her that he nned to stay for long. Eileen was right. Bryan spent the next few days at her ce. While she was in the hospital on Saturday, she wasn¡¯t sure if he was still there. But, upon her return on Sunday night, she found him in the apartment again.

    Their rtionship grew beyond just physical intimacy; they started interacting more in everyday life. It seemed like Bryan had joined Eileen¡¯s usually calm life, making her overthink things. She started to anticipate things she probably shouldn¡¯t. Standing before the bathroom mirror, Eileen tilted her head to watch Bryan dry her hair. His slender fingersbed through her long hair, which fell smoothly over her shoulders as it dried.

    Suddenly, Eileen turned to meet his gaze and asked, ¡°Bryan, have you fallen for me?¡± Bryan paused, and the hum of the hairdryer filled the silence. Eileen saw her serious expression reflected in his eyes. After a while, Bryan set aside the hairdryer, wrapping her in his arms. ¡°Why do you think that?¡± he asked.

    Eileen responded earnestly, ¡°You used the excuse of selling yourself to me to sleep with me. I can¡¯t think of any other reason for you to sleep with me besides you¡¯re in love with me.¡± Bryan studied her for a moment, then his lips curled into a smile. ¡°In that case, you must feel the same for me, right? You¡¯ve never rejected me. Does that mean you also love me?¡±

    Eileen parted her lips but said nothing. She was speechless, locking eyes with him for a long moment. The bathroom was silent, the atmosphere turning tense. Bryan raised an eyebrow and was about to speak when a ringing sound from the living room interrupted him. Seizing the moment, Eileen quickly slipped away from his grasp.

    Bryan watched her retreat, his expression darkening. He walked into the living room and picked up the phone. Eileen could hear a woman¡¯s voice on the other end of Bryan¡¯s call. Bryan¡¯s tone was unusually soft as he spoke with her. After the call, their earlier conversation was left unresolved. Eileen felt a subtle shift in their rtionship, though she couldn¡¯t pinpoint exactly how it was different.

    On Friday night, as usual, Eileen visited the hospital. Bailee informed her that Huey would be arriving the next day. Eileen said, ¡°I¡¯ll look after Mom tomorrow. You can meet Huey. Please send my regards to him. It¡¯s been a long time since we¡¯ve seen each other.¡±

    Bailee nodded in agreement and said, ¡°I¡¯ll head home tomorrow morning to change.¡± She was dressed casually for the hospital and wanted to look nicer the next day. Eileen replied, ¡°Okay.¡± After chatting briefly with Bailee, Eileen sent a message to Bryan on WhatsApp.

    She told him to gather his things and stay away from her apartment for the next few days. With Huey possibly in town for a while and Baileeing home anytime, Eileen didn¡¯t want Bailee to catch Bryan at their ce. Bryan didn¡¯t respond to her message. Eileen checked her home surveince and saw no sign of him in her apartment. His belongings were still in her bedroom. His toiletries were in her bathroom, a ce Bailee usually wouldn¡¯t enter. So Eileen felt no rush to press Bryan.

    Late into the night, Bryan was at a business dinner when he saw Eileen¡¯s message. He looked at her words with a detached air, puzzled by her intent. Before the dinner concluded, he excused himself, walked to the end of the corridor, and hesitated before calling Jacob. As soon as Jacob picked up, Bryan got straight to the point. ¡°When a woman tells a man not toe to her apartment suddenly, what does that mean?¡±

    ¡°Did Eileen say that to you?¡± Jacob quickly grasped who Bryan was talking about. ¡°What¡¯s going on between you?¡± After pausing to think about Jacob¡¯s question, Bryan shared with Jacob his odd conversation with Eileen from the night before. They had asked each other about having feelings, but neither had responded.

    ¡°It¡¯s on you, man. You¡¯re the guy here. Admitting it isn¡¯t going to kill you. Even if Eileen was with you for money initially, she¡¯s clearly past that now. I¡¯d change myst name if she doesn¡¯t actually like you,¡± Jacob bluntly med Bryan. But he empathized with how Bryan felt. Bryan was usually reserved and valued his pride. He had done a lot for Eileen in secret without being able to tell her.

    Jacob¡¯s blunt words irritated Bryan, who looked out over the city under the neon lights, his expression growing dark. Jacob continued, ¡°Also, Phoebe mentioned Eileen¡¯s mother is almost better. If you¡¯re thinking of confessing your feelings, you should also try to win over her family. Why not n a visit to her mother when you have the time?¡±

    After a pause, he added, ¡°And don¡¯t forget to bring some gifts.¡± Bryan remained silent. He was quiet for so long that Jacob checked his phone, thinking the call had ended. But that was not the case. Jacob sighed. ¡°We¡¯re friends. How about Ie with you to visit her mother tomorrow? What do you think?¡±

    ¡°What time?¡± Bryan asked, not declining the offer. Jacob chuckled and said, ¡°At two thirty in the morning!¡± He was joking, but Bryan ended the call abruptly. He frowned, deep in thought.

    Ruby couldn¡¯t speak yet, but she was regaining consciousness. She could move her fingers slightly now. Austen exined that Ruby would learn to speak and walk like an infant. After her cancer treatments, she would begin rehabilitation. She could return to normal within six months if all went well. Otherwise, it might take over a year.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 171

    ?Chapter 171:

    Bailee and Eileen were both happy to hear that. The following morning, after Bailee had departed, Eileen was left alone with Ruby in the hospital room. She cleared away the leftover breakfast that she and Bailee had shared. She then positioned herself at the foot of the bed and began massaging Ruby¡¯s legs. Looking up, Eileen noticed the tears in Ruby¡¯s eyes.

    She paused, momentarily stunned, then rose to bring tissues and gently wiped away Ruby¡¯s tears. ¡°Mom, everything is fine now. Why are you crying? Seeing you every day is enough for Bailee and me,¡± Eileen said softly. In her heart, she understood Ruby¡¯s tears. After oveing so many hardships, it was natural for Ruby to want to cry. Her tears were of joy.

    Ruby moved her fingers twice, her eyes brimming with happiness. She wasn¡¯t crying anymore. Upon seeing this, Eileen went back to the foot of the bed and carried on massaging Ruby¡¯s feet. ¡°Did Bailee tell you? We¡¯re in Wist Land now, not Onnd. It¡¯s like eternal spring here, perfect for your recovery. Once you finish the targeted treatment, we¡¯ll bring you home and start your daily exercises. You will recover soon,¡± Eileen said with a rxed brow and a wide smile, her long-held worries now easing. Ruby blinked in acknowledgment.

    After finishing with Ruby¡¯s left leg and ensuring she wasfortable, Eileen was about to start on Ruby¡¯s right leg when she heard a knock at the door. She saw a man¡¯s shoulder through the ss in the door. Raising her eyebrows in curiosity, she opened the door and was surprised to see the person outside. ¡°Benjamin? What brings you here?¡± she asked.

    It had been a year since theyst met, yet Benjamin hadn¡¯t changed at all. He still wore his suit, looking as serious as before. When he caught sight of Eileen, a hint of warmth shimmered in his eyes. He raised the gift in his hand and said, ¡°I happened to be in Wist Land for business, so I thought I¡¯d drop by and visit you.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. Please,e in,¡± Eileen responded, epting the gift and weing him into the room. Benjamin was stunned to see Ruby¡¯s eyes open. He and Eileen had not been in touch for a long while, so he was unaware that Ruby had woken up. Eileen exined, ¡°My mother has awakened, and she¡¯s currently undergoing targeted cancer treatment.¡±

    Benjamin quickly grasped the situation. Seeing Eileen¡¯s smile, he couldn¡¯t help but smile, too. ¡°That¡¯s wonderful. It seems everything is progressing as you hoped.¡± After a brief talk with Benjamin, Eileen told Ruby, ¡°Mom, meet Benjamin, the one Bailee mentioned before.¡±

    Benjamin stepped closer to the bed and gave a small nod to Ruby. ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Curtis. I¡¯m Benjamin Nash.¡± Ruby, who had been calm, suddenly widened her eyes and examined Benjamin from head to toe. It seemed like she had thought of something, her eyes reddening as if she was mustering all her strength to sit up. Eileen noticed Ruby¡¯s fingers twitch twice as if reaching for something.

    ¡°Mrs. Curtis?¡± Benjamin followed Ruby¡¯s gaze, then looked at his own hand. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, he approached and took Ruby¡¯s hand. In recent years, Ruby hadn¡¯t been doing any housework. Despite some old scars, her hands still felt smooth to the touch. This interaction caught Eileen off guard; Ruby appeared to have a familiarity with Benjamin.

    While still processing this, Eileen noticed that Ruby had turned to look at her. After staring at Eileen for a moment, Ruby¡¯s eyes drifted down to Eileen¡¯s hand. Eileen lifted her hand and frowned. She didn¡¯t understand what Ruby meant. Suddenly, she felt aforting warmth as Benjamin took her hand.

    Benjamin looked at Ruby and asked, ¡°Mrs. Curtis, is this what you want?¡± Ruby quickly blinked. Eileen was momentarily taken aback. Instinctively, she tried to pull her hand away, but Benjamin gently drew it toward Ruby¡¯s. Benjamin said, ¡°Mrs. Curtis, you want me to look after Eileen for you, right?¡±

    Ruby didn¡¯t blink this time, emotions swirling in her eyes. Eileen could sense that Ruby¡¯s hand was trembling. Did Ruby want her and Benjamin to be together? With this thought, Eileen felt resigned and shook her head at Ruby. Before she could say something, the door swung open. She turned, only to find Bryan and Jacob standing at the door.

    Jacob carried several boxes of pricey nutritional supplements and stared at Eileen and Benjamin, who were still holding hands. He quickly turned to look at Bryan. Sunlight shone through the window onto Bryan¡¯s face, yet it couldn¡¯t melt the coldness in his eyes. He narrowed his eyes as he looked at Eileen¡¯s and Benjamin¡¯s hands. Eileen¡¯s smile revealed dimples on her face, her eyes twinkling with joy. The sunlight illuminated her and Benjamin¡­ The warm scene made Bryan¡¯s heart sink.

    Benjamin was the first to snap out of it. ¡°Mr. Dawson, I didn¡¯t expect to see you here.¡± He took a quick sideways look at Eileen and figured it out. It seemed Eileen had gotten involved with Bryan again. Benjamin¡¯s voice brought Eileen back to reality, and she quickly withdrew her hand. She met Bryan¡¯s cold stare for a moment before shifting her gaze.

    ¡°Benjamin, what brings you here?¡± Jacob asked in surprise. He knew Benjamin worked for Kian. Why was Benjamin here with Eileen? Releasing Ruby¡¯s hand, Benjamin nodded respectfully toward Jacob and Bryan. ¡°Mr. Meyer, Mr. Dawson, Eileen and I have been friends since college.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Jacob was visibly stunned. ¡°Does Kian know you¡¯re visiting her?¡± Everyone knew about Kian¡¯s resentment towards Eileen. Benjamin visiting Eileen might be viewed as a betrayal to Kian. Upon hearing this, Eileen furrowed her brows. Indeed, Benjamin had been a great support to her, secretly helping her behind Kian¡¯s back.

    If Kian discovered this, it could mean trouble for Benjamin. Instinctively, she stepped in front of Benjamin and said, ¡°Mr. Meyer, Benjamin and I¡­¡±

    ¡°Stop! Stop!¡± Jacob cut her off, observing her worried look. ¡°Rx. I was only joking. I won¡¯t tell anyone.¡± Relieved by his words, Eileen let out a deep sigh. Bryan raised his eyebrows, the coldness in his demeanor unmistakable. Was she really that concerned for Benjamin? In the past, when Kian had caused her problems, she had never asked him for help. But now, she had quickly spoken up for Benjamin¡¯s sake.

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Jacob suddenly sensed the tension in the room. He now regretted bringing Bryan to visit Eileen¡¯s mother. Their encounter with Benjamin seemed like unfortunate timing. ¡°Mr. Dawson, Mr. Meyer, what brings you two here?¡± Eileen asked, her nerves pushing her to busy herself with making coffee for them.

    Bryan said, ¡°You shouldn¡¯t havee. Jacob, put these things down, and let¡¯s go. We don¡¯t want to disturb them.¡± The moment he finished talking, he turned and left. Jacob hurriedly ced the nutritional supplements on the nearby empty bed, offered Eileen a forced smile, and followed Bryan out.

    Eileen¡¯s heart sank as she watched them leave the room, then nced back at Benjamin and Ruby. Finally, she decided to follow Bryan and Jacob.

    ¡°Eileen,¡± Benjamin called out suddenly, stopping her. ¡°I heard Mr. Dawson¡¯s project here in Wist Land is not going smoothly.¡±

    ¡°Yes, the Apex Group has pulled the funding. Bryan¡¯s business partner is also facing financial issues, so he couldn¡¯t proceed with the project,¡± Eileen replied, her thoughts a mess now. Seeing Eileen wouldn¡¯t follow Bryan, Benjamin casually suggested, ¡°Why don¡¯t we grab lunch together?¡±

    ¡°Sorry, I can¡¯t,¡± Eileen quickly declined. She was preupied with thoughts of Bryan, feeling an unexined emptiness. Realizing her response might havee off as rude, she added, ¡°When are you heading back to Onnd?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be here for a few more days. Mr. Warren has entrusted me with some work here,¡± Benjamin replied.

    ¡°Well¡­ Let¡¯s have a meal for another day. Bailee¡¯s not around today, and I¡¯m the only one here looking after my mom, so I can¡¯t leave,¡± Eileen exined. Since she was residing in Wist Land now, she felt it was only right to treat Benjamin to a meal.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Benjamin epted her offer without hesitation. He talked briefly with her before leaving the hospital.

    On the open road, the Mercedes-Benz sped along, causing even Jacob to clutch the overhead handrail with both hands in fear. ¡°Bryan, if you want to die, leave me out of it. I haven¡¯t even had sex yet!¡± Jacob eximed.

    Bryan kept his eyes on the road and responded coolly, ¡°That¡¯s your issue. Life¡¯s meaningless for a man who¡¯s still a virgin at thirty.¡± Furious at Bryan¡¯s words, Jacob said, ¡°Bryan, don¡¯t take your frustrations out on me! What¡¯s so meaningful about your life anyway? You¡¯ve been with her for years and spent money on her, and still, you got nothing!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m still braver than you, a coward!¡± Bryan¡¯s expression darkened. Their exchange of painful truths continued until they abruptly stopped at the curb. Bryan unbuckled Jacob¡¯s seatbelt, swung his leg, and delivered a sharp kick to Jacob. ¡°Get out!¡± The kick was so powerful that Jacob nearly tumbled out of the car. He swiftly wrapped his arms around Bryan¡¯s leg and altered his tone, saying, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Bryan. Don¡¯t be mad. I lost my temper and spoke without thinking. I know Eileen isn¡¯t that kind of woman.¡±

    Bryan shot Jacob a sharp look, then withdrew his leg, frowning. Bryan started the car again. Jacob stayed silent. He believed anyone who walked into the hospital room and saw Eileen and Benjamin holding hands and smiling at Ruby would think there was more to it. He secretly messaged Phoebe, asking about Eileen¡¯s rtionship with Benjamin. But Phoebe was clueless. She had only met Eileen after moving to Wist Land and had no idea about any connection between Eileen and Benjamin.

    Observing Bryan¡¯s stern expression, Jacob sighed, thinking about the hardships of Bryan¡¯s romantic life. In the hospital room, only Ruby and Eileen remained, with Eileen absentmindedly massaging Ruby¡¯s leg.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 172

    ?Chapter 172:

    In the evening, Bailee called Eileen to say that Huey¡¯s assistant wouldn¡¯t be able to make it to Wist Land this time. Huey¡¯s team was tied up with apetition, and they needed Bailee¡¯s assistance for a couple of days. Bailee was familiar with the processes because she had once worked for Huey.

    ¡°Then go and help them. Huey has been a big support to us in the past. I¡¯ll look after Mom,¡± Eileen told Bailee.

    ¡°Okay. You can arrange for a caregiver for Mom on Monday. I¡¯ll be back by Monday afternoon,¡± Bailee replied. Once their ns were confirmed, Bailee ended the call promptly.

    Eileen kept it brief with Ruby about Bailee¡¯s whereabouts, simply saying that Bailee had some important matters to attend to. As evening turned to night, moonlight bathed the hospital room. Ruby was asleep, while Eileeny on thepanion bed, phone in hand, restless.

    Herst conversation with Bryan concluded with her asking him not to visit for a few days. He hadn¡¯t even responded. The image of his cold, hawk-like gaze in the hospital this morning lingered in her mind as if it were permanently imprinted there. She inhaled deeply, put her phone away, and tried to force herself to sleep.

    Despite her best efforts, sleep eluded her. She spent the entire weekend at the hospital, and by Monday morning, she left feeling exhausted. She went home first and noticed that Bryan¡¯s belongings were untouched. It was evident he hadn¡¯t visited during her absence. So, he had seen her message but had decided not to respond.

    After a shower and changing into fresh clothes, Eileen applied light makeup and headed to the educational institution. Though she looked less weary, her thoughts remained clouded. Around noon, she got a message on WhatsApp from Milford.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, when you bring Adalina here tonight, please arrive ten minutes early and use the side entrance.¡± After a moment¡¯s pause, Eileen responded, ¡°Understood.¡±

    In the afternoon, she left early to fetch Adalina from the Vance family¡¯s home and drove directly to Pianoforte Vis. Arriving about twenty minutes ahead of the scheduled time, she guided Adalina to the side entrance. A ss door there was designed to let them skip the living room and head straight upstairs.

    ???¨¦?? ???t??§ñ? ¨ªn Gal¦Ðo¦Í¦Ål?.c??

    But despite Eileen¡¯s efforts, the door wouldn¡¯t budge. ¡°Ms. Curtis, why aren¡¯t we using the main entrance?¡± Adalina asked. Eileen frowned and said, ¡°Milford told me to arrive ten minutes early and use this side door.¡± She then wondered to herself if this was yet another of Milford¡¯s pranks.

    She covered her eyes from the bright sun and nced inside through the ss door, noticing that the door was locked from within. ¡°This isn¡¯t going to work,¡± she said, turning to Adalina. ¡°It seems he might have tricked us. Let¡¯s go in through the main entrance.¡±

    As they approached the main entrance, Eileen caught sight of Bryan¡¯s car parked out front. He exited the vehicle, his dark gaze briefly meeting hers. He locked the car, strode past her and Adalina, climbed the steps, and unlocked the door with a quick press of his fingerprint. Noticing Eileen and Adalina hadn¡¯t followed, he turned and said, ¡°Aren¡¯t youing in?¡±

    Eileen quickly snapped out of her surprise and hurried after Bryan. As Bryan changed his shoes and proceeded toward the living room, a figure in a long red dress appeared. Sweeping in like a breeze, the woman approached Bryan with her hands sped behind her, her long ck hair in flowing waves and her makeup enhancing her mature allure.

    ¡°Hi, surprise!¡± she eximed. Eileen froze, her gaze wavering as she watched Bryan pause for a few seconds. The woman approached Bryan, rose onto her tiptoes for a light embrace, and then leaned in to kiss his cheek. Her lipstick was a bold red, both sexy and captivating. She was undeniably beautiful.

    But Bryan quickly caught her wrist and stopped her, his tone tinged with surprise. ¡°When did you get here? Why didn¡¯t you let me know?¡±

    ¡°Inded in Wist Land this afternoon. I thought I¡¯d surprise you. But now, it seems like there¡¯s only shock, no joy.¡± Z withdrew her hand and casually took Bryan¡¯s jacket from him.

    ¡°How could that be?¡± Bryan said in a low voice. ¡°If you had informed me, I would have prepared a proper wee.¡± Then, as if recalling something, he nced towards Eileen and Adalina standing by the door.

    Eileen was midway through changing her shoes when Z caught her eye. Noticing Bryan¡¯s gaze, Eileen swiftly finished changing her shoes and walked inside with Adalina, nodding slightly. ¡°Mr. Dawson, I¡¯ll take Adalina upstairs for her lesson now.¡±

    ¡°You are¡­ Milford¡¯s tutor?¡± Z asked, her gaze sweeping over Eileen with a hint of superiority, though she disyed no outright hostility. Eileen suddenly realized who Z was.

    ¡°Yes, you must be Milford¡¯s sister,¡± she said.

    Z adjusted her hair and replied, ¡°Yes, you can go upstairs now.¡± Z didn¡¯t introduce herself, leaving Eileen unsure whether she was more interested in catching up with Bryan or simply indifferent to meeting her.

    As Eileen escorted Adalina upstairs, she didn¡¯t nce back at Bryan but felt his piercing gaze follow her. His hawk-like eyes tracked her until she turned the corner on the third floor. Then, he finally shifted his attention.

    ¡°Do they know you¡¯re here?¡± Bryan asked Z. Z wrapped her arm around Bryan¡¯s and steered him towards the living room. ¡°They know. It¡¯s nearly year-end, and since they couldn¡¯t persuade you to return, they sent me to bring you back to Onnd for Christmas. Grandma is still waiting.¡±

    Bryan adjusted his tie, unbuttoned his cuffs, and rolled his sleeves. He was not particrly bothered by Z¡¯s touch; they had been family for thirty years, after all. Even though they weren¡¯t rted by blood, their bond as siblings was undeniable.

    ¡°I heard from Raymond that you managed to secure the project.¡± Z crossed her legs, her demeanor bright and confident as she looked at Bryan.

    Bryan nodded. ¡°Yes. That¡¯s why I¡¯ve been swampedtely. Mying home for Christmas depends on how things will go.¡±

    Hearing that, Z said, ¡°If you don¡¯t go back, I¡¯m not going either. I don¡¯t want to go back alone and face the scolding.¡±

    ¡°Then stay here,¡± Bryan answered without a second thought. ¡°Jacob is here, too. Spending Christmas together in Wist Land doesn¡¯t sound too bad.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Z smiled, looking somewhat different from how Bryan remembered her. Over the years, Z had grown more mature from her time abroad. They hadn¡¯t seen much of each other recently, so Bryan had expected this transformation.

    ¡°Have you eaten yet? I¡¯ll cook something for you,¡± Bryan said with a smile.

    ¡°No, airne meals are awful. You can cook my two favorite dishes. Once I¡¯ve eaten, we can talk with Milford after his tutoring session. It¡¯s been ages since Ist saw him, and I hardly know how to handle his new rebellious streak.¡± Z gestured, urging Bryan towards the kitchen.

    Her straightforward manner made Bryan feel like she hadn¡¯t changed much, except for her dressing style. Bryan moved to the kitchen and opened the fridge. After a pause, he turned around and asked, ¡°What would you like to eat?¡±

    ¡°Bryan Dawson, you¡¯re something else! If I hadn¡¯t returned, you¡¯d probably forget I¡¯m your sister! How could you not remember what I like to eat?¡± Z eximed, standing up and walking over with a look of displeasure.

    The house was well soundproofed, but Eileen had left the door slightly open, driven by curiosity. She could faintly hear the conversation below, mostly Z¡¯s lively voice. Z and Bryan were clearly having a delightful conversation.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis.¡± Milford tapped his pen on the table and said, ¡°You¡¯ve been zoning out for almost ten minutes.¡±

    Eileen snapped back to the present with a heavy feeling in her heart. She walked to firmly shut the door to drown out the noise. Then, she pulled out the test papers from the previous week.

    ¡°I¡¯ve reviewed your scores¡­¡± she began.

    Adalina¡¯s performance varied greatly across subjects, and her overall score was just around the cutoff for high schools, which was quite risky. Milford¡¯s grades were just scraping by in all his subjects.

    Eileen hadn¡¯t forgotten her promise to reward Milford with a phone, which she had already purchased. She had also picked out a gift for Adalina. Milford¡¯s face lit up with excitement as he tore open the package.

    Adalina epted the gift and said, ¡°Thank you, Ms. Curtis.¡±

    ¡°Why are you thanking her?¡± Milford scoffed. ¡°We earned these because of our improvements!¡±

    ¡°But Ms. Curtis paid for these herself. Improving our grades also helps us, so we should thank her,¡± Adalina replied assertively.

    Eileen smiled at Milford, who looked away awkwardly and mumbled a half-hearted ¡°thank you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡± Eileen asked them to set aside their gifts and started the tutoring session.

    Despite her attempt to focus, Eileen was distracted, and even Adalina picked up on it. During a ten-minute break, Eileen stood by a third-floor hallway window, trying to clear her head, haunted by the image of Z.

    Denzel had mentioned that Bryan and Milford¡¯s sister were close, and that was why Bryan had been taking care of Milford for her.

    But Eileen hadn¡¯t realized how deep their connection was¡ªone that would motivate Bryan to offer such help. She lingered by the window, engulfed in her tumultuous thoughts.

    In the study, Adalina nced through the slightly open door and saw Eileen at the window, whispering, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Ms. Curtis?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Milford responded, absorbed in his new phone. He then stood up to look down the hallway. He noticed Eileen¡¯s solitary figure, looking forlorn, and he frowned.

    ¡°Milford, which top high school are you aiming for?¡± Adalina asked.

    ¡°My sister is pushing me to aim for the top school in nta, but do you think I¡¯ve got what it takes?¡± Milford said, sitting down again without looking up.

    ¡°Of course!¡± Adalina responded immediately, catching Milford off guard. Adalina quickly turned her gaze away, smiling. ¡°You¡¯re so smart. Just catch up on your missed lessons, and you¡¯ll make it.¡±

    Milford stayed silent. It wasn¡¯t because he doubted himself; he simply wasn¡¯t interested in attending that school.

    As the ten-minute break ended, Eileen turned to go back to the study and resume the lesson, only to see Z ascending the stairs.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 173

    ?Chapter 173:

    Z held a tray of beautifully arranged, peeled fruits in her hand. She walked over with a confident, radiant smile. ¡°Ms. Curtis, right? Thank you for tutoring Milford. I have prepared some fruits for you and the kids.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, but we have just finished a ten-minute break. We will enjoy it after the session ends,¡± Eileen replied.

    Z¡¯s smile remained as she responded, ¡°Oh, it¡¯s no trouble. You can take another ten-minute break.¡± She turned and entered the study, cing the tray on the desk. Her eyes immediatelynded on the examination papers of Milford and Adalina. She nced at the scores on the exam papers and frowned as she picked up Milford¡¯s paper. Her frown deepened as she examined it carefully.

    Meanwhile, Milford leaned back in his chair, gesturing towards the tray. ¡°Have some fruit,¡± he casually said to Adalina.

    Z¡¯s imposing demeanor made the timid Adalina uneasy. She nodded slightly but didn¡¯t reach for the tray.

    As Eileen entered the study, she saw Z p Milford¡¯s examination paper on the desk. ¡°Look at your test results! Bryan told me you were smart, but you barely passed!¡± Z eximed.

    Adalina trembled with fear, instinctively retreating into a corner. The atmosphere in the study suddenly became tense. Milford raised his head and stared at the domineering Z for a few seconds. With a sweeping motion, he knocked the books off the desk. ¡°Z, who do you think you are? I did my best on this test. It¡¯s none of your business how I scored. Why do you even care? Just leave me alone!¡±

    ¡°You are being incredibly rude! You are fifteen years old, not five. You can¡¯t keep throwing tantrums like a child!¡± Z snapped, raising her hand as if to p Milford.

    Eileen quickly stepped forward, positioning herself between Z and Milford. ¡°Miss Murray, I know Milford¡¯s score isn¡¯t ideal right now, but his schooling was suspended for a year. He has only been back at it for about a month. Considering that, he is doing quite well. Please, don¡¯t be too harsh on him. He is very bright, and it¡¯s only a matter of time before he gets excellent grades.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think you are being too lenient? He barely passed, and you think that¡¯s good enough? I seriously question your capability as a tutor. There is only half a year left before he finishes middle school. With these grades, how could he possibly get into the top high school in Onnd?¡± Z said, her chest heaving with anger, her eyes filled with disgust as she red at Milford, leading her to be dissatisfied with Eileen¡¯s tutoring as well.

    Read all updates on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls

    ¡°I don¡¯t care whether I can get into the top high school or not! Do you think I want to move to Onnd? I won¡¯t live off someone else¡¯s charity like you!¡± Milford shouted back.

    Grabbing his phone from the desk, he pushed past Eileen and Z and stormed out of the room in a huff.

    Silence enveloped the room, and the tension was thick. Adalina looked like she was on the verge of tears.

    After a few seconds, Z spun around and chased after Milford. She eximed in anger, ¡°Who do you think you are? Who allowed you to talk to me like that?¡±

    Eileen moved tofort Adalina, saying gently, ¡°It¡¯s alright. They both have hot tempers. It¡¯s just a little spat.¡±

    ¡°Z!¡± Bryan¡¯s voice echoed from the hallway. He must have heard the argument ande upstairs. His voice was tinged with anxiety and concern.

    Eileen¡¯s heart ached. She stepped to the door and watched Bryan stride into Milford¡¯s room. His low, raspy voice cut through as the siblings engaged in a heated argument. Momentster, he escorted Z out of the room, his arm draped around her shoulders.

    He nced at Eileen standing by the study door and said, ¡°You and Adalina should go back now.¡± Before Eileen could respond, Bryan led Z downstairs in a rush. Eileen watched Bryan escort Z into his room and m the door behind them. The key to his room was still in the keyhole, swaying to and fro due to his strength. A storm of emotions swirled inside Eileen.

    ¡°Let¡¯s gather our things and head home,¡± Eileen said softly to Adalina. They returned to the study to gather their things and then made their way downstairs. As she reached the second floor, Eileen¡¯s eyes lingered on Bryan¡¯s closed door for a moment. She then took a deep breath and hurried out.

    She hadn¡¯t anticipated such hostility between Z and Milford. Because of Z¡¯s unexpected visit, their tutoring session hade to a premature and discordant end. As Eileen drove home alone after dropping off Adalina, the cool night breeze slipped in through her partially open window, brushing against her tired face.

    Suddenly, something dawned on her. She realized that Z¡¯s name wasn¡¯t unfamiliar to her; she had heard the name before. She recalled Bryan¡¯s parents mentioning a Z during a video conference. She was someone waiting for Bryan abroad. Could it be the same person?

    This realization left Eileen in a state of disarray. Her gaze drifted nkly, reflecting the traffic lights at the intersection. Even as they turned green, she remained lost in thought. The honking of cars behind her jolted her back to reality. Swiftly, she released the brake and stepped on the gas pedal. Having endured two sleepless nights, she felt fatigue beginning to weigh heavily on her now.

    Upon reaching home, she took a refreshing shower before crawling into bed. However, sleep eluded her. In the dimness of the room, illuminated only by the moonlight seeping through the window, her mind remained devoid of thoughts, yet sleep remained elusive. The scent of Bryan lingered in the air, his presence still palpable due to his recent stay. Though he had only been here for a few days, his clothes and personal items were still here, leaving traces of his presence everywhere.

    Eileen didn¡¯t fall asleep until dawn, and she slept until ten o¡¯clock. It was Benjamin¡¯s phone call that finally stirred her from slumber. Despite saying she would treat him to a meal days earlier, she hadn¡¯t yet arranged a time or ce. So Benjamin took matters into his own hands and proposed meeting her for lunch at noon. Unable to decline, Eileen agreed and secured a table at a popr restaurant in Wist Land.

    Bailee dashed into the airport, gasping for breath. Beads of sweat clung to her forehead, stering her hair against her skin. Pausing to rest, her hands found support on her knees. Her gaze swept through the bustling airport, searching. A tap on her shoulder jolted her. She turned to find Huey standing there, a smile brightening his face.

    ¡°Bailee, you arete. I¡¯ll be boarding in ten minutes!¡± he said. Bailee hurriedly produced a kraft paper bag filled with pastries and offered it to Huey. ¡°Here are your favorite pastries. They are authentic Wist Land specialties, unlike those in Onnd. Give them a try!¡±

    With a smile, Huey epted the bag. Then, he ced a gold medal in Bailee¡¯s hand. ¡°This is the medal I won at thepetition that day. You can have it.¡± Under the bright airport lights, the gold medal shimmered. Bailee looked at the gold medal. ¡°No, you earned this. I can¡¯t¡­¡±

    ¡°Just keep it,¡± Huey insisted, stopping her attempt to return it. ¡°And say hi to Eileen for me. I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t make it to the hospital to see your mother. My own mother will give me an earful when I get back home.¡±

    Seeing Huey¡¯s persistence, Bailee stopped trying to return the medal to him and held it tightly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll pass on your regards to Eileen. Once my mother is fully recovered, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to visit her,¡± she reassured him.

    The bustling airport crowd hurried past them as the announcer continuously reminded passengers to proceed to their boarding gates. Standing face to face, both Bailee and Huey fell into silence. Amidst the cacophony of noise, Bailee found herself enveloped in an unexpected sense of calm.

    After a long pause, Bailee smiled and said, ¡°You should head for your boarding gate now, or you will miss your flight.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± replied Huey, adjusting his hat. Clearing his throat, he asked, ¡°So¡­ Will you return to Onnd after your mother recovers?¡±

    Onnd was where Bailee had spent her formative years, and she did harbor a certain fondness for the city. However, her true home was with Ruby and Eileen. In the past year, Bailee hadn¡¯t found much to miss about Onnd except for the asional thought of Huey.

    She lowered her head in contemtion before speaking.

    ¡°Wist Land is the best ce for my mother¡¯s recovery, so I don¡¯t foresee my family and me leaving this city until my mother is fully recovered.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Huey offered a faint smile, though his eyes betrayed a hint of disappointment. Spotting hispanions beckoning him from the boarding gate, he sighed and said, ¡°I have to go now. Take care of yourself. Next time I¡¯m in Wist Land, I¡¯ll give you a heads-up and bring your favorite treats from Onnd.¡±

    Bailee nodded, a lump forming in her throat, rendering her at a loss for words. She watched Huey walk towards the boarding gate, a strained smile gracing her face. Once Huey joined hispanions, he turned around and waved at Bailee. As Bailee waved back, her smile waned, a flicker of sadness crossing her gaze. She stood there until Huey and his friends vanished from sight, then turned towards the exit. A message pinged on her phone as soon as she stepped out of the airport.

    It was a brief text from Huey: ¡°Until next time.¡± Bailee pressed her lips together, her fingers hovering over the keyboard as she contemted her response. After a few attempts atposing a message, she ultimately chose not to reply. Pocketing her phone, she headed towards the bus station.

    The restaurant Eileen had chosen in Wist Land was renowned for its charm, always bustling with diners. Despite her prior booking, when she met Benjamin at the restaurant¡¯s entrance and attempted to enter, she was informed that there were no avable tables.

    ¡°I have a reservation. You can check my phone. I made the reservation under the name Ms. Curtis,¡± Eileen said. The waitress offered an apologetic smile. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but it seems there was an oversight by my colleagues, and we don¡¯t have a table reserved for you now.¡±

    But Eileen had received a confirmation message for her booking beforehand. It looked like their table had been temporarily given to others. This was not an unusual urrence in such a busy restaurant.

    ¡°I would like to speak with your manager. Find a way to clear a room or at least a table for us now,¡± Eileen demanded. Considering it was lunch hour, every restaurant in the vicinity required reservations. If Eileen were dining alone, she might have let it slide. But since she was treating Benjamin to lunch, a quick meal at a fast-food joint wouldn¡¯t suffice.

    At Eileen¡¯s insistence, the waitress¡¯s expression soured as she replied, ¡°As you can see, every table is taken. And it would be a waste to spare a private room for only the two of you.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 174

    ?Chapter 174:

    The waitress¡¯s words indicated that even though there was a private room avable, Eileen and Benjamin couldn¡¯t use it.

    ¡°We made a reservation; it¡¯s the restaurant¡¯s responsibility to uphold that reservation. You should be looking for a way to solve this,¡± Eileen said. While Eileen argued with the waitress, Benjamin had been staring at arge ck marble signage at the restaurant entrance, which detailed the origins of the restaurant. Next to it was a notice that read, ¡°Due to high demand, please book in advance. Walk-in customers will not be served. If your reservation is confirmed and the restaurant is unable to amodate you for any reason, you will receive tenfoldpensation.¡±

    Pointing at the notice, Benjamin said to the waitress, ¡°If you cannot find us a table, then you¡¯re required topensate us tenfold as per your policy.¡± Eileen looked in the direction Benjamin was pointing and saw the big, bold text. Nodding in approval, she then turned to look at the waitress.

    The waitress hesitated for a few seconds before looking at Eileen with newfound displeasure. ¡°We¡¯re only required topensate you if your booking was confirmed. Did you receive a confirmation text?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Eileen took out her phone and showed the waitress the text. The waitress barely nced at it before saying dismissively, ¡°You¡¯ve been scammed. That¡¯s not our restaurant¡¯s number!¡±

    At this point, Eileen¡¯s patience was running extremely thin. She had never encountered such a shameless waitress before. As the waitress turned to go back inside, Eileen grabbed her arm to stop her. Anger written all over her face, Eileen dialed the number from the confirmation text, and the call soon connected.

    ¡°Hello, Fireside Restaurant. How may I help you?¡±

    ¡°Your waitress just hit a customer. I demand to see the manager!¡± Eileen said. Eileen hung up without waiting for a response. The pissed-off waitress struggled and tried to break free, but Eileen had an iron grip. Soon, a man in a white polo, jeans, and sses emerged from the restaurant.

    Fresh stories here g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m

    ¡°Emory, what the hell is going on?¡± Seeing that his staff had engaged in an altercation with a customer, the man shouted angrily at the waitress.

    The waitress, flustered, stopped struggling and muttered a greeting to her manager. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry about this, Miss. Could you tell me what happened?¡± the manager asked Eileen politely. Eileen finally let go of the waitress¡¯s arm, her voice ice-cold. ¡°I made a reservation at your restaurant and received a confirmation text, but your staff member had the audacity to turn me away at the door. She even told me that the number that sent me the text was fake. So, I called to verify.¡±

    With a bone-chilling smile, she looked at the waitress. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t say that this manager is also a fake, right?¡± The irony in Eileen¡¯s eyes made the waitress even more flustered. Hearing this, the manager¡¯s expression turned gloomy. He nced at the waitress unhappily and scolded in a low voice, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not my fault! Livia gave the spot to her rtives,¡± the waitress whispered to the manager, but Eileen overheard everything clearly. Eileen looked at the manager with her arms crossed, waiting expectantly for a reasonable exnation. The manager knew that they were in the wrong, so after shooting a nce at the cold-faced Eileen, he said to the waitress, ¡°Isn¡¯t there still a private room avable? Give it to these two guests!¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t do that. That room has been booked by Miss Murray. She already paid the deposit,¡± the waitress said, refusing straightforwardly. Compared to a customer who had booked a whole private room, Eileen and her reservation for two seemed insignificant in the waitress¡¯s eyes. Eileen knew exactly what the waitress was thinking, and the waitress¡¯s attitude infuriated her. But before she could protest, the waitress¡¯s eyes suddenly lit up as she looked at someone behind Eileen. ¡°Miss Murray¡¯s here!¡±

    Z was dressed in a ck jumpsuit, her curly hair cascading around her shoulders. With her delicate makeup and tall stature, she exuded a powerful presence, clearly a woman of high status. Bryan, standing beside her with one hand in his suit pants, leaned slightly closer to her as they conversed. Following them were Jacob, Phoebe, and Raymond.

    ¡°Eileen?¡± Phoebe was the first to see Eileen, surprise written all over her face. Instantly, everyone¡¯s attention shifted to Eileen. Bryan¡¯s sharp gaze lingered on Eileen¡¯s face for a few seconds before flitting over to Benjamin beside her. Benjamin walked over and greeted them politely.

    ¡°Benjamin?¡± Z, who hadn¡¯t interacted much with Benjamin before, sounded both surprised and puzzled to see him here. ¡°Miss Murray,¡± Benjamin nodded slightly. ¡°We met in the Warren Groupst time.¡± ¡°I recall. Well, what are you doing here?¡± Z nced at Eileen and asked Benjamin, ¡°Are you friends with Ms. Curtis?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Benjamin exined with a faint smile, ¡°Eileen and I were university ssmates, and she used to be Mr. Dawson¡¯s assistant, so we¡¯re quite familiar with each other.¡± During Benjamin¡¯s brief exchange with Z, Eileenposed herself. Although thest thing Eileen wanted was to run into Bryan and the others in such a setting, she approached and greeted them politely nheless.

    Seeing that they were all acquainted, the manager hurried to suggest, ¡°Since you all know each other, why not share the room?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Eileen refused immediately. ording topany policy, the restaurant would have topensate her tenfold for not honoring their reservation. Naturally, the manager didn¡¯t want to suffer any losses, so he was keen to group them together.

    The manager said, ¡°I checked the private room; there¡¯s a ten-person table. Since Ms. Murray didn¡¯t bring that many people, you can join them. Besides, you all know each other, so it¡¯d be good for you to catch up and share a meal, right?¡±

    ¡°Exactly! Ms. Curtis, you only booked a single table, so getting a private room is an upgrade. Miss Murray hasn¡¯t even said she¡¯s okay with you two joining them, yet you¡¯re already acting so picky,¡± the waitress grumbled.

    ¡°First of all, the so-called ¡®single table¡¯ I booked was given to someone else, which is your fault. How dare you me me for that? Secondly, you decided to squeeze us into Miss Murray¡¯s reservation without even asking for her permission first. What kind of service is that?¡± Eileen questioned the manager and waitress coldly. Her words left them speechless. The waitress, who hadn¡¯t expected Eileen to be so difficult, was particrly tongue-tied.

    Bryan and the others quickly grasped what was going on, and Bryan¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°So, this is how your restaurant operates,¡± he remarked coldly. The manager¡¯s forehead broke into a cold sweat upon hearing that. ¡°Of course not! You misunderstood us, sir. We treat our customers with respect, and we¡¯ll deal with this properly.¡±

    Bryan responded casually, ¡°Then I¡¯d like to see how you decide to deal with this.¡± The manager, thinking quickly, turned to the waitress and barked, ¡°Compensate Ms. Curtis ten times her booking fee and offer her a small gift and an 80% off voucher. Solemnly promise her that such an incident will never happen again.¡± Bryan¡¯s imposing aura left the waitress feeling a bit stifled.

    The waitress didn¡¯t understand why someone from Miss Murray¡¯s party would help someone as insignificant as Eileen. Still, she followed the manager¡¯s instructions and went inside to make preparations. About three minutester, she returned and handed the items the manager had mentioned to Eileen.

    Eileen epted the items, turned around, and said, ¡°Thank you, Mr. Dawson. I¡¯ll¡­¡± But before she could finish, Bryan had already started walking towards the entrance. Noticing that the others hadn¡¯t followed, he turned his head to look at them and said, ¡°Why are you just standing there? Come in, all of you!¡±

    ¡°Coming!¡± Jacob responded to Bryan¡¯s urging. Then, he said to Eileen, ¡°Bryan¡¯s right. Since you¡¯re already here, you should join us.¡± Eileen paused for a few seconds before saying, ¡°No, I don¡¯t want to bother you all.¡±

    Upon hearing her refusal, Bryan¡¯s eyebrows immediately furrowed, and his jawline tensed. Noticing this, Z said, ¡°Ms. Curtis, Benjamin, if you don¡¯t have any pressing matters, why not join us? I¡¯d also like to use this chance to discuss Milford¡¯s tutoring with Ms. Curtis.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have anything else nned; I just don¡¯t want to intrude on your gathering,¡± Benjamin replied, frowning slightly. Z said, ¡°No worries. I¡¯ve just arrived in Wist Land, and Jacob and Bryan said they¡¯d treat me to a meal. Let¡¯s all go inside now.¡± She strutted towards Bryan and whispered, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Bryan responded with a nod, his gaze sweeping over towards Eileen. Jacob and the others quickly followed them in. Phoebe wanted to say something, but with so many people around, she had no choice but to keep it to herself for the time being. The manager and the waitress stepped aside to let them in, looking a bit awkward.

    Seeing that Eileen was still hesitating, the waitress couldn¡¯t help but sneer, ¡°You¡¯ve already beenpensated, and now you¡¯re getting a free meal. Why are you still acting so pretentious? Manager, I think she¡¯s a scammer!¡±

    ¡°Watch your mouth!¡± the manager hissed at the waitress. Then, putting on an apologetic smile, he said, ¡°Ms. Curtis, Mr. Nash, pleasee in.¡±

    While walking past the manager and the waitress, Eileen nced at the waitress¡¯s name tag and memorized her name.

    ¡°Sorry about that¡­¡± Once inside the restaurant, Eileen apologized to Benjamin. This meal was supposed to be her treat, but not only did they encounter a mishap with the reservation, but they also ended up joining someone else¡¯s table.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. I¡¯ll still be in town for a few more days, so we can always have a meal another time.¡± Benjamin patted her on the shoulder and said with a reassuring smile, ¡°Mr. Dawson was quite protective of you, securing thepensation first before letting us join the meal. Otherwise, you might not have gotten your money back.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s protective of me?¡± Eileen said without hesitation, ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous! He has always hated dirty tricks like that, which is the only reason why he stepped in to make sure we gotpensated.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the difference?¡± Benjaminughed, brushing the topic off nonchntly. The two then fell into tacit silence as they entered the private room. Eileen was about to sit in the corner when Jacob pulled out the chair next to him. ¡°Sit here, Mr. Nash. Let¡¯s drink to our heart¡¯s content tonight!¡±

    ¡°Eileen, you can sit next to me!¡± Phoebe pulled out the chair next to her and waved at Eileen. But next to that seat was Bryan. And the only other avable seat was the one between Z and Raymond. Eileen nced at the empty chair next to Raymond, and Raymond quickly shrugged off his coat and hung it up on the back of that chair. ¡°Ms. Curtis, since you won¡¯t be sitting here, I hope you don¡¯t mind if I use it for my coat.¡±

    With no other choice, Eileen pretended nothing was wrong as she calmly walked over to sit beside Phoebe. As she turned her head to hang her bag on the backrest, her gaze met Bryan¡¯s. He leaned against the back of his chair, his foot resting casually on the cross stretcher of her chair. His shirt sleeves were rolled up, revealing his hands and muscr forearms.

    Eileen couldn¡¯t help but recall those hands, often braced beside her, with veins prominently standing out¡­

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 175

    ?Chapter 175:

    Every time Eileen encountered Bryan, she feltpelled to reconsider their rtionship. Their connection hadrgely been physical over the years, and it seemed he had grown ustomed to just that. In contrast, Eileen had invested both emotionally and physically. No matter how this rtionship would continue, she felt like she would be the one who suffered a loss.

    To manage her feelings, she quickly masked any emotion, maintaining a calm demeanor as if her rtionship with Bryan was just an ordinary former superior-subordinate rtionship. During the meal, Z engaged Benjamin in discussions about the Warren family¡¯s affairs. She conversed with Jacob as well, though she maintained a courteous distance. Her interactions with Bryan appeared more personal; she often leaned closer to whisper something to him. Eileen, trying to stay detached, concentrated on her meal and made small talk with Phoebe.

    Midway through dinner, Z turned the topic to Milford, expressing concern about his challenging nature. She said, ¡°Milford is difficult to manage. I¡¯m not sure Ms. Curtis is the right fit to tutor him, given that she¡¯s a woman and still young.¡± Eileen was initially taken aback by the remark, but upon further reflection on the argument that night, she believed it was reasonable for Z to think this way.

    ¡°Ms. Murray, I appreciate your concern for Milford¡¯s education,¡± Eileen responded thoughtfully. ¡°Since he¡¯s been out of school and is starting academically from the beginning, achieving even a passing grade under these circumstances ismendable. My goal is to impart knowledge that he can internalize, not to impose it through coercion.¡±

    Z¡¯s suggestion that a young woman might not be suitable hinted at her preference for a male tutor, perhaps one physically imposing enough to enforce discipline. But Milford¡¯s response to discipline would only be defiance. He would resist any attempt to control him.

    ¡°Simply aiming for passing grades? Your expectations are too modest. I doubt Milford could secure a spot in one of Onnd¡¯s top high schools in just six months,¡± Z said, unable to abandon her stance.

    As Milford¡¯s sister and legal guardian, Z¡¯s approval was crucial for the tutoring to proceed. Eileen, attempting to reassure Z, exined, ¡°I¡¯m content with Milford¡¯s progress for now, and you¡¯ll need to see more improvement as time proceeds. Mr. Dawson chose me for this role, and I believe he made that decision after careful consideration. But if you remain dissatisfied, perhaps considering another tutor might be an option.¡±

    Latest chapters g@ln¦Òv??ls?c©–m

    Eileen had expressed all she felt necessary. She had mentioned Bryan for a reason, believing that Bryan hadn¡¯t chosen her just because he knew her. She thought Bryan had faith in her qualifications and the reputation of her educational institution.

    Upon hearing Eileen¡¯s defense, Z turned to Bryan, saying, ¡°From what I gather, Ms. Curtiscks professional training. Did you overlook this when choosing her as Milford¡¯s tutor? I¡¯ve mentioned before that my goal is for Milford to boost his grades significantly and swiftly.¡±

    Her words implied that she had evaluated Eileen against other more experienced tutors from esteemed institutions in Wist Land and found hercking. After a brief pause, Bryan told Z, ¡°I trust Eileen¡¯s capabilities. But Milford is your brother. If you think Eileen¡¯s not the right fit to tutor Milford, feel free to choose someone else. There¡¯s no need to discredit her efforts. Remember, we¡¯ve gone through numerous tutors, and she¡¯s the only one who has sessfully engaged Milford in his studies.¡±

    Z didn¡¯t know how to respond to that. Eileen was stunned for a moment, recognizing Bryan¡¯s efforts to defend her. ¡°I¡¯m not discrediting her efforts,¡± Z finally spoke up after a long while.

    ¡°What exactly are you saying, then?¡± Bryan asked. Z paused, searching for the right words, momentarily at a loss. The atmosphere turned tense. Despite being aware of Eileen¡¯s capabilities, no one could confidently assert that she would undoubtedly secure Milford a spot in one of Onnd¡¯s top high schools.

    Eager to avoid making the situation more awkward, Z realized that she could not directly fire Eileen. With a tempered approach, she said, ¡°I apologize if I seemed overly eager for swift progress. Here¡¯s a thought: I¡¯ll publicly seek a new tutor for Milford by holding a test. Ms. Curtis, you¡¯re wee to join alongside representatives from various educational institutions. Your current role as Milford¡¯s tutor will remain confidential.¡±

    Z¡¯s words indicated that she intended to handle the situation tactfully to protect Eileen¡¯s reputation, ensuring that if Eileen did not meet the expected standards, her prior involvement would remain undisclosed. This proposition ced Eileen in a tough spot, making her feel that declining would reflect poorly on her capabilities. Yet, she also felt very ufortable epting it.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen eventually agreed, albeit reluctantly. The meal went on, but the mood had distinctly shifted. Only Z¡¯s demeanor remained unchanged. The meal wrapped up around two in the afternoon, and they got out of the restaurant.

    Eileen watched as Z entered Bryan¡¯s car. Bryan gave a meaningful look to Eileen and Benjamin before leaving. Turning to Benjamin, Eileen said, ¡°I¡¯m heading straight back to the educational institution. What about you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve got some matters to handle,¡± Benjamin replied. The matters required his presence in this city, which meant they must be significant for the Warren Group.

    Realizing that, Eileen didn¡¯t probe further, simply saying, ¡°Let me know before you leave the city.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Benjamin replied. Following their brief exchange, Eileen returned to the educational institution. Although her formal tutoring sessions with Milford had ended, her responsibilities with Adalina awaited.

    Z was serious about finding a new tutor for Milford, and she quickly sent out messages to several educational institutions, requesting each to nominate candidates for the test. She did not borate on the format of the test, focusing instead on attracting top talent with the promise of high sries. This approach made many ordinary tutors hesitant to apply.

    As Eileen continued her tutoring sessions with Adalina, she also needed to prepare for this uing test, probably involving performance assessments that she had encountered before. However, the involvement of multiple institutions this time had sparked significant interest and even attracted the attention of the education department, bing a topic of local news in Wist Land. Sess in this assessment seemed to promise sess in the field of education.

    Phoebe advised Eileen to seek insights from Bryan about the assessment¡¯s potential questions. ¡°He won¡¯t tell me that,¡± Eileen said. She knew Bryan to be a man of principles. Besides, he would likely assist Z in achieving her goals.

    ¡°Just ask him,¡± Phoebe encouraged. ¡°Maybe he will tell you and wholeheartedly help you. Bryan might be the only one who can intervene when Z is this focused on the matter.¡±

    It waste in the evening, just after ten. Eileen had just finished showering when Phoebe talked about this matter with her. After pausing for a moment, Eileen asked, ¡°So, what exactly is the rtionship between Z and Bryan?¡±

    ¡°Couldn¡¯t stop yourself from asking this question, huh?¡± Phoebe teased. ¡°Jacob doesn¡¯t allow me to tell you.¡±

    Jacob, perturbed by Bryan¡¯s earlier remarks about his personal life, felt vindicated. Since Bryan hadn¡¯t told Eileen about his rtionship with Z, Jacob had asked Phoebe not to tell Eileen to make her misunderstand Bryan. Jacob, slower than Bryan to marry, found Bryan¡¯s potential second marriage an awkward reminder of his own marital status. If Bryan got married again sessfully and he remained single, it would indeed be a sore spot for him.

    After hearing Phoebe¡¯s reply, Eileen turned to blow-dry her hair. Once finished, she rxed on the bed and scrolled through her phone. Milford had messaged her these days, puzzled about why she had stopped tutoring him. It appeared that Z hadn¡¯t exined the situation to Milford.

    Eileen told the whole story to Milford and took the opportunity to exin things to him for Z. ¡°Your sister really looks out for you. She might seem a bit impatient for results, but she does it with your best interests at heart. I promise to give my all during the test. If I don¡¯t seed, it simply means there¡¯s someone more fitting to be your tutor. If you get into the prestigious school in Onnd in the future, remember to tell me the good news. Of course, if I pass the test, get ready to be under my guidance for the next six months.¡±

    Eileen had sent this message yesterday. Milford had taken a day to respond, his reply arriving just ten minutes earlier. ¡°I won¡¯t ept any tutor but you.¡± The pressure was on Eileen¡¯s side now. It seemed that she had to put in all her efforts for the test.

    Milford was someone who would stand by hismitments, and Eileen knew she had to seed to ensure he continued his education. The following morning, Eileen woke to find a midnight message from Benjamin stating he would return to Onnd by nine in the morning and inviting her to breakfast at seven. However, realizing it was nearly seven now, Eileen knew she couldn¡¯t make it.

    As she called to tell Benjamin she couldn¡¯t make it, Benjamin replied, ¡°You cane to the airport to see me off.¡± After a brief pause, Eileen agreed. She got changed and left in a hurry. On her way, she passed a shop selling specialty pastries from Wist Land and decided to buy some as a token of gratitude for Benjamin, recognizing that small gestures were her only way to show appreciation, given she couldn¡¯t assist him in other areas.

    By the time Eileen arrived at the airport, it was already half past eight. She found Benjamin on a bench near the ticket checkpoint, checking the time with a nce at his watch. He got up as soon as he saw her. ¡°Sorry, I¡¯mte,¡± Eileen said.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright. I appreciate that you came,¡± Benjamin replied. He then eyed the bags in her hands. ¡°Are these for me?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen said, promptly handing them over. ¡°You¡¯ve been a huge help during my time in Wist Land and before in Onnd. I haven¡¯t really had the chance to thank you properly, so I brought these gifts. I hope you don¡¯t mind.¡±

    Benjamin looked at the gifts but didn¡¯t ept them. He said, ¡°Mr. Dawson has helped you a lot as well. Have you shown your gratitude to him with gifts?¡±

    Benjamin¡¯s sudden mention of Bryan caught Eileen off guard. His words hinted that Eileen had not extended simr gestures to Bryan because she didn¡¯t regard Bryan as someone outside her immediate circle, unlike how she viewed him.

    Benjamin inquired sharply, ¡°Are you and Mr. Dawson a couple now?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Eileen answered straightforwardly.

    ¡°After all this time, do you still have feelings for him?¡± Benjamin seemed to look right through Eileen, despite her belief that their connection wasn¡¯t profoundly deep.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 176

    ?Chapter 176:

    Eileen paused for a few seconds before replying, ¡°This has nothing to do with you.¡±

    ¡°Actually, it does.¡± Benjamin adjusted his sses and stared at his feet in silence for a moment as if he was carefully organizing his thoughts before he could say them out loud.

    He said, ¡°The truth is that I¡¯ve liked you for a long time.¡±

    It was a total curveball, and Eileen was caughtpletely off guard. She was so shocked that she didn¡¯t even know how to react.

    Benjamin continued, ¡°I used to regard you as my number one rival back when we were in college. I didn¡¯t like the fact that someone bested me in academics, especially a girl. That¡¯s why our rtionship wasn¡¯t really good in college.¡±

    Frankly speaking, Benjamin had disliked Eileen back in the day. It didn¡¯t help that her career had practically soared right after graduation. In just a matter of three years, she had managed to be the special assistant of Bryan.

    Benjamin, on the other hand, had be Kian¡¯s assistant after toiling for four years. It was just a year¡¯s worth of difference, but it was still a bitter pill to swallow for Benjamin.

    The entire time, Benjamin had been convinced that he hated Eileen¡¯s guts. But when she had gone against Kian, he had always found himself supporting her for some reason.

    Benjamin¡¯s voice was calm when he said, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if you have feelings for Mr. Dawson. I trust in your intelligence. You should understand your ce and the gap between the two of you. Even someone like Vivian is unable to marry into the Dawson family, let alone someone like you.¡±

    Benjamin was well aware that Eileen¡¯s affectionsy elsewhere, so he decided to be pragmatic in his efforts to persuade her. He continued, ¡°You and I, on the other hand¡­ We¡¯re from the same world. If you are open to giving it a chance, we can try dating each other. Don¡¯t worry; once we are a couple, Kian will never trouble you again. I¡¯d even resign and relocate to Wist Land, or you can return to Onnd if that¡¯s easier for you.¡±

    He had prepared this confession for a long time and had even considered their future. As for Eileen, her mind got caught on one particr sentence: ¡°We¡¯re from the same world.¡±

    Find what you love at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    It made her ponder, but not about her and Benjamin. Rather, it made her wonder how easy things would have been if Bryan were just an ordinary person like her. Sadly, it was all wishful thinking.

    ¡°Is this a love confession or a horror story?¡± a cold voice suddenly came.

    Bryan was leaning against the wall, an unlit cigarette between his fingers. He looked irritable, presumably because he was in a non-smoking area.

    He approached them. His gaze was sharp and almost murderous as it settled on Benjamin. ¡°You think I¡¯m not from the same world as Eileen? Just how many worlds are there? Are you and Eileen from the underworld or what?¡±

    Benjamin shifted awkwardly on his feet. He could feel that Bryan¡¯s hostility toward him was evident.

    Bryan didn¡¯t wait for him to say anything and turned his narrowed eyes in Eileen¡¯s direction. ¡°With your penchant for trouble, do you honestly think this man can protect you?¡±

    His words were incredibly cruel. Eileen flushed in a mix of anger and embarrassment. ¡°Why are you here?¡± she asked.

    ¡°What? Did I interrupt you two?¡± Bryan said sarcastically.

    He fixed Eileen with a gaze so intense that she thought he would devour her there and then.

    A heavy silence fell over the three, only to be broken by an announcement calling for passengers to board the flight bound for Onnd.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be going now,¡± Benjamin finally said. ¡°I¡¯ll message youter.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen replied, eager to see Benjamin off and break the strange atmosphere.

    She watched Benjamin until he disappeared through the boarding gates, then turned to look at Bryan. Only then did she notice the small suitcase beside him.

    ¡°Are you going on a business trip?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Just got back.¡± Bryan¡¯s response was curt. He strode away with a stern look on his face, dragging the suitcase.

    Eileen followed him. They exited the airport together, then went on their separate ways. It had been days since that meal when they hadst seen each other.

    Neither their professional nor personal lives were intertwined, so they had no reason to run into each other. Soon enough, Bryan would return to Onnd, and they would both carry on with their lives. At least, that was what Eileen thought.

    But that evening, when she came home after her tutoring lessons with Adalina, she found Bryan waiting at her ce.

    Phoebe, who was supposed to be at home, was nowhere to be seen. Eileen had just stepped through the door and was in the process of closing it when her eyes fell on Bryan. She froze as she took in the sight of him, lounging on the sofa, his hair still damp from a fresh shower.

    Bryan turned at the sound of her arrival. ¡°Close the door,¡± he said.

    That snapped Eileen back to her senses, and she shut the door behind her. Her mind was racing. What was Bryan doing here? Was he nning to¡­ sell himself to her again? But she wasn¡¯t interested in continuing that kind of rtionship with him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk, Eileen.¡± Bryan put a cigarette in his mouth and lit it. He kept his gaze on her. She had yet to move from where she stood. Frowning, he walked over to her and pulled her to sit beside him on the sofa.

    ¡°Talk about what?¡± Eileen asked. ¡°About you selling yourself to me again? I¡¯m not buying. I¡¯m all out of money, sorry.¡±

    Bryan wasn¡¯t sure whether he was amused or annoyed. ¡°That¡¯s not what I want to talk about. Do you really think I¡¯m that desperate for money?¡±

    Eileen swallowed the lump in her throat. When she spoke again, her voice was a little strained. ¡°So you just want to sleep with me? Still not interested. I don¡¯t want to continue that kind of rtionship.¡±

    ¡°Is that so? What kind of rtionship would you like us to have, then?¡± Bryan¡¯s voice was maic, and with wisps of smoke floating around him, he was the picture of masculine temptation.

    He was leading her, trying to get her to say what he wanted to hear, and they both knew it. Eileen wasn¡¯t about to fall for it. She looked away from him and said with resolve, ¡°I don¡¯t want to have any rtionship with you.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 177

    ?Chapter 177:

    Eileen believed Benjamin had a solid point¡ªgetting involved with Bryan would do her no good.

    ¡°None whatsoever?¡± Bryan said, his voice charged with coiled rage that was waiting to be sprung free.

    Eileen instinctively shot to her feet and fled to her room. ¡°That¡¯s right, so you should leave my ce now!¡±

    She was already inside her room by the time she finished speaking, but she wasn¡¯t fast enough to close the door. In the blink of an eye, Bryan was there, grabbing the edge of the door, the muscles in his forearms bulging as he pushed it wide open.

    Then, he caught her by the wrist and pinned her against the wall. His other hand cupped her chin and forced her to look at him.

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t allow that,¡± he said.

    Eileen was no match against his strength. She felt regretful now. She wished that she had never gotten involved with him in the first ce. Even if she tried her best, he would not let her go. She was sick and tired of feeling helpless as others took control of her life.

    ¡°What? You just can¡¯t control yourself before me? Get on with it, then. You know I can¡¯t stop you, anyway,¡± Eileen said. Her tone was dripping with mockery, both toward herself and Bryan.

    Bryan took a slow, shaky breath. He abruptly released her chin and undid the top two buttons of her shirt. His cool fingertips swept across her corbone before sliding down to her heart. ¡°It¡¯s not just your body I want. I want your heart, too!¡± he said.

    Eileen was too rational. In the three years of their affair, she had never once crossed a boundary he had set. But Benjamin¡¯s words had rattled Bryan.

    He was particrly worried that Eileen might fixate on the idea that she would never be worthy of him, that the difference in their social status was something that could never be breached. If she let it get into her head and decided to sever all ties with him once and for all, all his efforts this past year would be in vain.

    Feel inspired by g¦Á ?¦Ç ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s,

    Bryan had soldiered through adversity and pressure from the shareholders of the Apex Group just to establish the project in Wist Land. Now that they had cut off funding, if he lost Eileen as well¡­ What was the point of it all? He had done it all for Eileen.

    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± Eileen asked.

    He wanted her heart? She could only think of two possible exnations¡ªeither he wanted her life or he actually liked her. She was more inclined to believe the first exnation, as she had never even considered the second one before.

    ¡°Do I need to spell it out for you?¡± Bryan grumbled impatiently, but when he saw the slight quiver in her lips, he softened his tone. ¡°Be with me, Eileen.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s words struck Eileen like lightning from the sky. People had been telling her how good Bryan was to her, that he always protected her, that he was devoted to her. But she had never believed them.

    But to hear ite from Bryan¡¯s own mouth now¡­ It was surreal, but she could no longer deny it. She blinked the shock away and let reason take over. ¡°But I don¡¯t deserve to even stand next to you. Your family will never agree to us being together.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s expression darkened, and he pinched her chin again. ¡°So you let all that nonsense Benjamin spouted get to you, huh? I thought you were smart. Are you seriously going to give up your own happiness for the sake of social norms?¡±

    Then, he seemed to think of something and asked, ¡°Just answer this one question¡ªdo you like me or not?¡± He was still pinning her against the wall, caging her in with hisrge frame. They were so close to each other that his hot breath was fanning her cheeks.

    Was this Bryan¡¯s love confession?

    ¡°Well?¡± Bryan said, his voice rising in frustration. ¡°Why the hell aren¡¯t you answering me?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen blurted out. ¡°Yes, I like you¡­ Maybe.¡±

    ¡°Maybe? Drop the ¡®maybe¡¯!¡± With thatmand, Bryan released her and ced his hands on her waist.

    Eileen didn¡¯t think anymore and just spoke her heart. ¡°Yes, I do like you.¡±

    The next thing she knew, Bryan¡¯s lips had crashed into hers, and she was backed into the wall again as his kiss deepened. She didn¡¯t even have time to be surprised or embarrassed; hepletely took control.

    For Bryan, things were different now. The sex between them was no longer just a transaction; emotions were involved. Bryan¡¯s heart was soaring. Atst, his feelings had been reciprocated. His days of wallowing in unrequited love were gone.

    He lifted Eileen into his arms and carried her over to the bed. His actions were urgent yet gentle at the same time. It was Eileen who pulled back and pressed a hand against his chest. ¡°Wait. Don¡¯t you think we¡¯re moving too fast?¡±

    ¡°Are you kidding me?¡± Bryan huffed, ring at her. They had both confessed and confirmed their rtionship. Why would she think sleeping with him was moving too fast?

    Eileen suddenly realized how ridiculous she sounded, but she couldn¡¯t shake off the feeling that things were moving too fast. His confession hade out of nowhere, hers had practically been forced out of her, and now they were a couple?

    ¡°Focus,¡± Bryan whispered, nipping at the crook of her shoulder. No matter what, he wasn¡¯t going to let her downy their rtionship again.

    Slowly, Eileen¡¯s wandering thoughts were tethered back to the present, where shey in bed, in Bryan¡¯s arms.

    ¡°Eileen¡­¡± The way he called her name made her feel an exquisite kind of pleasure. All through the night, the sounds of their lovemaking filled the room, leaking through the bedroom door they had forgotten to close. By the time they were done, Eileen was exhausted. She closed her eyes and instantly fell asleep.

    Bryan, on the other hand, was wide awake. He held her in his arms and couldn¡¯t stop smiling. As sunlight filtered through the window, Bryan woke up to the ringing of his phone on the nightstand. Eileen stirred in his arms, her brows furrowing.

    Bryan quickly grabbed his phone, intending to hang up. But then, he saw Jacob¡¯s name shing on the screen. ¡°Make it quick,¡± Bryan said in a hushed voice, answering the call.

    ¡°Let¡¯s meet up,¡± Jacob said, sounding urgent. ¡°I have news about the White family¡¯s broken financial chain.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 178

    ?Chapter 178:

    ¡°I can¡¯t go out now. Just tell me on the phone,¡± Bryan replied, his voice barely above a whisper, careful not to disturb Eileen¡¯s sleep.

    ¡°You had me look into the White family¡¯s finances, and the investment mess has been sorted, so why hole up at home? It¡¯ste. Aren¡¯t you up yet?¡± Jacob said, chiding Bryan.

    ¡°I was up all night. I need to sleep in,¡± Bryan mumbled, his voice low and raspy in the darkened room. The undertone of satisfaction in his voice was unmistakable to Jacob. He added, ¡°You just don¡¯t get it.¡±

    Jacob paused, realization dawning on him. ¡°Did you sleep with Eileen against night? Stop taking advantage of her. You know, sooner orter, you¡¯re going to¡­¡±

    Bryan had been intimate with Eileen without admitting they were an item. Jacob was certain it would backfire eventually. But he cut himself off, choosing not to warn Bryan further. If Bryan truly won Eileen over and they ended up married, Jacob would be left without anyone on his side.

    ¡°I¡¯m not taking advantage of her. We love each other. It¡¯s all consensual,¡± Bryan replied, his arms tightening around Eileen, his heart swelling with affection.

    ¡°You love each other¡­¡± Jacob was at a loss for words.

    Bryan¡¯s smile widened. ¡°Hasn¡¯t Phoebe gone to meet you yet? Keep her away from Eileen¡¯s ce for now.¡±

    ¡°Damn!¡± Jacob cursed under his breath, his frustration mounting. It turned out Bryan had technically kicked Phoebe out of Eileen¡¯s ce. Jacob was puzzled. Why hadn¡¯t Phoebee to him?

    ¡°You jerk, Bryan Dawson! I¡¯ll be waiting for you at the club at eight tonight. If you don¡¯t show up, you will never learn about what happened to the White family¡¯s finances¡­¡± Jacob ranted a bit more before hanging up.

    As Bryan held Eileen close, her lips were pressed against his chest. She suddenly opened her eyes. Her curlyshes fluttered against his skin. Bryan rxed his grip slightly and looked at her. ¡°Did I wake you?¡±

    L?t??¦Ó c§ß¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?l?.??????

    ¡°Mmm.¡± Eileenid her hand on his waist, their bodies melding together under the nket. She was still in a daze, his words from the night before asking them to be together echoing in her mind. She looked up at him, her eyes drawn to the gentle movement of his Adam¡¯s apple.

    Bryan asked, ¡°Feeling hungry? I¡¯ll get us something to eat.¡±

    They had spent the entire night lost in each other, and Eileen was famished now. Shifting to lie on her back, she answered, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m starving. Go ahead.¡±

    Bryan caught her arm, turning her to face him. With a dissatisfied expression, he inquired, ¡°So I should go just like this?¡±

    ¡°What else? You used to cook for me all the time,¡± Eileen replied. ¡°Now that we¡¯re together, do you want to stop doing that? Do you expect me to cook for you now?¡±

    She knew Bryan was all too aware of her disastrous attempts at cooking. She herself believed she was no chef. That was probably why Bryan always insisted on cooking himself after they made love the night before, his way of sparing himself from her kitchen experiments.

    ¡°You¡¯re not going to reward me for cooking for you?¡± Bryan said, looking at her earnestly.

    Eileen caught on immediately. She lifted her head, locking eyes with him briefly before tenderly pecking his lips. As she started to pull away, he drew her closer, encircling her waist with his arm. Their lips met once more, this time with renewed intensity. Bryan deepened the kiss as his breath quickened.

    They had barely rested, catching less than three hours of sleep after a night of passionate lovemaking. Eileen sensed Bryan¡¯s reaction and let out a soft moan in protest. She felt utterly drained now. Although they had indulged in all-night lovemaking before, Bryan had been different this time. He had urged her to be more cooperative, leaving herpletely spent.

    ¡°You can catch some more sleep,¡± Bryan said, stopping and controlling himself, wary of irritating her. He then slipped out of bed, rummaging through closets for his clothes. As he searched, his gaze asionally flicked back to Eileen, who seemed to feel a pang of guilt under his scrutiny.

    Eileen had half-expected him to leave for good before, but instead of discarding his clothes, she had found herself wanting to keep them as keepsakes. Bryan eventually retrieved his clothes from a box in the corner, dressing himself while giving Eileen a look. Eileen feltpelled to offer an exnation. ¡°I was worried others would see them,¡± she said.

    ¡°I¡¯ll let it slide this time,¡± Bryan replied, his tone forgiving. After he got dressed, he exited the bedroom, making his way to the kitchen. With the bedroom door ajar, Eileen could hear the sounds of Bryan preparing the meal, the reality of the previous night sinking in. It hadn¡¯t been a dream; they had be a couple.

    Eileen found herself questioning whether her choice had been the right one. Yet, she knew such issues weren¡¯t simply ck and white. She had once made a promise to Ste to marry Bryan, a decision that simrly defied simple categorization of right or wrong.

    At that moment, Phoebe¡¯s message popped up on her phone. ¡°Give me an exnation tonight, Eileen.¡± It seemed Jacob had spilled something to Phoebe. Ignoring the urge to respond, Eileen shook off her fatigue and got out of bed. She slipped into a nightgown and headed for a shower.

    With Christmas nearing, the evening air in Wist Land carried a chill, which was why Eileen and Bryan hadn¡¯t opened the window the previous night. They had sweated profusely during their sex, leaving Eileen¡¯s hair damp and tangled.

    Twenty minutester, Eileen stepped out of the bathroom, greeted by the inviting aroma of food that filled the apartment. At the dining table, Eileen sat down before a bowl of warm soup.

    ¡°Go ahead and eat. I¡¯ll take a shower first,¡± Bryan said, removing his apron. He ran his fingers through her hair, leaned closer, and kissed her forehead.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 179

    ?Chapter 179:

    He smiled softly, then turned to hang up his apron and headed for the bathroom. Every dish on the table was among Eileen¡¯s favorites. Starving, she savored each bite.

    After Bryan showered, he came back and took a seat beside Eileen. He peeled a boiled egg and gently ced it on her te. ¡°Will you head over to the educational agencyter?¡± he inquired.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen responded, nodding. ¡°I need to get two presentations ready. Tonight, I¡¯m tutoring at the Vance¡¯s.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. ¡°I¡¯ll give you a ride.¡±

    Eileen seemed preupied, likely absorbed in the day¡¯s schedule. Bryan realized they probably wouldn¡¯t see each other again until tonight. Eileen bit into the egg and uttered through her mouthful, ¡°No, thanks. I¡¯ll drive myself and get back on my own tonight.¡±

    She liked doing things on her own; it was more convenient. Before they were together, she had managed her dailymute alone. Now that they were together, she preferred maintaining that independence.

    However, Bryan felt differently. He wished he could dismiss Raymond and bring Eileen back to work as his special assistant now. That way, they could spend time together, easily catching glimpses of each other throughout the day.

    ¡°Let me drive you,¡± he insisted, his tone firm.

    Eileen eventually conceded. ¡°Okay, but let¡¯s keep it lowkey. I don¡¯t want everyone to know we¡¯re together so soon.¡±

    Even though many people were aware that Bryan was dating a home tutor, Eileen¡¯s colleagues at the educational agency were still in the dark.

    g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s, home to the best fiction

    ¡°Except for Jacob, it¡¯s up to you whether or not you want to let others in on our rtionship,¡± Bryan said.

    Bryan knew his own situation was delicate; his rtionship with Eileen was not yet ready for public revtion. But he would not keep Eileen waiting too long. He ate little, spending most of the time ensuring Eileen had everything she needed. Noticing something on her lips, he gently wiped it away with a napkin.

    After some thought, Bryan decided to meet Jacob after he dropped Eileen off at work. He tried calling Jacob in the afternoon but couldn¡¯t get through. So he drove straight to Jacob¡¯s apartment.

    He knocked on the door and immediately heard Jacob swearing as he approached. ¡°Who the hell is bothering me now?¡± Jacob grumbled, clutching the waistband of his pants, his torso bare and a fresh scratch visible on his neck. Scattered from the porch to the stairs were high heels, a dress, and lingerie. They were clearly signs of a hasty romantic encounter.

    It was clear to Bryan what Jacob had been up to. Cutting to the chase, Bryan said, ¡°If you want to continue what you were doing just now, tell me who¡¯s messing with the White family¡¯s finances directly.¡±

    Bryan stood at the entrance, resting against the door frame instead of going inside. His gaze drifted over Jacob¡¯s lower body with cool detachment. He let out a dismissive snort.

    Jacob shifted uneasily. ¡°Weren¡¯t we supposed to meet up tonight?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t make it tonight.¡± Bryan had obligations. He would be driving Eileen to the Vance¡¯s house and wouldn¡¯t be back untilte. Besides, he found the idea of spending his evening with Jacob far less appealing than other activities.

    ¡°Forget it then!¡± Jacob snapped, his frustration evident as he clenched his jaw. ¡°Kian is the one who¡¯s been messing with the White family¡¯s finances. Benjamin has been here to deal with this recently.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°I see. Enjoy yourselves then,¡± he said, turning away to leave. He strode back to his car, and after buckling up, he dialed Raymond¡¯s number.

    ¡°Check what has been going on with the Warren family,¡± hemanded as soon as the call connected.

    ¡°What?¡± Raymond sounded taken aback. ¡°We¡¯re in Wist Land now. Why investigate the Warren family all of a sudden?¡±

    ¡°Just do it,¡± Bryan snapped. ¡°And cut the back talk. Do you still want your job or not?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m on it,¡± Raymond replied hastily. He hung up the phone, his mind swirling with confusion. An uneasy feeling settled in his gut. Somehow, he felt he might be fired soon, although he couldn¡¯t think of anything he had done wrong.

    Eileen stepped into her office at one in the afternoon and immediately started preparing her presentations. It typically took her half an hour to put together one, and today, she managed to record two back-to-back. After finishing, she nced at her phone and noticed a message from Bryan that hade in forty minutes ago.

    ¡°When are you heading to Vance¡¯s tonight? I¡¯ll pick you up at the educational agency and give you a ride.¡±

    Eileen had already arranged to carpool with a coworker to Vance¡¯s, intending to save Bryan the trouble. She quickly texted him back to let him know. Barely two seconds after sending her reply, her phone rang. It was Bryan calling.

    ¡°Who¡¯s giving you a ride? Is it a man or a woman?¡± he asked directly.

    For a brief moment, Eileen¡¯s mind went nk. Realizing something, she quickly said, ¡°I was just joking. Actually, I¡¯ve had a change in schedule with Adanna. I¡¯ll be there at five and head home by seven.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll see you at five. Wait for me,¡± Bryan responded without hesitation.

    Relieved, Eileen let out a sigh. ¡°Okay, see you then.¡±

    ¡°Wait a second.¡± Bryan¡¯s voice carried a hint of irritation over the phone. ¡°Eileen, are you reporting work to me or talking to your boyfriend?¡±

    Her reply came off as formal and detached, more suited to a business exchange than a personal conversation. Eileen never liked to be too affectionate. Perhaps she had been lovey-dovey subconsciously before, but she couldn¡¯t do it now that Bryan had directly asked her to.

    ¡°I¡¯m actually busy right now,¡± Eileen admitted softly, her voice tenderer than before.

    ¡°I¡¯ll let you off for now. Looks like you have some practice to do once you get home,¡± Bryan said seriously before ending the call, a smile curling his lips.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 180

    ?Chapter 180:

    How should she practice? This question lingered in Eileen¡¯s mind all afternoon. At five o¡¯clock, she received a message from Bryan, informing her that he had arrived. Following Eileen¡¯s strict instruction, Bryan had parked his car around the corner on the next street.

    After reading the message, Eileen grabbed her bag and hurried down the stairs just as it was time to leave work. Descending with a few colleagues, she locked the door and exchanged farewells with them in front of the educational agency. She wore a ck wool coat, a shirt, and a knee-length skirt that highlighted her long legs.

    The temperature in Wist Land varied significantly between day and night. She had to wear her coat in the morning but take it off by noon. Running her fingers through her hair, she dashed across the street. She quickly spotted Bryan¡¯s car parked by the roadside.

    Bryan, dressed in a suit, was smoking beside the car. He stood tall, with his angr features evident. His presence perfectlyplemented the luxury car beside him. Many women nced his way. With the sun behind him, his face was hard for Eileen to see when he turned his head. He flicked the cigarette butt into the trash can and walked toward Eileen.

    Stopping in front of her, he used both hands to straighten her coat. ¡°Get in the car.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Eileen¡¯s voice softened, sounding much gentler than she had been on the phone before. But Bryan remained dissatisfied. He opened the door for her and then went around to the driver¡¯s seat. He knew the route to the Vance family¡¯s house. He started the engine, and the car merged into traffic. Before he could say anything, Eileen¡¯s phone rang.

    Eileen slid her finger across the screen to answer. The call was from a male coworker at the educational agency, a married man in his thirties.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, where are you? Didn¡¯t we agree that I would drive you to your student¡¯s home?¡±

    After ending the call with Bryan in the afternoon, Eileen had been preupied with thoughts of how to practice tonight and had forgotten to tell her colleague she wouldn¡¯t need him to drive her to tutor her student today.

    G a lno v els  is packed with thrilling adventures

    Inside the car, it was quiet enough for Bryan to hear Eileen¡¯s colleague clearly. He nced at her. So that was her idea of ¡®joking¡¯?

    ¡°Thank you, but I¡¯ll manage on my own this time,¡± Eileen replied to her colleague.

    Thinking Eileen was just being polite, her colleague persisted, saying, ¡°Ms. Curtis, it¡¯s no trouble for me to drive you there. I¡¯m heading in the same direction anyway, and it¡¯ll save you the hassle and expense of taking a taxi or public transport.¡±

    ¡°Actually, my friend has already picked me up¡­¡± Eileen began.

    The mention of ¡®friend¡¯ seemed to chill the atmosphere in the car instantly.

    After a brief pause, Eileen corrected herself and said, ¡°Actually, it¡¯s my boyfriend.¡± Eileen¡¯s colleague dismissed her exnation. ¡°Ms. Curtis, I understand you¡¯re being polite, but there¡¯s no need for such excuses.¡± The colleague teased Eileen a bit and hung up the phone.

    After the call ended, Eileen turned to look at Bryan innocently and said, ¡°I¡¯ve told him the truth. He just doesn¡¯t believe me.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. He¡¯ll believe it tomorrow,¡± Bryan replied with a meaningful tone.

    Eileen didn¡¯t know what he meant by that, but she didn¡¯t continue the topic. She asked, ¡°What will you do after dropping me off at the Vance family¡¯s ce? I¡¯ll stay there for two hours.¡± It would take him an hour to return home ande back for her again. But she believed he wouldn¡¯t just stay there and wait for her.

    ¡°I have a meeting with Denzel. It¡¯ll also take about two hours,¡± Bryan said. Before, Gilbert had asked Denzel to tell Bryan about the financial matter. So now, it would be appropriate for Bryan to talk about the matter with Denzel. Bryan had arranged this with Denzel in advance. As Bryan arrived with Eileen, Denzel was already waiting at the door.

    Upon seeing Eileen step out of Bryan¡¯s car, Denzel was momentarily taken aback but quickly regained hisposure. ¡°Mr. Dawson, Ms. Curtis, pleasee in,¡± Denzel greeted them. Several people in the kitchen were bustling around, preparing dinner.

    Seeing this, Bryan said, ¡°No need to trouble yourselves. We won¡¯t be staying for dinner.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Mr. Dawson. I have the staff prepare dinner already. But I received your call a tadte; they couldn¡¯t procure the finest ingredients,¡± Denzel replied. Despite Bryan¡¯s earlier call saying that they would leave after Eileen¡¯s tutoring session, Denzel had had the kitchen prepare dinner.

    Denzel said warmly, ¡°We can share a meal together after Ms. Curtis¡¯s tutoring session.¡± His hospitality made it hard for Bryan and Eileen to decline. But Eileen felt it was inappropriate to dine at the Vance family¡¯s house as a tutor.

    As for Bryan, he simply preferred to have dinner with Eileen alone, finding thepany of many people bothersome. ¡°It¡¯s fine if you two don¡¯t dine here,¡± Ryann chimed in, shooting a nce at Denzel. ¡°Mr. Dawson and Ms. Curtis are busy. Let¡¯s not push it.¡±

    After a moment¡¯s pause, Denzel grasped her implication. ¡°Ah, of course. We¡¯ll discuss thister. Ms. Curtis, please proceed upstairs for the ss.¡±

    Feeling a bit flustered, Eileen maintained herposure as best as she could, offering a smile before swiftly heading upstairs. This was the eighth ss Eileen had conducted for Adalina alone since Milford quit her ss. She noticed Adalina¡¯s mood deteriorating day by day.

    Upon entering the room, she caught sight of Adalina hiding something under the table. Choosing not to address it immediately, Eileen sat down beside Adalina.

    ¡°What are you going to teach me today, Ms. Curtis?¡± Adalina spoke first, attempting to cover up her uneasiness.

    Putting her bag aside, Eileen said, ¡°Let¡¯s start with a chat.¡± She rubbed her temples, showing signs of fatigue. ¡°I¡¯ve been quite busytely and feeling a bit tired. How about you? Are you worn out from having lessons at home every day after school?¡±

    Adalina nodded. ¡°Yes, but I think it¡¯s worth it for the sake of getting into a good high school.¡±

    Hearing this, Eileen smiled and said, ¡°You¡¯ll definitely ace the exams. If Milford keeps up his studies, he¡¯ll do well, too. But¡­¡± Eileen trailed off, her expression troubled. Noticing that, Adalina asked, ¡°What happened to Milford, Ms. Curtis? Why isn¡¯t he attending the tutoring sessions anymore?¡±

    After the altercation that day, Adalina had had a sinking feeling, and it turned out Milford had indeed stopped attending the tutoring sessions after that incident.

    ¡°Milford¡¯s sister didn¡¯t approve of my tutoring methods, so I stopped tutoring him for now. But he¡¯ll definitely continue receiving tutoring sessions; it¡¯s just I¡¯m not sure if his tutor will be me,¡± Eileen exined, realizing that Adalina¡¯s low spirits were because of Milford.

    After a moment of contemtion, she reassured Adalina, ¡°With your abilities, you stand a good chance of getting into a top high school in Wist Land. Just keep up the hard work. Don¡¯t worry about Milford.¡±

    ¡°No, Ms. Curtis,¡± Adalina said. ¡°My mother mentioned that my father might be transferred next year, possibly to Onnd. So I¡¯ll probably attend high school there.¡±

    This news concerned Eileen. Getting into a top high school in Onnd wouldn¡¯t be easy.

    ¡°My grades aren¡¯t great, but my father believes my other talents can secure my ce in a top high school there. Of course, I¡¯ll keep studying hard,¡± Adalina added, expressing her insecurities about not being as academically gifted as Milford. However, she harbored a desire to attend the same high school as him.

    Understanding Adalina¡¯s sentiments, Eileenforted her with a reassuring pat on the back. ¡°Your father is right. While your talents help, it¡¯s still crucial for you to study hard. Let¡¯s get started with the lesson now.¡±

    Encouraged, Adalina approached the lesson with renewed determination. Two hourster, the tutoring session was over. When Eileen descended the stairs, Bryan had just finished his conversation with Denzel.

    Bryan had removed his coat, leaving only a ck shirt on, his face enveloped in smoke. Spotting Eileen, he quickly stood up and grabbed his coat. ¡°Mr. Vance, I need your assistance in discussing matters with the White family. I hope my suggestions can aid them in oveing their current challenges.¡±

    Denzel agreed, escorting Eileen and Bryan to the door alongside Ryann. ¡°Sure!¡± Denzel said, leading them out. Eileen and Bryan bid farewell to Denzel and Ryann before driving off.

    The breeze tousled Eileen¡¯s hair through the half-open car window, prompting Bryan to adjust it, leaving it slightly open. ¡°Is that better?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Eileen smoothed her hair and asked, ¡°Are you nning to assist the White family?¡± If the White family¡¯s financial situation faltered, they would require a new investment source. But where would Bryan procure such a substantial amount of capital? Besides, Eileen was also curious as to where Bryan got his project¡¯s investment.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have that much money, but there are avenues to explore. Since my arrival in Wist Land hasn¡¯t been long, fostering a good rtionship with the White family could prove beneficial in the future,¡± Bryan replied.

    Bryan clearly contemted settling in Wist Land. This revtion surprised Eileen. ¡°Are you considering establishing your business here? Aren¡¯t you returning to Onnd?¡± she asked.

    Bryan emitted a puzzled hum through his nose before meeting her gaze. ¡°Are you nning to return to Onnd?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely not,¡± Eileen replied without hesitation. The favorable climate in Wist Land was conducive to Ruby¡¯s recovery. She didn¡¯t anticipate returning for at least another year.

    Bryan furrowed his brow, scrutinizing her. ¡°Then what will you do if I decide to pursue opportunities in Onnd instead of staying in Wist Land?¡± Although his inquiry seemed rational, it struck Eileen as odd.

    She said, ¡°In that case, we¡¯d maintain a long-distance rtionship¡­¡± She didn¡¯t perceive it as a significant issue. However, before she could finish, Bryan interjected firmly, ¡°That won¡¯t happen.¡±

    Having endured unrequited love for an entire year, Bryan was resolute in hismitment now that they had confessed their feelings.

    ¡°Many couples nowadays manage long-distance rtionships, and some even live separately after marriage. That¡¯s not a big deal,¡± Eileen spoke honestly, drawing from the experiences of several colleagues at her education agency.

    ¡°I¡¯m simply expressing my stance to you,¡± Bryan said decisively. The funding for the project in Wist Land had been cut off by the Apex Group, and Bryan found himself in conflict with his father, leaving Eileen feeling uneasy. Despite her concerns, Eileen refrained from probing too much, seeing that Bryan appeared fine.

    The pair stopped at a nearby shopping mall, stocking up on food ingredients that filled the fridge with tworge bags of groceries. Eileen could sense from Bryan¡¯s demeanor that he intended to stay for an extended period. This reminded her that Phoebe had asked her to exin things tonight. But where would Phoebe live if she returned?

    As Bryan prepared dinner, Eileen took a quick shower and tossed yesterday¡¯s clothes into the washing machine. Previously, she hadn¡¯t felt the house was small, but with Bryan in the kitchen, the house suddenly seemed cramped. The idea of moving to arger house crossed her mind, especially with Ruby¡¯s imminent discharge from the hospital after her treatment.

    While she was lost in thought, her phone pinged abruptly; it was a WhatsApp message from Benjamin. ¡°I¡¯ve just returned to Onnd recently, and I¡¯ve been quite busy. Have you given it any thought?¡± Benjamin was referring to the moment at the airport when he had asked her to be his girlfriend. Eileen felt a pang of guilt as she nced up, only to find Bryan standing beside her, his eyes clouded with a somber expression, fixed on her phone.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 181

    ?Chapter 181:

    Eileen nned to ignore Benjamin¡¯s message and put her phone away. However, the man beside her made a casual remark that disrupted her thoughts. ¡°You should reply to the message; it¡¯d be rude not to,¡± Bryan said calmly.

    Bryan thought since Eileen had read the message, it would be rude not to reply. Besides, he believed she should know how to respond to that. His demeanor suggested indifference as he adjusted the dishes on the table.

    Despite his nonchnt demeanor, his gaze remained fixed on her phone, betraying his underlying interest. It was clear that responding to Benjamin¡¯s message couldn¡¯t be postponed any longer.

    The reason Eileen hesitated to reply in front of Bryan was that she didn¡¯t want to tell Benjamin anything about her current rtionship with Bryan, wary of any information reaching Kian. It wasn¡¯t rooted in fear but rather in caution; it was wise to tread carefully.

    However, omitting any mention of her rtionship with Bryan in her reply might not suffice to satisfy him. Eileen cast a nce at Bryan, realizing she had no choice but to respond to Benjamin¡¯s message with him watching. So, she did.

    ¡°Seek mutual affection, not just favorable circumstances.¡± This had always been her guiding principle.

    After sending the message, she peeked up, watching Bryan¡¯s reaction. His eyes scanned the screen briefly before he disappeared into the kitchen. Then, he returned, carrying cutlery in silence and taking his seat. Was this his subtle way of saying he was satisfied with Eileen¡¯s reply?

    Feeling resigned, Eileen settled down to eat alongside him. Then, a thought struck her. ¡°I¡¯m gearing up for Z¡¯s test this weekend. I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ll pass,¡± she said.

    ¡°With your skills, you¡¯ll ace it,¡± Bryan replied, oozing confidence in her abilities.

    ¡°Thanks, but I still get nervous thinking about it. I know I¡¯ll have to put in all my efforts in theing days,¡± Eileen said. This was her way of saying that she wanted to go to bed earlier in the future, at least not wasting half the morning catching up on sleep like today.

    Uncover your next adventure at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    Bryan paused, his fork suspended in mid-air. With a subtle lift of his eyelids, he said, ¡°Your worry is kind of pointless, don¡¯t you think? Save your thoughts for stuff that actually matters.¡±

    Was he implying that she needed to focus on him instead? Eileen considered his words, then asked with a serious tone, ¡°But considering we¡¯re already together, is it really necessary for me to make extra efforts for you? Seems like it would be a waste of time.¡±

    After all, she wasn¡¯t striving to win his favor, pursue him, or captivate his attention any longer¡­

    Bryan found himself at a loss for words. He knitted his brows together, his dark eyes fixed on Eileen, anger burning within him.

    ¡°I was just kidding!¡± Eileen, skilled at deciphering emotions, broke into a smile, trying to lighten Bryan¡¯s mood. The sparkle in her eyes betrayed her yful nature.

    Now that they were together, she feltfortable enough to tease Bryan, revealing more of her true self. Bryan didn¡¯t mind; he believed he could change her more in the future.

    Eileen made her way to the balcony to hang up theundry right after she finished eating. Afterward, she engaged in a lengthy conversation with Phoebe over the phone. Phoebe¡¯s curiosity led her to express a desire to meet up and discuss Eileen¡¯s rtionship with Bryan in person.

    But how could Eileen possibly find the time to meet with Phoebe amidst her busy schedule? Despite Eileen¡¯s reservations, Phoebe decided to pay Eileen a visit at the education center the following day, unable to contain her curiosity any longer.

    Eileen had interpreted Bryan¡¯s remark about wasting time on the test as a jest, assuming he would understand her perspective. However, reality revealed that the notion of understanding her still eluded him.

    As moonlight gently filtered into the room, casting faint shadows across the floor, Eileen found herself attempting to keep quiet due to the poor soundproofing. Yet, Bryan deliberately made her lose control, coaxing out sounds from her. He said, ¡°That¡¯s exactly what I want to hear.¡±

    If only she had expressed herself to him with the same emotion during the day, perhaps it wouldn¡¯t have required so much effort for him to guide her now. His firm grasp enveloped her soft fingers, creating an unmistakable bond between them. His uncontrolled growls only served to intensify the sexual tension within the room.

    He was mindful of her limits this time, not pushing her to the point of exhaustion as he had done the previous night. The next morning, Eileen stood before her wardrobe, holding several scarves in her hands, deliberating over which one to wear to hide the hickey on her neck.

    She now understood what Bryan had meant that her colleague would believe she had a boyfriend today. She let out a resigned sigh. Fortunately, it was not strange to wear a silk scarf in this season. Eileen eventually settled on a red silk scarf, its vibrant hueplementing her delicate skin.

    Exiting the apartment together, Eileen and Bryan stepped into the elevator, where they encountered the neighbor, a couple. Unaware of the woman¡¯s secretive nces at Bryan, Eileen offered a warm smile in greeting.

    Bryan, towering over the other man with his imposing stature and straight posture, radiated an undeniable air of handsomeness.

    In the cramped elevator, his presence loomedrge,manding attention. As the elevator doors slid open, Bryan strode out confidently, hand-in-hand with Eileen, leaving the couple behind whispering.

    ¡°Did you have a good look at him? Now look at yourself!¡± the woman said. The couple had heard the sounds in Eileen¡¯s cete at night. ncing in the rearview mirror, Eileen caught glimpses of the couple¡¯s nces, feeling a pang of difort as she absentmindedly fiddled with her hair.

    With its inadequate soundproofing, Eileen believed her ce was bing increasingly uninhabitable. Even the slightest noise, like chopping vegetables, reverberated through the walls.

    ¡°It¡¯s Friday today. I¡¯ve got to head to the hospital in the evening,¡± Eileen stated firmly, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.

    Bryan nced at the couple through the rearview mirror, smoothly maneuvering the steering wheel before responding, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll take you there tonight. Give me a call when you go to Z to take the test. I¡¯ve got a surprise waiting for you when youe back.¡±

    ¡°A surprise?¡± Eileen¡¯s interest was piqued, but Bryan¡¯s expression remained inscrutable, leaving her wondering about his intentions. So Eileen just replied, ¡°Okay.¡±

    In a momentarypse, she forgot to request that Bryan stop a street away. Whether the thought slipped his mind or he was intentional, Eileen didn¡¯t know. He parked directly in front of the education center, drawing the receptionist¡¯s curious gaze as she craned her neck to see if a client had arrived.

    ¡°Remember to stop the car a street away next time,¡± Eileen told Bryan as she reached for the door handle, preparing to exit the car.

    But before she could, Bryan caught her wrist, gently pulling her back. His arm encircled her waist, drawing her closer. The scent of pine emanating from him was far more subdued than the previous night when he had been drenched in sweat.

    ¡°Do you want me to apany you to the hospital to see your mother?¡± Bryan asked. Beneath his slightly furrowed brows, his deep eyes reflected a magnified image of her face.

    ¡°But you¡¯ve already visited her at the hospital before, right?¡± Eileen said, recalling Bryan¡¯s previous visit until Jacob, during which they had unexpectedly encountered Benjamin before Bryan had stormed off.

    After a moment¡¯s contemtion, Bryan responded, ¡°It¡¯s different now.¡± During their previous visit, their rtionship hadn¡¯t been confirmed, and he hadn¡¯t even spoken to her mother. Now, however, with Ruby conscious, it seemed necessary to pay his respects and rify his rtionship with Eileen to Ruby.

    But Eileen hadn¡¯t yet informed Bailee and Ruby about her current rtionship with Bryan. Besides, she hadn¡¯t quite figured out how to broach the subject. She said, ¡°Give me a bit more time. My mom is going through a critical recovery phase, and she still can¡¯tmunicate. If I reveal our rtionship to her now, it might add to her anxiety.¡±

    Considering Ruby¡¯s current state, Eileen worried that introducing Bryan into the equation might only exacerbate Ruby¡¯s stress levels. With Ruby¡¯s inability to vocalize her thoughts, Eileen feared that any additional tension could affect her recovery progress.

    Bryan¡¯s expression clouded with thought, but eventually, he relented, saying, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll wait.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Eileen breathed a sigh of relief, appreciating his understanding. Sensing Bryan¡¯s reluctance to part, she blushed but said, ¡°I¡¯m going to bete for work.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the boss; what¡¯s there to worry about?¡± Bryan said, acknowledging the privileges that came with the position. Since confirming their rtionship, Bryan found himself increasingly reluctant to part ways with Eileen, his thoughts always consumed by her presence.

    Eileen pursed her lips, nting a quick peck on Bryan¡¯s cheek before dering, ¡°I¡¯m off! See youter!¡±

    With that, she darted out of the car and hurried toward the education center. Bryan observed her, noting her somewhat awkward gait, likely a result of the ¡°exertion¡± from the past two nights. A smirk yed on his lips as he absentmindedly touched the spot where her lipstick had left a faint scent of roses.

    At the education center, Eileen found herself unable to shake off thoughts of Bryan¡¯s lingering expression. Now, he seemed like a different person from the cold, intimidating man she had initially perceived him to be.

    The morning breeze gently wafted through the slightly open window, serving as a gentle reminder to Eileen that she and Bryan were indeed together now. The realization filled her with a mix of disbelief and overwhelming joy.

    In the midst of her thoughts, a female teacher, unmarried and seemingly in a rush, burst in, her excitement palpable. ¡°I just saw a guy in a luxury car outside! You won¡¯t believe how handsome he is!¡±

    She was unaware that the car had stopped at the entrance of the education center and that Eileen had disembarked from it. Still caught up in her admiration, she continued, ¡°Just from his side profile, I could tell he is a real catch. If he hadn¡¯t driven off so quickly, I would¡¯ve asked for his WhatsApp!¡±

    Eileen¡¯s other colleagues¡¯ eyes inevitably drifted towards her, having seen her get out of that car. The female teacher followed the direction of their gazes and caught Eileen¡¯s eye. With a quick smile, she greeted Eileen. ¡°Good morning, Ms. Curtis. It¡¯s a shame you missed that handsome gentleman!¡±

    ¡°Ms. Curtis didn¡¯t miss anything! She was in that same car with him!¡± someone whispered hastily. The female teacher paused briefly, then offered a sheepish smile to Eileen before returning to her desk.

    Feeling self-conscious under the curious gazes of her colleagues, Eileen avoided their stares and busied herself with her tasks, mindful of Phoebe¡¯s impending visit. At noon, when Phoebe arrived, she and Eileen made their way to a nearby restaurant and settled into their seats.

    Once seated, Phoebe reached out and removed the scarf from around Eileen¡¯s neck, noticing the faint hickey. ¡°People are watching us!¡± Eileen attempted to retrieve the scarf, but Phoebe yfully resisted, cing it into her bag.

    ¡°You have a boyfriend now; why hide it?¡± Phoebe teased, refusing to give it back.

    ¡°I¡­¡± Caught off guard, Eileen didn¡¯t know how to reply. But as a tutor, she knew she shouldn¡¯t just walk around with a hickey on her neck. Recognizing her friend¡¯s predicament, Phoebe relented and returned the scarf to Eileen.

    ¡°Okay, spill it. You said there was no chance between you and him before. What changed your mind?¡± Phoebe asked Eileen.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 182

    ?Chapter 182:

    As Eileen adjusted her silk scarf, she responded seriously to Phoebe¡¯s inquiry, ¡°I said that before because I thought he didn¡¯t like me. Now, since he likes me, I¡¯m willing to be with him.¡±

    But aware of Bryan¡¯s family background, Eileen couldn¡¯t help but feel concerned. Yet, she was confident in his abilities. Having known him for so long, she was sure of his knack for always achieving his goals. He was not one to engage in a challenge without assurance of victory.

    ¡°Gosh, I mentioned before that he had feelings for you, but you wouldn¡¯t believe me.¡± Phoebe pursed her lips in dissatisfaction, then said, ¡°It seems you value him more than me. You didn¡¯t take my words to heart.¡±

    Familiar with Phoebe¡¯s biting sarcasm, Eileen slid the menu towards Phoebe and said, ¡°Alright, this meal is on me. Go ahead; order whatever you like.¡±

    ¡°Great. I¡¯ll take full advantage,¡± Phoebe quipped, unreservedly ordering several of her favorite dishes. She then got straight to the point. ¡°Do you really think our small apartment can amodate both you and Bryan? And what about the mediocre bed? It¡¯s hardlyfortable, and it¡¯s going to affect Bryan¡¯s performance. How much longer do you two n to stay there?¡±

    As Eileen listened, she frowned. ¡°I¡¯m looking for a new ce, but I¡¯m swamped right now. Can you manage to live elsewhere for a few more days? By the way, where have you been stayingtely?¡±

    ¡°That scoundrel Jacob insists on dragging me to dinner parties and drinks nightly,¡± Phoebe replied. Being adults, Eileen and Phoebe understood Jacob¡¯s intentions clearly. However, Jacob was unaware of Phoebe¡¯s high tolerance for alcohol, failing to intoxicate her recently, his n thwarted. If not for his fear of being ridiculed by Bryan, Jacob might have sought Bryan¡¯s advice. Bryan had won Eileen over after sleeping with her. Jacob tried a simr approach with Phoebe but found it more daunting.

    ¡°Hold on a little longer, but don¡¯t let him drink too much. The Meyers will cause problems for you if Jacob starts to have stomachaches. I¡¯ll relocate as soon as I find a fitting ce,¡± Eileen told Phoebe. Eileen nned to look for new ces over the weekend and would resort to contacting agencies online if her schedule was too hectic.

    Phoebe gave Eileen¡¯s shoulder aforting pat. ¡°How many days Jacob should hang on depends on how quickly you secure a new ce.¡±

    Exclusive stories g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í?ls

    Hearing that, Eileen couldn¡¯t dy her search until the weekend. As she and Phoebe awaited their meal, she began browsing rental listings online. But finding a new residence required patience, especially since Ruby was set to begin rehabilitation post-hospital and Bryan¡¯s visits would be frequent. It would be inconvenient for Eileen to stay with her family in that case.

    After much deliberation and no sess in finding a ce by the end of lunch, Eileen resigned herself to the busy afternoon ahead. In the evening, Bryan drove Eileen to the Vance family¡¯s residence for the tutoring session. This time, Bryan stayed outside, waiting at a corner nearby. He had parked in an ideal spot, allowing him to observe Eileen tutoring Adalina on the second floor.

    He could faintly hear Eileen¡¯s voice. After a while, feeling a bit bored, he got out of the car for a cigarette. For the first time, he felt two hours were pretty long. His patience was wearing thin when Eileen finally emerged from the Vance family¡¯s house.

    After the Vance couple bid her farewell, Eileen walked briskly toward Bryan¡¯s car, clutching her bag. Upon opening the passenger door, she was surprised to find Bryan in the passenger seat. The momentum caused her to lean forward involuntarily, and she ended up in his arms, her hands instinctively grasping his waist.

    Bryan responded by securing her with one arm while gently stroking her back with the other. He leaned closer to kiss her gently. ¡°What took you so long?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Was it long? I was there for exactly two hours,¡± Eileen replied. As she lifted her head slightly, she noticed the interior light illuminating his face, making his features more discernible.

    Raising an eyebrow, Eileen offered, ¡°Should I drive?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯ll drive. You should have a rest,¡± Bryan replied, helping her adjustfortably in the seat. Then, he got into the driver¡¯s seat and started the car.

    They hadn¡¯t eaten yet, so they stopped at a restaurant on their way to the hospital. Midway through their meal, Bryan¡¯s phone rang. He answered the call, his expression turning grave as he listened to the caller.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll have Raymond look for him¡­ We¡¯ve shown him around Wist Land to get him acquainted, and Raymond knows his usual spots,¡± Bryan reassured the person on the other end of the line. Z¡¯s voice trembled with concern. ¡°I¡¯m really worried, Bryan. He is just a kid and doesn¡¯t have any money with him. Can youe over now? We can look for him together¡­¡±

    Eileen realized what had happened; Milford had disappeared. She signaled Bryan with her eyes to take action.

    ¡°I¡¯ll send Raymond to help you first,¡± Bryan said on the phone before hanging up. He noticed Eileen¡¯s barely touched meal and said, ¡°Continue eating. I¡¯ll take you to the hospital before handling this.¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯ll ask the waiter to pack up the food. I can take a taxi to the hospital and eat there. You can hurry to look for Milford,¡± Eileen replied.

    Eileen worried about Milford crossing paths with Arthur¡¯s people; given their past, Milford would be in danger if that happened.

    ¡°The hospital is still far away, and your food will be cold if you don¡¯t eat now. Finish your meal here. Raymond¡¯s dealing with the matter now,¡± Bryan insisted. Then, he made a quick call to issue instructions to Raymond. He knew he could only console Z after arriving and check the surveince footage to look for Milford. He believed Raymond could manage these things. There was no need for him to go there now.

    Eileen, seeing that Bryan wouldn¡¯t budge, hurried through her meal in ten minutes. Bryan then drove her to the hospital and didn¡¯t leave for Pianoforte Vis until he saw her safely inside the building.

    Eileen arrived at the wardter than usual to find Bailee offering her dinner. ¡°I¡¯ll reheat the food for you, Eileen,¡± Bailee said.

    ¡°No, thank you. I¡¯ve already eaten,¡± Eileen replied, realizing she had forgotten to tell Bailee about this earlier. ¡°I¡¯ll eat the food tomorrow morning. How¡¯s Mom?¡±

    ¡°Dr. Potter told me the treatment is progressing well. It should beplete by Christmas,¡± Bailee responded with a hopeful smile, noting that Christmas was just a month away. This meant their hospital visits for years were finally nearing an end now.

    Eileen removed her coat. As she noticed Ruby¡¯s closed eyes in her sleep, she asked, ¡°Why has she gone to bed so early tonight?¡±

    Bailee responded, ¡°Dr. Potter¡¯s been helping her with her finger movements and speech exercises today. She¡¯s probably exhausted, but her fingers have be more flexible.¡±

    Bailee, while smiling, noticed the hickey on Eileen¡¯s neck, visible despite Eileen¡¯s attempts to conceal it beneath her silk scarf. The smile disappeared from Bailee¡¯s face. She gently guided Eileen to sit on the couch.

    ¡°Eileen, have you seen Bryan recently?¡± she inquired.

    ¡°Yes, I have,¡± Eileen confirmed without hesitation. Reading the emotions in Bailee¡¯s eyes, she confessed openly, ¡°We are together now.¡±

    Bailee¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°What? Really?¡± she eximed, her voice tinged with disbelief. Eileen remembered feeling simr disbelief when she had first heard Bryan¡¯s heartfelt confession.

    ¡°Bryan confessed to me and is quite serious about our rtionship,¡± Eileen added. While they hadn¡¯t discussed their deeper feelings explicitly, Eileen understood Bryan¡¯s affections through his every word and gesture. She vividly recalled how his touch had moved her deeply, his cold fingers softly pressing against her chest as he expressed his affection.

    ¡°It¡¯s great to hear you¡¯re together, although I worry about theplexities of the Dawson family. They might give you a hard time,¡± Bailee said, expressing her concern. Bailee knew Eileen loved Bryan. She had seen Eileen often lost in thought, gazing at the sky in a daze over the past year. Eileen had secretly kept a few photos of Bryan, snapshots from meetings, which she preserved even after changing her phone. This was a testament to Eileen¡¯s deep feelings for Bryan.

    ¡°I¡¯m not setting high expectations at the moment, and let¡¯s keep this from Mom for now. She might get anxious since she¡¯s unable to talk,¡± Eileen said. At present, Eileen knew the rtionship between her and Bryan wasn¡¯t stable enough. Stability woulde with time. But before that, overthinking wouldn¡¯t do them any good.

    ¡°Understood,¡± Bailee replied with a nod ofprehension. Just then, Eileen¡¯s phone rang from an unknown number. Walking to stand by the door, Eileen answered the call and heard an unfamiliar voice. ¡°Hello, is this Ms. Curtis?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Who is this?¡± Eileen asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m a taxi driver. I have a young passenger here, a teenage boy at the hospital entrance who doesn¡¯t have money to cover his fare. He asked me to call you,¡± the driver exined, ncing at Milford. Eileen dashed downstairs without bothering to put on her coat and instructed the taxi driver to wait for her before ending the call.

    Exiting the building, she spotted Milford standing by the taxi. Dressed only in a short-sleeved T-shirt, Milford shivered in the chilly wind. Approaching the taxi, Eileen expressed her gratitude to the driver and settled the fare. She then guided Milford inside the warmer confines of the hospital¡¯s inpatient building.

    As they rode the elevator together, Eileen, holding Milford¡¯s cold arm, asked, ¡°What brought you here?¡± Milford, moving his arm away from Eileen¡¯s grasp, replied as he leaned back against the wall, ¡°I know you visit the hospital every Friday.¡±

    As Eileen was about to call Bryan to tell him about Milford¡¯s whereabouts, Milford quickly snatched the phone from her hands, his expression stern. ¡°I don¡¯t want to see them. You can¡¯t tell them I¡¯m here!¡± he dered firmly.

    Eileen, looking at him, responded, ¡°You vanished without any word. They¡¯re concerned and searching for you everywhere, and it¡¯s gettingte.¡± Milford dismissed her words with a snort. ¡°They¡¯re searching on their own ord.¡± The tension in the elevator escted as Milford¡¯s anger became palpable, prompting Eileen to speak more gently. ¡°It¡¯s dangerous outside at night. They could end up in an ident while searching for you.¡±

    Yet, Milford remained adamant. ¡°You have two options. Either I leave now, or you keep them in the dark about my whereabouts,¡± he said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 183

    ?Chapter 183:

    Milford was determined and physically stronger than Eileen, which meant Eileen couldn¡¯t stop him if he decided to leave. After a brief standoff, Eileen gave in. ¡°Fine, I won¡¯t tell them. Why don¡¯t you stay here tonight?¡± she said.

    Feeling relieved, Milford handed her phone back to her. Upon exiting the elevator, they were greeted by the sharp scent of disinfectant, causing Milford to grimace. When Bailee saw Eileen return with a young boy, she was shocked.

    ¡°This is my student. He¡¯s been having problems at home,¡± Eileen exined briefly. Bailee had seen Milford when he had first visited the educational agency, but he looked so different now. She hardly recognized him.

    ¡°Your clothes are thin. Here, take this jacket for now. Are you hungry?¡± Bailee asked while pulling out a jacket from a suitcase. Milford paused for a moment when he saw Ruby lying on the bed, then quietly sat on the sofa. Eileen could tell Milford hadn¡¯t had dinner and reheated the meal Bailee had prepared earlier.

    ¡°Have something to eat,¡± she urged. Perhaps out of hunger, Milford began to eat voraciously after a brief hesitation. However, he chose not to wear the jacket that Bailee offered.

    Despite promising Milford she wouldn¡¯t inform Bryan and the others, Eileen sent a discreet message to Bryan. ¡°Milford is with me in the hospital. Please don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll talk to him to calm him down before sending him back. He¡¯s not in a stable state right now.¡± Bryan soon responded, ¡°OK.¡±

    Afterwards, Eileen deleted the chat history. She offered the sofa for Milford to sleep on overnight, but Milford declined, choosing instead to sleep on the floor. ¡°You take the sofa since you¡¯re watching over the patient. I¡¯m a young man; I¡¯ll be fine on the floor,¡± Milford said.

    He put two cushions on the floor, found a nket, andid down without further discussion. He didn¡¯t bother to say anything more. Eileen didn¡¯t ask why he had run away from home or when he would like to go back.

    At Pianoforte Vis, Bryan stepped out of the car. The bright moonlight cast a long shadow of his slender figure. He walked to the door and opened it, followed closely by Z.

    Get thetest updates on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s

    ¡°Bryan, where on earth has he gone? If you¡¯ve found him, why didn¡¯t you bring him home?¡± Z asked.

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t want toe back. Let him calm down first,¡± Bryan replied as he set down the car keys, slipped into his slippers, and entered the living room. Z was still so agitated that she didn¡¯t bother to change her shoes.

    ¡°Has he done something bad? Be honest with me. I can handle it.¡± Bryan was visibly annoyed. He loosened his tie and lit a cigarette. ¡°It¡¯s not about what you can handle. He simply doesn¡¯t want toe home. What exactly did you say to him?¡±

    In the dim light of the porch, the glow of his cigarette illuminated his features, and the smell of tobo filled the air. His tone was calm, but it left Z speechless. After a pause, she responded, ¡°I argued about his home tutor. He refused to change his tutor.¡±

    ¡°Have you ever thought that the problem might be with you?¡± Bryan responded sharply as he went to turn on the light. Sitting down on the couch, he flicked ash from his cigarette. ¡°Eileen managed to persuade him to study, which shows herpetence. She¡¯s doing a better job than you in that aspect.¡±

    Z stood silently, her lips pressed together in defiance. Bryan continued, ¡°This is your family issue. Take my advice or leave it. I suggest you give Milford some space for a few days. If you really can¡¯t stand it, I¡¯ll bring him back myself.¡± Bryan¡¯s tone was calm. He knew he couldn¡¯t meddle much in this matter. After all, he wasn¡¯t Milford¡¯s family. He understood that Eileen had Milford¡¯s best interests at heart. Yet, Z was stubborn. He and Eileen could only do so much as outsiders.

    Z took a deep breath and sat down next to him. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to get along with him anymore. I¡¯ve never dealt with a more difficult boy,¡± she said.

    ¡°He¡¯s different from you. You know what he¡¯s been through. He didn¡¯t turn out this way overnight. It¡¯ll take time for him to change, too,¡± Bryan replied. After extinguishing his cigarette and tossing it into the trash, he headed for the stairs.

    ¡°Wait a moment!¡± Z hurried after him. She looked into his eyes and suddenly chuckled. ¡°Is there something special going on between you and Milford¡¯s tutor?¡±

    Bryan paused. He had one hand on the stair railing and the other in his pocket, giving her a nonchnt look. ¡°What do you mean by ¡®something special¡¯?¡± he asked.

    ¡°You¡¯re trying to keep secrets from me, aren¡¯t you? She used to be your assistant. I heard the rumors but didn¡¯t believe them. However, you traveled thousands of miles to move your project to Wist Land. You did that not only to escape your parents but also to be near her, correct?¡± Z asked with her arms crossed, and her eyes were glimmering with a knowing look. Having grown up together, she found it easy to read Bryan¡¯s thoughts. Furthermore, she had be suspicious since Bryan hadn¡¯t been home recently.

    ¡°I¡¯ll keep the answer to myself for now,¡± Bryan replied. His words meant that he admitted it. Zughed softly, giving him a pat on the shoulder. ¡°Since I¡¯m considering changing Milford¡¯s tutor, do you think she¡¯ll be upset?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s not as petty as you might think. I wouldn¡¯t mind if she stopped being Milford¡¯s tutor. You and Milford are both quite demanding. I don¡¯t want her to be caught in the middle and mistreated by you two,¡± Bryan responded, then moved past her and walked toward his bedroom.

    From behind him, Z teased, ¡°You¡¯re concerned for her? Well, if you two get married, she¡¯ll be like my sister-inw. How could I possibly mistreat her?¡±

    ¡°I hope you¡¯re right,¡± Bryan replied without turning around and entered his room. Z¡¯s bedroom was on the third floor, with Milford¡¯s to the left and hers to the right. Once back in her room, the warm smile on Z¡¯s face disappeared, and her eyes grew cold. She stood by the window for a long time before pulling out her phone to make a call.

    ¡°Kian, didn¡¯t you say you¡¯d visit Wist Land when you had the chance?¡± she asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been quite busy recently. Benjamin went to Wist Land two days ago to handle the matter for me. I won¡¯t be able to make it there soon,¡± Kian replied in a soothing voice. ¡°How are things with you? When are you and Bryaning back?¡±

    Z paused before responding, ¡°We might not return for Christmas. Bryan doesn¡¯t seem to want to go back, and if I return alone, I¡¯ll just end up being scolded. I¡¯d rather stay here with him.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re noting back?¡± Kian¡¯s voice grew serious. ¡°What about the project over there?¡±

    ¡°Bryan has already handled it. He secured an investor from a nearby city. You know he¡¯s very capable,¡± Z praised Bryan openly. ¡°It¡¯s a waste that a woman like Eileen Curtis can be with someone like him. But he¡¯s found someone he loves, so I no longer need to marry him by force.¡±

    Kian responded in disbelief, ¡°What did you just say? Is he really together with Eileen again?¡±

    Z seemed surprised. ¡°Didn¡¯t your assistant tell you? He had dinner with Eileen when he was in Wist Land. I assumed you were informed.¡±

    Kian¡¯s face darkened. His eyes turned cold when a thought suddenly struck him. ¡°I¡¯ll book a flight there for tomorrow morning. Z, can you pick me up at the airport?¡± Kian said.

    Without hesitation, Z replied, ¡°Of course. But why are you in such a hurry? Are you still trying to reconcile Vivian and Bryan? Since Bryan doesn¡¯t like her¡­ Maybe you should let the matter be.¡±

    ¡°I must make onest attempt for Vivian,¡± Kian insisted. While continuing their conversation, Kian booked his flight online. Within ten minutes, he had confirmed his travel arrangements.

    After the call ended, the room fell silent. Z had a satisfied smile ying on her lips. The following morning, she went downstairs only to find that Bryan was not home. Her expression darkened as she grabbed her car keys and left for the airport.

    At the hospital, Eileen woke up just as dawn was breaking. Footsteps echoed in the corridor, but Milford slept soundly. Being young, he was able to sleep through almost anything.

    Eileen quietly went into the bathroom to wash up, then headed downstairs to buy toiletries for Milford. Stepping outside the inpatient building, she noticed Bryan¡¯s car parked by the roadside. The window of his car was partly drawn down, and he was looking at her.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Eileen asked, looking around instinctively before approaching Bryan¡¯s car. Leaning her hands on the window, she bent slightly to speak with him.

    Bryan handed her a paper bag containing food for three. There were also drinks in the bag. ¡°I brought breakfast for you. The food in the hospital is terrible,¡± Bryan said.

    Eileen epted the bag and asked, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me earlier? What if I had already eaten?¡±

    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t have been up that early,¡± Bryan replied confidently. He had already remembered when Eileen would usually wake up. He had chosen not to call her because he didn¡¯t want to disturb her sleep. He just waited for her downstairs.

    Bryan¡¯s eyes were fixed on Eileen. He observed her bare face, illuminated by the soft morning sunlight. Her cheeks glowed pink. He gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lightly brushing her cheek. ¡°It¡¯s been only one night, and I already missed you,¡± he confessed.

    Eileen¡¯s cheeks flushed, and she gently pulled his hand away. ¡°I¡¯m heading home tomorrow. Also, was Miss Murray concerned about Milfordst night? Did you have to search long for him?¡±

    ¡°Why are you so concerned about other people¡¯s affairs?¡± Bryan asked, his mood shifting. He rested his arm on the window, his fingers intertwining with hers.

    Eileen allowed him to y with her fingers. ¡°You¡¯re here with me, aren¡¯t you? Why would I be concerned about you now?¡± she said.

    Bryan was left speechless. He released her hand and said, ¡°The bag is heavy. You should go back now.¡±

    ¡°I need to go to the supermarket to buy some toiletries for Milford,¡± Eileen replied.

    As Eileen finished speaking, Bryan got out of the car, took the breakfast bag, and ced it in his car.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 184

    ?Chapter 184:

    Bryan grasped Eileen¡¯s hand and headed directly for the store, dering firmly, ¡°I¡¯ll go there with you.¡± He was holding her hand tightly, clearly wanting to spend more time with Eileen.

    Their trip to the store was brief. They were in and out within five minutes. Eileen then retrieved the breakfast from the car and prepared to leave. Bryan¡¯s emotions fluctuated dramatically, and the initial joy had dissipated quickly.

    Upon entering the in-patient department, Eileen turned around to see that Bryan was still standing by the car.

    Her heart felt as if it were brimming with sweetness. She was still smiling when she returned to the ward. After cing the breakfast on the table, Bailee nced at it and immediately recognized that it had been bought outside the hospital. Furthermore, it must¡¯ve been purchased from somewhere far away. She believed she already knew who had brought it here.

    Milford was already awake by the time Eileen handed him the toiletries. She said to him, ¡°Go freshen up. Breakfast is ready.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Milford responded, taking the items and disappearing into the bathroom, where the sound of running water soon filled the air. Bailee took a seat and leaned in to whisper to Eileen, ¡°What¡¯s happening with this boy?¡± Her voice was barely audible.

    ¡°He¡¯s just going through a rebellious phase. It¡¯s nothing serious. I n to have a talk with himter before sending him back,¡± Eileen replied, deciding it was time for a serious discussion with Milford. Bailee finished her breakfast swiftly and proceeded to wash some fruit.

    Meanwhile, Eileen quickly felt full, leaving Milford to finish his meal alone. ¡°Did Bryan bring this food?¡± Milford inquired after swallowing a bite. Eileen was scrolling on her phone when she heard Milford; she quickly set her phone aside. ¡°Well¡­ He did.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to be so nervous. You don¡¯t have to lie to me. He¡¯s aware I¡¯m here, isn¡¯t he?¡± Milford had pieced it together. He then asked, ¡°Are you and Bryan seeing each other?¡±

    Keep reading at .c¡ðm

    Caught off guard, Eileen forced a smile, unable to answer. ¡°You¡¯re both adults; there¡¯s no need to hide it,¡± Milford remarked, then put down his fork and discarded the food packaging in the trash. He added, ¡°You¡¯re definitely better than Z, though.¡±

    Hearing him mention Z, Eileen seized the opportunity to ask a question. ¡°Why did you run away from home?¡±

    Bailee entered the room and noticed the ongoing conversation. She quickly set down the fruit and found an excuse to leave the room. Ruby was still asleep. Except for Ruby, only Milford and Eileen were in the ward. Milford sat on the sofa, looking out the window.

    After a while, he said, ¡°Z wanted to find me a new tutor, but I disagreed, and we argued.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter to me if she gets you a new tutor. What I want to know is, do you want to continue your studies? Are you willing to seize that opportunity?¡± Eileen asked straightforwardly.

    Milford felt a lump in his throat. Turning to face her, he replied, ¡°Of course, but the condition is¡­¡±

    ¡°There are no conditions,¡± Eileen interjected firmly. ¡°You only live once. You control your own destiny. While many people cannot choose their fate and must ept it, you still have an opportunity. You must not waste it.¡±

    Milford grasped what Eileen was suggesting. His frustration stemmed from his desire to escape Z¡¯s influence. Eileen continued, ¡°I¡¯m not fully aware of what¡¯s happened between you and Z, but from what I¡¯ve gathered, your bond isn¡¯t strong. Escaping her influence might not be possible now due to your age. However, that doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯s not possible in the future. If you work hard enough, you can be independent in the future, free from her control.¡±

    Z had been visibly angry when she had seen Milford¡¯s test results. Eileen had heard the harsh words Z had hurled at Milford. Those words must have felt harsher to Milford. Because of that, Eileen could empathize with Milford¡¯s dislike for Z.

    She didn¡¯t wish to aggravate the situation between Milford and Z. Considering Milford¡¯s current rebellious phase, she knew she needed to approach the matter delicately. She recognized that Milford was inherently kind. As long as he remainedmitted to his education, he had the potential to be apetent individual.

    Milford felt a surge of relief from Eileen¡¯s encouragement and resolved to work hard. Eileen said, ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll give it my all for tomorrow¡¯s election. Maybe I¡¯ll remain your tutor. Then, your disagreements with your sister would be pointless.¡±

    She was telling the truth. But Milford scoffed, ¡°You don¡¯t understand Z. If she dislikes someone, she¡¯ll block their chances regardless of their talent.¡±

    This left Eileen feeling a bit unsure. She pondered whether Z disliked her or not. At the very least, her views on educating Milford were starkly different from Z¡¯s.

    ¡°Forget all that. I¡¯m going to study hard, regardless of who my tutor is. It¡¯s just for half a year. Then I¡¯m back to school,¡± Milford dered, brimming with confidence that Z wouldn¡¯t be able to meddle in his life for long. Eileen couldn¡¯t help but smile at his determination.

    ¡°Stop smiling. Call Bryan and tell him to pick me up and make sure Z doesn¡¯te along!¡± Milford said, feeling a bit embarrassed by Eileen¡¯s amused expression.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Eileen replied. She promptly called Bryan to ask him to pick up Milford. She then spent time making final preparations for the election. That evening, she discussed moving into a new house with Bailee.

    Without hesitation, Bailee handed her a card. ¡°This is what I¡¯ve saved over the year. It isn¡¯t much, but it might help.¡±

    ¡°I have enough money. Keep yours for yourself. Use it to buy some nice clothes. Who knows? You might fall in love with someone soon. You¡¯ll probably need the money then,¡± Eileen replied.

    Bailee had received her sry on time throughout the year at the educational agency, and Eileen had given her extra money for daily expenses, allowing her to save a lot. While Eileen didn¡¯t have a lot of money, she had enough to consider buying a three-bedroom apartment in Wist Land. But the money she had wasn¡¯t sufficient for arger ce, leaving her undecided about what type of home to purchase.

    ¡°Fall in love? There aren¡¯t any remarkable men around here,¡± Bailee murmured, putting her card away. A look of sadness appeared in her eyes.

    Understanding the source of Bailee¡¯s mncholy, Eileen took a deep breath and suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s return to Onnd when Mom gets better.¡±

    Bailee stopped in her tracks and pressed her lips together, remaining silent.

    Eileen continued, ¡°Love is hard toe by. We¡¯ll be here for another year before we return to Onnd. Anything could happen in that time, so if you want to find love, sometimes you¡¯ll have to work for it.¡± What if Bailee went back to Onnd a yearter only to find that Huey had found someone new? She would have to do something before that.

    Bailee had changed noticeably within just a few days of Huey¡¯s arrival. From time to time, she appeared to be lost in thought. Eileen was aware that Huey had been sending texts to Bailee recently.

    She said, ¡°Think it over. I can¡¯t do much to help you with this. You have to decide for yourself.¡± Eileen chose not to say anything else.

    In the evening, she turned in early to rest up for the weekend election. The election was scheduled for eight in the morning. Bryan arrived promptly at seven to drive Eileen to the venue.

    The event was held in an office building downtown that Z had chosen. The election was significant, not just for selecting a tutor. Numerous educational media outlets were there to cover and document the event. More than twenty tutors participated in the election, and Eileen was among the younger ones.

    As soon as she and Bryan stepped out of the elevator into the building, she kept a slight distance from him. They entered the designated room one after the other. The floor was covered with a red carpet that led to a long table on the stage. Numerous ck chairs were neatly arranged, and many attendees were already there. Z looked elegant in a ck dress with her flowing wavy hair. She smiled confidently and raised an eyebrow at Eileen when their eyes met. Her look seemed to convey that she was aware of Eileen¡¯s rtionship with Bryan.

    Eileen just responded with a courteous smile and took a seat. Meanwhile, Bryan sat beside Milford, scanning the room before his gaze settled on Eileen.

    Eileen didn¡¯t look at Bryan, focusing instead on reading something.

    ¡°Bryan, won¡¯t your presence here affect Ms. Curtis¡¯s performance?¡± Milford whispered.

    Bryan shot Milford a sharp look. ¡°You¡¯re too young to understand this.¡±

    Milford retorted, ¡°I understand more than you think.¡±

    Their whispered exchange reached Z¡¯s ears. She touched Milford¡¯s arm. ¡°This isn¡¯t your concern. But for Bryan¡¯s sake, I¡¯ll try to ensure Ms. Curtis bes your tutor.¡±

    Milford was taken aback by Z¡¯s words. ¡°Ms. Curtis will seed on her own merits, so there¡¯s no need for you to intervene on her behalf,¡± Milford said confidently.

    Z rolled her eyes at him and turned her attention back to weing the new arrivals into the hall.

    Ten minutester, everyone had arrived. Each tutor received a set of middle school exam papers. The challenge wasn¡¯t merely answering the questions but exining them in the simplest and clearest way to students. Those who hadn¡¯t reviewed these questions beforehand were at a disadvantagepared to those who had prepared in advance.

    The test covered several middle school subjects andsted three hours, with a brief ten-minute break midway. However, no one left their seat during the break; they all continued working through the questions. After three hours, the test concluded. The education department then took an hour to have professionals grade the papers.

    Eileen held a pen between her slender fingers, her pale fingertips showing her nervousness. Then, she and Bryan briefly made eye contact. Bryan raised an eyebrow and offered a subtle smile. Eileen calmly looked away, awaiting the results.

    Once the papers were evaluated, the professionals selected two that met their high standards. One was Eileen¡¯s, and the other belonged to Calliope Potter, a senior tutor who was about six years older than Eileen.

    ¡°Both candidates are highly experienced educators. Miss Murray, I suggest you decide yourself or consult your brother about whom you¡¯ll choose,¡± the coordinator suggested.

    Milford immediately raised his hand and dered, ¡°I choose Ms. Curtis!¡± No sooner had he spoken than Calliope¡¯s face darkened.

    ¡°Wait a minute,¡± Calliope said. ¡°Being skilled in conveying knowledge is important, but a tutor also needs to demonstrate high moral standards.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 185

    ?Chapter 185:

    On stage was a long table where the panel was seated, and Z and Milford were sitting in the very middle. Bryan and other people from several educational organizations sat on either side.

    Hearing Calliope¡¯s words, Bryan leaned against the back of his chair, his eyes narrowing. He fiddled with the pen in his fingers, the veins on the back of his hand faintly visible. After shooting a hostile nce at Eileen, Calliope took something out of her bag¡ªa handful of printed photos. She then walked to the stage and spread the photos out on the table for everyone to see.

    The pictures were of Bryan and Eileen, capturing them together, including the morning they had gone to the store holding hands. ¡°Mr. Dawson, what exactly is your rtionship with Eileen?¡± Calliope asked.

    Wearing a grim expression, Bryan locked eyes with Calliope. ¡°You came prepared, did you?¡± he said. His tone was so intimidating that it was hard for Calliope to meet his intense gaze.

    Bryan gathered the photos and looked through them one by one. Afterward, he raised an eyebrow and graciouslyplimented Calliope, ¡°These are nice pictures, but I fail to see the problem here.¡±

    Calliope was stunned. ¡°Of¡­ Of course there¡¯s a problem!¡± she stammered. Mustering all her courage, she said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, aren¡¯t you a married man? That would make Eileen a mistress! This is more than enough proof that she¡¯s a woman of despicable character, and she doesn¡¯t deserve to be a tutor!¡±

    Everyone knew that Bryan was married. A few days ago, it had been rumored that Bryan had gotten close to the family tutor. But the tutor¡¯s name remained elusive. Calliope¡¯s words were like thest pieces to the puzzle. Was the family tutor Eileen?

    Z wore a slight frown; she seemed to be affected but not bothered. Milford, on the other hand, almost leaped up and cursed these people for spreading such nonsense. But because he didn¡¯t know the true nature of Bryan¡¯s marriage, he could only bite his lip and look anxiously at Eileen.

    Everyone else in the room whispered among themselves, eyeing Eileen with a mix of shock and hostility. Eileen, however, lookedpletely unperturbed. She even offered Milford a faint smile.

    Latest updates on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    After all, while it was true that Bryan had been married¡­ Eileen was the woman Bryan had married. She wasn¡¯t a mistress; she used to be his wife. Wearing a calm expression, she was about to stand up to clear up the matter. But the next second, she saw Bryan descending from the stage, the ck buttons on his white shirt twinkling under the warm lights.

    He stood tall and exuded an air of nobility as he made his way towards her. He stopped in front of her, extending his hand, palm up. With a faint smile, Eileen ced her hand in his, allowing him to lead her back toward the stage.

    Then, as the two faced the crowd, Bryan said loudly, ¡°You might not know this, but I got a divorce a year ago. I chose not to disclose it to the public. A while ago, Eileen and I confirmed our rtionship. That is to say, we are indeed together now. Is there a problem with that?¡±

    Divorced? With the exception of a few close friends, Bryan had kept the news a secret.

    Yet now, he finally disclosed it to the public while simultaneously announcing his rtionship with Eileen. The news was too juicy, and the few reporters present went giddy with excitement. They all hurriedly called their colleagues who ran the gossip columns, urging them toe as soon as possible.

    While the crowd went wild, Eileen pursed her lips slightly, finding Bryan¡¯s words a bit odd. Why did he have to mention the divorce? He could have just told them she used to be his wife.

    Eileen turned her head and looked into Bryan¡¯s eyes, searching for answers. In response, Bryan tightened his grip on her hand, his eyebrows rising slightly. But she didn¡¯t know what he meant by that. Since he didn¡¯t offer any exnations, Eileen decided not to ask for any. She simply turned her head and smiled at the crowd graciously.

    She said, ¡°It¡¯s true that I haven¡¯t been a tutor for very long, but I¡¯ve always strived to educate my students to the best of my abilities.¡±

    Then, she looked at Calliope and asked with a frown, ¡°But, Miss Potter, why are you carrying around pictures of me and Mr. Dawson? That¡¯s a vition of our privacy, so we have the right to sue you.¡±

    ¡°I¡­¡± Calliope¡¯s eyes darted around desperately, as though she was searching for someone in the crowd. All the people in the room looked back at her, but the person she was looking for wasn¡¯t there.

    Eileen knew Calliope had been plotting against her, but things hadn¡¯t gone as nned. Now, the tables had turned, making Calliope look like the one with the despicable demeanor.

    Bryan didn¡¯t want to waste his time on Calliope, so he signaled Raymond to take care of the matter. Eileen¡¯s long hair cascaded loosely over her shoulders, and when she smiled, two dimples appeared at the corners of her mouth. Her clear, bright eyes were so charming that Bryan almost couldn¡¯t look away.

    Not wanting to stay here any longer, Bryan turned to Z and said, ¡°It¡¯s settled then. She¡¯ll continue to be Milford¡¯s tutor. Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me.¡±

    Just as they turned to leave, some reporters tried to stop them for an interview. Bryan pulled Eileen behind him to protect her. As if on cue, Raymond and several bodyguards quickly surrounded them like a human barrier, protecting them from the frenzied reporters. Bryan then focused on leading Eileen out through the back door.

    Eileen followed him obediently. She didn¡¯t realize that she had forgotten her bag until they were inside the elevator.

    ¡°Raymond will handle it,¡± Bryan suddenly said, as though reading her mind. He then leaned against the elevator wall, watching as the digital disy changed floor numbers. With his arm wrapped around her waist, her faint fragrance filling his nose, he sighed contentedly.

    ¡°You don¡¯t look surprised at all,¡± he suddenly remarked.

    ¡°Surprised? About what?¡± Eileen was confused. Just then, the elevator doors slid open. She took his hand and walked out with him.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you surprised that I¡¯m divorced?¡± Bryan said. She wasn¡¯t a mistress. He had made full preparations this time to be with her, with nothing holding him back.

    Eileen stopped in her tracks and looked up at his handsome face. She realized he seemed to be serious about his question.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 186

    ?Chapter 186:

    Confused, Eileen cocked her head to the side and furrowed her brows. She had been the one who had divorced him, so why should this newse as a surprise to her?

    Bryan hadn¡¯t expected such a reaction from her. With a darkened expression, he opened the car door for her and let her get inside. Then, he got in the driver¡¯s seat, but he showed no intention to start the engine. Instead, he just rested his elbow on the steering wheel and looked at Eileen.

    Just as he was about to say something, he was interrupted by Eileen. ¡°Wait a minute. I want to ask you something,¡± she said.

    Bryan raised his eyebrows, waiting for her question.

    Eileen asked, ¡°When you signed the divorce agreement, didn¡¯t you see the name of the woman you divorced?¡±

    Other than this, Eileen couldn¡¯t think of any other reason why Bryan would ask her if she was surprised. Had he not noticed her name when he had signed the divorce agreement? But the line for his signature was right next to hers. So this reason wasn¡¯t convincing at all! He wasn¡¯t blind! He should¡¯ve recognized her name and signature at a nce.

    Bryan frowned. ¡°No.¡± Back when his grandmother had asked him to sign the divorce papers, he had been in a very low mood because Eileen had left him.

    He had just signed it without hesitation; he hadn¡¯t even thought to look at the woman¡¯s signature. Bryan said, ¡°I¡¯m not interested in whom I was married to before.¡±

    Eileen waspletely dumbfounded for a moment. She opened her mouth, but after several tries, she still didn¡¯t know what to say. No wonder¡­ No wonder he hadn¡¯t even brought up this matter when he had met her again. It turned out that he didn¡¯t even know whom he used to be married to until now. The harsh words she had said to him a year ago had made him angry. If he had known the truth, he would have gone after her.

    Eileen pressed her lips together, frowned, and clenched the hem of her clothes. She couldn¡¯t keep it from him forever, but for now, she had to. She decided to wait until he was in a better mood before telling him the truth.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m fuels your imagination

    ¡°Eileen.¡± Bryan asked in a low voice, ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡± Why was she so unhappy now that she knew he had divorced his wife? Did she just want to flirt with him? Did she have no ns to marry him in the future? Thinking of this, Bryan¡¯s expression soured. If she had expressed even a hint of the desire to marry him, he would have torn her clothes off and made love to her in the car the next second.

    But Eileen just shook her head and forced a smile. ¡°I¡¯m so happy. I didn¡¯t know before that you were divorced!¡± she said.

    ¡°Stop with the fake smile,¡± Bryan said crossly. He could tell at a nce that something was off about Eileen¡¯s reaction, but he decided to drop the subject for now.

    ¡°Are you going back to the hospital?¡± Bryan asked while fastening his seat belt.

    Eileen shook her head. ¡°No.¡± As long as Raymond returned her bag, her work tomorrow wouldn¡¯t be affected.

    The car pulled out of the parking lot and onto the road, but not in the direction of home. With her hands on the seat belt, Eileen asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t we going home? Where are you taking me?¡±

    ¡°I said that I would give you a surprise.¡± Thinking of something, Bryan was clearly in a good mood now.

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t the news supposed to be the surprise?¡± Eileen was confused.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t look surprised at all at the news. Do you really think that is the surprise?¡± Bryan said.

    Eileen was at a loss for words. ncing at Eileen, Bryan added, ¡°The news was an unexpected surprise.¡± Now, it was time for the surprise he had prepared in advance. He drove from the city center to the western suburbs. The pebbled road was lined with thick woods. The trees became so dense that they blotted out the midday sun, shadows of the foliage dancing on the car. With the windows half-open, a gentle breeze blew in.

    It was rare for Eileen to rx, so she leaned back in her seat and drank in the fresh air gratefully. She was a bit concerned, though, about how she would tell Bryan that she was his ex-wife. She knew that the longer she kept it a secret from him, the worse the situation would turn out to be.

    While she was deep in thought, the car pulled to a stop in front of a small cottage. The red brick walls were covered with moss and vines. Yellow flowers were scattered among the greenery. The windows with white frames gave a glimpse into the cottage¡¯s interior and its modern d¨¦cor.

    Eileen got out of the car. Bryan took her by the hand and led her up the porch stairs. ¡°It¡¯s not convenient for you to live in the city. I bought this house when I first came to Wist Land,¡± Bryan said. He stood in the doorway, using his smartphone to activate the biometric lock. Then, he gently pressed her finger against the scanner, registering her fingerprints into the system.

    He added, ¡°The password, if you end up needing it, is your birthday.¡± Then, he pressed her finger against the scanner once more, and it sessfully unlocked the door.

    The wooden door swung open, and he led her in. Only then did his words sink in¡ªBryan had actually bought a house. ¡°I¡¯ve been looking for a new housetely,¡± Eileen said. ¡°I still haven¡¯t found the perfect one.¡± So what if he had bought a house? She still had to buy one for herself. After all, Bailee and Ruby needed a ce in the future.

    Bryan said seriously, ¡°You don¡¯t have to buy a new house anymore. Your mom and sister can also live here. There¡¯s a ramp on the right side of the house, so it¡¯ll be convenient for your mom to stay here once she¡¯s discharged from the hospital.¡± There were two separate roads outside either side of the house doors, so it would be convenient for Ruby to live here.

    ¡°It¡¯s not appropriate for me to ept this.¡± Eileen shook her head adamantly. She still intended to buy another house for Ruby and Bailee. After all, she and Bryan were not married yet.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 187

    ?Chapter 187:

    Eileen said, ¡°I understand what you meant, but it wouldn¡¯t be wise for others to know I¡¯ve moved in here with my family.¡± She recognized that Bryan was doing this for her own good, but she had to think about practical matters.

    Bryan had considered this as well. He said, ¡°That¡¯s why the vi was purchased in your name, Eileen.¡±

    Eileen was taken aback. Bryan continued, ¡°The paperwork isn¡¯t finished yet. You¡¯ll need to bring your driver¡¯s license and birth certificate to the office. I¡¯ve already paid, but if you don¡¯tplete the procedure¡­ The money will go to waste.¡±

    He knew Eileen well enough to anticipate her hesitation, which was why he had set up this little trick.

    ¡°How much did it cost you?¡± Eileen quickly estimated in her head and doubted she could afford it. Her entire savings might only cover the down payment.

    Bryan smiled. ¡°You¡¯re worth more than its price. Are you really thinking about paying me back?¡±

    Eileen found herself at a loss for words. Judging by his look, she knew he wouldn¡¯t back down. Moreover, trying to settle debts between them might only lead to disputes. To Bryan, after all, the cost of the vi was nothing. Given that Ruby still had to remain in the hospital, Eileen decided it was best to move into the house and figure things outter.

    She leaned closer to Bryan, her long hair cascading over her shoulders. Then, she wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her chin against his chest. ¡°Did you mean it?¡±

    Bryan looked down, kissed her hair gently, and said, ¡°Yes, you are priceless.¡±

    He closed the door with one hand while still holding her close with the other. But he made no further moves. Since she had taken the initiative, he was content to let her lead.

    Eileen gripped his shirt, her palms damp with sweat. As she looked up at his sexy Adam¡¯s apple, the slightly open cor, and the exposed corbones, she felt overwhelmed by his presence. But then, she realized they had just entered the vi. This wasn¡¯t the right moment.

    Raising an eyebrow, she let go of him. ¡°Let¡¯s look around. We can wait until tonight.¡± She quickly stepped away, her hair swaying behind her. A strand of her hair caressed his fingers. Bryan¡¯s eyes deepened with desire. He then followed her.

    The vi was expansive. The first floor hosted the living room and kitchen, and there were four bedrooms. The study and bedrooms were on the second floor, while the third floor had the same structure as the second.

    Bryan had chosen their bedroom on the third floor and taken care of all the arrangements himself, including a small kitchen so they could cook on their own whenever needed.

    ¡°The third floor is too high. The second floor would be better.¡± Eileen wasn¡¯t keen on the idea of climbing three flights of stairs daily to reach the bedroom.

    ¡°The third floor is perfect. It is quieter. We won¡¯t be disturbed there,¡± Bryan said. As they entered the spacious room, Bryan opened the window to reveal a view of the mountain across. The vis in the neighborhood were spaced far apart. His point was that she wouldn¡¯t disturb others at night as well.

    Though he didn¡¯t say it, Eileen could feel it. Bryan cornered her between his chest and the windowsill. His body radiated aforting pine scent. His breathing quickened, and he gazed at her.

    Eileen chose to pretend as if she didn¡¯t grasp his implication and seized the opportunity to slip away. They left the vi and set off for the apartment to pack up. Bryan was also nning to go back to Pianoforte Vis to collect his things.

    On the way, Eileen informed Phoebe that she was moving out. Phoebe called her, insisting that Eileen treat her to a meal. Jacob wanted to join them as well. Eileen turned to Bryan to ask what he thought about it. ¡°That sounds good. Let¡¯s invite Z and her brother, too,¡± Bryan said.

    Bryan hadn¡¯t yet informed Z about his ns to move out. Hearing Bryan mention Z, Eileen asked, ¡°Are you close to Z?¡±

    ¡°She grew up in the Dawson family,¡± Bryan replied curtly. After a pause, he added, ¡°It¡¯s hard to say. Z has been around since my earliest memories. We¡¯re practically like siblings.¡±

    Eileen was taken aback by the news. She had always believed Z to be the adopted daughter of a prominent family in Onnd. It seemed Bryan¡¯s parents were fond of her and had even considered arranging a marriage between her and Bryan. Eileen remembered ament from Bryan¡¯s mother, noting that Z was waiting for Bryan.

    ¡°No matter what anyone else thinks, Z and I see eye to eye. We grew up together. How could we possibly fall in love with each other? We¡¯ve both opposed the idea since we were old enough to understand it. So, in college, I ignored the rumors linking me with Vivian, while Z went abroad,¡± Bryan said.

    He shared these details of his past with Eileen. Eileen was surprised. ¡°Rumors about you and Vivian? Does that mean¡­ you two weren¡¯t actually dating?¡±

    ¡°To be exact, Vivian had feelings for me that I didn¡¯t reciprocate. I turned her down multiple times, but she didn¡¯t give up. My rtionship with Kian kept me from doing anything more,¡± Bryan replied.

    As a result, the rumor that he and Vivian were dating had spread widely across campus. After graduating from college, his parents had pressured him to marry Z. At the same time, the Warren family had pushed for a marriage with Vivian. Perhaps because he had been young and rebellious, Bryan had chosen a defiant path against his parents¡¯ wishes. In an unexpected twist, he had decided to marry Vivian, only to have her run away.

    Eileen wasn¡¯t sure if she felt sympathy for Bryan or something more. Born into wealth and fame, Bryan was also burdened with responsibilities that others couldn¡¯t bear. Noticing Bryan¡¯s deep frown, Eileen shifted the conversation. ¡°What shall we have tonight for dinner?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve had Raymond make the arrangements. Send the address to Phoebe. Tell her to bring Jacob along,¡± Bryan replied.

    After getting Eileen¡¯s belongings, they headed to Pianoforte Vis. Z and Milford were not at home. By the time Bryan and Eileen got back to Lakeside Vi, it was almost evening. At seven, the doorbell echoed.

    Along with Jacob, Phoebe, Z, and Milford, two more people arrived unexpectedly. They were Kian and Vivian. Bryan and Eileen hadn¡¯t seen Vivian in a year. She looked haggard, and despite being well-dressed, her face was marred by evident distress. Kian maintained his usual dignified and rxed demeanor. Even as he nced at Eileen standing beside Bryan, his expression was unchanged.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you happy to see us?¡± Kian asked Bryan.

    Bryan offered a smile and, with his arm around Eileen¡¯s shoulders, stepped aside to let them in. ¡°How could that be? Please,e inside.¡±

    Kian entered first, followed by the others. As Vivian walked past Eileen, her eyes betrayed deep resentment toward Eileen. It was clear she still harbored feelings for Bryan. Noticing this, Eileen couldn¡¯t help but feel amused. The event that had unfolded in the hospital a year ago had exhausted her patience with Vivian. She decided she wouldn¡¯t react unless Vivian stepped out of line. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t show Vivian any mercy.

    ¡°Good evening, Bryan.¡± Z approached Bryan and Eileen, offering Eileen a friendly nod and a smile. She then leaned in to whisper to Bryan, ¡°Let¡¯s keep the evening pleasant. We all grew up together. Remember when you were away in Wist Land and Apex Group was struggling? The Warren family has helped thepany a lot.¡±

    The ties between the two families were strong. Despite Ste¡¯s frustration over Vivian¡¯s decision to leave before, the families maintained their friendship.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Bryan replied. He nced at Eileen and added, ¡°As long as there¡¯s no trouble from their side.¡±

    Z frowned, sighed, and walked inside with Milford. Milford seemed particrly cheerful, probably because he knew Eileen could continue to be his tutor. He casually put his hands in his pockets and gave Eileen a look.

    Eileen couldn¡¯t help but smile. As she turned, she was surprised to see Benjamin standing near Kian¡¯s car. She hadn¡¯t expected him to show up, too. Raymond and several bodyguards came inside, carrying ingredients and momentarily blocking Eileen¡¯s view.

    Bryan led Eileen back inside. Everyone gathered around the dining table. The table wasden with dishes, and Bryan had Raymond ce Eileen¡¯s favorites directly in front of her. Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Bryan handed Eileen a te, a knife, and a fork, attending to her needs.

    ¡°I never imagined Bryan and Eileen would end up together,¡± Kian said. No one could tell his emotions from his tone.

    His probing eyes were fixed on Eileen. Eileen looked into his eyes fearlessly. ¡°Mr. Warren, what did you expect then?¡± She was half-joking but full of confidence. Kian wasn¡¯t angry about her words. ¡°It¡¯s too soon to make any judgments. I wouldn¡¯t dare draw any conclusions now.¡±

    ¡°Then perhaps you should focus on eating instead of talking,¡± Bryan interjected suddenly, his voice even. During the one year that Eileen had not been with him, Bryan had seldom seen Kian. Now, Kian had hurried over from Onnd with Vivian just after Bryan announced his rtionship with Eileen. It was clear to Bryan what Kian¡¯s intentions were.

    Bryan nced at Eileen, who was now confidently enjoying her meal. He could see she had grown bolder. This change pleased him greatly.

    ¡°This dish is excellent. Try it.¡± Jacob pointed at the dish in front of him, breaking the awkward atmosphere. This shifted the conversation towards the food and Milford¡¯s studies. Eileen was rtively quiet throughout the meal. She was well-versed in all the topics discussed, but Bryan kept serving her more food. Eventually, she was too full to eat anymore, and Bryan happily finished her leftovers.

    Phoebe observed them andmented that Eileen was skilled at dealing with Bryan. She followed Eileen to the bathroom, her expression one of admiration. Eileen herself was also taken aback, not having anticipated Bryan¡¯s attentive behavior.

    ¡°I look like I need to start saving money.¡± Phoebe patted her pocket. ¡°I should start putting money aside for your wedding gift.¡± She had severed ties with the Burton family. Although she wasn¡¯t destitute, she wasn¡¯t wealthy, either. ustomed to a life of luxury, she often spent more than she should.

    Eileen raised an eyebrow, her eyes returning to the dinner table. ¡°There¡¯s no hurry.¡± Following her gaze, Phoebe saw Vivian gazing at Eileen with hatred.

    ¡°That woman is unbearable,¡± Phoebe muttered. ¡°She¡¯s battling depression, right? What¡¯s she doing here? Has Kian lost his mind bringing her here? Doesn¡¯t he worry that such outings could worsen his sister¡¯s condition?¡±

    Rather than keeping Vivian in the hospital, Kian had brought her to witness Bryan and Eileen¡¯s public disys of affection. What was he trying to achieve? Eileen was also puzzled over Kian¡¯s intentions. She opened her mouth to speak, but just then, Vivian stood up and approached them.

    Phoebe straightened up and stepped in front of Eileen, ready to intercept Vivian. Before Vivian could approach Eileen, Phoebe interjected, ¡°My dear cousin, are you feeling better now?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 188

    ?Chapter 188:

    ¡°Phoebe, who do you think you are? Do you think you¡¯re worthy of talking to me?¡± Vivian¡¯s voice was raspy, her tone and expression threatening.

    Phoebe had anticipated Vivian¡¯s scorn, so she just shrugged nonchntly. ¡°If someone with your mental problem cane out and scare people, why can¡¯t I stand here and speak?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m warning you, you¡¯re no longer a part of the Burton family. If you dare to provoke me, I won¡¯t let you off easily!¡± Vivian said. Vivian had never liked Phoebe, who, unlike Megan, had never tried to tter her.

    Phoebe patted her chest, pretending to be scared. ¡°Oh no! I am so terrified. You should take care of yourself first, or you might get sick and me it on me.¡±

    Eileen gently tugged at Phoebe¡¯s sleeve. Vivian clearly had bad intentions, but they shouldn¡¯t escte the situation. After all, if Vivian had a fit, they would be in trouble.

    ¡°I¡¯m not wasting any more words on you,¡± Vivian said, her chest heaving with anger. She also feared losing control and bing aughingstock. She turned her malicious gaze to Eileen. ¡°Eileen, take a good look at yourself. Do you honestly believe you¡¯re suitable for Bryan? You don¡¯t even deserve to set foot in the Dawson family¡¯s residence!¡±

    The contrast in status between Eileen and her was something Vivian had always taken pride in. In the past, such remarks might have caused Eileen to retreat, but not anymore.

    ¡°Whether I¡¯m worthy or not is not your concern, Miss Warren. You should focus on taking care of your own well-being,¡± Eileen replied calmly.

    Vivian¡¯s lips twisted into a sneer. ¡°Do you think just because you have Bryan¡¯s affection, you can control everything? Bryan is no longer the omnipotent Mr. Dawson of Apex Group. Let¡¯s see if he can still protect you!¡± With that, she turned and returned to her seat, appearing more rxed after her outburst. She even joined in on Kian¡¯s conversation from time to time.

    Phoebe patted Eileen¡¯s shoulder and whispered, ¡°Just ignore her. What she said was baseless. Bryan is quite capable; he is respected even in here.¡± After all, Bryan was from the Dawson family. Beneath the resplendent chandelier, Bryan sat at the dining table, d in a white shirt with a cigarette between his fingers. The wisps of smoke only added to the allure of his striking features, his deep-set eyes gazing downwards as he was lost in thought. His demeanor, simultaneously rxed and graceful, caught Eileen¡¯s eye.

    Your next story starts here g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Even without the support of the Dawson family, Bryan remained exceptional. A graduate of a prestigious institution, he had achieved significant milestones in his career. Within three years of joining Apex Group, he had propelled thepany to unprecedented heights. He owed part of his fame to the Dawson family name, but the majority was due to his own capabilities. He was already a prominent figure in the business world now.

    ¡°It seems being with Bryan will pose a constant challenge. I must stay resilient,¡± Eileen muttered, drawing a deep breath. Previously, she had been cautious due to her financial struggles; without money, Ruby¡¯s life would be at risk. But now, she had nothing to fear.

    ¡°I believe in you,¡± Phoebe said. Changing the subject, Eileen asked, ¡°How are you and Jacob doing?¡± Phoebe scoffed, ¡°That guy¡¯s a fool, trying to mimic Bryan, the authoritative CEO. But he forgets I¡¯m not some Cindere; I¡¯m¡­ a wolf!¡± Her remark elicitedughter from Eileen, dispelling the heaviness Vivian had brought.

    Around eleven o¡¯clock, Z suggested leaving. ¡°It¡¯s past Milford¡¯s bedtime. Let¡¯s call it a night,¡± she said. Upon hearing this, Jacob promptly got up to leave. However, Kian remained in his seat. ¡°You go ahead and take Milford back first. We¡¯ll stick around a bit longer. It¡¯s been a while since we¡¯ve had a chance to catch up.¡±

    Eileen and Bryan rose to see them off. Bryan¡¯s fingers delicately encircled her wrist, his thumb caressing her skin lightly. Upon hearing Kian¡¯s words, Eileen paused. Bryan¡¯s eyebrows creased slightly, a chill briefly crossing his gaze. The atmosphere in the dining room suddenly became tense.

    With her bag already in hand, Z said, ¡°What¡¯s the point of you staying longer? Eileen and Bryan also need their rest. Eileen still has to tutor Milford tomorrow. She¡¯ll need to get to bed early.¡± She then approached Kian and gave his shoulder a friendly pat. ¡°Let¡¯s head out together.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Kian replied softly, exchanging a nce with Vivian, who promptly rose from her seat as well. The situation felt odd, but Kian and Vivian didn¡¯t do anything more. Soon, Kian and the others all left the vi. Eileen and Bryan stood at the door, watching as they got into their cars. Through the half-open car window, Vivian¡¯s expression seemed somber, while Kian waved calmly.

    Bryan simply nodded in acknowledgment. As soon as their cars started moving, Bryan didn¡¯t wait for them to disappear before leading Eileen back inside. Raymond and the bodyguards were already cleaning up the dining room. Eileen rolled up her sleeves, intending to help. Taken aback, Raymond quickly said, ¡°Ms. Curtis, you don¡¯t need to do this. It¡¯s our job.¡±

    Feeling that his job was already at risk, Raymond knew that failing at this simple task could lead to losing his position. Raymond and the others quickly tidied everything up. ¡°Mr. Dawson, Ms. Curtis, we¡¯vepleted the clean-up. Have a good night,¡± Raymond said with a faint smile, waving as he led the bodyguards away. Their footsteps faded, muffled by the door.

    Turning, Eileen found Bryan waiting for her at the stairway, his tall figure leaning against the banister. His clear eyes met hers, and he raised his eyebrows, a faint smile ying on his lips. Eileen nced around the now-empty room, appreciating the excellent soundproofing. Feeling a slight headacheing on, she pointed to therge television in the living room. ¡°This TV is quite impressive. I¡¯m not really tired. How about we watch something?¡±

    ¡°Do you like it here?¡± Bryan¡¯s tone held a hint of surprise as he approached her. ¡°Sure, let¡¯s do that here.¡± His words carried weight, and the hint of anticipation in his voice sent a tingling sensation through Eileen. Bryan switched off the chandelier in the dining room and the living room, leaving only the soft glow of ambient lights along the walls.

    The room felt cozy, the dim lighting creating a perfect ambiance. When Bryan turned on the TV, it automatically adjusted its brightness to avoid straining the eyes. Eileen didn¡¯t pay much attention to the TV. She didn¡¯t even reach for the remote, letting whatever was on y in the background. Bryan gently guided her to lie in his arms.

    Leaning back on the sofa, Bryan held Eileen close, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat echoing in her ears. The faint scent of tobo and alcohol on Bryan surrounded Eileen. ¡°So, you¡¯re enjoying this?¡± Bryan asked, his deep voice resonating in her ear.

    Eileen snapped back to reality, looking at the TV screen. It was ying a documentary about animal mating habits. Majestic lions and lionesses were engaged in a thrilling chase across the expansive savannah. Who would enjoy watching this? Eileen couldn¡¯t help but think the TV must be cursed¡ªcouldn¡¯t it show a beautiful romance movie instead? But then she thought romance movies often featured steamy scenes, perfect for couples in the throes of passion¡­ Those scenes might ignite something within them.

    Bryan tightened his arms around her, a hint of amusement in his breath. ¡°You can¡¯t escape. Let¡¯s get done with that and head to bed early,¡± he suggested, half-encouraging and half-serious. Eileen believed he was right. She quickly got up and turned off the TV.

    In the moonlight filtering through the windows, she took Bryan¡¯s hand as they made their way upstairs to the bedroom. As the night wore on, the bright moonlight retreated behind veils of clouds, casting a quiet veil over the surroundings.

    A car came to a swift halt at the gates of Pianoforte Vis. Milford disembarked, striding into the house without a backward nce, while Z, trailing behind, paid him little mind. After Bryan moved out, she had imed his old room as her own, filling it with her possessions. Even his study now bore her mark, adorned with her personal items.

    On the lengthy tabley sheets of paper for calligraphy and a book of traditional scriptures. Draped in soft, pale yellow silk pajamas, Z elegantly tied her hair into a neat bun. Her nails shimmered with a subtle golden sheen under the soft light as she wielded the brush with grace and precision. Her script flowed swiftly and beautifully across the page.

    asionally, she cast a nce at the scriptures beside her, effortlesslypleting passages within half an hour. Setting the paper aside to dry, she paused for a moment before inscribing three words on a new one: ¡°Kill With ttery.¡± The words sprawled across the entire sheet.

    Z took the paper, standing by the half-open window to let the breeze dry the ink. Once the paper was dry, she rolled it and tied it with a small red string. Opening the safe, she ced the scroll inside alongside several others, each tied with a simr red string. The scroll at the bottom showed signs of age, the edge yellowed with time. After putting the new scroll inside, Z locked the safe.

    The sudden ring of her phone shattered the quiet of the night, but Z remained unfazed. After tidying away her calligraphy tools, she finally answered the call. ¡°Kian, you¡¯re still up at this hour? How¡¯s Vivian doing? You shouldn¡¯t have brought her over; I¡¯m worried she might have a rpse,¡± she said.

    ¡°She insisted oning, so I brought her along. Don¡¯t worry; her attending physician is with her,¡± Kian reassured Z over the phone. He then shifted the conversation, his tone light and inscrutable. ¡°What are your thoughts on Bryan and Eileen being together?¡±

    After a brief pause, Z chuckled softly. ¡°Why are you asking me this? From Vivian¡¯s perspective, of course, I feel for her. But Bryan¡¯s choices are his own. As long as I¡¯m not the one marrying him, I¡¯m fine with it.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll help you. I won¡¯t let you marry him.¡± Kian¡¯s voice was a mix of promise and determination. Z could imagine the seriousness in his gaze as he spoke. She chuckled softly, her tone gentle. ¡°Thank you, Kian. You¡¯ve always been so good to me.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 189

    ?Chapter 189:

    After Kian ended the call, Z¡¯s gentle voice still echoed in his mind. Kian¡¯s eyes reflected a yearning. Although Z had been overseas for years and they hadn¡¯t seen each other in person for a long time, they had kept in touch.

    Regardless of the time difference, they often engaged in long conversations at night. Kian believed this meant something, though he preferred not to say anything about it for now. He unlocked his phone and looked at the old photo of himself and Z together, a subtle smile ying on his lips.

    After a while, as if recalling something important, he dialed Benjamin. ¡°How¡¯s the investigation on Eileen going? I want all the details,¡± he said. Evente at night, Benjamin was always attentive when Kian called. He replied, ¡°Mr. Warren, I¡¯ll have aprehensive report on Eileen delivered to your house by morning.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Kian said with satisfaction. ¡°You were college ssmates with Eileen, right?¡± Kian didn¡¯t bring up the fact that he had learned about Benjamin meeting Eileen in Wist Land, feeling the timing wasn¡¯t right.

    Benjamin responded without hesitation, ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Then, if I request actions that might hurt her, can youply?¡± Kian asked. Kian¡¯s question sounded casual, but Benjamin knew that a wrong answer could lead to severe consequences.

    Benjamin replied, ¡°Although it will be difficult, I understand the importance of weighing the pros and cons. So rest assured, Mr. Warren.¡±

    Kian¡¯sughter on the other end of the line was unsettling; it made Benjamin break into a cold sweat. After hanging up, Benjamin pressed his lips together tightly, contemting the current situation. He had always understood the necessity of weighing the pros and cons, but this time¡­ Eileen had really put him in a tough spot.

    As the year drew to a close, Wist Land¡¯s temperature plummeted to its lowest point. Yet, Eileen felt warmer than she had in the previous year. Perhaps it was because Bryan alwaysy beside her as she slept and woke. In the days before their departure from Onnd, they had spent time together like this. But now, it felt different; Bryan tended to her with great care. Within days of being with him, she had gained weight, a feat neither Bailee nor Phoebe had achieved in a year.

    Find exclusive updates g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??ls

    Everything went as usual except that Eileen couldn¡¯t make it to the educational institution on time in the morning. With the approaching final exams in Adalina¡¯s school, Eileen prepared her tutoring sessions for Milford and Adalina with great effort. She even went ahead and pre-recorded several online lessons, storing them in case they were needed. Bryan¡¯s project progressed smoothly. asionally, he was too upied to pick up Eileen, so he would send Raymond instead.

    As time passed, Eileen and Raymond became quite familiar with each other. One morning, around nine o¡¯clock, Eileen was still asleep when her phone rang loudly, prompting a frown from Bryan. Bryan reached for Eileen¡¯s phone and answered it. ¡°Ms. Curtis, one of the parents of your online course students contacted us. They mentioned that their child will be studying intensively before the school year ends and asked if you could provide a week¡¯s worth of prerecorded lessons.¡±

    Bryan paused briefly before responding in a low voice, ¡°I¡¯ll have Eileen call you back shortly.¡± Realizing the current situation, the caller promptly ended the call.

    Eileen stirred, stretched her arms, and wrapped them around Bryan¡¯s waist. ¡°Good morning,¡± she murmured. Bryan leaned down, his lips brushing softly against her cheek. He ced her phone beside her. ¡°You have a call.¡±

    Groggily, Eileen retrieved her phone. She checked who had called her. It was June Boyer, an experienced teacher with two children. June, understanding the inconvenience of early morning calls, decided to message Eileen instead. She recounted the situation once more, emphasizing the urgency of the student needing the pre-recorded lessons within the next half-hour before heading to school. However, the recorded lessons were stored on the desktopputer at the education center, and Eileen knew there was no way she could make it there in time.

    So she entrusted June with the password for herputer and asked June to forward the lessons instead. After addressing a few queries from Milford and Adalina in their group chat, Eileen finally took a moment to rest. She had been really busy recently. With her back turned to Bryan, her long, wavy hair sprawled across the bed, entuating her slender waist. Still nestled against Bryan¡¯s arm, she felt his fingers gently ying with her hair.

    ¡°What do you want to eat for breakfast?¡± Bryan asked. ¡°Anything that¡¯s filling,¡± Eileen replied without looking back, feeling the warmth of Bryan¡¯s hand resting on her waist through the thin nket.

    In the blink of an eye, Bryan snatched her phone and pulled her into a snug embrace.

    ¡°Eileen, I might need to head back to Onnd for Christmas Eve,¡± he whispered into her ear, a hint of reluctance in his tone.

    ¡°Really?¡± Eileen hadn¡¯t considered it until then, but it dawned on her¡ªit was Christmas Eve. Who wouldn¡¯t want to be home for that? She shifted slightly, feeling a twinge of reluctance herself, and replied, ¡°Then go. Just make sure youe back soon.¡±

    ¡°My family called. They mentioned my grandmother isn¡¯t doing well.¡± Bryan¡¯s exnation shed light on his sudden need to leave. Without a valid reason, he wouldn¡¯t have considered going back.

    Eileen¡¯s heart clenched with concern. ¡°Is it serious? You should head back as soon as possible.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a recurring issue. Each year, my grandmother¡¯s growing older, and her health suffers a bit more. I just need to tie up some loose ends with my project here before I go,¡± Bryan said, his fingers gentlybing through Eileen¡¯s hair as he held her gaze for a moment.

    ¡°At most, I¡¯ll be gone for ten days.¡± With twenty days left until Christmas Eve, Eileen realized Bryan wouldn¡¯t be by her side for almost a month. She bit her lip and rested her head against his chest.

    ¡°Alright.¡± In this situation, asking Bryan to stay wasn¡¯t feasible. And Bryan couldn¡¯t take her to Onnd, since Ruby was still here.

    Bryan pressed a kiss to Eileen¡¯s forehead. ¡°I have some matters to attend to back home. Once I return and your mother¡¯s health improves, I¡¯ll take you back with me.¡± Eileen understood the significance of returning home with him.

    Suddenly thinking about the fact that she still hadn¡¯t told Bryan that she was his ex-wife, her heart skipped a beat. She just replied, ¡°Okay.¡±

    Knowing they would be apart for a while, Eileen lingered in bed with Bryan a bit longer. Then, while Bryan prepared breakfast, she attended to some work tasks.

    When she finally came downstairs after freshening up, Bryan had already finished preparing breakfast. He looked good in his ck shirt and trousers, despite the mismatch with the kitchen ambiance¡ªa sight that had be familiar to Eileen. Wearing a Bluetooth earpiece, Bryan was dealing with some work matters.

    Spotting Eileen, he gestured towards her seat. Eileen took her ce at the table. She ate in silence while he worked.

    Afterward, she cleared the dishes, gathered her work things, and exchanged a fleeting nce with Bryan before heading out. Both Bryan and Eileen found themselves very busy recently since Christmas was approaching.

    Eileen diligently pre-recorded numerous lessons, aiming for a tranquil holiday season. Bryan¡¯s departure was scheduled for Monday, and over the preceding weekend evening, Z orchestrated a gathering.

    Besides Eileen and Bryan, only Z and Milford were in attendance, fostering a somewhat harmonious atmosphere. This marked Eileen¡¯s first close interaction with Z, revealing to her Z¡¯s culinary prowess.

    ¡°You¡¯re too kind, Miss Murray,¡± Eileen said, feeling slightly awkward witnessing Z¡¯s busyness in the kitchen. Despite Z¡¯s more approachable demeanor with casual attire and an apron, her elegant aura remained.

    Z smiled at Eileen. ¡°Have a seat first. I have something to discuss with youter.¡± Confused, Eileen pondered what Z could possibly want to talk about with her.

    Eileen¡¯s gaze drifted to Bryan, who was engrossed in a video game with Milford on the couch. The contrast between Bryan¡¯s mature charm and Milford¡¯s youthful exuberance was palpable.

    Eileen assisted Z with setting the table, and within half an hour, dinner was served. Z uncorked a bottle of red wine and poured a ss for Eileen, who hesitantly epted it.

    Bryan didn¡¯t intervene, though he was well aware that Eileen¡¯s alcohol tolerance had waned since she had rarely drunk when he hadn¡¯t been by her side. Considering the fact that he was leaving the following day, he believed a touch of wine might alleviate the impending sorrow of their separation.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have a toast,¡± Z proposed, lifting her ss to Eileen and Bryan. Eileen and Bryan both raised their sses and took a sip.

    ¡°Eileen, regarding the awkward incident during Milford¡¯s tutoring session, please don¡¯t take it to heart,¡± Z said, her expression tinged with embarrassment. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize the nature of your rtionship with Bryan, and I acted hastily.¡± Her apology seemed sincere.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Eileen replied, cing her ss down. The tone of her response was polite and a bit formal. Z didn¡¯t seem bothered by this. ¡°Actually, I have another favor to ask. Bryan and I are heading back to Onnd, and Milford will be staying here alone¡­¡± Z had intended to bring Milford along, but he had refused.

    ¡°If it¡¯s alright with everyone, I could take Milford to my home. After all, my family is small, and it would add some liveliness,¡± Eileen proposed, quickly grasping Z¡¯s implication.

    Upon hearing this, Bryan frowned, a sudden thought crossing his mind. ¡°What are you nning to eat on Christmas Eve?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s question left Eileen momentarily speechless. It was no secret that Eileen¡¯s culinary prowess left much to be desired. They couldn¡¯t possibly eat spaghetti on Christmas Eve. Besides, the spaghetti Eileen made wouldn¡¯t exactly be winning any culinary awards. Both Z and Milford fixed their eager eyes on Eileen, waiting for her response.

    Feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration, Eileen cleared her throat before answering, ¡°I¡¯ve already discussed it with Bailee. We¡¯re bringing my mom home for Christmas, and Phoebe will be joining us. Bailee¡¯s in charge of the cooking.¡±

    Noticing Eileen¡¯s ears tinged with a rosy hue and her eyes widened in exasperation, Bryan couldn¡¯t suppress a grin. ¡°Then you should go home. The old ce won¡¯t have enough space,¡± he suggested. By ¡°home,¡± he meant their current residence, the Lakeside Vi. If it weren¡¯t for Milford, Eileen might have considered her former ce, but with him in tow, that ce would be too cramped. So, she agreed.

    ¡°Also, I heard from Kian that Vivian isn¡¯t feeling well. It wouldn¡¯t be right for her to travel, so Kian and Vivian will be staying in Wist Land for Christmas Eve,¡± Z said, her voiceced with concern as she looked at Bryan and Eileen.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 190

    ?Chapter 190:

    Everyone was aware that Kian and Vivian¡¯s visit to Wist Land had a purpose. Bryan, with a glint of sharpness in his eyes, remained silent as he casually offered Eileen a dish that he knew she would like.

    ¡°This dish tastes good. Try it,¡± he said.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Eileen replied, then smiled at Z. ¡°Miss Murray, your cooking skills are good.¡±

    ¡°No need to be so formal with me,¡± Z said. ¡°Call me Z, just like Bryan does.¡±

    Despite Z¡¯s words, Eileen found it difficult to address Z by her first name. Noticing this, Z didn¡¯t push further. She turned to Milford with a stern expression, instructing him to heed Eileen¡¯s advice during tutoring sessions. It seemed that asking Eileen to call her by name was just a polite gesture.

    Z had spent a lot of time cooking, so after they finished eating, Eileen felt it would be rude to let Z clean up alone. Eileen rolled up her sleeves, ready to help, but Bryan stopped her.

    ¡°Both of you should rest. I¡¯ve got this,¡± he said.

    ¡°Alright, you take care of it. I¡¯ll go wash some fruit.¡± Z took some fruit from the fridge and went into the kitchen.

    After Eileen helped carry the dishes to the kitchen, Z led her to sit in the living room. Milford was engrossed in the game created by Huey. Eileen, who hadn¡¯t yed the game in a while, felt tempted to join him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll join you.¡± Eileen pulled out her phone and sat next to Milford. Then, she nced at Z. She was unsure whether Z would mind if she joined Milford to y the game.

    Z nudged the te of fruits towards them. ¡°Go ahead. You mentioned that work and y should be bnced, right? Just make sure Milford doesn¡¯t forget his studies.¡±

    Your next adventure is at g  al n ovels . con

    ¡°Come on, quickly,¡± Milford said excitedly, nudging Eileen¡¯s arm to urge her.

    Upon seeing this, Z felt a bit ufortable. When facing her, Milford always avoided physical contact and spoke very little. After some hesitation, Z retrieved her phone and said, ¡°I¡¯ll give it a try, too.¡±

    While the game was downloading, she added Eileen on WhatsApp. Z¡¯s profile picture showed a few sheets of paper tied with red strings. Upon closer inspection, Eileen noticed there were ink marks on the paper.

    Suddenly thinking of something, Milford quietly moved to sit on the wicker chair by the French windows. He appeared to be chatting with someone.

    ¡°Eileen, are you truly serious about Bryan?¡± Z asked casually while waiting for the game to download. Her question, though casual, was serious for Eileen. ¡°Of course, I am serious,¡± Eileen replied.

    Noticing Eileen¡¯s earnest expression, Z smiled gently. ¡°No need to be so tense; I was just curious. The Dawson family¡¯s situation isplicated. If you¡¯ve decided to be with Bryan, it¡¯s not something to take lightly. You know Bryan¡¯s character; he¡¯s serious about hismitments. I¡¯m just concerned that you might struggle with the pressure.¡±

    Z nced toward the kitchen to ensure Bryan was still upied. She leaned closer to Eileen and reassured her, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Once Bryan makes a decision, no one can change it. As long as you staymitted, everything will be fine.¡±

    Eileen understood that the Dawson family¡¯s situation wasplex, but no one had ever given her the full details. Z seemed to only hint at the difficulties without exining them.

    Eileen chose not to ask further. She decided to wait for Bryan to exin everything when the time was right. Once the game finished downloading, they started ying. Z was not familiar with this game. Eileen and Milford began at the basic level to help her, using the chance as a way to rx and pass the time.

    After Bryan finished tidying up the kitchen, he received a phone call. He stood on the balcony, where the light was dim, holding a cigarette that glowed in the dark. Around ten o¡¯clock, Bryan ended the call and came inside. The cool night breeze brought in the smell of smoke and alcohol.

    He sat next to Eileen, watching her and Z y against Milford. They were quickly defeated by Milford. Bryan raised an eyebrow and, wrapping his arm around Eileen, took her phone, saying, ¡°How clumsy.¡± He followed the remark with a kiss on her ear.

    They had be so ustomed to their intimacy that they forgot others were around. Milford was focused on the game and didn¡¯t say anything. Z noticed their closeness but didn¡¯t react. In less than thirty seconds, Bryan began to dominate the game. He not only outperformed Milford but also killed Milford¡¯s character three times within three minutes.

    Feeling defeated, Milford put down his phone and scratched his head. ¡°One more round!¡± he eximed.

    ¡°I¡¯m done ying,¡± Bryan said, exiting the game. He then pulled Eileen up and turned to Z. ¡°We¡¯re leaving now.¡±

    Z put away her phone and said, ¡°Pick me up here tomorrow morning. We¡¯ll go to the airport together.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Bryan replied without hesitation. ¡°Let¡¯s just meet at the airport.¡±

    He nced at Eileen, wanting to spend every possible moment with her before his departure. He had no time to pick up Z. Bryan¡¯s refusal was final, and Z had to ept it. ¡°Alright then. See you at the airport,¡± she said.

    Bryan draped his suit jacket over his arm, took Eileen¡¯s hand, and left with her. On the smooth road, the trees along the sides quickly blurred past, leaving Eileen momentarily dazed.

    ¡°You¡¯ll pass by Z¡¯s ce on your way to the airport tomorrow. Why can¡¯t you pick her up?¡± Eileen asked casually.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want her intruding on our moments together before my departure,¡± Bryan answered.

    Eileen was momentarily stunned and then asked, ¡°What do you mean?¡± The temperature inside the car seemed to drop suddenly. Bryan nced at her. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to see me off?¡±

    Eileen indeed hadn¡¯t nned on it. But she said, ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll see you off.¡±

    Bryan saw through her lie. Unexpectedly, he chose to let it slide this time. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to, you don¡¯t have to,¡± he said.

    He pressed his lips together, and his long legs shifted slightly as the car elerated. He was clearly upset. Eileen stayed silent, resolving to see him off tomorrow. She had had a few drinks at dinner. While sitting on the sofa earlier, she had felt fine, but now, with the car speeding up, she felt a bit dizzy.

    Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes blurred slightly. Her long hair was tousled by the wind. As she got out of the car and walked up the stairs, her steps were unsteady. Bryan followed her closely, his warm hand supporting her back.

    As soon as they entered the house, Bryan embraced Eileen from behind. His firm chest pressed against her back, pinning her against the cab by the door. He nted kisses on her, trailing from the corner of her eye to her earlobe. Her whole body tingled as if she was electrified.

    But he didn¡¯t proceed further, keeping her in suspense. ¡°Do you want it?¡± Bryan¡¯s husky voice instantly made Eileen¡¯s body tremble.

    Eileen nodded in response. However, Bryan was not satisfied with the response. ¡°Say it,¡± he demanded.

    Eileen¡¯s ears turned red, and her glossy lips opened and closed as she struggled to speak. Bryan continued to coax her, determined to make her say it out loud. Her naturally preserved demeanor made it difficult for her to say it directly. However, she was decisive in her actions. She turned and pushed him away hard.

    He hit the wall, letting out a muffled groan. The next second, she lunged forward, her hands hooking around his neck, pulling his head down a bit. This allowed her to kiss him. They stumbled from the door to the living room. Bryan couldn¡¯t tell if Eileen was being clumsy or ying with him. She fumbled with his buttons, managing to undo only a few.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 191

    ?Chapter 191:

    Eileen casually got dressed and hurried downstairs, opening the door just before the doorbell could ring again.

    ¡°What took you so long?¡± Milford grumbled as he pushed his way into the living room with a bag.

    Raymond followed closely behind him, wearing a resigned expression. ¡°Sorry for bothering you, Ms. Curtis.¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you go back to Onnd?¡± Eileen asked, surprised to see Raymond.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson asked me to stay here,¡± Raymond replied with a respectful smile, hopeful for the good days ahead. He believed that winning Eileen¡¯s favor while Bryan was away would be the smartest move he could make.

    Eileen had a rough idea of why Bryan wanted Raymond to stay.

    ¡°I¡¯ll stay here until Mr. Dawson gets back from Onnd,¡± Raymond added. ¡°Then I¡¯ll get a vacation.¡±

    He followed Eileen inside and shut the door.

    Realizing that Raymond would be spending Christmas here, Eileen paused before saying, ¡°You don¡¯t have to, Raymond. You should spend Christmas Eve with your family.¡±

    ¡°I grew up with the Dawson family,¡± Raymond exined. He didn¡¯t have a family of his own.

    Eileen fell silent for a moment, then smiled. ¡°It looks like you¡¯ll have a lively Christmas this year. Let¡¯s celebrate it together.¡±

    ¡°That would be great,¡± Raymond replied, warmth filling his chest. Despite Eileen¡¯s friendliness, he reminded himself to maintain a respectful distance.

    Fresh chapters live g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í????s

    Bryan had instructed Raymond to apany Milford at Pianoforte Vis for a few days and bring Milford to Eileen the day before Christmas Eve. But Milford had disagreed; ever since Z left, he had nearly driven Raymond mad.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, Mr. Dawson wants me to drive you to work and pick you up each day. Are you heading to work now?¡± Raymond inquired.

    Eileen nced at Milford, who had settled on the couch and was now ying with his phone.

    ¡°Yeah. Just give me half an hour,¡± she replied.

    She went to her bedroom to change. When she came back, she brought a few exam papers and several textbooks.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take you to the Vance family¡¯s residence this afternoon. Before Ie back to pick you up, finish the papers and read the textbooks,¡± Eileen instructed Milford.

    Milford nced at the stack of books and papers and nearly dropped his phone.

    ¡°That¡¯s too much!¡± he eximed.

    ¡°That¡¯s what you need to learn,¡± Eileen said as she picked up her handbag and put on her shoes. ¡°Do you have any idea how far behind Adalina you are?¡±

    Her words irritated Milford. He tossed his phone aside and began studying.

    Raymond watched in amazement, thinking Eileen was impressive for being able to make Milfordply.

    With Christmas approaching, the educational agency buzzed with activity. Eileen barely had a moment to catch her breath upon entering her office.

    Soon, it was time for the holiday break.

    Eileen uploaded the pre-recorded Christmas courses to the app and then joined her colleagues for dinner. They hadn¡¯t been working together for long, but they all got along well.

    As one of the agency¡¯s owners, Phoebe also joined the gathering.

    ¡°You seem off. Is something bothering you?¡± Eileen observed Phoebe¡¯s demeanor and sensed that something was amiss.

    ¡°You¡¯re imagining things,¡± Phoebe dismissed Eileen¡¯s concern, promptly pouring herself a drink.

    Knowing Phoebe¡¯s stubbornness, Eileen didn¡¯t press the issue. She joined Phoebe for a drink but refrained from consuming much.

    Suddenly, the receptionist of the educational agency interrupted the pleasant dinner, her expression changing dramatically as she looked at her phone.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, something bad happened,¡± she said.

    Eileen nced at her, and Phoebe set down her ss. Everyone turned to look at the receptionist.

    The receptionist tapped on her phone before saying, ¡°I¡¯ve forwarded it to our group chat. Take a look.¡±

    The agency had an internal chat group that included everyone. They all pulled out their phones to watch the video clip shared by the receptionist.

    The video, posted by a parent of a student, used Eileen¡¯s agency of giarism, iming that she had copied from a celebrity teacher who offered free online lessons on a video tform. The video, released half a month ago, contained the same content as Eileen¡¯s courses, with only differences in the voiceover and font sizes.

    All eyes turned to Eileen; after all, she was the one who had recorded the online courses.

    Phoebe suddenly broke the silence. ¡°Hey, did you hear? Kian has gone back to Onnd.¡±

    After a pause, she added, ¡°But Vivian is still here.¡± Her suggestion hinted that Kian and Vivian might be behind this.

    Eileen put away her phone, contemting for a moment. Regardless of who was responsible, it was clear there was a mole within the educational agency. Every single one of her recorded courses was stored on her officeputer, securely locked behind a password.

    Suddenly, a realization dawned on Eileen. She turned her gaze toward June.

    Before Eileen could say anything, June asked, ¡°Why are you staring at me, Ms. Curtis?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the only one who knows the password to my officeputer besides me. I just checked. Those simr courses from that teacher were uploaded online right after you got your hands on my password,¡± Eileen said, having pieced together clues from June¡¯s subtle facial expressions.

    But June stubbornly denied any involvement. ¡°Ms. Curtis, you can¡¯t just pin this on me. You asked me to help you send the courses to the students since you were runningte.¡±

    ¡°Here¡¯s a simple question: Do you admit it?¡± Eileen demanded.

    ¡°Why would I admit to something I didn¡¯t do?¡± June eximed, jumping to her feet. ¡°You¡¯re using me without proof. You should apologize to me!¡±

    The tension in the room was palpable. The fate of the educational agency hung in the bnce. If they couldn¡¯t resolve the situation, the agency might go under.

    Eileen leaned back in her chair, her gaze unwavering as she stared at June as if she could see right through her.

    June, unable to maintain herposure, snapped, ¡°Ms. Curtis, a lot of people here depend on you. You can¡¯t just brush the matter off and leave the rest of us to fend for ourselves now that you have a wealthy boyfriend.¡±

    ¡°You better exin your usations,¡± Eileen frowned, puzzled by June¡¯s insinuations.

    ¡°Ever since you started seeing Mr. Dawson, you¡¯ve been cking off at work. You used to be the first in and thest out, but now you¡¯re careless and arrogant. You¡¯ve led us to this situation!¡± June asserted.

    June¡¯s words shifted the atmosphere in the room. They realized Eileen could simply resign without consequence, but if the agency¡¯s reputation were tarnished, it would adversely affect all their careers in the future. Coincidentally, the courses had been stolen after Eileen started seeing Bryan, making June¡¯s ims resonate with some.

    ¡°I¡¯d rather sell the agency to a new owner, using its good reputation to earn more, than make such a foolish decision to ruin it,¡± Eileen retorted.

    Eileen was calmer than others had expected, leading some to believe her words carried weight.

    ¡°It¡¯s premature to draw conclusions now. I¡¯ll contact the police and file charges against whoever is behind this. You¡¯ll receive an exnation soon. I¡¯ll catch that traitor,¡± she dered, locking eyes with June as she said thest sentence.

    Then, she turned to the others. ¡°Carry on with dinner. I¡¯m heading back to the office.¡±

    Eileen intended to review the agency¡¯s surveince footage. June, too, found an excuse to leave, perhaps feeling guilty.

    The atmosphere at the table shifted once Eileen and June were gone. The others couldn¡¯t resist discussing the matter. Opinions varied among the employees: some ced their trust in Eileen, some remained neutral, while others found merit in June¡¯s words.

    The once-delicious dishes now seemed vorless as they continued to discuss the issue until the end of the meal.

    Eileen and Phoebe hailed a taxi to head back to the office.

    Once back at the office, Eileen attempted to ess the surveince records. She had intended to review them for months, even if it meant pulling an all-nighter. However, the footage was all ck. Approaching the surveince camera, Eileen examined it closely and discovered a piece of ck y concealing the lens.

    ¡°This is bad! We¡¯re in trouble now,¡± Phoebe eximed, sinking onto the couch.

    Eileen opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, her phone rang. It was Bryan calling. Knowing she had a gathering that evening, he was calling herter than usual.

    Eileen shot a quick nce at Phoebe before walking to the window to answer the call.

    ¡°Hey there,¡± Eileen said, trying to keep her voice calm and hide the issue she had just encountered from Bryan.

    Bryan¡¯s soothing voice came through the phone. ¡°Have you been drinking?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve only had a little,¡± Eileen replied, gazing at the nighttime scenery of Wist Land through the window. The colorful neon lights reflected in her eyes, gradually softening them with warmth.

    ¡°Ask Raymond to pick you upter,¡± Bryan suggested with concern. He sounded like he was not at home; Eileen could overhear noises in the background.

    Eileen nced back into the office, her eyesnding on the potted nt by her desk. Arching an eyebrow, she said, ¡°You¡¯re still out thiste?¡±

    ¡°Jacob¡¯s getting engaged tomorrow. We had a dinner celebration tonight,¡± Bryan replied, and Eileen could faintly hear Jacob¡¯s voice in the background.

    Her heart sank as realization dawned. So that was the reason Phoebe seemed troubled tonight.

    Eileen inquired, ¡°Who¡¯s Jacob getting engaged to?¡±

    ¡°Megan Beckett,¡± Bryan replied. ¡°The Meyer family ces great importance on marriage alliances.¡± Jacob was expected to marry someone of simr social standing, and Phoebe¡¯s estrangement from the Burton family had ruled her out as a potential spouse in the eyes of the Meyers.

    ¡°Jacob¡¯s hot-headed butcks autonomy. He can only listen to his parents,¡± Bryan remarked, his voice tinged with frustration as he took a drag of his cigarette.

    There were still four days until Christmas Eve, and he wouldn¡¯t be able to return to Wist Land for a long time.

    Eileen said, ¡°Convey my best wishes to Jacob.¡± She heard Jacob¡¯s voice echo on Bryan¡¯s end once more, urging him to return promptly. ¡°Go ahead, Bryan. We¡¯ll talk after you get home.¡±

    Bryan extinguished his cigarette and released a heavy exhale of smoke. ¡°Do you miss me?¡± he asked, expecting a specific response.

    ¡°Yeah, I miss you,¡± Eileen responded, feeling both resigned and amused.

    She thought Bryan would continue the topic, but he simply acknowledged her response before swiftly ending the call.

    Eileen walked back to Phoebe and said, ¡°So, Jacob¡¯s getting engaged to Megan tomorrow. What¡¯s your n?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 192

    ?Chapter 192:

    ¡°What does their engagement have to do with me?¡± Phoebe suddenly snapped, her tone sharp with anger.

    Realizing she had reacted too strongly, she added, ¡°You can¡¯t even handle your own problems, yet you find time to meddle in my life?¡±

    Eileen walked around her desk, fiddling with a potted nt before slipping something into her bag.

    ¡°This issue really ruins the vibe of the holiday. Want to go out for drinks now?¡±

    Thinking Eileen was upset about the situation at the education center, Phoebe grabbed her coat and headed for the door. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Though Eileen had been in Wist Land for a year, she still wasn¡¯t as familiar with the city as Phoebe.

    They hopped into a cab to an address Phoebe provided, and about half an hourter, they arrived at a bustling street food stall.

    With Christmas approaching, the ce was crowded, but Phoebe knew the owner, who quickly set up a small table for them.

    Soon, they were served various grilled seafood dishes and beer. They began their meal in silence.

    Eileen drank moderately, while Phoebe quickly became tipsy.

    Soon, Phoebe started toin, ¡°Jacob is nothing! He¡¯s just a coward, totally under his dad¡¯s thumb!¡±

    L?t??t ?h¦Ápt?rs ??n g??l??ov?l??.????m

    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Eileen agreed.

    ¡°He thinks I don¡¯t understand him. He says he¡¯s mad because I embarrassed him by running away. But I know the truth; he actually likes me. Why can¡¯t he just admit it?¡± Phoebe said. She was straightforward; after Jacob had arrived in Wist Land, she had even proposed they be together, but he had refused her.

    Thinking of that made Phoebe even more upset.

    She began drinking heavily, and seeing this, Eileen texted Raymond to give him their location. Handling a tipsy Phoebe was too much for her alone.

    Twenty minutester, Raymond showed up. By that time, Phoebe¡¯s emotional turmoil had reached its peak but was beginning to subside.

    Just as they were preparing to pay the bill and leave, Phoebe received a message from Megan.

    Phoebe and Megan had barelymunicated since bing contacts on WhatsApp. Since Phoebe had left the Burton family, Megan had never reached out to her.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t nning to tell you this, but for old times¡¯ sake, I¡¯m inviting you to my engagement party with Jacob,¡± Megan wrote.

    ¡°Oh, I forgot you¡¯re not in Onnd now. It¡¯s a bitte to tell you this. But even if you were here, you probably wouldn¡¯t dare show up. After all, Jacob and I are way out of your league.¡±

    ¡°I heard you¡¯re hanging out with Eileen? Birds of a feather flock together. No wonder you two are close now.¡±

    Megan¡¯s messages poured in one after another, and Phoebe and Eileen read them all.

    Phoebe quickly responded, ¡°The man I ditched is now your treasure? What exactly are you bragging about?¡±

    After sending the message, she blocked Megan.

    Eileen was about to suggest to Phoebe not to let someone like Megan get to her when she saw Phoebe booking ne tickets online.

    Phoebe had booked two tickets to Onnd; the flight was leaving in an hour.

    ¡°Why are you booking tickets?¡± Eileen attempted to intervene, but it was already toote.

    Phoebe told Raymond, ¡°Take us to the airport!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not going,¡± Eileen said firmly. ¡°And you shouldn¡¯t go, either.¡±

    ¡°What does Megan think she¡¯s ying at? I must go and stir things up. The engagement is tomorrow; there¡¯s still time!¡± Phoebe insisted.

    Then, she dragged Eileen toward the car.

    Raymond, who had also entered the vehicle, looked at Eileen for instructions.

    ¡°Take us home,¡± Eileen said.

    But Phoebe was having none of it; she started throwing a tantrum.

    An hourter, Eileen and Phoebe were on the ne.

    Though Phoebe was undoubtedly drunk, she skillfully masked the smell with the perfume she had bought at the airport before boarding.

    In her drunken state, she only remembered to bring her phone and ID.

    Eileen hadn¡¯t even had the chance to text Bryan. Looking at her phone, set to airne mode with only 10% battery left, she realized it would probably die before they reached Onnd.

    She pinched the bridge of her nose, staring out at the dark sky, feeling a headacheing on.

    Eileen soon dozed off. When she woke up, it was bright outside.

    The stewardess had woken both her and Phoebe. ¡°Ladies, we¡¯ve arrived at our destination. You can disembark now.¡±

    Phoebe, still groggy with her head buried under a nket and her hair a mess, looked around in confusion.

    As she remembered what had happened, a hint of regret crossed her face.

    Eileen nudged her. ¡°Come on, we need to get off the ne. Even if you regret it now, we still have to leave here to book tickets to go back.¡±

    Under the curious gaze of the flight attendant, the two got off the ne without any luggage and headed straight for the exit.

    ¡°My phone¡¯s dead,¡± Eileen said, turning to Phoebe. ¡°What about yours? Can we still pay for a cab?¡±

    Phoebe scratched her head and let out an awkward cough. ¡°Mine¡¯s dead, too.¡±

    Eileen felt a wave of resignation wash over her.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go outside and borrow a phone to make a call.¡± She led Phoebe toward the exit.

    The biting cold in Onnd cut through their clothes; Wist Land always hovered around ten degrees, so they were not dressed appropriately.

    Now, Onndy under a nket of snow.

    The cold immediately made Eileen shiver. ¡°You really got me into this mess,¡± she muttered.

    Just as she finished speaking, her gazended on an approaching figure.

    In the bustling airport, Bryan stood out in his ck wool coat. He immediately frowned when he noticed Eileen¡¯s attire. She was dressed in a beige trench coat over a simple T-shirt and jeans, wearing light white ts. Her long ck hair was a bit disheveled after a night spent on the ne.

    As Bryan approached Eileen, he took off his wool coat and draped it around her shoulders. The coat, still warm, instantly made Eileen feel better. Bryan was visibly upset that Eileen had traveled all this way without thinking, with no luggage, a dead phone, and no cash. But seeing her disheveled appearance, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to express his anger.

    Behind him, Jacob hurried over, grumbling, ¡°Are you two out of your minds? Coming here at this hour? We partied till midnight yesterday, and then Raymond told us you were on a flight to Onnd. Bryan rushed me here, and we¡¯ve been waiting for hours. I¡¯m freezing to death!¡±

    Jacob pulled his jacket tighter around him and then looked at Bryan, who had given his wool coat to Eileen and was now only in his suit. ¡°Aren¡¯t you cold?¡± Jacob asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Bryan responded, clearly annoyed.

    ¡°Well, I¡­¡± Eileen began, wanting to exin their hasty trip.

    But Phoebe interjected, ¡°Yes,ing here in the middle of the night is crazy. But Eileen missed Bryan so much that she insisted oning. I just came along to keep herpany.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s mouth twitched as she turned to look at Phoebe.

    As if that wasn¡¯t enough, Phoebe continued, ¡°Look how needy they are. They¡¯ve been apart for just a few days. Such lovebirds, so clingy.¡±

    Before Eileen could say anything, Bryan pulled her close, pressing her head against his chest.

    ¡°Why did you evene anyway?¡± Jacob retorted at Phoebe. It was obvious to everyone that Phoebe was just being stubborn about her real feelings. They all knew Eileen was not the impulsive type.

    Phoebe¡¯s face turned pale, and she quickly said, ¡°I was just concerned for Eileen¡¯s safety. Now that Bryan¡¯s here with her, I¡¯ll head back.¡± She turned and walked back into the airport.

    Panicking, Eileen tried to pull away from Bryan to go after Phoebe. Phoebe had no money, and her phone was dead; how would she go back?

    But Bryan stopped Eileen and buttoned up the coat around her before lifting her effortlessly into his arms.

    The moment they stepped outside, they were confronted by the cold wind. Within seconds, Bryan had ced Eileen in his car. The car¡¯s heater was on, significantly reducing the chill. After ensuring Eileen was settled, Bryan walked around to the driver¡¯s side and cranked up the heat. ¡°Still cold?¡± he asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Eileen replied, shaking her head as she noticed how quickly his hands had reddened from the cold.

    She bit her lip, watching Bryan prepare to start the car. ¡°Are you sure we can just leave them?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Yeah, Jacob won¡¯t leave Phoebe at the airport,¡± Bryan responded as the car smoothly merged into traffic.

    Eileen charged her phone using the charger in the car. Once her phone turned on, messages flooded in. The scandal involving usations of giarism at the education center was escting, drawing attention from the authorities. Bailee had sent numerous messages to Eileen and called, clearly worried.

    Eileen quickly replied to Bailee, exining the situation and reassuring her that she would handle everything. She decided to ignore the other messages for now.

    Looking up again, she recognized the familiar surroundings.

    In front of the apartment on Springvale Lane, a small plot featured a cherry tree, its bare branches now heavy with snow.

    ¡°The ce¡­¡± Eileen turned to Bryan, wondering why he hadn¡¯t sold it.

    ¡°Stay here; I¡¯ll go and turn on the heat inside the apartment,¡± Bryan said, unbuckling his seatbelt while keeping the car¡¯s heater running.

    The car windows soon misted over, making Bryan¡¯s figure blurry. Eileen watched as he paused in the hallway before entering the apartment.

    Momentster, he emerged holding a bright blue down jacket¡ªthe one that belonged to Eileen. It had been forgotten in the rush of their departure, shoved into a corner of the closet.

    ¡°Put this on. It¡¯ll be cold when you step out, but the apartment will warm up in a few minutes,¡± Bryan said, handing her the jacket and looking at her intently.

    Suddenly, Eileen leaned forward, and Bryan found her in his arms. The warm, moist touch of her lips on his momentarily stiffened his body.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 193

    ?Chapter 193:

    Bryan remained still, the veins in his hands standing out as he tried to suppress his desire. Eileen¡¯s gestures ignited a passion in him that was nearly overwhelming. She had yet to make her next move.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head inside,¡± Bryan murmured, his voice rough as he intercepted her hands that roamed aimlessly over his chest. Despite her attempts, Eileen hadn¡¯t managed to undo a single button on his shirt.

    Bryan got out of the car and adjusted his clothes, which barely masked his arousal. Luckily, they were alone. He walked over to the passenger side, lifted Eileen effortlessly, and carried her quickly into the apartment.

    The apartment looked almost the same as when Eileen had left, though minor details hinted that it hadn¡¯t been empty. Bryan set Eileen down on the cab in the foyer, her legs encircling his waist.

    Caught up in the nostalgia of the setting, Eileen¡¯s attention briefly drifted.

    ¡°Let go,¡± Bryan instructed, gently tapping her legs that clung to him. Her legs always stirred his deepest desires yet often restrained him at crucial moments.

    Eileen frowned; she withdrew her legs and delivered a slight kick to his groin, putting some space between them.

    Bryan grimaced and leaned against the opposite wall, still struggling with his shirt buttons.

    Eileen hopped off the cab. ¡°I need to go to the bathroom,¡± she announced.

    Bryan paused for a moment, noticing the light sweat on her forehead. ¡°Are you alright?¡± he asked.

    L??€$? ¡é??t??§ñ? ?¦Ç ?@ln?¦Í¨ºl?.¡é??

    Eileen made her way to the bathroom. ¡°Last night, Phoebe and I grabbed some street food and¡­¡±

    It was probably the mix of seafood, cold beer, and the morning¡¯s cool air that had triggered her difort. She had initially dismissed it as a trivial upset stomach, yet she found herself confined to the bathroom for most of the morning.

    It wasn¡¯t until her stomach finally settled that Eileen could leave the bathroom, her legs trembling from weakness. Feeling a bit embarrassed, she worried she might have an unpleasant odor. However, she hadn¡¯t gotten the chance to mention it before Bryan quickly carried her off to the hospital.

    Bryan¡¯s prompt actions allowed no room for her to protest.

    ¡°She¡¯s suffering from acute gastroenteritis,¡± the doctor exined. ¡°Stay hydrated, and it should be fine. Avoid uncooked and spicy food, and make sure to take these medications for a few days.¡±

    With that, the doctor handed Bryan a prescription.

    Bryan found a spot for Eileen in the waiting area of the hospital lobby. ¡°Stay put here. The bathroom is just on your left, and you¡¯ve got tissues in your coat pocket. I¡¯ll be right back with your medication.¡±

    He took care of everything with a deep frown and worried eyes.

    Still feeling a bit weak, Eileen let him take the lead.

    She had been waiting less than ten minutes when she bumped into an unexpectedly familiar face.

    Ste was seated in a wheelchair. She seemed older than when Eileen hadst seen her a year ago but appeared cheerful. She was dressed warmly with a nket over her legs, and Jarred was standing behind her. Both of them were surprised to see Eileen.

    Ste¡¯s look of surprise soon turned into a subtle, pleased expression.

    ¡°Just got the meds,¡± Bryan said, approaching with his focus on the medicine in his hand, oblivious to the presence of Ste and Jarred.

    ¡°Wait¡­¡± Eileen began in a low voice, but before she could say anything more, Bryan had already given her the medicine and was lifting her up again.

    He started to walk away but halted abruptly.

    Eileen murmured, ¡°Put me down.¡±

    With a frown, Bryanplied and stood before her, blocking Ste¡¯s scrutiny.

    ¡°Are you two together now?¡± Ste asked bluntly.

    Her tone wasn¡¯t angry but definitely not cheerful.

    Eileen¡¯s first impulse was to deny it, especially since Ste¡¯s presence here suggested she was not well. This was hardly the moment to cause her stress.

    ¡°That¡¯s correct,¡± Bryan replied. ¡°Grandma, I¡¯m capable of making my own decisions.¡±

    Ste didn¡¯t seem displeased. ¡°Let¡¯s go back to my ward. I want to have a word with both of you.¡±

    Jarred swiftly wheeled Ste toward the elevator, offering Eileen a smile. ¡°I never expected to see you again, Miss Curtis,¡± he said.

    ¡°It¡¯s nice to see you again, Jarred,¡± Eileen replied, returning the smile.

    As they walked, Bryan sped Eileen¡¯s hand and whispered, ¡°You don¡¯t need to respond. If Grandma makes any harshments, just ignore them.¡±

    Bryan looked worried, his grip tightening, probably concerned about Eileen managing any potential difficulties on her own.

    ¡°I understand. Don¡¯t worry; I don¡¯t think Ste will be harsh with me,¡± Eileen reassured him, sensing that Ste wasn¡¯t going to make things difficult.

    Inside the cramped elevator, their images reflected off the polished walls. Despite his stern appearance, Bryan¡¯s grip on Eileen¡¯s hand was secure, his presence reassuring.

    They reached Ste¡¯s spacious private ward on the top floor. Various personal items and clothes drying on the balcony showed that Ste had been there for a while.

    Ste made an effort to stand, seemingly eager to shift to her bed.

    Eileen released Bryan¡¯s hand and moved to help Ste, prompting Jarred to withdraw the hand he had extended to assist.

    Bryan followed Eileen and did the same. Together, they helped Ste settle onto the bed.

    ¡°Is today the day Jacob is getting engaged?¡± Ste asked Jarred as she gotfortable.

    Jarred quickly nodded. ¡°Yes, the ceremony begins at three, which is about an hour from now. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer have personally invited Mr. Dawson.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll call Jacob¡­¡± Bryan said as he took out his phone, evidently nning not to attend.

    Ste gave a dismissive snort. ¡°You think you can afford not to show up? If you upset the Meyer family, who will support you then?¡± The Meyers had insisted on Bryan¡¯s presence as a sign of their backing amidst the Dawson family¡¯s internal struggles. Bryan¡¯s absence would surely be seen as disrespectful.

    ¡°You should attend,¡± Eileen said to Bryan. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about your Grandma; I¡¯ll look after her.¡±

    Bryan paused, his expression serious as he held his phone.

    Eileen turned to Ste with a smile. ¡°Mrs. Dawson, I¡¯ll see him off and be right back.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Ste responded, focusing her attention on adjusting her nket. She appeared unconcerned about the possibility of Eileen leaving with Bryan.

    Eileen led Bryan out of the ward and apanied him to the elevator. ¡°I¡¯ll remember your advice and not let her words affect me. But you need to trust me and listen to me as well.¡±

    She would heed his advice. If Ste were to say something rude, she wouldn¡¯t take it to heart. But she believed he needed to allow her some time to get along with Ste. Perhaps the situation wasn¡¯t as terrible as he had imagined.

    Bryan pondered for a moment before saying, ¡°The engagement celebration might extend into the night. If you prefer not to wait for me at the hospital, you can take a taxi home and wait for me there.¡±

    This was his way of agreeing.

    As the elevator doors slid open, Eileen gently pushed him inside. ¡°Understood,¡± she replied. The doors soon closed, obscuring them from each other¡¯s view.

    Eileen inhaled deeply and made her way back to Ste¡¯s ward. Jarred had left, and Ste was seated on the bed. She gestured toward a chair next to her. ¡°Take a seat.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mrs. Dawson,¡± Eileen replied, sitting down. She rested her hands on herp, feeling slightly nervous yet keeping herposure.

    ¡°How long have you two been together?¡± Ste inquired, looking at Eileen.

    ¡°Over a month,¡± Eileen responded truthfully.

    ¡°Bryan has been in Wist Land for only about four months. You two are moving fast,¡± Ste said. ¡°Do you realize what this implies?¡±

    Stunned by the question, Eileen looked at Ste in confusion.

    ¡°It means Bryan was there for you.¡± Ste noted Eileen¡¯s confusion and appeared slightly displeased. ¡°After you left Onnd, he pushed to shift the new project to Wist Land. Despite resistance from all of Apex Group¡¯s shareholders, I supported him.¡±

    It was clear why Ste had intervened.

    ¡°Mrs. Dawson, you¡­¡± Eileen was stunned, feeling at a loss for words.

    Ste¡¯s expression softened as she smiled. ¡°I knew you two would eventually be together. But Bryan detests being controlled. The more I oppose him, the more determined he bes.¡±

    She had known Eileen was the woman Bryan had married years earlier but had kept silent. Bryan and Eileen being together now was a wee surprise for Ste.

    Eileen couldn¡¯t help but smile, realizing Bryan¡¯s concerns had been unnecessary. But why hadn¡¯t Ste discussed this directly with Bryan?

    ¡°Our family dynamics areplex. My involvement to support you two couldplicate things for you,¡± Ste exined, noting Eileen¡¯s puzzled look. ¡°Do you remember our previous agreement?¡±

    Eileen nodded in response. ¡°Yes.¡±

    When Ste had orchestrated their marriage, she had set strict terms to prevent Eileen from aiming for the Dawson family fortune.

    ¡°For now, let¡¯s set aside that marriage agreement. Let¡¯s discuss the arrangement concerning you having a child with Bryan,¡± Ste said.

    Eileen was taken aback. Suddenly, memories flooded back to her. She recalled that there had indeed been such a stiption. If she had a child with Bryan, Ste had promised her two hundred million dors.

    The staggering sum had shocked her at the time, but she had only sought the money to save Ruby¡¯s life, not to trade her dignity or her body. Thus, she hadpletely forgotten about it, only remembering it now since Ste brought it up.

    ¡°The terms of this agreement remain active,¡± Ste dered. ¡°If Bryan fathers a child, it could solidify his im to the Dawson family¡¯s wealth. I know it¡¯s forward of me to address this matter with you privately, but I have no alternative. Bryan would never consent to this arrangement, so I must broach it with you in secret.¡±

    The stakes of having a child were immense, potentially deciding Bryan¡¯s right to the Dawson fortune, which made the prospect of Eileen¡¯s pregnancy perilous. Should this be public knowledge¡­ it was clear that Bryan would oppose such a n.

    At that moment, Eileen felt as if she were teetering on the brink of a vast chasm.

    ¡°Look, I¡¯m aware that money doesn¡¯t sway you. If it did, given all the opportunities, you¡¯d likely be pregnant already. The two hundred million is simply a gesture of my gratitude. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make. I won¡¯t meddle. Just think it over,¡± Ste said, noting Eileen¡¯s quiet contemtion and appearing despondent.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 194

    ?Chapter 194:

    Although the Dawson family seemed morous on the surface, those in the know avoided getting involved with them. Noble families might outwardly tter the Dawsons, but none were willing to marry their daughters into the family, fearing potential troubles. Even Ste was hesitant to see Eileen take risks. If Bryan failed, he would be in a dangerous situation. After all, even his own father would turn on him.

    ¡°Mrs. Dawson, that¡¯s not what I meant. This matter is very important. Please let me think it over carefully,¡± Eileen said. She saw the sadness in Ste¡¯s eyes but didn¡¯t agree right away out of sympathy. She needed to consider the consequences carefully. While she was prepared to take risks for Bryan¡¯s sake, she hesitated when it involved her child.

    Having a child might secure Bryan¡¯s position in the Dawson family, but it wouldn¡¯t eliminate his enemies, putting the child in constant danger. It wasn¡¯t something Eileen could overlook.

    ¡°Take all the time you need,¡± Ste reassured, her smile reappearing. ¡°I¡¯ll arrange for the driver to take you home.¡±

    Eileen declined, shaking her head. ¡°I¡¯ll catch a taxi. Take care of yourself, Mrs. Dawson.¡±

    Ste acquiesced, deciding not to press further, deeming it best to avoid unnecessaryplications.

    Exiting the ward, Eileen spotted Jarred at the end of the hallway. He hurried toward her as their eyes met.

    ¡°Miss Curtis, have you concluded your discussion?¡± he inquired.

    Eileen nodded. ¡°No need for formalities, Jarred. You can just call me Eileen.¡±

    Your escape begins with ga ln ov els .

    ¡°That wouldn¡¯t be proper,¡± Jarred responded with a smile, politely declining. He escorted Eileen to the elevator before returning to Ste¡¯s ward.

    Stey lost in thought on the bed. Hearing the door, she stirred slightly, turning her gaze toward it.

    ¡°Eileen¡¯s left?¡± she inquired.

    Jarred nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±

    Ste sighed, a hint of relief washing over her features. ¡°Despite all the twists and turns, they haven¡¯t let me down. One of my concerns has been alleviated. Now, I only wish to see Bryan assume his ce in the Dawson family before I can rest in peace.¡±

    ¡°Madam, were you not certain from the start that Mr. Dawson and Miss Curtis would end up together?¡± Jarred asked, surprised.

    ¡°It was a gamble,¡± Ste admitted.

    Jarred felt a chill of apprehension. ¡°You had no guarantees, yet a year ago, you had Miss Curtis and Mr. Dawson sign that agreement. It was incredibly risky.¡±

    That agreement concerned the entire Dawson family.

    ¡°Eileen isn¡¯t the type to covet the Dawson family¡¯s wealth. If they hadn¡¯t ended up together, Eileen would havee back to me,¡± Ste asserted confidently. She knew she had not misjudged Eileen¡¯s character.

    Ste added, ¡°She¡¯ll face difficulties now that she¡¯s involved with the Dawson family¡¯s matters. If she manages to get through this challenging period, I will ensure she is dulypensated.¡±

    Jarred nodded in agreement. Properpensation was imperative, given the perilous journey ahead.

    As soon as Eileen left the hospital, she sent a message to Bryan, fearing he might be anxious and disrupt Jacob¡¯s engagement party if she didn¡¯t contact him.

    Bryan responded to her message, assuring her he would return promptly after the party and advising her to head home now.

    Eileen intended to follow his advice, but just as she got into a taxi, she received a call from Jacob.

    ¡°Eileen! Could youe and keep a watchful eye on Phoebe for me?¡± Jacob said over the phone. His voice was muffled amidst the party chatter, signaling his presence at the engagement celebration.

    ¡°Why? What happened?¡± Eileen asked.

    ¡°She¡¯s already downed two bottles of red wine and is brooding in a corner. I¡¯m genuinely concerned,¡± Jacob replied, worried not about Phoebe¡¯s potential to disrupt the festivities but about her safety.

    Phoebe¡¯s current state held little significance. If she disrupted the engagement party, she would face repercussions from the esteemed Beckett and Meyer families.

    Eileen requested the address of the engagement party and promptly instructed the taxi driver to take her there. Even though she didn¡¯t have an invitation, Jacob had informed the security at the entrance about her arrival, ensuring her seamless entry.

    Renowned in Onnd, both the Meyer and Beckett families epitomized prestige, evident in the grandeur of the engagement affair. The entire hotel was brimming with guests for the event, and at the entrance of the hall, a photo of Megan and Jacob adorned the space, showing them as a perfect couple with beaming smiles on their faces.

    Eileen nced at the photo before slipping into the hall, where attendees donned formal attire and suits. d in a down jacket and jeans, she went unnoticed as people mistook her for a server, paying her no mind.

    In a secluded corner, Phoebe had a case of wine stashed under the table at her feet. She deviated from the norm of sipping from sses, opting instead to drink directly from the bottle. She took a sip, the red liquid trickling down the corner of her lips. Despite her pricey attire, she appeared disheveled.

    Eileen grabbed some napkins from a nearby table and approached Phoebe, gently taking the bottle from her and dabbing her mouth. ¡°Quit it with the drinks. I¡¯ll take you back now,¡± Eileen said.

    ¡°They practically invited me to drown in their wedding booze. How could I resist?¡± Phoebe snatched the napkins from Eileen¡¯s hand, hastily scrubbing her mouth and inadvertently smearing her lipstick. ¡°I need to keep drinking. I even brought a wedding gift. If I don¡¯t drink enough, it¡¯ll be a waste of money.¡±

    Eileen sat beside Phoebe, pondering how to sway her. asionally, she glimpsed Jacob amidst the crowd, visibly concerned for Phoebe. Two people who liked each other hade to this point. How could Eileen intervene? She couldn¡¯t encourage Jacob to rethink his engagement, nor could she convince Phoebe to cause a scene at the party.

    ¡°You should find some time to talk with Jacob after this engagement party,¡± Eileen suggested.

    Phoebe suddenly fell silent, tipping her head back to gulp down two hefty swallows of wine.

    She then said, ¡°You know, there¡¯s this unwritten rule here. When a couple gets engaged, the guy¡¯s supposed to prepare a house. After the engagement party, they¡¯ll try living together before they get married. Tonight¡­ they¡¯re going to sleep with each other.¡±

    Eileen was familiar with this purported ¡°high-society rule,¡± though it had fallen out of practice in recent times. Either party could decline if they weren¡¯t on board. So, from what Phoebe had said, neither Jacob nor Megan had objected?

    ¡°Jacob is nothing,¡± Phoebe scoffed. ¡°There are a slew of better guys out there. I could easily find someone who¡¯d treat me like royalty.¡±

    Phoebe¡¯s grievances were fueled by bitterness.

    Eileen listened in silence. Whenever Phoebe¡¯s voice rose, drawing eyes, Eileen offered an apologetic smile. Seeing that Phoebe showed no signs of stopping, Eileen had to intervene. ¡°Are you really set on making a spectacle of yourself today? You were once well-known in Onnd¡¯s social circles. Many people still recognize you. Even if you¡¯ve cut ties with the Burton family, you can¡¯t just disregard your own dignity.¡±

    Phoebe had been intoxicated enough to have flown in from Wist Land overnight. So, she could easily get drunk enough today to cause a scene here. Eileen urgently needed Phoebe to sober up before anything bad could happen.

    ¡°Who needs dignity anyway?¡± Phoebe fired back. ¡°I can¡¯t stomach Megan. You know what she had the nerve to say to me just now? ¡®If you ever hit rock bottom, you cane to me, and I¡¯ll throw you a bone out of respect for Jacob.¡¯ And you know the kicker? Jacob actually went along with it.¡±

    Eileen now understood why Phoebe was so emotional. It wasn¡¯t just about Megan; it was about Jacob breaking her heart.

    Phoebe continued, ¡°How disgusting, unting their love in front of me. The man I rejected is now cherished by Megan. Megan¡¯s my rival, and Jacob had to get engaged to her of all people?¡± Tears streamed down Phoebe¡¯s cheeks uncontrobly.

    Observing Phoebe¡¯s emotional outburst, Eileen rose, intending to lead her away. However, Phoebe shrugged off Eileen¡¯s hand, hurled her wine bottle onto the long table, and dashed into the crowd.

    ¡°Phoebe!¡± Eileen hastened to follow.

    Phoebe sprinted, disregarding the people she collided with, and intercepted Jacob and Megan, who were mingling in the crowd. Megan shot Phoebe a disdainful nce.

    ¡°Jacob, this is thest time I¡¯m asking. Are youing with me or not?¡± Phoebe demanded.

    Jacob¡¯s face paled as he instinctively nced at his father, Corley Meyer, who was nearby. Phoebe¡¯s voice was loud enough to reach Corley¡¯s ears, and his expression immediately darkened. He turned to walk over.

    ¡°Phoebe Burton, what do you think you¡¯re doing? This isn¡¯t the time or ce for jokes,¡± Jacob said.

    ¡°I¡¯m not joking. I¡¯m asking you one thing: do you want to be with me? This is yourst chance. If you turn me down today and get engaged to Megan, you¡¯ll never see me for the rest of your life.¡± Phoebe spoke with determination, her reddened eyes locked onto Jacob.

    Eileen pushed through the crowd, about to step in when an arm barred her way. It was Bryan. He shook his head at Eileen. ¡°Things have escted. Getting involved now will only cause trouble.¡±

    ¡°I understand. I¡¯m not going to interfere. I¡¯ll simply take Phoebe away,¡± Eileen said, cautious enough not to get involved. She just wanted to stop Phoebe from causing more trouble.

    ¡°She¡¯s in no condition to be taken away,¡± Bryan said calmly. He observed Eileen¡¯s flushed face due to the hotel¡¯s heat and unzipped her coat slightly before guiding her to a cooler, less crowded area where they could still observe the scene.

    Phoebe¡¯s behavior had made everyone displeased, prompting a barrage of harsh words hurled at her. The Burton couple looked both furious and embarrassed. Having already cut ties with Phoebe, they were unwilling to step in. However, ignoring it meant the Burton family would still be gossiped about due to Phoebe¡¯s antics.

    ¡°Phoebe, do you feel no shame?¡± Megan¡¯s voice carried a harsh tone, fueled by anger at Phoebe¡¯s public confrontation. ¡°Engaging in such actions as stealing a man? Who taught you this?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not talking to you!¡± Phoebe snapped. ¡°I¡¯m still better than you, you know. Do you think I don¡¯t know how you badmouthed me and got close to the Meyer family after I left? That¡¯s how you got engaged to Jacob.¡±

    Even though she had severed ties with the Burton family and left Onnd, she still kept in touch with her old friends. Through them, she had heard all about Megan badmouthing her and currying favor with the Meyer family after her departure.

    Megan¡¯s face flushed with a mix of shame and anger at Phoebe¡¯s words.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 195

    ?Chapter 195:

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you have any shame as a woman?¡± Corley criticized Phoebe as soon as he spoke. He then turned to face Jacob, saying, ¡°I warned you about messing around with these types. Look at the mess you¡¯ve caused.¡±

    Jacob pressed his lips together and looked at Phoebe. He didn¡¯t respond to her, so she stayed put. The tension was palpable. Corley called the security guard without hesitation, ¡°Escort this woman out.¡±

    ¡°If anyoneys a hand on me, I¡¯ll kill myself in front of the hotel¡¯s gate!¡± Phoebe threatened. ¡°Mr. Meyer, there¡¯s no need to call security. Just have your son answer my question, and I¡¯ll leave at once.¡±

    If she died here, it would be a serious matter. The Meyer and Beckett families would be caught up in a scandal with potentially lifelong negative consequences.

    Corley gritted his teeth and ordered Jacob, ¡°Get rid of her.¡±

    Jacob clenched his jaw and averted his gaze from Phoebe. He appeared conflicted, his brow deeply furrowed. A myriad of emotions shed across his face. His silence exhausted everyone¡¯s patience and left Phoebe in an awkward position.

    ¡°Phoebe, can¡¯t you see? Maybe he cares for you a little bit and doesn¡¯t want to humiliate you in front of everyone. If you¡¯re smart, you¡¯ll get out of here now,¡± Megan said. Megan clutched Jacob¡¯s arm, noticing his body tense up because of her action. Her expression changed for a moment before she regained herposure.

    Phoebe¡¯s lips trembled as she asked, ¡°Is that true?¡±

    Jacob remained silent, lowering his eyes to hide his thoughts. Corley muttered a curse under his breath, signaling Jacob to resolve the issue quickly. But Jacob remained unmoved, neither agreeing nor refusing.

    Phoebe¡¯s heart sank. She sneered, ¡°Alright, I get it. If you¡¯re noting with me, we should never see each other again.¡±

    Stay updated g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s

    With that, Phoebe turned and walked away, the hem of her dress swishing through the air. Jacob snapped back to reality as he watched her hurry away from the crowd. He took a small step forward, but Corley gripped his shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare leave here,¡± Corley said.

    All the strength seemed to drain from Jacob¡¯s body as he watched in frustration as Phoebe vanished down the hall. Corley signaled for everyone to resume the engagement party.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to check on Phoebe,¡± Eileen said, noticing that Jacob hadn¡¯t followed her. She felt a pang of sympathy for Phoebe.

    Noticing her frown, Bryan spoke slowly. ¡°Jacob¡¯s mother isn¡¯t well and can¡¯t handle this stress. That¡¯s why he can¡¯t just leave the party.¡± Only then did Eileen realize that Jacob¡¯s mother wasn¡¯t present at the engagement celebration. So his mother¡¯s health condition must be serious.

    ¡°I understand now. I¡¯ll talk to Phoebe. You go ahead with your ns,¡± Eileen said.

    Bryan looked a bit concerned. ¡°Stay in touch. I¡¯ll meet you in about an hour when the engagement ceremony is over.¡±

    Seeing his concerned expression, Eileen reassured him, ¡°I¡¯ve only been away from Onnd for a year, and it¡¯s not like I haven¡¯t been here before. You don¡¯t have to worry about me.¡±

    Bryan handed Eileen his car keys. As Eileen exited the hotel, she spotted Phoebe¡¯s car driving off. She jumped into Bryan¡¯s car and followed.

    Eileen hurried off, unaware that Megan had been watching her since she first saw her. After Phoebe had left, Megan noticed that the woman in the down jacket beside Bryan was Eileen. Megan had seen her standing next to Phoebe the entire time but hadn¡¯t paid much attention. Based on Eileen¡¯s attire, Megan had assumed she was one of the poor friends Phoebe had made after leaving the Burton family. She never expected it to be Eileen!

    ¡°It must have been Eileen who persuaded Phoebe to do this,¡± Megan muttered. She couldn¡¯t believe that Phoebe and Eileen hade here together to cause her trouble.

    Megan gritted her teeth and excused herself to the bathroom to call Vivian, only to learn that Vivian was in Wist Land now.

    ¡°You said Eileen went to Onnd?¡± Vivian was shocked to hear Megan mention seeing Eileen. Vivian was still in Wist Land, eagerly waiting to see how Eileen would handle the turmoil at the education agency. She hadn¡¯t expected Eileen to go to Onnd to see Bryan. ¡°This bitch! She¡¯s fawning over Bryan andpletely disregarding the chaos at the education agency,¡± Vivian muttered to herself.

    ¡°Yes, she came to my engagement party with Phoebe and caused a scene¡­¡± Megan exined the details to Vivian.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re just letting her get away with it! If you don¡¯t make her face the consequences of messing with you now, you¡¯ll be mocked for the rest of your life,¡± Vivian said before hanging up.

    Vivian was certain Eileen had gone to Onnd to seek Bryan¡¯s help. She needed to worsen the situation for Eileen before Bryan could act.

    Meanwhile, Megan felt depressed and resentful after her call with Vivian. She quickly dialed another number¡­

    Phoebe drove aimlessly through Onnd. After leaving the Burton family, she had gone to Wist Land and now had nowhere else to go in Onnd. Eileen seized the right moment to bring Phoebe¡¯s car to a stop. Stepping out of her own car, she approached Phoebe¡¯s vehicle and rapped on the window.

    The window rolled down, revealing tear stains on Phoebe¡¯s face. Though she appeared somewhat sober, the strong scent of alcohol clung to her.

    ¡°Soon there¡¯ll be a DUI check. If you don¡¯t want to get arrested, get out and get in my car now,¡± Eileen said.

    Eileen reached into Phoebe¡¯s car, unlocked the doors, and swung one open, pulling Phoebe out. She then guided Phoebe into the passenger seat of her own car. After parking Phoebe¡¯s car nearby, Eileen drove off with Phoebe.

    Phoebe remained silent.

    Slumping against the seat, Phoebe turned her head to gaze out the window. Her eyes were red from both drinking and crying.

    ¡°Lro Hotel,¡± she suddenly said.

    It took Eileen a moment to realize that Phoebe was telling her the hotel where she was staying. It seemed the hotel was mid-range, with standard rooms costing around three or four hundred dors per day. Eileen wasn¡¯t familiar with that hotel; she had always stayed in five-star amodations while working for Bryan.

    She followed the navigation to drive to the hotel. Just as she stopped the car and unbuckled her seatbelt, she heard Phoebe ask, ¡°Are you going back to Wist Land?¡±

    ¡°Of course. When do you want to leave?¡± Eileen had arranged to pick up Ruby from the hospital with Bailee in two days.

    ¡°Maybe tomorrow. I¡¯ve done what I wanted to do here, but I won¡¯t be so cruel as to stop you and Bryan from seeing each other properly.¡± Phoebe unclipped her seat belt and stepped out of the car. Before shutting the door, she uttered, ¡°You can head back now. I¡¯ll be okay.¡±

    As soon as Phoebe finished speaking, Eileen unbuckled her seat belt and exited the car. After shutting the door behind her, she strode over to Phoebe and ushered her toward the hotel.

    ¡°Here¡¯s your car key, by the way. Just remember to park your car in a suitable ce before you leave tomorrow.¡± Eileen retrieved the car key from her pocket and handed it to Phoebe.

    Phoebe hesitated for a moment. Then, she took the key, turned, and tossed it into a nearby trash can.

    ¡°It¡¯s not actually my car; Jacob lent it to me. How considerate of him, right?¡± Phoebe said. However, she resolved to break Jacob¡¯s heart.

    Eileen¡¯s mouth twitched. That car was worth millions of dors, at least.

    Adjacent to the hotel was a grocery store. Phoebe led Eileen inside to purchase beer and snacks. It appeared Phoebe intended to drown her sorrows in wine again. Eileen didn¡¯t stop Phoebe, merely citing a stomachache as her reason for not drinking.

    ¡°Then you can just watch me drink. If I get too drunk, just toss me in bed and leave,¡± Phoebe said as she opened the door to her hotel room. ¡°Is there something off about the Meyer family? I¡¯ve had plenty to drink at the party, yet I don¡¯t feel a thing now. Are their drinks watered down?¡±

    The idea of the Meyer family serving fake wine was absurd. Eileen understood this was just Phoebe¡¯s way of expressing her frustration. Having checked in earlier in the morning, Phoebe¡¯s room was clean and tidy. She beckoned Eileen to join her, sitting on a nket by the window.

    ¡°Life is so wonderful! While others shiver in the cold, I¡¯m here sipping beer in this warm room,¡± Phoebe eximed, gazing out the window. ¡°Eileen, you¡¯re my lucky charm, you know? If I hadn¡¯t found you back then, I might have starved to death. So, Eileen, I hope you¡¯ll find your happiness¡­¡± She gripped Eileen¡¯s arm, munching on snacks and sipping beer.

    ¡°I saw Ste at the hospital,¡± Eileen said with a smile. ¡°She¡¯s okay with Bryan and me being together. So, don¡¯t worry about me. Focus on yourself. Don¡¯t act rashly. Bryan and I will support you as much as we can.¡±

    Phoebe froze, then quickly sat up straight. ¡°That¡¯s fantastic news! Ste is quite cunning. If she approves of you and Bryan being together, then there won¡¯t be any problems!¡±

    Describing Ste as ¡°cunning¡± mighte off as impolite, but it certainly captured her shrewdness urately. Eileen also believed Ste was quite calcting.

    ¡°As long as Ste doesn¡¯t have a change of heart, you¡¯ll be the future wife of Bryan. Who would dare not treat you with respect? Then, I¡¯ll just have to ride on your coattails. You¡¯re my ready-made source of wealth¡­¡± Phoebe slurred, clutching Eileen¡¯s arm.

    Eileen just nodded, replying to Bryan¡¯s text.

    The engagement party proceeded smoothly, almost as if Phoebe¡¯s outburst had never urred. However, Jacob¡¯s demeanor had been solemn ever since Phoebe left. After discussing Jacob and Phoebe briefly, Bryan inquired about what Ste had said to Eileen.

    Eileen replied to him vaguely, saying that they could discuss itter in the evening. However, within thirty minutes, Bryan had left Jacob¡¯s engagement party. Phoebe waspletely wasted, sprawled on the floor. Concerned for her, Eileen booked a room nearby and asked Bryan to meet her at the hotel.

    Half an hourter, Bryan arrived. His tall figure stood out in the cramped hallway. It was the first time Eileen had seen Bryan in such an average hotel. Despite that, his suit and shoes gave him an air of dignity. The clothes he wore were worth more than the entire hotel. The receptionist had personally escorted him to this floor.

    ¡°Do we have to stay here?¡± Bryan surveyed the surroundings, his expression turning sour. A peculiar odor lingered in the air.

    Eileen gestured to Phoebe¡¯s room. ¡°She¡¯s had too much to drink. What if she wakes up and bolts in the middle of the night?¡±

    Bryan just checked his watch. Without a word, he followed Eileen into the next room. Inside, there were two single beds with a cab in between. Seeing this, Bryan didn¡¯tment.

    ¡°How are you holding up?¡± he asked, referring to her diarrhea.

    ¡°I still feel a bit unwell, but I haven¡¯t had diarrhea again,¡± Eileen replied. Then she added, ¡°But I don¡¯t think I can do any strenuous exercise at the moment.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 196

    ?Chapter 196:

    Bryan narrowed his eyes, his expression turning resigned.

    ¡°Have you taken your medicine?¡± he inquired.

    Eileen shook her head. She had avoided eating the things Phoebe had purchased earlier.

    Seeing this, Bryan fiddled with his phone for a moment. Soon, someone arrived with a meal that was easy on the stomach.

    Feeling famished, Eileen ate while the food was still warm and then took her medicine. Previously, Bryan had been curious about what Ste had told Eileen, but now that he was with her, he didn¡¯t mention the matter.

    After Eileen finished eating, Bryany on the bed with her, turned on the TV, and held her close. The silence was thick with the sentiment of their recent time apart.

    ¡°Why haven¡¯t you asked about what Ste told me?¡± Eileen queried.

    Bryan responded, ¡°I received a call from my grandmother on the way here.¡±

    A sudden thought caused Eileen to tense up. ¡°What did she tell you?¡± she asked, realizing she had forgotten to inform Ste that she hadn¡¯t told Bryan about being his ex-wife.

    ¡°She simply told me to do as I please,¡± Bryan replied. This meant Ste¡¯s approval; Bryan needed no further details.

    ¡°I¡¯ve booked flight tickets for myself and Phoebe to go back to Wist Land tomorrow morning,¡± Eileen said. The booking had been made while Phoebe was drinking earlier. It was dark outside now, and their flight was less than twelve hours away.

    Eileen wrapped her arms more tightly around Bryan, breathing in thefort of his scent. Bryan¡¯s fingers gently sifted through her hair as he leaned down to kiss her forehead softly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll drive you to the airport then,¡± he said.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen agreed, nestling into a morefortable spot in his embrace.

    Reflecting, Eileen marveled at how much had transpired within just twenty-four hours.

    Eileen quickly fell asleep in Bryan¡¯s arms, her appearance as gentle as that of a kitten. Eventually, Bryan switched off the television. The neon lights outside the window bathed them in a soft glow.

    As theyy together, the inadequate soundproofing allowed faint sounds from other rooms to seep in, rousing Eileen from her sleep. Her eyes flicked open, and she fixated on Bryan¡¯s enticing Adam¡¯s apple. As he swallowed, his hand moved to cover her ears, either to shield her from the disruptive sounds or because he found them unpleasant.

    Eileen yfully moved her head and gently bit his Adam¡¯s apple.

    Bryan tensed up instantly, his voice rough as he said, ¡°Don¡¯t move!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you want me?¡± Eileen murmured, her nose softly brushing against his chin. From the moment she arrived and saw Bryan, she hadn¡¯t nned to leave without being intimate with him. Besides, there was no reason to restrain themselves now.

    Holding her close, the sound of her voice like music to his ears, and overwhelmed by his feelings for her, Bryan couldn¡¯t control himself anymore. He leaned in,vishing kisses on her forehead, eyes, and nose. Feeling his warm breath against her skin, Eileen tilted her head to meet his lips, their breaths mingling.

    Bryan then ced her down jacket on the bed, smoothly shifting positions so that she was beneath him. ¡°Eileen,¡± he whispered, each word dripping with desire as he continued to kiss her passionately. The warmth in the room intensified, contrasting sharply with the snowyndscape visible through the window.

    Suddenly, a loud noise erupted from the next room, causing Eileen to pause. She quickly pushed Bryan aside and rushed toward the source of the sound, eximing, ¡°It¡¯s Phoebe¡¯s room!¡± Panic set in as she worried Phoebe might have had an ident or damaged something in distress.

    Eileen tried the key card at the door, pushing it several times in vain. ¡°Could it be locked from the inside?¡± She turned to find Bryan, who had followed her, and said, ¡°Help me open the door! Phoebe locked herself in!¡±

    A shadow crossed Bryan¡¯s face. He stepped forward and forcefully kicked the door open. The room was chaotic, filled with the sounds of a struggle.

    ¡°Stay still, dammit! Who¡¯s there?¡± a gruff male voice barked, jolting Eileen¡¯s heart. She burst into the room to find a man overpowering Phoebe on the bed.

    Phoebe¡¯s face was bright red as she fought back desperately but couldn¡¯t match the man¡¯s strength. ¡°Stay out of this! I¡¯m just joking with my wife,¡± the man said, mistaking Bryan and Eileen for unsuspecting onlookers.

    ¡°Get out!¡± Eileen¡¯s fury was palpable. As soon as she said this, Bryan sprang into action. He seized the nearly naked man by the hair and hurled him into a corner, restraining him effortlessly with his foot.

    Eileen hurried to Phoebe¡¯s side. Upon touching Phoebe, she felt the intense heat of her skin. ¡°Phoebe, why are you burning up?¡± Eileen asked, rmed.

    ¡°That bastard drugged me,¡± Phoebe managed to say. She had been sleeping when she was forced to drink a fast-acting substance, leaving her with minimal strength, clinging to consciousness by biting her tongue. Phoebe had almost given up hope until Eileen¡¯s arrival.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t leave? You¡¯re really my good friend,¡± she murmured.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take you to the hospital,¡± Eileen said, draping her down jacket over Phoebe.

    ¡°The hospital won¡¯t help.¡± Bryan, ready with a solution, pulled out his phone. ¡°Head to the nearby Burgary Hotel,¡± he said. He then smashed a bottle over the man¡¯s head, knocking him out before releasing his foot.

    Eileen and Bryan quickly helped Phoebe into the car and drove directly to the Burgary Hotel. Upon arrival, Eileen was relieved to find that the hotel was conveniently close to Jacob¡¯s residence, saving them crucial time.

    After checking in, they settled Phoebe into the hotel bed. Just as Eileen was about to step away, Phoebe weakly clutched at her, stopping her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t go,¡± Phoebe said, her voice barely a whisper as she nestled her face into Eileen¡¯s hand, slipping into unconsciousness, her sense of recognition blurred.

    Bryan swiftly intervened, pulling Phoebe¡¯s hand away.

    ¡°Her state¡ª¡± Eileen began.

    ¡°Jacob is here,¡± Bryan interjected, leading Eileen out of the room just as Jacob approached, breathless.

    ¡°Bro, thanks for the timely rescue. Megan was too much to handle. I barely made it out,¡± Jacob said.

    Jacob had intended to live with Megan, but he found he really couldn¡¯t sleep with her. Bryan quirked an eyebrow, gesturing toward the room behind him. ¡°This is¡ª¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I understand. I won¡¯t interrupt you two,¡± Jacob interjected with a smile. Then, he turned to Eileen and asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Phoebe?¡±

    ¡°This is as far as we can help you,¡± Bryan said, pping Jacob on the shoulder and nudging him toward the room where Phoebe was before leading Eileen to another.

    Despite thete hour, Eileen didn¡¯t feel sleepy because of what had just happened. She and Bryan entered a room where arge, inviting king-sized bed awaited¡ªa wee sight in the luxurious hotel. Bryan was eager to make the most of their stay. Their familiarity with each other was evident, yet Eileen¡¯s subtle hesitations always drew Bryan in even more.

    Things went smoothly, and after only two hours, Bryan let Eileen rest, knowing she had to catch a flight back to Wist Land the next day.

    Upon entering the dimly lit room, Jacob¡¯s eyes adjusted to see someone lying on the bed. It took him a moment to recognize Phoebe. ¡°Phoebe? Is there something you need to tell me? What do you want to talk about?¡± He abruptly stopped as he noticed Phoebe¡¯s stillness and the unnatural flush on her cheeks.

    ¡°Phoebe?¡± he called out, concerned. Approaching, he gently touched her cheek, only to pull back from the unexpected heat radiating from her. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Wake up!¡± he urged, lightly tapping her face to wake her.

    Suddenly, Phoebe¡¯s eyes fluttered open, and she swiftly wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him into a passionate kiss. Stunned momentarily by the intensity of her kiss and the aroma of alcohol, Jacob was overwhelmed, his thoughts scattered by the rush of sensations.

    The next second, Phoebe flipped him over, straddling him while her hands, hot to the touch, roamed across his body, stirring his desire. Previously, their intimate moments had always been initiated by Jacob, and Phoebe had refused him every time. This time, however, the roles had changed, leaving Jacob torn between eager anticipation and a deep-seated urge to resist.

    As Jacob was caught in a storm of internal conflict, Phoebe managed to unbutton his shirt and was now deftly unbuckling his belt. With a swift click, she removed it, and he soon found himself naked. The chill of the air contrasted sharply against his skin, pulling Jacob back to reality just in time to see Phoebe confidently positioned above him.

    Her short hair and androgynous style juxtaposed with her unmistakably feminine silhouette, bathed in moonlight, enhancing her allure. Possibly empowered by the drug, she moved with newfound assertiveness, seemingpletely at ease. Meanwhile, Jacob groaned in difort.

    ¡°Damn it! Am I being taken advantage of here?¡± he muttered. He felt overwhelmed, caught in a storm of conflicting sensations¡ªpleasure mixed with difort¡ªas their moans and grunts filled the room.

    Three hours had passed before the drug¡¯s influence on Phoebe faded. She had maintained control the entire time, not letting Jacob off the bed. Now fully cognizant of her actions, a wave of embarrassment washed over Phoebe as shey on Jacob¡¯s chest.

    Jacob¡¯s gaze was intense, his hands gripping her waist as he reversed their positions. ¡°Phoebe! That was too harsh for my first time,¡± he protested, his tone gritty and marked by the passion of their encounter. His shoulders were scratched up from her inadvertent wing.

    Part of him felt unfulfilled, having been led rather than leading during the process. There was also a gnawing thought of how this might be perceived if others knew he was not in control during his first experience. Yet, as the encounter continued and he started to take the lead, his difort gradually dissipated, immersing himself deeper into the experience.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 197

    ?Chapter 197:

    The flight back to Wist Land was set for eight in the morning. Bryan drove Eileen to the airport and apanied her to the entrance of the departure hall. He stood tall, his face showing a trace of reluctance as he sped Eileen¡¯s hand.

    Amidst the busy airport crowd, Eileen kept ncing at her watch, her expression growing more concerned with each look. ¡°Isn¡¯t Phoebe showing up?¡± After spending the night together, Phoebe and Jacob¡¯s rtionship had likely deepened. Perhaps they had even decided to spend their lives together? At the very least, Phoebe should inform her.

    Eileen took out her phone and attempted to call Phoebe, but the call was cut off after just one ring. ¡°Maybe I should change my flight? There¡¯s another one at two this afternoon,¡± Eileen said. She needed to hear back from Phoebe first.

    Bryan carefully tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear and said, ¡°If you change your flight, you¡¯ll arrive in Wist Land at night. It¡¯ll be dangerous for you. If Phoebe doesn¡¯t show up, you could fly alone. Raymond will be there to pick you up at the airport.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Eileen put away her phone and embraced him tightly. ¡°I¡¯ve traveled for businesste at night before, and it¡¯s always been fine.¡±

    ¡°That was when I was there with you,¡± Bryan said, yfully pinching her nose. Noticing her frown, he softened his touch and gave her a kiss. He then added, ¡°I¡¯ll pick up my grandmother from the hospitalter. After spending Christmas Eve here, I¡¯ll join you in Wist Land.¡±

    Eileen nodded and pressed her face into his chest, savoring hisforting scent.

    ¡°You two can stop being clingy now.¡± Phoebe suddenly appeared, grabbing Eileen¡¯s arm. ¡°Hurry, we board in fifteen minutes.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Eileen replied, letting go of Bryan. Turning to Phoebe, she noticed that Jacob wasn¡¯t with her. ¡°Where¡¯s Jacob?¡±

    Keep reading g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Phoebe paused her frantic search through her bag for a moment and responded without looking up, ¡°He¡¯s resting at the hotel. We had quite a night.¡±

    Eileen had been aware of Phoebe¡¯s unrestrained behavior before, but it still surprised her every time.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Dawson. I¡¯ll take good care of Eileen,¡± Phoebe assured Bryan, dragging Eileen along to check in with their tickets.

    Bryan watched Eileen leave, resisting the urge to pull her back as Phoebe whisked her away. Eileen didn¡¯t even have the time to properly say goodbye to him.

    Once settled on the ne, Eileen finally had a moment to speak. ¡°I thought you wouldn¡¯t leave.¡±

    ¡°Why would I stay?¡± Phoebe asked. ¡°To see what a jerk Jacob is?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°How did your conversation go?¡±

    Phoebe turned to look at Eileen and questioned, ¡°What conversation? Jacob and I were in a hotel roomte at night, and I was drugged. What do you think we did besides having sex?¡±

    Eileen pondered how they could sleep with each other after having just fought at the engagement party. ¡°What did you talk about this morning?¡±

    ¡°I told you he was resting. He didn¡¯t have the strength to talk about anything afterst night,¡± Phoebe said with a sinister grin, as if she were thinking of something amusing. After a pause, she added, ¡°Better not ask too much. I wouldn¡¯t want Mr. Dawson chasing after me if you learn something bad from me.¡±

    Eileen chose not to probe further. Yet, Phoebe¡¯s mischievous glee made her feel concerned for Jacob.

    On a whim, Bryan headed back to the hotel. He got Jacob¡¯s room key from the front desk and walked directly into the room. The space was ufortably cold, with several windows wide open, allowing a chilling draft to pour in. Even the heater seemed useless against the icy air.

    Jacoby shivering under his quilt, half-believing he was dreaming. He hadn¡¯t bothered to shut the windows. In his drowsy state, he heard footsteps nearing and slowly woke up.

    Bryan shut the windows and pulled Jacob¡¯s quilt away. Jacob¡¯s body was covered with scratches and bite marks.

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Jacob quickly sat up, clutching the quilt tightly around him. ¡°Where¡¯s Phoebe?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s headed back to Wist Land,¡± Bryan said. ¡°You¡¯re in pretty bad shape. Need me to get you to a hospital for those injuries?¡± Some of Jacob¡¯s wounds were still bleeding.

    Upon hearing this, Jacob jumped up. ¡°How could she just leave without a word?¡± he eximed.

    Bryan nodded towards the bedside table, where some money and a notey. ¡°She did leave a note. And some cash.¡±

    He picked up the three bills¡ªtwo hundred-dor bills and a fifty. He read the note aloud.

    ¡°It¡¯s not that I¡¯m poor; it¡¯s just that you only deserve this much!¡±

    Bryan let out a softugh as he passed the note to Jacob. ¡°My reading doesn¡¯t do it justice. You should read it yourself.¡±

    The contempt Phoebe intended to convey was undoubtedly sharper than Bryan¡¯s tone. Jacob was furious, wanting to punch the bed, but he had to acknowledge he was drained from the night before and ached all over.

    ¡°I¡¯ll remember this. I¡¯ll get even with her when I get back to Wist Land,¡± he said.

    Seeing Bryan smirk, he retorted, ¡°What¡¯s so funny? Can¡¯t you tell from the marks about my performancest night? I was too much for her to handle!¡±

    Bryan shook his head seriously. ¡°You just look really disheveled right now.¡±

    Jacob got out of bed and began to get dressed, continuing to argue, ¡°I¡¯m serious. Last night was epic. After all, I¡¯ve been controlling my desire for over thirty years. You, on the other hand, always seem to hold back. You¡¯re not impotent, are you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just more gentle with my woman,¡± Bryan answered truthfully.

    The first time he was with Eileen, he hadn¡¯t been able to control himself because of the alcohol and the intimate settingte at night. He had to admit that his approach had been a bit clumsy at the time, and the alcohol had made him nervous. But he had certainly been mindful of Eileen¡¯s feelings. She had bitten him, too, but it had been in a moment of passion.

    As for Jacob¡­ The marks on him suggested that Phoebe had wanted to bite him to death.

    ¡°You¡­¡± Jacob paused as a thought struck him and smirked while finishing getting dressed. ¡°Why are you so smug? Your girlfriend, Eileen, might seem morepliant than Phoebe, but she¡¯s shrewder.¡±

    Bryan slipped the two hundred and fifty dors into Jacob¡¯s pocket and asked, ¡°What are you implying?¡± His intense stare made it hard for Jacob not to tell the truth.

    ¡°Do you know that Eileen is in trouble?¡± Jacob said.

    Bryan¡¯s expression grew serious. He recalled the times they had spent together yesterday. Eileen had often made excuses to use the bathroom or take phone calls away from him.

    Jacob continued, ¡°Her education agency is used of copying a well-known online teacher¡¯s free courses. It¡¯s a big scandal now, but she hasn¡¯t told you about it. Doesn¡¯t that upset you?¡±

    Jacob¡¯s eyes seemed to convey to Bryan that Eileen didn¡¯t even need his help.

    Bryan tapped on Jacob¡¯s shoulder, which had been bitten by Phoebe, causing Jacob to wince in pain.

    ¡°Why would I be upset? She doesn¡¯t want to bother me with her problems. Besides, she can handle it on her own,¡± Bryan said.

    Eileen had always been this way, sharing only the good news and keeping the bad ones to herself. It was definitely a habit that needed addressing. But Bryan wouldn¡¯t show his frustration about this in front of Jacob.

    Jacob followed Bryan to leave the hotel. The two hundred and fifty dors in his pocket made him feel ufortable. As soon as they stepped out of the hotel, Bryan¡¯s phone rang. It was from the police station.

    The man who had drugged Phoebe had been taken into custody for questioning. He had told the police everything. His target had been the two women in the room, but he had ended up drugging Phoebe alone because she had been the only one inside.

    Upon hearing this, Bryan¡¯s tone turned cold. ¡°Who sent him to do this?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡± The officer hesitated. ¡°We have some leads, Mr. Dawson. You might want to look into this yourself. We can¡¯t disclose more¡­¡±

    Having a lead wasn¡¯t the same as having proof, but it was enough to start uncovering who the culprit was. The police were cautious about escting the situation without concrete evidence.

    Bryan asked directly, ¡°Just tell me this. Was there a Beckett involved?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    As Jacob prepared to drive away, Bryan ended the call and rapped on Jacob¡¯s car window twice. He pulled a cigarette from his pocket, ced it in his mouth, and struck a lighter. As he lit the cigarette, a chill spread across his gaze.

    He said to Jacob, ¡°Phoebe was druggedst night. Megan Beckett was the one responsible.¡±

    Jacob¡¯s expression darkened as he recalled something amiss with Phoebe the previous evening. ¡°Damn, Megan is truly malicious,¡± he remarked. Yet, he had just be engaged to Megan. How should he deal with this? His possible actions could infuriate his father.

    ¡°She¡¯s also targeting Eileen. Considering she¡¯s your fianc¨¦e, letting you deal with her is showing you respect,¡± Bryan said.

    Noticing Jacob¡¯s reluctance, Bryan understood his concerns and saw an opportunity to push Jacob to confront Megan. If Jacob didn¡¯t take action, Bryan would¡ªand it could lead to severe repercussions for the Beckett family.

    Hearing this, Jacob gave a bitter smile. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m heading back now.¡±

    Bryan took a drag from his cigarette, stepped aside to let Jacob leave, and then took another puff before walking back to his car.

    Inside his car, the lingering scent of Eileen remained. He took out his phone and scrolled through her photos, his expression darkening. It was uneptable for her to keep things from him. He knew Eileen always had her own ns. He had hoped she might break this habit after they got together¡­

    Deep in thought, Bryan pondered how to resolve this issue with Eileen.

    In Wist Land, Eileen and Phoebe stepped off the ne. They got into Raymond¡¯s car after exiting the airport.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, there¡¯s a problem!¡± Raymond said, appearing troubled. ¡°You should check the news.¡±

    The scandal about Eileen¡¯s educational agency had only been reported by the local media in Wist Land before. However, it had escted overnight because a well-known expert mentioned the matter in an interview. The expert had discussed the courses in a highly professional and serious manner, indicating that the courses had been crafted by an experienced teacher, not someone like Eileen who had only been a tutor for a year.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 198

    ?Chapter 198:

    Eileen opened the parents¡¯ group chat of the educational agency and found it in an uproar. The parents were demanding an exnation. Based on the terms of their contracts, they insisted that the educational agencypensate them with multiple times the tuition fees they had paid for the online courses.

    Several teachers sent private messages to Eileen, reporting that they had received an overwhelming number of inquiries on WhatsApp. All the parents were pressing them for details about the scandal.

    ¡°Everyone, we¡¯re currently on winter break. Let¡¯s discuss this after we return to work. Our agency will provide a fair exnation. For those requesting refunds, we willply unconditionally. You may use this message as proof of mymitment.¡±

    After sending this announcement to the group chat, Eileen instructed all the teachers to forward it privately to the students¡¯ parents. The teachers also discussed the scandal among themselves in their group chat. Encouraged by June, some teachers considered resigning. Their professional integrity wouldn¡¯t be greatly affected pending the confirmation of the scandal, especially if it turned out Eileen hadmitted giarism.

    Ignoring their discussions, Eileen sent a message to the teachers¡¯ group chat. ¡°I will manage this situation carefully to ensure no one¡¯s reputation suffers. Should I mishandle it, I am prepared to ept full responsibility.¡± Her message indicated she had a n and expressed that she would not persuade anyone to stay against their will if they chose to leave.

    Having addressed the situation, Eileen responded to a message from Bryan asking if she had arrived in Wist Land. During the half-hour drive from the airport to Lakeside Vi, she had been responding to messages nonstop.

    Upon arriving at the gate of Lakeside Vi, Eileen put her phone away, opened the car door, and stepped out. ¡°Raymond, I¡¯ll be going to the hospital tomorrow morning. You can bring your luggage to my house, and let¡¯s celebrate Christmas together,¡± Eileen told Raymond.

    Upon hearing this, Raymond felt a warmth in his heart.

    ???? ??????? ?? ?????????.???

    ¡°Okay. About the issue with the educational agency¡­¡± He was eager to assist Eileen but hesitated to intervene without her permission, sensing she had a strategy in mind.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got this covered. Don¡¯t worry. I see this as an opportunity for free publicity for the agency,¡± Eileen reassured him confidently.

    Currently, her online courses were only known in Wist Land and a few neighboring cities, with only a small group of students enrolled. There were just a few hundred families using them, but with the issue now gaining widespread attention, every family with school-age children would likely take notice of their courses. Thus, the situation served as free publicity for her educational agency.

    Raymond pondered for a moment before a realization dawned on him. ¡°I understand now. Mr. Dawson has always praised your intelligence, Ms. Curtis. It¡¯s clear why!¡±

    Eileen smiled warmly at him. Then she turned to Phoebe. ¡°Phoebe, feel free toe over whenever you like. You shouldn¡¯t be staying alone in the house.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Phoebe replied. She had managed to sleep for several hours on the ne, yet she still felt overwhelmingly tired. The aches throughout her body made her feel as though she had been run over by a truck. Thus, she had no energy left to deal with the scandal at the educational agency, but she was confident that Eileen would handle it well.

    Eileen suggested that Raymond head home and nned to retire for the night. Upon entering the house, she was greeted by Milford¡¯s loud voice.

    ¡°It¡¯s only been a few days. Why couldn¡¯t you just wait? You insisted on traveling to Onnd to see Bryan. Men don¡¯t value women who are too forward. Don¡¯t you realize that?¡±

    Eileen slipped into her slippers and walked in to find Milford lounging on the sofa, engrossed in a mobile game. Scattered around him were empty takeout containers. Eileen had asked Raymond to order food for Milford.

    ¡°Why haven¡¯t you cleaned up the table after eating? Did you finish the exam papers I gave you?¡± Eileen asked.

    She went into the kitchen, took out the food Bryan had prepared before, and warmed it in the microwave. Eileen¡¯s questions caused Milford to feel a jolt of guilt. He nced at her and, reluctantly, put away his phone, starting to clean the table.

    By the time Eileen set the food on the dining table, Milford had cleared everything away. They sat down at the dining table to eat.

    ¡°Have you seen the news online?¡± Eileen asked Milford.

    Milford nodded and replied, ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve seen it. Someone is trying to set you up.¡±

    Eileen was taken aback, surprised by his certainty.

    Milford continued, ¡°The people who don¡¯t know the truth have been misled. Only those who are uninformed would believe such nonsense. It¡¯s clear that the celebrity¡¯s current courses differ so much in style from her earlier ones. I wonder why that so-called famous professor can¡¯t see it.¡±

    Even he could notice something was off. Yet, the professor had publicly used Eileen of giarism, a move that suggested to any discerning observer that he might have been bribed.

    After a brief pause, Eileen chuckled. ¡°Have you done aparison? You seem very concerned about me and my educational agency, huh?¡±

    Milford looked up at her and rolled his eyes. ¡°You wish! I¡¯m not concerned about you. I just want to find out if you really did giarize. If so, I¡¯ll find a new tutor!¡±

    ¡°It seems you really do care about your studies.¡± Eileen smiled. ¡°Perhaps I should reward you with a Christmas gift for your dedication.¡±

    A Christmas gift? Milford struggled to recall thest time he had received one. Thest Christmas gift he had gotten was a cherished bead from his grandmother, a piece she had worn for many years. Eileen had repaired it for him.

    ¡°Eat your food,¡± Eileen said as she noticed that Milford was in a daze. ¡°Think about what you want after dinner, or your meal will get cold.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 199

    ?Chapter 199:

    Milford bowed his head and focused on his te, eating quickly. He kept his face close to the te to hide his emotions.

    The next morning, Eileen headed to the hospital to collect Bailee and Ruby. Bailee had already prepared Ruby for departure. As Eileen arrived, Austen was just about to enter the ward.

    ¡°Dr. Potter, an early Merry Christmas to you,¡± Eileen greeted Austen cheerfully as she held the door open for him.

    Austen entered the ward with a grin. ¡°Merry Christmas to all three of you. Though it¡¯s just the beginning, each year will bring more improvements.¡± He then shared a few important reminders. The most crucial advice was to prevent Ruby from falling. For now, they were to continue feeding Ruby liquid food through her gastric tube daily.

    ¡°This is the final course of the targeted therapy. The treatment concludes in three days. Be sure to let her take the medicine regrly. After Christmas, register her for the rehabilitation program. I believe attending twice a week will show significant progress,¡± Austen said.

    While Ruby could perform some rehabilitation exercises at home, professional guidance would elerate her recovery. Eileen expressed her gratitude to Austen multiple times before she, Bailee, and Ruby left for home.

    Despite having heard Eileen¡¯s prior descriptions, Bailee was still taken aback by the grandeur of Lakeside Vi upon seeing it for the first time. The luxuriousness of the house made her feel somewhat out of ce.

    ¡°Eileen, is it really suitable for us all to move in here?¡± Bailee whispered after they exited the car, gently pulling Eileen closer.

    ¡°We¡¯re only celebrating Christmas here,¡± Eileen replied. ¡°I¡¯ve rented another vi close by. The owner will finalize the contract after the holiday. You and Mom can move there after Christmas. This way, it will be easier for me to visit you.¡±

    The newest releases are at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Eileen had thoughtfully made these arrangements in advance. She felt that it wasn¡¯t practical for her entire family to stay at Lakeside Vi permanently. While she couldn¡¯t afford to buy a ce nearby, renting it was within her means.

    Eileen handed Bailee a bank card, saying, ¡°I¡¯ve purchased two outfits for Mom so she can wear them during Christmas.¡± As Bailee opened the car door to retrieve a wheelchair, they helped Ruby into it.

    Ruby was now able to move her knuckles, and her fingers were quite flexible. Bailee gave Ruby a pen and some pieces of paper so she could write down her thoughts if she felt the urge tomunicate.

    Once inside the vi, Eileen and Bailee set up the bedroom for Ruby.

    ¡°Treat yourself to whatever you¡¯d like; after all, it¡¯s Christmas. You don¡¯t need to spend much time in the hospital from now on. You deserve some new clothes.¡±

    Bailee paused momentarily before epting the bank card, her eyes filling with tears.

    ¡°Eileen, we¡¯ve really made it, haven¡¯t we?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Yes, we have. I¡¯m so grateful for how you¡¯ve looked after our mom these past few years. You¡¯ve practically lived at the hospital,¡± Eileen replied with a warm smile, her mind bustling with countless thoughts.

    As Eileen observed Ruby basking in the sunlight in the living room, she felt as if she were dreaming.

    ¡°Eileen, without your support, Mom and I wouldn¡¯t have this wonderful life. I couldn¡¯t havepleted my college studies, nor could Mom have recovered so well,¡± Bailee said as she sat on the bed, tears streaming down her face.

    She had not intended to cry, but in that moment, her emotions overwhelmed her.

    Eileen said, ¡°Without Mom¡¯s love for me, I couldn¡¯t have made it here to save her or support you through college. We¡¯re always helping each other as a family. Let¡¯s look forward and not dwell on the past anymore, shall we?¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± Bailee wiped her tears and managed a smile.

    After organizing everything, Bailee and Eileen joined Ruby and engaged in light conversation. Ruby wrote slowly, yet both Eileen and Bailee waited patiently for her.

    To Eileen¡¯s astonishment, the first question Ruby asked was, ¡°Eileen, where is Benjamin?¡±

    Eileen was caught off guard and exchanged a puzzled look with Bailee.

    ¡°Mom, why are you asking about Benjamin?¡± Bailee inquired, her curiosity piqued.

    Ruby furrowed her brows and wrote again. ¡°Isn¡¯t he going to celebrate Christmas with us?¡±

    Eileen was confused. Why would Benjamin want to celebrate Christmas with them?

    She shook her head and exined, ¡°Mom, Benjamin is in Onnd. He won¡¯t be joining us for Christmas. He has his own family to be with.¡±

    A spark of understanding seemed to light up Ruby¡¯s eyes, and she nodded thoughtfully.

    Ruby had spent the previous Christmas in aa. During that time, Eileen and Bailee had stayed by her side in the hospital to celebrate the holiday with her. In the two years prior, despite being ill, Ruby had insisted on leaving the hospital to celebrate Christmas at home. She had taken the lead in organizing the festivities and had personally cooked all the dishes.

    Things had changed significantly. Now, Ruby was no longer able to move around. Eileen took it upon herself to buy the necessary food ingredients, while Bailee took charge of preparing the dishes, with Ruby observing them from her spot.

    Phoebe and Raymond joined them at their house on Christmas Eve. Amidst the bustling atmosphere, Eileen found herself exceedingly busy.

    Raymond took a moment to remind her, ¡°Ms. Curtis, you are different from them.¡±

    ¡°In what way am I different?¡± Eileen asked, looking at Raymond with a puzzled expression.

    ¡°Don¡¯t overlook the fact that you have Mr. Dawson,¡± Raymond replied, tapping on his phone screen to show Eileen his chat history with Bryan.

    Bryan¡¯s messages to Raymond involved requests to take photos of Eileen or to record short videos of her. He wanted these updates sent to him every thirty minutes.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 200

    ?Chapter 200:

    In the picture, Eileen was dressed in light-pink casual attire, her long hair elegantly pinned up. Her refined features and bright smile made Bryan¡¯s heart flutter.

    Eileen paused for a moment, then reached for her phone to review her recent chat history with Bryan. He had a routine of texting her every day¡ªthree times during the day and oncete at night. His messages were concise, typically inquiring whether she had eaten or alerting her to the changing weather in Wist Land.

    Eileen¡¯s responses were equally sinct. She replied to every message, though her answers often amounted to a simple ¡°Okay.¡± Thest message she had received from Bryan hade that morning; he hadn¡¯t messaged at noon, and now it was already eight on Christmas Eve.

    Images of Bryan looking lonely shed through Eileen¡¯s mind, weighing heavily on her heart. Pressing her lips together, she stood up.

    ¡°You can all continue without me. I need to step away for a call.¡± She gestured to her chair, offering it to Raymond. ¡°Take over in the card game for me. Whatever happens, win or lose, it¡¯s on me. y boldly.¡±

    By the French window, Eileen watched as fireworks burst in the sky, their myriad colors illuminating the night. She initiated a video call to Bryan, and he answered almost immediately.

    He appeared to be walking; the backdrop of his home setting was visible. In the background, Eileen asionally caught snippets of Ste and Z talking. Their voices dwindled into silence as Bryan ascended the stairs, the lighting entuating the contours of his face, making them appear more defined than usual.

    After entering the room and shutting the door, he said, ¡°Seems like your conscience is weighing on you, doesn¡¯t it?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s messages to Eileen were often filled with unspoken affection, yet her terse replies left him feeling let down time and again. He considered that Eileen¡¯s excitement about Ruby¡¯s discharge from the hospital might be distracting her. He understood this but resolved that his patience wouldst only a day.

    Stay connected at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Eileen responded, her hands resting on the handrail. ¡°You¡¯ve stolen my heart. Until you return it, finding my conscience seems an impossible task.¡±

    Bryan froze for a moment, then his lips slowly curved into a smile. ¡°I had no idea you were such a skilled flirt.¡± It was a rare moment to hear such sweet nothings from her, far removed from their usual talk. Although Bryan could see Eileen¡¯s cheeks flush a deep red, he chose not to mention it.

    ¡°nning to stay upte tonight?¡± Eileen shifted the conversation away from sweetness, something she wasn¡¯tfortable with. She had missed him earlier, prompting her affectionate words. She also wanted to make up for not being attentive throughout the day.

    ¡°We don¡¯t usually do that here. But if you¡¯re staying up, I¡¯ll join you,¡± Bryan replied. He flicked on the light and positioned himself in front of the French window, his gaze drifting to the fireworks illuminating the sky.

    ¡°My mom has to turn in early tonight. Here, it¡¯s a tradition to stay up on Christmas Eve. Phoebe, Raymond, and Milford are all here¡ªit¡¯s quite the festive evening,¡± Eileen said. This Christmas held significant meaning for her. She had officially be Bryan¡¯s girlfriend, and Ruby had been discharged from the hospital. Her home was bustling with people celebrating, and her face brightened with a joyful smile.

    Eileen added, ¡°I wish you were here.¡± Regret shimmered in her clear eyes as she yfully pouted, leaving Bryan momentarily breathless. He felt a strong desire to rush to her side.

    Speaking gently, he promised, ¡°I¡¯ll be by your side for all future Christmases, Eileen. Have you thought abouting back to Onnd?¡± The project in Wist Land was temporary. Given that Ste was in Onnd, his stay in Wist Land wouldn¡¯tst indefinitely.

    Eileen paused for a moment before responding, ¡°Wist Land lies at the heart of the South. My education agency could really thrive if it expands into the surrounding cities. And for northern expansion, Onnd is strategically well-ced.¡± Once they overcame the current challenges, her agency was poised to gain recognition through a free marketing boost. This exposure would likely increase the visibility and appeal of her programs. It was an opportune moment for growth.

    Bryan shared his insights with Eileen after reflecting on the market dynamics of Onnd. Moving her agency to Onnd would present her with various challenges. She would need both time and expertise to establish and expand her agency in the city sessfully. Nevertheless, Bryan had faith in her abilities. Preparing for such a move would require considerable time, but Eileen¡¯s extensive history in Onnd and her broadwork there would undoubtedly aid her professional endeavors.

    Eileen had been contemting a return to Onnd for quite some time. This thought had solidified after she noticed Bailee still kept in contact with Huey. Both Bailee and Huey were quite young, with Huey cing a high value on his pride. He was unlikely to dere his feelings without someone¡¯s encouragement. Bailee had been visibly saddened and disheartened since Huey¡¯s departure from Wist Land, a fact that Eileen had noticed but chosen not to address.

    Before he left, Huey had a private conversation with her, ostensibly about her career, but Eileen understood his real concern. His primary interest was in learning whether Eileen intended to move back to Onnd since he was bound to stay there. At times, he would casually inquire if Bailee was dating anyone, expressing his worry that she might be misled.

    After talking to Bryan for a while, Eileen heard Milford urging her to return to their card game. Raymond was inexperienced at the game, and Milford, who partnered with him, consistently found themselves on the losing side.

    ¡°Go ahead, but don¡¯t hang up,¡± Bryan told Eileen as he settled into his study, seemingly focused on something.

    Eileen slid her phone into her pocket and returned to the living room to rejoin the card game. As the clock neared eleven in the evening, Ruby appeared tired. Eileen and Bailee escorted her to her bedroom, helped her wash up and change into her pajamas, and tucked her into bed.

    Eileen had previously set up a call device on Ruby¡¯s wrist. Whenever Ruby pressed the button, its ring would alert them. After Ruby drifted off to sleep, Eileen and Bailee quietly returned to the living room to continue their game.

    Time passed swiftly, and soon, it was midnight. Eileen suddenly remembered something and quickly retrieved her phone from her pocket. By chance, Bryan was also looking at her through the screen just as the clock struck midnight. He softly said, ¡°Merry Christmas.¡±

    Eileen responded with a smile, her heart warming at his familiar voice. After that, everyone retired to their rooms for the night.

    As Bailee settled in, she noticed a message from Huey sent at midnight. ¡°Merry Christmas. Wishing you happiness.¡±

    Eileen and Bryan didn¡¯t end their video call; itsted until their phone batteries depleted, disconnecting early in the morning. With no other rtives in Wist Land, Eileen had no obligations during Christmas, so she and the others spent three rxing days at home.

    On the fourth day, Adalina mentioned a ssmate reunion and asked if Milford wanted to attend. Milford sought Eileen¡¯s approval first.

    ¡°You want to go, right?¡± Eileen asked, easily discerning his thoughts.

    Milford denied it on the surface. ¡°Adalina insists Ie along. They¡¯re meeting in a club, and it¡¯s not safe for her to go alone.¡±

    Eileen found his excuse amusing. ¡°Sure, go ahead. I¡¯ll organize a get-together with my colleagues at the same club. I can take you there.¡±

    While she consented to Milford¡¯s participation, she felt concerned about him going by himself. Earlier, she had nned a dinner with some colleagues to address the ongoing online scandal, so relocating the meeting to the club felt like a suitable solution.

    Excited, Milford hurried back to his room to respond to Adalina¡¯s message.

    At five in the afternoon, Eileen escorted Milford to the club. She directed him to the private room where Adalina was waiting. Upon opening the door, she was greeted by a crowd of youthful faces. Inside, over twenty teenagers, aged around sixteen to seventeen, weed Milford enthusiastically and crowded around him.

    Eileen chose not to stay and headed to another room reserved for her colleagues. Shortly after, her colleagues began to arrive, though a few had made excuses for their absence.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, we¡¯re here because we trust you. Obviously, you didn¡¯t giarize. But why haven¡¯t you taken steps to quell the rumors? We just can¡¯t wrap our heads around it,¡± a seasoned teacher said as soon as she was seated.

    Another colleague agreed, saying, ¡°Exactly! The parents of our students have been bombarding us on WhatsApp over the break. You should see the agitation in the parents¡¯ group chat. Some of the more irate ones have even resorted to insults.¡±

    ¡°And there¡¯s more¡ªJune showed us pictures of you with Mr. Dawson in Onnd. Despite the crisis, it seems you were still in the mood to visit your boyfriend,¡± someone else added, their tone carrying a hint of disapproval, suggesting that Eileen should have kept them better informed.

    Eileen nodded slightly and responded apologetically, ¡°I truly apologize for the inconvenience, but divulging my strategy earlier could have tipped off the person orchestrating this. I want to catch them off guard. I¡¯ll send you some videos to share with the parents. Additionally, I¡¯ve engaged awyer to take legal action against the celebrity and that renowned professor.¡±

    Convinced it was time to fight back, Eileen detailed her strategy to her colleagues. Their expressions of surprise quickly turned to approval as they nodded in agreement.

    After hearing Eileen¡¯s exnation, everyone felt reassured, their spirits lifted. They eagerly discussed the n. The video clips Eileen shared had been secretly recorded in her office, capturing June sneaking in and illicitly essing her course materials. The footage clearly disyed June¡¯s face and her interactions with Eileen¡¯sputer.

    After the teachers shared these videos with the parents, they informed them that the educational agency nned to initiate legal action against June, the celebrity teacher, and the professor involved. This news brought an immediate hush over the previously agitated parents.

    During the gathering, Eileen received a call from Bryan. She excused herself, walked down the corridor to a partially open window, and answered the call.

    ¡°Are you not at home?¡± Bryan¡¯s voice came through, sensing the change in background noise on Eileen¡¯s end.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m at the club. Milford is here for a ssmate reunion, and I¡¯ve brought along some colleagues to discuss a matter,¡± Eileen exined.

    ¡°Where exactly are you?¡± Bryan asked.

    Eileen provided him with the address of the club. Out of the corner of her eye, she suddenly noticed June getting out of a nearby private room. Her presence caught Eileen off guard.

    June was equally startled by Eileen and quickly retreated back into the room. Momentster, the door swung open again, and Vivian emerged. Spotting Eileen, Vivian shed a smug smile and approached.

    ¡°I need to hang up now; something¡¯se up,¡± Eileen whispered into her phone before ending the call with Bryan. She might have missed Bryan¡¯s response, as she didn¡¯t catch it clearly.

    Standing confidently with her arms folded, Vivian taunted, ¡°Eileen, do you like the Christmas present I gave you?¡±

    Her tone was condescending, clearly referring to the giarism scandal.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 201

    ?Chapter 201:

    ¡°You have the illogical reasoning of a lunatic, Miss Warren. As a rational person, I can¡¯t agree with you,¡± Eileen retorted, slipping her phone into her pocket. She cast a nce at the door behind Vivian, which was slightly ajar, noting June was hiding behind it and sneaking a peek.

    ¡°You¡¯re still so stubborn! Have you not learned from your disgrace in Onnd, which drove you to obscurity in Wist Land? Who gave you the nerve to speak to me this way?¡± Vivian eximed.

    Eileen sensed a change in Vivian. In Onnd, Eileen had always been submissive and respectful, never bold enough to stand her ground. But now, she was different.

    Vivian sneered, ¡°Does Bryan¡¯s affection make you this confident? Do you really think you can be part of the Dawson family? With your background, you¡¯re like a curse! You grew up without a mother and barely survived with a stepmother who¡¯s now on her deathbed, clinging to life. She¡¯ll likely die because of you.¡±

    Vivian¡¯s harsh words took Eileen by surprise. While Eileen¡¯s upbringing had taught her not to respond harshly, they did not restrain her from acting decisively.

    A sharp p resonated through the quiet corridor, silencing Vivian¡¯s harsh words abruptly. Eileen had pped her with all her might, sending Vivian reeling back against the wall.

    ¡°I¡¯ve wanted to p you since that day a year ago in the hospital, but I never had the chance. Now that you¡¯ve provoked me, don¡¯t hold it against me for being rude,¡± Eileen said.

    Eileen¡¯s gaze was cold as she stepped forward, her slender fingers gripping Vivian¡¯s cor, forcing her to look into her eyes. ¡°If you think I¡¯m still the same Eileen as before, you¡¯re terribly mistaken. Think before you target me again. Your stupidity only makes you look pathetic!¡±

    Eileen let go of Vivian and disdainfully wiped her hand.

    Stay tuned for more g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í??s.c¡ðm

    Vivian, holding her reddened cheek, snapped back to reality and eximed, ¡°How dare you hit me? Eileen, do you realize that the fate of your educational institution depends entirely on my mood? Without it, and with your tarnished reputation, your career is finished. If you beg me and acknowledge your mistakes now, perhaps I¡¯ll consider forgiving you, you bitch!¡±

    Grasping Eileen¡¯s wrist tightly, Vivian spat out the cruelest words, stooping to her lowest, practically pleading for Eileen to beg her.

    Suddenly, the door to the private room swung open. June, looking distressed, gestured at her phone, too upset to speak.

    Eileen took a breath and said, ¡°The influencer who giarized my content and the professor who spread lies have both been sued. As for you, June, I¡¯ve posted all the surveince footage of you stealing my confidential documents online. Get ready to face the legal consequences.¡±

    Eileen removed Vivian¡¯s fingers from her wrist one by one, observing as Vivian¡¯s eyes went wild, teetering on the edge of a meltdown.

    With a look of pity and resolve, Eileen turned and walked back into her private room.

    The incident quickly became a major topic during Christmas. Several teachers shared the videos of June stealing lesson materials in parents¡¯ group chats and across various social media tforms, as Eileen had instructed. Within minutes, the influencer and the well-known professor¡¯s social media ounts were flooded with criticism. Some news outlets even attempted to contact them forments, but they remained unreachable.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, you¡¯re incredible,¡± one teacher said, her voice filled with admiration.

    ¡°Yes, this kind of retaliation is truly satisfying!¡± another chimed in.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been feeling overwhelmed these past few days. June was constantly ndering you, and I¡­ I almost believed her,¡± a third teacher confessed, their eyes glistening with emotion.

    The teachers, feeling emotional, shared their thoughts, while a few of the more sensitive ones were nearly brought to tears. Eileen had faced all kinds of challenges while working for Bryan, so she found these usations and nder trivial now. However, seeing her colleagues so happy brought a smile to her face.

    ¡°Tonight, let¡¯s enjoy ourselves! Order whatever you want¡ªfood and drinks are on me. But when we¡¯re back to work in a few days, we might be short-handed since some teachers have resigned. I¡¯ll need everyone to step up and fill the gaps,¡± Eileen announced, making the teachers cheer up even more as they indulged in food and drinks.

    While they were enjoying themselves, the sound of hurried footsteps outside caught their attention. Curious, someone cracked the door open and peeked in. ¡°Oh dear, it looks like a woman is having a breakdown. Several doctors are trying to restrain her.¡±

    ¡°I am the daughter of the Warren family! Don¡¯t you darey a hand on me! Who do you think you are?¡± Vivian¡¯s piercing voice, though muffled by the door, was still audible. Eileen arched an eyebrow, realizing Vivian¡¯s situation was more serious than anticipated. Yet Kian had allowed Vivian toe and stir up trouble here. Clearly, he was not being a responsible brother.

    Suddenly, the door to their room burst open.

    June, disheveled and with the mark of a p on her face, frantically scanned the room before rushing to Eileen¡¯s side and falling to her knees.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, please forgive me. I realize now that I made a terrible mistake. I shouldn¡¯t have acted as I did. My mother is sick and needs money. Your mother has been ill too, so you must understand how desperate I am to gather funds for treatment! Please, give me another chance. I¡¯m willing to work for you without pay for the rest of my life!¡±

    Eileen was somewhat familiar with June¡¯s family situation. It was true that June¡¯s mother was ill with a chronic condition that wasn¡¯t life-threatening but required continuous treatment. However, June¡¯s earnings were typically enough to cover her mother¡¯s medical expenses and provide for their basic needs. This situation couldn¡¯tpare to what Eileen had endured; without the medication that had kept Ruby stable until more advanced treatments were avable, Ruby would not have made it this far.

    Eileen said, ¡°I truly understand the need for money to save a life, but I can¡¯t forgive you for betraying others for financial gain. Honestly, I used to struggle to raise funds to save my own mother, but I neverpromised someone else to do so.¡±

    She reached out to help June up, but June refused to get up, clinging to Eileen¡¯s leg with desperation.

    Faced with no alternative, Eileen stepped back, her frown deepening as she said, ¡°You need to take responsibility for your own actions.¡±

    June¡¯s body trembled as she copsed against the sofa and then slid to the floor, tears streaming down her cheeks. Themotion caught the staff¡¯s attention, who hurried in and escorted June out. While some teachers felt sympathy for June, none intervened on her behalf.

    By ten o¡¯clock, Eileen decided it was time for her to leave the gathering, allowing the teachers to continue enjoying themselves. She made her way to where Milford and his friends were gathered. The group was lively, engrossed in card games and singing. The room was bathed in dim, colorful lighting, obscuring their faces.

    Adalina was the first to spot Eileen and quickly fetched Milford from where he was engrossed in a game. As soon as Milford noticed Eileen, he abandoned his cards and walked over. ¡°Adalina, why don¡¯t you join us? Ms. Curtis can drive you home. It¡¯ste, and it¡¯s not safe for you to be out alone,¡± Milford suggested as he approached the door.

    Adalina hesitated, seeking confirmation from Eileen.

    Eileen nodded, saying, ¡°I¡¯ll drive you home.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Ms. Curtis,¡± Adalina replied with a smile, her dimples showing as she nced briefly at Milford before looking away.

    Back in the private room, the atmosphere remained lively, but when Eileen switched on the lights, the room fell silent. All eyes turned toward her as she smiled and said, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. Milford and Adalina will head home now. Everyone, don¡¯t make your parents worry; try to get home early.¡±

    Following her reminder, Adalina and Milford said their goodbyes and left with her.

    Though driving Adalina home wasn¡¯t exactly on Eileen¡¯s way, it was only a twenty-minute detour and not overly inconvenient. Inside the car, the air was quiet for a moment before Adalina broke the silence.

    ¡°Milford, your ssmates still like you as before. They¡¯ll be thrilled when you¡¯re back at school,¡± Adalina said gently, her tone shy.

    Distracted by his phone, Milford let a fleeting look of anticipation show but then scoffed, ¡°What¡¯s there to be happy about? They won¡¯t all be my ssmates in high school anyway.¡±

    His dismissive response left Adalina at a loss for words. Eileen felt resigned and added, ¡°If you¡¯re considering high school, you should get back into a school setting in advance. The longer you¡¯re out, the tougher it¡¯ll be to adapt.¡±

    Milford¡¯s defiant attitude had softened considerably recently, yet he still seemed out of ce among his former ssmates.

    ¡°I have no say over this matter. Whether I return to school or not isn¡¯t important; I have you to tutor me,¡± Milford replied with a shrug.

    Eileen acknowledged his point; further discussion wouldn¡¯t change the situation. She resolved to speak with Z when she could.

    After ensuring Adalina was safely home, Eileen and Milford returned to their house. When they arrived, the home was quiet, everyone asleep. Eileen checked on the ongoing giarism issue online and began preparing for her return to work in a few days.

    She noticed that Bryan hadn¡¯t responded to her message informing him that she had arrived home. This was out of character for him, as he usually replied promptly. Frowning, Eileen stayed awake, waiting for his response, but eventually, it was past one in the morning. Figuring he was likely asleep, she went to bed.

    Images of Bryan filled her dreams, making it feel as if he were there with her.

    The next day, Eileen and Bailee woke up early to take Ruby to her appointment with the rehabilitation doctor. Rmended by Austen, the doctor was already well-acquainted with Ruby¡¯s condition and had prepared a rehabilitation n.

    They spent roughly an hour at the rehabilitation center.

    ¡°Over thest year, your family has managed very well. Your mother¡¯s neural and muscr functions are well-preserved, which should help her recover quickly. Keep her limbs active at home, but don¡¯t push her to stand too soon,¡± the doctor advised.

    Eileen and Bailee took this guidance seriously.

    A sparkle of anticipation lit up Ruby¡¯s eyes, and her lips twitched asionally as if she were trying to speak. With the doctor¡¯s advice in mind, they left the hospital, brimming with hope.

    Engrossed in the positive feedback from the doctor, Eileen and Bailee hadn¡¯t noticed Kian and Z passing by. However, Kian and Z saw them and paused, observing as Eileen and Bailee assisted Ruby into the car before driving off.

    ¡°Was that¡­¡± Z began.

    ¡°That was Eileen¡¯s stepmother and her daughter,¡± Kian said coldly.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 202

    ?Chapter 202:

    Z was slightly taken aback. ¡°Is Eileen¡¯s background really thatplicated?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s see how Vivian is doing first,¡± Kian replied, urgency in his voice. Without wasting another moment, he rushed toward the neurology inpatient building with Z by his side.

    Upon entering, they were greeted by a cacophony of sounds. This section housed patients with mental health conditions, and Kian¡¯s expression darkened. He had hurried here after hearing about Vivian¡¯s outburst, yet he felt he had arrived just a bit toote.

    The atmosphere was heavy, and Kian felt a wave of sympathy for Vivian. He hurried into her hospital room, his heart racing.

    Viviany restrained on the bed, herplexion pale. Upon noticing someone entering, she turned her eyes slightly. Recognizing Kian and Z, she began to cry.

    ¡°Vivian!¡± Kian rushed to untangle the ropes binding her, eager to set her free. However, the knots wereplex, and he struggled to loosen them.

    Just then, the doctor and nurses entered the room.

    ¡°Are you rted to the patient? Please don¡¯t rush to release her. Let me exin her situation first¡­¡± the doctor started, but Kian¡¯s icy re made him falter.

    ¡°Why have you restrained her? Is this how you treat your patients?¡± Kian demanded, anger evident in his voice.

    ¡°Release her now,¡± Zmanded firmly. Then, turning to Kian, she added, ¡°Stay with Vivian. I¡¯ll speak with the doctor.¡±

    She signaled for the doctor to apany her outside. Once in the corridor, Z crossed her arms and confronted the doctor.

    ¡°Have you examined her thoroughly?¡± she asked.

    The doctor nodded. ¡°Yes, she was very distressed when she arrived yesterday, so I performed a full examination. We conducted blood tests and discovered she has been receiving regr injections of a certain¡ª¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Z interjected with a slight smile, patting the doctor on the shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s umon to find such attentive doctors here. Please hand me her medical files and arrange for her discharge.¡±

    The doctor quickly relinquished Vivian¡¯s medical files, but hesitated for a moment, contemting whether to retrieve them. A shiver ran down his spine as he met Z¡¯s cold gaze, which, upon closer inspection, was apanied by a subtle smile.

    ¡°Thank you again,¡± Z reiterated. ¡°Now, please proceed with the discharge process.¡±

    The doctor nodded briskly. ¡°I¡¯ll handle it immediately.¡± With that, he turned and left.

    Z flipped through Vivian¡¯s medical files, raising an eyebrow at the diagnosis on thest page. Without a second thought, she tore out the page and discarded the pieces into a nearby trash bin.

    Soon after, Kian ushered the nurses out of Vivian¡¯s ward. Z entered, cing the medical files on the bedside table, and sighed softly upon seeing Vivian crying in Kian¡¯s embrace.

    ¡°I spoke with the doctors. The medication used here isn¡¯t as effective as what is avable overseas. It seems Vivian hasn¡¯t been taking her medication properly, which has exacerbated her symptoms,¡± Z exined.

    Kian nodded, his expression grave.

    ¡°I¡¯ve arranged for her discharge with the doctor,¡± Z added.

    Kianforted Vivian, then gently lifted her into his arms. ¡°I¡¯m taking you home. Z will be there too. There¡¯s nothing to worry about now.¡±

    Vivian, who had been awake all night, began to feel sleepy in thefort of being with her family.

    Z grabbed Vivian¡¯s coat and quickly followed Kian out of the hospital to his car. In the back seat, she attended to Vivian, who had fallen asleep.

    Kian nced at Vivian through the rearview mirror. She appeared to have lost some weight recently, and he felt a wave of regret wash over him for having left Vivian alone in Wist Land.

    Noticing the mark of a p on Vivian¡¯s face, he wondered if she had been hit in the hospital or if something else had happened.

    ¡°Vivian¡¯s treatment was always overseen by specialists from abroad. They continued to send her medication even after she returned here. Her condition has been stable, hasn¡¯t it? Why are you thinking about changing her doctor now?¡± Z asked casually as she gently patted Vivian¡¯s shoulder.

    Kian sighed lightly. ¡°I¡¯ve been doing some research. In Vivian¡¯s case, medication alone isn¡¯t enough. The fastest way for her to recover is through psychological counseling.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll get in touch with Dr. Welch to see if he can offer long-term counseling and treatment for Vivian,¡± Z said, reaching for her phone and tapping on the screen quickly.

    Within minutes, she smiled and announced, ¡°Dr. Welch has agreed. He¡¯s been overseeing Vivian¡¯s treatment for years and understands her situation thoroughly. Introducing a new doctor might not go over smoothly with her.¡±

    Hearing that, Kian felt a surge of gratitude. ¡°Z, thank you.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to thank me. By the way, you should consider moving closer to my ce so I can help look after Vivian,¡± Z suggested.

    Since their arrival in Wist Land, Kian and Vivian had been staying in a hotel. Kian readily agreed, as he had already secured a residence at Pianoforte Vis.

    After packing up their belongings at the hotel, they made their way to Pianoforte Vis. Kian carried Vivian upstairs and gentlyid her on the bed.

    Z followed behind,ying Vivian¡¯s coat aside, removing her shoes, and tucking her in snugly. Afterward, Z made to leave, but Kian caught her wrist.

    He drew her close, holding her firmly in his arms. His eyes conveyed a deep yearning, and his breath quickened. His affection for Z had grown over the years, embedding her deeply in his heart. Now that she was back from overseas, he was eager to make their rtionship official.

    ¡°Z¡­¡± Kian began.

    ¡°Kian, don¡¯t. Vivian is right here,¡± Z replied, her cheeks flushing as she attempted to pull away.

    Embracing Z tightly, Kian felt his control wavering. He leaned in, about to kiss her when his phone rang, cutting through the moment.

    ¡°Step out to take the call. We don¡¯t want to disturb Vivian,¡± Z suggested, using the interruption to slip from Kian¡¯s grasp.

    As Kian stepped out to answer the call, Z quickly wiped her lips, her expression tinged with frustration.

    Checking the caller ID, Kian took a deep breath and answered, ¡°How¡¯s the investigation progressing?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Warren, Miss Warren has been quietly managing Eileen¡¯s giarism scandal. Her interactions have been minimal, butst night, she met with Eileen at a club. The staff there are tight-lipped, but it seems there was an argument,¡± Benjamin reported.

    Kian clenched his jaw. He had left his team to monitor Vivian, who had stubbornly refused to allow them to follow her. After learning that Vivian had been taken to the hospital, he had immediately tasked Benjamin with the investigation.

    Adjusting his tie, Kian¡¯s voice turned cold. ¡°Eileen Curtis, huh? How could she dare?¡±

    He suspected that the mark on Vivian¡¯s face was indeed Eileen¡¯s doing.

    ¡°What about the giarism issue?¡± he pressed.

    Benjamin responded, ¡°Early this morning, there was significant development. Eileen hase forward withpelling evidence and filedwsuits against the celebrity teacher and the senior professor. Her school and online courses have gained considerable attention and profitability because of this.¡±

    Kian massaged his forehead, feeling the weight of the situation. ¡°Understood. Keep an eye on Eileen. I want updates on everything she does.¡±

    He paused, allowing the gravity of his words to settle in. ¡°If I catch you hiding anything from me, I won¡¯t take it lightly.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t. Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Warren,¡± Benjamin assured him. After ending the call, he reviewed the surveince footage from the club before discarding the USB drive into the bin.

    As a skilled assistant, he understood that providing the footage to Kian would only fuel his anger toward Eileen. By sharing the incident without the details, he aimed to mitigate Kian¡¯s wrath.

    With a heavy sigh, he climbed into his car and drove away.

    Z had picked up on a few details from Kian¡¯s conversation. She settled down across from him and asked, ¡°Was Vivian¡¯s recent breakdown triggered by her encounter with Eileen?¡±

    ¡°Last night, Vivian met Eileen, got pped by her, and then had a meltdown,¡± Kian replied, his fingers cracking with tension, his eyes fierce.

    Z responded, ¡°I used to think it wouldn¡¯t matter who Bryan married as long as it wasn¡¯t me. But considering Vivian is your sister and we grew up together, I feelpelled to help her. However, Kian, you know I don¡¯t have much influence over the Dawson family, so my ability to assist is limited¡­¡±

    ¡°I understand,¡± Kian replied, offering a smile that was tinged with both sadness and appreciation. ¡°As long as you¡¯re not the one marrying Bryan, it doesn¡¯t matter who he ends up with. But Vivian has feelings for him. As her brother, it¡¯s my responsibility to look out for her happiness. You don¡¯t need to get involved. Just understanding how I feel is enough.¡±

    Z smiled tenderly, the bright overhead lights casting a warm glow on her, making it hard for Kian to look away.

    ¡°I need to go pick up Milford. Please take good care of Vivian. When Dr. Welches tomorrow, I¡¯ll join you to meet him. Try to get some rest,¡± Z said, gathering her bag.

    After giving Kian a wave, she exited the hospital.

    Meanwhile, Eileen brought Bailee and Ruby to their new home, helping them settle in with the luggage she had packed in advance. Then she headed to the supermarket to stock up on necessities.

    Engrossed in her tasks, Eileen ignored the multiple buzzes from her phone.

    Exiting the supermarket with her hands full of grocery bags, she noticed her phone ringing yet again. However, with her arms loaded down, she couldn¡¯t answer it.

    Only after arriving at the rented house and passing the groceries to Bailee did she finally check her phone.

    All the missed calls were from Bryan, apanied by several messages. The first was brief: ¡°I¡¯m back.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 203

    ?Chapter 203:

    Eileen¡¯s face lit up with a joyful smile.

    She tucked her phone away and stepped outside, only to bump into Bailee.

    Bailee looked at her for a few seconds before bursting intoughter. ¡°Mr. Dawson¡¯s back, right?¡± she teased.

    Eileen¡¯s cheeks flushed, and she frowned involuntarily. ¡°How did you know?¡±

    ¡°Your smile says it all,¡± Bailee replied with a grin. ¡°Go on ahead. I¡¯ll take care of things here.¡±

    Lately, Eileen had seemed distracted during Bryan¡¯s absence, constantly checking her phone and waiting for his texts. Bailee had picked up on this.

    With a gentle nudge, Bailee encouraged Eileen toward Ruby¡¯s bedside before turning to busy herself with tasks.

    Eileen hadn¡¯t shared much about Bryan with Ruby. After all, Ruby had only learned that Eileen and Bryan had been married before falling into aa.

    If Eileen mentioned Bryan now, Ruby would have a flurry of questions, but given her current state, she wouldn¡¯t be able to ask them, which might only increase her anxiety.

    So Eileen simply told Ruby she had some errands to run. Ruby smiled and blinked in understanding.

    Eileen left the room and hurried down the stairs, her coat draped over her arm. Her long hair flowed behind her, and she was dressed simply in a t-shirt and jeans. But to Bryan, she looked absolutely stunning.

    As soon as Eileen stepped outside, she spotted Bryan across the street from the vi. He held a lit cigarette in one hand and was talking on his phone.

    Read exclusive stories .c©–m

    When he saw her, he ended the call and tucked his phone into his pocket.

    Before he could walk over, she was already running towards him. He shifted the cigarette to his other hand, allowing her to leap into his arms.

    Wrapping her arms around his waist, Eileen nestled her head against his chest, inhaling the familiar scent of him.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you let me know you wereing back?¡± she asked, realizing now why he hadn¡¯t responded to her messages the night before.

    With his arm around her waist, Bryan turned his head for onest drag of his cigarette, then leaned closer to her, a yful smirk on his lips.

    ¡°I wanted to surprise you,¡± he said, a yful smile lighting up his face.

    After returning home to find it empty and unable to reach Eileen, he had checked the security footage and discovered that she had gone to help Ruby and Bailee move. Her parked car had confirmed she was still in the area.

    ¡°It¡¯s definitely a surprise,¡± Eileen replied, letting go of his waist and taking his arm to lead him back to their home.

    Bryan was dressed in a simple shirt, the sleeves rolled up and unbuttoned at the cuffs, revealing his muscr arms. Eileen¡¯s cool fingertips traced his arm lightly before his fingers intertwined with hers.

    The night breeze whispered as their shadows stretched long under the streetlights, and together they walked into their house.

    Bryan¡¯s suitcasey in the hallway, a remnant of his hurried return. He had rushed to find Eileen as soon as he got home and hadn¡¯t yet had the chance to unpack.

    sping her hand with one of his, he carried his suitcase with the other as they headed upstairs. Once inside the bedroom, Eileen quickly opened his suitcase and began to arrange his belongings.

    She removed his clothes and neatly folded them, and Bryan took them from her to store in his wardrobe. They managed to organize everything in less than ten minutes.

    Afterward, Bryan headed to the kitchen to cook. Eileen had missed his cooking and was eagerly anticipating it.

    After enjoying a hearty meal, Eileen thought they were about to ¡°get down to business.¡±

    Exiting the bathroom after her shower, she found Bryan already showered and waiting for her on the bed.

    She slid under the nket, wrapping her arms around his waist. However, he extinguished his cigarette and looked at her seriously.

    ¡°Tell me the truth,¡± he said, his voice firm.

    Eileen realized that Bryan had been savoring the joy of their reunion from the moment they had met until they climbed into bed. Now that the initial joy had faded, it was time to address more serious matters.

    Eileen blinked, confusion creeping into her expression. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°You still won¡¯t tell me?¡± Bryan tightened his grip on her jaw slightly, causing her difort.

    Then he rxed his hold, but his tone remained serious. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me you were having problems?¡±

    The news about Eileen¡¯s educational agency had been all over the inte. Anyone could have seen it.

    Eileen had anticipated that Bryan would be aware of the situation. She even suspected he had learned about it before it escted.

    She arched an eyebrow, confidence swelling within her. ¡°If you knew I was in trouble, why didn¡¯t you reach out to offer help?¡±

    Bryan opened his mouth but hesitated, unable to answer her question for a moment. Finally, he chuckled softly. ¡°You certainly have a way with words, don¡¯t you?¡±

    He shifted so that she was lying on his chest, his warm breath tickling the top of her head. Strands of her hair draped over his arms as she looked up at him, squinting slightly. ¡°I¡¯m justying out the facts.¡±

    ¡°Well, I guess I¡¯ll have to agree with you this time,¡± he said, wrapping his arms around her waist and turning off the bedroom light.

    Resting her head on his chest, she traced circles on his muscles, feeling conflicted. ¡°I think I¡¯d rather be on the bottom.¡±

    ¡°Darling, being on top can be fun. Give it a try.¡± His voice was low and persuasive, gently encouraging her to take the lead. It was so enchanting that she found herselfplying almost without thinking.

    As the night deepened, dark clouds drifted across the sky, asionally obscuring the moon. Bryan had returned a bitte from Onnd. Though Eileen didn¡¯t know the specific details, she had heard from Raymond that it involved Bryan¡¯s parents.

    He kept the matter to himself, and Eileen didn¡¯t press him for details. After his return, they spent the entire day at home, knowing that work awaited them both the next day.

    As the news about the educational agency spread, enrollment in their online courses surged by tens of thousands daily. The courses were instantly fully booked.

    Although Eileen hadn¡¯t yet resolved thewsuit against the online celebrity teacher and the senior professor, both now avoided public appearances. Additionally, careful analysis by some observers concluded that the video style of the online celebrity teacher¡¯s past courses differed from Eileen¡¯s, effectively clearing her of the giarism usations.

    Later that afternoon, Eileen received a frantic call from Phoebe. As soon as she answered, she couldn¡¯t help but frown at the chaotic voices on the other end.

    ¡°Help! Eileen! Jacob has gone insane! Help me!¡± Phoebe eximed, her voiceced with desperation.

    ¡°Phoebe, you bastard! You took my virginity!¡± Jacob¡¯s voice rang out in the background.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough! Didn¡¯t you enjoy it at the time? It only hurt a bit! You¡¯re a man; don¡¯t be so sensitive. Honestly, I can¡¯t stand you!¡± Phoebe shot back.

    Following their heated exchange, Phoebe turned to Eileen. ¡°Please, find a way to take Jacob away from me.¡±

    Jacob resumed squabbling with Phoebe, their threats and insults leaving no room for Eileen to interject. Eventually, Phoebe provided Eileen with the name of a club and their room number before ending the call.

    Eileen felt resigned and turned to Bryan. ¡°Should we go check on them?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Bryan stood up, pulling her close. They changed their shoes at the door and left the house.

    Walking beside Eileen, Bryan couldn¡¯t help but smile, anticipating the drama unfolding between Jacob and Phoebe. He was definitely ready to enjoy the spectacle.

    Upon their arrival at the club, Eileen and Bryan were surprised to see Z and Kian also present. The mood in the room was lighter than expected, although Phoebe and Jacob maintained a noticeable distance, exchanging nces that sparked irritation.

    Kian wore a serious expression.

    ¡°Hey, Bryan, Eileen, you made it!¡± Z called, waving them over.

    Eileen nodded and approached. Just as she sat down, Kian asked sharply, ¡°Eileen, did you hit Vivian?¡±

    Bryan paused momentarily upon hearing Kian¡¯s question. Then, he sat beside Eileen and casually draped an arm behind her, creating an intimate atmosphere.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen admitted without hesitation.

    Her response stunned Kian, who stood abruptly, pointing directly at her. ¡°If you don¡¯t exin why you did that today, I won¡¯t back down, even for Bryan.¡±

    Bryan grabbed Kian¡¯s wrist, moving his hand away from pointing at Eileen. ¡°For me? You and I aren¡¯t that close,¡± he said coldly.

    Bryan¡¯s words made it clear that Kian needed his permission before taking any action against Eileen, darkening Kian¡¯s expression further.

    Z frowned but chose to remain silent, refraining from taking sides.

    ¡°Mr. Warren,¡± Eileen began, rising to her feet and meeting Kian¡¯s fury with steady resolve. ¡°You know the reason I hit her. You¡¯re not giving me a chance to exin; instead, you¡¯re pushing me to confess to a fault. If you¡¯re determined to make this difficult for me, there¡¯s no point in making excuses.¡±

    Her firm voice reminded Kian that she was no longer just Bryan¡¯s assistant.

    Kian had initially intended to gauge Bryan¡¯s reaction. Now, with Bryan¡¯s stance clear, he suppressed his anger and smiled. ¡°My apologies. You¡¯re poised to be a distinguished member of the Dawson family. How could I expect you to apologize? Should you leverage the Dawson family against my family in the future, we would surely have to yield.¡±

    ¡°I did hit Vivian, but my actions are unrted to whether I will marry into the Dawson family,¡± Eileen interrupted, cutting through Kian¡¯s sarcasm.

    Kian¡¯s smile slowly froze, the chill in his gaze unmistakable. ¡°I wish you¡¯d always speak to me with such confidence. You better hope I don¡¯t get a chance to confront you in the future,¡± he warned, his implication clear to everyone in the room.

    Turning to Bryan, he continued, ¡°Your father has publicly severed ties with you. Without his support, you¡¯ll find it hard to seed in Wist Land. Jacob can¡¯t help you anymore. I¡¯m the only one left who can. Bryan, think carefully¡ª is Eileen worth risking a fallout with me?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 204

    ?Chapter 204:

    Bryan leaned back on the sofa, his tone cold as ice. ¡°You and I had no rtionship to speak of a year ago.¡±

    It had been a year since Vivian¡¯s outburst at the hospital, which led to Bryan terminating his agreement with Kian. That decision had caused Vivian¡¯s condition to worsen upon discovering the truth. Since that incident, Kian had not reached out to Bryan again. Now, Kian¡¯s words felt like hollow threats.

    ¡°Okay, I see. I hope you won¡¯t regret your actions today,¡± Kian replied, anger shing across his face, a mix of shock and indignation at Bryan¡¯s merciless stance.

    With that, Kian stormed out, leaving the room in tense silence. The others stood up, wanting to say something, but none followed him out.

    Bryan remained seated, seemingly unaffected by the confrontation.

    ¡°Bryan, Kian is right. He can help you¡ª¡± Z began, but Bryan interjected sharply, ¡°Help me with what? To repair my rtionship with my father, or to fight him decisively? The core of the issue isn¡¯t here. Don¡¯t be naive.¡±

    He gestured for Eileen to sit down and turned his gaze to Jacob. ¡°Didn¡¯t you ask us to mediate? You can continue your argument with Phoebe now.¡±

    The room fell quiet, the tension thickening the air.

    Jacob broke the silence by mming his foot on the coffee table, fury lighting up his face. ¡°Phoebe Burton, this isn¡¯t over! Just two hundred and fifty dors? Who do you think you¡¯re fooling? Today, I¡¯ll settle this by sleeping with you. I¡¯m offering you two hundred and fifty-one dors!¡± he shouted, rolling up his sleeves and charging toward Phoebe.

    She swiftly dodged and fled, and the chase ensued amidst the room¡¯s scattered furniture.

    Latest releases on g@?¦Ç¦Òv???s

    Eileen felt Bryan¡¯s hand on her waist and turned to find him watching themotion between Phoebe and Jacob with a yful grin. The dim light in the room cast soft shadows over him, his ck shirt partially unbuttoned, adding to his allure.

    As Eileen nestled closer into his hold, he tightened his grip slightly, his eyes lingering on her face, a mixture of amusement and admiration dancing in his gaze.

    After that, their attention shifted to Jacob, who triumphantly hoisted Phoebe onto his shoulder as if iming victory. ¡°I¡¯m off to spend some money. Two hundred and fifty-one dors!¡± he announced with a grin.

    Phoebe smacked his back hard, scoffing, ¡°Two hundred and fifty-one dors for only three minutes? Such a waste!¡±

    Jacob scowled, lightly tapping her back as he retorted, ¡°Nonsense!¡±

    With that, he marched out of the room, still carrying Phoebe.

    Z rose from her seat, slipping her hand into her pocket. ¡°I might as well leave, too. You couples have been parading your affection all evening. Bryan, give me a ride home.¡±

    Bryan and Eileen stood up together, his arm firmly around her waist. Z trailed behind them, her eyes sharp, observing their every move.

    Eileen decided to remove Bryan¡¯s arm and hold his hand instead. Z watched this shift with keen interest, her eyes narrowing.

    During the ride, Eileen opted to sit in the backseat alongside Z. Z kept the conversation going with Bryan, who replied sporadically, his attention split.

    Eileen sensed that Z had something to say to her, but the right moment seemed to elude Z.

    When they arrived, Z waved goodbye from the sidewalk, saying to Eileen, ¡°Let¡¯s catch up on WhatsAppter.¡±

    Eileen, slightly taken aback, agreed, ¡°Okay.¡±

    As the car took a U-turn and slowly disappeared from Z¡¯s view, her attention shifted to an ordinary car parked outside the vi near the security booth. She recalled that it had been trailing them earlier. With a furrowed brow, she wrapped her coat tighter around her and approached the vehicle.

    Despite the tinted windows, Z could make out a woman struggling with the ignition inside.

    As Z tapped on the window, the woman inside looked up, panic washing over her face, before quickly ducking down to attempt starting the car again.

    ¡°Get out, or I¡¯ll call the police,¡± Z stated icily.

    ¡°No, please!¡± June hastily exited and leaned against the car, her lips tightly pressed together. ¡°Why call the police? I¡¯m not doing anything wrong. My car just won¡¯t start.¡±

    Standing taller, Z fixed June with a stern look. ¡°Why were you following us?¡±

    June shook her head, vehemently denying the usation. ¡°I wasn¡¯t following you!¡±

    Z crossed her arms, her tone skeptical. ¡°Then why are you here? Don¡¯t say you live here. It doesn¡¯t add up.¡±

    June frowned at Z¡¯s scornful remark, biting her lip in a mix of shame and frustration.

    ¡°If you don¡¯te clean, I¡¯m calling the police right now.¡± Z¡¯s hand moved towards her phone, but June swiftly grasped her wrist.

    Z¡¯s cold gaze fell on June¡¯s hand gripping her wrist. June quickly withdrew her hand, feeling embarrassed. ¡°I just need to speak with Eileen. She¡¯s been ignoring my calls and messages,¡± June exined, desperation evident in her voice.

    With the looming court date and the threat of damning evidence, June¡¯s urgency was palpable.

    Hearing that, Z softened slightly. ¡°You were looking for Eileen? Tell me what¡¯s going on. Perhaps I can help.¡±

    Hope flickered in June¡¯s eyes as she began to recount her troubles. ¡°Eileen is suing me¡­¡± She detailed the events leading up to her current predicament, tears streaming down her face. ¡°I really don¡¯t know what to do right now, and my mother is gravely ill.¡±

    Z, still standing tall, regarded June with a scornful look. ¡°There¡¯s no way I can help you with that. The evidence against you is irrefutable, and there¡¯s no way around it unless you n to resort to hical means to threaten Eileen into dropping thewsuit. You¡¯re on your own. I won¡¯t do anything to harm Eileen.¡±

    With that, she turned her back, her hands buried deep in her pockets, and strode into themunity.

    June¡¯s eyes followed Z¡¯s retreating figure, emotions swirling between anxiety and anger. Z had said she could help her¡ªhow could she just walk away like that?

    As Z¡¯s words echoed in her mind, something suddenly dawned on June, and her furrowed brows rxed.

    Back at home, Eileen confronted Bryan forcefully, her hands gripping his cor as she pinned him against the wall.

    ¡°Bryan, why didn¡¯t you tell me about the rift with your family?¡± Eileen asked, concern knitting her brows together.

    Previously, Brandon had only made things difficult for Bryan within the Dawson family. Now, with public derations of their estrangement, everything had changed.

    Bryan¡¯s heartbeat resonated against Eileen¡¯s touch as he wrapped his arms around her waist. ¡°You don¡¯t care about me enough to ask,¡± he retorted, mirroring her tone from the night before.

    Eileen frowned and tightened her grip, her expression firm. ¡°Enough teasing. What are your ns now?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m solely invested in the project in Wist Land. When it ends, I¡¯ll have no ie. Supporting you, or even myself, will be impossible,¡± Bryan replied, his tone sounding somewhat pitiful, though he maintained hisposure.

    As he spoke, his embrace tightened, drawing her closer. Eileen sensed the sincerity in his words. The current project hadunched sessfully and was on track. But for future projects, if Brandon continued to create obstacles, they would definitely struggle to proceed.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll support you moving forward,¡± Eileen assured him confidently.

    With a light chuckle, Bryan responded, ¡°Well, I guess it¡¯s settled. You¡¯re in charge from now on.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Aren¡¯t you going to thepany tomorrow?¡± Eileen attempted to shift in his embrace but found herself unable to move. Suddenly, she realized their position was quite awkward; she was perched on Bryan¡¯sp, her feet barely touching the floor.

    Bryan adjusted their positions, lifting her gently. ¡°I¡¯ll drive you to the educational agency tomorrow morning.¡±

    ¡°No, thanks. I¡¯d rather drive myself. It¡¯s more convenient,¡± Eileen replied, having grown ustomed to handling things on her own recently.

    Bryan arched an eyebrow. ¡°Soon, that might not be so convenient. Driving could be difficult with your weak legs.¡±

    Eileen was momentarily at a loss for words.

    Outside, the night cloaked the city in a haze, the darkness punctuated by the glow of orange streetlights until dawn approached.

    As morning broke, sunlight streamed through the car windows.

    Once Eileen finished her breakfast, the car arrived at the educational agency. Eileen opened the door and stepped out, her legs wobbling slightly, nearly causing her to stumble.

    Bryan quickly offered his hand for support, a slight smile ying on his lips as he caught her stern look. ¡°Be careful next time.¡±

    It was ambiguous whether hisment was a reminder for her to be cautious or a note to himself.

    Eileen shut the car door, turned, and walked toward the educational agency, her legs trembling subtly as she moved.

    Eileen hadn¡¯t checked her phone until she settled at her office desk. There, she noticed a WhatsApp message from Z, sent the previous night, inviting her to meet at a coffee shop near the educational agency at eight in the morning.

    Realizing it was already half-past eight, Eileen quickly responded, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Miss Murray. I just saw your message. Are you still at the coffee shop?¡±

    Z replied promptly, ¡°It¡¯s alright. I¡¯m still here. You cane now.¡±

    Eileen surveyed the pile of unfinished documents rted to the surge in online course registrations. Despite the workload, she decided to meet Z since she was already waiting.

    She left the office, exchanging brief greetings with colleagues and handling minor tasks en route, then crossed the street to the coffee shop. From outside, she could see Z bathed in sunlight by the window, her makeup wless and her attire chic.

    As Eileen entered, Z greeted her with a wave and a warm smile.

    Eileen returned the smile, approached Z, and sat down.

    ¡°Waiter,¡± Z called out, signaling to order Eileen a cup of coffee.

    ¡°No, thank you, Miss Murray. I have a lot on my te today, so I¡¯ll skip the coffee. Did you ask me toe here to discuss the issue about Milford?¡± Eileen asked directly.

    ¡°No,¡± Z replied, a yful grin on her face. ¡°What? Do you dislike me and not want to talk?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 205

    ?Chapter 205:

    ¡°That¡¯s not the case, Miss Murray; how could I possibly not want to talk with you?¡± Eileen responded, her tone polite but instinctive.

    However, Z¡¯s next statement was even more blunt. ¡°Because I¡¯m the wife the Dawson family groomed for Bryan, it¡¯s reasonable for you not to like me.¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not like that,¡± Eileen replied with a smile, shaking her head. ¡°As long as Bryan hasn¡¯t chosen you, I won¡¯t dislike you.¡±

    Though the Dawson family intended for Bryan to marry Z, it didn¡¯t concern Eileen. After all, others couldn¡¯t dictate Bryan¡¯s feelings.

    Perhaps Z hadn¡¯t expected Eileen to respond so calmly and confidently; she seemed slightly taken aback. Her gaze softened as she studied Eileen, and after a few seconds, a smile broke across her face. ¡°No wonder Bryan likes you. I¡¯m starting to like you now, too. You¡¯re sensible, and honestly, you¡¯re more likable than Vivian and those upper-ssdies. I¡¯ve seen too much insincerity from them.¡±

    Z¡¯s words were genuine, yet for some reason, Eileen felt a sense of detachment before her. She listened with a light smile as Z rambled on.

    ncing at her watch, Eileen noted that half an hour had passed. She decided to interrupt Z. ¡°Sorry, I have a meeting at ten. If there¡¯s something important you need to discuss, please do so now. We can chat about the other matters another time.¡±

    Z looked slightly frustrated with herself. ¡°Look at me, getting carried away. I enjoyed talking with you so much that I lost track of time. I actually came to discuss Kian. Bryan is in a difficult situation now. It¡¯s not good that he and Kian have fallen out because of you. We should think of a way to ease the tension in their rtionship.¡±

    ¡°You want me to apologize to Kian?¡± Eileen cut straight to the heart of the matter.

    In the quiet coffee shop, sunlight poured in, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Eileen took a deep breath and leaned back on the sofa. When Z remained silent, she spoke again. ¡°Miss Murray, you have a good rtionship with both Bryan and Kian. I understand the dynamics better than you might think, but an apology isn¡¯t the solution.¡±

    Your favorite tales live on g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s

    Z tilted her head, her expression shifting from frustration to contemtion. ¡°I know it¡¯splicated, but Kian can be¡­ difficult. He¡¯s protective of Vivian, and any threat to her well-being¡ªespecially someone like you¡ªtriggers his defenses.¡±

    Eileen crossed her arms, considering Z¡¯s words. ¡°I understand that. But Kian needs to realize that I¡¯m not a threat. I care about Bryan, and I won¡¯t let anyonee between us.¡±

    Z nodded slowly, a hint of admiration in her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re stronger than I thought. That¡¯s one of the reasons Bryan is drawn to you.¡±

    Eileen smiled softly, feeling a sense of camaraderie with Z. ¡°I appreciate your support, Z. I really do. But I think the best way forward is to allow Bryan and Kian to sort out their issues on their own.¡±

    Z sighed, seeming to ept Eileen¡¯s perspective. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll back off for now. But promise me you¡¯ll keep an eye on Kian. He can be unpredictable, and I don¡¯t want him tosh out in a way that could hurt you.¡±

    ¡°I promise,¡± Eileen assured her, feeling more at ease now.

    With their conversation taking a more serious tone, Eileen nced at her watch again. ¡°I should get going; I don¡¯t want to keep my colleagues waiting. Let¡¯s talk again soon?¡±

    ¡°Definitely. Take care, Eileen,¡± Z replied with a smile.

    As Eileen stepped out of the coffee shop, she felt a renewed sense of determination. The challenges ahead with Bryan, Kian, and the educational agency were daunting, but she was ready to face them head-on.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 206

    ?Chapter 206:

    ¡°Not both,¡± Z interjected without hesitation. ¡°I grew up with Bryan. We¡¯re like¡­ close siblings. He¡¯s the one I¡¯m closest to.¡±

    Eileen raised an eyebrow. ¡°Then why are you asking me to reconcile with Kian? You know I can¡¯t do that. Kian wants me to leave Bryan so that Vivian can take my ce, which Bryan would never agree to. If you truly want to help, you should persuade Kian to stop being stubborn because Bryan does not love Vivian.¡±

    Understanding Z¡¯s purpose, Eileenid it all out. She stood up and picked up her phone from the table. ¡°Sorry, I really have work matters to deal with now. If you have anything else to say, let¡¯s discuss it tonight when Ie to your ce to tutor Milford. Is that okay?¡±

    Z quickly stood up, a smile of apology on her face. ¡°Okay, you¡¯re right. I didn¡¯t think it through. I thought you might have another way to reconcile with Kian.¡±

    She followed Eileen out of the coffee shop. As they reached the door, Z spoke again. ¡°Don¡¯t take my earlier words to heart. Growing up in the Dawson family, I always had to read people¡¯s faces, and it made me nervous about everything, just trying to get by. I won¡¯t interfere in your matters anymore.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s clear eyes reflected Z, who was bathed in sunlight and appeared confident. Z didn¡¯t seem like someone who had grown up with so much anxiety. However, after years of being groomed as Bryan¡¯s wife without inciting dislike from him or Ste, Z clearly had her own strategies.

    From Eileen¡¯s perspective, while she couldn¡¯t say she liked Z, she didn¡¯t dislike her either. She resolved to remain polite.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll see you tonight, Miss Murray. I need to get back to work now.¡± Eileen waved at Z and turned to leave, crossing the road to the educational agency, too busy to look back.

    Z got back into her car and ced her bag on the passenger seat. Herposed demeanor from earlier vanished. This had been her first ¡°confrontation¡± with Eileen. Though it wasn¡¯t a major issue, she felt outmaneuvered. She realized she had underestimated Eileen. But there was still time¡­

    M¦Òr? ¦Ôpd¦Át?s ¨ªn G¦Áln¦Òv?ls.c¦Òm

    Just three days remained before the court session, and Eileen was fully engrossed in the affairs of the educational agency. Since Bryan was the one driving Eileen to work and back home, she had ample time to work during themute. However, this arrangement left Bryan deeply dissatisfied.

    With his current project running smoothly and having some free time on his hands, Bryan decided to go to the educational agency to wait for Eileen to finish work. However, just as Eileen was wrapping up her tasks, a minor issue arose in Bryan¡¯s project, forcing him to leave to deal with it.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have Raymonde to pick you up,¡± he said to Eileen, already reaching for his phone to call Raymond.

    Eileen swiftly intervened, saying, ¡°No need; it¡¯s toote for him toe now. I¡¯ll take a taxiter. You go ahead and deal with your work.¡±

    She believed the problem with Bryan¡¯s project must be significant, considering he had to address it at this hour.

    Bryan frowned and nced at Eileen, then pocketed his phone and left in haste.

    Once Eileen finished her tasks, she prepared to leave for her tutoring sessions with Milford and Adalina. As she stepped outside, a taxi pulled up. She got in, giving the driver the address of Denzel¡¯s home to pick up Adalina first.

    The driver, a man in his forties wearing a hat and mask, exuded an air of secrecy. A faint fragrance lingered in the car, emanating from a perfume hanging before the air conditioning vent. Eileen barely noticed it as she focused on organizing her students¡¯ data on the online ss software, the matter demanding her full attention.

    Then, darkness enveloped her vision, and she lost consciousness.

    When she woke up, she found her hands bound. Opening her eyes, she was met with the dim surroundings of a room. The faint smell of disinfectant filled the air, and through the partially opened curtains, she could see the treetops swaying in the wind outside.

    She deduced that this ce was likely on a floor between the third and fifth stories of a mid-sized hotel. Lying on one of the single beds, she noticed the hat of the taxi driver on the opposite bed.

    Noticing the driver¡¯s hat on the other bed, Eileen¡¯s eyes widened with shock. She swiftly sat up and twisted her hands to loosen the ropes that bound her. The thick, new hemp rope had clearly been purchased in a hurry, and she was able to loosen it easily.

    Was she kidnapped? The kidnappers must be amateurs. Eileen pondered whether they were after money or something else when the door creaked open.

    ¡°Why the rush? I told you I¡¯d pay you once this is over,¡± June grumbled as she entered the room. Spotting Eileen awake and the ropes untied, she instinctively stepped back. ¡°How are you awake?¡±

    Following June, the driver grew anxious upon discovering that Eileen was alert. ¡°She¡¯s awake? If she gets out, we¡¯re both looking at jail time!¡± He moved to grab the ropes from the floor to tie Eileen up again.

    Eileen quickly snatched a cup from the bedside table and smashed it against the edge, holding the sharp fragment toward them. ¡°Don¡¯te any closer. Otherwise, this kidnapping will turn into murder, and you¡¯ll both face the death penalty.¡±

    June¡¯s eyes widened in terror as she grabbed the driver¡¯s arm. ¡°Don¡¯t provoke her! We just need photos. With those, we can threaten her, and she won¡¯t dare mention this kidnapping!¡±

    The driver angrily threw the ropes onto the other bed. June, desperate and frustrated, said, ¡°You¡¯ve put me in this situation, Eileen. Strip off your clothes and let me take a few photos. Withdraw thewsuit, or you won¡¯t leave here alive today!¡±

    ¡°Instead of worrying about me leaving alive, you should be more concerned about me dying here,¡± Eileen shot back. ¡°What¡¯s this? nning to use nude photos of me to ckmail me into dropping thewsuit? Whose pathetic idea was this?¡±

    June hesitated for a moment before eximing, ¡°That¡¯s not important! If you don¡¯tply today, I¡­¡±

    She abruptly stopped, realizing her threat sounded absurd. Eventually, she continued, ¡°Fine, then let¡¯s all not leave this ce. Our lives will be simple¡ªjust food and clothing. But you¡¯re different. You have plenty to lose if you¡¯re trapped here.¡±

    Eileen discarded the ss shard and sat down on the bed, a calm demeanor masking her anxiety. ¡°I don¡¯t mind. I¡¯m okay with staying here. I¡¯ve been exhaustedtely, so thank you for this opportunity to rest. But I¡¯m hungry. Go get some food.¡±

    June and the driver exchanged surprised nces.

    Eileen persisted, ¡°What are you waiting for? I want good food, or I¡¯ll start yelling. The soundproofing here isn¡¯t great, so I won¡¯t have to shout myself hoarse for someone to hear. If you¡¯re not afraid¡ª¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± June interjected, her voice seething with embarrassment. This was her first foray into such a scheme, and the driver was merely a petty criminal who had just been released. Their inexperience felt painfully obvious under Eileen¡¯s defiance.

    ¡°Who has the money to buy you a good meal?¡± the driver eximed in frustration. ¡°She only gave me a thousand, and I¡¯ve already spent most of it on fuel. If I splurge on food for you, how much will I have left? Stop talking nonsense and take off your clothes. It¡¯s just a few photos. Don¡¯t waste our time!¡±

    Driven by desperation and emboldened by his criminal nature, the driver lunged at Eileen, trying to tear off her clothes. Eileen couldn¡¯t dodge in time, and her coat was ripped away. Reacting quickly, she wrapped her arms around herself.

    While June cowered in the background, the driver¡¯s reckless aggression caught Eileen off guard, making her realize she had underestimated him.

    As he attempted to expose her, the driver paused, momentarily stunned by her beauty. Seizing the opportunity, Eileen kicked him hard between the legs. She then threw a nket over him as she jumped down from the bed.

    The driver instinctively bent over, clutching his injury, and copsed to the floor, the nket trapping him. Eileen pounced, hitting and kicking him through the fabric with all her might, eliciting howls of pain.

    ¡°You¡­ You¡¯ll kill him if you keep hitting him like that! I¡¯ll call the police!¡± June blurted out instinctively, her fear evident.

    ¡°Shut your mouth!¡± Eileen shouted, delivering another kick to the driver without lifting her head. ¡°If he dies from this, you¡¯re next.¡±

    June¡¯s eyes widened in terror. ¡°Please calm down! It¡¯s illegal to kill someone!¡±

    Eileen met June¡¯s gaze, her expression fierce. ¡°Don¡¯t you know who I¡¯m dating? Bryan Dawson. Ever heard of him? He can fix anything¡ªeven if I were to kill two people.¡±

    The boldness of Eileen¡¯s im hit June like a p, leaving her momentarily speechless. She spun around and flung the door open, her voice rising in panic. ¡°Help! There¡¯s a murderer here!¡±

    Immediately, chaos erupted in the building. Guests spilled from their rooms, racing down the stairs, each more eager to escape than to find out what was happening.

    Among the crowd, two tall figures pushed against the tide¡ªBryan and Jacob, determined to reach the source of themotion.

    ¡°Oh my God!¡± Jacob murmured, urgency lining his voice. ¡°We¡¯rete¡­¡±

    June¡¯s cries echoed through the halls as Bryan¡¯s frown deepened, a cold determination setting in. He shoved his way through the throngs of onlookers, who instinctively stepped aside at the sight of his intense expression.

    Navigating the now nearly empty third floor, Bryan noticed every door was ajar. He turned to Jacob, urgency in his tone. ¡°Let¡¯s split up and look for her.¡±

    They began checking each room methodically. In the third room, Jacob caught sight of Eileen, struggling to drag a man with a bruised face toward the door.

    Eileen, sensing movement behind her, turned to find Jacob standing there. ¡°Jacob! Don¡¯t just stand there! Come help me!¡± she urged, her voice tight with urgency.

    She had already called the police and was worried that the driver might escape once he regained consciousness. Every second counted.

    Jacob rushed forward, joining her in pulling the driver out. ¡°What the hell happened here?¡± he asked, ncing at the injured man, a mixture of concern and confusion on his face.

    ¡°Eileen, are you okay?¡± Jacob continued, worry etched in his brow as he helped her haul the driver further into the hallway.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, but we need to get him downstairs,¡± Eileen replied, her focus sharp. ¡°I don¡¯t want him waking up and trying to escape.¡±

    Just then, Bryan arrived at the door, his expression shifting from concern to determination as he took in the scene before him. ¡°What happened?¡± he demanded, his voice steady.

    ¡°We¡¯ll exinter. Right now, we need to get him out of here,¡± Eileen said, her tone leaving no room for argument. Together, they worked to maneuver the driver down the hallway, adrenaline surging as the sound of approaching sirens filled the air.

    As they reached the staircase, Eileen nced back at Jacob and Bryan. ¡°We need to block the door and keep him quiet until the police arrive.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s move!¡± Bryan urged, determination fueling their actions as they hurried down the stairs, the weight of the moment pressing heavily on them.

    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Jacob recoiled, pressing against the wall. His eyes widened as he stared at Eileen.

    Upon hearing Jacob¡¯s reaction, Bryan nced his way. Noticing Jacob¡¯s fixation on the room, he frowned and approached quickly.

    Eileen, hearing the firm footsteps, assumed Bryan was there. She released the man, wiping her hands on her dress just as Bryan appeared in the doorway, blocking much of the hallway light.

    Seeing Eileen unharmed, Bryan¡¯s expression shifted from surprise to relief. However, a quick nce at the beaten man on the floor ignited a flicker of anger in his chest.

    After a moment, he turned to Jacob and delivered a light kick. ¡°Why did you shout?¡±

    Jacob felt aggrieved; he had been shocked by Eileen¡¯s fierce actions. Eileen was usually gentle and delicate, and he never imagined she could inflict such damage on anyone.

    When he had heard June scream about a killing, his first thought had been that Eileen was the one in danger.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± Eileen reassured him as she approached Bryan, gently pulling on his suit jacket. She could sense his frustration and knew it wasn¡¯t fair to let him take it out on Jacob.

    With a stern expression, Bryan shrugged off his jacket and draped it over Eileen¡¯s shoulders, a gesture that softened his demeanor slightly.

    Soon, the police arrived and began to question everyone about the incident. Eileen cooperated fully; after all, her actions were in self-defense. However, she was required to go to the police station to give a formal statement.

    As chaos ensued, June tried to slip away but was stopped by the hotel owner, who refused to let her leave. If anything went awry, June would be a key witness.

    A police officer approached Bryan. ¡°Mr. Dawson, there are several reporters outside. Would you like to avoid them?¡±

    The news about Bryan severing ties with Brandon wasn¡¯t public knowledge yet, but it had spread among the elite in Onnd. No media outlet dared cover it without the Dawson family¡¯s consent, so the news had circted slowly. Wist Land remained in the dark about it.

    Bryan didn¡¯t move, still holding Eileen close. ¡°No, thank you. Please handle the reporters. I¡¯ll drive her to the police station.¡±

    His implication was clear: he wouldn¡¯t let Eileen ride in the police car. They nned to exit discreetly, blending in with ordinary passersby. After all, Eileen was a tutor, and the recent publicity surrounding her educational agency had thrust her into the spotlight. Involvement in a case like this could jeopardize her career.

    ¡°Okay, Mr. Dawson.¡± The police cleared the spectators away, leaving one officer to handle the reporters, helping Bryan and Eileen exit without drawing attention.

    The neighborhood was bustling and chaotic. Bryan¡¯s luxury car stood out, but the evening gloom and the few reporters present meant they didn¡¯t recognize him or Eileen.

    Once inside the car, Eileen buckled up as Bryan started the engine, a tense mood filling the space between them.

    Eileen fiddled with a button on his jacket, stealing a nce at him before looking away. ¡°I hailed a taxi on the street, not realizing the driver would cause trouble. I was busy on my phone and didn¡¯t notice anything off. It was all an ident. June tried to intimidate me into dropping thewsuit, which was out of character for her. Plus, the driver was an amateur. The problem has been resolved now.¡±

    Despite the gravity of the situation, Eileen found the whole ordeal somewhat absurd and almostughable.

    After a while, Bryan sighed and stopped at a red light. ¡°I¡¯m not mad,¡± he stated, his face expressionless.

    He wasn¡¯t lying; he wasn¡¯t angry. His concern for her was overwhelming, evolving into aplex mix of emotions he was still trying to navigate.

    ¡°I know you¡¯re not mad. You were just worried about me. I wanted to fill you in on what happened. It really wasn¡¯t a big deal,¡± Eileen said, her voice calm and soothing. She leaned back in her seat, looking nothing like the person who had just beaten the driver.

    She had exerted all her strength during the altercation, fearful of being at a disadvantage if the driver regained consciousness.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think this isn¡¯t a big deal.¡± Bryan¡¯s tone grew stern, sensing her attempt to downy the incident. ¡°Let¡¯s discuss this more at home. Mywyer will meet us at the police station. You can give him all the details, and he¡¯ll advise you on the next steps.¡±

    They pulled up to the police station, and Bryan got out first. The evening breeze tousled his hair and clung to his shirt. He wasn¡¯t concerned about his appearance; instead, he moved to the passenger side and opened the door for Eileen. Together, they walked into the station.

    Thewyer offeredfort after hearing Eileen¡¯s full story. ¡°Rest easy, Mr. Dawson. Miss Curtis was simply defending herself. She also mentioned a giarism issue. I¡¯ll rify everything to the police, which will help with thewsuit going forward.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Bryan exchanged a few more words with thewyer.

    Shortly after, the police brought in June and the driver. Thewyer apanied Eileen to give her official statement. Afterward, he let her take a break while he handled the rest with the police.

    Eileen turned to see Bryan smoking outside the door. He blended into the shadows in his ck shirt, the tip of his cigarette glowing intermittently. The wind fluttered his shirt, the strap of her handbag draped over his shoulder looking slightly out of ce.

    Eileen walked over to retrieve her handbag. Just as she reached for it, Bryan stopped her, stubbed out his cigarette, and tossed it aside. He seized her wrist and drew her into his arms, enveloping her in the heavy aroma of cigarette smoke.

    As Eileen nced around, she noticed the nearly full ashtray atop the trash can nearby; it was clear Bryan had been smoking heavily.

    ¡°Bryan!¡± Z¡¯s worried voice called out.

    Eileen nudged Bryan. With a frown, he released her, and they both turned toward the sound.

    Z shut her car door and walked over, followed closely by Milford, who quickly positioned himself in front of Eileen, examining her with concern. ¡°Are you okay, Ms. Curtis? Why do you always find yourself in trouble? Who dislikes you this much to do this to you so often?¡±

    His irritation revealed his genuine concern for Eileen.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. A teacher at my educational agency copied my online courses. I sued her, and she wanted me to back down. She¡¯s too young and reckless,¡± Eileen exined.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you more careful? You were nearly framed by someone that young. Aren¡¯t you embarrassed?¡± Milford scolded, while Z pulled Bryan aside for a private conversation.

    ¡°Kian heard about Eileen¡¯s troubles. It won¡¯t be long before your parents hear about it, too,¡± Z said, ncing at Eileen. ¡°Yourwyer is the student of the Dawson family¡¯s attorney. He¡¯s loyal to them. Now, you¡¯ve got him helping Eileen. Your parents won¡¯t be pleased.¡±

    Bryan gently rubbed Eileen¡¯s handbag between his fingers, his eyes lingering on her as Milford continued to lecture her.

    ¡°They¡¯re already displeased. I can instruct mywyer as I wish. If they¡¯re annoyed, they can transfer him. I¡¯m not concerned,¡± Bryan replied calmly.

    Eileen had the upper hand in this situation. Regardless of whichwyer was involved, she was poised to win the case.

    ¡°Bryan, you¡­¡± Z began.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± Bryan felt a surge of irritation. ¡°Stop trying to fix our rtionship. We just can¡¯t get along. You need to decide whose side you¡¯re on instead of trying to y peacemaker. Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t hold it against you if you choose their side.¡±

    With that, he returned to Eileen¡¯s side, cutting Milford off. ¡°Enough. Do you think you have the right to criticize her?¡±

    Milford was momentarily at a loss for words.

    Eileen turned to him, her expression softening. ¡°I¡¯m going to miss the tutoring session tonight. I¡¯ll share some materials in the group chatter for you and Adalina. Expect some questions from me tomorrow.¡±

    She then tried to push Bryan¡¯s chest but couldn¡¯t move him.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Milford responded.

    After everyone involved had given their statements, two officers escorted the driver and June out. Seeing that, Z quickly looked away.

    But June caught sight of Z. She halted, broke free from the officers, and rushed towards Z.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 207

    ?Chapter 207:

    Z swiftly moved in front of Eileen, eximing, ¡°The woman¡¯s trying to attack again; stop her!¡±

    The police, catching onte, rushed forward and restrained June on the ground. June¡¯s long hair clung to her cheeks, dust mixing with her sweat as she protested, ¡°This is all your fault, you¡ª¡±

    Before she could finish, the officers firmly subdued her, causing her to wince in pain.

    ¡°Apologies, Mr. Dawson, Miss Curtis, for the scare,¡± one police officer said as June was escorted away.

    Z had instinctively stepped back, her expression marked by concern. Eileen watched as June was led away. If June had the audacity to attempt violence right outside the police station, it indicated that she wouldn¡¯t easily be unsettled by Eileen earlier at the hotel. What exactly was June trying to aplish just now?

    ¡°Are you okay, Eileen?¡± Z asked, her face reflecting genuine worry, as if they had just faced a dangerous criminal.

    Eileen nodded, ncing at Z¡¯s protective stance. ¡°Thank you, Miss Murray.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. It¡¯s gettingte. You should head back and rest now.¡± Z withdrew her hand and nced at Milford, saying, ¡°We should head back, too.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Bryan swiftly pulled Eileen close with his arm as he moved past Z, leading her down the steps.

    Eileen felt a mix of gratitude and concern. She knew Z hade to the police station for her sake and thought it polite to at least bid her farewell. However, as Eileen got into the car, Bryan took the driver¡¯s seat and started the vehicle without even lowering the window to say goodbye.

    Milford and Z remained on the steps, watching as Bryan¡¯s car drove away.

    Updates loaded now at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe?s

    Z stood there for a moment, the evening wind blowing her hair across her face.

    ¡°Are you not leaving?¡± Milford walked to the car, nced back, and noticed Z hadn¡¯t moved.

    ¡°Coming,¡± Z responded as she smoothed her hair back and walked to the car. She had just clicked her seatbelt when Milford¡¯s voice made her pause, asking, ¡°Did you know that woman?¡±

    Z nced casually at him and asked, ¡°Which woman?

    You mean your tutor, Ms. Curtis?¡±

    ¡°No, I mean the one who was taken into custody, June,¡± Milford responded, his irritation evident.

    Z¡¯s expression hardened due to his attitude, and she  said, ¡°Focus on your studies instead of spouting nonsense. Why would I know someone like her?¡±

    With that, she started the car and drove away, her face calm as if they had just been discussing something casual.

    Milford wondered if he was reading too much into it, but from his perspective, it had looked as though June had rushed straight toward Z.

    He dismissed the thought and turned to look out the window, watching the scenery zoom by.

    ¡°What? Are you worried about Ms. Curtis?¡± Z asked.

    ¡°She¡­ The incident happened on her way to the tutoring session. As her student, isn¡¯t it natural for me to be concerned?¡± Milford scoffed dismissively in response.

    Z then turned to him and questioned, ¡°Denzel just called Bryan to find out why Ms. Curtis hadn¡¯t picked up Adalina, and Adalina would inevitably learn about what happened. So why hasn¡¯t she gone to the police station to see Eileen? Yet, you insisted oning to the police station with me?¡±

    ¡°Are you done?¡± Milford red at her with impatience and said, ¡°What does it matter to you if I¡¯m concerned about Ms. Curtis? How does my worrying about her  affect you?¡±

    ¡°My issue is that you seem to care more about her than you do about me. You couldn¡¯t even bother to send me a Christmas greeting, but you made sure she got one,¡± Z retorted firmly, fixing Milford with a serious gaze.

    Milford hesitated for a moment before responding, ¡°I¡­ Wait, did you look through my phone? Who gave you the right to check my phone without permission!¡±

    With the roads nearly emptyte at night, Z drove swiftly. The speed of the car didn¡¯t affect her conversation with Milford.

    She said, ¡°As your guardian, I have the right to check your phone. Answer my question.¡±

    ¡°What the hell is your problem?¡± Milford erupted, clearly upset. ¡°What you did is a vition of my privacy, don¡¯t you get that? I don¡¯t need a guardian who doesn¡¯t know how to respect my privacy! You say I care more about Eileen than you, but that¡¯s because she shows me more care than you do!¡±

    His sharp reply resonated through the car, causing Z¡¯s face to darken. She eximed, ¡°She only cares about you because she is paid to, pretending to be like a mother to you for money. Do you really think she genuinely likes you? I only take care of you because you are rted to me. People who aren¡¯t your family won¡¯t care for you  unless there¡¯s money involved!¡±

    Both of them uttered the harshest words to each other.

    After a while, the car pulled over to the side of the road, and Milford got out, mming the car door with a loud thud. He then walked off into the deep night, his figure quickly merging with the darkness, his steps determined.

    Meanwhile, Z¡¯s car sped off.

    Following this incident, Bryan had a restless night.

    In contrast, Eileen had a peaceful night¡¯s sleep in his arms.

    When she woke up the next morning and looked up, she was startled by his bloodshot eyes for a moment before she adjusted her position and moved to meet his gaze.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± she asked.

    Bryan¡¯s warm hand rested on Eileen¡¯s waist, the warmth from his palm prating her silk nightgown and warming her skin.

    He nestled his head into the crook of her neck and murmured in a muffled tone, ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±

    His voice was rough and deep, tinged with fatigue.

    The warmth of his breath lightly grazed her corbone causing a tingling sensation.

    She held him close, idly ying with strands of his short hair, spending the entire morning lying beside him.

    After sorting out some work on her phone, Eileen noticed Bryan was sleeping.

    From time to time, he would open his eyes, give her a kiss on the cheek or lips, and then drift back to sleep.

    By noon, Eileen was extremely hungry, her stomach audibly rumbling.

    Bryan ced his hands around her thin waist before he leaned in to kiss her.

    Then, he got up without saying anything, freshened up, and headed downstairs to make her some food.

    He had left his phone behind, and just two minutes after he went downstairs, Raymond called him.

    Eileen answered the phone, but before she could say anything, Raymond¡¯s anxious voice came through. ¡°¡®Mr. Dawson, we couldn¡¯t catch him. That manager is too clever. He¡¯s booked a flight overseas, train tickets to another city, and tickets for buses and high-speed trains. We had people waiting at all these spots, but he didn¡¯t show up at any. He wasst seen driving east on the highway, and I¡¯ve sent people after him, but I¡¯m not sure they¡¯ll catch him.¡±

    Eileen recalled that Bryan had left in a hurry for work yesterday, and she had forgotten to ask why.

    ¡°What did he take with him?¡± she asked.

    Upon recognizing Eileen¡¯s voice, Raymond paused for a few seconds before replying, ¡°He took the core documents of the project. If they¡¯re leaked early, our project will bepromised.¡±

    ¡°Why would he do that?¡± Eileen asked again.

    Raymond exined, ¡°He did that for money. There¡¯s been an unexpected million added to his ount, and he¡­ He was originally recruited from Onnd by Mr. Dawson. We¡¯re not sure who gave him the money to do this.¡±

    It might have been Brandon, or perhaps¡­ Kian.

    While Raymond had been speaking, Eileen had already moved downstairs and handed the phone to Bryan, who was busy in the kitchen.

    Noticing the call had been connected for a couple of minutes, Bryan narrowed his eyes, nced at Eileen, and then took the call. His voice was deep and authoritative as he instructed, ¡°¡®Move forward with n B; keep looking for him and manage the fallout at the same time.¡±

    After hanging up, Eileen approached him from behind, wrapping her arms around his waist.

    ¡°1f you hadn¡¯t been preupied with my situationst night, you might have caught him,¡± she said.

    ¡°He¡¯s been plotting this escape for more than just a couple of days; nothing could have been done overnight. But we have a contingency n; there¡¯s no need for concern,¡± Bryan reassured her calmly. He then added, ¡°1 didn¡¯t mean to keep this from you; I just wanted to wait until you were in a better state of mind to discuss it.¡±

    He worried that she might hold it against him for keeping things from her, just as she had done with the issue at the educational institution, which had caused him to criticize her.

    His actions were not much different from hers.

    ¡°When have I ever been in a bad state of mind?¡± Eileen released him, leaned back against the cab, and said, ¡°I had a good sleepst night, and I¡¯m so hungry I could eat arge bowl of spaghetti right now. It seems you¡¯re the one who¡¯s in a bad state of mind.¡±

    Having his thoughts exposed, Bryan¡¯s facial features remained calm. He moved a few steps toward her, wrapping his arms around her.

    They stared into each other¡¯s eyes for several minutes as the pot next to them bubbled.

    The aroma of the food filled the space between them yet Eileen detected a faint smell of smoke on Bryan.

    Despite having showered the previous night, Bryan¡¯s excessive smoking at the police station had left its mark.

    Eileen gently kissed his chin.

    ¡°Stop it.¡± Bryan turned his head. He was always vulnerable to her charm.

    But he wasn¡¯t in the right mood now, and she needed to eat first.

    He said, ¡°¡®From now on, don¡¯t keep secrets from me. Tell me where you are at all times, and if you make a mistake, tell me right away. Don¡¯t be scared; I won¡¯t react harshly.¡±

    He turned off the stove.

    Eileen pressed her lips together. Was hiding her identity as his ex-wife a mistake?

    It certainly wasn¡¯t a huge one.

    She wasn¡¯t really afraid that he would react harshly; she was just scared that he would be angry.

    Eileen wondered if there was a way to defuse Bryan¡¯s potential anger.

    Yet, no clear solution came to mind.

    Her deep reflection caught Bryan¡¯s notice. He had just  set the spaghetti on the table and looked back to find her still leaning against the cab.

    Knitting his brows together, he approached her and questioned, ¡°You¡¯re not keeping something from me, are He voice was firm as if he was almost certain that she was keeping secrets from him.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 208

    ?Chapter 208:

    Eileen¡¯s grip on the cab tightened, her fingertips paling under the pressure as she forced a smile.

    ¡°Of course not, why would I hide anything from you?¡± she replied, feigning nonchnce.

    Internally, she was bursting to confess, but the words wouldn¡¯te¡ªperhaps out of fear of the consequences. Noticing Bryan¡¯s eyes narrow with suspicion, seemingly probing for the truth beneath her facade, Eileen took a proactive step. She casually walked over, slipped her arm through his, and gently guided him away from the kitchen.

    ¡°Wow, it smells amazing in here! I¡¯m famished. Let¡¯s dig in. By the way, are you nning to head back to the officeter?¡±

    As she led Bryan to sit, she deftly straightened his cor, adding a touch of care to her gesture, and slid into the seat next to him. She then began to pick out the green onions from her te and ce them onto Bryan¡¯s.

    Bryan stopped her, saying, ¡°There¡¯s a business mixer tonight. I need to get a jump on selling the core concept of our project to Wist Land¡¯s key yers before that manager does. If I can secure their interest first, even if that man tries to do something with the core materials, it¡¯ll be toote for him.¡±

    The project in Wist Land involved a cutting-edge automated electronic product, meticulously detailed from design to internal workings, aimed at major retail outlets and robust online tforms. With the country¡¯srgest emerce mogul hailing from Wist Land, it was the perfect hub for their initiative. Even if that manager wanted to start production with the materials he had taken, he would still need to reach out to these businessmen.

    Eileen, impressed yet unsurprised, smiled and nodded. ¡°I knew you¡¯d have a n in ce.¡± However, her expression shifted to a deep frown as she watched Bryan put the green onions back onto her te.

    ¡°I don¡¯t eat green onions. Why do you always want me to eat them?¡±

    Your favorite stories g¦Áln¦Òv???s

    Bryan quickly shifted his te away, guarding it so Eileen couldn¡¯t remove the green onions from her te.

    ¡°Being picky is not a good trait; you need to change. Otherwise, it¡¯ll set a bad example for our future kids, and that would make things difficult for me.¡±

    Kids? The word caught Eileen off guard. She blinked. ¡°Do you want kids?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Bryan responded promptly. Noticing the seriousness in her expression, he added, ¡°But not right now.¡± He was aware of theplications and unresolved matters present. Besides, Eileen was not his wife yet; he knew it wasn¡¯t fair to ask her to bear his child at this stage.

    Eileen¡¯s expression grew earnest as she leaned closer, locking eyes with Bryan. ¡°Actually, it doesn¡¯t matter. We¡¯re both in our thirties now. After thirty, it¡¯ll be risky for me to give birth to a child.¡±

    Bryan paused in his eating, meeting her gaze as the weight of the conversation settled over them. Eileen cleared her throat, feeling slightly uneasy under Bryan¡¯s intense stare. His expression suggested he hadn¡¯t fully contemted this topic before.

    Eileen averted her eyes, focusing on her meal as thoughts of her conversation with Ste crept into her mind. She was not intimately familiar with the intricacies of the Dawson family dynamics, but she knew that in many wealthy families, having children to secure the inheritance wasmon practice.

    Seeing Bryan¡¯s current difficulties, she suddenly thought that maybe they could also use that method. Once the idea took root, it persisted, flickering through Eileen¡¯s thoughts intermittently as the afternoon wore on.

    Meanwhile, Vivian was in recovery at Pianoforte Vis, receiving intensive treatment that had considerably improved her condition. Recently, she had been distant, barely speaking to Kian. Today, however, her cousin Megan had unexpectedly arrived from Onnd, finding Vivian nearly restored to her usual self.

    ¡°Kian told me you were unwell again, and I was worried,¡± Megan said, clutching Vivian¡¯s hand with evident concern.

    Though Vivian was mentally sharper, she still looked visibly unwell. As Megan¡¯s vibrant presence contrasted starkly with her own frailty, she ufortably withdrew her hand.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Vivian asked.

    Megan blinked before answering, ¡°My parents heard about your illness and sent me to check on you. After all, Kian is a man; he might not be able to look after you properly.¡±

    Vivian had long been familiar with Megan¡¯s tendency to tter her, so Megan¡¯s words did little to stir any feelings of gratitude. Vivian¡¯s face remained impassive, prompting Megan to continue. ¡°I also came to sort things out with Jacob. The night we got engaged, he disappeared, and the very next day, he threw out all my belongings and called off our engagement. It was a huge embarrassment for our Beckett family. Even though his father managed to keep it quiet, my parents want me to stay here in Wist Land to try and mend things with him.¡±

    Vivian was disinterested in Megan¡¯s grievances, idly twirling her fingers as she listened. Sensing theck of engagement, Megan shifted gears, hoping to capture Vivian¡¯s attention. ¡°It¡¯s all Eileen¡¯s fault! On the day of my engagement, I saw her conspiring with Phoebe. I¡¯m sure she had something to do with Jacob leaving that night. Now, she¡¯s clinging to Bryan¡­¡±

    Herints escted into venomous remarks, her frustration palpable. This shift finally drew a reaction from Vivian. She replied, ¡°Now that Bryan has distanced himself from the Dawson family, my brother has numerous ways to pressure him. I¡¯m curious to see how long Eileen can maintain herposure.¡±

    ¡°Vivian, Megan.¡± At that moment, Z approached with a tray of fresh fruit, gracefully setting it down before them. ¡°Have some fruit. Kian mentioned he has obligations tonight and can¡¯t make it back early, so he asked me to take care of you.¡±

    Megan¡¯s face twisted slightly in disdain at Z¡¯s entrance; to her, Z was just a parasite, living off others. Yet, there was an undeniable dignity about Z that made her difficult to dismiss or belittle. Megan softened her expression.

    ¡°Thank you, Z,¡± she said with a smile.

    In Z¡¯s presence, Vivian¡¯s expression softened as well. ¡°Z, thank you for everything you¡¯ve done these past few days, especially for arranging Dr. Welch¡¯s visit.¡±

    Z, settlingfortably beside Vivian, shed a warm smile and asked, ¡°What are you two gossiping about?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s about Eileen,¡± Megan replied, offering a piece of fruit to Vivian before selecting one for herself. She resumed voicing herints about Eileen, with Vivian asionally chiming in with agreement.

    After hearing them, Z said in a practical tone, ¡°Comining alone won¡¯t change anything. Without taking some action, how will she learn not to cross you? She¡¯s not in a position to handle much pressure right now. You don¡¯t need to do anything drastic; just a series of small troubles might push her to consider leaving Bryan.¡±

    Her words struck a chord, prompting Megan and Vivian to exchange a knowing nce before turning their attention back to Z.

    ¡°Z, do you have any specific suggestions?¡± Vivian asked.

    Z looked at them, a hint of surprise in her expression. ¡°Me? I was merely speaking hypothetically. Without the backing of families like the Beckett family or the Warren family, I wouldn¡¯t dare do anything like that. You can understand me, right?¡±

    ¡°I understand,¡± Vivian replied. ¡°My brother told me not to involve you unless necessary. We can handle Eileen on our own.¡± She then turned to whisper something to Megan.

    Z, meanwhile, reclined leisurely on the sofa, engrossed in her phone and seemingly detached from the scheming conversation beside her.

    As the light outside dimmed into the evening, Eileen gathered her things and set off for the Vance family residence. She had arranged to pick up Adalina en route to the Pianoforte Vis.

    During the drive, Adalina asked, ¡°Ms. Curtis, were you okayst night?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Eileen assured her, offering a smile. ¡°Did you read the course materials I sent over yesterday? Did you get a chance to discuss them with Milford?¡±

    Adalina nodded. ¡°I did and tried talking to Milford about the materials, but he ignored me.¡±

    Milford was known for his moodiness; his responses could be unpredictable, yet ignoring messages entirely was uncharacteristic of him. Eileen suddenly recalled that she had also sent Milford a message about the homework earlier that morning, to which he hadn¡¯t responded.

    ¡°Perhaps he¡¯s just having another off day. We¡¯ll find out soon when we arrive at his ce,¡± Eileen said, pressing down on the elerator as they sped toward the Pianoforte Vis.

    Upon arriving, Eileen quickly texted Bryan to confirm her safety and then escorted Adalina out of the car. However, the vi loomed dark and uninviting in front of them. After a brief hesitation, Eileen pressed the doorbell, but no one responded.

    With Milford¡¯s phone turned off, her only option was to reach out to Z. Z answered Eileen¡¯s call after several rings. ¡°Eileen, do you need something?¡±

    ¡°Miss Murray, I came to your ce to tutor Milford. Is nobody home?¡± Eileen asked.

    There was a slight pause before Z responded, ¡°Sorry, I forgot to inform you. He won¡¯t be taking tutoring sessions anymore. I apologize for the inconvenience tonight.¡±

    Eileen frowned at the news. ¡°May I ask why?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not suited for it. We had a disagreement, and he¡¯s run away from home. I haven¡¯t been able to locate him since.¡± Z¡¯s voice was tinged with both disappointment and distinct anger.

    ¡°Milford has always been stubborn. It¡¯s typical for teenagers to push boundaries, but he¡¯s still just a kid. Aren¡¯t you worried about him being out there alone sote?¡± Eileen¡¯s tone carried a hint of usation due to her concern.

    After a moment of silence from Z, Eileen realized her tone might have been too harsh. ¡°Sorry, I was just worried.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I understand your concern,¡± Z replied, her voice steady. ¡°And regarding the tutoring fees, I¡¯ll make sure to refund the bnce in full. Just let me know the total, and I¡¯ll send it over.¡±

    ¡°Miss Murray, this isn¡¯t about the money. It¡¯s a pity for Milford to stop his studies so abruptly. Please reconsider this decision. I won¡¯t push further. Goodbye.¡±

    With that, Eileen ended the call, her heart heavy with worry. Turning around, she noticed Adalina¡¯s anxious expression.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, what happened to Milford?¡± Adalina asked, her voice tinged with concern.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing; no need to worry,¡± Eileen reassured Adalina, patting her shoulder gently. ¡°Let¡¯s head back to your ce for the lesson. I¡¯ll take care of everything else.¡±

    She ushered Adalina back to the car and started the engine, her thoughts lingering on Milford¡¯s situation. Absorbed in her concerns, she failed to notice a car that had been trailing them closely.

    As Eileen¡¯s car navigated through a particrly busy section of the road, the car behind them suddenly elerated, aggressively overtaking them. Just as it was about to pass Eileen¡¯s vehicle, it swerved unexpectedly to the left.

    Reacting instinctively, Eileen also veered left, forgetting that her car was already close to the edge of the road. The wheel slipped off the pavement, and for a terrifying few seconds, the car skidded out of control. It spun wildly before crashing into a roadside tree.

    The impact was abrupt but not overly violent, thanks to Eileen¡¯s quick reflexes to brake. However, the sudden jolt caused her to hit her forehead against the windshield, sending a sharp pain coursing through her head.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis!¡± Adalina screamed.

    Regaining herposure, Eileen quickly turned to check on Adalina, who was now lying in the back seat, her face pale and covered in sweat from the shock.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 209

    ?Chapter 209:

    In the darkness of the night, the car¡¯s front hood was raised, releasing asional puffs of white smoke. The vehicle, with its hazard lights blinking, stood out by the roadside, drawing the attention of passing cars that slowed to observe the scene. However, no one offered to help, as Eileen had already exited the car and assisted Adalina out as well. Fortunately, Adalina was frightened but unharmed, much to Eileen¡¯s relief.

    ¡°Look who it is,¡± a bold voice called out.

    Eileen looked up to see Megan approaching, arms crossed, clearly having exited the car that had sideswiped hers on purpose.

    ¡°If your student had been injured, how would you exin it to their parents, Eileen?¡± Megan kept her distance, seemingly wary of Eileen¡¯s cold stare.

    Before Eileen could respond, Megan continued, ¡°What now? Call the police? We can pay some money, but you know my cousin¡¯s situation¡ªshe¡¯s not legally ountable.¡±

    Regardless of whether the incident would involve legal issues, Megan was right: Vivian, being considered ¡®mentally ill,¡¯ would not bear any legal responsibility. The early summer night breeze carried a hint of heat, and despite her anger, Eileen maintained herposure.

    She snapped a photo of Vivian¡¯s license te and called the police. Upon seeing this, Megan quickly turned and rushed back to her car, with Vivian driving off in haste.

    The police arrived promptly, and after reviewing the dashcam footage, they concluded that Vivian was at fault. However, after contacting Vivian and learning about her severe depression, as Megan had imed, the police agreed that Vivian only needed to paypensation.

    Eileen appeared unfazed; thepensation was sufficient. She took a taxi to drop Adalina off at home, repeatedly apologizing to her parents for the missed lesson, and stayedte to make up for it.

    ???? ??????? ?? ?????????.???

    By the time the lesson ended, it was already half past ten in the evening, and Eileen hesitated about how to get home, uncertain if the banquet Bryan was attending had concluded. As she descended the stairs, she overheard Bryan and Denzel talking.

    She quickened her pace and saw Bryan with his white shirt partially unbuttoned, revealing a glimpse of his muscr chest as he chatted with Denzel. He held a cigarette in one hand and a half-finished ss of red wine in the other.

    ¡°Anyway, congrattions to you for taking the initiative and securing the project, Mr. Dawson. Your product is already a hit before itsunch,¡± Denzel said, clinking his ss with Bryan¡¯s.

    Bryan flicked the ash from his cigarette and drained thest of the wine in his ss. He finished his cigarette and tossed the butt into a nearby trash bin before standing up.

    ¡°Sorry for disturbing you sote; I¡¯ll take Eileen home now,¡± he said, having already spotted her.

    ¡°Come here,¡± he called out to her.

    Eileen hastened toward them, smiling at Denzel. ¡°Apologies for still being here thiste,¡± she said.

    Denzel waved it off. ¡°Not a problem at all. My wife is out ying cards and hasn¡¯t returned. You both must be tired¡ªone from the banquet and the other from teaching. I won¡¯t keep you any longer.¡±

    ¡°Goodbye.¡± Bryan picked up his jacket, took Eileen¡¯s hand, and left with her.

    In the softly lit car, the glow from the Vance family¡¯s apartment cast a faint reflection on Bryan¡¯s tense facial features. His Adam¡¯s apple bobbed as he bid farewell to Denzel. Half-open windows allowed a slight breeze to carry away the faint aroma of tobo and alcohol lingering around Bryan.

    ¡°Is the carpletely wrecked?¡± Bryan inquired as they pulled away from the Vance residence. He was already aware of Eileen¡¯s car ident.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to keep it from you; I just hadn¡¯t found the time to tell you,¡± Eileen replied.

    Bryan casually adjusted the steering wheel, maintaining a rxed demeanor as he nced at her. ¡°I know.¡±

    ¡°Did everything go ording to n?¡± Eileen couldn¡¯t suppress a smile at his upbeat demeanor. Before she could inquire further, her phone chimed with a notification from the police regarding the car ident. She swiftly skimmed through it, her eyes widening in surprise.

    Initially, the case had been settled withpensation, but now there were two added stiptions: Vivian¡¯s license was revoked, and she required a guardian whenever she left the house.

    ¡°When did you learn about the car ident?¡± Eileen was curious about how Bryan managed to attend a banquet while simultaneously staying informed about her incident and handling the situation.

    ¡°I had a security system installed in your car. It¡¯s a little perk from a recent project; it sends me immediate notifications if there are any issues or damage,¡± Bryan replied, still unable to forget her previous kidnapping incident. Despite being at a banquet, he had promptly instructed hiswyer to manage the police matters, seeking as many additional rulings as possible.

    Eileen had quickly left with Adalina, so she hadn¡¯t seen thewyer. After a moment of silence, Eileen asked, ¡°You haven¡¯t secretly installed a system in our home to monitor me, have you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not as perverted as you imagine.¡± Bryan¡¯s face darkened; he had installed the device in her car for her safety, not for surveince. Besides, it was a tracking device for monitoring car performance, not a surveince camera.

    Eileen was just joking. Noticing Bryan¡¯s disapproving expression, she couldn¡¯t resist lowering her gaze and chuckling. The evening breeze tousled her hair, causing it to dance around Bryan¡¯s white shirt and slip through his fingers.

    Bryan¡¯s gaze intensified, his voice lowering to a husky tone. ¡°I hope you¡¯ll still be able tough once we¡¯re home.¡±

    Eileen quickly stoppedughing, but it was already toote. Upon opening the door, she found herself pressed against the man¡¯s firm chest.

    His cool lips brushed against her neck and shoulder, while the warmth of his breath enveloped her, spreading throughout her body. She turned and wrapped her arms around his neck, reciprocating his descending kisses. Despite their familiarity with such moments, she still found herself losing control each time. His defined arms, prominent veins on his hands, and sturdy chest heightened her senses. She almost couldn¡¯t get enough, even starting to want to see him lose his usual calm because of her.

    ¡°Eileen, you¡¯re going to be the death of me,¡± Bryan¡¯s raspy voice reverberated in her ears.

    Bryan¡¯s dilemma was resolved; however, Eileen learned that Kian had also been present at the banquet. Although Kian hadn¡¯t overtly done anything, he had orchestrated several maneuvers behind the scenes. Nevertheless, the result was evident: irrespective of tactics or strategies, Kian had been outsmarted by Bryan. It appeared that the Warren siblings could only rely on minor tactics.

    Eileen soon encountered a series of incidents. The educational institution¡¯s floor-to-ceiling windows had been shattered, an act orchestrated by Vivian. Following the incident, Vivian didn¡¯t flee but waited for the police, who reprimanded her. She then produced her depression diagnosis report. Megan also intervened, offering marypensation and ultimately resolving the matter.

    Subsequently, Vivian damaged the new car that Bryan had purchased for Eileen and then reimbursed its original cost. She even staged a minor car ident to dy Eileen on her way to tutor Adalina. The sessive incidents ultimately wore down Eileen¡¯s patience. One of the police officers had even advised her, ¡°Regardless of the grudge or grievance, try to resolve it privately. The other party is evidently wealthy and is deliberately making things difficult for you. If this persists, it will impact your life.¡±

    Resolve it? Eileen knew that if she were to bind Bryan and hand him over to Vivian, the matter would surely be resolved. Vivian might even express gratitude and perhaps even eagerly kowtow to her, given her unstable condition.

    Bryan was aware of Vivian¡¯s actions, his sharp features etched with severity. He was about to say something to offer his help when Eileen¡¯s cool fingertips on his lips suddenly silenced him.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to do anything. I won¡¯t be able to let this go unless I deal with it on my own,¡± Eileen said.

    She was genuinely furious. Recently, she had sessfully concluded thewsuit against the online celebrity teacher, emerging victorious. Consequently, the educational institution was bustling, with a surge in orders for the online course software. Eileen had a lot of work matters to address now, and she had to find a way to stop Vivian for good.

    Suddenly thinking of something, she raised her eyebrows slightly. ¡°You should try to contact Milford these days. It¡¯s a shame he¡¯s no longer taking my tutoring sessions.¡±

    ¡°Whether he continues his studies is irrelevant. Z isn¡¯t concerned, so you should focus on your own situation,¡± Bryan replied, consistently prioritizing Eileen¡¯s matters.

    Eileen pressed her lips together, her fingers gliding down to Bryan¡¯s throat, delicately tracing his Adam¡¯s apple. Bryan swallowed, turning his head to evade her touch. ¡°Enough.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m serious. I¡¯ve already devised a n. I¡¯ll visit my mother tonight, and I¡¯ll be backte. If you¡¯re tired, go to bed early,¡± Eileen said.

    Eileen climbed off Bryan, adjusting her shirt and skirt. They were in the lounge of Eileen¡¯s office. The modest room wasn¡¯t as spacious andfortable as Bryan¡¯s lounge, but it had be a ce Bryan frequented. Every lunch break, he took the opportunity to spend time with Eileen here.

    Eileen secured her hair into a bun, her eyes exuding a seductive allure that surfaced instinctively in Bryan¡¯s presence.

    She left the room to deal with some work matters. Downstairs, workers were recing the windows. Despite the chaotic environment, she remained focused.

    Later in the evening, Eileen and Bryan arrived at Lakeside Vi and stopped in front of Bailee and Ruby¡¯s residence. Eileen got out of the car and bid farewell to Bryan through the partially lowered window.

    After the car drove away, Eileen shifted her gaze toward the vi, where she noticed Ruby standing by the floor-to-ceiling window. Ruby grasped a walker, her bright eyes fixed on Eileen.

    Eileen smiled, hurried into the house, slipped on her slippers, and approached Ruby. ¡°Mom,¡± she called.

    Ruby nodded at her, trying hard to curve her lips into a smile and say one word: ¡°Eileen¡­¡±

    Recently, Eileen had been visiting more often, apanying Ruby on walks and sharing meals. She had been watching Ruby¡¯s recovery, which hadn¡¯t progressed as swiftly as the doctors had anticipated.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 210

    ?Chapter 210:

    The doctorter rified, ¡°I was too focused on the patient¡¯s vital functions, forgetting that at over fifty, the recovery can¡¯t be rushed. We need to take this slowly¡­¡±

    Initially, they had been told Ruby might recover enough to care for herself within three to four months, but now the timeline had been extended to six months. Though Eileen and Bailee felt let down, they understood the situation and continued to support Ruby in her daily rehabilitation exercises.

    After a short conversation with Ruby, Eileen headed to the kitchen, where Bailee was cooking dinner, the soup in the pot simmering. Bailee was distracted by her phone, a look of sadness on her face. The soup began to boil over, snuffing out the burner, but Bailee didn¡¯t notice.

    Eileen quickly moved to turn off the stove and began mopping up the spill with a kitchen towel.

    ¡°Oh no!¡± Bailee eximed, setting her phone aside and reaching for the towel, but Eileen avoided her attempt.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got this.¡± Eileen meticulously cleaned the stove and asked, ¡°Who were you so absorbed in texting?¡±

    Bailee, using oven mitts, moved the pot aside to make cleaning easier. While doing so, she answered Eileen¡¯s question without looking up. ¡°I was messaging Huey. Sometimes we y games together. He¡¯sining to me because his mom wants him to go on a blind date tomorrow, and he asked me whether he should go.¡±

    Bailee chuckled and added, ¡°I don¡¯t have any right to decide for him. How would I know if he should go? But he¡¯s definitely old enough for marriage and kids; no wonder his family is urging him.¡±

    Eileen paused in her wiping. Turning to Bailee, she said, ¡°You¡¯re also old enough for that; you should start thinking about marriage now.¡±

    Your next story is at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    ¡°What?¡± Bailee looked surprised, shaking her head quickly. ¡°I¡¯m still young. I¡¯ll think about that after Mom gets better.¡±

    ¡°It will probably take about a year for Mom to return to normal. You¡¯ve been out of the social scene for nearly six months taking care of her. I¡¯ll find a suitable caregiver for her soon,¡± Eileen said. She had been pondering this for a while.

    Bailee instinctively asked, ¡°How much would a caregiver cost? I couldn¡¯t earn as much as hiring a high-level caregiver would cost. Let¡¯s not waste the money.¡± Her thoughts were still constrained by financial concerns.

    ¡°We have the money. Even though you left the educational institution, your initial PR and marketing efforts greatly contributed to its sess. We didn¡¯t hire a caregiver previously because Mom¡¯s condition was so delicate, and we were worried she might be mistreated without being able to tell us about it,¡± Eileen exined.

    Eileen tossed the kitchen towel in the trash and leaned back against the cab, speaking seriously to Bailee. ¡°Now she can talk, and with Phoebe around, she can keep an eye on Mom. We can also set up remote monitoring systems easily. The main thing is¡ªthere¡¯s an important task that needs your attention.¡±

    Bailee was intrigued. ¡°What task?¡±

    ¡°Now, our educational institution is well-known, and we¡¯ve nearly dominated the southern market. But a lot of our online users are in the north. Our biggest issue is that we don¡¯t have a physical establishment there, so if you¡¯re up for it, you should go to Onnd.¡±

    Eileen had beenying the groundwork to return to Onnd ever since they had been wrongly used. Now, the time was nearly right to seize the market opportunity, and she needed someone familiar with the institution and trustworthy to do this. Bailee was the ideal choice.

    ¡°Sure¡­ How can I be suitable for such an important task?¡± Bailee immediately doubted herself. ¡°I haven¡¯t really worked since I graduated.¡±

    ¡°I believe you can,¡± Eileen replied. ¡°Didn¡¯t I mention how important your role was in promoting our educational institution? Don¡¯t underestimate yourself. Plus, we¡¯ve lived in Onnd for over twenty years; you¡¯re familiar with the ce. Leverage every contact you have. I¡¯m relying on you to pave the way for me. You¡¯ll be doing me a big favor.¡±

    Hearing that, Bailee found it difficult to say no. She hesitated, her gaze drifting to Ruby, who was trying to move near the floor-to-ceiling window. Eileen patted Bailee¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Take some time to think it over and let me know your decision soon. We shouldn¡¯t miss out on this opportunity, and I trust your abilities.¡±

    Bailee blushed and turned back to the stove.

    ¡°By the way, do you have Dr. Potter¡¯s contact info?¡± Eileen asked, having lost her old phone and not having Austen¡¯s number in her new one.

    ¡°Of course.¡± Bailee washed her hands and sent Austen¡¯s number to Eileen. ¡°Why do you need his number? Is something wrong with Mom¡¯s health again?¡±

    Bailee looked worried, and Eileen quickly reassured her, ¡°No, it¡¯s not that. I¡¯ve just been sleeping poorlytely. I want Dr. Potter to rmend a doctor to help with that.¡±

    Hearing this, Bailee scolded Eileen slightly for pushing herself too hard with the educational institution. Although Phoebe also lived with them, she often came homete. Bailee had no idea what Phoebe had been up to, but Eileen knew Phoebe and Jacob had been spending a lot of time together recently. Sometimes, when Eileen and Bryan were together, she noticed messages from Jacob on Bryan¡¯s phone, boasting about having Phoebe under his thumb. However, Eileen also received messages from Phoebe, who imed she was the one controlling Jacob.

    After dinner, Eileen took Ruby for a walk in the neighborhood. A stroll that should have taken five minutes ended up taking thirty. Upon returning, Ruby was sweating heavily, and her clothes were soaked.

    When they returned, Phoebe was already home. She greeted Ruby and then pulled Eileen aside to talk.

    ¡°Jacob¡¯s birthday is tomorrow, and he wants you to join the celebration tomorrow evening,¡± Phoebe said.

    Knowing that Kian and Vivian, who always wanted to stir trouble for Eileen, would be at Jacob¡¯s birthday party, Eileen was about to smile when Phoebe continued, ¡°But I told him you wouldn¡¯t attend. The Warren siblings are just too much.¡±

    Eileen was taken aback for a moment. ¡°Don¡¯t say no on my behalf. I¡¯ll attend Jacob¡¯s birthday party. I was actually looking for a chance to confront Vivian and Kian.¡±

    Phoebe looked surprised. She blinked twice and questioned, ¡°What do you mean? Why confront someone who¡¯s mentally unstable? If Vivian hurts you, she won¡¯t even face jail time. Are you sure you want to confront her?¡±

    ¡°Trust me; I¡¯ve got this,¡± Eileen reassured Phoebe, patting her shoulder. ¡°Please let Jacob know I¡¯m sorry there will be drama at his birthday party.¡±

    After speaking with Phoebe, Eileen joined Bailee to help Ruby with her bath, seizing the moment to encourage Bailee to consider moving to Onnd again.

    Jacob understood why Phoebe had declined his birthday invitation on Eileen¡¯s behalf. He and Phoebe had even agreed that if they couldn¡¯t meet tomorrow, they would get together the day after, just the four of them. But he hadn¡¯t expected Eileen to agree to attend his birthday party. Both Phoebe and Jacob were taken aback by Eileen¡¯s decision. Eileen would never pick a fight she wasn¡¯t confident about winning, so how was she nning to deal with Vivian?

    Curious, Jacob quickly called Bryan to gather some insights, but Bryan was clueless about the situation.

    When Eileen got back to the vite in the evening, Bryan was still up. He asked her directly, ¡°You¡¯re going to Jacob¡¯s birthday party?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± While taking off her shoes, Eileen replied, ¡°I get along well with Jacob; why wouldn¡¯t I go?¡±

    Bryan didn¡¯t object to her going but was intrigued by her assertiveness. He watched her intently for a moment, then his expression softened into a smile as he stepped closer. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he gently pinned her against the wall in the entryway.

    ¡°Alright. If you really want to go, then we¡¯ll go together,¡± he said.

    ¡°I¡¯m going no matter what. You don¡¯t have to join me if you don¡¯t want to.¡± Eileen touched her nose, feeling a bit guilty. She didn¡¯t want to tarnish her image in front of Bryan.

    Bryan frowned, gently tilting her face up with his hand, his intense gaze sending a shiver through her as he asked in a low voice, ¡°What did you say?¡±

    There was a mix of doubt and disbelief in his tone.

    ¡°I mean, let¡¯s both go to Jacob¡¯s birthday party tomorrow. But you have to promise me you¡¯ll still love me just as much after the party,¡± Eileen said. Eileen¡¯s hand brushed against Bryan¡¯s wrist, feeling his steady, strong pulse.

    After a pause, Bryan burst intoughter, swept Eileen into his arms, and carried her upstairs, the smile on his lips showing his good mood. He kept teasing her throughout the night, yfully threatening or enticing her during their intimate moments, but Eileen refused to reveal her n.

    The birthday gathering wasn¡¯t crowded; only the Warren siblings, Megan, Phoebe, Eileen, and Bryan were present. It wasn¡¯t unusual for them to have small gatherings like this, but it was the first time Megan was there as Jacob¡¯s fianc¨¦e.

    Eileen had finished tutoring Adalina two hours early, but by the time she and Bryan arrived at the gathering, they were still thirty minuteste. As the server opened the door to the private room, their arrival caught everyone¡¯s attention.

    Jacob was wearing a birthday hat, and next to him was Megan, who wore a ttering smile, signaling the Beckett family¡¯s eagerness to keep the marriage deal intact. Eileen nced at Phoebe, who was casually ying with her phone in the corner. Phoebe just raised an eyebrow upon seeing her. Z was sitting beside Phoebe. Seeing Z reminded Eileen of the matter concerning Milford. Eileen decided to speak with Z about it before any issues arose.

    Kian and Vivian sat quietly in the center, seemingly oblivious to Eileen and Bryan¡¯s presence.

    ¡°Bryan, Eileen,e over here and sit,¡± Z said with a warm smile, standing and gesturing to the seats beside her.

    Jacob had intended to wee them, but Megan tugged at his arm, halting him. He rolled his eyes at Megan, prompting her to quickly let go of his arm.

    Jacob offered a cigarette to Bryan, saying, ¡°No need to hold back. I¡¯m the host today. Enjoy yourself!¡± While speaking, he gave Eileen a meaningful look.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 211

    ?Chapter 211:

    Eileen took a seat between Z and Phoebe, while Bryan ended up at the opposite end of the table. The atmosphere in the private room was strange; it wasn¡¯t exactly awkward, nor was it filled with obvious tension. Jacob attempted to lighten the mood, and the others contributed with asional chatter, creating a seemingly lively atmosphere. Yet, Vivian¡¯s and Megan¡¯s eyes wereced with subtle hostility. Kian remained calm, contributing sparingly to Jacob¡¯s efforts at conversation, as if their previous heated meeting had never happened.

    ¡°Miss Murray, I need to discuss something about Milford with you,¡± Eileen said to Z.

    Z was about to take a sip of her drink when she paused, setting it down. ¡°Of course, it¡¯s unusual for you to bring up Milford.¡±

    In the dimly lit private room, a light shone directly above Eileen, casting a circle of illumination around her. She leaned closer to Z, asking, ¡°Has Milforde back yet?¡±

    Z shook her head and replied, ¡°No, despite several attempts, I haven¡¯t been able to reach him.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s stubborn but clever. He might be a bit rebellious at times, but he has a good heart. I think he needs more understanding and patience from you, Miss Murray. He¡¯ll definitely meet your expectations in the future,¡± Eileen said, her worry evident as she thought about how long Milford had been away from home.

    Not far away, Bryan was talking with Jacob, asionally casting nces toward Eileen. He believed he understood what Eileen and Z were discussing.

    Seated casually on the sofa with his legs crossed, Bryan was leisurely smoking a cigarette when he heard Kian suddenly suggest, ¡°How about a game of pool? It¡¯s been a while since Ist yed.¡±

    Jacob stood up, eagerly pulling Bryan with him. ¡°Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ve been looking forward to a good game since you arrived in Wist Land¡­¡±

    Stay tuned for more g??lno¦Íe??s.c?m

    Bryan couldn¡¯t decline Jacob¡¯s enthusiastic invitation. He shot Eileen a meaningful look before following Jacob.

    As Eileen¡¯s attention shifted away from Bryan, she noticed Megan and Vivian exchanging smirks.

    Eileen chose to ignore it and continued her conversation with Z. ¡°Of course, you¡¯re Milford¡¯s older sister. It¡¯s your call whether he should continue his tutoring sessions. I just think you should find him soon; it¡¯s not safe for him out there.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right, but he might be holding a grudge against me. We didn¡¯t grow up together, so we aren¡¯t very close. Maybe¡­ you could help me with this,¡± Z said, her tone resigned as she gently patted Eileen¡¯s hand. ¡°I don¡¯t know where he is, and even if I did find him, he might not want toe back with me.¡±

    Eileen was taken aback by Z¡¯s words. After a pause, she asked, ¡°How can I assist you?¡±

    ¡°Just help me find him or contact him. If you do reach him, maybe you can convince him to return. I promise I¡¯ll stay out of his way from now on,¡± Z said firmly.

    Eileen hesitated for a moment before giving a nomittal reply. ¡°I¡¯ll do what I can,¡± she said.

    Following the incident with Milford, Eileen¡¯s view of Z had noticeably changed. Was it because they hadn¡¯t grown up together that Z and Milfordcked a real sibling bond? Eileen had no family ties to Milford and had known him for only a few months, yet she was concerned about him being missing for several days. Z, on the other hand, seemed unconcerned at all.

    Eileen had sent texts to Milford but received no replies. She had tried calling as well, but she had been unable to reach him. She knew she would need to make time to look for him.

    As Eileen was lost in thought, Phoebe nudged her arm. ¡°Let¡¯s head to the restroom.¡±

    Snapping back to reality, Eileen realized that Z had already gone to the restroom inside the private room. Eileen decided to apany Phoebe to the restroom outside.

    The hallway was quiet, and Eileen¡¯s and Phoebe¡¯s t shoes made no noise on the carpeted floor.

    ¡°Jacob said he¡¯sing to your ce tomorrow night for dinner,¡± Phoebe said, linking arms with Eileen.

    Eileen nodded. ¡°Okay, just let me know what he wants to eat ahead of time, and I¡¯ll prepare the meal.¡±

    ¡°What will you prepare? You¡¯re not exactly a chef, and Bryan only cooks for you. Isn¡¯t it just going to end up with you asking Raymond to order food from the restaurant and bring it over?¡± Phoebe said bluntly.

    Eileenughed in response. Soon, they reached the restroom. Eileen let go of Phoebe¡¯s arm and said, ¡°You go in; I¡¯ll wait for you outside.¡±

    The early summer evenings in Wist Land were somewhat warm, and the breeze through the window did little to cool the air. Eileen turned on the faucet and rinsed her hands under the cool stream, feeling a bit refreshed.

    As she looked up, she suddenly saw a figure rushing toward her so swiftly that she couldn¡¯t even tell if it was a person. Instinctively, she dodged, and the figure crashed into the sink. Water sshed up, soaking Vivian¡¯s clothes, which clung to her body.

    Unfazed, Vivian regained her footing and charged at Eileen again. Reacting quickly, Eileen caught her wrists.

    At that moment, Megan appeared, eximing, ¡°Vivian, go for her face! You don¡¯t need to hold back. Hit her!¡± Fueled by Megan¡¯s encouragement, Vivian became even more aggressive, her eyes wild with anger. ¡°Eileen, you dared toe here today, huh? You think Bryan can protect you? I¡¯d like to see how he¡¯s going to protect you now!¡±

    Vivian¡¯s menacing tone echoed in the air, sending shivers down Eileen¡¯s spine. Could Vivian really just be suffering from depression? She appeared more like a lunatic now.

    Eileen said, ¡°I don¡¯t need his protection, Vivian. But I¡¯m warning you, if you try anything today, you¡¯ll regret it.¡±

    Their standoff continued, the coldness in Eileen¡¯s gaze momentarily holding Vivian back.

    ¡°Vivian, don¡¯t listen to her! She wouldn¡¯t dare to hurt you. She¡¯ll end up in prison if she harms you!¡± Megan¡¯s encouragement seemed to fuel Vivian¡¯s rage, her hostility on the verge of exploding.

    However, Eileen struck first,nding a knee in Vivian¡¯s stomach, causing her to groan and double over. Before Vivian could regain her bearings, Eileen pped her twice across the face, driving her into the corner, where she crouched in shock, covering her face.

    Megan¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief as she watched Eileen. Then she shouted, ¡°Vivian, she hit you first! Now, if you hit back and hurt her, it¡¯s self-defense!¡±

    Vivian¡¯s expression darkened as her gaze fell on Eileen. Suddenly, she pulled out a fruit knife. The de glinted under the lights as Vivian swung the knife wildly at Eileen.

    Eileen wasn¡¯t trained inbat; she had only managed to fight off Vivian when she was unarmed. Now, with Vivian armed andshing out recklessly, Eileen quickly found herself on the defensive, sustaining a cut on the back of her hand. Grimacing from the pain, she grabbed Vivian¡¯s wrist and jammed the knife into a wall-mounted paper roll dispenser. The knife got stuck, forcing Vivian to release her grip, and Eileen seized the moment to kick Vivian¡¯s leg.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Vivian screamed, copsing to the floor and trembling all over.

    The whole altercation had happened in the blink of an eye. It took Megan a moment to snap out of her shock before she screamed and tried to run away. Eileen quickly caught Megan by the hair, pulling her back, and then kicked her, sending Megan tumbling to the floor.

    As Megan moved closer to Vivian, she gasped at the sight of Vivian¡¯s reddened face. ¡°We¡¯re calling the police! How dare you hit Vivian! You¡¯re in big trouble now!¡±

    ¡°Just hitting you two was being lenient.¡± Phoebe stepped out of the restroom, casting a disdainful look at Megan. ¡°Think about the despicable things you¡¯ve done. No one with a shred of conscience could do those things!¡±

    She then moved closer to Eileen and whispered, ¡°Why did you start a fight?¡± There were cameras around, and Kian wouldn¡¯t let this go easily. If the police got involved, Eileen would end up at a disadvantage.

    ¡°I just couldn¡¯t hold back any longer,¡± Eileen said. Those two ps had released much of the pent-up frustration she had been carrying. Given Vivian¡¯s aggressive behavior, two ps were not excessive in Eileen¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Vivian!¡± Kian¡¯s voice,ced with shock and worry, echoed as he approached the scene. Seeing Vivian trembling in the corner, his face darkened. He swiftly turned and attempted to p Eileen.

    But Bryan intervened, firmly grasping Kian¡¯s wrist, the veins on his hand standing out. ¡°She had the audacity to hit Vivian!¡± Kian eximed in anger. He struggled to free his hand, but Bryan¡¯s grip was unyielding.

    Bryan¡¯s expression was cold as he stood before Eileen to shield her. ¡°You¡¯re well aware of the antics Vivian has pulled under the guise of her mental illness. Don¡¯t pretend she¡¯s the victim.¡± He released Kian¡¯s wrist, turned, and adjusted Eileen¡¯s slightly ruffled clothes. His eyes scanned Eileen¡¯s delicate face before he frowned slightly, seemingly puzzled¡ªwas this Eileen¡¯s n? Just beat up Vivian to vent her anger? Had she not considered the possible consequences?

    ¡°Alright, then I¡¯m calling the police.¡± Kian didn¡¯t hesitate to call the police, and within minutes, they arrived.

    Megan exaggerated the incident to the officers, saying, ¡°Vivian is sick; she might have mistaken Eileen for someone else and acted out. Despite knowing her condition, Eileen attacked her. Without me, Eileen might have killed Vivian!¡±

    One of the police officers took notes while ncing at Eileen. He had dealt with this group of people multiple times recently and recognized them. So he documented Megan¡¯s ount but remained doubtful that it was true.

    ¡°Miss Curtis, would you like to exin your side?¡± the officer asked, reminding her, ¡°Remember, it¡¯s illegal to assault someone with a mental illness.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 212

    ?Chapter 212:

    The police officer had previously advised Eileen to try and settle the matter privately. He wondered if Eileen had been unable to control her fury and taken action. Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Eileen said calmly, ¡°Except for the im that I was going to kill Vivian, which is untrue, everything else is correct. I indeed attacked her.¡±

    Upon hearing this, the police officer hesitated momentarily before writing down her statement. Bryan stood beside Eileen, studying herposed face with a frown.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to sue her and put her in prison,¡± Kian said, fixing his intense gaze on Bryan. Seeing Bryan¡¯s tense demeanor gave Kian a sense of victory. He believed the evidence was indisputable. Eileen had confessed, and Kian knew that Bryan was unable to help her now.

    Phoebe approached Eileen from behind, gently pulling at her sleeve, saying, ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    Jacob watched the unfolding drama with bewilderment. Was Eileen really going to end up in prison because of this?

    ¡°Sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Warren, but I¡¯m not going to jail,¡± Eileen replied, pulling out a medical report from her pocket and showing it to the police officer. Then she asked, ¡°Can I leave now?¡±

    After a quick look at the report, the officer¡¯s lips twitched, and he nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±

    Everyone stretched their necks, curious about the contents of the report Eileen was holding. But Eileen swiftly put it away, took hold of one of Bryan¡¯s fingers, and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± She then made her way through the crowd and left with Bryan.

    Behind them, Megan,ing to her senses, started shouting at the police officer, ¡°Why did you let her go?¡±

    ???? ??????? ?? ?????????.???

    Phoebe and Jacob hurried after Eileen and Bryan, while Z, who had been observing the scene from a distance, watched their departing figures.

    At the club¡¯s entrance, Eileen was intercepted by Phoebe and Jacob. Bryan, with an arm protectively wrapped around Eileen, shielded her from Jacob and Phoebe.

    ¡°Don¡¯t stop me! I want to know what Eileen showed to the police!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s on that report?¡± Phoebe and Jacob were eager for answers.

    Eileen hung her head in silence. This was her first time handling things this way, and it made her feel somewhat embarrassed. The smile on Bryan¡¯s face grew, but he maintained a serious tone in his voice. ¡°Enough with the fuss. We¡¯ll discuss this at home.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s still early. We¡¯ll head over to your ce,¡± Jacob said, ushering Phoebe into his car and driving to Eileen¡¯s without waiting for a response.

    As Jacob¡¯s car vanished from view, Eileen bit her lip and looked up at Bryan, suggesting seriously, ¡°Maybe we shouldn¡¯t go back home tonight.¡±

    Bryan took the car keys from his pocket, opened the door for Eileen, and kissed her forehead. ¡°What¡¯s there to fear? Any idea that fixes the problem is a good one.¡±

    Eileen wasn¡¯t sure whether Bryan had seen the contents of the medical report, but at that moment, the report in her pocket felt hot, as if it were burning. As the engine started, the car began to pull away slowly. In the rearview mirror, Z¡¯s figure at the club¡¯s entrance appeared very small, and both Bryan and Eileen didn¡¯t notice her.

    After a while, Eileen broke the silence. She asked Bryan, ¡°You saw what¡¯s on the report, didn¡¯t you?¡± Noticing the subtle smile on Bryan¡¯s face, she guessed he had seen it.

    Bryan gave a slight nod, his eyes steady as he responded, ¡°Is the report fake?¡±

    ¡°The report is real,¡± Eileen said in a hushed tone. She took out the medical report from her pocket, pointing to the neurologist¡¯s signature and the hospital¡¯s official stamp.

    Suddenly, Bryan hit the brakes, stopping the car in the middle of the road, and stared at her in disbelief.

    ¡°But I¡¯m not mentally ill,¡± Eileen rified. ¡°It¡¯s challenging for someone who is mentally ill to prove they are not, but it¡¯s quite easy for a sane person to obtain a diagnosis of mental illness.¡± She had answered the doctor¡¯s questions inurately on purpose and behaved erratically. In less than thirty minutes, she had obtained the report. Before leaving, the doctor had even earnestly advised her to seek treatment soon.

    Cars behind them started honking impatiently.

    Bryan snapped out of his thoughts, let out a chuckle, and restarted the car. The streetlights cast an orange glow on him, highlighting his barely contained amusement. ¡°Eileen, what were you thinking?¡± Hisughter filled the car, catching Eileen off guard.

    Eileen had anticipated that the medical report might make Bryan question whether she was actually mentally stable. But she hadn¡¯t expected him to react withughter, which left her feeling even more embarrassed.

    ¡°Don¡¯tugh. What else was I supposed to do? Vivian is a lunatic and constantly causing problems for me. I can barely work normally. If I didn¡¯te up with this trick, how would I continue to make money to support our family?¡± Eileen said.

    She was telling the truth. Even though the method was a bit extreme, it could at least effectively handle Vivian and Megan. Now, she wouldn¡¯t technically be breaking thew by responding physically to their provocations. They could keep trying her patience if they dared.

    Bryan nodded, indicating that the medical report was a good idea. Yet, he silently considered that Vivian still had plenty of free time to harass Eileen, meaning their conflicts would likely persist, continuing to affect Eileen¡¯s life.

    The car pulled up in front of the vi, where Jacob and Phoebe had been waiting. They hurried over and opened the passenger door, bombarding Eileen with questions as she stepped out and walked toward the vi.

    Eileen looked back at Bryan, who, after exiting the car, took a cigarette from his pocket and strolled leisurely after her. However, Bryan didn¡¯t enter the vi, apparently engaged in a phone conversation outside.

    Inside, Eileen fetched drinks from the fridge for Phoebe and Jacob. The two, eager for details, sat on the couch with their eyes fixed on Eileen. Then, under their intense stare, Eileen took out the medical report.

    Phoebe and Jacob leaned forward, their gaze fixating on the diagnosis on the medical report. They exchanged a look with each other before bursting intoughter.

    Eileen awkwardly looked away, puzzled about why their first response was tough rather than suspect her of being mentally ill. Her eyes drifted to the French windows, where she could see Bryan leaning against a tree in the yard. He was smoking, holding the phone to his ear, his demeanor serious.

    Phoebe¡¯s and Jacob¡¯sughter continued. Eileen turned to look at them and said firmly, ¡°Stopughing, or I¡¯ll hit you, and it wouldn¡¯t be against thew.¡± Instantly, Jacob and Phoebe stoppedughing, though smiles still yed on their faces.

    ¡°Eileen, your trick is genius. But it¡¯s also too funny,¡± Phoebe remarked. Jacob pped his thigh, saying, ¡°This birthday of mine is truly memorable. Now, if only we had somete-night snacks and drinks, today would be perfect.¡± He reached for his phone, intending to order something.

    ¡°Go home and drink by yourself.¡± Bryan walked in, changed his shoes at the entryway, and retrieved a first aid kit from a cupboard near the door. He approached Eileen, opened the kit, and pulled out iodine and cotton swabs, saying, ¡°Give me your hand.¡±

    Eileen hesitated for a moment before extending her hand, revealing a shallow cut on the back of her hand where the blood had dried. It was a small injury from Vivian¡¯s knife, not painful at all. Eileen thought it had gone unnoticed.

    Bryan carefully cleaned the dried blood and applied a Band-Aid over the wound. ¡°You¡¯re injured?¡± Phoebe had just noticed Eileen¡¯s wound, her voice tinged with concern. Jacob nced at Eileen¡¯s wound and said, ¡°Better take care of that soon, or it¡¯ll heal before you even treat it. Look at how worried Bryan is¡ª¡±

    Before Jacob could finish, Bryan flicked the cotton swab he was using at Jacob, hitting him precisely on the forehead. ¡°You can head out now. It¡¯ste, and Eileen has to work tomorrow. Come back tomorrow night for dinner,¡± Bryan said.

    Jacob picked up the cotton swab and tossed it in the trash. ¡°Who were you on the phone with?¡± he asked Bryan while standing up and giving Phoebe a meaningful look.

    Phoebe blinked and whispered to Eileen, ¡°Your hand is injured; you really shouldn¡¯t be doing any strenuous exercise tonight.¡±

    Eileen rolled her eyes at Phoebe, then turned to look at Bryan. Bryan was putting away the first aid kit and casually replied to Jacob, ¡°Just sorting out some work on the phone.¡± Then he headed for the door. ¡°Come on, I¡¯ll see you off.¡±

    His quick move prompted Jacob and Phoebe to follow, and as soon as they stepped outside, the door shut behind them.

    ¡°So rude,¡± Jacob grumbled as he walked to the yard to open the car door. Noticing Phoebe heading off in a different direction, he called out, ¡°Get in; I¡¯ll drive you.¡±

    Without turning around, Phoebe replied, ¡°I¡¯ll walk. You can drive off; you don¡¯t have the strength to walk anyway.¡±

    Angry at Phoebe¡¯s words, Jacob hurried after her, eventually bending down to scoop her up and carry her toward his car.

    ¡°Jacob, can¡¯t you do anything other than this!¡± Phoebe eximed, feeling a wave of dizziness as Jacob carried her.

    ¡°Actually, I can!¡± Jacob opened the car door, ced Phoebe inside, and swiftly climbed into the driver¡¯s seat. He then started the engine and drove off.

    He steered the car away from Lakeside Vi, clearly not intending to take Phoebe back to her home.

    ¡°Where are you taking me?¡± Phoebe pounded on the car door, eximing, ¡°Let me out!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s my birthday today, and you¡¯re going to do as I say.¡± Jacob straightened his cor, ncing at Phoebe. ¡°We¡¯re going to a hotel.¡±

    Phoebe fell silent for a moment, then said, ¡°Jacob, you¡¯re engaged now. Come back to me when you¡¯ve ended things with Megan.¡±

    ¡°Then¡­ Are you going to be with me or not?¡± Jacob hesitated, his voice tinged with guilt.

    Right after he spoke, Phoebe said angrily, ¡°Are you asking me to be the other woman? If it gets out, I¡¯ll bebeled as the shameless woman who made you and Megan break up!¡±

    Jacob coughed awkwardly, blurting out, ¡°But think about Eileen and Bryan; they¡¯re doing fine, aren¡¯t they?¡±

    Phoebe felt a surge of frustration, eximing, ¡°That¡¯s different! Bryan was never in love with his wife!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care for Megan, either! If you hadn¡¯t left, would I have been pushed into this engagement with her? You owe me, and tonight, you¡¯re going to make it up to me!¡± With that, Jacob sped up the car, pulling up in front of a five-star hotel.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 213

    ?Chapter 213:

    ¡°I don¡¯t owe you anything!¡± Phoebe shouted as she unbuckled her seatbelt, flung open the car door, and bolted away as fast as she could.

    Jacob hurried after her, but it was toote. Phoebe had already slipped into a taxi. He stomped his foot in frustration. Ever since the incident in Onnd, where she had taken advantage of him and slept with him, he hadn¡¯tid a finger on her. The situation was at an impasse. Jacob was waiting for Phoebe to be with him first, while Phoebe was waiting for Jacob to break off his engagement with Megan.

    ¡°Damn it!¡± Jacob cursed under his breath. With Phoebe¡¯s impulsive nature, if he ended the engagement and she still refused to be with him after that, he would be theughingstock again.

    The vi was brightly lit as Bryan answered another call after seeing Jacob and Phoebe off. Standing next to the floor-to-ceiling windows, his tall figure cast a long shadow. He spoke in his deep, maic voice. When he sensed Eileen approaching, he lowered his voice a bit. ¡°Handle it that way. Make sure thewyer stays at the police station tomorrow and settles this matter,¡± he instructed into the phone.

    He turned around, raising an eyebrow at Eileen before hanging up. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you to rest first?¡±

    Eileen, dressed in a ck silk nightgown that highlighted her fair skin, with her hair partially dried, asked, ¡°Why were you on the phone for so long? I¡¯ve been waiting for you after my shower. Is there a problem with the project again?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Bryan replied, pocketing his phone. His cool fingertips gently tucked strands of hair behind her ear. ¡°It¡¯s all settled now. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Eileen followed him upstairs, and while waiting for him to shower, she received a message from Adalina. ¡°Ms. Curtis, what exactly happened to Milford?¡±

    During their recent tutoring sessions, Adalina had seemed hesitant to ask about Milford.

    Eileen replied, ¡°He and his sister had a small disagreement, and his tutoring has been temporarily stopped. Just focus on your studies and don¡¯t get distracted. I will try my best to handle the matter.¡±

    ¡°I saw him at the school gate today with a few hooligans. He had injuries on his face and ignored me when I tried to talk to him.¡± Adalina¡¯s message was filled with concern.

    Eileen asked Adalina for more details, and Adalina told her that she had seen Milford at the school gate after ss more than once. After calming Adalina down, Eileen specifically asked what time school ended. She nned to visit the school the next day.

    Perhaps because of the stress from the earlier confrontation and the sight of the knife, Eileen suddenly woke up in the middle of the night. She instinctively lifted her hand, but Bryan¡¯s firm grip stopped her. Her sudden movement had caused him to wake up too.

    In the darkness, their eyes locked for a few seconds. Without saying a word, she wrapped her arms around his waist and nestled her head against his chest. Bryan¡¯s broad palm gently patted her back, soothing her into sleep.

    The next day was Friday. After arriving at the educational institution, Eileen pondered for a while before calling Z to inform her that Milford had been seen near the school.

    ¡°School ends at around eleven o¡¯clock in the morning. Students don¡¯t have sses in the afternoon on Fridays. Adalina saw Milford multiple times after school, so going around that time might be effective,¡± Eileen told Z.

    ¡°Eileen, haven¡¯t you heard what happened?¡± Z asked out of the blue.

    After a brief pause, Eileen asked, ¡°What happened?¡±

    Z¡¯s surroundings buzzed withmotion, hinting that she wasn¡¯t at home. She relocated to a calmer spot and exined, ¡°Vivian¡¯s been detained. Bryan¡¯s attorney used her of forging her medical report, alleging it was intended to harm others. I¡¯m currently at the police station.¡±

    Suddenly remembering Bryan¡¯ste-night phone calls, Eileen pieced things together. Z continued, ¡°Vivian¡¯s medical report, written by a foreign doctor, failed to hold up under the police¡¯s scrutiny. Kian wanted to return to Onnd with Vivian for a reevaluation and a new report. However, the local authorities in Wist Land insisted the matter be handled here. Kian¡ª¡±

    Eileen couldn¡¯t resist interjecting, ¡°Miss Murray, since Bryan has already taken action, perhaps he and Kian should handle the matter. Maybe focus your concern on Milford instead.¡±

    Eileen sensed a hint of usation in Z¡¯s voice toward Bryan for escting the matter with Vivian and Kian. Now, the situation was straining both the Warren family and the Dawson family.

    ¡°If you¡¯re so worried about Milford, why not show the same concern for Bryan? His current rift with the Warren family isn¡¯t doing him any favors,¡± Z said, urgencycing her tone.

    ¡°And how exactly should I show concern for Bryan? By asking him to release Vivian no matter how many problems she will cause me? Should I just put up with her?¡± Eileen questioned.

    While Eileen was initially taken aback by Bryan¡¯s actions, she quickly deduced his motives. She possessed enough evidence to confront Vivian directly, yet engaging with Vivian was a needless diversion, especially with Vivian persistently meddling. Furthermore, Vivian had used a knife against Eileen before. Bryan would always be concerned for Eileen if he didn¡¯t deal with Vivian and resolve the matterpletely.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t put up with Vivian, you¡¯re only going to exacerbate Bryan¡¯s troubles,¡± Z said firmly.

    Eileen resignedly responded, ¡°I apologize, but I¡¯m no saint.¡±

    ¡°How can you im you¡¯re not a saint?¡± Z retorted, her toneced with sarcasm. ¡°Youvish so much concern on Milford, a person who is not rted to you. Your capacity forpassion seems boundless, just like a saint!¡±

    Eileen replied in a frosty tone, ¡°I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯m a saint, but you really aren¡¯t making any sense. You ignore your own brother and meddle in someone else¡¯s business all day. Even though you grew up in the Dawson family, Bryan is not your blood sibling. The only person you are rted to by blood is Milford.¡±

    ¡°Eileen, I don¡¯t want to argue with you or make things difficult for Bryan,¡± Z said, evading the question. ¡°I have other matters to attend to here, so I¡¯m going to hang up now.¡± With that, she disconnected the call.

    After the call with Z, Eileen ced her phone on the table and began to rub her temples as a headache emerged. Eventually, she decided to call Bryan and ask about the matter with Vivian.

    Bryan was in a meeting when his phone rang. He stood up, exited the conference room, and took the call in the hallway. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked, his voice carrying a mix of urgency and concern due to the unusual timing of Eileen¡¯s call.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry; nothing bad happened. I¡¯m calling just to say¡­¡± Eileen¡¯s tone was light, and her voice was very low. ¡°I miss you.¡±

    Bryan looked at the sun obscured by dark clouds. Despite the gloomy weather, he felt cheerful. ¡°Have you found out about Vivian¡¯s situation? Who told you that?¡± he asked, immediately deducing the reason behind Eileen¡¯s sudden expression of affection.

    ¡°Z told me about it. I was nning to discuss looking for Milford with her at noon, but she brought that up instead,¡± Eileen replied, keeping her tone calm.

    Bryan¡¯s voice grew cold. ¡°Don¡¯t let her bother you. If she brings it up again, don¡¯t hold back.¡±

    After checking his watch, he added, ¡°I¡¯ll join you at the school to search for Milford at noon.¡± He felt it was necessary to find Milford, believing he had potential.

    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s settled then,¡± Eileen said, ending the call. Even though Z didn¡¯t care about Milford and hadn¡¯t asked Eileen to find him, she still decided to go and look for him.

    At around ten o¡¯clock, Bryan arrived at the educational institution to pick Eileen up, and they headed straight to the school. The campus was bustling with students. Since it was dismissal time, Bryan parked his car on the roadside, and they walked toward the school gate together.

    In the crowded area, Eileen and Bryan stood out due to their striking looks. Bryan, dressed in a suit and exuding elegance, drew everyone¡¯s attention. People first noticed Bryan and then the beautiful woman beside him.

    When they reached the school gate, students began pouring out. Eileen¡¯s sharp eyes scanned the crowd, searching for Milford. Despite her efforts, he was nowhere in sight, even after most students had left. Just then, she spotted Adalina making her way out of the school.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis!¡± Adalina called out, having anticipated Eileen¡¯s visit. She ran over, noticing Bryan. ¡°Mr. Dawson, you¡¯re here as well.¡±

    ¡°We couldn¡¯t find Milford,¡± Eileen said, frustration creeping into her voice. ¡°I¡¯ve already checked the nearby alleys, but he isn¡¯t there.¡±

    Adalina¡¯s expression fell as she looked around. ¡°Maybe he didn¡¯te today. Would you considering back next week, Ms. Curtis?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll see,¡± Eileen said, giving Adalina¡¯s shoulder a reassuring pat. ¡°If I have the time, I¡¯ll try to look for him again.¡± Even though she was concerned about Milford, she couldn¡¯t afford to spend all her time searching for him.

    ¡°Okay!¡± Adalina¡¯s eyes brightened with renewed hope. ¡°I¡¯ll call you immediately if I see him!¡±

    ¡°Sure. It¡¯s gettingte. You should head home,¡± Eileen said, gesturing toward the Vance family¡¯s driver, who had been patiently waiting.

    Adalina waved goodbye and left, her long ponytail swinging as she walked away. Soon, the school gate was empty of students. Eileen sighed as Bryan guided her back to the car.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have Raymond arrange for someone to keep an eye on things here,¡± Bryan said, sensing Eileen¡¯s worry. ¡°They¡¯ll bring Milford back as soon as they spot him.¡±

    ¡°Okay. I hope his rapport with Miss Murray improves in the future,¡± Eileen replied. She had little faith in tutoring Milford again but wanted to make onest effort to find him.

    The car glided smoothly away from the school, merging into the bustling streets. The area grew more congested with pedestrians and intricate roadways. Bryan slowed down the car, and Eileen¡¯s eyes drifted to the people hurrying past.

    She noticed a scruffy teenager whose face was obscured by the angle. However, his urgent movements reminded her of Milford. Eileen¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and she tapped Bryan¡¯s arm. ¡°Isn¡¯t that Milford? Pull over!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 214

    ?Chapter 214:

    Several individuals with brightly colored hair were seen chasing that teenager down the street, wielding iron bars. Bryan quickly parked his car and nced over, catching just a glimpse of them vanishing into an alley.

    He quickly stopped Eileen, who was ready to pursue them, and warned, ¡°Don¡¯t act rashly.¡± Those people were armed, and rescuing Milford would not be simple. Moreover, Bryan¡¯s priority was ensuring Eileen¡¯s safety.

    ¡°There¡¯s a police station just around the corner from the school. Head there now and get help. I¡¯ll keep in contact with you until you bring the police,¡± Bryan said calmly, already sharing his real-time location with Eileen.

    Noticing Eileen hesitating, he added firmly, ¡°Why are you still here? Go now.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Eileen quickly followed Bryan¡¯s instructions and sprinted toward the police station. Upon arriving, she gathered several officers on duty and briefed them on the situation as they raced through two streets and halted at a dead-end.

    ¡°The police are here; everyone stop!¡± Eileen¡¯s heart raced, her mind filled with images of Bryan confronting a group of thugs to protect Milford. She knew Bryan was outnumbered and couldn¡¯t help but fear for his safety.

    However, upon a closer look, she saw several people sprawled on the ground in the alley, while Bryan was leaning against a wall and smoking a cigarette. His shirt was stained, but it didn¡¯t diminish hismanding presence. Beside him stood a dejected Milford.

    Hearing Eileen, Bryan and Milford both looked her way. Bryan took a final puff from his cigarette, extinguished it, and approached her.

    One of the police officers behind Eileen inquired, ¡°Miss, who are you reporting exactly?¡± It seemed obvious to the police that the individuals on the ground were the culprits. However, those people had been badly beaten, and the man approaching Eileen looked like someone not to be messed with.

    New content uploaded g?ln¦Òv??ls?c?m

    Eileen pointed to the figures on the ground and said, ¡°They attacked my student. My boyfriend was just protecting him. Please don¡¯t get the wrong idea.¡±

    As she spoke, Bryan had already reached her side. She leaned closer to him and whispered, ¡°If you could handle them, why did you have me bring the police?¡±

    ¡°I can handle them on my own. But if you were here, it would be a different story,¡± Bryan responded seriously. ¡°We haven¡¯t done anything wrong. What¡¯s there to worry about?¡±

    If Eileen had been present, Bryan would have had a weak spot. That was why he had asked her to leave to bring the police. Noticing Eileen¡¯s disheartened expression, Bryan quirked an eyebrow and took the lead in talking to the police.

    Eileen wasn¡¯t exactly concerned about being misunderstood by the police; it was more that her frequent encounters withw enforcement recently had left her feeling uneasy. Now, with Bryan handling the conversation with the police, she focused her attention on Milford.

    It had been a week since shest saw Milford, and his appearance had changed noticeably. His hair was longer, and he was covered in dirt. His usually clean and handsome face was now marred with bruises.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Eileen asked Milford, taking a wet wipe from her bag to gently clean his face.

    Milford grimaced in pain when Eileen wiped a sore spot. Annoyed, he grabbed the wet wipe to clean himself and grumbled, ¡°It¡¯s all because you were toote!¡±

    Eileen was taken aback by his words. After pondering for a few seconds, she understood something. The police needed Milford to provide a statement, so Eileen and Bryan had to apany him to the police station first.

    When they left the station, it was already past one o¡¯clock in the afternoon. Bryan took Milford and Eileen to a restaurant for lunch. He ordered dishes that Eileen liked, ensuring she was well taken care of.

    Meanwhile, Eileen pondered how to talk with Milford. But to her surprise, Milford already knew what he wanted to say.

    ¡°Did you twoe here to find me?¡± Milford inquired.

    Eileen nodded and said, ¡°Yes, we were about to leave when we didn¡¯t see you at the school gate.¡±

    As soon as she finished speaking, Milford eximed in anger, ¡°Adalina first saw me here on Monday, and now it¡¯s Friday. Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re a bitte?¡±

    ¡°Late?¡± Bryan shot back sharply. ¡°You¡¯re still alive, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s imposing demeanor, filled with displeasure, weighed heavily on Milford. He suddenly realized the big mistake he had made by trying to set terms with Eileen in front of Bryan.

    ¡°Did you let Adalina see you at the school gate on purpose, thinking I woulde for you?¡± Eileen stared intently into Milford¡¯s eyes.

    Milford appeared slightly uneasy and deliberately avoided Bryan¡¯s intense gaze as he admitted, ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure if you woulde looking for me, but on the day I left, I nned for two possibilities: either I would die on the street or you woulde looking for me. I decided that if you found me, I would go back with you.¡±

    ¡°Go back with me?¡± Eileen¡¯s voice rose slightly as she turned to look at Bryan, who raised his eyebrows and gazed at Milford.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go back to your sister¡¯s ce?¡± Bryan asked sternly.

    Milford responded without hesitation, ¡°She¡¯s not my sister anymore; I¡¯ve cut ties with her!¡±

    His firm and unwavering tone made the atmosphere tense. When the waiter brought the food, Milford, who was already hungry, started to eat voraciously.

    ¡°Take it easy.¡± Eileen handed Milford a napkin, choosing not to continue the topic of him returning home with her. She knew she didn¡¯t have the right to take Milford back to her home with Z still in the picture.

    She had intended to convince Milford to return to Z¡¯s ce today, but his blunt statement had left her speechless.

    ¡°Have some soup.¡± Bryan served Eileen a bowl of warm soup and neatly arranged the dishes on her te, encouraging her to eat.

    Eileen slowly sipped her soup, pondering how to resume the conversation with Milford.

    Bryan, having finished his meal first, stood by the floor-to-ceiling window and lit a cigarette. A soft breeze wafted through the slightly open window. Eileen set down her fork and casually tied her long hair up with a hair tie from her wrist.

    She then said, ¡°Legally, Z is your sister, and realistically, she¡¯s the only blood rtive you have. Despite her ws and temper, she means you no harm. It wouldn¡¯t be right for you toe home with me.¡±

    ¡°Then I won¡¯t go home with you,¡± Milford replied earnestly, meeting her gaze. ¡°You don¡¯t need to convince me; I¡¯m not going back to Z¡¯s ce.¡±

    ¡°What do you n to do then?¡± Bryan turned to Milford and asked. ¡°Will you just keep living on the street without any purpose in life?¡±

    Milford was quiet for a moment. Then, his confidence waned as he spoke. ¡°Maybe¡­ Would you two consider investing in me?¡±

    His ambiguous words hung in the air, prompting Eileen and Bryan to wait for him to borate. Milford continued, ¡°Provide me with a ce to live, tutor me every day, and help me get into a top high school. Invest in my education for the next three years, and as soon as I go to college, I¡¯ll repay you!¡±

    He looked at Bryan and Eileen earnestly, his hopeful eyes clear. It was evident that Milford still wanted to pursue his education, and Eileen felt a surge of hope for getting him back on track. However, this form of investment was concerning. If Milford didn¡¯t have any rtives, she would have agreed immediately.

    ¡°I don¡¯t feel any connection with Z, and we¡¯re practically strangers. It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t want to put in the effort for me; you owe me nothing. I won¡¯t hold it against you. But don¡¯t try to patch things up between me and Z,¡± Milford said, resting one foot on the chair leg and gazing into the distance. ¡°I don¡¯t have much time. If you agree, I¡¯ll go back with you. If not, I¡¯ll leave, and you don¡¯t need to search for me again.¡±

    ¡°Enough with the pitiful act.¡± Eileen quickly saw through Milford¡¯s feigned misery, though his pride masked it slightly. Milford looked let down and nced cautiously at Bryan, aware of Eileen¡¯spassion but wary of Bryan¡¯s tougher stance. Watching Bryan stand there, seemingly unmoved by his words, Milford felt his heart sink.

    Standing up, Eileen said, ¡°It¡¯s not appropriate for me to take you to my ce without informing anyone. You cane with me, but I must let Z know you¡¯re safe. Whether shees looking for you and how you handle your rtionship with her is up to you.¡±

    After she finished speaking, Milford¡¯s expression lit up with a smile. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll handle things with Z myself,¡± he said.

    Then, both Milford and Eileen turned to look at Bryan. Eileen¡¯s gaze seemed to inquire where Milford would stay now that she had agreed to take him in. Would Bryan be fine with Milford staying at Lakeside Vi? Worried that Bryan might object, Milford quickly added, ¡°I don¡¯t care where I stay! Isn¡¯t there a storage room at your ce? I¡¯ll make sure I¡¯m out of sight, especially at night¡ª¡±

    ¡°Shut up,¡± Bryan interjected, crushing his cigarette and tossing it into the trash. He looked at Milford, and after a moment of consideration, his expression softened slightly. ¡°We¡¯ve got plenty of room at home.¡±

    He then walked over to Eileen and took her bag. ¡°I¡¯ll drop you at the educational institution first, then take him home.¡± Eileen was busy with work recently, and any dy meant getting hometer at night.

    Milford quickly got up and followed them with a grin. The restaurant¡¯s entrance was nearly empty past lunchtime, and the three of them stood out, especially Milford, who was covered in dirt. Z, seated in her car, noticed them immediately and watched as they got into the vehicle and drove off.

    She pressed her lips together, then made a call. ¡°I¡¯m sending you an address. You¡¯ll find my brother there. You can ask the people there for the money my brother owes you.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mess with us. Your brother got some of my guys locked up. Who¡¯s to say you don¡¯t have the cops waiting there?¡± The voice on the other end was aggressive.

    Z responded coldly, ¡°I¡¯m not ying games. He still owes you money. Here¡¯s what you can do: do as I say, and even if the police show up, they won¡¯t be able to do anything to you.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 215

    ?Chapter 215:

    The person on the other end of the call hesitated. ¡°What do you mean? Exin it to me clearly!¡±

    Feeling a chill, Eileen instinctively wrapped her arms around herself. Noticing this, Bryan turned off the air conditioning in the car. From the back seat, Milford saw this and couldn¡¯t suppress augh.

    Hearing Milford¡¯sughter, Eileen nced back at him. ¡°Bryan, you really take care of Ms. Curtis well,¡± Milford chuckled. He wanted to continue, but the stern look Bryan shot him through the rearview mirror silenced him. What had he said wrong?

    Eileen tucked her hair behind her ear, her cheeks tinged with red. As they arrived at the door of the educational agency, she exited the car but paused to look back. Through the slightly open window, she told Bryan, ¡°Buy him two sets of clothes and shoes, along with some items he¡¯ll need since he¡¯s living with us.¡±

    Bryan nodded and responded patiently. He waited until he saw her enter the building before starting the conversation with Milford. ¡°You¡¯re wee to stay with us, but there are three rules.¡± Bryan¡¯s voice was cold as he continued, ¡°First, you need to resolve any issues with Z by yourself. We won¡¯t get involved.¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± Milford replied swiftly.

    ¡°Second, don¡¯t upset Eileen,¡± Bryan said.

    Milford nodded, taking Bryan¡¯s words seriously.

    Bryan continued, ¡°Third, don¡¯t bother Eileen except for tutoring sessions.¡±

    Explore more stories g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??ls?c?m

    Milford agreed to all the terms, but as Bryanid out the conditions, his heart raced. Despite Eileen¡¯s earlier reassurances, Milford couldn¡¯t fully rx. He felt skeptical of Bryan¡¯s words, especially in front of Eileen.

    He had expected Bryan toe up with some rules, and it seemed that two of the three rules directly involved Eileen. Pondering this, he realized he needed to keep his distance from her while also currying her favor to live with them.

    Milford didn¡¯t take the rule about Z seriously. ¡°Bryan, you and Ms. Curtis are really suited for each other! Ms. Curtis seems so distant to others, but with you, she seems different¡­ When are you two going to get married?¡± Milford tried to tter Bryan since Eileen wasn¡¯t around.

    Bryan remained unmoved. ¡°Cut the crap. Do you have your phone with you? Contact Z and exin everything to her. Eileen and I won¡¯t be doing that for you.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have a phone right now,¡± Milford responded. ¡°Maybe you could get me a cheap one? I promise I won¡¯t y games anymore. I¡¯ll only use it for calls. I¡¯ll pay you back in the future.¡±

    Bryan couldn¡¯t help but sneer. Milford assumed that to someone wealthy like Bryan, a cheap phone would still mean something in the range of two to three thousand dors. Yet, Milford hadn¡¯t expected Bryan to be quite stingy.

    In the evening, when Eileen went to tutor Adalina, she didn¡¯t bring Milford with her. However, she shared with Adalina that she had located Milford, and Adalina was overjoyed.

    After her tutoring session, Eileen returned home and pulled out a stack of test papers she had prepared in advance for Milford. ¡°Complete these at home tomorrow. Also, I¡¯ve uploaded some study materials in our chat. You should read them tonight.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± Milford said, pulling out a vintage cell phone from his pocket. ¡°I can¡¯t log into WhatsApp with this.¡±

    The phone looked brand new and was likely a recent purchase by Bryan. Eileen, taken aback, asked in a low voice, ¡°Did you upset Bryan?¡±

    Milford immediately shook his head and said, ¡°No, I didn¡¯t¡ª¡±

    Before he could finish, he noticed Bryan stepping out of the kitchen. He quickly stood up and retreated a few steps. ¡°Ms. Curtis, may I use yourptop? I¡¯ll return it tomorrow after I finish reading the materials.¡±

    Eileen was at a loss for words. She turned and nced at Bryan. His white shirt sleeves were rolled up, revealing his muscr arms. He raised his eyes and nced at Milford, who looked pitiful, and then at Eileen.

    ¡°Go wash up and get ready for dinner. You¡¯re visiting your momter, right?¡± Bryan said to Eileen.

    Eileen nodded and rolled up her sleeves to wash her hands, puzzled. Bryan seemed so gentle; why would Milford be intimidated by him?

    At the dinner table, Milford ate quickly. Once he was full, he used Eileen¡¯sptop to read the materials.

    After dinner, Eileen went to visit Ruby. When she arrived, Ruby and the others were having dinner, and Ruby could only eat some soup. Eileen took the bowl and spoon from Bailee and said, ¡°I¡¯ll feed her. You go ahead and eat.¡±

    She settled next to Ruby and skillfully fed her the soup, saying, ¡°The soup smells great. Mom, you¡¯ve taught Bailee to cook well.¡±

    Ruby smiled warmly and nced at Bailee with pride.

    ¡°Mrs. Curtis, you¡¯re spoiling Eileen. She can¡¯t cook at all. When you get better, you really should teach her properly,¡± Phoebe teased.

    Eileen rolled her eyes at Phoebe. ¡°Like you¡¯re any better at cooking.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 216

    ?Chapter 216:

    ¡°Wait for me here.¡± Bryan gently ced his hands on Eileen¡¯s shoulders, guiding her to sit on the sofa before softly kissing her forehead. He then turned to Kian and icily stated, ¡°If you don¡¯t want to end up in jail with Vivian, disappear from my sight within three minutes.¡±

    Kian¡¯s eyes turned cold. ¡°Bryan, are you really this heartless? Vivian grew up with you.¡±

    Bryan interjected, ¡°I¡¯ve already told you that you can do anything as long as it doesn¡¯t harm Eileen. But you¡¯ve allowed Vivian to cross my boundaries. You¡¯ve supported her up to this point, so don¡¯t bring up friendship now.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s expression darkened. When Vivian had returned from abroad, Kian had asked for his cooperation, and Bryan had made it clear repeatedly that being involved with Vivian was out of the question.

    Using his hands for support, Kian stood up, blood dripping from his fingertips onto the floor. Kian and Bryan faced each other beneath the sparkling crystal lights, the atmosphere thick with tension.

    After a long pause, Kian reluctantly moved toward the door. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s wait and see.¡± He cast a cold nce at Eileen.

    Eileen¡¯s gaze was steady as she calmly watched him leave the room. Once Kian was gone, she stood up and approached Bryan. ¡°Has Vivian been arrested?¡±

    ¡°She was forcibly admitted to a mental hospital for intensive treatment.¡± Bryan nced at the mess in the room and then took Eileen¡¯s wrist, leading her to a cleaner spot in the entryway.

    Eileen was stunned for a moment and asked, ¡°Why? Doesn¡¯t she only have depression?¡±

    Without looking up, Bryan replied, ¡°If she harms those around her to a certain extent, she¡¯ll be forcibly confined for treatment.¡±

    Fresh chapters just uploaded g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m

    He had intended to get a local doctor to issue a certificate stating that Vivian was not ill and send her to prison. However, hiswyer had advised that, given the severity of her mental illness, Vivian would bepulsorily confined. So, no further action was needed.

    That afternoon, Vivian had been taken away. Unable to prevent it, Kian hade to discuss the issue with Bryan. Their conversation quickly escted into a heated argument.

    ¡°Let me help you clean up,¡± Eileen offered, bringing over a broom.

    From the corner of the second floor, Milford rushed downstairs, took the broom from Eileen, and said, ¡°Ms. Curtis, let me handle it. I may not be able to fight, but I can help clean up.¡±

    He tried to pick up the ss shards, but Bryan stopped him. ¡°Clear the flowerpot debris. Don¡¯t touch the ss shards,¡± Bryan instructed.

    Eileen watched as Milford and Bryan worked efficiently together. The living room was restored to its original state in just over ten minutes. Unfortunately, all the flower pots on the shelf were shattered, leaving it bare.

    While Bryan showered, Eileen received a message from Phoebe. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Even though Bryan has cut ties with his father, the Warren family won¡¯t dare touch him.¡±

    Phoebe had initiallye out of curiosity, but once she discovered that Kian was the one who had been beaten, she left. Bryan could afford to offend the Warren family, but Phoebe couldn¡¯t take such risks, which is why she left quickly before Kian could notice her.

    ¡°Understood,¡± Eileen responded. She knew Bryan had considered everything. He had dared to confront Vivian, crossing the Warren family, and he must possess unwavering confidence to take such a decisive step.

    The bathroom door clicked open. Bryan emerged with a bath towel wrapped around his waist, droplets of water trickling down from his short hair onto his chest. The water cascaded over his defined abdominal muscles, vanishing into the towel.

    Eileen stole a nce at his alluring physique before quickly averting her eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll get you some clothes,¡± she said.

    But as she passed by him, he grabbed her wrist. ¡°Don¡¯t bother. I¡¯ll just have to take them off again,¡± he said before closing the curtain.

    Eileen had been so upied recently that she always fell asleep as soon as she hit the bed each night. Bryan¡¯s desire for intimacy had been intense for days. Tonight was a rare asion since Eileen didn¡¯t have to rush to the education agency in the morning.

    When Eileen realized what he meant, her ears flushed red. Her long hair fell loosely over her shoulders as shey on the bed, her cor slightly open, revealing her wless skin. There were no marks on her skin, indicating they hadn¡¯t been intimate recently.

    Leaning closer, Bryan pressed his lips gently against hers, their breath mingling. With the tip of his nose brushing against hers, his cool fingertips deftly undid a few buttons of her shirt.

    ¡°My grandmother keeps urging me to bring you back,¡± he said in a raspy voice, clearly aroused.

    Eileen felt dizzy under his touch. cing her hands on his sturdy waist, she replied, ¡°I still have some tasks to handle here, which might dy our return. However, Bailee will head to Onnd to make arrangements in advance, so we can go back within three months.¡±

    ¡°When will you introduce me to your mother?¡± Bryan inquired, his tone serious. He had waited patiently, yet she hadn¡¯t brought up the topic.

    ¡°Once we¡¯re back in Onnd and my mother¡¯s health improves, I¡¯ll tell her about our rtionship. Then, we can get married, alright?¡± Eileen lifted her gaze slightly, her lips glistening as she spoke.

    Hearing that, Bryan paused for a moment. He ran his calloused fingers through her hair before kissing her passionately. His voice emerged low and husky between their kisses. ¡°Okay.¡±

    It was the first time they had discussed this matter, and both felt pleased with each other¡¯s responses. Consequently, Bryan felt his desire for Eileen intensify.

    Eileen¡¯s hazy eyes mirrored his overwhelming longing. Her slender fingers, intertwined with his above her head, grew pale from his tight grasp. Her voice took on a husky tone as she reminded him, ¡°I¡¯ll be taking Bailee to the education agency tomorrow¡­¡±

    She was telling him that he needed to restrain his desires a bit tonight. Bryan paused, burying his head in her neck as he breathed heavily. When would she not be busy? She should at least satisfy him¡­

    With a discontented look on his face, Bryan managed to restrain himself. The next morning, he let Eileen sleep in.

    Eileen had told Bailee that she would take her to the education agency at ten in the morning. However, she didn¡¯t wake up until nine forty.

    Her legs trembled as she got up to wash her face and brush her teeth. Downstairs, the breakfast Bryan had prepared was still warm. Seeing Eileen, Bryan put the food in a box for her to take on the go.

    ¡°Bryan, you¡¯re so thoughtful!¡± remarked Milford, who was studying in the living room.

    However, Eileen didn¡¯t acknowledge the gesture. She cast a fleeting nce at Bryan, changed her shoes, and left. If he had stopped earlierst night, she wouldn¡¯t have had to eat breakfast on the way. Her legs still felt weak, and she wasn¡¯t sure if she could manage the drive to the education agency.

    Once she settled into the car, Milford hurried over and handed her a cup of milk. ¡°You forgot this,¡± he said.

    ¡°Thanks.¡± Eileen epted it and ced it in the storagepartment before driving off. Milford waved goodbye as Eileen left and then headed back inside the vi.

    Nearby, under the shade of a tree, a man in a cleaning uniform observed the scene intently. He swiftly retrieved his mobile phone and dialed a number. ¡°Leroy, Milford is definitely here. But our guys are having trouble gaining ess to this location. It¡¯s an upscale vi area¡­ Right. I¡¯ve got the license te of that woman memorized. Instruct our men outside to tail her and find out who she is.¡±

    After picking up Bailee, Eileen proceeded to the education agency, unaware that she was being followed. Meanwhile, Bailee was too nervous to notice anything amiss.

    Logging into her backend ount on the online course software, she discovered a significant surge in course purchases, causing her heart to race with excitement.

    Eileen said, ¡°In reality, publicizing the education agency shouldn¡¯t pose much of a challenge. You only need a clear understanding of which courses each grade¡¯s students should purchase and to provide some trial lessons to them. In the meantime, handle the post-sales and reception duties¡­¡±

    Eileen meticulously walked Bailee through each course and its target audience. After a lunch break at the education agency, she delved into discussions about Onnd¡¯s market with Bailee in the afternoon.

    ¡°Swift domination isn¡¯t feasible. Instead, let¡¯s concentrate on establishing ourselves firmly.¡± Eileen highlighted promising locations in Onnd. ¡°Inspect potential storefronts in these areas, make reservations, and initiate recruitment if suitable. Avoid shouldering the burden alone; channel all your efforts into promotion.¡±

    Having lived in Onnd for many years, they were familiar enough with the area that establishing a foothold would not be an issue. Consequently, Eileen harbored no concerns about Bailee going back to Onnd alone.

    Later that evening, on their way back to Lakeside Vi, an unexpected encounter awaited them at the vi¡¯s entrance.

    Under the streemp¡¯s glow, Benjamin stood with a stern expression, clutching a box of tonics, his gaze fixed on the gate ahead.

    ¡°Mr. Nash!¡± Bailee called out from the car window, tilting her head for a better view.

    Eileen hadn¡¯t expected to encounter Benjamin here. Theirst meeting at the airport had ended with her rejecting his proposal to be together.

    Caught off guard and feeling slightly awkward, Eileen halted the car since Bailee had already greeted Benjamin.

    ¡°What brings you here?¡± Bailee asked excitedly as she stepped out of the car.

    Eileen unbuckled her seatbelt, got out of the car, and approached Benjamin with a calm expression. ¡°It¡¯s been a while.¡±

    Benjamin offered a faint smile. ¡°Indeed, it¡¯s been quite some time. I¡¯ve been assisting Mr. Warren with his tasks. We¡¯re heading back to Onnd tomorrow morning, so I thought I¡¯d visit your mother tonight.¡±

    When Bryan stepped out of the vi to dispose of the garbage, he noticed Eileen and the others gathered at the district gate. He narrowed his eyes and slipped one hand into his pocket, watching silently as Eileen and Bailee walked with Benjamin toward Ruby¡¯s ce. Noticing the tonics in Benjamin¡¯s hands, he deduced that Benjamin was there to visit Eileen¡¯s mother.

    Bryan¡¯s expression darkened, and he stood frozen for a moment before turning on his heel and heading back inside the vi. Despite the bustling activity and warm atmosphere following Benjamin¡¯s arrival, he sensed an unusual quietness about Eileen.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 217

    ?Chapter 217:

    Ruby sat on the sofa, smiling warmly at Benjamin. She gestured for Eileen to invite Benjamin to sit and signaled Bailee to fetch some fruit.

    Benjamin set down his gift and said gently, ¡°Mrs. Curtis, I just stopped by and will be leaving shortly.¡±

    Bailee eagerly urged him to stay. ¡°Just stay a bit longer! It¡¯s getting dark. You can have dinner with us and leave afterward. Your flight is tomorrow anyway.¡±

    Ruby quickly nodded, her subtle movements clearly expressing her wish for Benjamin to stay longer.

    ¡°I can¡¯t; I have some matters to deal with tonight,¡± Benjamin insisted, his tone firm.

    Bailee and Ruby then turned to look at Eileen, expecting her to persuade Benjamin to stay. Feeling the weight of their gazes, Eileen snapped back to the moment. After a moment of thought, she said, ¡°He has other ns. We can always have dinner together another time.¡±

    Ruby looked at Eileen with disappointment, and Bailee appeared puzzled as to why Eileen didn¡¯t try harder to convince Benjamin to stay.

    Benjamin offered a resigned smile and said, ¡°Let¡¯s n to have a meal together another time.¡±

    After exchanging a few more words, he bid them farewell and asked, ¡°Eileen, could you walk me out?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Eileen stood up and apanied Benjamin to the door.

    It was early evening, and the neighborhood was illuminated by streetlights. Eileen was dressed in a shirt and jeans, her long hair tied back in a ponytail. Benjamin noticed how much more mature Eileen seemedpared to her college days, and he felt a greater distance between them than during theirst encounter.

    Start your next adventure at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s

    ¡°Have you decided to be with Bryan?¡± Benjamin stopped to look directly at Eileen.

    Hearing that, Eileen paused and turned to face him. ¡°Whatever decision I make, it¡¯s after careful consideration, not on a whim.¡±

    Benjamin studied her for a moment before letting out a deep sigh and looking away. ¡°I can¡¯t offer you my blessings. It seems we¡¯re destined to be adversaries moving forward.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t help you anymore. Take care of yourself.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen replied. Benjamin¡¯s frankness was disarming; even if he were to do something unforgivable in the future, Eileen believed she might find it hard to hold it against him.

    ¡°Regardless, you¡¯ve been a great help in the past, and for that, I¡¯m thankful. If you need anything going forward, I¡¯ll do my best to assist,¡± she added.

    While she appreciated his support, she understood the importance of setting boundaries. She chose not to mention that Bailee was moving back to Onnd.

    After seeing Benjamin off, Eileen quickly texted Huey as she walked back.

    ¡°Bailee is returning to Onnd next Monday. Please look after her for me.¡±

    Huey responded almost instantly, his tone brimming with excitement as he asked how long Bailee would be staying in Onnd. Upon confirming that Bailee would stay there permanently, Huey sent several happy emojis.

    After contemting her thoughts, Eileen¡¯s unease persisted, prompting her to provide Bailee with further instructions. She urged Bailee to avoid the Warren family and distance herself from Benjamin once she returned to Onnd.

    Bailee replied, ¡°If you hadn¡¯t mentioned it, I might have forgotten that you and Benjamin have to sneak around just to remain friends.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t consider him a friend,¡± Eileen said without hesitation. ¡°Think of him as just another stranger.¡±

    Bailee acknowledged her with a nod. ¡°Understood.¡±

    Their conversation was away from Ruby. Eileen nced at Ruby, who was practicing walking by the windows, and suggested, ¡°Spend more time with Mom tomorrow. I¡¯ve arranged your flight for you, and I¡¯ll drive you to the airport the day after tomorrow.¡±

    After speaking with Bailee, Eileen returned to Bryan¡¯s ce. As she entered the vi, the scent of cooking wafted through the air. She switched to her slippers and noticed Bryan in the kitchen. Several dishes were alreadyid out on the table, and she walked over with a smile.

    ¡°Don¡¯te in here.¡± Before Eileen could step into the kitchen, Bryan stopped her. He remained focused on his cooking, not turning around, which led her to believe he simply didn¡¯t want her in the kitchen.

    ¡°Let me help you,¡± Eileen offered.

    ¡°No, that¡¯s okay.¡± Bryan finally turned, leaning back against the cupboard, his gazending on Eileen¡¯s face. ¡°Didn¡¯t you invite Benjamin to dinner before he left?¡±

    Eileen tensed, her smile momentarily faltering. After a few seconds, she couldn¡¯t help but chuckle.

    Bryan¡¯s irritation was palpable. He remained motionless, a frown etching displeasure on his face.

    ¡°I did invite him for dinner, but he declined,¡± Eileen replied, deliberately choosing words she knew Bryan wouldn¡¯t like to hear. ¡°He works for Kian, so he felt that getting too close to me might cause problems. I didn¡¯t pressure him.¡±

    She gave Bryan an innocent look, her eyes slightly narrowed, noticing even the faintest twitch of his facial muscles.

    Bryan gritted his teeth and pressed his hand against the edge of the cupboard. ¡°Haven¡¯t you thought that being close to him might also bring you trouble?¡± His tone shifted from annoyance to something more threatening.

    ¡°What trouble could I possibly face?¡± Eileen teased yfully, stepping closer, wrapping her arms around his waist, and resting her chin against his chest. ¡°I have you to protect me.¡±

    Why would she need to worry about trouble when her protector was right there?

    She felt warmth on her wrist as Bryan tried to pull her hand away, but she tightened her embrace.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be mad. I was just joking,¡± she said, rising on her toes to kiss him on the lips.

    Bryan replied, his tone gentler, ¡°I¡¯m not mad, just a bit upset.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re jealous,¡± Eileen teased, her eyes lighting up at his reaction. ¡°Don¡¯t you know what it¡¯s like to be jealous?¡±

    She could immediately tell that the man holding her stiffened.

    Jealous? Bryan recalled often feeling this way when he had been in Onnd.

    ¡°Benjamin has made it very clear to me that he¡¯ll continue to work for Kian. He knows we¡¯ll be at odds from now on. There¡¯s nothing more between us,¡± Eileen rified, her body bathed in a halo of light reflecting from the ceiling.

    Her lips, shiny and red, moved as Bryan inhaled her subtle scent. He tightened his embrace around her slim waist, leaned down, and kissed her forehead gently. His kisses trailed from her forehead to the corners of her eyes, from the tip of her nose to her lips. His fingers ran through her hair, and as the kiss deepened, his breathing grew heavy.

    The simmering sound of the soup on the stove filled the room. The warm air from the soup swirled around them, and Bryan entertained the thought of having sex with Eileen right there.

    Suddenly, the sound of the door interrupted them. In the next moment, Milford burst into the vi. Eileen quickly stepped away from Bryan¡¯s embrace. Despite theirposed exteriors, their breaths were still uneven. Eileen¡¯s lips were slightly red and swollen from being bitten the night before, and her ears flushed. To an observant person like Z, it was clear what Eileen and Bryan had been doing.

    The desire in Bryan¡¯s eyes was apparent¡ªa look Z had never seen before.

    ¡°You¡¯re being too reckless,¡± Z said, diverting her gaze from them to Milford, who looked visibly ufortable. Milford seemed to realize something as his ears turned red. ¡°It¡¯s almost time for dinner. How could I have known¡­¡± His voice carried a hint ofint.

    ¡°Have you two sorted things out?¡± Bryan asked. Seeing Eileen¡¯s embarrassed expression, he acted as though nothing unusual had happened. Z smiled at Eileen and replied, ¡°What does it matter if we haven¡¯t? Milford has decided to stay with you. I suppose he¡¯ll be troubling you from now on. Don¡¯t worry; I¡¯ll cover all his expenses.¡±

    After saying that, Z turned to Milford and told him to behave. Eileen recalled Bryan¡¯s advice to Milford, urging him to discuss his living arrangements directly with Z.

    ¡°I don¡¯t need your financial support,¡± Milford said sharply to Z. ¡°Using your money means you get to meddle in my life. If I don¡¯t take anything from you, you¡¯ll have no right to interfere!¡±

    After saying this, Milford walked into the living room, with Z following behind. They exchanged a few more words before their conversation escted into another argument.

    Bryan turned down the heat on the stove and faced Eileen. ¡°They¡¯re loud, but it¡¯s better they sort this out themselves.¡± Whatever conclusion they reached was theirs to make; as outsiders, Bryan believed he and Eileen shouldn¡¯t interfere.

    Eileen looked at Bryan and questioned, ¡°Why did you agree to let Milford stay here?¡± She knew Bryan was kind, but he wasn¡¯t the type to make such a decision lightly. There were many ways he could have helped Milford, but he had chosen the one that could offer him some much-needed warmth.

    ¡°No reason,¡± Bryan replied, turning to check the soup. Memories shed through his mind, bringing a barely noticeable sadness to his eyes.

    Before Eileen could say anything, the debate in the living room grew louder. She approached the kitchen door and saw Milford standing on the couch, towering over Z. He shouted angrily, ¡°I didn¡¯t ask you to meddle in my life! Mom and Dad didn¡¯t put you in charge of me. If you don¡¯t like me, just stay away!¡±

    ¡°Stay away from you?¡± Z retorted sharply, pointing a finger at him. ¡°Why do you have to be so arrogant? Do you think they genuinely want to look after you? Without me, do you think they¡¯d care whether you were alive or dead?¡±

    Z¡¯s harsh words made Eileen¡¯s heart sink. Suddenly, the sound of the stove turning off caught Eileen¡¯s attention. Before she could look back, Bryan brushed past her.

    ¡°Step outside with me,¡± Bryan said to Z, taking her arm firmly and guiding her out, his expression stern. Milford, still on the couch, watched as Bryan escorted Z away. His gaze then shifted to Eileen.

    Their eyes met, and Eileen noticed that Milford¡¯s were reddening. She walked toward him slowly. Before she could reach him, he asked, ¡°Why did you bring me back here? Is it because you see an opportunity to profit from tutoring me, or is it for Z¡¯s sake?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 218

    ?Chapter 218:

    ¡°Have you forgotten about our investment in you? You think you can just freeload here?¡± Eileen replied.

    She didn¡¯t answer Milford¡¯s question directly; instead, she chose to approach him from another angle. Milford, with his boyish face scrunched into a frown, stared at her for a long moment, clearly puzzled.

    ¡°I¡¯m not familiar with your sister,¡± Eileen continued. ¡°I don¡¯t have to do this for her, and I won¡¯t take care of a freeloader. You need to deliver on what you promised me. Your credibility iscking, so you need to put your promise in writing.¡±

    Milford¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. He jumped off the couch and approached her anxiously. ¡°I¡¯m a man of my word! If you don¡¯t believe me, ask around. Everyone knows I keep my promises!¡±

    Eileen crossed her arms and turned to retrieve a pen and paper from her bag. ¡°I only trust what¡¯s in writing. Write it down now.¡±

    She ced the pen and paper on the table, gesturing for Milford toe over. She dictated what to write word by word, and Milfordplied.

    Outside the French windows, Z and Bryan stood in the yard. Bryan¡¯s eyes were cold as he said, ¡°I thought you, of all people, would understand what it¡¯s like to be a foster child. Milford¡¯s still a kid. Why would you say something so hurtful to him?¡±

    Z¡¯s face flushed with indignation. ¡°But I¡¯m telling him the truth!¡±

    Bryan¡¯s gaze hardened. ¡°What truth? What¡¯s your rtionship with me? Do you think you have any im over me?¡±

    Z¡¯s mouth fell open in shock. ¡°You and I have lived together for years!¡±

    Your favorite updates g?ln¦Ò¦Í?ls

    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯ve lived together for years. What of it? There¡¯s no real rtionship between you and me!¡± Bryan¡¯s tone was sharp.

    Z was struck silent.

    Bryan took a deep breath, pulling a cigarette from his pocket and lighting it. He took a deep drag, trying to dispel the irritation gnawing at him. Milford¡¯s look of shock and despair just moments ago stirred emotions in Bryan that he had buried for years.

    ¡°Whether you were pushy or disappointed in him, you hurt him deeply. Don¡¯t ever say such hurtful things to him again. If you can convince him to go back with you, then do it. But don¡¯t juste here to lecture him,¡± Bryan stated firmly.

    A gentle breeze blew on the early summer evening, but Bryan¡¯s words cut through Z like a cold knife.

    ¡°I¡¯m worried that if I take him back to Onnd in the future¡­ he¡¯ll only bring me trouble, making it even harder for me to stay in the Dawson family,¡± Z admitted, her voice breaking as a tear slipped down her cheek.

    Bryan flicked the ash off his cigarette. After a pause, he replied, ¡°You know your ce in the Dawson family. No one will care about your brother¡¯s character. Besides, Milford isn¡¯t as bad as you think.¡±

    His unwavering defense of Milford chilled Z to her core. It took all her strength to keep herposure. ¡°I¡¯ve heard he asked you to invest in him just to have an excuse to stay here. If that¡¯s his choice, I¡¯ll respect it. But I will still cover his expenses. You don¡¯t have to tell him. I won¡¯t interfere in his affairs anymore.¡±

    ¡°Fine,¡± Bryan replied curtly. ¡°You can leave now.¡±

    ¡°Wait,¡± Z said, hesitating. ¡°Your mother¡¯s been calling, urging me to return to Onnd. What¡¯s your n? You¡¯ve only severed ties with your father; you can¡¯t stay here forever. Your grandmother is still waiting for your return.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s eyes remained cold. ¡°I¡¯ll handle the matter myself. Go back if you want.¡±

    With that, he turned and headed back into the house. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, Z watched his tall figure stride into the living room to stand by Eileen¡¯s side. The indifference and impatience he had shown her moments ago vanished instantly when he was with Eileen. His eyes softened, filled with warmth.

    Z had known Bryan for years, but she had never experienced that kind of treatment from him before.

    In the living room, Eileen gently urged Milford to finish writing the note and press his fingerprint. ¡°All right,¡± she said, folding the paper and tucking it carefully into the inner pocket of her bag as if it were a treasure.

    Seeing Bryan return, Milford asked in a low voice, ¡°Did she leave?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Bryan¡¯s voice carried a soothing rity, the faint smell of smoke surrounding Eileen.

    Eileen nced out the window just in time to catch Z turning away and climbing into her car. ¡°She¡¯s gone now. She won¡¯t be poking her nose into your affairs anymore. But she¡¯s still your sister¡­¡± Bryan¡¯s tone brooked no argument.

    Milford listened and understood what Bryan meant. If only Z had spoken to him with a better attitude, without that condescending air, maybe he wouldn¡¯t have harbored such resentment toward her.

    Eileen had given Milford numerous tasks for his studies, and his weekend schedule was packed. Since he couldn¡¯t y games on his phone, he had secretly yed games on Eileen¡¯sputer twice, only to be caught red-handed, resulting in a stern lecture from her.

    However, having Milford around made the house feel more alive in Eileen¡¯s eyes.

    In the afternoon, Eileen visited Ruby¡¯s ce, stayingte into the evening to assist Bailee with packing. She handed Bailee a card. ¡°Besides the cash flow from Wist Land, this is our entire savings. Use it wisely, both in your work and your life. As for where you¡¯ll live in Onnd, that¡¯s something you¡¯ll have to figure out on your own.¡±

    Bailee was about to ept the card but hesitated upon realizing it was all their savings. ¡°Why give me all the money? Just give me an amount you think I¡¯ll need.¡±

    Eileen took Bailee¡¯s hand, pressing the card into it. ¡°I¡¯m thinking, if our agency thrives in Onnd, I might invest in a few stores to expand our reach. This won¡¯t even cover the cost of another house for us. Just take the card. Oh, and of the nursing assistants who dropped by this afternoon, which one do you think is the best fit?¡±

    Unable to refuse Eileen, Bailee clutched the card tightly. ¡°I reckon the nursing assistant named Rosa is the most suitable.¡±

    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll tell Dr. Potter to arrange for Rosa toe here tomorrow. Now, you go keep Mompany. She wasn¡¯t keen on seeing you leave; she was in tears just now.¡± Eileen rose, heading to the window to call Austen.

    After the day¡¯s hustle settled, the clock chimed nine in the evening. Bailee¡¯s flight was scheduled for eight tomorrow morning, which meant Eileen needed to wake up early to drive her to the airport.

    Sending a quick message to Bryan, Eileen informed him she wouldn¡¯t being home tonight. She then joined Bailee in Ruby¡¯s room to sleep.

    The bed felt a bit crowded with three people sharing it, and Ruby held one hand of each of them. Although shecked much strength, Bailee and Eileen gripped her hands tightly. Memories danced in the dim light as they reminisced about childhood escapades, college adventures, and the passage of years until sleep wove its gentle spell around them.

    At five in the morning, Eileen stirred, slipping out from the warmth of the covers to prepare for the day ahead. After freshening up and getting dressed, she had breakfast before driving Bailee to the airport.

    In Eileen¡¯s mind, Bailee was still the little girl who had been innocent and naive. But looking at Bailee now, she realized that her friend had shed that guise for the mantle of a responsible young woman. Bailee was now twenty-five, a picture of maturity in a light gray windbreaker, T-shirt, and jeans.

    After reluctantly bidding farewell to Bailee at the airport, Eileen headed straight for the education agency. Her schedule became busier; evenings were reserved for tutoring Adalina and Milford, and she also needed to check on Ruby every night. The hired nursing assistant, Rosa Patel, ensured Ruby¡¯s well-being, granting Eileen the peace of mind to delve deeper into her work.

    A few days passed. On Friday, Eileen decided to tutor Adalina and Milford early to spend more time with Bryan afterward. However, before she could dive into her afternoon tasks at work, amotion downstairs interrupted her.

    The receptionist, wide-eyed with rm, dashed up the stairs, her voice trembling. ¡°Ms. Curtis, someone¡¯s causing trouble downstairs!¡±

    Eileen¡¯s gaze narrowed as she abandoned her work and went downstairs.

    In the lounge area, a man draped in tattoos sprawled on the couch, a cigarette dangling from his lips. His floral shirt hung open, revealing a tank top beneath. Around his neck gleamed a gold ne, and on one of his fingers glinted a gold ring.

    Behind him loomed a group of followers, their eyes menacing as they regarded Eileen.

    ¡°Excuse me, how may I assist you?¡± Eileen inquired politely, careful to keep her distance from the imposing group.

    The tattooed man offered no response, merely turning his head to emit a disdainful snort. A thin man stepped forward and asked, ¡°Do you know Milford?¡±

    Eileen paused for a moment, then nodded. ¡°Yes, he¡¯s one of my students.¡±

    ¡°Cut the crap!¡± the thin man snapped, waving his hand dismissively. ¡°We¡¯ve been following you for days. You¡¯re living under the same roof as Milford, practically family with him!¡±

    ¡°What exactly do you want from him?¡± Eileen asked, her gut telling her that this group had bullied Milford. Some had been arrested for attacking him, and the others clearly wanted revenge.

    The thin man replied without hesitation, ¡°We¡¯re here to collect his debt.¡±

    ¡°Debt?¡± Eileen¡¯s surprise was evident. But then she recalled that Milford had been away for a few days without any money¡­ Had he borrowed from these people?

    ¡°How much does Milford owe you?¡± Eileen inquired cautiously.

    The tattooed man extended five fat fingers.

    ¡°Five hundred? Or five thousand?¡± Eileen asked, mentally calcting Milford¡¯s expenditures. She believed he had spent no more than five hundred, but these people were clearly charging interest. She estimated that his debt wouldn¡¯t exceed five thousand.

    Laughter erupted from the group, mocking her naivety. ¡°You serious? Would wee all this way for scraps? Think bigger,¡± the thin man scoffed.

    ¡°Fifty thousand?¡± Eileen¡¯s heart sank.

    In a dramatic flourish, the tattooed man produced a crumpled paper and pped it onto the table.

    ¡°See for yourself. Milford¡¯s signature is right there!¡± the tattooed man eximed.

    Eileen¡¯s eyes widened as she looked at the paper¡ªfive hundred thousand dors! The amount Milford allegedly borrowed was fifty thousand.

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible,¡± Eileen protested.

    The tattooed man mmed his palm onto the table, his anger palpable. ¡°Impossible? Are you calling me a liar?¡±

    ¡°I need to verify this with Milford,¡± Eileen said, snapping a photo of the document with her phone. However, she remembered that Milford¡¯s phone couldn¡¯t process images, so she wouldn¡¯t be able to confirm anything right away. ¡°You guys can leave for now. We can discuss this after I confirm it with Milford.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 219

    ?Chapter 219:

    ¡°We¡¯re not leaving today until we see the cash!¡± the thin man retorted, folding his arms and positioning himself behind the tattooed man.

    Their intimidating presence drew the attention of the office staff, who began to peek and whisper among themselves.

    Noticing this, Eileen put her phone away and stated firmly, ¡°Privately borrowing money isn¡¯t illegal, but charging exorbitant interest is. Turning a debt of fifty thousand into five hundred thousand, with interest multiplied tenfold, is beyond legal limits¡ª¡±

    She intended to verify with Milford whether he had actually borrowed the initial fifty thousand.

    However, before she could finish, the tattooed man pulled another document from his pocket and mmed it onto the table with confidence. ¡°I expected you to use thew against me. I¡¯ve been in this business long enough to know how things work. Without that knowledge, I would have faced significant losses long ago,¡± he said.

    The receptionist bravely approached and examined the paper on the table. It stipted that unless Milford¡¯s payment was satisfactory to the tattooed man, he could refuse the money and require Milford to work off his debt for two years. The document did not specify an exact amount due; it only stated that it must please the tattooed man.

    ¡°You¡¯re a smart person, and I don¡¯t want toplicate things for you. How about this¡­¡± the tattooed man proposed with a smirk as he stood up. ¡°By this time tomorrow, bring either the cash or Milford himself.¡±

    With that, he and his crew departed, leaving Eileen to endure the disapproving looks from some of the staff at the educational institution.

    Those looks made Eileen furrow her brow. She told the receptionist, ¡°Clean up here. Everyone else, please continue with your duties.¡±

    Discover new books g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    She then ascended to the second floor, gathered her documents, and left for home.

    Her hurried departure did not go unnoticed. The tattooed man in the van captured it on camera, sending the photos to Z. He expressed his gratitude to Z, confident that Eileen would find a way to produce the money.

    Z quickly called him, saying, ¡°I¡¯ll provide the five hundred thousand. Don¡¯t ept her money. Just make Milford drop out and join your crew.¡±

    This left the tattooed man in shock. ¡°Are you really Milford¡¯s sister? Having him work with us for two years, even before he turns eighteen, would ruin his future.¡±

    The tattooed man was more interested in the money than ruining a young life, and he wondered about Z¡¯s motives.

    ¡°That¡¯s none of your concern. I¡¯ll send you the money. Just don¡¯t take Eileen¡¯s money. By setting the price so high, they¡¯ll have to give up the idea of repaying.¡± With that, Z hung up the phone.

    Inside the van, everyone listened to the conversation, exchanging puzzled nces.

    The thin man cautiously inquired, ¡°Boss, what does she mean? What should we do now?¡±

    Without hesitation, the tattooed man replied, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about her reasons. Once we get the five hundred thousand, we¡¯ll be set for a good time!¡±

    ¡°Boss, you¡¯ve got a point!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been itching to hit up a nightclub. You¡¯ve got to make that happen, Boss!¡±

    Though they hadn¡¯t received any money yet, their excitement bubbled.

    Eileen arrived home and immediately called Milford from upstairs. She then showed him the photo of the loan agreement on her phone.

    Milford took one look at it, and his face fell. ¡°This agreement¡­ It has been tampered with!¡±

    ¡°Forget about whether it has been tampered with or not. Just give me the facts. How much did you really borrow, and are these your fingerprint and signature?¡± Eileen settled onto the sofa, her dark hair flowing down her shoulders. She fixed Milford with a piercing stare, making him feel as if an invisible force was gripping his throat.

    After a brief pause, Milford replied weakly, ¡°I borrowed just five hundred, and they wanted two thousand back. The interest seemed manageable, so I agreed. But how did it turn into fifty thousand?¡±

    The two thousand repayment demand had skyrocketed to half a million. Milford had signed the agreement, and the fingerprint was indeed his.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re telling me that the document stating you¡¯d work for them for two years if they were dissatisfied with your payment was also signed by you?¡± Eileen asked.

    Milford was taken aback for a moment, then admitted, ¡°Yes, I figured I could handle two thousand easily, so I¡ª¡±

    Before he could finish, Eileen, overwhelmed by frustration, grabbed a cushion from the sofa and threw it at him.

    Milford dared not refute her, sping his head and curling up on the sofa. ¡°Ms. Curtis, I realize I made a mistake. I thought if you didn¡¯te for me, I¡¯d have nowhere else to go, and joining them for two years seemed like a way to survive. If you did show up, then the two thousand wouldn¡¯t matter much¡­¡±

    He had a point. Had the debt been just two thousand, Eileen would have readily paid it off for Milford without a second thought. But it wasn¡¯t just about the money; what truly upset Eileen was the malicious nature of the scheme.

    ¡°You¡¯re only sixteen years old; you¡¯re easy prey for them. If they meant any harm, you wouldn¡¯t even realize how badly things could turn out!¡± Eileen eximed angrily.

    The atmosphere inside the house was tense. Bryan could tell immediately that something was amiss as he entered.

    After changing his shoes in the entryway, he looked at the two figures on the couch. One was shivering in the corner; the other sat with arms folded, looking serious.

    ¡°Bryan!¡± Upon seeing him, Milford jumped up and rushed over, quickly exining the situation.

    After learning what had happened, Bryan¡¯s expression darkened, and he gave Milford a sharp look. Milford replied with a ttering smile, ¡°Ms. Curtis is angry now. Bryan, please, could you talk to her for me?¡±

    Somehow, Milford was more afraid of Eileen¡¯s anger.

    ¡°Head back to your room now; there¡¯s no dinner for you tonight.¡± Bryan removed his coat and began unbuttoning his shirt cuffs, rolling his sleeves up slightly. His muscr forearms were exposed as if he were preparing for something significant.

    ¡°As long as you manage to make Ms. Curtis happy, I¡¯m willing to go without food for a day!¡±

    With that, Milford quickly made his way upstairs. As he disappeared around the corner on the third floor, Eileen shifted slightly and looked in his direction. Once she was sure he was out of view, she let out a sigh of relief.

    ¡°You¡¯re not angry?¡± Bryan settled next to her, crossing his long legs and gently tucking her hair behind her ear. Leaning closer, Eileen responded, ¡°I¡¯m a bit upset, but I don¡¯t need constion. I was just putting on an act for him to make sure he learns his lesson.¡±

    Since the note was a forgery, Eileen believed she could find evidence to prove it. It would just take time to deal with the culprits. However, now that she was running an educational institution, getting entangled with those criminals for too long could potentially affect her work.

    ¡°When I first came to Wist Land, I put in a lot of effort to find Milford. If he hadn¡¯t had the street smarts to navigate that tough crowd, he would have starved to death long ago,¡± Bryan recalled vividly the first time he encountered Milford. The boy had used a survival tactic born of sheer desperation.

    But this time, Milford was indeed at fault.

    ¡°I see your point. He might not have had other options before, but now he does. It¡¯s essential that he abandons this way of thinking. He can¡¯t just run away from home whenever he feels like it anymore,¡± Eileen said, taking hold of a ck button on Bryan¡¯s shirt, running her finger over it as an indescribable feeling welled up inside her.

    ¡°How did the conversation go with those guys?¡± Bryan asked, resting his arm along the back of the sofa and fixing his eyes on Eileen¡¯s face.

    Eileen¡¯s gaze was downcast. After a moment of thought, she replied, ¡°They n to visit the educational institution tomorrow, so I need to talk to awyer to figure out how to handle them for now. Then we can work on resolving this slowly.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s eyes darkened at her words. He pondered for a moment before saying, ¡°I¡¯ll handle it.¡± He quickly took out his phone and sent a message before Eileen could catch a glimpse.

    ¡°Okay, but you need to be stricter with Milford these days,¡± Eileen insisted.

    ¡°Understood,¡± Bryan responded, tightening his arms around her and pulling her onto hisp.

    Feeling his strong legs beneath her, Eileen¡¯s heart fluttered, and she felt an urge to pull away. ¡°Milford is still here!¡± she protested.

    Bryan shrugged it off, saying, ¡°He wouldn¡¯t daree downstairs,¡± especially since Milford believed Eileen was still angry with him.

    Bryan gently caressed Eileen¡¯s cheek, tilting his head back slightly, the veins on his neck visible. ¡°I¡¯m starving,¡± he said.

    Eileen pressed her hands against Bryan¡¯s chest, resisting his pull.

    Desire stirred in Bryan¡¯s dark eyes. He eventually rested his head against her chest, inhaling deeply. ¡°Then I¡¯ll cook for you first.¡±

    ¡°Okay, it¡¯s gettingte. Go ahead and start cooking. I need to take Milford to the Vance family¡¯s ce for his tutoring session after the meal.¡± Eileen hinted that even after eating, Bryan wouldn¡¯t get what he wanted.

    As soon as she finished speaking, she felt a warm sensation on her corbone, followed by a sudden bite that made her wince in pain.

    ¡°I¡¯ll drive you there,¡± Bryan said, his voice low and husky. After biting her, he soothed the area with a gentle kiss, as if to ease her difort. He then straightened his disheveled shirt before heading to the kitchen to cook.

    In the end, Eileen softened and requested Bryan to call Milford down for dinner.

    Milford joined them at the table, his movements cautious as he nced at Eileen while he ate.

    While Eileen tutored Milford and Adalina, Bryan spent time talking with Denzel. During the brief ten-minute break, Eileen caught a snippet of their discussion; it revolved around a new business venture Denzel was pitching to Bryan as a potential investment. Bryan was giving the proposal serious thought.

    The following day was Saturday, and although Eileen had nned to spend the day with Ruby, Milford¡¯s situation necessitated a morning visit to the educational institution.

    At eight o¡¯clock, just as Eileen opened the door, she noticed the van parked on the roadside. The door swung open, revealing the familiar faces from the day before. The group walked over confidently, but Eileen halted them at the entrance, saying, ¡°Everyone, I¡¯ve booked a private room across the street at the cafe for us to talk. I have students arriving here for tutoring today, and I¡¯d appreciate your cooperation.¡±

    ¡°Alright then,¡± the tattooed man responded, leading his group away.

    Their arrival at the cafe caused a stir among the staff. Eileen reassured them, saying, ¡°Mr. Dawson has reserved the private room.¡±

    ¡°Pleasee this way,¡± a waiter said, guiding Eileen and the others to a secluded room on the second floor. He opened the door for them.

    Eileen walked in first and paused, surprised to see not only Bryan but also Z already inside.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 220

    ?Chapter 220:

    ¡°Come over here,¡± Bryan said as he set down his phone and gestured for Eileen to join him, pulling out a chair beside him.

    Eileen quicklyposed herself and greeted Z before walking over to Bryan and taking the seat next to him. She had expected him to call awyer for discussion, but to her surprise, he had summoned Z directly.

    Z was equally taken aback upon seeing the people apanying Eileen. She had assumed Bryan wanted her toe here to discuss Milford¡¯s situation. It hadn¡¯t crossed her mind that he would involve her directly in negotiations with these men.

    Bryan fixed a stern gaze on the group of men who had entered with Eileen. He pointed at Z and said, ¡°This is Milford¡¯s elder sister. If you want money or anything else, you can ask her for it.¡±

    Eileen was at a loss for words. She had considered enlightening Z about the situation but thought better of it, recalling the strained rtionship between Z and Milford and anticipating yet another dispute.

    The tattooed man and hispanions were also surprised. The group stood awkwardly in the spacious room, exchanging nces.

    After a brief pause, the tattooed man realized Z had walked into a trap. He exchanged meaningful looks with his men, sat down, and bluntly asked Z, ¡°Are you giving me the money today, or do I need to take Milford instead?¡±

    Z was stunned, suddenly grasping the situation. She turned to look at Bryan. A cigarette dangled from Bryan¡¯s left hand, the rising smoke swirling around him and Eileen. He gazed at Eileen with deep affection, holding her hand with his right and tenderly caressing the back of it with his fingertips.

    Seemingly catching Z¡¯s gaze, he frowned, tilted his head, and looked past Eileen at Z.

    Discover more at

    ¡°What? Did we disrupt your discussion here?¡± With those words, Bryan rose to his feet, the chair scraping against the floor.

    Eileen had to stand up alongside Bryan since he was holding her hand. He guided her around the long table and headed for the door.

    ¡°Wait!¡± Z abruptly stood, fixing her eyes on Bryan. ¡°Are you just going to leave like this?¡±

    Bryan, leading Eileen, approached the tattooed man and his group. His cold demeanor caused them to instinctively retreat towards Z. He stopped, turned to her, and asked in a serious tone, ¡°Is there anything else you need?¡±

    As he spoke, he noticed Z standing near the men, looking rather vulnerable. He frowned and reassured her, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. There are security cameras here. They wouldn¡¯t dare try anything.¡±

    He shot the group a warning look before leaving with Eileen without looking back.

    The door swung open for a moment, letting the hallway light flood in and briefly illuminate Z¡¯s face. Clenching her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her skin, she appeared unfazed by the pain.

    ¡°Here¡¯s five hundred thousand. Take it and go,¡± Z said, cing a bank card on the table and sliding it toward the tattooed man.

    The tattooed man, his face lined with wrinkles, smiled but made no move to take the card. ¡°Miss Murray, I never imagined our first meeting would be under such circumstances.¡±

    ¡°Cut the crap. Just take the money and leave!¡± Z snapped, her impatience growing.

    The tattooed man maintained his calm smile. ¡°While the loan note is for half a million dors, you previously mentioned that the other agreement would grant me the right to take Milford with me. With that, I could ask for more than half a million¡­¡±

    Z scowled and replied through gritted teeth, ¡°What are you implying?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll cut to the chase, Ms. Murray. Give me one million dors. If you don¡¯t pay up, I¡¯ll walk right out and tell those two that you orchestrated this whole thing, giving us Milford¡¯s signature and fingerprint.¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Z eximed angrily.

    The angrier Z became, the more confident the tattooed man appeared.

    On the coffee shop¡¯s first floor,rge French windows let in the morning sunlight, illuminating Eileen and Bryan. Lazily leaning on the sofa, Eileen sipped her coffee and said, ¡°Isn¡¯t it a bit harsh leaving Z to handle the matter alone?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Bryan said casually. ¡°Z is Milford¡¯s sister. It makes sense for her to deal with it. Besides, when she left that day, she said she would cover the money.¡±

    Bryan hadn¡¯t shared this with Eileen before. She had assumed that after the unsessful discussion between Milford and Z, Z intended to distance herself from Milford moving forward.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me this before?¡± Eileen murmured her grievance. ¡°I barely sleptst night trying to think of a solution.¡±

    Bryan ced his arms on the coffee table and regarded Eileen with a calm expression. Just as he was about to respond, Z and the group of men descended from upstairs.

    The tattooed man and the others nodded at Eileen before exiting the cafe. Z approached Eileen and Bryan with her bag and took a seat beside them. ¡°I thought you guys had already left.¡±

    ¡°She needed to know the oue for her peace of mind,¡± Bryan replied, clearly referring to Eileen.

    ¡°Miss Murray, I suspect there¡¯s something fishy about the agreement they hold. You might want to¡ª¡± Eileen attempted to discuss her n with Z.

    But Z interjected, ¡°I¡¯ve settled the payment already. There¡¯s no use stirring up more issues. I prefer to minimize contact with those people to protect my reputation. Besides, half a million isn¡¯t a lot.¡±

    Stunned by this, Eileen responded, ¡°Miss Murray, your generosity is astounding.¡±

    Raising an eyebrow, Z said, ¡°So, if I don¡¯t intervene, will you continue to engage with them until the end? Are you unable to gather half a million dors?¡±

    Eileen had half a million dors, yet this sum represented the operating funds for her entire educational agency. Furthermore, withdrawing such a sum would disrupt the normal operations of her agency. Regardless, she would never give those people the money.

    ¡°Does it really matter whether she has the half million or not?¡± Bryan said calmly. ¡°Do you think what you did is the right approach? You¡¯ve simply allowed them to take advantage of you. Did your education overseas teach you to use money to solve everything?¡±

    Bryan had not anticipated that Z would simply pay the money. The look in his eyes suggested he believed she was foolish for doing so. His piercing gaze left Z feeling overwhelmed, and she gritted her teeth, staring back at him defiantly.

    Feeling disappointed, Bryan stood up, grabbed his jacket, and said, ¡°Well, it¡¯s settled then. Let¡¯s leave.¡±

    He approached Eileen and gently ced his hand on her waist as they slowly exited the cafe together.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect the issue to be resolved so easily. Now I can go home to spend time with my mother. I¡¯ll pick up her favorite desserts on the way.¡± After fastening her seatbelt, Eileen nced back at Z, who was still seated in the cafe, and frowned. ¡°I¡¯m surprised she just handed over the money like that.¡±

    In Eileen¡¯s eyes, Z had always been assertive, clever, and decisive. She certainly didn¡¯t seem like someone who would willingly give her money to thugs.

    Bryan didn¡¯t understand it either, but he wasn¡¯t interested in guessing what Z was thinking.

    Midway through their drive, Bryan pulled over to buy some desserts and extra snacks that Eileen preferred. When they reached Ruby¡¯s house, Eileen stepped out of the car with the treats and walked inside. At the entrance, while changing her shoes, she could hear Rosa, the caregiver, talking to Ruby.

    Rosa had been helping Ruby with her speech and pronunciation, and Ruby could now say a few simple words.

    After passing the desserts and snacks to Rosa, Eileen took a seat beside Ruby and began updating her on Bailee¡¯stest situation in Onnd. ¡°Mom, Bailee has really grown up. She found a ce and is starting to set up the business in two days. You¡¯d think she¡¯d pick the cheapest spot to live in Onnd, but guess what?¡± As she massaged Ruby¡¯s legs, Eileen continued, ¡°She chose an apartment in a decent neighborhood. Plus, she¡¯s been distributing tons of flyers to local residents. In just a few days, many people from Onnd have begun inquiring about her online courses.¡±

    Eileen couldn¡¯t suppress a smile as she recalled Bailee¡¯s initial caution in sharing that she had opted for a mid-range apartment, anxiously exining her reasons.

    ¡°Mom, Bailee¡¯s really clever. We might need to rely on her in the future,¡± Eileen said.

    Ruby nodded enthusiastically, and after a moment, she managed to say, ¡°Good¡­¡±

    Bailee¡¯s newfound sess wasrgely due to the confidence Eileen had instilled in her. The mutual support between Eileen and Ruby was something Ruby had never imagined she would witness.

    Bailee had sessfully settled in Onnd, and everything was proceeding smoothly.

    While Eileen spent much time with Ruby, her work also demanded attention, causing her to slightly neglect Bryan. But then Eileen realized that Bryan was also wrapped up in his ownmitments; it wasn¡¯t just her overlooking him. Bryan was also neglecting her.

    Sometimes Bryan woulde home at two in the morning, the faint smell of smoke and liquor lingering on him. Eileen recalled the conversation where Bryan and Denzel had mentioned a new project. Bryan had been willing to join that project before, and it seemed likely that he was preupied with it.

    With the holiday season approaching, Eileen, along with Phoebe, decided to host a dinner with several of her education agency¡¯s teachers. Eileen was nning to select someone to manage the agency once she returned to Onnd.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go to Onnd by August. Phoebe owns part of our firm, so feel free to reach out to her for any assistance. Additionally, I¡¯m looking for someone diligent and capable of handling emergencies to be in charge of the agency here,¡± Eileen said.

    Frankly, Phoebe¡¯s role was only to oversee the staff. The announcement sparked interest among the teachers, all eager to step into the role.

    ¡°Eileen, is that Bryan?¡± Phoebe suddenly leaned closer and whispered in Eileen¡¯s ear.

    After a moment, Eileen followed Phoebe¡¯s gaze to see a waitress outside a closed room on the second floor. ¡°Where?¡± she asked.

    Phoebe pointed toward the room. ¡°I just caught a glimpse of someone who looks like Bryan inside when the waiter was serving food.¡±

    Eileen shrugged casually. ¡°Perhaps you saw it wrong.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s an almost naked woman next to that man. What if it really is Bryan? Let¡¯s go take a look!¡± Phoebe stood up, pulling Eileen along with her. She turned to the others at the table and said, ¡°You guys keep eating. Ms. Curtis and I need to use the restroom.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 221

    ?Chapter 221:

    The restaurant had a lovely ambiance, and the hallway was nearly empty. Eileen and Phoebe, who had been dining on the first floor, headed upstairs. A waiter approached them quickly.

    ¡°Hello, how can I assist you two?¡± he asked.

    Phoebe smiled warmly. ¡°We saw a friend and wanted to say hi,¡± she exined.

    The waiter raised an eyebrow, ncing at the nearly empty hallway. It was clear their friend had to be in one of the private rooms.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± the waiter replied. ¡°But our private rooms on the second floor are strictly reserved. We can¡¯t let anyone in without permission. Maybe you can ask your friend toe downstairs to see you?¡±

    Eileen tugged at Phoebe¡¯s arm. ¡°Let¡¯s leave,¡± she whispered.

    Even if Bryan was indeed up there, he was probably there for work.

    ¡°Alright, we¡¯re leaving.¡± Phoebe didn¡¯t argue and turned to go.

    After a few steps, Eileen felt Phoebe¡¯s grip on her arm loosen. Without turning around, she heard Phoebe yelp and stumble.

    Phoebe had identally opened the door to a private room, catching herself by grabbing the door frame. Inside, smoke hung in the air as people chatted and drank. The man at the head of the table, with dark eyes and a cigarette in his hand, looked over at them.

    His ck shirt gave him a charming appearance. His rxed posture tensed slightly when he made eye contact with Eileen through the open door.

    Next to him, a young woman in her twenties, dressed in a light dress that gave her an innocent look, was dabbing a wet spot on his chest with a napkin. The sudden opening of the door startled her, causing the napkin to fall from her hands.

    Discover tales at g ? ln ¦Ò¦Í?? ?? s,

    Phoebe quickly spoke up, ¡°Sorry, I lost my bnce. Oh, isn¡¯t this Mr. Dawson? What a pleasant surprise!¡±

    The waiter¡¯s mouth twitched. A pleasant surprise? Clearly, what Phoebe had done was intentional.

    ¡°Apologies, everyone; they¡­¡± The waiter hesitated, ncing uneasily at the assembled guests in the private room.

    Phoebe¡¯s mention of Bryan had made the others realize she was there for him, prompting them to subtly signal the waiter to leave.

    ¡°Do you know them, Mr. Dawson?¡± the young woman next to Bryan asked, withdrawing her hand cautiously.

    Bryan crushed his cigarette and was ready to stand when someone else stepped in before him.

    ¡°Eileen, Phoebe, what are you doing here?¡± Z rose from a corner and approached them.

    Only then did Eileen notice that not only Z, but also Denzel, Jacob, and several others were in the room.

    ¡°These are our friends, Mr. Myers,¡± Z introduced Eileen and Phoebe, her words intentionally vague.

    Noticing the clear business ambiance, Eileen felt frustrated by Phoebe¡¯s impulsiveness but couldn¡¯t shake off a twinge of difort at seeing the young woman beside Bryan. Still, she maintained herposure, allowing Z tobel them simply as ¡°friends.¡±

    ¡°Sorry to disturb you all. We were just downstairs dining with our staff and thought we¡¯d say hello. We¡¯ll leave now,¡± Eileen said, reaching to guide Phoebe away.

    But in the next moment, she was pulled into the room by Phoebe. ¡°Look, Mr. Dawson didn¡¯t bring his assistant today. You should stay and await his instructions. I¡¯ll handle our staff downstairs.¡±

    Jacob considered suggesting that Phoebe stay too, but knowing her unpredictable nature, he remained silent.

    ¡°If so, then do stay,¡± Z said, pointing to a vacant seat next to her. ¡°You can sit there.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s gaze was fixed on Bryan, who hadn¡¯t said a word since her arrival. She wondered if he felt guilty. His silence made her think he probably didn¡¯t want her there.

    Just as she was about to speak, she heard Bryan address the young woman beside him in a firm tone, ¡°Miss Myers, please make room for my girlfriend.¡±

    His voice, clear and resonant, filled the room.

    Bernard Myers turned toward Eileen, surprise etched on his face. ¡°So you¡¯re Mr. Dawson¡¯s girlfriend. I apologize for the impoliteness,¡± he hurriedly said. ¡°Dora,e sit over here.¡±

    The empty seat Z had offered Eileen was next to Bernard¡¯s. However, Dora, who had chosen to sit beside Bryan earlier, had made her intentions clear to everyone.

    Now aware of Eileen¡¯s identity, Dora couldn¡¯t tear her eyes away from her, reluctantly moving around the table to sit beside Bernard.

    Eileen felt a gentle push from Phoebe toward Bryan¡¯s direction. Bryan¡¯s introduction had left her blushing, making her wonder if she had been too sensitive.

    After taking her seat next to Bryan, Eileen avoided making direct eye contact.

    ¡°Everyone, please take good care of Eileen. I¡¯ll head back downstairs now,¡± Phoebe announced before leaving the room.

    The waiter quickly arrived with fresh cutlery for Eileen, and after a brief, polite exchange with Bernard, the table¡¯s focus returned to their business dealings.

    Denzel and Bryan, coborating on a promising project, were keen to attract Bernard¡¯s investment. Although Denzel had initiated the partnership, Bryan¡¯s involvement quickly proved central, with Jacob also taking an active role.

    Throughout the conversation, Bernard primarily engaged with Bryan, his voice tinged with respect and admiration. Initially, Bernard had admired Bryan for being part of the Dawson family, but as their discussion unfolded, it became clear that Bryan was not merely riding on his family¡¯s influence. In fact, it was Bryan who had elevated the Dawson family¡¯s reputation.

    During their conversation, Bryan made sure to keep Eileen¡¯s te filled with her favorite food. Noticing this, Bernard smiled warmly. ¡°Mr. Dawson, you¡¯re indeed exceptional. You¡¯re not only proficient in your career but also a considerate man. Miss Curtis is very fortunate to have you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m ttered,¡± Bryan responded, giving a modest nod before turning his attention back to Eileen.

    Since her arrival, Eileen had not spoken to him; her gaze seldom met his, asionally drifting over to Dora. A thought flickered across Bryan¡¯s mind, and a subtle smile appeared on his face.

    ¡°Miss Curtis, what do you do for a living?¡± Dora suddenly asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m a tutor, providing lessons to students at home,¡± Eileen replied politely.

    Dora paused for a moment, thenughed lightly. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re a tutor? I thought you came from a wealthy family.¡±

    After her remark, she leaned closer to Bernard and added, ¡°Dad, we should invest in Mr. Dawson¡¯s project. He seems very promising.¡± Her voice was loud enough for everyone in the room to hear.

    ¡°Dora, you¡¯re quite good at joking,¡± Denzel chuckled, attempting to diffuse the slight tension. ¡°Bernard¡¯s decision to invest will hinge on the project¡¯s merits, not just the people involved.¡±

    Undeterred, Dora replied, ¡°I tend to make judgments based on the person, and my father values my opinion.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not exactly correct,¡± Jacob interjected, trying to lighten the mood. ¡°Dora, you¡¯re still young, and your father needs to be cautious about making decisions for you. You never know when you might encounter someone deceitful.¡±

    Bernard¡¯s gaze settled on Eileen, who sat calmly beside Bryan. She seemed unbothered by Dora¡¯s clear interest in Bryan.

    ¡°My daughter has a keen eye for people. I value her insights,¡± Bernard said, casting a meaningful look at Eileen.

    Beneath the table, Eileen suddenly felt warmth envelop her hand; Bryan was holding it. His strong, defined fingers gently yed with her slender ones while his steady gaze remained focused on Bernard.

    ¡°Mr. Myers, your devotion to your family is admirable,¡± Bryan remarked. ¡°I value Eileen¡¯s insights in a simr way.¡±

    A warmth spread through Eileen¡¯s heart, and she noticed Dora¡¯s expression souring.

    ¡°I see,¡± Bernard nodded, his expression inscrutable. ¡°The food is getting cold. Let¡¯s eat.¡±

    As the meal continued, the conversation dwindled. When the clock struck just past ten, Bernard stood to leave, echoing his promise to consider the project.

    ¡°Despite the rumors of discord within the Dawson family, I¡¯m optimistic about this project,¡± Bernard stated. ¡°Your standing in the business world will remain strong, regardless of your family dynamics, Mr. Dawson.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re ttering me,¡± Bryan replied, offering a brief wave before he and Eileen made their way to the parking lot.

    As Bernard¡¯s car pulled away, Z nced back just in time to see Bryan and Eileen reaching their car. She was about to walk toward them when Jacob swiftly stopped her. ¡°Where are you going?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Bryan brought me here. Obviously, I¡¯m taking his car back,¡± Z replied, struggling to free herself from Jacob¡¯s grasp, but he tightened his grip.

    Jacob chuckled and shook his head, exchanging a nce with Denzel. ¡°Ever seen someone so clueless? Why interrupt a couple¡¯s private moment? Didn¡¯t you notice the jealousy in Eileen¡¯s eyes? Bryan will need tofort her. How¡¯s he supposed to do that with you hovering around?¡±

    Denzelughed in agreement. ¡°You¡¯ve got a point. Miss Murray, if you¡¯re okay with it, I can give you a ride.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m heading in the same direction as well,¡± Jacob added with a grin.

    Z managed to wriggle out of Jacob¡¯s grip. ¡°I¡¯m not a stranger. Why can¡¯t Bryan console Eileen in my presence? And even if I don¡¯t need a ride from him, I should at least let him know.¡±

    ¡°Comforting a lover doesn¡¯t require words, but action. This isn¡¯t something you can grasp easily, considering your limited romantic experience,¡± Jacob said, opening his car door. ¡°Come on, hop in. I¡¯ll take you home.¡±

    As the night grew darker, a hint of sadness crossed Z¡¯s face, though it remained hidden in the dim light. Noticing her hesitation, Jacob stepped closer, taking her by the arm. ¡°Come on.¡±

    With a firm grip, Jacob guided Z into his car, bidding Denzel farewell before driving off.

    As they passed the parking lot, Bryan¡¯s car remained in its spot. Eileen and Bryan must have already gotten into the car but hadn¡¯t departed yet.

    ¡°After all that drinking tonight, I bet Bryan¡¯s nestled in Eileen¡¯s embrace, pouring out his heart,¡± Jacobughed at the thought.

    Z, her expression stern, replied, ¡°He wouldn¡¯t do that. He¡¯s not the type for those kinds of gestures!¡±

    As soon as Z finished her words, Jacob abruptly mmed on the brakes, executing a swift U-turn on the deserted road and speeding back, as if afraid of missing something.

    ¡°You don¡¯t believe me? Let¡¯s go back and take a look. I¡¯m curious about what they¡¯re up to in the darkness,¡± Jacob said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 222

    ?Chapter 222:

    The car was illuminated under a streemp, graduallying into Z¡¯s view. As Jacob drove closer, Z could make out indistinct shadows inside the vehicle, unsure if she was imagining things.

    Her irritation grew, and she snapped, ¡°Why are we going back? Are you crazy? Let¡¯s go!¡±

    Jacob squinted but couldn¡¯t see anything clearly. He sighed and drove away, wondering if Bryan had Eileenpletely under his control or if the reverse was true. Jacob was eager to learn Bryan¡¯s techniques; he wanted to have Phoebe under his control as well.

    Lost in thought, he didn¡¯t notice Z¡¯s tense demeanor in the backseat. In the dimly lit car, Z clenched her hands tightly on herp, her nails digging into her flesh. Her eyes were glued to the rearview mirror, watching Bryan¡¯s car slowly fade from view. She thought she saw the car tremble, which startled her, prompting her to quickly close her eyes.

    Bryan had consumed some liquor, so Eileen was supposed to drive. Just as she was about to start the engine, Bryan grabbed her hand, stopping her. He was slightly drunk, and the faint smell of tobo and alcohol made him even more appealing to her.

    She didn¡¯t pull her hand back and said with a hint of sarcasm, ¡°My hands are rough and tough, not as soft and tender as that girl next to you. Why do you want to touch me anyway?¡±

    After a brief silence, Bryan let out a low chuckle. He rested his head against the seatback, the veins on his neck visible, giving him a wild look. Hisughter made Eileen¡¯s heart flutter. When she tried to pull her hand back, he tightened his grip.

    ¡°What are youughing at? Was I wrong about myment? She¡¯s in her twenties, younger and prettier than me. Can you honestly say she¡¯s not more attractive?¡± Eileen retorted.

    Eileen admitted that she was feeling jealous. For the first time, she realized she felt threatened by the younger generation. Those younger women were beautiful and fit.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s???§àm, your fiction hub

    Bryan¡¯s striking looks and dignified demeanor made him irresistible to women. Eileen suddenly wondered what would happen when she aged.

    ¡°Stray cats only wander because they¡¯re not fed enough,¡± Bryan said in a deep voice, leaning slightly toward Eileen in the dimly lit car. His hand reached up to weave through her long hair, his fingers brushing her cheek softly, the slight roughness quickening her breath.

    He continued, ¡°So, make sure to keep me well-fed before I step out of the house in the future.¡± He closed the gap between them, his breath heavy with the aroma of alcohol as he kissed her.

    Confined to the driver¡¯s seat, Eileen responded passionately, clutching his muscr forearm. His forearm felt cool and solid. He quickly grasped her wrist, deepening their kiss as if he couldn¡¯t wait to have her right there in the car. His low moans filled the vehicle, resonating in the confined space.

    He had indeed had too much to drink that night, considering how Bernard had kept urging him to indulge. Bryan understood Bernard¡¯s intentions clearly; the wine Dora had spilled on him was part of their calcted y. It had crossed the line. If Eileen hadn¡¯t shown up, Bryan would have caused a scene.

    Eileen had remained silent when jealous, appearing unaffected. Earlier at the table, Bryan had felt a strong desire to have her immediately, curious to see if she could maintain herposure under such circumstances.

    ¡°My legs are getting weak. I won¡¯t be able to driveter if this continues,¡± Eileen said, turning her head. Bryan¡¯s kisses then found her neck and shoulder instead. The warmth prated her clothing, reaching her corbone and chest. Eventually, he calmed down and let her go.

    Eileenposed herself and started the car to head home. On the way, Bryan checked a few WhatsApp messages, his expression turning icy as he blocked a contact.

    Eileen and Bryan had been busy recently, withte nights and scarce conversations. Reaching home by eleven tonight was a rare urrence for them; it was unusually early. Bryan devoted his full attention to Eileen, cherishing every second together.

    Their passion left marks in the bathroom, by the sofa near their bed, and on the expansive double bed. Eileen was captivated by their intimate moments, but her thoughts were intermittently interrupted by memories of Dora, causing her mind to drift.

    Noticing her distraction, Bryan gently bit her chest and asked, ¡°Don¡¯t you trust me? Do I seem like a man whose affections change easily?¡± His warm hands softly moved up Eileen¡¯s waist, igniting tingles throughout her body.

    Eileen considered Bryan¡¯s words for a moment. He had always been loyal, and his fidelity was unwavering, both in the past and now as their rtionship deepened. She had never witnessed him giving attention to another woman; the tenderness and desire in his eyes were reserved solely for her.

    ¡°Focus.¡± Bryan¡¯s voice was a soft growl, tinged with dissatisfaction. He kissed her passionately, wanting to see her fully engaged and consumed by his presence. His insecurity was perhaps more profound than Eileen¡¯s, as herck of initiative often left him wanting more.

    As Eileen drifted to sleep, she noticed the sweat glistening on Bryan¡¯s corbone and Adam¡¯s apple, his jaw clenched and his lips pressed together¡­

    During the holiday, Eileen allowed several teachers from the education agency to go on a trip she paid for, although she herself could not participate because she needed to spend time with Ruby. But she hadn¡¯t expected that Bryan¡¯s actions would confine her to bed on the very first day of her day off. Bryan departed early for his workmitments.

    Despite a sleepless night, Bryan was in a good mood in the morning, nting a gentle kiss on Eileen¡¯s forehead before he left the house. Eileen, drained of energy, didn¡¯t manage to get out of bed until the afternoon. After finally getting up, she sent educational materials to Milford and Adalina.

    She then paid a visit to Ruby, who was now adeptly navigating with a walker under Rosa¡¯s diligent training, aiming to help her walk independently soon.

    Ruby, momentarily distracted by Eileen¡¯s arrival, nearly stumbled, but Rosa¡¯s quick reflexes prevented her from falling.

    ¡°Let¡¯s call it a day. I¡¯ll start on dinner,¡± Rosa said. She then assisted Ruby onto the sofa and smiled warmly at Eileen before heading into the kitchen.

    Afterward, Eileen engaged in conversation with Ruby, patiently awaiting her slow replies. As dusk settled, Phoebe descended the stairs and noticed Eileen¡¯s presence. Clearly curious, she decided to wait until after dinner to talk to her.

    Once Rosa took Ruby out for a walk after dinner, she led Eileen to sit on the couch.

    ¡°Was that girl who was wiping Bryan¡¯s clothes yesterday showing interest in him?¡± Phoebe inquired.

    Eileen nodded in response.

    ¡°How can you stay soposed?¡± Phoebe questioned, her tone a mix of bewilderment and concern. ¡°Where is Bryan now?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s frown deepened slightly as she shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know; he¡¯s likely busy with his new project.¡±

    Phoebe stood abruptly, her voice tinged with urgency. ¡°That project involves that girl directly. Given what you know about her intentions, how can you let Bryan venture out just like that? You need to be by his side and assert your presence!¡±

    ¡°I¡­¡± Eileen adjusted her hair, her voice betraying a hint of fatigue from the exhausting night with Bryan. How could she possibly have the strength to be by his side after everything?

    ¡°I trust him,¡± Eileen said firmly.

    Phoebe rolled her eyes dismissively. ¡°Jacob told me that the girl made no effort to conceal her feelings for Bryan right in front of you. You should do something before it¡¯s toote! Give me your phone.¡±

    Phoebe swiftly snatched Eileen¡¯s phone from the coffee table, quickly opened WhatsApp, and initiated a video call to Bryan. Eileen was too slow to react, and Bryan picked up the call with surprising speed.

    His handsome face appeared on the screen.

    Phoebe quickly handed the phone to Eileen.

    Eileen cleared her throat and inquired, ¡°Where are you?¡±

    ¡°Sorry, I need to take this. My girlfriend called to check on me,¡± Bryan exined to someone near him.

    As he moved outside, the camera wobbled briefly, and Eileen caught a glimpse of Dora in the background. Bryan reached the corridor, standing by a window as a gentle breeze tousled his cor slightly.

    ¡°Why did you step outside just for a casual video call?¡± Eileen asked.

    Bryan¡¯s eyes narrowed a bit, a smile curling his lips. ¡°Eileen, you really have some frustrating habits. You¡¯re too stubborn to admit your feelings.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not being stubborn. Have you been drinking? Is your assistant there? Do you need me toe and pick you up?¡± Eileen was clearly changing the subject, her concern evident.

    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t had anything to drink tonight; Raymond drank for me. Since you¡¯ve called, I¡¯lle back home early,¡± Bryan replied, re-entering the private room to collect his jacket draped over a chair.

    His voice grew deeper, a stark contrast to his previous light-hearted tone. ¡°I¡¯ll cover the bill today. You all continue without me; my girlfriend is waiting for me at home.¡±

    As soon as he finished speaking, Raymond promptly got up to apany him out. The group in the private room chuckled at Bryan¡¯s words, teasing him that even someone as serious as him could say such things. But Raymond understood that Bryan was typically more reserved and that his words were intended for Dora to hear.

    After Bryan abruptly left the dinner, Eileen soon found an excuse to end the video call.

    ¡°It¡¯s just dinner; we shouldn¡¯t have done this,¡± Eileen said, looking at Phoebe and regretting making Bryan leave the event so soon. If he came home early today¡­ Eileen felt a headacheing on.

    Phoebe nudged Eileen¡¯s shoulder. ¡°He openly mentioned you. Why do you feel embarrassed?¡±

    At that moment, Phoebe¡¯s phone pinged. She checked her screen and rolled her eyes. ¡°Look, it¡¯s from Jacob.¡±

    She showed Eileen a video from the dinner Bryan had just left. The clip captured Dora chatting with Z, and Jacob, seated across from them, had secretly recorded the conversation.

    ¡°Would the Dawson family approve of a tutor marrying Mr. Dawson?¡± Dora asked Z.

    Z smiled. ¡°Dora, I¡¯m not deeply acquainted with the Dawson family¡¯s matters. However, Bryan isn¡¯t overly concerned with such issues; he doesn¡¯t prioritize family background as you might expect.¡±

    This subtly indicated to Dora that Bryan had the autonomy to choose his spouse, affirming that he could marry anyone he loved, regardless of their social status.

    Dora pressed her lips together and continued her inquiry. ¡°How long have Mr. Dawson and Eileen known each other? Have they been together for many years?¡±

    ¡°I only returned from abroad earlier this year, so I¡¯m not informed about the details of their rtionship,¡± Z responded tactfully.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 223

    ?Chapter 223:

    The short clip showed Dora trying to get closer to Z. Phoebe put away her phone and said, ¡°We need to stay alert, okay?¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡± Eileen yed with a lock of her hair and nodded affirmatively.

    After Ruby¡¯s return, Eileen exchanged a few words with her. Just as Eileen was preparing to leave after getting Ruby ready for bed, Phoebe stopped her.

    ¡°Hey, Jacob just texted saying Dora is adamant about driving Z home. She¡¯s likely trying to learn more about Bryan through Z,¡± Phoebe said.

    Upon hearing this, Eileen paused for a moment and replied, ¡°Got it.¡± Then she turned to leave.

    She could rte to the fervor of youth when pursuing someone they admired, especially someone as remarkable as Bryan. Yet, it seemed the Myers family was keen on setting Bryan up, which was odd considering they knew Bryan wasn¡¯t single.

    Just as she exited the vi, Eileen noticed a tall figure standing under a streetlight nearby. The man was shrouded in light, making his features unclear.

    When Bryan saw Eileen, he slowly walked over, switched his jacket to his other hand, and took hers, guiding her home.

    ¡°Have you been waiting long?¡± Eileen guessed it had been over an hour since Bryan had left the gathering.

    Bryan answered her question and then brought up his project, briefing her on the details. ¡°Denzel will move to Onnd in a few days. We need to wrap this project up before he goes so that he can finalize it there. By the time you and I go back to Onnd, everything should be set tounch,¡± he said.

    The final implementation location of the project was set in Onnd, and Bryan would continue to develop it when he returned.

    ???¨¦?? ???t?€§ñ? ?n Ga?n?¦Í¦Ål?.???

    As the car drove through the night, Z sat in the first row on the left, beside Dora.

    ¡°Miss Murray, who do you think is more suitable for Mr. Dawson, me or Eileen?¡± Dora inquired bluntly.

    Z nced at Dora and smiled. ¡°Considering your family background, you¡¯re a better match.¡±

    Dora was taken aback by such a straightforward response, especially given Z¡¯s earlier evasive answers in the private room. She had expected a more formal reply.

    Noticing Dora¡¯s confusion, Z exined, ¡°Dora, it was crowded back in the private room, and with Bryan¡¯s close friend there, I couldn¡¯t speak freely.¡±

    After a pause, she added, ¡°Actually, Eileen was initially the mistress. You might not be aware since you¡¯re not from Onnd, but Bryan was married until a year ago. Before that¡­ Eileen had already slept with Bryan.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Dora eximed, astonished. ¡°To think she¡¯s just a tutor, so proper on the outside¡­ It turns out she¡¯s shameless!¡±

    Her impression of Eileen changed. ¡°I suppose she¡¯s got a few tricks that helped her climb to the top.¡±

    Z said, ¡°While Bryan is remarkable, even the most impressive men can¡¯t change their nature to prefer the new and forget the old. Plus, you and Eileen have entirely different personalities. I believe if you¡¯re willing to give it a shot, Bryan will surely be drawn to you.¡±

    Dora responded confidently, ¡°Of course, she¡¯s just a tutor. How could she ever measure up to me?¡±

    At that, Z decided to stop talking, having achieved what she wanted.

    ¡°Miss Murray, would you like to join me for golf tomorrow? Mr. Vance has invited my father, and Mr. Dawson is sure to be there,¡± Dora suddenly asked.

    ¡°Sure, I¡¯m avable tomorrow,¡± Z replied.

    After dropping Z off at her ce, Dora hummed cheerfully in the car. That night, a light rain began to fall, persisting throughout the night. The cool air mingled with the rain that crept through the window, leaving Eileen feeling somewhat cold.

    The next morning, Bryan prepared some ginger tea for Eileen, which warmed her considerably after she drank it.

    ¡°I¡¯ve agreed to y golf with Bernard today,¡± Bryan said as he ced the empty cup on the bedside table and sat on the edge of the bed, kissing Eileen on the forehead.

    Eileen¡¯s eyes flickered as she fiddled with a drawstring on Bryan¡¯s sports pants. After a pause, she asked, ¡°Is it just you two?¡±

    ¡°Jacob and Denzel will also be there, but I¡¯m not sure who Bernard is bringing,¡± Bryan replied, noting the thoughtful expression on Eileen¡¯s face. After a moment, he added, ¡°Raymond is tied up today, so would you apany me?¡±

    After a brief hesitation, Eileen inquired, ¡°What¡¯s Raymond busy with?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve assigned him some other tasks,¡± Bryan replied.

    Eileen rose from the bed, slipped into her slippers, and, wearing a seemingly reluctant expression, said, ¡°Then I¡¯lle along.¡±

    With that, she headed to the bathroom to get ready, carefully selecting a ck sports outfit. Bryan saw through her reluctance but chose not toment, opting for a simrly colored sports ensemble. After breakfast, they set off for the golf course.

    Upon arrival, Bernard, Dora, and Jacob were already warming up. Dora¡¯s expression darkened when she saw Eileen, choosing to stand silently behind Bernard.

    After exchanging a few pleasantries, Bernard and Bryan took to the course, while Jacob and Denzel discussed the project nearby. Eileen settled in the rest area with Z and Dora.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson is truly impressive; not many can outy my father,¡± Dora said, openly praising Bryan¡¯s skills.

    ¡°Thanks for the kind words,¡± Eileen responded withposure.

    Dora nced over at Eileen, noticing how the sunlight illuminated her. Eileen¡¯s loose ponytail draped over her shoulders, and her ck sports outfit entuated her fair skin. Despite being six years younger than Eileen, Dora appeared the same age when they sat together. Moreover, Eileen exuded a calmness that gave her an edge in temperament.

    This made Dora feel somewhat overshadowed, prompting her to ask with a slight frown, ¡°Miss Curtis, do you y golf?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but I¡¯m not particrly good,¡± Eileen admitted honestly.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we have a friendly game? I¡¯ll go easy on you,¡± Dora said, raising her chin in a challenge.

    Z, sitting between them, leaned back, feeling the intensity of Dora¡¯s piercing gaze. Eileen considered Dora¡¯s words for a moment before smiling and replying, ¡°Sure.¡±

    As soon as Eileen agreed, Dora stood up, dashed over to Bernard, and announced, ¡°Dad, I¡¯d like to y a round with Miss Curtis. You can take a break.¡±

    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m not done ying with Mr. Dawson yet,¡± Bernard said, seeming reluctant but eventually handing over his golf club to Dora.

    With a charming smile, Dora waved at Eileen. ¡°Come on, Miss Curtis!¡±

    Eileen stood up, leaving her bag on the chair, and walked over to Bryan to take the golf club from him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go first.¡± Dora nudged Bernard toward the resting area and then swung her club with standard precision. She wore a white short skirt that showcased her beautiful legs. Her blonde hair and subtle makeup highlighted her youthful energy.

    Eileen nced over at Bryan, who hadn¡¯t settled into the resting area; instead, he stood by a small table, smoking and casually participating in the ongoing discussion.

    Dora had promised to go easy on Eileen, but her posture and the way the ballsnded almost wlessly in the holes suggested otherwise.

    Turning, Dora arched an eyebrow at Eileen. ¡°It¡¯s your turn now, but¡­peting like this is a bit boring. How about we make a bet?¡±

    Suddenly, everyone in the resting area shifted their attention to Dora and Eileen. Bernard showed a slight frown but didn¡¯t stop Dora, casting a look toward Bryan beside him.

    Bryan appeared distracted, focused on smoking and scrolling through something on his phone, seemingly oblivious to Dora¡¯s words.

    Eileen removed a hair tie from her wrist and secured her ponytail into a bun. ¡°Dora, just tell me what you want directly; there¡¯s no need for apetition.¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that be me picking on you?¡± Dora scoffed, gesturing toward a nearby caddy. ¡°The loser has to collect all the balls.¡±

    After making her point, she walked over to Bernard¡¯s side. ¡°Dad, did you see how well I yed? Mr. Dawson, do you think your girlfriend can outy me?¡±

    Bryan seemed to finally tune into the conversation. He extinguished his cigarette, pocketed his phone, and said coldly, ¡°She has my support; she¡¯ll definitely win.¡±

    With that, he approached Eileen, wrapped his arms around her, and helped her grip the golf club.

    ¡°What if I lose?¡± Eileen whispered.

    She knew that with Bryan¡¯s involvement, they were likely to win. But with Bryan¡¯s hands guiding hers, she felt a bit stiff, and any slight mistake might lead to defeat.

    Bryan¡¯s reassuring voice sounded in her ear. ¡°If we lose, I¡¯ll be the one collecting the balls.¡±

    Eileen chuckled, leaning back against his solid chest as he instructed, ¡°Just rx your grip.¡±

    Dora, watching them so close, clenched her teeth in frustration and made a move to intervene. But Bernard promptly held her back.

    As it turned out, even with a rookie partner, Bryan¡¯s expertise in golfing was undeniable. Each swing sent the ball straight into the hole. After the round ended, Eileen dropped her club, turned, and embraced Bryan, nting a kiss on his cheek.

    Bryan held her waist with his hands, returned her kiss with one on her forehead, and then led her toward the resting area with his arm around her.

    ¡°You cheated!¡± Dora protested. ¡°Who said you could get help from someone else?¡±

    ¡°Dora, I didn¡¯t ask for any help; Bryan decided to assist me on his own. And if you can find someone to help you collect the balls, I certainly won¡¯t object,¡± Eileen replied calmly.

    Dora seethed with anger. She and her father hadn¡¯t brought any assistants today, and it was clear she couldn¡¯t ask her father to collect the balls for her.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 224

    ?Chapter 224:

    Bernard cleared his throat several times, clearly frustrated, as he squinted at the caddy collecting the balls nearby. Z stood up and walked over.

    ¡°It¡¯s just a game. There¡¯s no need for such a fuss. Dora is of high standing; she shouldn¡¯t be the one picking up the balls.¡±

    ¡°Dora proposed this game, and I only joined under pressure. Now she¡¯s lost, and somehow I¡¯m the one making a fuss? Why didn¡¯t you say this before the game?¡± Eileen nced at Z, unable to suppress her dislike for her.

    Turning to Bernard and Dora, Eileen smiled and said, ¡°Given Dora¡¯s prestigious status, and since we¡¯re all friends here, if she prefers not to pick up the balls, I won¡¯t insist. Let¡¯s just forget about the game.¡±

    Eileen then loosened her hair and retied it into a ponytail. She seemed nonchnt, yet her wordsnded heavily, clearly affecting Bernard.

    Eileen was always perceptive. From the moment she arrived today, it was apparent that Denzel, Jacob, and Bryan had reached their limits with the Myers family. Dora¡¯s intentions were transparent, and Bernard¡¯scency only added to the absurdity. They already knew that Bryan was not single. Even if he were, he wouldn¡¯t choose to be with Dora for a project.

    ¡°I¡¯m not being arrogant for not collecting the balls,¡± Dora retorted, clearly unwilling to do it. ¡°You broke the rules by seeking Mr. Dawson¡¯s help first.¡±

    The group abandoned their game of golf and spent some time chatting before dispersing. As noon approached, it would have been customary for Bryan and hispanions to invite the Myers family to lunch. However, no such invitations were extended. Bryan and the others quickly bid farewell as soon as they stepped off the golf course, watching as Bernard and Dora drove away.

    Bernard¡¯s face bore a look of discontent as he left with Dora.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s takes you to new worlds

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, let¡¯s grab something to eat,¡± Denzel suggested as they approached their cars.

    Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, Jacob flung the car door open and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go. Getting Bernard to invest in this project isn¡¯t our only option anyway.¡±

    ¡°To the usual spot then,¡± Bryan dered, opening the car door for Eileen before sliding into the driver¡¯s seat and driving off. Their usual spot was a well-known restaurant in Wist Land, which had be a regr meeting ce for Denzel and Bryan since the inception of the project.

    As the car merged with the traffic, Eileen caught a glimpse of Denzel¡¯s and Jacob¡¯s cars in the rearview mirror, following them. She turned her gaze to Bryan and said, ¡°Are you certain? You¡¯re not going to marry Dora just to secure this project, are you?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s gotten into you?¡± Bryan¡¯s face darkened, and tension filled the car.

    Unfazed, Eileen arched her eyebrows in amusement. ¡°I just wanted to remind you of that. If you¡¯re set on not marrying her, you can find someone else to invest in the project. Perhaps I could help you scout another investor.¡±

    At a red light, Bryan stopped the car and turned to face her. ¡°Go on.¡±

    ¡°My line of work connects me with many affluent individuals here in Wist Land. I could introduce you to some potential investors. But you¡¯ll need more than one, which couldplicate matters,¡± Eileen exined.

    Fewer investors generally meant fewerplications, but now wasn¡¯t the right time to be picky. Eileen suspected Bryan¡¯s prolonged negotiations with Bernard were likely rted to issues concerning the Dawson family. Cutting ties with his father had inevitably affected Bryan.

    Last year¡¯s project with the Apex Group had made securing investors easy. This time, however, the project was entirely Bryan¡¯s,plicating his efforts to establish it firmly. He hadn¡¯t mentioned this matter to Eileen, and she hadn¡¯t asked; she could only find ways to assist him.

    The group settled into a private room at the restaurant, where Denzel, familiar with the local cuisine of Wist Land, ordered several regional specialties. When the topic of the project surfaced, Denzel and Jacob agreed that it would be wiser to seek new investors rather than waste further efforts on the Myers family.

    ¡°Eileen has already devised a n for this,¡± Bryan said, acknowledging her.

    ¡°She knows numerous influential individuals in Wist Land, so gathering sufficient funds shouldn¡¯t be a problem,¡± he added.

    Denzel pped his hands enthusiastically. ¡°Ms. Curtis has an extensivework. I considered asking for her help before but hesitated, thinking it might seem impolite.¡±

    As they spoke, Denzel offered a cigarette to Bryan, who epted it but didn¡¯t light it, holding it between his fingers.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for formality between us,¡± Bryan stated. ¡°She and I are partners in this project.¡±

    Jacob and Denzel exchanged knowing smiles at this deration. Jacob felt a twinge of envy at howpletely Eileen had Bryan under her thumb.

    Denzel expressed a nostalgic sentiment. ¡°You two remind me of my early days with my wife.¡±

    ¡°Denzel, how long have you and your wife been married?¡± Eileen asked casually.

    Eileen admired the love between Denzel and his wife. He managed both to earn the family¡¯s ie and care for Adalina while his wife indulged in leisure and luxury, treated like a cherished child.

    ¡°It¡¯s been nearly twenty years,¡± Denzel replied, the eldest in the room at nearly forty.

    The conversation flowed,rgely revolving around Eileen and Bryan. Z, who had been quiet, set down her fork and interjected, ¡°Let¡¯s talk about business. It¡¯s better to have fewer investors. Should we consider putting more effort into persuading Bernard?¡±

    ¡°What kind of effort? Bernard merely wants to cater to his daughter¡¯s whims, and we all know what his daughter wants,¡± Jacob countered, sipping his wine with a hint of irritation.

    Denzel gestured dismissively. ¡°Miss Murray, you are correct, but it¡¯s toote to turn back now. Besides, Eileen has already formted a n, hasn¡¯t she?¡±

    Z¡¯s suggestion was swiftly dismissed by the group, prompting her to concede with a smile. ¡°You¡¯re right. If you need my assistance, just let me know.¡±

    After the meal, everyone went their separate ways. Eileen asked Bryan to drop her off at the education center, where she browsed the contact list of her clients on the receptionist¡¯sputer.

    A few clients who specialized in investments had left asting impression on Eileen, and she had kept in touch with them. She routinely sent them gifts during holidays, so reconnecting wouldn¡¯t seem out of the blue.

    As she finished reviewing the contact information, Eileen noticed a neglected appointment scheduled for the day after tomorrow. It was with a student named Brooks Myers, a junior high student who had been trying to book sessions with her for months. Despite informing the receptionist that she was no longer taking one-on-one appointments, Brooks had persisted in trying to schedule meetings since the New Year, messaging every few days for the past two months.

    Initially, the receptionist had replied that Eileen was unavable, but as Brooks continued to make requests, the receptionist had simply stopped responding. Eileen pondered for a moment, a smile ying on her lips as she added Brooks¡¯ appointment to her own calendar.

    After gathering the contact information of her other clients, she left the education center and got into the car, where she sent a message to Brooks.

    ¡°Hello, I am Eileen Curtis.¡±

    Brooks¡¯ ount quickly replied, ¡°Hello, Ms. Curtis. I am Brooks¡¯ mother. I really hope you can help Brooks with an intensive tutoring programsting a month and a half. He recently fell ill, and his grades have dropped significantly. If he doesn¡¯t catch up quickly, he won¡¯t be able to get into a top high school in Wist Land!¡±

    The urgency and sincerity in her tone were clear; her words conveyed deep concern about the possibility of Brooks not getting into a prestigious high school.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been trying to make an appointment for quite some time. Why haven¡¯t you considered finding another tutor?¡± Eileen asked.

    ¡°His grades and performance are not good. His school rmended that Ie to you, saying you¡¯ve helped several students get into top high schools. No other tutor is believed to have the ability to do so in such a short time except you,¡± Brooks¡¯ mother replied.

    Eileen exchanged a few courteous words with her before agreeing and arranging a meeting time with Brooks and his mother. Nadia, Brooks¡¯ mother, was amodating and set the meeting for four o¡¯clock in the afternoon at their home.

    Upon returning home, feeling worn out, Eileen didn¡¯t rush to contact the investors. Instead, she led Bryan to bed, and they quickly fell asleep. Eileen¡¯s slender body curledfortably in Bryan¡¯s arms, and she drifted into a deep sleep almost immediately.

    When the rm clock rang at half past three, Eileen stirred and said to Bryan, ¡°I have a work matter to deal with. I¡¯ll be back soon. Wait for me here.¡±

    Bryan, still groggy, opened his eyes just a crack to watch her hurried departure, his eyebrows knitted together in mild confusion.

    The drive to the Brooks¡¯ residence from Lakeside Vi was short, taking just over ten minutes. Upon arriving, Eileen rang the doorbell, and almost instantly, the door swung open.

    ¡°Mom, Ms. Curtis is here!¡± The greeter was a boy, likely around sixteen, resembling Milford in age. He was thin and somewhat introverted, wearing a shy smile for Eileen before he turned to call for his mother.

    Eileen stood politely at the entrance, waiting. Soon, a woman hurried over with a warm smile. Eileen said, ¡°Nice to meet you.¡±

    ¡°Nice to meet you too, Ms. Curtis. Pleasee in!¡± Nadia, a woman in her forties, was elegantly dressed. Slightly plump, she exuded a sense of decisiveness.

    After Eileen entered, Nadia spoke extensively about Brooks¡¯ situation. Brooks, seated quietly beside his mother, listened intently. When the conversation touched on topics that embarrassed him, his cheeks reddened, and he looked away.

    As they wrapped up discussing Brooks¡¯ situation, the sound of a car horn came from outside. The sound of car doors mming followed, apanied by voices.

    Dora burst in, flinging her high heels aside carelessly at the entrance. ¡°Dad, I don¡¯t care! You have to make Bryan mine. I¡¯m far better than that tutor Eileen, right?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll sort it out. Keep your voice down; don¡¯t let your mother hear this,¡± Bernard replied, his voice tinged with indulgence.

    However, their conversation wasn¡¯t as private as they hoped; Nadia had overheard everything.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 225

    ?Chapter 225:

    Nadia didn¡¯t quite catch what Dora was saying; she only understood that something was being kept from her by both Dora and Bernard. Standing up, she approached the entryway and cast a nce at them. ¡°What are you two whispering about? Come inside now.¡±

    With gloomy faces, Dora and Bernard slipped into their slippers and walked into the house, immediately noticing Eileen sitting in the living room. After a brief hesitation, Dora suddenly remembered something and blurted out, ¡°You¡¯re not here to apply for the tutor position for my brother, are you?¡±

    It was well known within the Myers family that Nadia was searching for a tutor for Brooks. ¡°I¡¯m just here to learn about Brooks¡¯ situation,¡± Eileen responded vaguely.

    Eileen¡¯s answer made Nadia¡¯s heart sink. She had hoped Eileen was there because she had decided to tutor Brooks. As Nadia moved to speak with Eileen, Dora stepped forward and addressed her first.

    With her arms crossed, Dora said, ¡°You¡¯re here to tutor my brother and take our money? Alright, but you¡¯ll have to give me something in return!¡±

    ¡°What is it that you want?¡± Eileen feigned ignorance.

    ¡°Stop pretending!¡± Dora snapped, fixing a harsh stare on Eileen. She couldn¡¯t openly state her demands in front of Nadia.

    Dora¡¯s attitude was too much for Nadia, who intervened and tugged Dora aside by the arm. ¡°What way is that to speak to Ms. Curtis? Have you forgotten all the manners I taught you?¡± Nadia scolded her.

    Dora bit her lip, and when Nadia looked away, she shot Eileen a sharp look.

    Nadia then approached Eileen with a warm smile, saying, ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that, Ms. Curtis. My daughter has been overly indulged by my husband since she was young. Have you two met before?¡±

    G  a lno  ve ls . is where the magic begins

    ¡°We¡¯ve met a couple of times,¡± Eileen replied, rising and nodding slightly to Nadia. ¡°My boyfriend is working on a project. He has been discussing it with Mr. Myers, hoping he will invest.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Nadia swiftly turned to Bernard. ¡°Ms. Curtis¡¯s boyfriend must be quite talented, and his project proposal must be promising. Have you decided to invest?¡±

    Bernard was caught off guard. Dora finally pieced it together; it was her mother who wanted Eileen to tutor Brooks.

    ¡°Why are you just standing there in silence?¡± Nadia scolded. ¡°Have you agreed to invest in the project or not? Answer me!¡±

    Bernard, appearing less assured than usual, recoiled slightly and replied in a low tone, ¡°Not yet, but¡­ I¡¯m nning to.¡±

    Nadia grinned with satisfaction and turned back to Eileen. ¡°You see, Ms. Curtis, our rtionship is strengthening. So, about tutoring Brooks¡­¡±

    In Wist Land, the Myers surname wasn¡¯tmon, so Eileen had initially guessed that Brooks might be linked to the Myers family, which could possibly offer her some assistance. Yet, she was unprepared for how swiftly and surprisingly things had unfolded.

    She looked at Bernard and Dora, both pale and uneasy, and hesitated. ¡°Isn¡¯t this somewhat inappropriate?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing inappropriate here. We¡¯re in the investment business, after all. If we lose money, we see it as an investment in my son¡¯s education. If not, it¡¯s to our advantage,¡± Nadia spoke with conviction, unfazed by the risk of losing millions.

    Hearing this, Eileen smiled, grabbed her bag from the sofa, and reassured Nadia, ¡°Don¡¯t worry; you will definitely see a return on this. We¡¯ll coordinate over the pher, and I¡¯ll do my best to tutor your son.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful!¡± Nadia eximed happily, barely containing her excitement. ¡°Please, Ms. Curtis, allow me to escort you out.¡±

    As Nadia led Eileen to the door, she noticed Dora obstructing the way, gazing intently at Eileen. Nadia frowned, nudged Dora aside, and turned to Eileen with a smile. ¡°I¡¯ll see you off, Ms. Curtis.¡±

    After leaving the Myers¡¯ home, Eileen got into her car. Through the window, she could faintly see into the living room, where Nadia stood with her hands on her hips, looking stern as she apparently spoke to Bernard and Dora.

    Eileen raised her eyebrows, started the car, and drove off. Once she got home, she didn¡¯t mention anything about contacting her resources regarding Bryan¡¯s project.

    Before Bryan could bring up the topic, Denzel called him, saying that Bernard had agreed to invest in the project. Denzel was on his way to Bryan¡¯s ce with project details and contracts, and Jacob and Z were also on their way.

    About half an hourter, they gathered at Lakeside Vi, where Eileen had prepared fruit to wee them. They sat in the living room, documents scattered across the coffee table, engaging in a lively discussion.

    With nothing to do, Eileen quietly headed upstairs and asked Nadia to send her Brooks¡¯ grades. After checking them, Eileen felt a deep sense of regret for agreeing to tutor Brooks.

    Having heard Nadia consistently voice her concerns about Brooks¡¯ studies, Eileen had assumed he was a promising student. Moreover, Brooks had seemed quiet, well-mannered, and sharp.

    Yet to Eileen¡¯s shock, Brooks¡¯bined scores for all his middle school subjects hadn¡¯t even met the standard threshold. And this had been the case since the start of junior high.

    She had believed¡­ When Brooks¡¯ teacher had told her that she was the only one who could help him, Eileen had taken it as apliment to her skills. Now, those words seemed more like a biting remark.

    Rubbing the bridge of her nose, Eileen realized that with just over a month left, Brooks was more than a hundred points short of the score required for admission to a prestigious high school.

    Noticing that Eileen had been silent after learning Brooks¡¯ grades, Nadia could guess her thoughts. She sent another message to Eileen: ¡°I knew Brooks struggles academically, but we can unlock his potential. I¡¯m just asking you to try your best to help him. Even if his grades don¡¯t improve much, I¡¯ll be okay with it.¡±

    Eileen could only respond, ¡°I¡¯ll give it my all.¡±

    After a short exchange, she added Brooks on WhatsApp, sent him a set of practice tests for each subject, and instructed him toplete them and send them back to her afterward.

    As darkness fell outside, Eileen put away her study materials and returned downstairs. Just then, Bryan and the others were wrapping up their discussion. Denzel started to pack up the preliminary contract, saying, ¡°I¡¯ll have everything set for the contract signing tomorrow. Mr. Dawson, you and Mr. Meyer just need to negotiate and finalize the deal.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe how smoothly this is going,¡± Jacob said, scratching his head as if still processing everything. ¡°Why did Bernard suddenly decide to invest in our project?¡±

    Before Denzel could answer, Z interjected, ¡°Bryan is highly skilled, and his projects always seed. Even if Bernard is upset about his daughter¡¯s situation, he wouldn¡¯t pass up a chance to make a profit.¡±

    Eileen, overhearing this from the corner of the staircase, frowned. Was Z ming her for today¡¯s incident at the golf course?

    ¡°Come over here.¡± After seeing Eileen, Bryan gestured for her toe to his side. Eileen walked over and stood beside him. Suddenly, Bryan wrapped his strong arm around her waist, drawing her into his embrace. ¡°What did you do?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s eyes flickered briefly as she replied, ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything.¡±

    ¡°Come on; tell me the truth.¡± Bryan gently pinched her nose with his cool fingertips, showing his affection openly.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, no need to be modest. I heard from Bernard that Nadia practically begged you to tutor her son, and that¡¯s what clinched his decision to invest in our project,¡± Denzel said, almost wanting to give Eileen a thumbs up as he recalled Bernard¡¯s grudging demeanor. Bernard had been quite arrogant around themtely, and Denzel secretly relished the satisfaction of seeing Eileen indirectly outmaneuver him.

    Though the term ¡°beg¡± might be a stretch, Eileen figured it was probably Bernard¡¯s way of maintaining his dignity. She chuckled and said, ¡°It¡¯s a surprise that the student who¡¯s been wanting to book my course for months happens to be Bernard¡¯s son.¡±

    It was all coincidental, and Bernard happened to be a man who always listened to his wife.

    ¡°Eileen, you¡¯re impressive,¡± Jacob said with a smile. ¡°It looks like you¡¯ve outshined Bryan; you¡¯re on top now!¡±

    Bryan¡¯s expression tightened subtly. His wordsden with implication, he said, ¡°Actually, I would prefer her to be on top of me.¡±

    Hearing that, Eileen¡¯s ears turned red. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. I¡¯ll prepare dinner so that we can celebrate together.¡±

    ¡°No need; Raymond is bringing food over,¡± Bryan said as he pulled out a pack of cigarettes and offered one to Denzel and Jacob. ¡°We really should celebrate properly.¡±

    Z felt quite awkward; she hadn¡¯t anticipated that Bernard¡¯s sudden investment was linked to Eileen. Her earlier attempts at stirring trouble now seemed rather silly.

    After a moment, Zposed herself and walked over to Eileen while Bryan and the others were talking. ¡°How are the Myers family¡¯s son¡¯s grades?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Not good,¡± Eileen replied frankly.

    Z frowned and said, ¡°You already have two students. Are you sure you can handle another? If it¡¯s too much, maybe you can stop tutoring my brother.¡±

    Eileen was caught off guard. ¡°Miss Murray, are you being serious?¡±

    ¡°I am,¡± Z replied firmly. ¡°You essentially used tutoring as leverage to secure the investment for Bryan¡¯s project. If the tutoring doesn¡¯t yield results and the Myers are dissatisfied, it could jeopardize the investment!¡±

    Eileen responded calmly, ¡°Firstly, I didn¡¯t threaten them to secure the investment. Nadia proposed tutoring in exchange for her husband¡¯s investment after finding out my boyfriend was negotiating with Bernard. Secondly, Nadia is reasonable and won¡¯t cause trouble over this.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s voice caught the attention of the men nearby, causing them to nce over, which made Z slightly ufortable.

    ¡°Why are you getting worked up?¡± Z smiled and asked. ¡°Where is my brother? I haven¡¯t seen him around for a while.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s expression turned cold as she replied, ¡°He¡¯s upstairs. Miss Murray, you¡¯re wee to check on him yourself.¡±

    ¡°Okay, just call me when dinner is ready. I¡¯m heading up now,¡± Z said as she walked towards the staircase.

    After Z had vanished upstairs, Denzel chuckled and remarked, ¡°Miss Murray can be so astute sometimes, but at other times, she can be quite the opposite.¡±

    ¡°She really focuses on Bryan. She pays close attention to anything concerning him, which sometimes makes her seem a bit foolish,¡± Jacob added earnestly. He had known Bryan and Z since childhood and understood their dynamics well.

    Bryan¡¯s expression tensed slightly as he inadvertently looked over at Eileen. At that moment, Eileen also nced at him, and within two seconds, she shot him a brief look before heading to organize the dining room.

    Soon, Raymond arrived with dinner, and just as Eileen was about to call Z and her brother down, a sudden loud noise erupted from upstairs.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 226

    ?Chapter 226:

    Down the stairs came Milford, his steps quick and brimming with rage. He marched up to Eileen, his anger palpable. ¡°Did Z give you money to deal with those people¡¯s demands?¡±

    Eileen was taken aback by the sudden question. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it clear?¡± Z had alsoe downstairs, her voice sharp. ¡°Half a million. I used it to fix your problem! Think about the mess you¡¯ve gotten yourself into. And watch your tone when you talk to me!¡±

    Eileen finally caught on to what they were arguing about. ¡°Miss Murray, didn¡¯t you say we should keep this a secret?¡±

    Eileen had received a WhatsApp message from Z earlier instructing her to keep the matter confidential. So, she hadn¡¯t mentioned anything to Milford.

    Z took a deep breath, feeling a twinge of guilt. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I just mentioned it because Milford and I were having an argument. I couldn¡¯t help but bring it up.¡±

    ¡°So, did she really pay up?¡± Milford questioned again, his voiceced with disbelief.

    ¡°Yeah, she did. Legally, she¡¯s your guardian. Even if we wanted to take those people to court, she¡¯d have to step in,¡± Eileen replied, looking at Milford. ¡°But I hadn¡¯t expected she¡¯d hand over the cash like that.¡±

    Milford turned to re at Z. ¡°So you were just being foolish. Are you trying to impress me by throwing money around? Do you believe that paying half a million will earn you favor in my eyes? If you¡¯re so dissatisfied with that, why don¡¯t you trade my life for that amount of money? Otherwise, quit ordering me around!¡±

    ¡°Z¡¯s your sister, and Eileen¡¯s your tutor,¡± Bryan said in a cold voice. ¡°Is this how you speak to them?¡±

    With those words, Bryan silenced Milford. His grumpy demeanor was affecting not just Z, but also Eileen.

    Explore g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s for fresh content

    Eileen had promised Z to keep the debt under wraps, so Milford had thought Eileen had sorted everything out and felt thankful towards her. Now, it seemed as though Eileen was taking undeserved credit in front of Milford.

    ¡°Regardless of who did what, the main thing is that it¡¯s all sorted out now. Z¡¯s your sister, and she deserves to be kept in the loop regarding your matters. Sure, she might have dealt with it foolishly, but she was still trying to help.¡±

    After speaking, Bryan gestured for Eileen to join him at the dinner table. ¡°Let¡¯s eat,¡± he said.

    Without a word, Milford took a seat, ensuring he kept his distance from Z, quietly digging into his meal. In no time, he finished and headed upstairs, clearly still angry.

    Despite the delicious food in front of them, the tension hung heavily in the air due to the earlier disagreement between Z and Milford.

    Sensing the atmosphere, Z spoke softly, ¡°I¡¯m sorry for dampening the mood.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s response caught everyone off guard. ¡°From now on, don¡¯te here unless necessary.¡± He believed Milford¡¯s irritation stemmed from Z¡¯s presence, and now the matter was affecting Eileen¡¯s mood.

    Z was taken aback.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not dwell on that. Tonight is meant for celebration, right?¡± Denzel chimed in, attempting to lighten the mood.

    Jacob quickly followed suit, trying to smooth things over after the siblings¡¯ disagreement.

    As dinner wrapped up, Bryan saw the guests off. Eileen, eager to talk, headed straight for Milford¡¯s room.

    With a cup of milk in hand, she gently pushed the door open just as Milford nced her way. Spotting Eileen, he let out a frustrated sigh, turning away to continue reading his book on his bed.

    ¡°You barely touched your dinner. Want some milk?¡± Eileen offered, her tone gentle.

    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry. I¡¯m just a nuisance. Isn¡¯t it better I starve?¡± Milford replied, still bristling with anger.

    He seemed a bit softer toward Eileenpared to how he had treated Z.

    cing the milk on his bedside table, Eileen took a seat nearby. ¡°You might feel like a nuisance, but that¡¯s no reason to be so hard on yourself. And what about your promise to repay me someday? You haven¡¯t forgotten about that, have you?¡±

    Milford jolted upright, his eyes locking onto Eileen with determination. ¡°I¡¯m done with Z. I want to cut ties with her.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t be serious,¡± Eileen responded earnestly. ¡°You¡¯re still young. Z¡¯s love for you might feel heavy now, but you¡¯ll understand its value as you grow older.¡±

    Silence filled the room as Milford was lost in thought. Then, with sudden resolve, he dered, ¡°Her actions towards me aren¡¯t out of love; they¡¯re driven by hatred. She wishes she could be rid of me.¡±

    Eileen was momentarily taken aback by the weight of his words and the determination in his eyes. Milford reclined, cocooning himself in the nket. ¡°I¡¯m still too young. I can¡¯t shake off her guardianship until I turn eighteen. But mark my words, the moment I turn eighteen, I won¡¯t let her be my guardian anymore!¡±

    ¡°So, you¡¯re not mad anymore?¡± Eileen asked gently. She watched him, interpreting his earlier outburst as merely a vent. ¡°About the debt, I kept quiet because your sister asked me to. Maybe she¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you find her hypocritical?¡± Milford interjected. ¡°She tells you to keep quiet, then spills the beans to me. What a hypocrite!¡±

    Eileen frowned, feeling a twinge of guilt as Milford¡¯s words hit home. Though she didn¡¯t particrly like Z, she couldn¡¯t pinpoint why. Z had never directly wronged her and had always acted in Bryan¡¯s best interest. Thus, Eileen found herself unable to speak ill of Z.

    After a moment of thought, she said firmly, ¡°Regardless of what you think, keep it to yourself. She¡¯s your sister, and airing family issues isn¡¯t cool. You shouldn¡¯t make aughingstock of yourselves to outsiders.¡±

    ¡°Even if youughed, it wouldn¡¯t be at me; it¡¯d be because you know I¡¯m right!¡± Milford shot back, his eyes wide with conviction, having seen through Eileen¡¯s thoughts just now.

    Eileen stood up abruptly. ¡°Stop talking nonsense. It¡¯ste; put the book down and get some sleep.¡±

    With that, Eileen turned and walked back to the bedroom just as Bryan emerged from the bathroom. Wrapped in a towel, water droplets shimmered on his toned chest.

    Seeing Eileen, Bryan raised his eyebrows slightly and asked, ¡°How¡¯s Milford doing?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s a bit irrational, but he still listens to me. I just can¡¯t understand why he always gets so worked up around Z.¡± Eileen lingered by the door, uncertain of her next move.

    Bryan didn¡¯t move, casually drying his hair with the towel. He tossed it over his shoulder and leaned against the wall. ¡°Aren¡¯t youing in?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Eileen approached him. But just as she passed by, he reached out and grasped her wrist, pulling her close with his arm enveloping her waist. A shiver ran down her spine as the dampness of his skin seeped through her clothes.

    ¡°How should I thank you for such a big favor?¡± he asked. His clean, slender fingers brushed her cheek, tucking away stray strands of hair as he leaned in to nt a kiss on her lips.

    She knew his intentions all too well. But was this really gratitude? It felt more like repaying a kindness with a grudge, considering how many sleepless nights they had endured recently due to his strong desire.

    ¡°The contract isn¡¯t signed yet, right? You can wait until it¡¯s officially signed before you start repaying me,¡± Eileen said.

    Bryan pressed his lips together slightly before he nodded. ¡°Got it. So, what you¡¯re saying is that I should throw in a bit of interest for now, and once everything¡¯s official, we¡¯ll settle both the principal and interest together?¡±

    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t¡ª¡± Eileen¡¯s words were cut off as Bryan kissed her.

    Their bodies swayed until she fell onto the bed, sinking into its softness. The sudden weight on her made her frown, her fingers gripping his tightly above her head. Her fingertips turned white, her vision blurring, and her cheeks flushed with color.

    Her voice, soft and soothing in the quiet room, stirred something within Bryan¡­

    Just then, Bryan¡¯s phone glowed on the nightstand, signaling a message from Raymond: ¡°Mr. Dawson, regarding those alternative investors you mentioned, do we still need to meet them tomorrow?¡±

    As expected, the contract signing proceeded without a hitch. Anticipating the Myers¡¯ true motives, Bryan inserted several more uses to guard against any future problems with Bernard. Bernard, pragmatic as ever, understood he couldn¡¯t avoid signing and decided to cooperate sincerely since he could profit from the project anyway. With the contract settled amicably, they even shared a meal.

    After that, Bryan¡¯s schedule became busier, and so did Eileen¡¯s. Eileen tutored Adalina and Milford on weekdays, while her weekends were dedicated to Brooks. Juggling their schedules, she managed to arrange Milford¡¯s return to his old school, allowing him to take the final exam alongside Adalina.

    Once Milford embraced school life again, his grades steadily improved in the final month before the exam. Meanwhile, Adalina¡¯s grades teaued, teetering on the edge of eligibility for top high schools in Onnd, leaving her future uncertain.

    Milford excelled,fortably surpassing the passing mark. Together, Eileen and Milford teamed up to help Adalina improve her grades. Thanks to Eileen¡¯s dedication, Brooks¡¯ grades also improved, edging closer to the standards for prestigious high schools in Wist Land. Nadia was thrilled, expressing her gratitude to Eileen every time they crossed paths.

    Under Nadia¡¯s watchful eye, Dora refrained from causing any trouble for Eileen, especially after Nadia realized Dora was interested in Eileen¡¯s boyfriend. This realization led to a stern lecture from Nadia.

    Eileen and Bryan¡¯s teamwork ensured smooth progress in their respective endeavors. Meanwhile, Z tossed and turned through countless nights, unable to shake off the image of Eileen and Bryan being close together.

    Caught up in the project, Z found herself enduring conversations with Bryan and the others, suffering through Denzel¡¯s and Jacob¡¯s teasing about Bryan and Eileen, eachment piercing her heart. Unable to bear it any longer, Z decided to invite Eileen and Bryan out for a meal.

    ¡°I asked you both out because¡­ I can¡¯t face Milford. I¡¯m afraid he¡¯ll be annoyed with me,¡± Z confessed, sadness evident in her voice.

    Eileen, swamped with work, had struggled to find time for the meal. However, it was the first time Z had taken the initiative to invite her, so she chose to manage her tasks on her phone. Noticing Eileen¡¯s noticeably thinner appearance, Bryan skipped the pleasantries and asked Z directly, ¡°So, why do you want to meet us?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 227

    ?Chapter 227:

    ¡°I¡¯m here to say goodbye,¡± Z replied with a smile.

    Eileen paused for a moment, then put away her phone to look at Z. ¡°Where are you headed, Miss Murray?¡±

    Raising an eyebrow, Z spoke with a hint of resignation in her voice, ¡°Back to Onnd. Mr. and Mrs. Dawson have been calling me recently, asking me to return. There¡¯s too much piling up at the office; I can¡¯t linger here any longer.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s probably for the best,¡± Bryan said, his tone indifferent. He showed no reluctance and made no attempt to persuade Z to stay.

    ¡°Exactly. I¡¯m not going to stick around and be a third wheel while you two unt your love every day. It¡¯s about time I found a boyfriend of my own.¡± Zughed softly, covering her mouth with her hand, her demeanor still elegant. ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to speak well of you both to Mr. and Mrs. Dawson.¡±

    Bryan furrowed his brow at Z¡¯s words. ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. I can manage my own affairs,¡± he stated tly.

    ¡°But it would be great if they agree to let you two be together,¡± Z replied, undeterred by his cold response. ¡°Don¡¯t worry; I¡¯ll bring it up casually. If they¡¯re against it, I won¡¯t push. After all, I know my ce in the Dawson family.¡±

    Though the meal was about Z¡¯s departure, the atmosphere remained light and joyful. However, when the conversation turned to Milford, Z¡¯s expression grew troubled. ¡°Since we were kids, I haven¡¯t really spent time with him. There¡¯s ack of affection between us. I never imagined he¡¯d resent me so deeply. Please, look after him for me from now on. When you go back to Onnd with him, I¡¯ll make arrangements for him to attend a new school.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll take good care of him,¡± Eileen assured her.

    Throughout the meal, Eileen spoke little, contributing only a few words when Milford was mentioned. Z boarded a flight back to Onnd, departing at midnight.

    ???¦Å?? ¡é??t?€§ñ? ?¦Ç ?a?§Ú?¦Í¨º??.???

    Her departure didn¡¯t seem to affect Eileen and Bryan much; they continued their routine. Whenever Bryan finished work early, he would visit the educational agency. On days when they both ended work at a reasonable hour, they would take a stroll or catch a movie.

    Hand in hand, their figures leaning together drew envious nces from those around them. Phoebe, too, felt a twinge of envy. Sheined, ¡°You two are inseparable every day. It seems like you¡¯re still in the honeymoon phase. But where¡¯s the passion? You two are like an old couple who have been together for fifty years.¡±

    ¡°You know nothing,¡± Eileen retorted gently. Both Eileen and Bryan were naturally reserved, which meant their time together was marked by tranquility rather than conflict. They rarely argued, enjoying the peacefulness of each other¡¯spany. However, if a rift formed between them, it would be hard to mend.

    As the high school entrance exam loomed, Eileen found herself overseeing three students poised to take the test, feeling more anxious than any of them. She spent a restless night before the exam, rising early to make breakfast for Milford. After ensuring he had everything he needed, she drove him to the testing center.

    Milford and Adalina were assigned to different exam rooms, prompting Eileen to create a group chat with them, Denzel, and Nadia. She reminded them to bring everything they needed and provided the locations of their exam rooms.

    The exams spanned three days, and results were due in roughly twenty days after the tests. During this time, Milford seemed unaffected, but the Vance and Myers families were on edge. Nadia bombarded Eileen with urgent questions in the chat, to which Eileen responded with calm reassurances.

    With her tutoring duties on pause, Eileen had more free time, asionally apanying Bryan to gatherings and assisting him with work. Bryan, however, was reluctant to let her lose sleep because of his workmitments. If his events rante, he insisted she stay home. Though he drank at these gatherings, he never failed to text or call her to say not to wait up for him.

    Just five minutes earlier, Eileen had hung up the call with Bryan when her phone rang again. An unfamiliar number shed on the screen, originating from Onnd. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, Eileen slid her finger across the screen to answer the call.

    ¡°Eileen, it¡¯s me,¡± Ste¡¯s cheerful tone filled the line. ¡°I hope I¡¯m not calling toote. Did I disturb you?¡±

    Eileen straightened up, her fingersbing through her long hair. ¡°Not at all, Mrs. Dawson. What keeps you awake at this hour?¡±

    ¡°Z just had dinner here and left a short while ago. She told me you and Bryan are quite taken with each other. I¡¯m too thrilled to sleep just thinking about it!¡± The excitement in Ste¡¯s voice was palpable. ¡°If this goes on, you¡¯ll give me a great-grandchild soon, right?¡±

    In the dimly lit room, with only a nightmp glowing softly, Ste¡¯sughter was bright and clear in Eileen¡¯s ear. Since Eileen and Bryan had returned to Wist Land, Ste had brought up the topic several times via WhatsApp, eager and hopeful.

    Eileen had managed to sidestep the topic before, but Ste¡¯s determination was clear this time. ¡°Mrs. Dawson, perhaps we should shelf this discussion forter. After all, Bryan and I aren¡¯t even married yet,¡± Eileen said.

    Ste¡¯s enthusiasm waned. ¡°Is it just because you¡¯re not married yet?¡±

    If this was the only issue, she was ready to show them something that could solve it. ¡°It¡¯s not that simple,¡± Eileen responded calmly. ¡°Bryan and I need to take this one step at a time. Once we¡¯re back in Onnd, we¡¯ll get married. But first, I have to confess to him that I was the one who married him and then filed for divorce before. After that¡­¡±

    Eileen had a n in ce. She woulde clean, face the consequences, and hope for his forgiveness. Once Bryan processed the news and calmed down, they would get married and have a baby.

    ¡°No!¡± Ste eximed immediately. ¡°He cares about you deeply. Even if he¡¯s upset, it won¡¯t be the end of the world. But for me, it¡¯s different. I¡¯ve orchestrated everything. If he¡¯s angry with me, he won¡¯t care for me when I¡¯m on my deathbed.¡±

    Upon hearing that, Eileen¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°Please, Eileen, do me this one favor. Don¡¯t tell him that, okay?¡± Ste pleaded.

    Eileen massaged her forehead, a pang of guilt washing over her.

    Seeing Bryan¡¯s genuine love for her deepened Eileen¡¯s remorse each time.

    ¡°Whether I bring it up or not, he¡¯ll find out about it when we register our marriage,¡± Eileen said. The process to obtain a marriage certificate was different from that of arranging a remarriage.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll handle that,¡± Ste assured her confidently. With Ste¡¯s promise, Eileen feltpelled to agree. Yet, unease lingered in her heart.

    ¡°Once you both get back, you should stay at my ce. I¡¯ve already prepared a bedroom for you,¡± Ste said, discussing ns for their return to Onnd.

    Their phone conversation dragged on for half an hour before concluding. As the day of their return to Onnd drew nearer, Eileen contemted the challenges awaiting her. Lying in bed, she gradually drifted off to sleep.

    She was awakened when Bryany down beside her. After showering, he carried the scent of shower gel. Feeling the mattress dip beside her, Eileen instinctively curled into Bryan¡¯s embrace. He gently held her and kissed her forehead softly.

    ¡°Did I disturb your sleep?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t in a deep sleep. I slept too much during the day,¡± Eileen replied. Her long hair draped over his arms, lightly tickling him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and gave him a kiss before asking, ¡°How did the negotiation for your project go?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nearly finished. I should be able to rx after about a week,¡± Bryan said. The room was dimly lit, his eyes a deep shade in the darkness, her scent enveloping him. He added, ¡°After the exam resultse out, Denzel and his family will go to Onnd.¡±

    At the mention of Onnd, Eileen¡¯s eyes fluttered open, and she gazed up into Bryan¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Bryan, would you be upset with me if you discovered I¡¯d kept secrets and lied to you?¡± Eileen asked.

    Moonlight bathed her cheeks, and Bryan could see her serious expression.

    Bryan squinted slightly. ¡°What have you been lying about, Eileen? You know I¡¯m broke now.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s something beyond my control. It¡¯s not about the money,¡± Eileen retorted, jabbing his chest with her finger.

    Suddenly, Bryan grabbed her wrist and pinned her beneath him. She let out an involuntary groan. As he spoke, his voice was light butced with desire. ¡°As long as you don¡¯t lie to me about love, I¡¯m willing to give my life to you.¡± Then, he kissed her.

    His actions underscored his deep trust and desire for her, shattering any lies between them. Eileen¡¯s heart filled with warmth as she tried her best to satisfy him.

    Two weekster, the exam results were released. Brooks had missed passing by two points, but the Myers family managed to secure him a spot in a prestigious high school in Wist Land. Milford excelled, scoring twenty points above the necessary mark to enter a top high school in Onnd. Adalina exactly met the threshold for a top high school in Onnd, much to her parents¡¯ joy.

    In the evening, Denzel organized a dinner at a local restaurant to express his gratitude to Eileen for tutoring Adalina. Additionally, it served as a farewell gathering since he and his family were going to Onnd the following day.

    June had arrived, and the heat in Wist Land was rising. Eileen, dressed in a light purple floral-patterned dress, let her hair cascade over her shoulders as she entered the restaurant, holding Bryan¡¯s arm. Bryan, dressed in casual ck sportswear, exuded an easygoing vibe. The gleaming crystal chandelier above cast a warm glow on the pair.

    Milford trailed behind them, upied with the new cell phone Eileen had purchased for him, engaged in texting someone.

    Upon reaching their private room, Milford pocketed his phone and, catching Eileen¡¯s subtle cue, greeted everyone warmly before sitting down next to Adalina. Sharing the same age made it easy for them to findmon ground, especially as both were excited about being admitted to their preferred high schools.

    The Vance couple, overflowing with gratitude toward Eileen, made several toasts before shifting their focus to business matters.

    Bryan advised Denzel, ¡°Even though I¡¯m in control of this project, once you¡¯re in Onnd, you might want to operate the project in your name. Using my name could draw unwanted attention rather than aid our cause.¡± He proceeded to outline the market dynamics and strategic connections Denzel should foster or avoid in Onnd¡ªa ce Bryan knew well.

    As they were discussing something critical, the door to the room swung open. Dora marched in, surveyed the room, and then made a beeline for Eileen.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 228

    ?Chapter 228:

    ¡°How could you possibly enjoy yourself here?¡± Dora eximed as she grabbed a ss of wine from the table and aimed it toward Eileen.

    It happened so abruptly that nobody had time to react. But Bryan instinctively moved to protect Eileen. The wine sshed onto his back, blending seamlessly into his dark clothes. Yet, it was evident to all that the wine hadnded on Bryan.

    Eileen, acting on impulse, grabbed Bryan¡¯s wrist. His swift and determined actions earlier had made her heart skip a beat.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, why did you protect her? She¡¯s nothing but a liar. How could she sleep with you before you got a divorce? She may appear dignified, but she¡¯s truly disgraceful,¡± Dora spat.

    Dora had been frustrated for a long time, and now she found a way to vent her anger. Her outburst became a barrage of insults aimed at Eileen, whose eyes turned cold. Eileen rose and pped Dora across the face.

    ¡°Clearly, Mr. Myers has failed to discipline you, and Mrs. Myers has been too busy with Brooks to notice. Youck manners, but it doesn¡¯t matter; I will teach you how to behave today,¡± Eileen said, her face cold as ice, her eyes piercing like icicles, locking onto Dora.

    She then grabbed Dora by the cor, pushing her backward. It was only a ss of red wine just now, but what if it had been boiling water? Eileen couldn¡¯t shake the image of Bryan swiftly stopping the wine, and anger surged within her.

    ¡°You¡­¡± Dora stumbled against the wall, feeling trapped. But then, she gathered her courage and said, ¡°You didn¡¯t tutor my brother well! He didn¡¯t make it into the top high school.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re in no position to discuss Brooks¡¯ matters with me. If there¡¯s an issue, have your mother tell me,¡± Eileen replied, releasing Dora¡¯s cor. She dusted off her hands as if they were stained, then gestured toward the door. ¡°Get out.¡±

    ?@?¨¦$? ???t?¦Å§ñ? ¨ª¦Ð ?al¦Ðo¦Í¦Ål?.c??

    At Eileen¡¯s directive, Dora felt a surge of fear, instinctively wanting to leave.

    ¡°Dora!¡± Nadia and Bernard approached just in time to see the redness on Dora¡¯s cheek from the p, their expressions shifting in response.

    Bernard quickly walked to Dora¡¯s side, a stern look on his face as he examined her cheek. ¡°What happened here? Who pped you?¡±

    ¡°Dad, Mom, Eileen pped me!¡± Dora clung to her parents for support, pointing at Eileen as she used, ¡°She didn¡¯t help Brooks get into a prestigious high school. I just questioned her about it, and she hit me!¡±

    Bernard¡¯s face darkened as he red at Eileen, while Nadia remained still, taking in the scene.

    Bryan stood up, positioning himself beside Eileen to shield her from Bernard¡¯s hostile stare. He addressed Dora coldly, ¡°This room has surveince cameras. Do you really want to test the truth of your usations?¡±

    He then turned his gaze to Bernard. ¡°Mr. Myers, your daughter¡¯s behavior reflects poorly on you. She likes to lie and acts arrogantly. So, I¡¯m starting to have doubts about your integrity. I trust you won¡¯t pull something like that in our cooperation. Otherwise, ording to the terms of the contract, I can withdraw your investment and not give back a cent.¡±

    His words left Bernard speechless. Their project had kicked off smoothly, producing incredible profits, and Bernard¡¯s admiration for Bryan had begun to morph into apprehension.

    Nadia, having pieced together the situation, scolded Dora, ¡°I told you I was pleased that Brooks only missed the cutoff for the key high school by two points. We can still find a way to secure his admission. Why create a scene over this?¡±

    She then turned to Bernard. ¡°Stop making trouble and embarrassing our family here!¡± She believed Bernard should not blindly defend Dora.

    Nadia looked at Eileen. ¡°Ms. Curtis, my apologies for the disruption. I¡¯m actually quite pleased with Brooks¡¯ exam results.¡±

    The coldness on Eileen¡¯s face faded slightly. She smiled at Nadia and replied, ¡°Brooks is rather reserved. Once he starts high school, I rmend enrolling him in some extracurricr courses. A bnce between study and leisure could enhance his academic performance.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for the advice, Ms. Curtis.¡± Nadia expressed her gratitude and gestured for Dora and Bernard to leave.

    Unable to disobey Nadia, Dora and Bernard reluctantly exited the room.

    Once the Myers family had departed, Eileen led Bryan to the bathroom to clean the wine stains on his clothes. Bryan took off his shirt, standing half-naked in the small space, and the scent of his shower gel lingered in the air, distracting Eileen.

    Eileen quickly cleaned the stain and used the dryer to speed up the drying process.

    ¡°Why did you rush over so quickly? It was only a ss of wine,¡± Eileen whispered.

    Bryan nced at her and asked, ¡°Are you touched?¡±

    Eileen rolled her eyes. ¡°Why should I? What if next time it¡¯s a knife?¡±

    ¡°So what?¡± Bryan replied, having not seen clearly what Dora had been holding during the incident. ¡°If she hurts you, I don¡¯t know what I¡¯ll do.¡±

    Should he retaliate against Dora violently? That would mean prison for breaking thew. But if he didn¡¯t act, he would be consumed by hatred.

    His words, though blunt, were filled with genuine concern for her.

    Eileen helped him put on his now-dry shirt, carefully buttoning it with her cool fingertips. A smile crept onto her face as she stood on her toes and kissed him.

    He leaned against the wall and lowered his head to cooperate with her. It was umon for her to take the initiative to kiss him, especially in public, and her breath trembled in the moment.

    Bryan¡¯s desire grew, his breathing deepening as he gently held her waist. He nced at her flushed ears, his eyes slightly squinted, and lifted his head to avoid her next move.

    She softened into his embrace, slowly catching her breath as he rested his chin on her head, allowing her to feel the steady thump of his heart.

    Five minutester, they stepped out of the bathroom, appearing as if nothing had happened.

    The minor issue didn¡¯t stir up much, and the meal concluded smoothly. Denzel took the project¡¯s core responsibilities to Onnd, assuming primary control while Bryan managed things behind the scenes, which gave him plenty of free time.

    A month passed. Bryan and Eileen were scheduled to return to Onnd on August 20th, but on August 15th, something went wrong on Denzel¡¯s end. Bryan had to leave for Onnd ahead of schedule. Within less than two hours of receiving Denzel¡¯s message, he made his decision to depart.

    Bryan left quickly. By the time Eileen fully processed the situation, his ne had already taken off.

    Standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows, Eileen watched the ne ascend slowly into the sky. A sigh escaped her lips as she felt a hollow ache in her heart. When Bryan was around, the month flew by; without him, Eileen felt each of the five days stretch out like five years.

    Five dayster, Eileen, along with Ruby and Milford, boarded the ne to Onnd. This trip felt like a true return, unlike her brief visit on Christmas Eve.

    Ruby could only move slowly. More than ten minutes after they disembarked, Eileen and the others finally exited the airport.

    Stepping outside, Eileen spotted Bailee casually dressed in a shirt and jeans, yet still looking professional. Upon noticing Eileen and the others, Bailee immediately burst into tears and rushed to greet them.

    When she reached Ruby, Bailee slowed down, giving her a gentle embrace, then swung around to wrap her arms tightly around Eileen, spinning her around repeatedly. ¡°Eileen, you¡¯re finally back! I¡¯ve waited so long for you!¡± she eximed.

    Eileen struggled to breathe in Bailee¡¯s tight embrace.

    Ruby managed to assert firmly, ¡°Enough!¡±

    Bailee halted, turning to Ruby with tears still streaming down her face. ¡°I¡¯m just so happy! But I can¡¯t spin around with you; I can only do that with Eileen.¡±

    Their joyful reunion attracted curious nces from passersby. After exchanging pleasantries, they left the airport.

    Eileen scanned the crowd but didn¡¯t see the person she hoped to find, feeling a twinge of disappointment. Bryan was aware of her flight details; she had told him that Bailee would pick her up and had asked him not toe. Yet, she secretly hoped he would surprise her.

    Those five days had felt endless. At times, he had been too busy to even respond to her messages.

    Turning on her phone, Eileen noticed a message from Phoebe. Once in the car, she replied to Phoebe and then perked up to engage in conversation with Bailee.

    Bailee¡¯s ce was a four-bedroom apartment with living and dining areas,fortably amodating four people. For convenience, Bailee had rented an apartment right across from hers.

    After getting out of the elevator, she handed the key to Eileen. ¡°Mom will stay with me. You¡¯re wee to join us for dinner anytime. You and Milford will live just across from us.¡±

    She gave Eileen a knowing wink, hinting that this arrangement would make it easy for Bryan to visit. Eileen couldn¡¯t help but smile; Bailee made a valid point. In fact, she nned to introduce Bryan to Ruby once they settled in Onnd.

    Ruby was now able to speak, albeit slowly.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll organize my things and thene over,¡± Eileen said, taking the key and heading to the other apartment with Milford.

    Bailee had already tidied up the apartment, making it neat andfortable. Eileen let Milford pick a room first. However, as he settled onto the couch, Milford said, ¡°You can pick the room first. I¡¯ll just send a quick message to Alino.¡±

    Alino was the affectionate yet quirky nickname Milford used for Adalina. Although Adalina was quite lovely, the nickname was a bit odd. But since Adalina neverined, Eileen chose not to intervene.

    Eileen randomly selected a room and began to arrange her belongings. When she stepped out, she noticed that Milford had chosen the room farthest from hers.

    As he emerged from his room, Milford caught sight of her and exined, ¡°I thought it best to keep some distance. Wouldn¡¯t want to be in the way when Bryan visits.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be silly. Let¡¯s go,¡± Eileen urged.

    Taking the key, Eileen left the apartment with Milford. She knocked twice on Bailee¡¯s door, and Bailee opened it shortly after.

    ¡°Eileen, let¡¯s set up your fingerprint now so I won¡¯t have to keep opening the door for you,¡± Bailee suggested, leading Eileen to the fingerprint scanner.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 229

    ?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??l¦Ç¦Òv???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¡ªstill 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.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 230

    ?Chapter 230:

    Bryan¡¯s kiss stirred Eileen awake, and his warm breath and the refreshing scent of his shower gel filled her senses. Almost instinctively, she responded to his kiss, intensifying his desire.

    Just as they were about to do something more intimate, the doorbell abruptly chimed, its sound reverberating throughout the house. Hastily, Eileen pushed Bryan aside, fastened her pajamas, and smoothed her long hair to conceal the blush on her cheeks before answering the door.

    ¡°Mom?¡± Eileen was taken aback to find Ruby standing outside. Ruby had arrived on her own, with the door across from Eileen¡¯s ce still open. She gestured toward it. ¡°Eileen,e over for breakfast¡­¡±

    Milford had already gone for breakfast. He and Bailee both assumed that since Eileen was still in bed, Bryan must have been at her ce. However, unaware of this, Ruby hade over to knock on Eileen¡¯s door while Bailee was preupied.

    As soon as she finished talking, Ruby noticed a mark on Eileen¡¯s neck. Though faint, it was unmistakable to her keen eye. After a brief pause, Ruby¡¯s expression turned awkward, and she quickly shook her head, saying, ¡°No. I should go.¡±

    ¡°Not, Mom!¡± Eileen stammered, feeling the embarrassment of being caught in a romantic encounter like a young girl. Seeing Ruby hurry away, she refrained from following, fearing Ruby might stumble in her haste.

    Watching Ruby enter her house and shut the door, Eileen was about to turn and head back inside when the elevator doors suddenly opened. Raymond emerged from the elevator, meeting Eileen¡¯s gaze for a second before approaching.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, I¡¯ve brought some clothes for Mr. Dawson,¡± he said. ¡°Please,e in.¡± Eileen stepped aside to allow him entry. Despite her burning ears, her demeanor remainedposed.

    Raymond paused at the doorway, handing Eileen Bryan¡¯s clothes. ¡°I won¡¯te in,¡± he said. ¡°Mr. Dawson¡¯s grandmother wants you back for lunch. Make sure to remind Mr. Dawson of this.¡±

    I?t€$? ¡é§ß?¦Ñ?¦Å?? ?§Ú g??l??ov?l??.??om

    Expressing gratitude, Eileen epted the clothes and watched Raymond leave before returning to her room. Since it was still early, Eileen nned to address some issues, but Bryan was adamant about fulfilling his desires. After tempering his immediate desires to a certain extent, Bryan changed into the clothes provided by Raymond.

    Despite his initial fatigue, Bryan now exuded contentment, tinged with a lingering sense of desire. They enjoyed breakfast outdoors, and Eileen purchased gifts tailored to Ste¡¯s preferences. In a sense, this marked her first official visit. Although she had visited the Dawson Mansion numerous times before, her sentiments this time were vastly different.

    As the car approached, the gates of the Dawson Mansion creaked open, and Bryan eased the car inside. Gardeners meticulously tended to the verdantwn while the grand vi¡¯srge windows offered glimpses of the busy servants within.

    Bryan pulled the car to a stop directly in front of the vi, where Jarred was already positioned at the door, ready to wee them. ¡°Miss Curtis,¡± Jarred greeted. Eileen nodded politely and greeted him as well.

    Hand in hand, Bryan and Eileen entrusted the gifts to a servant before entering the vi. ¡°Is Eileen here?¡± Ste descended from upstairs, her face breaking into a smile. Assisted by a servant, Ste approached, grabbing Eileen¡¯s wrist and guiding her to a seat in the living room. Bryan waspletely disregarded, his expression inscrutable as he trailed behind them.

    ¡°Madam is merely putting up a front. Bryan hasn¡¯t set foot home since his return to Ennd, and she has talked about seeing him on multiple asions,¡± Jarred said. Now that Ste hadid eyes on Eileen, she ignored Bryan, but that was just an act.

    Once seated, Ste shot a re at Jarred. ¡°I miss him. He¡¯s been back for days and hasn¡¯t bothered to visit, as if he has no grandmother.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s busy,¡± Eileen said in defense of Bryan.

    Ste countered, ¡°Who isn¡¯t busy? He¡¯s busy enough to neglect his own grandmother?¡± Ste¡¯s dissatisfaction with Bryan was palpable. ¡°I need a light bulb reced in my greenhouse. Go and attend to it,¡± Ste instructed Bryan, dismissing him.

    Casting a fleeting nce at Eileen, Bryan ascended the stairs. In the living room, only Eileen, Ste, and a few bustling servants remained. ¡°Before you came into the picture, he still made time for me, no matter how busy he was. But ever since you entered his life, my standing has diminished,¡± Ste remarked, her frustration palpable.

    Eileen hadn¡¯t anticipated that Ste would be the first woman to feel jealous because of her. ¡°He treats me with great kindness, but he holds you in equal regard. He¡¯s been genuinely upied these past few days, scarcely responding to my messages,¡± Eileen said. Upon hearing this, Ste responded without hesitation, ¡°I¡¯m happiest when you two get along. I¡¯m simply expressing my thoughts, not really upset with him.¡±

    After a brief pause, Eileen whispered, ¡°That¡¯s why it¡¯s not right to hide the matter about the marriage from him. I want to tell him.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s beside the point,¡± Ste waved her hands in frustration. ¡°He loves you so much; he won¡¯t be upset with you. He might be upset with me! You must understand that all these years, I¡¯ve been subtly pushing you toward him. I¡¯ve been the mastermind behind it all, orchestrating things. He¡¯s bound to hold it against me.¡±

    Eileen felt resigned. ¡°If he¡¯s not upset with me, he won¡¯t be upset with you.¡±

    ¡°He will be. He might even turn my coffin over a centuryter,¡± Ste dered firmly.

    Ste had invested so much effort into anything in her life as she had in the past seven years of nning. She continued, ¡°If you didn¡¯t bring it up when you first got together, it¡¯s best not toplicate things. It¡¯s better to steer clear of trouble.¡±

    Ste¡¯s words made sense, but Eileen still felt uneasy. She said, ¡°I didn¡¯t mention it at first because I didn¡¯t know that he hadn¡¯t seen my name when he signed the divorce papers.¡± Eileen was still puzzled by that. Had Bryan signed that with his eyes closed?

    Ste¡¯s body tensed briefly before rxing. ¡°He signed it in haste and probably overlooked it. The important thing is that the situation was urgent, and we couldn¡¯t risk anyplications in your rtionship. I only wish for you both to marry smoothly and have children. Then, the Dawson family will be secure.¡±

    Truth be told, Eileen had been bracing herself for Bryan¡¯s anger. After a prolonged silence, Ste conceded, ¡°Put this aside for now and revisit it after your wedding. You two should form a united front.¡±

    The notion of presenting a united front briefly swayed Eileen. They whispered in the living room for a while, oblivious to a lurking shadow nearby, moving stealthily with a duster, constantly hovering around them. From that matter to discussions about children, Ste skillfully diverted Eileen¡¯s attention, making her somewhat confused.

    Luckily, Bryan descended the stairs, breaking the flow of their conversation. Lunch was ready; Bryan and Eileen escorted Ste to the dining room.

    Suddenly, a noise erupted in the courtyard, prompting several individuals to peer through the floor-to-ceiling windows at the sight of a car arriving at the gate. Z got out of the car first. Usually haughty, she now acted more humble as she opened the car¡¯s door for the people inside. A woman in her forties, with long hair, appeared fierce; she got out.

    From the passenger seat emerged a man radiating authority and sharing a resemnce to Bryan. However, his demeanor sharply contrasted with Bryan¡¯s; while Bryan exuded a cold, aristocratic air, Brandon appeared somewhat bitter and petty,cking the dignity befitting a man.

    Soon, they stepped into the vi. The dynamic between Brandon and Lydia appeared intimate on the surface, yet their demeanor suggested otherwise. They both exuded a certain feigned air of nobility.

    ¡°What a bother! I can¡¯t enjoy a peaceful meal,¡± Ste grumbled, giving Eileen¡¯s wrist a gentle pat. The neers went inside, face to face with Eileen and the others.

    Brandon¡¯s gaze bore into Eileen, as if attempting to prate her soul. ¡°Bryan is here as well. It¡¯s been ages since we all dined together,¡± Lydia eximed with a radiant smile.

    However, while Lydia retained her charm in her age, she fell short of Eileen¡¯s expectations. Eileen had assumed that someone capable of persuading Brandon to sever ties with Bryan must be a ¡°young temptress.¡± Bryan¡¯s expression remained neutral. Apart from a fleeting exchange of nces with Z, he didn¡¯t bother to acknowledge them.

    Brandon and Bryan looked less acquainted than strangers, and the atmosphere was tinged with an invisible tension. ¡°Since you¡¯re here, let¡¯s dine together,¡± Ste said with a hint of indifference, her expression almost conveying an unwee demeanor. She ushered Eileen to the second seat to her right, with Bryan seated beside her.

    Brandon and his wife upied seats opposite them, while Z sat in the corner beside Lydia. ¡°Look, there are quite a few dishes my son enjoys. It¡¯s a shame he¡¯s not here,¡± Lydia said, breaking the silence at the table. ¡°Don¡¯t bring him up here,¡± Ste said coldly.

    Eileen listened silently, realizing that Lydia must be referring to the son she had with Brandon. Years ago, Eileen had heard about Bryan¡¯s younger half-brother, who had grown up abroad. Lydia chuckled, covering her mouth. ¡°What are you saying? My son is also a Dawson. Why can¡¯t he be mentioned?¡±

    ¡°Be quiet!¡± Ste reprimanded Lydia, a look of disdain on her face.

    Lydia wasn¡¯t offended. Instead, her gaze lightly settled on Eileen for the first time since entering the room. Eileen possessed a quiet elegance, disying delicate beauty while exuding a striking presence. Lydia believed Eileen¡¯s pure yet captivating appearance made it understandable why Bryan was captivated by her.

    She said, ¡°An outsider can enter the Dawson family, yet my son¡¯s name can¡¯t be mentioned here. Why is that?¡±

    ¡°Because she¡¯s mine,¡± Bryan¡¯s voice, cold as ice, slipped from his thin lips. His dismissive nce at Lydia caused her throat to tighten.

    After a brief pause, Lydia said with a smile, ¡°Bryan, it¡¯s been years since west saw each other, and your temper has certainly grown. Remember how you used to chase after Z every day, eager to marry her? And you¡¯ve been enchanted by nobody.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s face darkened, his body subtly shifting and the veins on the back of his hand bulging, but Eileen calmed him down with a gentle touch. She subtly shook her head at him, suggesting they should be mindful of Ste¡¯s feelings.

    Besides, it was not appropriate for Bryan, as a man, to argue with a woman. Eileen believed she should say something to retort. With a smile, she looked at Lydia, her tone innocent. ¡°Even a nobody knows one cannot speak without thinking. It seems that some people¡¯s intelligence doesn¡¯t even measure up to that of a nobody.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 231

    ?Chapter 231:

    Lydia continued to smile. ¡°Do you know how to respect your elders?¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Dawson, it seems you are quite familiar with these moral concepts,¡± Eileen responded, her voice steady. ¡°How can you expect respect from others when you don¡¯t show them any?¡± The smile vanished from Lydia¡¯s face. She knew that Eileen had once been a special assistant and now served as a family tutor. Lydia had presumed that Eileen, after bing ustomed to such humble roles, would not dare to stand up against her. She had thought Eileen would only feel embarrassed and frustrated when confronted with challenges. She had believed that if things got too difficult, Eileen would probably seekfort in Bryan¡¯s embrace, weeping.

    Yet, Lydia had not anticipated Eileen¡¯s articte and assertive response.

    ¡°Is this the woman you want to marry?¡± Brandon set his fork down on the table with a thud, looking sternly at Bryan. ¡°She clearlycks manners!¡±

    ¡°And what might the manners of the Dawson family entail?¡± Eileen challenged. ¡°Does it include elders insulting or belittling the younger ones at will?¡±

    This time, Brandon did not allow Eileen the opportunity to continue. ¡°You have no right to speak here,¡± he said.

    Ste snorted coldly. ¡°She has no right? I am your mother! How dare you show such disrespect in my presence?¡±

    ¡°Mom!¡± Brandon¡¯s voice showed clear disapproval, but he tempered his demeanor. ¡°You¡¯ve cut ties with Bryan. His choice of a wife is no longer your concern!¡± Ste was clearly defending Eileen and Bryan. Bryan, silent throughout the confrontation, carefully removed the shell of Eileen¡¯s favorite lobster. After some time, he gently ced a piece of lobster meat on her te.

    Turning to Ste with a smile, Lydia said, ¡°Mom, Brandon doesn¡¯t truly mean it. As the head of the Dawson family, if he disapproves of Eileen, she will not be embraced by our family or rest in our family cemetery.¡±

    Check exclusive content g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    This was likely why Brandon had dared to cut ties with Bryan. When Lydia brought that up, a coldness seemed to emanate from Bryan.

    Bryan removed his disposable gloves and leaned back in his chair, his hands gripping the seat. His jaw was clenched tightly; he appeared to be holding back intense emotions.

    ¡°The atmosphere has be too tense,¡± Lydia remarked, cing her fork down. ¡°Brandon, you¡¯re here not to stir conflict but to heal the rift between you and your son.¡±

    The room fell silent as Ste looked toward Brandon, anticipating his response. But since their arrival, the air between Bryan and Brandon had been icy, with neither saying a word to the other. If Brandon acknowledged his purpose was to mend their rtionship now, it would mean that he was apologizing to Bryan. Unwilling to do that, Brandon simply snorted and averted his gaze, remaining silent.

    ¡°They are truly alike. Neither will back down when they argue,¡± Lydia said, turning to Z and patting her shoulder reassuringly. ¡°Today, we¡¯re here to rify our stance. We¡¯re not forcing Bryan to marry Z; he is free to choose his partner.¡±

    As Eileen¡¯s gaze rested on Z¡¯s face, Z offered a nod. Lydia continued, ¡°Family happinesses first. My son will be returning soon. He has always liked Brandon, and I¡¯ve hoped Brandon would set a good example for him.¡±

    Lydia¡¯s words seemed to boast of the close bond between Brandon and Travis Dawson. Lydia and Brandon¡¯s son was hinting that Brandon was easing his rtionship with Bryan to be a role model for Travis.

    Lydia¡¯s narrative made Eileen feel sympathy for Bryan. She turned her eyes to Bryan, who was smoking now. It wasmonly said that he was a cold and formidable figure in business, known for his decisive actions. However, Eileen knew Bryan aspassionate and principled, his stern exterior masking a warm heart. She reached out, her fingers lightly tracing the pronounced veins on the back of his hand.

    Bryan took a drag from his cigarette, allowing her to hold his hand. ¡°Bryan, it¡¯s been years since you and your father sat down for a heart-to-heart. As his son, maybe you should take the initiative to do something. When was thest time you called him ¡®Dad¡¯?¡± Lydia said to Bryan, nudging him toward making the first conciliatory move.

    Ste remained silent, watching Bryan with a mix of anticipation and concern. After a long while, Bryan extinguished his cigarette on the table, the spark dying swiftly. It seemed as if the light had gone out in his eyes. He looked up, fixing his gaze on Brandon.

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t deserve it,¡± he said.

    Brandon reacted immediately, standing up, the dishes before him ttering sharply because of his action. ¡°How dare you say that? How could I have such a disrespectful son?¡± His voice was thick with anger.

    Yet, Bryan remained rxed in his chair, a stark contrast to Brandon¡¯s agitation. ¡°Enough,¡± Lydia said, cing a hand on Brandon¡¯s chest and guiding him to sit down again. ¡°He¡¯s your only son. Why lose your temper with him? Let¡¯s eat. Remember, there¡¯s a press conferenceter. Our family has been the talk of the town for too long. It¡¯s time for you to do something.¡±

    Eileen frowned at Lydia¡¯s mention of Bryan as Brandon¡¯s ¡°only son.¡± This did not seem like a slip of the tongue. If Bryan was Brandon¡¯s only son, what was Travis¡¯s rtionship with Brandon?

    The table fell silent again. Brandon did not touch his food, while Lydia heaped servings onto Z¡¯s te. Suddenly, Z winced as juice identally sshed onto her clothes.

    Lydia frowned, her tone cool. ¡°You¡¯re being so careless. Go change.¡±

    ¡°Okay, Mrs. Dawson.¡± Z stood and headed upstairs. Z¡¯s room was on the third floor, a familiar space she had upied before studying abroad. Since Z came back this time, Ste had not asked her to stay in the house, so she resided elsewhere, though her belongings still filled the room.

    After changing into a new dress, a figure appeared at the door of her cloakroom. ¡°Miss Murray.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± Z replied without turning. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°I overheard Ste and Eileen talking today,¡± the servant said. She was a woman in her thirties with a submissive demeanor. Z finished adjusting her hair and faced the mirror. ¡°What did they say?¡±

    ¡°They spoke of an agreement, marriage, and divorce. They kept their voices low and didn¡¯t dare get too close; it seems they were unsure about telling Mr. Dawson the truth,¡± the servant replied.

    As Z adjusted her hair, she furrowed her brow in contemtion. She knew that Bryan¡¯s marriage to his first wife was an arranged one, orchestrated by Ste. But what had prompted this sudden discussion in the past? Was Bryan¡¯s first wife seeking financialpensation now? And had Ste been strategizing with Eileen to devise a n?

    Z felt that the situation seemed moreplex than a mere financial demand. If it were just about money, Ste and Eileen wouldn¡¯t have been concerned. And there would be no need for them to hide the matter from Bryan.

    ¡°Doris, keep an eye on Ste and inform me of any developments,¡± Z instructed.

    Doris Seymour, the servant, nodded in agreement. ¡°Okay, I will leave now.¡± She then cautiously opened the door, peering out to ensure the coast was clear before exiting stealthily.

    Although Z remained in the dark about the specifics of Ste and Eileen¡¯s conversation, she now knew they were keeping secrets from Bryan.

    After dinner, Brandon, Lydia, and Z departed, leaving much of the sumptuous meal untouched. Since their arrival earlier, a coldness had surrounded Bryan, and he had spoken little.

    Ste sighed. ¡°Why can¡¯t you just call him Dad? Your mother hasn¡¯t even beenid to rest in our family¡¯s cemetery yet.¡±

    ¡°She won¡¯t be buried in there,¡± Bryan replied with finality. ¡°That man doesn¡¯t deserve to rest beside my mother.¡±

    Ste opened her mouth to respond to that, but words failed her. After a moment, she said, ¡°I¡¯m tired. I¡¯m going to take a nap. You should also get some rest. I¡¯ve prepared a surprise for you in the cupboard next to your bed.¡± Then she winked at Eileen, adding, ¡°I had Bryan¡¯s room redone. I wanted you both to move back here right away, but he told me you needed to care for your mother. Perhaps you can stay here asionally.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Eileen responded politely.

    ¡°He needs you by his side right now,¡± Ste whispered to her. With a thoughtful nod, Eileen followed Bryan up the grand staircase.

    The crystal chandelier cast sparkling reflections of the sunlight streaming through therge French windows. Eileen squinted slightly, her eyes tracing Bryan¡¯s tall figure before he stepped inside his room.

    She hadn¡¯t eaten much during the meal, feeling ack of appetite amid the family¡¯s secrets and tensions. She mulled over the fact that Bryan¡¯s mother was not interred in the family cemetery, though she couldn¡¯t determine whether it was Brandon or Bryan who was responsible for that decision. The rift between Brandon and Bryan seemed rooted in deep-seated conflicts, not just over Brandon¡¯s disapproval of Bryan wanting to marry Eileen. Lydia¡¯s remark about Bryan being Brandon¡¯s ¡°only son¡± also puzzled Eileen.

    On the second floor, Bryan opened the door and stepped inside, but a secondter, he hurried out, quickly shutting the door behind him.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Eileen almost collided with him. His awkward demeanor prompted her to ask him that.

    Bryan clutched the doorknob, hesitating before he said in a low voice, ¡°Grandma just said she redid my room; everything there now has nothing to do with me.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Eileen was puzzled. ¡°In the room?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s expression was so troubled that Eileen half-wondered if Ste had filled the room with something as startling as a row of sex dolls. What had he seen inside that had left him so embarrassed and reluctant to share?

    ¡°You can go in and take a look,¡± Bryan said, opening the door again and gesturing for Eileen to enter.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 232

    ?Chapter 232:

    Bryan¡¯s handsome visage retained a hint of anger, mingled with a myriad ofplex emotions. The room was bathed in a crimson hue, cast by the sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Even before Eileen stepped inside, her silhouette was tinged with red. As she moved forward, every feature of her face and attire was entuated by the crimson ambiance.

    The room¡¯s decor was all red, with everything draped in shades of red, save for the lone white wall adorned with vintage posters featuring plump children from the ¡¯80s. ¡°Where did Ste get all these posters?¡± Eileen muttered, her mind drifting back to her childhood. She vaguely remembered seeing simr posters in her house when she was still a child, but they seemed to have disappeared as she grew older.

    As Bryan entered the room, he wasted no time in opening the window, the wind dispersing the colorful balloon decorations that adorned the ceiling. A string that once held the balloons aloft now dangled between Bryan and Eileen. For a moment, they stood in silence, both taken aback by the absurdity of the scene.

    Bryan, feeling slightly ufortable with the extravagant decor, began putting away everything, though he couldn¡¯t be bothered to change the bedding. Eileen followed suit, stealing nces at Bryan¡¯s chiseled profile as they worked. She felt the urge to speak several times but found herself at a loss for words. His somber mood lingered, and Eileen sensed his sadness, deciding against probing further out of respect for his feelings. Eventually, Bryan guided her into bed, wrapping his arms around her.

    She nestled against him, inhaling theforting scent of pine and a hint of smoke that clung to his skin. Suddenly, Bryan remembered something and shifted to the bedside, bringing her along. Pointing to the nearby cab, he said, ¡°My grandmother said she had prepared a surprise here; I think it¡¯s for you.¡±

    Turning, Eileen opened the drawer only to find it filled with new condoms. With a swift movement, she closed the drawer and turned to lie back on the bed. Bryan¡¯s smile widened as he retrieved a small jewelry box amidst the condoms from the drawer, cing it gently on Eileen¡¯s chest. ¡°This is for you,¡± he said, his eyes warm with affection. The box bore the mark of an expensive brand, a testament to its value.

    ¡°This is too much,¡± Eileen said, her voice filled with astonishment. As far as she knew, even the most affordable pieces from that brand cost hundreds of thousands. Bryan, however, remained unfazed. ¡°Just ept it. After all, you¡¯re the person who¡¯s going to use all the condoms with me.¡±

    L¦Ët??¦Ó §éh¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?r? ¦Én g??l?ov?ls.??????

    Rolling her eyes, Eileen snatched the box of condoms from his hand and tossed it back into the drawer. ¡°Stop joking around,¡± she chided lightly.

    Bryan leaned closer, their noses touching. His gaze softened, the darkness that had clouded his eyes dissipating. ¡°Bryan, let me share something about my childhood,¡± Eileen said, pulling him to sit up beside her.

    Together, they sat cross-legged on the crimson bed. Eileen¡¯s long hair cascaded over her shoulders, slightly tousled, as she gazed at Bryan with a solemn expression. ¡°My mom left my dad because she couldn¡¯t bear his poverty anymore. She had found a new family before she even divorced him.¡± These were the bitter truths that Eileen¡¯s father had shared with her, despite her young age making her unable to understand everything at the time.

    Her mother had remarried, seeking stability, but her new husband, unable to father children, had pressured her to bring along a son. Tragically, that man had sumbed to an incurable illness, exhausting their savings on futile treatments. Left in dire straits, Eileen¡¯s mother had struggled to provide for the family. Roderick, Eileen¡¯s younger brother, had never had the chance to attend a decent college, while Eileen had endured her father¡¯s constant torment in her tumultuous upbringing.

    ¡°Ruby and Bailee are the only hope in my life,¡± Eileen said. As she nestled into Bryan¡¯s embrace, he tenderly caressed her waist, the silent reassurance of his touch filling her heart with warmth.

    Her admission hung in the air, pregnant with unspoken questions, a subtle invitation for Bryan to share his own. But as moments stretched into silence, Bryan remained reticent. Eileen continued, ¡°They lit up the first half of my life, and you are lighting up the rest.¡±

    Ruby had been her beacon of hope, guiding her through the trials of her early years and sending her to college. Yet, her illness had plunged Eileen back into darkness until Ste¡¯s intervention had provided a lifeline. Eileen couldn¡¯t even imagine what might have happened if she hadn¡¯t received Ste¡¯s help.

    Eileen¡¯s words about him made Bryan freeze for a moment, a glimmer of light gradually brightening his calm eyes. With a gentle squeeze, he affirmed hismitment to her, recognizing the resilience she had forged in the absence of parental warmth.

    ¡°I¡¯ve encountered fortunes and pains. Your parents were cruel in their absence. My mother loved me dearly, but her life was tragically cut short by Brandon,¡± Bryan¡¯s voice quivered when he said thest sentence, his emotions threatening to overwhelm him.

    Sensing his distress, Eileen enveloped him in a tight embrace, offering silent sce. Their moment of intimacy was abruptly shattered by the jarring ring of the phone. Reluctantly pulling away from Eileen, Bryan reached for the phone, his expression unreadable as he listened to the caller¡¯s words. ¡°Mr. Dawson, please tune into the news. Your father has gathered the media for a press conference.¡±

    Eileen and Bryan exchanged knowing nces before Eileen retrieved her phone, their eyes drawn to the headlines revealing Brandon¡¯stest move. With a quick tap on the link, Eileen essed the live feed.

    In front of the camera, Brandon wore a serious expression. Though he was the one who had called for the press conference, he remained silent the whole time while Lydia spoke beside him. ¡°Brandon is softhearted. He wouldn¡¯t readily sever ties with Bryan. After all, they are father and son, bonded by blood,¡± Lydia said. The media had always tread cautiously around the Dawson family¡¯s matters, wary of crossing any boundaries without their explicit consent.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 233

    ?Chapter 233:

    Even though everyone knew that Brandon had issues with Bryan, the media had refrained from reporting the news. Now, taking center stage to hold a press conference about the brewing tensions between him and Bryan, reporters had flocked in, eager to capture every moment. Lydia now found herself bombarded with sharp questions from the press.

    A female reporter boldly raised her arm, catching Lydia¡¯s attention. ¡°Excuse me, Mrs. Dawson. Allow me to ask a daring question. Murray standing beside you is rumored to be the chosen wife for Bryan Dawson. Can you enlighten us on when we can expect to hear wedding bells?¡±

    Before Lydia could respond, another reporter seized the moment, firing off another question. ¡°It¡¯s been spected that your husband intended to sever all ties with his son Bryan due to Bryan¡¯s romantic involvement with a certain woman. Now that they appear to be on better terms, is it because Bryan ended his rtionship with that woman, or is it because he¡¯s set to marry Miss Murray?¡±

    This second question sought to uncover the underlying reason behind the reconciliation between Bryan and Brandon. As the spotlight shifted back to Lydia, she nced at Z, carefully choosing her words. ¡°My husband holds a deep affection for Z, who has grown up in our home. He has raised her as his own and is discerning when ites to her future spouse. While Z and Bryan share a close friendship, we won¡¯t impose any decisions upon them. Bryan has no shortage of admirers, and we trust he will find a suitable match.¡±

    After all, Z was merely a person who had been raised within the confines of the Dawson family, and there were countless eligible daughters of affluent households vying for Bryan¡¯s attention. With a deft maneuver, Lydia had deflected any direct mention of Eileen, subtly implying that Bryan would not be forced to marry Z.

    The affluent families eager to secure prestigious marriages for their daughters wasted no time in strategizing. Lydia¡¯s words were a clear signal that Brandon had no qualms about Bryan¡¯s marital choices and that the rift between Brandon and Bryan had been resolved. It felt like an open invitation for women vying for Bryan¡¯s affection.

    Bryan, sensing the ulterior motives in Lydia¡¯s words, snatched Eileen¡¯s phone from her hand with a hint of frustration flickering in his typicallyposed demeanor. ¡°I knew they were plotting something,¡± he muttered, rising from the bed to straighten his disheveled attire.

    Check what¡¯s new on g@lnov??s.c¡ðm

    Eileen quietly got out of bed, methodically making it with a sense of foreboding weighing on her mind. Brandon¡¯s attempt to undermine her position with the support of other influential families was evident. Previously, Z had been the obstacle standing in the way of Bryan¡¯s suitors, shielded by his father¡¯s favoritism. Now, with Eileen as Bryan¡¯s girlfriend, the other young women who wanted to win Bryan¡¯s heart would likely direct their animosity toward Eileen.

    Word spread swiftly among the elite circles, stirring excitement among families who had long sought alliances with the prestigious Dawson family. Some began devising ns to betroth their daughters to Bryan, envisioning advantageous unions that would elevate their own standing in society.

    It was nearly September, and the night was chilly. A cold breeze seeped into the room. Standing before her desk, Z was lost in thought with a pen in hand. After a while, she carefully wrote on the paper. ¡°Kill a person using another¡¯s heart.¡±

    ¡°Eileen, you¡¯ve forced my hand time and again, but this time, I doubt you¡¯ll wriggle free. Letting someone else deal with your fate seems the most prudent,¡± she muttered. Once the ink had dried, she bound the paper with a red string, stowing it away in the safe like before.

    In moments of idleness, she often found herself pondering the secrets concealed by Eileen and Ste from Bryan. Yet, before she could unravel the mystery, an unexpected call interrupted her thoughts. The clock had struck one, thete hour signaling the urgency of the call.

    Answering the phone, Z was met not by Bryan¡¯s voice. A waiter was on the other end of the line. ¡°Hello, Miss Murray. Mr. Kian is drunk and asks to see you. Could you pleasee over?¡± the waiter said.

    The sound ofmotion and chatter in the background hinted at the bustling atmosphere of a bar or a club. All things considered, Z believed Kian was still useful to her. She said, ¡°Please, look after him for now. I¡¯ll be there soon.¡±

    The waiter gave her the name of the club. Luckily, it was a ce they both frequented, so Z knew exactly where to go. Thirty minutester, Z arrived at the private room on the club¡¯s third floor.

    Amidst the dim ambiance, Kian sprawled on the floor, a bottle of wine in hand. This marked Z¡¯s first encounter with Kian since her return from West Land. Vivian remained locked up, her fate sealed. Despite Kian¡¯s swift return and efforts to intervene, Bryan¡¯s moves proved quicker. Kian was barred from seeing Vivian, who had received a grim sentence of life imprisonment in a mental hospital.

    Upon learning that, Kian had felt like he had been struck by lightning. He had orchestrated everything for Vivian to be with Bryan, mostly because of his reluctance for Bryan to marry Z. The other driving force behind his actions was his deep love for Vivian, knowing that Vivian liked Bryan. That was why he had gone to great lengths to facilitate Vivian and Bryan¡¯s connection, never foreseeing this tragic oue. He grappled with the realization that his actions had led to his sister¡¯s current plight.

    Vivian, his sister, the person he adored, and he had been Vivian¡¯s protector since childhood. Meanwhile, Debby¡¯s tears flowed ceaselessly at home, a heartbreaking reminder of the pain Kian¡¯s actions had caused. To numb his own anguish, Kian sought refuge in alcohol.

    Relief had washed over him as he had watched Brandon¡¯s press conference earlier that day. At least Z was spared from marrying Bryan. Setting aside the battle, Kian reached out to Z. ¡°Z,e here. I need to hold you.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 234

    ?Chapter 234:

    Z set her bag down on the sofa, strode over to Kian, and sat down next to him, cing her hand on his shoulder. Her gentle voice seemed to have a magical effect on Kian, soothing his aching heart. ¡°Kian, I know you must be devastated by what happened to Vivian. I am, too. But we need to pull together first to figure out a way to rescue her,¡± Z said.

    The words struck Kian like lightning, his eyes suddenly widening. He held Z¡¯s hand and buried his face in her shoulder, holding her tightly. ¡°That mental hospital won¡¯t be easy to deal with¡ªno matter how much money we offer, they won¡¯t budge. I talked with Bryan, and he said he¡¯d have the best psychiatrist take care of Vivian. He also told me to give up the idea of rescuing her; otherwise, he¡¯ll terminate Vivian¡¯s treatment,¡± Kian said.

    Kian furrowed his brows in distress. Even if he managed to rescue Vivian, she would still need treatment. Rather than taking that risk, he decided Vivian would be better off receiving treatment in the mental hospital. He had investigated that mental hospital, finding that the doctors there were all top-notch professionals¡ªthe best in the country.

    Z hadn¡¯t expected that Bryan would make sure that Vivian received her treatment. Bryan was cunning; he managed to keep Vivian locked up, and by offering treatment, he prevented Kian from going all out to rescue her.

    ¡°Z,¡± Kian suddenly raised his head and looked at her tenderly. He reached out to touch her cheek, gently stroking her skin. ¡°I¡¯ve already lost Vivian; I can¡¯t lose you, too. Be with me. I¡¯ll take you back to the Warren family.¡±

    He rested his forehead against Z¡¯s, the scent of alcohol lingering between them. The alcohol fueled his emotions, destroying all sense of rationality. His hands now acted with a mind of their own, fumbling to untie Z¡¯s dress strap.

    Z¡¯s eyes widened, and she tried to push him away, but he was too strong. To her dismay, her feeble resistance only ignited Kian¡¯s passion further. He immediately pinned Z down on the sofa.

    ¡°Kian, calm down,¡± Z said. ¡°Don¡¯t do this. Please, I can¡¯t¡ª¡±

    Latest chapters ?¦Áln¦Ò¦Íe??s

    Kian¡¯s kiss shut Z up, her pleas falling on deaf ears. With Z underneath him, Kian¡¯s mind was filled with the thought that the woman he had longed for all these years was finally within reach. How could he maintain any sense of rationality now?

    The only sounds in the room were the rustling of clothes being tossed aside, apanied by Z¡¯s muffled struggling. Finally, a mournful cry came from Z. Shey on the sofa, her hand clutching Kian¡¯s forearm so tightly that her nails dug into his flesh. The excruciating pain made her eyes redden, tears rolling down her face.

    ¡°Please¡­ stop¡­¡± These were the only two words she managed to say. Only then did Kian finally stop what he was doing, even though he felt guilty about his actions.

    He hurried to drape Z¡¯s clothes on her body. Then, he knelt on the floor, buried his face in herp, and kept apologizing. A mix of pain and disgust shed across Z¡¯s eyes, but she suppressed those emotions and managed not to push Kian away.

    After a long while, Kian finally straightened his clothes and wrapped his coat around Z. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I forgot about that. We¡¯ll do this properly next time,¡± he murmured as he kissed her. Upon seeing how pale her face was, he felt terrible.

    Z took a deep breath, adjusted her mood, and concealed her true emotions deep within her eyes. She reached out and wrapped her arms around Kian¡¯s waist, saying, ¡°Kian, I can¡¯t go back to the Warren family with you now.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Kian was confused.

    With a soft sigh, Z exined, ¡°Did you really think that Brandon would let Eileen marry into the Dawson family? He doesn¡¯t want to fight his son, so he¡¯s letting others do the dirty work for him.¡±

    Kian¡¯s eyes widened. He couldn¡¯t believe that Brandon had such intentions. He mmed his fist on the sofa hard and said firmly, ¡°I don¡¯t care! You have to be with me. He won¡¯t dare to hurt you if he knows that you¡¯re under the protection of the Warren family!¡±

    Z said, ¡°Kian, I don¡¯t want to put your family in a difficult spot. Besides, considering the way I am now, your parents probably wouldn¡¯t even let us get married. If I were to apany you to go back to your family now, it would put you at risk. Your parents would be even more dissatisfied with me.¡±

    She released her hold on Kian¡¯s waist and lifted her head to look up at him, her tear-filled eyes so pitiful that it almost drove Kian to despair. She continued, ¡°I only want to be with you when our union is blessed by everyone, okay?¡±

    Kian nodded. ¡°Okay, I understand. There¡¯s no rush anyway; let¡¯s take things slow.¡± He pulled Z into aforting embrace, but despite what he had said, he had no idea how to solve the issue at hand. He eventually said, ¡°Bryan really loves Eileen. Then maybe we should help him marry her as soon as possible. That way, his parents will give up on their ns.¡±

    Z, whose face was hidden from his view, was infuriated by his words. Was this the only idea he coulde up with? ¡°What about Vivian?¡± Z pulled away from Kian¡¯s arms and said calmly, ¡°Even if Eileen isn¡¯t directly responsible for Vivian¡¯s condition, she is still an instigator. If Vivian recovers and finds out you¡¯ve brought Bryan and Eileen together, she¡¯ll never forgive you.¡±

    Kian¡¯s eyes were filled withplex emotions. ¡°I don¡¯t want to think about that anymore. I just want you!¡± But Z didn¡¯t want him to think that way.

    Suppressing the disgust in her heart, Z put on an affectionate look and said softly, ¡°I know, but we can¡¯t just focus on our own happiness. We also have to take Vivian¡¯s feelings into consideration. Moreover, your parents must really hate Eileen now. If you help her, they¡¯ll definitely get angry at you.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 235

    ?Chapter 235:

    She reasoned with him, further proving to him how magnanimous and kind she was. Kian let out a soft sigh and nted a kiss on her forehead. ¡°Z, you¡¯re too good for this world. Okay, I¡¯ll listen to you¡­¡±

    Ste had initially wanted Eileen and Bryan to stay at the Dawson Mansion, but Eileen felt so ufortable the moment she saw the posters with children on them in their room. To put it frankly, if she and Bryan wanted to engage in some ¡°adult activities,¡± she would either feel too embarrassed with all the eyes on the posters, or Bryan wouldn¡¯t be able to ¡°rise¡± to the asion.

    Ste, sensing their difort, didn¡¯t push it. She said to Eileen with a smile, ¡°You two can go back, but don¡¯t forget what I told you. Did you see all the children on the posters in your room? They are so cute, right?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Eileen bit her lip hesitantly, unsure of how to respond. Ste always presented her with dilemmas. First, she had urged her to wait until after the wedding before telling Bryan the truth, and now she was pressuring her to have a baby with Bryan. ¡°Let¡¯s just take things one step at a time now, okay?¡± Eileen eventually told Ste.

    Hearing that, Ste waved her hand dismissively. ¡°Once you have a child, you won¡¯t have to worry about anything else. A baby can fix everything!¡±

    Eileen, amused by Ste¡¯s words, was about to ask her why she said that when Bryan came downstairs. Bryan donned his suit jacket, buttoned thest button of his shirt, and strode over. Ste immediately straightened her posture.

    Before Bryan could say anything, she hastily bid him and Eileen goodbye and hurried them out the door. Together, Eileen and Bryan left the Dawson Mansion.

    Bailee had told Eileen toe back tonight to discuss tomorrow¡¯s interview, so Eileen asked Bryan to take her home. Bryan pulled the car to a stop in front of her apartment building. Unexpectedly, he turned off the engine and hopped out of the car with her.

    1@?€?? ¡é??t?¨º§ñ$ ¨ª§Ú gal??ovels.??om

    ¡°I can go up by myself,¡± Eileen stood by the car. ¡°Milford said that he wanted to talk to me about high school stuff tonight.¡± The implication was that she would be very busy tonight, so it wouldn¡¯t be appropriate for Bryan to stay.

    Heading home, Kian said, fishing out a house key from his pocket and jingling it in front of Eileen. Eileen was taken aback for a few seconds. Bryan took her hand and led her inside the apartment building, all the way into the elevator. His slender fingers pressed the buttons for the eighth and ninth floors.

    When they reached the eighth floor, he released her hand and stood blocking the elevator entrance. ¡°Tomorrow night, I¡¯m hosting a cocktail party with Denzel. He¡¯s going to¡­¡± he said.

    He was saying that if he attended alone, it would be awkward. Eileen said, ¡°I¡¯m not sure if I can apany you. I¡¯ll have to talk to Bailee to see if I have work that night.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for your response,¡± Bryan raised his eyebrows and suddenly leaned forward, turning his face slightly. In the cramped elevator, his breath lingered around her. She couldn¡¯t help but nce at the CCTV above her head. Clearing her throat, she gave him a quick peck on the cheek and then hurriedly shoved him out of the elevator, her fingers reaching hastily for the close button.

    But in her haste, itpletely slipped her mind to ask him when he had moved into the apartment below hers.

    When Eileen went to Bailee¡¯s ce, she found Bailee already clearing the dining table, as they had already finished eating. Seeing Eileen enter, Bailee paused in her actions and asked, ¡°Eileen, have you eaten? Milford said you always eat something before youe home thiste, so¡­¡±

    Eileen nced at Milford. Unfortunately, she had been in such a rush to get home today that she had declined Bryan¡¯s invitation to have dinner with her. But she decided not to bother Bailee with cooking dinner again and said, ¡°I¡¯ve already eaten. I came back for work.¡±

    She walked past the dining room without looking sideways, sat down on the sofa in the living room, and took out the study materials from her bag.

    Milford stood up and said considerately, ¡°Bailee, I¡¯ll help you with that.¡±

    ¡°No, thanks. You¡¯re just a kid,¡± Bailee replied, declining the offer. But Milford stubbornly helped her clear the table.

    Soon, the table was spotless. Milford went back to his room in Eileen¡¯s ce, while Bailee went into the study with herptop to work with Eileen. They needed to interview over twenty people the next day, all in the morning.

    Tomorrow afternoon, they would finalize and update the curriculum for the software. The new semester would begin the day after tomorrow.

    ¡°These are just the tasks our education needs to tackle. You also have several one-on-one tutoring sessions starting the day after tomorrow. I¡¯ll take you there then.¡± Bailee did some mental math and then held up five fingers. ¡°Five students in total.¡±

    Upon hearing that, Eileen¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°Five students are too much, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    ¡°More than twenty families specifically requested you as their tutor, but I managed to narrow it down to just five. These five families are highly influential in Onnd, so we couldn¡¯t decline,¡± Bailee exined as she handed Eileen some documents.

    The bigwigs of Onnd dominated half of the business world, with most of the rich and powerful people residing there. Bailee had a keen eye for selecting individuals; each of the five families had their own strengths in different domains.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 236

    ?Chapter 236:

    Nowadays, education for the next generation was a top priority for many families. ¡°Yes, Jim is famous, but that famees with its challenges.¡± After reviewing the information on those families, Eileen discovered that their children already had family tutors.

    In just over a year, she had made remarkable progress in the education industry, but that didn¡¯t mean she could easily rece those families¡¯ long-standing tutors. Bailee pressed her lips together and then muttered, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll admit it. I came up with this list myself.¡± Eileen was at a loss for words.

    The people on the list were either wealthy or influential. It was hard for Bailee even to meet them. Eileen raised an eyebrow and looked at Bailee.

    ¡°Listen, Eileen, don¡¯t be mad. I was just trying to pull some strings to help you deal with the Dawson family now that you¡¯ve returned. I thought rubbing elbows with the right people might help you, so I went out of my way to create chances to meet them.¡± She trailed off, remembering how she had almost gotten into a car ident while chasing the people into the suburbs, only toe up empty-handed.

    But then, unexpectedly, she had run into Benjamin. Benjamin had been taken aback to see Bailee there. After hearing the story, he had kindly given her directions to a ce where she might get a chance to meet those people. It was the Club in Onnd.

    The parents of these five students often visited the club for business. Whenever they wanted to unwind or enjoy leisure activities, they almost always went to the D.V. Club. Determined to make progress, Bailee had headed straight to the D.V. Club and taken a job as a waitress. After a month of hard work, she had finally found opportunities to meet the five students¡¯ parents.

    Maybe Bailee¡¯s relentless spirit had won them over because they had all agreed to interview Eileen. Bailee said, ¡°Initially, I had my sights set on eight students¡¯ parents. Yet, despite my best efforts, I only managed to convince five of them.¡±

    She frowned and continued, ¡°I don¡¯t know if these five students¡¯ parents will choose our agency, but I thought it was worth a shot just to get the interviews.¡±

    G  al  no vel s . holds tales worth reading

    Bailee was doing her best to help Eileen. It was hard for Eileen to imagine what Bailee had endured working at the D.V. Club. Thinking of that, Eileen looked at Bailee, feeling all sorts of emotions.

    Eileen¡¯s gaze made Bailee scratch her head in embarrassment. She whispered, ¡°Eileen, don¡¯t look at me like that. You have done so much for me. Of course, I¡¯m going to have your back now. I didn¡¯t lose anything; I just talked with them. It¡¯s no big deal, and I¡¯m not afraid of a little embarrassment.¡± Bailee tried to sound nonchnt.

    ¡°Have you seen Huey?¡± Eileen asked.

    Bailee nodded. ¡°Yes, he came to pick me up. He tagged along while I scouted locations for our education agency¡¯s storefront and helped me settle into my new apartment.¡±

    ¡°And after that?¡± Eileen pondered for a moment before saying, ¡°Once you rented the apartment, you had to gather all the information and hire employees. How many times have you met him since?¡±

    Having worked at the D.V. Club for a month, Bailee had still managed to keep up with the education agency¡¯s affairs. It was evident she had been busy every day, barely finding time to catch some sleep, let alone meet with Huey.

    Taking a moment to gather her thoughts, Bailee told Eileen the truth. ¡°He stopped by a couple of times, waiting at the door until he dozed off. I told him how busy I was, and he stoppeding. Once the agency settles into a smoother rhythm and things ease up, I¡¯ll have more time. He said he would take me out on a date once I have free time.¡± There was a hint of bashfulness and anticipation in Bailee¡¯s voice as she said thest sentence.

    Relieved, Eileen responded, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll assist you with the education agency¡¯s matters in the future.¡±

    Their conversation then veered to the students handpicked by Bailee. Before they knew it, it was almost eleven o¡¯clock. ¡°I¡¯ll make it my mission to finish the coursework by tomorrow afternoon. Moreover, I¡¯ll have to attend a business dinner with Bryan tomorrow evening,¡± Eileen said.

    Bailee nodded without hesitation and said, ¡°No problem. Go ahead. I¡¯ll handle the matter about the software once the coursework ispleted.¡±

    In the spacious living room, they spoke in low voices since Ruby was already asleep. Looking at the scattered files on the table, Eileen arranged them methodically and said, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. Let¡¯s call it a night.¡± Gathering her bag and phone, Eileen headed for the door. The motion sensor light in the hallway flickered to life, illuminating the opposite apartment door.

    Bailee lingered until she saw Eileen safely inside her ce before shutting the door. A faint glow emanated from the light Milford had left on for Eileen.

    After hanging her bag on the hook and changing her shoes, Eileen¡¯s stomach growled. Despite her hunger, it waste, and there was no food at home, so she had to bear with it. She walked to the bedroom, grabbing a towel before heading to the bathroom for a shower.

    Even though the sound of footsteps from upstairs was barely audible, Bryan¡¯s keen ears caught it nheless. Setting aside his unfinished work, he rose from his seat and made his way to the bathroom to wash his hands. The sound of running water from upstairs indicated that Eileen had returned and was now taking a shower.

    Grabbing his phone, he sent a message to Eileen, telling her toe to his ce once she finished showering. Ten minutester, Eileen checked her phone and saw the message. She contemted whether to head downstairs. A second message from Bryan followed swiftly: ¡°The spaghetti is getting cold.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 237

    ?Chapter 237:

    Eileen¡¯s face brightened upon reading further. Without further ado, she scampered downstairs, not bothering to dry her hair. Perhaps anticipating her arrival, Bryan had left the door slightly ajar.

    Pushing the door open, Eileen was greeted by the tantalizing aroma of spaghetti. ¡°Come over and wash your hands,¡± Bryan called out. The air carried a delicate scent of cherry blossoms lingering from Eileen¡¯s recent shower.

    Bryan looked up and saw that Eileen¡¯s hair was still damp. Moreover, her natural beauty shone through without a trace of makeup. Her eyes held a captivating allure.

    ¡°How did you know I¡¯m hungry?¡± Eileen asked as she settled into her seat to eat.

    Bryan walked to stand behind her and gently dried her long hair with a towel. He replied, ¡°You didn¡¯t eat much at lunch, and I figured you didn¡¯t have a hearty meal upstairs, either. I just knew you¡¯d be hungry working thiste.¡±

    Despite her slender frame, Eileen¡¯s appetite was always great. She made it a point to have three meals a day. Since Eileen hade downstairs in a hurry, she had forgotten to bring a hair tie. So, Bryan improvised, twirling a strand of her hair around twice to keep it in ce for the time being.

    It wasn¡¯t until Eileen had finished her food that she noticed the neatly tied knot of her hair. Running her fingers over it, she was taken aback. ¡°Have you ever practiced tying a woman¡¯s hair before? Did you pick up this skill for someone else?¡± she asked Bryan.

    ¡°I happened toe across a tutorial online and learned it. Figured it mighte in handy someday,¡± Bryan replied meaningfully. He meant that his hair-styling skills weren¡¯t honed specifically for Eileen.

    A thought came to Eileen¡¯s mind. Leaning closer, she whispered, ¡°Do you want a daughter?¡±

    I@?€$? ¡é??t??§ñ? In ?al¦Ð?¦Í¦Ål?.c?m

    ¡°I have always had a preference for daughters over sons.¡± Bryan¡¯s expression softened.

    Eileen arched an eyebrow. ¡°On that case, don¡¯t we have a daughter? Let¡¯s not use condoms from now on.¡± Bryan gazed at her in silence for a moment. Then he rose abruptly and walked to the entryway, grabbing a newly opened box.

    Inside the box were various types of condoms Bryan had prepared. Eileen was taken aback for a second and blurted out, ¡°It¡¯s not toote to return them, is it?¡±

    The moment her words left her lips, Bryan swiftly emptied the box. The colorful bags sprawled across the table. Meeting her gaze, he asked, ¡°Which one do you like? Take your pick.¡± It was clear he was turning down her suggestion to have a child. Was he ready for parenthood, or perhaps he understood the risks of having a child at this particr juncture?

    Bryan then asked, ¡°What did my grandmother say?¡± Noticing Eileen¡¯s expression, he sensed that her proposal was anything but lighthearted.

    Eileen looked away, straightened her posture, and said, ¡°Your grandmother didn¡¯t say much. I merely mentioned the idea of a child casually. We are not married yet, and I know what I should do.¡±

    Bryan believed what she said. He thought that even if Eileen had been aware of the fact that having a child was rted to his chances of bing the Dawson family¡¯s heir, she wouldn¡¯t risk bringing a child into the equation now. He believed she was pragmatic enough to understand the potential risks involved and wouldn¡¯t jeopardize the safety of their future child.

    Nudging the packs of condoms towards her, he said, ¡°Take your pick. Let¡¯s give each type a try, shall we?¡±

    The assortment of condoms left Eileen momentarily speechless. Gathering them back into the box, Bryan carried them into the bedroom. Then, he put the condoms into the drawer of the nightstand for easy ess.

    Eileen instantly regretted her decision toe here. She said to Bryan, ¡°You are taking advantage of me, aren¡¯t you? I came here to eat, not to do anything else.¡±

    Her knees weakened at the sight of Bryan carefully selecting several condoms in different colors. Without lifting his gaze, Bryan responded, ¡°Do you honestly think the two rounds in the morning wouldpensate for the five days I¡¯ve spent yearning for you?¡±

    Eileen felt resigned. She believed Bryan¡¯s desire for her was too much. After selecting a couple of condoms, Bryan closed the drawer before finally turning to face her, enveloping her in a tight embrace just as she was about to flee.

    His solid chest pressed against her body, and she could feel the heat radiating from him. As she settled into the bed in his arms, she couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Do you actually like me, or do you simply like having sex with me?¡±

    Bryan shifted to the side, propping his head up with one hand, his expression grave as he exined, ¡°There are only two reasons a man might resist having sex with a woman: Either he doesn¡¯t truly love her, or he is incapable of it.¡±

    His earnest exnation left Eileen speechless. Still, she wanted to resist. ¡°I can go to the party with you tomorrow night. But if you leave too many marks on my body tonight, I won¡¯t be able to wear my gown.¡±

    ¡°I will do my best not to leave too many marks,¡± Bryan said, though the depth of his love for her made such restraint challenging. Seeing that she was about to protest further, he leaned in and silenced her with a kiss, unleashing his suppressed desires and fiery passion.

    Hismitment to using each type of condom was evident.

    After Eileen woke up the next morning, her eyes fell upon several discarded condom wrappers of various colors in the trash. It became evident that he hadn¡¯t just used each type of condomst night; he had used more than that! He had still left marks on her body, her neck now covered in hickeys.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 238

    ?Chapter 238:

    Early in the morning, while in the bathroom, Eileen looked at the marks on her neck and began contemting what to wear. She was in a dilemma. The lingering heat made choosing an outfit to cover the marks tricky since she couldn¡¯t wear much.

    Meanwhile, Bryan acted as if nothing was wrong, preparing breakfast for her. Despite her frustration, Eileen was determined not to skip a meal. She nned to eat first and pick her attire afterward. Bryan took a call from Denzel and rushed out, skipping his breakfast.

    Left alone in the apartment, Eileen hastened her eating pace. Suddenly, the doorbell chimed. Eileen stood up and hurried to the door, saying, ¡°Why are you back so soon? Did you¡ª¡±

    Her sentence was cut short when she saw Ste standing outside the door.

    Ste¡¯s eyes lit up upon seeing Eileen. ¡°This brat actually lives here! I¡¯ve been searching for him for ages.¡±

    Eileen was only wearing one of Bryan¡¯s shirts, which did little to hide the marks on her neck. Besides, the shirt barely reached her thighs, making it quite inappropriate for her to meet Ste looking like this. She moved aside ufortably and said, ¡°Mrs. Dawson, pleasee in.¡±

    ¡°Are you having breakfast?¡± Ste peeked toward the dining room and said, ¡°I¡¯m a bit early. Did I interrupt?¡±

    Eileen shook her head and responded, ¡°No, not at all. Have you had breakfast?¡±

    Ste nodded and replied, ¡°Yes. Go ahead and continue to eat your food. Don¡¯t mind me. I just thought I could stop by.¡±

    Latest updates only on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??ls

    As they talked, Eileen noticed two crumpled pieces of clothing in the living room. She quickly gathered them up and tucked them under a pillow.

    With a flush of embarrassment, she said, ¡°Bryan¡¯s not here.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. I didn¡¯te here to see him anyway,¡± Ste responded nonchntly.

    If Ste wasn¡¯t here for Bryan, then why was she here? Eileen wondered if Ste was here to see her. She felt a bit uneasy. ¡°I have some work to take care ofter.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s okay. I just came to check on you. I¡¯m quite exhausted from the trip. Could I rest here for a bit before I leave?¡± Ste asked.

    Eileen nodded. ¡°Of course.¡±

    Returning to the table, she quickly finished eating. Then, she cleared the dining area and encouraged Ste to rx. She told Ste to reach out to either her or Bryan if she needed anything.

    ¡°Go ahead and do your work. I¡¯ll give you a call if anythinges up.¡± Ste¡¯s smile broadened as she watched Eileen leave, even more so than when she had arrived.

    When the elevator doors opened, Eileen stepped inside. She felt that something was amiss about Ste¡¯s demeanor, but she brushed it off.

    She quickly headed to the education agency with Bailee. Back at Bryan¡¯s ce, Ste made her way to the master bedroom. Theforter was in disarray on the huge double bed, with one pillow on either side of the bed.

    Ste nced around, walked over to the nightstand, and opened it to find it filled with new packs of condoms. Stunned for a moment, Ste¡¯s expression then shifted. A needle gleamed in the sunlight as she held it.

    With a wicked grin, she stabbed at the packs of condoms. ¡°Great-grandchild, this is as far as I could help you. The rest is up to you¡ªmake your way to your mom as soon as possible,¡± she muttered.

    After squatting for a while to stab at the condoms, Ste was satisfied.

    Meanwhile, Eileen apanied Bailee to the educational agency. It was her first time visiting the branch in Onnd. The receptionist, a young woman around 25, immediately stood up upon seeing Bailee. She then greeted Bailee and gave Eileen a polite nod and smile, not recognizing her.

    ¡°This is¡­¡± Bailee began, intending to introduce Eileen. But before Bailee could finish, Eileen quickly interjected, ¡°Just call me Ms. Curtis.¡±

    The receptionist promptly responded, ¡°Okay, Ms. Curtis.¡±

    In addition to the receptionist, there were also two technical staff present, responsible for handling software issues rted to the online courses.

    Bailee had hired some teachers, yet the agency was still short of the number required for the uingrge-scale program. Bailee quickly introduced Eileen to the others and moved on to organizing the interviews.

    The interviews started at 9:30 AM. Each of the more than twenty candidates had ten minutes. By noon, the interviews concluded, and Eileen had chosen fifteen teachers.

    Eight of them were ready to start teaching immediately, four would function as online tutors, and three were appointed as temporary teaching assistants.

    ¡°Eileen, I n to have them sign their employment contracts tomorrow at work. Do you have any particr suggestions for the contract details?¡± Bailee mentioned this topic during lunch. Eileen, while eating, said, ¡°I¡¯d like to hear your thoughts first.¡±

    Bailee pondered briefly before saying, ¡°They¡¯ll receive eighty percent of their sry during the initial three-month probation. Once they formally join the agency, we¡¯ll cover their full insurance. After three months, they¡¯ll receive bonuses¡­¡± What she said covered all the benefits, which were clearly stated in the contract.

    Eileen said, ¡°ording to the contract, the eight lead teachers should be tied to a three-yearmitment. The four online tutors should have a two-year term, and the assistant teachers will have one-year contracts.¡±

    Upon hearing that, Bailee expressed her concern, saying, ¡°Isn¡¯t a three-yearmitment too long?¡±

    ¡°Our goal is to establish a stable teaching environment. Frequent changes in faculty won¡¯t be good for our agency.¡± Eileen¡¯s idea was focused on the long-term interests of the educational agency.

    This didn¡¯t mean she didn¡¯t care about the students¡¯ feelings. After all, the benefits Bailee had mentioned were already quite generous.

    ¡°Eileen, you¡¯ve really considered everything,¡± Bailee said, enlightened by Eileen¡¯s words.

    In the afternoon, they delved into the online course details. Eileen appointed one of the four online tutors as the head of online teaching.

    Donnelly Garcia will oversee the online courses. His experience as a former online instructor makes him exceptionally qualified. The one-on-one tutors will be chosen from our top eight teachers.

    At six o¡¯clock in the afternoon, after finalizing the details with Bailee, Eileen left the education agency. As the hosts of the business event, Bryan and Denzel were tied up with responsibilities, leaving Eileen to go there by herself. Bryan had selected a dress for Eileen ahead of time. Eileen¡¯s natural beauty meant she needed no makeup.

    Raymond arrived to drive Eileen to the event as soon as she was dressed. ¡°Ms. Curtis,¡± Raymond opened the car door for Eileen. She thanked him and climbed in. Once inside the car, she started texting Phoebe.

    Phoebe was still in West Land. Jacob was also there, dealing with some unfinished work. Since Eileen and Bryan had left West Land, Jacob had been clinging to Phoebe, who often shared her frustrations about Jacob with Eileen.

    ¡°Everything¡¯s stable at the education agency, but I just can¡¯t stand Jacob anymore. I need to get away from him soon!¡± Eileen responded with a voice message. ¡°Escaping won¡¯t fix anything because you¡¯ll eventually have to face these issues. You¡¯re not getting any younger. How long can you keep running away from your problems?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s easy for you to say, Eileen! Bryan abandoned Vivian and Z for you, cutting ties with his own father to be with you. This is nothingpared to him! He surrounds himself with others yet bothers me all day saying he loves me¡ªshameless!¡±

    In the car, Phoebe¡¯s voice message filled the space, causing Eileen to squirm slightly in her seat. Phoebe then bombarded Eileen with more voice messages, which Eileen didn¡¯t y this time, opting to convert them into words to read instead.

    The messages were filled with harsh words for Jacob. It was at this moment Eileen realized something: she hadn¡¯t yet cut ties with Megan.

    After a moment of thought, Eileen sent a message to Jacob. ¡°People are different.¡±

    Jacob was nning to go see Phoebe when he received the message. He pondered Eileen¡¯s words for a long while.

    The business banquet started at six in the evening, and Eileen arrived ten minuteste. ¡°It¡¯s alright. Mr. Dawson mentioned that you are part of the circle now; you can arrive anytime, and there¡¯s no need to worry about beingte,¡± Raymond said.

    After parking, he stepped out of the car and opened the door for Eileen. He continued, ¡°Besides, that dy was my oversight. I didn¡¯t realize the route I chose was congested.¡± Eileen exited the car and smiled reassuringly at Raymond. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m not in any rush. You can go on with your duties.¡±

    It was already dark outside, and the hotel entrance was brightly illuminated. Eileen quickly approached the entrance.

    She entered the hotel lobby. A waiter promptly came to show her the way. The entire third floor was dedicated to business dealings. Bryan was notably adept atworking, particrly now that his rtionship with Brandon had improved.

    The area was bustling. As Eileen exited the elevator, she immediately noticed how crowded the ce was. ¡°Thank you, I can manage on my own from here,¡± she said to the waiter.

    The elevator doors opened directly opposite two borately carved wooden doors. Clustered near the entrance were some men in suits and elegantly dressed women. Eileen proceeded into the hall.

    She overheard a man and a woman speaking in hushed tones. The man nced her way and said, ¡°See, that woman doesn¡¯t seem like she belongs in the business world. She¡¯s probably also here for Bryan. So why can¡¯t you be here without knowing much about business?¡±

    ¡°I just think you shouldn¡¯t have brought me here. Even if your goal is to let me meet Bryan, I¡¯d prefer a different approach. With so many women around, I can barely get near him. It feels like a waste of time!¡± the woman said.

    ¡°That¡¯s true. It¡¯s all these women¡¯s fault. Why are they even at this business banquet anyway?¡± the man grumbled.

    Eileen had never met them before. They were likely among the people who had gotten rich recently in Onnd. Theirments caused Eileen to frown slightly.

    She approached the banquet hall door, feeling a bit overwhelmed upon seeing the people inside the hall. The men¡¯s suits were uniformly ck, white, or gray¡ªsimple and monotonous. And there were many men there. The women¡¯s attire was all vibrant, each in stunning fashion.

    The room was filled with the scent of perfumes the women wore. Standing in the crowd, Eileen stood out; with no makeup and her ssic-style evening dress, she looked strikingly beautiful.

    Not far from her, Kian looked at her coldly. He leaned closer to the woman in ck beside him and said, ¡°Miss Ferguson, that¡¯s Eileen Curtis.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 239

    ?Chapter 239:

    Benita Ferguson nced at Eileen before she reached out, tracing her hand from Kian¡¯s chest to his abdomen. She was unfazed by the number of people around them or Kian¡¯s evident embarrassment. ¡°Mr. Warren, don¡¯t forget that you promised to sleep with me once I finish doing this for you,¡± she said.

    When Kian noticed Z approaching, he quickly stopped Benita¡¯s hand and whispered, ¡°Keep this between us. Get the thing done first.¡±

    Benita didn¡¯t mind at all that Kian was cold to her. She withdrew her hand and flipped her long hair. As she noticed Z walking over, she scoffed and muttered, ¡°Parasite.¡± Then, she turned and disappeared into the crowd.

    Bryan emerged from the crowd and spotted Eileen, her eyes lighting up. She swiftly approached Eileen and said, ¡°Ms. Curtis, you¡¯ve finally arrived!¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Vance.¡± Just after greeting Ryan, Eileen was led into the crowd as Ryan said, ¡°Mr. Dawson is now the center of attention among so manydies!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not as dramatic as you make it sound.¡± Eileen raised an eyebrow and whispered curiously, ¡°Why are there so many women here?¡±

    Ryan and Eileen knew each other well because Eileen had been tutoring Adalina. Therefore, Ryan talked to Eileen without pretension.

    Ryanined, ¡°The event is less a business meeting and more like blind dating for Mr. Dawson. These women are all here for him.¡±

    Bryan had always been a ma for women; in fact, Eileen knew all too well. During her time in the Apex Group, she had seen many female employees fawn over Bryan. Yet, the extent of it today was unexpected.

    Bryan was dressed in a sharp ck suit, his short hair and angr featuresplemented by his deep eyes and defined chin. The cigarette between his fingers slowly burned, the rising smoke lending him a mysterious allure.

    . brings magic to life

    Before Eileen could approach Bryan, another figure walked to him. With a flirtatious nce, Benita approached Bryan, a cigarette dangling from her lips. She leaned closer to Bryan and lit her cigarette with the me of his. ¡°What¡¯s happening here?¡±

    ¡°Oh my God! She¡­¡±

    Everyone around was taken aback, their reactions a mix of shock, jealousy, and surprise. Benita¡¯s actions weren¡¯t intended as a friendly gesture; they were a tant attempt to seduce Bryan. Such behavior was unthinkable for ady of high society. Only Benita had the audacity to do that.

    Bryan had been smiling and conversing with someone, but his smile swiftly vanished in response to Benita¡¯s forwardness. He stared at Benita and threw his cigarette onto the floor, stomping on it hard enough to shatter it into pieces.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t finished your cigarette yet. It¡¯s such a waste to throw it away,¡± Benita said, intrigued. Bryan seemed even more manly in her eyes when he was upset.

    ¡°It¡¯s gotten dirty,¡± Bryan responded coldly, his voice biting against the harsh winter wind. ¡°Stay away from me.¡±

    His eyes clearly conveyed his disgust, and hismand carried to the others nearby. The onlookers chuckled, but Benita appeared unfazed. ¡°I can¡¯t stay away. This project involves cooperation with the Ferguson family, and I represent the Ferguson family in the negotiations.¡± This project discussion had initially been handled by Denzel, who hadn¡¯t yet told Bryan this.

    ¡°Miss Ferguson,¡± Denzel said, concerned that Benita might upset Bryan, ¡°you represent the Ferguson family, and I¡¯ll handle negotiations with your family. Shall we step aside for a discussion?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re just a man in your forties. If you have nothing better to do, perhaps it¡¯s time to consider retirement instead of wandering around me,¡± Benita said sharply. There was a hint of vulgarity in her words.

    Ryan was irritated by Benita¡¯s harshness. She let go of Eileen and took Denzel¡¯s arm, saying, ¡°Men peak in their forties, yet women whock self-respect are truly the most pitiful.¡± The atmosphere became a little awkward. Benita stood somewhat isted, but she was seemingly indifferent to the others¡¯ reactions.

    Observing quietly, Eileen suddenly recognized who Benita was. Twenty years ago, the Ferguson family had dominated Onnd¡¯s business scene, but since the passing of Benita¡¯s grandfather, the family¡¯s influence had waned.

    However, Benita¡¯s grandfather had provided help to many of today¡¯s leading business figures. So, even though the Ferguson family was struggling, they maintained strong ties with many influential figures. Benita, the only woman from three generations of the Ferguson family, was notably spoiled.

    ¡°I don¡¯t like to talk to people who are ugly and old,¡± Benita scoffed. Then she turned to nce at Bryan.

    Ryan, visibly upset, turned to Eileen and urged, ¡°Ms. Curtis, what are you waiting for? Come over here!¡±

    Benita, eyeing Bryan like a predator eyeing its prey, caused Ryan¡¯s voice to draw attention to Eileen, who stood out in the crowd.

    Eileen¡¯s dress outlined her figure gracefully, enhancing her elegant posture. The high neckline entuated her neck beautifully. Her legs, though mostly hidden by her dress, were long and slender.

    At that moment, Bryan looked at her through the heavy smoke around him. Several of his shirt buttons were undone, perhaps due to his earlier irritation, giving him a slightly wild look.

    Eileen approached Bryan with a soft demeanor that was quite different from his rough look. Theyplemented each other perfectly.

    Bryan gently grasped Eileen¡¯s slender waist and looked at her with tender eyes. ¡°You came a littlete,¡± Eileen said, disregarding Benita¡¯s stare. Her voice was soft.

    Despite hearing her voice every day, Bryan still felt his heart flutter. He smiled and said, ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°I need to head out now. See youter at work.¡± Benita crushed her cigarette and tossed it into the bin. As she turned to leave, a wave of her strong perfume washed over, masking the lingering scent of smoke.

    Eileen¡¯s arrival captured much attention. Most eyes shifted from Bryan to her. The onlookers were struck by her beauty, and the women were curious about the woman who had captured Bryan¡¯s affection. Their eyes wereced with envy as they stared at Eileen.

    Bryan noticed their unfriendly gazes, particrly when he leaned to whisper to Eileen. He took her hand and signaled to Denzel to continue the discussion with his associates. Then he led Eileen to a quiet spot in the corner.

    ¡°Are you hungry? There¡¯s a lounge upstairs with a private room set aside for us. Just let the waiter know what you¡¯d like,¡± he said.

    Eileen sped his arm and gently shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not hungry yet. Maybe you can cook for me after we go back.¡± Bryan¡¯s tall stature shielded her from most onlookers. Noticing Eileen wore no makeup, Bryan slightly regretted having her attend the event. He believed he had made her a target.

    ¡°Stay by my side,¡± he said, holding her hand and looking around, his eyes narrowing, signaling to the onlookers. This deterred some of the more timid guests from doing something.

    Still, a few persistent ones lingered. Benita was among them, fearless and ustomed to always getting what she wanted.

    ¡°Ferguson, do you know Megan?¡± she inquired, approaching Benita unnoticed.

    Benita said frankly, ¡°Some of.¡± After all, if she managed to make Bryan and Eileen break up, she would be able to sleep with Kian. She had liked Kian for quite some time, and his good looks made her determined to win him.

    ¡°Then why did you walk away just now?¡± Megan asked. She knew that Benita was the daughter of the Ferguson family. She believed Benita should be able to put Eileen in an embarrassing situation easily, and with Benita¡¯s identity, Bryan couldn¡¯t do anything to her.

    Benita cast a disdainful nce at Megan. She was fully aware of Vivian¡¯s situation. Apparently, Megan had been making things difficult for Eileen with Vivian before. But Megan¡¯s role had been trivial, barely worth acknowledging.

    ¡°Attacking a nobody like Eileen would only tarnish my reputation, especially in front of such a crowd,¡± Benita said.

    Megan was taken aback, reflecting on the times she and Vivian had harassed Eileen personally. In Benita¡¯s eyes, those actions were clearly demeaning.

    Feeling a bit ashamed, Megan touched her nose and fell silent. Benita continued, ¡°I have plenty of ways to handle her, but I don¡¯t have people that I can use.¡± She sighed and pretended to feel sorry for missing a good opportunity to teach Eileen a lesson.

    Megan paused for a moment, then hurried after Benita as she started to walk away, saying, ¡°Miss Ferguson, if you¡¯re nning on doing something, let me know! I might be able to help!¡±

    Whenever there was an opportunity to make things difficult for Eileen, she was always ready to step in. She wasn¡¯t out to get revenge for Vivian; she simply wanted to vent her frustration.

    Jacob was in West Land. Megan¡¯s engagement to Jacob had turned her into aughingstock, ridiculed for being left behind. She believed this was all Eileen¡¯s doing. Eileen must have taught Phoebe how to seduce men; otherwise, how could Phoebe have enchanted Jacob sopletely?

    ¡°It¡¯s not a big issue. If you¡¯re willing to assist, follow me,¡± Benita smirked, folded her arms, and led Megan upstairs.

    Not too far away, standing beside Kian, Z leaned closer to him and whispered, ¡°If my memory serves me right, Benita has a thing for you. Why is she suddenly interested in Bryan?¡± Benita had been a ssmate of both her and Bryan. During their school days, she had pursued Kian with passion, though Kian only had eyes for Z.

    This time, Kian had carefully negotiated an agreement with Benita. She hadmitted to aiding him in driving a wedge between Eileen and Bryan. After all, she had the backing of an influential family and could withstand Bryan¡¯s tough methods.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 240

    ?Chapter 240:

    ¡°Which could be helpful to us. Once Eileen is out of the picture and more of Bryan¡¯s admirers show up, his engagement to another woman will likely be arranged by the Dawson family soon,¡± Kian said. Then Z would be free.

    Kian took Z¡¯s hand and murmured, ¡°Z, about that day¡­¡± As Kian brought up that day, Z¡¯s expression turned pale and she quickly pulled her hand back. ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about it. Just forget that day ever happened,¡± she said.

    Upon hearing that, Kian appeared slightly frustrated. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I acted too impulsively that day. I¡¯ll be sure to make preparations before doing anything like that again.¡± His apology didn¡¯t seem to matter to Z, but she felt obliged to acknowledge it.

    The banquet continued. Ryan seldom joined Denzel at such gatherings, especially in high heels, which were starting to make her ufortable.

    Denzel turned to Eileen and said, ¡°Ms. Curtis, could you perhaps take my wife upstairs to the lounge? I¡¯m concerned about her.¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Eileen withdrew her hand from Bryan¡¯s arm and took Ryan¡¯s.

    Bryan noticed and frowned, his eyes falling on Eileen. He said, ¡°Call me if anything happens.¡±

    ¡°Nothing bad will happen,¡± Ryan joked. ¡°It¡¯s your party. Who would dare cause trouble for Eileen here?¡±

    As they walked away, Ryan whispered to Eileen, ¡°Mr. Dawson is so attentive to you. I was hoping to ask you to show me around Onnd sometime since I hardly know it here. But I bet Mr. Dawson wouldn¡¯t be too happy about it. He seems really protective of you.¡±

    She yfully nudged Eileen¡¯s shoulder, causing Eileen to lose her bnce. Ryan quickly held Eileen¡¯s waist to steady her and gasped in astonishment. ¡°Oh my God! Ms. Curtis, you¡¯re so slim. How do you maintain such a great figure? No wonder Mr. Dawson can¡¯t get enough of you.¡±

    Dive into tales at g¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s,

    Although Ryan was making a joke, her words were quite forward, making Eileen blush. However, Ryan remained quite earnest. She looked at Eileen¡¯s chest and even lifted the hem of her dress to check on her legs. ¡°Wow, that mark on your neck is from Mr. Dawson.¡±

    Despite Eileen¡¯s high-necked dress, a hickey was still slightly visible.

    ¡°Mrs. Vance!¡± Overwhelmed, Eileen ushered Ryan into the elevator and quickly pressed the button for the lounge floor. ¡°There are so many people around. This is really embarrassing!¡±

    Ryan blinked and said seriously, ¡°We¡¯re all adults here, and it¡¯s obvious to everyone. Just look at how the men are staring at you. You¡¯vepletely captivated them.¡±

    After a brief pause, she added, ¡°If you be more open about this kind of stuff, no other woman will stand a chance topete with you. Soon, Mr. Dawson might want to keep you hidden in his home and never let you out!¡±

    Ryan¡¯s blunt remarks left Eileen at a loss for words. Eileen coughed and watched the elevator numbers climb. Finally, the elevator doors opened.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Eileen stepped out first, hoping to leave the awkward conversation behind.

    But Ryan quickly caught up and whispered, ¡°Ms. Curtis, could you tell me how you keep in such great shape? Have you ever had stic surgery on your breasts?¡±

    Her inquiry was startling. As Eileen turned red and was about to respond that she hadn¡¯t had any stic surgery, she collided with someone around the corner.

    ¡°Sorry.¡± Eileen had moved too quickly, trying to escape Ryan¡¯s embarrassing words.

    That was why she had bumped into the person. After apologizing, she raised her head and saw Benita. Benita¡¯s purse had fallen, its contents scattered on the floor.

    Benita looked at Eileen from head to toe, finally focusing on her chest. ¡°You have a good figure.¡±

    It was clear Benita had overheard Ryan¡¯s previousments.

    Benita continued, ¡°But that¡¯s no excuse for colliding with me. Pick up my things, will you? It¡¯s the least you can do.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll help her,¡± Ryan said, somewhat embarrassed. If she hadn¡¯t been following Eileen so closely, the mishap wouldn¡¯t have urred.

    But before Ryan could finish speaking, Eileen interjected, ¡°No, thank you. I can handle it.¡±

    She then bent down and gathered the scattered expensive cosmetics from the floor back into Benita¡¯s handbag. Two items had rolled further away, and Ryan retrieved them for Eileen.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Eileen expressed her gratitude to Ryan and ced everything back into Benita¡¯s bag. She straightened up, smoothing the hem of her dress, and handed the bag back to Benita.

    ¡°Miss Ferguson, please check if anything¡¯s broken. I¡¯llpensate you.¡±

    Benita epted the bag, unzipped it, and peered inside. ¡°Can you really afford it? Any item in this bag is worth over a hundred thousand dors.¡±

    After her remark, Benita zipped up her bag. Then, she seemed somewhat astonished as if a thought had just struck her and said, ¡°Oh, I apologize! I forgot you¡¯re Bryan¡¯s girlfriend. You must be very wealthy now. If anything¡¯s broken, I¡¯ll just ask Bryan for thepensationter.¡±

    ¡°You¡­¡± Ryan couldn¡¯t stand Benita¡¯s sarcastic tone and aimed to say something.

    But Benita had already walked away.

    ¡°Mrs. Vance, let¡¯s go.¡± Eileen took Ryan¡¯s hand and led her towards the lounge. She knew Ryan was treated like a spoiled child by Denzel and couldn¡¯t stand any humiliation.

    If she quickly moved Ryan away, Ryan would likely confront Benita. Eileen didn¡¯t let go of Ryan¡¯s hand until they reached the lounge to the left. Ryan was still visibly upset.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say anything? She went too far!¡± Ryan eximed.

    Eileen settled onto the plush sofa and rubbed her ankles. It had been a while since shest wore high heels, and she was feeling the strain.

    Noticing Ryan standing before her with arms crossed, she smiled and asked Ryan to sit.

    ¡°Why let it bother you? She said those things deliberately. She knows things between Bryan and me are going well, so she tried to provoke me on purpose. If I get upset, she will win,¡± Eileen said.

    Ryan settled down on the sofa, but she wasn¡¯t convinced by Eileen¡¯s words. Leaning back with her arms crossed, she voiced her concerns.

    ¡°What if she really causes trouble for Mr. Dawson over this? What if she demandspensation from him? Doesn¡¯t that make you angry?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be less bothered if Bryan helps mepensate her,¡± Eileen replied.

    Eileen wasn¡¯t worried about Benita approaching Bryan. Even if Benita did seek him out, she was confident that it wouldn¡¯t benefit Benita.

    Ryan watched her for a few seconds, then couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°You¡¯re really spoiled by Mr. Dawson. I¡¯m even starting to feel a bit envious. The women who like Mr. Dawson must be incredibly jealous of you. Maybe a lot of people will see you as an enemy.¡±

    Her point was valid, and Eileen began to feel slightly uneasy. That was exactly what Bryan aimed to achieve.

    The people who wanted to get close to him would likely try to make things difficult for Eileen.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Mr. Dawson will look out for you,¡± Ryan reassured Eileen, patting her on the shoulder. ¡°Mr. Dawson is genuinely a good man!¡±

    Hearing that, Eileen smiled. ¡°Mrs. Vance, you have a very happy family too.¡±

    ¡°Of course, a lot of women are envious of me,¡± Ryan said proudly. ¡°Denzel has assured me that I needn¡¯t worry about finances. He will always take care of me and my daughter.¡±

    Eileen listened intently, her thoughts drifting. Could Bryan also be such a steadfast support for her and their future children?

    Eileen and Ryan rested for a while; by the time they left the lounge, the party had ended.

    Some guests approached to bid farewell to Bryan and Denzel. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, there¡¯s much left to discuss from today¡¯s business meeting. Let¡¯s pick this up another day. But truly, today¡¯s meeting had the charming presence of ¡®lighten¡¯,¡± Denzel teased, expressing his dissatisfaction at the same time.

    Today, it seemed every man who had approached Bryan had brought a femalepanion to cozy up to him.

    Everyone understood the meaning of Denzel¡¯s words, but they didn¡¯t say anything about it.

    As people moved toward the banquet exit, the doors swung open.

    ¡°Hold on! Don¡¯t leave yet!¡± Suddenly, a dark figure appeared at the entrance.

    Benita walked in slowly, clutching a bag, with Megan trailing behind her with a smirk.

    Upon spotting Eileen and Ryan, Megan went straight to them. ¡°Eileen, you got my cousin locked up. Now, it¡¯s time for me to settle the score with you!¡± Megan said.

    As Eileen stepped out of the elevator, Megan charged toward her before she could figure out what was going on.

    Eileen instinctively dodged Megan¡¯s hand. Megan missed and ended up knocking Eileen¡¯s and Ryan¡¯s bags to the floor. ¡°Have you lost your mind? Do you realize whose party this is? How dare you cause amotion here!¡± Ryan pointed at the bags on the floor and said angrily, ¡°Pick the bags up.¡±

    Megan red at Ryan. She then nced at the bags and reluctantly picked them up, handing them back to Eileen before she dashed off.

    Confused, Eileen gave Ryan¡¯s bag back to her. Their situation had gone unnoticed by others.

    All eyes were on Benita, who had halted everyone¡¯s departure and approached Bryan.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, it seems you have lost something at your party,¡± Benita said.

    As she spoke, her perfume wafted toward Bryan, causing him to frown involuntarily. ¡°If you¡¯ve lost something, please speak to the staff. They¡¯ll review the surveince footage,¡± Bryan replied.

    He had already spoken to the staff, but they informed him the security cameras weren¡¯t working here. ¡°I¡¯ve only been in this lobby and the lounge area. There are no staff on these floors during the party; only invited guests have been there,¡± Benita said confidently.

    She was implying it was Bryan¡¯s responsibility to address the issue. If the hotel failed to resolve it, Bryan, as the host, was expected to assist Benita.

    ¡°She¡¯s just trying to find any excuse to get close to Mr. Dawson! Eileen, you need to set her straight!¡± Ryan urged Eileen, nudging her towards Bryan.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 241

    ?Chapter 241:

    ¡°Although the banquet was hosted by Mr. Dawson and my husband, we¡¯re considered the hosts as well. Since you¡¯re facing a problem, Miss Ferguson, it is up to us to assist you in solving it.¡± Ryann brought Eileen in front of Benita and Bryan, forcing the responsibility of resolving the issue upon Eileen. Eileen was speechless.

    Bryan caught Eileen by the waist, drawing her close. A subtle scent of tobo and alcohol surrounded Eileen. Just as Bryan was about to speak, Benita quickly said, ¡°Fine, as long as someone resolves it for me. Just so it is clear, the item I lost is extremely valuable¡ªworth tens of millions. It is an ancestral piece of jewelry from the Ferguson family. The matter should be taken seriously.¡± Benita then found a chair and sat down, eager to see how Eileen would handle the situation.

    This was aplex issue. Giving the guests a frisk would upset them. Without it, how could Eileen find Benita¡¯s missing item? Ryann now realized her actions had ced Eileen in a difficult situation. If Bryan were the one responsible for this, it might have been easier, as the guests wouldn¡¯t care to be angry with him. But Eileen was different.

    The crowd¡¯s scrutinizing eyes were on Eileen, and seeing this, Benita crossed her arms and chuckled. ¡°Miss Curtis, everyone¡¯s time is valuable. Please be quick,¡± Benita urged.

    Eileen lifted her gaze, her eyes clear and untainted, but the crowd¡¯s scrutiny was hostile. After a moment, she turned to Benita and said, ¡°Miss Ferguson, this is a challenging case. If you think about who you were in close with at the party, do you suspect anyone in particr? It would help narrow down the search.¡± Eileen cleverly redirected the challenging problem to Benita. Surely during the party, Benita had interacted more with someone in particr.

    Benita stood up, swaying her body as she approached Eileen, her lips parting slightly to say, ¡°You.¡±

    Benita and Eileen stood face-to-face with each other. One was irresistibly seductive, and the other was graceful, radiating an air of intellect and elegance. Eileen¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. ¡°Me? Since I have been here, I have only encountered you twice.¡± Once when she had been next to Bryan, and the other when she had bumped into Benita near the lounge on the second floor.

    Suddenly, something struck Eileen.

    ???€?? ¡é?¦Át?¦Å§ñs 1n ga?n?¦Í¦Ål?.???

    Benita chuckled as she tossed her handbag onto the table and exined, ¡°You bumped into me upstairs, knocking over my bag, and you were the one who helped me pick everything up. My family¡¯s ancestral jade ring was in that bag, and now, it¡¯s missing.¡±

    Eileen was not naive enough to believe this was merely unfounded nder from Benita. She remembered the recent bump with Megan. Megan had also helped pick up her bag.

    If Eileen had guessed it right, the jade ring was now in her bag. If she was found with the ring in her bag today, not only would Bryan be embarrassed, Eileen¡¯s career as a tutor would also be over. After all, who would hire a thief to tutor their children?

    Ryann appeared to have realized this too. She abruptly turned to whisper to Denzel, telling him the entire story.

    Bryan overheard their conversation. He turned to look at Benita coldly and said, ¡°Miss Ferguson, you should know when to stop.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡± Benita retorted. ¡°You didn¡¯t stop me before, but now that it involves Miss Curtis, you step in to intervene? Even if you want to protect her, you need to be more¡­¡±

    This direct usation made the situation clear, yet everyone present chose to remain bystanders, unwilling to stir up trouble.

    ¡°Miss Ferguson, your ims are without merit. Why would Curtis take your ring? Do you think shecks money?¡± Ryann said.

    Would someone in a rtionship with Bryan need money? The crowd whispered among themselves. Although some women viewed Eileen unfavorably, they couldn¡¯t deny Ryann¡¯s rational point.

    ¡°Everyone, you might not know Eileen¡¯s background.¡± Megan stepped forward from the crowd, raising her voice. ¡°Her family isn¡¯t wealthy; her mother is severely ill, and she has faced tough times since childhood. For someone like her, valuable items are irresistibly tempting.¡±

    Benita¡¯s contemptuous gaze swept over Eileen. She said, ¡°By that reasoning, even if Ms. Curtis didn¡¯t touch my bag, I should suspect her first.¡±

    ¡°So many people are waiting; let¡¯s not dy any longer. Let¡¯s bring your bag over and let us see what¡¯s inside. Then, we¡¯ll all learn the truth!¡± Megan was keen to see Eileen¡¯s reputation ruined.

    As Eileen remained motionless, Megan dashed over and grabbed her bag. Before anyone could react, she emptied the bag of everything inside.

    Various cosmetics tumbled to the floor, some rolling among the crowd and causing amotion. All eyes were fixed on the items scattered from the bag, yet the jade ring Benita had mentioned was nowhere to be seen.

    Benita nced at Megan, whoseplexion went pale. Megan muttered to herself, ¡°This can¡¯t be happening!¡± She was certain she had ced the item in her bag.

    Eileen narrowed her eyes. She quickly understood the situation and realized what had happened. She gently removed Bryan¡¯s hand from around her waist and approached Megan, delivering a fierce p. ¡°I¡¯m the host. Who gave you the right to cause trouble here?¡±

    Megan was in shock, stumbling into the bystanders and falling to the floor.

    Eileen then turned her cold gaze to Benita. ¡°Miss Ferguson, earlier you were convinced I was your closest contact. Now that we¡¯ve seen what¡¯s inside my bag, what¡¯s your next move? Who do you want to search now? Don¡¯t worry; as the host of this party, I will amodate your requests.¡±

    Benita hesitated to search anyone else. Perhaps the jade ring was concealed by Eileen, or perhaps something had gone wrong. Benita knew she couldn¡¯t justify further searches without evidence, not wanting to risk offending the other guests.

    ¡°Forget it. What¡¯s lost is lost. It¡¯s not worth making such a scene. I just hope Mr. Dawson will ask the hotel staff to keep an eye out in case it is found,¡± she said.

    Bryan¡¯s eyes were icy as he nced at Megan, still on the floor. He said, ¡°If you lost something, it¡¯s your responsibility. We¡¯re all adults here. Don¡¯t create problems for yourself. If this happens again¡­¡±

    His warning was evident, and Benita¡¯s face reddened with a mix of anger and humiliation.

    Benita shot a fierce re at Megan, who was equally bewildered by the turn of events.

    Bryan directed the staff to escort the guests out and then led Eileen and the others to the underground parking lot.

    Ryan was talking with Denzel. ¡°I don¡¯t think Benita and Megan are good people, but I can¡¯t wrap my head around the drama they pulled off. Was it all just to humiliate Ms. Curtis?¡±

    Eileen, with a hint of a smile, pulled Bryan¡¯s arm and looked back at Ryan. ¡°The answer is in your bag.¡±

    Ryan nced at her own handbag, confused. ¡°What¡¯s in my bag?¡±

    Eileen understood now! Denzel nodded eagerly as he searched through Ryan¡¯s bag, finally pulling out the jade ring. The underground parking lot was dimly lit, just enough light to make the ring shine bright crystal-clear green.

    Bryan nced at it and recognized its great quality swiftly. ¡°How did this get into my bag?¡± Ryan eximed, nearly jumping with surprise.

    ¡°Megan tried to slip something into my bag when she bumped into me but ended up knocking over yours by mistake. It seems she put the ring into the wrong bag,¡± Eileen exined. Eileen felt a surge of relief. If not for Megan¡¯s mistake, she would have been in serious trouble today.

    Who would have guessed that this whole dramatic event was a chain of setups?

    Eileen turned and embraced Bryan tightly. ¡°I nearly caused you embarrassment and lost my job.¡±

    ¡°That Benita is so malicious! She will definitely develop another n since this one failed! How do we protect ourselves from someone so sneaky?¡± Ryan expressed her disgust for Benita¡¯s underhanded tactics.

    Bryan frowned slightly as he was lost in thought for a second. Then, he slipped off his suit jacket and wrapped it around Eileen, kissing her forehead gently.

    He turned to look at Denzel. ¡°Since the ring was found in your wife¡¯s bag, Denzel, you should handle it. Just a heads-up: selling items with family marks privately isn¡¯t wise due to potential consequences, but you could consider an anonymous sale at a high-end auction. The rules there will keep your identity confidential.¡±

    Denzel seemed uneasy. ¡°It doesn¡¯t feel right to just sell it off.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the issue?¡± Ryan pocketed the ring back into her bag. ¡°Mr. Dawson, could you introduce us to the owner of the auction house in Onnd? After the ring is sold, I¡¯ll treat you and Eileen to a luxurious dinner and get a special wedding gift for you when you two get married!¡±

    Holding onto the item seemed pointless, and returning it to Benita was not something Ryan could do. Ryan believed selling it was the best idea. ¡°Sure,¡± Bryan responded, waving goodbye to Denzel before turning to leave with Eileen.

    Raymond had been waiting in the car and promptly opened the door as they neared. The light inside the car was dimmer. Eileen leaned into Bryan¡¯s embrace, resting her head against his chest.

    Her long hair fell softly over her cheeks, and Bryan gently tucked it behind her ear with his cool fingers, his gaze deep.

    The business cocktail party meant for Bryan to discuss work had ended without sess. The media extensively covered Bryan¡¯s rtionship with Eileen, publishing numerous articles that praised Eileen¡¯s virtues and overly emphasized Bryan¡¯s thoughtfulness towards her. Photographs of Bryan and Eileen together were captured from the most favorable angles.

    Previously unseen disys of Bryan¡¯s affection moved Eileen into the spotlight, quickly branding her as the happiest woman. Eileen browsed through the news, her brow knitted in concern, finding it hard to focus on her breakfast. ¡°The media is trying to make everyone jealous of me?¡± she remarked.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 242

    ?Chapter 242:

    ¡°I¡¯ll handle it. You don¡¯t have to worry about these things,¡± Bryan said to Eileen.

    Eileen, upon hearing this, put down her phone and continued to eat her breakfast. After breakfast, she and Bryan returned to the bedroom to change their clothes.

    Eileen met Bailee downstairs and drove to the wealthy families that Bailee had set up appointments with. Thanks to the thorough preparation made by Bailee beforehand, the morning meetings with the three families went quite well. Eileen was assessed and then employed by two of them on the spot.

    Thest family said they needed to think about it, but it was evident from their attitude that they would hire Eileen soon.

    Bailee was overjoyed with the oue. ¡°You were really amazing today, Eileen, especially when you were exining those debate topics.¡±

    Bailee and Eileen had another appointment with the Harrison family at two o¡¯clock in the afternoon, so they went to a restaurant nearby to grab a quick bite.

    Bailee couldn¡¯t stop praising Eileen, even as they sat down. Eileen couldn¡¯t help but smile as she told Bailee to stop. She was quite hungry. She took out her phone and shared the smooth progress of the morning meetings with Bryan via WhatsApp.

    Bryan called her when he saw her message. She got up and moved to stand near the window before she picked up the call.

    ¡°Are you calling to praise me?¡± she asked.

    ¡°No, I¡¯ll reward you when you return,¡± Bryan replied.

    Stay updated with g?ln¦Òv???s

    Although he said he would not congratte her, one could clearly hear the tion in his voice. ¡°Who are you meeting with this afternoon?¡± he asked.

    ¡°The Harrison family. If that takes too long, I will have to wait till tomorrow to visit the Yates family,¡± Eileen said cheerily. She felt quite content.

    The Harrison family? Bryan furrowed his brow as he asked, ¡°What time is your appointment with the Harrison family?¡±

    ¡°Two o¡¯clock,¡± Eileen answered, ncing at her watch. It was already ten past one now. It would take her at least half an hour to get to the Harrison family¡¯s house.

    She said, ¡°I just finished lunch with Bailee, and we¡¯re about to leave for the Harrison family¡¯s house now. I¡¯ll talk to youter.¡± After Bryan replied to her, Eileen hung up the phone.

    Bryan absentmindedly tapped his desk with his fingers as a thoughtful expression came to his face. After a while, he dialed the inte to summon Raymond.

    When Raymond came to the office, Bryan said, ¡°Cancel my afternoon schedule.¡±

    ¡°Sir, there¡¯s an international conference at two o¡¯clock, one that you¡¯ve postponed countless times. We can¡¯t postpone it again,¡± Raymond said, appearing flustered.

    Bryan frowned. After ncing at the time, he said, ¡°Let the international conferencemence in ten minutes. Inform the executives on the other end to say whatever they have to say quickly.¡±

    Raymond immediately moved into action.

    The Harrison family¡¯s house was located halfway up the mountain, and there was hardly any traffic along the way, so Eileen and Bailee arrived with ten minutes to spare.

    One of the Harrison family¡¯s servants led them into thevish vi and told them to wait in the living room. ¡°Mrs. Harrison is still taking her nap,¡± the servant said.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen said before taking her seat with Bailee on the sofa.

    An hour quickly passed, and they were still waiting.

    Bailee couldn¡¯t contain her impatience and asked in a low voice, ¡°Are they doing this on purpose?¡±

    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s easy to earn money from a wealthy family? We made progress this morning because the other party was already interested in partnering with us. Maybe the Harrison family isn¡¯t interested, or Mrs. Harrison is really napping. Either way, we have to wait,¡± Eileen responded.

    Bailee didn¡¯t seem to understand. However, she tried to curb her impatience for Eileen¡¯s sake.

    Soon, they heard bursts ofughter from the garden. Eileen turned and saw several people chatting andughing outside.

    She immediately recognized Lydia, who was wearing a ck dress. Before she could see who else was there, a servant approached her.

    ¡°Sorry for the long wait, Mrs. Harrison has friends over and says that she will see you now if you don¡¯t mind. If you do mind, you¡¯ll have toe backter,¡± the servant said. Bailee turned to Eileen and awaited her decision.

    Smiling, Eileen stood up and said, ¡°Since we are already here, we might as well see her. Please lead the way.¡±

    The servant turned and led them straight through the back door to the garden.

    Along the cobblestone path, the green grass, damp with dewdrops, appeared quite lush. Flowers of various colors bloomed, filling the air with their fragrance.

    As they got closer, Eileen saw that Benita and Blythe Harrison were with Lydia under a parasol. Blythe, who was about to reach forty, looked younger than her age, even younger than Lydia.

    Eileen could hear snippets of their conversation.

    ¡°My sister has only one daughter. As Benita¡¯s aunt, it¡¯s my duty to pick a good family for her. I¡¯ve always thought Bryan is quite suitable for her,¡± Blythe said with augh as she patted Lydia¡¯s hand. ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting you toe over today to discuss this matter with me. This is really a pleasant surprise.¡±

    Lydia nced at the approaching Eileen before answering, ¡°Indeed. I heard that Bryan is partnering with the Ferguson family and that Benita is in charge of the cooperation. That was when the idea came to me.¡±

    Lydia then turned to Benita and nodded with satisfaction before continuing. ¡°Only ady from a prestigious family has such a graceful demeanor, unlike someone I know who is petty and quite unpresentable.¡±

    Bailee swiftly understood the situation and tried to step forward to offer a retort when Eileen stopped her and whispered, ¡°Don¡¯t be impulsive.¡±

    Their movements drew Blythe¡¯s attention. She said, ¡°That¡¯s the tutor I found for my daughter. Excuse me for a moment, Lydia.¡± Lydia pretended not to recognize Eileen. She just turned away and engaged Benita in conversation.

    ¡°Mrs. Harrison,¡± Eileen said in greeting.

    Blythe looked at Eileen with a scrutinizing gaze. It was clear she knew about Eileen¡¯s rtionship with Bryan.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, right? Thisdy beside you must be the head of your educational institution, correct?¡± Blythe said.

    Bailee nodded and said, ¡°Nice to meet you, Mrs. Harrison. Bailee Brooks, head of the educational institution in Onnd.¡± She took out a business card as she spoke and ced it on the table in front of Blythe.

    Blythe, however, showed no intention of picking it up. At that moment, a gust of wind blew the card to the ground. Bailee was about to pick it up when Blythe said, ¡°You people love to offer yourselves uninvited, desperately wing your way up and coveting things that don¡¯t belong to you. That¡¯s the mannerism disyed by someone cheap.¡±

    Bailee stopped in her tracks. She turned to Blythe and said, ¡°Opportunities are fought for, Mrs. Harrison. Besides, you agreed to this interview before. Why are you insulting us now?¡±

    ¡°You have no manners. Who do you think you are? Only poor people talk about fighting for opportunities because they want to be rich,¡± Lydia sneered.

    Although the mocking words had been aimed at Bailee, their real target was Eileen.

    Bailee had not expected the Harrison family to be involved with Lydia. She realized that she had caused Eileen trouble by setting up this interview.

    ¡°If your intention in calling me here is to humiliate me, Mrs. Harrison, I believe you¡¯ve achieved just that. If there¡¯s nothing else, we¡¯ll be taking our leave now,¡± Eileen said.

    Eileen was standing straight, her gaze sweeping over Lydia and the others calmly. She picked up the business card from the ground and turned to leave with Bailee.

    However, two bodyguards quickly stepped forward to block their way. Blythe stood up and walked toward them, her high heels cking on the cobblestone path.

    She said, ¡°What do you think you are doing? To humiliate you? I just want to show you your delusion. Benita is my niece, and Lydia is also here.¡±

    It was quite clear to Eileen that Blythe didn¡¯t intend to let them leave. Since it hade down to this, Eileen didn¡¯t see the need to be polite anymore.

    She turned to Blythe and interjected, ¡°I think you should worry more about your own business. The Dawson family¡¯s affairs are none of your concern. I¡¯m with Bryan, not your son. Oh, my. I forgot you have no son.¡±

    These words hit a sore spot, as Blythe had been mocked by the Harrison family for years due to her inability to bear a son.

    Blythe¡¯s veins bulged in anger. ¡°You¡­¡±

    ¡°Auntie!¡± Benita quickly rushed up to steady the shaking all around.

    When Blythe had calmed down slightly, Benita red at Eileen and said, ¡°Do you have no shame at all? Has the Dawson family acknowledged you? How dare you be so arrogant?¡±

    ¡°We can certainly not acknowledge her,¡± Lydia immediately chimed in.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care whether you acknowledge me or not. Even if I¡¯m not fully part of the Dawson family, I wonder why you think you can show off in my presence,¡± Eileen said, standing her ground. She stood before Bailee, shielding Bailee from these angry women.

    ¡°She may be considered a member of the Dawson family ording to you, but you can make no such ims about me,¡± Brandon¡¯s voice came.

    The bodyguards behind Eileen made way, and Brandon and Harrison walked over.

    Brandon had a cold look on his face. When he approached Eileen, he ungentlemanly shoved her.

    Eileen stumbled and nearly fell.

    Bailee quickly supported her and prevented her from falling. Lydia began to y the victim.

    ¡°Brandon, I¡¯ve been disgraced. This woman has insulted me,¡± she said.

    Brandon wrapped his arm around Lydia tofort her.

    He said, ¡°We do not need someone so shameless in the Dawson family. Only ady like Benita is worthy of bearing the Dawson name.¡±

    ¡°Stop bothering my sister. You all act as though you matter in the Dawson family, but you¡¯re nothing!¡± Bailee eximed in anger.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 243

    ?Chapter 243:

    Bailee couldn¡¯t take it any longer. She pulled Eileen to the cobblestone road. Standing protectively in front of Eileen, she fought back with her words.

    After hearing what Bailee had said, Brandon¡¯s face contorted with rage. ¡°You have no shame!¡±

    ¡°What about you? You set traps to ensnare us here and bully us! You¡¯re shameless! If you want to do something, go find Bryan yourself. Don¡¯t harass us here!¡± Bailee seized Eileen¡¯s wrist, urging, ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here!¡±

    But she forgot they were on other people¡¯s turf. Two imposing bodyguards obstructed their path, while several others emerged from the vi. Clearly, they wouldn¡¯t let Eileen and Bailee leave.

    ¡°The Dawson family has encountered someone despicable! I¡¯m here to teach this shameless woman a lesson!¡± Blythe eximed.

    She was still angry about Eileen¡¯s earlier remark. Not having a son had been her deepest regret. At that moment, she felt a primal urge to throttle Eileen.

    She signaled to the burly bodyguards beside her and said, ¡°These intruders have dared to defile my home with their foul mouths. Beat them up and toss them out afterward!¡±

    Bailee¡¯s expression shifted. Regret surged within her as she nced at Eileen.

    ¡°Damn it, Eileen, I¡¯ll hold them off. You make a break for it!¡± she said.

    Furrowing her brows, Eileen turned to Brandon and Lydia, who wore smug grins. She said, ¡°You¡¯ve slithered in to stir up trouble behind Bryan¡¯s back because youck the spine to face him head-on. But if he learns this, you¡¯ll regret your decision!¡±

    Find more books at g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls

    Brandon¡¯s face flushed crimson with fury. He was rendered speechless by Eileen¡¯s boldness.

    Lydia patted Brandon¡¯s chest. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. She¡¯s the one who has upset Blythe. We¡¯re not to me.¡±

    ¡°Why the hesitation? Beat them up now!¡± Blythe was itching to get her revenge.

    A bodyguard¡¯s punch swept toward them, prompting Eileen to instinctively bend over to shield Bailee.

    However, before they could fully brace themselves, the bodyguard delivered a ruthless kick to Bailee¡¯s leg, causing her to wince in agony.

    ¡°Stop!¡± A loud voice pierced through the chaos, drawing everyone¡¯s attention. Turning to the source, they beheld a sea of approaching bodyguards, with Bryan¡¯s imposing figure standing out among them.

    Bryan¡¯s face was cold. His eyes fell on Eileen as he approached. The sight of the disheveled Eileen and Bailee made his heart sink.

    As a swarm of bodyguards surged forward, aiming to apprehend those targeting Eileen, Bryan swiftly reached Eileen¡¯s side. He sped her arm firmly, his eyes scanning her for any signs of injury.

    Meanwhile, Raymond rushed to Bailee¡¯s aid, ensuring she hadn¡¯t sustained any serious injuries in the altercation.

    ¡°Call the police. These individuals are guilty of assault, and we have evidence to prove it,¡± Bryan¡¯s words rang out, sealing the fate of the Harrison family. If word got out, it would undoubtedly tarnish the reputation of the Harrison family.

    Even if they managed to evade legal consequences this time, their social standing would suffer a severe blow.

    Blythe¡¯s attempt to intervene was swiftly curtailed by her husband, who recognized the gravity of the situation. He said to Bryan, ¡°Mr. Dawson, let¡¯s not escte this. Think about the repercussions, especially with your father present. Do you want him to be implicated as well?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s response was cold and firm, shocking everyone. ¡°Those who harm her will be held ountable.¡±

    His attention swiftly returned to Eileen, his touch gentle as he asked, ¡°Are you injured?¡±

    Eileen held his hand and replied, ¡°No, you arrived just in time. But why did youe here?¡±

    ¡°Benita is Benita¡¯s aunt. I was concerned about you,¡± Bryan exined. He had been afraid that Blythe might harm Eileen, but he hadn¡¯t anticipated Brandon¡¯s and Lydia¡¯s presence. His eyes emanated a deep-seated revulsion and animosity toward Brandon and Lydia.

    Eileen gently sped hisrge hand, her eyes reflecting a profound sense of sorrow. Bryan didn¡¯t hide his outright disdain for Brandon before outsiders; it was clear to Eileen that he hated Brandon to the bone.

    However, Eileen knew that escting the situation could lead to widespread ridicule for the Dawson family. As she grappled with her conflicting emotions, the wail of police sirens pierced the air, drawing closer with each passing moment. Several police cars screeched to a halt outside the gates of the Harrison family¡¯s estate.

    Raymond led the police inside and told them the whole story, exaggerating some details. Despite the Harrison family¡¯s influence, the police showed no leniency because of Bryan. The Harrison couple, Brandon, and Lydia were promptly escorted to the police station.

    Although Benita hadn¡¯t gotten involved, she apanied Blythe to the station. Bailee¡¯s leg injury, sustained during the altercation, was examined by hospital staff, who determined the severity of the assault.

    Word of the incident spread like wildfire, and reporters swarmed outside the police station, eager for any tidbit of information. The air was thick with rumors as the reporters saw that Brandon and Bryan were in conflict.

    ¡°The two are at each other¡¯s throats because of Eileen!¡± Detailed and often exaggerated ounts of the feud flooded social conversations. Within just two hours, the rampant rumors had affected Apex Group¡¯s stock.

    Eileen and Bryan stepped out of the police station after two hours.

    They were barely a few steps out when they were intercepted by Brandon, who was seething with anger. ¡°You bastard! Are you pleased with yourself now?¡± Brandon hissed, his words dripping with venom. ¡°Look at what your little drama has done¡ªApex Group¡¯s stock price has plummeted!¡±

    Concern pierced the evening air as reporters hustled to capture the confrontation. Bryan¡¯s expression remained cold and detached, barely acknowledging the chaos around him.

    His voice was calm but filled with a fiery resolve as he faced Brandon. ¡°If you dare to harm her again, I¡¯ll take down Apex Group!¡±

    Brandon¡¯s face flushed with rage, rising to meet Bryan¡¯s challenge. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare!¡±

    ¡°Mr. Brandon Dawson! Mr. Bryan Dawson!¡± Just then, the tension was momentarily broken by the arrival of the Dawson family¡¯s butler. He emerged from a nearby door. ¡°The family is waiting for you at home.¡±

    Lydia gently took hold of Brandon¡¯s arm, her voice soothing. ¡°Don¡¯t make a fool of yourself. Let¡¯s go back; she must have something important to discuss. Let¡¯s go.¡± With that, she guided Brandon toward the car, and they departed.

    The butler then turned to Bryan and Eileen. ¡°Miss Curtis, your presence is also requested.¡±

    Clearly, Ste would not sit idly by after learning about the matter. Eileen inteced her fingers with Bryan¡¯s. With a supportive squeeze, she looked at his resolute face.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not keep your grandmother waiting,¡± she said.

    ¡°Okay.¡± As his expression softened, Bryan opened the passenger door for Eileen before circling the vehicle to glide into the driver¡¯s seat. Together, they left the chaotic scene behind, heading toward the Dawson Mansion.

    Upon their arrival, Eileen and Bryan found that Brandon and Lydia were already there. Contrary to what they had expected, the atmosphere in the living room was surprisingly light.

    Ste, with a warm smile lighting up her face, was saying something. She stood as Eileen and Bryan entered, her demeanor weing. ¡°Now that we¡¯re all here, let¡¯s enjoy dinner together.¡± Eileen turned and saw thevish spread on the table. Before she could react, she was gently guided toward the dining room by Ste, who said, ¡°You know, Eileen, you really should visit me more often. Bryan rarely visits me, that little rascal.¡±

    ¡°I will, Mrs. Dawson,¡± Eileen quickly replied, nodding. With a contented smile, Ste ushered everyone to their seats, choosing to overlook the tension.

    ¡°I held backst time because Z was here and she isn¡¯t family. But tonight, it¡¯s just us, and there are things that need to be addressed,¡± Ste said.

    Her tone was serious as she took off her cane¡ªan umon sight that everyone recognized as a prelude to serious matters.

    Eileen was aware, through conversations with Bryan, that the cane Ste was holding belonged to Bryan¡¯s grandfather. Ste continued, ¡°Bryan needs to settle down and get married. Brandon, since you¡¯ve expressed a desire to stay out of this, I expect you to honor that. Tomorrow, start arranging the wedding. I¡¯ll have someone find an auspicious day, and Bryan and Eileen can get married then.¡±

    Brandon immediately interjected. Lydia also chimed in. ¡°After today¡¯s debacle, how can you just let them get married like this? What would that make Brandon and me?¡±

    The atmosphere turned tense.

    Bryan reclined in his chair, his response cutting through the tension. ¡°You two are disgraceful.¡±

    Brandon responded with a sneer, his disdain palpable. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m powerless? Without my consent, Eileen can¡¯t be officially recognized in our family records, nor will she be allowed to be buried in our family burial site in the future!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t try to threaten me; that means nothing to me.¡± Bryan remained unfazed.

    Ste, on the other hand, valued family traditions deeply. She shot Bryan a sharp look of disapproval and quickly redirected her frustration toward Brandon. ¡°Will you shut up and listen for once?¡± she snapped.

    Brandon, visibly seething, turned his head away.

    Ste continued, ¡°I¡¯ve watched Bryan grow from a boy into the man he is today. His mother was taken from him too early, and he¡¯s never been close to Lydia. That¡¯s why I¡¯ve taken it upon myself to ensure his happiness by arranging this marriage. If you oppose this, you¡¯ll have to go through me!¡±

    Her deration left Brandon without an argument; the finality of her position was clear.

    After a tense silence, Brandon abruptly stood up. ¡°I won¡¯t agree to this! If you go through with this, consider my ties with the Dawson family cut!¡± With that, he stormed out.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 244

    ?Chapter 244:

    Lydia set her fork down and stood up. ¡°How can you abandon your own son for a woman who isn¡¯t even rted to us by blood? Bryan is your grandson, while Brandon is your son. It seems you¡¯re losing sight of whom you should really care about.¡±

    ¡°The one who¡¯s lost sight is Brandon, utterly misguided. I may be old, but my judgment is sharp. I see everything very clearly. Lydia, if you act properly, you can stay as part of the Dawson family. Otherwise, you might as well pack your bags and leave,¡± Ste replied, her expression serious.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll go. I¡¯ll stay out of your issues with your son,¡± Lydia turned and departed.

    With Brandon and Lydia gone, the tension in the dining room lightened. Ste sighed deeply, her energy seemingly drained as she leaned back in her chair and nced at Bryan. ¡°Do you have a say in your marriage?¡± she asked.

    Bryan replied, ¡°Eileen and I were already considering marriage upon our return to Onnd. Thanks for caring about us, Grandma.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s reassuring,¡± Ste nodded, pleased. Then she inquired, ¡°When are you nning to have children?¡±

    ¡°We need more time,¡± Bryan responded promptly. ¡°There¡¯s no need to rush us. I¡¯ve got everything under control.¡±

    His words angered Ste. She retorted, ¡°What control do you think you have? Having a child will solve your problem. Why must you be so stubborn?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s voice grew resolute. ¡°Having a child isn¡¯t a fix to my problem.¡±

    ¡°But I don¡¯t have much time left! I¡¯m worried that when I die and meet your grandfather, I won¡¯t know how to face him. I know you don¡¯t prioritize our family, but if you let family matters fall under your father¡¯s control, I¡¯ll be the Dawson family¡¯s sinner.¡±

    Fresh uploads now at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??ls

    Ste was emotional, her eyes brimming with tears. Eileen remained silent throughout their exchange, still unfamiliar with the intricacies of the Dawson family. The importance of having a child was the only clear thing.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do everything I can to protect our family, but I won¡¯t let them take risks for me,¡± Bryan said. He was referring to Eileen and their future child. He moved, pulling Eileen to stand up with him. His voice carried a hint of guilt. ¡°Take care of yourself, Grandma.¡± With those words, he left with Eileen.

    Eileen¡¯s emotions were tumultuous. Before they left the dining room, she nced back at Ste. Tears streamed down Ste¡¯s wrinkled cheeks, her cloudy eyes unable to hold them back. Eileen hadn¡¯t imagined that an elderly person in her twilight years would still bear such burdens for the younger generations.

    On the drive home, Bryan sped through the streets in silence, the atmosphere in the car tense. When they arrived at the base of their apartment building, Eileen and Bryan stepped out of the car. As soon as they entered the elevator, Bryan pulled Eileen into a tight embrace. He held her so closely that it felt like he was trying to merge her into his body.

    Eileen wrapped her arms around his waist. ¡°I caused the incident today. If it happens again, I¡¯ll endure it. Let¡¯s try not to let things escte to this point and make your grandmother worry in the future.¡±

    ¡°How could I stand by while you suffer?¡± Bryan couldn¡¯t bear that thought. Anyone who mistreated Eileen was his enemy in his eyes. As the elevator doors opened, Eileen let go of Bryan, her eyes filled with concern. ¡°You head back first. I need to go upstairs to check on Bailee, okay?¡±

    Raymond had mentioned that Bailee¡¯s leg injury was severe, and the doctor rmended she rest for a week. Eileen was concerned about Bailee. Bryan nodded, kissing Eileen¡¯s forehead gently, his smile strained yet reassuring. ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    He stepped out of the elevator, and the doors closed slowly. His silhouette, bathed in moonlight, looked lonely. Watching him, Eileen felt a tight grip on her heart, the pain almost too much to bear.

    Standing outside Bailee¡¯s door, she paused to steady herself before entering. It waste, and Ruby had already gone to bed. Soft light spilled from Bailee¡¯s room. Inside, Eileen saw Bailee, her calf bandaged, hopping on one foot to get around.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do it for you.¡± Eileen took Bailee¡¯s water ss, went to the kitchen to fill it with warm water, and then returned.

    ¡°Eileen, why did youe over sote? My leg is fine. What about you two? The situation with the Dawson family is all over the news,¡± Bailee said.

    Bailee had wanted to message Eileen multiple times but had stopped herself, worried about disturbing her. Eileen forced a smile and said, ¡°We¡¯ll sort out our issues. Just focus on getting better over the next few days; leave the rest to me.¡±

    ¡°Eileen, this is all my fault. I didn¡¯t know that the Harrison family had such ties to Benita and is also connected to the Dawson family.¡± Bailee was overwhelmed with remorse.

    In the room, Bailee and Eileen spoke in hushed tones, careful not to disturb Ruby. Bailee looked like she might cry, so Eileen handed her a tissue. ¡°It¡¯s not your fault; it¡¯s mine. When the Harrison family agreed to meet a new tutor, they were touched by your sincerity and considered changing. But once they found out the tutor was me, they changed their minds,¡± Eileen said.

    Eileen had given it a lot of thought and believed the Harrison family couldn¡¯t have set her up before she even arrived in Onnd. She continued, ¡°We can figure out our next steps with Bryan. Just take care of your mom and yourself for now. If anythinges up, call me. It¡¯ste, and you should get some rest.¡±

    Eileen stood up, poured another cup of warm water for Bailee, and then left. Instead of returning to the apartment across, she took the elevator down to Bryan¡¯s ce. Bryan¡¯s ce was dim, lit only by the light at the entrance, and the bedroom door was slightly open.

    Eileen removed her shoes and walked toward the bedroom, immediately hit by a strong smell of smoke. The bedroom was dark, but she could make out Bryan¡¯s tall figure by the window, smoke swirling around him as the half-open window allowed the night air to enter. Bryan was holding a cigarette, its tip glowing, an ashtray beside him filled to the brim.

    As he heard the door, he put out the cigarette and turned on the light. Seeing the ashtray full of cigarette butts made Eileen frown. But she said nothing. She walked over to Bryan, opened the window fully, and embraced him, resting her chin on his chest. ¡°Take a shower, and let¡¯s get some sleep, okay?¡± she said.

    From within his embrace, Eileen¡¯s voice was soft, easing Bryan¡¯s tension. ¡°Okay,¡± he replied. Eileen looked up into his eyes, her gaze clear and earnest, her ears reddening slightly.

    ¡°How about we shower together?¡± she said. Bryan¡¯s eyes flickered, his breath catching slightly. ¡°Are you sure? It¡¯s quitete now.¡± Considering everything Eileen had been through with the Harrison family and the demands of tomorrow, he was hesitant to exhaust her further.

    But Eileen nodded sincerely. ¡°Okay, I¡¯m not tired.¡± She was unsure how to alleviate Bryan¡¯s somber mood, her focus solely on helping him shift away from his frustrations. His anger was primarily aimed at his father, Brandon, but she didn¡¯t know the specifics of their father-son conflict.

    Eileen refrained from asking questions that might reopen old wounds for Bryan, not wanting to force him to recall painful memories. She knew that if he ever felt ready, he would share those details with her.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s shower together.¡± Bryan¡¯s voice was rough as he lifted Eileen and carried her toward the bathroom. Eileen wrapped her legs tightly around his waist. Seeing Eileen like this seemed to really help Bryan push his negative thoughts away. This even stirred a relentless desire within him.

    The soft bathroom light bathed them both, and warm water trickled down their bodies. Soon, Bryan had left a trail of marks on Eileen¡¯s skin. Yet, he managed to hold onto some semnce of control, turning off the water just in time, nning to carry her back to the bedroom.

    Suddenly, Eileen suggested, ¡°Can we do it without protection? Maybe we could consider¡ª¡±

    ¡°No way!¡± Bryan cut her off before she could continue and silenced her with a kiss. He bit her lip gently as a caution, murmuring between kisses, ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it.¡±

    Hearing that, Eileen reluctantly let him carry her back to the bedroom. Her hair, wet like seaweed, quickly soaked the pillow, and the thin nket beneath them was also dampened with water droplets.

    Bryan pulled a handful of condoms from the bedside drawer. His fingers felt slippery as he tried to open one. Frowning, he was about to check the condom when Eileen suddenly wrapped her legs around his waist.

    ¡°Eileen¡­¡± he growled in a low tone. Eileen, frustrated by the interruption, looked up at him with eyes full of unspoken desires. Caught by her intense gaze, Bryan¡¯s urgency surged, and he quickly managed to open the condom. Their night together was intense and passionate.

    The next morning, Eileen woke in Bryan¡¯s arms to the sound of the rm clock. Bailee was resting today, but Eileen still needed to visit the Yates family.

    Eileen regretted her boldness from the night before, realizing it had made Bryan lose control, resulting in her legs aching now. As Bryan tightened his arm around her waist, she said, ¡°I need to get up. I have work to do today.¡± Bryan¡¯s voice was husky as he kissed her hair. ¡°You go freshen up. I¡¯ll make breakfast.¡±

    Eileen returned the embrace, her lips brushing his chin. ¡°Okay.¡± They started their morning routine, and while Eileen ate breakfast, Bryan went back to the bedroom to tidy up. Several condom wrappers littered the floor. Bending down to pick them up, Bryan caught a strong smell of lubricant.

    He disposed of the trash, then traced the scent to the bedside drawer and took out a new condom from it. Upon closer inspection, he noticed a tiny pinhole in it, almost imperceptible, and a substantial amount of lubricant had leaked, filling the drawer with its odor.

    He examined the rest of the condoms in the drawer and was shocked to find that all of them had been tampered with. Eileen, enjoying the sandwich Bryan had made, walked in and casually said, ¡°Bryan, we should have a boy in the future. With a husband as wonderful as you, it¡¯d be great to have several kids.¡± Enjoying her breakfast, she felt fortunate to have Bryan in her life.

    ¡°Do you want children that bad?¡± Bryan asked, his tone cold.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 245

    ?Chapter 245:

    Eileen immediately sensed that something was amiss with Bryan. She quickly finished her sandwich, walked over to him, and looked down at the drawer. She caught a whiff of the strange scent, her eyebrows knitting together as she blurted out, ¡°I didn¡¯t do that!¡±

    Bryan turned to face her, his expression one of deep disappointment. ¡°It¡¯s just you and me here. If not you, then who? Could it have been me?¡±

    Eileen opened her mouth but couldn¡¯t think of a way to respond. Bryan¡¯s face was stern, his mind haunted by the memory of her rejecting protectionst night and her previous discussions about wanting to get pregnant.

    ¡°Grandma does not understand me, but how can you not understand me as well?¡± His usation cut sharply into Eileen, piercing her heart. She was hurt, and she also felt his pain, understanding his reasons for not wanting children.

    ¡°I do understand you. Please, just calm down and let me exin. That day¡­¡± Eileen began. Watching theplex emotions swirl in Bryan¡¯s dark eyes, Eileen suddenly felt helpless and lost for words.

    ¡°Eileen, I¡¯m so disappointed.¡± With that, Bryan turned to walk away. His eyes were tinged with red as he left quickly, his back to her to hide his pain.

    The room still felt full of Bryan¡¯s presence, and Eileen was haunted by the look of disappointment in his eyes and the tone of his voice. Her legs felt incredibly heavy, so she didn¡¯t chase after him. She had forgotten to mention Ste¡¯s visit to Bryan. How was she supposed to exin it now?

    After some time, she stood up and left with a heavy heart. On her way to the Yates family¡¯s ce, Eileen pulled the car over at the roadside to send Bryan a message after pondering for a while.

    ¡°Bryan, I understand you.¡± Just four simple words, and then she was at a loss for what more to say.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s brings your imagination alive

    The mood in the car was heavy. Raymond breathed cautiously, stealing nces at Bryan through the rearview mirror.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, what should we do about the rumors concerning Ms. Curtis that are circting online?¡± Raymond asked.

    Bryan¡¯s gaze flickered, and after a pause, he rubbed his forehead and said, ¡°Let it be, and have someone follow her to prevent any further issues.¡±

    As he finished speaking, he noticed the message from Eileen on his phone. His eyes rested on the four simple words, yet he didn¡¯t reply.

    Raymond, seeing Bryan¡¯s displeasure, assumed it stemmed from the news about Eileen. So, as soon as they reached thepany, Raymond acted quickly to suppress the rumors. Once he managed to control the situation, he sighed in relief. He had expected Bryan¡¯s mood to improve a bit, but throughout the day, Bryan¡¯s expression remained dark. Even the slightest mistakes from the staff drew harsh reprimands from him.

    Raymond and Denzel apanied Bryan, feeling the tension. As the workday neared its end, Denzel attempted to break the tension, saying, ¡°Dawson, you¡¯ve put in a full day¡¯s work, and I haven¡¯t been much help. I feel ashamed. Please, let me handle the rest. You should head back and spend time with Ms. Curtis.¡±

    Bryan stopped what he was doing, his expression tightening as he reached for a cigarette from the pack on his desk and ced it between his lips.

    ¡°This project is at a critical phase. I prefer to oversee it myself. You two go ahead and leave. I¡¯ll go home once I finish the work.¡±

    Raymond and Denzel exchanged surprised nces. They knew Bryan usually skipped lunch to finish work early so that he could return home sooner. But now, he wanted to stayte for tasks that weren¡¯t particrly urgent?

    ¡°See,¡± Denzel nodded earnestly. ¡°It¡¯s like a hidden form of protection for Ms. Curtis. With all the paparazzi around, it¡¯s probably safer for Mr. Dawson to go homete.¡±

    Upon hearing Denzel¡¯s words, Raymond understood it as well. ¡°That makes sense. Mr. Dawson really cares about Ms. Curtis!¡±

    The more they spoke, the more somber Bryan¡¯s expression grew.

    ¡°Enough. Both of you can go home now,¡± he said coldly, cutting off Denzel and Raymond.

    He then walked to stand by the floor-to-ceiling window, smoking one cigarette after another, his thoughts preupied with Eileen.

    Eileen¡¯s interview with the Yates family went smoothly. Following the recent incident and given Bryan¡¯s evident care for her, she was treated with considerable respect.

    Afterward, she went to the educational institution and didn¡¯t finish work until the evening. ncing at her silent phone, she noted Bryan hadn¡¯t responded to her message, nor had he called.

    Feeling empty inside, she gathered her energy and headed home, pausing on the way to pick up some groceries. She nned to cook dinner at home, waiting for Bryan¡¯s return. They could talk about the matter then.

    In the empty house that still echoed with Bryan¡¯s presence, Eileen made her way to the kitchen. Following online recipes, she prepared four of Bryan¡¯s favorite dishes. It was her first attempt at cooking, and the kitchen turned into a bit of a mess, but she managed to finish all four dishes. Though the dishes didn¡¯t look very appetizing, she had made them with effort.

    Having finished preparing the dishes, she realized she hadn¡¯t prepared the bread. She quickly made toasted bread, then set the dining table, watching the seconds tick away.

    Soon, it was eight o¡¯clock. The dishes had gone cold. She stood up and reheated the dishes. Then, she decided to call Bryan. As she was waiting for him to pick up, she felt a surge of nervousness and anticipation. However, the call was abruptly cut off after just a few rings, making her heart sink. He hung up on her?

    The image of Bryan leaving that morning shed through Eileen¡¯s mind, her chest tightening. She tried to reassure herself, telling herself that maybe Bryan was busy. She then sent him a message.

    ¡°I made dinner. When will you be home? Let¡¯s talk.¡±

    She didn¡¯t receive a reply. In the spacious house, only the dining room was lit. The bright light illuminated Eileen, making her look lonely. Meanwhile, Eileen¡¯s face, initially expressionless, began to show signs of disappointment as time dragged on.

    At Apex Group, since Bryan¡¯s return to Onnd, under Ste¡¯s direction, Bryan had taken over the management of Apex Group. Therefore, whether it was his project with the Freguson family or any other business matter, it was all handled by him at Apex Group.

    In the east office, Z stood by the desk, a chill in her eyes as she hung up Eileen¡¯s call on Bryan¡¯s phone. She then deleted the message Eileen had just sent and ced the phone back discreetly. So, Bryan and Eileen must have had an argument. That exined Bryan¡¯s gloomy demeanor. Z slightly raised her eyebrows, her lips curling into a smirk. As she heard noise from the lounge area, she quickly put on a look of concern.

    ¡°What¡¯s with this soup? How could it make you sick? Grandma made me promise to ensure you drink it. Had I known it would make you sick, I wouldn¡¯t have given it to you,¡± she said to Bryan.

    Bryan¡¯s face was dark. The soup itself tasted fine, but it was only after he finished it that he noticed the ingredients at the bottom of the bowl and understood what it was. He hadn¡¯t eaten much that day, and his stomach had churned upon seeing that, causing him to vomit.

    ¡°Next time Grandma lets you send soup to me, just deal with it yourself,¡± Bryan said. He settled back at his desk, nced at his watch, and noted it was past nine. He checked his phone and found no new messages.

    Visibly annoyed, he tugged at his tie, loosening it and unbuttoning the top two buttons of his shirt, and said without looking up, ¡°It¡¯ste; you should go back now.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you heading home?¡± Z asked as she put away the meal box. ¡°It¡¯s quitete, and Eileen must be waiting for you at home.¡±

    The mention of Eileen made Bryan¡¯s brow crease. ¡°Mind your own business. Just leave.¡±

    Z, seeing his tense reaction, surmised that Eileen and Bryan had indeed argued. She arched an eyebrow and said, ¡°Grandma wanted me to take a picture of you and send it to her. Just sit.¡±

    She set the meal box aside and retrieved her phone. Before Bryan could react, she took a photo of him slumped back in his chair.

    The sound of the camera shutter seemed to annoy Bryan further. ¡°Are you finished?¡± he snapped.

    Z quickly put away her phone. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m leaving now.¡±

    With that, she turned and exited Bryan¡¯s office swiftly. Yet, the restlessness in Bryan¡¯s chest could not subside. He repeatedly opened his messages with Eileen, his long fingers rapidly tapping on the screen, typing out a line of text only to delete it.

    He finally set the phone down, his features strained. Suddenly, his phone rang. Without checking the caller ID, Bryan slipped to answer the call.

    Jacob¡¯s voice came through, loud and energetic. ¡°Bryan, Eileen sent me a message saying, ¡®People are different.¡¯ What does that mean?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Bryan responded, already preparing to end the call.

    Jacob quickly said, ¡°Hold on, don¡¯t hang up yet. I¡¯m in a bit of a situation here. Eileen has even given me her advice, but you¡¯re not concerned about me? How can you call yourself a friend? You¡¯ve got to know what she means¡ªexin it to me!¡± All Jacob got was the sound of Bryan lighting a cigarette and inhaling deeply.

    After a pause, something was off. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why are you smoking alone instead of spending time with Eileen at this hour? Did you guys have an argument?¡±

    ¡°Do you have anything else to say?¡± Bryan dodged the question, not hanging up.

    This time, despite Jacob¡¯s protests, Bryan ended the call without a second thought. Jacob looked at his phone as if he had stumbled upon something important. Ignoring thete hour, he dashed downstairs, jumped into his car, and drove straight to Phoebe¡¯s ce.

    Phoebe was already asleep, and Jacob¡¯s relentless knocking startled her awake. ¡°Are you out of your mind? Why are you here at this hour?¡±

    Phoebe appeared at the door, groggy, her short hair tousled. She was dressed in ace outfit that barely covered her, her skin under the moonlight looking as smooth as porcin. Jacob¡¯s gaze darkened noticeably upon seeing that.

    ¡°You know I don¡¯t mind any way,¡± he replied bluntly. Phoebe, taken aback, was silent for a few seconds before attempting to close the door.

    Jacob, however, pushed the door open forcefully. Phoebe, still drowsy,cked the strength to stop him. The force pushed her, pinning her against the wall, making her grimace in difort.

    Before she could use Jacob of being rough, the light from the hallway dimmed, and she found herself looking up just as Jacob¡¯s eyes met hers.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 246

    ?Chapter 246:

    Jacob feared Phoebe might slip away, the thin strap of her slip dress. With a sharp pull, the strap snapped, and her dress slid down. Beneath the dress, she was naked, and feeling the cool air, she instinctively crossed her arms, only for Jacob to firmly grab her wrists.

    He looked at her, his eyes dark, pulling her into his intense stare. Phoebe¡¯s cheeks turned deep red, her arms trying to shield herself, which only seemed to irritate Jacob further. He licked his dry lips, putting his fingers in her hair, aggressively expressing his pent-up desire.

    Despite Phoebe¡¯s resistance, Jacob¡¯s determination meant she couldn¡¯t escape. Eventually, she stopped resisting and resigned herself to the inevitable. Jacob might look scruffy, but once his shirt was removed, his chest revealed a surprising robustness. When he was serious, his typically unruly demeanor transformed, capturing Phoebe¡¯s attention.

    The entryway, the sofa, the carpet in the upstairs bedroom, the bathroom¡ªthere wasn¡¯t a single ce in the house that Jacob hadn¡¯t imed with Phoebe. Their experience this time was far more harmonious than the previous one where Jacob had felt coerced. There was a real sense of physical connection between them.

    Two hourster, Jacob carried Phoebe from the bathroom back to the bed, draping a thin nket over them both. Holding Phoebe¡¯s waist tightly, he finally grasped the true meaning of Eileen¡¯s message. He turned the sleepy Phoebe toward him, shook her shoulders, and woke her up.

    ¡°Phoebe, I¡¯m going back to Onnd tomorrow to break off my engagement with Megan, and then¡ªwill you be with me?¡± he said.

    Phoebe was too tired to even open her eyes, her body sore. She responded with a hint of irritation, ¡°You came here in the middle of the night just to tell me this? Can¡¯t it wait until tomorrow?¡±

    Jacob paused, suddenly recalling something. ¡°I actually came to tell you that Eileen and Bryan had a fight. Do you want toe back to Onnd with me to see what happened?¡± Phoebe was taken aback for a moment, suddenly snapping her eyes fully open. ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous. There¡¯s no way Eileen and Bryan would fight. Eileen is level-headed, and Bryan holds her dear. How could they possibly have a conflict?¡±

    Feel inspired by g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s???????

    ¡°It¡¯s true. If you don¡¯t believe me, check with Eileen yourself!¡± Jacob said confidently.

    This im snapped Phoebe to attention. She took out her phone. Even though it was past midnight, driven by urgency, she sent a message to Eileen regardless of the hour. Eileen¡¯s call went unanswered, and Bryan didn¡¯t reply to her message, either.

    Eileen tried to eat, but she found her cooking nearly inedible. Throwing away the food, she cleaned the chaotic kitchen. Returning upstairs with her phone, she showered and went to bed as if everything were normal, but restlessness consumed her; she couldn¡¯t find sleep.

    Eventually, she gave in to the urge and scrolled through her phone. There, she saw a photo Z had posted an hour ago. In the photo, Bryan was slumped in his chair, visibly exhausted, with a meal in view.

    Was this why he hadn¡¯t returned her calls or messages? Had he been having dinner with Z? Eileen could handle his anger and had the patience to exin things to him calmly. However, she could not stand his way of dealing with the situation. Complex emotions surged within her, leaving her restless.

    With the next day¡¯s work on her mind, she reluctantly set her phone aside and tried to force herself to sleep. The night stretched on, and Eileen tossed and turned in her bed. Suddenly, the sound of a notification cut through the silence, and she sat upright, grabbing her phone from under the pillow. Seeing the message was from Phoebe, her feeling of emptiness returned.

    ¡°Eileen, did you have a fight with Bryan?¡±

    The direct question made Eileen pause. A fight? Not exactly. Bryan hadn¡¯t even given her the opportunity to argue with him. But what else could urately describe their current situation? After pondering for a while, Eileen settled on a fitting description: ¡°We had a minor disagreement.¡±

    Immediately after sending the text, Phoebe¡¯s video call came through, and Eileen answered it. Both had their bedsidemps on, the soft light just enough to see each other¡¯s expressions. Eileen quickly noticed the fresh, noticeable hickeys on Phoebe¡¯s neck, though she chose not toment.

    ¡°What sort of disagreement has you up alone sote?¡± Phoebe immediately realized Bryan wasn¡¯t with Eileen as soon as the video call connected. Jacob, equally intrigued, leaned in but remained out of frame, listening as Eileen exined.

    The issue wasplicated, but Eileen summarized it into a few clear sentences. ¡°Bryan¡¯s grandmother has been pushing for me to get pregnant, and I¡¯ve brought it up twice in front of Bryan, but he¡¯s firm on not having kids now. Just a few days ago, his grandmother came to the apartment and tampered with the condoms here. This morning, Bryan discovered it and thought I was responsible.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Phoebe¡¯s face showed a mix of emotions. ¡°I see why Bryan is taking this so seriously. The Dawson family has a rule that once there¡¯s an heir, that person can inherit the Dawson family¡¯s shares. Currently, the Dawson shares are under Brandon¡¯s control. By family tradition, Bryan is next in line, and having an heir would mean the shares would naturally be passed to him.¡±

    Phoebe was aware of this because she had identally heard the Warren family talking about it. The Warren family had been nning to marry Vivian into the Dawson family and had conducted a thorough investigation of the Dawson family to pave the way for their daughter.

    Eileen now understood why Ste was so adamant about letting her get pregnant. ¡°A man like Bryan wouldn¡¯t knowingly put you or a child at risk. It¡¯s unfortunate that this all stems from a misunderstanding,¡± Phoebe said. ¡°You should clear things up with him. If he remains obstinate, juste back to Wist Land. You don¡¯t have to indulge his overbearing behavior!¡±

    Jacob saw Phoebe give him a nudge and whispered, ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be going back to Onnd with me? Why are you telling Eileen toe to Wist Land?¡±

    ¡°Who said going with you? We¡¯ll talk about it after you¡¯ve called off your engagement!¡± Phoebe retorted, clearly annoyed. The two began to argue, leaving Eileen no opportunity to speak, so she ended the call.

    A child might resolve Bryan¡¯s issues, but Bryan¡¯s resolute stance was his way of protecting Eileen and any future child. Eileen felt bad; maybe Bryan was just being overly cautious. After a while, she took a deep breath and resolved to seek out Bryan the next day to discuss the matter thoroughly.

    Still restless, she eventually resorted to taking a sleeping pill and drifted off. The next morning, it took two rms to wake Eileen up. She hurried through her morning routine and then asked Milford to join her for breakfast in Bailee¡¯s ce.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Milford looked at her with concern. ¡°You look exhausted. Did you sleep wellst night?¡±

    Eileen touched her face, wondering if it was really that noticeable. She frowned slightly and replied, ¡°Maybe I¡¯m just adjusting to being back in Onnd. It¡¯s nothing; I¡¯ll be fine in a few days. Make sure you read the study materials for your first year of high school before school starts.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Milford replied. After a pause, he asked, ¡°Can I not stay on campus when school starts?¡±

    As Eileen opened the door, she answered, ¡°If you don¡¯t stay on campus, onlye home to sleep at night. I¡¯m busy with work and want to have much time to spend with you. It¡¯s up to you, as long as you¡¯re okay with that.¡±

    Milford¡¯s face lit up. ¡°Then I¡¯ll stay at home!¡±

    With Milford making his decision clear, Eileen offered no objections. Bailee¡¯s leg injury had made it difficult for her to cook, and the breakfast Eileen had prepared wasn¡¯t very appealing.

    ¡°Bailee, you better get better soon. If Ms. Curtis keeps cooking, I might lose ten pounds!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry; make us a big dinner tonight,¡± Bailee responded, believing that her injury was not a big deal.

    Eileen shot Milford a pointed look and told Bailee, ¡°I¡¯m heading to the educational institution soon. Let me know if there¡¯s anything important to deal with, and I¡¯ll handle it.¡±

    Bailee nodded, and they quickly finished their breakfast. Then, they discussed various work matters. As September approached, the streets grew busier, filled with students of all grades enjoying theirst days of freedom before school resumed.

    As Eileen drove to the educational institution, her thoughts were a whirlpool with Bryan frequently emerging. Upon reaching the educational institution, she dealt with the most urgent tasks. With a break in her schedule, she decided to ask Bryan to have lunch together.

    Given that Bryan hadn¡¯t responded to her calls the previous day, Eileen opted to call Raymond instead.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, if you¡¯re looking to have lunch with Mr. Dawson, why not reach out to him directly? Why call me?¡± Raymond was not aware of the conflict between Bryan and Eileen.

    Eileen paused before responding, ¡°Could you please ry my words to him? I¡¯ll await your response.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to wait. Mr. Dawson is free at noon,¡± Raymond replied. There was only an unimportant lunch meeting¡ªit could easily be rescheduled.

    ¡°You¡¯d better ask him about it first,¡± Eileen said.

    Raymond agreed, then ended the call and entered Bryan¡¯s office. Bryan was on a call with Benita, discussing a project. Noticing Raymond, Bryan gestured for him to remain silent.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, sign this contract we discussed in person. I stand by my word, and if you think I will change my mind, then continue stalling,¡± Benita was quite direct.

    Though not highly regarded among women, Benita was known to honor hermitments. The contract had been pending for over a week, and Denzel had been too embarrassed to seek Bryan¡¯s intervention after multiple rejections.

    Previously, Bryan had been unaware of the situation. But knowing Benita¡¯s firm stance, he couldn¡¯t let Denzel linger in this dilemma. Not paying attention to what Benita added, Bryan ended the call with a grave expression and turned to Raymond. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± he asked.

    ¡°You had a luncheon scheduled at noon. Should I cancel it for you? Ms. Curtis was hoping to meet you for lunch,¡± Raymond replied.

    Before Raymond could finish, Bryan nodded and instructed, ¡°Cancel it. Book another restaurant and have Denzel bring the contract to me. I need to finalize it with Benita by noon.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 247

    ?Chapter 247:

    ¡°Sign the contract?¡± Raymond hesitated, a bead of sweat forming on his brow. ¡°Is it urgent? Perhaps we could postpone it until the evening?¡± Bryan lifted his gaze, his lips pressed into a tight line as his eyes bored into Raymond, sending a shiver down Raymond¡¯s spine.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll contact Mr. Vance immediately.¡± Raymond retreated quickly, exiting the office.

    After calling Denzel to tell him to bring the contract, Denzel could barely contain his joy that Bryan was willing to sign it. ¡°If we dy any further, the project timeline will be thrown off, and we¡¯ll be hit with penalties!¡± Denzel said.

    Realizing the gravity of this business lunch, Raymond ended the call with Denzel and returned Eileen¡¯s call. ¡°Miss Curtis, Mr. Dawson has an extremely important business meeting at noon today, so he won¡¯t be able to join you for lunch. Perhaps you guys could have dinner together?¡± he said to Eileen. Just moments ago, Raymond had imed there were no pressing matters for Bryan, but after consulting him, he suddenly had a very important business lunch.

    ¡°I understand. Thank you,¡± Eileen replied before she hung up, her lips curving into a bitter smile.

    A spark of anger flickered within her. Was Bryan being petty and avoiding her? It seemed unlike his character, yet his repeated evasions were a fact.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis!¡± The receptionist hurried over. ¡°The Yates family called; they¡¯reing to make a payment and collect an invoice.¡±

    ¡°Okay, find out Mrs. Yates¡¯ preferences and book us a restaurant. I¡¯ll take her to lunch,¡± Eileen replied. As lunchtime neared, it was only polite for Eileen to extend such an invitation.

    Eileen had secured three of the five students Bailee had found for tutoring. The Harrison family was clearly not giving Eileen a chance. Another family had said they would consider it but never followed up. Eileen suspected that opportunity had fallen through as well, given that family¡¯s ties to the Harrison family.

    Find great reads at g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s

    But with three students, she was still busy, and she didn¡¯t dwell on it. Treating her current clients well was the priority.

    At noon, Mrs. Yates arrived at the education center. Upon seeing Eileen, a radiant smile bloomed across her face as her eyes scanned the space behind Eileen.

    ¡°Is Bailee around?¡± Mrs. Yates asked.

    ¡°My sister has been unwell these past two days, resting at home,¡± Eileen exined. ¡°When I visited your homest time, you asked about her as well. You seemed quite fond of her.¡±

    Mrs. Yates made no attempt to hide her attitude toward Bailee. ¡°Indeed, it is clear at a nce what a bright girl she is. I really do like her. It¡¯s nothing serious with her health, I hope?¡±

    The receptionist brought over a cup of coffee, and Eileen gestured for Mrs. Yates to help herself. ¡°Convey your kind concern to Bailee. It¡¯s nothing too serious; she¡¯ll be back on her feet after a few days¡¯ rest.¡±

    Mrs. Yates took a sip of the coffee. She didn¡¯t mention anything about business matters like payments or invoices, but she seemed quite interested in the educational institution.

    With the lunch hour upon them and having left for lunch, Eileen seized the opportunity and said, ¡°I¡¯ve already made a reservation. Would you honor me by joining me for a meal?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Mrs. Yates agreed readily, much to Eileen¡¯s surprise, as she had expected the woman to politely decline at first.

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go.¡± Eileen stood up and drove Mrs. Yates to the pre-booked restaurant.

    It was a lovely establishment that offered great steaks. The receptionist had discovered that Mrs. Yates favored steak and simr fare when dining with friends.

    Sure enough, Mrs. Yates¡¯ face lit up at the sight of the restaurant. ¡°This ce requires a reservation. Did you book a room in advance?¡±

    Eileen nodded with a smile, ¡°Though I couldn¡¯t be certain you¡¯d grace me with your presence. Opportunity favors the prepared.¡±

    With her full figure, tidy short haircut, and forthright personality, Mrs. Yates, nearing fifty, exuded warmth.

    The waiter ushered them into a private dining room, and after cing their orders, Mrs. Yates initiated the conversation. ¡°Ms. Curtis, are you and Bailee sisters?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Bailee¡¯s my stepmother¡¯s daughter, but we¡¯re very close,¡± Eileen replied candidly, having never concealed her rtionship with Bailee.

    Mrs. Yates seemed surprised. ¡°So Baileees from a single-parent family? Apart from you and your stepmother, does she have any other family?¡±

    Eileen shook her head, suddenly realizing why Mrs. Yates had so eagerly epted the lunch invitation. Was it because of Bailee?

    ¡°Is Bailee seeing anyone?¡± Mrs. Yates asked bluntly.

    The sudden question caught Eileen off guard. ¡°To tell you the truth, I have a son a few years older than Bailee. He¡¯s quite aplished but has been so focused on work that he hasn¡¯t found a girlfriend yet! Oh, I like Bailee very much¡­¡±

    Inside the private room, Mrs. Yates¡¯ effusive praises for Bailee seemed endless. Eileen tried interjecting several times to no avail.

    She hadn¡¯t expected that Mrs. Yates wanted to make Bailee and her son a couple. But she knew Bailee already had Huey by her side, and Bailee had mentioned that morning that Huey would be visiting her.

    ¡°So, I¡¯ve already given my son Bailee¡¯s contact information,¡± Mrs. Yates stated matter-of-factly.

    Eileen¡¯s lips twitched involuntarily upon hearing that. ¡°This is a matter best left for Bailee to handle herself. I hope if the oue is unfavorable, you¡¯ll ept it gracefully.¡±

    She feltpelled to prepare Mrs. Yates for the bad oue. Mrs. Yates seemed unfazed. ¡°Don¡¯t worry; I¡¯m not narrow-minded. If Bailee doesn¡¯t take a liking to my son, it must be because of my son¡¯s shorings.¡±

    ¡°I appreciate that you think so highly of Bailee,¡± Eileen replied politely.

    Eileen ordered a bottle of red wine¡ªMrs. Yates¡¯ favorite¡ªwhile opting for a lighter drink herself.

    Mrs. Yates savored every bite of the meal. Before they could finish eating, Eileen excused herself to the restroom, taking the opportunity to settle the bill downstairs.

    The elegant restaurant was quiet, the crisp clink of cutlery only adding to the refined ambiance.

    Benita, ustomed to the privacy of secluded dining rooms, was less than pleased at having to take her meal in the main hall. ¡°Dawson, do you think it¡¯s appropriate for us to discuss business out here?¡± she asked.

    Bryan¡¯s well-defined hands cut into his steak as he conveyed an air of nonchnce. ¡°There¡¯s nothing inappropriate about dining here. We¡¯ve covered everything; all that remains is to sign the contract.¡±

    Benita felt resigned upon hearing that, the once mouthwatering steak now vorless.

    ¡°You¡¯re doing this intentionally, aren¡¯t you? With your stature, how could you possibly agree to dine here? You simply don¡¯t wish to be in the same room as me,¡± she said.

    The clink of Bryan setting down his utensils punctuated the taut silence before he dabbed his mouth with a napkin. ¡°Miss Freguson, I¡¯ve afforded you the courtesy of saving face. You¡¯re the one insisting on pointing it out; don¡¯t me me.¡±

    The implication rang clear. That might be the case, but Benita didn¡¯t need to voice it aloud.

    ¡°Reverse psychology?¡± Benita suddenlyughed. ¡°Well, I won¡¯t fall for it. If I can¡¯t finish this meal, don¡¯t expect my signature on that contract.¡±

    Bryan shrugged nonchntly. ¡°As you wish.¡±

    His te was already cleared, and he leaned back into the plush sofa, eyes downcast as he fiddled with his phone.

    Eileen hadn¡¯t called or even messaged him.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, if you¡¯d be so kind as to put away your phone and grant me ten minutes of your undivided attention, I¡¯ll sign the contract immediately after,¡± Benita said, displeased by Bryan¡¯s constant phone checking.

    A sh of distaste flickered across Bryan¡¯s eyes, but he knew ten minutes was preferable to Benita dragging this out further. He tossed his phone casually onto the table and turned to gaze out the window, the picture of indifference.

    Descending from the second floor, Eileen immediately spotted Benita seated by the window. Though the man across from Benita had his back turned, Eileen recognized him at a nce. It was Bryan.

    The crisp ck shirt only entuated his distinguished aloofness in the midday sunlight.

    Eileen could see Bryan¡¯s te was empty while Benita had just begun eating, leisurely conversing about something.

    Bryan seemed to be listening intently, so¡­ Was his supposedck of time for lunch with her due to this appointment with Benita?

    An ironic thought crossed Eileen¡¯s mind: Benita and Bryan made quite the striking pair dining together like this.

    Eileen pressed her lips tightly together as she averted her gaze. ¡°Miss, may I assist you with anything?¡± The waitress approached with concern, noticing Eileen motionless on the stairs.

    Eileen¡¯s voice trembled slightly. ¡°I¡¯d like to settle the bill, please.¡±

    ¡°Of course, there¡¯s no need for you toe down. I can bring the bill up to you.¡± The waitress led Eileen back upstairs. Eileen climbed a few steps, stealing onest nce at Benita and Bryan before they disappeared from view.

    From this angle, she could make out Bryan¡¯s chiseled profile, his dark eyes fixed intently on Benita.

    Benita seemed pleased, energetically saying something.

    ¡°Miss!¡± the waitress called out when Eileen failed to follow. But Eileen remained still, and the waiter raised her voice. ¡°Miss!¡± The loud call snapped not only Eileen¡¯s attention but also that of the other people downstairs.

    ¡°My apologies, I didn¡¯t hear you before. Let¡¯s go,¡± Eileen quickly made her way back to the private room.

    As Eileen¡¯s figure vanished around the bend, Bryan turned his head, a faintly familiar voice reverberating in his ears. He scanned the entire restaurant, unable to locate the figure he wanted to see. With a sigh, he averted his gaze.

    Eileen paid the bill at the entrance of the private room and entered to find Mrs. Yates hastily gathering her belongings. ¡°Ms. Curtis, you¡¯re back just in time. An urgent matter has arisen at my home; I must leave immediately,¡± Mrs. Yates said.

    ¡°I¡¯ll drive you,¡± Eileen swiftly collected her things, phone in hand, and apanied the hurried Mrs. Yates downstairs.

    Spurred by the urgency, Mrs. Yates moved with brisk, nearly running strides out of the private room.

    Her high heels cked crisply against the stairs.

    In her ts, Eileen could barely keep pace. ¡°Mrs. Yates, be careful!¡±

    Mrs. Yates turned to respond, ¡°Alright, thank you, Ms. Curtis¡ªoh!¡±

    She reacted mid-step; Mrs. Yates collided squarely with someone. Benita cried out, stumbling backward.

    Bryan, ever the picture of coolposure, instinctively caught Benita. At that moment, his gaze inadvertently met Eileen¡¯s.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 248

    ?Chapter 248:

    Eileen¡¯s eyes briefly flickered toward Bryan¡¯s hand supporting Benita. There was a fleeting depth in her gaze that seemed out of the ordinary, but she quickly averted her eyes and murmured an apology along with Mrs. Yates.

    Bryan panicked for a second and instinctively pushed Benita away, but his heart sank when he noticed Eileen¡¯s corrected expression. She wasn¡¯t bothered by him having dinner with Benita at all? Bryan felt his own guilt wasughable.

    ¡°Mrs. Yates, it¡¯s alright.¡± Benita recognized Mrs. Yates. Despite her frustration with Bryan¡¯s move to push her away, she addressed Mrs. Yates¡¯ apology first. ¡°Oh, Benita. I have an emergency at home. Let¡¯s have dinner another time.¡± Mrs. Yates then hurriedly walked to leave the restaurant.

    Eileen started to follow Mrs. Yates but then felt a firm grasp on her wrist. Bryan was stopping her. ¡°You need to take Mrs. Yates home. If you talk, we can talkter,¡± Eileen said, turning away without looking at Bryan. She pushed his hand off and quickly followed Mrs. Yates out of the restaurant.

    Bryan¡¯s eyes lingered on Eileen and Mrs. Yates as they got into the car and drove off, vanishing from his view. He pressed his lips into a thin line.

    ¡°Our agreement isplete, but next time¡­ Can I invite you to a meal again?¡± Benita seemed unaffected by the tension between Eileen and Bryan.

    Bryan¡¯s response was cold. ¡°No need. Don¡¯t bother me less from now on.¡±

    Benita scoffed, ¡°Did you two have a fight? What does that have to do with me? Why take it out on me?¡±

    ¡°Next time you see me, just look the other way; I promise I won¡¯t chase you down to vent,¡± Bryan replied as he snatched the contract from her.

    Feel the thrill at g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s

    His abrupt move made Benita instinctively withdraw her hand, hitting her against the wall, her face turning pale because of the pain.

    Bryan indifferently took the contract. After he walked back to his car, he looked in the direction Eileen had left.

    Just then, his phone rang. He swiped to answer the call. ¡°Mr. Dawson, our team following Ms. Curtis reported that a car is tailing her,¡± Raymond said.

    Hearing that, Bryan massaged the bridge of his nose, issuing a crispmand, ¡°Intercept them and find their identity. Ensure Eileen continues to be monitored discreetly.¡±

    Raymond quickly replied and set about arranging to track Eileen¡¯s car after ending the call.

    Meanwhile, Eileen, aware of being followed, concentrated on driving, knowing that Mrs. Yates was in a rush. Her mind wandered asionally, still preupied with Bryan. He had been dining with Benita. Was that why he had declined her lunch invitation?

    He had chosen to have lunch with another woman, especially Benita, who had once framed her for theft. What had he been thinking?

    Eileen¡¯s thoughts were abruptly cut off by the sound of a car ident behind them. A sedan attempting to overtake clipped a luxury car, forcing it to halt.

    Eileen nced in the rearview mirror and thought the driver stepping out of the sedan looked familiar.

    ¡°Thankfully, the car ident is behind us; if it were ahead, we¡¯d be stuck,¡± Mrs. Yates said.

    Eileen offered a small smile and elerated to send Mrs. Yates home sooner.

    At the scene of the ident, two suited men approached the halted luxury car and tapped on the window.

    The window rolled down, revealing Megan, who looked at the men irritably and said, ¡°Are you blind? Don¡¯t you know the proper way to overtake?¡±

    One of the bodyguards gestured to the other to inform Raymond that Megan was the one tailing Eileen, then engaged with Megan. ¡°Apologies, we¡¯ll wait for the police and sort it out through insurance,¡± he said.

    As she watched Eileen¡¯s car disappear into the distance, Megan grew impatient, saying, ¡°I don¡¯t have time for this. Forget aboutpensation; just move!¡±

    ¡°Sorry, our vehicle was damaged too. We need to handle this with you.¡± The bodyguard stood his ground, preventing Megan from leaving.

    Frustrated, Megan rolled up her window and dialed Z. ¡°Z, I¡¯ve lost sight of Eileen and ended up in an ident¡­ I¡¯m alright; I just can¡¯t keep following Eileen for you.¡±

    Megan wasn¡¯t entirely sure what Z wanted her to do by following Eileen, but she knew Z wanted to support Kan¡¯s revenge against Vivian, and she was eager to assist in anything that mightplicate Eileen¡¯s life.

    After trailing Eileen to the restaurant, Megan had found herself a ce to eat nearby. As a result, she had missed the encounter between Eileen and Bryan at the restaurant.

    ¡°I have many friends; I¡¯ll get them to help follow Eileen. Everyone is eager to make things difficult for Eileen because of Bryan,¡± Megan told Z.

    After ending the call with Z, Megan promptly messaged her friends to keep an eye on Eileen.

    The group chat had been recently buzzing about Bryan, with several people trying to orchestrate idental meetings, though Raymond had consistently intercepted these attempts.

    Suddenly, Megan shifted their attention to Eileen. The chat fell silent for a few seconds. Then, messages came flooding in as everyone eagerly volunteered to help.

    In the afternoon, after wrapping up work at the educational institution, Eileen came home earlier than usual.

    She had been experiencing what felt like auditory hallucinations, repeatedly thinking her phone was ringing, only to find silence each time she checked. So, upon arriving home, she left her phone in her bag.

    ¡°Eileen, you¡¯re back!¡± Huey emerged from the kitchen, carrying a te of fruit. His long absence hadn¡¯t lessened his familiarity with Eileen.

    He still had that cheerful demeanor, now slightly shy as he smiled at her, probably due to his present rtionship with Bailee.

    Eileen set her bag by the door and walked over to ept the te of fruit from him.

    ¡°Thank you for looking after my mom and Bailee,¡± she said to Huey.

    Huey quickly dismissed her formality, saying, ¡°Don¡¯t be so formal with me; it makes me feel embarrassed.¡±

    ¡°A bit of formality is needed. But once you and Bailee get married, you¡¯ll officially be part of the family,¡± Eileen teased, making Bailee blush instantly.

    Ruby, however, seemed uneasy about Bailee and Huey. She was still burdened with the guilt of having pped Bailee a year ago because of this.

    Sensing her mother¡¯s difort, Bailee leaned closer to her and whispered, ¡°Mom, that¡¯s all in the past. Aren¡¯t you happy for me?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m happy for you,¡± Ruby added without hesitation.

    Bailee beamed a reassuring smile, her yful demeanor entuated by the cartoon loungewear she was wearing. It was nearing five o¡¯clock, and Eileen invited Huey to stay for dinner. Huey agreed without hesitation.

    Eileen, still wary of her cooking¡ª which Huey had jokingly referred to as his ¡°lifelong nightmare¡±¡ª opted to order takeout. As Eileen was cing the order, Ruby nudged Bailee and said, ¡°Call Benjamin over.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Bailee looked puzzled. ¡°Benjamin?¡±

    Ruby nodded repeatedly. ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Why call him over?¡± Bailee didn¡¯t understand why Ruby would want that.

    Ruby gave Bailee a confused look, her thoughts racing. Bailee was with Huey now; wasn¡¯t Eileen with Benjamin? Ruby had been eagerly waiting for this day, happy to see her daughters settled.

    ¡°To cheer things up!¡± Ruby finally said after a pause, struggling to find a reason.

    Bailee knew Ruby rarely asked for anything. She guessed it was because she shared how helpful Benjamin had been in West Land, making Ruby quite appreciative of him.

    Bailee stood up and limped over to the balcony, intending to suggest to Eileen that they invite Benjamin over.

    At that moment, Eileen was lost in thought, having previously mentioned to Ruby that she nned to bring someone home¡ª intending to be Bryan.

    She hadn¡¯t anticipated that their recent disagreement would dy her n. If they hadn¡¯t argued, having Bryan over tonight would surely have delighted Ruby.

    ¡°Eileen, Mom wants us to invite Benjamin over,¡± Bailee said softly from the balcony door.

    Eileen snapped back to the present, not fully catching Bailee¡¯s words, only understanding that Ruby had made a request. She quickly responded, ¡°Whatever Mom wants. I¡¯ll handle the food order, and you can manage everything else.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Bailee replied. She then thought for a moment and added, ¡°Eileen, should we also invite Mr. Dawson?¡±

    ¡°He¡­ He¡¯s tied up with work tonight; he won¡¯t be able to make it,¡± Eileen replied, giving Bailee a reassuring smile before she went back to cing the order.

    Bailee nodded and returned to the living room to message Benjamin.

    Benjamin knew Eileen back in Onnd, and news of Bryan and her wasmon knowledge. He knew it was best for him to keep his distance.

    But receiving Bailee¡¯s invitation suddenly made him hesitate. Benjamin thought it was smart to keep his distance from Eileen, especially since Bryan had fallen out with her.

    Yet, after pondering over it, he found himself unable to decline the invitation.

    Noticing that Benjamin had not responded for a while, Bailee sent him a voice message directly.

    ¡°I apologize for the sudden dinner invite; it might seem too forward. It¡¯s really my mom who¡¯s keen on having you over, just to brighten the mood.¡±

    Benjamin had just finished hearing the voice message when Kian appeared behind him.

    ¡°Caught a date?¡± Kian peered at Benjamin¡¯s phone screen, catching sight of Bailee¡¯s name. He furrowed his brow slightly. Benjamin hastily pocketed his phone. ¡°No.¡±

    Kian observed him for a moment and then said, ¡°You¡¯re done for the day. If you have ns, go ahead. You¡¯re not getting younger; it might be time to settle.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Warren. I appreciate your understanding,¡± Benjamin offered a courteous smile before turning to leave. After some consideration, Benjamin responded to the invitation and headed to her ce.

    Kian remained standing by therge window, watching as Benjamin drove off. He noted that Benjamin wasn¡¯t heading towards his home.

    Kian let out a soft chuckle, lost in thought. Bailee¡¯s mother liked Benjamin?

    Half an hourter, Eileen heard the doorbell ring.

    She went to answer it, muttering, ¡°It¡¯s only been twenty minutes since I ordered; has the food already arrived? That¡¯s quick.¡± She reached out to receive what she presumed to be the delivery but stopped upon seeing the person at the door¡ª

    Benjamin, surprised by her reaction, his polite smile freezing, asked, ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Do you not want me toe?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that,¡± Eileen quickly stepped aside and said, ¡°Pleasee in.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 249

    ?Chapter 249:

    ¡°Benjamin?¡± Bailee peeked over from the couch, a smile spreading across her face as she saw Benjamin.

    Benjamin strolled in, a gift in hand, only to be taken aback by the bandages wrapped around Bailee¡¯s leg. ¡°What happened to you?¡± he asked.

    Bailee waved a dismissive hand. ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious. Just a minor injury. Truth be told, I feel like I could walk fine, but my sister and the others are making a mountain out of a molehill, insisting I stay home to recuperate.¡±

    Once inside, Benjamin offered a warm greeting to Ruby. He felt somewhat uneasy, partially because Eileen¡¯s reaction upon seeing him had been unexpectedly indifferent.

    Besides, unaware of Bailee¡¯s leg injury, he had only bought some health supplements for Ruby, which now seemed like a woefully inadequate gesture.

    Ruby hauled herself up with the aid of a walker and enthusiastically ushered Benjamin to the sofa. Her eyes thennded on Eileen.

    ¡°Eileen,e here; take a seat!¡± she said.

    ¡°Okay, Mom,¡± Eileen replied, settling beside Bailee while maintaining a cautious distance from Benjamin.

    She leaned closer to Bailee, whispering, ¡°Why is Benjamin here?¡± Bailee¡¯s brow furrowed in surprise. ¡°Didn¡¯t I ask you about it? Mom wanted Benjamin toe over, and you agreed.¡±

    Eileen suddenly thought of something. Bailee had said something to her on the balcony, but she hadn¡¯t paid much attention to it.

    ¡°Why does this man look so familiar?¡±

    Every story starts at galn   ovels ;

    Huey emerged from the direction of the washroom, nting himself in the doorway as he looked at Benjamin, certain he had seen Benjamin before. Benjamin recognized Huey and introduced himself with a slight nod. ¡°Hello, I am Nash, Mr. Warren¡¯s assistant.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the assistant of that scheming Kian?¡± Huey blurted out. Bailee gasped, her eyes widening as she quickly signaled for Huey to be quiet.

    Huey quickly stopped talking.

    Memories resurfaced of helping Bailee hunt for a job, only to face rejection after rejection. Huey vividly recalled Bailee¡¯s tear-stained face as anger and disappointment had overwhelmed her¡ªa grievance he wouldn¡¯t forget.

    ¡°Benjamin, please don¡¯t take it personally. Huey has a habit of speaking very directly, but he doesn¡¯t mean anything by it,¡± Bailee said, offering an awkward exnation.

    Benjamin replied, ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡±

    The awkward atmosphere dissipated as the delivery arrived, and Eileen beganying out the food on the table.

    With Huey as a guest and both Bailee and Ruby¡¯s mobility limited, Benjamin rose and offered his assistance to Eileen in the dining room.

    ¡°Thank you, but you¡¯re a guest; I can handle this on my own,¡± Eileen said to Benjamin politely.

    Benjamin, however, remained undeterred, continuing to help Eileen. ¡°Come on, Mr. Warren isn¡¯t here?¡±

    ¡°He is busy,¡± Eileen¡¯s reply was terser.

    ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me,¡± Benjamin said, his voice firm. ¡°I heard it when Mr. Warren received a call. Someone told him you and Bryan Dawson had an argument.¡±

    Eileen paused upon hearing that. Was Bryan the one who had divulged such sensitive information?

    But Bryan would never discuss such matters with Kian. So, who could have told Kian?

    Knowing Kian¡¯s strained rtions with them, whoever informed Kian of their argument undoubtedly harbored ulterior motives. This meant that, aside from Kian, someone else was scrutinizing her rtionship with Bryan.

    Though the deductioncked concrete evidence, the mere thought sent a shiver down Eileen¡¯s spine.

    Yet, it was an expected reality; she and Bryan were indeed besieged on all sides, their every move scrutinized by prying eyes.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not here to kick you while you¡¯re down. I just asked about it to avoid any awkwardness if Mr. Dawson shows upter,¡± Benjamin said. He could no longer assist Eileen, but he wouldn¡¯t deliberatelyplicate matters for her, either. His goal was to navigate these treacherous waters carefully, avoiding unnecessary trouble.

    ¡°Thank you for your consideration,¡± Eileen mustered a smile, resuming her task of setting the table before telling the others to join for the meal.

    Dinner unfolded, with food of light and delicate vors, the fare carefully curated to amodate Ruby¡¯s needs.

    ¡°Ruby, it¡¯s wonderful to see you bouncing back like this! I¡¯m genuinely surprised and thrilled!¡± Huey said, his voice tinged with nostalgia. He recalled the harrowing day a year ago when Bailee had gone to West Land with Ruby, leaving him to grapple with the notion that he might never see Ruby again.

    Who would have foreseen a reunion today?

    Ruby slowly put down her fork, smiling at Huey and Benjamin.

    ¡°I¡¯m almost fully healed. When it¡¯s time for the wedding, you can do it together.¡±

    Ruby¡¯s greatest wish was to bear witness to Eileen¡¯s and Bailee¡¯s marriages. Now that both her daughters had found their partners, all that remained was for her to regain her strength to walk with steadfast grace. Then, they could hold the wedding ceremonies.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Huey¡¯s response was imbued with unabashed loyalty. Bailee flushed with embarrassment and shot Huey a re before resuming her meal.

    Eileen spoke little, eating in silence. During the meal, she and Benjamin had barely exchanged a few words.

    The dynamic between the three women and Benjamin remained somewhat inexplicable, particrly concerning Ruby¡¯s apparent fondness for Benjamin. The situation led to an awkward atmosphere.

    Benjamin was a man of few words, and Ruby¡¯s struggles to articte her thoughtspounded the lull that had settled over the gathering.

    After lingering for over an hour past the end of dinner, Benjamin decided to leave.

    Ruby got to her feet. ¡°Let¡¯s go together¡­ It would be good for me to take a walk.¡±

    The cool, gentle evening breeze wafted through the open car windows.

    Downstairs, Bryan leaned back in his seat inside his car, his gaze fixed on the brightly illuminated room where he knew Eileen was, at Bailee¡¯s ce.

    Several times, he had contemted going up, only to stop himself at thest moment. The thought of visiting Ruby at this juncture seemed too rash. Nheless, he found himself reluctant to leave, resolving to wait until Eileen went back to her apartment.

    The abrupt ringing of his phone pierced through the quiet of the car. He answered the call immediately.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, the Beckett family has been ensnared. They are nning to invest all their funds into that project,¡± Raymond said.

    Earlier that afternoon, upon receiving the message that Megan had been the one tailing Eileen, Bryan had instructed Raymond to teach the Beckett family a lesson. By evening, all arrangements had been duly made.

    Raymond continued, ¡°However, it seems there are others following Ms. Curtis as well.¡± He ryed the information about several cars trailing Eileen in a coordinated ry.

    Bryan narrowed his eyes, a chilling darkness spreading through his pupils. ¡°Find a way to deal with them all,¡± hemanded.

    Raymond couldn¡¯t help but inwardly sigh, knowing that the incessant turmoil stemmed from the fact that too many women were obsessed with Bryan.

    After ending the call, Bryan got out of the car, extinguished his cigarette, and tossed it into a nearby trash bin before turning to enter the apartment building.

    His tall figure was about to emerge from the dimly lit area when he caught sight of Eileen and the others exiting.

    Huey was assisting Bailee to walk, the two whispering to each other in a manner that bespoke intimacy and affection.

    The sight of Benjamin and Eileen supporting Ruby between them was particrly grating to Bryan.

    ¡°You have difficulty moving. Please don¡¯t trouble yourself to see me off too far. I can manage on my own,¡± Benjamin said politely, mindful of not overburdening Ruby.

    Ruby appreciated his thoughtful consideration, her gaze shifting from the whispering Bailee and Huey to Eileen and Benjamin¡¯s restrained dynamic. With furrowed brows, she brought Eileen and Benjamin¡¯s hands together. ¡°Be good to each other,¡± she said, her grip firm despite Eileen¡¯s attempts to withdraw her hand.

    Wary of causing Ruby to stumble with any sudden movements, Eileen stopped pulling her hand away.

    ¡°Mom, what are you doing?¡± Eileen gently touched Ruby¡¯s arm with the other hand, her confusion evident.

    Ruby¡¯s strength waned, and she slowly loosened her grip, shyly saying, ¡°I understand!¡±

    Eileen was puzzled, her brow furrowing.

    She didn¡¯t understand what Ruby meant. When a piercing gaze was thrown her way, she instinctively felt a chill run down her spine.

    She followed the direction of the prating stare and caught sight of Bryan standing in the shadows.

    d in a ck shirt paired with a striking red tie, Bryan exuded his typical aura of aloofness.

    His piercing eyes couldn¡¯t hide the simmering anger; he was staring at Eileen.

    Eileen was stunned, her feet almost instinctively shifting as she contemted approaching Bryan. However, before she could make a move, she watched as he subtly turned around, slipped into his car, and drove off.

    The partially lowered car window unveiled his tense profile. With the exception of Ruby, who remained oblivious, the others all bore witness to Bryan¡¯s furious departure.

    ¡°It seems I¡¯ve caused you trouble,¡± Benjamin said to Eileen, his tone carrying a hint of regret.

    Eileen watched Bryan¡¯s car gradually disappear from view. She told Benjamin, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. It¡¯s gettingte; you should head back.¡±

    She had taken the initiative to message and call Bryan without receiving a response. And when she had invited him for lunch, he had refused her, instead choosing to dine with Benita.

    So why would she feel guilty now?

    The more Eileen thought about it, the angrier she became. After bidding farewell to Benjamin and Huey, Eileen helped Bailee and Ruby return home.

    Then, she took the elevator down and went to Bryan¡¯s apartment. However, upon opening the door, she found the room empty, the bright moonlight casting its reflection upon the floor.

    Feeling slightly disappointed, she impulsively tossed the keys to his ce into the entryway, locked the door behind her, and¡ª

    Milford hadn¡¯t gone to Bailee¡¯s ce to eat because there had been too many people there, so Eileen had ordered a meal for him.

    When Eileen returned home, Milford had already finished eating and had cleaned up the trash. He was preparing for his first year of high school studies.

    After a brief chat with Milford, Eileen headed to her room to shower.

    The more she thought about the situation, the more she felt irritated. Eventually, she blocked Bryan on her phone.

    What was the point of contacting him anyway? He had ignored her calls and messages. And it was not like he would take the initiative to contact her, either.

    At DV Club, the door to the private room swung open as Bryan strode in. He casually flung his coat onto the sofa and sat down. In the corner, Jacob was seated with his phone pressed to his ear, nodding in acknowledgment of Bryan¡¯s arrival while remaining engrossed in his call.

    ¡°I told you toe back, and you didn¡¯t. I only saw your message after getting off the ne. I¡¯m sorry, okay?¡± Jacob was in the middle of angrily admitting fault when he suddenly heard a scoff from behind. He turned his head, rolling his eyes at Bryan¡¯s interruption.

    ¡°I swear, I¡¯ll deal with Megan quickly and then go back to West Land to pick you up,¡± he said before ending the call and tossing the phone onto the coffee table.

    He turned to face Bryan. Bryan¡¯s figure stood illuminated by the soft glow of the room¡¯s lighting, exuding a domineering aura. Though Bryan hadughed at Jacob earlier, it was evident that he was still upset.

    Jacob couldn¡¯t resist a chuckle. ¡°You have the nerve tough at me? You¡¯re the one who got all worked up over Eileen. Last I checked, she hasn¡¯t forgiven you yet, and here you are acting all¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 250

    ?Chapter 250:

    Jacob enjoyed teasing people with his remarks.

    Bryan red at Jacob, and a shiver ran down Jacob¡¯s spine. Gathering his decorum, he said, ¡°Perfect timing. I¡¯m back to watch you two argue. It would be no fun if you¡¯ve already made up.¡±

    Before Jacob could say more, Bryan threw a pillow toward him. Jacob caught it swiftly and grinned at Bryan. ¡°So, what¡¯s the fight about? Tell me so I won¡¯t mess up the same way.¡± Jacob believed that Bryan must have been the one who had provoked Eileen, given her usual patience. He was curious to know what Bryan had done to make Eileen so angry. It had to be something pretty bad.

    ¡°It¡¯s not my fault,¡± Bryan said, frustrated, thinking about the needle-pricked condoms he had discovered in his drawer.

    ¡°Not a chance,¡± Jacob replied firmly. ¡°Your mouth is sharper than Eileen¡¯s, and you¡¯re the more emotional one.¡± Bryan was momentarily at a loss for words.

    Noticing Bryan¡¯s gloomy expression, Jacob tried to console him. ¡°You¡¯re more emotional because you care a lot.¡±

    ¡°Enough. If you don¡¯t drink with me, just leave,¡± Bryan said sharply. He emptied the ss on the table in one go. Seeing Bryan¡¯s downcast mood, Jacob stopped talking and secretly texted Raymond. It seemed like they were in for a fight of heavy drinking, and they would need Raymond to give them a ride home.

    Thirty minutester, Raymond rushed into the private room, wrinkling his nose at the strong smell of cigarettes and alcohol. ¡°Mr. Meyer, why did youe back just to drink with Dawson?¡± Raymond asked, sounding annoyed about workingte.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t n this. Bryan called me out to drink with him because he and Eileen had a fight,¡± Jacob quickly exined.

    Raymond paused for a second before saying, ¡°I find it hard to believe. Ms. Curtis asked Mr. Dawson to grab lunch, but Mr. Dawson was tied up with work all afternoon. How could he have found time to argue with her?¡±

    Freshly uploaded on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s

    Hearing that, Bryan stopped drinking abruptly, fixing Raymond with a sharp look. ¡°What did you just say? Who asked Bryan to lunch today?¡±

    ¡°I suggested canceling the not-so-important lunch because Ms. Curtis wanted to grab a bite with you, but you were in a rush to sign the agreement, and I told Ms. Curtis you had something urgent to handle¡­¡± Raymond¡¯s voice trailed off as he noticed Bryan¡¯s expression darken.

    Jacob got up, making his way over to Raymond. He draped an arm around his shoulder, giving him a firm pat. He quipped, ¡°Raymond, you¡¯re on thin ice now. Let me help you out. Look up a cemetery online and tell your family to prepare for the worst.¡± With that, he let go of Raymond.

    Raymond nced at Bryan, who was still seated on the sofa. Without another word, Raymond flung the door open and swiftly left.

    Bryan recalled his encounter with Eileen at noon. So, Eileen had believed he had refused to eat lunch with her and opted to eat with Benita?

    ¡°Well,¡± Jacob settled onto the couch, ¡°this whole mix-up needs fixing, and you better get on it now. Otherwise, I might seriously lose respect for you.¡±

    Bryan pressed his lips together, eyeing his phone on the table. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, he reached for it, his fingers hovering over the screen uncertainly. Eventually, he paused with Eileen¡¯s number on the phone screen.

    ¡°Let me help with this.¡± Jacob tapped the screen with his finger, initiating the call.

    A sudden tightness gripped Bryan¡¯s throat, but he didn¡¯t end the call. He thought about what he should say if the call connected. Regardless of who was right or wrong about the condoms, he needed to sort out the matter from the afternoon first. If she didn¡¯t believe him, he would go straight to her and exin everything face to face.

    Making up his mind, he cleared his throat.

    ¡°Sorry, the subscriber you dialed is powered off¡­¡±

    The call ended automatically. Bryan stared at the screen, uncertainty clouding his expression.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Jacob leaned closer, asking, ¡°Did you hang up? Let this misunderstanding linger; it¡¯ll really hurt her feelings.¡±

    Bryan said, ¡°Her phone¡¯s off. Maybe its battery is dead.¡± Eileen had her phone off. Besides a dead battery, Bryan couldn¡¯t think of any other reason.

    ¡°Really?¡± Jacob squinted in disbelief. ¡°How could that happen when Eileen was at home?¡±

    An idea popped into Jacob¡¯s head. He nudged Bryan¡¯s arm and suggested, ¡°Send her a message on WhatsApp.¡±

    Bryan lit a cigarette. He opened the chat window with Eileen, thinking about what he should say in his message.

    He typed, erased, and retyped, his fingers hesitating over the phone screen.

    ¡°Come on. What¡¯s taking so long?¡± Jacob¡¯s impatience boiled over. ¡°Send her a emoji. Let¡¯s see if she has blocked you.¡±

    Upon hearing that, Bryan was taken aback and shot a nce at Jacob. He wanted to tell Jacob there was no way that Eileen had blocked him, but he pressed his lips into a thin line, unable to say that. ¡°You don¡¯t believe me?¡± Jacob let out a chuckle. ¡°Give me her number.¡±

    Taking Bryan¡¯s phone, Jacob swiftly dialed Eileen¡¯s number using his own phone.

    In the blink of an eye, the call connected, and Eileen quickly answered it.

    ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Hello, Eileen. It¡¯s Jacob.¡± He shot a triumphant nce at Bryan. ¡°Just got back from West Land. I¡¯m now at the D.V Club. Fancy joining me?¡±

    After a brief pause, Eileen asked, ¡°Is Bryan with you?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. He had one too many drinks andnded in a bad state. At noon, he¡­¡± Jacob wanted to exin the matter for Bryan. But before he could finish, Eileen interjected, ¡°I¡¯m not going. Goodbye.¡±

    With that, she hung up the call.

    The room fell silent, the sound of disconnection loud in its suddenness, making Bryan¡¯s expression darken.

    Jacob exited the interface and put away his phone, his tone somber. ¡°Bryan, the situation is a bit serious.¡±

    Bryan seethed with irritation. Had Eileen really blocked him?

    ¡°Go on; enjoy your drink. I¡¯ll step out for some fresh air,¡± Jacob said, giving Bryan¡¯s shoulder a pat before standing to leave.

    In all their years of friendship, Jacob had rarely seen Bryan this embarrassed. Despite the gravity of the situation, Jacob couldn¡¯t help but want tough.

    Humming out of the room, Jacob met Raymond¡¯s concerned gaze.

    He chuckled, ¡°I should move elsewhere. I can¡¯t risk Bryan hearing meugh now.¡± Jacob said, offering Raymond a cigarette. ¡°Looks like Eileen has blocked your ass. You canugh if you want to.¡±

    When he heard this, Raymond cried, ¡°I don¡¯t find this funny at all, Mr. Meyer. I¡¯m scared now.¡±

    It was all because he hadn¡¯t made it clear at noon. But it was just one meal. Why had it be so that Eileen had blocked Bryan?

    ¡°Ugh, so boring. I need someone with a sense of humor,¡± Jacob said, unimpressed. He then dialed Phoebe¡¯s number. Once connected, he told Phoebe what had happened between Eileen and Bryan.

    He exaggerated the matter, hinting that Bryan and Eileen were on the verge of not contacting each other again.

    ¡°Is that bad?¡± Phoebe¡¯s heart sank. ¡°I¡¯ll hang up now. I need to talk to Eileen and ask her about this.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother. When I spoke to Eileen earlier, she was in tears. No point calling her. Why don¡¯t you fly over tonight? That way, you can talk to her in person tomorrow morning!¡± Jacob suggested.

    Had Eileen really cried? He found it hard to believe. Clearly, this matter was more serious than she had imagined.

    Phoebe quickly made up her mind. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll pack now. Get me a flight to Onnd tonight and send me Eileen¡¯s address. I¡¯ll go straight to her tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡± Jacob nodded. ¡°And remember to bring your ID¡­¡±

    In minutes, Jacob had managed to persuade Phoebe toe to Onnd and helped book her flight.

    After that, he strolled back into the room, trying to appear calm.

    ¡°Are you doneughing?¡± Bryan¡¯s voice was cold, showing he wasn¡¯t fooled by Jacob¡¯s antics.

    ¡°The situation is indeed funny, but hey, we¡¯re best friends, right? You had a goodugh at me just now.¡± Jacob said, settling beside Bryan. ¡°Looks like Eileen¡¯s pretty upset. But I managed to coax Phoebe here. Don¡¯t worry; I¡¯ll help smooth things over between you and Eileen.¡±

    ¡°No need for you to do that,¡± Bryan stated confidently, downing his drink in a single gulp. With a swift movement, he shrugged into his coat and left.

    He knew that since Eileen had blocked him, she must be really angry.

    Inside the driving car, Bryan mulled over his next steps. He thought about what he should say to her.

    Twenty minutester, the car stopped outside the apartment building. Climbing the stairs, Bryan entered his apartment and flicked on the light in the entryway.

    He spotted the key discarded on the floor. It belonged to Eileen. A heaviness settled in his chest.

    Rolling up his sleeves, he made his way to the balcony. Scaling the railing with ease, he gripped the safetyting as he climbed to Eileen¡¯s bedroom balcony.

    Finding the window unlocked, he raised an eyebrow and slipped inside.

    Moonlight illuminated the room, casting shadows on the neatly made bed.

    Eileen was not in the room.

    Flicking on the bedside light, brightness flooded the room. It was empty.

    ¡°Bryan¡­¡± Outside the room, Milford, rubbing his eyes, squinted to look at Bryan. ¡°What are you doing here? How did you even get in?¡±

    Bryan didn¡¯t have a key to this ce. He had never expected to be locked out by Eileen.

    ¡°Where is Eileen?¡± Bryan sidestepped Milford¡¯s question. Milford gestured toward the apartment across from them. ¡°She hurried over there twenty minutes ago, saying her room was safe. She told me to lock up the door before I go to bed.¡±

    Not safe? Was she wary of him?

    Had she anticipated histe-night entrance through her window? Bryan¡¯s expression hardened as he walked to the door. ¡°You should go back to bed. I¡¯m leaving now.¡±

    ¡°Alright¡­ I¡¯ll start my first day at school tomorrow. Will you apany me?¡± Milford asked.

    Pausing by the door, Bryan replied without ncing back, ¡°Maybe.¡±

    Making his way downstairs to his apartment, he adjusted his tie, looking at the empty room. Sleep eluded him all night.

    Early in the morning, Eileen quickly fixed a simple breakfast, finishing it in a sh. Then, she slung her bag over her shoulder, ready to apany Milford to school.

    The elevator doors slid open, and Eileen saw Bryan inside. He gestured for her to step in. Seeing her hesitation, he asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t youing in?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 251

    ?Chapter 251:

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Eileen gave Milford a brief look and entered the elevator without showing any emotion. Standing beside Bryan, she caught the faint scent of pineing from him, which clung to the air around her.

    Her expression was cold as she watched the floor numbers on the disy change. She didn¡¯t nce Bryan¡¯s way even once. Bryan¡¯s expression soured, and Milford stared at Bryan, making him a bit uneasy.

    As soon as the elevator doors slid open, Eileen stepped out. She wore ts and moved quickly. She hadn¡¯t expected that the first person she would see outside the building was Z.

    ¡°Eileen, Bryan told me that Milford is starting school today. I¡¯ll join you to apany him,¡± Z said.

    She was puzzled as to why Bryan had suddenly asked her to take Milford to school today. But since Bryan had insisted, she had toply.

    Bryan took out his car keys and said, ¡°You can take my car.¡± He unlocked his car and gestured for Milford to climb in. They both got into the car.

    Then they turned to look at Eileen, who remained motionless. Eileen suddenly reached into her bag, pulled out some documents, and passed them to Z through the car window. ¡°Miss Murray, since you¡¯re apanying Milford, there¡¯s no need for me to go with you. Here are the notes and the enrollment forms,¡± she said.

    After handing over the documents, Eileen stepped back and waved. ¡°Be careful on the way. Bye.¡±

    Both Z and Milford looked puzzled as they stared at Eileen. Bryan¡¯s expression darkened.

    ¡°Well¡­ Eileen, it¡¯s been quite a handful for you to manage everything with Milford recently. Come with us today. Afterward, I¡¯d like to invite you and Bryan to lunch,¡± Z attempted to ease the situation.

    g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s hosts great fiction

    ¡°Thanks, but I¡¯ve got some things to handle,¡± Eileen smiled and said. ¡°Also, I think Mr. Dawson has been busy recently, meeting with Miss Ferguson, Miss Warren, and other women. He doesn¡¯t have time for lunch. Please hurry so you don¡¯t disrupt my schedule. I have my own ns and can catch up another time.¡±

    Her smile faded as she cast a nce at Bryan. Then she snorted, turned, and walked away quickly. She didn¡¯t even nce back once. Before Bryan could grasp what was happening, she had already left.

    Bryan had no idea Eileen could be so stubborn.

    ¡°I knew it. Bryan, you¡¯ve made Ms. Curtis angry,¡± Milford muttered.

    He remembered thatst night, Eileen had gone to Bailee¡¯s ce. Not long afterward, Bryan had climbed through the window into Eileen¡¯s bedroom.

    Despite his young age, Milford understood what was happening. ¡°Bryan, did you and Eileen have an argument?¡± Z stepped out of the car and suggested, ¡°Why don¡¯t I take Milford to school, and you go talk to Eileen?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll ask Raymond to drive you two,¡± Bryan said, then turned to call his assistant. Within ten minutes, Raymond arrived to take Z and Milford to school.

    But Bryan didn¡¯t chase after Eileen. He knew she was likely at the education agency, a ce bustling with people. Even if he went there, it wouldn¡¯t fix anything.

    He got into his car, started the engine, and drove off. He then called Jacob. ¡°I need to see Eileen tonight. Make it happen.¡±

    Jacob, who had just picked up Phoebe, realized Bryan had been rejected by Eileen.

    Gloating, Jacob had to calm himself in front of Phoebe and hung up the phone.

    ¡°Take me straight to Eileen¡¯s ce,¡± Phoebe instructed Jacob as she was about to send a message to Eileen.

    Without looking up, Jacob replied, ¡°She¡¯s avoiding Bryan right now, so she isn¡¯t at home. I¡¯m not sure where she is. Maybe you can try to invite her out. Let¡¯s meet tonight.¡±

    Phoebe nced at her unsent message and questioned, ¡°Meet up with whom?¡±

    ¡°With Eileen and Bryan, of course,¡± Jacob answered.

    Phoebe immediately rejected the idea. ¡°Bryan? After he made Eileen cry? No way I¡¯m letting him see her.¡±

    Jacob was taken aback. He wanted to say that Eileen hadn¡¯t cried.

    Suddenly, he found himself tangled in his lies and unable to clear them up.

    After a moment, he said, ¡°Yes, Bryan went too far. Let¡¯s make him apologize to Eileen tonight! Even if they want to part ways with each other, Bryan owes Eileen an apology.¡±

    ¡°That makes sense.¡± Phoebe pondered briefly before saying, ¡°Alright, you can arrange the ce for tonight. I¡¯ll reach out to Eileen.¡±

    Half an hourter, they pulled up in front of Jacob¡¯s ce.

    Phoebe looked out the window and eximed in anger, ¡°Why did you take me to your ce?¡±

    ¡°You can stay here for a few days. Eileen¡¯s ce doesn¡¯t have an extra room. I told my dad I¡¯m ending my engagement with Megan, and he agreed, especially since the Beckett family just had a crisis,¡± Jacob replied.

    Jacob felt fortunate about the timing of the Beckett family¡¯s problem. Without it, breaking off his engagement with Megan would have been much more difficult.

    Hearing this, Phoebe asked, ¡°What happened?¡±

    Jacob investigated the matter and found out that Bryan was behind it. It seems Megan must have upset Eileen again. Bryan just couldn¡¯t stand anyone bothering Eileen.

    He was right about the situation.

    Phoebe entered Jacob¡¯s house hesitantly, feeling that something was amiss.

    Under Jacob¡¯s persuasive insistence, she avoided contacting Eileen all day and nned to invite her out in the evening.

    Therefore, Eileen was unaware that Phoebe was in Onnd. Although she hadn¡¯t apanied Milford to school, Milford kept her updated about the enrollment process.

    Two hours after arriving at the school, Milford informed Eileen that Z had opted not to have lunch with him because neither Eileen nor Bryan were present.

    He and Z said their goodbyes at the school gate, and Raymond took him home.

    Why hadn¡¯t Eileen gone with them?

    Eileen raised an eyebrow and advised Milford to prepare for his high school sses at home, enjoying thest two days before the new term started.

    She spent her day designing courses for her three students¡ªtwo in junior high and one in senior high. While she had experience with younger students, she needed to familiarize herself with the senior high curriculum.

    She had spent the whole day busy at the education agency. Just as she was about to finish for the evening, Phoebe called her, saying, ¡°I¡¯m in Onnd.¡±

    Phoebe said, telling Eileen the big news.

    After pausing for a few seconds, Eileen questioned, ¡°Are you and Jacob together now? Did youe back to Onnd to marry him?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it. I might consider giving him a chance after he ends his engagement with Megan,¡± Phoebe responded without hesitation. ¡°I heard about your issues with Bryan, and I was worried about you, so I came to check on you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s really nothing serious. You didn¡¯t need toe all the way for that.¡± Eileen was taken aback that Phoebe hade here solely out of concern for her. ¡°If things are fine, I¡¯ll just go back to West Land.¡±

    That made sense. Phoebe suddenly realized why she had felt something was amiss¡ªshe had been fooled by Jacob!

    ¡°Where are you now? I¡¯ll go see you,¡± Eileen said. Phoebe hade back for her, and she knew she should at least meet Phoebe.

    ¡°I¡¯m with Jacob at the moment. How about we meet at the D.V Club?¡± Phoebe suggested.

    Eileen agreed. After ending the call, she put away the documents on her table and headed straight to the club.

    Immediately after Phoebe entered her car, Jacob approached her and asked, ¡°Did you schedule a meeting with Eileen? Is she going to show up?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Phoebe set the phone down roughly, grabbed Jacob by the shirt, pushed him onto the bed, and climbed on top of him. She said angrily, ¡°You lied to me! Eileen isn¡¯t upset at all. Obviously, she didn¡¯t cry. What exactly happened between her and Bryan?¡±

    Jacob winced from the pain and allowed her to sit on him. Feeling the heat from her body, his gaze darkened.

    ¡°It¡¯s all Bryan¡¯s fault. Eileen didn¡¯t cry; she¡¯s angry with Bryan. She has even blocked him. I only lied because I missed you!¡± he said.

    Though annoyed that Jacob had deceived her, Phoebe was moved by his words.

    She patted his chest. ¡°Stop with the exaggerated excuses. You lied! You could lie about anything else, but you would never lie about loving me. I¡¯d do anything to be closer to you. I admit that.¡± Jacob¡¯s grip tightened around Phoebe¡¯s waist, his voice turning hoarse. ¡°I¡¯ve been missing you every day. If you don¡¯t get off me now, we¡¯ll bete to meet Eileen. Actually, I¡¯m not even sure if we¡¯ll make it.¡±

    Quickly getting off Jacob, Phoebe straightened her crumpled shirt, her ears flushed, yet her expression remainedposed. ¡°Pervert! Get up; we have to go now!¡± she said.

    Taking a deep breath, Jacobposed himself and stood up to follow Phoebe.

    At five p.m., Eileen pulled up to the D.V. Club. The club wasn¡¯t crowded yet. Stepping out in a blue floral dress with her hair tied in a bun, Eileen looked great. She didn¡¯t notice a group of elegantly dressed women at the club¡¯s entrance who were gossiping about her.

    As soon as she entered the club, a waiter promptly escorted her upstairs. The gossiping women exchanged looks and decided to follow Eileen. They hadn¡¯t gone far when two men in suits blocked their way.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± The woman in the lead red at the men who had abruptly appeared, her annoyance palpable. ¡°We are acting on Mr. Dawson¡¯s instructions to keep anyone with questionable intentions away from Miss Curtis,¡± one of the bodyguards said bluntly. ¡°Please stay away from Miss Curtis.¡±

    The leading woman scoffed, ¡°We just wanted to head upstairs to our own room.¡±

    The bodyguard stood his ground. ¡°We don¡¯t start fights with women, but if you¡¯re looking for trouble, we won¡¯t hold back.¡± His words were enough to intimidate the women.

    It was clear Bryan was protecting Eileen, and the women wondered how long he could keep it up. Meanwhile, Eileen was oblivious to the drama; she now knew she had been deceived by Phoebe.

    She pushed the door to the private room open and walked in. The man standing in front of the window was enveloped in smoke. It was clearly Bryan. Dressed in a white shirt and ck trousers, he turned to look at Eileen, the veins on his neck giving him a slightly wild look.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 252

    ?Chapter 252:

    Eileen¡¯s clear eyes locked with Bryan¡¯s dark ones for a few seconds before she looked away. As if she hadn¡¯t seen him, Eileen settled onto the couch, set down her bag, and started texting Phoebe. She asked Phoebe why Bryan was here. She had trusted Phoebe, only to realize she had fallen into Phoebe¡¯s trap. Phoebe quickly sent a voice message to exin, ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong. I asked Bryan to go there to apologize. Whether you¡¯ll forgive him or not, he needs to say sorry to you.¡±

    The room was silent. Bryan¡¯s eyes were on Eileen, and the phone¡¯s speaker was loud enough for him to hear the voice message. He looked a bit uneasy, leaning against the window with a stiff posture, his eyes still fixed on Eileen. Eileen lifted her eyebrows slightly, seemingly pleased with his reason for being here. She texted Phoebe back and then settledfortably on the couch with her phone.

    Bryan approached Eileen, standing in front of her and casting a shadow over her. Eileen lifted her gaze as she said, ¡°Move.¡± Bryan frowned and got next to her, his presence suddenly surrounding her. But he didn¡¯t do anything else. Eileen ignored him. Even though she was staring at her phone, his presence distracted her. He sat there, his profile tight with unease, which was unusual for him.

    Jacob and Phoebe¡¯s arrival broke the tense atmosphere. They burst in and paused when they saw Eileen and Bryan sitting together. ¡°Have you two reconciled already?¡± Phoebe sounded disappointed. ¡°Eileen, you really have no backbone!¡± ¡°No way,¡± Jacob said, lightly nudging Phoebe¡¯s arm and gesturing towards Bryan. ¡°If they really made up, they wouldn¡¯t be sitting on the couch; they¡¯d be doing it on the bed.¡± Phoebe sighed in relief and sat next to Eileen.

    Eileen finally turned to look at Bryan. They locked eyes, and she asked, ¡°Did you ask them to invite me out just to sit here with you?¡± ¡°Yesterday at noon, Raymond didn¡¯t tell me you invited me for lunch. If I had known this, I wouldn¡¯t have refused you to have lunch with Benita to sign the contract,¡± Bryan was straightforward, his expression serious.

    ¡°So, you me Raymond?¡± Eileen asked, crossing her arms. ¡°Then why did you ignore my messages and calls?¡± Bryan looked shocked and checked his phone several times. ¡°When did you message or call?¡±

    To prove his innocence, he handed his phone to Eileen. Eileen leaned back on the sofa. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare check your phone. Besides, you might have deleted the calls and messages beforehand, so what¡¯s the use of me checking your phone now?¡± ¡°Eileen!¡± Bryan couldn¡¯t help but raise his voice, Eileen¡¯s sarcasm making him panic.

    Seeing that Bryan didn¡¯t seem to be lying, Jacob quickly said, ¡°Look, it¡¯s all a misunderstanding. Why don¡¯t you just sort it out? Dragging this out for so long and bickering over it isn¡¯t worth it.¡± A misunderstanding? Eileen looked at Bryan coldly and said, ¡°You me Raymond for not telling you about lunch, you me the phone for missing calls and messages, and you use me of tampering with the condoms. So, you¡¯re saying you haven¡¯t done anything wrong? If that¡¯s the case, why are you even talking to me now?¡± After saying this, she grabbed her bag and stood up to leave.

    The misunderstanding was trivial; ultimately, the real issue between them was the matter of the punctured condoms. Eileen was genuinely upset, each strand of her long hair bristling with irritation. Bryan quickly stood up and grabbed her wrist to stop her, saying, ¡°I was wrong.¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare think that. When have you ever been wrong?¡± Eileen tried to free herself, but Bryan¡¯s grip remained firm. She noticed the veins on the back of his hand, more pronounced than usual, showing he was using all his strength to stop her. Jacob swiftly got up from his seat, pulling Phoebe towards the exit. ¡°Bryan¡¯s about to lose his cool. We can¡¯t watch this drama anymore, or he¡¯ll settle the score with uster.¡±

    ¡°But what if he bullies Eileen?¡± Phoebe asked, refusing to leave. ¡°Didn¡¯t you see? He¡¯spletely under Eileen¡¯s thumb now. Eileen ispletely in control of the situation,¡± Jacob replied. Jacob could almost imagine Bryan¡¯s ¡°sullen¡± demeanor kneeling in defeat. He really wanted to stay and watch the drama, but he couldn¡¯t risk the consequences.

    Phoebe had repeatedly told Eileen that she would support her in confronting Bryan, but in reality, shecked the courage to do so. When Phoebe heard Bryan admit he was wrong, she considered her task halfplete. Actually, she hadn¡¯t done anything; it was Eileen who had Bryan wrapped around her finger. Phoebe and Jacob¡¯s conversation was silenced by the closed door of the private room. Before Eileen could react, she found herself pulled into Bryan¡¯s embrace.

    His chest was hard, and when her nose hit it, her eyes misted up. His arms held her tightly, and he lowered his head to kiss her forehead. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have lost my temper with you that day,¡± he admitted. Eileen pressed her hands against his chest as she lowered her gaze, her lips curling slightly. ¡°So? Do you think it was me who tampered with the condoms?¡±

    Bryan pressed his lips together as he looked at Eileen, the disappointment in her eyes weighing heavily on him. ¡°It wasn¡¯t you; it was my grandmother.¡± Bryan had reviewed the surveince footage and found out the truth. Thinking about the argument they had had that morning, he felt a wave of regret wash over him.

    ¡°You only realized you were wrong after investigating the matter, not because you truly believed me,¡± Eileen tried to hide her bitterness. ¡°I promise, from now on, I¡¯ll believe you unconditionally,¡± Bryan said, his hands firm on her waist, his expression serious. This eased the grievances in Eileen¡¯s heart slightly. They hade so far, facing seemingly insurmountable challenges both in the past and present.

    Havinge this far, Eileen wouldn¡¯t give up now, not over this incident. ¡°Don¡¯t say unconditionally. Let¡¯s give each other a chance to exin, no matter what happens in the future,¡± Eileen said. As soon as she finished speaking, Bryan leaned in, capturing her lips with his own. The faint taste of her cherry lipstick and the familiar sensation filled him with contentment. Though they hadn¡¯t been fighting long, it felt like centuries to him.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he murmured, pressing his forehead against hers, their breaths mingling, dissolving any barriers between them. But he was oversimplifying things; Eileen might not be giving up, but she held a grudge. As they left the club and headed home, Eileen received a message from Phoebe.

    ¡°You two have reconciled? Then my return seems pointless. I didn¡¯t y much of a role in the matter.¡± Phoebe had hoped to stand by Eileen and confront Bryan together, but shecked the courage to do so. Besides, this misunderstanding was bound to be resolved; it wouldn¡¯t have been right for her to scold Bryan.

    ¡°It¡¯s not pointless; it¡¯s time for you and Jacob to settle down together,¡± Eileen replied. After all, they didn¡¯t need to face the same obstacles she and Bryan had faced. ¡°I¡¯ve heard that Bryan is taking action against the Beckett family because of you. This also helps Jacob end his engagement with Megan. Bryan has actually done a good thing,¡± Phoebe responded.

    When Eileen saw Phoebe¡¯s message, the car paused at the traffic light. She handed her phone to Bryan and showed him the message. ¡°What does this mean?¡± she asked, puzzled. Could this be rted to the incident at the banquet where Megan had helped Benita nder her? But that was a long time ago. Bryan caught a glimpse of thest two sentences and scoffed, ¡°My actions against the Beckett family have nothing to do with Jacob,¡± he stated firmly.

    He didn¡¯t care about Phoebe saying that he had done a good thing for Jacob. Apart from Eileen, no one else was worth his effort. The night, cloaked in thest whispers of summer, held a slight chill. The window was slightly open, the wind causing Eileen¡¯s hair to dance. The car smoothly pulled up at the entrance of the apartment building. Eileen got out, entered the building, and pressed the elevator button.

    Checking her phone, she noticed no response from Phoebe. She raised an eyebrow and put away her phone. A shadow suddenly loomed over her. The elevator ascended, and a deluge of kisses cascaded upon her. Theynded softly on her forehead, the corners of her eyes, the tip of her nose, her cheeks, and finally, her glossy lips. Bryan used one hand to hold her slender waist while grabbing her wrists with the other, pinning them above her head. His kisses were fervent and insistent, and his breath was ragged and heavy.

    Then, the elevator doors chimed open. Bryan leaned in slightly as if to sweep Eileen off her feet. But Eileen swiftly wriggled out of his grasp and pushed him out of the elevator. Bryan reached out to stop the elevator doors from closing. His fingertips whitened, frustration evident on his face. His desire-filled eyes gazed at Eileen, who stood inside the elevator.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you don¡¯t want kids? Maybe you should just stop sleeping with me. That way, there will be no chance for you to me me for anything next time.¡± Eileen pried his fingers apart one by one and pressed the button for a higher floor. The elevator doors closed slowly, and Bryan reacted a bit toote, attempting to keep them open.

    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± Eileen¡¯s expression turned stern as she issued the sharpmand. Maintaining the same cold demeanor she used with her students, she made Bryan instinctively retract his hand. As the elevator doors closed and the elevator ascended, Bryan furrowed his brows. She had left just like that?

    After a moment, Bryan let out a frustratedugh, gritting his teeth as he made his way back home. Loosening his tie and undoing a few buttons, he sank onto the sofa, seeking rest while waiting for the heat within him to subside.

    Eileen still had work to do. After returning home and showering, she grabbed herptop and got to work. The new school semester was about to begin, leaving Eileen with little time to spare to deal with Bryan. So, she chose to reject him as a form of punishment. The night stretched on, and darkness shrouded the entire city like arge w.

    Brandon and his wife lived in Mills, located halfway up the mountain, and Z was presently staying with them.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 253

    ?Chapter 253:

    Ever since Bryan returned to Onnd, Z had stopped going to Apex Group. While Bryan¡¯seback restored order to thepany, this left Brandon with a surplus of free time, igniting a smoldering unease in his restless heart.

    ¡°Your so-called patience is just watching Bryan and Eileen bask in blissful togetherness?¡± Brandon questioned.

    Z stood in the living room, her docile demeanor a stark contrast to the arrogance she unted before others.

    ¡°As far as I¡¯m aware, Eileen and Bryan had a fight. Our window of opportunity has presented itself,¡± she replied.

    Lydia¡¯s interest piqued upon hearing this. She popped a cherry into her mouth, nonchntly spitting out the pit before asking, ¡°What opportunity?¡±

    ¡°Bryan won¡¯t tolerate any mistakes. If we meddle a bit, some matters will naturally fall into ce,¡± Z replied enigmatically, reluctant to divulge her connection with Kian to the Dawson couple.

    Brandon, his brow furrowed, tapped the table impatiently. ¡°Enough with the vague talk; I want to see tangible action!¡±

    ¡°Brandon,¡± Lydia tried to soothe him, cing a hand on his chest. ¡°Don¡¯t get riled up; leave this to us. You just cling to your shares, and I¡¯ll ensure Bryan can¡¯t wrest them away.¡±

    To avoid legal entanglements, things had to progress one calcted step at a time; Lydia was patient.

    Brandon scoffed, shooting Z a displeased nce before heading upstairs.

    Your story hub g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s

    The grand living room was bathed in resplendent light, casting a radiant glow upon Z. Lydia¡¯s piercing gaze made Z feel as though she was being scrutinized by a venomous snake.

    Although Brandon had always treated Z poorly, Lydia outwardly showed kindness toward her. But her kindness masked her true ruthlessness, a trait Z recognized all too well.

    ¡°Z, I hear you¡¯re quite close with Kian. What¡¯s the deal? Do you harbor feelings for him?¡± Lydia asked.

    Lydia¡¯s probing caught Z off guard, forcing her to reveal her ndestine bond with Kian.

    ¡°He has feelings for me. After so many years apart, I didn¡¯t anticipate he would reach out for me. I just wish to leverage his assistance to get rid of Eileen!¡± Z said truthfully.

    Lydia¡¯s eyes remained skeptical. ¡°I surmise you don¡¯t genuinely harbor feelings for him. Why would you have inflicted such grave harm upon his sister?¡±

    This sent chills down Z¡¯s spine as she stared at Lydia in astonishment.

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget that I raised you. The power you hold stems from me. What could you possibly hide from me?¡± Lydia stood up, approached Z, and lifted her shirt slightly with one finger. A vicious scar peeked through the waistband of Z¡¯s pants.

    Lydia continued, ¡°The Warren family wouldn¡¯t want someone who can¡¯t bear children like you. Even if they desired you, it would be futile. You have no intention of joining forces with Kian to escape my control. That would be great. But if you do¡­¡± She patted Z¡¯s face twice with her hand. ¡°The things you did to Vivian, I¡¯ll tell every sordid detail to Kian. Would he love you more or despise you more after that?¡±

    Z flushed crimson as she stiffened in ce.

    She said, ¡°Whether he hates me or not is irrelevant. I only care if I can get married to Bryan.¡±

    Z¡¯s cold-blooded response pleased Lydia, a twisted smile ying upon her lips. ¡°I admire your ruthlessness. But remember, don¡¯t get emotionally involved, especially when ites to Bryan.¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Z replied as her gaze met Lydia¡¯s unflinchingly. Thoroughly satisfied, Lydia said, ¡°Alright, then. I¡¯ll leave this matter in your hands. I¡¯ll be awaiting your good news.¡± With that, she turned and ascended the stairs.

    Z watched Lydia leave before returning to her room. After a moment¡¯s contemtion, she retrieved her phone and dialed Kian¡¯s number.

    Thete-night ringtone sent a jolt through Kian¡¯s heart.

    Seeing the caller, he quickly answered, ¡°Z¡­¡±

    ¡°Kian, remember what I told you about Bryan and Eileen¡¯s argument?¡± Her voice carried an enchanting lilt in the stillness of the night.

    Kian replied without hesitation, ¡°Yeah, what about it?¡±

    ¡°I just think this is a golden opportunity to separate them for good. Do you have any effective methods? It¡¯s not very convenient for me to act directly,¡± Z said, expressing her predicament.

    Kian pondered for a moment before he replied, ¡°Then leave this to me. However¡­ it looks like Bryan¡¯s not into Benita. If you split Bryan and Eileen up, you might just end up marrying him!¡±

    ¡°That can¡¯t happen,¡± Z responded decisively. ¡°His feelings for me are not romantic, and he epted me so easily. Only by separating him from Eileen will he consider Benita, don¡¯t you agree?¡±

    How could one easily ept another person when their heart was utterly devoted to someone else? This was something that Kian understood too well, having carried an unending me for Z over the years, never casting his gaze toward another woman due to the depth of his feelings for her.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. I¡¯ll make the necessary arrangements,¡± Kian said, his head melting like wax at the velvet caress of Z¡¯s voice through the phone¡¯s speaker.

    However, with Bryan¡¯s newfound power and his unwavering protection of Eileen, Kian¡¯s resources were severely limited. Who would dare challenge Bryan now?

    The steel-gray clouds overhead prompted Eileen to don an extrayer of clothes as she ventured out, Ruby in tow for their stroll. The elevator descended a single floor before grinding to a halt. The smile on Bryan¡¯s lips froze as he saw Ruby beside Eileen. This meant he wouldn¡¯t be able to be alone with Eileen in the elevator now, and he couldn¡¯t say anything before Ruby.

    ¡°Sir, aren¡¯t you getting in?¡± Eileen asked as she pressed the elevator button.

    He stepped in slowly, taking his ce behind Eileen, and offered Ruby a polite nod.

    Ruby returned the nod, her brow slightly furrowed.

    Once they reached the ground floor, they exited together.

    Eileen maintained a leisurely pace beside Ruby while Bryan reluctantly forged ahead, widening the gap between them with each step.

    Ruby spoke up, ¡°That man looks familiar.¡±

    ¡°Of course, you¡¯ve seen him before,¡± Eileen replied, assuming Ruby had forgotten that she had seen Bryan¡¯s picture once. It was understandable for the striking features of Bryan to leave an impression on Ruby.

    Ruby came to a halt, blinking a few times before questioning, ¡°Where¡ªwhere have I seen him?¡±

    Seeing Ruby¡¯s evident confusion, Eileen couldn¡¯t stifle an amused chuckle. ¡°Forget it. Just let me take you to the park. Later, I¡¯lle to pick you up. Don¡¯t wander too far, go now, or you¡¯ll bete for work.¡±

    Eileen took Ruby to the park, leaving Ruby to her solitary exercises before turning back toward her car.

    From a distance, she could see Bryan¡¯s vehicle remained parked in the same spot, the window rolled halfway down, his well-defined hand resting casually outside.

    A cigarette was between his fingers, tendrils of smoke swirlingzily, unable to obscure the chiseled features of him.

    Eileen approached his car, maintaining a two-step distance. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to work?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Come here,¡± Bryan said, extinguishing the cigarette and tossing it into a nearby trash can before beckoning her over with a gesture.

    Hesitation flickered across Eileen¡¯s face, but she obeyed, drawing nearer to the car door. ¡°What is it? We¡¯re outside, and it¡¯s daytime. Don¡¯t start anything,¡± she warned.

    A grin yed on Bryan¡¯s face. ¡°Since you don¡¯t let me do anything at night, I can only do so during the day.¡± With that, he gripped her nape and leaned in, capturing her lips in an intense, searing kiss.

    Eileen¡¯s feeble attempts to push him away proved futile. Only when she was left breathless and disoriented did he finally release her, her fresh lipstick now staining his lips, her own lips slightly swollen.

    ¡°Drive to work,¡± Bryan said, his voice husky with desire. Eileen wiped her mouth, regaining herposure. ¡°No, I can drive myself.¡±

    Since she had had her lipstick smudged just outside the car, what would happen if she got into his car now?

    Noting Eileen¡¯s defensive stance, Bryan let out a chuckle. Eileen refused to give him another opportunity to mock her, turning to get into her car.

    She reapplied her lipstick, unhurried, not caring that Bryan¡¯s presence still lingered nearby. After that, she drove off first, leaving him behind.

    Eileen was resolute in her decision not to be intimate with Bryan, and for the next three days, he didn¡¯t so much asy a finger upon her.

    In September, the new school semester started.

    Back when Eileen had been in Wist Land, her routine had consisted of tutoring from Monday through Friday evenings to ensure uninterrupted weekends with Ruby.

    Now, adhering to a more standardized schedule, she provided one-on-one lessons to three students over the weekends while shouldering the responsibility of recording online courses from Monday to Friday.

    Along with some other tasks, she was extremely busy.

    But with Bailee¡¯s leg injury healed and her return to work alleviating some of Eileen¡¯s tasks, a glimmer of respite finally emerged.

    ¡°Eileen, here¡¯s an invitation to an educational symposium at a hotel in the Onnd suburbs,¡± Bailee said, handing Eileen the embossed envelope. ¡°It¡¯s organized by a seasoned professor aiming to share insights, and many students¡¯ parents are expected to attend. Let¡¯s also go together.¡±

    Such events were invaluable for expanding the educational institution¡¯s visibility, so Eileen checked the date and time. The event was on Friday night. With some advance preparation, Eileen could make time to attend.

    ¡°Okay, we¡¯ll attend together,¡± she told Bailee.

    Bailee immediately set to work, organizing their schedules for theing days in preparation for Friday¡¯s symposium. During these busy days, the Beckett family¡¯s troubles dominated the headlines.

    They hadmitted the entirety of their funds to a single, ill-fated project; they were now teetering on the precipice of financial ruin.

    Families who had once cultivated amicable rtions with the Beckett family swiftly distanced themselves.

    The media hungrily sought expertmentary to dissect the Beckett family¡¯s dire finances. Without an influx of capital within the week, bankruptcy seemed inevitable.

    Amidst the chaos, Phoebe approached Eileen, keen to discuss the unfolding drama while also sharing good news.

    ¡°Jacob and Megan¡¯s marriage is off. Jacob told his dad he wanted to be with me and ended up getting himself injured. He is in the hospital now,¡± Phoebe said.

    Eileen furrowed her brow. ¡°Is that supposed to be good news? He¡¯s injured! Which hospital is he in?¡±

    Phoebe seemed unbothered by Jacob¡¯s condition, an air of nonchnce permeating her tone. ¡°Of course that¡¯s good news. Even though he¡¯s injured now, he can be together with me.¡± Her attitude implied that she had really be a couple with Jacob.

    Eileen felt resigned. ¡°Send me the hospital¡¯s address. I¡¯ll visit him tonight.¡±

    After obtaining Jacob¡¯s hospital address, Eileen called Bryan, suggesting they visit Jacob together in the evening.

    Bryan had already sent gifts to Jacob via Raymond, assuming Eileen¡¯s schedule was too hectic for a personal visit. However, now that Eileen was extending an invitation, Bryan certainly wouldn¡¯t refuse her. ¡°I¡¯ll pick you up tonight,¡± he said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 254

    ?Chapter 254:

    As the sun set on an early autumn evening, a chill wafted through the air. Eileen, donned in a sleek ck trench coat, stood at the curb outside the educational institution, her gaze intermittently shifting to her wristwatch. She idly kicked a small pebble, watching it skitter under a distant streetlight. She narrowed her eyes as a car approached silently.

    She moved to the edge of the road as the car smoothly halted in front of her. The passenger door opened slightly, and as she pulled it wider, a burst of red caught her eye¡ªinside was a bouquet of bright red roses, their lush petals dotted with tiny water droplets.

    Bryan turned on the lights, making the droplets glisten like jewels.

    ¡°Why the sudden flowers?¡± Eileen asked, a hint of a smile forming as she picked up the roses, smelling them before holding them close and sliding into the car.

    Bryan immediately locked the doors and leaned toward her. Eileen¡¯s body became rigid against the seat as his amplified profile approached within inches of her face.

    He nced downward, his hand, veins visible, sliding around her slim waist as he retrieved the seatbelt from the space between her and the seat.

    ¡°They¡¯re for Jacob,¡± Bryan replied.

    Eileen¡¯s smile froze.

    She was still adjusting to the flowers Bryan had given her; she had never received flowers from him before. Holding them close brought warmth to her heart, but now he imed they were meant for Jacob?

    ¡°Just kidding,¡± Bryan said, his gentle chuckle filling the air. After helping Eileen buckle her seatbelt, he started the car. ¡°What made youe out so early today?¡±

    He had arrived ten minutes before the agreed time, only to find her already waiting outside.

    Discover updates g?l¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    A blush tinted Eileen¡¯s cheeks, but she tried to appear calm. ¡°It was too quiet after everyone left, and I didn¡¯t like being there alone, so I came out a bit earlier.¡±

    Roses for Jacob? She chastised herself for even entertaining the thought.

    The evening streetlights began twinkling on, guiding their way to the hospital.

    Jacob was in the hospital¡¯s VIP ward. That hospital was a ce Eileen knew all too well, as Ruby had once upied the same space.

    Familiar with theyout, Eileen led Bryan straight to Jacob¡¯s ward. The hospital corridors were quiet in the evening. They stepped out of the elevator, and their footsteps echoed through the empty hall.

    The door to Jacob¡¯s room was slightly open, allowing the sound of heated discussions to escape.

    ¡°Mr. Meyer, regardless of whether the Beckett family acted inappropriately, you broke off your engagement with my daughter after being with Phoebe. Surely, you agree that some form of restitution is warranted?¡±

    ¡°And let¡¯s not overlook Megan¡¯s ordeal when she was with you. Phoebe provoked her into undermining Eileen, and now we¡¯re left dealing with the consequences!¡±

    The Beckett couple converged around Jacob¡¯s bedside, bombarding him withints. Phoebe, at the foot of the bed, distractedly fiddled with her phone while Megan stood in the center of the room.

    Jacob, propped up on his pillows, looked visibly annoyed. He was no match for the Beckett couple¡¯s verbal barrage.

    Outside the room, Eileen felt unfairly med.

    Megan had not been trying to make things difficult for Phoebe; she had clearly been manipted, and now the Beckett family was using that to their advantage, seekingpensation from Jacob.

    It was a ring disy of shamelessness.

    Bryan¡¯s expression darkened noticeably. His icy gaze was fixed on the Beckett couple.

    ¡°Eileen?¡± Megan, spotting Eileen at the door, uttered a soft gasp. Sensing Bryan¡¯s icy demeanor, Megan instinctively backed away. The Beckett couple turned, their faces a mix of shock and embarrassment.

    After a brief pause, Stuart Beckett, Megan¡¯s father, forced a weak smile. ¡°Mr. Dawson, we didn¡¯t expect to see you here. Perhaps we could revisit our earlier discussion about the project?¡±

    ¡°You have the audacity to talk about that again?¡± Bryan guided Eileen into the room with a gentle motion of his arm. His imposing presence made the Beckett family members instinctively huddle together, withdrawing to a corner. ¡°Sit here and wait for me.¡± Bryan told Eileen, leading her to sit on the sofa. He knew that engaging with the Beckett family would be a tedious affair.

    Stuart watched how protective Bryan was toward Eileen, his heart sinking with the realization.

    He now understood that Megan had dared to make things difficult for Eileen, which had clearly upset Bryan. Stuart quickly turned to Megan, his gaze piercing. ¡°What are you waiting for? Apologize to Mr. Dawson for your reckless behavior!¡±

    ¡°Ugh!¡± Megan protested, her reluctance stemming not from defiance but from the precarious state of her family¡¯s finances and the uncertainty of her own future.

    She was genuinely afraid of Bryan. She couldn¡¯t understand what it was about Eileen that sopletely enthralled him.

    ¡°Just bear with it for now, Megan,¡± Megan¡¯s mother murmured, giving her daughter a gentle push forward.

    Megan edged forward, stopping about three meters from Bryan, acutely aware of his imposing aura.

    She nced back at her parents, her eyes wet with tears, then gathered her strength and said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, I¡¯m sorry. Please, could you forgive my mistakes?¡±

    Her voice dwindled. Phoebe, who had warned Megan about being too arrogant, burst into mockingughter. The sound of Phoebe¡¯sughter brought a rush of shame to Megan¡¯s face, and she red at Phoebe in anger.

    She then saw Eileen casually lounging on the sofa, twirling her hair and observing the drama with indifference.

    ¡°You should apologize to Eileen,¡± Bryan said, his tone sharp and firm.

    Megan was taken aback, her eyes widening in shock.

    He wanted her to apologize to Eileen? That was impossible! Stuart hesitated for a few seconds before saying, ¡°Yes, she needs to apologize to Miss Curtis.¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Megan¡¯s response was immediate. ¡°She doesn¡¯t deserve an apology!¡±

    Bryan¡¯s expression hardened, his cold gaze piercing Megan as sharply as a dagger.

    Megan¡¯s breath caught in her throat as if she were being strangled by an unseen hand, and she stumbled backward in fear.

    ¡°Damn it!¡± Stuart was furious, grabbing Megan¡¯s arm roughly and pping her across the face. ¡°Apologize to Miss Curtis!¡±

    Instinctively, Megan shielded her face, her body twisting as she was about to stumble, but her mother¡¯s firm grip prevented her from falling.

    Tears streamed down Megan¡¯s face as she defiantly met Eileen¡¯s gaze.

    It was evident that an apology from Megan would be anything but heartfelt.

    Eileen raised her eyes and said, ¡°No need. I can¡¯t bear your apology.¡±

    ¡°Then let me apologize for her,¡± dered Megan¡¯s mother decisively. She released Megan and strode toward Eileen. ¡°Mom!¡± Megan caught her mother¡¯s arm. ¡°You don¡¯t need to apologize for me.¡±

    Under Bryan¡¯s intense scrutiny, Megan stopped speaking. A heavy silence filled the spacious hospital room, weighing down the Beckett family with an invisible burden.

    ¡°Who needs your apology?¡± Jacob, quiet until this point, said sharply. ¡°If you had any sense, you¡¯d get Megan out of here. If she lingers, not only will your family receive no assistance, but Bryan might also start to think about destroying your family.¡±

    Witnessing Megan clench her teeth in frustration, Stuart sighed deeply, pulling her out of the room and closing the door behind them.

    Outside the room, Megan finally shook off Bryan¡¯s domineering aura. She took a deep breath, and her defiance returned. ¡°Mom, why did you want me to apologize to Eileen? She¡¯s nothing but an assistant who climbed the ranks by sleeping around.¡±

    She confronted her father, her disbelief palpable. ¡°You can¡¯t do that! You agreed to help Kian get rid of Eileen!¡±

    Kian had previously offered Stuart assistance, but only if he dealt with Eileen.

    However, Stuart understood all too well that the Beckett family was merely a pawn in the scheme. If it backfired, it could spell ruin for the Beckett family, and Bryan¡¯s ruthless tactics could leave no one in the family unscathed.

    ¡°Go home!¡± Without another word, Stuart ushered Megan into the car, and Megan¡¯s mother followed them.

    Once they returned home, Megan was confined to her room while Stuart went to negotiate Megan¡¯s marriage with the old man, infuriating Megan to the point of refusing to eat or drink for the entire day.

    In the dead of night, consumed with worry, Megan¡¯s mother quietly approached her daughter¡¯s room to bring her some food. Through the door, Megan pleaded desperately, ¡°Mom, if you truly care about me, let me be. That man is even older than my father. How can you just stand by and let me get married to him?¡± Her mother, filled with anxiety and worry, responded, ¡°Megan, why must you be so headstrong? You dared to speak out against Eileen at the hospital. Don¡¯t you realize how much the situation has changed?¡±

    Megan clenched her jaw, her hatred for Eileen growing. She was at a loss for words.

    ¡°For our sake, just bear with it. Eat something. Your father¡¯s decision is final,¡± Megan¡¯s mother had prepared a bowl of spaghetti, coaxing her daughter to eat.

    Megan, however, was resolute. Stuart had locked the door from the outside, and defiantly, she had locked it from the inside as well.

    Although Megan¡¯s mother managed to unlock the door from the outside, she couldn¡¯t get inside.

    After a while, Megan finally said, ¡°Mom, if you really want me to eat, I need my phone.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll get it for you. Just eat something,¡± Megan¡¯s mother replied.

    But Megan¡¯s phone was with Stuart, and all her mother could offer was her spare phone, which didn¡¯t contain Kian¡¯s contact info. However, it did have Debby¡¯s number. Megan wasted no time and called Debby, managing to get Kian¡¯s number.

    Jacob¡¯s leg injury required a month of recovery, which meant Phoebe was bound to his hospital bedside for a month, her expression one of sheer gloom.

    ¡°Eileen, whenever you¡¯re free, could you go shopping with me? I¡¯ve just returned to Onnd, and it¡¯s starting to get cold. I need more clothes,¡± Phoebe said.

    No sooner had Phoebe made her request than Jacob yanked her back toward him, his arms sping her waist tightly. ¡°No, you can¡¯t leave my side, not even for a second,¡± he said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 255

    ?Chapter 255:

    Eileen¡¯s mouth twitched as she watched Jacob act like that while holding Phoebe. She dipped her head and gave a soft cough. Jacob seemed too needy.

    Phoebe had reached her limit with Jacob¡¯s antics. With a p to his head, she snapped, ¡°Enough already. If you keep acting so repulsive, I¡¯m sending you home!¡±

    ¡°What did I do wrong?¡± Jacob looked up and nced meaningfully at Bryan. ¡°It¡¯s good to express one¡¯s feelings, okay? I¡¯m not like someone who is too stubborn to say anything.¡± Nearby, Bryan leaned against a window, a cigarette dangling from his fingers.

    He shifted against the window, casting a casual nce at Jacob. ¡°You know, there¡¯s no helping a man who¡¯s shameless,¡± he remarked.

    Eileen¡¯s recent rejection had indeed soured his mood, yet he couldn¡¯t tolerate Jacob¡¯s smugness.

    At a loss for words, Jacob merely pursed his lips, his frustration evident.

    ¡°Honey, could you grab me a banana?¡± he called out, trying to regain some ground.

    Meanwhile, Phoebe and Eileen continued their conversation, paying little mind to the petty squabble between Bryan and Jacob.

    Phoebe grabbed a banana and tossed it to Jacob. Jacob grumbled, encircling Phoebe¡¯s waist with his arms. ¡°Peel it for me.¡±

    ¡°Jacob, don¡¯t force me to p you on your first day in the hospital!¡± She struggled to shove his head away, but as soon as she managed to do that, he nestled his head back into her arms.

    In frustration, Phoebe tossed the banana back onto the bed. ¡°Enough already.¡±

    Find what you love at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s???????

    Eileen said, ¡°Look after him for now. He¡¯s a patient. After this, I have to prep for an educational seminar on Friday night. Time¡¯s running short.¡±

    Feeling resigned at Jacob¡¯s behavior, Eileen¡¯s eyes involuntarily drifted to Bryan.

    Bryan was looking at Jacob, his brow furrowed in thought. Despite Phoebe¡¯s apparent annoyance with Jacob, she didn¡¯t prevent him from clinging to her.

    Bryan surely could pick up on this tactic, couldn¡¯t he?

    Imagining that scenario, Eileen felt a headacheing and quickly decided to leave.

    ¡°It¡¯ste, and I have to go now. Next time I¡¯m free, let¡¯s go shopping together,¡± she said.

    No sooner had she spoken than Bryan extinguished his cigarette, shut the window, and apanied her as they walked out of the hospital. Phoebe mumbled under her breath, hinting that she wanted them to stay for dinner.

    ¡°Honey, it¡¯s a good thing they won¡¯t be here for dinner, or they¡¯d be jealous seeing you feed me,¡± Jacob said.

    While Phoebe was scolding him, Eileen and Bryan exited the hospital room.

    Grasping Bryan¡¯s fingers, Eileen couldn¡¯t suppress a chuckle. ¡°I really enjoy seeing them interact like that.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Bryan queried, trying to grasp her meaning. Was she implying she favored men who were smooth talkers?

    ¡°They have a unique way of getting along, but it¡¯s something that works just for them,¡± Eileen rified. She pondered for a moment and concluded that she couldn¡¯t well be with someone like Jacob.

    It was close to eight in the evening when Eileen and Bryan reached the apartment building. Eileen nned to head straight back to her apartment.

    ¡°It¡¯s already sote. Bailee probably hasn¡¯t made dinner yet. I haven¡¯t eaten myself. Why don¡¯t we go to my ce? I can cook us something,¡± Bryan suggested.

    Bryan looked calm, making it hard for Eileen to guess if he was plotting something.

    The dim light of the elevator and the confined space made Eileen focus solely on him.

    On their way home, Bryan had maintained aposed demeanor.

    Eileen felt there was no need for her to be too cautious; it made her seem petty.

    She said, ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll eat at your ce and then go back to my apartment.¡±

    Bryan was pleased by this subtle progress. He masked his delight and gently grasped her wrist as they exited the elevator. The apartment was cloaked in darkness. As Bryan changed his shoes, he flicked on the light in the entryway and hung up his key.

    Beside his, hung the key Eileen had left. Eileen caught a glimpse of it but quickly looked away, stepping further inside.

    ¡°Cook. Let me know if there¡¯s anything specific you¡¯d like,¡± Bryan trailed behind, settling on the sofa and draping an arm behind her.

    Her guarded gaze prompted him to lean in and nt a kiss on her forehead.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have any particr cravings. You go ahead and cook,¡± Eileen replied, gently pushing him away.

    Bryan pressed his lips together, rose, and strode to the kitchen.

    He loosened two buttons of his shirt and rolled up his sleeves. After retrieving several ingredients from the refrigerator, he began preparing dinner.

    Eileen had been addressing a series of students¡¯ queries online. Within thirty minutes, the aroma of food permeated the room.

    Setting her phone aside, she rolled up her sleeves and made her way into the kitchen to help. Once the dishes wereid out on the table, everything was set for dinner.

    As Eileen took her seat, she noticed Bryan starting to unbutton his shirt, revealing his well-defined chest.

    ¡°Wait¡­ What are you doing?¡± she asked.

    ¡°The kitchen¡¯s greasy smell is too strong; I¡¯m going to take a shower now. You can start eating without me,¡± Bryan said, removing his shirtpletely. He was a vision of the V-shaped torso¡ªbroad shoulders tapering to a slim waist, his figure wless from every angle.

    Eileen found herself involuntarily watching him move until he loosened his belt and stepped out of his trousers at the bathroom door.

    Embarrassed, she quickly diverted her gaze, her ears blushing a deep red.

    She suspected he might be teasing her on purpose. Lowering her gaze, she focused on her thoughts drifting. Memories of countless nights shed through her mind. The defined lines of his muscles during those moments were vivid in her memory.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 256

    ?Chapter 256:

    Eileen bit Bryan¡¯s shoulder, seemingly releasing her frustration. Bryan emitted a muffled groan, the veins on his neck popping as a yful thought came to his mind.

    He toyed with her, dangling her just before she could climb.

    ¡°Are you doing this on purpose?¡± Eileen clenched her teeth in irritation and warned, ¡°I¡¯ll count to three, and if you don¡¯t stop doing this, I¡¯m putting on my pants and walking out!¡± Her voice was whiny, and though itcked real threat, her annoyance was evident. Finally, Bryan gave in.

    The room remained dim and charged with desire until the early morning light came in through the window.

    Eileen was lying on her stomach, her dark hair fanned out, her slender form contrasting with her fair skin.

    Bryan, feeling content, draped a light nket over her, his dark eyes brimming with deep affection.

    Ten minutester, Eileen¡¯s rm went off. Noticing her deep sleep and the fatigue etched on her delicate face, Bryan turned.

    He thought for a moment, then got dressed and sent a message to Milford, asking him to tell Bailee that Eileen was handling some work at home.

    Eileen always nned her schedule beforehand to remind herself of the next day¡¯s tasks.

    Her tasks included grading a few students¡¯ assignments and preparing some online course materials.

    Bryan looked at Eileen¡¯s previous course materials and, in under thirty minutes, he recorded the uing lesson as she had nned.

    Discover more content at ?¦Áln¦Ò¦Íe?s

    Bryan¡¯s productivity was exceptionally high. Not only did he finish Eileen¡¯s tasks while she rested, but he also attended to some work matters for Apex Group.

    By noon, Eileen was awakened by the sound of typing. She opened her eyes, saw Bryan working on hisptop by the window, and slightly furrowed her brow. ¡°I¡¯m hungry.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Bryan immediately closed hisptop and brought her the soup he had made, setting it on the bedside table.

    He then assisted her into a nightgown, helped her into the bathroom to freshen up, and brushed her long hair, moving around efficiently.

    After eating, Eileen remembered the work she needed to do. She believed she would have to work till the night to finish her tasks today.

    Yet, to her astonishment, Bryan hadpleted it for her. He had even done a bit of the work she had scheduled for the following day, sorting out some issues for Apex Group. ¡°I needed to clear them today so that I can go with you to the educational seminar tomorrow,¡± Bryan said, continuing his work, exining why he hadn¡¯t helped her finish her tasks for tomorrow.

    ¡°Then carry on with your work. I¡¯m going to join my mother for a walk downstairs,¡± Eileen said as she changed. After a moment, she added, ¡°On Saturday, I¡¯ll introduce you to her.¡±

    The room was bright with sunlight streaming in through the window. Bryan was sitting by the window, dressed in casual clothes.

    His expression had been serious, focusing on his work. But when he heard Eileen¡¯s words, he paused.

    He stood and approached Eileen, gently pulling her wrist to sit beside her on the bed.

    ¡°What does your mother like?¡± Bryan asked, indicating he wanted to prepare a gift thoughtfully. Eileen¡¯s heart warmed at his concern, and she said earnestly, ¡°She¡¯s easy-going. Don¡¯t worry too much; any thoughtful gift will do to show courtesy.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s advice only gave Bryan a wider range of gift options. ¡°There¡¯s no need to rush; tomorrow¡¯s only Friday, and Saturday is the day after. You¡¯ve got two days to think about it. I¡¯m leaving now.¡± Eileen left the decision with Bryan and went upstairs.

    After she departed, Bryan sat in contemtion for a long time, then called Raymond.

    ¡°What¡¯s appropriate as a gift when meeting someone¡¯s mother for the first time? Make a list for me,¡± he said to Raymond.

    Raymond hesitated for a while before replying, ¡°I¡¯ve never been in a rtionship or visited a potential mother-inw, so I¡¯m not sure what to bring. Perhaps¡­ you could ask your grandmother about this?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s meticulous nning suggested that this matter was rted to Eileen.

    ¡°You¡¯re not helping.¡± With that, Bryan ended the call. He thought for a moment before calling Ste¡­

    By Friday evening, a light drizzle had begun, covering the city in a misty rain.

    Just after four o¡¯clock, Bryan¡¯s car pulled up in front of the educational institution. Bailee and Eileen quickly got in. ¡°Mr. Dawson¡­¡± Bailee, who hadn¡¯t interacted much with Bryan before, was noticeably nervous.

    Bryan, not much for small talk, simply greeted her and said nothing else.

    His greeting felt distant, prompting Eileen to shift the topic. ¡°Let him concentrate on driving; the roads are slick. Let¡¯s go over the seminar material for tonight.¡±

    The trip was intended not just for listening but also for engaging in discussions on educational topics.

    It would definitely draw the interest of attending parents, offering a great opportunity to establish their reputation. After traveling for about an hour, the rain grew stronger. Bryan, a skilled driver, safely reached the venue with ten minutes to spare before the seminar.

    He pulled up at the hotel entrance, saying, ¡°You two go in. I¡¯ll join you after I park.¡±

    A bellhop approached with an umbre, and a few cool dropletsnded on Eileen¡¯s wrist.

    Eileen hurried out of the car and dashed into the hotel with Bailee, the rain slightly dampening a part of her outfit in the process.

    It wasn¡¯t a big deal, as Eileen and Bailee were dressed in dark uniforms. They entered the seminar room together. Unlike typical banquet halls, this venue resembled a university lecture room, with chairs neatly aligned and almost all upied. Eileen and Bailee found seats in a corner and took out theirptops to get ready for note-taking.

    The presenter, an elderly professor in his eighties with a full head of white hair, was still vigorous and passionately shared his extensive experience in education.

    From their seats at the back, the highest point in the room, Eileen looked down and recognized two familiar faces.

    It was Kian and Benjamin, observing the professor¡¯s lecture intently.

    When it was time for discussions, some parents jumped at the chance to learn more about effective parenting.

    Others from the educationalmunity took the opportunity to share their insights, hoping to catch some attention.

    ¡°Eileen, aren¡¯t you going to speak?¡± Bailee asked. The seminar was almost over, and Eileen hadn¡¯t made a move to speak. Bailee nudged Eileen gently.

    ¡°I got a bit distracted,¡± Eileen replied, then raised her hand. Soon, the professor invited her to speak.

    Though rtively new to the field, she excelled at swiftly and urately providing tailored solutions for different student needs.

    Her brief, five-minute speech caught the attention of many, prompting those in the front rows to turn around.

    Then, Bailee noticed Kian sitting in the front.

    She paused for a few seconds, her expression growing dark as sheined in a low voice, ¡°Why is he here? He can¡¯t possibly be looking to hire a tutor for his sister.¡±

    ¡°If his sister could receive tutoring, he¡¯d be thrilled,¡± Eileen replied.

    The hospital hadn¡¯t been able to help; how could a tutor make a difference?

    Despite her words, Eileen sensed something wasn¡¯t quite right. As the seminar wrapped up, Eileen swiftly gathered her belongings, using her location close to the exit to leave the hall quickly with Bailee.

    Outside, they spotted Bryan at the corridor¡¯s end, where a gentle night breeze drifted in through a partly open window.

    As they approached, Bryan stepped out and approached them. ¡°I¡¯ve secured two rooms on the top floor. With the rain intensifying, it¡¯s unlikely we can make it back tonight.¡± A section of the mountain road was at risk of copsing during heavy rains.

    Those attending the seminar found themselves staying at the hotel due to the weather, and Bryan had been too upied securing amodations to meet Eileen immediately after parking.

    By now, it was toote for many to find a room, including Kian. Eileen, hands in pockets, noted that Kian was among those booking rooms. Had he already left?

    Bryan¡¯s expression tightened, and after a pause, he said, ¡°Kian is investing in a new extracurricr educational institution.¡±

    Kian¡¯s presence here made sense, given his new business focus in the education sector. But his new focus implied he wasing for Eileen.

    ¡°He¡¯s annoying,¡± Bailee didn¡¯t hold back. ¡°Like a parasite, once attached, it won¡¯te off.¡±

    ¡°Right, talk about this in our room,¡± Eileen said.

    With the seminar crowd still dispersing, Eileen gestured to Bailee to dy their discussion to avoid unnecessary trouble. Bryan had arranged luxurious suites on the top floor, which were both elegant and cozy, with thick carpets that silenced their footsteps.

    ¡°Here¡¯s the room key.¡± Bryan reached into his pocket and offered the key card to Bailee.

    Eileen was quicker than Bailee, snatching the key card with narrowed eyes. ¡°Alright, please order two dinners for uster; we¡¯re heading to our room.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s hand paused in the air, his detached gaze following Eileen and Bailee as they entered their suite.

    After a while, he withdrew his hand and walked into the suite across from theirs.

    ¡°Eileen, you didn¡¯t have to share a suite with me,¡± Bailee chuckled as she recalled Eileen¡¯s dark expression when Eileen grabbed the key card from him.

    Eileen had already taken off her coat. ¡°You go freshen up first; I need to let Milford know I won¡¯t make it back tonight and also let him tell Mom about this.¡±

    Ruby was slowly getting back some independence, though her movements remained slow. Milford had be more manageable after shedding some of his rebellious streak.

    Eileen counted on him to take care of Ruby.

    Milford was quick to respond, even offering to cook for Ruby. Eileen, wary of potential mishaps or kitchen disasters, politely declined.

    With everything settled, a shout came from the bathroom.

    ¡°Eileen, there are no towels here!¡± Bailee eximed.

    ¡°What?¡± Eileen furrowed her brows. She looked around and found no towels. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. They must have just forgotten to put them here. I¡¯ll go find someone.¡±

    Leaving her coat behind, Eileen stepped out into the hallway, which was deserted. With the sudden influx of guests, the hotel staff was likely stretched thin, so Eileen decided to head downstairs.

    However, upon reaching the elevator, Eileen saw a woman dressed like a hotel employee emerge from the elevator wearing a mask and a hat. ¡°Hello, can I help you with anything?¡± the woman asked.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 257

    ?Chapter 257:

    ¡°Room 66B is out of bath towels. Could you bring two over?¡± Eileen requested, pausing in her tracks as she frowned.

    The staff member pulled out a key from her pocket and unlocked the nearby storage room. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m new here and still not sure where things are, and there¡¯s a lot to handle. Could you help me find the towels?¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen agreed and entered the storage room, her eyes scanning the shelves stocked with the hotel¡¯s supplies.

    She quickly found the towel section, walked over, and picked up two towels. She was about to leave when suddenly someone covered her nose and mouth from behind.

    The wet, white handkerchief with a sharp smell quickly made her consciousness fade.

    The staff member swiftly hid Eileen under the cleaning cart and draped a white cloth, concealing herpletely.

    She wheeled the cart out of the storage room, and just then, she ran into Bryan, who was just leaving his room.

    ¡°Could you bring up three dinners? Make them lightly vored with no beef,¡± Bryan said, noticing the staff member gripping the cleaning cart nervously. Only her eyes were visible, and she avoided making eye contact with him.

    Talking to Bryan, she said again with a frown, ¡°Yes, got it.¡±

    Then she pushed the cart toward the elevator.

    Bryan watched her leave, a sudden emptiness filling his chest, his heartbeat seeming to change.

    L?t??t ch¦Ápt?rs ¦Én g??lnov?l??.???m

    An inexplicable irritation kept him from going back to his room. Instead, he opened a window in the hallway to let in the fresh, rain-scented air to clear his head.

    After a while, the sudden difort made Bryan go to knock on Eileen¡¯s room door.

    In the underground parking lot, Benjamin stood beside the car, checking his watch asionally. ¡°Mr. Warren, who are we waiting for?¡± he asked.

    ¡°You¡¯ll see when they get here,¡± Kian answered from inside the car, the dim garage lights casting a glow that revealed half of his face.

    Benjamin frowned at the vague reply, waiting a few more minutes until he heard footsteps and the sound of a car rolling on the concrete floor.

    He then saw a female staff member rushing toward him. The staff member took off her hat and mask as she approached. ¡°Quick, get her out of here before we¡¯re spotted!¡± she urged.

    ¡°Megan?¡± Benjamin was surprised.

    Megan pulled back the white cloth to reveal Eileen, who was tied up.

    Benjamin¡¯s expression immediately darkened.

    Kian got out of the car, casually cing a hand in his pocket as he stood before Benjamin. ¡°Take her into the car and head up the mountain. There¡¯s a lodge nearby. I¡¯ve taken care of the arrangements.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Warren, what do you mean?¡± There was a challenging undertone in Benjamin¡¯s voice.

    ¡°What¡¯s unclear?¡± Kian raised an eyebrow. ¡°It¡¯s just as you suspect. She¡¯ll be unconscious for about eight hours. During that time, you can do as you please with her. Don¡¯t you have feelings for her? Or¡­ are you unwilling to do it?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s hair clung to her cheeks, the tips trailing along the curves of her body.

    Benjamin only dared a quick nce at her before averting his eyes, remaining silent.

    ¡°Are you even a man?¡± Megan mocked. ¡°She¡¯s practically been served to you on a tter. You¡¯d be aughingstock if you did nothing.¡±

    Benjamin felt torn.

    Yet, Kian¡¯s next words solidified his decision.

    ¡°If this is too much for you, it¡¯s no issue; I can find someone else to escort her up the mountain,¡± Kian said.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do it!¡± Benjamin quickly said. ¡°I¡¯ll take her up the mountain and stick to your n.¡±

    Kian let out a sinisterugh. He patted Benjamin on the shoulder with force. ¡°You understand my full intent, right? This is your only opportunity!¡±

    Benjamin nodded. ¡°Yes, I understand.¡±

    He then bent down to lift Eileen into the car, ced her gently in the backseat, and shut the door. Walking around to sit in the driver¡¯s seat, he started the car and drove off.

    His actions were swift, but only he knew the turmoil inside him.

    His hands shook on the steering wheel, and he could sense Kian¡¯s intense stare even through the car window.

    It took considerable effort for him to appear calm as he drove away.

    Amidst the heavy rain, the car moved slowly. Despite the windshield wipers, it was still hard to see the road ahead. But Kian had shown Benjamin the way several times in thest few days, and Benjamin knew the path well.

    The lodge that Kian had mentioned was only a ten-minute journey away, yet the trip was fraught with risks. Streams of rainwater poured down the mountainside, looking like there could be andslide at any moment.

    Benjamin wondered if Kian had ounted for two possibilities today: either Eileen would die on the road with him, or they would end up spending the night together. Benjamin couldn¡¯t predict what might happen.

    Thankfully, twenty minutester, he arrived at the lodge safely. Thendy was already there, umbre in hand, ready to help him bring Eileen inside.

    ¡°Pleasee this way. The room¡¯s upstairs. Be careful,¡± thendy said, closing her umbre and leading the way to the second floor.

    Benjamin¡¯s steps were heavy; he unconsciously avoided looking at Eileen.

    ¡°Everything you need is in the room,¡± thendy said, nodding towards the condoms on the nightstand with a knowing smile. She looked at Eileen lying on the bed and said, ¡°She¡¯s quite beautiful; you have good taste!¡±

    ¡°You can leave now,¡± Benjamin muttered.

    Still smiling, thendy picked up a garment bag from a chair and said, ¡°Mr. Warren asked you to change her into these clothes, and I¡¯ll take the old ones awayter.¡±

    ¡°Leave now,¡± Benjamin¡¯s voice hardened.

    Seeing this, thendy left the room.

    Once the door shut, Benjamin went over to Eileen and gently patted her cheek.

    ¡°Eileen, wake up!¡± he said.

    Yet, Eileen justy there unresponsive.

    ¡°Damn it!¡± Benjamin cursed, realizing now that Kian¡¯s motive for attending the educational seminar was to target Eileen. The real shocker was that all this had been hidden from him, clearly showing that Kian didn¡¯t trust him regarding matters about Eileen.

    Benjamin loosened his tie, sat on the bed¡¯s edge, and buried his hands in his hair, wrestling with an intense internal conflict. He was in a dilemma.

    His future depended on Kian, and whether he would remain employed by Kian hinged on the oue of tonight. But,

    After a long while, Benjamin¡¯s phone buzzed with a message from Kian.

    The message was cruel and direct.

    ¡°If tonight goes well, your sry will be doubled. Plus, you¡¯ll receive a percent share of thepany¡¯s annual profits.¡± It was a tempting offer.

    Benjamin¡¯s gaze gradually became firm. He threw his phone aside, stood up, and picked up the garment bag that contained a silky spaghetti-strap nightgown.

    Bryan knocked on the door several times before it was opened. ¡°Eileen, did you forget to bring¡ª¡± Bailee assumed Eileen hade back for the towels but had forgotten her room key, so she had thrown on a nightgown and opened the door.

    Her hair was still wet and messy.

    Yet, upon seeing Bryan at the door, she was shocked and quickly stepped back.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Eileen?¡± Bryan asked, his worry deepening.

    ¡°Your room didn¡¯t have any towels, and Eileen said she would go and get some,¡± Bailee replied. Then she added, ¡°She probably went down to the front desk.¡±

    After hearing that, Bryan quickly made his way downstairs, his figure briskly moving past the window.

    He noticed a car speeding out into the heavy rain, but the intense downpour made it impossible for him to identify the vehicle.

    The hotel lobby was chaotic, filled with guests arguing over room bookings and others, left without rooms, lounging on the sofas in the waiting area.

    The staff members were overwhelmed.

    Bryan stepped out of the elevator and navigated through the crowd to the front desk. ¡°Excuse me, did someone from room 668e down for bath towels?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± the receptionist answered promptly. She then began to exin, ¡°Our hotel equips every room with towels and toothbrushes. We don¡¯t typically have shortages, and we handle amodations based on¡­¡±

    Before the receptionist could finish, Bryan¡¯s face darkened. ¡°What about your security cameras?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Sorry, but the cameras aren¡¯t working right now because of the storm. Is there a problem?¡± Sensing the urgency, the receptionist said, ¡°I¡¯ll call the manager over.¡±

    But Bryan didn¡¯t wait. He rushed to the underground parking lot, got into his car, and drove off into the rain, following the car that had just left.

    Bailee also felt that something was amiss. Ignoring her damp hair, she quickly changed clothes and ran downstairs, only to encounter murmurs from the crowd.

    ¡°Who in their right mind would rush out in this kind of weather?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, he is too young to risk his life like that!¡±

    ¡°So reckless, he¡¯ll regret it if something goes wrong.¡±

    Through the lobby¡¯s floor-to-ceiling windows, Bailee could see that the car speeding away was Bryan¡¯s.

    Her heart sank, and she hurried to the desk, asking, ¡°Did you see the other guest from room 668? Where did she go? And why did that man just leave?¡±

    The receptionist was bewildered. ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t understand all that. The man just drove off. With a storm like this, it¡¯s dangerous. If you know him, you should call him toe back!¡± But Bailee didn¡¯t have Bryan¡¯s number. Suddenly recalling something, Bailee dashed back to her room and used Eileen¡¯s phone to call Bryan.

    The call connected quickly, and she said, ¡°Bryan, it¡¯s Bailee. Where¡¯s Eileen? And where are you going?¡±

    ¡°Eileen didn¡¯te to the front desk for towels. I think something happened to her,¡± Bryan responded, his fingertips whitening as he clutched his phone.

    Bailee¡¯s heart pounded as she tried to remainposed. ¡°What should I do?¡± she asked.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 258

    ?Chapter 258:

    Bryan told Bailee, ¡°Request the hotel staff to scour the premises for any clues and verify if all employees are on duty.¡± After ending the call with Bailee, Bryan called Raymond to ensure the hotel staff would assist Bailee.

    Soon, the hotel manager appeared in the lobby and shouted, ¡°Excuse me, which one of you is Bailee Brooks?¡±

    A startled Bailee quickly responded, ¡°Me.¡±

    Following Bryan¡¯s instructions, Bailee had the entire hotel staff assemble in the lobby.

    Once everyone was there, the manager reported to Bailee, ¡°Indeed, there is a new employee who is not here.¡±

    Bailee, anxious, inquired, ¡°What¡¯s her name?¡±

    ¡°Megan Beckett,¡± the manager replied.

    Bailee felt a wave of panic. Before she couldpose herself, the hotel¡¯s security team reported finding a clue in the underground parking area.

    ¡°This USB drive was discovered in the underground parking lot.¡± The manager took the USB drive from the security team and handed it to Bailee. ¡°Ms. Brooks, can you confirm if this is your sister¡¯s USB drive?¡±

    Bailee, recognizing the USB, nodded. She recalled how, after the seminar, they had realized the USB had not been packed and that Eileen had simply pocketed it.

    The discovery of the USB in the underground parking lot confirmed Eileen had been there.

    rmed, Bailee quickly used Eileen¡¯s phone to call Bryan.

    Let your imagination soar with g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s£®?¦Ï??

    After briefing Bryan on the situation, her voice shook with emotion. ¡°Bryan, nothing bad will happen to my sister, right? You¡¯ll find her and bring her back, won¡¯t you?¡±

    The storm¡¯s fury lit up the hotel, mirrored in her eyes¡ªevery worry and tear painfully evident. Bryan, caught in the tempest, reassured her despite his prospects. ¡°I will,¡± he said. Visibility was abysmal on Bryan¡¯s side, a single wrong move threatening to send his car spiraling into an unseen chasm.

    The heavy downpour had erased any traces on the road, yet it was undeniable that the car Ewan had seen was carrying Eileen. It had left the hotel.

    Bryan was not sure how long he would need to drive on this dangerous road.

    Bailee¡¯s voice was tinged with worry as she spoke to Bryan. ¡°Be cautious, and return safely. I await your good news.¡±

    Regaining herposure after ending the call, Bailee dered, ¡°Megan endangered my sister¡¯s safety. With this storm sealing her in the hotel, finding her is crucial. We need to confront her once my sister and her boyfriend return.¡±

    The hotel manager, aware that Bryan was Bailee¡¯s partner, promptly directed the staff to search every room without dy.

    Meanwhile, Megan, now changed out of her uniform, sought refuge in a room.

    The relentless rain drumming against the window pane heightened her fear of what could happen to Benjamin and Eileen. She said, ¡°Could the storm cause an ident? I think I saw a car go out just now; Bryan must have discovered something!¡±

    Kian, rxed by the window with wine in hand, responded indifferently, ¡°It¡¯s toote for Bryan to do anything anyway. Benjamin has been at the lodge for half an hour already; what¡¯s done is done.¡±

    Hearing this, Megan quickly approached Kian. ¡°Really? Kian, you promised me that if I managed this task, you¡¯d invest in my family and not make me marry that old man. You will keep your word, right?¡±

    Kian replied, ¡°Of course. Even without this, your family is connected to mine; I can help anyway.¡±

    Megan exhaled, relieved. A smug smile crossed her face. Her family¡¯s crisis was solved, and she had sessfully harmed Eileen. The deal was a sess, leaving her puzzled about why Stuart had declined it.

    A chilling cold awakened Eileen. As she regained consciousness, she found herself in an ice-cold bath, her body gradually slipping beneath the surface.

    As her head submerged underwater, water started to fill her mouth and nose.

    ¡°Eileen!¡± Benjamin entered hastily and pulled her out of the chilling grasp of the water.

    The sounds of sshing water echoed over the storm outside as he lifted her from the bathtub.

    Clutching Benjamin, Eileen gasped for air, her coughs violent from the water she had swallowed, her face turning slightly red.

    Benjamin led her out of the bathroom, patting her back gently.

    ¡°Sit here for a moment. I¡¯ll get you some warm water,¡± he said. Soon after, a cup of warm water was offered to Eileen, who hadposed herself.

    Eileen¡¯s memory snapped back, recalling how she had ended up unconscious in the hotel¡¯s storage room. She didn¡¯t know what had happened after that.

    The room she was in now didn¡¯t resemble the hotel, and she found herself wearing a barely-there spaghetti strap nightgown. Luckily, she was covered by a white bathrobe outside the nightgown. The bathrobe was already wet, making her feel cold. But she could feel that something bad had happened. She asked, ¡°Why am I here? Did you bring me here?¡±

    Benjamin, noticing she hadn¡¯t touched the water he had offered, ced it in a nearby cab.

    ¡°Megan handed you over to Warren, and Mr. Warren ordered me to bring you here,¡± Benjamin exined. ¡°You should understand his intentions by now¡ªit¡¯s a test to see if Bryan truly trusts you.¡±

    The scenario lookedpromising¡ªEileen disheveled, Benjamin in a bathrobe. The scene could easily spark the wrong ideas.

    Benjamin continued, ¡°Thendy changed your clothes, and your old ones are gone. Don¡¯t worry. Aside from moving you from the car to this room and carrying you to the tub to hasten your awakening with cold water, I¡¯ve done nothing more.¡±

    Benjamin¡¯s restraint was thest vestige of his kindness. He had done everything else Kian had told him to do.

    Eileen felt aplex mix of emotions toward Benjamin now. She didn¡¯t feel grateful to him, but she didn¡¯t despise him either.

    She took the ss of warm water, drinking it swiftly, but it did little to warm her.

    ¡°Anyway, I should still thank you. Could I possibly use your phone?¡± she asked Benjamin.

    Eileen believed that Bailee and Bryan must be worried sick, especially considering the storm outside. Bryan would probably go out to find her.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Benjamin replied, handing her the phone and then positioning himself by the window, his gaze fixed on the storm outside.

    Outside the window, only a faintly visible road stretched ahead, its distance marked by approaching lights.

    Eileen held the phone in silence, contemting for a while before deciding to send her location to Bryan via text, saying nothing else.

    Despite not knowing if Bryan was aware it was Benjamin¡¯s number, the location alone would be enough for Bryan to make his way here. After she had sent the message, Eileen handed the phone back to Benjamin.

    Benjamin, looking puzzled about her message to Bryan, asked, ¡°Just the location? Maybe you should have asked for someone to bring you some clothes first.¡±

    It would be hard for anyone to believe nothing had happened between them considering their current state. ¡°There¡¯s no need for that,¡± Eileen replied sinctly.

    Kian had likely arranged everything here, and Eileen believed no one would be able to bring her clothes.

    With the storm raging outside, any dy would be risky.

    Besides, after spending this much time alone with Benjamin, changing her attire wouldn¡¯t alter the suspicions of those inclined to distrust.

    Suddenly, Benjamin pointed outside, ¡°He¡¯s here.¡±

    A car had pulled up. The door swung open, and a dark figure emerged, sprinting through the downpour straight into the hotel. Just a few steps in the rain were enough to soak Bryan¡¯s shirt and dampen his hair.

    He entered with an icy demeanor, his presence chilling the room more than the autumnal night air outside.

    Thendy, caught off guard, stuttered, ¡°Sir, can I help you with anything?¡±

    ¡°Where is she?¡± Bryan asked, his eyes sharp.

    Thendy understood something and quickly stood up to lead Bryan upstairs. ¡°Please calm down, sir. I¡¯ll take you up there. The woman inside is your wife, right? She came here with a man, and it¡¯s been quite a while. Whatever was going to happen has likely already urred. Please, there¡¯s no need for violence; it would disrupt my business.¡±

    Her words sounded like she was trying to calm Bryan when, in fact, she was actually trying to make him angrier.

    Without knocking, she unlocked the door with her key card and stepped aside to let Bryan enter.

    Bryan could see Benjamin standing near the window inside.

    Bryan¡¯s hand tightened into a fist at his side. In a swift motion, he was at Benjamin¡¯s side, his fist connecting sharply with Benjamin¡¯s face again and again.

    Eileen¡¯s voice cracked through the tension as she emerged from a corner, clutching at Bryan¡¯s arm desperately, trying to stop him.

    ¡°He didn¡¯t harm me! Please, you¡¯re going to kill him if you don¡¯t stop!¡± Eileen eximed.

    Despite Eileen¡¯s pleas, Bryan continued punching Benjamin relentlessly.

    Did Bryan not trust her?

    Eileen, struggling to hold Bryan back, cried out. A tear fell on the back of Bryan¡¯s hand.

    Bryan paused, released Benjamin, and turned to Eileen. Seeing her red eyes, he pulled her into a protective embrace.

    Noticing that she was soaked, Bryan quickly removed his coat to cover her, embracing her tightly, wishing he could merge her into his warmth.

    ¡°I know. I hit him to make things easier for him to deal with Kian, not out of anger,¡± Bryan said.

    His warmth enveloped Eileen, heating her chilled body. He then released her, scanning her carefully from head to toe to ensure she was unharmed. The warmth in his eyes faded into a stern chill.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Dawson.¡± Benjamin, bruised but not severely injured, watched them.

    He had previously given Bryan crucial information about Jonathan, which spared him from Bryan¡¯s wrath.

    Bryan understood that if it hadn¡¯t been for Benjamin¡¯s involvement, it might have been someone else, and Eileen might not have been this fortunate.

    Resolute, Bryan dered, ¡°Let¡¯s leave. We¡¯ll sort this out properly and hold the right people ountable.¡± Holding Eileen¡¯s wrist gently yet firmly, he guided her out of this ce.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 259

    ?Chapter 259:

    As the rain lightened, the journey became significantly safer. The car moved under forty miles an hour, the heater working efficiently. Perhaps the warmth had caused Eileen to gradually feel her difort. The remnants of the drug that had knocked her out were still in effect. The warmer she got, the colder her clothing felt. She leaned back in the passenger seat, curling up and ncing at the man beside her. ¡°I¡¯ve been missing for so long, dressed like this. How can you still believe nothing has happened?¡± Her voice was soft yet distinct in the quiet of the car. Bryan kept his eyes on the road and responded firmly, ¡°If something had really happened, you¡¯d be looking at a corpse.¡± His entire focus was on Eileen¡¯s safety.

    He feared that dy might lead to something irreversible happening, making Eileen unable to stand herself. He knew Eileen well. Feeling somewhat frail, Eileen closed her eyes to rest.

    Though it was the wee hours, the hotel was brightly lit, and the guests who had checked in were gathered in the lobby. Megan was nowhere to be found in the hotel except in Kian¡¯s room, which the hotel manager hesitated to enter.

    ¡°Which room is Kian in?¡± Bailee asked. ¡°If you¡¯re too scared to barge in, I¡¯ll do it.¡±

    The manager was visibly shaken and reluctant to get involved. ¡°Ms. Brooks, please, calm down. Didn¡¯t Mr. Dawson just call to say he found your sister? Why don¡¯t we wait for Mr. Dawson to return, alright?¡± The information from hotel guests was confidential. He could inform Bryan because of Bryan¡¯s high status, but¡­ he couldn¡¯t tell Bailee this. If he told Bailee and Kian sought someone to me, how could he justify his actions then?

    Bailee instantly understood the manager¡¯s hesitation. ¡°Are you aware that I¡¯m acting on Mr. Dawson¡¯s behalf right now? If Megan or Kian gets away, do you think you won¡¯t be held ountable?¡±

    The manager felt resigned. He pondered briefly before making a quick decision. ¡°I can only give you Mr. Warren¡¯s room number; I won¡¯t apany you upstairs.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Bailee was not stupid. She knew better than to barge in recklessly, especially since she was no match for Kian in a fight. Her role was simply to block the door and wait for Bryan to return with Eileen. She grabbed the room card for Kian¡¯s room and headed straight to the fifth floor, picking up a broom on the way.

    ????t£å??t ???????????????? ???? g¦Álnovels.£ã¦Ïm

    Upon reaching Kian¡¯s room, she used the broom to block the door from the outside. When Megan noticed the rain had eased and tried to escape, she found the door wouldn¡¯t budge. Panic set in. She said anxiously, ¡°Kian, Bryan must have found out something! If he gets angry, you have to help me!¡±

    Kian didn¡¯t care. Since he had no ns to leave, he figured the door would eventually be opened from the outside. ¡°Just calm down. Stay here and stop talking,¡± he said, a bit sleepily, wondering what Bryan was doing now. Were Bryan and Eileen arguing? Would they break up?

    After taking Eileen back to the hotel, Bryan helped her into her room for a hot shower and changed her into dry clothes. Then, he felt ready to handle other matters. ¡°I¡¯m going downstairs to see Kian. Do you want to rest here ore with me?¡± he asked Eileen.

    ¡°I¡¯lle with you.¡± Eileen didn¡¯t feel sleepy at all. She put on a coat and followed Bryan to the fifth floor.

    In the hallway, Bailee had procured a chair and was sitting by the door to Kian¡¯s room. Seeing Eileen and Bryan emerge from the elevator, Bailee quickly got up and rushed over to Eileen. She embraced Eileen tightly, tears streaming down her face. ¡°Eileen, I was terrified! It¡¯s pouring outside. All I could think about were those horror movies where the viins hide the bodies in the wilderness,¡± she said.

    Her biggest fear was Kian losing control and asking someone to harm Eileen. She didn¡¯t care about anything else as long as Eileen was safe.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say such things.¡± Bryan found Bailee¡¯s words overwhelming. With a dazed expression, he asked, ¡°Where are they?¡±

    Bailee quickly wiped away her tears, pointed to the door she had barricaded, and said, ¡°That¡¯s Kian¡¯s room. We¡¯ve looked in the hotel and can¡¯t find her. I think she¡¯s hiding in there!¡± Then, she turned back to the door and tried to take the broom off the handle.

    ¡°Wait!¡± Bryan abruptly stopped her. He gazed at the door sternly for a moment before turning to Eileen. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. You should get some rest. Leave this to me.¡±

    Noticing that he was about to let go of her, Eileen quickly said, ¡°Be smart about this. At least don¡¯t kill anyone.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Killing him is too lenient; make him wish he was dead,¡± Bryan said.

    After hearing Bryan¡¯s repeated reassurances, Eileen and Bailee headed back to their room. Bailee said, ¡°Eileen, the moment Bryan discovered you had gone missing, he rushed out into the storm to find you. He said he was risking his life.¡± At the time, Bryan had only suspected something was amiss with the car that had left in the downpour, but he hadn¡¯t been certain.

    He had been risking his life to go out in the rain, knowing his dy could mean greater danger for Eileen. Bailee recounted everything that had happened and how they had searched the entire hotel under Bryan¡¯s instructions.

    On her way back, Eileen had seen the road¡¯s condition. The entire setting looked perilous. Despite the harsh weather, Bryan hadn¡¯t wasted a second to go out to find her. Thinking of this, Eileen pressed her lips together tightly, feeling an indescribable swirl of emotions.

    ¡°Eileen, what happened on your side? They took you away¡­ Did they hurt you?¡± Bailee asked. Seeing that Eileen had changed her clothes, Bailee could guess what Kian had wanted to do.

    Eileen met Bailee¡¯s concerned look, realizing Bailee had deduced something from her change of clothes. She said, ¡°Kian handed me over to Benjamin, but Benjamin didn¡¯t actually do anything to me. He just made things look like he had done what Kian had asked him to.¡±

    As soon as Eileen finished speaking, Bailee grasped her hand urgently and asked, ¡°Does my brother-inw believe you?¡±

    ¡°Your brother-inw?¡± Eileen was confused. It wasn¡¯t the first time Bailee had referred to Bryan that way.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Bailee said firmly. ¡°I decided to address Bryan that way earlier.¡±

    Eileen paused for a moment, choosing not to correct Bailee, and said, ¡°He believes me.¡±

    Hearing that, Bailee felt convinced of Bryan¡¯s deep love for Eileen. Shortly after, Eileen got a text from Bryan instructing her to rest and wake up early the next day for what he called a good show. The hotel settled into silence. The morning after the rainfall felt eerily calm, allowing Eileen a moment of reflection.

    It seemed as if nothing had happened the previous night, yet Eileen knew precisely what had transpired.

    ¡°Eileen, get up. Didn¡¯t you mention there was a good show today?¡± Bailee was up early and had already changed, buzzing with excitement. She was eager to see how Bryan had dealt with Kian.

    Eileen might have caught a cold from the previous day¡¯s events, which gave her a headache, but she didn¡¯t want to dampen the mood. She swiftly freshened up and left the room with Bailee. Outside, Raymond was waiting for them. As they appeared, he greeted them with a smile.

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Eileen nced towards Bryan¡¯s room and inquired, ¡°Where¡¯s Bryan?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Dawson went to the fifth floor. He specifically asked me to wait here until you were up and to escort you downstairs.¡± After a pause, Raymond added, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Bailee leaned in and whispered to Eileen excitedly, ¡°Do you think Bryan has crippled Kian? Or did he actually kill Kian?¡±

    Eileen, feeling amused, gently scolded, ¡°Don¡¯t say such things. Bryan knows what he¡¯s doing and wouldn¡¯t act uwfully.¡± As they entered the elevator, Raymond pressed the button for the fifth floor. Hearing Bailee¡¯s spection, he chuckled and said, ¡°Ms. Brooks, perhaps you don¡¯t realize it, but for someone caught by Mr. Dawson, death might indeed be a mercy. Mr. Dawson¡¯s methods aren¡¯t simple and cruel.¡±

    Not cruel? If it was worse than death, how could it not be cruel? Eileen pondered this, aware that no one could endure Bryan¡¯s cruelty. On the fifth floor, as soon as the elevator doors slid open, Eileen and the others were met with a crowded corridor. Reporters were scrambling to position themselves at the entrance to Kian¡¯s room.

    In a corner of the corridor, Bryan stood smoking, observing the chaos with detachment. When he saw Raymond and Eileen approach, he extinguished his cigarette, pulled out a room card from his pocket, and handed it to Raymond. ¡°It¡¯s time to open the door,¡± he said.

    Raymond took the room card and said excitedly, ¡°Okay!¡± He then approached the reporters, raised the room card in his hand, and said, ¡°Everyone, the scandal you¡¯ve been waiting for is about to be unveiled! Please step aside! Opening the door now!¡± The reporters quickly cleared a path.

    After opening the door, Raymond tried to leave but found himself pushed into the room by the surging crowd of reporters. The room was a mess, with men¡¯s and women¡¯s clothing scattered all over the floor. The bedroom door was wide open. A man and a womany naked and unconscious on the bed, oblivious to themotion around them.

    ¡°Oh my God! Isn¡¯t that Mr. Warren and Miss Beckett?¡±

    ¡°What are they doing? Didn¡¯t the Beckett family just announce Miss Beckett¡¯s engagement to a president?¡±

    ¡°Is Miss Beckett avoiding marriage to that man by being here with Mr. Warren?¡±

    The group of reporters gathered together and took photos, discussing the scene before them. As Eileen overheard their chatter, she turned to Bryan in disbelief.

    ¡°Did you drug them?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Just a mild sedative to make them sleep,¡± Bryan replied. After his exnation, he signaled Raymond, who had just emerged from the crowd of reporters.

    Raymond quickly understood what Bryan meant. He turned his head and shouted to the crowd, ¡°Has everyone forgotten? Mr. Warren and Miss Beckett are cousins!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 260

    ?Chapter 260:

    The reporters were all focused on the Beckett family¡¯s announcement of an engagement, and now, they unexpectedly found Megan in bed with Kian.

    The Beckett family and the Warren family were not publicly known to be close, so the reporters had almost forgotten that Kian and Megan were rted.

    Realizing this, the reporters were buzzing with shock as they snapped more photos.

    ¡°Could this actually be incest? In today¡¯s world, no matter how fond you are of certain lines, some just shouldn¡¯t be crossed!¡± One reporter remarked. ¡°I really don¡¯t understand what Mr. Warren is thinking; Megan doesn¡¯t seem that attractive in my eyes.¡±

    The relentless sound of cameras and the ongoing chatter eventually roused Kian.

    He woke up to realize he was naked, with the room swarming with people.

    He instinctively pulled the nket, only to identally reveal Megan¡¯s naked body more.

    The media collectively gasped and turned away, deeming it inappropriate, yet their cameras continued to click with even greater fervor.

    ¡°Mr. Warren, how long have you and Megan been involved?¡±

    ¡°Do your parents know about this?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think this defiesmon decency?¡±

    ¡°Are you nning to get married, or is this arrangement permanent?¡±

    Explore the world of fiction at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Kian¡¯s mind was clouded, haunted by the unsettling memory of passing out unexpectedly the night before. An ominous feeling gripped him.

    He nced at the woman beside him, exposed by his inadvertent tug of the nket.

    ¡°Fuck off,¡± he cursed, realizing the gravity of what had happened. In a surge of anger, he kicked Megan off the bed.

    Megany sprawled in a humiliating position.

    The reporters, repulsed, averted their gazes, snapping only a few obligatory photos before redirecting their focus to Kian.

    Questions bombarded Kian like a hail of bullets. Kian¡¯s expression darkened with fury. He wanted to escape, but he didn¡¯t have any clothes.

    ¡°Get out, all of you! If you dare to report nonsense, you are going against the Warren family!¡± he roared, his friendly facade shattered as he hurled a pillow at the reporters.

    His attempt didn¡¯t deter them, but it did awaken Megan. Suddenly aware of her nakedness in front of so many people, she screamed and hurried back to the bed.

    Grabbing a corner of the nket, Megan slipped under it, only to discover another naked person there. The reporters were all stunned.

    Kian glowered at the figure who was now kneeling between his legs.

    Megan knelt on the bed, looking at what was before her.

    Her scream pierced the air once more.

    ¡°Enough!¡± Raymond stepped in front of the reporters. ¡°If the Warren family arrives, I doubt you¡¯ll want to leave. Why not go back and concoct a romantic tale about Mr. Warren and Miss Beckett now?¡±

    The reporters had taken the photos they needed, and seeing Kian like that, they knew he wouldn¡¯t tell them the truth about him and Megan.

    They quickly dispersed, muttering among themselves about crafting their narratives.

    ¡°Come back here!¡± Kian shouted, hurling a bottle of water at the door.

    But Raymond was swift to shut the door, intercepting the bottle. He then respectfully turned to Bryan. ¡°Mr. Dawson, everything has been dealt with. What should we do next?¡±

    ¡°Do you feel pleased now?¡± Bryan asked Eileen, implying that the day¡¯s turmoil had been staged for her benefit.

    His resentment toward Kian lingered. He would find a chance to vent itter.

    Eileen, who was staring at the door, paused, still absorbing the drama that had just unfolded.

    ¡°Did they actually sleep with each other?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Did they?¡± Bryan turned the question to Raymond. Yesterday, Raymond had been the one to escort the people dealing with Kian and Megan after they had passed out. Raymond quickly shook his head. ¡°The drugs only knocked them out; they didn¡¯t do anything. But no one would believe that.¡±

    ¡°Well done,¡± Bryan praised. He then paused before suggesting, ¡°You should get your eyes checked at the hospital after seeing them naked; thepany will cover the cost.¡±

    Raymond hesitated. ¡°I actually had someone else undress them.¡±

    ¡°Send whoever did it to the hospital then and give them a bonus for the inconvenience,¡± Bryan instructed. He turned to Eileen. ¡°Are you feeling satisfied now? If not, feel free to do whatever else you deem necessary.¡±

    ¡°I am,¡± Eileen replied, feeling she had gotten her revenge.

    Kian and Megan would face the consequences they deserved. Eileen wondered if Kian would face anysting effects from this encounter with Megan.

    ¡°Let¡¯s leave then.¡± Bryan¡¯s lips curled into a slight smile, his eyes warm with affection. ¡°Grandmother just called. She has prepared some gifts for when we visit your mom. We should head back.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re going to meet my mom?¡± Bailee asked, a note of surprise in her voice.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Bryan inquired, responding to her astonishment. ¡°Isn¡¯t it about time?¡±

    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s just¡­ the idea of you meeting my mom really excites me!¡± Bailee was anxious, aware of the vast difference in their social standings.

    Eileen chuckled and released Bryan¡¯s hand. ¡°I¡¯ll go with Bailee to get our things together. Let¡¯s meet up at the hotel entrance.¡± Bryan paused for a moment before grabbing Eileen¡¯s hand once more. ¡°No, from now on, I can¡¯t let you out of my sight, not even for a minute.¡±

    As they stepped into the elevator, Bryan wouldn¡¯t let go of Eileen¡¯s hand,pelling her to apany him to gather his belongings.

    Afterward, she went to pack her own items. With one hand upied by packing and the other held firmly by Bryan, Eileen felt quite hindered.

    Noticing her struggle, Bailee hurried over to lend a hand. ¡°Eileen, let me help you pack. You guys can leave without me, and I can catch a ride back with Raymondter.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll all head back together. Raymond has his own work to handle,¡± Eileen replied, trying unsessfully to wriggle free from Bryan¡¯s grasp.

    She stomped on his foot with force, causing Bryan¡¯s expression to turn into a frown, yet he held on.

    It wasn¡¯t until his phone buzzed that he finally released her hand, saying, ¡°Five minutes. Make it quick.¡±

    He then strode toward the door to take the call.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, the Warren family has sent clothes for Kian, but Megan is still in the suite,¡± Raymond reported. He had been keeping an eye on the situation with Kian and Megan.

    The Warren family would naturally help Kian.

    However, Megan had fled from the Beckett family, and her parents were still searching for her.

    Getting in touch with her family would mean being coerced into marrying that old man, so Megan stayed in the suite, uncertain of her next move.

    ¡°The Warren family is bound to try to squash the story,¡± Raymond pointed out.

    Raymond knew the journalists were itching to cover such a juicy scandal. But if the Warren family took decisive measures, the press wouldn¡¯t dare to challenge them openly.

    ¡°What¡¯s their fear? Just report against them!¡± Bryan asserted with confidence.

    Raymond, spurred by Bryan¡¯s assertive tone, felt a surge of determination. ¡°I know what to do now!¡± he eximed.

    ¡°Do it boldly. If the reporters are hesitant, just purchase the photos from them.¡± Bryan was determined to leave Kian with no escape routes.

    There was no need for Bryan to manipte anything secretly. He intended to publicly dere his opposition to the Warren family.

    After the call, Raymond immediately began to manage the situation.

    Once she finished packing, Eileen met up with Bryan.

    An hourter, their car pulled up beside a small truck loaded with a variety of valuable gifts.

    Eileen noticed this and turned to Bryan, saying, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me these are the gifts you bought for my mom.¡±

    Bryan was a bit awkward; he had earlier called Ste to coordinate their uing visit to Eileen¡¯s mother.

    Ste had assured him confidently, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll ensure everything is set perfectly.¡±

    Bailee, understanding the situation, gasped.

    ¡°Why did you take so long to return?¡± Ste emerged from the luxury car that was parked in front of the truck, her patience wearing thin from waiting so long.

    Rubbing her back as she walked over, she rolled her eyes at Bryan. ¡°Isn¡¯t itmon courtesy to visit earlier? Who shows up right at mealtime? Are you here expecting to be fed?¡±

    ¡°We were held up by some issues,¡± Bryan exined, his eyes filled with subtle worry, conceding that his manner was indeed improper.

    ¡°It¡¯s still early, and besides, any dy¡­¡±

    ¡°Eileen and I can leave without you, and I can catch a ride back with Raymondter,¡± Eileen said.

    Earlier, Eileen had sent a message to Ruby before they headed back, mentioning someone would be along and that they might bete.

    Ruby had beenpletely understanding and had even told her not to rush, stressing that safety came first.

    This seemed to lighten Ste¡¯s spirits significantly. ¡°Well, that¡¯s a relief. Let¡¯s meet up together,¡± she said.

    ¡°Wait,¡± Eileen paused, puzzled. ¡°You¡¯reing with us?¡±

    She had assumed Ste was just there to watch over the valuable items in the truck.

    To her astonishment, Ste intended to join them upstairs. Eileen frowned and said, ¡°That¡¯s really not appropriate. You¡¯re the elder here; it should be my mother visiting you.¡±

    ¡°Why adhere to such formalities? We¡¯re family now. When will your mother be well enough to visit me? I can¡¯t wait that long. Today, I want to discuss the details of your marriage with her,¡± Ste said.

    Ste had clearly thought this through. Eileen and Bryan¡¯s wedding could wait until Ruby waspletely well, but everything else needed to be decided now.

    Eileen, familiar with Ste¡¯s resolute nature, realized arguing was futile and resignedly agreed.

    ¡°Is this your sister?¡± Ste then shifted her focus to Bailee.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 261

    ?Chapter 261:

    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to finally meet you,¡± Bailee said, pleasantly surprised by Ste¡¯s warm demeanor. With one hand holding Eileen and the other guiding Bailee, Ste led the trio into the building. Theirughter and lively conversation filled the air, instantly easing Bailee¡¯s initial jitters. The three-bedroom apartment greeted them with spaciousness and impable cleanliness. Yet, as the room filled with people and gifts, the cozy ambiance quickly turned bustling.

    Since the moment the door swung open, Ruby had been in a state of awe. ¡°Mom, this is Bryan Dawson. Remember him?¡± Eileen introduced Bryan to Ruby once they settled on the couch. Ruby hesitated briefly before nodding. ¡°Ah, yes, from the elevator. I¡¯ve seen him there.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s encounter with Ruby had been confined to that brief elevator ride. ¡°Nice to meet you,¡± Bryan said, his posture stiffening as he got up, his serious expression indicating he was nervous.

    Eileen then swiftly introduced Ste to Ruby, ¡°This is Bryan¡¯s grandmother.¡± Ruby¡¯s reaction caught Eileen off guard; she had assumed her mother understood the implications of her words about bringing someone home. Yet, Ruby seemed bewildered, as if not understanding the situation. ¡°Ste¡­ It¡¯s a pleasure,¡± Ruby said, her effort to speak palpable.

    Ste, sensing Ruby¡¯s difficulty speaking, opted for a gentle exchange of greetings, not wanting to rush her. ¡°Hello. Bryan has no parents, so I¡¯m here to handle their matters with you,¡± Ste said.

    No parents. Eileen¡¯s mouth twitched slightly, a pang of realization hitting her. Ste seemed to have overlooked her own son entirely.

    ¡°Excuse me for a moment,¡± Ruby said before she steadied herself on a walker and rose. ¡°Come.¡± Ruby navigated past the gifts, heading toward her bedroom with deliberate steps.

    Read it all on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°I apologize, Mrs. Dawson. My mother may not be very talkative due to her health. I¡¯ll go check on her,¡± Eileen exined to Ste, her attention momentarily caught by Bryan¡¯s clenched fist at his side, a sign of his nerves, which she found somewhat amusing.

    In the privacy of the room, Ruby stood by the window. ¡°Mom, what¡¯s¡ª¡± Eileen closed the door behind her, lowering her voice. ¡°You don¡¯t like Bryan?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like that¡­¡± Ruby shook her head. Bryan was clearly no ordinary man, and there was an aura about him that made him different from other men. Ruby¡¯s concern was evident in her question. ¡°You¡­ Didn¡¯t you marry Benjamin?¡±

    Eileen was dumbfounded. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she gazed at Ruby. It took a moment for her to process the misunderstanding. ¡°What are you talking about? Benjamin and I are just friends and ssmates. Before you fell into aa, I showed you the marriage certificate between Bryan and me,¡± Eileen rified.

    Eileen and Bailee hadn¡¯t mentioned Bryan to Ruby before, so it was understandable that Ruby had little impression of him. Had Bailee¡¯s frequent mentions of Benjamin led to this misunderstanding?

    Ruby, equally stunned, questioned her own understanding. Had she mistaken Bryan? ¡°When I brought you away from Onnd a year ago, I initiated divorce proceedings with Bryan. Our marriage then was just arranged, so we kept it private. But now that we¡¯re actually together, I wanted to officially introduce him to you. His grandmother has been urging us to get married for quite some time,¡± Eileen exined.

    Ruby suddenly understood everything. ¡°Let¡¯s go back.¡±

    The thought of leaving their guests waiting troubled Ruby. Without bothering with the walker, she allowed Eileen to help her swiftly exit the bedroom.

    ¡°Mrs. Dawson, I apologize for being rude just now,¡± Ruby said with great effort in her anxious voice.

    Ste offered a reassuring smile. ¡°It¡¯s alright. I¡¯ve been eager for them to marry, unwilling to wait until you¡¯ve recovered more to visit you. My fault for rushing things. How about this: you listen, and if there¡¯s anything unsatisfactory, just raise your hand. We have the whole afternoon, and we¡¯ll surely be able to settle their marriage matters.¡±

    With that, Ste settled beside Ruby, motioning for Eileen to take a seat next to Bryan. Ste continued, ¡°I only have this one grandson in my family. I intend to throw avish wedding. I can¡¯t bear to see Eileen shortchanged. I¡¯ve heard you¡¯ll be mobile again in about two months, and I know you¡¯ll want to be there for Eileen¡¯s big day. So, we¡¯ll wait until you¡¯re nimble enough to join us for the festivities.¡±

    Leaning in close to Bryan, Eileen whispered, ¡°I think Ste hasn¡¯t slept since she learned you wereing to visit my mom. She¡¯s probably been nning every detail of this marriage talk.¡±

    ¡°She did mention to me before that she wants us to have the wedding after two months,¡± Bryan whispered back. Eileen grumbled a bit, expressing her frustration that Bryan hadn¡¯t informed her earlier about such a significant matter. It would have been nice to be prepared, especially since two months wasn¡¯t long.

    But as Eileen spoke, she noticed Bryan¡¯s attention was elsewhere. His gaze was fixed on Ste and Ruby, and he was fully engaged in their conversation.

    Ste said, ¡°I haven¡¯t decided the exact date for the wedding yet¡­¡±

    ¡°Grandma, December 6th would be perfect for the wedding,¡± Bryan interjected quickly. Eileen was left speechless.

    Ste was taken aback. ¡°You¡¯ve already picked the date?¡± Had someone checked the date before? ¡°As long as Eileen¡¯s mother agrees, we can settle on that date,¡± Bryan replied, certain that Ste would have no objections.

    All eyes turned towards Ruby, but Ruby redirected the attention to Eileen. ¡°Ask Eileen,¡± Ruby said, emphasizing her respect for Eileen¡¯s wishes regarding her wedding. Before Eileen could respond, Bryan gently covered her hand with his and shed a reassuring smile. ¡°She won¡¯t refuse. So, it¡¯s settled. The rest of the arrangements are up to you.¡±

    Truth be told, Bryan would have preferred to get the marriage certificate with Eileen right away without a wedding. However, with Eileen¡¯s mother present, they had to follow proper procedures and etiquette.

    Ste beamed with joy and retrieved several brochures from her bag. ¡°These are wedding venues in Onnd. Since I¡¯m getting old and you shouldn¡¯t exert yourself too much, let¡¯s choose a location nearby. Take a look and see which one is best.¡±

    ¡°Eileen, I¡¯ll go prepare lunch,¡± Bailee said, sensing she was not needed in the conversation. But she was pleased to see them discussing this.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go help you,¡± Eileen offered, realizing her input in the wedding nning was minimal. The date had been chosen by Bryan, and it seemed likely that Ste had also taken charge of arranging everything else for the wedding.

    After Eileen and Bailee headed to the kitchen, Bryan soon followed them, causing the space to feel cramped. ¡°You handle the ingredients; I¡¯ll take care of the rest. I¡¯ll grab some seafood from my ce,¡± Bryan said, noticing Bailee¡¯s difort and making an excuse to step away.

    After telling Ste about this, Bryan left.

    ¡°Eileen, is Bryan this easy-going and private?¡± Bailee asked, her hands moving deftly as she prepared the ingredients. ¡°Does he always have a poker face?¡±

    Eileen thought for a moment. Indeed, Bryan typically maintained a serious expression in public. And at home, he was much the same. Except¡ªin the intimacy of their bedroom, his features would transform with passion and desire.

    ¡°Why are you silent?¡± Bailee nudged Eileen¡¯s arm. ¡°What are you thinking about?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s cheeks flushed. She was relieved that Bailee hadn¡¯t noticed it. Clearing her throat, she replied, ¡°Yes, he always has a poker face.¡±

    ¡°If he wasn¡¯t so considerate behind closed doors, I¡¯d probably find him a bit too dull for me,¡± Bailee mumbled. ¡°True. He¡¯s not as smooth-talking as Huey, nor as adept at flirtation.¡±

    Eileen tensed, making Bailee blush. After a moment, Bailee suddenly suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s invite Huey over another day to have a meal with Bryan.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re getting toofortable with Bryan,¡± Eileen remarked, leaning against the cab. ¡°You might not know there¡¯s a tradition of changing how you address someone upon marriage. ording to our rtionship¡­ Wait for after the wedding. When you call him Bryan, you¡¯ll receive a generous sum from him.¡±

    Without hesitation, Bailee changed how she addressed Bryan. ¡°Then I will call him Mr. Dawson until then!¡±

    Bailee had witnessed Bryan rushing into the rain to save Eileen yesterday. And she had been overly excited at the time and had changed how she addressed Bryan. But excitement wouldn¡¯t pay the bills¡ªmoney would!

    As they finished their preparations, Bryan returned. ¡°Then we¡¯ll leave this to Mr. Dawson,¡± Bailee said to Bryan politely.

    As Bryan entered the kitchen, he paused, ncing back at Bailee. The term ¡°Mr. Dawson¡± felt awkward. ¡°My sister said I should wait until you get married to change how I address you; then I¡¯ll get a great amount of money from you,¡± Bailee quickly rified, sensing his difort was rted to how she had addressed him.

    Bryan nced at Eileen and said to Bailee, ¡°From now on, call me Bryan once, and I¡¯ll give you ten thousand.¡± Eileen¡¯s smile froze.

    Bailee, taken aback, blurted out without hesitation, ¡°Bryan, are you serious?¡±

    ¡°Twenty thousand. I¡¯ll transfer the money to youter,¡± Bryan replied, his lips curling slightly. ¡°You can leave the kitchen to me now.¡±

    Excitedly, Bailee dragged Eileen back to the living room, where Ruby was being inundated by Ste¡¯s relentless chatter. Finding no space for themselves, Bailee and Eileen headed to the balcony to bask in the sun. While Eileen dealt with some work, Bailee fiddled with her phone, asionally chatting with Eileen.

    Suddenly, she came across a breaking news story that had quickly climbed the trending charts. Too thrilled to contain herself, she shoved her phone into Eileen¡¯s hands. ¡°Wow, Bryan doesn¡¯t hold back! Look at this! Kian has really been humiliated this time!¡± she eximed.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 262

    ?Chapter 262:

    Eileen had anticipated that Bryan might merely prevent the Warren family from silencing journalists, allowing the story about Kian to be disclosed. To her astonishment, the disclosure didn¡¯t happen through traditional media outlets but unfolded in a strikingly direct manner.

    The Warren family owned numerous shopping malls and hotels located in bustling cities. On these properties, massive screens¡ªeach spanning fifty to sixty square meters¡ªcontinuously scrolled images of Kian and Megan in bed, with captions explicitly stating, ¡°The man is the owner of the mall, and the woman is his cousin!¡±

    The revtion required no introduction for people from high society, and it was easy for ordinary people to recognize Kian. Onlookers enjoyed the spectacle, and within just a few minutes, many had used their phones to take pictures of the screen and post them on their social media ounts. When the Warren family realized their systems were hacked and couldn¡¯t halt the disy, they urgently cut the power to the buildings. This shutdown resulted in substantial business disruptions.

    However, the screens, having been tampered with, were powered elsewhere. They remained operational. Faced with no alternatives, Kian instructed that the screens be physically destroyed. Despite the immediate financial hit from the damage, this was minorpared to the plummeting stock value of the Warren Group¡¯spanies.

    Shareholders rushed to thepany, demanding an exnation, and it took the entire security team to prevent them from storming Kian¡¯s office. Seated in his office chair, Kian looked both anxious and somber, his usually charming eyes now cold.

    Benjamin entered the office, standing before the desk, and reported, ¡°Mr. Warren, the shareholders aren¡¯t leaving. They¡¯ve convened in the conference room and demand an exnation.¡±

    ¡°Exnation?¡± Kian snapped as he abruptly stood, seizing a document from the desk and hurling it at Benjamin. ¡°If I tell you I didn¡¯t touch Megan, would you believe me?¡± Benjamin, maintaining hisposure, let the document strike his forehead before it fluttered to the floor.

    Check out the newest chapters g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Í?ls

    Kian¡¯s frustration only grew at the sight. He paced around the desk, asking, ¡°Why are Bryan and Eileen still together? Didn¡¯t you sleep with her? How could Bryan possibly go this far for her?¡±

    Overwhelmed by emotion, Benjamin steadied himself and replied calmly, ¡°Because he loves Eileen too much, Mr. Warren. Why are you so obsessed with this matter? Miss Warren is already in a bad situation. Do you think disrupting Eileen and Bryan¡¯s rtionship will make Bryan marry Miss Warren?¡± Unbeknownst to Benjamin, Kian had actually done this for Z.

    Kian harbored deep feelings for Z, but he had to keep them hidden. He couldn¡¯t let people know that he and Z were in love with each other; otherwise, it wouldn¡¯t look good for Z, who had been raised by the Dawson family to be Hwan¡¯s wife. But he didn¡¯t know Z¡¯s hidden intentions. All his feelings for her were just foolishness.

    ¡°Do I need your advice on what to do? Like Eileen? I¡¯ll grant your wish and expose your overnight stay with Eileen at the hotel!¡± Kian dered, nning to reveal the secret that Eileen and Benjamin had spent a night together at a hotel before. Such exposure would undoubtedly tarnish Bryan¡¯s reputation.

    The dilemma was that Bryan had to choose to marry Eileen amidst public ridicule or break up under the pressure; both scenarios promised significant challenges. Benjamin¡¯s expression frowned. Revealing the overnight stay would certainly cast doubts on Eileen¡¯s innocence. No one else would trust her as Bryan did.

    Kian, noticing Benjamin¡¯s reluctance, smirked coldly. ¡°Remember who you work for! Find out where Bryan is. I need to see him. As for the matter about the hotel, prepare everything and await my instructions.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Benjamin responded with a slight nod, then turned and left the office. Once out of Kian¡¯s view, his eyes turned cold.

    As the night unfolded, darkness enveloped the city. Ste had a pleasant evening, staying long enough to discuss wedding ns and the possibility of great-grandchildren with Ruby. But then, a phone call altered her joyful expression. She promptly decided it was time to leave.

    As Bryan stood to escort her out, Ste stopped him. ¡°Don¡¯t bother; just take care of yourself. Get well soon, and make sure Eileen is ready for the wedding!¡±

    ¡°Eileen!¡± called out Ruby, motioning for her to see Ste out.

    Ste, however, dismissed the idea. ¡°Eileen, stay with your mother. Let Bryan see me out. I have something to discuss with him.¡±

    ¡°Alright then, take care,¡± Eileen responded, choosing not to press further.

    Bryan assisted Ste into the elevator. As the doors began to close, Ste offered a warm smile to Ruby and her daughters. But as soon as the doors sealed shut, her smile vanished. Once alone, Ste turned to Bryan and asked, ¡°What¡¯s so serious that it warranted all this fuss?¡±

    Bryan, sinct as ever, replied simply, ¡°It¡¯s about Eileen.¡± His expression turned icy upon hearing this. ¡°That Warren boycks foresight. His sister is already mad. Does he still think she¡¯ll marry into our Dawson family?¡±

    Bryan was aware Kian wanted to seek revenge on Vivian but chose not to burden Ste with these concerns. Approaching her car, Ste broached a topic that had been on her mind. ¡°Your father¡¯s judgment seems clouded. He has agreed to attend Kian¡¯s press conference tomorrow.¡±

    Even though Bryan didn¡¯t acknowledge Brandon to the outside world, Brandon represented the Dawson family¡¯s attitude. Bryan knew that if Brandon misspoke tomorrow, it could potentially help Kian justify his actions. The important thing was that it could impact the Dawson family.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry; I know what to do,¡± Bryan assured Ste, confident in his tone.

    After that, Ste left. Bryan lingered by the roadside and watched Ste¡¯s car disappear from his view. He lit a cigarette under the dim light of a streemp, his figure isted amidst the swirling insects that scattered as the smoke rose.

    After finishing his cigarette, Bryan made a phone call. Raymond had nearly worn himself out from the recent busy days. Today, he got to bed early and was in deep sleep when the call jolted him awake.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, what do you need? Alright¡­ Okay, on my way.¡±

    Getting dressed quickly, Raymond let out a sigh, the weight of the impending night evident as he headed to the suburbs.

    After Ste departed, Eileen and Bailee stayed busy into the night, putting away all the gifts Ste had brought. The house was crammed with items, and some boxes simply couldn¡¯t be amodated.

    ¡°Eileen, we don¡¯t drink red wine or champagne. Take them down to Bryan¡¯s ce. We have no more room here,¡± Bailee said. Revitalized from a brief rest on the sofa, Eileen picked up the items and carried them to Bryan¡¯s residence.

    The night stretched on, the moonlight sneaking into the living room and casting a sliver of light from the slightly open study door. Quietly, she ced the items inside. It was clear why Bryan hadn¡¯t sought her out upon his return; hismitments had kept him upied.

    Opting not to interrupt, Eileen headed to the bedroom to wait for him after showering, nning to discuss the matters about their wedding.

    Half an hourter, Bryan concluded his work, visibly worn since he had foregone sleep the previous night. Post-shower, he slid into bed and drew Eileen into aforting embrace, her scent filling him with profound satisfaction.

    ¡°Bryan, are we really getting married?¡± Eileen inquired, her head nestled against his chest, her voice muffled.

    Bryan¡¯s voice was reassuring. ¡°Yes, if you have any thoughts about the wedding, feel free to discuss them with my grandmother. She¡¯s prepared to amodate your wishes.¡±

    Eileen grew quiet. After a brief pause, she whispered softly, ¡°So when do you think we¡¯ll start a family?¡± The question had emerged spontaneously, lodging firmly in her mind.

    She was aware that having children would solidify Bryan¡¯s im as the rightful heir, supnting Brandon. Yet, the risk of pregnancy seemed too great at present. But even after they got married, the risk still existed. Surely they couldn¡¯t just wait for Brandon to pass away to have children.

    The thought of Brandon reaching his eighties or nies, leaving her and Bryan aged and gray, lingered ufortably in her head.

    ¡°The right time wille shortly after our marriage,¡± Bryan said after a few seconds, his tone firm.

    This assurance soothed Eileen slightly, her anxiety abating as she realized Bryan had already strategized a n.

    Resting her hand on his robust waist, she felt the reassuring throb of his heartbeat, choosing to stay silent. The room quieted down to just the sound of their breathing, and soon, sleep imed them both.

    The next day was a weekend, and Eileen had to go to the Yates family¡¯s residence to tutor her student in the morning. She rose early to get ready.

    ¡°When will your tutoring wrap up?¡± Bryan made Eileen breakfast and changed into a fresh set of clothes. Upon noticing this, Eileen¡¯s curiosity piqued. ¡°It¡¯ll be over by ten o¡¯clock. Are you going out?¡±

    Bryan nodded. ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll take you there, and after your tutoring is done at ten, we¡¯ll head somewhere else.¡±

    ¡°To Kian¡¯s press conference?¡± Eileen had caught the news earlier. The scandal involving Kian and Megan was escting. While Kian managed to keep the images from being published, he couldn¡¯t stop the media from discussing the public disy on the giant screens.

    With Kian choosing to confront the issue head-on, the event was set to be broadcast live,plete with borate promotional efforts. The conference was timed perfectly for half past ten in the morning, allowing Eileen just enough time to make it after her tutoring.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Bryan confirmed. ¡°No need to worry about speaking at the event; I¡¯ll handle it.¡±

    Content with his assurance, Eileen readied herself for the day, trusting Bryan to drive to the Yates family¡¯s residence. Descending the stairs, they encountered Huey, who was on his way to visit Ruby with gifts in hand.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Bailee greeted Bryan warmly, causing Huey to nearly drop what he was holding.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 263

    ?Chapter 263:

    The car window was partially lowered, revealing Bryan¡¯s satisfied smile. ¡°I¡¯m taking Eileen to her student¡¯s ce. You guys can head upstairs.¡±

    ¡°No problem, brother-inw,¡± Bailee seized the opportunity to call Bryan that.

    Watching Bryan¡¯s car drive away, Huey asked, ¡°Bailee, why are you calling him that?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s marrying my sister in a few months and will be my brother-inw soon,¡± Bailee replied, linking arms with Huey as they walked into the apartment building. Huey hesitated for a second, a frown forming. ¡°Isn¡¯t this a bit awkward? Remember, he and I have never really gotten along.¡±

    It would be a bit awkward if they became family in the future.

    ¡°That¡¯s not true,¡± Bailee retorted. ¡°Your antics before are child¡¯s y to him. He has never taken them to heart.¡±

    ¡°Child¡¯s y?¡± Huey replied, feeling slightly offended. He was indeed younger than Bryan by several years but didn¡¯t appreciate being dismissed like this. Before, he had deleted Bryan¡¯s gaming ount and contact information. If he met Bryan next time, how could he ovee the awkwardness of having deleted him? After much thought, he came up with a n.

    ¡°Apex!¡±

    Apex was a mutual acquaintance. Huey decided to team up with Apex for a gaming session soon. He would act as if he didn¡¯t know Bryan and re-add him.

    Satisfied with his n, Huey brightened up and stepped into the elevator with Bailee.

    ¡°Bailee, my birthday is the day after tomorrow. Can you spend the day with me then?¡± Huey asked.

    Bailee thought about her schedule and found herself in a dilemma. ¡°The day after tomorrow is Tuesday. I have a lot to handle at the educational agency then. I can¡¯t spend the day with you, but I¡¯ll make time for a celebration.¡±

    ¡°I saw you working even during meals. Why are you always so busy?¡± Huey missed the good old days. Back then, whenever he suggested a ce to go, Bailee would apany him. He used to be able to give her time off whenever he wished.

    Bailee was resigned. ¡°What can I possibly do? I¡¯m swamped with work. Can I make it up to you when I have free time?¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Huey responded, though his face showed clear disappointment.

    The Yates family¡¯s daughter was in high school. She was lively and endearing, much like her mother. However, she was somewhat yful and asionally distracted. Eileen found she needed to keep a close eye on her during their tutoring sessions.

    Eileen had visited the Yates¡¯ home several times, but today was her first encounter with Brent Yates, their son. He was tall and solidly built, with big eyes. While he wasn¡¯t exactly a heartthrob, he was certainly good-looking.

    Bryan knew him; it seemed their paths had crossed in business. As a result, they engaged in light conversation in the living room.

    Upstairs, Eileen was tutoring Moira Yates. Halfway through, she noticed Moira¡¯s mind was elsewhere. ¡°Moira, we¡¯re in the middle of a lesson. What¡¯s on your mind?¡± Eileen asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking about your younger sister,¡± Moira blurted out.

    Eileen was taken aback.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t misunderstand, Ms. Curtis. My mother mentioned she¡¯d like your sister to marry my brother. I¡¯m just curious about her since my mother speaks so highly of her,¡± Moira exined.

    Moira¡¯s eyes sparkled with curiosity. ¡°Is she as beautiful as you? Is she as elegant as you, or as knowledgeable as you?¡±

    Hearing this, Eileen felt resigned. ¡°She¡¯s younger and prettier than I am. She also graduated from college with good grades. Most importantly, she has a boyfriend.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Moira¡¯s eyes grew wide. ¡°Will my brother take her away from her boyfriend, then?¡±

    Eileen was puzzled about where Moira had gotten such an idea.

    ¡°You should not concern yourself with their personal matters. Come on, let¡¯s get back to our lesson,¡± Eileen said. Moira sighed in disappointment and lowered her head to resume her studies.

    Eileen had once talked to Bailee about Brent and knew Brent had added Bailee on WhatsApp. After Brent introduced himself, Bailee promptly let him know she had a boyfriend. Brent was understanding and did not contact her again after that.

    Upon leaving the Yates family¡¯s residence, Eileen told Bryan about this. ¡°When Brent greeted me earlier, I was worried he might feel awkward,¡± she said.

    ¡°Brent is mature and well-regarded in the financial sector,¡± Bryan remarked earnestly.

    But that didn¡¯t mean he could rece Huey. Huey might not have been mature, but his persistence and enthusiasm were his strong points.

    After a brief exchange, Eileen grew silent, contemting the uing press conference.

    The press conference was scheduled at a hotel. When Bryan and Eileen arrived, they saw that the entrance was teeming with reporters and paparazzi who hadn¡¯t been invited.

    Bryan drove directly into the underground parking lot. As they got out of the car, they noticed Kian waiting by the elevator.

    A cluster of cigarette buttsy at his feet, indicating he had been there for quite some time.

    Upon seeing Bryan and Eileen, Kian extinguished his cigarette, ready to discuss matters.

    Bryan took Eileen¡¯s hand and walked past him, heading straight for the elevator.

    ¡°Bryan, we need to talk.¡± Kian¡¯s voicecked the friendly tone it once had; now, it was filled with menace and coldness.

    ¡°I have nothing to say to you.¡± Bryan kept his eyes on the elevator. Kian stood before the elevator, blocking the way with his arm. Bryan said coldly, ¡°Move.¡±

    Kian stood firm. ¡°Benjamin spent the night with Eileen that day. It doesn¡¯t matter whether something happened or you don¡¯t mind the matter. If Benjamin decides to go public, it could tarnish Eileen¡¯s reputation.¡±

    Eileen tightened the hand holding Bryan¡¯s and looked at Kian with a dark expression. ¡°You really are despicable. I¡¯ve never met anyone as shameless as you.¡±

    Kian was unfazed by Eileen¡¯s insults. ¡°Here¡¯s the deal: admit the photos were a misunderstanding. Nothing happened between Megan and me. Then, I¡¯ll ensure Benjamin stays quiet.¡±

    Afterying out his terms, Kian pulled his arm back, adding, ¡°If your grandmother hears of Eileen¡¯s supposed indiscretion, she¡¯ll change her mind and refuse to let Eileen into the Dawson family.¡±

    This was why Kian was so confident about the deal. With that, he turned and walked away as if certain Bryan would agree to his terms.

    Eileen hesitated. While Bryan trusted her, she knew that others wouldn¡¯t.

    If the situation came to light, Bryan would face ridicule, and the Dawson family would be disgraced.

    Feeling disheartened, Eileen wanted to withdraw her hand, but Bryan held on firmly.

    She nced at him and noticed the blue veins on his forearm, a sign of his suppressed anger.

    ¡°Even if you clear Kian¡¯s name, no one will believe his innocence. We don¡¯t need to go against him directly,¡± Eileen said.

    If it were just about her reputation, she would fight Kian to the bitter end.

    But considering the Dawson family¡¯s standing and Bryan¡¯s pride, she opted to take a step back.

    ¡°Let¡¯s finish this, but we won¡¯t be going quietly,¡± Bryan pulled Eileen into the elevator.

    Inside the cramped space, a chill radiated from his body. The conference hall was crowded. Countless cameras focused on the stage where a long table was set. Reporters had begun live streaming, eagerly introducing the press conference.

    They also used eye-catching titles, trying to draw more attention.

    At the conference entrance, Brandon, Lydia, and Z stood alongside the Warren couple.

    Surprisingly, the Warren couple was conversing cheerfully with Brandon and his wife, seemingly unaffected by the fact that Bryan had put Kian in this mess.

    Perhaps they believed Kian could handle the situation.

    From a distance, Z noticed Bryan and Eileen arriving. She left the Dawson couple¡¯s side and approached them. ¡°Bryan, Eileen, it¡¯s good you¡¯re here.¡± Z looked around discreetly, then whispered, ¡°Your father has made an agreement with the Warren family. He will im that the photos are fake, saying you did that because of your dispute with Kian. Also, he¡¯ll apologize to the Warren family for your actions.¡±

    rifying Kian¡¯s innocence might seem futile. But the apology could lend it credibility.

    If Brandon did this, it would certainly escte the conflict between him and Bryan, drawing the media¡¯s focus away from Kian and Megan¡¯s scandal.

    Clearly, this was the solution the Warrens hade up with.

    Kian was crueler than that. He wanted Bryan to rify in person, which would mean that Bryan had given in.

    The scandal extended beyond mere reputational damage now; it was a struggle between families. Compromise meant defeat.

    Bryan nced at his watch, lost in thought.

    ¡°Bryan, regardless of everything, I¡¯ve sided with you this time. I heard about what happened that night. Kian even tried to harm Eileen. He crossed a line.¡± Z tried to get close to Bryan by showing her support, but Bryan remained silent.

    Turning to Eileen, Z said, ¡°I hope you were okay that night, Eileen.¡±

    ¡°Nothing happened,¡± Eileen, not particrly fond of Z, responded politely, ¡°Thank you for your concern, Miss Murray.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it,¡± Z looked at Bryan and Eileen, then added, ¡°I must get going. Remember, be flexible. If you need anything, just call me.¡±

    With that, she walked away.

    Eileen was about to ask about Bryan¡¯s ns when Kian and Benjamin walked in. The press conference officially began.

    The reporters perked up, informing their live audiences that the event was starting. Then, they quieted down, ready to ask their questions.

    The Dawson couple and the Warren couple didn¡¯t show up for the time being. Kian came on stage alone. ¡°Everyone is free to ask questions, but please ask them in order,¡± Benjamin instructed the journalists. After speaking, he positioned himself behind Kian.

    A reporter stood up immediately and asked, ¡°I¡¯ll start. Mr. Warren, did you really sleep with Miss Beckett?¡±

    Kian responded without hesitation, ¡°She is my cousin. How could you ask something so inappropriate?¡±

    ¡°But we saw you two in bed together, both of you naked,¡± another journalist quickly retorted.

    Kian¡¯s expression darkened. He looked over at Bryan, who stood calmly in the corner, apparently unwilling to intervene.

    Kian gritted his teeth and said, ¡°That was a misunderstanding. Nothing inappropriate happened between us.¡±

    His response seemed unconvincing, and the reporters showed their skepticism with snorts of disbelief.

    ¡°So, you don¡¯t believe me? Why not ask Mr. Dawson?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 264

    ?Chapter 264:

    Following Kian¡¯s gaze, the reporters finally caught sight of Bryan and Eileen at the scene. Dressed in a ck tailored suit that entuated his great figure, Bryan regarded the crowd with a cool detachment. Beside him, Eileen was d in a sky-blue windbreaker, her hair cascading over her shoulders. Together, they appeared to be a perfect couple.

    Despite Kian¡¯s abrupt mention, Bryan remainedposed. He opened his mouth and calmly stated, ¡°The photos merely captured them on the same bed. There was no video evidence. It¡¯s likely that nothing untoward urred.¡±

    His exnation was offered, yet it seemed to rify nothing.

    ¡°It was early morning. They had likely finished whatever they were doing. Naturally, no videos were captured.¡±

    ¡°Exactly. That¡¯s hardly convincing, Mr. Dawson.¡± Whispers spread among the reporters, their emotions fueling a boldness they hadn¡¯t shown before Bryan. Subsequently, the two reporters who had retorted felt a twinge of regret. Observing Bryan¡¯s face with trepidation, they feared his wrath might lead to punitive measures against their outlets.

    In contrast, Bryan merely shrugged nonchntly, his gaze shifting back to Kian. ¡°There¡¯s nothing more I can do. They simply aren¡¯t convinced,¡± he said.

    Kian¡¯s frame tensed visibly, his agitation apparent. ¡°You¡ª¡± Rather than offer specific rifications, Bryan¡¯s remarks only served to intensify the scandal, subtly confirming the reporters¡¯ suspicions.

    It dawned on Kian that Bryan was not afraid of his previous threat. He spected if Bryan doubted his resolve to do something to Eileen.

    Kian said, ¡°Eileen and my assistant, Benjamin, spent a night together in a lodge close to our hotel that very day. Bryan, do you believe nothing happened between them?¡± Kian¡¯s deration stirred a wave ofmotion among the journalists.

    Explore fresh tales at g aln ov el s ;

    They pondered whether Eileen had been unfaithful. Subtly observing the intertwined hands of Bryan and Eileen, they could discern the profound love shared between them. They wondered if Bryan didn¡¯t mind it.

    Eileen¡¯s brows furrowed as she eyed Benjamin, who stood quietly behind Kian. Though he was silent, hisck of defense suggested his tacit agreement.

    Eileen was poised to rify the situation when Bryan spoke up, ¡°Is that so? Then tell us the specifics. Name the lodge. Specify the exact time and ce,¡± Bryan said.

    Kian scoffed, ¡°There¡¯s only one lodge near the hotel. Everyone¡ªif you doubt me, feel free to check.¡±

    Bryan guided Eileen from the corner, pulled a chair for her, and gestured for her to sit. He then seated himself beside her.

    The reporters were puzzled by Bryan¡¯s actions. Bryan turned his cold gaze upon them and dered, ¡°Why are you just standing there? I will not believe this is true unless you present concrete evidence. Why not dispatch someone to check with the owner of the lodge?¡± His words wereden with scorn, directed at Kian, making Kian feel humiliated.

    The reporters hastily got in touch with their colleagues to investigate the nearby hotel. By a stroke of luck, several reporters were already at the hotel seeking new leads, cing them in close proximity to the site.

    The weather was good, which allowed them to reach the lodge Kian had mentioned in under twenty minutes. To their surprise, they found only ruins, with workers and excavators still cleaning the site.

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t there supposed to be a lodge?¡± a reporter inquired urgently.

    A worker, pointing towards a woman seated destely in the corner, replied, ¡°We¡¯re just hired for the job here. She¡¯s the owner; she might be able to answer your questions.¡±

    The reporters swiftly surrounded the woman, who slowly emerged from her state of shock and grief.

    ¡°Excuse me, ma¡¯am. Was this ce operating as a lodge previously?¡±

    ¡°Are you the owner? What prompted the demolition?¡±

    ¡°And when did the demolition begin?¡±

    The woman cast a cautious look in a particr direction before nodding with resolve. ¡°Yes, I own the ce. The lodge wasn¡¯t performing well financially. I ceased operationsst week and was preparing to relocate.¡± The demolition had taken cest week. Yet, Kian had imed that Eileen and Benjamin had stayed there just two days ago. Clearly, he was telling a lie.

    ¡°Did a man and a woman check into your establishment two days ago?¡± asked a reporter, not ready to let the matter go.

    The woman responded, ¡°Like I said, I closed the businessst week. It was impossible to host anyone days ago. But a man approached me two days ago, asking me to falsely im that he and a woman had stayed overnight here. I refused. With the ce already demolished, how could Iply?¡±

    The reporter documented her statement, then turned away to transmit the audio recording to a colleague at the press conference.

    The reporters were desperate for a scoop. In their haste to depart, they didn¡¯t notice that after they left, the woman dashed out, approached a car, and tapped on the window. The window rolled down, and Raymond handed the woman a check. ¡°This covers your business losses. The extra amount is hush money. Leave Onnd and do not return.¡±

    The woman was still in a daze. Memories of being forcibly removed from her lodge while dining the previous evening haunted her. Dozens of vehicles had lined the road, and scores of workers had invaded her property, stripping away all the decorations within two hours.

    Later, two bulldozers had razed her beloved lodge. A sharp ache gripped her heart. The lodge had been a charming establishment, more appealing than the usual hotels, generating substantial annual revenue. Though the checkpensated her financially, the loss was still profoundly felt.

    ¡°What are you staring at?¡± Noticing her pensive look at the check, Raymond added, ¡°You epted money from the Warren family, which was unwise. Consider yourself fortunate that money can resolve this issue.¡±

    Had Kian not sought to damage Eileen¡¯s reputation with the incident at the lodge, Bryan would not have spared the owner¡¯s life and allowed her a chance to rectify her actions through her testimony.

    The woman quickly stowed the check. ¡°I understand. I won¡¯te back to Onnd again.¡±

    Once the owner¡¯s recorded statement reached the reporter at the press conference, the reporter broadcast it openly at the scene.

    ¡°That¡¯s not possible!¡± Ovee with anger, Kian hurled a water bottle at the reporter¡¯s phone, shattering it. Bryan leaned back in his chair calmly.

    ¡°Everyone has heard it, but you deny the truth. What is the purpose of this press conference then? To deceive us?¡± Faced with undeniable evidence, Kian found himself unable to retort.

    He realized the reporters would no longer trust his statements. They had all the material needed for their subsequent articles.

    Eileen was visibly nervous. Sweat had formed on her neck, and her palms were damp, one firmly sped by Bryan throughout. She believed that he must have noticed.

    After a while, Bryan let go of her hand, took out a handkerchief, and gently wiped her fingers. ¡°Your efforts to be here today will not go unrewarded. I have some wonderful news for you.¡± After drying Eileen¡¯s palm, Bryan grasped her hand. Feeling his touch, Eileen suddenly noticed a ring on her ring finger.

    Her eyes widened as she met Bryan¡¯s gaze, which radiated deep affection. Slowly rising to his feet, Bryan allowed her hand to rest in his palm and held it up, showcasing the diamond ring to all.

    ¡°We are getting married,¡± he announced.

    The announcement immediately electrified the crowd of reporters. Microphones surged towards them. ¡°When is the wedding?¡±

    ¡°Will the press be invited to the ceremony?¡±

    ¡°How long have you two been together?¡±

    A flurry of questions ensued, overwhelming Eileen.

    The announcement was so unexpected that she remained stunned, unable to process it immediately. Bryan extended his warm embrace around her waist gently. She looked up in surprise, her lips parting in astonishment.

    He then leaned in to kiss her, and instinctively, she ced her hand on his chest, gripping a shirt button tightly.

    The reporters erupted in excitement, rapidly capturing the kiss.

    Bryan and Eileen became the focal point of the press conference, overshadowing Kian, who hadn¡¯t been able to rify anything.

    Bryan swiftly exited with Eileen, without divulging more details to the media.

    With their departure, the reporters all left.

    The conference hall quickly emptied, leaving behind a disarray of chairs.

    Kian clenched his teeth in frustration and, after a tense moment, swept everything from the table to the floor in a fit of rage.

    Nearby, Benjamin stood silently with his head bowed.

    The Dawson couple and the Warren couple were also present. They were too stunned by the day¡¯s events to react immediately.

    As reality set in and the reporters dispersed, the Warren family realized they had faced a significant setback. They could hardly contain their anger nor address the Dawson couple cordially, so they stormed off.

    ¡°Mrs. Warren¡­¡± Lydia called out to stop Dobby, but to no avail. She then turned to Brandon, tugging at his arm. ¡°Brandon, we can¡¯t afford to offend the Warren family under the current circumstances.¡±

    Brandon, however, shrugged off her hand dismissively. ¡°You¡¯re still thinking about the Warren family? Didn¡¯t you listen to Bryan? Marrying Eileen¡ª¡±

    The alliance with the Warren family was a recent strategy by Brandon to consolidate power and counter Bryan¡¯s influence within the Dawson family.

    If all had gone as nned, the Warrens would have supported Brandon in any internal disputes in the future. But now, Bryan¡¯s unexpected move had thrown everything into disarray.

    Frustrated, Brandon walked away, and Lydia, unable to remainposed, quickly followed him.

    Behind them, Z stood rigid as all the color left her face. She clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms, yet she seemed oblivious to the pain. She was still shocked by the announcement that Bryan had made.

    He and Eileen were getting married?

    When Z looked at the angry Kian on the stage, she was overwhelmed by disgust.

    Perhaps her intense stare was too much for Kian to ignore. Kian suddenly dashed toward her and enveloped her in a tight embrace.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 265

    ?Chapter 265:

    ¡°Z, believe me, I didn¡¯ty a finger on Megan. I¡¯m innocent. I only love you!¡± Kian said. In Kian¡¯s heart, Z was his only hope. He didn¡¯t care if everyone else believed him; he would be content if Z believed him. He held Z tightly, causing her to struggle to break free several times.

    Z didn¡¯t care about whatever had urred with Kian and Megan. What really mattered to her was that Kian was acting foolishly.

    ¡°Let go of me, Kian!¡± Z said. The idea of Kian sharing a bed with Megan repulsed her. In reality, she knew there was nothing between Kian and Megan. After all, Kian had loved her for many years.

    Her resistance eventually prompted Kian to release her. ¡°Don¡¯t you trust me?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I trust you. But this isn¡¯t the time to discuss that. The Warren family is in jeopardy because of you. What¡¯s your n now?¡± Z replied.

    Kian gazed at her. After a moment of silence, he spoke softly, ¡°I don¡¯t want to be part of any of this. Z, all I want is to be with you. Let¡¯s leave this ce.¡±

    Z widened her eyes. ¡°What do you mean? Leave?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Kian held Z¡¯s hand, and no matter how much Z tried to withdraw her hand, he refused to let her go. ¡°Let¡¯s go abroad and find a ce where no one knows us. We can build a good life with our skills.¡±

    Benjamin was taken aback by the scene before him. He couldn¡¯t believe that Kian was in love with Z. He was well aware that Z had been arranged to marry Bryan by Bryan¡¯s parents.

    But if Kian truly desired to be with Z, why did he want to ruin Eileen and Bryan¡¯s rtionship? Wasn¡¯t it only when Bryan and Eileen were together that Z could marry Kian?

    Noticing Benjamin¡¯s presence, Z said, ¡°Kian, you can¡¯t act so recklessly. If you leave the Warren family like this, I¡¯ll be the one med.¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s offers tales worth telling

    She then subtly signaled to Kian.

    It seemed Kian grasped her implication. He released her. ¡°Wait for me. I¡¯ll take you away after I sort everything out.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Z¡¯s agreement sounded hesitant.

    Seeing this, Kian turned to Benjamin and said, ¡°Let the public rtions department of ourpany deal with this. Also, reach out to the Beckett family to resolve this issue.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Benjamin nodded, then turned and left.

    ¡°Z, do you have something to add?¡± Kian inquired.

    Z nodded and replied, ¡°You had contacted the lodge in advance, right? But the owner betrayed you. If we can locate her, there might be a chance to resolve this crisis.¡± That was Z¡¯s only hope to challenge Eileen¡¯s innocence. She had to seize this opportunity, regardless of its validity.

    Deep down, Kian had no desire to further involve himself in Bryan and Eileen¡¯s matters. After hearing Z¡¯s words, he fell silent for a few seconds. ¡°Z, do you¡­ do you truly love me?¡± His suspicion was evident.

    After a pause, Z embraced him and kissed him without hesitation.

    Kian¡¯s body tensed momentarily. As heprehended what had just urred, the doubt in his heart was reced with joy.

    Swiftly, he pressed Z against the wall. He had loved her for a long time and had kept it to himself for too long. He didn¡¯t want to wait any longer.

    This was a hotel suite, temporarily transformed into the setting for a press conference. A nearby room was cluttered with a sofa, tables, and chairs.

    The environment was far from ideal, with even the sofa being unstable. However, Kian, overwhelmed by hisck of control, didn¡¯t care about it.

    He tore at Z¡¯s clothes, with only one thought in mind: to findfort in her.

    Z found herself pressed against the unstable sofa, her back aching. However, despite her resistance, she found herself overpowered by Kian. Before she could offer the same excuse as before, Kian retrieved a condom from his pocket.

    ¡°I¡¯m prepared, Z. You can give yourself to me. I love you,¡± Kian said, his eyes zing with longing.

    Yet, his rational side urged him to seek Z¡¯s consent. ¡°Z, tell me. Do you want this? I love you deeply. Don¡¯t you love me?¡±

    He grasped her chin,pelling her to meet his gaze. Z knew that Kian was still useful to her. ¡°I love you,¡± she admitted after a brief pause.

    Immediately after, she felt a heart-wrenching pain. Since Kian couldn¡¯t control his desire, he didn¡¯t care about the fact that this was Z¡¯s first time.

    Z had no choice but to endure it. After all, Kian had suspected something. If she didn¡¯tply, how could she continue to use him?

    Inte autumn, the midday sunshine cast a gentle glow, filtering into the car through the leaves on the branches. After Eileen and Bryan walked out of the hotel and got into the car, Bryan began kissing Eileen passionately. He held her head, pressing his lips to hers.

    He left her breathless, refusing to release her until her cheeks flushed. His gaze lingered on her moist lips. ¡°You¡¯re insane,¡± Eileen whispered, usation in her tone.

    Her alluring eyes and delicate eyebrows only fueled Bryan¡¯s desire.

    Bryan reclined against the driver¡¯s seat. His prominent Adam¡¯s apple bobbed. ¡°Two months is a long time,¡± he remarked, a hint of longing in his voice.

    His possessiveness of her extended beyond the bedroom. He wanted everyone to know she belonged to him. As Eileen nced at the diamond ring adorning her finger, a sunbeam danced upon it.

    Eileen lifted her hand, showing the ring to Bryan. ¡°This proves I¡¯m yours,¡± she said.

    Bryan grabbed her wrist, bringing her hand to his lips for a kiss. In a low voice, he murmured, ¡°I¡¯ll go to the office to pick something up. Then, I¡¯ll take you somewhere.¡±

    At Apex Group, Eileen hadn¡¯t returned since her resignation. But the employees of Apex Group didn¡¯t forget her. When they saw her walking in hand in hand with Bryan, they were stunned, their eyes widening in disbelief.

    There was a cold aura surrounding Bryan, except for the moments when he looked at Eileen and whispered something, disying a hint of tenderness in his eyes. The slight disy was enough to astonish everyone.

    Many people stared at them, particrly when they arrived at the president¡¯s office on the top floor. All the employees in the secretary department rushed out to catch a glimpse, including Ka.

    In contrast to Bryan¡¯s cold demeanor, Eileen nodded and smiled warmly at Ka.

    ¡°Eileen!¡± Ka eximed in disbelief.

    ¡°Just a moment.¡± Before Bryan could lead her into his office, Eileen halted and said, ¡°Go ahead and grab your things. I¡¯ll catch up with Ka.¡±

    Eileen and Ka had once worked alongside each other for a considerable time and shared a good rapport.

    Casting a nce at the people gathered at the door of the secretary department, Bryan said in a low tone, ¡°Alright.¡±

    Seeing Eileen approach, Ka¡¯s eyes were filled with curiosity. She said, ¡°You and Mr. Dawson¡­¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re together,¡± Eileen replied with a smile she couldn¡¯t suppress.

    The employees behind Ka were on the verge of screaming.

    Ka hurriedly scolded them, ¡°Lower your voices! Don¡¯t let Mr. Dawson hear you. Get back to work. I¡¯ll gather all the gossip you want to know.¡±

    Themotion had caught the attention of other departments. To prevent any disruption to work, Ka had to dismiss them.

    After bombarding Eileen with questions about how she had gotten together with Bryan, Ka didn¡¯t forget to inquire about when they would get married.

    ¡°The exact date hasn¡¯t been set yet, but it¡¯sing soon. I¡¯ll let you know once it¡¯s confirmed,¡± Eileen replied.

    Eileen believed the news of their impending marriage would spread quickly even if she didn¡¯t tell anyone. Bryan had addressed reporters in the morning, and the news of their marriage woulde out in the afternoon.

    After Eileen and Ka chatted for a while, Bryan came out of his office with a document.

    Eileen was engrossed in her conversation with Ka, unaware of his arrival.

    Seeing this, an employee nearby whispered, ¡°Mr. Dawson is waiting!¡±

    Eileen nced and spotted Bryan standing in the afternoon sunlight.

    ¡°Go on, Eileen. We¡¯ll catch upter,¡± Ka urged, anxious not to dy Eileen¡¯s meeting with Bryan. She then hurried back to her duties.

    Despite spending just over ten minutes in thepany, Eileen and Bryan¡¯s presence sparked considerablemotion.

    Lunchtime saw employees from various departments gather to discuss the matter.

    The news of Eileen and Bryan¡¯s wedding spread quickly from the secretary department. Some people were skeptical.

    A female employee from the same department as Judie expressed disbelief, saying, ¡°Eileen is Judie¡¯s rtive. I spoke to Judie just two days ago. She mentioned that Eileen might be going through a rough patch.

    She mentioned that Eileen might be going through a rough patch. How is it possibly that she¡¯s going to marry Mr. Dawson now?

    ¡°She and Mr. Dawson arrived together. Many people saw them,¡± someone countered.

    The woman still didn¡¯t believe it. ¡°Perhaps she¡¯s unable to support herself and wants to tter Mr. Dawson toe back here.¡±

    No one in her department had witnessed Bryan and Eileen together, relying solely on hearsay, so no one countered her spection.

    However, soon the media published news confirming Bryan¡¯s intention to marry Eileen, apanied by a photo of them kissing. Now, everyone believed it.

    The woman, who had been close to Judie, felt a pang of anger. ¡°I must ask Judie why she kept this from me. Clearly, she doesn¡¯t consider me a friend.¡±

    She hurried to the bathroom and discreetly called Judie, disregarding her obligation to work.

    Upon hearing the woman¡¯s words, Judie promptly replied, ¡°That¡¯s absurd. Could Eileen really marry Mr. Dawson?¡±

    ¡°Why would I lie to you? You may not have heard the gossip circting in thepany, but surely you¡¯ve seen the news. The media has confirmed it,¡± the woman said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 266

    ?Chapter 266:

    Judie was unfazed by the usations being hurled at her. Her mind was upied with the news that Eileen was about to marry Bryan. Instead of responding, she hung up the call and opened the news. Just ten minutes ago, an announcement stating Bryan was about to get married to Eileen hade out, apanied by a photo of Bryan kissing Eileen. Although only Eileen¡¯s side profile was visible in the photo, Judie recognized her immediately. Prominently disyed on Eileen¡¯s hand, pressed against Bryan¡¯s chest, was arge diamond ring.

    Judie believed the ring must be extremely valuable. She swiftly captured a screenshot of the article and sent it to Denise Moran, Eileen¡¯s biological mother. Then, she quickly called Denise. ¡°You can clear your gambling debts now. Check out the news I just sent you. Eileen is engaged to Bryan. She¡¯s your daughter, and you¡¯ll be rted to the wealthy Dawson family.¡±

    Filled with thoughts of unending wealth, Judie, who had previously cast Denise out, now wanted to bring her back. She quickly purchased a ticket to Onnd.

    The recently constructed buildings in Onnd were designed to include spacious apartments. Though not standalone vis, the prime location made them highly desirable. The view from the buildings provided a stunning overlook of Onnd¡¯s entirendscape. The buildings had received much attention before Eileen¡¯s departure.

    Eileen had been on a business trip with Bryan in a nearby city, lounging on his hotel bed, when she had seen the promotional material. She had nced at the promotional leaflet for just a couple of seconds. Bryan had noticed this and asked, ¡°You like this?¡± Unable to outright say that she liked it, she had replied that she had just been looking at it casually.

    But she hadn¡¯t expected that Bryan could see through her. Bryan had remembered this. Once the buildings werepleted seven months ago, he had secured the finest apartment avable. Spanning over five hundred square meters, the apartment¡¯syout was breathtaking. The interior was simply decorated, and furniture was yet to be arranged. Standing in the center of therge living room, Eileen felt a bit lost.

    ¡°Why did you bring me here?¡± she asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s our new home,¡± Bryan replied. Seeing Eileen stand by the floor-to-ceiling windows, still lost in thought, Bryan gestured to her and said, ¡°Come here.¡±

    Around three in the afternoon, the sun streamed into the room. The intense midday sunlight had softened into a warm, reddish glow that spilled through the window. Eileen and Bryan could see the bustling city outside through the windows. Arge area of clouds glowed brilliantly in the sunlight as if painted across the sky, creating a breathtaking view. Resting against Bryan¡¯s chest, Eileen basked in the sun¡¯s warmth.

    ¡°Why is the apartment so empty?¡± she asked. She thought it would be morefortable if there was a sofa.

    ¡°I want to wait for your decision. Later, the designer will reach out to discuss the style of the decor with you,¡± Bryan replied.

    Bryan remembered Eileenining about his vi¡¯s decor before. But Eileen had forgotten about it; still, she felt moved when she heard he wanted to leave the choice to her. ¡°Alright, Mr. Dawson. I¡¯m looking forward to a joyful marriage.¡± Eileen stood directly across from him and extended her hand for a handshake.

    Bryan couldn¡¯t resist a smile as he took her hand and yfully tapped her forehead. ¡°Come on, I¡¯ll take you on a tour of the apartment.¡±

    The wedding was only two months away, making it crucial to order the furniture promptly. Eileen was particrly concerned about how the children¡¯s room would be set up. This time, Bryan wasn¡¯t as hesitant as he used to be about discussing children. He seriously engaged in the nning.

    ¡°We should carefully n the children¡¯s room and use imported materials. After all, we¡¯re in no rush to have children,¡± Bryan said.

    Unexpectedly, they spent the entire afternoon together in therge and empty apartment. On their way home, Eileen received a call from Ste, who wanted to invite Ruby and Bailee to lunch the next day. They were still going to talk about Eileen¡¯s marriage.

    ¡°Your mother can¡¯t move around easily anymore. During thest visit, you ended up cooking, which made me feel guilty, so I¡¯ve booked a nearby restaurant this time,¡± Ste was thoughtful.

    Once home, Eileen ryed Ste¡¯s words to Ruby.

    ¡°Eileen! You should handle the bill.¡± Ruby found it unreasonable to let Ste manage such things while she did nothing.

    Everything proceeded without a problem. Eileen was in an exceptionally good mood. After wrapping up her work in the morning, she got a call from Bryan around noon.

    ¡°I¡¯ve finished up here; I¡¯ming to pick you up,¡± Bryan said.

    ¡°No, thanks,¡± Eileen replied firmly. ¡°Just head straight to the hotel. It¡¯s actually farther if youe to get me; I¡¯ll drive there myself.¡±

    Bryan didn¡¯t push further. It seemed more practical for them to head to the destination separately to save time. He ended the call, grabbed his coat, and left his office. Just as he stepped out, he saw Z, who was approaching with a lunch box.

    ¡°Bryan, I brought lunch for you,¡± she said.

    ¡°I have ns for lunch already,¡± Bryan declined directly.

    Z¡¯s hold on the lunch box tightened, and her smile faded slightly. ¡°Where are you headed? I just saw your assistant leaving for lunch; he was supposed to apany you.¡±

    Bryan had already put on his suit. ¡°Grandma arranged a meeting with Eileen¡¯s mother to discuss the wedding. My assistant doesn¡¯t need to be involved in my personal matters. You can have lunch on your own. I need to leave now.¡± He walked past Z and stepped into the elevator. Just before the doors closed, Z followed him in.

    ¡°Are you really going to marry Eileen? Aren¡¯t you concerned about your parents¡¯ disapproval?¡± she asked.

    Bryan looked ahead and responded, ¡°There¡¯s nothing to worry about. I can protect my woman.¡±

    Z was rendered speechless. She could only think about the moment Bryan had kissed Eileen in front of all the reporters. Eileen¡¯s bright smile had made everyone envious. But what about her?

    She had been left dealing with Kian¡¯s advances, forcibly held down on a sofa. The elevator doors opened, and Bryan stepped out swiftly.

    ¡°Bryan!¡± Z called out, her voice steady. ¡°I¡¯m in a rtionship with Kian now.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Bryan turned to look at her. Z felt her heart stop for a second. His reaction¡­ He didn¡¯t want her to be with Kian, did he? He still cared about her, right?

    She took a couple of steps forward. She was about to say something when Bryan spoke up.

    ¡°You¡¯re free to choose whoever you want to be with. I won¡¯t interfere. But you need to know that Kian and I are at odds now. I won¡¯t show any mercy because of all the past, and if you act foolishly, I¡¯ll disregard the family ties we¡¯ve shared over thest twenty years.¡±

    He only cared about the family ties between him and Eileen. But that meant nothingpared to his love for Eileen. He would show no leniency if Z sided with the wrong person.

    After saying that, he turned and left, his expression stern. Z watched him leave. She left the Apex Group in a daze, overhearing the hushed chatter of some employees at the entrance.

    ¡°I heard from Mr. Dawson¡¯s assistant that Mr. Dawson and Eileen are at the Titan Hotel nning their wedding.¡±

    ¡°Oh my God! I¡¯m so jealous. When Eileen was here, she seemed sopetent. No wonder Mr. Dawson likes her!¡±

    The chatter snapped Z back to harsh reality. She realized she had made a rash decision. She had impulsively tried to gauge Bryan¡¯s feelings by telling him that she was together with Kian.

    But she had overlooked the fact that Bryan and Eileen were at odds. Would Bryan now consider her an enemy?

    ¡°Mom, look at this ce; it¡¯s huge!¡± Judie, holding Denise¡¯s arm, led Denise toward the entrance of the Apex Group.

    ¡°Did Eileen work here as a special assistant before? Is that bitch really that capable?¡± Denise was astounded.

    For someone who had never been to arge city or seen such towering buildings, she was naturally shocked by the sight. Judie held a deep contempt for Denise. She thought Denise was incredibly ignorant.

    ¡°Eileen used to work here. This ce will belong to her soon. If we secure Eileen¡¯s engagement gifts, we¡¯ll be rich!¡±

    Denise¡¯s eyes lit up. She grabbed Judie, eager to rush into the building.

    Fortunately, Judie knew better and quickly stopped her. ¡°There are bodyguards at the door. We can¡¯t just walk in! Besides, we don¡¯t have Eileen¡¯s contact details. We have to wait here until she or Mr. Dawson shows up.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s soplicated.¡± Denise frowned and expressed her concern, saying, ¡°Roderick is still with those people. They gave us only a week. If we don¡¯t find Eileen or Mr. Dawson soon, Roderick will be in danger!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Mr. Dawsones here daily. It won¡¯t take a week. We can intercept him in three days, tops,¡± Judie said confidently.

    Standing nearby, Z heard their conversation. Keenly aware of the mention of ¡°Eileen,¡± Z couldn¡¯t help but watch them intently.

    She looked into Eileen¡¯s background before and discovered that Ruby wasn¡¯t Eileen¡¯s biological mother. Eileen¡¯s biological mother had divorced her father and left with her brother when Eileen was young. She had learned that when Eileen had been a special assistant in the Apex Group, she had arranged for her brother¡¯s wife to work here.

    From Judie¡¯s conversation with Denise, Z deduced that they were Eileen¡¯s biological mother and sister-inw. ¡°Are you here for Eileen?¡± Z approached and blocked their path as they tried to leave.

    Judie hesitated, then nodded. ¡°Yes, we¡¯re here for Eileen. Do you know where she is?¡±

    With a faint smile, Z pulled out a card from her purse. ¡°She and Bryan are at the Titan Hotel. Here¡¯s a VIP card for the hotel; you can use this to get in and find her. Her family and the Dawson family are discussing her marriage there.¡±

    The blue VIP card, adorned with gold dust, shimmered in the sunlight. Judie had seen a Titan Hotel VIP card before and recognized it immediately.

    She swiftly took the card, thanked Z, and hurried off with Denise. ¡°We can still make it in time for the meal there. The food is excellent, and as Eileen¡¯s mother, you should be there to discuss her marriage!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 267

    ?Chapter 267:

    Ruby and Bailee arrived early, but Ruby insisted on waiting for Eileen, who was runningte. Consequently, they found themselves waiting in the caf¨¦ for several minutes until Eileen arrived. Eileen and Bailee supported Ruby as they entered the hotel. A waiter escorted them to the room reserved by Ste. The room was expansive, capable of hosting dozens of guests. An opulent crystal chandelier hung overhead, casting shimmering reflections on the walls.

    It was Ruby¡¯s first time in such an extravagant setting, and she felt a bit uneasy. Ste sat beside Ruby while Bryan and Eileen took charge of ordering food. From the moment she entered the room, Ste had been immersed in continuous conversation. Jarred, carrying a bag filled with hotel materials and wedding nning leaflets, was by her side, fulfilling Ste¡¯s requests. Last time they had only discussed the matter; this time, they would make a decision.

    After about ten minutes, the waiter began serving the dishes. Soon, the table was adorned with an array of delectable dishes. The scent of the food wafted through the air, prompting Ste to finally stop talking about her ns. ¡°Let¡¯s eat first. Once we¡¯ve finished, we can discuss the important matter,¡± she suggested.

    Curious, Eileen asked, ¡°What¡¯s the important matter?¡± She had listened as they discussed wedding dresses, photography, and venue options, but she didn¡¯t know what was more important to discuss.

    ¡°Silly girl, don¡¯t you require a dowry for your marriage?¡± Ste said with a smile. ¡°You are destined to be part of our Dawson family. It¡¯s essential that you marry into our family with honor and dignity.¡±

    ¡°Dowry is simply a local tradition. We could adhere to Onnd¡¯s customs,¡± Eileen said, knowing that Ste and Bryan were doing this for her own good.

    ¡°That can¡¯t happen!¡± A resolute voice cut in.

    Everyone turned in surprise as Judie, with Denise at her side, entered the room.

    ¡°My daughter must take the dowry,¡± Denise dered firmly, her words resonating in the room.

    Eileen felt her heart sink. She looked at the women who had just entered. Herst memory of Denise was of Denise leaving with Roderick in her arms. At that time, Eileen had cried out, ¡°Mom, don¡¯t leave me!¡± However, Denise hadn¡¯t looked back.

    Now, Denise showed up, her intentions evident. Denise hadn¡¯t nced at Eileen from the moment she entered the room, her attention fixed on the opulent surroundings and the feastid out on the table. Observing Eileen¡¯s expression, Ste inferred the identity and guessed at the strained rtionship between Denise and Eileen.

    Therefore, Ste avoided the core issue and stated, ¡°Regardless of parentage, the Dawson family will wee her. We will address the dowry matter with her directly.¡±

    ¡°She will listen to me!¡± Denise dered confidently, scanning the table. Then she approached Bailee, stooped down, and grasped her hand. ¡°Eileen, though I haven¡¯t raised you these past years, I am your mother. Your marriage is crucial, and I must¡ª¡±

    ¡°Denise!¡± Judie quickly interjected in a hushed tone. ¡°That¡¯s not¡ª¡±

    ¡°Quiet!¡± Denise snapped, displeased. While it appeared she was scolding Judie, Denise¡¯s real aim was to assert her authority andpel Eileen to recognize her as her mother.

    ¡°I¡¯m doing this for your own good. Only your happiness will bring me relief,¡± Denise said, patting Bailee¡¯s hand.

    Bailee was stunned, realizing Denise had mistaken her for Eileen. She shot a nce at Ruby, feeling annoyed and angry. Ruby¡¯s expression was dark. As Eileen¡¯s stepmother, she was in an awkward position now. At a loss for words, she pressed her lips together and remained silent.

    ¡°Denise, you¡¯ve confused me with someone else.¡± Eileen rose from her seat, disappointment and coldness evident in her eyes. ¡°That¡¯s my sister, Bailee. I¡¯m Eileen.¡±

    Denise was rendered speechless. She quickly released Bailee¡¯s hand. She hadn¡¯t expected Ruby to sit so close to Eileen. Denise was convinced that Ruby wanted to get close to Eileen to exploit her for financial gain in the future.

    ¡°Eileen, you were just a little girl when I left. I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d change so much over the years,¡± Denise said, walking around the table toward Eileen.

    But just before she could get there, Bryan quickly stood up, blocking Denise¡¯s path.

    Denise was forced to step back. Unable to discern Eileen¡¯s hesitance, she shifted her focus to Bryan.

    ¡°You¡¯re the man who¡¯s going to marry Eileen, right? My daughter is a graduate of a prestigious university, beautiful and capable. It is wise for you to marry her¡­¡± Denise said.

    Eileen¡¯s eyes held a hint of disdain. Denise presented her like a vige merchant peddling goods. She didn¡¯t know what to do now. Should she engage in an argument with Denise and drive her away?

    At that moment, Ste cleared her throat and said, ¡°Eileen, Bryan, let¡¯s remember our hospitality. This is a happy asion for us. Let¡¯s not disrupt the harmonious atmosphere.¡±

    Ste didn¡¯t want to put Eileen in a dilemma. Before Eileen and Bryan could say something, Denise pivoted and imed an empty seat. ¡°Judie,e sit here,¡± she said.

    Judie also sat down, but their seats were a bit far from Ste.

    Denise looked at Ruby and Bailee before rising from her seat. ¡°You two, switch seats with us. That¡¯s Bryan, right? I¡¯d like to sit beside Bryan¡¯s mother; it¡¯s more convenient for me to discuss the matter with her that way.¡±

    ¡°Denise!¡± Judie said quickly, trying to remind Denise that Ste was Bryan¡¯s grandmother.

    But Denise didn¡¯t pay attention to Judie, walking over to Ruby and waiting for her and Bailee to get up from their seats.

    ¡°Enough!¡± Eileen rose to her feet, her gaze icy.

    Prior to meeting Denise, Eileen had entertained fantasies about her biological mother, longing for maternal affection. But now, she felt nothing but disgust toward Denise. ¡°Now that you¡¯re here, you stay and dine. The matter about my marriage concerns only me and my mother, Ruby. It is none of your business. If you¡¯re satisfied with this, enjoy your meal here. If not, you¡¯re wee to leave,¡± Eileen said, gesturing toward the door.

    Denise wanted to retort, but she noticed the man beside Eileen emanated a chilling aura. Besides, Ste¡¯s eyes were unreadable, yet her stern look was intimidating.

    She shouldn¡¯t provoke them. They¡¯re the Dawsons. We need to tread carefully,¡± Judie advised.

    Denise swallowed her pride, resumed her seat, and requested additional cutlery from the waiter.

    Eileen¡¯s words brought tears to Ruby¡¯s eyes, but she tried hard to keep herposure, not wishing to create a scene in front of the Dawson family members. The dinner proceeded. Ste recognized that delving further into the dowry matter would be unwise, as it could cause discord. She didn¡¯t want to difort Eileen and trusted that Eileen would address Denise after the meal.

    Perhaps because Ste avoided further discussion on the dowry matter or because the atmosphere felt somewhat awkward due to her presence, Denise lowered her posture slightly. Taking the initiative, she said, ¡°You¡¯re Bryan¡¯s mother, correct? I see you¡¯re still concerned about your son¡¯s marriage at this age. If there¡¯s anything that I can help you with, just let me know.¡±

    ¡°Denise!¡± Judie quickly said. ¡°That¡¯s Mr. Dawson¡¯s grandmother!¡±

    Denise was taken aback and blurted out, ¡°So the Dawson family doesn¡¯t regard my daughter seriously. Why send Bryan¡¯s grandmother to handle their marital affairs? Where are his parents?¡±

    ¡°No rule dictates that parents be present to discuss their child¡¯s marriage,¡± Eileen replied firmly, indicating that even her mother, Denise, couldn¡¯t interfere in her marriage.

    ¡°I am your real mother, Eileen!¡± Denise¡¯s anger red.

    Eileen raised her eyebrows slightly, meeting Denise¡¯s gaze head-on. ¡°That¡¯s why I let you stay for the meal today, but your words hold no weight with me. You had better understand that.¡± The room¡¯s atmosphere soured.

    Denise¡¯s expression fell upon hearing Eileen¡¯s words. Sensing the tension, Judie said hastily, ¡°We need to be patient. We can¡¯t rush this.¡±

    Even Judie couldn¡¯t tolerate Denise¡¯s blunder of mistaking Bailee for Eileen earlier.

    ¡°Fine! Since Eileen graciously invited me to stay,¡± Denise said sarcastically, digging into the food. The elegant setting was marred by her, with some decorative engravings on the tes being devoured. There were over ten dishes on the table, and she tasted them all. A heap of food crumbs amassed in front of her. Overwhelmed with shame, Eileen couldn¡¯t even bring herself to lift her head.

    Suddenly, a pair of warm hands enveloped hers. It was Bryan, leaning closer and whispering, ¡°When we return, I¡¯ll cook you a better meal.¡± He attempted to lighten the mood.

    Everyone at the table, except Denise and Judie, didn¡¯t touch their food. After the meal, while Denise and Judie went to the restroom, Steforted Eileen, saying, ¡°Every family faces challenges. I¡¯ll give you space to deal with yours. Don¡¯t worry about those kinds of people. If they¡¯re after money, just give it to them. Don¡¯t let it bother you. If you need, I can help you. We can talk about the dowry next time.¡±

    Ste possessed astute insight into people; she understood that Denise¡¯s motives revolved around money. Though Eileen felt warmth, she couldn¡¯t muster a smile. ¡°Thank you, Ste,¡± she said.

    The group left, with Eileen making no effort to wait for Denise and Judie. Upon leaving the hotel, Eileen saw Ste watching as she got into her car. She was about to drive Ruby and Bailee home when Denise rushed out of the hotel and approached her.

    ¡°Stop, Eileen! You¡¯re truly not taking me seriously. Why didn¡¯t you tell me that you¡¯re leaving?¡± Denise said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 268

    ?Chapter 268:

    The handbag clutched notably out of style, and her plump cheeks trembled as she spoke. Next to her, Judie appeared tense, evidently worried that Eileen, their golden child, might slip away.

    ¡°Do you two have any shame? My sister¡­¡± Bailee began, about tosh out, but Ruby quickly intervened. Ruby tried her best to stop Bailee from speaking harshly. After all, Denise was Eileen¡¯s biological mother. Ruby believed that she and Bailee weren¡¯t in a position to make such judgmentalments.

    ¡°Your sister,¡± Judie snorted. ¡°Are you really rted to her by blood? If she weren¡¯t wealthy, you wouldn¡¯t care about her. It¡¯s you and your mother who are without shame!¡± When it came to saying harsh things, Judie¡¯s words packed a bigger punch than Bailee¡¯s.

    Ruby and Bailee stood there, their faces a mix of embarrassment and anger, at a loss for words.

    Eileen stepped in, pulling Judie away from Denise and delivering a sharp p to her. ¡°Since your parents failed to teach you manners, I suppose I¡¯ll have to,¡± Eileen said.

    She rubbed her aching wrist, shot a look at the astonished Judie and Denise, then turned to Bryan and said, ¡°Take my mom and Bailee back. I¡¯ll handle this myself.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Bryan replied, giving Eileen the space to address issues from her past she preferred to keep private.

    Bailee helped Ruby into Bryan¡¯s car. Both kept their gaze fixed on Eileen through the car window as they started to leave. Only after the car had driven away did they turn their heads, both wearing expressions of mixed emotions. The midday sun bathed Eileen in light. She was dressed in a dark windbreaker, yet she felt anything but warm. A gentle breeze tousled her hair. She smoothed her hair back and regarded Denise with a cold demeanor.

    ¡°If you¡¯re here for my wedding, I suppose I can allow you to attend,¡± Eileen said, making it clear she was anything but enthusiastic about it.

    ?????????v?????.co?? for more reading

    Denise collected herself, looked at Eileen, and said, ¡°What do you mean by that? I¡¯m your mother; it¡¯s my right to be at your wedding.¡±

    ¡°Well, then tell me, what more do you want besides attending my wedding?¡± Eileen asked, standing with her hands in her pockets, her presence pronounced in the open space in front of the hotel.

    The hotel staff looked through the floor-to-ceiling windows, observing the unfolding drama.

    But Denise didn¡¯t think it was a big deal. She said arrogantly, ¡°What else would I want? I¡¯m your mother, so naturally, I should live with you. I should also be in charge of organizing your wedding!¡±

    ¡°How exactly do you intend to manage it? Are you nning to demand arge dowry or ask the Dawson family for money?¡± Eileen¡¯s question pierced right through Denise¡¯s hidden motives.

    A mix of anger and humiliation flushed Denise¡¯s face as she countered, ¡°Eileen, I am your mother. You helped your stepmother Ruby financially with her treatment. Why can¡¯t you do the same for me? She only looked after you for a few years. Why does it matter?¡±

    Raising her voice, Denise scanned the area, looking for any sympathetic onlookers. But they were alone, apanied only by the chill of thete autumn wind and the rustling of fallen leaves. Denise was straightforward, and Eileen didn¡¯t want to sugarcoat things. With a cold smile, Eileen said, ¡°To be clear, you gave me life. And if you need me to take care of you in your old age, I can do that. But that¡¯s as far as I can go.¡±

    ¡°You¡­ You¡¯re unfilial!¡± Denise eximed, enraged upon hearing this.

    Eileen said, ¡°You failed in your duties as a mother, so myck of filial duty shoulde as no surprise. When you divorced my father, I cried and ran after you, pleading with you not to leave me, but you never looked back. You even said you would only consider Roderick as your child from then on. What gives you the right to expect me to be different?¡±

    Eileenughed bitterly, and her heart ached. ¡°I¡¯ve said what needed to be said. If you¡¯re still unhappy, feel free to take me to court. Let¡¯s see if the court will make you my dowry.¡±

    With that, she climbed into her car and drove off. As she shut the car door, Denise¡¯s curses were still audible.

    Denise made a move to follow, but Judie held her back. Eileen couldn¡¯t hear what Judie said to Denise, but it made Denise stop yelling.

    Watching the figures of the two women conversing quietly in the rearview mirror grow smaller, Eileen looked away.

    She rolled down the car window halfway, letting the cool autumn air soothe her.

    Denise¡¯s sudden arrival had dredged up painful memories from Eileen¡¯s childhood, stirring long-suppressed feelings of sadness. It was hard to tell if she felt more disappointed or sorrowful, but her emotions were certainly stirred.

    She suspected that Ruby wasn¡¯t in good spirits either, so instead of heading to the educational institution, she went directly home.

    After dropping Ruby off, Bryan watched her retreat to her room, iming she needed to rest due to fatigue. Anticipating Eileen¡¯s return, Bryan didn¡¯t leave. He had limited knowledge about Eileen¡¯s biological mother and talked with Bailee in the living room.

    Bailee said, ¡°To be honest, I don¡¯t know much. I was very young when my mother took me to the Curtis family. What sticks out the most in my memory is my stepfather scolding Eileen as a burden, causing him to lose custody of Roderick.¡±

    Ruby had shared most of what she knew about Eileen¡¯s background with Bailee, while Eileen herself rarely spoke of it.

    Bailee knew Eileen was typically closed off about her feelings and thoughts. But she believed perhaps Eileen would open up more with Bryan, so she told him all she knew about the matter.

    ¡°Eileen usually shares the good news and keeps the bad to herself. In fact, her birth mother reached out to her a long time ago, wanting her to find jobs for Roderick and Judie in Onnd. The real reason that woman is now recognizing Eileen as her daughter is because she¡¯s after Eileen¡¯s wealth! They¡¯re the real shameless ones!¡± As she spoke, Bailee grew more worked up, and her voice inadvertently rose, but she quickly mped her hand over her mouth, worried Ruby might hear her.

    She said, ¡°Bryan, I know I was quite blunt. I shouldn¡¯t say that, especially considering my mom has also benefitted from Eileen¡¯s generosity. But I just couldn¡¯t hold back.¡±

    ¡°You and your mom are different from them, and Eileen knows it. The lengths she goes to for you both show she believes you¡¯re worth it,¡± Bryan replied.

    Having encountered Eileen¡¯s biological mother, Bryan genuinely felt for Eileen. He nced at his watch and said, ¡°She should be back any moment. I¡¯ll head down to pick her up.¡± With that, he left.

    Eileen was surprised to find Bryan waiting at the entrance when she stopped her car before the apartment building. After a brief moment of eye contact through the car window, Eileen quickly regained herposure, unbuckled her seatbelt, and stepped out of the car. ¡°You didn¡¯t return to thepany?¡± After she shut the car door and approached him, she suddenly felt his arms wrap tightly around her waist.

    The warmth from his embrace prated her clothes, warming her body. After pausing for a few seconds, she reciprocated the gesture, wrapping her arms around his waist.

    She rested her head against his chest, took a deep breath, then looked up and gently kissed his chin on tiptoes. ¡°I¡¯m okay. It doesn¡¯t matter what kind of person my biological mother is. It¡¯s just that her sudden appearance before our wedding affected my good mood,¡± Eileen said.

    Bryan leaned down and nted a kiss near her lips. ¡°Leave it to me. I won¡¯t let them spoil your mood.¡± There were effective strategies to keep Denise and Judie at a distance from Eileen.

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave that to you then. I¡¯m going to check on my mom,¡± Eileen released him and turned to head into the building.

    Inside Bailee¡¯s ce, where sunlight filled the living room, Bailee was sitting alone, waiting. Upon seeing Eileen return, she quickly got up and approached her. ¡°Mom?¡± Eileen asked as she changed her shoes.

    Bailee gestured toward the bedroom and said, ¡°She went in there as soon as we got back. I heard noises just now. She hasn¡¯t slept? How could she fall asleep?¡±

    Ruby had be visibly distressed as soon as Denise showed up, losing her smilepletely.

    The bedroom door was slightly open, and Eileen saw Ruby sitting in a chair by the window. She walked in quietly. ¡°Mom.¡±

    ¡°Eileen,¡± Ruby quickly replied, turning with a weak smile. ¡°You¡­ You¡¯re back? Aren¡¯t you supposed to be at¡ª¡±

    Eileen sat on the bed, facing her. ¡°I was worried about you, so I came back to check on you.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s there to worry about?¡± Ruby¡¯s speech was slow and a bit hesitant, but noticeably better than before.

    After a pause, she said, ¡°If you want her at your wedding as your mother, I understand. I don¡¯t have an issue with it.¡±

    ¡°Do you really think she came just to attend the wedding?¡± Eileen asked.

    Ruby was momentarily at a loss for words. She had only met Denise once, but during the brief meal thatsted under an hour, the reason behind her visit was clear to anyone.

    After a lengthy pause, Ruby said, ¡°Try to talk some sense into her. Whether she wants to attend the wedding or wants you to call her mother, I¡¯ll support you as long as she doesn¡¯t disgrace you before the Dawson family.¡± Ruby recognized that Ste and Bryan were both good people, noting their kind treatment of Eileen.

    But that was just the situation now. If Denise were to continually cause trouble, always demanding money, her greed could eventually disgust Ste and Bryan. Such behavior might negatively impact Eileen¡¯s standing with the Dawson family.

    ¡°I¡¯ve shared everything I should say with her. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll handle it, and you won¡¯t need topromise. You are my mother, the only one I acknowledge,¡± Eileen reassured her.

    At Eileen¡¯s words, Ruby¡¯s eyes filled with tears. ¡°To have a daughter like you is the greatest gift of my life. You¡¯ve saved me,¡± she said.

    Eileen grasped Ruby¡¯s hand firmly, allowing Ruby to stroke hers gently. ¡°You saved me too. Even though we aren¡¯t rted by blood, our bond is as strong as if we were, perhaps even deeper.¡±

    Their heartfelt exchange brought Ruby a sense of relief.

    Judie and Denise had only a little over a thousand dors on them. Unsure if they could get more money from Eileen soon, they opted to conserve their funds and check into a small motel that cost only a few tens of dors per night.

    They shared a room. Inside the room, Denise took a call from a debt collector. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You have my son; he won¡¯t escape. Give him seven days, and I¡¯ll pay you back with interest,¡± she said.

    After her resolute assurance, she ended the call. Looking around the shabby motel, she tossed her phone aside with a look of revulsion. ¡°This dump is unbearable. It¡¯s even worse than the restroom in the restaurant we were at today!¡±

    ¡°That hotel is hardly worth mentioning,¡± Judie responded.

    ¡°Mom, do you realize how wealthy the Dawson family is? They own countless mansions. Handing over just one would be nothing for them.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 269

    ?Chapter 269:

    Judie was lost in thoughts about the grand vi that seemed to be calling out to her, unwilling to focus on anything else.

    ¡°Does the Dawson family have that much money?¡± Denise, having only seen the Apex Group building, was still struggling to grasp the Dawson family¡¯s level of wealth. ¡°Vis? More than one?¡±

    ¡°Mom, you were being overly eager today,¡± Judie said as she slipped off her shoes and settled cross-legged on the bed. ¡°You didn¡¯t show any concern for Eileen. It seemed you only cared about asking for money. Why would they give you any money?¡±

    Judie felt a bit guilty but couldn¡¯t bring herself to acknowledge her missteps. ¡°I was just anxious, you know? Roderick is still with those people. I have to ask for money.¡± But if she were so concerned about Roderick, why had she let him be used as coteral with a moneylender? Judie kept her thoughts to herself and didn¡¯t expose Denise. She suggested, ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask Eileen for help? She seems to care about Roderick to some extent. I doubt she¡¯d say no.¡±

    Denise was irritated by the thought that Eileen cared about Roderick but not about her. She owed two hundred thousand dors. If she turned to Eileen for help to ask for the amount and got Roderick back, what would be left for her? Eileen probably wouldn¡¯t give her more than that. That was the reason she had been eyeing Eileen¡¯s dowry.

    ¡°Stop talking so much. Find out where Eileen lives and what work she does,¡± Denise instructed.

    Finding information on Eileen wasn¡¯t difficult. Judie asked some of her former colleagues in the Apex Group and received some tips. Eileen was now working in a popr and prestigious educational agency.

    Judie quickly went online to look up more details, checking the top agencies until she located Eileen¡¯s. She also searched for business records online and discovered that the legal representative of the tutoring agency was Eileen herself!

    Chapters live now at ??????¦Ò????????.c§àm

    ¡°Mom, she¡¯s very rich now! Look, she¡¯s running apany! The education sector is quite lucrative these days. She must be earning at least hundreds of thousands of dors a month!¡± Judie eximed.

    The agency also had a physical location in West Land, and its online education software was popr across the country.

    ¡°That¡¯s simple. Find out where the tutoring agency is. We will go there,¡± Denise said, leaning over to see Judie¡¯s phone screen, although she hardly understood what she saw. She was thrilled by the mention of money. She hadn¡¯t anticipated Eileen¡¯s remarkable sess.

    Throughout the night, Denise was restless, her mind racing with thoughts of the potential fortune she might get from Eileen. But the next morning, she was still full of energy. Skipping breakfast, she hurried to the educational agency with Judie, eager to confront Eileen.

    Once they found a hidden spot to watch the agency¡¯s entrance, two figures appeared in front of them. The bodyguards, dressed in suits and leather shoes, bore serious expressions that sent a shiver through Denise. These men seemed tougher than the ones who had been after her before.

    Denise instinctively hid behind Judie.

    ¡°What¡¯s this about?¡± Judie asked them after gathering her courage. ¡°Are you nning to bully us right here?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s cut to the chase. Are you two Denise and Judie? Are you here looking for Miss Curtis?¡± one bodyguard said bluntly. ¡°With us on guard, you won¡¯t get near Miss Curtis. Don¡¯t make trouble for yourselves.¡±

    As they spoke, the bodyguards seemed poised to engage if needed.

    Denise, frightened, turned and ran away with Judie. They sprinted down the street and then copsed, breathless.

    ¡°That was scary! We haven¡¯t even seen Eileen, and I¡¯m not ready to get roughed up!¡± Denise eximed, clutching her chest in rm.

    Suddenly, Judie stood up and scolded, ¡°With Bryan backing her, Eileen doesn¡¯t even recognize you as her mother. If this continues, how will you get to her? And what about Roderick?¡± Judie was frustrated by Denise¡¯s timidity and constant troublemaking.

    Denise, offended by the rebuke, retorted, ¡°Why are you yelling? I won¡¯t just abandon my son. Why are you picking a fight with me? Eileen is my daughter. And you¡¯re taking advantage of that fact. Don¡¯t you have any respect for me?¡±

    Judie was momentarily speechless and looked away. Regardless, she would need Denise to get money from Eileen. She had to endure Denise. She sat down, trying to catch her breath and think of a solution.

    In a luxury car nearby, Benita and Z were watching the scene unfold. Benita looked away and asked Z, ¡°Have you lost your mind? Why drag me out early to see this useless scene?¡±

    ¡°Those two people are Eileen¡¯s mother and sister,¡± Z said.

    She knew it was best not to intervene herself. Bryan was aware of her rtionship with Kian now. Any further misconduct on her part would have dire repercussions. So, she had contacted Benita.

    After a moment of quiet reflection, Benita grasped something but opted not to meddle. She found Kian¡¯s and Megan¡¯s actions disgusting. So no matter how much she desired Kian, she didn¡¯t want to sleep with him now.

    ¡°You should have seen the news a few days ago. Bryan seemed crazy about Eileen, and he spread rumors and made Kian miserable. It shows how much he likes Eileen. It won¡¯t be easy to separate them. This is a great opportunity. You¡ª¡± Z attempted to convince Benita.

    However, before she could finish speaking, Benita interjected, ¡°You¡¯re suggesting Kian and Megan didn¡¯t sleep with each other?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Z said without hesitation.

    Benita felt less disgusted. She wasn¡¯t a saint and had her share of men. She didn¡¯t care as long as Kian didn¡¯t sleep with Megan. Now realizing it was all a misunderstanding, she was willing to uphold her agreement with Kian.

    She arched an eyebrow, observing Denise and Judie outside.

    ¡°Tell Kian, if I pull this off, he better remember his promise to me.¡±

    With that, she exited the car, smoothed down her hair, and approached Judie and Denise.

    In the meantime, Z gazed at Benita¡¯s departing figure in bewilderment. What had Kian promised Benita? She pondered deeply. It was evident Benita had no interest in Eileen¡¯s matters. It was only when Bryan¡¯s and Megan¡¯s innocence was mentioned that Benita¡¯s interest was piqued. So¡­ Benita wasn¡¯t interested in Bryan but in Kian!

    Given her history, she probably desired to sleep with Kian. That might be the thing Kian had promised Benita. Z wondered if Kian had contemted how he would face her if Benita seeded and wanted to sleep with him.

    But then, Z considered it might be good for her if Benita slept with Kian. That way, she might find a reason to leave Kian and marry Bryan.

    Judie was analyzing their situation with Denise. ¡°With things as they are now, we can¡¯t even see Eileen.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve been going over this so much. It¡¯s starting to give me a headache,¡± Denise responded irritably. ¡°I asked you for a solution. Why are you spouting this nonsense?¡± They were seated on the steps, surrounded by the morning crowd heading to work.

    Passersby observed their behavior and attire, and Denise¡¯s remarks attracted looks.

    Feeling embarrassed, Judie controlled her anger and exined, ¡°Mr. Dawson has plenty of people under him. He could easily have a couple of them watching us. We¡¯re trapped. What do you expect me to do?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do.¡±

    Renita walked to them, arms folded, looking down at them.

    Noticing Benita¡¯s elegant appearance, Denise managed a ttering smile and asked, ¡°Who might you be?¡±

    Benita arched an eyebrow and replied, ¡°Identity isn¡¯t important. What matters is that I can arrange for you to meet Eileen, but you¡¯ll need to set aside your pride.¡±

    Hearing that she could see Eileen, Judie became interested. She stood up, dusting off her clothes. ¡°We¡¯re not celebrities. What do we care about pride?¡±

    In the afternoon, Bryan called Eileen, telling her that he wanted to take her out for dinner. He sensed Eileen had been unsettled by Denise¡¯s presence and wanted to distract her.

    Eileen agreed, and her smile lingered throughout the day. In the evening, she asked Bailee to head home and nned to go to Bryan once she finished up at work.

    Everyone had left the agency, making it unusually quiet. So when a noise erupted from downstairs, she noticed it immediately.

    Denise¡¯s voice was particrly piercing.

    Eileen nced out the window. Below, at the entrance of the agency, Denise and Judie confronted two bodyguards. Denise was jumping and shouting, ¡°Why won¡¯t you let me see my daughter? Who are you to stop me? Call the cops if you continue like this!¡±

    It was unclear what the bodyguard replied, but it only angered Denise further. ¡°How dare you treat a woman like me this way? I have every right to see my daughter. I gave birth to her, so this is none of your business, and it¡¯s not your ce to intervene!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 270

    ?Chapter 270:

    ¡°Enough! What do you want from me?¡± Eileen said. Denise¡¯s words had hit Eileen like a ton of bricks. If Eileen could, she wished she could give her life back to Denise.

    Denise said without hesitation, ¡°Do you even see me as your mother? I traveled all the way to Onnd, and you can¡¯t even sort me a ce to stay.¡±

    Eileen regarded Denise and Judie with an indifferent gaze. ¡°Your amodation is of concern to me. My responsibility towards you extends only to providing a monthly living allowance. I have no intention of residing with you.¡±

    Judie quickly said, ¡°Eileen, that¡¯s heartless. You ssh cash on someone who¡¯s not even rted to you but won¡¯t give your own mom a roof.¡±

    Denise stamped her foot, hands on her hips. ¡°Yeah, Eileen! You¡¯ve moved up in the world, and now you¡¯re ditching me? I could take you to court!¡±

    The breeze carried Denise¡¯s words, spreading them to the onlookers.

    ¡°Are you done?¡± Eileen tried hard to keep her cool. ¡°Do we really have to go over everything again? When did you even consider bringing me along?¡±

    Denise clenched her teeth, whirled around, and shouted, ¡°Hey, everyone! Come and see! My own daughter is cutting ties with me! She¡¯s marrying into a wealthy family and bing a richdy, but she doesn¡¯t want me as her mother!¡±

    Her shameless performance drew many people, especially since it was rush hour and the streets were crowded.

    Eileen had no intention of talking to someone as shameless as Denise. She turned to head back to the educational agency, but Judie grabbed her wrist to stop her. Denise continued, ¡°Hey, everyone, gather around! You won¡¯t believe this. My own daughter is being so ungrateful!¡± Denise¡¯s voice rang out, while Judie clung tightly to Eileen, stopping her from leaving.

    Feeling utterly helpless, Eileen stood amidst the judgmental stares.

    Fresh updates avable at ?@ln¦Ò¦Íe?s

    Facing the intense scrutiny of the crowd, Eileen eximed, ¡°I said I would cut ties with you! I promised to send you money every month ording to thew, so you can livefortably back home!¡±

    ¡°I knew it! You still see me as a burden!¡± Denise¡¯s tone softened momentarily before she changed the topic. ¡°But why are you trying to kick me out of Onnd? Is it because having me around will ruin your chances of marrying into a wealthy family?¡±

    Before Eileen could reply, Denise turned to the crowd, asking, ¡°Any of you folks heard of the Dawson family? My daughter¡¯s marrying into the Dawson family, but she¡¯s from an ordinary background. The Dawson family must want her to cut ties with me!¡±

    The wild usations against the family caught Eileen off guard.

    Lately, with Kian¡¯s news stirring up attention, many eyes were on Bryan¡¯s press conference where he had announced his marriage to Eileen. Initially, people had been there for Kian¡¯s scandal, but instead, they had found a ssic rags-to-riches story.

    So, when Denise brought up the Dawson family, everyone recognized Eileen as the woman who was about to marry into a wealthy family.

    But was the price of marrying into wealth this high? Denise was causing such a fuss; surely the Dawson family wouldn¡¯t want her as their inw. So, was Eileen really ditching her mother for wealth?

    ¡°This isn¡¯t about the Dawson family. You divorced my dad ages ago. I¡¯ve got no emotional ties to you. Besides what I¡¯m legally bound to do, I don¡¯t want to be around you. Got it?¡± Eileen¡¯s anger boiled over as she forcefully shook off Judie¡¯s grip, ring daggers at Denise. ¡°Back off. Leave Onnd now. If you keep bothering me, I¡¯ll kick you out of Onnd without a second thought!¡±

    Taken aback by Eileen¡¯s demeanor, both Judie and Denise stood frozen for a moment.

    Eileen motioned to the two bodyguards, signaling them to clear a path through the crowd as she made to make her exit.

    That was when she spotted Benita nearby, apanied by a stylishly dressed woman.

    ¡°Benita, can you confirm if she¡¯s really the one marrying into the Dawson family?¡± the woman asked, not bothering to lower her voice.

    With a smile, Benita nodded. ¡°Mrs. Kennedy, she¡¯s the one who¡¯s going to marry Bryan.¡±

    Karen Kennedy, a hint of disappointment evident on her face, said, ¡°Why not choose from the noble women? If the Dawson family epts this woman, they should ept her mother, too. So what if she¡¯s a bit greedy? Those poor folks wouldn¡¯t know what to do with a few million. The Dawson family can afford the money easily, yet they¡¯re asking her to cut ties with her mother!¡±

    ¡°Exactly. We were just passing by, but my curiosity got the best of me. I couldn¡¯t resist stopping to see what was happening. Who would¡¯ve thought we¡¯de across someone we know?¡± Benita remarked, linking arms with Karen as they walked off. ¡°It¡¯s none of our business. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve got a meeting with Mrs. Dawsonter tonight,¡± Karen¡¯s voice trailed off as she got into the waiting car.

    Eileen pressed her lips together, a realization sinking in. She nced at Denise, surrounded by the crowd offeringfort, feeling a coldness settle over her.

    Even after Eileen got back to her office, the warmth of the room did nothing to thaw the chill in her body.

    Had Denise been manipted by Benita?

    The public outrage wasn¡¯t directed at Eileen but at the Dawson family.

    Seated at her desk, Eileen pondered for a while before calling Raymond.

    ¡°Eileen, what¡¯s going on? What made you reach out to me?¡± Raymond was surprised.

    ¡°I need the contact info for the two people who have been protecting me secretly. There¡¯s something I need them to handle,¡± Eileen said calmly. ¡°And let¡¯s keep this between us, okay? Don¡¯t tell anyone about this.¡±

    ¡°Sure thing. I¡¯ll send it to you soon. And if anything goes wrong, don¡¯t try to handle it alone, Miss Curtis,¡± Raymond replied promptly.

    He had heard about the incident with Denise and knew Denise was troublesome.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Eileen responded.

    Shortly after ending the call with Raymond, Eileen received the details from him. She then made a call. ¡°Eileen Curtis here. I need you to track down Judie Curtis and Denise Moran. Find out where they are staying and who they¡¯re with.¡±

    The two bodyguards readily agreed.

    After much thought, Eileen decided to give Roderick a call. They had been chatting regrly for over a year, but it had been a couple of months since Eileenst heard from him.

    With Denise and Judie showing up in Onnd, Eileen couldn¡¯t help but wonder where Roderick was. She dialed his number, but the call ended after a few rings. When she tried again, his phone was turned off. A sense of worry crept into Eileen¡¯s heart.

    Time seemed to slip away as she sat there, the room gradually being swallowed by darkness.

    The streetlights outside cast a gentle glow, and suddenly, Bryan¡¯s name shed on Eileen¡¯s phone.

    Composing herself, Eileen answered the call. ¡°Have you arrived? I¡¯lle down¡ª¡±

    ¡°Eileen, there¡¯s an urgent issue with my grandmother. I need to go and check on her. You head home first,¡± Bryan interjected. He seemed to be driving.

    Eileen quickly sprang to her feet. ¡°What¡¯s the matter with your grandmother? I¡¯ming with you.¡±

    ¡°I can handle it on my own. Just be careful heading home,¡± Bryan replied firmly, ending the call when Eileen stayed silent.

    Inside the Dawson Mansion, tension filled the air. Bright lights flooded the room as Brandon and Lydia confronted Ste, who sat on the sofa.

    ¡°Mom, our family¡¯s never been so embarrassed! Karen is spreading rumors that we forced Eileen to cut ties with her mother. How am I supposed to face anyone now?¡± Brandon¡¯s frustration boiled over.

    Bryan entered, loosening his tie, his irritation palpable. ¡°If you can¡¯t face them, then don¡¯t. Our family doesn¡¯t need to show your weaknesses.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s entrance ratcheted up the tension in the room. ¡°Why choose someone so unsuitable when there are plenty of other eligible women? Are you set on tarnishing our family¡¯s reputation?¡± Brandon¡¯s frustration came through loud and clear, hitting a nerve with Bryan.

    Ste waved her hand dismissively. ¡°I don¡¯t see any disgrace. Eileen is a decent girl. It¡¯s her mother who¡¯s the problem! Bryan, we need to stand united. We can handle whateveres our way. Our family is strong and resilient. We won¡¯t let criticism shake us!¡±

    Her words momentarily silenced Brandon. She continued, ¡°Brandon, if you¡¯re ashamed, you can cut ties with us and give up your shares. You¡¯re free to leave this family.¡±

    ¡°Mom!¡± Brandon gritted his teeth, clearly unable to find a retort.

    ¡°Brandon, since your mother has a solution, let¡¯s not dwell on it,¡± Lydia said, offering aforting pat on Brandon¡¯s chest. ¡°Let¡¯s just leave.¡±

    The rift between Brandon and Bryan wasmon knowledge, and any public ridicule would likely target Bryan. Instead of confronting Bryan and Ste directly in this delicate moment, it seemed smarter to pull the strings from behind the scenes, letting the Dawson family endure more humiliation.

    Then they would see if Ste could truly handle the pressure!

    Following Lydia¡¯s advice, Brandon turned and made his exit.

    In the spacious living room, only Ste and Bryan remained.

    Ste¡¯s earlier confidence waned, reced by a soft sigh. ¡°Eileen¡¯s mother is quite the troublemaker, and Karen told a lot of people that¡­ I was so embarrassed by it!¡± Before Bryan¡¯s arrival, he had already tasked Raymond with uncovering the source of this absurdity.

    In a low voice, he said, ¡°Denise and Judie are shameless. Dealing with such troublemakers requires being firm.¡±

    ¡°We can be firm, but you shouldn¡¯t get involved. Your involvement will only bring me upon our family,¡± Ste asserted without hesitation. ¡°It¡¯s all about money, isn¡¯t it? Let Eileen ask them how much money they need for them to leave here. We can give them the money.¡±

    While Ste would defend Eileen in front of Brandon, she preferred resolving the matter without further conflict. No one wanted things to escte.

    She didn¡¯t mind facing ridicule herself, but she dreaded the potential fallout for Bryan due to the scandal. ¡°Brandon, I couldn¡¯t care less about others¡¯ opinions. I only care about what Eileen thinks,¡± Bryan said as he nced at his watch. ¡°Leave the matter to me. Eileen should be home by now. I¡¯ll go find her.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 271

    ?Chapter 271:

    ¡°Eileen, what¡¯s happening? When did this mother of yours suddenly appear?¡± Phoebe asked.

    Phoebe couldn¡¯t hold back her curiosity after Jacob had filled her in and rushed to Eileen¡¯s ce. Phoebe was aware that Ruby was Eileen¡¯s stepmother, but Eileen had never talked about her biological mother. Phoebe had always assumed she was dead.

    Eileen had just gotten home when Phoebe dragged her into the car. They didn¡¯t drive off; they simply sat parked in front of the building to have a conversation.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t think she¡¯d evere looking for me, so I never brought her up,¡± Eileen exined, her voice steady. The cool night breeze came through the slightly open window. ¡°How did you hear about it?¡± she asked Phoebe.

    Phoebe collected her thoughts before responding. ¡°Jacob¡¯s mom heard it from someone else. Apparently, it all started with Karen Kennedy. She¡¯s notorious for spreading gossip in high society. It seems she couldn¡¯t keep it to herself¡­¡±

    Eileen recalled that the woman Benita had been with earlier had been referred to as Mrs. Kennedy by Benita.

    ¡°Just take your biological mother to court. She¡¯ll learn her lesson! She¡¯s been saying that the Dawson family can ept a poor daughter-inw but not a poor mother-inw. She has told everyone that the Dawson family is forcing you to cut ties with her¡­ It¡¯s ridiculous,¡± Phoebe said.

    Gossip was the favorite pastime in high society, especially concerning a well-known family like the Dawson family. News traveled fast, and within hours, everyone heard about the matter. Phoebe heard from her mom that Karen embarrassed Ste publicly, causing quite a scene. Ste was fuming, Phoebe said.

    She doubted the Dawson family would ever behave like that, but with the rumor circting, they needed to address it. Eileen¡¯s expression grew troubled, her eyes reflecting a storm of emotions.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be too hard on yourself. It¡¯s not your fault. me your mother. What was she thinking, speaking like that publicly? Though perhaps she didn¡¯t expect the trouble it would cause the Dawson family.¡± Phoebe attempted to reassure Eileen, seeing her distressed look.

    Find your next read at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Eileen¡¯s gaze hardened with resolve. She said, ¡°No, she did that deliberately. And I suspect Benita might be involved.¡±

    She didn¡¯t buy that Benita and Karen had just been passing by coincidentally.

    ¡°Look, that¡¯s Bryan¡¯s car. He¡¯s just arrived!¡± Phoebe suddenly eximed, spotting a familiar vehicle. She instinctively reached for the door handle. Eileen quickly stopped her. ¡°Don¡¯t!¡±

    As Bryan¡¯s headlights dimmed, Eileen and Phoebe watched him exit the car and hurry into the building. ¡°Why are you avoiding him?¡± Phoebe asked, bewildered, after Bryan had disappeared from sight. Eileen let go of Phoebe¡¯s hand, her eyes flickering with uncertainty. She shook her head slowly; she wasn¡¯t sure why herself. It had just been an instinctive reaction.

    ¡°Don¡¯t me yourself for this. This isn¡¯t your fault. Maybe Bryan has a way to fix this,¡± Phoebe said gently.

    Eileen reclined in her seat, her thoughts swirling. It wasn¡¯t her fault, but it involved her. She couldn¡¯t drag Bryan into this. She needed to sort it out on her own.

    She knew she couldn¡¯t keep her feelings hidden from Bryan. If she showed any distress, Bryan would intervene, and that would just reinforce the rumor that the Dawson family couldn¡¯t stand Denise.

    Just then, her phone rang. It was from one of the bodyguards Bryan had detailed to her.

    ¡°Miss Curtis, those two women were at a budget motel earlier. When we tried to approach them, they were picked up by a luxury car and taken to an apartment in the suburbs. We couldn¡¯t follow them inside, and we don¡¯t know who picked them up.¡±

    ¡°Got it. You can stop following them now,¡± Eileen instructed, ending the call and running her fingers through her hair.

    Her expression hardened with determination. ¡°Let¡¯s go. I need you to take me to a ce,¡± she told Phoebe.

    ¡°Sure!¡± Phoebe fired up the car, not bothering to ask for the destination.

    The darkness of the house weighed on Bryan¡¯s heart. He had noticed Eileen¡¯s car parked outside the building, but she wasn¡¯t here.

    He flicked on the light and sank into the couch, thinking she might be upstairs and woulde down shortly.

    After a restless half-hour wait, he called Eileen.

    The phone was answered after just two rings, and Eileen¡¯s voice was steady. ¡°Are you home? I¡¯m outside now.¡±

    ¡°Where are you?¡± Bryan asked as he grabbed his coat and made for the door.

    From Eileen¡¯s end, Phoebe¡¯s voice was light, saying, ¡°Mr. Dawson, I¡¯ve taken your woman out for the evening. She¡¯s with me, so no worries.¡±

    ¡°Phoebe?¡± Bryan frowned. ¡°Where are you two?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not for you to worry about. She¡¯s in good hands,¡± Phoebe answered, her tone yful before she ended the call. Usually, Bryan would be concerned if Eileen was out with someone, but given the current situation, he couldn¡¯t help feeling uneasy.

    The silence of the empty house amplified his worry. He called Jacob. ¡°Did Phoebe take Eileen? Why didn¡¯t you keep an eye on her?¡±

    ¡°Damn!¡± Jacob eximed, annoyed. ¡°How is that my fault? Phoebe left in a hurry to see Eileen as soon as she heard about your family¡¯s trouble. I was left behind at the hospital. She cares more about Eileen than about me!¡± Jacob might have kept his irritation to himself if Bryan hadn¡¯t called.

    But Bryan¡¯s inquiry sparked his frustration. Jacob then asked, ¡°What¡¯s with the rumors swirling about your family? Is Eileen¡¯s mother really causing trouble?¡±

    ¡°You should focus on getting well, not spreading gossip,¡± Bryan retorted, ending the call abruptly. He didn¡¯t have time to exin everything to Jacob.

    His mind was solely on Eileen. Although he knew she was safe, he believed she must be deeply affected by the rumor about the Dawson family.

    He immediately called Raymond, instructing him to locate Eileen and Phoebe. He then sent a text to Eileen, letting her know he was waiting for her toe home.

    As Eileen stepped out of the car, she received Bryan¡¯s message.

    Phoebe peeked at Eileen¡¯s phone, chuckling. ¡°I didn¡¯t know Mr. Dawson was such a romantic.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s probably just worried since he rushed back from his meeting,¡± Eileen said, putting her phone away without responding.

    She hoped Bryan would head to bed early without her, but she knew she wouldn¡¯t sleep until she was home. Looking at the imposing building before her, she turned to Phoebe and asked, ¡°Which floor is thew firm?¡±

    ¡°The top floor,¡± Phoebe answered. As they stepped into the elevator, Phoebe pressed the button for the top floor. ¡°Don¡¯t worry; thiswyer is the best in the business.¡±

    Eileen nodded, her hands in her pockets. ¡°Isn¡¯t it a bit harsh to pull him out at night just for this?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like you¡¯re not paying him,¡± Phoebe replied. ¡°Besides, you know thiswyer.¡±

    ¡°I know him?¡± Surprise shed across Eileen¡¯s face. ¡°What¡¯s his name?¡±

    Phoebe nudged her shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t ask too many questions. If your mom¡¯s situation involves Benita, he¡¯s definitely the one who can handle her.¡±

    Hearing this, Eileen grew even more curious.

    The elevator doors slid open to a dim corridor, lit only by emergency signs.

    Phoebe linked arms with Eileen, leading her toward the only part of the ce with lights on.

    They approached the sign that read ¡°Julio Law Firm.¡± The reception area was softly lit, and beyond it, an inner office shone brightly, where a man in a suit was visible through the ss.

    Without knocking, Phoebe pushed open the door. ¡°Julio, we¡¯ve arrived!¡±

    Thewyer turned, his demeanor calm, the light glinting off his gold-rimmed sses.

    He wore a white shirt and a light gray vest, looking every bit the refined gentleman.

    ¡°Julio Ferguson?¡± Eileen called, sounding uncertain. Julio set aside the papers he was reviewing, adjusted his sses, and offered a smile. ¡°I¡¯m surprised you still recognize me.¡±

    Eileen was taken aback, her mouth open, the words failing her. Julio had been well-known in Eileen¡¯s school. He was a grade above her and known as a top achiever. He had pursued a degree in financial management, apparently to manage the family business after graduation.

    Why was he working as awyer now? Changing careers like that must have taken significant effort and courage.

    ¡°Let¡¯s save the catch-up forter. Right now, we need to address the issues with your mother,¡± Julio said, his eyes twinkling with a trace of joy.

    Seated by Phoebe¡¯s guidance, Eileen listened as Phoebe whispered, ¡°Shocking, right? I was too. He was hesitant to take the case at first, but when I mentioned your name, he agreed right away. He also said he used to go to the same school as you.¡±

    Eileen and Julio had crossed paths in the student council during their school days.

    To Eileen, Julio was more a celebrity than a friend; she had collected his photos like many others but never thought their acquaintance would extend beyond school. But Julio had a point; it waste, and there was no time for reminiscing.

    ¡°My biological parents divorced when I was very young. It was a bitter separation¡­¡± Eileen began.

    At that time, Eileen and her family had resided in a small town on the outskirts of town. The divorce had be a local scandal, drawing attention from the entiremunity.

    The custody battle for Eileen¡¯s younger brother, Roderick, had been intense, and the locals had felt sorry for Eileen. Following the divorce, Eileen had never seen Denise again.

    With Denise¡¯s sudden reappearance now, legally, Eileen was only required to provide minimal monthly support. There were no remaining familial ties.

    Eileen exined her rtionship with Denise while Julio attentively noted down relevant details for legal evaluation.

    Denise had another son, which meant Eileen was not obliged to provide housing or care for Denise, only basic financial support.

    In thewyer¡¯s letter, Julio, representing Eileen, sent a formal caution to Denise.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 272

    ?Chapter 272:

    Eileen¡¯s life had been entangled in the web of Denise¡¯s various actions. Should Denise persist in her maneuvers, Eileen resolved to initiate legal proceedings to hold her ountable.

    ¡°By the way, the apartment your mother resides in is registered under Benita¡¯s name,¡± Julio reminded her as Eileen brought up where Denise was living.

    Eileen was well aware of this but responded with a hint of regret, ¡°Weck the concrete evidence to prove that the apartment belongs to Benita. If this matter gets exposed, Benita can easily deal with it. Without solid proof, I might provoke a counterattack from the Freguson family. Without tangible evidence, going against the Freguson family seems impossible.¡±

    Phoebe suddenly chuckled. ¡°If thewyer¡¯s letter is issued from Julio¡¯s office, we don¡¯t need evidence. If he says it¡¯s Benita¡¯s, then it¡¯s Benita¡¯s.¡±

    Benita Freguson? Julio Freguson? Eileen began to piece together the puzzle. Onnd¡¯s social circle was not expansive; two individuals bearing the Freguson surname likely came from the same family. But since they were kin, why would Julio assist her in dealing with Benita?

    Recalling Phoebe¡¯s remark about thewyer¡¯s ability to infuriate Benita to the core, Eileen spected boldly that this was an internal strife within the Freguson family. However, considering it was their private affair, Eileen pondered for a moment and said, ¡°As long as it doesn¡¯t cause any trouble for you, Julio, you can include this point in thewyer¡¯s letter. Benita instigated Denise, and she owes me an exnation.¡±

    ¡°Not only is it no trouble, but it will also make me feel much better,¡± Julio assured her, his fingers dancing swiftly over the keyboard as he incorporated the point about Benita.

    In a mere half-hour, Julio had crafted thewyer¡¯s letter and invited Eileen to review it.

    Legally speaking, if Denise persisted in her demands, Eileen was obligated to provide her with only a minimal living allowance. If Denise continued to spread malicious rumors, she would face legal action.

    More updates uploaded to g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??ls

    Meanwhile, Benita was used of bribing and instigating Denise. Since Denise resided at her ce, Benita owed Eileen a reasonable exnation.

    If Benita failed to exin, she would have to issue a public apology.

    ¡°Everything looks good,¡± Eileen said after thoroughly reading through it, appreciating the letter¡¯s meticulous construction. She then posted thewyer¡¯s letter on all her social media tforms.

    Julio also posted it on hisw firm¡¯s website, standing publicly by Eileen and revealing the truth.

    Although it waste at night, thewyer¡¯s letter quickly spread across major tforms.

    After managing these matters, Julio¡¯s phone rang. The room was silent, making the voice on the other end distinctly audible.

    It was a woman. Her tone was gentle, and Julio¡¯s eyes reflected tenderness.

    ¡°Julio, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll be home as soon as I finish up here¡­¡±

    Seeing this, Eileen gathered her belongings and signaled to Phoebe that they would depart once Juliopleted the call.

    Julio, ever considerate, concluded the phone call with a fewforting words. ¡°Juli, it¡¯ste, and I¡¯m sorry for disturbing you at this hour. We can discuss the fees another day. Thank you for your dedication,¡± Eileen said, rising to leave.

    Julio didn¡¯t insist on them staying. He picked up his jacket from the chair and draped it over his arm, saying, ¡°I¡¯m heading out too. Let¡¯s go together.¡±

    The elevator was small, and Julio carried a faint scent of gardenias, reminiscent of a woman¡¯s fragrance.

    Phoebe couldn¡¯t resist a yful jab. ¡°Julio, has someone already captured your heart? Your wife sounds like a real¡­¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s not my wife yet,¡± Julio exined without a hint of embarrassment. Then he inquired, ¡°And what is your current line of work, Eileen?¡±

    Caught off guard by the question, Eileen replied, ¡°I¡¯m tutoring.¡±

    Julio said with a tinge of regret, ¡°You were a standout in your graduating ss, and after working with Mr. Dawson for so many years, you must be exceptionally skilled. Don¡¯t you n to return to the field?¡± Eileen hadn¡¯t considered this before and didn¡¯t know how to respond.

    ¡°Forgive me; it was merely a passing thought,¡± Julio said, sensing her difort and swiftly changing the subject. ¡°I heard you¡¯re nning to marry Mr. Dawson?¡±

    ¡°The exact date has not been set; we¡¯re still in the midst of preparations,¡± Eileen answered honestly.

    The trio parted ways at the building¡¯s entrance, with Eileen and Phoebe driving off into the night. It was already past two in the morning.

    In truth, thewyer¡¯s letter could have been drafted the following day, but Eileen¡¯s eagerness to provide Bryan with an exnation hadpelled her to act swiftly. However, theirte return had left Bryan feeling anxious. He had been standing by the window, awaiting her arrival, for as long as she had been away.

    The moment he heard the door open, he moved with haste and quickly stood before her.

    The room was softly illuminated by the warm glow of the hallway, casting a gentle radiance on Eileen and revealing her weary expression.

    She leaned against the entryway cab, ready to change her shoes. When Bryan suddenly approached, he startled her.

    She had noted the darkened house from downstairs and had assumed he had retired for the evening.

    ¡°Why are you still awake?¡± Eileen asked, quickly changing her shoes and approaching him, turning her head to meet his gaze.

    ¡°Where have you been?¡± Bryan¡¯s voice, while not raised, carried a barely perceptible tremor.

    His mind had been consumed by thoughts of Eileen¡¯s whereabouts, so he had neglected to check his phone, unaware of thewyer¡¯s letter.

    Eileen softened her tone. ¡°I went to see awyer to draft a formal letter. By tomorrow morning, those rumors will be dispelled. I won¡¯t let you or your family bear the burden of such baseless usations.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care about that,¡± Bryan said, his brow furrowing slightly. He believed he knew the contents of thewyer¡¯s letter.

    The critical part of thewyer¡¯s letter wasn¡¯t the loomingwsuit against Denise but the unearthing of Eileen¡¯s haunting past, which would sever her ties to Denise once and for all.

    The moment Eileenid bare the past she had kept hidden, she would reopen the old wounds in her heart in front of Bryan.

    After a prolonged silence, Bryan drew a deep breath, enveloping Eileen in a tight embrace. ¡°As long as you¡¯re safe, the Dawson family¡¯s reputation is inconsequential. Even my life is yours if you need it.¡±

    His chest was a firm and warm refuge, gradually thawing her cold body.

    Eileen felt immensely fortunate to have Bryan by her side. She clung to his waist, her eyes brimming with tears, though she managed to maintain a steady tone. ¡°Bryan, you need to stay alive. I want to have a child with you. I want someone in this world who shares my blood and loves me deeply. I will love them, and together we will give them a home. Is that okay?¡±

    Though Ruby was incredibly kind to her, there was always a sense of distance in her heart.

    Ruby cared more about Eileen¡¯s feelings than those of her own biological daughter, Bailee, which ced an invisible burden on Eileen. Never before had Eileen wanted a child as much as she did now.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Bryan replied, releasing her and looking into her clear eyes, her eyelids reddened.

    His heart softened, and he kissed the tears from the corners of her eyes.

    Their breaths mingled, and his kisses traveled downward, enveloping her lips, as though desperate to make a child with her right then and there to ease her sorrow. In the stillness of the early morning, the outdoor temperature continued to drop while the indoor warmth rose.

    Eileen thought she must be crazy to bring up such an absurd idea; with just two months until their wedding, she could have waited.

    Yet, she lost herself in his passion. He was particrly fervent that night, with a determination that seemed to aim for a baby.

    As dawn¡¯s first light filtered through the clouds, it bathed the city in a warm hue.

    Eileen¡¯s long hair, damp with sweat, clung to her body, her beautiful figure discernible beneath the thin nket. Shey in Bryan¡¯s embrace, his rough hand resting passively on her waist.

    Though she was fast asleep, he was wide awake, one arm cradling her while the other thumbed through his phone. Overnight, thewyer¡¯s letter had gone viral, drawing a deluge of condemnation toward Denise for her reprehensible actions.

    People quickly realized that this wasn¡¯t a case of a mother longing for her daughter, but rather a cunning attempt to extort money.

    But how could a woman as witless and vile as Denise have devised such a plot to leverage public opinion against the Dawson family?

    The answer was clear: Benita was involved, as hinted by the cautionary note at the end of thewyer¡¯s letter.

    Having been out partying, Benita stumbled home at four in the morning.

    Utterly spent, she neglected her phone and copsed into bed.

    Shortly thereafter, her family¡¯s calls jolted her awake, their voices filled with reproach and urgent demands for her to address the situation.

    ¡°Given your contributions to the family, I¡¯ve overlooked your disgraceful behavior. But if you cause trouble, I won¡¯t forgive you!¡±

    Benita¡¯s father¡¯s stern warning reverberated in her mind as she groggily woke up. Trouble?

    Benita grabbed her phone and saw thewyer¡¯s letter, her expression shifting.

    The Freguson family¡¯s leniency only extended to her wild lifestyle and tarnished reputation.

    But stirring up trouble was a different matter; they wouldn¡¯t protect her.

    Benita immediately called Z to scold her, unleashing a torrent of frustration.

    ¡°How could Denise even be considered Eileen¡¯s mother?¡± she said.

    Had she known Denise and Eileen hadn¡¯t seen each other in twenty years and that Denise had coldly abandoned Eileen, she never would have suggested exploiting the family angle.

    Z, who had received the letter first thing in the morning and was already in a foul mood, snapped back at being med.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you think this through before you acted? If Denise and Eileen were close, why wouldn¡¯t Eileen be supporting her?¡± Z replied.

    Being reprimanded by Z was too much for Benita. Benita said, ¡°Fine, if that¡¯s how it¡¯s going to be, then let¡¯s go down together. You¡¯ll see!¡±

    Benita¡¯s readiness to expose Z sent a chill down thetter¡¯s spine.

    When the call ended abruptly, Z tried calling back, only to find herself blocked.

    Panicked, she hurriedly got dressed and rushed to Kian¡¯s ce.

    During this period, Kian had been buried in work, and aside from fleeting encounters at the press conference, he and Z hadn¡¯t crossed paths.

    Seeing Z at his doorstep early in the morning took him by surprise. Though he was about to head into a meeting, Kian promptly called Benjamin to reschedule.

    ¡°Z, what brings you here so early?¡± Kian asked, guiding her inside, a hint of delight in his eyes.

    Z said, ¡°Kian, I know how stressed and busy you¡¯ve beentely, and I wanted to lighten your load. So, I secretly teamed up with Benita to plot against Eileen¡¯s mother, but things didn¡¯t go as nned¡­¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 273

    ?Chapter 273:

    Z¡¯s brow furrowed deeply. ¡°I know I shouldn¡¯t have gone after Eileen like that. There were times when I even thought about leaving with you. But you¡¯re so incredible. How could I ask you to give up everything for me? I¡¯m also furious that Bryan dragged you into this mess because of Eileen. That¡¯s why I shouldn¡¯t have done it. If Benita exposes me, Bryan might end up hating me, too.¡± Her expression still carried that serene determination to do what was best for everyone.

    Despite her confession of scheming against Eileen to protect Kian, she was honest about everything else. Kian was touched, his head muddled by her protectiveness, unable to distinguish truth from lies. He said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll handle Benita. You shouldn¡¯t do such things again. Bryan¡¯s infatuated with Eileen. If he discovers it was you, escaping unscathed will be difficult.¡± He was already burdened by Bryan¡¯s antics. What hope did Z, a woman of no significant background, really have?

    As he promised to deal with Benita, Z could almost see what was going to happen. A flicker of disdain crossed her eyes, but she quickly masked it by pulling Kian into an embrace, pressing her lips to his. ¡°Kian, you¡¯re too kind to me¡­¡±

    One from Z, and Kian felt the early morning vitality surge through him. One time was not enough for him. However, Z feigned difort, worried about Benita taking action. Kian, still full of desire, reluctantly got dressed.

    He left Z to rest at his ce as he set out to see Benita. Standing outside Benita¡¯s apartment, he lit a cigarette, his mind racing. He was well aware of Benita¡¯s character and what he needed to offer to enlist her assistance. If not for the anticipation of another intimate encounter with Benita, he would not have held back while in bed with Z earlier. His possessiveness toward Z surged uncontrobly at times.

    After smoking his cigarette, he tossed the butt, exited the car, and approached the door. When Benita saw Kian on the security screen, her spirits lifted instantly. Dressed only in ace camisole, she hurried downstairs to let him in, skipping her bra and leaving little to the imagination under the sheer fabric. Kian averted his eyes, visibly disgusted.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Feeling shy?¡± Benita mocked, stepping back. ¡°Since you¡¯ve alreadye here, forget about leaving. Come in!¡±

    Your source for updates g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls

    With a grimace, Kian stepped into her apartment. Benita wrapped her arms around him from behind, her fingers wandering across his body, lingering at his belt before she started to unbuckle it and slide her hand further down. Kian swiftly caught her wrist to stop her.

    Benita asked, ¡°Why the charade? You¡¯re here to sleep with me, aren¡¯t you? I have no patience for games.¡± She shook off his hand and continued, pressing her body against Kian¡¯s back. She noticed his tension and whispered softly, ¡°This must be wonderful,¡± pulling eagerly upstairs.

    ¡°My room has everything you need. See, the bed is suspended, there¡¯s ample space in the bathroom, and the carpet and sofa are so inviting. We could explore them right?¡± she suggested.

    Kian nced around the areas Benita mentioned. Her wildness was unmistakable. She was nothing like Z. Deep down, he felt a strong resistance but remained silent.

    ¡°You understand why I¡¯m here, right?¡± Kian said. Benita settled onto the sofa, her nightgown slipping to reveal her ckce underwear. Unbothered, she fixed a seductive look on Kian. ¡°You came here for Z, didn¡¯t you? I¡¯m curious; why go through all this for her? Are you trying to help her marry Bryan? Or perhaps you¡¯ve struck a deal with the cunning elders of the Dawson family?¡±

    She wouldn¡¯t believe that Kian would undermine Bryan and Eileen simply because he had feelings for Z. After all, that made no sense.

    Kian suddenly felt a pang of heaviness. Helping Z marry Bryan wasn¡¯t his intention. He had hoped Vivian would marry Bryan to free Z. But after Vivian¡¯s ident, which had filled him with anger, he and Z had plotted together to end Bryan¡¯s rtionship with Eileen out of revenge.

    Then, Bryan had singled him out, and Z had intervened to assist. But Kian didn¡¯t have time to exin everything to Benita. ¡°It¡¯s none of your concern. Are you in, or should I go elsewhere?¡± he said.

    ¡°I¡¯m in.¡± Benita was determined not to lose this opportunity. She motioned him closer with a finger. ¡°However, I¡¯m not fond of serving men. I prefer to be the one served. You can start now.¡± She spread her legs, her intentions clear.

    In Benita¡¯s presence, Kian felt like a novice, given his limited experience. He struggled to meet her demands, finding them somewhat embarrassing.

    Noticing his ineptitude, Benita took it upon herself to guide him. Once Kian experienced the thrill, he found it irresistible. However, tenderness was absent in Kian¡¯s actions, and Benita felt utterly spent.

    In a daze, she caught Kian¡¯s raspy cry. ¡°Z!¡± She suddenly realized something. A man uttering another woman¡¯s name during such moments only signified one thing, which she understood all too well. Did Kian have feelings for Z?

    A spark of intrigue lit Benita¡¯s eyes as she considered the intricate web of their rtionships. What was truly happening here?

    Benita did indeed shoulder the me for everything, keeping her words guarded. She publicly dered that she had been misled by Denise, unaware of the true rtionship between Denise and Eileen.

    Her approach was direct; she acknowledged her errors and extended a heartfelt apology to Eileen via social media.

    Eileen, upon reading Benita¡¯s apology, remained emotionally unaffected. But the behaviors of Ste and Bryan profoundly moved her.

    At dawn, Ste arrived, disturbing Eileen¡¯s sleep. Bryan answered the door, and when he informed Eileen it was Ste, Eileen got out of bed, her body aching.

    ¡°I figured you two would still be in bed. I brought breakfast, soe and eat,¡± Ste said, gesturing for them to freshen up.

    Eileen quickly slipped into a high-necked blouse. The previous night, Bryan had been overly enthusiastic, leaving marks on her body. There was even one behind her ear that she couldn¡¯t conceal. She let her hair down to help cover it.

    Once Bryan and Eileen were freshened up, they joined Ste at the dining table. Ste exhaled deeply. ¡°Eileen, it pains me to see you treated so unfairly. You sacrificed so much for the Dawson family¡¯s image.¡±

    She had never wanted Eileen to dredge up the past to deal with this matter. In fact, she had even been ready to tolerate that mother-daughter duo sponging off her family indefinitely.

    ¡°Eileen, you don¡¯t need to say that. I know the sort of people they are. I clung to a hope that they might show some decency, which only gave them the opportunity to take advantage of us,¡± Eileen said,menting her previous leniency.

    After a pause, she continued, ¡°I need to quash their hopes now, or we¡¯ll be besieged by problems.¡±

    Ste felt for Eileen. She noticed Eileen¡¯s unkempt hair and reached out to tuck a strand behind her ear, only to quickly pull it back upon seeing the mark. Eileen was taken aback. Had Ste not moved her hair, she might have forgotten about the mark.

    Ste said, ¡°Well, regarding your wedding, I¡¯m a bit overwhelmed. I had ns to sort things out with the hotel this morning, but now my mind is still a mess. Perhaps you should handle it.¡±

    Ste diverted the conversation, relieved that their wedding was on track now. A dy of another year might have made it impossible for her to manage.

    Bryan finished his milk, taking his time with thest sip, then said, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll stop by the hotel and head to thepany from there.¡± He nced at Eileen, who appeared visibly fatigued, and said, ¡°I¡¯ll update you on any decisions made at the hotel. The final call is yours. You should rest at home today.¡±

    Ste seemed displeased. ¡°Why can¡¯t you control yourself for months? Keeping her homebound like this? Eileen organizing a wedding just doesn¡¯t have the same attention to detail as a woman.¡±

    A wedding was a milestone event; some aspects required Eileen¡¯s personal involvement. Embarrassed, Eileen looked down. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll remember that,¡± Bryan responded calmly, ustomed to Ste¡¯s critiques. He got up to change his clothes.

    When he emerged, he was impably dressed in a sharp suit. Despite the previous night, he showed no signs of fatigue.

    As Bryan was about to step out, he paused and turned back toward the dining room. ¡°Grandma, are you heading out? I can give you a ride.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving!¡± Ste retorted sharply. ¡°It¡¯s not like I¡¯m going to eat her up. If you need to leave, just go. Why drag me along?¡±

    ¡°She is exhausted and needs to rest,¡± Bryan said earnestly.

    Eileen almost choked on his words. She quickly said, ¡°I¡¯m not exhausted; I still have work to take care ofter. Since Ste is already here, it makes sense for her to stay a little longer.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll stay a bit longer then,¡± Ste agreed, giving Bryan a pointed look.

    With no other option, Bryan left.

    Before leaving, he sent Eileen a message, reminding her to get enough rest. He was nning to sleep with her tonight, and this nightly ritual would persist until she was pregnant. Eileen¡¯s mouth twitched as she read his message. Every single night? If every night was going to be like thest, she doubted she could handle it.

    ¡°Did that rascal tell you to kick me out?¡± Ste inquired, her toneced with suspicion.

    Eileen shook her head firmly.

    Ste didn¡¯t believe her.

    ¡°Ste, truly he didn¡¯t. And I¡¯ve got great news for you,¡± Eileen paused, her voice dropping to a whisper. ¡°He has agreed to start trying for a baby now.¡±

    ¡°Oh my!¡± Ste gasped, her joy palpable. ¡°That rascal! He told me he had ns and that you two would get everything ready after the wedding. I just didn¡¯t think he¡¯d agree this quickly.¡±

    Although it was just two months earlier, for Ste, the news couldn¡¯t be more thrilling.

    She had refrained from pressuring themtely because Bryan hadmitted to having a baby post-wedding.

    ¡°Perhaps I let my emotions show too muchst night because of my past, and I confessed my deep wish for a child. He agreed right there and then,¡± Eileen said, still feeling touched.

    ¡°He must really love you!¡± Ste eximed, feeling a sense of satisfaction watching the couple she had helped unite progress to this new phase.

    Eileen didn¡¯t deny it, simply nodding in agreement. ¡°So, I need to be honest with him. I can¡¯t keep hiding that I was officially married for six years. Do you understand?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 274

    ?Chapter 274:

    ¡°I get what you mean. True love means no secrets, especially not about something this big.¡± Ste thought it over for a moment before giving her opinion. ¡°However, from an outsider¡¯s perspective, I really think you should wait to tell him until after you¡¯re pregnant. That way, the joy might soften his reaction a bit.¡±

    Her main concern was for Eileen and Bryan to have a good rtionship; whether Bryan got angry at her or not wasn¡¯t as important. As long as Eileen and Bryan were happy together, that was enough for her.

    If Eileen were to tell Bryan about this now, Bryan¡¯s unpredictable mood might spark conflict, threatening their ns to start a family.

    Ste¡¯s reasoning made sense, and Eileen resolved to reveal the truth to Bryan by the time of their wedding, pregnant or not.

    ¡°I appreciate your consideration for the Dawson family¡¯s image in how you handle the situation with your biological mother. Once that¡¯s resolved, I¡¯ll set up a time for your mother and you to discuss the wedding details.¡± Steid out all the potential issues to Eileen, worried she might overlook something.

    By noon, she had texted Eileen some choices for wedding venueyouts provided by the hotel, asking Eileen for her preference.

    Learning Eileen had spent the morning talking with Ste, Bryan called Ste.

    Whatever was discussed in the call upset Ste so much that she cursed at Bryan and left, abandoning her n to join Eileen for lunch.

    Eileen exhaled deeply and answered Bryan¡¯s call. She should respect Ste more, considering her age; Bryan likely had insisted Ste leave.

    For updates, visit ?¦Ál?ov??s.co?

    ¡°She did scold me, but she¡¯s actually happy,¡± Bryan exined. Knowing Ste had left quickly, he guessed that Eileen had shared their ns to try for a baby soon with Ste.

    Upon hearing that, Eileen felt resigned.

    ¡°Take some time to rest this afternoon. Jacob¡¯s being discharged, and we¡¯re having a gathering tonight,¡± Bryan added. He wouldn¡¯t have suggested it unless it was necessary.

    Who knew howte they would be up tonight?

    After the call, Eileen joined Ruby for lunch upstairs and then went back to get some sleep.

    She slept until the evening. When Bryan returned, he gently woke her with a kiss.

    He was clearly in a good mood, the hint of a smile ying on his lips. Eileen, still groggy, nestled into his side. ¡°Benita has driven them out,¡± Bryan said, his voice resonating gently above her.

    Eileen murmured a response, having expected this after Benita¡¯s apology.

    ¡°But they haven¡¯t left the city yet,¡± Bryan added. ¡°Raymond says they¡¯re at a small motel.¡± Eileen felt that as long as they kept out of trouble and didn¡¯t disturb her life in Onnd, she had no right to force them out of the city.

    Still, she wondered about their reasons for staying.

    After pondering for a while, she embraced his waist. ¡°Let¡¯s not worry about that now. I¡¯m starving,¡± she said.

    Leveraging his support, she got out of bed. Then, she refreshed herself in the bathroom. After tying her hair, she found that Bryan had already prepared dinner. They nned to go to a clubter that offered food and drinks, so there was no need for a heavy meal now. They enjoyed a quick dinner before heading out. As night fell, neon lights flickered to life outside their car windows. The streets were colder and less crowded.

    Bryan, feeling cheerful, asionally brought up wedding details on the way.

    ¡°Jacob thinks his leg will fully recover in a few months. He¡¯s plotting to ¡®stir up trouble¡¯ at our wedding,¡± Bryan said, his smile widening.

    At a red light, he stopped and turned to look at Eileen.

    ¡°Let him,¡± Eileen replied with amusement. ¡°At most, the wedding night is special, but for us¡­¡±

    She felt like they had been married for ages; if things escted, they could skip sleeping.

    However, Bryan saw it differently. ¡°The wedding night holds special meaning. I¡¯m thinking of setting up two bridal suites to mislead him.¡±

    The venue he had visited with Eileen previously would be the real deal, but he nned to prepare an additional spot, like West Vis, to mislead Jacob. ¡°Don¡¯t let this slip,¡± he said earnestly.

    Eileen couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°I know.¡±

    Even though Jacob was out of the hospital, he still needed assistance. Insisting on maintaining his dignity, he refused the wheelchair and arrived with a crutch.

    Phoebe was upset by this decision but unable to persuade him otherwise, so she didn¡¯t assist him with the stairs.

    As a result, Jacob tripped and ended up sitting at the club¡¯s entrance, taking more than ten minutes to recover. When Eileen and Bryan got there, Jacob was still denying his mishap, stubbornly saying, ¡°I was just waiting for you here. Otherwise, I would have been inside long ago.¡±

    ¡°Sure, you would have crawled in,¡± Phoebe said sharply. ¡°You hit the ground so hard that your lips went pale, and now you¡¯re out here trying to¡­¡±

    ¡°Phoebe, whose side are you on? You¡¯re my girlfriend, you know,¡± Jacob looped his arm around her neck to help himself stand. ¡°Don¡¯t you think about the consequences of your words?¡±

    Their constant bickering was familiar to Eileen, who had thought maybe they would quiet down once together.

    But it turned out they became even noisier.

    They all walked into the private room, with Jacob relying heavily on Phoebe. Once inside, Phoebe pushed him onto the couch.

    She then moved closer to Eileen and murmured, ¡°I brought someone extra tonight.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s your party; bring anyone you want,¡± Eileen responded, thinking that at least Jacob wouldn¡¯t invite Kian. ¡°This person is connected to you,¡± Phoebe hinted with a lift of her eyebrows and whispered, ¡°Julio.¡±

    Just as she finished, the door swung open. But instead of Julio, Z entered.

    Bryan¡¯s face clouded over at the sight of Z.

    Z had only told Bryan about her rtionship with Kian. Jacob and the others didn¡¯t know about it.

    That was why Jacob had invited her, thinking she would add fun to the evening.

    ¡°Bryan,¡± Z greeted Bryan first, then turned to chat with the others.

    After exchanging pleasantries, she directly asked about Denise, ¡°How did the matter go? Have they caused you any more trouble?¡±

    Eileen shook her head and said, ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good. I never would have thought Benita would get involved in all this¡­¡± Z spoke candidly, trying to weave herself into the group.

    However, Bryan maintained a cold expression, and Eileen¡¯s attitude was distant, with few words.

    If Z hadn¡¯t raised an issue directly involving her, Eileen would have remained silent.

    Sensing the tension, Jacob and Phoebe exchanged looks and briefly joined the conversation; they didn¡¯t delve into the topic deeper.

    ¡°Eileen, is Milford giving you any problems? How has he been behaving?¡± Z shifted the conversation to a matter Eileen couldn¡¯t ignore.

    ¡°He hasn¡¯t caused any problems. He¡¯s been taking the bus to school on his own, eating lunch and dinner there, and sometimes I don¡¯t see him all day, but he always leaves a note in the morning before heading out.¡±

    Mentioning Milford, Eileen felt a surge of pride for having steered him away from trouble just in time.

    ¡°I still remember him as the kid with green hair,¡± Phoebe found it hard to reconcile Milford¡¯s past with the boy Eileen described. ¡°Eileen, you¡¯ve done an amazing job. You¡¯re a savior to him; he¡¯d be lost without you.¡±

    ¡°Look at how remarkable Eileen is. She used to be an incredible support to Bryan as his assistant, and now, she¡¯s an outstanding tutor, too. I always knew she had it in her,¡± Jacob said, pleased with his judgment. Eileen had not only won Bryan¡¯s heart, but she also excelled at everything she did.

    Eileen was at a loss for how to react to suchpliments. Meanwhile, Bryan usually rested the back of the couch, encircling Eileen and shooting Jacob a cold look. ¡°Does she need your validation?¡± he said.

    He knew Eileen¡¯s abilities extended well beyond what was discussed.

    ¡°Bryan, rx. He¡¯splimenting your girlfriend, and I¡¯m not even jealous. What¡¯s got you upset?¡± Phoebe retorted, unhappy with his attitude toward Jacob.

    She felt it was her ce to scold Jacob but not others. ¡°You¡¯re jealous because you don¡¯t care about him enough,¡± Bryan replied.

    His words struck a chord, making Phoebe¡¯s throat tighten. Jacob sat up abruptly, turning to Phoebe. ¡°Exactly, why aren¡¯t you jealous?¡±

    ¡°Eileen and I are close friends, and what you said is right. So why should I feel jealous?¡± Phoebe defended herself confidently.

    ¡°Even though Eileen is your friend, Bryan doesn¡¯tpliment you because he has feelings for his girlfriend. So why don¡¯t you get upset when Ipliment Eileen?¡± Jacob asked seriously.

    Bryan leaned closer to Eileen, letting out a quiet chuckle. Eileen was amused by Jacob¡¯s antics, which seemed rather na?vepared to Bryan¡¯s seasoned tactics.

    ¡°I am upset!¡± Phoebe eximed, giving Jacob a smack on the back of the head and pinching his waist sharply.

    ¡°Why are youplimenting another man¡¯s girlfriend? Are you going to do this again?¡±

    ¡°No! I¡¯ll stop praising¡­¡± Jacob only realized he had been outyed by Bryan after feeling the pinch. Eileen intervened, saying, ¡°Okay, he has juste from the hospital. Let¡¯s not send him back by hitting him.¡±

    Their teasing continued, which made Z feel out of ce, struggling to talk to Bryan.

    Bryan was either teasing Jacob or whispering to Eileen, leaving no opportunity for Z to join the conversation.

    Z¡¯s embarrassment was interrupted by Julio¡¯s arrival. Bryan recognized Julio but hadn¡¯t really interacted with him before. Seeing Julio, he was briefly taken aback but soon regained hisposure, maintaining a distant but polite attitude.

    ¡°Julio handled thewyer¡¯s letter for Eileen. I meant to discuss his fees tonight, but he offered to catch up instead and said the fee was on him,¡± Phoebe exined her decision to invite Julio tonight.

    Eileen, unaware of Phoebe¡¯s arrangement with Julio, quickly responded, ¡°That¡¯s not appropriate, Julio. It¡¯s already a big favor for you toe here thiste. We should keep our dealings professional.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for formalities.¡± Julio greeted everyone and then gave Bryan a serious nod. ¡°Mr. Dawson, it¡¯s been a while.¡±

    He extended a cigarette as a friendly gesture.

    Bryan epted the cigarette but didn¡¯t light it. ¡°Indeed, it has been quite some time. Thest time we met was a decade ago when you were still the eldest son and presumed heir of the Freguson family.¡±

    ¡°I still am,¡± Julio answered with a friendly smile.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 275

    ?Chapter 275:

    ¡°Back then, Julio was as famous as Bryan. Every girl at school was crazy about him and collected his pictures,¡± Jacob said.

    Jacob and Bryan were a bit younger than Julio and didn¡¯t go to the same university as him.

    Jacob had heard these stories from others and was exaggerating them a bit.

    Bryan just smiled, choosing not to interrupt, but then he remembered how Eileen used to refer to Julio.

    He lifted his gaze and saw Eileen nodding along with Jacob. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s true¡ªJulio was quite popr,¡± she said with a smile.

    She seemed to hold Julio in high regard.

    Bryan leaned in and whispered, ¡°Have you collected his pictures, then?¡±

    His voice carried a hint of jealousy and tension. Eileen was taken aback, turning to face him but found herself at a loss for words.

    She had merely admired Julio back in their college days; it was nothing serious.

    Seeing her expression, Bryan understood something. His face darkened as he leaned closer to her.

    ¡°Mr. Freguson, I¡¯ll have my assistant discuss the fees for that legal notice with you,¡± he said.

    Hisment was a deliberate attempt to distance himself from any personal connection to Julio. Bryan then ced his hand on Eileen¡¯s shoulder, adopting a more formal and distant demeanor toward Julio.

    Julio noticed the shift and just smiled. ¡°Let¡¯s save that for another time. We¡¯re here to rx, not to talk about work.¡± But what else was there to discuss? Were they supposed to talk about whether Eileen still kept Julio¡¯s photos? Besides that, only Eileen had attended school with Julio. The others barely knew him; they didn¡¯t share any mutual friends.

    Find your adventure at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§àm (uso de ¡°?¡± y ¡°§à¡± cir¨ªlica)

    Bryan, sitting close to Eileen, listened with cold detachment to the conversation between Jacob and Julio. Jacob interacted with Julio as if they were old friends. Eileen figured that keeping her distance from Julio might help alleviate Bryan¡¯s jealousy. Once Bryan got jealous, it would take a lot of soothing on her part to calm him down.

    After a while, Phoebe led Eileen to the bathroom. Z, feeling a bit out of ce among the men, followed them out.

    ¡°Eileen, do you actually know Julio?¡± Z asked. Everyone sensed Bryan¡¯s irritation, except for Jacob.

    ¡°We attended the same university,¡± Eileen replied. Z nodded, then asked, ¡°Do you know about Julio¡¯s connection to Benita?¡±

    It was just the three of them in the hallway. Phoebe clutched Eileen¡¯s arm; she had been about to discuss this with Eileen.

    With Z bringing it up, she took the opportunity to say directly, ¡°Here¡¯s the story. Julio is Benita¡¯s half-brother. His mom passed away just after he was born. Not long after, Benita¡¯s mom married his dad. She then had Benita andter a son who¡¯s only twelve.¡±

    Julio had intended to join his family¡¯spany after his graduation. At that time, Benita had been neen. During a family gathering, scandalous rumors about incest between them had emerged.

    This gossip had shifted Julio from a privileged position to one of disgrace.

    He had been expelled from the Freguson family.

    This had greatly affected Benita, too, although the Fregusons had imed it was all a misunderstanding. Since no one had believed it, Benita¡¯s reputation had been shattered, leading her to start indulging herself. Her personal life had be a mess, involving numerous men, while her parents remained indifferent. Julio¡¯s father showed clear preference for his son from his second marriage.

    When the scandal had broken, Eileen had still been in school and somewhat oblivious to high society drama, so she had been unaware of these events.

    Now that she was in the know, she felt a pang of sympathy.

    ¡°No wonder he switched tow,¡± she said. ¡°He must have really strived to excel in his field.¡±

    Phoebe said, ¡°It was more than just effort. His dad tried to hold him back. Julio had to change his name and work under the radar until he earned enough recognition to confidently reim his true identity.¡±

    This signaled Julio¡¯s determination to return to the Freguson family.

    Hearing Julio¡¯s story stirred a mix of admiration and inspiration in Eileen.

    ¡°The upper ss is like that,¡± Z said. ¡°Every family has its dark secrets. Eileen, don¡¯t ask Bryan to help Julio just because you know him. The Dawson family dynamics are alreadyplicated enough.¡±

    Z¡¯s cautionary words dampened Eileen¡¯s mood. Z stood at the sink washing her hands, speaking in a tone that seemed casual.

    Yet, her seemingly casual words left Eileen feeling ufortable.

    If Z were the type to speak thoughtlessly, this might be excusable.

    But that wasn¡¯t her. Eileen knew that Z had never upset Ste nor had she provoked Bryan.

    Despite not having married Bryan after so many years, Z still managed to keep Brandon and his wife hopeful. She had to be quite adept at handling people.

    But when she was with Eileen, there was a hint of displeasure in her voice asionally.

    ¡°Thanks for the heads-up, Miss Murray. Your tact and insight are impable. I almost embarrassed myself by asking Bryan to challenge the Freguson family for Julio,¡± Eileen replied as she washed her hands.

    Phoebe was still in the bathroom. After Z finished washing her hands, she dried them with a tissue.

    She didn¡¯t respond to Eileen¡¯s words. Once her hands were dry, she slid them into her pockets and looked at Eileen expressionlessly.

    She said, ¡°I was raised in the Dawson family, and while it might look like I just follow Bryan¡¯s parents¡¯ wishes, my bond with Bryan goes much deeper. However, to the Dawson family and to me, you remain an outsider. It might be ufortable for you to hear my advice, but I¡¯m only trying to guide you correctly when you might be going astray.¡±

    She imed to be close to Bryan, leaving Eileen at a loss for words.

    It seemed like she just meddled in their business for their own good.

    And Eileen had to understand. After all, Z showed a preference for being near Ste and Bryan rather than her.

    If Eileen understood correctly, that was what Z meant.

    ¡°Even though you and Bryan aren¡¯t married, I¡¯ll stand up for you if you¡¯re treated unfairly outside the family. But in this family, my loyalty leans more toward Bryan. Do you understand?¡± Z patted Eileen¡¯s arm and smiled elegantly.

    Eileen dodged her touch. When Phoebe emerged from the bathroom at that moment, she remained silent. Upon reflection, Eileen felt Z¡¯s words rang somewhat hypocritical.

    She wasn¡¯t the hypocritical type, so she didn¡¯t even know how to reply.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head back. I have something to tell everyone,¡± Phoebe said, linking arms with Eileen and brushing past Z.

    Z tagged along, listening to their conversation and asionally saying something.

    Phoebe was about to announce her wedding to Jacob.

    The date was set for mid-December.

    The Meyer family had initially been against Jacob and Phoebe¡¯s rtionship since Phoebe had cut ties with her own family.

    The Burton family had cut ties with Phoebe because she had refused to marry into the family they had chosen and couldn¡¯t provide any benefits to them.

    Eventually, the Burton family dered they still wanted Phoebe back since she and Jacob were a couple.

    So Phoebe reimed her status as the daughter of the Burton family, and the Meyer family also came to ept her rtionship with Jacob.

    In short, Phoebe returned to the Burton family for Jacob¡¯s sake, but the rtionship between her and her family remained strained.

    ¡°Anyway, you¡¯re getting married on December 6th, and our wedding is on December 12th,¡± Phoebe said to Eileen. ¡°There¡¯s only two months to go. After I¡¯m married, I will probably not return to the Burton family. They¡¯ll have to manage their affairs with the Meyer family on their own.¡± This was Phoebe¡¯spromise for the sake of her rtionship with Jacob.

    Eileen was lost in thought. Their weddings, just six days apart, were bound to be the talk of Onnd.

    She was excited about this, but Bryan affected her mood. Later that day, Bryan instructed Raymond to pay Julio the standard market rate as the attorney¡¯s fee for the legal matter.

    His actions suggested he didn¡¯t want Eileen to see Julio ever again.

    Every night, he insisted on sleeping with Eileen to have a child with her.

    When she was too tired, he would say, earnestly and innocently, ¡°I thought you wanted a baby.¡±

    Eileen was left without words. Days after the legal letter had been sent, Judie showed up at Eileen¡¯s ce looking for her.

    She had suspected Eileen was living with Bailee, so unable to approach Eileen directly, she had secretly followed Bailee.

    Around seven in the morning, she abruptly knocked on the door of Bailee¡¯s ce to look for Eileen.

    Bailee told her Eileen wasn¡¯t at her ce. Judie didn¡¯t believe it and entered to search, but she didn¡¯t find Eileen. It then dawned on her that Eileen might be with Bryan.

    She made a scene, refused to leave, and pleaded with Bailee and Ruby to summon Eileen.

    Neither Bailee nor Ruby agreed. ¡°You¡¯re trespassing in my house; I¡¯m calling the police now. You¡¯ll be detained for at least a few days!¡± Bailee reached for her phone, ready to call the authorities. Judie, now frightened, quickly said, ¡°Don¡¯t call the police. I need to speak to Eileen about Roderick! You know he¡¯s close to her. He¡¯s her younger brother!¡±

    Upon hearing this, Bailee paused, uncertain.

    She was aware that Eileen¡¯s brother was a good person, not deceiving. Bailee scrutinized Judie with a serious look. ¡°If you¡¯re lying and bothering my sister, I¡¯ll have the police arrest you. We¡¯ve got cameras here.¡±

    Judie exined quickly, ¡°I¡¯m not lying to you!¡±

    Ruby then motioned for Bailee to contact Eileen.

    Within five minutes, Eileen arrived.

    She had rushed over as soon as she heard it involved Roderick, arriving without even washing her face. After all, she hadn¡¯t been able to reach Roderick for several days.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 276

    ?Chapter 276:

    Judie surmised that Eileen must live in the same building as Bailee, given how quickly Eileen had arrived in her pajamas.

    At the moment, however, Judie¡¯s mind was elsewhere. ¡°Eileen! You have to help Roderick!¡± she eximed.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Eileen inquired, her voiceced with concern. The distress evident on Judie¡¯s face prompted Eileen to ask, ¡°Where is he?¡±

    Tears cascaded down Judie¡¯s cheeks. Roderick was her husband, and he had always treated her kindly.

    She said, ¡°Your biological mother gambled away too much, and now she can¡¯t cover the debt. She wanted toe to you to borrow money, but the loan sharks refused to let her leave, so they took Roderick hostage.¡±

    Eileen felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. Her mind was already frazzled by her own troubles with Denise and ack of sleep. Now, Judie¡¯s desperate pleas rang in her ears, pushing her to the brink.

    Just then, Bryan stepped out of the elevator and rushed to Eileen¡¯s side, supporting her before she could copse. His eyes narrowed as he fixed a stern gaze on Judie. ¡°How dare you show your face here?¡± he said. ¡°Are you looking for trouble?¡±

    He was seething with rage. Startled, Judie¡¯s legs gave out, causing her to stumble backward and copse onto the floor.

    Tears cascaded down her cheeks as she said, ¡°Eileen, you must save Roderick. They¡¯ve only given us a week, and today marks the final day!¡±

    Judie had deliberately left Denise behind, fearing Denise¡¯s harsh attitude might influence Eileen.

    L?t??¦Ó ch¨»¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?????.??????

    What if Eileen became so enraged that she refused to help Roderick?

    ¡°Where exactly is Roderick? Give me the contact details for these people,¡± Eileen said, trying to maintain herposure.

    A flicker of hope shone in Judie¡¯s eyes. ¡°He¡¯s held in South Town by a notorious thug named Bagot Fowler, who always deals in this kind of stuff. Someone powerful is protecting him; he hase close to killing before yet remains untouchable.¡±

    She pulled out her phone and showed the number to Eileen.

    Eileen noted the digits and responded icily, ¡°You can leave now. I¡¯ll take it from here. And don¡¯t show your face around here again.¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± Judie quickly replied. She rose, dried her tears, and made her way to the elevator. Before leaving, she added, ¡°Eileen, your biological mother owes them half a million dors. Even though you only want to rescue Roderick, that debt still needs settling¡­¡±

    It was a roundabout way of acknowledging she owed Eileen at most.

    She didn¡¯t have the money, and she was hinting that she wouldn¡¯t pay it.

    Eileen, well acquainted with Judie¡¯s antics, wasn¡¯t taken aback by her im.

    She said, ¡°Who said I was nning to pay back the money? I have plenty of strategies to rescue Roderick. And paying the money back? That¡¯s Denise¡¯s concern, not mine!¡±

    South Town was notorious for itsx security; it was a small, troubled locale.

    To the untrained eye, Bagot appeared to be a formidable viin of the area. However, to anyone versed in thew, Bagot posed little threat.

    The flight from Onnd to South Town took two hours, and Eileen made the journey herself, eager to rescue Roderick as soon as possible.

    For her, the deepest sorrow stemmed not from Denise¡¯s gambling problem but from the fact that Denise had handed over her son to those people. Eileen clenched her jaw in frustration.

    How could Denise im to be a mother?

    It was a distressing thought, picturing how Roderick had endured thest couple of days.

    Bryan had already arranged transportation in advance. Uponnding in South Town, they drove for over an hour on a winding mountain road to reach the outskirts of the town.

    The area was pleasant, with excellent transportation links. Those who settled here couldfortably support their families through diligent work.

    This was the reason Eileen had rmended Roderick return.

    Regarding the loan sharks, they wouldn¡¯t coerce people into borrowing unless they chose to, so they rarely impacted the lives of ordinary people.

    The mountainous road, with its numerous bumps and dips, almost made Eileen sick.

    Bryan had been her steadfast supporter throughout the journey. He had reservations about hering here, but she was adamant.

    He didn¡¯t know if she wanted to see her brother, Roderick, or if she didn¡¯t want him to worry about her matters anymore. He honored her choice, yet insisted on not letting her travel alone. Eileen understood his concerns and didn¡¯t object to him apanying her.

    Thus, when they reached the local police station and hinted at issues involving Bagot, the officers promptly followed them and detained the moneylenders without hesitation.

    This left no opportunity for Eileen to utilize the expert knowledge she had learned from Julio.

    Bagot, unable to escape, muttered curses under his breath but was visibly shaken by the stern gaze of the police officers.

    Bagot¡¯s supposed hideout looked like a small factory from the outside but was actually a bustling casino. In the end, over twenty individuals were apprehended.

    When Eileen inquired about Roderick, Bagot realized Denise was the problem. She hadn¡¯t given him any money back and had only caused him trouble.

    ¡°I confess I broke thew by holding him against his will,¡± Bagot said. ¡°I¡¯ll release him. But Denise owes me money, and I have the proof right here.¡±

    Bagot was about to argue that while charging high interest might be illegal, he was entitled to reim the principal amount of a hundred thousand dors. His years in this line of work had sometimes led him to settle for just the principal amount.

    Eileen, however, was unwilling to negotiate. Aware of Bagot¡¯s involvement in gambling and other dubious activities that could send him to prison for life, she stood firm.

    She wasn¡¯t concerned about how Denise would handle her debt to Bagot, so she interjected, ¡°I¡¯m taking Roderick with me. You can settle your dispute with Denise on your own.¡±

    Bagot was taken aback. So, this woman hadn¡¯te to mess with him; she simply wanted to take Roderick away. He quickly gestured toward a hovel behind him. ¡°Fine. He¡¯s in there. You can take him away now.¡±

    The environment here was deplorable. The path to the hovel was cluttered with garbage and broken roots. The hovel had no windows, and the door was locked. But Roderick could have broken the door if he had chosen to flee.

    However, the moment Eileen opened the door, she understood why Roderick had not attempted to escape. Roderick, too battered to consider fleeing, dropped to his knees as soon as the door creaked open, hands pressed together in desperate plea. ¡°I didn¡¯t take out the loan. It was my mother, not me. Please, let me go. I¡¯ll work hard, save up, and pay everything back. I beg you. Or, if you must, just kill me! Just don¡¯t hit me again¡­¡±

    Once somewhat plump, Roderick had lost a noticeable amount of weight. It waste fall, and the room felt distinctly cold, yet he was d only in a short-sleeved t-shirt.

    Both old and fresh scars marred his arms.

    His appearance was disheveled, his body covered in a mix of dust, ash, and bits of grass. The hovelcked a basic bed; the floor was cold and damp.

    How had he managed to survive thest few days here? ¡°Roderick¡­¡± Eileen¡¯s voice quivered as she spoke his name.

    At the sound, Roderick¡¯s body tensed, and he abruptly stopped his pleading to look up.

    The daylight streaming through the door was so bright that Roderick couldn¡¯t see Eileen¡¯s and Bryan¡¯s faces clearly.

    His eyes widened as he eximed in disbelief, ¡°Eileen? No¡­ is this really happening?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not dumb. I scared him a bit; that¡¯s all,¡± Bagot rified from outside the hovel. ¡°Why the act, Roderick? Your sister is indeed here!¡±

    At Bagot¡¯s outburst, Roderick trembled, daring only a sidelong nce to confirm if it really was Eileen. Eileen turned to give Bagot an icy stare, silencing him instantly.

    When she looked away, Roderick caught a full view of her face and broke down in tears. Despite being in his twenties, he wept openly, abandoning all pride. Hecked even the strength to stand, instead crawling to Eileen¡¯s feet and clutching her leg as he cried,

    ¡°All the kindness you¡¯ve shown your sister wasn¡¯t for nothing. She rushed here the moment she knew you were in trouble. Had you reached out to her earlier like I suggested, you could have avoided all this pain,¡± Bagot said, trying to appear benevolent in front of Eileen and Bryan.

    ¡°Miss Curtis, your mother told me she was looking for you. I asked Roderick for your number so that he could call for help, maybe even some money, but he refused. I urged him multiple times, yet he just wouldn¡¯t do it. Ended up smashing his phone.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s vision blurred, her heart heavy with sorrow. ¡°I won¡¯t leave! My sister never borrowed that money. She shouldn¡¯t have to pay it!¡± Roderick believed he was free to leave because he had settled Denise¡¯s debt.

    He slumped back to the corner, turning away with resolve.

    ¡°This is thest time we meet, Eileen. From now on, Denise and I will have nothing to do with you!¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t paid the money back,¡± Eileen¡¯s voice shook slightly. ¡°Let Denise handle her debts. I¡¯m just here to take you away.¡±

    Roderick paused, his gaze shifting between Eileen and Bagot.

    Bagot said, ¡°She hasn¡¯t paid anything. I¡¯ll ask your mother for the moneyter.¡±

    Convinced, Roderick¡¯s emotions overflowed, tears streaming down his face.

    Eileen approached him and stooped to help Roderick stand up. ¡°Stop crying. Let¡¯s get out of here.¡±

    Struggling to lift Roderick alone, Eileen was soon assisted by Bryan, and together, they helped Roderick to his feet. Despite the harsh conditions, Roderick was well-fed and unharmed internally, capable of walking on his own. Noticing his dirty clothes, which starkly contrasted with Eileen¡¯s and Bryan¡¯s clean attire, he quickly pulled back his hand, opting not to let them touch him.

    ¡°I can walk on my own,¡± he said.

    At times, he seemed foolish to paint off transportation. Eileen often found herself frustrated by his simple-mindedness.

    Yet, his thoughtfulness was so profound that it evoked pity.

    Eileen vividly remembered Roderick owning a house in South Town, yet he led them to a cramped apartment instead.

    The ce was dismal. A musty, metallic scent filled the air, and the scant furniture was falling apart.

    The taps were dry; Roderick hadn¡¯t paid the water bill for a while.

    Lacking even the means for a shower, Roderick meticulously cleaned two chairs with a rag and motioned for Eileen and Bryan to sit.

    Overwhelmed by sadness, Eileen remained standing, her mind racing with questions about Roderick¡¯s hardships over the past year.

    Yet, she found herself unable to voice them, her silence seeming to confirm to Roderick that she was disgusted by the condition here.

    Clutching the rag, Roderick said, ¡°Eileen, you can leave now. And don¡¯te back. Ignore whatever Mom and Judie tell you; you can just leave me be. You don¡¯t need to consider us your family anymore.¡±

    Despite not having repaid Denise¡¯s debts, Eileen had journeyed thousands of miles from Onnd, driven by concern for him.

    It was clear to him that Denise would bring Eileen even more trouble in the days toe.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 277

    ?Chapter 277:

    Eileen asked Roderick, ¡°What about you? Aren¡¯t you worried about Denise implicating you? Just a few months ago, you were so happy about opening your restaurant. Why have you be like this now?¡±

    Roderick couldn¡¯t contain his emotions at her words; he sank to the floor, hands covering his head, unable to suppress the overwhelming sadness in his heart. ¡°Eileen, I took your advice. I came back, worked tirelessly, and saved up money as you suggested. I started early and stayedte every day. Within a year, I saved a hundred thousand dors. Then, I enrolled in a cooking course. After just two practice sessions, I opened my own restaurant. In the first month alone, I earned eight thousand dors.¡±

    As Roderick spoke, he beamed with pride. He had be his own boss, and making an eight-thousand-dor profit in the first month was a promising start.

    He continued, ¡°During the holiday season, I earned thirty thousand dors a month. On average, I can make at least a hundred thousand a year. During that period, Judie was incredibly kind to me. I kept dreaming that if we became wealthy, I could support her so she wouldn¡¯t have to work anymore.¡±

    Judie, being materialistic and ambitious, had likely been pleased when Roderick started earning steadily. At that moment, despite uncertainty about the longevity of Roderick¡¯s sess, they had both shared a hopeful outlook for the future.

    Three months after the restaurant had opened, Denise encountered trouble and requested thirty thousand dors from Roderick.

    In the fourth month, Denise approached Roderick again for money.

    Because of this, Judie had forcefully expelled Denise from their home.

    I@te$t ¡é#@pter$ In g@!novel$.c0m

    Then, Denise had gotten Bagot and his people to find Roderick, which resulted in the restaurant being shut down.

    Denise had been deep in debt, and Bagot had threatened Roderick with Denise¡¯s life, forcing him to sell the house to pay her debts.

    Roderick had no choice but to take on the hardest and most exhausting jobs, with Bagot taking most of his earnings.

    During this time, Judie had heard that Eileen was dating Bryan, so she had found Denise and gone straight to Onnd.

    However, Judie had never expected that Denise would have Bagot take Roderick away.

    ¡°Eileen, is it all over for me now?¡± Roderick sat on the floor, back against the wall. ¡°My restaurant and my home are gone. Why did Denise take with her before?¡± He ran his hands through his short hair, crying bitterly.

    Eileen struggled to find words tofort him. One was his wife, and the other was his mother. One demonstrated the ugliness of human nature, while the other vividly portrayed its viciousness.

    ¡°You¡¯re still young. Making aeback isn¡¯t difficult. The choice before you now is to break free from them,¡± Bryan said calmly. He understood that unless he set things right for Roderick, Eileen wouldn¡¯t be able to leave here with peace of mind.

    Bryan continued, ¡°If you think you can handle Judie, then don¡¯t divorce her, but you need to be strong enough to cut ties with your mother. Take your wife away from this ce and begin fresh elsewhere. Ensure your mother has a fixed monthly pension, and your future can still hold promise. But if you can¡¯t leave your past behind, your life will truly be over.¡±

    Roderick tensed up, carefully pondering Bryan¡¯s words.

    He understood that Judie could be mean at times, yet he loved her.

    But could he make Judie stay out of trouble? He didn¡¯t know.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get him to a nearby hotel for a shower first, then book an evening flight back to Onnd. We can go over everything once we¡¯re back,¡± Bryan said.

    Seeing that Eileen was also troubled by Roderick¡¯s situation and unsure of the next steps, Bryan gently nudged her.

    Eileen nodded, and they secured a room for Roderick at the town¡¯s finest hotel, costing eighty dors a night. Afterward, they purchased clothes and shoes for Roderick from a nearby shopping mall.

    Exiting the mall, Bryan treated Eileen and Roderick to a meal at the area¡¯s finest restaurant. After that, they returned to Onnd.

    They arrived in Onnd at seven o¡¯clock in the evening and returned to their residence at half past eleven. Eileen let Roderick stay upstairs with Milford.

    ¡°Roderick, Bryan¡¯s advice is sound. You need to carefully consider how to handle Judie and Denise now. During this time, stay here and don¡¯t go anywhere. Once you¡¯ve made up your mind,e find me downstairs. I¡¯ll organize a meeting for you and Judie. Don¡¯t worry; I will let her know you¡¯re safe first,¡± Eileen said.

    After reassuring Roderick, Eileen went downstairs. She informed Judie that Roderick was safe but omitted the detail that he was in Onnd now. With the knowledge that Roderick was safe, Judie felt a slight sense of relief.

    After thinking it over, she realized that Eileen was the one who could genuinely offer help.

    Furious at the useless Denise, who was sleeping, Judie got up and forcefully grabbed Denise¡¯s wrist, pulling her out of the hotel room.

    Denise¡¯s hair was disheveled, and she was still in a daze. When Denise realized what had just happened, she found herself at the hotel entrance. The cold night wind caused her to shiver, quickly making her mind clear.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Denise red at Judie, her voice tinged with anger.

    ¡°What do you think I¡¯m doing? You ruined my life with Roderick, you old fool! Leave us alone. Even if you drop dead, we want nothing to do with you! Don¡¯t even count on us to bury you!¡± Judie flung Denise¡¯s bag at her, hitting her squarely in the face. Denise trembled and fell to the ground, grimacing in pain.

    ¡°How dare you treat me this way, you ungrateful bastard! Eileen is my daughter. If she finds out about this, she¡¯ll hunt you down and end you!¡± Denise said with anger.

    Judie retorted, ¡°You know what? Eileen doesn¡¯t care about you anymore! I¡¯d treat you better if you earned even a shred of her respect. Do you even deserve it? Eileen doesn¡¯t even acknowledge you as her mother anymore. She only cares about Roderick, my husband!¡±

    Judie was only interested in money. It was evident to her that Eileen didn¡¯t care about Denise at all.

    Thus, ttering Denise was futile. Judie knew she had to rely on Roderick.

    Judie stayed with Roderick because she knew he would obey her everymand and treat her kindly. Furthermore, finding a man would be increasingly difficult after marriage, and she still harbored hopes of getting something from Roderick¡¯s affluent sister, Eileen. Judie turned and went back into the hotel. Denise grew agitated andshed out at Judie with venomous words. It was alreadyte at night, and Denise¡¯s harsh tirade disturbed several hotel guests.

    But Judie didn¡¯t care at all. She just returned to sleep, assuming Eileen had indeed rescued Roderick and taken him back to Onnd.

    After all, South Town held no home for Roderick now. Judie guessed Roderick might be staying in the neighborhood she had visited earlier today.

    She decided that she would go to Roderick tomorrow.

    Denise, shouting in the street, was suddenly drenched with cold water someone sshed. She shivered from the chill and seethed with rage.

    After the day¡¯s journey, Eileen was worn out.

    Shey in Bryan¡¯s arms after showering, too fatigued to even open her eyes.

    Although she was unable to fall asleep, Eileen pretended to be asleep because she knew Bryan was also tired.

    Finally, Bryan broke the silence, saying, ¡°You didn¡¯t eat much at noon or tonight. Are you hungry now? Should I make something for you to eat?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry.¡± Eileen tightened her grip around him.

    She had lost her appetite and didn¡¯t feel hungry.

    Bryan fell silent, simply holding her close in his arms. It was almost dawn when Eileen drifted off into sleep.

    Bryan slipped out of the bedroom silently.

    He believed Eileen would still be asleep for a while, so he didn¡¯t rush to make breakfast and instead finished some work he hadn¡¯tpleted yesterday.

    Raymond called him to say that Judie had arrived but had been stopped by the security guard at the gate.

    ¡°Drive her away or call the police,¡± Bryan ordered without any sympathy towards Judie.

    Judie, sensible enough not to force her way in, found herself cash-strapped.

    She could only borrow money from a former colleague at Apex Group.

    Her colleague readily agreed, considering Judie¡¯s association with Eileen.

    Having resolved the issue of where to live, Judie felt no urgency. She was confident that Roderick woulde to her eventually.

    When Eileen woke up, it was almost noon. Bryan had helped her finish most of her work as usual.

    Denise had recently been troublesome, prompting Eileen to temporarily stop her tutoring duties.

    The Yates family empathized with her circumstances, especially considering her uing marriage.

    Besides course recordings, Eileen had little else to upy her time.

    Aware of Bryan¡¯s busy schedule, she would asionally assist him with his work.

    Over the following three days, she worked from home as Bryan maintained regr office hours. Her life gradually returned to normal.

    At this point, Roderick had made up his mind.

    When he went downstairs to find Eileen, he discovered Bryan wasn¡¯t home.

    They then sat together on the sofa, asionally exchanging nces, creating a cozy atmosphere.

    ¡°Eileen, I¡¯m relieved to see you doing better now,¡± Roderick said.

    Upon Roderick¡¯s arrival in Onnd, Eileen¡¯s life hadn¡¯t been as tranquil.

    Bncing caretaking for her sick stepmother and fulfilling duties as Bryan¡¯s assistant, her rtionship with Bryan had still been undefined at that time.

    Despite the hardships, she had willingly helped Roderick. Roderick felt indebted, uncertain if he could ever adequately repay her generosity.

    ¡°Actually, I never imagined my life unfolding this way.¡± Eileen¡¯s heart warmed with emotions, thinking back to the onset of Ruby¡¯s illness, a pivotal moment that had reshaped her life.

    In those years, her world had been all shades of grey. Her life had been just a hustle filled with desperation.

    She had never expected Ruby to recover.

    She hadn¡¯t thought she would end up developing feelings for the man she had married because of an agreement. And she had certainly never expected the man she had sold her body to was the same person she would end up marrying.

    Her journey was tough, but in the end, she got lucky. At least things turned out well.

    ¡°Eileen, I should probably swing by and see your stepmom out of courtesy,¡± Roderick said. He had learned from Milford that Ruby and her daughter lived right across the hall.

    He was naturally kind-hearted.

    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll take you thereter,¡± Eileen replied, relieved he wasn¡¯t upset by what had happened earlier.

    She also knew Roderick still yearned for happiness.

    She believed he couldn¡¯t afford another blow like that.

    Roderick nodded hurriedly and said a bit awkwardly, ¡°But I don¡¯t have any cash on me. Could you lend me some? I¡¯ll pay you back once I start earning.¡±

    He had never expected to rely on Eileen like this.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s head out for some shopping,¡± Eileen said. She got up and grabbed her coat, following Roderick into the elevator.

    Roderick stared at the floor numbers, hands nervously in his pockets.

    After a while, he finally gathered the courage to say, ¡°Eileen, I¡¯ve figured out what to do from now on.¡±

    ¡°Sure, go ahead. I¡¯m all ears,¡± Eileen said, turning to face him. Roderick, who was half a head taller than Eileen, looked visibly nervous.

    It seemed he was afraid that his decision might upset Eileen.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 278

    ?Chapter 278:

    ¡°You can just tell me directly. I can only advise and guide you in your life without interfering too much,¡± Eileen said. The elevator door opened, and Eileen stepped out first. She and Roderick stood at the building¡¯s entrance for a while. Then, Roderick said softly, ¡°Eileen, honestly, Mom¡¯s life hasn¡¯t been good since she remarried. Our stepfather had some money, but after he was diagnosed with a terminal illness, he spent it all before he died¡­¡± He hesitated and lowered his head. ¡°After that, things were tough. She raised me with great difficulty. I remember her holding me and a few times¡­ She even arranged for someone to introduce me to a girlfriend. Judie¡¯s parents didn¡¯t want her to marry me, but Judie insisted. Her parents made things difficult by demanding arge dowry. I almost gave up then.¡±

    At that time, Judie had been young and not so materialistic. She hadn¡¯t known how poor Roderick and his mother had been, and she had fallen in love with him. Roderick had struggled to find a girlfriend who truly loved him, and since Judie had appeared, Denise had done bad things to keep Judie by Roderick¡¯s side. Denise¡¯s husband had bought an expensive cemetery plot for himself before he died, so Denise had used the plot. Roderick couldn¡¯t believe she would dig up the ashes and move them elsewhere, but she had really done that.

    The absurd part was that someone had actually been willing to buy the cemetery plot from Denise. Judie still didn¡¯t know how Roderick got thatrge sum of money. Denise insisted he keep it a secret, fearing it would bring bad luck. Denise¡¯s borrowing from loan sharks had caused Roderick significant pain. But before that, Denise had done her best to care for Roderick.

    Eileen understood what Roderick was getting at. She didn¡¯t know what to say. She had no personal feelings for Denise, treating the situation rationally, forgetting that Denise was Roderick¡¯s mother and had lived with him for over twenty years.

    ¡°Eileen, I know I¡¯ve let you down. I¡¯ll take Mom and Judie back to South Town and talk to Bagot. I¡¯ll work hard to make money and pay off the loan sharks. If Mom gambles again, I will not take care of her anymore,¡± Roderick said. Roderick was optimistic about his future. Just over twenty years old, he didn¡¯t mind enduring some hardship. He continued, ¡°I¡¯ll make it clear to both of them. From now on, apart from family ties, we have nothing to do with each other. If Judie wants to stay with me, she¡¯ll have to endure a few tough years. If not, I¡¯ll divorce her.¡±

    Eileen, hands in her pockets, considered the situation. She could give Roderick five hundred thousand dors directly, but Judie and Denise would take advantage of her kindness toward Roderick, causing him more trouble.

    Every tale finds a home at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    After a long pause, Eileen said softly, ¡°Let me help you a bit.¡±

    ¡°Except for giving me money, you can do whatever you want,¡± Roderick would not refuse. He valued his sibling bond with Eileen.

    Eileen sighed with relief. Seeing Roderick so familiar with her financial help before, she had thought he wouldn¡¯t ept any help from her.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go shopping first. We can have lunch at my mother¡¯s house. In the afternoon, I¡¯ll take you shopping for clothes and a phone. Then, you can call Judie and Denise to discuss your ns and see if they agree. After that, we¡¯ll figure things out step by step,¡± Eileen said. She believed she had to find out what Denise and Judie were thinking before making a n for Roderick. Roderick agreed right away. They picked up some gifts nearby and shared a meal with Ruby.

    Ruby had met Roderick twice before. Thest time Roderick and Judie had visited Eileen, Roderick had made a courteous visit to Ruby in the hospital. Despite limited interactions, they got along well. Roderick¡¯s simplicity meshed well with Ruby¡¯sid-back nature, making their mealfortable.

    In the afternoon, Eileen and Roderick went to a mall to shop. After getting his new phone, Roderick immediately called Denise.

    ¡°Mom, where are you and Judie? Did Bagot find you?¡± he asked.

    Since Eileen hadn¡¯t paid Bagot, he would still ask Denise for money. A substantial sum like hundreds of thousands was not easy for them to ignore, prompting a possible trip from South Town to Onnd.

    Previously, Bagot had pursued Denise for money, and Judie had kicked Denise out. So Denise was capable of surviving outdoors.

    Lately, she had taken refuge in an unfinished building, avoiding danger but suffering from hunger and cold. When Roderick¡¯s call came, it made her excited. ¡°Roderick, please help me! I raised you. I¡¯m counting on you now!¡±

    ¡°Mom, where are you exactly?¡± Roderick asked.

    But Denise was clueless about her location.

    ¡°Get Judie on the phone!¡± Roderick urged anxiously. Mentioning Judie enraged Denise. ¡°She kicked me out of the hotel and took all our money! I¡¯m in some unfinished building. I don¡¯t know where I am. My phone is about to die.¡±

    Hearing this, Roderick grew more anxious, but the call ended before he could learn more. Attempts to call back were futile. Denise¡¯s phone was off. Roderick was filled with worry.

    He remembered the hotel they stayed at. Since she was evicted from there by Judie, she couldn¡¯t be far from there. Eileen found the hotel on a map and examined the area. Within ten minutes, she concluded Denise might be in the unfinished building about ten kilometers from the hotel.

    Without exining, Roderick also asked Judie to meet at that building.

    Half an hourter, Judie arrived at the site in a taxi, her frown deepening at the surroundings.

    Noticing Eileen¡¯s car, she muttered, ¡°I knew it! Eileen wouldn¡¯t just leave Roderick behind!¡±

    In the unfinished building, Eileen and Roderick came upon Denise sobbing in a corner.

    Denise had been too scared to use her cell phone recently. She had only managed to answer Roderick¡¯s call just before her phone¡¯s battery died. Why did misfortune always find her?

    Then, she heard footsteps approaching. Fearing it was Bagot, she covered her head and dropped to her knees. ¡°Don¡¯t hit me! I don¡¯t have any money. You know my daughter; she has money. Go ask her for it!¡±

    ¡°Mom!¡± Roderick¡¯s face grew stern at this.

    He approached and helped Denise to her feet, both angry and worried about her state.

    ¡°Roderick?¡± Denise caressed Roderick¡¯s face, as though she couldn¡¯t believe he was real. His face still bore some marks from the beating.

    ¡°Mom, let¡¯s go back to South Town. We¡¯ll sort things out with Bagot. I¡¯ll settle your debt, but you must promise me no more gambling, okay?¡± Roderick brushed her hand aside and got straight to the point.

    He was anxious to get the response he wanted to hear.

    Denise was greatly displeased at his words. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Eileen standing at the doorway and released Roderick¡¯s arm.

    She eximed, ¡°Eileen, you can¡¯t just stand by and watch us struggle like this! That¡¯s half a million dors! Roderick couldn¡¯t earn that much on his own in a lifetime! You¡¯re wealthy. Why can¡¯t you just cover it?¡±

    Eileen remained silent, her expression indifferent as she watched Denise approach her.

    If Roderick couldn¡¯t handle this today on his own, it would only lead to more trouble when they returned to South Town.

    So, she stayed out of it.

    Roderick pulled Denise away from Eileen. ¡°Please stop taking advantage of Eileen. She made her money on her own! Plus, you didn¡¯t raise her. You have no right to demand her money!¡±

    Roderick¡¯s outburst silenced Denise.

    Judie, who had just arrived on the scene, overheard Roderick¡¯s words and paused outside the doorway.

    Seeing Judie, Roderick said, ¡°If you two still want to be part of my life, you¡¯ll return to South Town with me. You only have me, and you have nothing to do with her anymore!¡±

    By ¡°her,¡± he referred to Eileen.

    ¡°Then¡­ What about the gambling debt?¡± Judie asked. She assumed Eileen would handle the debt.

    It was Denise¡¯s debt, after all. Why should she and Roderick bear it? Why not let Eileen, Denise¡¯s daughter, pay it?

    Roderick replied, ¡°As for the gambling debt, I¡¯ll negotiate with Bagot when we return. It might take a long time to pay it off. If that¡¯s too much for you, we can consider divorce.¡±

    He then turned to Denise and said firmly, ¡°Mom, Eileen owes you nothing. You¡¯re turning to her now because you¡¯re desperate for money. That won¡¯t work. You either stay here and face the consequences, or youe back with me and quit gambling. I¡¯ll take care of your old debts.¡± He was prepared to shoulder the burden himself.

    Eileen remained silent, clearly not going to repay Denise¡¯s debt.

    For a while, neither Denise nor Judie spoke.

    Denise, inexperienced in worldly matters and unaware of the significance of awyer¡¯s letter, had been told by Judie that harassing Eileen could lead to jail.

    If Eileen wouldn¡¯t settle her debt, Denise couldn¡¯t force her.

    Now, Denise faced two options. One was to rely on Roderick to pay her debt; the other was to suffer severe consequences from Bagot.

    Denise moved decisively closer to Roderick. ¡°Roderick, you¡¯re my only son. I¡¯ll listen to you.¡±

    ¡°But how can we live peacefully if we return like this?¡± Judie voiced her concern, saying, ¡°Bagot will harass us daily. How will we earn money if he does?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll handle him,¡± Eileen interjected.

    Judie almost spoke up, but under Roderick¡¯s intense stare, she ultimately held her tongue.

    After a moment, she asked, ¡°Do we leave? After we attend Eileen¡¯s wedding?¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t be attending her wedding,¡± Roderick answered promptly. Noticing Eileen¡¯s frown, Roderick continued, ¡°We¡¯ll head back to South Town as soon as possible. I¡¯ll attend Eileen¡¯s wedding by myself. Judie, you and Mom will stay home. If you two can¡¯t ept this, we can part ways now.¡±

    The message was clear: he would eventually return to South Town. If Judie disagreed, they would get a divorce. If Denise objected, he would sever ties with her.

    At that moment, Eileen felt relieved.

    She turned and walked away, giving them space.

    With Eileen gone, Denise and Judie found it easier to speak openly with Roderick, particrly Denise. ¡°Roderick, when will you settle the debt? If you discuss it with Eileen, she¡¯ll definitely take care of it!¡± Denise said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 279

    ?Chapter 279:

    At that moment, Denise¡¯s words caused a mixture of shame and anger to wash over Roderick.

    ¡°I would never stoop to such disgraceful acts!¡± Roderick said firmly. ¡°I have too much pride to do such a thing. To think that my own mother¡¯s failings might drag my sister down, a sister I barely grew up with¡ªhow could I stoop so low? Listen, if I seed, we¡¯ll all enjoy the good life together. If not, then we¡¯ll have to endure hardships. But I stand by my word: you two are with me; anyone who dares to mention my sister again will have to leave!¡±

    Denise¡¯s throat tightened, and her face turned red with emotion.

    Judie trembled as her mind raced. What was she supposed to do now? Was she going to live a miserable life with Roderick from now on? Or should she just divorce him? Would Eileen really not help Roderick? What if Eileen were to give Roderick moneyter because she pitied him? Judie was left wondering if she could ever find a man as good as Roderick if she divorced him.

    She was in a dilemma and didn¡¯t know what to do.

    ¡°Judie, I¡¯m not going to persuade you to stay. But if you choose to, I promise I will clear my mother¡¯s debts within five years and build a wonderful life for us,¡± Roderick said. He was aware that Judie might not share his willingness to work toward settling his mother¡¯s debts.

    He pledged hismitment, aiming to share his future aspirations with Judie and unwilling to let her endure hardships without being fully informed. His promise also served as motivation for himself.

    After some thought, Judie said, ¡°I need some time to make a decision. I want to see if you can sort things out with Bagot first. If he says that debt¡¯s going to spiral out of control, and you might never be able to pay it off¡­ I¡¯m not getting any younger. If I agree, I¡¯ll be stuck with this for five years, and I¡¯ll be in my thirties by then¡­¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Roderick responded, a bit of sadness in his voice, but he understood Judie. ¡°I¡¯ll take Mom back to South Town for now. You can make your decision after I sort things out with Bagot, okay?¡±

    Let your mind wander with g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q??????

    Thereafter, he and Denise left, with Judie following closely behind.

    Eileen drove them. Instead of returning to her ce, she checked them into a cozy hotel for the night. Unbeknownst to Eileen, after she departed, Judie made her way back to her colleague¡¯s home to await further news before making any decisions.

    As the chilly early winter winds swept through the night, the cold seemed to seep into their bones. Bryan was still at his office, workingte.

    Having informed Bryan earlier, Eileen drove to Apex Group to pick him up.

    There, she encountered Z just as she finished work. Z served as the general manager and second inmand at Apex Group. She had been ced in thepany by Brandon to monitor Bryan.

    ¡°Eileen, are you here to pick up Bryan after work?¡± Z asked, holding her handbag as she and Eileen stood in the lobby.

    Eileen replied, ¡°Yes. I was nearby and thought I¡¯d swing by. I just finished for the day.¡±

    Z nodded and said, ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve just wrapped up a meeting with Bryan. He¡¯ll be here shortly.¡±

    As they conversed, the elevator doors parted. Bryan stepped out of the elevator and approached, d in a ck suit beneath a dark blue trench coat. His features were sharply defined under the lighting, and he looked at Eileen with a soft expression.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you would work overtime tonight?¡± Eileen asked.

    Bryan had informed Eileen that it would be a long wait, so she was actually surprised to see him this early. Bryan nced at his watch before casually draping his arm around Eileen¡¯s waist, indifferent to Z¡¯s presence.

    ¡°Grandma called earlier, insisting we join her for dinner. I forgot about it until she called me again just now, so I had to bring the unfinished work home,¡± he exined.

    It was getting dark outside. Eileen sighed softly. ¡°You should have told me about this earlier; I would have reminded you. She¡¯s probably been waiting for ages.¡±

    ¡°She doesn¡¯t mind waiting for me,¡± Bryan replied, turning to acknowledge Z with a nod. While leading Eileen out of the building, he added, ¡°All she wants to know is if you¡¯ve handled everything. She¡¯s eager to discuss wedding gifts with you tonight. As long as we go back tonight, she¡¯ll be happy.¡± What he said was indeed true.

    But Eileen still gently reminded him to inform her sooner next time and avoid keeping Ste waiting.

    Whispering quietly, their silhouettes slowly melded into the neon-lit surroundings. Z stood alone in the lobby, her face drained of color.

    Discussing wedding gifts? There wasn¡¯t much time left before December 6th.

    Z gripped her bag strap tightly, her fingertips growing pale. After a while, she finally retrieved her phone and dialed Lydia¡¯s number.

    When Eileen and Bryan arrived at the Dawson Mansion, darkness hadpletely enveloped the surroundings. Dinner had been prepared in the kitchen before seven o¡¯clock. Upon their arrival, it was promptly served.

    Ste inquired about the matter with Denise and also expressed her desire to invite Ruby to a meal tomorrow to discuss the wedding gifts.

    She said, ¡°It¡¯s good that everything¡¯s sorted out now. But just in case, I¡¯d like to invite your mother and the others for dinner tomorrow night at Dawson Mansion. What do you think, Eileen?¡±

    Ste hoped to avoid any unexpectedplications, especially since Denise hadn¡¯t yet left Onnd. If something went awry and Denise caused a scene at the hotel, she wouldn¡¯t be able to give Eileen that money and gift again.

    ¡°Okay, it¡¯s up to you,¡± Eileen replied, understanding Ste¡¯s concerns well.

    Ste said, ¡°Perhaps you should check with your mother first. If she¡¯s ufortable, I can find another ce. But I do think this is the best option.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 280

    ?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.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 281

    ?Chapter 281:

    Eileen rolled over and snuggled into Bryan¡¯s arms, breathing in his familiar scent. At that, Bryan realized it wasn¡¯t that he was always desiring more; it was that she was addictive. He tenderly brushed her hair back from her face, identally waking her in the process.

    Half-awake, Eileen began to slip off her nightgown.

    ¡°Are you done with your work? Let¡¯s get started,¡± she said, her intention being merely to get things done quickly so they could sleep early, nothing more.

    Bryan took her hand gently to stop her and nted a kiss on her cheek.

    ¡°I¡¯ll let you rest tonight. You can just sleep,¡± he said.

    ¡°To sleep?¡± Eileen replied, her voice a bit hoarse.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Bryan responded, drawing near and resting against her soft form.

    While Eileen quickly slipped back into sleep, Bryan stayed awake, his desire keeping him restless.

    A message from Ste vibrated Eileen¡¯s phone, which was on her pillow.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention the matter for now. Let¡¯s keep this between us until the moment is right.¡±

    The phone¡¯s screen lit up, showing the start of the message. Bryan¡¯s brow furrowed as he caught a glimpse of the message before the screen faded to ck. He pressed his lips together, kissed Eileen¡¯s forehead, and atst drifted off to sleep.

    Ste had sent the text feeling anxious. Having known Z and Bryan since they were children, she found Z likable. She was somewhat fond of Z, but she didn¡¯tpletely trust her. She feared her message might startle Eileen and make her confess to Bryan at the wrong time, causing a divide between her and Bryan. So, she retracted the message within two minutes.

    As night fell, the vi was enveloped in darkness, the cold winds of early winter swirling fallen leaves around. Early the next morning, the servants at Dawson Mansion began cleaning up the yard. When Eileen woke up, she noticed Ste¡¯s withdrawn message and dismissed it, thinking that Ste might only have made a mistake.

    L¨»¦Ó??¦Ó c§ß¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ??n g??l??ov?l??.??o??

    Shortly afterward, she got a call from Roderick, who told her that Bagot¡¯s men hade to Onnd. Bagot wanted to propose a deal to Roderick at a small park near the hotel. Eileen nned to have Bryan drop her off at Apex Group so that she could drive to the park herself.

    But when Bryan heard about the meeting, he insisted on driving Eileen there himself. The park was secluded and quiet, making Bryan¡¯s luxurious Land Rover quite noticeable. The park featured a path of red bricks, with benches every two meters.

    Eileen saw Roderick and Denise seated on one of the benches. Denise was scolding loudly, ¡°You¡¯re too stubborn! Can¡¯t you see she would easily give you the money if you asked?¡±

    Denise was increasingly anxious since Bagot and his people wereing. How could a loan shark be reasonable? What if he refused to let them repay the debt gradually and turned to violence? Denise grumbled continuously. Roderick, frustrated, ignored her and kept his hands in his pockets.

    Denise looked at his clothes, frowned, and said, ¡°This is an expensive coat, isn¡¯t it? She¡¯s bought you several expensive outfits like this! It shows she really cares about you! You¡ª¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the issue?¡± Eileen walked over with her hand in her coat. She looked at Denise sternly and said, ¡°If he owes me money, I¡¯ll settle it. I would pay a million dors for him, let alone half a million. But the debt is his, and I won¡¯t pay a single cent for you. Understood?¡±

    Eileen couldn¡¯t stand Denise¡¯s shamelessness, so she didn¡¯t hold back.

    Denise opened her mouth to speak, but upon noticing Bryan nearby, she remained silent.

    Seeing that Judie wasn¡¯t present, Eileen figured Judie was awaiting the results of their negotiation with Bagot. She believed Judie was curious to learn if Eileen would indeed refuse to cover Denise¡¯s debt.

    From a distance, Bagot approached, nked by several tall, muscr men. When Denise spotted the group, she turned around and cried to take cover behind Eileen and Bryan. She knew Roderick wasn¡¯t capable of confronting these men alone. But upon encountering Bryan¡¯s stern gaze, she quickly walked behind Roderick.

    That day, after Bryan and Eileen had taken Roderick away, Bagot had conducted a thorough investigation into Bryan. Realizing that Bryan was not a man to offend, Bagot made sure to keep a respectful demeanor. He first greeted Bryan, then broached the subject of Roderick settling the debt.

    ¡°I¡¯m willing to work hard. After my annual expenses, I can save up to a hundred thousand dors for you a year. I¡¯m confident I can clear the half million within five years,¡± Roderick had thought this through carefully.

    Bagot first checked Eileen¡¯s and Bryan¡¯s expressions, relieved to see they didn¡¯t seem inclined to intervene. ¡°Do you realize this is usury? Did you ever calcte the interest on five hundred thousand over five years?¡± Bagot said.

    The amount of money would only continue to growrger. Roderick furrowed his brow, and after a brief pause, responded, ¡°It¡¯s illegal. Taking this to court won¡¯t end well for you. I can¡¯t enforce it in South Town, but you don¡¯t have any power here, either. You wouldn¡¯t risk causing trouble here, right? Here¡¯s my offer: I¡¯ll pay you five hundred thousand dors in five years and no more than that.¡±

    He had spent the entire previous night researching online, and despite hisck of education, he seemed to have gained a reasonable understanding of the matter. ¡°What if you fail to pay within five years?¡± Bagot showed his displeasure upon hearing Roderick¡¯s proposition. ¡°If he fails to pay within five years, you may take any necessary action against the debtor.¡±

    Eileen stepped forward, ignoring Denise¡¯s hostile look, and added, ¡°Moreover, the five hundred thousand will be paid as a single payment after five years.¡±

    Caught off guard, Bagot eximed, ¡°No way!¡± He said no interest for five years, and now, you¡¯re telling me he¡¯ll only pay the money after five years? Keep dreaming!¡±

    ¡°Roderick will have to do hardbor to repay this debt. Although he¡¯s young, it¡¯s not healthy to wear himself out. We often hear about young people suddenly passing away these days. If something were to happen to him, you definitely won¡¯t receive your five hundred thousand dors,¡± Eileen exined calmly. ¡°He once ran a small but profitable restaurant. If he restarts that business, he could be able to do it in just one year. Based on his previous experience, it could even be two or three years before he could pay off the debt. You should consider this carefully.¡±

    What she said made sense, but it was a gamble for Bagot. If he made the right move, he could receive the five hundred thousand dors in just about three years. However, if he made a mistake and the restaurant didn¡¯t seed, he might end up with nothing.

    Feeling uneasy, Bagot turned and lit a cigarette, clearly in a dilemma. Standing nearby, Bryan was momentarily tempted to smoke as he watched. He had quit smoking for a while to help improve the chances of Eileen getting pregnant, but he still keenly felt the pull of the nicotine. He narrowed his eyes slightly, his face expressionless.

    Bagot watched Bryan, feeling that Bryan¡¯s gaze was absolutely a threat. He believed that Bryan, with his wealth and influence, was now engaging in this discussion to show him he was giving him a chance. Under different circumstances, he might have been sent to the police by now.

    Thinking this over, Bagot still felt somewhat reluctant and questioned, ¡°What if he doesn¡¯t manage to pay it off in five years? I still need some assurance.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s sign an agreement. If he can¡¯t fulfill the repayment in five years, Denise is yours to deal with,¡± Eileen said indifferently.

    At this, Denise nearly lunged at Eileen in anger. However, standing by her side, Bryan¡¯s imposing presence deterred Denise from getting any closer. Denise was the one who ended up signing the agreement with Bagot. Shemitted that if Roderick failed to pay off the five hundred thousand dors within five years, she would be at Bagot¡¯s disposal.

    After signing, Denise looked distressed. She finally resigned herself to the fact that Eileen wouldn¡¯t settle her debt.

    ¡°Eileen, I¡¯m going to pack up my things. I¡¯ll head back to South Town by train. I will definitely be back for your wedding.¡± Roderick now fully grasped what Eileen had meant by helping him negotiate with Bagot. He understood the grueling nature of five years spent in hardbor in the darkness.

    He had been optimistic about the future, though the thought of five years had him slightly uneasy. Now, he was facing just one more year of hardbor. He felt confident!

    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Eileen pulled out a card from her pocket and said, ¡°This is the twenty thousand dors you gave me when you left Onnd. It¡¯s time for you to use it. Take this and start over.¡±

    When Eileen had left Onnd, the money Roderick had given her was just over ten thousand dors. She couldn¡¯t recall the exact amount, but she knew that Roderick had given her all he could. She didn¡¯t want to linger on the details; her goal was simply to ensure Roderick had enough money to get by for now.

    Roderick was about to point out that the sum wasn¡¯t actually twenty thousand dors, but seeing Denise¡¯s gaze, he quickly said, ¡°Okay.¡± He knew that if Denise found out that Eileen had given him money, she might get other ideas.

    Then Roderick and Denise returned to their hotel to pack. Roderick also sent a message to Judie, detailing everything about the negotiation.

    After reading the message, Judie set her phone aside and looked at Z, who hade to her unexpectedly. Judie said, ¡°Last time, you gave us the VIP card for the hotel at the entrance of Apex Group. Who are you, exactly? What are you trying to do?¡±

    Judie had already formed an impression of Z. This was bad for Z. Originally, Z hadn¡¯t intended toe personally. She had nned to enlist Benita¡¯s help, but after Benita¡¯sst interest in Kian, her stance shifted. Benita had tly refused to even see her.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter who I am. I want to find out something about Eileen. If the information I provide is shocking enough, I¡¯ll give you five hundred thousand dors,¡± Z said.

    Upon hearing this, Judie was intrigued. But her instincts warned her that the woman before her was dangerous. Revealing anything might put Eileen at risk.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 282

    ?Chapter 282:

    ¡°Can¡¯t you see what¡¯s really happening here?¡± Z sneered, noticing Judie¡¯s hesitation. ¡°Don¡¯t you realize how badly Eileen is treating you now? Even if she still cares about her brother, what does it matter? She¡¯s willing to help with your debts, yet she¡¯s living in avish vi and driving a luxury car. She doesn¡¯t even want you to stay in Onnd. Do you honestly believe she¡¯ll be thankful and offer money if you stay on her side?¡± Her words cut deep.

    After a moment of contemtion, Judie frowned. ¡°I¡¯ve been to Roderick for a few years. Eileen didn¡¯t grow up with my mother-inw, so I don¡¯t know much about her.¡± She sat down calmly and said, ¡°Tell me whatever you know. The more information you provide, the better. If any of it proves useful to me, I¡¯ll pay you once I confirm it.¡± Judie realized she did have some information about Eileen, and there would be no harm in sharing it.

    This thought took hold of Judie, and she couldn¡¯t shake it. Why should she feel guilty? Eileen had been so heartless toward Roderick. Why should she spare any concern for Eileen?

    ¡°Alright,¡± Judie began, lifting her head. After a brief pause, she continued, ¡°When Eileen and Roderick were very young, my mother-inw went through a divorce, and no one wanted to take care of Eileen. I remember my mother-inw mentioning that the man sheter married was unable to have children, so he suggested taking Eileen in. This way, they thought Eileen could support them financially in their old age. Even if Eileen married someone else in the future, they wouldn¡¯t feel obligated to provide her with financial support or help her purchase a car or house¡­

    But for some reason, Denise had only taken Roderick with her. Maybe she believed her son was more important than her daughter.

    After marrying Roderick, Judie had noticed that Denise wasn¡¯t particrly kind to him. Denise often reminded him of how hard she had worked to raise him and expected him to take care of her in return. What she implied was that because she had raised Roderick, he owed her lifelong care.

    ¡°Say something,¡± Z interjected impatiently. She was interested in Eileen¡¯s tragic childhood. Knowing Eileen came from a humble background wouldn¡¯t help much.

    Uncover new tales on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s??om

    Z said, ¡°Tell me everything you know about Eileen after you came to Onnd.¡±

    Judie thought for a moment. She hadn¡¯t been in regr contact with Eileen when she had first arrived in Onnd. At that time, Eileen had just been hired by Apex Group. Later, she had inadvertently discovered the rtionship between Eileen and Bryan. Judie said, ¡°She was his mistress back then. After all, Mr. Dawson was married at the time. Even though I didn¡¯t know who his wife was¡­¡±

    Z already knew everything Judie had mentioned. If she was going to target Eileen, rehashing the past was useless. Judie continued, ¡°She even went to the extent of selling her body to pay for her stepmother¡¯s treatment. I don¡¯t know if she was naive or foolish. Her stepmother¡¯s illness burdened her for about seven years and drained her financially.¡±

    The thought of this made Judie furious.

    Z frowned thoughtfully before asking, ¡°When did Eileen¡¯s stepmother get sick?¡±

    ¡°It was right after she graduated from college. If her stepmother had gotten sick any earlier, she would have had to drop out of school, and she wouldn¡¯t have be aspetent as she is now,¡± Judie replied, pursing her lips. She really wished Eileen were poor. That way, she wouldn¡¯t expect any help from her and feel so angry now.

    ¡°What did Eileen do after graduating? How does she earn such a high sry to afford her stepmother¡¯s and her stepsister¡¯s education?¡± Z noticed a loophole in the timeline. There were three years between Eileen¡¯s college graduation and her start at Apex Group. Where had she gotten the money to pay for her stepmother¡¯s treatment during those years?

    Besides, Eileen hadn¡¯t started her rtionship with Bryan until her second year at Apex Group. Her sry alone wouldn¡¯t have been enough to cover her stepmother¡¯s medical expenses in her first year at Apex Group.

    ¡°So, maybe Eileen sold her body for money to other people before¡­¡± Z¡¯s eyes sparked with this new idea. She quickly stood up and grabbed her bag, wanting to investigate events from a few years ago.

    Judie hurriedly stood up and followed, ¡°Miss Murray, when will you give me the money?¡±

    ¡°Why the rush? Let¡¯s discuss it after I figure this out.¡± With that, Z left.

    Judie couldn¡¯t leave town because she was intent on receiving that money from Z, yet she also didn¡¯t want to give up on Roderick. She informed Roderick that a friend had helped her secure a good job here, so she intended to work here for the time being. Once Roderick managed to earn money and sessfullyunched the restaurant, she would resign from her job and return to help him.

    She made Roderick wait for her return for a year. Upon reading Judie¡¯s message, Roderick opted not to respond. He promptly returned home with Denise.

    While they went to start the negotiation, Eileen approached Bagot. She handed him a card and stated, ¡°Here¡¯s a hundred grand to start with. You¡¯ll receive the same amount every year. Once Roderick can begin repaying you, he¡¯ll take care of the rest. For now, keep two things in mind: don¡¯t mention a word of this to Roderick, and don¡¯t lend Denise any more money.¡±

    Driven bypassion, Eileen couldn¡¯t bear the thought of Roderick¡¯s years of hard-earned ie going to waste. Bagot was delighted with the money upfront. He grinned and epted the card. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t let anything slip. You know Denise and Roderick well. If Roderick finds out, he¡¯ll definitely tell Denise. And if Denise catches wind of this, she¡¯ll be back to gamble in no time. Honestly, your brother can be a bit reckless.¡±

    Eileen stood quietly, her hands tucked in her pockets. The deste park was mirrored in her clear eyes.

    After a pause, she said, ¡°Go and threaten Denise from time to time to ensure she doesn¡¯t forget the lesson she learned this time.¡±

    Eileen could tell from Denise¡¯s expression upon seeing Bagot that she was intimidated by him. Denise was the kind who never seemed to learn. Without Bagot¡¯s threats, she would quickly forget about her gambling debt and keep spending recklessly.

    ¡°Got it!¡± With that, Bagot left, apanied by his men. Upon turning around, Eileen spotted Bryan¡¯s car parked by the roadside. Although she couldn¡¯t see his face, she could feel his gaze fixed on her.

    Pressing her lips together, she approached the car, opened the passenger door, settled in, and fastened her seat belt.

    Eventually, she turned her head and said in a low voice, ¡°I just gave him a hundred thousand dors. Despite Bagot¡¯s shady reputation and involvement in illicit dealings, he still keeps his promises.¡±

    ¡°Eileen, you don¡¯t have to update me on every detail. I understand you prefer to keep me out of your family matters. I just didn¡¯t want to see you upset, so I lent a hand. I harbor no ill will toward them, nor do I think any less of you because of them,¡± Bryan said.

    Eileen¡¯s expression upon seeing him made Bryan feel for her.

    After a pause, Bryan took a deep breath and reached out to caress her head. ¡°As long as you¡¯re happy, I¡¯m even willing to support them financially.¡±

    His words were straightforward, but he truly meant it.

    ¡°Really?¡± Eileen¡¯s joy was palpable. ¡°Then why are you still here? I eagerly anticipate the day I¡¯ll depend fully on you to provide for me.¡±

    She smiled mischievously, the meaning in her words evident.

    Bryan chuckled, starting the engine and driving away. ¡°I really need to get to work now. In the evening, Grandma will discuss wedding gifts with your mother, and there are wedding preparations to attend to. I put in the effort during the day, and I still need to ¡®work hard¡¯ at night¡­¡±

    His words caused Eileen¡¯s cheeks to flush with embarrassment. She turned away, gazing out the window and ignoring him.

    Contemting the uing visit to the Dawson Mansion, Ruby requested Bailee¡¯spany for a shopping excursion to find a suitable outfit.

    ¡°Let¡¯s splurge a bit. I don¡¯t want to cause any embarrassment to my sister,¡± Ruby suggested, aiming for elegance.

    Eileen and Bailee shared simr spending philosophies. The most expensive outfit they purchased rarely exceeded a thousand dors, typically ranging around seven or eight hundred dors.

    But recently, Bryan had purchased Eileen an entire wardrobe for the changing season, all from renowned brands. Eileen hadn¡¯t inquired about the prices, but it was evident that they were all quite expensive.

    Thus, it seemed fitting for Eileen to grace the Dawson Mansion in her designer attire, while Bailee and Ruby would feel out of ce in suchvish ensembles.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Bailee readily agreed, turning to Ruby. ¡°Mom, should I invite Eileen to join us?¡±

    ¡°No, don¡¯t bother her. She¡¯s probably busy,¡± Ruby replied considerately. She knew that Eileen would insist on footing the bill if she were to apany them.

    With Bailee now financially independent, Ruby didn¡¯t want to spend Eileen¡¯s money anymore.

    Although Bailee hadn¡¯t thought about this, she still canceled her ns for the afternoon and took Ruby to the shopping mall on her own.

    In the early winter, the shopping mall was bustling with people. Ruby¡¯s walking wasn¡¯t as smooth as that of others, which made her stand out a bit in the crowd.

    Spotting Ruby amidst the crowd, Winona hurried over, her face lighting up as she sped Ruby¡¯s hand warmly. ¡°Ruby! You look fantastic! You¡¯ve recovered so well!¡± Winona eximed, feeling genuinely delighted.

    Huey had recounted Ruby¡¯s entire recovery journey to Winona before, but he didn¡¯t tell his mother that he was together with Bailee now because he had some concerns. In the past, Winona had favored Eileen, but now he was with Eileen¡¯s sister. He spected that Winona wouldn¡¯t take kindly to the news if she found out.

    Therefore, he had wanted to find a fitting opportunity to disclose the situation to Winona. But before he could, he and Bailee had ended up having a disagreement.

    Seeing Bailee and Ruby shopping further fueled Huey¡¯s frustration. Despite his repeated attempts to spend time with Bailee, she always cited busyness as an excuse.

    He couldn¡¯tprehend how she managed to find time for shopping with her mother while consistently iming to be too busy to spend time with him.

    Fuming with anger, he averted his gaze and ignored Baileepletely.

    Sensing Huey¡¯s anger, Bailee could onlypose herself before Winona and Ruby. ¡°Good to see you, Mrs. Baker,¡± she said.

    ¡°Bailee! You¡¯ve blossomed into such a stunning young woman! In my memory, you were still the shy college graduate,¡± Winona remarked to Ruby with a warm smile.

    Ruby was caught off guard and cautiously inquired, ¡°Didn¡¯t Huey say anything about him and Bailee?¡±

    Winona was surprised. She looked at Huey and asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on between you and Bailee?¡±

    Hearing this, Ruby¡¯s disappointment grew as she realized Huey had kept Winona in the dark about his rtionship with Bailee.

    Huey had frequently visited her house since they arrived in Onnd, yet Winona remained unaware of their connection.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Huey said, dismissing the question.

    Ruby¡¯s expression soured.

    Bailee held her breath, tightening her grip on Ruby¡¯s arm, her eyes cast downward.

    ¡°My apologies. It appears I misremembered. I have a dinner engagement tonight, so I must take my leave. Let¡¯s reconnect another time,¡± Ruby said politely, her expression hinting at a certain aloofness.

    With a gentle tug, she guided Bailee away. As Bailee passed by Huey, he instinctively reached out for her.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 283

    ?Chapter 283:

    Huey was a few secondste, so Bailee walked off with Ruby, holding each other¡¯s arms. During her illness over the past few years, Ruby had slimmed down considerably, which made it easier to find fitting clothes. Within an hour of shopping, she found a suitable outfit.

    She had been looking forward to visiting the Dawson Mansion happily, but running into Winona and her son had dampened her spirits. On the way back, Ruby sighed and said, ¡°Bailee, you¡¯re not a kid anymore. I don¡¯t want to meddle in your business, but please be careful and avoid any heartaches, okay?¡±

    ¡°I know. We¡¯ve been arguing for the past couple of days. I guess I¡¯m still upset,¡± Bailee exined, feeling the need to defend Huey.

    ¡°As long as you¡¯re clear on what needs to be done, everything will be fine. Just make sure your mood doesn¡¯t spoil tonight¡¯s dinner,¡± Ruby patted Bailee¡¯s hand, lost in thought. They might have fought, but Huey¡¯s behavior¡­ it was quite disrespectful.

    In the Dawson Mansion, Ste had instructed the servants to prepare dinner in advance, and they were all bustling with their tasks. ¡°Make yourself at home. Your daughter will be the hostess here soon, so there¡¯s no need to be formal,¡± Ste said.

    Noticing Ruby¡¯s uneasy demeanor on the sofa, Ste instructed the servants to bring coffee and desserts. Ruby tried her best to control her nervousness, but she couldn¡¯tpletely hide it. She talked with Ste, and with Eileen easing the tension asionally, Ruby soon felt more rxed.

    Dinner was ready, and the servants led everyone to the dining hall. Just as the group was about to take their seats, two unexpected guests suddenly arrived¡ªLydia and Z. Lydia was elegantly dressed, clearly showing her wealth. Beside her, Z had intentionally dressed inly and acted modestly, as if merely apanying Lydia. She nodded at Eileen and Bryan with a polite smile.

    ¡°Mom, why didn¡¯t you tell me we were having guests tonight?¡± Lydia asked as she walked past Ruby and approached Ste, extending a hand to support her. She wanted to guide Ste toward the dining hall, but Ste stood still on purpose.

    Ste turned to Ruby with a smile and said, ¡°As I¡¯m getting older, I can only handle a small group of guests at once. I might find it difficult with too many guests tonight, but since they¡¯ve alreadye, I¡¯ll host you together. Please understand, Ruby¡ªI invited you here for dinner today, not them.¡±

    L§Ñt??t ch¨»pt?rs ?n g??ln¦Ïv?ls.??¦Ï??

    This implied that Lydia and Z were merely guests. Under Ste¡¯s insistence, Ruby and Bailee sat on the left side of the host¡¯s seat. Eileen and Bryan took their seats on the right side of the host¡¯s seat. Lydia and Z, on the other hand, were seated in the back row. If they were unwilling, they could choose to leave.

    Lydia didn¡¯t seem to mind at all. She sat beside Bailee, asionally chiming in on the conversation about Eileen and Bryan¡¯s wedding without causing any trouble. Ste felt irritated by Lydia¡¯s presence and found her quite bothersome.

    But she realized she couldn¡¯t dy the conversation any longer. She needed to present the wedding gifts to Eileen tonight. She looked at Jarred and signaled him. In response, Jarred retrieved a box.

    The delicate wooden box was a masterpiece, adorned with intricately carved flowers so lifelike that they appeared real. ¡°This bracelet has been an heirloom in the Dawson family for generations. I¡¯ll give it to you,¡± Ste announced, taking out a red silk bag from the box. Lydia¡¯s grip tightened on her fork. Despite being married to Brandon for so many years, Ste had never given her the bracelet. Yet now, Ste was giving it to Eileen even before she married Bryan.

    Ste was straightforward. She wanted Eileen to have the bracelet but then felt it a bit inappropriate. So, she turned to Bryan and said, ¡°You should do the honors. After all, she¡¯s the future wife you love.¡± As for Lydia, Brandon had just epted her verbally, never formally acknowledging her status.

    Bryan stood up and circled around Eileen. He took the bracelet from Ste and delicately ced it on Eileen¡¯s wrist. Bathed in the bright light, the bracelet sparkled, and its value was evident. Lydia¡¯s gaze lingered on the bracelet adorning Eileen¡¯s wrist. Eileen¡¯s marriage into the family only deepened Lydia¡¯s sense of inferiority.

    Lydia¡¯s anger bubbled over, prompting her to set down her fork with a sharp tter. Ste had already sensed Lydia¡¯s difort, but she continued, ¡°Isn¡¯t it exquisite? Such a bracelet befits only the most delicate of wrists. Raise your hand. Let me take a closer look,¡± Ste said.

    With purpose, she raised Eileen¡¯s hand high. She then turned to Ruby and inquired, ¡°What do you think? Is it beautiful?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Ruby said with a relieved smile.

    Ste directed her attention to Bryan, asking, ¡°And you? Do you find it beautiful? The Dawson family ancestors had impable taste. This bracelet still exudes beauty after all these years.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely, it¡¯s beautiful,¡± Bryan replied, settling back into his seat.

    Then Ste said, ¡°Lydia, you haven¡¯t seen this bracelet, have you? Would you like toe over and take a look? Eileen probably won¡¯t wear it every day, so you won¡¯t have many opportunities to see it.¡± Lydia was rendered speechless.

    Ste continued, ¡°It¡¯s alright if you prefer not to see it. You might be too jealous if you do.¡± She then released Eileen¡¯s hand with a chuckle. ¡°Put it away before someone gets tempted to snatch it.¡± Eileen hadn¡¯t expected Ste¡¯s adeptness at mockery. Suddenly, she realized that Bryan sometimes shared some simrities in temperament with Ste.

    ¡°Now, let¡¯s discuss another wedding gift,¡± Ste dered as she produced another check from the wooden box, sliding it to Ruby. ¡°Do you think this amount is eptable?¡±

    Ruby briefly nced at the check before diverting her gaze. She nudged the check towards Eileen, stating, ¡°Eileen should have the final say in matters concerning herself.¡± The amount column on the check waspleted with a nine, signifying the maximum sum of money it could represent.

    Eileen began, ¡°Mrs. Dawson, you really shouldn¡¯t feel obligated to¡­¡±

    ¡°Consider it a gesture of goodwill from the Dawson family to you. Please ept it,¡± Ste interjected, cing the check directly in Eileen¡¯s hand.

    She then added, ¡°If you refuse it, I¡¯ll think the amount isn¡¯t to your satisfaction. If that¡¯s the case, I¡¯ll increase it.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll ept it,¡± Eileen agreed without hesitation, tucking the check away.

    Ste¡¯s smile widened at Eileen¡¯s eptance. Then, in an attempt to provoke Lydia, she said, ¡°Only those acknowledged by me deserve to receive gifts¡ªunlike some others who tried to gain eptance among us without receiving anything.¡±

    Maybe Ste thought Lydia had made the evening less enjoyable, so she purposely provoked Lydia. Lydia didn¡¯t seem okay, but she didn¡¯t react.

    Following dinner, Ste whisked Ruby away to the ss garden house to admire the blossoms and engage in conversation. Z had intended to find Eileen and Bryan because she didn¡¯t want them to be alone. But on her way, she received a call from Lydia, asking her toe upstairs. With no other option, she retraced her steps. As she reached the junction between floors, Doris stopped her.

    Doris ushered her to a secluded area where they could speak privately. ¡°Miss Murray, I have something important to tell you,¡± Doris said earnestly.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Z asked, noting Doris¡¯s troubled expression and growing curious about the matter.

    ¡°I overheard Ste and Eileen¡¯s conversation two days ago. It appears they made an agreement seven years ago,¡± Doris whispered, lowering her voice to avoid being overheard. Even though the corridor was empty, she felt guilty.

    ¡°Anything else?¡± Z inquired. Doris had overheard that Ste and Eileen were recently scheming behind Bryan¡¯s backst time. It was confirmed this time that their n and agreement had started seven years ago.

    Doris thought hard, but she had been too far away to hear the details clearly. She said, ¡°I couldn¡¯t catch all the details, but Eileen mentioned she nned to tell Bryan the truth. She said she couldn¡¯t hide it from him any longer.¡±

    Suddenly, an idea struck Z. She blinked and said, ¡°You can go back now. I know what to do.¡± Then she rushed to Lydia¡¯s room.

    The moment she entered, Lydia vented her frustration, saying, ¡°You brought me here just to watch Ste give gifts to that woman and talk about the wedding? I¡¯ve put up with Ste¡¯s tabs for so long. What¡¯s wrong with your n? I think I¡¯ve discovered a huge secret,¡± Z said firmly after a moment of silence.

    After a pause, Lydia looked at her and said, ¡°Get to the point.¡±

    ¡°Do you remember when Ste forced Bryan to marry a woman? It was said that the woman got married to get money for her mother¡¯s treatment, and Ste did it to annoy Vivian,¡± Z said.

    Back then, Ste hadn¡¯t hidden her reason for the marriage, so everyone had known about that. Z brought this up again, but Lydia wasn¡¯t interested. ¡°Didn¡¯t they divorce a year ago? Why bring her up now?¡± Lydia said.

    ¡°That woman is Eileen! And Bryan still doesn¡¯t know about this,¡± Z said excitedly, her throat tightening.

    Ste had gone to great lengths to arrange the marriage, but Bryan had only seen the woman when he went through the marriage procedure. Even the marriage certificate had been kept at Ste¡¯s ce. After inquiring about it for a long time, Z had found out that Bryan knew nothing about that woman.

    Lydia was stunned and stood up suddenly. ¡°What? Are you sure?¡±

    Z hesitated for a moment before replying, ¡°Eileen¡¯s sister-inw mentioned that Eileen gave all her money to her stepmother for medical treatment after bing Bryan¡¯s mistress. But when she graduated from college, her stepmother was already ill. Where did she get the money for her stepmother¡¯s treatment before joining Apex Group?¡±

    Z then shared everything she had heard from Doris. Based on her spection, it seemed almost certain that Eileen was Bryan¡¯s ex-wife.

    ¡°We can¡¯t act rashly. We need to go back and discuss this with Brandon. Let¡¯s go,¡± Lydia couldn¡¯t stay any longer, so she grabbed her bag and went downstairs with Z. She asked Jarred to tell Ste they would leave now and hurried out with Z.

    After Eileen and the others left, Jarred informed Ste about Lydia and Z¡¯s departure.

    ¡°They left in such a hurry. I thought they were here to cause trouble.¡± Jarred assumed they hade to ridicule Ruby¡¯s modest background or stir up trouble over the gifts Ste had given Eileen.

    Sitting on the sofa, Ste listened to Jarred and lost herself in thought. After a moment, she recalled something and said, ¡°Check the surveince footage. See where Doris has been tonight.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 284

    ?Chapter 284:

    The entire vi had cameras only in the living room and along the staircases of each floor. Doris and Z had their conversation in a spot that was out of camera view, but it could be seen from the staircase camera that they had ascended to the second floor one after the other.

    Shortly afterward, Z had headed to Lydia from there, while Doris had gone straight downstairs.

    ¡°What a cunning woman!¡± Ste muttered with a frown. Her mood had shifted from the joy of the evening to deep frustration. Jarred, sensing her distress, quickly reassured her, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Miss Curtis ns to exin everything to Mr. Dawson, right? Even if they get to Mr. Dawson first, it shouldn¡¯t affect your rtionship with Miss Curtis.¡± Ste believed that. Yet, she sensed the situation wasn¡¯t so simple. Lydia and Z¡¯s rushed departure suggested they were up to something.

    Ste spent a restless night pondering their possible schemes. For the next three days, there was no news from Lydia. Ste finally felt a wave of relief. She believed perhaps they realized that the secret¡ªthat Eileen was Bryan¡¯s ex-wife¡ªwouldn¡¯t cause any rifts between them.

    It was early winter, and the rain came today, causing temperatures to plummet. Eileen felt unusually sluggish this year, possibly due to her years in the consistently warm West Land or perhaps because Bryan had her out. Each morning, her rm clock would sound several times before she dragged herself up to start her day.

    She returned to her tutoring job, and before she knew it, it was November. The news of her uing wedding to Bryan on December 6th was already public, leaving just a month to prepare. Eileen had Phoebe invite to discuss the matter about thewyer¡¯s letter. Bryan had had Raymond send Julio a check to cover the cost of thewyer¡¯s letter, but Julio had returned the check to Eileen.

    Julio¡¯s refusal to ept the money made it only fair for Eileen to invite him to dinner. When she proposed the idea, Julio agreed and chose a newly opened restaurant. Eileen arrived ten minutes early, only to find Julio already there.

    ¡°Julio, I just spoke with Phoebe. She¡¯s caught in traffic and not sure when she¡¯ll arrive. She suggested we start ordering first.¡± Eileen called the waiter over for the menu and passed it to Julio. Julio chose to order steak. ¡°Do you know Phoebe well?¡± he asked Eileen.

    L?t?st ch¦Ápt?rs ¦Én g??l??ov§Ö???.????

    ¡°Yes, we¡¯re close. It¡¯s not only because ofw and Bryan. She and I were good friends even before everything else happened,¡± Eileen replied. Even Eileen herself found it hard to believe that her connection with Phoebe hadn¡¯t deepened while in Onnd. For reasons she couldn¡¯t fathom, once she had left Onnd, Phoebe had distanced herself from the Burton family and promptly moved to the West Land to stay with her.

    ¡°Have you been acquainted with Phoebe for a long time?¡± Eileen doubted Julio was an old ssmate or a school friend of Phoebe¡¯s.

    ¡°We used to be in the same upper-ss circle and knew each other quite well.¡± After a pause, Julio continued, ¡°I also know Brent from the Yates family you¡¯re working with now.¡±

    Eileen wasn¡¯t surprised. Julio had been the only son of the prestigious Ferguson family before. Nevertheless, rivalries weremon among the elite, and sudden, profound shifts could happen overnight.

    ¡°Brent mentioned you¡¯re an excellent tutor, and his sister¡¯s grades have improved significantly.¡± Julio hinted at something more. ¡°Have you thought about returning to the corporate world to help Mr. Dawson after getting married? You have the skills to offer much more than tutoring.¡±

    ¡°It depends.¡± Eileen was open to the idea of rejoining the business sector to support Bryan. Should a major dispute arise between Bryan and Brandon in the future, she was prepared to step in. Upon hearing her response, Julio smiled. ¡°I should invite Mr. Dawson to dinner soon. He seems to bear animosity toward me. A dinner might help smooth things over.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not as bad as you think. You can n something for another day,¡± Eileen replied.

    ¡°Perhaps I could attend your wedding? Or would that be too much to ask?¡± Julio took the initiative to request a wedding invitation.

    Upon hearing this, Eileen was taken aback. The Dawson family managed the invitations, and though Eileen wasn¡¯t sure if the Fergusons were invited, she knew Julio wouldn¡¯t be. Considering the possibility of Ste inviting the Ferguson family, the idea of her inviting Julio personally could lead to an awkward situation.

    ¡°If it¡¯s troublesome, don¡¯t worry about it. I just brought it up casually. I¡¯ll send a gift instead. Maybe you and Mr. Dawson can invite me to dinner another time.¡± Julio raised his ss to toast.

    In doing so, he identally tipped over the adjacent ss, causing it to spill across the table and onto Eileen¡¯s attire. He quickly grabbed a napkin, stood up, and offered it to Eileen while apologizing, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Eileen epted the napkin and dabbed at her clothes. The thick fabric of her seasonal attire hadn¡¯t absorbed much water.

    ¡°After we eat, if there¡¯s time, I can take you to the mall next door. I can pick out some new clothes for you as a way to make up for this,¡± Julio said, feeling apologetic. Just as Eileen was about to decline, she noticed a young woman approaching their table. Julio followed her gaze and was visibly shocked.

    ¡°You left me for her!¡± the young woman pointed at Eileen, her expression one of deep sorrow.

    Eileen quickly tried to clear up the misunderstanding, saying, ¡°Miss, you¡¯ve got it wrong.¡±

    ¡°Dolores, this isn¡¯t about her,¡± Julio interjected, stepping between Eileen and the young woman. ¡°You¡¯re an adult now. I was clear when I sponsored you that it would end after you graduated.¡±

    Dolores Sampson clenched her teeth and said, ¡°But you didn¡¯t say that that night. You promised!¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Julio¡¯s tone was sharp, his look frosty. ¡°How many times must I tell you that I¡¯m not interested in you?¡±

    Dolores opened her mouth to respond, but tears started to fall. Themotion drew the waiter over, who asked, ¡°Sir, can I help with anything?¡±

    ¡°This woman is interrupting our meal. Please, could you ask her to leave?¡± Julio said firmly, then returned to his seat.

    Eileen, still puzzled by the unfolding drama, remained quiet, though the sight of the girl¡¯s tearful face was heartbreaking. It was clear to Eileen that Julio was purposefully distancing himself from Dolores. ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you outside. I need to talk to you about something important,¡± Dolores, having no other option, left the restaurant reluctantly.

    Eileen and Julio were seated by the window, from where they could observe Dolores perched on the terrace outside the restaurant. As the evening progressed, Dolores began rubbing her hands for warmth.

    ¡°Julio, maybe we should reschedule our dinner? If this continues, she might catch a cold,¡± Eileen proposed. The steak had arrived, but Julio barely touched his food; he was distracted.

    Looking out the window, Julio exined, ¡°She is a student I¡¯ve been supporting financially. When I was still part of the Ferguson family, I nned a mountain trip with friends. Around that time, she got into the best junior high in town but couldn¡¯t afford it, and I started helping her financially.¡±

    Over thest decade, he had spent a lot of money on her education. At thirty-two, Julio faced an uncertain future and was at odds with the Ferguson family. But the girl was ten years younger than him, only twenty-two, an age many considered the peak of youth for a woman.

    While Eileen and Julio were discussing this, Phoebe messaged to inform them that she was caught in a half-hour traffic jam and was nning to rush back, thinking there would be nothing left to eat by the time she arrived. Noticing that Dolores was still waiting for Julio, Eileen quickly finished her meal and decided it was time to leave.

    She put on her coat, grabbed her purse, and went to pay the bill. When she returned, Julio was waiting by the door and said, ¡°Eileen, could you give me a lift?¡±

    Eileen looked at him, puzzled. ¡°You didn¡¯t bring your car?¡±

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s rush hour now. Could you drop me off where I can get a taxi?¡± Julio asked with a gentle smile. Before Eileen could respond, he said, ¡°Thank you.¡± Feeling obliged, Eileen left the restaurant with him.

    Dolores immediately stood up and approached. ¡°Julio!¡± But before Dolores could finish, she stopped when she noticed Julio¡¯s disdainful gaze. Julio lit a cigarette, ced it between his lips, and said to Eileen, ¡°Wait for me in the car.¡±

    Eileen turned and went to wait in her car. She watched as Julio grabbed Dolores by the arm and led her toward a darker area. He then pushed her against the wall. The force of hitting the cold, hard wall made Dolores¡¯s eyes tear up.

    Then, Julio pressed against her, the smoke from his cigarette wafting to her face as he said sharply, ¡°What? Do you think I should take responsibility just because we slept together once? After all the money I¡¯ve spent on you, isn¡¯t it fair for me to expect something in return?¡±

    Dolores looked up, shocked by his harsh words. Julio continued, ¡°From your poor vige, do you think you can marry into wealth?¡±

    Even without the support of the Ferguson family, Julio could still rake in millions annually as awyer. Julio was indeed wealthypared to Dolores¡¯s background.

    ¡°How can you say such things?¡± Dolores¡¯s lips trembled as she spoke. ¡°You weren¡¯t like this before. You¡­¡±

    Julio said, ¡°Don¡¯t hang around here wasting time. Look, my friends and I only keep girls around for fun. We like to shape them that way, but once they¡¯re not what we want anymore, they¡¯re worthless.¡±

    Before Julio could finish, Dolores pped him, yelling, ¡°You bastard! Julio, I hate you!¡±

    She then shoved him away and ran off in tears. Julio¡¯s hand on the wall tensed, his fingertips whitening from the strain.

    The images of Eileen and Dolores shed in his mind, yet his thoughts eventually focused on Eileen. Eileen texted Julio, ¡°I¡¯m leaving now.¡±

    Seeing Dolores run off, Eileen understood Julio¡¯s conversation with Dolores. She then noticed Julio¡¯s car was parked not too far away.

    She believed Julio had asked her for a ride just to upset Dolores. But given his harsh treatment of Dolores, Eileen thought he needed her to give him a ride now.

    At the Dawson Mansion, Ste typically went to bed at nine in the evening. However, it was almost ten o¡¯clock today, and the vi was still brightly lit. In the living room, Brandon and Lydia sat across from Ste, with Z standing nearby.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 285

    ?Chapter 285:

    ¡°Morn, we came to you because we¡¯re certain about this matter,¡± Brandon said.

    Brandon mmed a document on the table before Ste, which contained information about Bryan and Eileen that they had guessed. It stated that Eileen was Bryan¡¯s ex-wife. Ste ignored the document before her and sneered, ¡°Is that all? Do you think this will stop them from getting married? Eileen intends to confess to Bryan about this. Bryan loves her so much; he wouldn¡¯t mind.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not my ce to do something about this, but I know you can,¡± Brandon said.

    Only Ste could do something about this since she was the one who had convinced Eileen to sign the agreement and had the two documents in her possession. Ste looked at him disdainfully. Was he an idiot? How could he expect her to do such a thing?

    ¡°Then look at this. It cost me a fortune to stop this article about your husband from being made public by a reporter a few days ago. If the public gets to know about this, the Dawson family would go down.¡± Lydia ced photos before Ste.

    They were photos of some implicating documents.

    Ste was stunned at their revtion. ¡°You¡­ you two!¡± Her gaze flickered from Lydia¡¯s smug face to Brandon.

    She said, ¡°That¡¯s my father, for goodness¡¯ sake! You are an ungrateful son! How dare you try to threaten me with these pictures?¡±

    ¡°So you acknowledge he¡¯s my father. Why then haven¡¯t you treated me as his son? You always take sides with outsiders instead of me.¡± Brandon red up. ¡°You handed all the authority to Bryan since you are the head of the Dawson family, giving absolutely nothing to me. Do you even consider how I feel at all?¡±

    ¡°How dare you say that!¡± Ste raised her voice, mming her hand on the table. ¡°Bryan is your son! Do you want to leave the Dawson family in the hands of someone who¡¯s not even rted to us by blood? How could you?¡±

    Exclusive updates avable g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    The mention of Bryan made Brandon so angry that he cursed, ¡°He should have died alongside that witch! Would I have been in this situation if it weren¡¯t for them?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t judge others with that blind mentality. You are the cause of your problems. Don¡¯t me it on them. Don¡¯t you realize it? Bryan is the only son you have. He is your heir!¡± Ste confronted Brandon, shouting in agony. However, Brandon was unmoved. His expression remained unchanged.

    Lydia said to Ste, ¡°Calm down. For the sake of your health, save yourself the stress. If something bad happens to your health, your precious grandson will have no one to support him.¡±

    Sitting on the sofa, she poured Ste a cup of warm water to drink. ¡°Please, just let my son, Travis, be part of the Dawson family.¡±

    Ste never acknowledged Lydia as part of the Dawson family, despite Lydia being married to Brandon for four years now.

    As for Lydia¡¯s son, Ste was definitely not going to include him in the Dawson family.

    ¡°In your dreams!¡± Ste tantly refused. Lydia grimaced at her words.

    ¡°Since you are hell-bent on leaving the Dawson family to Bryan, then¡ª¡± Brandon pointed at the photos on the table and continued, ¡°The Dawson family would be doomed if this gets to the public. The Dawson family¡¯spetitors won¡¯t hesitate to take the Dawson family out, starting with Bryan, who is in charge now. It¡¯ll hit him first. If I have the Dawson family, then I¡¯ll destroy it. Bryan would take the fall for my father¡¯s mistakes. I will make you see it happen.¡±

    His words hit Ste so hard that she began to struggle for breath.

    But Brandon and the others watched her as if she were a stranger and didn¡¯t offer her any help.

    Jarred rushed in with Ste¡¯s medication and gave it to her. He rebuked Brandon sharply, ¡°Your father must be disappointed. You should protect the Dawson family and not destroy it!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not the one destroying it; she is!¡± Brandon defended himself, pointing at Ste with anger.

    Ste gutted her as she angrily stared at Brandon, unable to say anything.

    She had never thought he would use the family¡¯s secrets against her.

    So many other families¡¯ survival depended on the Dawson family, but if these confidential pictures were sent out to the public, the Dawson family would be deserted, which would cause others to join forces to destroy the Dawson family.

    Ste braced herself. She thought about how the Dawson family could be destroyed!

    But what would happen to Bryan? Those secrets were capable of putting him behind bars if legal actions were to be taken.

    However, if she saved the Dawson family from being destroyed, there would still be hope for changing the situation.

    ¡°What do you want?¡± Ste eventually said.

    Upon hearing this, Lydia broke into a broad smile, looking at Brandon.

    Brandon felt relieved and said, ¡°I want Travis¡¯ name included in the Dawson family. You also need to remove Eileen from the picture.¡±

    ¡°You are threatening to take my life by requesting this!¡± Ste lowered her head and sighed heavily. Then she raised her head and said, ¡°You have to transfer half of your shares to Bryan if you want this.¡± Brandon refused her without hesitation.

    Ste sneered, ¡°What are you afraid of? Dealing with Eileen will affect Bryan deeply. Without Eileen in his life, he would be left alone without an heir. He deservespensation, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    She knew Brandon would never give up all his shares. Therefore, she opted to ask for half of it.

    Ste continued, ¡°I have made a prominentpromise. You should think about it. Travis can inherit the Dawson family if he bes part of it.¡±

    Brandon and Lydia fell silent as they evaluated her proposal.

    ¡°Come with me.¡± Lydia took Brandon¡¯s arm and led him to the courtyard to discuss this together.

    The light there amplified their expressions as they talked. ¡°Brandon, you have to ept her proposal. That is the only way to get Travis to be part of the Dawson family.¡± Lydia had not found an opportunity like this one in her nearly four years of marriage.

    She recalled that Ste had vehemently refused even when Brandon had offered to buy Bryan¡¯s mother in the ancestral grave.

    ¡°But with half of my shares, Bryan would exercise more authority in the boardroom. Besides, Travis is ten years younger than Bryan. I don¡¯t think he would be able topete with Bryan even if they both had equal shares.¡± Brandon seemed really worried about this.

    He acknowledged that Bryan waspetent.

    ¡°Bryan is too emotional. He¡¯ll be disoriented should anything happen between him and Eileen. Then Z woulde into his life and marry him. When this happens, he¡¯ll be no threat to us because he won¡¯t have any heirs. We can take back the shares then,¡± Lydia tried to convince Brandon.

    Though it was risky, they had no other choice than to go with the option presented to them.

    Meanwhile, inside the room, Ste sipped the tea that had already gone cold. She looked at Z, who had been silent all along.

    She asked, ¡°For how long have you had feelings for Bryan?¡± Z was taken aback by her question. She quickly lowered her head. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°I hate it when people pretend before me. Don¡¯t do that! If you really care about him, you wouldn¡¯t want others to hurt him. He has nobody and nothing to fall back on if he doesn¡¯t have any power in Apex Group.¡± Ste¡¯s words hinted at an offer of alliance.

    Z was quiet for a while, biting her lip. Upon hearing the approaching steps of Brandon and Lydia, she hurriedly whispered, ¡°I just want to be with Bryan. Please help me get rid of Eileen. I¡¯ll support Bryan the best way I can when we¡¯re together. I¡¯ll even find someone to bear his child. Please don¡¯t tell him I have feelings for him.¡± She was sure Bryan would hate her for life if he found out that she was part of the n that resulted in his separation from Eileen.

    Eileen and Bryan failed to remember to take their wedding photos until Phoebe and Jacob asked them about it.

    Eileen took no liking to photos, but she just went along with Phoebe to get them done anyway.

    Jacob and Phoebe¡¯s wedding was six days apart from Bryan and Eileen¡¯s, so Jacob wanted to seek advice from Bryan about matters he was unsure of.

    ¡°My wedding with Eileen must be special. I want to make sure it is one of a kind,¡± Bryan held back the details of his wedding from Jacob.

    Jacob was infuriated. He grumbled, ¡°What¡¯s the big deal? Isn¡¯t it just wearing the white dress and suit to the altar and having a ceremony afterward? What could make it unique?¡±

    Phoebe snorted and said, ¡°You are not creative, always trying to copy someone else. Why don¡¯t you wait until theirs is over and then ask everyone to stay there to do it all over again six dayster?¡±

    ¡°That would be impossible since the guests are different from theirs,¡± Jacob replied. He clearly didn¡¯t notice that Phoebe was being ironical.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 286

    ?Chapter 286:

    It took a p on the back of his head from Phoebe for Jacob to realize what was happening.

    ¡°Eileen, have you picked out your best man and maid of honor yet?¡± Phoebe turned to ask Eileen.

    Eileen shook her head. ¡°Not yet, but we¡¯re considering a few candidates, including you, Jacob, Bailee, and Huey. Milford heard about the wedding and is excited to be best man. He might even bring the girl from the Vance family to liven things up. The more, the merrier.¡± She had some potential choices in mind, just waiting for the suitable ones to confirm.

    ¡°That sounds perfect,¡± Phoebe replied. ¡°For our wedding, you two must be our best man and maid of honor. We¡¯ve also got a few people lined up, and maybe Bailee and her boyfriend can join the fun, too.¡±

    While Eileen and Phoebe were talking, Jacob pulled Bryan aside to smoke in the corridor.

    ¡°Kian isn¡¯t on my guest list. That makes me a pretty good friend for you, right?¡± Jacob asked.

    Bryan held a cigarette between his fingers but refrained from smoking. ¡°Should I praise you for that?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re such a buzzkill.¡± Jacob rolled his eyes. After a pause, he said, ¡°What about Z? Do you n to invite her?¡±

    Bryan had excluded both Brandon and Lydia from his wedding guest list and had gone as far as cklisting them. Given her association with them, Z wouldn¡¯t be invited either.

    ¡°No.¡± Bryan said bluntly. Since Z had been together with Kian, he considered her a stranger.

    Your escape is on g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s

    ¡°Right. She wouldn¡¯t enjoy it without any friends there anyway. She¡¯d just be bored going alone,¡± Jacob remarked. Meanwhile, Eileen and Phoebe were summoned to try on wedding dresses for the photo shoot.

    Eileen¡¯s wedding gown was being custom-made in Italy and would be sent here half a month before the wedding. Eileen had never worn a wedding dress before, and the experience of trying one on in the studio made her heart race.

    A store assistant wearing white gloves assisted her by zipping up the dress and adjusting the padding.

    She then red the skirt and asked, ¡°Miss Curtis, do you need any more adjustments? If not, I¡¯ll open the curtain to the fitting room.¡±

    The dress felt simr to a gown, yet it was borately detailed. Clutching her chest, Eileen shook her head. ¡°No, it¡¯s perfect now.¡±

    The assistant exited the fitting room first and then drew back the curtain.

    Suddenly, the light intensified, and the brilliant crystal chandelier cast colorful reflections from the diamonds adorning Eileen¡¯s dress.

    The light entuated Eileen¡¯s elegant neck and corbone, enhancing her natural beauty despite her bare face.

    Bryan, who had been reclining casually on the sofa, was visibly stunned when he saw her.

    At that moment, it seemed as though the entire room held only him and Eileen.

    Eileen¡¯s dark hair starkly contrasted with the pure white of the dress and her fair skin.

    Bryan instinctively leaned forward, propping his elbows on his knees, his lips forming a straight line.

    His gaze swept the room, and with a subtle raise of his eyebrow, he stood up and approached Eileen.

    He wrapped his arm around her slender waist and murmured in her ear, ¡°There are two photographers in the shop. Let¡¯s choose the female one.¡±

    Eileen listened intently, but his suggestion made her feel resigned. She looked at his serious face and burst intoughter. ¡°But what if the female photographer falls for your charm?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of being looked at a bit more, but I can¡¯t let you experience that,¡± Bryan said inly.

    Eileen pondered seriously for a moment and said, ¡°What if the person editing the photos is a man?¡±

    Right after her question, Bryan yfully tapped her forehead. ¡°Nonsense, I¡¯ll handle the photo editing myself.¡± He gave her a quick look, then went to ask a staff member to arrange for the female photographer. After a full day of photography, Bryan insisted on personally editing the photos.

    ¡°Do you even know how to do that?¡± Phoebe asked Bryan, astonished.

    ¡°What can¡¯t he do?¡± Jacob said. ¡°Except for giving birth, he seems capable of nearly anything.¡±

    Phoebe was intrigued, eager to see how Bryan¡¯s editing of the wedding photos would turn out. She tempted to ask him to edit hers and Jacob¡¯s as well, but she doubted Bryan would agree. So, she stayed to talk more with the staff at the shop.

    Eileen and Bryan were the first to leave, taking the USB with the photo negatives.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to take this so seriously. There are tons of photos, and it¡¯s going to be so time-consuming. You¡¯re already swamped with work; this is going to be exhausting for you,¡± Eileen said as the neon lights outside flickered into the car. She slumped against the seat, too tired to move.

    The car, having been parked here all day, felt chilly inside since it hadn¡¯t been warmed up. Eileen snuggled deeper into her coat.

    ¡°I know you¡¯ve been really tiredtely, so I figured working on these tonight would be ideal. It won¡¯t eat into my work hours.¡±

    Bryan gave her a meaningful look, aware that their evening routines had been cutting into her sleep significantly.

    Lately, Eileen had been lounging around, visibly drained. Hearing Bryan¡¯s words made Eileen¡¯s cheeks flush, and she murmured softly, ¡°You should use this time to get some proper rest. Don¡¯t you feel exhausted?¡±

    Bryan arched an eyebrow, his voice deep. ¡°Are you doubting my energy?¡±

    He didn¡¯t feel tired at all. He was a bundle of energy, always upied yet seemingly never worn out. ¡°The doctor mentioned that having sex every day might negatively affect the quality of your sperm, decreasing our likelihood of sess,¡± Eileen earnestly discussed the topic with him.

    Bryan¡¯s expression soured. ¡°That¡¯s advice meant for older men.¡±

    ¡°But you¡¯re already thirty, right?¡± Eileen pointed out. Herment caused Bryan¡¯s expression to darken. His jaw clenched as he cast a sidelong nce at her. Eileen felt her throat tighten and turned her head away, falling silent.

    Just a few days earlier, Eileen had gotten her period and thought it might be affected due to the stress from Bryan¡¯s demands. It was lighter than usual,sting only about two days.

    Since then, Bryan had been more reserved, intending to take her to see a doctor soon.

    But now, he felt she needed to learn a lesson. He would prove to her that he had been unjustly doubted. They had dinner in a restaurant. Upon returning home, Eileen brought up the ongoing renovations at their new home, which Bryan was managing.

    ¡°It¡¯s nearly finished. Once the wedding photos are here, we¡¯ll hang them up. Then all that¡¯s left is for you to marry me and move in,¡± Bryan said.

    He changed out of his shoes, ced the USB on the table, and swiftly lifted her, carrying her straight to the bathroom.

    Startled, Eileen wrapped her arms around his neck, catching the intense look in his eyes. She frowned, slightly apprehensive. ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°My sperm quality isn¡¯t great, so I need to sleep with you often to boost our chances,¡± Bryan said earnestly, taking her to the bathroom and beginning to unbutton her clothes.

    His cold fingertips brushed against her chest, causing her to tense up.

    He quickly removed her shirt, leaving her in just a ck bra.

    His fingers threaded through her hair, his soft whisper of her name quieting her objections and drawing her in.

    How could she resist him? He was irresistible!

    Yet, it was her own stamina that wascking.

    ¡°Rx, trust me. I¡¯ll take the lead tonight. Tomorrow, I¡¯ll start working on the wedding photos,¡± Bryan murmured soothingly, guiding her hands to the buttons on his shirt. ¡°Unbutton this for me.¡±

    His voice seemed to weave a spell,pelling Eileen to obediently unbutton his shirt.

    His toned abs and bronzed skin radiated a seductive glow. Eileen¡¯s throat went dry, and just as she started to lower her hands, Bryan seized them, cing them on his waist. ¡°Now the pants.¡±

    He kissed her cheek gently, his warm breath caressing her skin.

    Tonight, she was very cooperative, following his everymand.

    Yet, she felt clumsy, struggling to unbuckle his belt. His impatience grew; he sped her neck gently but firmly, drawing her face closer as he kissed her deeply. ¡°Sweetie, you¡¯re killing me!¡± he murmured.

    Their passionate and urgent kiss made her defenseless. She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, hearing the click as he unfastened the belt himself.

    Her fingers clutched the edge of the bathtub, her knuckles turning white as she coped with the intense sensations he evoked.

    Perhaps it was because of the memory of her looking stunning in her wedding dress earlier that his tenderness carried an edge of possessiveness.

    His deep, captivating voice filled the quiet bathroom, blending with theirbored breathing.

    ¡°Eileen, give yourself fully to me. I¡¯m going to marry you, and you¡¯ll be mine forever,¡± he said.

    Eileen let out a soft moan, her gaze fixed on his striking face illuminated by the moonlight.

    His wild expression made him irresistibly charming. He had consumed a bit of alcohol during dinner, and the image of Eileen in her wedding gown was engraved in his memory.

    She was shy yet graceful, typically hesitant to make the first move.

    Fueled by the alcohol, he was eager to see her be more daring, employing various tactics to lead her to do that.

    She found herself unable to resist his allure, experiencing waves of pleasure that he yfully interrupted¡ªhis teasing was annoying.

    Frustrated, she clung to him and yfully nibbled at Adami¡¯s apple.

    Though she thought she had bitten him hard, it turned out to be more of a flirtation for him.

    The night stretched on, the chilly winds of early winter howling outside as the temperature continued to drop. As promised, Bryan began editing the wedding photos that following night. Hepleted the editing in a single evening and took them to the photo studio for development. The studio staff were unanimous in their praise, iming Bryan¡¯s edits surpassed the quality of their own graphic designers.

    Within ten days, the expedited photos were ready, and the wedding pictures had arrived. Eileen was set to apany Bryan to their new home to arrange everything.

    However, her ns were suddenly interrupted by a call from Ste, asking her if she had time to meet up.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 287

    ?Chapter 287:

    ¡°I¡¯ll apany you to the Dawson Mansion first, and then we can go to the new house together,¡± Bryan said decisively.

    Before Eileen could respond, Ste interjected over the phone, ¡°You focus on your work. Let Eileen alone. I need to discuss something with her that doesn¡¯t concern you.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll head over right now,¡± Eileen replied, ending the call. She turned to Bryan, saying, ¡°You should concentrate on your work. You¡¯ve been constantly on the go with me, and you havete nights ahead. If you wear yourself out before the wedding, it wouldn¡¯t be helpful.¡±

    Slipping on her coat, she smiled.

    She hadn¡¯t had the chance to visit the newly renovated house yet. Knowing that the wedding photos and the wedding dress were there made it a location full of temptation and surprises for her.

    She was eager to see it but didn¡¯t want to inconvenience Bryan with back-and-forth trips.

    ¡°Plus, if I wrap things up quickly with Ste, I¡¯ll make a beeline for the house. I¡¯ve got the keys,¡± she added. Bryan agreed, and they both headed downstairs, each driving their own cars and parting at the entrance of the neighborhood.

    The morning sunlight nted into the Dawson Mansion, casting a warm glow over the clean and bright living room. Ste was not in the living room; she was seated in the dining room instead.

    Upon Eileen¡¯s arrival, a servant promptly led her to the dining room. There, she was greeted by a pile of thick documents on the table, which momentarily stunned her. ¡°Eileen, you¡¯ve arrived?¡± Ste quickly gathered herself from her previous mncholy and beckoned Eileen over. Turning to the servants, she gestured for them to bring Eileen her preferred snacks along with milk and chicken soup.

    The table was swiftly filled with an assortment of dishes, nearly covering half of its surface.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already had breakfast, so I¡¯m not hungry,¡± Eileen said, offering Ste an apologetic smile.

    M??? ?¦Ñ????? ?? ?????¦Í???.???

    Ste had intended all of this as a kind gesture, though it seemed somewhat excessive. The servants quietly left the dining room, leaving only Jarred standing behind Ste.

    Neither of them made much eye contact with Eileen, though their voices maintained the customary warmth. ¡°If you¡¯re not hungry, I¡¯ll have them keep it warm for you. You can eat whenever you wish,¡± Jarred said, taking the soup and heading back to the kitchen with it.

    ¡°Eileen, you don¡¯t seem well. Have you been getting enough rest?¡± Ste asked, observing the weariness etched on Eileen¡¯s face, her mind pondering a thought.

    ¡°It¡¯s likely the uing wedding that¡¯s making me nervous. I¡¯ve been struggling to sleep,¡± Eileen confessed. After a brief pause, Ste gently inquired, ¡°Is it due to inadequate rest, or could you be pregnant?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not pregnant,¡± Eileen promptly rified. ¡°My period ended just a few days ago.¡±

    Ste¡¯s disappointment was clear, but she quickly masked it with a smile. ¡°No need to hurry. Since you¡¯re not expecting and the wedding is close, we¡¯ll need to find another method to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here, these are the Dawson family rules passed down by our ancestors. There are quite a few of them, several hundred in fact. Take a look.¡±

    She slid a hefty pile of papers across the table toward Eileen.

    The title ¡°Dawson Family Rules¡± was neatly inscribed on the first page.

    Flipping through the pages, Eileen discovered they were packed with dense text, spanning over a hundred pages in total.

    ¡°I¡¯d like to include you in the Dawson family genealogy while I still have the opportunity. Do you have any objections?¡± Ste asked.

    After a moment¡¯s thought, Eileen raised a concern, asking, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we consult Bryan about this? As his wife, wouldn¡¯t I need his approval to be added to the genealogy?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not asplex as you think. As long as the current head of the Dawson family agrees, anyone can be added. Since I still hold that position, it won¡¯t be an issue. Once you¡¯re in the genealogy, I¡¯ll designate you as the next matriarch of the Dawson family. This way, Lydia won¡¯t have ess to the genealogy,¡± Ste exined.

    Eileen wasn¡¯t entirely familiar with the intricacies of genealogy, as her own family didn¡¯t have one.

    But she trusted Ste. She nodded in agreement. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll trust your judgment.¡±

    Ste straightened as she pushed the red ink pad toward Eileen. ¡°Sign on page thirty-eight, ce your fingerprint on page fifty-two, and then sign on thest page.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen responded. She turned to page thirty-eight and, finding the signature line, picked up the pen to sign. ¡°Eileen!¡± Ste suddenly called out, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to read it first?¡±

    Eileen smiled. ¡°There are over a hundred pages with several hundred rules; I can¡¯t possibly read them this morning. If I need to memorize these rules, you can print me a copy to take home and studyter.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Ste said and waved her hand dismissively. ¡°Go ahead and sign. I¡¯ll have a copy printed for youter.¡± As Eileen signed the document, Ste continued, ¡°No need to memorize them all; just focus on a few key points.¡± Then, she signaled Jarred.

    Jarred gave Eileen the ink pad and flipped to page fifty-two.

    ¡°Eileen, how are the wedding preparationsing along? There are only seven days left. Once Bryan is involved, I¡¯ll step back,¡± Ste said.

    Jarred¡¯s page turning obscured Eileen¡¯s view of the document, leaving only the fingerprint section visible. As Ste kept talking, Eileen hastily stamped her fingerprint and replied to Ste.

    In no time, all required signatures and fingerprints were done.

    Jarred collected the documents and took them away. He sat in the living room, casting asional nces back at the dining room.

    Sunlight bathed her long hair and bright eyes, giving her a gentle and courteous appearance before Ste.

    She was a kind and great person, but sadly¡­

    Jarred lowered his head, pulling out the two sheets Eileen had signed and stamped, then meticulously sealed them in a bag.

    He left the vi and proceeded to the servants¡¯ quarters, where he handed the bag to Doris.

    ¡°Deliver this to Miss Murray. She¡¯ll know what to do,¡± he instructed.

    Surprised by Jarred¡¯s sudden arrival and mention of Z, Doris feigned ignorance.

    She said, ¡°The driver should handle this; I don¡¯t even know Miss Murray¡¯s address.¡±

    ¡°Quit the act. Mrs. Dawson is aware of all your wrongdoings. She¡¯s instructing you to go, so you¡¯ll go,¡± Jarred said sternly.

    Upon hearing this, Doris took the sealed bag and left awkwardly.

    Once outside the Dawson Mansion, she called Z, who quickly gave her an address to meet.

    They met at a nearby caf¨¦, where Z eagerly opened the bag. A single nce at the contents caused her eyes to light up.

    ¡°Mrs. Dawson is ruthless. This will ruin Eileen!¡± Z eximed.

    Doris, feeling puzzled, asked, ¡°Miss Murray, I thought Mrs. Dawson liked Eileen. How did you manage to do this?¡± Z¡¯s heart raced with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

    ¡°Why do you even care? Just go back now,¡± she said with a dismissive tone.

    After quickly photographing the documents, Z sealed the bag again and exited the caf¨¦. As she approached her car, a sudden force knocked her to the ground.

    ¡°Z, what¡¯s the deal with this? Are you trying to bail?¡± Judie yelled angrily, fixing a stern gaze on her.

    Z had been avoiding Judie¡¯s calls, first ignoring them, then abruptly hanging up, and eventually blocking her number.

    When Judie attempted to call from a different number, she discovered that Z had changed her number. In pain from the fall, Z broke into a cold sweat. Enraged, she attempted to p Judie, but she was clearly overpowered by Judie¡¯s physical strength. With her eyes shut, Judie swung her hands wildly, scratching Z¡¯s chin and repeatedly hitting her head and face.

    Witnessing the altercation, Doris swiftly intervened, rushing over to pull Judie away and preventing any further assault.

    ¡°Are you out of your mind? Why are you hitting her?¡± Doris scolded sternly.

    As a servant, Doris possessed considerable strength, effortlessly restraining Judie.

    Judie¡¯s attempts to break free failed. She redirected her focus to Z and demanded, ¡°Z Monray, don¡¯t you dare tell me the information I provided is worthless! You abruptly left my ce; you must have acquired something valuable! Give me the money you promised!¡± Despite her fury over the assault, Z realized she couldn¡¯t afford to waste time arguing with Judie. With Doris restraining Judie, Z promptly made her way to her car and sped away.

    As she drove swiftly through the city, Z retrieved her phone and dialed Bryan¡¯s number. ¡°Bryan, where are you? I have something important to discuss with you. Stay calm; it¡¯s about Eileen and Ste.¡±

    After signing the documents, Eileen found herself in a conversation with Ste, who then served her warm milk and soup again.

    As they conversed, Eileen became engrossed, eventually finishing the soup without even realizing it.

    ¡°Eileen, you might not know about the bad things that happen in rich families. Sometimes, even your own family can¡¯t be trusted. You¡¯re kind,¡± Ste said, looking at her. ¡°Bryan¡¯s mother was just as kind as you, and that¡¯s why she ended up dead because of Brandon.¡± Eileen was taken aback. She had heard this story before, but she had never delved deeper into it.

    Ste continued, ¡°Bryan¡¯s mother passed away from a sudden condition. She was taken to the hospital in time, and signing the consent for emergency treatment could have saved her. But Brandon insisted on obtaining a waiver for the treatment.¡±

    When Ste had arrived at the hospital after picking up Bryan from school, it had already been toote. The cheerful, beaming mother who had seen Bryan off in the morning had be a lifeless body.

    Brandon didn¡¯t hide his actions. He had said he did it on purpose.

    What Brandon had done hurt Bryan deeply and made Ste very sad.

    Ste said, ¡°If you can¡¯t trust the husband you¡¯ve lived with for ten years, how can you trust anyone else?¡± Her voice shook as she held Eileen¡¯s hand. ¡°And you too. Don¡¯t trust anyone too easily, not even me.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a good person,¡± Eileen said. Ste¡¯s care for Bryan showed that.

    Eileen¡¯s words made Ste¡¯s heart feel heavy.

    After a long silence, Ste finally said, ¡°In rich families, it¡¯s rare for anyone not to hurt someone else. Even good people can sometimes do bad things.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 288

    ?Chapter 288:

    Tears gathered in Ste¡¯s eyes as she looked at Eileen.

    Eileen was momentarily in a daze. She subconsciously withdrew her hand and suddenly thought Ste looked a little strange.

    A sense of foreboding gripped her. She pressed her lips together and cast her gaze downward, her brow furrowing tightly. The memory of the documents she had just signed flickered through her mind.

    ¡°Eileen, I¡¯m relieved that you¡¯ve agreed to have a child for Bryan now. I¡¯ve waited seven years for this day, and I¡¯m finally on the verge of realizing this dream. Indeed, a billion dors is a substantial sum. Most people don¡¯t earn a hundred million in their lifetimes. But it is worth it.¡± Ste suddenly spoke, her tonecking the usual warmth. Eileen was puzzled. Why did Ste mention the billion dors?

    Wasn¡¯t the agreement for two hundred million? And wasn¡¯t the contract already invalid?

    Ste continued, ¡°It¡¯s logical to increase the amount from two hundred million to a billion dors, given the risks involved with your health. This could be life-threatening. I¡¯m offering you this money to ensure you stay on track after the baby arrives. Don¡¯t aspire for what rightfully belongs to you!¡±

    Looking up, Eileen noticed a tall figure in the dining hall.

    Bryan¡¯s handsome face was marked by an expression of coldness. He frowned; he had heard everything Ste had said.

    Eileen abruptly stood up and shook her head at Bryan. Before she could speak, he made Ste look up. ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing? Are you thinking of reneging on the agreement? You just signed it. I won¡¯t offer more than one billion dors. Don¡¯t even think about it!¡± Ste rose to her feet, her eyes zing with anger and her voice even more intense.

    Discover more

    She acted as if Eileen were the one being unreasonable.

    ¡°Can someone please exin to me what¡¯s going on?¡± Bryan asked, looking at Eileen¡¯s confused face.

    Anger surged within him as he approached and mmed a sealed bag onto the table.

    The bag was transparent; Eileen could see the documents inside.

    ¡°The Dawson family¡¯s situation has evolved, necessitating an increase in the pregnancy fee from two hundred million dors to one billion dors. I assure you, once I have safely delivered Bryan¡¯s child, I will not pursue any further wealth from the Dawson family,¡± Bryan said.

    He also held a copy of the marriage certificate he had with Eileen. And there was a photo of them when they got married.

    Bryan had been looking at the photo before arriving. Eileen looked young and shy in the picture.

    Eileen turned out to be the woman he had married seven years ago.

    She had kept this secret from him for so long!

    He could understand her reasons for keeping it a secret; perhaps she didn¡¯t know how to bring it up.

    But what about this agreement about the billion dors?

    He did his utmost to keep his emotions under control. His neck veins stood out prominently, and his body shook visibly.

    ¡°Bryan, are you okay?¡± Ste seemed to notice him only then. She turned and saw him heading quickly toward Eileen. She promptly positioned herself in front of Eileen. Ste said, ¡°Calm down. Please try to understand; this is all for you. It¡¯s unrted to Eileen. Since we are already at this point, just let me realize my dream. My only intention is for you to have a child.¡±

    Before she could finish her sentence, Bryan reached around her and pulled Eileen out.

    He held Eileen¡¯s wrist firmly, his eyes filled with anger. ¡°You¡¯re the only one I trust. You need to exin this to me!¡± he said.

    Eileen felt trapped. She was convinced that Bryan would believe her if she told him Ste had deceived her into signing the agreement.

    She also believed Ste was well aware of Bryan¡¯s deep affection and care for her, confident that no misunderstanding would undermine their rtionship. But what was in the soup she had drunk earlier? She lost her voice when trying to speak.

    Eileen¡¯s tears flowed freely, obscuring Bryan¡¯s face from her view. Despite his evident anger, her tears seemed ineffectual.

    ¡°Bryan, aren¡¯t you aware of the situation? You only have seven days until you get married. Nothing should interfere with that. Plus, you¡¯ve been together so long. She might already be pregnant,¡± Ste continued to sidestep the main issue, focusing instead on less significant details.

    Bryan was indifferent to that. What truly mattered to him was that this was all a lie!

    Eileen was a tool Ste had procured to bear a child.

    Her willingness to marry him and have children was driven not by love but by money.

    ¡°Say something!¡± Bryan¡¯s voice was a deep rumble as he confronted her. ¡°You are indeed the woman Ste brought to marry me seven years ago. I me myself for not realizing it sooner. If you¡¯re struggling to find a way to exin, I can understand that, but you must tell me if she coerced you into signing this. Tell me you didn¡¯t marry me for a billion dors or just to have a child. Just say that, and I¡¯ll believe you!¡±

    ¡°Bryan, can you be more rational?¡± Through gritted teeth, Ste further added fuel to the situation. ¡°If you keep this up, she might demand even more!¡±

    Eileen clenched her teeth, struggling to speak, but her attempts were futile.

    ¡°You have only one chance to exin, Eileen!¡± Bryan¡¯s voice escted as he gripped her more tightly, causing her difort. He insisted that she look at him and answer directly.

    However, when forced to raise her head, Eileen remained silent.

    She could see the hope fading from Bryan¡¯s eyes.

    Suddenly, Bryan let go of her shoulder and leaned against the cupboard, his eyes slightly lowered, concealing his emotions.

    Eileen reached out to grasp his hand, but he swiftly moved away.

    His face clearly disyed hatred and disgust. ¡°The wedding in seven days is off. Don¡¯t let me see you again,¡± he said.

    Eileen¡¯s heart skipped a beat as she seized his arm and shook her head. Mouth open, she gestured toward Ste. Bryan¡¯s gaze was icy, utterly indifferent to her desperate look.

    ¡°What? Are you upset that you won¡¯t be getting a billion dors?¡± Bryan grabbed her wrist in anger and dered, ¡°Even if I need someone to carry my child, it won¡¯t be you. You don¡¯t deserve a billion dors!¡±

    Then, he turned and walked away with a mix of resolve and despair.

    His car sped off, vanishing in moments.

    The dining hall was enveloped in silence now. Eileen could hear her own heart thundering.

    Her gaze shifted slightly and settled on Ste¡¯s face. Ste looked down, avoiding Eileen¡¯s eyes, and stumbled, almost falling. Jarred rushed to steady her.

    Eileen observed as Jarred helped Ste to a chair and then pulled a vial of clear liquid from his pocket, handing it to Eileen.

    ¡°Miss Curtis, this is the antidote. Don¡¯t worry; this is all harmless to your body,¡± he said.

    Eileen epted it and drank the colorless, tasteless liquid, which did nothing to soothe the distress of her exertions to speak earlier.

    Jarred continued, ¡°I hope you can understand Mrs. Dawson. She holds you in high regard and has no other choice. She must prioritize the Dawson family and her grandson. You¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just a casualty in your battle, aren¡¯t I?¡± Eileen¡¯s voice was as cold as ice.

    Ste bowed her head with tears beginning to form in her eyes.

    Jarred said, ¡°Miss Curtis, Mrs. Dawson will make it right.

    I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive her.¡±

    ¡°I understand her, but I can¡¯t forgive her.¡± In Eileen¡¯s mind, she reyed the transformation of hope into despair in Bryan¡¯s eyes.

    He had hoped for just a single word from her, yet she couldn¡¯t deliver it.

    Eileen turned and began to walk away.

    Suddenly, Ste grasped Eileen¡¯s wrist. Eileen stopped and faced her. Ste shook her head and pleaded, ¡°Please stay away from Bryan. Brandon has¡ª¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear the truth,¡± Eileen interjected. ¡°No matter how dire orplex your reasons, I can¡¯t forgive you.¡±

    She shrugged off Ste¡¯s hand, her eyes clouding with sorrow.

    The weight of the situation was suffocating, making it harder for her to draw breath.

    Despite the midday sun shining down, she felt no warmth.

    She hadn¡¯t been able to see the wedding preparations yet. What did the wedding photo look like? Was the wedding dress beautiful?

    Was her smile sweet in the photo? Did Bryan radiate love for her?

    If she were to exin now, would he believe her?

    It seemed toote. Even though he had said those words out of anger and disappointment before, his stinging words still echoed in her ears, lingering painfully. Eileen arrived at two in the afternoon. With Milford still at school, she headed straight to her room, sat down on the floor, and didn¡¯t even bother to change her shoes. As sunlight bathed her, she fixed her gaze on a spot on the floor, deep in thought.

    Even after seven years, she vividly remembered the day she and Bryan got their marriage certificate. He was dressed in a gray suit.

    He was so aloof that day, hardly ncing at her. If he had only looked at her or remembered her name, perhaps none of what followed would have urred. When she had shown up at Apex Group, he would have dismissed her immediately. Their rtionship would have ended right there.

    They would never have seen each other again.

    As darkness fell, Eileen curled up on the carpet, hugging her legs to her chest. The chill seeped through her, but she remained motionless.

    Reporters had been keenly tracking the uing wedding on December 6th, continually checking in with the hotel for updates. But then, it was revealed by the hotel that the wedding had been called off.

    The news broke, sending Bailee and Ruby into a state of panic. It had been two days since Eileen had disappeared. Bailee rushed downstairs, only to discover a real estate agent showing the apartment to potential buyers.

    ¡°Where is the woman who used to live here?¡± Bailee asked the agent.

    The real estate agent was a bit confused and replied, ¡°You mean Mr. Dawson? He sold the apartment.¡±

    After stating this, the agent briskly moved away from Bailee and continued showing the apartment to the prospective buyers.

    Bailee returned upstairs and walked into the apartment across from hers. She noticed Eileen¡¯s slippers by the entrance, seemingly untouched for so long that it seemed that Eileen hadn¡¯t been there for a while.

    Feeling a surge of anxiety, Bailee instinctively dialed Huey¡¯s number.

    However, she forgot that they were still fighting; Huey promptly hung up the call.

    Unaware of what had transpired between Eileen and Bryan and hesitant to involve the police without more information, Bailee quickly called Phoebe.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 289

    ?Chapter 289:

    Phoebe only learned of the cancetion of Eileen and Bryan¡¯s wedding when a reporter covered the story. She tried calling Eileen but got no response, so she quickly requested Jacob to check on Bryan.

    However, Bryan wasn¡¯t answering his phone, either. Phoebe instructed Jacob to visit the Apex Group to look for Bryan.

    There, Raymond said that Bryan hadn¡¯t shown up at thepany for days.

    At the Dawson Mansion, Ste was also unaware of Bryan¡¯s whereabouts.

    She believed that Bryan wouldn¡¯t do something dangerous but acknowledged that he might need some time.

    Upon discovering that Eileen had also vanished, Ste became anxious and urgently directed Jarred to send some people to search for Eileen.

    When Phoebe reached Bailee¡¯s house, she found Ruby had been so upset that she had fainted twice because of crying and was shaken tomunicate effectively.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. There¡¯s likely an exnation for what¡¯s happening between them. Remember, they are adults; they¡¯re not as fragile as you might think. They just need some time to work through things,¡± Phoebe reassured Ruby before pulling Bailee aside to inquire further.

    ¡°I visited the education agency, but she wasn¡¯t there. Her colleague said she hadn¡¯te in for two days. Brent also called me, wondering why she hasn¡¯t been tutoring Miss Yatestely,¡± Bailee said.

    Despite Bailee¡¯s efforts to find Eileen at all the ces she might frequent, there was still no sign of her.

    Phoebe queried, ¡°Have you checked her room? Her car is still parked downstairs, so she couldn¡¯t have gone far.¡± Jolted by the reminder, Bailee realized she had overlooked that Eileen¡¯s car was still here.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s©q??o?? is where stories live

    She stood up swiftly and hurried to the door. She saw her slippers at the entrance and assumed she hadn¡¯t returned. Ruby quickly joined them. The trio hastened to Eileen¡¯s room.

    As dusk approached, the sky was painted with rosy clouds, casting a reddish glow across the room. Eileen was sitting by the door, leaning against the bed. She looked out the window at the reddening world, her expression indifferent. Her hair was disheveled, and her shoes were ced tidily at the bed¡¯s edge.

    The abrupt opening of the door did not startle her. She merely blinked and kept her gaze fixed. ¡°Could you all please not probe too much? The wedding is off. Just give me some time, and I¡¯ll be okay,¡± she said.

    Ruby started to weep but quickly turned away, covering her mouth to avoid disturbing Eileen.

    The wedding had been only days away; something significant must have happened.

    Eileen remained silent. Pressing her for exnations would only reopen her wounds and force her to confront the emotions she had struggled with over thest few days.

    ¡°Eileen, have you not eaten for days? Are you hungry?¡± Bailee wondered if Eileen had been eating or drinking. If she had, Milford would have noticed something was off. Eileen wasn¡¯t hungry. Despite sleepless nights, she didn¡¯t feel the need to sleep. Her only difort was the sourness from her swollen eyes.

    She lowered her head, and a tear trickled down her cheek. The tears had started before she even felt sad.

    ¡°Bailee, please go and prepare something for her to eat. She needs to eat, hungry or not,¡± Phoebe suggested gently, patting Bailee¡¯s hand. ¡°I¡¯ll stay with her.¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± Bailee responded immediately and hurried off to the kitchen. Ruby nced at Eileen¡¯s weary face and quickly followed Bailee, suggesting, ¡°Make some oatmeal. It¡¯s easy to digest.¡±

    Their voices gradually receded, muffled by the closing door.

    Phoebe sat down across from Eileen. They sat in silence. When Bailee returned with the oatmeal, night had fallen. The room was softly lit, the atmosphere heavy.

    ¡°I made some for you. Please try,¡± Bailee said gently.

    The subtle aroma of the oatmeal filled the room. Seeing the concerned looks on Ruby¡¯s and Bailee¡¯s faces, Eileen epted the oatmeal.

    As she gently stirred the spoon in the bowl, the vor of the oatmeal became more pronounced, yet she inexplicably felt a sense of repulsion towards it.

    Despite this, she forced herself to finish the bowl. As soon as she handed the empty bowl back to Bailee, nausea overwhelmed her.

    She reached for the trash can beside her bed and vomited the oatmeal she had just consumed.

    Ruby immediately came to her aid, patting her back soothingly. Then, she turned to Bailee and instructed, ¡°Go and fetch some warm water!¡±

    ¡°Got it!¡± Bailee quickly went to get the water. After vomiting, Eileen rinsed her mouth and managed to drink half a ss of water. ¡°We should take her to the hospital,¡± Phoebe suggested. ¡°She¡¯s probably reacting like this because she¡¯s been starving, and her stomach has been hurt, which is why she can¡¯t keep anything down.¡±

    Ruby nced at the hickey visible on Eileen¡¯s neck and shoulder, hesitated for a moment, then advised, ¡°A hospital visit might not be necessary. Bailee, prepare a smaller amount this time. Let¡¯s not make her eat too much at once.¡±

    Bailee prepared another half bowl of oatmeal for Eileen. Ruby fed Eileen slowly, and although Eileen still felt slightly nauseous, she managed not to vomit again.

    ¡°Bailee, help clean up the bed. I¡¯m going to stay with Eileen tonight,¡± Ruby said after she had tidied the trash can. She led Bailee to the next room to retrieve some things.

    Meanwhile, Phoebe¡¯s phone rang. It was Jacob. Sounding anxious, he began to ry news.

    After ending the call, Phoebe paused briefly and whispered to Eileen, ¡°Bryan is missing. He hasn¡¯t shown up at thepany for two days. Jacob has looked everywhere but found no trace of him. Initially, Ste wasn¡¯t worried, but now even she¡¯s be very anxious.¡±

    Ruby assisted Eileen to get up from the floor, positioning her on the edge of the bed.

    Eileen hesitated, feeling a surge of emotion whenever the Dawson family was mentioned.

    She bowed her head and hid her face in her hands. ¡°He might be at the wedding house,¡± she said.

    ¡°Jacob has already checked West Vis, but he wouldn¡¯t be there,¡± Phoebe said hurriedly. ¡°He knows Jacob might tease us on our wedding day, so he¡¯s using it as a decoy.¡± Eileen exined, then gave Phoebe the actual address of the wedding house.

    Phoebe immediately sent the address to Jacob.

    Time passed, and Phoebe still couldn¡¯t bring herself to ask Eileen what had happened.

    Ruby brought a quilt over and whispered gently to Eileen, inquiring if she wanted to take a rest.

    Phoebe stepped out of the bedroom with a sigh and said to Bailee, ¡°Let¡¯s not push her for details just yet. Give her some time to process everything. We¡¯ll find Bryan soon. We might learn more soon. I¡¯ll keep you informed as soon as I hear anything.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Bailee apanied Phoebe to leave, and they encountered Milford, who had just returned from school. Milford greeted Phoebe, his voice slightly hoarse.

    Phoebe mustered a smile and greeted Milford. As she entered the elevator, she turned to Bailee and said, ¡°Make sure Milford is informed of the situation and remind him to be careful with his words.¡±

    Milford was a sensitive child, so his expression quickly turned serious upon hearing this. As the elevator doors closed, he asked, ¡°What happened?¡±

    Bailee just responded, ¡°Eileen and Bryan¡¯s wedding has been canceled.¡±

    In high school, Milford was intensely focused on his studies. He dedicated himself to his studies daily and rarely checked his phone. Consequently, he was oblivious to the news circting on the inte. His expression changed abruptly upon hearing the news.

    He heard voices inside the apartment and entered without a word.

    He changed his shoes, set down his school bag, and walked directly towards Eileen¡¯s room.

    He stood at the door, hesitant to go in. He pressed his lips together and looked at Eileen. Meanwhile, Ruby gathered Eileen¡¯s pajamas, preparing to assist her with taking a shower.

    After a while, Milford still didn¡¯t speak. Before Eileen could notice him, he turned to his room.

    He sat alone in his room for a few minutes before he went to retrieve his school bag and started doing his homework.

    Every light was on across the five hundred square meter floor, illuminating the new furniture and the warm decor, all carefully arranged.

    Eileen had personally selected everything here. Above the sofa hung a horizontal wedding photo where Eileen smiled.

    In the photo, the love in Bryan¡¯s eyes was evident, Eileen¡¯s shy smile vividly captured in his gaze. It was Bryan¡¯s favorite wedding photo, prominently disyed in the living room for all visitors to see.

    In the center of the living room stood a two-meter-tall mannequin dressed in a million-dor handmade wedding gown.

    The diamonds on the gown were designed to ascend from the hem to the waist, creating a stunning focal point. Bryan was seated beneath the wedding gown, leaning against the sofa as he gazed at the glittering gown. His lips were pressed lightly together, his jawline set with a cold edge.

    His stubble appeared slightly unkempt, adding to the disheveled look. The top buttons of his shirt were undone, his coat and tie discarded on the floor.

    Jacob had been knocking on the door for more than ten minutes, but Bryan seemed not to have heard it. It was only when Jacob started to call a locksmith to unlock the door that Bryan finally stood up and opened it.

    ¡°You¡¯re really here!¡± Jacob attempted to enter, but Bryan blocked the doorway, regarding him with an indifferent expression.

    Jacob had never seen Bryan like this before. Even thest time Eileen had left Onnd, he hadn¡¯t reacted this way.

    Back then, Bryan had only liked Eileen¡ª

    But now, he was deeply in love with her. The love that had taken root in his heart was unlikely to ever fade away. Finding himself unable to ask what had happened, Jacob simply stated, ¡°Everyone is really worried about you. I won¡¯t say or do anything else; I¡¯ll just stay here with you, okay?¡±

    After a brief hesitation, Bryan turned and walked back into the room with Jacob trailing behind him. They passed many unced wedding stickers scattered on the doorstep.

    The house was richly decorated, yet the atmosphere seemed so dull. It seemed like Bryan hadn¡¯t eaten in two days.

    Beforeing here, Jacob had been briefed by Phoebe on Eileen¡¯s situation. It seemed Eileen and Bryan were simr in how they dealt with their emotions.

    Jacob ordered some take-out, attempting to persuade Bryan to eat, but without sess. Eventually, Jacob ate it himself.

    Bryan explicitly instructed Jacob not to approach the wedding. Jacob sat just before the carpet, asionally scratching his head and discreetly messaging Phoebe to keep her informed.

    After hearing the update, Phoebe responded with a single message, ¡°Damn, the wedding is really off.¡±

    Jacob nced at Bryan and replied to Phoebe, ¡°Have they not broken up yet? It¡¯s too early to draw conclusions. After all, they could still have decades ahead of them, right?¡± Phoebe responded. Phoebe was keen to understand exactly what had transpired.

    Unfortunately, Bryan and Eileen both remained silent about that. Ste had also not left her home. Suddenly, Phoebe thought of someone¡ªZ.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 290

    ?Chapter 290:

    Z was teetering on the edge, frantic in her search for Bryan, when Phoebe appeared. Initially, Z was reluctant to talk to Phoebe.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to rush in finding Bryan. He¡¯s actually fine,¡± Phoebe said calmly. Her words halted Z in her tracks. ¡°Do you know where he is?¡± Z asked, pausing to shut the car door and face Phoebe.

    With a nod and her hand still in her pocket, Phoebe replied, ¡°Interested in his whereabouts? First, you¡¯ll need to fill me in on what happened with him and Eileen.¡± Outside Z¡¯s apartment, the piercing chill made the duo standing in the cold and chatting quite noticeable, drawing the attention of several passersby.

    Z¡¯s brow furrowed in thought. ¡°Let¡¯s go inside. It¡¯s a long story.¡±

    She led the way and entered first. Phoebe followed, but not before catching a glimpse of Judie lurking nearby. Phoebe remembered Judie well from their two prior meetings; Judie had made quite the impression.

    What was Judie doing here now?

    With no time to ponder, Phoebe hurried inside after Z. She peered through the living room window to keep an eye on Judie as she listened to Z¡¯s revtions about deceiving Bryan. She was chosen by his grandmother to mother his child, a key to securing the Dawson family fortune from Bryan¡¯s father. Z was blunt. But before she could borate, Phoebe, growing impatient, dismissed her words.

    ¡°Skip the lies; I want the real story,¡± Phoebe demanded.

    Eileen¡¯s affection for Bryan was evident, and Phoebe had no interest in discussing with Z the absurd idea of a contract for Eileen to bear Bryan¡¯s child.

    Phoebe¡¯s persistence clearly irritated Z, prompting a frown from her as she spoke. ¡°That¡¯s the extent of my knowledge. Eileen and Bryan¡¯s grandmother have an arrangement. If you want details, you¡¯d have to ask Bryan¡¯s grandmother herself. I don¡¯t have all the information.¡±

    Find thetest stories g?ln¦Òv??ls

    Upon hearing this, Phoebe abruptly stood and left the room.

    ¡°Wait, you haven¡¯t told me where Bryan is!¡± Z called out. She hurried after Phoebe.

    But she only caught up with Phoebe outside in the yard.

    ¡°Bryan is still in Onnd. Since you¡¯ve only given me irrelevant stuff, that¡¯s all I can share in return,¡± Phoebe replied.

    As Z reached for her, Phoebe jerked her arm away so forcefully that it almost caused Z to trip.

    Just then, Phoebe noticed a fresh wound on Z¡¯s chin. Before she could address it, Judie rushed over, seized Z by the hair, and thrust her to the ground.

    ¡°You bitch! How could you hide from me? Eileen and Bryan¡¯s wedding is off. Was that your doing? The information I gave you must be worth something. Pay up!¡± Judie pinned Z down, leaving her struggling for air.

    ¡°Judie, you crazy bitch, I¡¯m calling the police!¡± Z shouted back.

    ¡°Go ahead! And if you do, I¡¯ll let everyone know you schemed against Eileen!¡± Judie retorted.

    Judie had witnessed Z¡¯s duplicitous behavior around Eileen and Bryan, recognizing that Z was skilled at manipting and pretending before others.

    She believed that such a person probably dreaded being exposed. She had leverage over Z!

    Phoebe, assessing the situation with a clear head, quickly pulled out her phone and started recording.

    Unable to defend herself, Z was overpowered by Judie and reluctantly agreed to pay her.

    But Judie no longer trusted Z. Z was forced by Judie to return to her apartment to transfer the money via her phone.

    Only when Judie confirmed the receipt of five hundred thousand dors did she depart, satisfied.

    At that moment, a realization struck Z. She rushed outside, only to see that Phoebe was already gone. Though Phoebe didn¡¯t grasp the full story, she pieced together why Bryan and Eileen had fought.

    The catalyst was the billion-dor contract that Eileen had signed. And the orchestrator behind Eileen¡¯s signing was clear¡ªit had to be Ste.

    Choosing not to probe into Ste¡¯s motives, Phoebe sent the video of Z¡¯s confrontation with Judie to Jacob. Upon viewing the video, Jacob intended to show it to Bryan directly. But catching Bryan¡¯s stern look, heid his hand on the carpet, hesitated, and instead sent the video to Bryan¡¯s phone.

    ¡°It¡¯s about Eileen. Take a look,¡± he said.

    Bryan¡¯s fury mounted, and he refused to even nce at his phone.

    He was still waiting for an exnation from Eileen.

    Yet, she remained silent.

    Was she done lying to him?

    If she had just offered one more lie, he would have epted it.

    The news of Ste¡¯s hospitalization eventually drove Bryan out of the house.

    Urged by Jacob, Bryan dashed out still d in his home clothes.

    Eileen began to retch uncontrobly. Having not eaten for days, she was too weak to stand.

    Ruby decided it was time to take her to the hospital. Milford carried her downstairs with great care, watching over her the entire way.

    Upon their arrival, the doctor inquired about Eileen¡¯s symptoms and prepared to conduct a thorough examination, starting with her stomach.

    ¡°Doctor, could she be pregnant? She¡¯s married,¡± Ruby interjected, fabricating a pregnancy to safeguard Eileen¡¯s reputation.

    ¡°That¡¯s vital information; when did shest eat?¡± the doctor asked.

    Ruby could only shake her head in response, prompting the doctor to prioritize a color ultrasound test.

    The truth surfaced swiftly. Eileen was seven weeks pregnant and battling malnutrition. Immediately, the doctor arranged for her to receive nutrition intravenously. Eileen¡¯s pregnancy marked a significant turning point.

    Upon waking and learning the news, Eileen¡¯s initial response was disbelief. She had just had her period two weeks ago.

    ¡°Is your period this time unusually light? And the days are also shorter?¡± the doctor inquired.

    Eileen nodded in confirmation. ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°This represents the early stages of pregnancy, not a period. You¡¯re young and otherwise healthy, and the baby is doing well, but your malnutrition is concerning. You will require nutritional injections over the next few days,¡± the doctor patiently exined before departing. Ruby settled beside Eileen¡¯s bed as she observed Eileen¡¯s pallidplexion.

    After a lengthy silence, Ruby feltpelled to ask, ¡°Eileen, will you keep the baby?¡±

    Should she choose to keep the baby, it would inevitably link her to the Dawson family. The significance of this child was profound. With the discovery of her pregnancy, risks andplications were bound to escte.

    Yet, the thought of an abortion weighed heavily on Eileen. Her heart ached with sorrow.

    This child was Bryan¡¯s, a future member of the Dawson family, yet it was also unmistakably hers. She had longed for a child of her own bloodline.

    The dilemma remained: Should she keep the baby or not? ¡°The doctor advised that the safest period to have the abortion is within the first fifty days to avoid any health risks,¡± Ruby said, her tone soft but firm. ¡°You have, at most, two days to consider your options. Whatever you decide, I¡¯ll support you.¡±

    She gave Eileen¡¯s arm aforting pat and tucked the nkets snugly around her.

    The next two days would be agonizing for Eileen. No one else knew Eileen was in the hospital¡ªno visitors came.

    In the solitude of her hospital room, Eileen wrestled with the decision to either keep the baby or not.

    Meanwhile, one floor below, in a different ward, Ste was recuperating from a chronic illness that had red up again. A few days of resting in the hospital were expected to help her recover.

    When she saw Bryan walk into her ward, his usual vibrancy missing, she felt sorry for him. She knew that Eileen, too, must be faring poorly.

    Eileen and Bryan¡¯s bond was profound, deeper than Ste had imagined.

    ¡°Bryan!¡± Ste called out just as he entered. Before Ste could talk, Bryan, visibly frail, copsed. He had survived on nothing but water for the past five days.

    Jacob was quick to support him while Jarred dashed to summon the doctor. Ste, acting swiftly, disconnected her IV and rushed to Bryan¡¯s side.

    Soon, Bryan was being wheeled into the examination room. His endurance over the past sleepless and foodless days was nothing short of miraculous.

    Following the treatment, the doctor stressed the importance of resting adequately in the days ahead. Without it, Bryan¡¯s chances of recovery from his precarious condition were uncertain.

    As Jacob and the nurses wheeled Bryan back to his room, Ste was consumed by guilt and agony.

    ¡°Mrs. Dawson¡­¡± Jarred began cautiously. ¡°If things continue this way, I¡¯m concerned Bryan may not be able to hold on any longer.¡±

    His voice lowered as he added, ¡°Wasn¡¯t this merely the first phase of your n? Your act has been quite persuasive. Perhaps it¡¯s time to proceed to the next stage.¡± With a grave look, Ste paused for a moment before responding with a heavy sigh, ¡°I just hope they both understand why I¡¯m doing this.¡±

    At night, Ruby decided to stay and help Bailee look after Eileen.

    Exhaustion had overtaken themtely. Eileen was already weary, but the baby inside her made sleep elusive.

    Gazing out the window, she was lost in thought.

    The dim light from the hallway spilled through the windows and the door, casting a soft glow that made her suddenly buzzing phone stand out.

    Eileen viewed the lengthy message on her screen with a resigned expression and tightened lips.

    Despite the cold determination she had built up over the past few days, her heart involuntarily softened.

    ¡°Eileen, why don¡¯t you try to get some sleep?¡± Bailee, noticing the phone¡¯s glow, sat up.

    Eileen ced her phone aside, turned over, andy t on her back. She nced at Bailee and inquired, ¡°Who else knows about my pregnancy?¡±

    ¡°Nobody,¡± Bailee responded quickly. ¡°Aside from Mom and myself, I¡¯ve only told Milford. I made him promise not to tell anyone. I¡¯ve also paid the doctor to keep it confidential and registered your hospital admission under my name.¡±

    Bailee knew the spread of this news could significantly affect matters between Eileen and Bryan.

    For instance, if the Dawson family learned of the child¡¯s existence, they might influence Eileen¡¯s decision or attempt to im custody.

    Considering this, Bailee had managed to keep the secret well under wraps.

    ¡°Eileen, is something wrong?¡± Bailee, now putting on her shoes in a rush, looked concerned.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious. Don¡¯t worry. Just go back and rest,¡± Eileen reassured her. ¡°I just wanted to remind you how crucial it is to keep this a secret.¡±

    Relieved, Bailee nodded and returned to her bed.

    Fortunately, Eileen wasn¡¯t a focus of significant attention, and Bailee had cleverly used her own name for the hospital records. Thus, Ste was likely unaware of the pregnancy.

    Eileen surmised that the message she had received was sent in the assumption that Ste wasn¡¯t aware of her pregnancy. Ste valued her, not the unborn child. After the restless night, dawn broke.

    Ruby was the first to rise, busying herself with washing up.

    Seizing a moment of solitude, Eileen picked up her phone and replied to the message.

    With that, a wave of pent-up emotions within her began to fade away.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 291

    ?Chapter 291:

    Months had passed since Bryan¡¯s wedding had been the center of media scrutiny, but unexpectedly, the event was called off.

    Within a day, the frenzy of the sensational news dwindled as if the wedding between Bryan and Eileen had never been announced. The spotlight pivoted to Phoebe and Jacob¡¯s uing wedding.

    When word got out that Bryan was in the hospital, Z didn¡¯t waste a minute; she dashed to his side. She had masked the bruises on her face with makeup, but despite her efforts, something still seemed off upon closer inspection.

    At the hospital, neither Ste nor Bryan seemed to notice anything amiss about Z.

    As Z entered the room, Ste was showing something on her phone to Bryan. Seeing Z, Ste quickly put away her phone.

    This caught Z¡¯s attention.

    ¡°What were you showing Bryan? He¡¯s hardly in any condition to be handling work matters, is he?¡± Z said.

    With a dismissive shrug, Ste responded, ¡°Bryan¡¯s been refusing to eat. I had no choice but to reach out to Eileen to see if she might visit and coax him into eating something. Unfortunately, she declined.¡±

    The mere mention of Eileen¡¯s potential involvement sparked a flicker of anger in Z. Thankfully, Eileen had opted not to return. Moving closer to Bryan¡¯s bedside, Z sat down. ¡°Why on earth would you think of bringing her back after everything? She¡¯s the reason Bryan¡¯s in this state!¡±

    Z gazed at Bryan, noticing the stubble that dusted his face, her expression melting into one of concern. Gently, she reached out, wanting to touch his face.

    Bryan¡¯s hand with the IV line shot up and clutched her wrist with a force that almost seemed to break it. His demeanor was stern, yet his proposal sent a thrill through Z.

    Stay connected at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°Do you want to marry me?¡± he asked.

    The question came so unexpectedly that Z paused, her heart pounding as she grappled with her response.

    It had to be her earlier offer to find surrogates for his children and her willingness to side against Brandon and Lydia that had convinced Ste to sway Bryan¡¯s decision. Z knew that for the sake of the Dawson family, Bryan must have little reason to refuse.

    But if she agreed to Bryan immediately, her true motives might be transparent. It would raise Bryan¡¯s suspicions.

    However, rejecting him wasn¡¯t an option for her.

    Amid her turmoil, a scornfulugh broke the silence. ncing down, Z noticed Bryan¡¯s mocking smile, his eyes gleaming with disdain.

    ¡°Your hesitation is sheer hypocrisy, Z. I¡¯ve never met anyone as vile as you,¡± Bryan said.

    He let go of Z¡¯s wrist and reached for a napkin, wiping his hand with careful precision.

    His grip had been so tight that his IV line had turned red, but the color faded away as he rxed.

    ¡°What are you talking about, Bryan?¡± Z felt tossed onto another bed. She nced at Ste, who seemed calm. Z continued, ¡°I would marry you solely for your benefit, unwilling to let your father and Lydia take advantage of you any longer. You¡­¡± Bryan shot her a sharp look, his gaze piercing as if he could see right through her, into the darkest corners of her heart.

    ¡°What have you done to Eileen?¡± Bryan threw back the covers, climbed out of bed, and yed the video Phoebe had sent to Jacob, which Jacob had subsequently forwarded to him.

    The screen revealed tumultuous Z being beaten by Judie, their heated exchange clear.

    Z hadn¡¯t anticipated Phoebe would capture the confrontation on video. Had it been just a spoken report, she might have had a chance to dispute it.

    Z began, ¡°I¡¯ve had suspicions about Eileen for a while, so I decided to dig a little deeper, and that¡¯s why I provoked Judie. I did it for your good¡ª¡±

    ¡°Shut up! Never show your face around me again, and stay away from Eileen!¡± Bryan removed the IV from his arm, oblivious to the blood that trickled down his hand. He then told Ste, ¡°You can go back now. I¡¯ll handle things on my own from here.¡±

    With that, he turned and walked away.

    The room fell silent. The floor was marked by the trail of blood leading to the door.

    After some time, Z abruptly stood up and turned to Ste. ¡°What did you say to him? Did you tell him the truth? You¡¯re worried that¡ª¡±

    ¡°I said nothing,¡± Ste interjected, rising slowly from her chair. ¡°If the video on his phone opens his eyes to true motives, then he¡¯s not worthy of being my grandson.¡±

    ¡°But why does he continue to protect Eileen? Why?¡± Z grabbed Ste¡¯s hand tightly. ¡°If I were by his side, secretly aiding him, neither Grandan nor anyone else would suspect a thing. I¡¯m the only one who can truly assist him.¡±

    Z¡¯s words were filled with fiery conviction, but Ste interrupted her.

    ¡°I know you would choose Bryan over Brandon. I never would have bothered finding Eileen. But now, it¡¯s toote. Bryan¡¯s love for Eileen is too deep, and whatever actions he will take now are beyond my control.¡± With those words, Ste grabbed her purse from the sofa and walked out.

    Bryan¡¯s scornful look and icyments had struck Z¡¯s heart repeatedly.

    Was she not doing everything for Bryan? How could he say that to her?

    When would he be more mature and see that love means little in affluent families? She was the only one who could help him.

    The news of Eileen¡¯s hospitalization eventually reached Phoebe, but Eileen didn¡¯t tell Phoebe she was pregnant, merely mentioning her hospital stay was due to malnutrition.

    Phoebe showed Eileen the video of Judie attacking Z.

    ¡°I had no idea Z was so maniptive, pulling strings from the shadows. I hear her mention you all the time and say she always puts Bryan first. I thought she was sincere, but this is shocking. She¡¯s quite the maniptor,¡± Phoebe never held back her opinions.

    ¡°It¡¯s who she is; she¡¯s out of our lives now.¡± Eileen¡¯s face remained cold as she handed Phoebe her phone back.

    As soon as Phoebe took her phone, it rang. She answered immediately, and the news on the other end took her by surprise. She nced at Eileen, then hurriedly exited the room.

    Minutester, she returned with a man who was Julio.

    ¡°I apologize for barging in like this,¡± Julio began. ¡°But when I found out you were in the hospital, I was nearby. I came here right away.¡±

    He brought with him a bag of fruit, which he carefully ced beside Eileen¡¯s bed.

    Meanwhile, Bailee had left to handle some urgent business at the educational institution, and Ruby had returned home to prepare soup for Eileen. Phoebe was the only one by her side.

    Phoebe had volunteered to stay and help take care of Eileen but ended up bringing along an unexpected guest. She whispered to Eileen, ¡°He figured out you were here when he called. I didn¡¯t tell him.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Eileen replied, a slight crease forming between her brows. She just didn¡¯t want more people to know about her hospitalization.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Eileen smiled politely at Julio.

    Julio returned the smile with a slight nod, his face etched with concern. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, he sat quietly on the sofa.

    He appeared to have no n to leave soon, and Phoebe could sense that he might need to discuss something important with Eileen.

    ¡°Julio, if there¡¯s something you need to say, feel free to say it. It¡¯s just us here; you don¡¯t need to hold back,¡± Phoebe said.

    Eileen also sensed Julio had something to say but was unsure what matter could have prompted Julio to seek her out now.

    ¡°Phoebe, would you mind giving us a moment?¡± Julio¡¯s request effectivelybeled Phoebe as an ¡°outsider.¡±

    ¡°Me?¡± Phoebe asked, pointing to herself with widened eyes, taken aback by Julio¡¯s request.

    Julio rose to his feet, his voice tinged with a hint of apology as he said, ¡°I need to discuss something with Eileen privately.¡±

    The room fell silent, and Phoebe exchanged looks with Eileen.

    Given Eileen¡¯s frail condition, she was vulnerable to any potential harm from Julio.

    Phoebe felt a protective urge to stay, her instincts cautioning her against leaving Eileen alone in the room. Julio, sensing her hesitation, reassured her, ¡°If it makes you feel better, stay by the door. I promise I¡¯ll let you watch me and keep my distance from Eileen. We¡¯ll just talk.¡±

    He then took two steps back, positioning himself in line with the door and maintaining a respectful distance from Eileen.

    With such assurances, it would seem rude to persist in suspicion, and Phoebe had nothing more to say. She turned to Eileen to ask for her opinion.

    ¡°Alright, you can go outside,¡± Eileen said. She seemed to have a vague idea of why Julio might want to talk.

    Phoebe stepped out, remaining vignt outside the ward. Her face was pressed against the window, her eyes sharply scanning for any sign of trouble.

    Eileen sat in her blue-and-white hospital gown, her appearance frail and her lips pale, but her eyes remained clear and alert as they met Julio¡¯s across the room. Perhaps still unsure how to broach the topic, Julio remained silent, brows furrowed.

    Eileen was in no rush, giving him time to find his words. After a brief pause, Julio broke the silence. ¡°You¡¯ve had a fallout with Mr. Dawson. Have you considered your next steps?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Eileen¡¯s reply was sharp, blunt. ¡°I haven¡¯t given it any thought because I don¡¯t see the necessity. I¡¯m employed and support myself. Life will go on without him, and I¡¯ll keep doing what I need to.¡± Julio said, ¡°Your split with Mr. Dawson might impact your career to some extent. The tutoring sessions are lucrative, and it¡¯s unlikely that the Yates and Harrison families will continue hiring you.¡±

    What Julio had said was urate. Even without the Dawson family putting pressure on her, these families would likely distance themselves from Eileen from now on.

    The more proactive ones would terminate Eileen¡¯s tutoring immediately, while others might wait until the end of the semester.

    If Eileen returned to teaching online as a regr instructor, her market value could undoubtedly decrease. However, all these considerations were secondary now that Eileen was pregnant. This morning, she had decided to keep the baby, which meant taking at least a year off from work.

    So Julio¡¯s concerns seemed less pressing under these new circumstances.

    ¡°Julio, what do you want to say? Just get to the point,¡± Eileen said.

    Julio gave a resigned smile. ¡°Eileen, you¡¯re perceptive. I need to propose something rather bold, and even though you might not trust me yet, I can¡¯t afford to wait until you do. Let¡¯s think about working together.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 292

    ?Chapter 292:

    ¡°Can we work together?¡±

    As expected, this was about Julio getting back to the Ferguson family, but the fact that Julio wanted to work with her caught Eileen off guard.

    ¡°What could we possibly work together on? What do I have that makes you want to work with me?¡± Eileen questioned.

    Eileen didn¡¯t immediately decline, which thrilled Julio. He replied, ¡°Your years working with Bryan, your deep understanding of each business family in Onnd¡¯s elite circle, and your capacity to work¡ªall these would greatly benefit me. Above all, I need a trustworthy ally.¡± Julio found himself surrounded by adversaries as he nned his return to the Ferguson family; he needed a reliable and capable person who could help him.

    ¡°After everything I¡¯ve been through, why would you expect me to leap from the Dawson family¡¯s frying pan into the Ferguson family¡¯s fire?¡± Eileen challenged, her voice tinged with defiance, unwilling to dive back into the tumultuous world of affluent families.

    Julio responded swiftly, ¡°Because your child is going to need a lot of support for a safe birth.¡±

    Eileen was taken aback. ¡°How did you know?¡± Her eyes narrowed in disbelief. Even Phoebe wasn¡¯t privy to this information. How had Julio uncovered her secret? ¡°I stumbled upon the information unintentionally. Your attending physician happens to be a ssmate of mine. During my visit to the hospital, I glimpsed your medical records. Despite the name being different, the absence of your sister and the recent wedding cancetion led me to deduce that you were the one pregnant,¡± Julio exined, revealing his keen observational skills, honed from years of legal practice.

    Detecting Eileen¡¯s guarded demeanor, Julio reassured her, ¡°Rest assured, whether or not you decide to work together, your secret is safe.¡±

    Not wanting anyone to have anything against her, Eileen countered, ¡°How can you be so certain I¡¯ll choose to keep the child?¡±

    ¡°I cannot guarantee you¡¯ll keep the child, nor do I presume to sway you,¡± Julio admitted, his tone softening as he sank into a nearby sofa, visibly troubled. ¡°All I can do is appeal to you, thinking you¡¯ll keep the child. You understand what this child represents within the Dawson family dynamics. Whether it is Brandon¡¯s potential animosity or Ste¡¯s custody battles, your current resources may not suffice. Working with me could offer the protection you¡¯ll need once I reim the Ferguson family.¡±

    Your favorite tales are on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§ànn

    Eileen¡¯s skepticism persisted. ¡°I couldn¡¯t withstand Brandon or Ste. What makes you think I can confront the Fergusons, who have already harmed me?¡±

    Her words dripped with a touch of sarcasm. Her primary concern remained the inevitableplications that woulde with her keeping the child.

    ¡°Before reiming the Ferguson family, I don¡¯t need your direct involvement, just your support from behind the scenes. If my efforts fail, I won¡¯t drag you down with me,¡± Julio said without hesitation.

    Clearly, Julio had anticipated this conversation well in advance, demonstrating an unexpected thoughtfulness by offering Eileen an exit strategy.

    He added, importantly, ¡°With me at your side, even if news of your pregnancy leaks, you might be able to evade the Dawson family and their potential repercussions.¡±

    Eileen was swayed by this.

    She had spent her sleepless nights strategizing how to secure her child¡¯s legitimacy without tying it to the Dawson family.

    It was clear she couldn¡¯t do it without a man by her side, but finding a man at random was out of the question. In fact, Julio seemed to fit the bill perfectly; they had shared interests and a willingness to provide mutual cover.

    ¡°I must admit I find your proposal very tempting, but I need time to think it over carefully,¡± Eileen responded cautiously, withholding an immediate answer. Julio remained unruffled and nodded. ¡°Alright, get in touch with me when you¡¯ve made your decision. I won¡¯t bother you further.¡±

    With that, he turned toward the door, where he encountered Phoebe¡¯s probing gaze as he opened it. ¡°Our conversation is over. Thank you for trusting me,¡± Julio told Phoebe before leaving.

    ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± Phoebe replied with a smile, watching him depart before hurrying back into the ward. Once inside, she scanned Eileen from head to toe, her expression anxious. ¡°He didn¡¯t verbally assault you, did he?¡±

    Eileen chuckled at Phoebe¡¯s concern. ¡°Why would he do that? We have no conflicts. Do you suspect everyone of ill intentions?¡±

    ¡°People¡¯s true intentions are often hidden,¡± Phoebe replied, voicing her skepticism. ¡°Why did hee to see you?¡±

    ¡°He wants to rejoin the Ferguson family butcks deep knowledge of the business world after years inw. He needs someone reliable and capable,¡± Eileen exined, leaningfortably against the headboard and observing the warm sunlight streaming through the window.

    ¡°I set my sights on being his assistance,¡± she added, noting her reputation as a highly efficient assistant, earned through years of hard work alongside Bryan. ¡°What benefits can he offer you? A stake in the Ferguson family¡¯s stocks? But what if he fails? That could spell trouble for you,¡± Phoebe said, voicing her concerns, hesitant about Eileen involving herself with the Ferguson family. ¡°Haven¡¯t you had your fill of dealing with the Dawson family? How many trustworthy individuals are there among these wealthy families?¡±

    Eileen had indeed learned the hard way about the unreliability of such circles.

    Her past experiences with the Dawsons had taught her that lesson well. Yet now, relying solely on herself, she faced a different kind of danger.

    ¡°Julio wants to work behind the scenes. If he sessfully regains control of the Ferguson family, then I¡¯ll step into the spotlight. If not, I can walk away without any harm,¡± Eileen exined Julio¡¯s n, drawing Phoebe¡¯s interest.

    Phoebe settled into a chair, reflecting for a moment before speaking thoughtfully. ¡°The Ferguson family holds considerable sway. From what I know, Julio has never given up on reiming his ce there. His legal career was likely a strategic move to build the necessary connections for his return. This seems like a well-prepared strategy. And beyond that, I do trust his integrity; he was always involved in charitable activities during his student days.¡±

    In fact, Phoebe held a deep admiration for Julio, grounded in her belief in his character.

    Yet, it was the potential risks Eileen might face that troubled her.

    ¡°Have you agreed to his proposal?¡± Phoebe asked. Seeing the hopeful gleam in Phoebe¡¯s eyes, Eileen sensed that Phoebe was tempted by Julio¡¯s offered escape n. ¡°I haven¡¯t given him an answer yet; I need more time to think it over,¡± Eileen replied honestly.

    Phoebe¡¯s disappointment was palpable. ¡°Take your time to consider it carefully. Frankly, I¡¯d love to see you be stronger and more formidable, enough to rattle these people in the Dawson family! Ste didn¡¯t hesitate to throw you under the bus during the crisis. If you were the daughter of a wealthy family, would she have dared to act the same?¡±

    The mention of the Dawson family stirredplex emotions within Eileen.

    Two dayster, Eileen was discharged from the hospital. It was December 5th, and Onnd saw its first snowfall. The snow was light; the snowkes melted upon touching the ground, turning into delicate droplets.

    Bailee and Ruby nked Eileen, each holding one of her arms to prevent her from slipping.

    Eileen didn¡¯t broach the subject of the child again, but Ruby understood from her silence that Eileen had decided to keep it.

    Some things didn¡¯t need to be verbalized between them; delving into exnations would only resurrect painful memories, which Ruby wished to spare Eileen from. Thus, Ruby refrained from asking. After leaving the hospital, Bailee took Eileen home, where they took turns preparing delicious meals for her every day. Eileen¡¯s severe morning sickness had caused her to lose weight from her already slender frame, making her appear even leaner.

    With the wedding originally scheduled for December 6th, Eileen found herself lost in contemtion as she watched snowkes drift outside the window. On the morning of December 5th, a rare sunny day brought the cozy feeling warmth of winter sun.

    Leaning back in a chair by the window, Eileen soaked in its rays, feeling bothnguid and aching, as if something within her was slowly hollowing.

    Even the residents of Onnd mourned the canceled wedding, let alone her, the one directly involved. Instead of marrying Bryan that day, Eileen agreed to work together with Julio.

    That evening, Julio entrusted Eileen with a trove of confidential documents regarding the Ferguson family and revealed the details of the shares he had quietly acquired. His willingness to share such sensitive information at once underscored his profound trust in Eileen.

    Perhaps, like Eileen, Julio had found himself with no one else to rely on, clinging to a final glimmer of hope to achieve his goals.

    Julio held five percent of the Ferguson family¡¯s shares. The Ferguson family conducted shareholders¡¯ meetings every five years to elect the CEO, with Julio¡¯s father, Kaysen Ferguson, currently holding that position.

    Typically, these meetings were mere formalities under stable growth, ensuring the incumbent retained the CEO role.

    In two months, the Ferguson Group¡¯s shareholder meeting would take ce.

    Julio¡¯s strategy involved quietly acquiring thirty percent of thepany¡¯s shares during this period.

    By holding as many shares as his father, he aimed to qualify topete for the position of CEO.

    Besides umting shares, Julio needed to sway other shareholders to support him.

    Given the impossibility of relying on family ties or conventionalworking, he needed to gather evidence of wrongdoing from twenty shareholders through various means, using coercion to sway their decisions.

    Julio provided Eileen with the identities of these shareholders and the details of their involvement in key projects.

    Julio had already unearthed useful legal evidence against three of them.

    For the others, whocked legal vulnerabilities, he nned to investigate their businesses.

    Eileen was familiar with the seventeen shareholders and swiftly began assessing the merits and drawbacks of their past dealings.

    Utilizing her business contacts, she uncovered potential economic misconduct in one shareholder¡¯s project within just two days.

    Her role was to identify vulnerabilities; Julio would handle the deeper investigations.

    Progress was slow due to theplexity and number of individuals involved, but these tasks upied Eileen¡¯s timepletely.

    She became absorbed in work that she forgot about Phoebe¡¯s uing wedding on December 11th.

    On December 11th, Phoebe found time to visit Eileen. ¡°Eileen, are you still up for being my bridesmaid?¡± she asked. ¡°Jacob said Bryan will be there as the best man, as we nned before.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 293

    ?Chapter 293:

    ¡°If you manage to find a suitable best man, I¡¯d dly stand as your bridesmaid,¡± Eileen said.

    Eileen and Phoebe shared a unique bond; otherwise, Eileen might not have considered attending.

    With the wedding approaching swiftly, finding a best man was proving to be quite a challenge. Phoebe sighed and reassured Eileen, ¡°I¡¯m so grateful you¡¯ll be there. I¡¯ll ask Bryan to try to find a bridesmaid himself. Don¡¯t worry about it too much. If he can¡¯t find one, you can attend as my family.¡±

    The idea of Bryan and Eileen showing up at Phoebe and Jacob¡¯s wedding caught everyone¡¯s attention.

    Eileen and Bryan¡¯s own wedding had been canceled, so seeing them together would certainly draw eyes. If they each brought someone else with them, that would create a peculiar scene.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best,¡± Eileen replied, knowing it would be tough to find someone willing to step into such a situation with her.

    It had been nearly two weeks since Eileen and Bryan¡¯s argument, and they hadn¡¯t seen each other since their encounter at the Dawson Mansion.

    Brandon and Lydia were keeping a close watch on both of them.

    ¡°They¡¯re expected at the wedding tomorrow. We¡¯ll learn their current situation then,¡± Lydia said casually as she watered the nts.

    Z, standing nearby, added, ¡°They were supposed to be the bridesmaid and groomsman, but their names aren¡¯t listed anymore. It says ¡®to be determined¡¯ for those. It¡¯s a clear sign they might not show up.¡±

    Updates loaded at g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe??s

    This meant that Eileen and Bryan might have to find someone else to apany them to the wedding.

    Lydia paused her watering and suddenly smiled. ¡°So, why wait? Isn¡¯t this the perfect chance for you?¡±

    Z couldn¡¯t deny she was eager to take advantage of the opportunity. She had always fantasized about being seen together with Bryan publicly.

    But after the ordeal at the hospitalst time, she knew she couldn¡¯t provoke Bryan now. She would have to bide her time.

    ¡°Now that we¡¯ve finally got rid of Eileen, you should do something. But you can¡¯t, what a waste!¡± Lydia¡¯s frustration echoed as she threw the watering can, the sound ringing sharply in the air.

    ¡°Go talk to Ste. Get her to ask Bryan to go to the wedding with you. It¡¯ll make it easier to keep an eye on Bryan and Eileen if you¡¯re by his side,¡± Brandon suggested, pushing the problem to Ste.

    With little choice, Z replied, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll go find Ste now.¡±

    She turned and headed straight for the Dawson Mansion. It was a sunny afternoon when Z arrived. Ste was lounging in the garden, soaking in the sunlight. She looked up briefly as Z approached, then closed her eyes.

    Z said, ¡°The Meyer family¡¯s wedding is tomorrow. Bryan was supposed to be the best man, but now he¡¯s listed as ¡®to be determined.¡¯ If he can¡¯t find a suitable bridesmaid, it¡¯ll be embarrassing¡ª¡±

    Ste interjected impatiently, ¡°Cut the chatter. You want to go to the wedding with Bryan, don¡¯t you? Why didn¡¯t I realize you were so scheming before? Now all you do is make up excuses!¡±

    Z felt exposed by Ste¡¯s directness, squirming under her gaze.

    She said, ¡°I just think he needs a suitable bridesmaid of good standing for the wedding.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll worry about that. You can leave now.¡± Ste dismissed her, clearly annoyed with Z¡¯s approach. Everyone could see through her facade now, but she continued to feign innocence.

    ¡°Did I do something wrong?¡± Z tried hard to hold her tears back. ¡°You pity Eileen for being manipted by the Dawson family, but what about me? I¡¯ve been with the Dawsons since I was young. Their cruelty ruined my entire life, leaving me unable to be a mother. Can¡¯t you feel sorry for me too?¡±

    Ste, unfazed by Z¡¯s tears, felt a surge of annoyance. She said, ¡°Z, I tried to spare you some dignity, but if you don¡¯t want that, there¡¯s nothing more I can do. I¡¯ll call Bryan right now to make you give up.¡± She retrieved her phone and dialed Bryan¡¯s number.

    After a few rings, Bryan answered with a distant and indifferent tone. ¡°Grandma, what is going on?¡±

    ¡°Are you still set to be the best man at the Meyer family¡¯s wedding? Can you bring Z along?¡± Ste asked directly.

    Bryan¡¯s response cut through with its stark simplicity. ¡°I¡¯d rather bring a dog than take her with me. Don¡¯t bother finding someone else for me.¡±

    He left the sentence hanging, but the implication was unmistakable as he abruptly ended the call.

    ¡°He believes Eileen and I schemed against him. He feels betrayed by my actions. If only he knew Eileen was innocent, his disdain for me would be even greater.¡± Ste didn¡¯t seem to be surprised by Bryan¡¯s attitude. ¡°I won¡¯t meddle in his affairs any longer. Tell Brandon that if he can¡¯t handle his own son, everyone will see him as weak.¡±

    With a sigh, Ste rose from her chair and made her way back to her room.

    The sunlight bathed Z¡¯s figure, yet she felt a chilling emptiness inside.

    Did Bryan truly regard her as less than a dog?

    The tant humiliation gnawed at her, but she swallowed her anguish. Turning away, she returned to her car, where tears streamed down her cheeks unchecked.

    How could Bryan treat her like this? What had she done wrong? Was it a mistake for her to love him?

    She drove to Kian¡¯s house, tears streaming down her swollen eyes.

    The Warren family¡¯s situation had begun to stabilize after the initial wave of capital withdrawal from shareholders.

    A significant investor had stepped in, restoring operations.

    Kian had tried reaching out to Z several times, but she kept avoiding him with various excuses.

    Now, seeing Ze to him and in such distress like this, Kian¡¯s heart immediately went out to her.

    ¡°Z, what happened?¡± he asked gently.

    ¡°Ever since Bryan broke up with Eileen, he¡¯s been taking it out on me. Ste even tried to manipte me into marrying Bryan, deceiving his parents. She wanted me to go to the Meyer family¡¯s wedding with Bryan, but he refused, saying he¡¯d rather take a dog. What did I do wrong? Is this my fate? I have to endure this humiliation?¡± Z¡¯s words poured out amidst tears, twisting the truth of everything.

    As her tears continued to fall, Kian felt for her.

    He wiped her tears gently andforted her, saying, ¡°Don¡¯t cry. Bryan¡¯s behavior is despicable. He shouldn¡¯t vent his anger at Eileen on you. Ste¡¯s actions are equally unjust. How could she force you into such a position with Bryan? It¡¯s not right.¡±

    The Dawsons were known for their scheming ways, and without a powerful background, Z was utterly vulnerable.

    The more Kian thought about it, the more determined he became. ¡°Z, don¡¯t cry. I¡¯ll help you teach a lesson to Bryan. Trust me,¡± he said.

    ¡°No!¡± Z¡¯s voice rang out, her fingers tightening around Kian¡¯s wrist. ¡°The Warren family just got back on track. Please, don¡¯t stir things up with Bryan¡ªI can handle this.¡±

    Her words resonated deeply with Kian, but he couldn¡¯t stand to witness her suffering any longer. ¡°Then I¡¯ll teach the one who is supposed to take Bryan¡¯s anger a lesson and seek justice for you, Z. I refuse to let them bully you again. I¡¯m gaining power. A top-tier foreign venture capital firm has invested in me. With their backing, I¡¯ll stand fearless against the Dawsons.¡±

    Hearing this, Z felt a surge of joy. Kian was still useful to her, and the prospect of aeback seemed promising. But as she processed these thoughts, her gaze changed.

    Imbued with a mix of emotions, she realized that Kian, who had known intimacy, having been sexually involved with Benita, now faced the woman he loved right in his embrace. It was only natural for him to lust for her.

    When Z cried, she nestled in his arms. The gentle sensation of her body stirred a restlessness within him. Z felt a pang of unease. Since Kian had been intimate with Benita, he had tried to reach out to Z multiple times, only to be rebuffed.

    She had rushed here today, almost as if willingly walking into his arms.

    But now, faced with the current situation and Kian¡¯s readiness to confront Eileen on her behalf, she feltpelled to give him something in return.

    A passionate scene unfolded in Kian¡¯s apartment. Drawing on techniques learned from Benita, Kian sought to arouse Z, who felt a mixture of difort and immersion at first.

    In the end, Z rationalized that it didn¡¯t matter. After all, Bryan had slept with Eileen; her loyalty to Bryan seemed irrelevant now.

    Achieving her goals was paramount; whether it was sleeping with Kian once or multiple times didn¡¯t seem to make a difference.

    Her fervent response filled Kian with ecstasy.

    Their intimate encountersted from noon till night.

    Z finally fainted from exhaustion. Kian rose from the bed and made his way to the study to strategize what he was going to do at tomorrow¡¯s wedding.

    Upon reflection, he decided not to entrust the n to Benjamin.

    Julio also attended Phoebe¡¯s wedding.

    Eileen, adorned in a flowing light purple dress, went into the hotel alongside Bailee. Avoiding the bustling crowd, she wanted to find Phoebe in her dressing room upstairs. ¡°Eileen, you can head upstairs first. I¡¯ll wait for Huey here,¡± Bailee said with a hint of embarrassment.

    Curious nces from passersby didn¡¯t escape Eileen¡¯s notice. Pulling Bailee into a secluded corner, she inquired, ¡°Hasn¡¯t he arrived yet?¡±

    ¡°No, stuck in traffic,¡± Bailee replied with a smile. ¡°He is always cutting it close. I¡¯ve reminded him countless times.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re down to just three bridesmaids. I won¡¯t be able to be one, and I don¡¯t know if the Dawson family can find a recement. You and Huey are the only reliable anchors. Tell him to hurry,¡± Eileen said, reflecting on Phoebe¡¯s recent praise for Bailee and Huey¡¯s unwavering support.

    Bailee nodded and continued trying to reach Huey.

    After that quarrel, they had a few more conflicts. When Eileen had an ident, Bailee had called Huey, but he hadn¡¯t picked up, leaving her feeling abandoned. Huey hadter tried to contact her after seeing the news, but she had been too overwhelmed to answer.

    Since then, Huey hadn¡¯t contacted her again. Nearly ten days had passed. Two days ago, she had just remembered that Huey was supposed to be the best man while she served as bridesmaid at this wedding.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 294

    ?Chapter 294:

    Huey had seemingly disappeared, not responding to Bailee¡¯s messages, though he was still active, posting about gamingpetitions.

    So it seemed Huey had seen her messages but had chosen to ignore them. Justst night, in a state of panic, she had called him twice, and he had hung up on both calls.

    What should she do?

    Tears streamed down Bailee¡¯s face, driven by either sorrow or remorse, as she crafted a message to Huey: ¡°Huey, if you dare to stand me up today, it¡¯ll be over between us. The wedding is set for half past nine. I¡¯ll wait for you until nine.¡±

    After sending the message, she set her phone aside and took a seat on the sofa in the lobby.

    In therge makeup room, several artists were busy attending to Phoebe.

    They styled her short, tidy hair with gel and adorned her with a veil, enhancing her look with delicate makeup. Her usual tomboy appearance now had a hint of feminine allure.

    ¡°Did you find someone?¡± Phoebe inquired, looking at Eileen through the makeup mirror.

    Eileen shook her head. ¡°No. So sadly, I can¡¯t be your bridesmaid.¡±

    Phoebe¡¯s face fell with disappointment. She hesitantly offered, ¡°I have someone in mind as a recement. Would you like to consider him?¡±

    Besides Julio, there was no one else she and Phoebe mutually knew, so Eileen knew who Phoebe was talking about.

    ¡°No,¡± Eileen replied firmly, aware that with the Ferguson family attending today, it would be like a walking minefield, with anyone getting too close undergoing thorough scrutiny by the Fergusons.

    Phoebe, always direct, hadn¡¯t thought of this and could only utter an ¡°oh¡± before she resumed getting her makeup done.

    Eileen settled on a nearby sofa, lowering her head to focus on her phone.

    Suddenly, the door swung open, and Jacob walked in, d in a silver suit and holding a bouquet.

    He nodded at Eileen first, then made his way directly to Phoebe.

    A tall figure behind Jacob appeared at the door, catching Eileen¡¯s eye.

    Bryan was dressed in a ck suit that now seemedrge for him since he had lost weight.

    The best man¡¯s suit, tailored long ago, now draped loosely over him.

    His white shirt was set off by a dark red tie, highlighting his striking Adam¡¯s apple and chiseled chin.

    Eileen looked up, her eyes resting on his sharply defined features and the iciness in his gaze.

    He paused at the doorway, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a cigarette, leaning casually against the doorframe without stepping inside.

    Eileen averted her eyes, deciding to disregard his presence.

    As she looked away, Bryan nced over at her, observing her fair skin and her figure, slender yet alluring. Her expression was detached, her lips pressed tightly together, with a few locks of hair partly hiding her face. A thought shed through Bryan¡¯s mind, causing his expression to darken. He took a drag from his cigarette, struggling to calm his emotions.

    At ten to nine, Bailee ascended the stairs by herself. She hesitated when she saw Bryan and then lowered her head and walked in.

    ¡°Phoebe, Jacob, I¡­¡± she began, standing behind Phoebe. After a brief pause, she asked, ¡°Can I change the best man apanying me?¡±

    Jacob turned around, eximing, ¡°Ladies, are you trying to kill me? What¡¯s the problem now?¡±

    Bailee exined, ¡°Huey isn¡¯ting. I¡¯ve just run into Brent, and since we know each other from tutoring, he¡¯s somewhat familiar, so I was friendly. If the Bilton and Meyer families have no objections, he is prepared to step in as Bailee¡¯s plus one.¡±

    ¡°The Yates family is well-regarded in our circle, and if Brent is willing to be my and Jacob¡¯s best man, we certainly have no objections,¡± Phoebe said, giving Jacob a look.

    Jacob quickly responded, ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll go with you to find Brent. Consider it a formal invitation from me.¡±

    With that, Jacob ced the bouquet down and exited the makeup room with Bailee.

    Phoebe¡¯s makeup was finished, and the stylist escorted her to the dressing room to change into her wedding dress.

    The makeup artists also hurriedly gathered their things and departed. Suddenly, Eileen realized that she and Bryan were the only ones left.

    Bryan continued to smoke at the door, standing a bit further away. From her vantage point, Eileen could only see his fingers holding the cigarette as smoke spiraled upwards.

    He had stopped smoking a long time ago because Eileen had once mentioned that smoking was harmful to children, and he had quit decisively.

    Everything had changed. Eileen lowered her head, lost in thought.

    Only when the hotel staff approached to escort Phoebe to the banquet hall for wedding preparations did Eileen put away her phone and apany Phoebe downstairs. Bailee and Brent, alongside another duo of best man and bridesmaid, assumed their positions.

    Eileen headed through a side door into the banquet hall and chose an empty seat.

    As Bryan entered, he was immediately drawn into friendly conversation and encouraged to sit at a front-row table.

    Both the Meyer and Bilton families were notably hospitable to him, offering warm smiles.

    Bryan¡¯smanding presence stood out even among the group of elders; he was now a key figure in the business world.

    Even Brandon had to sit at a table further back.

    After all, even though Brandon held shares in the Apex Group, hecked the necessary operational skills.

    Had he maintained a good rtionship with Bryan, he might have enjoyed a more prominent position, but now Brandon gritted his teeth and looked at Lydia and Z, whispering, ¡°I saw Eileen and Bryan enter one after the other earlier.¡±

    Z was behind them, and they didn¡¯t interact, not even a nce or word exchanged. Z had trailed them into the hall before finding her own seat.

    Now, Bryan and Eileen were seated at opposite ends of the hall, unable to see each other even if they wanted to. ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Brandon said, ncing toward Bryan as he spoke to Z. ¡°Keep working at thepany tomorrow. Monitor him and manage thepany¡¯s affairs.¡±

    Z had always regarded herself as the general manager of the Apex Group, though thepany was used to Bryan¡¯s leadership.

    While Bryan had previously been away in West Land, she had indeed managed quite a bit of work. However, Bryan¡¯s return had significantly diminished her influence.

    ¡°Okay, I understand,¡± Z said.

    After she replied, she looked around the room and noticed Kian on the second-floor railing.

    Kian smiled at her, signaled an ¡°OK¡± with his hand, and then walked away.

    The wedding unfolded smoothly, except for Jacob¡¯s tearful outburst, which left Phoebe feeling embarrassed and prompted her to signal the staff to hasten through the sentimental part of the ceremony.

    The alliance between the Meyer and Bilton families appeared cordial on the surface, and the event concluded quickly.

    Bailee and Brent, along with the other best man and bridesmaid, joined Eileen at her table to rx while waiting for the banquet to start.

    Several others of a simr age also gathered at the table, creating a lively and jovial atmosphere.

    ¡°Mr. Yates, thanks for today,¡± Eileen said, extending her gratitude to Brent.

    Brent smiled and nced at Bailee before responding, ¡°Please, Ms. Curtis, don¡¯t be so formal. I¡¯m a bit embarrassed about the tutoring with my sister. This was a great chance to smooth things over between us. Tutoring was my mother¡¯s decision; honestly, I¡¯d prefer to stay out of theplexities of these prominent families.¡± Brent¡¯s candidness was evident in his slightly uneasy smile as he spoke.

    Bailee, preupied with her own thoughts, merely offered a polite smile. ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, if your sister ever needs help with her studies, just let me know. We¡¯re friends now,¡± Eileen said, kindly giving Brent an easy way out.

    Their conversation mainly revolved around academic topics, while the others at the table talked about the day¡¯s wedding, all enjoying a harmonious atmosphere. Suddenly, Huey appeared next to Bailee, out of breath in his best man¡¯s suit. ¡°Sorry, I¡¯mte; I got caught in traffic.¡±

    Bailee¡¯s smile faded as she looked down, her lips pressed tightly together.

    ¡°Is the wedding over? I really didn¡¯t mean to bete. I had a gamingpetitionst night¡­¡± Huey began to exin.

    ¡°The wedding is over, and there¡¯s no point in talking about it now. Let¡¯s discuss thister,¡± Bailee interjected, unwilling to talk. Huey was taken aback, looking over at Brent, who was sitting beside Bailee, wearing the best man¡¯s boutonniere.

    ¡°Did you give him your best man spot? Did you two walk down the aisle together?¡± Huey asked, his voice rising suddenly.

    At that, many heads turned toward them, and Bailee bit her lip in disbelief, staring at Huey.

    Eileen said with a firm tone, ¡°Huey, you werete to begin with. You have no reason or right to question Bailee. This is a wedding; please, keep your discussions forter.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t I have the right to question her? You and Bryan had fallen out, and you¡¯d rather stay single than just find anyone to be your plus one. She¡¯s still my girlfriend, and she just reces me with some other guy,¡± Huey blurted out, delivered by his frustration.

    Bailee, overwhelmed with emotion, stood up and shoved him. ¡°Huey, you are a jerk! From now on, we are no longer together.¡±

    Grabbing her bag, Bailee said, ¡°Eileen, please apologize to Phoebe for me; I have to go now.¡±

    She needed to leave before Huey escted the situation, not wanting to disrupt Phoebe¡¯s wedding. Bailee hurried out.

    Huey followed her, but his words continued to resonate among the guests.

    ¡°You and Bryan had fallen out¡­¡±

    Suddenly, many guests turned their attention to Eileen and Bryan, who were seated far apart.

    Particrly Brandon, who observed them intently.

    The atmosphere felt awkward to everyone, but Eileen and Bryan appeared detached from the situation.

    Remaining seated, they carried on with their respective activities.

    The tension slowly lifted as guests began eating, and a dance hall on the second floor was opened for a mini-theater performance, leading everyone to relocate to the designated area on the second floor.

    A two-meter-tall crystal chandelier cast a radiant, mesmerizing light over the entire hall.

    Phoebe and Jacob changed into their dancing attire and initiated the first dance, with others slowly joining the dance floor.

    Eileen, worried about Bailee, was inadvertently pushed by the crowd into the center of the dance floor.

    Suddenly, the crystal lights went out, leaving only a single faint light above.

    As Eileen looked up toward the lone source of light, a sharp clinking sound of ss echoed through the air. The intricate crystal chandelier above her began to sway, threatening to crash down at any moment!

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 295

    ?Chapter 295:

    Screams pierced the air as the crowd that was under the chandelier scampered in panic.

    Eileen subconsciously ran for safety, but it was too crowded.

    She navigated her way through the crowd with one hand cupping her belly and the other reaching out for bnce.

    The sound of the shattering chandelier seemed to spread across the entire ce like a death knell.

    Eileen got to what she thought was a safe spot, but then she was suddenly pushed into a dangerous area by a force. She fell forward. The crystal chandelier was just above her, and she could hear the shattering sound.

    All of a sudden, she hit someone¡¯s chest with great force. Just then, she perceived a faint smell of smoke.

    Bryan had given her a safending when she fell forward and had also taken the impact of the falling chandelier for her.

    She heard him grunt in pain, followed by the sound of flesh being pierced.

    After the chandelier hit them, someone spotted blood trickling from Bryan¡¯s body. Cries for help filled the dark room.

    Eileen was extremely terrified. Shey still in Bryan¡¯s arms, tightly holding onto a button on his suit.

    She sobbed as tears trickled from the corners of her eyes.

    ¡°Hey, stop crying,¡± Bryan said as he tried to console her. Then Eileen felt something on her face; it was a warm liquid.

    ???§ÁE ??P?¦«T¦®? I§ª G¦«?§ª?V¦®??.???

    The strong smell of blood made her even more terrified as she tightened her grip on his button, pressing her lips together in a bid not to say anything.

    The security department had been contacted to address the electrical circuitry and restore illumination to the building.

    The crowd outside was dismissed, except for close rtives of the Burton and Meyer families to provide them the support they needed.

    Soon, the room quieted down. Eileen¡¯s heart beat fast as her tears mixed with the blood trickling down to her ears. ¡°Are you okay? You were too impulsive, don¡¯t¡­¡± Eileen suddenly let go of his button and embraced his waist, her hands touching Bryan¡¯s back.

    Bryan said, ¡°Let go. I¡¯m alright.¡±

    As soon as he said this, the lights suddenly came on.

    Eileen retrieved her hand from his waist immediately. She looked up to see his pale face.

    Bryan was concerned about her well-being as he checked her to make sure she wasn¡¯t hurt.

    ¡°Bryan!¡± Z called out. She quickly ordered the security team, ¡°Hurry, help him! He¡¯s terribly injured! There¡¯s blood everywhere!¡±

    The ambnce had just arrived, and theplex light fixtures were being removed by some electrical personnel.

    Not long after, the light fixtures were taken apart, with the exception of the rod that had pierced through Bryan¡¯s back.

    They couldn¡¯t remove that without a doctor present. Eileen, unharmed and protected by Bryan, was also taken to the ambnce for safety reasons.

    ¡°Is his family here? Please join me here!¡± a paramedic called out from the ambnce.

    Z answered immediately, ¡°I am. Coming!¡±

    Seeing this, Phoebe tore the train of her dress instantly, turning it into a mini gown to allow free movement. Then, she hurried into the ambnce, too, to follow up. ¡°I¡¯m concerned about Eileen,¡± she told Jacob.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Jacob¡¯s face was pale with worry. He asked his father to help follow up the matter with the hotel while he drove out, following the ambnce.

    In the ambnce, Eileeny beside Bryan, who wasid t on his stomach because of the rod behind him. He slowly opened his eyes as he studied her face, streaked with blood and tears.

    The mixture of blood and tears painted her face, exposing her prominent beauty.

    Bryan lifted his bloodstained hand and gently touched her face.

    Eileen avoided his touch, turning away from him as more tears welled up in her eyes.

    ¡°Bryan, stay put,¡± Z said when she noticed this. His expression cooled, and he ced his hand a bit higher on Eileen¡¯s shoulder, staying silent.

    In the hospital, Bryan was rushed into the ER while Eileen was taken to the examination room.

    The doctor, who had been at the scene, was the only one in the examination room.

    Phoebe came in to keep Eileenpany, and Z came in afterward.

    ¡°Do you feel pain anywhere?¡± the doctor inquired, seeing that Eileen had no external injuries.

    Eileen shook her head and answered, ¡°No, I¡¯m alright.¡± Her abdomen felt normal. The anxiety she had felt also began to dissipate.

    ¡°You must be lucky. Your husband did a nice job protecting you. Nevertheless, we must run some tests for aprehensive assessment of your internal organs,¡± the doctor exined as he got ready to proceed.

    ¡°He¡¯s not my husband,¡± Eileen said firmly, blushing past Z. She then added, ¡°An assessment won¡¯t be necessary since I don¡¯t feel any difort.¡± She worried that some of the tests involved might be contraindicated for pregnant women.

    The doctor was surprised at her revtion. ¡°Really? He¡¯s not your husband? He must be your boyfriend, then? Or fianc¨¦?¡±

    ¡°He is nothing like that,¡± Eileen¡¯s voice grew colder. ¡°We are barely acquainted.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Dumbfounded, the doctor nced at Phoebe and Z. He said, ¡°Well, after today, I don¡¯t think you will be barely acquainted, seeing that he¡¯s your lifesaver.¡±

    Lifesaver?

    The word heightened Z¡¯s alertness.

    She hadn¡¯t expected that Bryan loved Eileen so much that he had risked his life for her safety.

    ¡°Are you here to treat the patient or to chat?¡± Phoebe couldn¡¯t condone the doctor¡¯s nosiness anymore. She turned to Eileen and asked, ¡°Are you certain you don¡¯t want the tests? There could be internal injuries, you know? I know you want to leave immediately so that you don¡¯t have to see Bryan, but you should get a thorough check-up.¡±

    Phoebe helped her sit up. Eileen shook her head and said decisively, ¡°I don¡¯t want any examinations, and I¡¯m not leaving either. Bryan¡¯s in the emergency room because of me. I should stay to see if he lives or dies.¡± Her words were harsh.

    Z couldn¡¯t take it anymore. ¡°Are you even human, Eileen? Bryan is in critical condition because of you. How could you be so heartless?¡±

    ¡°Heartless, you say?¡± Eileen straightened her dress. She demanded with a cold voice, ¡°Was that not what you wanted? Why the pretense? Or do you expect me toe crying and thanking him for saving me while keeping a proper distance?¡±

    Of course, Z did not want that. She had only spoken impulsively in Bryan¡¯s defense.

    Eileen continued, ¡°I¡¯m curious too. That document made him furious. He called off the wedding because I was said to be unworthy to bear his child, yet he risked his life for me. What do you make of that?¡±

    Eileen approached Z. She leaned forward and whispered, ¡°You desire to have him as a husband, right? You did everything you could to separate us. It¡¯s honestly a pity that you couldn¡¯t do the most important thing. Do you think you could take me away from his life?¡±

    With that, she brushed past Z¡¯s shoulder and left the examination room to wait outside the operating room. She repeatedly clenched and unclenched her fists as she tried to remain calm.

    Ste arrived at the hospital thirty minutester. She paused on seeing Eileen seated outside the operating room.

    Z quickly approached Ste. ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry too much. The doctor said though he lost a lot of blood, there are no injuries to his vital organs.¡±

    ¡°How did this happen?¡± Ste asked Z as her eyes moved from looking at Eileen.

    ¡°I have nothing to do with this. He was injured trying to save Eileen.¡± Pointing at Eileen, Z continued, ¡°He risked his life for her safety, but this heartless woman only stayed to see whether he lives or dies. She¡¯s so¡­¡± Z tried to defend Bryan but was cut short by Ste¡¯s impatient rebuke. ¡°Do you expect her to be soft-hearted? Don¡¯t you know why she¡¯s this way?¡±

    How could Z expect Eileen to be soft-hearted after everything that had happened?

    Eileen seemed oblivious to their conversation. Her gaze was fixed on the light above the operating door. The red light soon turned green, and the door opened. The doctor removed his facemask. ¡°Which one of you is the patient?¡±

    ¡°I am!¡± Ste hurried to the doctor. ¡°How¡¯s my grandson?¡± The doctor said with a frown, ¡°He lost a lot of blood, and the rod was one millimeter away from puncturing his lung. He¡¯s quite lucky. If he had been brought in a minuteter, he wouldn¡¯t have made it. His life is saved, and he is being sutured. He will be taken to the ICU to be observed for three days. His life was saved.¡±

    Those words made Eileen feel relieved. Overwhelmed with emotions, she burst out.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go after Eileen now. Stay here and offer any assistance,¡± Phoebe said to Jacob.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Jacob had been gripped with fear. He hadn¡¯t expected the wedding to turn out like this.

    He went over and joined the doctor and Ste¡¯s discussion.

    Z, on the other hand, watched Eileen leave so quickly, her lips tightly pressed together.

    The rtionship between Eileen and Bryan was something she found so difficult to understand. They didn¡¯t seem to care about each other, yet Bryan had risked his life for Eileen. She couldn¡¯t help but feel threatened. But that was all they had between them¡ªa lingering sentiment.

    Z had known Bryan since childhood. He wasn¡¯t one to forget someone he loved so easily.

    That must be why he had saved Eileen impulsively, even if he hated her.

    Z convinced herself that if Bryan regained consciousness and found out that Eileen had left even before his surgery was finished and had stayed not because she was concerned, but because she wanted to find out if he lived or died, he would be disappointed. That way, his love for Eileen would die in the face of her heartlessness.

    A call from Lydia suddenly jolted Z back to reality. She hurriedly moved to the end of the corridor to pick up the call. ¡°Hello.¡±

    ¡°How is he? Is he dead?¡± Lydia was excited, expecting bad news.

    Z was ufortable with her choice of words but still replied, ¡°No, he¡¯s fine. He will be monitored closely for three days in the ICU. Aside from that, there¡¯s no problem.¡± Lydia¡¯s voice was filled with disappointment. ¡°Darn it! You mean he has noplications? He should have at least been paralyzed!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 296

    ?Chapter 296:

    Z clenched her teeth and said, ¡°He¡¯s not going to be paralyzed. He¡¯s going to be fine.¡±

    ¡°Forget about that for now. Come back while he¡¯s in the ICU so you can seize control of the Apex Group. Brandon will join you there. This is a good chance to bring in shareholders and senior executives,¡± Lydia said.

    Lydia and Brandon always had their own ns.

    If Bryan died, they would see it as a problem resolved. If he didn¡¯t, they would seize control of thepany.

    ¡°Wait, shouldn¡¯t he hate Eileen? How could he have risked his life to save her? Are they both still in touch?¡± Lydia asked doubtfully.

    Z, recalling the cold expression on Eileen¡¯s face, replied, ¡°That¡¯s not possible. It¡¯s possible that Bryan has not moved on from Eileen, but I¡¯m certain Eileen has moved on from him. You should have seen the look of disdain she had on her face even after he saved her. She left even before his surgery was over.¡±

    Lydia and Brandon exchanged knowing nces, as both of them seemed to havee to the same conclusion.

    Z added, ¡°I don¡¯t think I need to go to thepany right now. I just want to focus on taking care of Bryan so that we can get married.¡±

    ¡°If we manage to oust him from his position in thepany, it will no longer be necessary for you to marry him,¡± Brandon bluntly said.

    Lydia took Brandon¡¯s hand in hers and shook her head. She said to Z, ¡°We could kill two birds with one stone. You should head to the hospital once you¡¯re done with your work at thepany.¡±

    They had agreed for Z to go take care of Bryan in the hospital.

    Don¡¯t miss out g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??ls?c?m

    Z decided on a time to go to thepany before ending the call.

    She turned to Ste and said, ¡°Let me take care of Bryan.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s okay. He hates me and would send my people away. If you can persuade him to let you stay in the ward, then you can take care of him.¡± Ste looked quite relieved to hear that Bryan was okay.

    She caught a glimpse of Bryan through the window as the doctors and nurses pushed him to the ICU.

    He was wearing the blue and white hospital gown, which was unbuttoned at the chest to make space for the equipment to be attached. The machine beeped constantly. He was pale, and his lips were bloodless. He was unconscious.

    There was a look of worry and fear on Ste¡¯s face as she saw his condition.

    A car sped down the road.

    Hands clenched around her seatbelt, Eileen gazed out the window. She was trying to keep her emotions in check.

    She could still smell Bryan¡¯s blood, and her hands felt sticky as though they were still covered in it. Although she had cleaned the blood from her face, she had not been able to get rid of the smell.

    ¡°You know you can cry if you want to, Eileen,¡± Phoebe said, looking at her.

    She could sense the sadness hidden within Eileen¡¯s exterior.

    She added, ¡°I¡¯ve never seen Bryan look so miserable. If there was any misunderstanding between you two, just exin it. I think¡­¡±

    Phoebe cut herself short. She knew the presence of Ste and Brandon would make it impossible to convince Eileen.

    She hoped that the misunderstanding between Bryan and Eileen would not escte into something bigger. But on the other hand, she hoped Eileen would stay out of trouble, and Eileen wouldn¡¯t be able to do that if she married into the Dawson family, as the marriage would open the door to different sorts of conflicts.

    Eileen would be easy prey, as she had no family background. The Dawson family would likely cast her aside if they got backed into a corner.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to exin. I¡¯m just sad. That is better than losing my life,¡± Eileen said calmly.

    ¡°Forget what I said. You go home and get a good rest. I¡¯ll ask Jacob to keep an eye on you. You¡¯ll be notified if anything newes up.¡± Phoebe then pulled up to Eileen¡¯s house. She took out two pieces of tissue and handed them to her.

    Eileen took the tissues from her with a smile and said, ¡°You don¡¯t need to feel bad for me. I should be the one feeling bad, seeing as your wedding was ruined because of me.¡±

    She then suddenly recalled that somebody had pushed her back into the dangerous area intentionally.

    She said, ¡°The hotel staff won¡¯t be careless. Ask Jacob to investigate this issue, as I believe someone must have done something.¡±

    Eileen wasn¡¯t sure if somebody had found out about the deal between her and Julio or if something else was responsible for it.

    She only knew that she had a target on her back.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best to uncover the truth,¡± Phoebe said.

    Eileen turned around and went into her house. When she got in, she immediately took off her blood-stained clothes and took a shower.

    She then changed into her home clothes. Her eyes caught the bloodstain on the sink.

    Tears suddenly welled up in her eyes as she recalled how she had staggered when she had been shoved out. She remembered how Bryan had rushed out to catch her. At that moment, it had seemed nothing else mattered to him but her.

    Within her was a feeling of sadness, but she also felt relieved that she and the baby were okay. Julio had sent a dozen texts after the ident.

    He sent one every few minutes when she didn¡¯t respond. When Eileen finally saw the texts, she immediately texted him back, telling him that she was ¡°fine.¡±

    ¡°How about Mr. Dawson?¡± Julio asked.

    Julio had been kicked out of the hotel. It was from the hotel staff that he learned that Eileen and Bryan had been crushed under the crystalmp.

    ¡°He is in the ICU; he needs three days of observation, but he¡¯s stable now,¡± Eileen replied.

    Eileen then asked Julio if the Freguson family was aware of her partnership with him. Julio¡¯s response was no.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t officially made a move against the shareholders you investigated. Even if I do, they won¡¯t be able to connect you with it, so I believe this has nothing to do with it,¡± Julio said.

    Eileen grew thoughtful upon hearing this as she tried to think of what else could have a reason to harm her. It immediately urred to her that Kian was rted to Phoebe, so he must have been there today.

    She didn¡¯t remember seeing him.

    Regardless of who she suspected, she knew she needed evidence. She put her phone down and headed for the apartment across from hers.

    Bailee, after rushing out of the hotel, took a taxi, so she wasn¡¯t aware of what had happened.

    Huey chased after Phoebe¡¯s taxi. The taxi driver, upon noticing he was being chased, elerated.

    ¡°Did you get into an altercation with anyone? I think you should get down here. I won¡¯t charge you for the distance covered. Trying to outrun the car would likely lead to an ident,¡± the taxi driver said.

    Bailee could see Huey¡¯s car behind them from the rearview mirror.

    Bailee¡¯s eyes watered, but she said, ¡°Ignore him. Pay for whatever damage he causes you.¡± Bailee then looked away from the rearview mirror.

    The driver, upon this, continued to drive. When he finally got to the gate of the education agency, which was Bailee¡¯s destination, he let out a sigh of relief. When Bailee got out of the taxi, he stopped her.

    He grabbed her wrist and said, ¡°Please don¡¯t walk away. Let¡¯s talk.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to talk about. You broke your promise to me. I have nothing to say to you,¡± Bailee said, struggling to break free from his hold.

    ¡°I did what I did out of desperation. I¡¯ve thought about my actions, and I know I was wrong and shouldn¡¯t have lost my temper with you,¡± Huey said regretfully.

    Bailee stopped struggling but still refused to meet his eyes.

    Huey continued, ¡°Since you returned to Onnd, I haven¡¯t even had a meal alone. Although we see each other every day, you¡¯re always busy with work, and I¡¯m just there to keep youpany. Those are not dates; it¡¯s just me keeping youpany at work!¡±

    Huey had nned on taking her on dates to eat a lot of delicious food and watch movies.

    ¡°But I¡¯m busy with work. I¡¯ve shared a lot about my work at the education agency with you. You told me you understood,¡± Bailee retorted. Every time she workedte, Huey was there. Sometimes, he even fell asleep while staying with her at the education agency.

    Bailee did feel for him, but what could she do about it? She couldn¡¯t just give up her work.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t Eileen own the education agency? She could handle more of the tasks there. I preferred it back when you were just a receptionist. I want time with you,¡± Huey said.

    He couldn¡¯t stand the fact that they only met twice a week and only for five minutes each time. Bailee, however, wanted to support her family. She felt worthless anytime she remembered that Eileen had paid for her and Ruby¡¯s medical fees.

    She wanted to find her worth. Although the journey was still long, she believed that one day Eileen woulde to rely on her.

    Besides, Eileen was creating the needed opportunities for her.

    ¡°No. Eileen has not been herself for a while. She can¡¯t be allowed to handle everything. Her personal life is in disarray, and she needs time for herself. I have to manage the agency myself. I want to be able to support her and my mother,¡± Bailee said.

    Huey stared at her stubbornly for a while.

    Finally, he let go of her, turned around, and sat down on a stone chair by the roadside.

    His shoulders were slumped, and his head was lowered. Bailee, after thinking for a while, walked up to him and said, ¡°I¡¯ll only get busier. If you can¡¯t bear it¡­¡±

    ¡°Can we move in together?¡± Huey asked, cutting her short. ¡°I don¡¯t mean it that way. I¡¯m just saying that since I don¡¯t see you during the day, I can at least see you at night. You can move in with me. We don¡¯t have to stay in the same room,¡± Huey quickly exined. Bailee¡¯s cheeks flushed red at his suggestion.

    Huey added, ¡°Sometimes I¡¯ll be busy, and you will be busy. We have little time for each other except at night. I really want to spend time with you.¡± He stood up and approached Bailee, looking at her flushed face.

    He then gently took hold of her wrist, leaned down, and nted a kiss on her lips. The kiss was quick yet gentle.

    They had kissed before, but those kisses had been hurried and uneventful. This kiss was different, as it left Bailee unable to raise her head even after it was over.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 297

    ?Chapter 297:

    As someone walked by, Bailee hastily pushed Huey away, lowering her head to her chest.

    ¡°I¡¯ll mull it over and let you know,¡± she said.

    Although Ruby was almost fully recovered, she still couldn¡¯t be left alone. Bailee couldn¡¯t just move in with Huey and abandon Ruby to Eileen¡¯s care. Ultimately, she nned to decline but wanted to avoid another confrontation for now.

    ¡°Alright, take your time,¡± Huey said with a strained smile, adding remorsefully, ¡°Please tell Eileen I¡¯m sorry. I spoke without thinking earlier. You know how quick-tempered I can be.¡±

    Bailee nodded. ¡°I know. But next time, no matter how mad you get, control yourself in front of others. We can discuss things in private.¡±

    ¡°You have my word.¡± Huey quickly raised three fingers. ¡°I won¡¯t make the same blunder again. And don¡¯t stay angry. Holding onto anger will only age you faster, and I don¡¯t want to see you transform from a goddess into a haggard witch,¡± he joked to lighten the mood. Bailee¡¯s rare yful side emerged in his presence, and after a few moreughs, Huey let her return to her work at the educational institution.

    Time flew by, and before long, evening had descended. As she prepared to leave for home, the receptionist handed her a delicate little gift box.

    ¡°Ms. Bailee, your boyfriend asked me to give this to you. He said he didn¡¯t want to interrupt your busy day.¡± Inside was a ne, exactly Bailee¡¯s preferred style, along with a note filled with sweet words.

    Bailee¡¯s heart swelled with warmth, and she couldn¡¯t suppress the smile on her lips when she arrived home. Unaware of what had happened to Eileen, Bailee found Eileen helping Ruby in the kitchen.

    Rolling up her sleeves, she joined in. ¡°Eileen, I thought you¡¯d be out with Phoebe and the gang tonight.¡±

    L??t??st ch??pt??rs in g¦Ál??ovels.c?m

    ¡°No,¡± Eileen replied, surmising that the Burton and Meyer families were still in turmoil.

    After dealing with the hotel debacle, they likely had to visit either the Dawson family or the hospital to check on Bryan.

    That evening, Eileen, Ruby, and Bailee coborated on preparing dinner. Milford, who didn¡¯t have evening sses on Fridays, came back home in time to join them for the meal.

    Following dinner, Milford lent a hand with the dishes, while Ruby was soaking in a warm bath. Bailee brought up her predicament to Eileen.

    ¡°Huey¡¯s really been flying off the handletely, saying things without thinking. We¡¯ve been shing a lot because he just can¡¯t seem to keep his cool,¡± Bailee said.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t really bother me. I barely have any dealings with him. You spend way more time with him than I do,¡± Eileen replied nonchntly. At that moment, her phone buzzed with a message from Huey, sincerely apologizing. She added, ¡°He sent me an apology. Let him know I¡¯m not mad when you see him again.¡±

    She typed out a quick response. Huey then expressed his desire for Bailee to move in with him.

    ¡°I think Bailee¡¯s too worried about how to bring it up, so I¡¯m telling you. And if she does move in with me, we¡¯ll need you to look after Ruby more,¡± Huey texted.

    Eileen stared at the message, momentarily stunned.

    Bailee noticed Eileen¡¯s reaction and blurted out, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? What did he say?¡±

    ¡°He wants to move in with you,¡± Eileen said, setting the phone down with a sigh. ¡°And he asked me to take care of Mom more.¡±

    A blush crept onto Bailee¡¯s neck, a mix of embarrassment and annoyance swirling within her. ¡°We talked about it, but I never agreed. Mom needs you, and with the babying, I can¡¯t just leave you both hanging.¡±

    Eileen pondered for a moment. ¡°Mom and I can manage. You¡¯ll get married someday, and dragging us along wouldn¡¯t be fair. Ultimately, it¡¯s your call, but I can give you some advice. Living together could strengthen your rtionship by fostering closeness, but it can also magnify arguments. Take it slow, okay?¡±

    Her voice dropped to a whisper as she nced towards the bathroom. ¡°And remember, you¡¯ll need to have a conversation with Mom about this whole living together thing.¡±

    Bailee nodded. ¡°I know, Huey said we¡¯d have separate rooms.¡±

    The idea struck Eileen as childish, but she didn¡¯tment on it. ¡°Just be smart, Bailee,¡± she said gently. With that, Eileen excused herself, leaving Bailee alone with her thoughts.

    Recent fights with Huey had worn Bailee down, and the idea of avoiding further conflict held a certain appeal.

    Later that night, after tucking Ruby into bed with a ss of warm milk, Bailee hesitantly brought up the idea with Ruby.

    ¡°No way!¡± Ruby shut down the suggestion immediately. ¡°If Eileen hadn¡¯t wasted seven years taking care of me, she wouldn¡¯t be heartbroken and pregnant right now. You deserve love, honey, but aren¡¯t you worried things could go wrong?¡±

    Ruby had secretly hoped Eileen would terminate the pregnancy and start fresh, but she respected her choice regardless.

    ¡°Well, we¡¯d have separate rooms. There wouldn¡¯t be any idents,¡± Bailee stammered, trying to exin.

    Ruby chuckled, a hint of sadness in her eyes. ¡°That¡¯s not the point, sweetheart. Look at what happened with Eileen and the Dawson family. They promised to take care of her, and where did it get her? Heartbroken. Huey hasn¡¯t even introduced you to his mother properly. Does that sound like a recipe for happily ever after?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s situation was a constant source of heartache.

    The once charming facade of the Dawson family had crumbled, revealing a deceitful core that had left Eileen devastated.

    Ster promises of care and support had turned to dust, leaving Eileen alone to pick up the pieces.

    Bailee fell silent, the memory of Huey¡¯s denial of their rtionship in front of his mother stinging afresh.

    ¡°Here¡¯s an idea,¡± Ruby offered, her voice firm. ¡°You¡¯re not getting any younger, Bailee. If Huey¡¯s serious, why don¡¯t you two get married? Let¡¯s arrange a proper meeting between our families to discuss the wedding. What do you think?¡± Despite some reservations about Huey, Ruby saw him as a good man. But the memory of his public denial rankled.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about itter,¡± Bailee said, hugging her mother tightly. ¡°I¡¯ll find a chance to bring it up with Huey. Mom, I also feel for Eileen. She¡¯s always been so independent, and the least we can do is be there for her and the baby. Try not to worry so much, okay? I don¡¯t want her to pretend that everything¡¯s alright tofort us.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Ruby let out another sigh, giving Bailee aforting pat. ¡°We¡¯ve really burdened Eileen a lot in this lifetime. I don¡¯t want to, but I can¡¯t help it.¡±

    Ruby¡¯s eyes started to fill with tears, and Bailee quicklyforted her.

    Eileen arrived home to find a small cake on the table, a sweet surprise left by Milford.

    He beamed at her, gesturing for her to sit.

    ¡°I noticed you¡¯ve been craving sweetstely,¡± he exined, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. ¡°There¡¯s a new dessert shop on my way home with lines out the door, so I figured their stuff must be good. I only bought a small one; my budget only stretched so far.¡±

    Eileen couldn¡¯t help butugh. Her sweet tooth had been acting uptely. ¡°Are you telling me your allowance needs a boost? I can add another five hundred next month.¡±

    Milford¡¯s hands shot up in protest. ¡°I still have some left every month. I saved up for this one.¡±

    A yful glint entered Eileen¡¯s eyes. ¡°That¡¯s all well and good, but use the money you saved to treat yourself. High school¡¯s a grind, and you need your energy.¡±

    ¡°I can handle it,¡± Milford said, leaning forward with an earnest look. ¡°But when the babyes, can I be their uncle?¡±

    Uncle? The hopeful glint in Milford¡¯s eyes melted Eileen¡¯s heart.

    For a moment, she struggled to form words, her throat tightening with emotion.

    Seeing her reaction, Milford said, ¡°Right, the baby already has an uncle. Silly me.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright. You¡¯ll be Uncle Milford, but thates with responsibilities. After college, you¡¯ll be expected to shower the little one with gifts and treats. If it¡¯s a boy, he¡¯ll get y-Doh; if it¡¯s a girl, she¡¯ll get pretty dresses,¡± Eileen said, taking a bite of the cake, a wave of anticipation washing over her for the child growing inside her. Even without a father figure, the baby would be surrounded by love¡ªan uncle, an aunt, and a grandmother, all waiting to wee the little one into the world.

    Despite Roderick¡¯s absence, Eileen couldn¡¯t help but believe he would be overjoyed about the baby if he learned the news.

    Milford grinned, clearly happy with the prospect of being an uncle. ¡°The baby¡¯s due around June or July next year, right? Perfect timing for summer break. I can help out with childcare!¡±

    He was talking enthusiastically, obviously anticipating the baby that Eileen was going to have.

    His excitement was infectious, but a pang of sadness settled in Eileen¡¯s chest.

    If not for that fateful incident, she and Bryan would have been married by now. When he learned about the baby, his excitement would mirror Milford¡¯s.

    She remembered the nursery he had designed in their new house, one for a boy and one for a girl, a testament to his hopes and dreams for their future family.

    Memories flooded Eileen¡¯s mind, leaving her breathless with heartache.

    In the afternoon, Phoebe had sent pictures of Bryan in the ICU, mentioning Z¡¯s constant presence by his side. Eileen hadn¡¯t responded, yet Phoebe kept her updated on his condition.

    During dinner, Phoebe revealed that Bryan had awakened.

    He had called Raymond to the hospital and dismissed Z.

    But even after handling Apex Group¡¯s business during the day, Z returned to the hospital each night, lingering by Bryan¡¯s bedside.

    Raymond¡¯s attempts to dissuade her were futile.

    This pattern continued until Bryan¡¯s transfer to an ICU where a barricade of bodyguards ensured Z¡¯s exclusion.

    Since then, her nightly visits ceased, reced by a daily delivery of soup left with the guards.

    Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a pale glow on Bryan¡¯s contemtive face as he sat on the bed. This had be his norm. Raymond entered the room, sighing softly at the sight.

    Since leaving the ICU, Bryan had only inquired about Eileen. After learning she had returned home and hadn¡¯t left the house, he had fallen silent.

    Raymond¡¯s persistent reminders about Brandon¡¯s attempts to win over Apex Group¡¯s executives and shareholders in Z¡¯s favor fell on deaf ears.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 298

    ?Chapter 298:

    Bryan remained resolute.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, Brandon has called for a shareholders meeting. He¡¯s using you of risking everything for a woman and iming you¡¯re unfit to lead Apex Group. He¡¯s rallying support to have Z take over major projects,¡± Raymond said.

    If Brandon seeded, it meant gaining a trusted ally within Apex Group, potentially stripping Bryan of his authority.

    Bryan let out a dismissiveugh. ¡°Let him try. I¡¯m ready for whateveres.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Dawson,¡± Raymond was anxious. ¡°Have you thought about the consequences? Apex Group thrives under your leadership; it isn¡¯t equipped to handle this. If you yield now, you¡¯ll be at Brandon¡¯s mercy in the future.¡±

    Sunlight streamed through the window, casting light on Bryan¡¯s chest. His expression turned serious, his brows furrowing with deep concern. He nced outside, seemingly indifferent to Raymond¡¯s plea. The coldness in his eyes deepened.

    Raymond was desperate. Bryan¡¯s personal turmoil remained shrouded in mystery, leaving everyone puzzled about the abrupt cancetion of the wedding.

    But word had spread about Bryan¡¯s willingness to risk everything for Eileen.

    This news stirred up trouble within Apex Group, and Brandon¡¯s actions had turned many against Bryan.

    Raymond had tried to talk to Ste several times, but she med herself for Bryan¡¯s situation and felt powerless to help.

    Their hopes now hung in uncertainty, waiting on fate¡¯s whims.

    gal¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe?s.c?m is your update source

    Rumors whispered about changes in the Dawson family, signaling Bryan¡¯s potential downfall.

    Jacob arrived with an borate lunch. Catching sight of Raymond¡¯s somber expression, he raised an eyebrow. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Another twist from that troublemaker in the Dawson family?¡±

    Raymond paused, then told Jacob, ¡°Mr. Meyer, I need your help to persuade Mr. Dawson.¡±

    ¡°Alright, you can leave now.¡± Jacob carefully set the lunch on the table. Once Raymond had left, he leaned closer to Bryan and spoke. ¡°So, are you nning to stay like this forever? If Brandon gains control of the Dawson family, who knows what¡¯ll happen to you?¡±

    Bryan stayed silent, starting to eat.

    Despite his apparent despair, Jacob couldn¡¯t help but notice Bryan¡¯s regr habit of eating three meals a day, which seemed contradictory to his troubled state. But if Bryan truly wanted to move forward in life, he wouldn¡¯t ignore the chaos brewing at Apex Group.

    ¡°If you¡¯re that disengaged from it all, maybe I shouldn¡¯t bother telling you who was behind the chandelier incident that night¡­¡± Jacob sat down on the sofa and retrieved his phone.

    Before he could unlock his phone, Bryan swiftly grabbed it from him. Standing barefoot in front of Jacob, Bryan looked down and said firmly, ¡°Cut the crap; just tell me.¡±

    ¡°Alright, alright,¡± Jacob relented. ¡°It was Kian.¡± Investigating the incident had turned out to be quite a struggle. The hotel staff were easily swayed with bribes, and digging deeper hadn¡¯t uncovered anything useful.

    By chance, Jacob had bumped into Benjamin, who had mentioned that Kian had once told him to send money to someone. Further digging had revealed this person was rted to one of the bribed hotel staff members.

    Bryan threw the phone aside, his eyes glinting with determination. He swiftly finished his meal and wiped his mouth. ¡°Bring Raymond back.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s your n?¡± Jacob asked, concern evident in his voice. ¡°Kian ruined my wedding, and I¡¯ll get back at him. But you¡¯re now¡­¡±

    With the Apex Group in chaos, picking a fight with the Warren family could spell disaster for Bryan.

    Bryan remainedposed, casually twitching his wrist without looking Jacob¡¯s way. He repeated firmly, ¡°Bring Raymond back.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Jacob had no option but to summon Raymond back. He lingered, curious about Bryan¡¯s next course of action.

    But Bryan instructed Raymond to escort him out, firmly ushering him out of the ward.

    ¡°Proceed with the n against the Warren family,¡± his voice devoid of warmth.

    Raymond pressed his lips together and then said, ¡°Yes, and for Apex Group¡­ Can I arrange for you to participate in the shareholders¡¯ meeting via video?¡± He hoped Bryan would act to mitigate the impending disaster.

    ¡°Sure, set it up!¡± This time, Bryan didn¡¯t object. After Raymond left, he sat in contemtive silence before cing a call.

    It wasn¡¯t clear who he spoke with, but the man on the other end listened attentively and addressed him respectfully as ¡°Mr. Dawson.¡±

    ¡°Make sure to inform the shareholders about the meeting.¡± The highly anticipated shareholders¡¯ meeting quickly arrived.

    Bryan¡¯s face appeared on therge screen, looking pale and exhausted, revealing the strain of his illness.

    Unaware of Bryan¡¯s virtual presence, Brandon furrowed his brow momentarily before regaining hisposure. ¡°A CEO has to take responsibility. Risking everything for a woman and then falling into despair¡­ If I¡¯m not pushing for his removal, it¡¯s only because of family ties.

    How many projects have been dyed in his absence? Without strong leadership, Apex Group will¡­¡± Brandon said firmly.

    Seated confidently in Bryan¡¯s usual seat, Brandon paid no mind to the screen behind him. His impassioned speech prompted murmurs of agreement from several shareholders.

    Feeling satisfied with his influence, Brandon let out a sigh of relief. He was convinced he had persuaded enough people, trusting others woulde to understand the current situation.

    He knew the main reason Bryan remained in the CEO¡¯s position was his authority. Neither Z nor he could fully take over Apex Group¡¯s leadership.

    His aim at the meeting wasn¡¯t just to immediately remove Bryan but rather to pave the way for Z to gain significant influence. Their strategy aimed to gradually undermine Bryan¡¯s position until his removal was inevitable.

    ¡°Z has extensive international experience and strong capabilities,¡± Brandon stated confidently. ¡°She can certainly lead Apex Group out of its current challenges. I think the pros and cons are clear, so let¡¯s proceed with the vote.¡±

    With a nod to Lydia, Brandon gestured for her to distribute paper and pens.

    ¡°Everyone, don¡¯t be nervous,¡± Brandon reassured the shareholders. ¡°This is an anonymous vote, so there¡¯s no need to fear any repercussions.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Z breathed a sigh of relief. In such uncertain times, avoiding conflict was crucial, and anonymous voting provided a safe option.

    Shareholders began casting their votes on whether Z should take charge of Apex Group¡¯s major projects. However, Z herself wasn¡¯t pleased with how things were unfolding.

    Things weren¡¯t going ording to her n. She had hoped that by pushing Eileen away and confessing her feelings for Bryan to Ste, she could convince Ste to let her marry Bryan for the sake of business.

    Believing Bryan would prioritize the bigger picture, she had nned for their marriage to win his favor, and then she would turn against Brandon and Lydia.

    Perhaps in time, Bryan might soften towards her or at least acknowledge her efforts. Either way, Bryan wouldn¡¯t leave her.

    That way, she would achieve her goal.

    But now, neither Ste nor Bryan had reacted ording to her n. Bryan now resented her, and with his injury, Lydia and Brandon had altered their strategy.

    They no longer pushed for a marriage but sought control of Apex Group eagerly.

    At this rate, they might abandon the marriage n altogether and let her take over Apex Group, preparing it for Travis.

    Z clenched her hands tightly under the table, her gaze fixed on the impassive figure on the screen.

    She couldn¡¯t defy Brandon and Lydia. Bryan was herst hope, but¡­

    She felt anxious and lost now.

    In less than five minutes, the voting concluded. Z gathered the ballots and asked a senior executive from Apex Group to announce the results.

    The votes teetered back and forth, each count bringing heightened tension.

    With thirty-nine votes in total, the tally remained deadlocked at the thirty-eighth vote.

    Z held her breath, praying the final vote would go against her, forcing Brandon to reconsider marrying her to Bryan.

    But luck wasn¡¯t on her side. Thest vote tipped in favor of her assuming power, narrowly giving Brandon the victory.

    Brandon exchanged a satisfied nce with Lydia before standing and turning around, his demeanor smug as he faced Bryan.

    ¡°The majority has spoken,¡± Brandon dered confidently. ¡°The shareholders have made their decision. There¡¯s no point in resisting now. Some projects will shift to Z¡¯s control. Get things organized quickly.¡±

    Bryan said nothing, finally lifting his eyes to look at the shareholders, who avoided his stare.

    After a pause, he said coldly, ¡°Let me be clear. From now on, Z Murray will hold Apex Group¡¯s fate in her hands. I wash my hands of any responsibility. If anything goes awry, Brandon, you¡¯llpensate the shareholders by giving up your shares in Apex Group.¡± He demanded Brandon relinquish his shares outright!

    Brandon hesitated, reluctant to give an answer.

    ¡°What if Z actually turns Apex Group around?¡± Lydia countered, her voice sharp with challenge. ¡°Will you then make up for your negligence to the shareholders, Bryan?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s lips twisted into a mocking smile. ¡°Let¡¯s bet on it. If she seeds in stabilizing Apex Group, I¡¯ll give up my shares and step down as CEO. But if she fails, you¡¯ll hand your shares back to Apex Group.¡±

    Z felt a weight settle heavily on her shoulders. She hadn¡¯t anticipated bing the focal point in Bryan and Brandon¡¯s power struggle over Apex Group.

    An unsettling feeling crept over her, though she couldn¡¯t quite pinpoint its origin.

    Before Brandon could reply, Lydia swiftly intervened, saying, ¡°There¡¯s no rush to decide now. Let¡¯s take a few days to think it over and give you our answer. We¡¯ll also inform the shareholders of our decision. How does that sound?¡±

    ¡°Coward!¡± Bryan spat out the word in disgust and abruptly terminated the video call.

    Brandon red furiously at the now dark screen and hurled the object in his hand at the monitor.

    Despite his serious injury and the doctor¡¯s orders for a two-week hospital stay, Bryan grew restless after just one week.

    He pushed theptop aside with a sigh and summoned Raymond to arrange his discharge.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, your wound hasn¡¯t healedpletely,¡± Raymond said, disagreeing with the idea.

    But Bryan was already getting dressed, adjusting the thick bandages around his chest where faint stains of blood still lingered.

    Unwavering, he said, ¡°Jacob¡¯s hosting a dinner tonight with close friends. I¡¯m going.¡±

    ¡°Are you going to socialize or to see Ms. Curtis?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 299

    ?Chapter 299:

    Bryan¡¯s cold gaze shifted slightly, locking onto Raymond. He stated icily, ¡°She won¡¯t attend.¡±

    After a moment, Raymond ventured another piece of advice. ¡°The Apex Group is in turmoil now. How can you even think about heading to the club? Aren¡¯t you concerned about the consequences?¡±

    ¡°About what?¡± Bryan cut him off sharply. ¡°Worried you¡¯ll lose out on perks if you stick with me? Then you might want to start job hunting.¡± Raymond was left at a loss for words.

    He watched as Bryan slipped into a suit and departed from the hospital room.

    Today, Jacob and Phoebe had each invited their friends separately to meals to sidestep any awkward encounters. Eileen, having attended Phoebe¡¯s wedding, had initially stayed home but decided toe out after receiving several calls from Phoebe.

    She knew that as her pregnancy advanced, it would be harder for her to go out in the future.

    Alongside her were Bailee, Julio, and a handful of Phoebe¡¯s longtime friends¡ªseven people in total¡ªwho gathered at the entrance of a posh private club. Phoebe led them into the reserved room.

    Upon opening the door to the private room, a mix of smoke and alcohol wafted out. Inside, the room buzzed with talking andughter, with Jacob at the center, microphone in hand, yfully singing.

    For a moment, Eileen was stunned.

    After a short pause, Jacob set the microphone down and approached Phoebe, asking softly, ¡°Honey, why are you here?¡±

    Fresh updates loaded g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m

    ¡°What do you mean, why am I here?¡± Phoebe responded sharply. ¡°I¡¯m the one who booked this room.¡±

    The waiter, still holding the door open, was visibly confused and asked, ¡°Mr. Meyer, Mrs. Meyer, aren¡¯t you two together?¡±

    At this, Phoebe pped her forehead and eximed, ¡°I forgot I used Jacob¡¯s membership card to book the room.¡± That chance encounter had also led the club staff to believe they were together and thus prepared only one room.

    ¡°Honey, our timing is unbelievably perfect,¡± Jacob joked, ncing next to Phoebe, stepping aside. In a shadowy corner was Bryan, with his dark eyes and chiseled features set in an unreadable expression. His legs were casually crossed, a cigarette dangling from his fingers, the smoke swirling around him.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t he supposed to be in the hospital?¡± Phoebe had intentionally nned separate invitations to avoid exactly this type of awkward encounter.

    She hadn¡¯t anticipated her careful arrangements would be in vain.

    ¡°I assumed he wouldn¡¯t attend since he was hospitalized, so I just called him on a whim. Yet, he was the first one here,¡± Jacob said. ¡°He looks rough, but he¡¯s mingling with these tough kids as if he is a different person now.¡±

    ¡°Then¡­¡± Phoebe turned to Eileen and said, ¡°Let¡¯s find a different room.¡±

    The waiter quickly interjected, ¡°Mrs. Meyer, there are no more private rooms avable now.¡±

    ¡°Then we¡¯ll go somewhere else,¡± Phoebe decided promptly and began leading Eileen out. ¡°Hey, Phoebe, why leave just as you¡¯ve arrived?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, we didn¡¯t even get to clink sses at your wedding. Now that we¡¯ve finally got the chance, you can¡¯t just leave.¡±

    Several affluent young men burst out of the private room, halting Phoebe¡¯s exit and gently nudging her group back inside.

    After dealing with them, Phoebe turned to see Eileen and Bailee already settled in a corner.

    The otherdies she had brought began socializing with the young men they knew there.

    Finding herself unable to leave, Phoebe approached Eileen with a look of apology and whispered, ¡°I¡¯m sorry; I didn¡¯t expect things to turn out like this.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Eileen stayedposed, pointedly ignoring the intense staresing from a specific direction.

    She and Julio interacted sparingly, maintaining a distance that suggested they weren¡¯t close, especially under the watchful eyes around them.

    The conversation only flowed when Phoebe reminisced about their school days.

    Meanwhile, Bryan, stationed in a corner, was the center of attention among the young men, actively participating in every discussion and game.

    He epted every cigarette offered to him and engaged in each game, his cigarette seemingly permanently affixed to his lips.

    Witnessing his demeanor, Phoebe felt overwhelmed. She impulsively pulled out her phone and began showing Eileen pictures of potential suitors. ¡°You¡¯re not getting any younger; it¡¯s time to think about settling down. Look, here are some suitable men from respectable families¡ªtall, short, heavy, slim¡ªpick anyone you like,¡± she said.

    These photos had been collected earlier while she searched for a suitable groomsman for Eileen. Jacob had halted her efforts, fearing it might set Bryan off.

    Yet, there was no outburst. Bryan continued smoking, ying cards, and enjoying himself, seemingly without a care.

    Phoebe¡¯s aim was simply to get revenge for Eileen, who yed along, examining the photos with a serious demeanor and asionally remarking, ¡°This one isn¡¯t bad; he looks quite dependable¡­ Yeah, that one is good too; he seems trustworthy. This one¡¯s not great; he looks a bit difficult to deal with.¡±

    The mood grew noticeably tense, and the chatter around Bryan slowly died down.

    Yet Bryan kept on, nonchntly smoking and shuffling cards, his eyes dark and intense.

    The veins in his hands stood out, his grip on the cards tight.

    Each of Eileen¡¯s seemingly casual remarks pierced his heart like daggers.

    He snuffed out his cigarette, seized an uncorked bottle of wine, and started drinking heavily.

    Wine dribbled from his mouth, tracing a path down his sharply defined chin and pronounced Adam¡¯s apple, staining his white shirt.

    ¡°Damn!¡± Jacob sprang up, rmed. ¡°Do you want to die? The doctor strictly forbade alcohol! It could kill you!¡±

    He made a grab for the bottle, but Bryan dodged him. After draining the bottle, Bryan threw it aside and red at Eileen, his harsh words slicing through the air. ¡°You have the right to be choosy? You¡¯re just a woman who chases money; why botherplicating things at all? Just pick the wealthiest one. Clinging to money is your safety, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°I need someone intelligent so that I won¡¯t end up entangled with someone both financially and emotionally involved and hard to get rid of,¡± Eileen said, meeting his gaze with icy detachment. At that, Bryan abruptly rose and stepped out of the shadows.

    His long legs, d in ck trousers, carried him toward her as he reached out and firmly grasped her chin. Leaning close, his eyes burned with a rage that seemed to devour all in its path.

    ¡°Throwing veiled insults? Eileen Curtis, you have quite a sharp tongue. Let¡¯s see if you remain as defiant when facing real money,¡± he said.

    Bailee was momentarily shocked by his behavior. As she came to her senses, she swiftly reached for Bryan¡¯s wrist, attempting to pull his hand off Eileen.

    Yet his icy stare chilled her to the bone, causing her to involuntarily let go.

    Phoebe swiftly stepped in, eximing, ¡°Bryan, have you lost your mind? This isn¡¯t Eileen¡¯s fault. Why don¡¯t you sort out the Dawson family¡¯s troubles by yourself?¡± The cloud of smoke from Bryan made Eileen ufortable, and his firm hold on her jaw left her unable to speak.

    Tears welled up in her eyes, but she bravely returned his gaze.

    Ignoring everyone else, Bryan¡¯s dark eyes mirrored her defiance. He said, ¡°Fond of money? Then be my mistress forever. Spend freely. Whatever you want, it¡¯s yours.¡± Eileen suddenly pped him.

    Bryan¡¯s head jerked to the side, the imprint of a hand vivid on his cheek, slightly narrowing his eyes. ¡°Bryan, stop!¡± Jacob dashed over, seizing Bryan and forcefully dragging him back.

    Bryan¡¯s expression was fierce, suggesting he might crush Eileen¡¯s jaw at any moment.

    Bryan waspelled to let go of her chin, and Eileen was jolted onto the couch.

    Phoebe and Bailee quickly lifted her, checking how she was.

    ¡°Are you alright? Eileen, do you feel okay?¡± Bailee was concerned about the baby but didn¡¯t voice it due to the crowd.

    Eileen nodded, then got up and fixed her gaze on Bryan. Jacob¡¯s forceful handling had aggravated Bryan¡¯s injury,

    A stain of blood appeared on his white shirt, yet he remained still, allowing Jacob to press down on his wound as he kept his focus on Eileen. ¡°Can you handle this? Do you really need me that badly?¡±

    ¡°Fine, as long as I pay. I don¡¯t care. If not you, I¡¯ll simply find someone else, right?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s words were sharp, each one cutting deeply. Jacob couldn¡¯t hold back and eximed, ¡°Eileen, you¡¯re so heartless! Do you want him to die?¡±

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Eileen replied as she adjusted her coat, her tone blunt. ¡°He¡¯s a valuable benefactor. It would indeed be a shame if he died.¡±

    ¡°Phoebe, get her out of here!¡± Jacob, feeling his hold on Bryan weakening, called out urgently.

    Phoebe, seeing Bryan¡¯s furious look, feared for Eileen¡¯s safety. She quickly grabbed her bag and escorted Eileen out of the room with Bailee.

    Eileen and Bryan¡¯s conflict was observed by everyone present.

    Once Eileen was gone, Jacob let go of Bryan and immediately suggested they head to the hospital after noticing the blood on Bryan¡¯s shirt.

    ¡°No need; I¡¯m not going to die.¡± Bryan adjusted his tie and resettled himself on the sofa, returning to his smoking and drinking.

    Hisplexion grew paler, but seated in the dim corner, it was difficult to notice. The room gradually regained its lively atmosphere.

    However, Jacob, concerned Bryan might copse, ended the gathering early and insisted on taking Bryan back to the hospital.

    The event concluded on a sour note, and throughout the drive home, Jacob continually expressed his frustration that neither he nor Phoebe could influence Eileen and Bryan¡¯s tumultuous rtionship.

    The brief one-hour gathering soon became the talk of the town.

    Meanwhile, Brandon was heatedly debating with Lydia over the bet.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you let me agree?¡± Brandon said. The thought of Bryan publiclybeling him a coward cut deep.

    ¡°Brandon, don¡¯t act rashly. We need to be cautious. The bet might be one of Bryan¡¯s tricks. Plus, it¡¯s crucial that we keep Z on our side,¡± Lydia was particrly concerned that Z might waver at a decisive moment. It was clear to her that Z harbored feelings for Bryan.

    If they ced all their bets on Z and she had a change of heart, their n would definitely fail.

    Brandon, slowly regaining hisposure, settled into deep thought on the sofa. There were several strategies to secure Z¡¯s allegiance, yet deciphering Bryan¡¯s true motives proved challenging.

    Bryan risked his life for a woman and ignored his business responsibilities. Was he genuinely unraveling, or was this all an act?

    Suddenly, Lydia¡¯s phone interrupted the silence. She answered it, and momentster, she ended the call with a beaming smile. ¡°Brandon, I have good news.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 300

    ?Chapter 300:

    ndon looked at Lydia, his expression one of confusion. ¡°What good news? Did Bryan meet his end?¡±

    ¡°Not that good,¡± Lydia replied. ¡°However, tonight Jacob threw a party. Bryan attended and ran into Eileen. He almost choked her; then he mingled with a rowdy crowd and indulged in drinks and smokes. Jacob was worried about him, so he shut down the party early and sent Bryan back to the hospital.¡±

    Lydia considered the implications, realizing that Bryan had truly fallen hard for Eileen.

    After a brief pause, Brandon smirked. ¡°What a fool, destroying himself over a woman.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s urate, yet¡­ we must remain vignt. I¡¯ll take care of Z. You need to prepare a contract for Bryan, simr to when you transferred half of your shares to him. Incorporate certain terms¡­ so that even if we face defeatter, the contract will be invalid,¡± Lydia said.

    Lydia and Brandon plotted with precision, directing their schemes against Bryan.

    The following morning, Lydia met with Z,ying a contract before her.

    ¡°I¡¯m aware that you¡¯re fond of Bryan and wish to marry him, but unless you secure genuine power over him, he won¡¯t consider marrying you,¡± Lydia said.

    Caught off guard, Z strove to maintain herposure. ¡°Whether I marry Bryan or not, I¡¯m loyal to you. I¡¯ll do whatever is necessary.¡±

    Though Lydia heard her words, she remained skeptical.

    ¡°That would be for the best. Here¡¯s the deal. If you manage to secure Apex Group and deliver it safely to Travis, we¡¯ll ensure your marriage to Bryan,¡± Lydia said. ¡°Once you take control of Apex Group, Bryan might just realize his mistake ande back to you on his own. With the way things stand between you two now, it seems impossible for him to marry you.¡±

    Z was well aware of the altercation between Bryan and Eileen the previous evening at the club. She believed Bryan still harbored feelings for Eileen, yet his resentment was overshadowing his love. His recent descent in behavior was temporary, and she would eventually show him that she was the one who truly stood by him.

    After wrestling with her thoughtsst night, Z resolved that she would take over Apex Group at any cost. Once Bryan returned to his better senses, she would reach her objective.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll sign it,¡± Z dered. She scrutinized the document, found it sound, and signed it without hesitation.

    ¡°Taking a position at Apex Group won¡¯t be simple. Aren¡¯t you on good terms with Kian? The Warren family has connections with Apex Group; maybe he could lend you a hand,¡± Lydia said.

    After Z signed the document, Lydia started advising her on strategies to quickly establish her presence at Apex Group.

    Within three days, Bryan and Brandon had formalized their agreement, signing it before the entire board of shareholders.

    Bryan had personally attended the signing at Apex Group, looking noticeably gaunt. The shareholders¡¯ most recent memory of him was from photographs at a wealthy yboy¡¯s yacht party, coupled with rumors of his wild conduct. Signing the agreement brought a new restraint to his demeanor; he began showing up at thepany daily, yet it was more a formality than amitment. The responsibility for several major projects was transferred to Z. At Lydia¡¯s urging, Z turned to Kian for assistance.

    Two months flew by.

    Eileen vanished from the public spotlight, gradually fading from everyone¡¯s memory. During the family¡¯s shareholders¡¯ meeting, Julio leveraged his substantial shareholding to overpower Kaysen and ascended to the presidency of Fregusan Group. Eileen was his strongest supporter.

    With the presidency secured, Julio ousted Kaysen from thepany and removed his loyal senior staff, ushering in a sweeping reorganization. The role of general manager was left unupied, reserved for Eileen.

    Now five months into her pregnancy, Eileen avoided public appearances. Julio decided to leave the position for Eileen after she gave birth. Late one night, after addressing the internal conflicts within Fregusan Group, Julio and Eileen convened a video conference.

    Despite her pregnancy, Eileen looked radiant and had not put on much weight. Dressed in winter attire, her condition was hardly discernible. As they sifted through business data, sheid out her thoughts to Julio.

    ¡°You¡¯ve secured the presidency, yet the seat remains shaky. Your less-than-ethical approach to acquiring these shares means you¡¯ll now encounter numerous adversaries. It¡¯s crucial to secure significant projects to assert your authority and ward off potential challenges.¡±

    Julio nodded, absorbing her advice. ¡°I¡¯m aware. That¡¯s precisely why I¡¯m scouting for opportunities that Fregusan Group could capitalize on. Do you have any rmendations?¡±

    Given the current predicament of Fregusan Group, coboration was unlikely unless they adopted a proactive and assertive approach.

    ¡°Apex Group,¡± Eileen said, pausing to let the words linger. ¡°Fregusan Group and Apex Group are destined rivals. If you manage to take over Apex Group¡¯s projects and bring them to fruition sessfully, Fregusan Group¡¯s position will be cemented.¡±

    Such a move would not only stabilize their internal workforce but also showcase Fregusan Group¡¯s prowess to external observers.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Julio¡¯s surprise was evident when Eileen mentioned Apex Group. He hadn¡¯t expected her to consider thatpany.

    Eileen lowered her gaze, masking her true feelings. After a brief pause, her lips curled into a slight smile. ¡°What is the matter? Are you scared?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely not,¡± Julio replied instantly, his confidence unwavering. ¡°Currently, Z heads Apex Group with Brandon¡¯s support, but they pose no real threat. Had it still been Bryan at the helm, I might have had reservations.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m directing you to focus on Apex Group.¡±

    Eileen exined, reflecting on her strategy. ¡°The Warren family as well. Seize any projects you can; lure away any talent possible. You¡¯re halfway there, but truly elevating Fregusan Group in the business world hinges on your ability to be both ruthless and skilled.¡±

    The icy screen was the only barrier between them as their gazes locked. A lengthy silence lingered until Julio broke into a smile. ¡°Eileen, you¡¯re truly a treasure. I couldn¡¯t have made it this far without you.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s reply was cool and measured. ¡°Let¡¯s skip the emotional speeches. We¡¯re both getting what we came for.¡±

    Suddenly, Julio¡¯s tone shifted. ¡°Do you hate Bryan? Is that why you¡¯re siding with me? Sure, safeguarding the child is part of it, but your hatred for him¡­ that¡¯s pushing you to go after Apex Group, right?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s hands tightened slightly, a subtle sign of tension. She dodged the question smoothly. ¡°Apex Group is our best bet.¡±

    Julio agreed with her. He epted her evasion, opting to switch topics. ¡°Apex Group has its sights set onnd in the south suburbs. They¡¯re looking to hammer out a deal with the government¡­¡±

    While business and politics seldom intersected, when they did, the stakes were high, and the rewards were substantial. This was a major project for Apex Group, one they had been setting up for months, poised with confidence to clinch it.

    ¡°Find out who in the government is working on this. Z and Kian are pushing forward based on Bryan¡¯s initial blueprint, but with the leadership shake-up, they might overlook some details, leaving vulnerabilities,¡± Eileen said.

    After a moment of contemtion, Eileen recalled a connection. ¡°You know Benjamin Nash, Bryan¡¯s assistant, right? Maybe you should contact him.¡±

    The reason for reaching out to Benjamin was evident¡ªpoach Benjamin, employing tactics that were anything but clean. For Julio, ying dirty wasn¡¯t just an option, it was a necessity to avoid defeat.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it, but I need you to write up a project proposal,¡± Julio stated, his voice reflecting his current overload of tasks and hisck of faith in his team¡¯s reliability. Besides, he was certain that any proposalcking Eileen¡¯s input would be inferior.

    Eileen nodded in agreement. After exchanging a few more words, they concluded their video call. Rising from her chair, Eileen moved over to the bed and sat down, her gaze settling on her barely noticeable baby bump.

    Despite assurances from regr medical check-ups that the baby was progressing well, Eileen asionally harbored concerns about its seemingly small size. Yet, the constant reassurances from her doctors did little to alleviate the worries of Bailee and Ruby, who diligently monitored her nutrition.

    As dinner time neared, Eileen headed to the apartment across the hall. Bailee and Ruby, engrossed in their kitchen chores and conversation, didn¡¯t notice her.

    ¡°Why did Eileen fall out with Bryan?¡± Ruby questioned with a sigh, her toneced with concern.

    ¡°There¡¯s constant about Bryan. They say the rising star in the business world has crashed. Could it be because of Bailee?¡± gently stirring the pot, she shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. She¡¯s kept it to herself.¡±

    Ruby, wiping a spill on the stove, said, ¡°Even though Eileen seems okay, she¡¯s been smiling less and staying indoors more since their fallout. The doctor emphasized she needs more exercise to avoidplications during delivery.¡±

    Pausing, she nced at Bailee and suggested, ¡°Tomorrow¡¯s the weekend, and it¡¯s your day off, right? Let¡¯s take Eileen out for a walk to the nearby supermarket. It¡¯s unlikely we¡¯ll run into anyone familiar there.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Bailee agreed, but then sighed heavily. ¡°They¡¯re both so unhappy. Why did they end things?¡±

    Ruby spun around, only to freeze at the sight of Eileen standing in the dining area. She swiftly nudged Bailee.

    ¡°Eileen, are you ready to eat? The soup¡¯s almost done, and dinner will be on the table shortly,¡± Ruby said.

    Eileen mustered a smile as if she hadn¡¯t heard anything and started to approach the kitchen when Ruby quickly steered her back.

    ¡°Being in the kitchen isn¡¯t great for you right now, not with all these cooking fumes. Why don¡¯t you rx here? Tomorrow, Bailee and I will take you shopping. We¡¯ll pick up anything you fancy to make sure you¡¯re eating well.¡±

    Despite wanting to object to the continuous small talk, Eileen nodded in agreement. She thought a brief visit to the nearby underground supermarket would be uneventful, unlikely to bring her into contact with anyone familiar.

    However, the moment they stepped into the supermarket, even before beginning their shopping, they encountered Bryan. He was in the produce section, chilling in the cool draft from the fridges, his intense gazending on Eileen. Eileen was dressed in an oversized ck down jacket that hid her figure, revealing only her slender calves and her now thinner face.

    Bryan was holding her preferred type of seafood, his cart alreadyden with her favorite items. He added the seafood to his cart and began pushing it her way.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 301

    ?Chapter 301:

    Eileen¡¯s loose down jacket hid her slightly swollen belly, yet she couldn¡¯t shake the fear of being discovered. She clenched her hands inside her pockets and turned to walk in another direction before Bryan could catch up.

    Bryan paused, his hold on the shopping cart briefly loosening as he watched her walk away, his gaze intense. He pressed his lips together, and a brief sh of coldness reced theplexity in his eyes.

    Bailee and Ruby snapped out of their daze and hurried to follow Eileen. They hadn¡¯t expected Eileen to encounter Bryan, especially since she had been avoiding going out for some time. They trailed behind in silence, unsure of what to say.

    They didn¡¯t approach Eileen until she became lost in thought and stood still for a long time.

    ¡°Eileen, do you like this one?¡± Ruby followed her gaze to a baby carriage.

    ¡°No, Mom. I suddenly have a craving for your home cooking. Let¡¯s pick up some ingredients and head back so that you can make me a meal,¡± Eileen replied.

    Eileen seldom expressed a desire for something specific, so Ruby quickly agreed to buy the ingredients for a home-cooked meal.

    At the checkout, the cashier scanned the items Bryan had chosen. Raymond rushed over to collect the purchases and handle the payment.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, Julio¡¯s sudden attempt to take over the Freguson Group has stirred quite a bit of public spection. Someone could be behind him. The media has been dissecting the Freguson family¡¯s situation and seems to think Julio might very well be ourpetitor.¡± Raymond had foreseen the possible challenges, so he immediately briefed Bryan.

    He added, ¡°The individual backing Julio is quite mysterious, known for their merciless approach and deep business acumen. We should not take them lightly. Mr. Dawson, do you intend to regain control of the business project from Z?¡±

    L¦Á¦Ó??¦Ó ?§ß¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?l??.??om

    If Bryan didn¡¯t reim the project, the Apex Group stood a high chance of losing it.

    After Raymond¡¯s statement, there was silence for a while. Raymond nced sideways and noticed Bryan had paused at the rest area near the supermarket¡¯s exit.

    In the corner of the rest area was a designated smoking zone. Bryan lit a cigarette, slipped a hand into his pocket, and casually watched the checkout area.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson?¡± Raymond was beginning to think Bryan was losing his mind. Sometimes, Bryan would logically weigh the advantages and disadvantages. However, at other times, his judgment seemed wed. For instance, why choose now to take a smoke break?

    Raymond approached Bryan and repeated his concerns.

    As Bryan exhaled smoke, he replied nonchntly, ¡°Let Z keep the project. She will be the one to face the consequences of any failures. What¡¯s there to worry about?¡±

    ¡°But you have to think about the Apex Group! It¡¯s more than just business; our reputation is at stake. How dare the Freguson Group attempt to snatch our most lucrative project?¡± Raymond pressed his point with urgency.

    In response, Bryan scoffed. ¡°Is our reputation that valuable? Everyone knows Brandon manages Apex Group through Z now. If he loses the project, the disgrace is his alone. As for Apex Group, it doesn¡¯t concern me. Someone might ce thepany above everything else.¡±

    ¡°But there¡¯s a way to avoid all this,¡± Raymond said, hoping to persuade Bryan, but he was unsessful.

    Suddenly, Raymond noticed Eileen. She was walking arm-in-arm with Bailee and Ruby, heading toward the parking lot.

    He seemed to realize something. ¡°So, you¡¯re beening to this supermarket every day, pretending to shop, just hoping to bump into Eileen?¡±

    He muttered this to himself in a low voice, fearful of being overheard by Bryan. Bryan, however, wasn¡¯t paying attention to him at all. He watched Eileen until she vanished into the underground exit.

    Bryan then discarded his cigarette and watched it extinguish for a moment. After a long while, he left the supermarket.

    The business world was changing, and Julio¡¯s story was bound to dominate the headlines for some time. When a business analyst was interviewed by the media, he suggested that someone must be supporting Julio in secret.

    Many investigated Julio¡¯s circle, analyzing everyone from his personal life to his professional contacts from his days as awyer. Yet, they were unable to determine who had the influence to be advising Julio so effectively.

    The puzzle was eventually buried when the Freguson Group got involved in the new project.

    Eileen, who knew Bryan well, understood his views on business strategies and ideas. She reviewed the details of the project and crafted a strategy from Bryan¡¯s perspective. She then forwarded the n to Julio, who found it wless. They spent several evenings on video calls, meticulously refining the strategy, which prepared Julio well for the discussions on coboration.

    The project was open forpetitive bidding, drawing attention from numerous media outlets and business moguls. Julio arrived early, nked by two bodyguards, but they were halted at the entrance of the venue.

    Upon entering, Julio¡¯s gaze immediately met Kaysen¡¯s across the room. A brief, intense spark red between them. Julio took his seat with a nonchnt demeanor, awaiting themencement of the bidding. Kaysen leaned slightly and instructed his subordinate, ¡°Follow the n. I¡¯m confident we can draw our backer.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± his subordinate replied, signaling subtly to someone.

    Ten minutester, there was still half an hour until the bidding began. Julio decided to review the n on hisptop. However, when he reached for hisputer, he discovered it was missing.

    A sense of foreboding washed over him, and his expression darkened. He cast a suspicious nce at Kaysen.

    Kaysen offered a smug smile and then turned his attention away.

    It wasmon knowledge that the Freguson Group intended to bid. Without the ability to present his n readily, Julio¡¯s chance to lead the Freguson Group effectively would be jeopardized. Frustrated, Julio exited to a private spot and called his team.

    ¡°Perhaps this time you¡¯ll need to take a risk¡± Julio said, suspecting one of Kaysen¡¯s motives was to hinder his ability to bid. The main goal seemed to be to force Eileen to appear.

    On the other end of the line, Eileen remained silent.

    They were so close. Securing this project would mean they wouldn¡¯t have to worry about the Freguson Group for a long time. However, showing up posed the risk of her identity being revealed. She didn¡¯t fully trust anyone to keep her coboration with Julio a secret.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have toe inside. Just drop theptop off in the parking lot. I¡¯ll leave the car key on the right rear tire. After you ce theptop in the car, text me. I¡¯lle down to get it,¡± Julio said.

    This was the only solution Julio could think of.

    Eileen stayed silent, and Julio added softly, ¡°It¡¯s alright. I won¡¯t hold it against you if you decide not toe. The fault is mine.¡±

    ¡°Are the representatives from Apex Group there?¡± Eileen inquired.

    Julio nced from the second-floor balcony to the hall below. In the front row, Bryan sat with aposed and distinguished air, alongside Z, who was smartly dressed. It could have been Z¡¯s first time participating in such a grand auction, and she appeared slightly nervous.

    Bryan, seated beside her, reclined casually in his chair.

    ¡°Yes, Dawson and Z are present,¡± Julio said to Eileen. ¡°I¡¯ll be there in half an hour. Stall for some time and wait for my message,¡± Eileen said.

    After hanging up, Eileen grabbed herptop and headed downstairs, driving to the bidding venue. The festive season of Christmas had passed. Early spring brought warmth but also gusty winds that stirred the branches. Sunlight filtered through the swaying branches, casting moving shadows alongside the swiftly passing cars.

    Eileen parked outside the hotel and descended to the basement level via the elevator.

    Finding Julio¡¯s car, she retrieved the key from the tire, ced herputer bag inside, and quickly left the area. Despite her swift movements, just as she approached the elevator, she heard fast-paced footsteps from the corridor on her right.

    She discreetly hid by the door, peering through a crack to watch a group of people heading towards Julio¡¯s car.

    Seizing a moment, she turned and headed back upstairs. Once on the first floor, she slipped out a door into a crowded area to blend in, waiting for a chance to leave unnoticed.

    Yet, outside the hotel, several individuals scrutinized everyoneing and going.

    Eileen entered the elevator silently, tucked into a corner by a group of people, intentionally keeping a low profile. But she sensed members of the Freguson family were also in the elevator. Thus, she nonchntly followed a group out of the elevator. But this group of people all entered a private room, leaving her conspicuously alone in the hallway.

    Intermittent footsteps echoed through the corridor, and Eileen realized the Freguson family¡¯s security was thorough, systematically checking each level. She couldn¡¯t conceal herself now!

    Clutching the phone tightly in her pocket, she hesitated over whether to make a call when the door beside her swung open unexpectedly.

    A hand swiftly pulled her into the dark room, pressing her firmly against the porch cab. The next second, Bryan¡¯s kiss descended upon her, his familiar scent enveloping her. Gently and urgently, he lifted her chin with his fingers. His hand gripped her waist lightly, trapping her between his chest and the cab, leaving no way to escape. His breath grew heavy and urgent as he traced kisses along her lips, chin, and neck, leaving a few marks.

    Eileen was startled by the sudden kiss, and when she regained her senses, he was kissing her passionately on the lips. Finally being released, Eileen gasped and pushed him away, her hands on his shoulders.

    ¡°Who¡¯s in there?¡± a gruff voice called from outside.

    Bryan had hastily pulled Eileen inside, leaving the door slightly ajar. It was likely that those outside had seen her being pulled in. Bryan resumed kissing Eileen and began to peel off her thick down jacket. She stopped resisting when she spotted a hotel staff uniform nearby.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t open the door, we¡¯reing in!¡± The people outside were cautious, not wanting to offend the wrong individual. Despite their threat, there was no response from inside. Just as they were about to kick the door open, it swung open abruptly. Light from the corridor flooded the room. Bryan was holding Eileen¡¯s hands above her head.

    Eileen¡¯s face was nestled in his arms, hidden. He held the door open with his free hand, his lips still wet.

    Two hickeys were visible on Eileen¡¯s neck, making it clear what had just happened.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Bryan looked at the people outside with evident annoyance. ¡°Are you guys looking for trouble or what?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 302

    ?Chapter 302:

    ¡°Mr¡­ Mr. Dawson, we¡¯re here to find someone. Sorry for the disturbance.¡±

    Eileen was wearing a hotel staff uniform, partly undressed. The people outside just assumed Bryan had a casual hookup with some staff member here.

    There had been whispers about Bryan¡¯s downfalltely, so this scene didn¡¯t shock them. They quickly apologized and left to continue their search. When the door closed, Bryan red at Eileen. She was avoiding eye contact, her head bowed.

    ¡°Do you even understand danger?¡± Bryan growled. ¡°Jumping from the Dawson family¡¯s pit to the Freguson Group¡ªwhat were you thinking?¡±

    Eileen remained silent, refusing to meet his eyes.

    She had nothing to say to him, and her thoughts were entirely focused on not exposing her pregnancy. Her growing belly was noticeable without her down jacket. A slight move from his hand on her waist would make him notice it.

    ¡°Release me,¡± Eileen demanded coldly. Her wrist showed red marks from his tight grip. Bryan paused, then let her go.

    Eileen thought he would leave her alone, but he suddenly kissed her passionately again. Driven by either frustration or desire, he seemed to want to make love to her now. He held her face, making herply. As she started to melt into the kiss, his hand trailed down her neck.

    His hand suddenly stopped at her fuller breasts; he was shocked.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Eileen quickly regained herposure and pushed him away forcefully. She grabbed her jacket from the floor, hurriedly put it on to cover her pregnancy, and breathed a sigh of relief. Bryan stood there, puzzled.

    Had her body developed again?

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s is your story source

    ¡°Leave!¡± Although Eileen couldn¡¯t leave herself, she opened the door and pushed the bewildered Bryan outside.

    Bryan leaned against the hallway, took a deep breath to collect himself, and adjusted his clothes before heading downstairs.

    The bidding meeting had already started, with Apex Group presenting their proposal first.

    But Bryan was absent. Z tried to keep herposure, yet a few mistakes urred. When asked about a vital detail of the proposal, she didn¡¯t know how to respond.

    The proposal was fundamentally weak. Despite her best efforts alongside Kian, they could not fully understand its intricacies. They had hoped to buy more time, but then the crucial question came up in front of everyone. Fortunately, just as Z didn¡¯t know what to say, Bryan walked in. Z looked at him for assistance, but he ignored her,fortably seated, lost in the memory of his recent kiss with Eileen.

    Z eventually couldn¡¯t rify the essential detail, her cheeks reddened. Then, she resignedly took a seat next to Bryan. She detected a subtle scent on Bryan and noticed a trace of pink lipstick on the corner of his mouth. His face disyed a mix of contentment and lingering desire. It was clear what had just happened. Z felt a sharp sting in her heart. Who could he have been with?

    Without Eileen around, would he really turn to just anyone? But why had he refused her?

    Julio was thest to present his pitch. Connecting hisptop to the disy, his proposal drew audible reactions from the crowd. Its core was strikingly simr to that of Apex Group, yet the details differed markedly.

    Julio¡¯s approach was more thorough, borating on each aspect clearly and answering all inquiries confidently.

    As the government officials¡¯ approval became evident, it was clear that Julio had surpassed Apex Group. Any talk of deliberation orter responses was merely a courtesy to save face for Apex Group.

    Once the meeting concluded, Bryan quickly left. Z gathered her things and hurried after him, but he had already gone.

    Z then overheard snippets of Kaysen¡¯s people chatting about Bryan¡¯s close encounter with a hotel employee in a secluded room. Enraged, she rushed to the underground parking lot and blocked Bryan¡¯s car. Bryan¡¯s car almost hit her, stopping just in time.

    Bryan¡¯s cold eyes bore into Z, and from the half-open window, he said in a cold tone, ¡°Do you want to die? Move out of the way.¡±

    ¡°Where were you just now? Who were you with?¡± Z questioned, holding onto the window to stop him from leaving.

    ¡°Is that any concern of yours?¡± Bryan answered sharply. ¡°You should be worrying about how you¡¯re going to exin your blunder to the shareholders of Apex Group¡ªthe one that cost thepany the government business cooperation.¡±

    He began to roll up the window, disregarding her hands still on it. Her fingers got pinched, causing her to scream, and the window automatically went back down. Z quickly pulled her hands back, and Bryan drove away, leaving a trail of exhaust behind.

    Her hands ached, and tears streamed down her face. Unable to drive herself, she called Kian for assistance.

    After seeing Z¡¯s condition, Kian hurried her to the hospital. Once they learned her hand needed time to heal, he left the hospital determined to confront Bryan.

    At Apex Group, Bryan had his desk near the floor-to-ceiling windows. Every day, instead of working, he would lounge in his chair, soaking up the warmth of the sunlight.

    Even as everyone in thepany was warned about losing the project, he stayed calm, eyes shut in peacefulposure.

    Then, suddenly, the office door mmed open. Bryan¡¯s eyes snapped open to see Kian storming in, grabbing his suit, and saying in a cold tone, ¡°Bryan Dawson, who permitted you to harm Z? What has she ever done to you?¡±

    ¡°She brought it upon herself,¡± Bryan¡¯s expression remained unchanged, even as Kian gripped his suit. He continued, ¡°I¡¯m not sure if she wronged me, but she certainly wronged you.¡±

    But Kian, fueled by anger, didn¡¯t listen to his words carefully.

    ¡°What are you talking about? You¡¯re so fascinated with Eileen that you¡¯re ignoring Z¡¯s efforts to help you. If you reject her help, don¡¯t expect me to side with you over Brandon!¡± Kian eximed in anger.

    Bryan scoffed, a sly grin curling on his lips. ¡°Do you really think you still call the shots in the Warren family? That you can side with whoever you like?¡±

    Kian paused, a momentary unease crossing his face.

    The new investor in the Warren Group remained a mystery, guiding Kian¡¯s decisions from the shadows.

    Kian believed this investor truly had the Warren Group¡¯s best interests at heart, which was why he hadplied without question.

    Yet, he was uncertain if involving himself in the affairs of the Dawson family would be approved by this secretive investor.

    He locked eyes with Bryan, who seemed amused. A sudden thought struck him.

    Kian¡¯s grip loosened momentarily, but he quickly regained his resolve. ¡°That¡¯s impossible. Bryan, enough with your tricks.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s impossible?¡± Bryan said, brushing off Kian¡¯s hand with ease. He had been quietly acquiring shares of the Warren Group for some time.

    ¡°If you were the investor behind the Warren Group, you would have dismissed me long ago. There¡¯s no way you would have let me stay until now!¡± Kian said with conviction.

    Bryan casually smoothed his crumpled shirt. ¡°The reason you¡¯re still here is that there¡¯s something you need to figure out for yourself.¡±

    Bryan wasn¡¯t known for lying, and his words made Kian¡¯s heart drop. Kian stepped back, staring at Bryan in shock. ¡°I suggest you investigate the origins of Vivian¡¯s illness,¡± Bryan said, grabbing his coat from the chair and exiting, leaving his words echoing in Kian¡¯s head.

    ¡°Vivian¡¯s illness?¡± How had she gotten it?

    Z had mentioned that Vivian¡¯s illness had been triggered by the shock of Bryan¡¯s marriage. Kian remained still for a long while, hesitant to explore the troubling thoughts forming in his mind. Eventually, he left the office, pulling out his phone to make a call to Benjamin. ¡°Arrange a meeting with Vivian¡¯s doctor immediately!¡±

    The day following the bidding meeting, it was officially announced that the Freguson Group had been selected as the partner. The other party quickly set up a meeting with Julio to finalize the contract and formally initiate the project.

    For the next three months, the Freguson Group dedicated all their efforts to this project. With everything calming down, Eileen found herself mainly reminding others of potential issues; there were no immediate tasks for her.

    During their discussions about thepany¡¯s future, Julio expressed his intention for Eileen to be the General Manager of Freguson Group after her childbirth in four months. He nned to personally oversee the stabilization of thepany¡¯s international divisions, given Freguson Group¡¯s significant global presence.

    ¡°But if you wait four months, it might be toote,¡± Eileen said. ¡°It would be better to secure the domestic operations first and then move on to managing the international side.¡±

    Julio was uncertain andcked someone reliable to lead Freguson Group. ¡°Given your current visibility issues, I need to prioritize the domestic front.¡±

    As the seasons changed from winter to spring, Eileen¡¯s pregnancy became increasingly evident as she no longer wore her bulky down jacket. Her condition kept her confined to her home. While the Dawson family¡¯s focus was primarily on Bryantely, it didn¡¯t ensure her safety.

    Eileen even hesitated to visit the mall for baby supplies.

    After careful consideration, she suggested, ¡°If you really trust me, I could go abroad to stabilize things for three months, though I¡¯d need six months before I could return.¡±

    As she spoke, her heart felt a pang, and thoughts of Bryan rushed into her mind out of the blue. His tight hug and kisses at the hotel that day still lingered vividly in her mind, disrupting her sleep and haunting her dreams. Yet, she knew she had to leave.

    ¡°Of course, I trust you, but with your current condition, would your family approve of you going abroad? The workload is intense,¡± Julio replied, expressing his concern about her ability to handle the demanding tasks overseas.

    ¡°If I make the decision to go, I¡¯ll find a way to manage everything, including my family matters. All you need to do is agree,¡± Eileen reassured him.

    ¡°Alright, I agree,¡± Julio quickly said. ¡°The role of General Manager of Freguson Group will await your return. Keep in touch with me, and should any issues arise, your safety will be my top priority.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 303

    ?Chapter 303:

    Within five minutes, Eileen finalized her ns to leave abroad in three days.

    As she hung up the phone, the distinct silence of the night enveloped her, the clock ticking past midnight. The scant light outside cast a somber ambiance through the window. A faint glow shimmered in her clear eyes, and a sudden wave of heartache washed over her. Perhaps sensing her sadness, the little life within her womb stirred, kicking gently.

    Her slender, pale fingers covered her abdomen, and a hint of softness crept into her expression involuntarily. At least, the child was safe.

    It had been a while since shest saw Phoebe, and she had only informed Phoebe about her impending departure on the eve of her leaving. She hoped thisst-minute notice would prevent a meeting, considering Phoebe was unaware of her pregnancy.

    However, Phoebe rushed over immediately after hanging up the phone, carrying a pile of items. She knocked on the door andined as she entered, holding the ingredients.

    ¡°Eileen, you¡¯re leaving tomorrow, and you¡¯re just telling me now? That¡¯s rather thoughtless of you. Did you even consider having one final meal together with me before your departure? Can we still be friends¡ª¡±

    Her words stopped abruptly as her eyes fell on Eileen¡¯s rounded belly. With a loud thud, the items in her hands fell to the floor.

    Phoebe¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief, and after a moment, she rubbed them vigorously, as if trying to confirm what she was seeing. She then quickly attempted to calm herself and sank onto the sofa.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me you wereing here?¡± Eileen observed Phoebe¡¯s dramatic reaction.

    Phoebe sat up straight abruptly, looking at her. ¡°Whose child is it?¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s is your escape to fiction

    ¡°Who do you think?¡± Eileen countered.

    Suddenly, Phoebe pped her forehead hard. ¡°The scoundrel, does he know?¡±

    Bailee and Ruby stood anxiously in the dining room, fearing Phoebe might say something that would upset Eileen.

    In the days leading up to her departure, Eileen had been absent-minded, often standing by the window, lost in thought. They didn¡¯t know exactly what she was thinking, but they could hazard a guess. There was no doubt she was thinking of Bryan.

    Leaving the country was the best option for Eileen, providing a peaceful environment for her childbirth. The encounter at the supermarket, where they had unexpectedly bumped into Bryan, had left Ruby feeling terrified.

    Ruby had made the decision to apany Eileen abroad, leaving the management of the educational institute to Bailee.

    Ruby and Bailee would be apart for six months, yet neither of them showed any hesitation; both were entirely focused on Eileen¡¯s health.

    ¡°Bailee, why don¡¯t you go then?¡± Ruby suggested, nudging Bailee to sit next to Eileen.

    Ruby believed that if Phoebe said anything inappropriate, Bailee could step in promptly. Bailee quickly set down what she was holding and took a seat next to Eileen, gently wrapping her arm around her.

    Eileen smiled at Bailee, then replied to Phoebe, ¡°He¡¯s unaware.¡±

    Phoebe¡¯s frown deepened upon hearing Eileen¡¯s response. ¡°I¡¯ll keep your secret. When I arrived here, Jacob tasked me with convincing you. He said this isn¡¯t what Bryan wanted, regardless of any misunderstandings. Bryan isn¡¯t doing well currently. He¡¯s caught between Brandon and Z, but he¡¯s never been afraid. This time, because of you, he¡¯s¡­¡±

    Phoebe couldn¡¯t find the right words to express Bryan¡¯s current condition. She continued, ¡°But I won¡¯t press the matter further. For the child¡¯s sake, it¡¯s best for you to distance yourself. But are you certain about not informing Bryan about something this significant?¡±

    After all, Bryan was the father and deserved to be informed.

    Before Eileen could reply, Bailee interjected, ¡°And what if we did tell him? Let¡¯s not even consider his reaction; his grandmother would undoubtedly exploit the child to assist Bryan in taking over Apex Group, treating Eileen and the baby as mere pawns. The more people who know about this, the more danger Eileen faces!¡±

    ¡°You have a valid point,¡± Phoebe admitted, scratching her head in search of a response buting up empty-handed. Something still felt wrong.

    Choosing not to dwell on it further, Phoebe changed the topic. ¡°Boy or girl? Did the doctor reveal it during the checkup?¡±

    ¡°The doctor didn¡¯t say. Whether it¡¯s a boy or a girl, it¡¯s fine,¡± Eileen replied, feeling a mix of emotions and choosing to remain silent about it.

    Throughout the meal, Phoebe expressed frustration about being kept in the dark, while Milford also voiced his discontent.

    He had expected to be involved in watching over the baby from birth, but now that Eileen was going abroad and wouldn¡¯t return until after the baby was born, he questioned what role he would have, ¡°Why don¡¯t I take a year off from school and apany you abroad?¡± After a while, Milford set down his fork. ¡°It¡¯s inconvenient for you and your mother to go abroad alone. Some matters are better handled by men, such as carrying luggage or changing light bulbs¡ª¡±

    ¡°Are you even considered a man?¡± Phoebe interjected. ¡°You¡¯re just a boy.¡±

    Milford¡¯s immediate reaction was one of displeasure. ¡°How can you say I¡¯m not a man? Even though I¡¯m young, I¡¯m strong. I can carry Eileen, and I¡¯m capable of many tasks.¡±

    Their argument erupted right there at the dining table.

    Feeling resigned, Eileen said, ¡°Take time off from school. You¡¯ve only just gotten back on track with your studies. How can you just take another break?¡±

    Milford dared not retort and resumed eating silently.

    Once Phoebe left, Ruby broached the subject of Huey with Bailee once again. ¡°It¡¯s been about three months since you mentioned living together. Have you spoken to him yet, or has he refused to talk to his mother?¡± Ruby was concerned that during her six-month absence, Bailee might do something she shouldn¡¯t.

    ¡°Huey left town for intense training. He didn¡¯t even make it back for Christmas and might be away for a while. He did mention that when he returns, he¡¯ll organize a meeting with his mother. But with you heading abroad, we¡¯ll have to postpone it,¡± Bailee replied.

    As Bailee counted the days, she realized it had been over four months since shest saw Huey. Due to his demanding training schedule, Huey was incredibly busy, and theirmunication had be sparse. Surprisingly, she felt a sense of relief.

    ¡°When he returns, perhaps we can arrange for Mom toe back for a while. Your issues are top priority,¡± Eileen suggested. ¡°Your marriage is a significant concern for Mom.¡±

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not eptable,¡± Ruby quickly interjected. ¡°Such a significant matter shouldn¡¯t be rushed. Should I abruptly return from abroad just to secure you a title? If Huey truly cares, he should wait for my return. After all, I¡¯ve waited a long time for him to discuss this with his mother.¡±

    Bailee swiftly wrapped her arm around Ruby¡¯s.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not dwell on this. Yesterday, during your check-up at the hospital, the doctor mentioned that you¡¯ve been recovering well. So, your main focus during our trip abroad is to take good care of Eileen. If I manage to finish my work ahead of schedule, I¡¯ll join you before her due date¡­¡±

    Despite their 8 a.m. flight the next day, the trio found themselves wide awake. They engaged in lively conversationte into the night before retiring to their respective rooms.

    After leaving Eileen¡¯s ce, Phoebe couldn¡¯t shake off the feeling of unease. Eventually, she ended up informing Jacob that Eileen was departing for abroad the following day.

    Jacob wasted no time rying this information to Bryan, immediately calling him. At the Dawson Mansion, Z arrived in the afternoon, bearing a plethora of snacks favored by Ster.

    The two spent the entire afternoon together. She subtly hinted that she wished to have a heart-to-heart conversation with Bryan.

    Ste maintained her silence until dinner, at which point Z candidly expressed her intentions, saying, ¡°You¡¯re aware of my pivotal role in Brandon¡¯s pursuit of Group. Don¡¯t you want to persuade me to support him?¡±

    ¡°Of course I do, but the decision isn¡¯t only mine to make. Bryan is upset with me and hasn¡¯t visited in quite some time,¡± Ste admitted, her tone tinged with mncholy.

    Z immediately replied, ¡°I¡¯m not asking for you to orchestrate my presence by Bryan¡¯s side as you did with Eileen. I simply hope you can facilitate a meeting between us.¡±

    Following a lengthy pause, Ste relented and replied, ¡°I¡¯ll give him a call, but I can¡¯t promise he¡¯lle.¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± Z¡¯s face brightened. Although she saw Bryan almost every day at thepany for meetings or important documents, he scarcely acknowledged her presence and was consistently terse in his conversations with her. Whenever she tried to initiate a conversation, he promptly dismissed her from his office. Ste¡¯s influence remained significant, particrly since Bryan had not visited the Dawson Mansion for a long time.

    So when Ste called him, he came immediately.

    With dinner already prepared, Ste, who hadn¡¯tid eyes on Bryan in quite some time, couldn¡¯t contain her excitement. She swiftly instructed Jarred to prepare Bryan¡¯s favorite fruits.

    Bryan cast a brief nce at Z, who was already seated, then wordlessly took his own seat. Hezily leaned back in his chair and lit a cigarette. His demeanor remained aloof and chilly, acknowledging Ste¡¯s remarks only sporadically while seemingly disregarding Z¡¯s presence entirely.

    ¡°Bryan, how do you rate your chances in your bet with Z?¡± she took the opportunity to ask.

    ¡°What?¡± Bryan sneered. ¡°Did he send you to spy on me? Since you took over Apex Group, how many projects have slipped to Julio¡¯spany? Do you have the audacity to inquire about my projects?¡±

    The more projects Z lost, the more favorable Bryan¡¯s prospects became. His words, dripping with sarcasm, pierced Z¡¯s heart like daggers.

    Despite reminding herself countless times that his hostility stemmed from Eileen breaking his heart, Z couldn¡¯t help but feel deeply hurt.

    She said, ¡°Bryan, Brandon isn¡¯t as straightforward as you believe. He¡¯s got a contingency n. If you grasp that, you¡¯ll realize I¡¯m in your corner, prepared to support you in any way possible.¡±

    A mockingugh reverberated in the hushed dining room. Bryan¡¯s eyes, seemingly smiling, brimmed with contempt. ¡°So, what exactly do you want from me?¡± he asked.

    Z tried to speak, but even though Bryan sounded casual, his sarcasm made it hard for her to find her words.

    But who didn¡¯t have something they wanted? She loved him. Was that so wrong?

    ¡°If I help you, Brandon won¡¯t let me off easily. Therefore, you must protect me,¡± Z eventually said.

    Bryan flicked off the ash of his cigarette. ¡°Haven¡¯t you been adept at protecting yourself? ying both sides, telling one thing to one person and another to someone else?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 304

    ?Chapter 304:

    Without thinking, Bryan could easily imagine how Z behaved in front of Brandon and Lydia. Z felt a chill in her heart as she said, ¡°If I had ever gone against Brandon, would I still be alive today?¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re ufortable helping Bryan, I won¡¯t push you. But expecting us to understand, sympathize, or even thank you while you have your own agenda is a bit hypocritical,¡± Ste said. ¡°You want to marry Bryan? You¡¯re in love with him? There¡¯s nothing wrong with that, but your mistake is pretending to be a victim to hide your selfish intentions, knowing he doesn¡¯t love you. True love doesn¡¯t expect anything in return.¡±

    ¡°Expect nothing in return?¡± Z chuckled as if she had heard a joke. ¡°Is it wrong to pursue the person I love?¡±

    ¡°Then is it wrong for Bryan to dislike someone he doesn¡¯t love?¡± Ste muttered bluntly.

    Z was struck silent.

    The dining room smelled good because of the delicious food on the table, and the faint scent of smoke drifted from Bryan¡¯s cigarette. Sarcasm hung heavy in the air, apanied by the growing mockery and disgust written all over Bryan¡¯s face. All of this made Z feel as if her heart was being sliced by a knife.

    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± she finally admitted. ¡°But in rich families, people don¡¯t always get to call their own shots. If you want to save Apex Group and take down Brandon, I¡¯m the only one who can help.¡±

    The ash on Bryan¡¯s cigarette had piled up, and when he flicked it into the trash, it missed andnded on the floor instead. Slipping one hand into his pocket, Bryan got up, the chair letting out a loud creak.

    ¡°I¡¯ll say it again: I¡¯m done with Apex Group. If Brandon¡¯s got what it takes, he can handle it himself,¡± he said.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s hosts exclusive updates

    With that, he turned and left, his posture rxed.

    ¡°Bryan, is it worth going through all this for a woman?¡±

    Z stood up abruptly, blocking his way. ¡°Without Eileen, won¡¯t you even look out for the Dawson family? What about Ste?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t need him,¡± Ste quickly said. ¡°I won¡¯t be around much longer anyway, and I refuse to be a burden.¡±

    ¡°What about me?¡± Z asked, feeling heartbroken once again. ¡°I¡¯ve stayed here for so many years with the Dawson family. I¡¯ve endured everything for you!¡±

    ¡°Nobody forced you to stay.¡± Bryan dodged her touch, disgust dripping from his words.

    Z had been part of the Dawson family for close to two decades, intimately acquainted with every nook and cranny of the Dawson Mansion. But now, every corner felt unfamiliar, tainted by Bryan¡¯s contempt.

    It was inconceivable. She had given her all to Bryan. How had it all turned so sour?

    ¡°Fine, Bryan, mark my words! You¡¯ll regret this day! And I¡¯ll be waiting for the day youe crawling back!¡± With that, Z stormed off, her bold promation reverberating through the sprawling vi.

    Bryan remained unfazed until his phone chimed. His gaze fell upon the screen, his pupils dting at the straightforward message: Leaving the country tomorrow.

    Ste approached him, her tone cautious. ¡°I know you me me, but are you really not going to fight for Apex Group?¡±

    Bryan answered with silence. Ste¡¯s eyes widened as they caught the message on his phone. ¡°She¡¯s leaving? Is she unable to get over it?¡±

    Bryan pocketed his phone, standing tall beneath the glow of the crystal chandelier. His eyes hinted at his disappointment. After a long pause, he uttered, ¡°She¡¯ll return.¡±

    Then, he walked slowly.

    In the empty vi, the table was piled with uneaten food. Ste trembled, almost as if she were going to stumble.

    Jarred rushed to her side, offering support. ¡°Please take a seat. The doctor said not to worry too much.¡±

    ¡°What am I even hoping for?¡± Ste¡¯s eyes brimmed with tears. ¡°Bryan holds me responsible, even if he doesn¡¯t voice it. If my own grandson harbors resentment toward me, how much more would Eileen, who has no familial ties and has endured so much, hold against me? Tell me¡­ What did she imply in the message she sent?¡±

    ¡°Miss Curtis hasn¡¯t thrown a wrench in your ns, regardless. Whether she cooperates or calls it quits, Bryan willply with your wishes,¡± Jarred reassured her.

    Tears streamed down Ste¡¯s cheeks as she stifled her regret.

    The early spring night was brisk, with the wind whistling through the towering skyscrapers. Under the streemp, Bryan¡¯s exhales of smoke were swiftly whisked away by the wind.

    He looked at the bright window and saw the outline of a woman moving around inside. It waste; she was probably packing.

    It would only take a minute for him to go upstairs. Knocking on the door, he could see her. He couldn¡¯t recall how long it had been since theirst meeting or how many days and nights he had longed for her.

    Her image often crowded his mind. Though it was deeply ingrained in his heart, it felt far away.

    Eventually, unable to resist any longer, he retrieved his phone and dialed the familiar number.

    The phone rang for what felt like an eternity before she picked it up. Her voice, perhaps affected by the frigid weather, carried a frosty edge that didn¡¯t escape his notice.

    ¡°What do you want?¡± she asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m outside,¡± Bryan replied, his voice carried by the wind, sounding distant.

    Eileen tightened her grip on the phone, her fingertips paling. The window acted as a barrier between them.

    She drew a deep breath before uttering the words in haste, ¡°I won¡¯t meet you. Goodbye.¡±

    Tears streamed down her cheeks as she ended the call, the dimly lit screen reflecting her bloodshot eyes.

    She stood motionless for what felt like an eternity, her eyes fixated on the window, before eventually drawing the curtains shut.

    Just then, her belly fluttered with two gentle kicks from within.

    She tenderly caressed her abdomen.

    ¡°You want to see him?¡± she whispered. ¡°You heartless little one, I¡¯ve carried you for so long. Don¡¯t you understand how painful it is for me to see him? It¡¯s not safe. We can¡¯t meet. Mommy needs to keep you safe, okay?¡±

    Eileen then packed thest two pieces of clothing and switched off the light.

    The fading light left Bryan in darkness.

    The entire world seemed to plunge into darkness all of a sudden.

    After smoking thest cigarette from his pocket, he leaned against themppost for what felt like an eternity. The chilly night breeze sent shivers down his spine.

    A few shadowy figures caught his attention out of the corner of his eye. Bryan stubbed out his cigarette on the ground, then turned and got into his car.

    The engine¡¯s roar pierced the silence of the night as he hastily drove away from the neighborhood.

    He drove for an indeterminate amount of time before suddenly mming on the brakes, causing the minivan that had been tailing him to stop abruptly, narrowly avoiding crashing into the roadside barrier.

    Bryan hopped out of the car, grabbed a baseball bat from the trunk, and yanked a guy out of the van, smacking his arm with it.

    ¡°Ouch, Mr. Dawson, please have mercy! We¡¯re just following orders!¡± one of the men pleaded as Bryan opened the back door, revealing several burly men huddled together in fear.

    ¡°Following orders? From who?¡± Bryan pressed the bat against the man¡¯s head, his tone serious.

    A single blow could send the man to his maker. Terrified, the man broke into a cold sweat.

    ¡°It was Brandon Dawson who instructed us to do this. He wanted us to keep an eye on you.¡±

    ¡°I hate being spied on.¡± Bryan¡¯s lips curled. He aimed the bat at the man¡¯s chest. ¡°You¡¯re with me, or you¡¯re done for.¡±

    The drivery on the ground, holding his hurt arm and howling, his cries echoing through the night.

    The burly men, stunned into silence, saw Bryan under the streetlights, looking like a grim reaper.

    ¡°We¡¯ll listen to you,¡± the leader said, with the others nodding along quickly.

    Bryan tossed the bat into the van. ¡°I want to see results in thirty minutes.¡±

    The leader hesitated, unsure. ¡°Not sure where Brandon lives¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll lead the way,¡± Bryan said before getting back into his car. They helped their injured driver into the backseat and followed Bryan.

    Outside Brandon¡¯s vi, the guards didn¡¯t stand a chance against the tough guys, getting taken down quickly.

    The bright moonlight created shadows on Bryan¡¯s serious face as he leaned against his car, smoking another cigarette he had grabbed from the car. The smoke eased his craving but didn¡¯t calm his rage.

    Inside the vi, there were sounds of a man¡¯s screams and a woman¡¯s sobs. Itsted only about six minutes before the men came out, the bat stained with blood. The leader returned the bat to Bryan.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, it¡¯s finished.¡±

    ¡°Go away!¡± Bryan had no desire to listen to Brandon¡¯s wailing. He told the men to get rid of the bat and then drove off.

    Just before Eileen powered off her phone at the airport, she caught a glimpse of a breaking news report.

    There had been a break-in at Brandon¡¯s ce, resulting in severe injuries thatnded him in the hospital. News outlets spected that one of his eyes could be permanently damaged.

    Reporters had stationed themselves outside the Apex Group office, eagerly awaiting Bryan¡¯s response.

    On camera, Bryan¡¯s bloodshot eyes and icy demeanor were unmistakable.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, how do you feel about your father¡¯s condition?¡±

    ¡°Do you have any idea who might be responsible?¡±

    Bryan paused, then said casually, ¡°You¡¯re too focused on watching others. It¡¯s only natural for your own vision to suffer, isn¡¯t it?¡± With a blend of sarcasm and warning, he marched confidently into the building.

    Despite the rumors of his downfall, the short video clip couldn¡¯t conceal the aura of dominance Bryan exuded.

    Eileen turned her phone to airne mode, finished the baggage check-in with Ruby, and boarded the ne as Bailee watched them with reluctance.

    Flying over countless mountains and rivers, Eileen and Ruby arrived in the capital of Yefrond twelve hourster.

    The local branch of Freguson Group wasn¡¯t particrly robust but held promising growth opportunities.

    Freguson Group had made substantial investments, and the local manager refrained from entangling himself in thepany¡¯s internal conflicts, instead acknowledging the Group¡¯s appointment letter and extending a warm wee to individuals deemed capable.

    However, when heid eyes on Eileen, a pregnant woman, he was taken aback, his expression tinged with skepticism as he evaluated her.

    Eileen nodded politely and offered her hand. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m delighted to be part of the team.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 305

    ?Chapter 305:

    The person who came to meet Eileen was Wayne Murray, about forty years old.

    The doubt in his eyes was obvious. He looked into Eileen¡¯s sincere eyes for a few seconds before he shook her hand and led her into thepany.

    Before Eileen arrived, she had thoroughly investigated and learned about thepany. So, when projects were mentioned, she jumped in, pointed out the problems, and quickly offered solutions. There were some urgent issues that needed fixing, so she stayed in thepany lounge for a few days. She didn¡¯t act like she was pregnant at all, which impressed Wayne.

    But others remained skeptical and negative towards her.

    ¡°Since we started this, we¡¯ve finished many small projects, but we haven¡¯tnded any big ones. Now, our department¡¯s R&D project looks promising, but we¡¯re short on funds. The spare money from the Freguson Group is gone, and we need to find investors ourselves,¡± John Finch, the other person in charge of the branch, spoke up.

    He wasn¡¯t confident in Eileen and looked down on her a bit.

    So, he quickly gave the tough job of finding an investor to Eileen.

    ¡°We need up to a billion dors. Only venture capital can handle that, but they¡¯re very picky. Our smallpany isn¡¯t on their radar.¡±

    ¡°Then why did you send me to do this?¡± Eileen listened and asked. ¡°Are you looking forward to them shutting me out?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mean that. I just think that since the Freguson Group sent you, you can solve tough problems. So, you can handle this one too,¡± John replied. ¡°Don¡¯t butter me up.¡±

    Eileen looked over the project papers and said, ¡°I was sent by the Group to help with cooperation, not to take the me. If you want me to discuss a partnership, I¡¯m in. But if you want me to take the fall for not finding an investor, sorry, I can¡¯t do that.¡±

    Feel the thrill at g aln  ov el s .

    After all, she wasn¡¯t looking to freeload without pitching in.

    If there was truly no other option, she would approach venture capital. If there was even a slight chance, she would give it a shot.

    After John heard Eileen¡¯s words, his face flushed, but he stood his ground. ¡°In that case, go talk to them. We¡¯ve got your back.¡±

    Eileen nced at him, narrowing her eyes slightly.

    She headed back to her office with the project materials, and Wayne soon walked in.

    ¡°Eileen, don¡¯t take it personally. Going to ZJ Venture Capital is just one strategy. If it falls through, we¡¯ve got backup ns,¡± he said.

    Eileen smiled politely. ¡°Let¡¯s go for the most challenging but promising route. I¡¯m curious about venture capital.¡±

    Wayne pulled up a web search on ZJ Venture Capital, and the screen was soon filled with information. It was a joint venture capital firm, set up about eight years ago, but it hadn¡¯t seen significant growth yet.

    However, in thest three years, it had made rapid strides and shot to the top of the venture capital scene.

    Wayne said, ¡°Both bosses are from your country. It¡¯s a mystery; no one¡¯s seen his face. Josue Payne runs the show here, overseeing operations from our shores. If we¡¯re dealing with them, it¡¯s Josue we¡¯ll meet.¡±

    Josue, thirty-five and divorced, was considered a golden bachelor by some, a genius by others, making his peers jealous. With sharp determination, all the projects Josue had pursued turned out to be resounding sesses. But rumor had it that every project he fancied needed Z¡¯s nod, showing his real power.

    ¡°Can you arrange a meeting with him?¡± Eileen queried.

    Wayne shook his head. ¡°He won¡¯t even think about a small fry like us.¡±

    After a pause, Eileen asked, ¡°What¡¯s his thing? Golf, racing, or chess?¡±

    Wayne shrugged. ¡°He¡¯s into women. Couldn¡¯t stick to one; divorced within a year.¡±

    ¡°Check where he hangs out. If you can¡¯t get a meeting, we need to identally bump into him,¡± Eileen advised. With this tactic, Wayne had already tried to spark Josue¡¯s interest and investigated him. He emailed Eileen the findings. Less than five minutester, Eileen finished reading the information about Josue. Every 25th, Josue skipped his usual bar for a restaurant outing, hitting the spot to meet women outside of his usual haunt.

    Coincidentally, today was the 25th.

    Eileen left work early and found Ruby had dinner ready when she got home. In her advanced pregnancy, morning sickness was behind her, and she had a healthy appetite. Ruby keptining when she heard Eileen had to go outter that night.

    After eating to satisfaction, Eileen felt her baby moving happily in her belly. She put on a jacket and went outside. The temperature here was much colder than in her hometown. Even though it was spring, she still needed a warm jacket.

    She met Wayne at the restaurant entrance. Once inside, they sat in the lobby and waited.

    Josue arrived promptly at ten every night. After waiting for about half an hour, Wayne gestured toward a man who had just walked in. He was good-looking and carefree, holding a beautiful woman close and eyeing the waiter suggestively¡ªa flirt, but he knows how to do his job,¡± Wayne muttered.

    Eileen replied with a smile, ¡°He knows how to handle himself. This ce has been calm since he got here; he¡¯s not causing any trouble. You can¡¯t judge a book by its cover.¡±

    She followed Josue and watched him enter a second-floor room. She pondered whether she should walk in directly or start with a conversation first. Before she could decide, she saw different women entering Josue¡¯s private room every few minutes.

    Soon, about eight women had gone into his room. ¡°I¡¯ll check upstairs. Wait here,¡± Eileen said to Wayne before heading up.

    A waiter stood at the second-floor stairs, but he didn¡¯t stop Eileen as she headed straight to Josue¡¯s room. Assuming she was just another one of Josue¡¯s femalepanions, the waiter didn¡¯t bother.

    They never remembered the women¡¯s faces. Josue brought a dozen every time. So, Eileen reached Josue¡¯s private room door easily. Before she could knock, it swung open.

    Josue had smooth skin, almost feminine, with dark, round eyes. His clear eyes and handsome looks were more apparent when he didn¡¯t smile. And his mischievous smile gave him a bad-boy charm.

    ¡°Hello, Mr. Payne¡­¡± Eileen withdrew her hand that was about to knock and greeted him. She hadn¡¯t noticed that Josue had a Bluetooth earbud in his left ear, like he was on the phone. Eileen suddenly interrupted, breaking his conversation with the person on the other end.

    ¡°Go away,¡± he said, walking to the end of the corridor with a gloomy expression. ¡°Bryan, continue,¡± he said into the phone.

    ¡°Wait!¡± The man on the line, Bryan, suddenly asked, ¡°Who were you talking to just now?¡±

    Josue stopped and turned. The woman had her long hair tied neatly behind her head, wearing a loose ck jacket. She looked beautiful but slightly overweight. Josue whispered, ¡°This is a woman. She must¡¯ve known I¡¯d be here and wants my help.¡±

    ¡°Talk to her,¡± Bryan said firmly.

    Josue was displeased. ¡°She¡¯s a bit overweight. I prefer thinner women.¡±

    ¡°Cut the crap,¡± Bryan said.

    Sensing Bryan¡¯s irritation, Josue turned back to approach Eileen. ¡°Who are you?¡±

    Eileen was surprised he had returned. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Eileen Curbs, head of the foreign branch at Freguson Group.¡±

    ¡°What do you want?¡± Josue cut to the chase.

    Eileen¡¯s attempt to exchange pleasantries with Josue didn¡¯t go as nned. ¡°We have a new project at Freguson Group. Are you interested in investing?¡±

    Seeing Eileen wasn¡¯t trying to charm him, Josue frowned.

    ¡°I¡¯m not interested.¡±

    Then he turned and walked away.

    ¡°I¡¯m interested. Invest in it,¡± a deep voice from the Bluetooth headset halted Josue in his tracks.

    Josue quickly said, ¡°I¡¯m familiar with their project. It¡¯ll cost a billion dors!¡±

    ¡°I said, invest in it,¡± Bryan insisted.

    Josue was shocked. ¡°You pushed for me to invest hundreds of millions in the Warren family, and now you want to put money into Freguson Group? Are you trying to waste our funds? Don¡¯t forget, you still have your grand n to execute!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t need that billion. If you don¡¯t invest, then don¡¯t bother returning.¡±

    With that, Bryan ended the call.

    It had been days since Eileen had left. Bryan was surprised to hear her voice on the phone today.

    His fingers gently brushed the screen. She sounded like she had lived well.

    He then messaged Josue, ¡°Send photos.¡±

    Josue had already escorted Eileen to another room. As they prepared to discuss investments, Eileen called Wayne to join them. Eileen and Wayne began to detail the project, flipping through documents.

    Josue froze momentarily after receiving Bryan¡¯s message, then sent a selfie and a reply:

    Bryan, I¡¯m straight. Fuck off. Send me Eileen¡¯s photos.

    Bryan replied.

    Eileen?

    Josue pondered for a moment. The name didn¡¯t ring a bell. ¡°Don¡¯t know her,¡± he muttered, then suddenly remembered something. He looked up. ¡°Is your name Eileen?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen paused and asked, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Josue leaned back on the sofa, lost in thought.

    He had heard of Eileen. During previous video calls with Bryan, she had interrupted multiple times. He knew she used to be Bryan¡¯s special assistant, but he didn¡¯t know what had transpired since then.

    She had taken charge of the Freguson Group¡¯s branch now. He suspected that she might have switched jobs and left things with Bryan on a sour note. Then why did Bryan want to assist her and invest in herpany? Had Bryan possibly done something wrong to her previously?

    After pondering briefly, Josue snapped a photo of Eileen and promptly forwarded it to Bryan. Then he put away his phone. When he looked up, both Eileen and Wayne were staring at him.

    ¡°Mr. Payne, your shlight is bothering me,¡± Wayne joked with a hint of confusion.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 306

    ?Chapter 306:

    Josue¡¯s confusion was palpable. Then, he realized that his phone¡¯s sh had probably just gone off.

    ¡°I was just taking a selfie,¡± he exined calmly.

    Wayne looked like he was about to speak, but Eileen stopped him with a quick nce.

    shlights didn¡¯t usually go off during selfies, but what was the point of arguing about it? If Josue was willing to engage in a serious discussion about the project, then it didn¡¯t matter.

    Eileen slid the project proposal across the table to Josue.

    Eileen didn¡¯t fully understand the project herself. Wayne provided aprehensive introduction while she deftly handled a few tricky questions.

    Meanwhile, Bryan received the photo of Eileen. He didn¡¯t notice anything unusual. The image only showed her upper body wrapped in a thick down jacket, which gave her a bulkier appearance.

    The private room was softly lit with a purple glow, which highlighted her rosy cheeks and gentle features.

    Wayne¡¯s exnation captured Josue¡¯s interest.

    ¡°I¡¯m tied up today. Have my secretary set up a meeting for tomorrow at the office,¡± Josue said, rising from his seat while casually loosening his suit jacket.

    His gaze then shifted to Eileen. ¡°Make sure you¡¯re there!¡±

    Ovee with excitement, Wayne nearly knocked over the table in his rush to stand.

    Your story source galnov??????c?m

    Eileen quickly steadied it, her movements calm and controlled. She then confirmed the meeting time with Josue.

    Wayne had expected disappointment, but now he reveled in this unexpected progress.

    Eileen hadn¡¯t anticipated such a smooth development either. She returned homete that night, only to endure a lengthy lecture from Ruby before finally retreating to her room.

    She didn¡¯t want to sleep.

    Meanwhile, back home, the afternoon sun cast long shadows over the room. Julio eagerly awaited Eileen¡¯s updates on the new project.

    When she recounted the events, his face lit up with satisfaction.

    ¡°Eileen, you¡¯re my lucky charm,¡± he said with a grin. ¡°Securing Fregustm Caraup and stabilizing it so quickly exceeded my expectations.¡±

    With multiple sessful projects under his belt, Juliomanded respect within thepany, his authority unchallenged by Ferguson Group¡¯s senior management.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to be overly grateful. Our rtionship is purely business ¡ª we discuss mutual interests. I¡¯ve gained something valuable too,¡± Eileen replied coolly.

    Her interactions with Julio were always transactional, focused solely on mutual benefits.

    Julio¡¯s initial enthusiasm dimmed, but he understood Eileen¡¯s perspective. Once bitten, twice shy. While he wasn¡¯t aware of the exact challenges she had faced within the Dawson family, he knew enough to recognize that she had grown cautious.

    ¡°I have some promising news for you as well,¡± he added, his voice carrying a hint of intrigue. ¡°I reached out to Benjamin like you suggested, and he seems willing to assist. However, he¡¯s deeply entrenched at Warren Group, so leaving won¡¯t be easy for him.¡±

    Benjamin had long yearned to break free from Kian¡¯s control but had yet to find the right opportunity.

    Eileen had noticed this for a while now.

    ¡°Recently, Kian has been preupied with investigating his sister¡¯s illness, passing many of thepany¡¯s duties to Benjamin,¡± Julio added thoughtfully. ¡°It seems something significant has happened.¡±

    Julio struggled to understand the full scope of it, but he knew one thing for sure ¡ª the tides were shifting.

    There were swirling rumors about Megan earlier, causing quite a stir at Warren Group. Now, a major investor had swooped in, acquiring a substantial stake and weakening Kian¡¯s grip.

    On top of that, Kian¡¯s focus on Zi¡¯s situation had drawn him away from managing thepany effectively. If this new shareholder voiced discontent, Warren Group could face a change in leadership.

    Eileen carefully dissected the situation, watching with detached concern as Kian¡¯s decisions pushed Warren Group closer to instability.

    Vivian¡¯s personal affairs held little interest for her.

    ¡°If you want Benjamin to leave soon, offer him an appealing role,¡± Eileen advised calmly. ¡°While Warren Group remains stable, he¡¯s unlikely to leave. But with its current instability, his departure would be more understandable. Just don¡¯t count on inheriting Warren Group¡¯s projects down the line. If you want Benjamin, be prepared to make a significantpromise.¡±

    Eileen had a clear understanding of Benjamin¡¯s predicament. Switching jobs now andter fighting for Warren Group¡¯s projects could cast suspicion on him for leaking confidential information.

    It would inevitably tarnish Benjamin¡¯s professional reputation.

    Julio would have to forfeit any future projects from Warren Group if he wanted to secure Benjamin. It was the only way to safeguard his credibility and ensure a firmmitment from him.

    Aware of this challenge but unfamiliar with Benjamin¡¯s personal inclinations, Julio had been uncertain about how to proceed.

    After consulting Eileen for advice, he concluded the video call and immediately dialed Benjamin, addressing the matter head-on.

    Benjamin thought for a moment before asking, ¡°Julio, is Eileen the person guiding you from behind the scenes?¡±

    ¡°Of course she is,¡± Julio replied without hesitation. ¡°There¡¯s no one who understands me better than her.¡±

    Benjamin knew his own vulnerabilities well. He always kept a safety close by.

    ¡°Then I¡¯m in,¡± Benjamin replied without a hint of doubt.

    Julio ended the call and turned toward the window, where sunlight poured in, painting the room with a hopeful glow.

    Suddenly, an anonymous email alert caught his attention.

    Opening it, Julio¡¯s expression shifted. Inside were Apex Group¡¯s confidential documents for the next six months ¡ª signed project proposals and bids, all bearing Bryan¡¯s distinctive signature.

    They were undoubtedly real.

    With these documents in hand, Julio could effortlessly secure Apex Group¡¯s projects for the next half-year. However, the sender¡¯s identity puzzled him.

    Before he could dwell on it, the office door swung open.

    Dalores stepped in, dressed in a janitor¡¯s uniform, and swiftly locked the door behind her.

    Julio narrowed his eyes as she approached.

    ¡°Why are you avoiding me, Julio?¡± Dalores confronted him, her voice tinged with frustration as she locked eyes with him.

    Julio¡¯s gaze turned cold, his hand clenching tightly, though his expression remained calm andposed.

    ¡°What makes you think I¡¯m avoiding you? Our paths have simply moved in different directions,¡± he replied tly.

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe that,¡± Dalores shot back, her face set with determination. ¡°You promised that once I graduated, I could join you in your ventures, that you¡¯d be there to support me forever!¡±

    Have you really taken that to heart?¡± Julie stood slowly and lit a cigarette.

    His maturity andposure overshadowed Dalore¡¯s youthful earnestness, highlighting their stark contrast in age.

    He cast a formidable shadow over her, towering like a predator, while she stood before him as fragile and defenseless as a startled rabbit,

    I never repeated those words after we had sex, did I? You knew they were just lies to get you into bed,¡± he said, his voice tinged with arrogance.

    Dalores had to raise her gaze to meet his, her eyes betraying a mixture of hurt and disbelief.

    As she mustered the courage to confront him, she felt the weight of his hurtful words cut deeper than ever.

    I believed you. You said it, so I trusted you meant it. [If you don¡¯t keep your word, I¡¯ll bully you forever,¡± she said.

    ¡°You¡¯re just after my money, aren¡¯t you?¡± i¡¯ Julio blew out a ring of smoke, crushing the cigarette. ¡°How much do you want? Name your price and it¡¯s yours. I don¡¯t want any trouble, take the money and go.¡±

    Dalores turned her head away, ¡°I don¡¯t want your money.

    ¡°I just want to be with you.¡±

    Julio¡¯s frown deepened, his eyebrows knitting together as he red at her. Her unwavering stance only added to his frustration.

    He felt a heavy pressure on his chest, making every breath difficult.

    After a tense silence, he let out a mockingugh. ¡°Nice try. Now that I¡¯ve got the Freguson Group back, you want to be my will? I told you, it¡¯s not your role, so if you keep that lip, don¡¯t me me for treating you like nothing.¡±

    He walked over to her, grabbed her wrist and pulled her into the lounge.

    She stumbled onto the bed, her eyes wide with shock and fear as he towered over her. He left the door slightly ajar.

    His knuckles stood out as he began to strip off his clothes, ripping open his shirt impatiently and then unbuckling his bell.

    His muscr frame was revealed, making her cheeks flush with embarrassment and her ears burn.

    The previous encounter had been a mistake, one she hadn¡¯t been fully aware of,

    But this Lime, she was fully aware, and his anger was evident.

    As her clothes were torn, she shouted, ¡°/ulio! This isn¡¯t who you are. You think this will make me leave? What is wrong with you?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong now?¡± Julio¡¯s voice dripped with sarcasm. ¡°If you¡¯re offering me your body, why shouldn¡¯t I take it?

    You felt greatst time. You should be grateful that I still want you. ¡®i

    Dalures had an innocent face that contrasted sharply with her mature figure,

    Julio¡¯s hand, almost twice as big as hers, couldn¡¯t cradle her breast.

    Her body was addictive, making him want more. His actions were both deliberate and wild, causing her pain < with his toughness.

    Dalores begged, her voice firm but breaking into sobs,

    "Julio, stop. Just let me go now."

    "Do you regret it, Julio?" Fingers clenched her chin, his eyes scanned her tear streaked face, the pain in his heart evident. "Toote. You wanted to be in my bed, didn''t you? Begging won''t change anything.

    You''d be thinking about how to please, OK?

    He switched effortlessly between gentle charm and fierce ferocity.

    Beneath his gold-rimmed sses, his eyes flickered with a hint of red, reflecting both unbridled emotion and hidden pampering.

    Dalores winced, whimpering softly with her eyes closed, oblivious to the conflict in his gaze, only feeling the sting of his actions.

    The narrowness of the room and his unyielding farce led him to call a private doctor to attend to her injuries afterwards,

    Aware of her difort, he had called a doctor who was visibly shocked: "Why did you do that? Didn''t you think about being gentle? How old is she? She''s not a minor, right?"

    "She''s not," Julio said, standing by the window and rolling up his sleeves, ncing at hisshes, then adding, "She''s more captivating than most. I lost myposure for a moment. Even if she agreed, it''s only fair to tend to her injuries out of kindness, don''t you think? After all, I may need her again."

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 307

    ?Chapter 307:

    The female doctor paused briefly after treating Dalores¡¯ wounds, then ced two more ointments on the table.

    ¡°Use these twice daily. She needs to rest for at least a week,¡± the doctor instructed.

    After giving her instructions, the doctor departed. In the dimly lit lounge, the figure on the bed appeared exceptionally delicate.

    Julio watched her for a moment before tossing his cigarette into the trash and making his way to his office.

    ¡°I have a meeting,¡± he muttered before walking out.

    Once he was gone, Dalores opened her eyes. Tears gathered and rolled down her face.

    She struggled to put on her torn clothes and limped out of the office, enduring the pain.

    She didn¡¯t look back as she left.

    Hurrying away, she failed to notice the person observing her from a window outside the office. His gaze was cold and detached.

    Meanwhile, Eileen and Josue had two additional meetings, with Wayne present. Following thorough discussions about the project, Josue agreed to sign the contract.

    It had only taken two weeks to finalize the agreement, and Eileen felt fortunate.

    But Josue knew luck had little to do with it. Bryan had yed a pivotal role in making it happen.

    Josue emailed the signed contract to Bryan and video-called himte that night.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s, home to unforgettable stories

    The light in Bryan¡¯s room was still on, revealing a corner of a wooden bookshelf. It was clear he hadn¡¯t retired for the night yet.

    ¡°Just tell me. What¡¯s going on?¡± Josue asked, taken aback. ¡°Is Apex Group going under? You can¡¯t sleep because you¡¯re worried?¡±

    ¡°Stop beating around the bush. Did you sign the contract?¡± Bryan¡¯s voice was calm but firm as he absentmindedly stroked the spine of a book with his fingertip.

    He was in West Vis, a ce he hadn¡¯t visited in a long time.

    It felt slightly unfamiliar. Eileen hadn¡¯te here often, yet her presence seemed to linger in the space.

    ¡°Yes, I signed it. Don¡¯t I always follow your directions?¡± Josue replied with a hint of frustration.

    Josue gave a wry smile. ¡°Aren¡¯t you swamped with Apex Group¡¯s matters? How do you find time to interfere here?¡±

    His tone wasced with subtle curiosity, probing for details about Bryan and Eileen¡¯s connection.

    Bryan didn¡¯t take the bait. ¡°Don¡¯t release the rest of the funds yet, and keep the promising projects on hold. Transfer them back home when the time is right.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fortunate to have you as a business partner, yet unfortunate to have to dip into my profits to assist you,¡± Josue sighed deeply.

    With Bryan refusing to open up, Josue decided to drop the subject.

    After ending the call, Bryan sat still in his chair, his gaze distant and unfocused.

    It felt like he had forgotten the life he¡¯d lived before Eileen had entered it.

    Chronic sleeplessness had left its mark on him, his face looking more worn and tired than ever.

    He opened a book to pass the time, flipping through its pages until a letter slipped out.

    It fluttered onto hisp.

    His eyes narrowed as he instantly recognized Eileen¡¯s handwriting.

    With a slight frown, he picked up the letter with his slender, clean fingers.

    His breath hitched as memories came rushing back.

    He could almost pinpoint when she had left it there.

    It was a simple white A4 paper with neat ck handwriting.

    Although the words were few, Bryan read them with great attention, his gaze lingering on every letter.

    It took about ten minutes for him to finish reading the letter.

    She had written:

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, I regret entering and exiting your life in such a manner. I never had any expectations of being your wife, yet I waspelled to sign a contract with your grandmother during difficult times. I don¡¯t expect you to understand my hardships, but I only hope you¡¯ll allow me the opportunity to earn a living after I leave Apex Group. I¡¯m sorry. ¡ªEileen.¡±

    There was a subtle undertone of mncholy in Eileen¡¯s words. It had been difficult for her not to feel disheartened at that time.

    She had been forced to marry him merely to cover Ruby¡¯s medical expenses.

    Even when the truth hade to light, her primary concern had been about survival.

    Whether she was dealing with Vivian or him, Eileen had no other option but to persevere. Her only goal had been to sustain herself and avoid falling into poverty.

    The events that unfolded after she had slept with him had been beyond her control.

    When he realized that Eileen was the woman he had been married to for seven years, his astonishment was quickly overshadowed by the anger of discovering that she had agreed to bear a child in exchange for a billion.

    Had he taken even the slightest interest in his nominal wife over those years, their story might have been different.

    Perhaps their paths wouldn¡¯t have led to such a tragic oue.

    The plea expressed in her letter stirred memories of their past together in Bryan¡¯s mind.

    Things were progressing smoothly overseas. Eileen had effectively managed a significant project, and Ferguson Group¡¯s branch was earning widespread recognition.

    Minor projects were also moving forward seamlessly.

    In addition to supervising project development daily, Eileen was also under Ruby¡¯s vignt watch to ensure the safety of her baby.

    Now in her third trimester, Eileen¡¯s figure had noticeably changed. Even her bulky down jacket could no longer hide her pregnancy.

    She seldom visited her office at Ferguson Group, opting to work remotely instead.

    Sometimes, Bailee would seek her advice on matters concerning the education agency, but Eileen was too preupied to dwell on thoughts of Bryan.

    Nevertheless, she couldn¡¯t shake off the eerie feeling that Bryan was somehow nearby.

    That feeling frequently disrupted her sleep.

    Initially, she attributed her restlessness to jetg to ease Ruby¡¯s concerns. But it soon became clear that it was more than that.

    ¡°If something¡¯s bothering you, you should talk about it. Don¡¯t keep it to yourself,¡± Ruby said, concerned that stress might affect the baby.

    Eileen remained silent for a moment before shaking her head.

    It felt as if she had countless things to express but no idea where to begin.

    ¡°Love isn¡¯t something that fades easily,¡± Ruby continued, gently patting Eileen¡¯s hand. ¡°It takes time, and you need to open your heart and be ready to move on. I understand what it feels like to be unloved. It¡¯s tough, but I¡¯m here to support you.¡±

    Ruby was hopeful that the birth of the baby might help Eileen refocus her attention.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen responded with a weak smile, gripping Ruby¡¯s arm and staring at the floor, her expression devoid of emotion.

    Roderick had been puzzled about why Eileen and Bryan hadn¡¯t gotten married. He eventually asked her about it.

    When Eileen revealed to him that the wedding wouldn¡¯t happen, she could hear his quiet sobs through the phone, though he didn¡¯t ask any further questions.

    Later, Phoebe sent her a video showing Judie aggressively confronting Z. It was clear that Judie had received money from Z, but the reason behind it remained a mystery.

    Eileen had been monitoring Roderick¡¯s situation and noticed that he was still seeking manualbor jobs every day.

    Whenever a job offering good pay for manualbor became avable, employers would reach out to him directly.

    So, Judie had taken the money and left Roderick?

    Upon realizing this, Eileen inquired about what had transpired between Roderick and Judie.

    Roderick was unaware that Judie had received arge sum of money. He assumed she was still contemting divorce.

    However, three days earlier, Roderick had informed Eileen that Judie had given him some money to settle Denise¡¯s loan.

    Bagot had undercharged them by one hundred thousand dors. That was when Roderick discovered that Eileen had provided Bagot with the extra amount.

    He immediately dered his intention to return it to Eileen.

    ¡°Keep it,¡± Eileen said calmly. ¡°Invest that money in starting a small restaurant.¡±

    She had no ns to reim the money. Knowing that Judie had cleared Denise¡¯s gambling debt brought her a sense of relief.

    ¡°Judie thinks there¡¯s no future in South Town,¡± Roderick said. ¡°She wants us to relocate to Onnd. We can work hard there, save up, and open a restaurant.¡±

    Starting a restaurant in South Town would cost only one hundred thousand dors, but in Onnd, it would require about six hundred thousand dors.

    However, by working diligently, they could raise the necessary funds within two to three years.

    Eileen saw no reason to oppose the idea. She informed Roderick that she was working overseas but promised to join him for dinner when she returned.

    Roderick didn¡¯t press for more details, but when he shared the news with Judie, she was taken aback.

    ¡°Eileen¡¯s abroad? Did she mention when she¡¯ll be back?¡± Judie asked with curiosity.

    ¡°No,¡± Roderick replied.

    Judie nudged Roderick¡¯s shoulder and urged him, ¡°Well, ask her!¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re heading to Onnd to work on our own, without relying on my sister. So, whether she¡¯s there or not doesn¡¯t really matter,¡± Roderick said, bowing his head as he packed his belongings.

    Denise¡¯s opinion of Judie had significantly softened since she had helped clear her gambling debt.

    Noticing that Judie seemed to have a strategy in mind, Denise pulled her aside.

    ¡°Judie, what¡¯s our actual n for Onnd?¡± Denise asked, lowering her voice.

    They moved towards the corridor, whispering to ensure Roderick couldn¡¯t hear them.

    ¡°What else can we do?¡± Judie replied with a shrug.

    After receiving five hundred thousand dors, she had spent a lot of time thinking about how to use it.

    The sum wasn¡¯t enough to buy a house in Onnd, and purchasing one felt unnecessary.

    Judie didn¡¯t see herself as business-savvy, but she believed Roderick¡¯s idea to open a restaurant was promising.

    Still, Judie suspected that the situation involving Eileen and Bryan¡¯s wedding had something to do with her.

    Concerned about the possibility of Eileen seeking revenge, she decided to hand over the money to Roderick.

    By doing so, she aimed to put the money to good use while also safeguarding herself from any potential bacsh from Eileen.

    Upon discovering that Eileen had given Bagot one hundred thousand dors, she quickly persuaded Roderick to relocate to Onnd.

    Her n was simple: distance herself from any possible fallout with Eileen while working toward a better future with Roderick.

    Judie was well aware that Eileen cared about Roderick. She was certain that if they moved to Onnd and proved their worth, Eileen would continue supporting Roderick financially.

    The idea of starting over in Onnd thrilled Judie far more than the notion of owning a small restaurant in South Town.

    ¡°Listen carefully,¡± Judie said sternly. ¡°Once we¡¯re in Onnd, you¡¯ll follow my lead. If we want a good life, we need to stay on Eileen¡¯s good side. Don¡¯t do anything to upset her.¡±

    Denise nodded quickly. ¡°I understand. I¡¯ll change for the better and stay out of trouble. Roderick mentioned that cleaners in Onnd earn two or three thousand dors a month. That sounds good enough for me at my age.¡±

    That afternoon, they purchased train tickets and headed straight to Onnd, where they rented an affordable two-bedroom apartment.

    Roderick went back to his previous job delivering food.

    With her connections from Apex Group, Judie managed to secure a well-paid job at a smallpany.

    After weeks of being unemployed and under constant pressure from Roderick and Judie, Denise eventually found work as a cleaner.

    While Roderick focused on saving up to open a restaurant, Judie waited patiently for Eileen¡¯s return.

    She firmly believed that once Eileen came back, she would have a chance at a better future.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 308

    ?Chapter 308:

    Perhaps Eileen¡¯s letter had left a mark on Bryan.

    He became even more reserved than usual, interacting mainly with Raymond at work.

    Z had been cklisted by him; all coborative documents and matters now went through Raymond.

    As a result, Z had not seen Bryan for a considerable amount of time, and it had also been a while since shest saw Kian.

    When she unexpectedly encountered Kian at Apex Group, a sudden surge of tension coursed through her.

    She quickly set aside the document she was holding and approached him.

    ¡°Kian, it¡¯s been ages since you were here. Is it about that project?¡± she asked, her tone carefullyposed.

    ¡°I¡¯m here to see Bryan,¡± Kian interjected, his cold gaze barely ncing at her.

    His demeanor radiated a mix of distance and barely concealed disdain.

    Before Z could process it, Kian had already moved past her.

    After exchanging a few words with Raymond, he headed straight into Bryan¡¯s office.

    On the desk, a cup filled with a reddish-brown liquid caught the sunlight, sparkling brilliantly.

    Bryan held the ss, his eyes casually sweeping over Kian before he took a sip.

    The tales you love are at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    ¡°You knew all along?¡± Kian leaned against the desk, his eyes full of reproach as he stared at Bryan. ¡°You knew that Vivian¡¯s illness was her doing?¡±

    Bryan remained calm, reclining in his chair as he met Kian¡¯s furious gaze.

    ¡°I found out a bit earlier than you,¡± he admitted, his tone even and unbothered.

    Frustrated, Kian mmed his hand down on the desk. His palm turned red immediately, but he didn¡¯t seem to feel any pain.

    ¡°Bryan, all of this happened to Vivian because of you!¡± he shouted.

    Bryan set his ss down, his voice remaining eerily calm.

    ¡°If that¡¯s what you choose to believe, I have nothing more to say,¡± he replied tly.

    ¡°Then why won¡¯t you hand over control to me?¡± Kian¡¯s eyes were bloodshot, his voice trembling with suppressed rage. ¡°You hold all the power in the Warren Group and push me aside. What are you nning?¡±

    Seven years ago, Z had orchestrated Vivian¡¯s move overseas.

    Her intent had been to stop Vivian from marrying Bryan, which had led to Bryan marrying someone else.

    While Vivian had been deeply hurt, she had managed to keep her sanity intact.

    But Z feared that Vivian¡¯s return might soften Bryan¡¯s heart and reignite their past romance.

    To prevent this, Z had kept Vivian overseas, medicated her to destabilize her mental health, and pushed her toward a breakdown.

    When Vivian finally returned, she disrupted Bryan¡¯s marriage and was soon branded as mentally unstable, ensuring that the Dawson family would reject her.

    These weren¡¯t conclusions from Kian¡¯s investigation but deductions based on Z¡¯s intentions.

    Whether entirely urate or not, it was indisputable that Z had inflicted harm on Vivian.

    The woman Kian had cherished for a decade had cruelly targeted his sister ¡ª and used him as well.

    It was only then that Kian came to the realization that Z had never truly cared for him.

    Now, with his influence diminished, Kian felt powerless to seek justice for Vivian.

    ¡°She aimed to marry you, and I¡¯m certain she¡¯s implicated in your current troubles with Eileen. I can¡¯t believe you don¡¯t resent her. Why not hand control over to me? I want to exact revenge for Vivian!¡±

    Kian pounded the desk with all his might, desperation thick in his voice as he tried to convince Bryan.

    But he was only met with Bryan¡¯s derisiveugh.

    ¡°I have plenty of ways to handle her,¡± Bryan replied, his voice calm butced with menace. ¡°And you will also face the consequences of your actions.¡±

    That night, Eileen had nearly died under the crystal chandelier, and Bryan had never let go of that grievance.

    Watching the person responsible for Vivian¡¯s suffering walk free while being unable to exact revenge was agonizing for Kian.

    He felt like he¡¯d rather die than endure it any longer.

    ¡°Bryan, you might as well just kill me!¡± Kian screamed, veins throbbing in his neck as rage overtook him.

    His outburst prompted Raymond to rush in, prepared to step in if necessary.

    ¡°You¡¯re not worth it,¡± Bryan replied icily, his words cutting through the tension like a de. ¡°The day Z is punished will be the day your family crumbles.¡±

    His intention was clear ¡ª he wanted Kian to feel utterly helpless.

    After making his point, Bryan gestured to Raymond.

    Raymond moved swiftly to escort Kian out.

    ¡°Mr. Warren, please make this easier for me,¡± Raymond said in a firm yet polite tone.

    ¡°Fine, fine!¡± Kian spat, his smile cruel and menacing. ¡°Bryan, you¡¯re heartless, but I¡¯m eager to see how long you can keep this up. Apex Group is nearly destroyed by Z, and I¡¯m curious to see how you n to fix it!¡±

    With those parting words, Kian stormed out.

    Outside the office, Z was waiting.

    Seeing Kian storm past, she approached him.

    ¡°Kian, did youe to see Bryan for rification after receiving the WhatsApp message I sent you?¡± she asked, her eyes scanning his face.

    Not being able to meet Bryan directly had made it difficult for her to address several problematic projects, resulting in a series of failures.

    She had been forced to take the me for some of these issues.

    Unable to resist venting her frustrations, she turned to Kian, who had been ignoring her messages.

    She assumed he¡¯d been too busy and hade directly to confront Bryan on her behalf.

    Z continued, ¡°Kian, I must admit, I¡¯m not capable enough to handle these project issues alone. You know about Bryan and his father¡¯s bet. He won¡¯t assist me, which, honestly, I understand.¡±

    She reached for Kian¡¯s hand, her touch gentle, her demeanor soft and caring.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t argue with him anymore,¡± she pleaded. ¡°It could drag you into this mess. If you truly want to help, find a way to sort out these project issues.¡±

    Z¡¯s deceit wasn¡¯t just a mask ¡ª it was aplete disguise.

    She was the woman Kian had adored for a decade, seen through rose-tinted sses. He had never been able to see through her intricate facade.

    But now, that illusion was beginning to crack.

    Kian summoned all his patience to listen to her until she had finished speaking.

    To fall out with her now wouldn¡¯t serve his interests. Perhaps his tolerance would pave the way for his revenge.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Noticing Kian¡¯s cold stare, Z felt a tinge of fear rising in her chest.

    Kian quickly softened his expression, forcing a reassuring smile.

    ¡°I¡¯m just feeling sorry for you, considering how Bryan is treating you,¡± he said, his voice feigning sincerity.

    Hearing that, Z let out a relieved sigh.

    She had thought she¡¯d seen a flicker of hatred in his eyes, a momentary glimpse that made her heart stop. For a moment, she feared that he might have uncovered something.

    But with his softened gaze and reassuring words, her fears eased.

    Looking around and seeing they were alone, she led Kian toward the stairwell.

    Under the dim light, her hand moved from his arm to his waist, her fingers sliding across his back.

    ¡°Kian, there¡¯s a major project I¡¯m looking at that needs a partner. The potential coborator is a seasoned yer in the business world. Could you help me?¡± she asked, her voiceced with subtle charm.

    ¡°How?¡± Kian¡¯s tone remained unaffected by her flirtatious touch, finding her act repulsive.

    ¡°Invite this partner to dinner with us,¡± Z suggested. ¡°He¡¯s previously worked with the Warren Group, so he might be more inclined to consider the proposal if you¡¯re involved. I¡¯ve never met him before, and he might decline if I approach him directly. Plus, it would be awkward since we¡¯re strangers,¡± she exined.

    Z then stood on her toes and attempted to kiss him. But Kian turned his head, causing her kiss tond on his chin instead.

    Z was momentarily taken aback.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Kian said simply, agreeing, before stepping away to create some distance between them.

    With a tone of detachment, he added, ¡°This is the office. It wouldn¡¯t be appropriate if someone saw us. You should get back to work. I¡¯ll handle this.¡±

    ¡°Kian, you¡¯ve always been so kind to me,¡± Z replied, quickly regaining herposure. She smiled as they walked out of the stairwell together.

    She apanied Kian to the elevator, but as soon as the elevator doors shut, her smile faded. Her expression turned cold as she returned to her office.

    Once Kian was alone in the elevator, his expression shifted dramatically.

    After stepping out of the elevator, he sat in his car, lost in thought for a moment before pulling out his phone to make a call.

    ¡°Benjamin, arrange someone for me,¡± he instructed with a cold, calcted tone.

    Eileen kept herself updated on the business world through Julio.

    She learned about high-society matters from Phoebe.

    During one of their calls, Phoebe shared how the Warren family was now looked down upon wherever they went, subjected to cold stares and subtle ridicule.

    Phoebe also mentioned that Ste had gone to the mountains to seek blessings and would be gone for at least three months.

    Phoebe¡¯s conversation was roundabout, but her underlying purpose was clear ¡ª she was rying information about Bryan to Eileen.

    ¡°Under Z¡¯s management, Apex Group is struggling,¡± Phoebe said. ¡°One project after another is being taken over by Julio. It¡¯s strange ¡ª Julio always seems to know exactly where to hit Apex Group the hardest! With him at the helm, Ferguson Group is climbing fast to the top of the businessdder. His name is bing as renowned as Bryan¡¯s.¡±

    Phoebe¡¯s ounts were not exaggerated. Julio¡¯s rise was indeed reminiscent of Bryan¡¯s rapid ascent to fame, though Julio¡¯s recognition was slightly less celebrated since it was widely known he had powerful support behind him.

    Clearly, only someone with sharp insight and decisive action could have propelled Julio to such heights.

    The identity of the person backing Julio had be a hot topic of discussion in business circles.

    ¡°Also, while everyone is inspired by Julio, they feel pity when Bryan is mentioned,¡± Phoebe sighed deeply.

    ¡°People say Bryan has been wounded by love and is on the brink of destroying himself. Even though the odds of him winning his bet with Brandon are high, what good will it do if Apex Group is in shambles by then? How can he possibly recover from such a downfall?¡±

    The key issue, ording to Z, was that Brandon had a backup n.

    The supposed loss in the bet ¡ª which would force Brandon to give up his shares topensate Apex Group and its shareholders ¡ª wasn¡¯t going to be as straightforward as it seemed.

    Phoebe asked, ¡°Eileen, you understand the business world better than I do, so tell me ¡ª what is Bryan really trying to achieve? Is there any hope for Apex Group to recover?¡±

    Phoebe had asked Jacob the same question several times, but even Jacob admitted he couldn¡¯t decipher Bryan¡¯s strategy.

    On the other end of the phone, Phoebe¡¯s words weighed heavily on Eileen.

    After a moment of silence, Eileen took a deep breath and slowly replied, ¡°If things proceed as they are, Bryan is likely to win. If Brandon adheres to their agreement and relinquishes the shares, Apex Group might be saved. However, if Brandon follows Z¡¯s suggestion and maniptes the terms, refusing to give up his shares, then Apex Group will run out of operational funds and face inevitable copse.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Phoebe felt a profound sense of despair.

    ¡°Is that it? After everything, Brandon surely won¡¯t just hand over his shares. Is Bryan really prepared to let Apex Group copse rather than let Brandon win?¡± she asked, her voiceced with disbelief.

    ¡°Not necessarily,¡± Eileen replied without hesitation.

    Her response even surprised herself.

    Despite everything, she still harbored unwavering faith in Bryan.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 309

    ?Chapter 309:

    Eileen didn¡¯t know why she had said that.

    Suddenly, she realized that perhaps she had never truly understood Bryan.

    Interrupting her thoughts, Phoebe asked, ¡°How much longer until your due date?¡±

    ncing at her swollen belly, Eileen¡¯s face softened. ¡°Just under two months,¡± she replied.

    Phoebe sighed inwardly, reflecting on Eileen¡¯s journey. Eileen had left abruptly and would return with a child in tow.

    If Bryan discovered that Eileen had made such a significant decision without consulting him, he might lose his temper.

    Yet, Phoebe empathized with Eileen. The fewer people who knew about the pregnancy, the safer it was.

    ¡°I¡¯m calling dibs on being the godmother,¡± Phoebe dered. She paused, then quickly added, ¡°And let¡¯s skip any talks of arranging marriages between our kids. We don¡¯t want them to end up resenting each other and straining our friendship.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s eyebrow arched, her voice tinged with surprise. ¡°Wait, are you pregnant, too?¡±

    ¡°Keeping that to myself,¡± Phoebe replied yfully. ¡°Why should I tell you when you kept your pregnancy a secret from me?¡±

    Eileen chuckled, and in the background, Jacob¡¯s voice could be heard, dripping with sarcasm.

    ¡°Darling, pregnancy truly affects a woman¡¯s sense of logic. It might not be the case for Eileen, but it¡¯s certainly evident with you!¡± he teased.

    galnov??s keeps you updated

    While Eileen remained clear-headed and vignt throughout her pregnancy, keeping her distance from Bryan for the safety of both herself and her unborn child, Phoebe had approached her situation differently. By not telling Eileen about her pregnancy, she was making a point.

    ¡°Looking for a fight?¡± Phoebe shot back. ¡°I¡¯m carrying your child, and you dare speak to me this way? If you keep it up, I¡¯ll let the child carry myst name!¡±

    ¡°In your dreams!¡± Jacob retorted, standing firm. ¡°I¡¯m the sole heir to the Meyer family. Our child will carry the Meyer name!¡±

    Unbeknownst to them, the call remained connected, and their heated exchange was overheard by Eileen.

    ¡°The child is mine. I¡¯ll choose thest name!¡± Phoebe asserted boldly. ¡°Go ahead, argue with me again.¡±

    The next moment, Jacob dered defiantly, ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll change myst name to Burton too. It will still be my child!¡±

    Phoebe called him shameless, while Jacob, unfazed, continued talking.

    Listening to their squabble, Eileen found herself smiling subtly.

    Eventually, feeling a mix of amusement andplicated emotions, she ended the call.

    Resting one hand on her growing belly, Eileen absently flicked through her phone with the other, her gaze drifting toward the view outside the window. Her focus was distant, lost in her thoughts.

    As spring warmed the air overseas, the progress of her pregnancy made her feel increasinglyzy.

    Ruby, ever the motivator, often coaxed her into taking walks, insisting it would make childbirth easier.

    Yet, when persuasion fell short, Ruby cleverly shifted tactics, suggesting a shopping trip for baby essentials as a ploy to get Eileen out of the house.

    This prospect piqued Eileen¡¯s interest, and soon, she found herself driving both herself and Ruby to the local mall.

    Unsure if she was expecting a boy or a girl ¡ª but secretly hoping for a daughter ¡ª Eileen gravitated towards pink baby items.

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s a boy,¡± Ruby said, selecting blue items from the shelves. ¡°This looks nice.¡±

    ¡°Mom, do you prefer boys?¡± Eileen asked, caught off guard. She hadn¡¯t realized Ruby had a preference.

    Ruby, who was holding a tiny outfit, paused before responding, ¡°I have a selfish wish. If it¡¯s a boy, that olddy from the Dawson family will deeply regret her actions.¡±

    In affluent circles like the Dawson family, there was a marked preference for male heirs, especially since their family rules stipted that only male descendants could inherit the family legacy.

    Despite Ruby¡¯s previously favorable opinion of Ste ¡ª who had always treated Eileen well ¡ª lingering suspicions about Ste¡¯s involvement in Eileen¡¯s breakup with Bryan had sown seeds of bitterness in Ruby¡¯s heart.

    Ruby nced at Eileen. ¡°Is it silly of me to feel this way? Are you upset with me?¡±

    ¡°Not in the slightest,¡± Eileen replied with a gentle smile, cing a tiny outfit into the cart. ¡°This isn¡¯t about being right or wrong. Dwelling on it only serves to frustrate us further. Why let it bother us?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re so understanding, but I struggle with that,¡± Ruby admitted, her voice tinged with guilt.

    The thought that seven precious years of Eileen¡¯s life had been lost because of her haunted her. If not for her, Eileen would never have be entangled with the Dawson family.

    Had things turned out differently, her guilt might have lessened.

    But now, seeing Eileen hurt and shattered only deepened Ruby¡¯s desire to bear that pain in Eileen¡¯s ce.

    ¡°Mom, let¡¯s not dwell on this. Once the baby arrives, it will be ours. All we need to focus on is raising our child well,¡± Eileen said, gently diverting the conversation as she picked up a pair of newborn socks. She could sense Ruby¡¯s remorse.

    The sales clerk introduced a variety of baby essentials, captivating Eileen¡¯s attention as she filled the shopping cart.

    Once they paid, the mall staff assisted them in loading their purchases into the car, and Eileen guided Ruby outside.

    Selecting items for the baby had lightened Ruby¡¯s mood, and she now looked forward to the baby¡¯s arrival with renewed enthusiasm.

    As they drove out of the underground parking lot, Eileen noticed a middle-aged woman clutching her chest, her figure slowly slumping near the mall entrance.

    The area where the woman copsed was hidden from view, unnoticed by passersby.

    Eileen quickly pulled over and undid her seatbelt.

    ¡°Call an ambnce. I¡¯m going to check on that woman,¡± she said urgently.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Ruby replied, immediately dialing for an ambnce as she got out to follow Eileen.

    The woman, still clutching her chest, was frantically searching for something, her hands trembling uncontrobly.

    Eileen kneeled beside her, her movements quick but steady. ¡°Do you have any medication with you?¡± she asked.

    The woman gave a quick nod, her eyes full of desperation.

    Rummaging through the woman¡¯s pockets, Eileen found a small bottle of fast-acting heart medication. She promptly ced a pill in the woman¡¯s mouth, who swallowed it eagerly, even without water.

    Momentster, the woman¡¯s distress began to subside. Her breathing eased, and her body rxed as she leaned back on the pavement, looking up at Eileen.

    She attempted to speak, moving her hand weakly, but Eileen gently stopped her.

    ¡°We¡¯ve called an ambnce. Try not to move or speak,¡± she said, her tone firm butforting.

    The woman ceased her movements but gripped Eileen¡¯s hand tightly.

    When the ambnce arrived ten minutester, Eileen intended to leave. But the woman held on to her hand, silently pleading for her and Ruby to stay.

    Reluctantly, they agreed to apany her to the hospital.

    At the hospital, the emergency staff, upon learning that Eileen and Ruby were not rtives, began searching the woman¡¯s bag for a phone to inform her family.

    Encounteringnguage barriers with the phone, the hospital staff turned to Eileen for assistance.

    At that moment, Eileen realized that the woman hailed from the same country as her.

    The woman¡¯s phone had only a handful of saved contacts. Eileen promptly dialed a numberbeled ¡°Rebellious Son.¡±

    The call was answered almost instantly, and Eileen conversed fluently in a foreignnguage.

    Upon learning that the phone¡¯s owner was now in the hospital, the person on the other end quickly ended the call and hurried to the scene.

    Twenty minutester, the woman had undergone several medical tests. It was revealed that her heart condition was a pre-existing ailment. Fortunately, prompt medication had averted any immediate danger.

    The doctors strongly rmended that her family ensure she was not left unattended in the future due to the potential risks.

    Stepping into the role of a family member, Eileen recorded the doctors¡¯ instructions and helped transfer the woman to a standard ward.

    As they were getting settled, the door to the ward flew open with a loud bang.

    Josue stormed in, rushing straight toward the bed.

    ¡°Mom, you¡¯re still alive, aren¡¯t you?¡± he eximed, his face filled with anxiety.

    Despite her frailty, the woman managed to lift her hand and deliver a p to Josue¡¯s face.

    ¡°I swear you¡¯ll be the one who drives me to my grave with your antics. No disease could ever beat me!¡± she eximed, her voice full of energy despite her exhaustion.

    Josue¡¯s deep concern was unmistakable. After ensuring that his mother, Rylie Payne, was okay, he retorted, ¡°Just give me a heads-up when you¡¯re ready to go, and I¡¯ll be there for you.¡±

    Eileen chuckled at their exchange. Surely, only a true mother and son could interact with such bizarre affection.

    ¡°This is my savior,¡± Rylie announced, gesturing toward the foot of the bed where Eileen and Ruby stood. Both of them had beenpletely overlooked by Josue.

    Josue turned to face them, his eyes widening in recognition.

    ¡°Thank you¡­ Wait, it¡¯s you?¡± he said, looking at Eileen.

    ¡°Mr. Payne,¡± Eileen said with a polite smile. ¡°What a coincidence to have saved your mother.¡±

    ¡°Eileen Curtis?¡± Josue blurted, his eyes scanning her figure before settling on her rounded belly. ¡°So, you¡¯re not chubby. You¡¯re pregnant!¡±

    The atmosphere, previously light and harmonious, grew slightly awkward at hisment.

    Eileen wasn¡¯t actually overweight; her pregnancy was mostly noticeable in her belly.

    Dressed in a bulky down jacket for warmth, she did appearrger than she actually was.

    ¡°You¡¯re pregnant,¡± Rylie said, her gaze fixed on Eileen¡¯s swollen belly. ¡°But you look so young.¡±

    Eileen chuckled lightly. ¡°I¡¯m not that young. I¡¯m already thirty.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not old at all,¡± Rylie replied, throwing a pointed look at Josue. ¡°He¡¯s thirty-five and still single.¡±

    Far from embarrassed by the exposure, Josue grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

    ¡°Mom, Eileen and I go way back. We¡¯re really close,¡± he said yfully. ¡°You¡¯ve been pushing me to settle down and start a family. What if I be the godfather to her child, and you help look after the baby?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s lips twitched in shock as she stared at Josue, unable to believe his audacity.

    Ruby, too, was visibly taken aback by Josue¡¯s suggestion.

    She wasn¡¯t sure how deep Eileen and Josue¡¯s friendship ran, but she knew Eileen had only been here for a month. She had met Josue after that.

    And now he was offering to be Eileen¡¯s child¡¯s godfather?

    ¡°You brat! I¡¯ve always said you were no good, and now you¡¯re proving it,¡± Rylieshed out at Josue, sparing no feelings. ¡°You can¡¯t even father a child, and now you want to be a godfather? Why don¡¯t you visit the clinic upstairs? They have specialists for male fertility.¡±

    Josue¡¯s expression darkened, his yful demeanor vanishing.

    ¡°Who says I can¡¯t? One day, I¡¯ll¡ª¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll have enough kids to form a football team!¡± Josue dered with a mischievous grin.

    ¡°Maybe, but none of them will be yours,¡± Rylie shot back mercilessly.

    Turning to Eileen, she asked, ¡°Are you two really that close?¡±

    Josue cast Eileen a pleading nce, silently urging her to affirm their closeness.

    Eileen chose her words carefully, not wanting to put Josue in a tight spot.

    ¡°We¡¯re not extremely close, but we do get along quite well,¡± she exined. After all, Josue was a major investor in the Ferguson Group, and it was crucial to stay on his good side.

    ¡°Then, are you two close enough for him to be the godfather of your future child?¡± Rylie asked, looking at Eileen with keen anticipation.

    Eileen hesitated, unsure how to respond as all eyes fell on her.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 310

    ?Chapter 310:

    Rylie actually took Josue¡¯s words seriously!

    Eileen gazed at Josue, her eyes wide and unblinking. She didn¡¯t know how to respond to Rylie.

    ¡°Would I lie to you?¡± Josue said, walking toward Eileen with unwavering confidence. ¡°Good thing the baby isn¡¯t born yet. If it could talk, I¡¯d have it call you its god-grandmother.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Eileen choked, her sudden cough giving her the chance to escape to the windowsill.

    She found herself unable to interject in the lively discussion between Rylie and Josue, despite being the main subject of their conversation.

    ¡°That settles it, then. I acknowledge this child as a member of my family!¡± Rylie dered, her tone clear and firm.

    She shed a reassuring smile at Eileen, who was still trying to catch her breath, and motioned for Josue to pass her some tissues.

    Turning to Ruby, Rylie asked, ¡°Are you the child¡¯s grandmother?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Ruby responded briefly, struggling to match Rylie¡¯s spirited demeanor. She attempted to approach Eileen but found herself gently guided by Rylie to sit by the bed instead.

    ¡°So, how much longer until the baby arrives? Is it a boy or a girl? And is your daughter nning to have the baby here, or will she return to her home country?¡± Rylie continued, her questions flowing one after another.

    While they kept chatting, Josue approached Eileen and whispered, ¡°Do me a favor. You wouldn¡¯t lose out by having another father and grandmother for your child. My mother is really generous.¡±

    Eileen was taken aback.

    Lose yourself in stories on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    Was that really the issue? This wasn¡¯t about doing her a favor at all!

    ¡°Oh, right,¡± Josue added casually. ¡°Regarding the father¡¯s side, I¡¯ll exin it to him myself. It won¡¯t cause you any problems.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that,¡± Eileen replied, her smile tinged with sadness.

    Josue was puzzled by her reaction. Wouldn¡¯t any father be concerned if someone suddenly wanted to be his child¡¯s godfather?

    Why would Eileen refuse his offer to handle it?

    Noticing the faint sorrow in Eileen¡¯s eyes, Josue caught his breath.

    ¡°The child¡¯s father¡­ is dead?¡± he guessed, his expression softening. ¡°My condolences. But in this case, perhaps your child needs a father figure even more¡­¡±

    He continued talking, but Eileen barely heard him.

    Her mind was overwhelmed with the word ¡°dead.¡±

    His attempts at persuasion and Rylie¡¯s constant babbling were nearly too much for her.

    It wasn¡¯t until she had left the noisy room that she finally found some peace.

    She muttered under her breath, ¡°What did they really mean by all that?¡±

    Ruby also appeared slightly bewildered as she said, ¡°Didn¡¯t they make it clear? One of them will be the child¡¯s godfather, and the other the god-grandmother.¡±

    ¡°Are you serious?¡± Eileen was skeptical. She had never agreed to anything!

    After a prolonged silence, Ruby nced back toward the hospital room and said, ¡°Perhaps they just said that on a whim. We shouldn¡¯t dwell on it. Let¡¯s head home.¡±

    That seemed reasonable. Nodding in agreement, Eileen shared a taxi with Ruby back to the mall and then drove home.

    Meanwhile, Rylie was busy figuring out Eileen¡¯s due date. Enthusiastically, she began ordering gifts ¡ª a three-piece set of gold, including a gold locket and bracelets ¡ª all purchased in advance.

    Josue was also caught up in his newfound seriousness.

    Having finally given his mother something to upy her time, he was free from her constant nudges to settle down.

    ¡°Listen, Josue, you can¡¯t just say that and then forget about it. If you¡¯re going to be a godfather, you mustmit fully. Besides, this child doesn¡¯t have a father,¡± Rylie lectured, noticing his half-hearted attitude.

    ¡°Understood,¡± Josue nodded, though his responsecked conviction.

    Rylie, seeing right through him, continued, ¡°It¡¯s not just about being present. Even though this child isn¡¯t biologically yours, having a bond from childhood means something. One day, when you have your own kids, they might be yours biologically, but that doesn¡¯t guarantee a real bond. So, you need to take good care of Eileen¡¯s child.¡±

    Her words nearly overwhelmed Josue.

    To his own astonishment, he found her argument strangelypelling.

    He was captivated by the idea, and the prospect of being called ¡°godfather¡± by a little one from a young age inexplicably filled him with joy.

    If the child were a girl, his excitement would be even greater.

    ¡°Am I really going to be a godfather?¡± Josue¡¯s spirits lifted instantly.

    ¡°A godfather is pretty much a father ¡ª no less significant than a biological one. Take Bryan¡¯s father, for example ¡ª definitely not the caliber of godfather I¡¯d want to be.¡±

    Rylie shot him a look.

    ¡°Could we not bring up that troublesome man right now?¡± she said sharply. ¡°He¡¯s not fit to be a father, much less a decent human being. Anyway, how¡¯s Bryan doing? Didn¡¯t he mention something about getting married before the new year?¡±

    Josue looked puzzled. ¡°He¡¯s getting married? That¡¯s news to me! He didn¡¯t tell me about it.¡±

    ¡°Oh, right,¡± Rylie said, tapping her forehead as if she had just remembered. ¡°He feared you¡¯de back and disrupt work, so he made me promise not to tell you.¡±

    Seeing Josue¡¯s gloomy face, she quickly tapped his shoulder and reassured him.

    ¡°My dear, he may have yed you, but now you¡¯re about to be a godfather ¡ª something he¡¯ll never be. Here¡¯s your chance for ¡®revenge¡¯.¡±

    ¡°Great! Time to unt this a bit!¡± Josue grinned as he grabbed his phone and exited the hospital room, striding down the corridor with renewed purpose.

    Dusk began to nket the sky, though it was still afternoon in the country where Bryan was.

    The spring sunlight streamed into the room, illuminating Bryan as he held a cigarette in his left hand.

    The sudden ring of his phone interrupted the quiet, prompting him to set his wine ss down with his right hand and swipe the screen to answer.

    ¡°Bryan, why didn¡¯t you tell me you¡¯re getting married?¡± the voice on the other end demanded.

    Bryan¡¯s expression darkened.

    He closed his eyes, taking a moment topose himself. His tone was devoid of emotion as he replied, ¡°You called just to ask this?¡±

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Josue quickly replied, his voice firm. ¡°I¡¯m calling to tell you about a significant event in my life.¡±

    There was a brief pause before he added, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to ask what it is?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 311

    ?Chapter 311:

    ¡°What else could it be?¡± Bryan responded sharply, his patience thinning. ¡°Have you chosen a burial plot? Ready to die?¡±

    ¡°Must you always throw insults at me?¡± Josue snapped back, clearly agitated. ¡°Guess again!¡±

    It seemed he was practically inviting Bryan to provoke him further.

    Bryan¡¯s response was sharp and unforgiving. ¡°What is it then? Picked a day to die? Found a girlfriend? Decided to tie the knot?¡±

    ¡°None of those,¡± Josue replied, dismissing all the guesses in one quick breath.

    Bryan let out a light scoff. ¡°Then, you¡¯ve be a father already? Congrattions.¡±

    Josue couldn¡¯t contain his excitement. ¡°Yes! I¡¯m about to be a godfather! The baby hasn¡¯t been born yet. The mother is a single mom, and I¡¯ll be the godfather as soon as the child arrives.¡±

    Somehow, a wave of unease washed over Bryan. He didn¡¯t say anything in response.

    Josue¡¯s enthusiasm bubbled over. ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m kind of thrilled to y the dad role. I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s going to be a boy or a girl, but I¡¯ve always wanted a daughter.¡±

    As if the child were already part of his life, Josue chattered on.

    He added, ¡°And guess what? You know the mother! It¡¯s¡ª¡±

    Josue stopped himself abruptly, realizing that Bryan was all too familiar with Eileen.

    Discover fresh tales at g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s,

    A sudden worry struck him. What if Bryan, feeling jealous, reached out to Eileen and sabotaged his role as the child¡¯s godfather?

    ¡°What?¡± Bryan asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

    Josue quickly fabricated a cover story. ¡°Ah, you¡¯ve met her before. She was a ssmate during your study abroad.¡±

    Bryan quickly changed the topic. ¡°How¡¯s the coboration with the Ferguson Group going? Have they stabilized yet?¡±

    The sudden shift caught Josue off guard.

    After a brief pause, he responded, ¡°For now, things are steady. With the current project, the Ferguson Group should experience no disruptions for at least six months.¡±

    Bryan believed this to be a sign that Eileen would be returning soon.

    ¡°Anything else?¡± he asked, his impatience clear. ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯m about to hang up.¡±

    ¡°Hey, wait!¡± Josue blurted out, a note of urgency in his voice. ¡°I¡­ I want to go back home. I can¡¯t stand being in this forsaken ce any longer.¡±

    ¡°Finish your duties there, and if you want to return, then return. I won¡¯t stop you,¡± Bryan replied casually, his tone indifferent, as though arranging Josue¡¯s affairs was the most natural thing in the world. ¡°Once things with Apex Group settle down, it would indeed be good for you to assist me.¡±

    Josue didn¡¯t retort. Instead, he softened his approach.

    ¡°Understood,¡± he said, his tone more sincere. ¡°When I return, I¡¯ll be there to support you. And my mother will be there for you too.¡±

    At the mention of Rylie, Bryan¡¯s face took on aplex expression. He then ended the call without another word.

    Josue¡¯s im of familial ties seemed like nothing more than a farce.

    But to Eileen¡¯s astonishment, Josue had approached her for her address.

    By the following day, he was already at her doorstep with an array of gifts.

    Some were chosen by him for the child, and others were selected by Rylie.

    Both Eileen and Ruby felt noticeably uneasy about this.

    Josue picked up on their uneasiness immediately.

    ¡°Don¡¯t feel uneasy,¡± Josue reassured them. ¡°My mother¡¯s health is deteriorating, and her greatest desire is to have a grandchild. She¡¯s be fixated on the idea, and her doctor believes she needs a distraction. I¡¯ve tried to engage her with various activities, but none held her interest. When I offhandedly mentioned a connection to your child, she embraced the idea wholeheartedly.

    You¡¯re actually helping me out here.¡±

    Eileen was uncertain whether his remarks were courteous or genuine.

    As he continued to unveil onevish gift after another, she deliberated for a while before finally voicing her concern.

    ¡°These gifts are quite extravagant. Shouldn¡¯t we consider¡ª¡±

    Before she could finish, Josue raised his hand to stop her.

    ¡°Please, let¡¯s not discuss money. It truly offends me. Don¡¯t worry, if you upset me in the future, I¡¯ll make sure you pay me back for the gifts. But if you try to reimburse me now, it will only make me unhappy.¡±

    ¡°In that case, you¡¯re bound to be unhappy eventually, so we might as well settle this now,¡± Eileen countered.

    Josue¡¯s expression darkened immediately.

    ¡°Why must you provoke me? Don¡¯t mimic that insolent fool who dares to challenge me,¡± he snapped, his eyes narrowing.

    Seeing his displeasure, Eileen chose not to pursue the matter further.

    The total value of the items he had brought was in the six figures ¡ª a trivial sum for someone of his means.

    Eileen believed that taking his gifts too seriously could offend Josue, potentially jeopardizing their future coboration.

    Thus, she decided to acknowledge his gesture mentally, resolving to reciprocate during their future dealings.

    In Onnd

    Kian had organized a meeting for Z with a business partner ¡ª a man in his fifties with a son who had special needs.

    The man¡¯s first wife had passed away at a young age, and his subsequent marriages had also ended with his wives¡¯ early deaths.

    There were whispers that his misdeeds had brought misfortune upon his family, causing his son¡¯s condition and his wives¡¯ untimely deaths.

    Consequently, people avoided marrying him, fearing that they too might be cursed.

    Despite his personal controversies, he was acknowledged as highly skilled in his profession.

    Z had heard numerous people speak of the man, Lnd Walsh, describing him not as the decrepit figure one might imagine but as surprisingly charismatic.

    However, upon meeting him, Z quickly discovered that reality sharply contrasted with the rumors.

    Lnd was bald, sported a beer belly, and had yellowed teeth ¡ª hardly the dashing figure Z had been led to expect.

    Moreover, the lecherous look he gave her as soon as he saw her made her feel deeply uneasy.

    ¡°Mr. Walsh,¡± Z greeted him politely, extending her hand.

    But instead of the customary handshake, she suddenly felt a sharp squeeze on her buttocks.

    Shocked, Z realized Lnd had chosen to grope her instead of shaking her hand.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 312

    ?Chapter 312:

    Z flinched, her expression shifting abruptly. Before she could voice her disapproval, Lnd spoke first.

    ¡°Oh my, look at me, getting carried away by your charm and touching where I shouldn¡¯t have. You¡¯re not upset, are you?¡± he said, his toneced with mock innocence.

    His eyes were lecherous, showing no hint of remorse, and his breath reeked as he spoke.

    His words were crafted in such a way that they were difficult to contest. Z, needing his cooperation, was forced to tolerate it.

    ¡°I¡¯m ttered, Mr. Walsh,¡± Z said, her tone strained but polite.

    ¡°I¡¯m not joking; I¡¯m serious,¡± Lnd replied as he guided Z to a seat next to him.

    He even went so far as to deliberately pull their two chairs closer together.

    Z shot a desperate look at Kian, hoping he would step in to help her.

    However, Kian avoided her gaze, instead pulling out a chair for himself and signaling the waiter toe over.

    ¡°Miss Murray, please take a seat,¡± Lnd said with a grin, his yellow teeth on full disy.

    Z reluctantly sat down. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Walsh,¡± she muttered, forcing a tight smile.

    To avoid any further small talk with Lnd, Z immediately began discussing the project as soon as they finished ordering the food.

    ¡°You know the capabilities of Apex Group. Just hand us the project, and you can rx and watch the profits roll in,¡± she said confidently.

    Read exclusive stories at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    She emphasized this point because the project was crucial for the survival of Apex Group.

    The project wouldn¡¯t begin for a few more months, and by that time, all of Apex Group¡¯s current projects would be nearingpletion.

    If she failed to secure this project, Apex Group would be doomed!

    ¡°This project is still in the early stages of nning. I know it¡¯s a lucrative opportunity and that many are interested. I¡¯m also aware of what Apex Group can offer, but we¡¯re waiting for some operational funds before it can officiallymence. There¡¯s still plenty of time; it¡¯s too early to finalize anything now,¡± Lnd responded smoothly, his tone calm but calcted.

    His response effectively dyed the project¡¯s start by several months.

    But Z was determined to secure the project to alleviate her challenges at Apex Group.

    This was crucial not only because of the expectations from Apex Group¡¯s shareholders but also due to the overwhelming pressure from Brandon.

    ¡°Mr. Walsh, it¡¯s prudent to finalize certain matters early,¡± Z said, her tone firm yet respectful. ¡°If you trust Apex Group, we could seal this deal now and rest easyter.¡±

    She subtly hinted that securing the deal now would keep other suitors at bay.

    It was a flimsy pretext, but Lnd pretended not to catch on, his eyes fixed on Z as she spoke.

    He inhaled deeply, clearly enjoying the scent of her perfume.

    Z fit Lnd¡¯s ideal type perfectly.

    He reached out, his fingers brushing her leg, as hemented with feigned concern, ¡°It¡¯s quite cold now, isn¡¯t it? Are you dressed warmly enough, Miss Murray?¡±

    Z¡¯s eyes widened in shock, and she immediately stood up, her sudden movement causing the table to shift.

    Her heart pounded in her chest as she faced Lnd with a mix of embarrassment and barely restrained anger.

    ¡°Mr. Walsh, please keep your hands to yourself!¡± she said firmly, her eyes zing with defiance.

    She moved behind Kian, her breathing unsteady. Leaning in, she whispered to him.

    ¡°Kian, it¡¯s good you¡¯re here today. He¡­¡± her voice trembled as she sought his support.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Lnd asked, looking displeased. ¡°Am I not just showing concern for you? Why are you being so ungrateful?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Walsh, please calm down,¡± Kian said smoothly. ¡°Z isn¡¯t used to business dealings, and this is her first encounter with you. There might be some misunderstandings.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Z looked at Kian in disbelief.

    Lnd had inappropriately touched her, and she had expected Kian to react more assertively.

    ¡°Kian, what are you saying? This has nothing to do with my business experience. He touched me inappropriately!¡± Z protested, her voice firm.

    Lnd¡¯s scowl deepened. He stood up abruptly and dered, ¡°If Miss Murray disrespects me so much, then forget it! You don¡¯t value kindness, and yet you still expect to coborate with me? In your dreams!¡±

    With that, he snatched up his bag and stormed out.

    The private room was left with just Kian and Z.

    Z, looking frustrated, turned to Kian. ¡°He¡¯s even cruder than people suggested,¡± she muttered.

    ¡°But he¡¯s the key to solidifying your position at Apex Group,¡± Kian responded calmly. ¡°Sometimes, you might have to tolerate a few unwanted advances. The main goal is to secure the project.¡±

    His words hung in the air, serious and weighty. It took Z a few seconds to realize that Kian genuinely expected her to endure such behavior.

    ¡°Now it¡¯s just a few unwanted touches,¡± Z said, her voice sharp with disbelief. ¡°If I say nothing, it will only get worse. Kian, since when is this how you conduct business?¡±

    Kian raised an eyebrow, his eyes briefly scanning her legs d in ck stockings. He adjusted his tie, a sly smirk forming on his lips.

    He suddenly grabbed her wrist and pulled her close, his hand sliding onto her leg.

    ¡°Did he touch you here?¡± Kian¡¯s voice was soft, his tone unsettlingly gentle. ¡°I¡¯ll wipe it off for you.¡±

    Z¡¯s anger wavered for a moment, her breath hitching.

    ¡°If getting this project means I have topromise myself, I¡¯d rather not pursue it. I thought you wouldn¡¯t want me to be mistreated either,¡± she said firmly, her eyes locked on his.

    But Kian didn¡¯t pull away. His hand moved higher up her thigh, his eyes burning with bold intensity.

    ¡°He wouldn¡¯t dare truly do anything to you,¡± Kian whispered, his gaze steady on hers. ¡°Firstly, I¡¯m here. Secondly, you represent Apex Group. The worst he could do is make a few inappropriate gestures.¡±

    His hand ventured too far, and Z stiffened, her eyes darting around anxiously.

    ¡°Stop it. There are cameras here,¡± she said, her voice barely a whisper.

    ¡°That kind of thing is just for show,¡± Kian said with a smirk, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Nobody reviews the surveince footage from private rooms. And wouldn¡¯t it be better for us to¡­ do something here?¡±

    His implications were crystal clear.

    Z felt disgusted. She was already grappling with the copse of her dealings with Lnd and now had to depend on Kian to arrange another meeting or to negotiate with him.

    Her fingers clenched, nails pressing into her palms, but ultimately, she didn¡¯t push him away.

    Her face was tense with silent resolve as she walked to the door, locked it, and switched off the lights, leaving only the faint glow of neon lights from outside seeping into the room.

    The camera in the corner captured everything.

    The encounter was brief, but Kian¡¯s demeanor was forceful, and Z¡¯s heart felt heavy with shame and degradation.

    Afterward, Kian left first, adjusting his tie as if nothing had happened.

    ¡°I have other business to attend to,¡± he said casually. ¡°You should head back first.¡±

    Ten minutester, a hotel staff member approached Kian shyly, holding a small USB drive.

    ¡°Mr. Warren, here is what you requested,¡± the staff member said, his eyes lowered.

    Kian took the USB, inserted it into his phone, and reyed the footage of the private room from earlier.

    The neon lights flickered faintly on the screen, capturing the moment in full rity.

    His lips curled into a smile, his eyes fixed on the screen, watching intently.

    Just then, Lnd bumped into him, his gaze shifting toward Kian¡¯s phone screen.

    His eyes widened slightly as he recognized what was ying.

    He caught the entire disy ¡ª every detail. Despite Z¡¯s status and dignity, here she was,pelled to appease Kian.

    A twisted grin formed on Lnd¡¯s face.

    ¡°Mr. Warren,¡± Lnd said, his voice low but filled with amusement. ¡°Didn¡¯t you promise I¡¯d get to experience what a woman feels like?¡±

    He stepped closer, eyes gleaming with malice. ¡°Are you really willing to share her with me?¡±

    Kian¡¯s eyes narrowed, and his jaw tightened.

    ¡°Without my consent, you only get to touch her,¡± Kian said coldly as he pocketed his phone and shot a sidelong nce at Lnd. ¡°If you¡¯re interested, feel free to ask her out. You can do whatever you want with her ¡ª just don¡¯t sleep with her yet.¡±

    He wasn¡¯t done with Z yet, and the thought of anyone else touching her left a bitter taste in his mouth.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll follow your advice, but¡­ I¡¯m concerned about being found out!¡± Lnd expressed his unease, his voice low. ¡°What if she realizes I¡¯m not the real Mr. Walsh?¡±

    ¡°Just avoid discussing the project directly; focus on personal interactions. If she brings it up, y it cool. Keep her hopeful and leverage as much as you can without exposing yourself,¡± Kian replied, his voice full of confidence.

    Given Lnd¡¯s notorious reputation, the idea of an imposter dying cooperation while showing interest in Z wouldn¡¯t raise her suspicions.

    ¡°Will you give me the go-ahead?¡± Lnd asked, his eyes scrutinizing Kian¡¯s expression.

    ¡°Wait for my order,¡± Kian responded as he lit a cigarette, his gaze as icy as his words.

    He avoided direct interaction with Z because any confrontation would only make him feel more powerless.

    This kind of underhanded tactic was something he wouldn¡¯t admit openly, but he feltpelled to resort to it.

    Meanwhile

    Julio was also interested in the project Lnd was involved with.

    He had been preparing early and was now discussing the situation with Eileen over a video call.

    ¡°Lnd has a reputation for beingscivious,¡± Julio said with a frown. ¡°And now with Z as the general manager of Apex Group, I¡¯m concerned that if she sumbs to his advances, our chances might bepromised.¡±

    Eileen thought for a moment before responding, ¡°It¡¯s too undignified to exploit her own allure as a strategy. Perhaps we should have someone monitor Lnd¡¯s actions.¡±

    That way, if anything happened, they would be prepared to handle it promptly.

    ¡°Your insight is sharp,¡± Julio said, feeling reassured by her response. ¡°I have good news for you. Benjamin has officially resigned from the Warren Group. After a seven-day transition period, he¡¯ll be able to join the Ferguson Group.¡±

    Eileen remained calm despite his praise.

    ¡°What position have you arranged for him?¡± she asked.

    Julio responded, ¡°I n to set up a new branch of Ferguson Group in the South and have him manage it. Before that, he will serve as the deputy general manager of Ferguson Group.¡±

    Eileen paused for a few seconds before saying, ¡°When I return to assume the role of general manager of Ferguson Group, you¡¯ll hand over the branch to Benjamin. What role will you take on then?¡±

    ¡°Do you think I¡¯m only aiming to control Ferguson Group?¡± Julioughed, his tone full of determination. ¡°My ambitions extend to the entire Ferguson family.¡±

    While Ferguson Group was under Julio¡¯s control, he was still estranged from the Ferguson family.

    In high society, the head of apany without the backing of a prestigious family often wasn¡¯t taken seriously.

    For instance, Julio¡¯s current situation was somewhat awkward ¡ª should invitations to social events be addressed to the Ferguson family or to Julio personally?

    The distinction was subtle, yet it carried significant weight.

    ¡°I am the eldest son of the Ferguson family. It¡¯s only natural that I reim what rightfully belongs to me. The Ferguson family should be under my control,¡± Julio dered, his voice firm and unwavering.

    Eileen remained unbothered by his ambitions and ns.

    She now understood why Ste had avoided open conflict with Brandon unless absolutely necessary ¡ª to protect the integrity of the Dawson family.

    In the world of high society, influence was everything.

    Although Bryan had the capability to change the situation, he needed time to carefully n and maintain overall stability.

    ¡°Good luck,¡± Eileen said to Julio, her tone calm but sincere.

    They continued discussing the uing projects, but Julio seemed less engaged than usual.

    Noticing this, Eileen tilted her head and suggested, ¡°You seem tired. We can continue this conversation tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not tired,¡± Julio responded casually, leaning back in his chair. ¡°When it¡¯s time for Walsh¡¯s project, you¡¯ll be back in the country. I¡¯ll just hand it over to you, so why should I stress over it?¡±

    For the first time, Eileen was caught off guard by Julio¡¯s words.

    ¡°Are you really just going to hand it over to me?¡± she asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Julio confirmed, his tone light but firm. ¡°So, thank you in advance. After you¡¯ve given birth, I¡¯ll have a significant gift ready for you.¡±

    He paused briefly, as if contemting his next words.

    ¡°Also,¡± he continued, his voice dropping into a more serious tone, ¡°I hope you can rest over the next few months. Your biggest challenge upon returning will bepeting with Apex Group for Walsh¡¯s project.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s expression shifted ever so slightly. She knew Julio wasn¡¯t exaggerating.

    Her return as the general manager of Ferguson Group would likely be met with skepticism from others.

    Her absence, coupled with her new role as a mother, would undoubtedly make some people doubt her capabilities.

    Lacking sufficient power of her own, Eileen had always preferred to stay behind the scenes. She had no desire to expose herself as the strategic force behind Julio¡¯s recent sesses.

    But now, with Walsh¡¯s project on the horizon, she realized that hiding in the shadows might no longer be an option.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 313

    ?Chapter 313:

    The Ferguson family was not known for ying games.

    Therefore, if Eileen aimed to establish her presence within Ferguson Group, she needed a significant project, and the Walsh family¡¯s project seemed ideal.

    This period gave her the chance to truly rejuvenate and gather her strength.

    Although she asionally dealt with minor issues at the branchpany, her main focus remained on studying the details of the Walsh family¡¯s project.

    Meanwhile, Z was also actively pursuing the same project.

    With Kian¡¯s involvement, she had managed to secure several private meetings with Lnd.

    However, each encounter with Lnd resulted in her being taken advantage of, and despite her sacrifices, she still failed to secure the project.

    Left with no other option, Z sought Bryan¡¯s help once more. She confronted him outside his office after work, her face tense with frustration.

    ¡°You can¡¯t justpletely detach yourself from everything now that I¡¯m handling Apex Group¡¯s operations,¡± she protested, stretching her arms across the hallway to block Bryan¡¯s path. ¡°It was no small feat to snag this project from Lnd, but with you on board, we can definitely pull it off!¡±

    ¡°And why exactly should I help you?¡± Bryan asked, his tone carrying a hint of challenge.

    Z¡¯s eyes shed with urgency. ¡°Apex Group belongs to you too, doesn¡¯t it? How can you even frame this as helping me?¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s mine, then it¡¯s none of your business what I do with it,¡± Bryan replied coldly as he walked around her to press the elevator button.

    Find your imagination at galn  ovels ; con

    Driven by desperation, Z stepped in front of the elevator doors, blocking his way.

    ¡°I can¡¯t keep this up much longer,¡± she said, her voice strained. ¡°We have, at most, two more months before the Walsh family project moves intounch preparations. I can stall for two months, max. After that, you¡¯ll need to step in so we can secure the project together, okay?¡±

    She knew that after those two months,petition for the project would increase, and without Bryan¡¯s influence, she would be left with only one option¡ªsumbing to Lnd¡¯s advances.

    Bryan¡¯s response was cold and dismissive. ¡°If you can¡¯t keep it up, then just let it go. I won¡¯t be avable after two months.¡±

    Stunned, Z demanded, ¡°What could possibly be so important that you won¡¯t have time for this?¡±

    He was clearly just spending his days idly at thepany, so where could he be going?

    After a brief pause, Bryan frowned and announced, ¡°I¡¯m going abroad.¡±

    While Z was still processing his words, Raymond seized the opportunity to pull her away from the elevator doors.

    ¡°Wait¡ª¡± Z tried to resist, but it was toote. Bryan stepped inside the elevator, and the doors slid shut.

    ¡°What are you going abroad for?!¡± she shouted, but her voice was cut off by the closing doors.

    Raymond entered the elevator with Bryan, his gaze shifting uneasily. The silence hung between them for a moment before he spoke up.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, the Walsh family project is crucial for Apex Group¡¯s survival,¡± Raymond said, his toneced with concern. ¡°With a potential breakthrough just two months away, can you really afford to leave the country now?¡±

    Bryan leaned against the elevator wall, his posture rxed but his eyes distant. His gaze was sharp but hollow, and he exhaled slowly as if carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.

    ¡°I¡¯m going abroad, not having an affair,¡± he replied, his voice tinged with both weariness and indifference. ¡°Why are you making such a fuss?¡±

    ¡°I¡­¡± Raymond hesitated, visibly flustered before blurting out, ¡°You don¡¯t have any chance of having an affair anyway.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s gaze shifted to him, sharp as a de.

    Raymond¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Panicking, he quickly corrected himself.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, can you be honest with me? Is there still hope for Apex Group to recover? If I switch jobs¡­ you won¡¯t hold it against meter, right?¡±

    His words echoed in the confined space, his tone filled with uncertainty and quiet desperation.

    The thought of leaving Apex Group was daunting. If thepany were to rebound after his departure, Raymond knew he wouldn¡¯t be able to face anyone.

    ¡°Apex Group will not recover,¡± Bryan dered with certainty. ¡°But I won¡¯t let you fall with it.¡±

    Raymond found the implications hard to decipher, yet he was now convinced that staying with Bryan would still benefit him.

    ¡°Starting tomorrow, I won¡¯t being to Apex Group,¡± Bryan continued, his tone firm but calm. ¡°You¡¯ll hold the fort. Once I¡¯ve sorted out a few things, I¡¯ll be back.¡±

    His mind was already on Eileen. He needed to see her.

    After a brief pause, he added, ¡°You don¡¯t have to hide where I am. Let them think I¡¯m acting out of a broken heart. A little impulsiveness from me will seem natural to them.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Raymond nodded, a subtle smile tugging at his lips. ¡°So, you¡¯re going to reignite an old me, huh?¡±

    ¡°I have no interest in that,¡± Bryan interjected abruptly, his eyes sharp with warning. ¡°Don¡¯t spread such nonsense.¡±

    If certain individuals actually took those words to heart and believed there was still a spark between him and Eileen, it could bring unnecessary trouble to her.

    Meanwhile¡­

    Time had flown by, and Eileen¡¯s pregnancy had advanced to over eight months. Her due date was just ten days away.

    All the preparations for delivery had been made. Everything was in ce, simply awaiting the baby¡¯s arrival.

    Suddenly, a realization struck Rylie.

    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t handle the postpartum period on our own,¡± she announced, pulling out several glossy pamphlets. ¡°Ruby, let¡¯s visit some of these ces soon. Don¡¯t you think professional care would be better?¡±

    Ruby, who had never considered such an option before, turned to Eileen to gauge her reaction. But it was clear from Eileen¡¯s face that she hadn¡¯t thought about it either.

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Ruby hesitated before responding. ¡°The doctor mentioned that Eileen could go intobor at any moment now. It¡¯s crucial she isn¡¯t left alone.¡±

    ¡°First births aren¡¯t usually that quick,¡± Rylie replied, her eyes flicking over to Eileen, who was snacking on some fruit. ¡°Look at her. She¡¯s perfectly fine, right? She definitely won¡¯t be giving birth today. Why don¡¯t youe with me to check out the top two options?¡±

    The three of them exchanged uncertain nces. Ruby was still hesitant.

    After a brief pause, Ruby turned to Eileen and asked, ¡°Eileen, what¡¯s your take on this? I¡¯ve taken care of kids before, but I might not match up to a professional.¡±

    Rylie quickly interjected, ¡°You¡¯re definitely no match for a professional.¡±

    ¡°Professional or not, the important thing is keeping the baby safe and sound,¡± Eileen said firmly, her resolve clear. From the beginning, she had always aimed to ensure a safe birth and a healthy upbringing for her child.

    ¡°I¡¯ll cover the costs,¡± Rylie announced confidently. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I have more than enough money. We¡¯ll choose the most expensive and best option avable. Ruby, you wouldn¡¯t hesitate to spend for your daughter¡¯s well-being, would you?¡±

    Ruby nced at Eileen, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

    ¡°Of course not,¡± she replied, her voice soft but resolute. ¡°We¡¯ll do what¡¯s best for both Eileen and the baby.¡±

    The atmosphere grew lighter, and despite the looming uncertainty, they each felt a little more at ease knowing the right support would be there when the time came.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 314

    ?Chapter 314:

    Using reverse psychology, Rylie easily tricked Ruby, who was somewhat naive.

    ¡°Of course not! I¡¯m all in for what¡¯s best for Eileen and the baby!¡± Ruby dered proudly. ¡°Besides, there¡¯s no need for you to spend your money. We have our own.¡±

    With that, Ruby rose and fetched the card Eileen had entrusted to her ¡ª a card she had never used before. It contained all of Eileen¡¯s savings.

    She seemed resolute about going with Rylie, while Eileen remained silent, allowing them to make the decisions.

    Eileen nced at the options in the pamphlets. The postpartum care centers were all international, eliminating any concerns aboutnguage barriers or differences in regional care practices.

    However, due to their remote locations, they could likely only visit two of them today.

    With more than ten days left until her due date, Eileen felt confident they would have enough time to visit each one.

    No sooner had this thought crossed her mind than she decided to take a short nap.

    But her rest was brief.

    She jolted awake, startled by a warm sensation.

    Her senses sharpened instantly as she sat up, only to feel more fluid escaping.

    It was a clear liquid. At first, she thought it might be the incontinencemon inte pregnancy.

    But as the flow continued, a realization struck her.

    Her water had broken.

    Panic surged through her. She reached for her phone, only to hear it ringing in the living room.

    Ruby had dashed off so quickly that she had left her phone behind.

    With no way to contact Rylie and no idea where Ruby had gone, Eileen decided to call Josue.

    He picked up immediately, answering in the middle of his ride to the airport.

    When he heard what had happened, his tone changed instantly. ¡°Hang tight! I¡¯m on my way. Don¡¯t move. I¡¯ll be there in no time.¡±

    He turned to the driver and barked, ¡°Change of ns! Take me to Eileen¡¯s house first, then head to the airport to fetch Bryan. My godchild¡¯s on the way!¡±

    In less than twenty minutes, Josue arrived at Eileen¡¯s door, just as an ambnce pulled up.

    The paramedics moved quickly, escorting Eileen to the ambnce. Josue stayed close, helping her inside as she tried to steady her breathing.

    At the hospital, Eileen was swiftly taken in for an examination.

    A nurse approached Josue with a clipboard. ¡°You¡¯re the father-to-be, correct? Please fill out the maternal information here. I¡¯ll be back shortly with the exam results.¡±

    Her words momentarily stunned Josue.

    ¡°Father-to-be?¡± he mumbled under his breath. But the nurse was already gone, leaving him with the form.

    ncing at it, he saw it required the mother¡¯s name, age, and pregnancy details.

    Caught up in the moment and still jittery from the rush, Josue began filling it out. But in his distracted state, he mistakenly entered his own information in the maternal section.

    Name: Josue Payne

    Age: 35

    Pregnancy: 38 weeks, 2 days

    He had memorized Eileen¡¯s pregnancy details, having heard them often enough from her updates. But his nerves got the best of him, and he didn¡¯t even notice his mistake.

    The nurse returned, took a quick nce at the form, and raised an eyebrow. ¡°The mother has lost a significant amount of amniotic fluid. We need to perform an emergency cesarean section immediately. Please sign here.¡±

    She handed Josue another form and pointed at the signature line.

    His eyes widened in shock. ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t think I can sign that,¡± he stammered. ¡°I¡¯m not her husband. I have no legal ties to her. I¡¯m just the baby¡¯s godfather.¡±

    Hearing this, the nurse nodded in understanding and took the form back. ¡°Then we¡¯ll have the mother sign it herself.¡±

    Momentster, Eileen, though pale and clearly in pain, signed her name on the document with a steady hand.

    The nurses then wheeled her into the operating room for the emergency procedure.

    Josue watched her disappear behind the double doors.

    He stood in the hallway, stunned. His heart was racing. His hands were mmy.

    He had never felt so helpless before.

    Disoriented and anxious, he nced around but found no familiar faces. He realized he hadn¡¯t even called Rylie.

    Pacing back and forth, he tried to steady his breathing. His gaze darted toward the double doors of the operating room, the weight of uncertainty pressing on his chest.

    He wanted to talk to someone ¡ª anyone ¡ª but the nurses were too busy moving back and forth, paying him no attention.

    His thoughts raced wildly. What if something goes wrong? What if¡­?

    He ran a hand through his hair, tugging at it slightly as his nerves peaked.

    Clenching his fists, he muttered to himself, ¡°Come on, Eileen. You¡¯ve been through worse. You can do this. You¡¯ll be fine. The baby will be fine.¡±

    But the anxiety gnawed at him, unrelenting.

    Time passed slowly, every second dragging on like an eternity.

    For the first time, Josue, a man who had always prided himself on keeping his cool, feltpletely powerless.

    Spotting a man smoking at the end of the corridor, Josue¡¯s spirits lifted. He approached briskly.

    ¡°Bryan, what brought you straight to the hospital?¡± he asked, his tone a mix of surprise and excitement.

    ¡°The driver did,¡± Bryan replied dryly, his mood visibly sour.

    He hadn¡¯t expected that simply asking about Josue¡¯s whereabouts would lead him to the hospital ¡ª only to discover that Josue was about to be a godfather.

    ¡°Put out the cigarette,¡± Josue instructed firmly, pulling a smoke removal spray from his pocket.

    Although Josue was a smoker himself, he had stopped smoking around Eileen for the baby¡¯s health. Carrying the spray had be a habit ¡ª one that proved useful now.

    After ensuring Bryan was free from the smell of smoke, Josue guided him to sit outside the delivery room. Both men waited anxiously.

    ¡°Do you think it¡¯ll be a boy or a girl?¡± Josue asked, ncing at Bryan with a grin.

    Bryan, however, wasn¡¯t in the mood to share Josue¡¯s excitement. He remained quiet, his gaze fixed on the numbers disyed on his phone screen.

    His mind was elsewhere.

    A nurse called out, her voice carrying through the corridor. ¡°Who here is rted to Josue?¡±

    Josue blinked in confusion, then remembered something important ¡ª he had identally registered Eileen¡¯s details under his own name.

    ¡°That would be me,¡± he said, standing up quickly.

    ¡°Please hurry and settle the bill,¡± the nurse instructed, her tone brisk but not unkind. ¡°The cesarean is almostplete. In about ten minutes, you¡¯ll be able to meet the baby outside the delivery room. Go left, take the elevator to the third floor, and head to the billing department.¡±

    Her instructions came fast and firm. Josue nodded but only retained the part about taking the elevator to the third floor.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back!¡± he called over his shoulder, already rushing toward the elevator.

    Time ticked by. Ten minutes passed. Then fifteen.

    Bryan nced at the clock on the wall. Josue still hadn¡¯t returned.

    The door to the delivery room swung open. A nurse stepped out, her arms cradling a small bundle wrapped snugly in a soft nket.

    ¡°Where is the family member of Josue?¡± she called out, ncing around.

    Bryan¡¯s eyes shifted to the nurse, but he stayed silent, his arms crossed.

    The nurse looked around again, her eyesnding on Bryan. ¡°You¡¯re here with someone from Josue¡¯s family, right? You must be a rtive,¡± she said confidently.

    Bryan remained quiet, his gaze flickering from the nurse to the bundle she held.

    Noticing his hesitation, the nurse approached him. ¡°Hold the baby for now,¡± she said, her tone leaving no room for refusal. ¡°We need to return to the operating room toplete Josue¡¯s cesarean stitches. Once the fees are settled, you¡¯ll know which ward to go to. For now, take the baby and wait. Josue will be under observation for two hours after the procedure.¡±

    Before Bryan could process what she had said, she was already cing the baby into his arms.

    His body stiffened, but his arms instinctively moved to support the tiny, fragile weight.

    The warmth seeped through the soft fabric, and Bryan found himself staring at the baby¡¯s face ¡ª round, pink, and delicate.

    Tiny breaths brushed against his chest as the baby snuggled deeper into the nket.

    His heart skipped a beat.

    The nurse turned back just before heading inside. ¡°Oh, one more thing,¡± she said, her eyes softening as she nced at the baby. ¡°It¡¯s a girl. A very healthy baby girl. Six pounds, eight ounces.¡±

    Her words echoed in Bryan¡¯s mind as he gazed down at the baby in his arms.

    A girl.

    A small, peaceful girl with soft, rosy cheeks.

    His grip on the baby tightened ever so slightly, as if afraid she might slip away.

    For a moment, the world around him faded. The footsteps of nurses, the hum of the hospital¡¯s venttion system, and the distant sound of a baby crying from another room ¡ª all of it faded away.

    All that remained was the small life in his arms, breathing softly against his chest.

    And for the first time in a long while, Bryan didn¡¯t think about Apex Group, Z, or his crumbling business.

    For the first time, his thoughts werepletely silent.

    Just him.

    And her.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 315

    ?Chapter 315:

    Bryan barely registered what the nurse had said.

    In his armsy a tiny, pinkish newborn who squirmed, stretching her hands above her head.

    Her features were simple yet captivating ¡ª a small, red mouth and sparse hair clinging to her scalp. Her half-open eyes met his, reflecting an astonished expression that seemed to mirror his own.

    Bryan stood frozen, feeling out of ce in his tailored suit while holding the newborn. Panic flickered across his face, giving him the appearance of a first-time father.

    ¡°Young man, you should grab a baby carriage from the nurse. You wouldn¡¯t want to drop your baby,¡± advised a woman in her fifties, her tone warm but firm.

    Bryan looked up, his frown deepening as he scanned the empty hallway outside the operating room. His lips pressed into a tight line, his gaze lingering on the older woman.

    ¡°I¡¯ll help you,¡± she offered kindly. Rising from her seat, she walked over to the nurse¡¯s station and returned with a baby carriage.

    With patient precision, she demonstrated how to ce the baby inside. Bryan watched intently, his every movement careful, as if afraid he might break something.

    Holding the baby felt like cradling the entire world. His arms ached after mere minutes, but when he ced her gently into the carriage, an odd sense of emptiness settled in his heart.

    He sat in a nearby chair, his legs spread protectively around the carriage. Resting his wrist on its edge, his fingers brushed lightly against the baby¡¯s soft, tender face.

    At the touch, the baby turned her head and opened her mouth, her tiny lips moving as if searching for something to eat.

    Find inspiring stories on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s???§àm

    Startled, Bryan pulled his hand back, his eyes locked on her every movement. The baby clumsily tried to stuff her tiny fist into her mouth, only for it to slip away.

    Her attempts were persistent but futile. Shecked the coordination to seed, and Bryan watched, strangely fascinated by her determination.

    Eventually, he reached forward and gently pinched her little fist between his fingers, pulling it away from her face to prevent her from chewing on it.

    But the baby surprised him. Her tiny fingers wrapped around his index finger with a grip far stronger than he had expected. She clung to him tightly, refusing to let go, even as he tried to free himself.

    ¡°Whoa!¡± Josue¡¯s voice rang out as he returned, his eyes immediatelynding on Bryan, who was seated protectively by the baby carriage.

    His gaze shifted to the tiny, wrinkled baby inside. Shock and confusion yed across his face. Holding a crumpled receipt in one hand, he approached with wide eyes.

    ¡°Whose baby did you snatch?¡± Josue asked, his tone half-joking but filled with disbelief. ¡°Are you trying to one-up me as a godfather by bringing in a whole baby? She¡¯s¡­ uh, not exactly pretty.¡±

    Bryan shot him a sharp look. Josue raised his hands in surrender but continued his teasing.

    ¡°Seriously, where are the parents? Did they actually leave you in charge of their baby?¡± Josue asked, his eyes narrowing suspiciously.

    Bryan¡¯s gaze remained steady, his eyes cutting through Josue¡¯s yful attitude.

    ¡°The mother¡¯s still in the delivery room, and the godfather¡¯s off paying the bills. No one else was here, so they left her with me,¡± Bryan exined calmly, his tone as unshakable as his presence.

    Josue¡¯s eyes widened, his smile vanishing as realization set in. He turned to look at Bryan, then at the baby, his confusion giving way to shock.

    ¡°Wait¡­¡± Josue¡¯s eyes darted between Bryan and the baby. ¡°What did you just say? Is this¡­ my godchild?¡±

    Without waiting for an answer, he tossed the receipt at Bryan, ignoring where itnded, and rushed to the baby carriage. He nudged Bryan aside, practically pushing him out of the way.

    Peering into the carriage, Josue¡¯s face softened with awe.

    ¡°So¡­ she¡¯s a girl?¡± he asked eagerly, his eyes filled with wonder.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Bryan replied, leaning back in his chair, his voice steady but distant.

    Josue¡¯s face lit up with joy, his grin wide as he bent closer to the baby. His eyes filled with warmth and affection.

    ¡°Hey there, my little princess,¡± he cooed, his voice unusually soft for a man known for his boisterous personality.

    Bryan, however, wasn¡¯t in the mood to indulge Josue¡¯s excitement. His brows furrowed as he red at him.

    ¡°She¡¯s not your biological daughter. What¡¯s there to brag about?¡± Bryan muttered, his voice sharp and cutting.

    ¡°So what?¡± Josue shot back without missing a beat. His grin widened, his eyes never leaving the baby. ¡°You don¡¯t have one.¡±

    The jab hit its mark.

    Bryan¡¯s jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing as he stared at Josue.

    But he said nothing.

    His gaze drifted down to the baby once more, his eyes tracing the delicate curves of her face. Her little cheeks puffed up as she squirmed, her small hands still clinging tightly to his finger.

    For a moment, Bryan¡¯s hardened demeanor softened, his cold, calcting eyes flickering with something more human.

    Something tender.

    Something he didn¡¯t understand.

    Leaning over the carriage, Josue tried to y with the baby, but she kept her eyes tightly shut,pletely ignoring him.

    ¡°Please take the baby back to the ward and wait for further instructions,¡± a nurse said when she saw them still waiting outside.

    Hearing this, Josue stood up to push the carriage. Bryan also stood, hands in his pockets, ready to leave, when the nurse called out once more, ¡°Aren¡¯t you taking your bags?¡±

    It was only then that Bryan and Josue noticed the tworge bags of baby supplies Eileen had packed beforehand and brought along in the ambnce.

    Bryan ced his hand on the carriage. ¡°I¡¯ll push.¡±

    Josue firmly declined. ¡°You carry the bags.¡±

    With a smirk, Bryan slid both hands into his pockets and began walking away.

    ¡°Bryan!¡± Josue called urgently. ¡°Fine, you push the baby carriage. I¡¯ll handle the bags. But be careful ¡ª a newborn¡¯s head is very fragile!¡±

    He kept talking nervously, ncing back every few seconds while picking up the two bags and following Bryan closely, his eyes darting between the baby and Bryan, as if worried Bryan might run off with the child.

    The ward was quiet, save for the faint beeping of distant medical equipment. The two men kept their eyes fixed on the baby in the carriage, watching her every tiny movement.

    The baby was peaceful ¡ª neither crying nor making a sound ¡ª for a full half-hour.

    Bryan¡¯s gaze softened as he observed her. At some point, she had managed to grab his finger again, holding it tightly with her tiny hand.

    Josue watched with envy, unable to contain himself. ¡°Alright, that¡¯s enough. I¡¯ve booked a hotel for you. You should leave now,¡± he said, feigning irritation.

    ¡°Can you manage everything on your own here?¡± Bryan asked, a hint of reluctance in his voice.

    Suddenly, Josue¡¯s eyes widened as he remembered something. ¡°Oh no! I forgot to tell my mom about this!¡±

    He dashed out to make the call.

    As soon as Rylie learned about Eileen¡¯s delivery, her voice erupted through the phone, loud enough for anyone nearby to hear.

    ¡°You fool! You didn¡¯t think to call me first? I just got back, and now I have to rush to the hospital? You¡¯d better be ready to exin yourself when I arrive!¡±

    She hung up abruptly, leaving Josue trembling with fear. He returned to the ward, still visibly shaken.

    ¡°The baby¡¯s grandmother and my mom will be here soon. You should head back. I can manage it from here,¡± he said to Bryan, his gaze shifting to Bryan¡¯s hand, which the baby was still holding onto tightly.

    Bryan remained silent for a few seconds before gently pulling his finger away.

    He nced at the baby onest time. After all, he wasn¡¯t part of the baby¡¯s family. Once the mother returned and the family reunited, his presence would only make things awkward.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll leave now,¡± Bryan muttered. He stood up, his movements slow, almost reluctant. As he walked away, an odd sense of emptiness settled in his chest.

    ¡°Since you¡¯re here for a few days, I¡¯ll spend time with my goddaughter while you handle thepany¡¯s affairs!¡± Josue called after him, adopting a hands-off approach. Then, sensing something was wrong, he asked, ¡°Hey, wait a minute. Why did youe here all of a sudden? Isn¡¯t there some urgent situation back at thepany?¡±

    Bryan paused at the doorway, ncing briefly at the small hands reaching up from the baby carriage.

    ¡°Visiting doesn¡¯t take much time. You can handle the work on your own,¡± Bryan said tly before continuing toward the exit.

    The obstetrics floor was filled with the soft sounds of newborns crying, the distant beeping of medical devices, and the quiet chatter of nurses.

    Bryan¡¯s footsteps echoed against the sterile floors. The image of the tiny baby lingered in his mind.

    He headed toward the stairwell, pulled out a cigarette, and lit it, standing near a trash can. He took long, slow drags, each exhale releasing a thin stream of smoke.

    But the nicotine failed to calm him. His nerves remained tense, and his yearning for Eileen surged like wild weeds in his heart, untamed and relentless.

    Unable to resist any longer, he pulled out his phone and dialed her number.

    He brought the phone to his ear, waiting, but there was no answer.

    She didn¡¯t pick up.

    He knew she hadn¡¯t changed her number. He had checked before calling.

    So the only possible exnation was that she was deliberately ignoring him.

    Frustration coiled tightly in his chest, and he was about to put his phone away when rapid footsteps echoed down the hallway.

    The hurried rhythm of the steps grew louder, and Bryan¡¯s eyes flicked toward the sound.

    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t be upset. I didn¡¯t expect her to give birth this early. It¡¯s my fault,¡± Rylie said, her toneced with concern.

    ¡°I¡¯m not angry, just a bit anxious,¡± came a familiar voice.

    Bryan froze.

    He hurriedly extinguished his cigarette and stepped out of the stairwell.

    But he was toote. He only managed to catch a glimpse of Rylie rushing into the ward.

    After a brief pause, Bryan turned and descended the stairs. His footsteps echoed in the deserted corridor, each step amplifying the profound loneliness that lingered in his heart.

    Two hourster, Eileen was wheeled out of the delivery room in a wheelchair.

    Since she hadn¡¯t anticipated a cesarean section, the anesthesia left her feeling ufortable, and the dull ache in her abdomen made every movement feel heavy. Her face was pale, and her lips were dry. She had no appetite and could barely stay alert.

    The moment she woke up, her gaze instinctively turned toward the baby carriage next to her, but from her position, she could only see the edge of it.

    ¡°I¡¯ll bring her closer,¡± Ruby said gently.

    She carefully lifted the baby from the carriage and turned her so Eileen could see her face.

    The baby¡¯s face was wrinkled like a tiny olddy. She wasn¡¯t conventionally cute, but Eileen¡¯s gaze lingered. Her eyes traced the baby¡¯s small features, pausing at her high nose. Her heart clenched as a thought struck her ¡ª that nose looked just like Bryan¡¯s.

    ¡°She might not seem charming now, but she¡¯ll grow into a beautiful girl,¡± Ruby said softly, allowing Eileen a moment to look at her child before cing the baby back into the carriage.

    Rylie and Josue had gone to reserve a spot at a postnatal care center, opting for the most luxurious one avable. Ruby remained in the ward, her attention focused entirely on the baby.

    Eileeny still, her mind swirling with emotions. Her eyes welled up as a tight, inexplicable feeling filled her chest.

    She nced at her phone and saw that Bryan had called once.

    He had also sent a message: ¡°I¡¯m here.¡±

    There was no mention of wanting to see her. The implication was clear ¡ª he wanted her to know he was nearby, but not enough to ask to see her.

    Her fingers hovered over the screen for a moment, but she didn¡¯t reply.

    ¡°Have you decided on a name for the baby?¡± Ruby asked suddenly, breaking the silence.

    Eileen shook her head. Since she hadn¡¯t known the baby¡¯s gender beforehand, she hadn¡¯t given much thought to names.

    ¡°You should think about it now,¡± Ruby urged.

    Just then, Rylie and Josue walked into the ward, their lively energy filling the room.

    ¡°Think about what?¡± Rylie asked, ncing from Ruby to Eileen.

    ¡°We¡¯re deciding on a name for the baby,¡± Ruby exined.

    ¡°Oh, I got this!¡± Josue dered confidently, puffing out his chest like a rooster ready for battle.

    His loud voice startled the baby, causing her to cry loudly.

    ¡°Look what you did!¡± Ruby scolded as she quickly picked up the baby, gently rocking her to calm her down.

    Rylie gave Josue a sharp re before grabbing him by the ear and dragging him out of the ward. ¡°If you can¡¯t keep quiet, you¡¯re useless here.¡±

    ¡°Wait, I forgot! I couldn¡¯t help it. Stop pulling my ear!¡± Josue yelped, his hands covering his head as he stumbled after her. ¡°If you keep dragging me around like this, I won¡¯t be able to think of a good name!¡±

    ¡°Like you could think of a good name, anyway,¡± Rylie said, showing no mercy as she pulled harder.

    Josue twisted away and shot back, ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate me! I¡¯m pretty influential, you know.¡±

    Rylie raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a sneer. ¡°Influential? Are you more influential than Bryan? If it weren¡¯t for Bryan¡¯s early efforts, would you even be here today?¡±

    Josue¡¯s face darkened. Resentment flickered in his eyes as he muttered under his breath, ¡°Having connections with influential people is a skill too, you know.¡±

    ¡°Keep telling yourself that,¡± Rylie scoffed, letting go of his ear. ¡°You might believe it one day.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 316

    ?Chapter 316:

    The surname was settled¡ªCurtis.

    However, the baby¡¯s first name had still not been decided, even three days after leaving the hospital for the postnatal care center. They hadn¡¯t chosen a name yet.

    Faleen was in no rush; she wanted to take her time to find the perfect name. In contrast, Josue was anxious, presenting Eileen with a new list of potential names daily.

    His house was littered with papers scribbled with names.

    As Bryan stepped into the room, Josue immediately lunged to scoop up a paper from the floor, clutching it against his chest as if it were a precious gem.

    ¡°What brings you here so unexpectedly?¡± Josue asked.

    ¡°Business,¡± Bryan replied curtly, scanning the room but unable to make out the contents on the papers that Josue guarded so closely.

    He settled onto the sofa, arching an eyebrow. ¡°There¡¯s a meeting tomorrow you need to attend.¡±

    Josue didn¡¯t hesitate to refuse. ¡°I can¡¯t. I need to visit my goddaughter in the hospital. She doesn¡¯t have a father. She needs all the fatherly support I can give her to grow up well.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Bryan replied. ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried she might be affected by your bad influence?¡±

    Josue was familiar with Bryan¡¯s biting remarks and knew he couldn¡¯t out-argue him about attending the meeting, but submitting without a fight would be humiliating.

    He then nonchntly said, ¡°Fine, then think of a name for her. No, ten names. Do that, and I¡¯ll attend the meeting.¡±

    L??€$? ???t??§ñ? ?¦Ç g??l??ov?l??.??§àm

    Bryan, unfazed by the minor challenge, readily agreed.

    Yet, when he thought of the baby he had met the day before, he found himself unexpectedly tongue-tied, struggling to think of any names.

    Casually, he inquired, ¡°What is her¡­?¡±

    ¡°Surname¡­¡± Josue hesitated. Curtis was the agreed surname, but what if Bryan connected that to Eileen?

    Josue almost let the word slip. He stopped himself and quickly said, ¡°Payne. She¡¯ll have my surname.¡±

    Bryan cast him a look, aware that Josue was lying, but he didn¡¯t care.

    He mulled it over briefly before writing a name on the document.

    ¡°Athena.¡±

    After that, his mind drew a nk. His only wish was for the little girl to forge her own path in life.

    ¡°Only this one name?¡± Josue asked, with a hint of scorn.

    Bryan set the pen down and replied, ¡°Just this one. Besides, your opinion isn¡¯t relevant here. Why do you care so much?¡±

    Eileen reached for a cigarette, but Josue was quick to intervene. ¡°I can¡¯t visit my goddaughter smelling like your secondhand smoke. Either quit smoking now or leave.¡±

    ¡°And what about the meeting tomorrow?¡± Bryan queried, the unlit cigarette dangling from his lips.

    ¡°I said if you propose ten names, I¡¯ll attend. Less than that, I won¡¯t¡ª¡±

    But before Josue could finish, a ¡°click¡± echoed as Bryan flicked on his lighter.

    The me neared the cigarette, his gaze carrying a veiled threat.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be there!¡± Josue conceded, his teeth clenched.

    Bryan snuffed out the lit cigarette and waited to light his cigarette until he was outside.

    In haste, Josue brought a list of names to the care center, leaving the choice to Eileen.

    Eileen quickly skimmed through the names.

    ¡°Josue, did you bring a list of all your ex-girlfriends?¡± she asked, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous!¡± Josue responded instantly, his tone dismissive. ¡°How could those women ever measure up to my goddaughter?¡±

    However, the names on the list stirred an indescribable feeling within Eileen.

    It seemed that Josue¡¯s thoughts were still tethered to these women.

    She tried not to be too critical, especially considering Josue¡¯s dedication¡ªhe had been bringing her several lists daily.

    His efforts were earnest, but not exactly fruitful.

    ¡°None of these suit her?¡± Josue sighed, ncing at the little girl in the baby carriage, who seemed a touch more charming than she had a few days ago.

    Eileen shook her head.

    Josue slumped onto the couch, deep in thought for a while, before finally suggesting another name. ¡°What about Athena?¡±

    ¡°Athena?¡± Eileen looked intrigued.

    Josue wrote the name down on a piece of paper and passed it over to Eileen.

    The name conjured images of strength and independence, making Eileen chuckle. ¡°How did youe up with this name all of a sudden?¡± she asked.

    Josue faltered, at a loss for words.

    He didn¡¯t know how Bryan hade up with this name.

    All he knew was that the names he had agonized over for days paled inparison to the one Bryan had effortlessly proposed in mere minutes.

    ¡°I just used my brain. So, are you going to name the baby Athena?¡± Josue asked.

    Eileen, now up and about, stood straighter and wheeled the baby carriage closer, her fingers tenderly caressing the baby¡¯s cheek.

    ¡°Alright, Athena it is then,¡± she said.

    In Eileen¡¯s view, Josue had also yed a part in choosing the name.

    His chest swelled with pride, and he turned to share the news with Rylie and Ruby.

    ¡°This name is great. Once we¡¯re back home, we¡¯ll get the baby officially registered.¡± Ruby beamed, thrilled that Eileen was pleased with the name.

    The baby finally had a name now.

    Rylie promptly inquired, ¡°When are you nning on returning home?¡±

    ¡°Soon, after Eileen¡¯s recovery period is over,¡± Ruby replied.

    Just then, Josue interjected, ¡°You heading back? Did you travel all this way to a foreignnd just to have a baby?¡±

    They hade here for three months, and they would return a month after the baby was born.

    ¡°That¡¯s one way to describe it,¡± Eileen remarked. She then expressed her gratitude, saying, ¡°I¡¯m so thankful for all your help during this period. Your kindness to Athena will always have a ce in my heart.¡±

    Rylie waved off the thanks. ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. I don¡¯t have much to do here, and I¡¯ll follow Athena back.¡±

    Josue, looking lost in thought, finally spoke up. ¡°I¡¯ve requested a transfer back home. I¡¯m going to be close to Athena.¡±

    Eileen was deeply moved by their unified affection for the baby.

    Suddenly, Josue said, ¡°I think she needs a nickname.¡±

    He felt a bit unfair knowing that the formal name of the baby had been chosen by Bryan.

    After some thought, he dered firmly, ¡°Gabri.¡±

    Eileen was momentarily lost for words.

    ¡°You¡¯ve traveled thousands of miles abroad to have this child, and I want to give this nickname to her. This isn¡¯t up for discussion. Athena sounds too mature¡­¡± Josue stood his ground and began convincing the three women to embrace the nickname.

    Surprisingly, Josue¡¯s choice resonated with Eileen. She turned to Eileen with a hopeful look. ¡°What do you think?¡±

    ¡°I think the nickname is good,¡± Eileen replied, not wanting to dampen Josue¡¯s enthusiastic effort.

    Josue, Rylie, and Ruby gathered around the baby carriage, each taking turns to call the baby by her new name.

    Eileen moved to the window, soaking in the sunlight, and reflected on how much Rylie and Josue¡¯s visit had filled her thoughts.

    The hustle of the ward left her little space to mull over her feelings.

    Perhaps it was Athena¡¯s resemnce to Bryan, or maybe his recent presence here, that had made her think of Bryan constantly these days.

    In her slumbers, she often envisioned him cradling Athena, basking in the glow of fatherhood.

    Although his smile in her dreams didn¡¯t shine as brightly as Josue¡¯s did in reality, his joy seemed just as profound.

    Suddenly, a surge of emotion swept away all semnce of reason.

    Bryan had sent Eileen a text, expressing his desire to meet.

    Eileen had learned from Julio that the Apex Group was facing bleak prospects. Z had made a public vow to secure the Wal¨¦h family¡¯s project.

    Z had been in close talks with Lnd, nearly finalizing a deal.

    However, securing the contract would only herald further troubles for the Apex Group. Even with the project as a cover, the future looked grim.

    And if they couldn¡¯t secure the contract, the Apex Group¡¯s only route was a dire one.

    Amidst these tumultuous times, Bryan hade here, and Eileen found herself repeatedly reading his simple message on her phone.

    ¡°Eileen, I really want to see you.¡±

    She couldn¡¯t make up her mind for a long time.

    In Onnd,

    To win Lnd over, Z had booked the entire restaurant.

    Her grip on her purse tightened, betraying her anxiety.

    The door swung open abruptly, and in walked Lnd, d in a suit, a smile gracing his face as he made his way toward her.

    As he took his seat, his big belly grazed the edge of the table, almost tipping over the cup.

    Z acted swiftly to steady the cup, yet some water still spilled, trailing down the table and soaking into her clothes.

    Given it was summer, her thin clothes clung to her skin, clearly outlining her ckce bra.

    ¡°I¡¯m terribly sorry, Miss Murray. That was unintentional,¡± Lnd said.

    Apologies, all too familiaring from Lnd¡ªhis go-to sentence being ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± followed by ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to.¡±

    Z considered heading to the restroom to freshen up, but Lnd stopped her.

    ¡°No need to worry about the chill. It actually feels cooler when you¡¯re a bit wet. Besides, we have business matters to discuss, don¡¯t we?¡±

    Business matters?

    A spark of interest flickered in Z¡¯s eyes. Was Lnd finally ready to discuss the project?

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll stay then.¡± Z resettled in her chair, offered Lnd a smile, and began, ¡°Mr. Walsh, regarding the¡­¡±

    ¡°Come and sit over here,¡± Lnd suggested, patting the seat beside him.

    Z was a good distance away, too far for him to reach her.

    Z hesitated briefly. Then, with a smile, she slid into the seat next to him.

    As soon as she sat down, Lnd¡¯s hand found its way to her thigh.

    Her legs were bare, a choice typical of the season, and Lnd¡¯s rough, calloused hand moving across her skin was repulsive.

    ¡°Just checking if your legs got wet from that spilled water,¡± Lnd said.

    His excuse left Z with no way to vent her growing frustration.

    This kind of exchange had be a routine every time they met. Z quietly pushed Lnd¡¯s hand away.

    ¡°Mr. Walsh, can we be straightforward? How do I secure the Walsh family¡¯s project?¡± Z asked.

    Lnd, visibly startled by her directness, hesitated. It appeared Z had made up her mind about this.

    Yet, with Kian holding his reins tight, Lnd felt restrained from making any bold moves.

    Lost in his thoughts, he was startled again when something caressed his leg. Looking down, he saw Z¡¯s foot, d in a high heel, stroking his calf.

    Confusion washed over him. Kian had insisted Z wouldn¡¯t relent, yet here she was, intentionally seducing him.

    Maybe she was now?

    Still, Lnd dared not respond. Swiftly avoiding further contact, he stood up. ¡°I need to use the restroom.¡±

    He attempted to call Kian as he left, but after dialing twice, he still couldn¡¯t get through.

    Meanwhile, Z, acting nonchnt, reached behind to grab her purse and subtly adjusted her position.

    A red light blinked discreetly, targeting the seat Lnd had just vacated¡­

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 317

    ?Chapter 317:

    Ten minutester, Lnd returned, his expression uncertain because Kian hadn¡¯t answered his call.

    As he approached Zach, he noticed that her <length shirt had slipped down slightly, exposing her soft skill.

    The sight momentarily distracted him. He figured Kian was done with Z by now.

    Besides, Z had seduced him this time.

    Taking a few steps closer, he made up his mind.

    "Miss Murray, have you decided?" Lnd inquired as he took a seat. "Are you really sure about this project?"

    Z, resting her chin on her hands, gave him a captivating look. "Absolutely, Mr Walsh. I''m all in. I''d like to sign the contract today?

    Lnd was drawn to her beaming smile and ced his hand on her shoulder.

    His fingers, thick and rough, pressed down a little too hard.

    Z was slightly ufortable.

    When his hand started to move under her shirt, Z quickly stopped it,

    "Mr Walsh, just to be clear. Are you giving me this project or not?" she asked.

    "What are you going to give me in return?" Lnd said, squeezing her shoulder.

    Z''s expression darkened for a moment before she regained herposure, "I''m interested in this project because Apex Group is fully capable, MIL Walsh, I hope you''ll choose us based on our capabilities."

    Lnd said, "I like you. [If you impress me, why shouldn''t L give you the project? Do you really want to waste more time discussing this?"

    He looked around and noticed that they were alone, even the waiters were not here. Let us not y games. You knew what this meeting meant.

    I need a clear answer, ME Walsh_ Are you suggesting I need to sleep with you to secure this project& Z asked bluntly.

    The room was secluded, the lights dimmed. Therge dining room rug was designed to muffle the sounds and make their conversation private.

    Lnd did not hesitate. With a yin, he conf¨¦;sed, "Yes, if you''re ready, then there"s no reason to dy!"

    Impatiently, he reached out and tugged at Z''s shirt.

    Her ck bra had been partially removed by him, Z hadn''t expected his brashness. With a shocked gasp, she found herself being dragged to the floor by him.

    The next second, Lnd was picking her up from behind and throwing her on the table, pulling up her dress to reveal her thighs,

    "Let me go! Don''t touch me, you bastard!" Z cried out, panic gripping her as she struggled, she could feel the heat from Lnd''s body now, he had already removed his trousers.

    She had nned to escape while he was undressing, but everything had happened faster than she had expected.

    "Stop pretending!" Lnd pped her back and dered, "Wasn''t that what we agreed? Don''t act like I''m forcing you.

    "Let me go, Lnd ¨C you''ll regret it if youy a finger on me! Bryan won''t let this go, and neither will Kian!- Overwhelmed with fear, Z began to sob, Lnd forcing her head down and pinning her.

    Losing all restraint, Lnd was indifferent to the consequences of his actions.

    Suddenly, a sharp pain made Z scream, "Record everything! I can take you to court! I''ve recorded every single thing you''ve done to me!"

    Shocked, Lnd quickly pulled on his trousers, his eyes darting around in panic.

    Seizing the moment, Z straightened her dress, grabbed her bag and left,

    At that moment, Lnd''s only concern was that his false identity would be revealed and he would be in serious trouble.

    His mind was overwhelmed and he made no attempt to stop Z.

    As she reached her car, I felt a strange sensation in her body, but she told herself she had not been vited, shaking her head repeatedly to reassure herself that she was untainted.

    When she got home, she had a shower before watching the video from beginning to end,

    This being her first attempt, she hadn''t quite mastered the camera angles.

    Much to her dismay, Lnd''s face was cut out of the frame throughout.

    Fortunately, her face was also missing. The words exchanged between them were revealing enough to hint at their identities.

    In Lnd''s case, he was indifferent to his tarnished reputation. Z was determined to expose him to the senior management and shareholders of the Walsh Group.

    The issue went beyond Lnd; it was about thepany''s reputation and its impact on the stock market. 7014 was confident that the Walsh Group shareholders would intervene.

    This would be their chance to secure the project.

    She edited the video to show Lnd forcing her to do a sexual favour in return for the project.

    She portrayed herself as initially refusing, with Lnd then attempting to assault her, from which she managed to escape.

    Z uploaded the edited video anonymously to the Walsh Group''s internal website, which caused quite a stir.

    The media quickly caught wind of the turmoil within the Walsh Group, reporting on the sudden convening of design shareholders.

    Z watched the news with a sense of aplishment.

    Coincidentally, Brandon and Lydia came to her to inquire about the Walsh Group''s project.

    Z dered confidently, "Don''t worry. I''m absolutely sure we''ll get the project."

    "Really?" Brandon was skeptical. "I heard that the Ferguson Group is in talks with the Walsh Group about the project."

    "Manypanies may have conversations with the Walsh Group, but only the one who secures the project truly wins," Z replied. She offered aforting smile to Brandon. "Don''t worry."

    This prompted Brandon to ask, "What about Bryan? Is he still overseas? Did he actually go there to see Eileen?"

    At the mention of Bryan and Eileen, Z''s hands balled into fists. "Let''s put the matter about him and Eileen behind us. The Apex Group is in your hands now. Isn''t this what we''ve been striving for?"

    Lydia shook her head. "The matter is not as simple as it seems. I think we should keep an eye on it. Have someone look into why he went abroad."

    Z nodded. "Okay."

    The Walsh Group was in disarray. The real Lnd seethed with anger upon viewing the video.

    Though furious, Lnd found it hard to defend himself.

    The man in the video bore a physique simr to his, making any denial difficult.

    "From start to finish, nobody from Apex Group reached out to me. It''s all lies!" Lnd eximed in anger.

    The shareholders weren''t convinced and demanded an exnation. Ultimately, Lnd had to corroborate his alibi with the timestamp from the video.

    "The absence of Mr. Dawson has really knocked the wind out of Apex Group''s sails," one shareholder remarked. "Ferguson Group has been poaching their projects left and right. Rumor has it that a woman has taken the helm of Apex Group."

    "And what could a woman possibly achieve? She''s been concocting this malicious scheme to target the Walsh Group. This was a step too far!"

    The room bristled with outrage, and some shareholders were even tempted to chastise Z directly.

    Lnd was a force to be reckoned with¡ªa man marred by a checkered past.

    After pondering his next move, he decided to retaliate. Instead of reaching out to Z directly, he orchestrated a scenario where Walsh Group''s senior executives leaked the matter.

    The story, a mix of truth and fabrication, quickly circted within the business world.

    Meanwhile, Z assumed the trouble at Walsh Group stemmed from their own inability to keep their team aligned, and she patiently awaited Lnd to reach out to her. However, she was unprepared for his prolonged silence, whichsted almost a month.

    What followed was not an olive branch from Lnd, but a legal salvo. He had filed awsuit against Apex Group, using Z of spreading damaging rumors that tarnished both his reputation and that of Walsh Group.

    As a result, Apex Group found itself besieged by public scorn.

    Confronted with the evidence Lnd presented, which proved they had never met that night, Z was in a panic.

    Julio ryed this news to Eileen, adding, "Now, everyone''s on the hunt for Bryan. The senior executives and shareholders are relying on him to navigate this crisis, yet his location remains a mystery."

    Bryan''s whereabouts were not public knowledge.

    Only a select few were aware that Bryan had traveled overseas, but he had been away for quite some time.

    A month ago, Eileen had given birth and was now preparing to return to the country with Gabri.

    She understood exactly what Bryan was waiting for.

    The noon sunlight was perfect, filling the spacious living room. Eileen reclined on the sofa, her long hair cascading down, gazing at her peacefully sleeping baby.

    Cradling the baby''s tiny hand, she pondered over Bryan''sst message:

    "I really want to see you."

    He hadn''t added anything more but persisted in his inquiries.

    She hadn''t replied for a month, and he had stayed put. Clearly, he had resolved not to depart until he could see her.

    Phoebe and Jacob were aware that Bryan''s trip overseas was to see Eileen.

    They understood Bryan hadn''t returned for so long because he hadn''t seen Eileen, leading them to spend time on video calls with Eileen, trying to persuade her.

    "You''ve had the baby. It''s time you met him!" Jacob said, scratching his ear anxiously. "He''s the father of the child! How could you keep this from him? That''s just cruel!"

    "Ouch¡ª"

    Hisint was cut short as Phoebe grabbed him by the hair and pulled him away.

    "Eileen, don''t listen to Jacob," Phoebe said. "I get why you''d want to cut ties with Bryan, but given how stubborn he''s being, some things need to be discussed face-to-face. Don''t you think?"

    Indeed, there were matters that required a face-to-face meeting.

    Meanwhile, Jacob''s voice echoed on the other end, "Eileen, I''m not taking his side. I''m on your side. I''m just worried."

    Eileen found it hard to believe Jacob.

    If Phoebe hadn''t intervened, Jacob would have spilled the beans to Bryan about the baby.

    Clearly, he wasn''t on her side; he was just afraid of Phoebe.

    With a forced smile, Eileen replied, "Thank you."

    "Then, will you see him?" Jacob edged closer again. "If you refuse to meet him, I''ll set him up with another woman when he returns!"

    "Really?" Phoebe shot back. "Well, I''ve got a whole list of men ready for Eileen!"

    The two were on the brink of a quarrel. Almost every video call they made ended in an argument.

    Finally, Eileen dered, "I''ll see him." Then, she ended the video call.

    She was indeed going to see him.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 318

    ?Chapter 318:

    Phoebe had shared everything about Bryan¡¯s activities overseas with Eileen. He seemed to have somemitments too, although Eileen didn¡¯t know the specifics of his job.

    What she did know was that he finished at 5 p.m. every day and spent three hours at the intersection near the Ferguson Group¡¯s branch.

    Even the caf¨¦ owner at the corner recognized him because of his consistent presence there.

    After a month of recovery from childbirth, Eileen regained her slender figure. The only visible mark on her body from giving birth was a C-section scar.

    When Eileen decided to go out, Rylie didn¡¯t object but reminded her not to overexert herself with work so soon after having a baby.

    Ruby, on the other hand, remained silent, seemingly aware of Eileen¡¯s destination, and watched her leave with a look of concern.

    After nine months of pregnancy and a month of recovery, being outside again felt strange to Eileen.

    She adjusted her seat in the car, took a few moments to getfortable, then started the engine and drove off.

    The usual twenty-minute drive took forty minutes because of the rush hour traffic.

    Eileen arrived at the caf¨¦ at half past five.

    Find thetest releases g?ln¦Òv????s

    The ce was quiet, with a few businesswomen gathered in a corner and some individuals scattered around the first floor.

    Bryan was not there. Eileen sat by a second-floor window where she could see the entrance and the street.

    She hadn¡¯t told Bryan she wasing.

    Bryan should have been here by now.

    Perhaps today was the exception, and he wouldn¡¯te.

    If that were the case, it seemed they were bound to miss each other.

    Since she couldn¡¯t drink coffee, Eileen ordered a ss of milk and kept ncing at the door.

    Over the next hour, about eight people entered, but Bryan was not among them.

    By nearly seven o¡¯clock, the sky hadpletely darkened, with city lights illuminating the streets.

    The caf¨¦ remained quiet, the soft hum of foreignnguages adding a hypnotic backdrop.

    Eileen¡¯s body tensed slightly as the warm milk in her hands turned cold.

    She had yet to see the person she was waiting for.

    As the caf¨¦ emptied, the waiter asked her several times if she wanted a refill, but she declined each time.

    Each upied table had a smallmp turned on, and the onlymp lit on the second floor was at her table.

    The light created intricate patterns on her hands.

    At half-past eight, Eileen let out a soft sigh and stood up to leave.

    Outside, it had started to drizzle.

    Pedestrians hurried by with umbres, and a few, like her, sought shelter under eaves.

    Across the street, a man stood under a streemp, smoking.

    The white streetlight illuminated Bryan, casting a glow around his figure; his ck shirt was damp, clinging to his body.

    Raindrops dotted his short hair, and the glow of his cigarette red intermittently.

    As he flicked ash from his cigarette, his dark eyes looked up and met Eileen¡¯s.

    Eileen stood under the eaves in a ck dress, clutching a small bag.

    Her waist-length hair was now cut to shoulder length and slightly curled. It retained its natural ck color and exuded a captivating allure.

    Bryan crushed his cigarette, moved toward her, and took off his coat.

    He draped it over her shoulders and wrapped her in his arms as if to meld her into his very being.

    His faint tobo scent surrounded Eileen, his embrace as warm as before.

    Half of his body remained in the rain, and she watched the raindrops soak through his clothes as she shifted slightly.

    ¡°Let go,¡± Eileen said.

    ¡°Give me ten more seconds,¡± Bryan whispered into her neck, inhaling her scent, now mingled with a hint of milk, likely because she had juste from the caf¨¦.

    He didn¡¯t think much of it. After ten seconds, he reluctantly released her.

    His dark eyes scanned her from head to toe, as ifmitting every detail to memory.

    ¡°Can we talk?¡± Eileen asked, her clear eyes capturing the deep contours of his face.

    Bryan¡¯s expression darkened at her question, and he responded, ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Then why did you meet me?¡± Eileen asked, frowning.

    ¡°Because I miss you,¡± Bryan replied.

    Eileen felt a deep sense of resignation upon hearing that.

    ¡°What are you afraid of?¡± she asked. As his coat slipped from her shoulders, she caught it swiftly.

    ¡°You came all this way and spent so much time here just to see me,¡± she added.

    ¡°If you want me to do something else, that¡¯s fine too,¡± Bryan said, his hand touching her waist.

    His tone was casual, carrying no particr implication.

    Eileen felt theck of intention in his touch and handed him back the coat. ¡°You should go back. There¡¯s trouble at Apex Group.¡±

    ¡°What about you?¡± Bryan asked, stepping to the side to shield her from the wind.

    Eileen tucked her short hair behind her ear and said, ¡°I¡¯ll go back too. I¡¯ll go back once the Ferguson Group¡¯s project here wraps up, in at most half a month.¡±

    Satisfied with her answer, a faint smile curved Bryan¡¯s lips, though he remained silent, his gaze fixed on her.

    ¡°Then you can go back now?¡± Eileen urged. She took his hand and draped the coat over his arm.

    Bryan didn¡¯t refuse, but it was difficult to miss the sadness in his eyes as he watched her.

    Eileen hesitated for a few seconds before turning and walking toward her car.

    Finally, Bryan spoke. ¡°Eileen, do you regret marrying me seven years ago?¡±

    If she hadn¡¯t married him, she would have avoided much turmoil and not been drawn into the ruthless conflicts of the wealthy families.

    Eileen paused, her ck dress caught in the wind, her short hair covering half her face, but not the sorrow in her eyes.

    After a while, she turned to face him. ¡°No, I don¡¯t regret it.¡±

    A spark of light flickered in Bryan¡¯s dark eyes.

    Eileen continued, ¡°After all, without you, my mom wouldn¡¯t have made it this far.¡±

    That was the only benefit she had gained from their marriage, and she harbored no regrets about that.

    ¡°Is that the only reason?¡± Bryan¡¯s expression dimmed again.

    He wanted to ask her if she regretted their rtionship, but ultimately, he couldn¡¯t muster the courage.

    ¡°Go back,¡± Eileen skirted the question. She turned around, entered her car, and watched his silhouette gradually fade in the rearview mirror.

    Her heart ached as long-suppressed memories resurfaced.

    Their meeting felt like a simple catch-up between friends, yet it also seemed like the precursor to a farewell¡­ or maybe a new beginning.

    The day after their meeting, Bryan returned to the country.

    Three dayster, Apex Group and Walsh Group agreed to court mediation. Z and Lnd didn¡¯t attend personally, instead delegating theirwyers and assistants to manage the discussions.

    Confronted with substantial evidence from the Walsh Group, Z believed they had faked it, yet the video didn¡¯t clearly show anyone¡¯s face, and shecked more concrete proof.

    Therefore, the mediator rmended that Apex Group drop thewsuit due to insufficient evidence.

    Z refused, escting the issue to a court case. As the CEO, Bryan should have dealt with this, but he dodged the subject, maintained his daily routine at thepany, and left Z to cope with the crisis alone.

    asionally, he reached out to Jacob, trying to find out about Eileen¡¯s return date.

    Sometimes, impulsively, he would call Jacob in the middle of the night.

    Exasperated, Jacob finally snapped, ¡°Bryan, you may not have a wife, but I do. And my wife is pregnant. Her pregnancy is tough enough without you waking us every night. Can you hold back a little?¡±

    ¡°Then why don¡¯t you report to me daily?¡± Bryan responded matter-of-factly.

    Jacob was left speechless.

    Bryan continued, ¡°Since you know her pregnancy is difficult, why should you sleepfortably? I¡¯m just helping you empathize with her.¡±

    Angered, Jacob stormed out of his bedroom, went downstairs, and yelled, ¡°Bryan, you deserve to be single! I hope you end up alone forever, with no wife or children to care for you!¡±

    Bryan understood the wife part, but why did Jacob mention children?

    Never mind. That was just a bunch of jibber-jabber. Eileen will be back in three days. I just found out tonight and nned to tell you tomorrow. Don¡¯t bother me again.

    Jacob hastily added, then ended the call.

    Three dayster, Z lost thewsuit because the evidence Lnd had presented was undeniable.

    Ultimately, Brandon met with Lnd to discuss a settlement, narrowly preventing a defamationwsuit against Z.

    Brandon sharply rebuked Z, then immediately called an overnight emergency meeting with Apex Group¡¯s senior management and shareholders.

    They discussed the project¡¯s viability and strategies to salvage Apex Group.

    At the head of the table, Bryan sat as if he were merely an observer, asionally checking his phone. His apparent indifference was noted by everyone.

    Brandon knew Bryan wouldn¡¯t propose any solutions. He understood Bryan was secretly hoping for Z¡¯s downfall to im victory himself.

    Seizing the moment, Brandon openly criticized Bryan¡¯sck of concern for thepany. ¡°Bryan, even though we had an agreement that if Z lost, I¡¯d sell all my shares to save Apex Group, that would mean heavy losses for us, and you just stand by and watch indifferently. How can you be so heartless?¡±

    Bryan met his gaze with a cold one of his own, idly ying with a pen. In a frosty tone, he replied, ¡°If you¡¯re so noble, why don¡¯t you give up your shares to cover the losses and leave Apex Group? I¡¯ll handle saving it.¡±

    His response left Brandon at a loss for words.

    Brandon had braced for the possibility of Z failing to manage Apex Group, but the reality was worse than he had imagined.

    He had also anticipated Bryan might neglect thepany¡¯s troubles, but he had never expected such aplete disregard.

    Now, even if he took control, Apex Group seemed like a lost cause. What was the point?

    Yet, remembering the documents he had Bryan sign, Brandon thought, if all else failed¡­ they would go down together!

    Brandon said, ¡°Everyone, you¡¯ve seen his attitude. You can¡¯t me me for disregarding familial ties, but before we delve into that, let¡¯s focus on how to salvage our current situation.¡±

    Immediately, a shareholder spoke up, ¡°Given the current circumstances, cooperation with the Walsh family is off the table. The Ferguson Group has the best chance to partner with the Walsh Group. If we can convince the person in charge at Ferguson Group to let us join the project, we might turn this around.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 319

    ?Chapter 319:

    ¡°How many projects has the Ferguson Group stolen from us?¡± a shareholder said furiously. ¡°They¡¯re our arch rivals. Do you really think they¡¯d share anything with us?¡±

    His words cast a heavy silence over the entire conference room.

    Lydia spoke up, ¡°I believe there¡¯s a chance to mend our rtionship with the Ferguson Group. They¡¯re only edging out Apex Group for projects because Z now leads Apex Group, and some instability has given them an opening to capitalize on. I¡¯ve heard that the Ferguson Group will soon name a new general manager. From what I¡¯ve gathered about Julio, he¡¯s short on skilled people. This new manager will be someone he trusts, but they might not be all that capable. Given the former stature of Apex Group, this manager wouldn¡¯t dare cross us.¡±

    She implied that using their power to intimidate could be effective, painting the new manager as a minor yer, hardly worth concern.

    Her words somewhat reassured the shareholders, sparking a detailed discussion on how to negotiate with the Ferguson Group to share the Walsh Group¡¯s project.

    At the head of the table, Bryan listened with a faint, amused smile.

    ¡°Then it¡¯s settled. In three days, once the Ferguson Group¡¯s new general manager assumes their role, we will reach out to discuss the project,¡± Brandon said.

    As the meeting ended, Bryan was the first to stand up and leave.

    Raymond hurried after him, whispering, ¡°Miss Curtis is back. Julio personally picked her up at the airport and arranged a vi for her to stay in. Bailee and Milford have moved in there too¡­¡±

    Stay updated with galn¦Ò¦Í??????.c?m

    ¡°Got it,¡± Bryan replied, pausing by the window.

    As he gazed out over the sprawling city, a sense of fullness began to seep into his once-empty heart.

    The heart of summer had Onnd sweltering through slightly stifling nights.

    Fresh off her ne, Eileen found sleep elusive due to jetg and chose to pore over the Walsh Group¡¯s project instead.

    Julio hadid the groundwork with initial contacts, and with the Ferguson Group stealing the spotlight, the Walsh Group was leaning heavily toward forging a partnership with them¡ªa decision nearly sealed.

    Yet, Eileen remained cautious.

    Downstairs, Bailee and Milford were still up, tending to the baby.

    Their intermittent exmations floated upstairs, prompting Eileen to rise and shut the door of the study. Back at her desk, a smile yed on her lips.

    Little two-month-old Gabri, not yet versed in the art of speech or understanding words, seemed to be a source of amusement for Bailee and the others.

    In three days, Eileen was ted to join the Ferguson Group, and Ruby had agreed to look after Gabri at home for her.

    Rylie, having purchased the vi next door, nned to assist with the baby during the day.

    Josue was away on business and expected to return once hismitments were fulfilled.

    Eileen¡¯s life had settled back into its routine, and it was finally the day she would start her new job at Ferguson Group.

    Her shoulder-length ck hair was neatly tucked behind her ears, and she wore minimal makeup, though her lipstick was a bold, dark shade, echoing her new role as the general manager with an air of authority andmand.

    As she stepped into thepany building, employees were lined up on both sides, greeting her in unison.

    ¡°Good morning, Ms. Curtis!¡±

    Eileen acknowledged them with a brief nod and was quickly surrounded by a group of people who followed her eagerly as she made her way to the elevator.

    One of them handed her a stack of documents. ¡°Ms. Curtis, Mr. Ferguson mentioned that you have the authority to choose your own secretary. You can promote someone from within the secretarial pool or bring someone new.¡±

    Eileen, skeptical of the internal candidates, decided to hire someone new without hesitation.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for anyone toe here for an interview. I¡¯ll find them myself,¡± she said.

    She wasn¡¯t capable of discerning who might be a well-disguised spy, so the best approach was for her to take the initiative and find someone.

    As she entered the elevator, she turned to the group that had followed her.

    ¡°I need the department heads in the conference room in ten minutes. We¡¯ll be reviewing the progress of the project with the Walsh Group. The rest of you, please return to your duties.¡±

    The elevator¡¯s white light cast down, entuating her sharp, intelligent features.

    d in her sleek business suit, she radiated sophistication, making it nearly impossible for anyone to get close to or understand her.

    The elevator climbed slowly,ing to a halt at the top floor where a tall silhouette awaited outside.

    As she turned, Eileen was met with the sight of a bouquet of lilies, their sweet scent permeating the air.

    ¡°Wee back,¡± Benjamin said, offering her the flowers with a smile.

    Eileen epted the bouquet. Around her, the top floor staff assembled, their greetings warm, much like those she had received on the lower floors.

    ¡°Good morning, Ms. Curtis!¡±

    Those working on the top floor were Julio¡¯s people, and their wee was genuinely heartfelt.

    ¡°I¡¯m excited to work with all of you. I hope you¡¯ll support me moving forward,¡± Eileen responded, her smile mirroring Benjamin¡¯s as she reached out to shake his hand. ¡°Benjamin, let¡¯s aplish great things together.¡±

    ¡°First, let¡¯s get down to work. Mr. Ferguson mentioned organizing a wee banquet for you, but since we¡¯re swamped, it¡¯ll have to wait until we¡¯re nearly through with the Walsh Group¡¯s project,¡± Benjamin said, gently dispersing the gathering people as he escorted Eileen to her new office.

    It wasn¡¯t more than ten minutester when the receptionist¡¯s call came through, ¡°Ms. Curtis, Ms. Murray from Apex Group is here to see you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m swamped; I don¡¯t have time to see her,¡± Eileen replied briskly, declining the meeting.

    There was a brief pause before the receptionist continued, ¡°Ms. Murray understands today is a busy day for you, but she insists she has something important to discuss with you and is willing to wait.¡±

    ¡°Then let her wait,¡± Eileen replied, promptly ending the call.

    Without a secretary, Eileen found herself bogged down by numerous small tasks during her meetings.

    Her return to the corporate world after some time away left her feeling somewhat anxious.

    During a brief ten-minute break, she drank a cup of coffee, which helped her regain a sense of calm and order.

    As the workday drew to a close, the receptionist brought her up to speed: Z had waited until noon, taken a break for lunch, and then returned to wait. Her expression had turned sour until she had finally left.

    Before she left, Z had gotten the receptionist¡¯s number, hoping to set up a meeting with the general manager of the Ferguson Group over the phone.

    Eileen knew Z too well. Z¡¯s pride wouldn¡¯t allow her to wait around day after day.

    She had only expected Z tost till midday, but Z had stayed the whole day, likely a sign of the immense pressure from Apex Group.

    Eileen was exhausted after the day¡¯s work. Her top priority was to hire a secretary to delegate some minor tasks.

    When she got home and saw Gabri sleeping peacefully in her baby carriage, her weariness melted.

    The two-month-old had yawned, and aside from her eyebrows, which she had inherited from Bryan, she looked mostly like Eileen.

    Ruby, ever so strict, insisted that Eileen wash her hands before touching the baby.

    By the time Eileen finished washing her hands and returned, Milford and Bailee were already gathered around the baby carriage.

    They had arrived home before her, Milford havingpleted his homework and Bailee having finished her work tasks.

    ¡°Go rx, Eileen. I¡¯ll look after the baby,¡± Milford said.

    ¡°Milford¡¯s right. You¡¯ve had a tiring day at the office. We¡¯ve got this,¡± Bailee chimed in, her voice supportive.

    They moved the baby carriage slightly away from Eileen, somewhat protective, as if they worried she might try to im the baby back.

    Eileen chuckled softly, her expression gentle as she watched the little one sleep peacefully.

    She wasn¡¯t producing much milk, and the baby, now ustomed to form, showed no interest in breastfeeding.

    Nevertheless, the baby still slept beside her at night, giving her ample time to bond. She would see the baby before she went to bed and after she woke up every day.

    The sight of the baby¡¯s innocent eyes always warmed her heart.

    ¡°How was work today, Eileen?¡± Bailee asked, settling herself beside Milford.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Eileen responded with a nod. ¡°In my position, not many dare to cross me, except for Julio!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s great to hear. Don¡¯t worry about the education center; I¡¯ve got it covered,¡± Bailee replied with a hint of pride. ¡°We faced a few challenges recently, but I handled them just as you would have!¡±

    She had effectively kept the educational institution running smoothly, even while visiting West Land during the holidays and managing tasks remotely.

    ¡°I knew you could handle it. My position at Ferguson Group isn¡¯t very stable at the moment, so we¡¯re counting on you to support the family,¡± Eileen said with a smile.

    A smile lit up Bailee¡¯s face, mixed with a touch of shyness.

    After a pause, Eileen continued, ¡°By the way, I need a favor from you.¡±

    Her presence at Ferguson Group today wouldn¡¯t have gone unnoticed; many would recognize her, and the Ferguson family was sure to keep tabs on the new general manager, scrutinizing her closely.

    Thus, it was impractical for her to hire a secretary personally.

    Eileen said, ¡°Could you visit the talent market and find a secretary for me? Make no mention of it being for the Ferguson Group. Just offer the top sry they expect!¡±

    ¡°Absolutely, leave it to me. I¡¯ll find someone sharp,¡± Bailee assured her with confidence.

    ¡°Just pick one person. As long as they are capable, the choice is yours. I¡¯ll provide you with an employment contract for them to sign before you bring them to me,¡± Eileen added.

    Eileen needed to sidestep any premature encounters before employing someone, to keep the Ferguson family from detecting her maneuvers and potentially bribing the candidate.

    Eileen was well-acquainted with corporate underhandedness, while Bailee, still inexperienced, trusted Eileen.

    Pausing for a moment, Eileen shifted the conversation. ¡°Let¡¯s set aside work for now. How¡¯s everything going between you and Huey?¡±

    ¡°He said he¡¯d talk to his mother about our rtionship and set up a meeting,¡± Bailee replied with a smile, her eyes drifting toward the dining room. She lowered her voice before continuing, ¡°But Mom has her doubts. If Huey¡¯s family is on board, you might need to help me win her over.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Mom will respect your decision. She might not like it since she thinks Huey¡¯s a bit immature, but she¡¯lle around,¡± Eileen reassured Bailee. She knew Ruby well.

    Soon, the baby woke up, brightening the mood in the room.

    Eileen found herself momentarily sidelined as everyone else took turns holding the baby.

    At that moment, Benjamin sent her a message.

    They nned to meet Lnd for lunch the next day to present the project n. If everything went ording to n, they would only have the signing left to schedule.

    The lunch with Lnd the following day went without a hitch, and Lnd was quite impressed with Eileen¡¯s proposal.

    After tweaking a few minor details, they agreed to sign in three days.

    With this issue resolved, the ns for Eileen¡¯s wee banquet as the new general manager of Ferguson Group were confirmed forter in the evening.

    As word of the banquet spread, so did news of the uing contract signing between Walsh Group and Ferguson Group.

    Z kept trying to set up a meeting with the Ferguson Group but received no reply.

    Unable to do anything, Brandon and Lydia managed to secure an invitation to the Ferguson Group¡¯s banquet and decided to attend with Z.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 320

    ?Chapter 320:

    The banquet was held in a hotel owned by the Ferguson Group, a striking structure towering brightly with over a dozen stories.

    A plush red carpet unfurled from the entrance all the way to the curb where cars lined up to drop off a glittering array of business celebrities for the event.

    On the surface, it was a wee banquet for Eileen, but in fact, it was to trumpet the resurgence of the Ferguson Group.

    The grand hall shone under intense, ornate lighting, predominantly upied by men in sharp suits and crisp ties.

    Here and there, a few women in sleek business outfits blended in, enhancing the strictly professional tone of the evening.

    Eileen stood out in her elegant ck suit, her shoulder-length hair neatly styled behind her ears.

    The waves in her hair lent her a hint of allure and yfulness, while her bright, piercing eyes radiated intelligence and acumen.

    That evening marked Eileen¡¯s encounter with Julio after a long time, and he seemed to have adopted a more businesslike air.

    Gone was his former gentle charm, now reced by a shrewd and calcting presence.

    This wasn¡¯t just Eileen¡¯s impression. Others noticed this too.

    Your next chapter awaits at galn¦Ò????????

    As Eileen moved through the room nked by Benjamin and Julio, all eyes were on her.

    Whispers spread as people recognized her¡ªEileen, nearly married to Bryan and his former diligent assistant.

    Now, as Eileen stood confidently beside Julio, there was no mistaking her role.

    She was not just a subordinate, but his equal, his partner in the venture.

    Many had recognized her exceptional work skills and keen insights.

    Back when she had worked for Bryan, numerouspetitors had attempted to lure her away.

    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in weing the new General Manager of the Ferguson Group, Eileen Curtis. Her achievements speak for themselves,¡± Julio dered from the stage, presenting Eileen to the crowd while subtly suggesting her pivotal role in elevating the Ferguson Group¡¯s status.

    His remarks insinuated that Eileen was the brains behind his sess, though he left it unsaid.

    He managed tomend Eileen without giving the Ferguson family any direct reason to target her.

    This tactful y further painted Julio as crafty and astute in Eileen¡¯s view. And Julio had remained true to his promise.

    Julio then gave a brief introduction of Benjamin, and following that, the banquet officiallymenced.

    Just as Eileen was about to leave the stage, Benjamin signaled her toward the corner.

    There stood Bryan, impably dressed in a suit, his short hair highlighting his sharp features.

    His dark eyes swept over the room, and those who passed by acknowledged him with nods.

    Though they didn¡¯t greet him as warmly as they had before, his presence was undeniable.

    Bryan¡¯s intense gaze cut through the crowd, finally meeting Eileen¡¯s.

    ¡°Have you and Mr. Dawson truly ended things?¡±

    Benjamin couldn¡¯t shake off his doubts.

    He felt that both Eileen and Bryan still had feelings for each other.

    Eileen averted her gaze, then nced at Benjamin and said, ¡°Stop sounding so skeptical.¡±

    Benjamin chuckled, his eyes momentarily dimming before ring up again.

    Heposed himself quickly. ¡°Let¡¯s head downstairs. Tonight¡¯s discussions about the Walsh Group¡¯s project could be extensive.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen agreed, stepping down from the stage only to be immediately engulfed by a crowd.

    Brandon and hispanions, who had arrived fashionablyte, feared being turned away and embarrassed if they showed up too early.

    They entered just after the banquet began, their invitation checked smoothly at the door, allowing them easy ess.

    The hall buzzed with activity. The trio scanned the crowd from a corner but failed to spot the General Manager of the Ferguson Group.

    Instead, they noticed Bryan, who was seated in a corner, sipping a ss of wine.

    They joined him, sitting nearby.

    Bryan had been watching Eileen, but he scowled at their interruption.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say you were invited to this event? You¡¯re here for the Walsh Group¡¯s project as well, aren¡¯t you?¡± Brandon whispered, his tone low. He assumed that Bryan hade for simr reasons rted to the Walsh Group¡¯s project and was pleased with his decision.

    Bryan leaned back in his chair with a scoff. ¡°Looking for the General Manager of the Ferguson Group? Over there, go ahead.¡±

    Eileen, although not particrly short, blended into the crowd, hidden among the taller men.

    As she mingled, Brandon and his associates couldn¡¯t quite catch her face, only noting the slender silhouette of a woman.

    ¡°A woman?¡± Lydia murmured in surprise, turning to Z. ¡°If it¡¯s a woman, she might be easier to talk to. Why don¡¯t you go over and chat? You can discuss the projectter, in private.¡±

    Z, feeling reassured, nodded and made her way through the crowd.

    ¡°The Walsh Group¡¯s project has been on the Ferguson Group¡¯s agenda for a while. For details, we¡¯ll wait until we conclude our discussions with Mr. Walsh. He¡¯ll then provide everyone with an update,¡± Eileen said, careful not to overshadow Lnd.

    The group maintained their decorum, lightly touching on the project details without delving too deeply.

    ¡°The Walsh Group¡¯s project will significantly bolster the Ferguson Group¡¯s growth over theing years. Congrattions to Mr. Ferguson, Ms. Curtis, and Mr. Nash. You three have really pulled off a business miracle!¡± someonemented, skillfully bringing the conversation back to the influential trio.

    Behind his ck-rimmed sses, Julio¡¯s eyes retained their calm. ¡°You¡¯re ttering us. I¡¯ve been fortunate enough to work with Ms. Curtis and Mr. Nash. Together, we¡¯re aiming to expand the Ferguson Group.¡±

    ¡°Ms. Curtis?¡± Z peered over, standing just behind Eileen. The silhouette was familiar, but she didn¡¯t recognize it.

    She said, ¡°Ferguson, Ms. Curtis, I¡¯m Z Murray from the Apex Group.¡±

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s Ms. Murray.¡±

    ¡°Ms. Murray.¡±

    Some in the group greeted Z, recognizing her. A few others echoed the greeting, stepping aside to let her through.

    The Ferguson Group had wrested numerous projects away from Apex Group, marking them as rivals.

    Z¡¯s presence here suggested she was either trying to stir up trouble or seeking an alliance.

    The room buzzed with curiosity.

    Z circled around to face Eileen. ¡°Ms. Curtis¡­¡±

    Z¡¯s eyes shot wide open. ¡°When did you get back from overseas? You¡­¡±

    A realization dawned on Z. Could the General Manager of the Ferguson Group actually be Eileen?

    That seemed unbelievable. How could someone who had just been an assistant, a mere tutor, now be the General Manager?

    ¡°Ms. Murray, may I help you with anything?¡± Julio inquired, his voice polite as he held a ss of red wine.

    Eileen, holding a ss of juice, briefly locked eyes with Z. A subtle smile touched her lips.

    The smugness that had once radiated from Z seemed noticeably subdued now.

    Eileen understood why Z was here today.

    ¡°Eileen, were you doing that deliberately?¡± Z¡¯s voice wavered, herposure teetering. ¡°I¡¯ve been to the Ferguson Group trying to see you, but you¡¯ve refused to see me every time.¡±

    ¡°Ms. Murray, you¡¯re reading too much into it,¡± Eileen responded calmly. ¡°I¡¯ve recently taken over as the General Manager at Ferguson Group, and my schedule has been hectic. I simply couldn¡¯t find the time to meet you. You, being a general manager yourself, should understand that.¡±

    She paused, her eyebrow arching as she shook her head subtly. ¡°Oh, I forgot, Apex Group is pretty deserted now. Perhaps you can¡¯t quite understand the demands of my schedule.¡±

    Z clenched her jaw, her body rigid as she strove to maintain herposure among so many people.

    In a shadowy corner, Brandon and Lydia sensed the tension. They approached for a better look and gasped when they recognized Eileen.

    Brandon hurried back to Bryan, his voice a stern whisper. ¡°Bryan, have you known about this all along? Was it your n to let Eileen snatch the Apex Group¡¯s projects?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it,¡± Bryan replied with a dismissive wave of his hand. ¡°She¡¯s only just be the General Manager of Ferguson Group.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe it!¡± Brandon eximed, mming his hand on the table. ¡°She must have done something extraordinary at Ferguson Group tond that role. And how on earth did they manage to take all those projects from Apex Group?¡±

    His loud voice caught the attention of attendees, including Eileen.

    Brandon remained standing by the table, seething, while Bryan sat calmly, unaffected.

    The two appeared more likepeting business tycoons than father and son.

    ¡°Eileen knows me too well. She was privy to every detail of the projects I cherished. I have only myself to me for being so transparent and allowing her to exploit that,¡± Bryan said, rising abruptly to m his ss onto the table. ¡°You¡¯re the one who pushed her over the edge and tried to pull me into your mess. Now you can¡¯t face the fallout from her bacsh.¡±

    Now, Eileen had solidly positioned herself within Ferguson Group.

    Her coboration with the Walsh Group had significantly enhanced her stature, leaving Brandon to simmer in his own vexation.

    Bryan cast a sidelong nce at Eileen. His dark eyes, twinkling like stars, captured her striking visage.

    Eileen, as a manager now, felt different to him.

    She stood out distinctly, even among a sea of men, capturing his attention.

    Yet, Bryan remained silent. Momentster, he picked up his coat, draped it casually over his shoulder, and left.

    Z, caught in the formidable presence of Eileen, found herself speechless.

    Lydia, noticing Z¡¯s distress, swiftly whisked her away. They needed to regroup and adjust their n.

    Their exit hardly made a ripple in the ongoing festivities of the banquet, which carried on until its scheduled end.

    Normally, Eileen would bid farewell to the guests and be thest to leave.

    However, aware that she had a young child waiting at home, Julio gave Eileen permission to depart.

    Outside the hotel, the air felt warm. Eileen removed her jacket, revealing a simple shirt tucked into her trousers that highlighted her slim waist.

    As she approached her car and unlocked it, she caught sight of Bryan leaning against the hood.

    Bathed in moonlight, his white shirt shimmered.

    Upon hearing the sound of the unlocking car, Bryan shifted slightly and turned to face her. ¡°Ms. Curtis, need a ride home?¡±

    ¡°No thanks. Besides, you¡¯ve been drinking. How can you drive me?¡± Eileen responded, pausing with her hand on the car door and turning to look at him.

    Bryan just shrugged. ¡°Well, then, could you give me a ride home?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 321

    ?Chapter 321:

    Eileen held her coat over her arm and stood near the driver¡¯s side door. After taking a couple of steps toward Bryan, she noticed the strong scent of alcohol. His eyes were watery, with red corners, indicating he had been drinking heavily.

    She pressed her lips together without saying anything. Bryan shifted slightly, moving away from her car to avoid blocking the way.

    ¡°If it¡¯s inconvenient, that¡¯s fine. I can take a cab,¡± he said.

    The wind pulled his crisp white shirt snug against his frame, entuating his sturdy waistline.

    After a brief pause, Eileen took a deep breath and said, ¡°Get in the car.¡±

    They found themselves in a delicate situation¡ªmoving forward seemed inappropriate, yet stepping back was the thing neither of them wanted.

    Despite this, Bryan had remainedposed and hadn¡¯t insisted, which touched Eileen deeply.

    Eileen entered the car and fastened her seatbelt. Bryan followed suit. The confined space of the car was filled with Bryan¡¯s scent, overwhelming Eileen and unsettling her thoughts.

    Struggling to maintain herposure, Eileen started the engine, and the car seamlessly merged into the highway.

    After a while, she realized she hadn¡¯t asked where Bryan lived. Just as she was about to ask him, she noticed he had already fallen asleep.

    The neon lights reflected on him, entuating his finely chiseled features.

    Ga ln ovels . fuels your imagination

    The white shirt he wore took on a reddish hue as the car moved forward, bathed in the glow of the neon lights.

    His well-defined hand supported his head, and his forearm, with its sleeves rolled up, was clearly visible.

    Eileen noticed that this was a shirt she had picked out for him a few years ago. Considering how often he changed clothes, this shirt should have been discarded long ago.

    Yet here it was, still perfectly intact and being worn by him.

    After a considerable time, Eileen sighed deeply, parked the car, and texted Phoebe, requesting her to inquire with Jacob about where Bryan currently lived.

    However, Jacob was clueless about that, too.

    Phoebe replied, ¡°Why don¡¯t you bring him over to my ce?¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Eileen replied, eager to return home but unable to abandon Bryan alone.

    She drove directly to Jacob¡¯s house, finding Jacob and Phoebe waiting at the door.

    Jacob couldn¡¯t manage to move the heavily intoxicated Bryan alone, so Eileen helped carry him into the room.

    As theyid him down on the bed, Eileen, exhausted, unintentionally fell into it as well.

    Bryan wrapped his arm around her waist, hindering her movement. She grimaced and attempted to push him away, but he held on more firmly.

    He murmured softly, ¡°There¡¯s nothing we can do about this, Eileen. You¡¯ll have to deal with this on your own. We¡¯ll wait outside.¡± Jacob said, guiding the pregnant Phoebe out of the room with him.

    Bryan¡¯s warm breath tickled Eileen¡¯s ear, prating her shirt and warming her skin.

    Eileen tilted her head to look at him. His brows were knitted, his eyes closed. He was clearly still asleep, murmuring in his sleep.

    ¡°Let go,¡± Eileen said icily, tightening her grip on his wrist. She exerted all her strength, but it only made him clutch her tighter, pulling her into his embrace.

    The intimacy filled Eileen with both shame and anger. In an icy tone, she said, ¡°I told you to let go.¡±

    After a pause, Bryan¡¯s eyes fluttered open, revealing a narrow slit through which his dark pupils mirrored her enraged expression.

    Suddenly, Eileen sensed his grasp loosening, and she swiftly freed herself, standing up and leaving the room.

    In the living room, Jacob was slicing fruit for Phoebe. He was taken aback by Eileen¡¯s swift exit. ¡°You left the room so fast. Maybe Bryan should see a doctor.¡±

    ¡°Shut up,¡± Phoebe scolded him, then rose and looked at Eileen. ¡°I¡¯ve been on bed resttely. I knew you returned but couldn¡¯t visit. I¡¯d been hoping you¡¯d stop by, but I didn¡¯t expect it to turn out like this.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯lle visit you when I have free time,¡± Eileen replied, noticing her swollen belly. Arching an eyebrow, she queried, ¡°Twins?¡±

    Jacob chimed in, ¡°Nah, I¡¯m not that impressive.¡±

    Despite Jacob¡¯s usual humor, Eileen¡¯s mood stayed somber.

    ¡°It¡¯ste. Let¡¯s catch up another time. I should head back before Gabri starts getting restless,¡± Eileen said, waving off Phoebe¡¯s offer to see her out, and drove home.

    The night reflected her gloomy mood.

    The next morning, Jacob entered the guest room to find Bryan perched on the edge of the bed, elbows on his knees, seemingly mulling over the events of the previous night.

    Upon hearing the door creak open, he didn¡¯t turn around.

    ¡°I thought you got sloshed on purpose, hoping Eileen would end up chauffeuring you home,¡± Jacob teased, recalling finding Bryan asleep after Eileen had left the night before.

    Bryan took a deep breath. ¡°I did get hammered on purpose!¡±

    Eileen knew him well enough to recognize when he was genuinely intoxicated. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have seamlessly slipped into her carst night.

    ¡°You still love her, right? Where¡¯s that determination you had when you chased her all the way to West Land?¡± Jacob said, feeling sorry for Bryan and silently ming Eileen.

    ¡°Does he have the audacity to pursue her?¡± Phoebe said calmly. ¡°Are you truly unaware of how the Dawson family treated Eileen? It sounds like you¡¯re already aware of the agreement between Eileen and your grandmother, isn¡¯t that right?¡±

    If that weren¡¯t true, Bryan would have undoubtedly despised Eileen to the core by now.

    Jacob was very upset, never finding peace since the incident, always wanting to know the truth.

    He rushed over to Bryan, saying, ¡°Please, I¡¯m begging you. Just tell me what happened. If you know it wasn¡¯t Eileen¡¯s fault and that she was treated unfairly by your grandmother, why haven¡¯t you exined things to her and asked for her forgiveness?¡±

    While Eileen¡¯s secrecy about their seven-year marriage was a mistake on her part, she had been forced into it.

    This incident shouldn¡¯t stand as an insurmountable barrier to their profound love.

    Jacob couldn¡¯t understand what else could be contributing to their situation.

    ¡°Grandma nned it all. She wrongly med Eileen and only told me and her the truthter,¡± Bryan said.

    At first, Ste¡¯s n had been for Eileen to seamlessly marry into the Dawson family. Bryan¡¯s position would be solid once Eileen bore a child.

    However, she had soon realized that Brandon and others¡¯ schemes could leave Eileen vulnerable.

    Ste worried that if Eileen joined the family and became pregnant, she might not be able to protect Eileen from harm.

    What if something happened during pregnancy or childbirth? How would Eileen manage if something bad happened?

    After careful consideration, Ste had resolved to keep them apart.

    Her n had been for Bryan to face Brandon¡¯s pressures alone. Whether Eileen and Bryan could reunite in the future would be left to fate.

    But Ste hadn¡¯t anticipated that Bryan would struggle so much with Eileen leaving him.

    So, at the hospital, she had sent a message to Eileen exining the situation, hoping that Eileen would understand her intentions.

    Ste had urged Eileen to maintain distance from Bryan for now, allowing their emotions to resolve in due time.

    Eileen had responded with a single sentence:

    ¡°From now on, I have no ties with the Dawson family.¡±

    Ste had shown Bryan her text messages with Eileen.

    Whether Eileen wasplying or genuinely severing ties, Ste¡¯s actions had caused Eileen deep hurt.

    Bryan didn¡¯t want to force Eileen and didn¡¯t feel he had the right to ask her toe back to him.

    ¡°That¡¯s Eileen¡¯s problem. Since she knows it was Ste¡¯s strategy, she should cooperate and return to you when needed,¡± Jacob said without hesitation.

    Phoebe pped him on the back of the head. ¡°Say that about Eileen again, and I¡¯ll p you again. If Bryan hadn¡¯t struggled, would Ste have revealed the truth to him? Eileen was treated like a pawn. She used to have such trust in Ste. Ste imed to be concerned for her, but what was the reality? Eileen was deeply hurt even before Brandon could do anything. How could she possibly forgive that?¡±

    Jacob crouched in a corner, holding his head as he looked at Bryan. ¡°Phoebe is right. This is a dilemma.¡±

    ¡°Bryan, don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t me Ste,¡± Phoebe said. ¡°You truly care for Eileen, but to Ste, any woman willing to marry you and bear children would suffice! No matter the risks, Ste would protect you and discard Eileen without a second thought. That¡¯s the reality! In such circumstances, who wouldn¡¯t want to escape your family¡¯s fiery pit?¡±

    ¡°I can protect her!¡± Bryan said with conviction.

    ¡°You can protect her?¡± Phoebe chuckled softly. ¡°Who was the one who lostposure upon seeing that agreement? Can you honestly im you believed her then? Do you understand her grievances?¡±

    Who couldprehend the frustration and heartbreak of Eileen at that time?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 322

    ?Chapter 322:

    Thus, whether it was to deal with Bryan or to oversee the operations of Apex Group, Brandon and Lydia had to depend on Z.

    They were familiar with Z¡¯s ability to manage thepany; when Bryan had been away in West Land, Z had handled the operations of Apex Group well.

    They believed that even with the fallout with Bryan and the spreading rumors of their bet, making managing the Apex Group challenging, these issues shouldn¡¯t have resulted in such significant losses!

    Lydia approached Z, gripping her cor firmly. ¡°Don¡¯t you owe me an exnation?¡±

    ¡°I have nothing to say. Our projects keep getting intercepted, and somehow, the Ferguson Group can predict our strategies and even our lowest bids, indicating clear sabotage. Eileen is a likely suspect!¡±

    With that, Z turned her head away and fell silent.

    Without concrete evidence, her words carried little weight.

    Lydia said, ¡°It¡¯s premature to ce me now. We will visit the Ferguson Group to see Eileen together. She would agree to meet us considering Brandon¡¯s presence. We need to secure our part in this project, no matter what.¡±

    Lydia let go of Z, straightened her cor, and looked at her intently. ¡°You¡¯re merely paving the way; even if you fail this time, it¡¯s inconsequential. Brandon has other ns, but don¡¯t think about escaping our control, or you will regret it.¡±

    Even though Brandon had a bad temper, Z wasn¡¯t intimidated by him.

    It was Lydia whom Z truly feared.

    Explore more fiction on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s???????

    Lydia had transitioned from a modest upbringing to a life of opulence upon marrying into the Dawson family.

    Over the years, she had shown no trace of her life before marrying Brandon.

    She was somewhat stout, her demeanor kind, and her voice soft.

    Z vividly recalled the moment when Lydia had reassuringly told her, ¡°Z, don¡¯t worry. They¡¯ll use anesthesia for the surgery. You won¡¯t feel a thing.¡±

    Lydia had then personally escorted Z to the operating room, where Z had undergone a procedure to remove her uterus.

    ¡°Go back and rest to prepare for tomorrow¡¯s meeting with Eileen, and make sure to maintain a polite attitude. We¡¯re currently at a disadvantage, so it¡¯s important to adjust your mindset ordingly.¡± Lydia patted Z on the shoulder, and after a stiff response, Z departed.

    As soon as Z left, Brandon asked Lydia, ¡°Do you really trust her that much?¡±

    Lydia sat down and pulled out a tissue to clean her hands since she had just touched Z.

    She replied, ¡°Bryan doesn¡¯t favor her, so she wouldn¡¯t dare cross us. Under these circumstances, she¡¯s unlikely to covertly assist Bryan. She knows better than to undertake something so unrewarding and challenging.¡±

    After all, Lydia had raised Z herself and knew her well.

    Brandon furrowed his brows. ¡°If we truly face failure, we might have to use the shares we once gave Bryan to coerce him into staying. Once he stabilizes the Apex Group, we¡¯ll bring out the share transfer agreement, prove it never existed, and reim the shares. We can dismiss Bryan for good then. It¡¯s a convoluted route, but at least the oue is manageable.¡±

    ¡°I still think it¡¯s not that simple.¡± Lydia paused and then said, ¡°Eileen has be the general manager of the Ferguson Group without anyplications. Do you think Bryan is really out of the game?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Brandon felt uneasy. ¡°Other than his endless days of drinking, what has he aplished? We¡¯ve been keeping an eye on him, haven¡¯t we?¡±

    Seeing Brandon¡¯s expression, Lydia chose not to borate further, merely saying, ¡°I¡¯m just pointing it out. Don¡¯t dwell on it for now. We have a backup n, so what¡¯s there to worry about?¡±

    For some reason, or perhaps because of the mention of the backup n, Brandon¡¯s expression soured.

    He nced at Lydia, stood up, and began to walk.

    Lydia said, ¡°You should test these next few days. Travis will be back soon. He¡¯ll worry if he sees you looking so¡­ tense.¡± Her voice was gentle and carried a hint of pride as she followed him.

    At Ferguson Group,

    Eileen had just arrived at the office when the receptionist informed her that Z, Brandon, and Lydia were waiting for her.

    ¡°I won¡¯t see them,¡± Eileen stated firmly and stepped into the elevator to go upstairs.

    Brandon, upon being rebuffed, appeared visibly upset.

    ¡°She¡¯s certainly learned to stand her ground,¡± Brandon remarked angrily. Lydia was about to suggest that Brandon calm down when he abruptly, visibly irritated, said, ¡°She won¡¯t meet with us? Then forget it. I¡¯m not here to waste my time.¡±

    With that, Brandon stormed off.

    Lydia watched him leave with a raised eyebrow but remained in ce. She turned to Z and said, ¡°Let¡¯s wait a little longer. I¡¯m sure we can see her.¡±

    Her idea of waiting wasn¡¯t merely sitting idly by, hoping Eileen would change her mind.

    At lunchtime, Lydia and Z followed Eileen to a restaurant.

    Eileen was scheduled to meet with Lnd to discuss and finalize the contract, which she had already prepared for his review.

    ¡°Mr. Walsh, please let me know if there is anything you¡¯d like to change,¡± Eileen said politely.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lnd responded, scrutinizing each use of the contract attentively.

    Suddenly, the door to the private room swung open, and Z and Lydia entered.

    The waiter behind them looked slightly surprised.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, still working, huh?¡± Lydia said with a smile as she sat down uninvited next to Eileen.

    Z also took a seat.

    Seeing this, Eileen frowned, slightly puzzled about why the two had not greeted Lnd.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, you seem quite upied today. I¡¯ll take the contract back and review it myself,¡± Lnd said as he stood with a serious expression. ¡°Some individuals harbor ill intentions. Ms. Curtis, you should be cautious when dealing with them.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for the warning, Mr. Walsh,¡± replied Eileen, rising to see him out. Z and Lydia also stood, following Eileen.

    It was clear Eileen would have to talk to them today.

    Lnd gestured for Eileen to deal with Lydia and Z and exited with the waiter¡¯s guidance.

    ¡°Apologies for the disruption, Ms. Curtis. I had no idea you were involved in other projects beyond the Walsh Group¡¯s,¡± Lydia said, her tonecking genuine remorse.

    Herst sentence was tinged with jealousy.

    Eileen turned to face Lydia and Z. ¡°Don¡¯t you recognize Mr. Walsh?¡±

    Many in the business realm bear the Walsh surname. Z casually imed ignorance of him, though she thought this Mr. Walsh looked like the Lnd she knew.

    Seeing their reaction, Eileen returned to her seat since the dishes were still on the table, untouched.

    She said, ¡°What do you need from me? I can spare only ten minutes.¡±

    ¡°Ten minutes will suffice. You know us, and you¡¯ve dedicated many years to Apex Group. Surely, you wouldn¡¯t want to see it struggle,¡± Lydia said.

    ¡°You may not grasp the nuances of the business world. Holding a position requires responsibility. The survival of my former employer is irrelevant to me,¡± Eileen reclined in her chair, gazing indifferently at Lydia.

    ¡°We arepetitors. The fact that we haven¡¯t attacked Apex Group now is purely due to past loyalties. You honestly expect me to assist Apex Group? If I did that, what would others think of me?¡±

    From Ferguson Group¡¯s perspective, the fall of Apex Group would make it the dominant force in business.

    Eileen saw no reason for her to help Apex Group.

    ¡°What if I were to offer you an entry into the Dawson family?¡± Lydia attempted to sway Eileen.

    Hearing this, Z¡¯s expression shifted abruptly. ¡°You¡ª¡±

    Eileen maintained herposure, observing as Lydia¡¯s sharp gaze halted Z mid-sentence.

    Lydia then turned to Eileen. ¡°You¡¯ve been with Bryan for a long time and shared a deep emotional bond with him. Surely you didn¡¯t want things to end as they did. Without our approval, it would be challenging for you to join our family. But if you ensure Apex Group gets a part of this project, I¡¯ll discuss your marriage to Bryan with Ste.¡±

    ¡°How dare you say that?¡± Eileen¡¯s voice was icy, her lips curling into a scornful smile. ¡°You think you can dictate whether I marry Bryan or not? Who do you think you are to control my life?¡±

    She seized the ss of red wine before her and sshed it across Lydia¡¯s face.

    Z, who was close by, received some of the ssh as well. Z and Lydia looked at the angry Eileen with widened eyes.

    Eileen continued, ¡°I will get back at you for every wrong you and your family have done to me! Want a share of the project? In your dreams! Stop using Bryan as leverage against me. My decision to marry him or not is up to me!¡±

    Eileen grabbed her purse and left.

    Lydia was taken aback by Eileen¡¯s bold action.

    She didn¡¯t know she had unwittingly aggravated a deep-seated pain in Eileen¡¯s heart.

    The unfinished wedding¡­ It stood as a lifelong regret in Eileen¡¯s heart, just one step out of reach.

    Ste¡¯s betrayal was an immovable barrier in her heart.

    It revealed the ugliness of the wealthy families to her.

    She had been grappling with the pain for a long time.

    The incident with Z and Lydia had soured Eileen¡¯s mood, and upon her return to the Ferguson Group, her stern expression instilled fear in the employees.

    The temporary secretary entered Eileen¡¯s office, her voice shaking as she said, ¡°Ms. Curtis, the Meyer family has invited you to dinner tonight.¡±

    Phoebe didn¡¯t know whether Eileen was busy or not, so she had arranged the dinner amid Eileen¡¯s work.

    ¡°Do I have any ns for tonight?¡± inquired Eileen.

    The secretary responded, ¡°You have a meeting with the overseas branch at seven o¡¯clock,sting two hours. There are no other appointments. I¡¯ve told Ka that I¡¯ll work overtime to assist you.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Eileen looked up, prompting the secretary to quickly avert her gaze.

    ¡°No need for that,¡± Eileen said. ¡°Postpone the meeting to midnight. I¡¯ll conduct it from home. You can get off work at five o¡¯clock as usual.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± the secretary replied. She said nothing more and turned to leave.

    Eileen then personally phoned Phoebe, telling her to have dinner at her home.

    Phoebe had been eager to see Gabri but hadn¡¯t yet had the chance. Since Gabri was too young to be taken out, it was more suitable for Phoebe to see Gabri at Eileen¡¯s ce.

    At six o¡¯clock in the evening, when Eileen walked into her house, she immediately heard Phoebe¡¯s and Jacob¡¯s voices. They were watching the baby, captivated by Gabri¡¯s cute face.

    Gabri¡¯s dark eyes were fixed on them, her fists clenched lightly before her chest.

    ¡°Eileen,¡± Eileen set down her bag and approached, gently calling her name. As she did, Gabri turned her gaze.

    Gabri¡¯s eyes mirrored Eileen¡¯s smiling face. Though she still couldn¡¯t recognize faces, she seemed to react joyfully to Eileen¡¯s scent, her little arms waving slightly.

    ¡°Can I snap a photo and send it to Bryan?¡± Jacob had already taken out his phone, seeking Eileen¡¯s consent.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 323

    ?Chapter 323:

    Eileen stared at Jacob without a hint of emotion, not even blinking.

    Jacob squirmed under her gaze and quickly put his phone away.

    ¡°Eileen, you¡¯re scaring him,¡± Phoebe said, defending Jacob for the first time and pulling him behind her. ¡°He might be a bit foolish, but only I get to give him a hard time. Your stare nearly swallowed him whole. Why are you starting to act like Bryan?¡±

    Jacob quickly hid behind Phoebe and muttered, ¡°Honey, she¡¯s so fierce. Let¡¯s have a son and marry him to her daughter in the future. Then her daughter will have to respect me. I¡¯d like to see if she still dares to give me that 100k then.¡±

    ¡°Lil¡¯ Gabri is godmother now, and you¡¯re her godfather. Even if we don¡¯t arrange Gabri¡¯s marriage, she¡¯ll still be your goddaughter,¡± Phoebe gently patted Jacob¡¯s head. ¡°You can leave us alone now. I need to have a chat with Eileen.¡±

    The kitchen buzzed with dinner preparations, and Jacob went to help.

    Eileen cradled Gabri in her arms, her gaze soft, a stark contrast to the fierceness she had shown Jacob earlier.

    ¡°There¡¯s something I¡¯ve wanted to say for a while now. You can¡¯t keep the child a secret from Bryan forever. He is the father of this child and deserves to know,¡± Phoebe said, observing Eileen¡¯s expression closely.

    Eileen paused, her eyelids lifting slightly as her long eyshes fluttered. ¡°I didn¡¯t n to keep it a secret from him forever, but until our rtionship is settled, I can¡¯t say anything about it to him.¡±

    ¡°This morning, Eileen said a lot to Jacob and me. Since you know Ste has her own struggles, can¡¯t you let go of the grudges?¡± Phoebe edged closer to Eileen. ¡°No one is entirely rational; the deeper the love, the more vulnerable one bes. With the wedding approaching, Bryan was stretched to his limit at that time.¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s holds stories for every mood

    After a pause, she continued, ¡°He was on guard against Brandon, Z, n, and everyone else, but he never guarded against you and Ste. Unfortunately, it was with you that things went wrong¡­¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to say too much,¡± Eileen interjected. ¡°What¡¯s keeping us apart isn¡¯t ack of love. But all we have is just love. That is not enough for us to be together.¡±

    In the world of the wealthy, love was not enough. They couldn¡¯t survive on love alone.

    Phoebe felt a lump in her throat, a heavy burden pressing down on her heart. If she weren¡¯t the daughter of the Burton family, her rtionship with Jacob might have already ended.

    And had she not gotten involved with Jacob, the Burton family might never have epted her again. For Eileen, whocked a prestigious background, marrying into a wealthy family often meant being cast aside when trouble arose.

    ¡°So, as you strive to grow stronger, you¡¯ve already be quite powerful now. Have you figured out your next steps in your rtionship with Bryan?¡± Phoebe asked.

    Eileen shook her head. ¡°Throughout my pregnancy, my only focus was on safely delivering the child. Afterward, all I¡¯ve wanted is to solidify my position at the Ferguson Group and be Gabri¡¯s pir of support. Things are tooplex right now, so I¡¯m not ready to consider how to navigate my rtionship with Bryan.¡±

    ¡°Take your time to think about that. But you should let Bryan meet his daughter first,¡± Jacob, having found no task in the kitchen, returned and spoke up.

    ¡°And what happens next?¡± Eileen countered. ¡°Do you think I¡¯ll still have the option to refuse Bryan once he knows he has a daughter with me?¡±

    She knew that if Bryan learned of the child, he would not leave her alone for the rest of her life.

    After a pause, Eileen continued, ¡°If Ste finds out about this child, do you think she won¡¯t use legal means to snatch her away and help Bryan go against Brandon? I jumped into the fire for Bryan and emerged wounded. How could I let Gabri be a pawn in Ste¡¯s hands? When I married Bryan before, it was a gamble that I would be fortunate to meet sincere people. But I lost. Now, you want me to gamble with Gabri again?¡±

    Gabri was the most important person in her life now; she couldn¡¯t bear to be separated from her.

    If she were sure Ste wouldn¡¯t take the child, she would have let Bryan see his daughter immediately. But that was not the reality.

    Perhaps because of her pregnancy, Phoebe empathized with Eileen¡¯s fears. ¡°I understand your concerns, but Bryan is still the child¡¯s father. Missing your pregnancy, the child¡¯s birth, and her growth¡ªit¡¯ll be a regret for him.

    So, you should decide soon.¡±

    Eileen replied, ¡°Once the Walsh Group¡¯s project is settled, I¡¯ll have more time. I¡¯ll seriously consider this issue then.¡±

    Bryan had haunted Eileen¡¯s thoughts for countless nights.

    The current state of their rtionship was utterly heartbreaking for her.

    ¡°Ste went up the mountain and hasn¡¯t returned, but once the project ispleted, Apex Group will face change and the Dawson family will undergo transformation. Maybe Ste will return then, and I¡¯m sure she¡¯lle looking for you,¡± Phoebe said.

    Ste would do anything for Bryan, sparing no effort.

    Phoebe believed Ste would seek reconciliation with Eileen and ask Eileen to get back with Bryan.

    Whether her actions were sincere or driven by self-interest, no one could know.

    As they talked, Jacob covertly snapped several photos of Gabri, applying beauty filters before sending them to Bryan.

    Bryan furrowed his brows as he looked at the photos, sensing a flicker of familiarity. But since Gabri had grown so quickly, Bryan didn¡¯t recognize her as the child he had once held abroad.

    ¡°Does she look cute? Familiar? Do you feel a connection? Do you like her?¡± Jacob asked, not daring to reveal Gabri¡¯s identity.

    He couldn¡¯t risk the Dawson family taking the child away. If Eileen ended up hating him, that was one thing, but fearing Phoebe¡¯s wrath was another matter entirely. So, he could only hint at the matter to Bryan.

    ¡°Jacob, what¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Bryan¡¯s response conveyed his irritation with Jacob.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong, but there¡¯s a hidden message here. Figure it out,¡± Jacob replied cryptically.

    Bryan was confused. He couldn¡¯t figure out what Jacob meant.

    However, the more he looked at the photos, the more he found himself drawn to Gabri, unable to look away. He even thought the baby somewhat resembled Eileen.

    He curled his lips slightly, thinking he must be going crazy from missing Eileen.

    After a while, Bryan sighed and put his phone away, turning to Jarred.

    Jarred said, ¡°Your grandmother refuses toe back. She says she¡¯ll return when the project is settled and the Dawson family is about to change.¡±

    ¡°Tell her to take good care of her health,¡± Bryan replied.

    Z had no choice but to seek out Kian again. ¡°I was wrongst time. Please convey my apologies to Mr. Walsh. Kian, I really need to get this project,¡± she said.

    ¡°You know Mr. Walsh¡¯s expectations. Z, how can I help you with this? By sending you to his bed?¡± Kian asked earnestly as he poured her a cup of coffee. ¡°I couldn¡¯t do that.¡±

    ¡°Is there another way? If I tell him my rtionship with your Mr. Walsh, will he stop harassing me? I¡¯ll find someone else to take my ce, please think of something and help me arrange a meeting with him again,¡± Z said.

    They were at Kian¡¯s ce. Z approached him with an unusual humility, her usual arrogance nowhere to be found.

    She chose to humble herself before Kian rather than risk being defiled by Lnd. She couldn¡¯t bear to see Eileene out victorious.

    ¡°Tomorrow, Eileen is going to sign the contract with Mr. Walsh. Please help me meet him before they sign it. I¡¯ll take my chances then,¡± Z said, clinging to Kian¡¯s arm.

    Kian took a sip of his coffee and smirked, ¡°So, why is it so important for you to win, Z? If Apex Group falls, it would be your revenge against Brandon and Lydia for what they did to you. Leaving the Dawson family anding to me would be ideal for you, wouldn¡¯t it?¡±

    Z hadn¡¯t expected the conversation to take this turn, and she hesitated for a few seconds.

    Kian continued, ¡°You may have grown up with Bryan and feel a connection with him, but remember that Bryan is the reason Brandon and Lydia are cruel to you. Without him, you might have still been able to get pregnant. Shouldn¡¯t you resent Bryan?¡±

    Kian watched Z¡¯s expression closely, observing every subtle shift.

    After a moment, Z blurted, ¡°It¡¯s Bryan¡¯s fault.¡±

    ¡°So what?¡± Kian gripped her chin. ¡°Isn¡¯t Vivian innocent? Yet, she ended up in a mental hospital. Anyone connected to the Dawson family meets a bad end. Z, open your eyes.¡±

    The mention of Vivian suddenly made Z feel guilty. She looked away, avoiding Kian¡¯s gaze.

    ¡°Z, this is yourst chance. Leave the Dawson family. Stay out of this mess. I¡¯ll take you somewhere else. The Warren Group has been taken over, and the Warren family will go down. Starting anew elsewhere won¡¯t be difficult for us. Will youe with me?¡± Kian forced Z to meet his gaze, waiting for her answer.

    The Warren Group was going under?

    Z felt a sinking feeling in her heart. She was aware of the financial troubles Warren Group had been grappling with, but she thought Kian still held sway over thepany.

    Now, what Kian had said must mean that the new investors were nning to oust Kian, and he had no recourse to fight back.

    So, she couldn¡¯t rely on Kian anymore. After resolving the matters with Lnd, she would need to cut ties with Kian to steer clear of trouble.

    ¡°Kian, with the Dawson family in turmoil, how can I leave? Besides, you¡¯ve led Warren Group into dire straits for my sake. If I can gain control of Apex Group, perhaps I can help in Warren Group¡¯s recovery,¡± Z said.

    She painted him another dream, so beautiful that it was hard for him to shatter her illusions.

    Kian¡¯s lips curled into a smile as his hand slid from Z¡¯s chin, moving to undress her.

    ¡°Kian,¡± he said, ¡°you¡¯ve been so good to me. Stay here tonight. I want you all to myself. Let me feel that you¡¯re mine, and tomorrow¡­ I¡¯ll take you to see Mr. Walsh.¡±

    He then reclined on the sofa, gesturing for Z to undress him.

    His dark eyes brimmed with unrestrained desire.

    Sensing something unsettling about Kian, Z didn¡¯t move.

    ¡°Stop wasting time,¡± Kian interjected, seizing her hand and guiding it to his waist. ¡°Help me undress.¡±

    Was he consumed by lust now?

    Thinking of this, Z felt a bit relieved. Reluctantly, sheplied.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 324

    ?Chapter 324:

    After a chaotic night, Z was left with scars on her body. She couldn¡¯t fathom how sex could be so terrifying.

    Maybe Kian had a fetish?

    As Kian approached her, Z felt a wave of panic.

    ¡°Z, are you afraid of me?¡± Kian asked, cing a bowl of soup in front of her. ¡°You¡¯re so wonderful, and I couldn¡¯t control myself. I won¡¯t do it again. Please don¡¯t be angry with me.¡±

    Z was still thinking about Kian¡¯s fetish.

    She knew there were people with fetishes for certain things, but she had never expected Kian to fall into that repulsive category.

    Forcing a smile, she replied, ¡°Then you must never do that again. I¡¯m not hungry; let¡¯s go, Mr. Walsh.¡±

    A cold glint shed in Kian¡¯s eyes. ¡°Have some soup first. I¡¯ve arranged for Mr. Walsh toe here. You need to eat to gain the strength to discuss business with him.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯sing here?¡± Z was surprised. She quickly epted the bowl and took a few sips.

    ¡°Yes. This ce is more private.¡± Kian stood upright, watching her. ¡°Do you like the soup? I cooked it myself.¡±

    Z nodded quickly, understanding the implication of privacy. She believed Kian was probably worried that Eileen would find out and cause trouble. She quickly finished the soup and looked at Kian. ¡°You¡¯re very thoughtful.¡±

    Kian took the empty bowl and turned to leave. Z asked, ¡°Kian, where are my clothes?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need them.¡± Kian¡¯s fading voice reached her as he headed downstairs.

    Before Z could realize what was happening, the fake Lnd entered, his gaze predatory as he moved slowly toward her.

    ¡°You¡­ How did you get up here?¡± Z asked in panic.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you understand?¡± The fake Lnd smirked. ¡°Mr. Warren sent me up here, and you also invited me.¡±

    Z¡¯s heart sank. She hadn¡¯t expected Kian¡¯s idea of ¡®helping¡¯ her to lead to this!

    Did she have to sleep with Lnd to secure the project?

    She tried to struggle but soon realized she had no strength, even though her mind remained clear.

    ¡°Don¡¯t waste time. I¡¯ve been waiting for this for a long time.¡± The fake Lnd quickly took off his clothes, revealing his obese form, causing Z to feel a wave of nausea.

    Then he crawled into Z¡¯s bed, pulled back the thin nket, and forced himself on top of her.

    ¡°Get off of me! Lnd Walsh, I¡¯ll make you pay! Although I didn¡¯t winst time, I assure you, this time I will! If you continue like this, the other shareholders of Walsh Group will notice.¡±

    Z suddenly screamed, tears of humiliation streaming down her face.

    What added to her despair were the fake Lnd¡¯s words: ¡°Go ahead and scream. I¡¯m not the president of Walsh Group, just an ordinary guy. Mr. Warren brought me here because you¡¯ve hurt his sister. You¡¯re so beautiful, but why is your heart so cruel? Look at what he did to you, to your body. I don¡¯t care about your filth, and you shouldn¡¯t think I¡¯m disgusting. Come on!¡±

    Z¡¯s mouth was soon covered, her cries muffled.

    At two o¡¯clock in the afternoon, Eileen had a meeting with Lnd to sign the contract. The meeting was broadcast live by the media.

    Lnd briefly outlined the project¡¯s details and highlighted the advantages of the Ferguson Group¡¯s n.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, you are a young and aplished figure, a role model for women. I look forward to a fruitful coboration,¡± Lnd said as he stood to shake hands with Eileen.

    Eileen politely shook hands with him, but when she attempted to withdraw her hand, Lnd insisted on maintaining the handshake for the photographers.

    There were whispers about Lnd¡¯s reputation for lechery, a fact Eileen was aware of. Yet in public, she had to endure the situation.

    Lnd was aware of his boundaries; Eileen was someone he knew he couldn¡¯t cross. He only dared to take advantage of holding her hand.

    After the photo session, Lnd released Eileen¡¯s hand and signed the contract.

    With the ceremony concluded, reporters dispersed, rushing to Apex Group for insights on Bryan or Z.

    Unable to find Z, the reporters approached Bryan just as he was leaving hispany, risking everything to intercept his car.

    Raymond had no choice but to stop the car, turning back at Bryan.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, what should we do?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s step out,¡± Bryan replied. Raymondplied, opening the door and stepping out.

    The reporters soon stepped back, maintaining their distance, their cameras capturing Bryan¡¯s usual confident demeanor. Even with the rumors of his idleness and Apex Group¡¯s supposed jeopardy, Bryan appeared unaffected.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, what are your thoughts on Ms. Curtis signing the project with Walsh Group?¡± one reporter asked.

    ¡°She¡¯s exceptional; I admire her. You¡¯ll report good things about her in the future,¡± Bryan replied, leaning against the car. On closer inspection, he seemed somewhat less decisive than usual.

    He projected an air of nonchnce and detachment, but still, his presence was hard to ignore.

    ¡°And what are your ns for Apex Group? There are reports suggesting that Ferguson Group¡¯s repeated sess in snatching Apex Group¡¯s projects points to a possible mole within Apex Group. Do you intend to pursue legal action against Ferguson Group for unfairpetition?¡±

    Bryan raised an eyebrow slightly. ¡°Apex Group isn¡¯t under my control, so my opinion doesn¡¯t carry weight. The future of Apex Group will be deliberated at a shareholders¡¯ meeting tomorrow, and I¡¯ll address the issue then.¡±

    He spoke openly, firmly informing the reporters that he wouldn¡¯t conceal Apex Group¡¯s situation.

    With that, the reporters left.

    ¡°It¡¯s rumored that Ferguson Group is hosting a celebration tonight. Since Ms. Curtis took charge, Ferguson Group has soared to new heights. She¡¯s quite impressive¡­¡±

    ¡°Yes, she used to be part of Mr. Dawson¡¯s team.¡±

    ¡°I heard she established an educational institution during her absence, which has garnered praise as well.¡±

    The reporters conversed among themselves as Bryan, one hand in his pocket, watched them with dark eyes as they dispersed.

    After a while, Bryan turned and entered the car, the venue in mind as he ordered Raymond to drive.

    Tomorrow, Brandon and the others wouldmence the shareholders¡¯ meeting. Raymond knew Bryan had won the bet, but Brandon still had a trick up his sleeve.

    Besides, Apex Group had endured significant losses and was in a precarious state. How could Bryan revive it?

    Why did Bryan show no signs of concern?

    ncing at Bryan in the rearview mirror, Raymond hesitated before speaking. ¡°Mr. Dawson, you shouldn¡¯t drink tonight. If you overindulge, you might struggle to wake up for tomorrow morning¡¯s important meeting.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t drink much, just making an appearance there,¡± Bryan replied without raising his gaze.

    At the celebration, alongside Eileen and Benjamin, high-ranking executives from Ferguson Group were also in attendance.

    Although Julio had dismissed Kaysen¡¯s people upon assuming his position, Kaysen had wielded control over Ferguson Group for decades.

    Consequently, among theter-promoted high-level executives, there were still people aligned with Kaysen.

    Some people here were not loyal to Kaysen but also did not fully respect Eileen, viewing her ascent skeptically since she was a woman.

    If not for Eileen, any one of them could have been the one chosen as general manager.

    So, the atmosphere was tinged with hostility.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, since you¡¯re in such high spirits, you must join for a drink,¡± one person said, eyeing the ss of juice beside Eileen with a hint of mockery. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Too good to drink with us men?¡±

    Julio and Benjamin both directed sharp looks at the man, but this was a challenge Eileen needed to face on her own. They couldn¡¯t protect her forever. She needed to stand up for herself.

    Eileen nced calmly at the man. ¡°What did you just call me?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis,¡± the man replied, a bit confused.

    ¡°Since you addressed me as Ms. Curtis, then you must know my position is above yours,¡± Eileen said coolly. ¡°You can¡¯t dictate whether I drink or not, but I can decide whether you remain at Ferguson Group. Watch your ce and choose your words wisely.¡±

    Eileen sat upright, unruffled by his provocation.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been upied with the Walsh Group¡¯s projecttely and haven¡¯t had much time to interact with all of you. From now on, you¡¯ll all be under my supervision. I have a short fuse, so please bear with me.¡±

    Suddenly, someone mmed a wine ss on the table. ¡°Ms. Curtis, you certainly have a temper. You¡¯re eager to flex your authority, huh? Why are you getting upset with your own team?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right! How are we supposed to respect such a leader?¡±

    The man said, ¡°I just think on such a joyful asion we should raise a toast. Why is Ms. Curtis upset by that?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not wrong; it¡¯s just that women tend to be sensitive and troublesome. They¡¯re not fit for high positions.¡±

    Suddenly, a flurry of disparaging remarks was directed at Eileen.

    Eileen was prepared for this confrontation. Just as she was about to respond, the door to the private room swung open abruptly.

    Bryan entered with a smile, making his way around half the table to Eileen.

    ¡°That¡¯s a coincidence. I happened to be dining here and heard Ferguson Group was celebrating, so I came to congratte Ms. Curtis,¡± Bryan said.

    Bryan ced his hands on Eileen¡¯s chair, prompting her to tilt her head and look up at him.

    Coincidence? Eileen didn¡¯t believe him.

    Bryan¡¯s sharp gaze was fixed on the group of executives. He was clearly here to¡­

    Eileen quickly looked away and said, ¡°Thank you, Mr. Dawson.¡±

    ¡°What are you all waiting for?¡± Julio gestured to those beside Eileen. ¡°Make space for Mr. Dawson.¡±

    Immediately, everyone in the room shifted their positions, creating space for Bryan.

    Bryan sat down without hesitation, adjusting his chair closer to Eileen. ¡°A bit crowded here,¡± he remarked.

    Why did hee to their celebration party? The executives who had made harsh remarks to Eileen earlier fell silent; they couldn¡¯t afford to make a scene now that Bryan was here.

    Their expressions darkened slightly, though they maintained polite smiles and engaged in small talk.

    Eileen leaned slightly toward Bryan and whispered, ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    Internal affairs at Ferguson Group were messy now, with Kaysen¡¯s people keeping a close watch on her.

    Anyone associated with her could get in trouble.

    ¡°Just passing by,¡± Bryan replied earnestly, looking at her. ¡°If my presence bothers you, I¡¯ll leave right away.¡±

    Leave?

    The words ¡°you can leave¡± almost slipped out of Eileen¡¯s mouth, but she was stopped by the sincerity in Bryan¡¯s deep eyes.

    She couldn¡¯t exin why, but she found herself unable to say that.

    ¡°What¡¯s this? I overheard talk about making Ms. Curtis drink. That¡¯s my fault,¡± Bryan said, addressing everyone. ¡°I taught her skills back then, but not how to drink. It¡¯s hardly appropriate for a group of men to pressure a woman into drinking during business dealings. If drinking is what you want, count me in.¡±

    Everyone was taken aback. Even the famous bosses in the business world wouldn¡¯t dare pressure Bryan to drink, let alone the executives of Ferguson Group.

    Given the uncertainty surrounding Apex Group, everyone was cautious, so who wouldn¡¯t show Bryan some respect?

    But Eileen didn¡¯t care about that. She saw Bryan down a ss of red wine. Frowning, she said, ¡°Stop drinking! No one asked you to. Why are you doing it anyway?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 325

    ?Chapter 325:

    Eileen knew that the Dawson family was in turmoil, as was the Ferguson family.

    Bryan had approached her, making it inevitable that she would be a target for the Ferguson family.

    While others in the business world might worry about a potentialeback, Kaysen would not.

    Kaysen had nothing to fear. If Bryan got close to her, he would be aligning himself with Julio¡¯s faction, and Kaysen would definitely cause trouble for Bryan.

    Eileen knew Bryan must also be aware of this, yet he still¡­

    For a moment, Eileen struggled to put the feeling in her heart into words.

    ¡°After this drink, we¡¯ll have another,¡± Bryan said, pointing to his ss with a wicked smile. ¡°I¡¯ll listen to you.¡±

    His words were full of ambiguity.

    As they sat close together, Eileen could smell his fresh and pleasant scent.

    Her lips were slightly pursed, her eyes following the clear veins on the back of his hand, trailing up his forearm.

    ¡°Ferguson Group and Apex Group are sworn enemies. The rtionship between Ms. Curtis and Mr. Dawson¡­ is it really?¡±

    Finally, someone couldn¡¯t resist questioning.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m, your destination for tales

    ¡°Just because we sit together doesn¡¯t mean we have a good rtionship,¡± Eileen said, stopping Bryan as he was about to speak.

    She ced her hand on the back of his under the table.

    Bryan turned his head to gaze at her intently. Eileen¡¯s short hair was neatly tucked behind her ears, her profile seemingly sculpted to perfection.

    When she grew serious, her clear eyes glinted sharply, and her lips moved to silence the other person¡¯s words.

    ¡°And you guys just had a drink with him. Does that mean your rtionship with him is close?¡± Eileen said.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, you¡¯re quite confrontational. We were just casually mentioning it,¡± someone interjected.

    Eileen scoffed, her tone cutting. ¡°We¡¯re all adults here. I know your thoughts. If you dislike me or Kaysen, there¡¯s no need to conceal it. Prove yourselves through your work. Picking at trivial matters here¡ªit¡¯s pathetic.¡±

    Her words left the people in the room red-faced and embarrassed.

    It had to be admitted¡ªher approach to handling things matched Bryan¡¯s.

    Who would dare speak sarcastically now? If they had objections, they should let their performance speak and cut out these unnecessaryplications.

    This meal rattled these men, forcing them to acknowledge that Eileen was not to be messed with.

    Eileen didn¡¯t eat much because Bryan sat with his body turned to the side, his legs bent under his ck trousers, his foot resting on Eileen¡¯s chair.

    His wristy on the back of the chair, his clean, slender fingers nearly brushing Eileen¡¯s shoulder.

    He almost gave the impression of holding Eileen in his arms.

    ¡°The Walsh Group¡¯s project is moving forward smoothly, so the responsibility for thepany will rest with you two. I need to shift my focus to the Ferguson family now,¡± Julio whispered to Eileen and Benjamin, who were seated on either side of him.

    Julio¡¯s voice had reached Bryan¡¯s ears.

    Julio didn¡¯t mind Bryan hearing him; he simply smiled at Bryan.

    Bryan remained impassive, showing no interest in the Ferguson family¡¯s affairs.

    ¡°Good luck,¡± Eileen said in a professional tone. Then she added, ¡°You¡¯re not going to let anyone harm you, right? Maybe you should decide what to do with your shares after you die, in advance.¡±

    Her straightforwardment caused Julio to frown slightly.

    Benjamin chuckled and said to Julio, ¡°Eileen has a point. We could be seen asrades who fought alongside you. If something were to happen to you and your shares reverted to the Ferguson family, wouldn¡¯t that be regrettable? Why not prepare a will in advance? If anything happens to you, transfer all your shares to us.¡±

    Julio gritted his teeth. ¡°You¡¯re not helping me build an empire; you¡¯re trying to bury me.¡±

    ¡°We wouldn¡¯t dare,¡± Eileen joked with a smile. ¡°But seriously, be careful.¡±

    She and Benjamin were only Julio¡¯s partners, unable to back him up if the Ferguson family decided to harm him.

    Bryan found her words caring for Julio particrly painful to hear. He frowned slightly, his eyes lowering.

    After dinner concluded, Julio allowed Eileen to leave first, knowing Bryan would certainly apany her. He nodded to Bryan and said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, until next time.¡±

    ¡°Until next time,¡± Bryan replied, slipping a hand into his pocket and casually draping his jacket over his shoulders. He followed Eileen outside at a leisurely pace.

    The summer heat was stifling; even the night offered no relief, tousling Eileen¡¯s short hair. She brushed it behind her ear and asked Bryan, ¡°Where¡¯s your car?¡±

    ¡°Raymond dropped me off,¡± Bryan exined, taking a couple of steps down. ¡°But he has left.¡±

    Eileen was left speechless, feeling resigned.

    Thinking of what Phoebe had said, Eileen fell silent briefly, her heart sinking. ¡°I¡¯ll drive you,¡± she offered, breaking the silence. ¡°We can talk on the way.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s there to talk about?¡± Bryan took another step down. His voice was light as he continued, ¡°If you want to cut ties with me, let¡¯s not discuss it!¡±

    Eileen was on the verge of tears. She was afraid that Bryan would pressure her into reconciling, but unexpectedly, Bryan was afraid she might cut ties with himpletely.

    ¡°Get in the car,¡± Eileen said softly, searching her bag for the keys before getting into the car.

    Bryan eventually got into the car. He thought to himself that if she insisted on talking about it, he would just jump out of the car.

    But what if she didn¡¯t? Bryan longed to spend more time with her.

    Inside the car, the subtle scent of Eileen¡¯s perfume mixed with the hint of tobo and leather, creating an unexpectedly pleasant blend.

    But the tension between them was palpable. Eileen focused on driving. ¡°Do you live far?¡±

    ¡°West Vis,¡± Bryan answered.

    He tilted his head under the neon lights, his lips pressed together, his heart fluttering at her slightest movement.

    Eileen had driven there countless times and had never felt it was so near, but today, for some reason, she arrived quickly.

    The car stopped in front of West Vis, and Bryan turned to gaze at Eileen, a suppressed intensity in his eyes.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk,¡± Eileen said. She didn¡¯t want to feel weird every time she saw him.

    Bryan unbuckled his seatbelt and opened the door smoothly. ¡°Go rest. We can talk another time,¡± he said, stepping out of the car.

    The door closed behind Bryan as he strode into the apartmentplex.

    ¡°Wait!¡± Eileen also stepped out, leaning against the car door.

    Bryan suddenly stopped, turned around, and walked back toward her. He reached out, running his hand through her hair, then leaned in to kiss her passionately.

    Eileen was forced to lift her head. She was pressed against the car, his kiss dominating and intense.

    Bryan deepened the kiss, seeking a response from her.

    But Eileen remained passive, neither rejecting nor responding to him.

    Their noses brushed against each other, and Bryan¡¯s eyes were slightly open as he gazed into her clear ones for a few seconds.

    He then released her, burying his head in her shoulder.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not discuss anything now. Our rtionship isn¡¯t suitable for mere friendship, but it¡¯s also not suitable for being strangers,¡± Bryan said.

    ¡°What do you believe is suitable for us then?¡± Eileen asked, her voice strained as she fought to hold back tears. She tilted her head slightly, the moonlight revealing the glisten of tears in her eyes.

    What were they suitable for? Two people who loved each other intensely¡ªif they couldn¡¯t be together, then it was better to never see each other again, to beplete strangers.

    Saying they were enemies wasn¡¯t quite urate, but their rtionship wasn¡¯t much better than that.

    ¡°Are you giving up on Apex Group?¡± Eileen asked. ¡°Now that your grandmother has made her intentions clear, why are you still in despair? Why not concentrate on Apex Group and protect the Dawson family?¡±

    ¡°Without you, Apex Group means nothing to me. And why do I need the Dawson family?¡± Bryan gripped Eileen¡¯s waist tightly, wanting to fuse her into his very being.

    Eileen med Bryan for his decision to cancel the wedding, and she also med Ste for her actions.

    Eileen and Bryan stood there. Bryan knew he couldn¡¯t take any action that might cause Eileen more hurt.

    He let go of Eileen, lifted his head, and kissed her on the cheek, the corner of her eye, and finally on her forehead.

    ¡°Take care on the road. I¡¯ll wait for you,¡± he said.

    Eileen watched Bryan enter West Vis, lingering for a moment before returning to her car.

    Starting the engine, she drove off, the car gliding through the darkened streets.

    Stepping back wasn¡¯t easy, and moving forward felt wrong. Caught between two tough decisions, Eileen felt immense pain in her heart.

    At the job fair,

    Many fresh college graduates arrived over the weekend, each wearing a naive smile and filled with nervous anticipation for their future.

    Bailee stood with a small sign, quietly observing the applicants from a corner.

    She had distributed business cards advertising the General Manager¡¯s secretary position.

    While some people epted her cards, they likely dismissed her due to the absence of apany logo, not seeming particrly interested. They only promised to consider reaching outter.

    That basically meant there was no hope at all.

    This wasn¡¯t Bailee¡¯s first time here; she even recognized several familiar faces.

    As the day wore on, she prepared to leave in disappointment.

    Suddenly, a young girl ran up to Bailee, looking as adorable as a porcin doll with an enviable figure.

    ¡°Hello, are you hiring a General Manager¡¯s secretary?¡± The girl¡¯s hopeful dark eyes met Bailee¡¯s.

    Bailee nodded, smiling warmly as she handed over a business card. ¡°Hello, the General Manager is my sister. As long as you are diligent and honest, working with her will offer good prospects.¡±

    The girl handed Bailee her resume. ¡°Please take a look,¡± she said.

    ¡°Dres Sampson, twenty-three years old, graduated from a prestigious university¡­¡± Bailee was somewhat surprised. ¡°With your qualifications, why haven¡¯t you applied to a bigpany?¡±

    Even though the Ferguson Group was currently in the spotlight, Bailee hadn¡¯t mentioned that she was hiring for thepany, and the girl hadn¡¯t inquired about it either.

    Dres smiled shyly as she exined, ¡°I¡¯ve applied to a few and worked for a few days, but it didn¡¯t feel right.¡±

    ¡°The bosses were allscivious. Some were openly handsy, while others spent the day leering at me. Unable to risk offending them, I had to resign.¡±

    That was why she sought a smallerpany. Hearing that the boss was a woman made her even more satisfied with this position.

    She said, ¡°I take my work very seriously. Even though I¡¯m a recent graduate, I am well-versed in workce etiquette. I prioritize loyalty and am prepared to sign a confidentiality agreement.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 326

    ?Chapter 326:

    Bailee had also endured a simr situation before, so she understood Dres.

    She had found herself backed into a corner before because she couldn¡¯t afford to offend the Warren Group.

    Meanwhile, Dres, with her youthful appearance and prominent figure, attracted attention wherever she went, which exined why she was eager to work for a female boss.

    Bailee said, ¡°I understand. You¡¯re looking at a sry range of three to eight thousand. We¡¯ll begin with a three-month probation period at five thousand. Upon sessfulpletion, the sry will increase to eight thousand, and outstanding performance could see earnings exceed ten thousand per month. If this suits you, let¡¯s arrange a time tomorrow to finalize the contract.¡±

    Bailee handed Dres a business card, saying, ¡°Here¡¯s my card. Please contact me to confirm the meeting ce for tomorrow.¡±

    Dres eagerly epted the card. Such generous offers were rare for recent graduates like her.

    ¡°Thank you, Miss Brooks!¡± Dres nodded enthusiastically. ¡°I¡¯ll get in touch with you soon.¡±

    ¡°Great, see you soon,¡± Bailee waved goodbye, observing Dres hurry back to her ssmates. Several girls squealed joyously upon hearing Dres¡¯ news.

    Bailee couldn¡¯t help but smile at the scene. Turning around to pick up a small sign, she identally collided with someone around the corner.

    New chapters now on .c?m

    ¡°Mrs. Baker,¡± Bailee recognized the person and felt a twinge of nervousness.

    Just a few days ago, Huey had told her that he had confessed his rtionship with her to Winona, and Winona had epted it.

    They had nned to meet at a convenient time, but Bailee hadn¡¯t expected to run into her like this.

    Feeling awkward, Bailee held onto her sign nervously. ¡°Sorry, I wasn¡¯t paying attention. Are you okay?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Winona responded coolly, scrutinizing her. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m recruiting¡­¡± Bailee gestured towards the job market behind her, then nced in the direction Winona hade from.

    The job market was adjacent to the matchmaking area. Was Winona here for matchmaking?

    Obviously not for herself, given Huey¡¯s father was well, and his rtionship with Winona was strong.

    So it must be for Huey?

    Bailee¡¯s eyes widened slightly as she noticed several photos of young women in her hand.

    ¡°Huey mentioned you¡¯re quitepetent now, running an educational institution. It seems you¡¯re doing great.¡± Winona smiled before adding, ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious. Let¡¯s not allow your rtionship with Huey to strain the ties between our families. I have a good rapport with your mother. Even though Huey broke up with you, it should be because of me. Don¡¯t me Huey. You¡¯ll still see each other frequently in the future.¡±

    So Winona didn¡¯t approve of her rtionship with Huey.

    Remembering how Huey had confidently told her days ago that his mother had epted their rtionship, Bailee felt a pang of emotion, causing her cheeks to flush.

    She managed to smile. ¡°Can I ask why? When you chose Eileen previously, it was because she was capable. Is it because I¡¯m not as capable as she is?¡±

    ¡°Certainly not,¡± Winona¡¯s reply was direct. ¡°Actually, you¡¯re quite beautiful, gentler, and well-mannered. I do like you. But let¡¯s not forget that Eileen had a history with Huey before you. Huey chose you over her. Frankly, I have reservations about your character.¡±

    Bailee was stunned, feeling as if she had been struck by a bolt of lightning.

    Reservations about her character? She was actually being used of seducing Huey away from her sister.

    This usation was suffocating her.

    ¡°You had a rtionship with someone your sister once dated. It¡¯s difficult for me not to have reservations about it. I apologize if my words hurt you, but that¡¯s honestly how I feel.¡± Winona nodded and walked away.

    Bailee stood frozen, her throat tight, wanting to call out to Winona and exin that Eileen and Huey had never been together.

    Besides, Huey had been the one who had pursued her.

    But she couldn¡¯t bring herself to say it.

    Winona¡¯s words had caught herpletely off guard.

    Why had Huey lied to her?

    Just then, her phone rang. It was Huey calling.

    ¡°Bailee, are you finished working? Weren¡¯t we supposed to have dinner tonight? I¡¯lle pick you up.¡± Huey¡¯s voice came through, along with the sound of typing.

    ¡°I just saw your mother at the matchmaking market. She was looking at photos of girls, trying to find a match for you. She also expressed disapproval of us being together, thinking I got involved with my sister¡¯s former boyfriend and questioning my character,¡± Bailee said. Every word she spoke caused her heart to ache.

    Still typing, Huey attempted tofort her, saying, ¡°I won¡¯t go on a date with anyone else. I swear, I had no clue my mom was there. I promise you, I haven¡¯t been on any secret dates.¡±

    ¡°Is that the issue?¡± Bailee¡¯s voice grew louder. ¡°The real issue is that your mother clearly doesn¡¯t approve of us being together. Why did you tell me she agreed? I¡¯ve already informed my mom that she did, and we¡¯ve been preparing for our families to meet! My mom¡¯s been discussing it daily, anticipating the meeting.¡±

    The typing on Huey¡¯s end stopped. Huey said, ¡°Please don¡¯t be upset. Just tell your mom you¡¯re busy with work and can¡¯t have that meeting right now. I¡¯ll handle things with my mom.¡±

    ¡°What exactly are you going to handle?¡± Bailee¡¯s tears began to flow. ¡°Do you understand the gravity of your words? My mom has been preparing to meet your family based on your assurances. Now you¡¯re saying your mom disapproves and that we can¡¯t proceed. How am I supposed to exin this to her?¡±

    ¡°I just didn¡¯t want to upset you,¡± Huey¡¯s tone grew more anxious. ¡°Why the hurry? Your mom and Eileen went abroad¡­¡±

    For months, if they were here, this would have been resolved by now.

    Bailee, overwhelmed with anger, sat down, her hands covering her face as tears flowed.

    ¡°Bailee, please listen. I promise to marry you, no matter what. I¡¯ll talk to my mom right away.¡±

    With that, Huey hung up abruptly.

    Startled, Bailee tried calling him back, but he didn¡¯t pick up.

    Huey often spoke impulsively. The only things he thought through were work and gaming.

    If he confronted Winona in his current impulsive state, it would only worsen her negative impression of him.

    Winona had just expressed disapproval to Bailee, and now Huey was going to confront her¡­

    Bailee tried calling Huey for a while without sess and eventually gave up. She resolved to go home and discuss this with Eileen to find a solution.

    At Apex Group,

    The weekend meant fewer people in thepany, but all the executives and shareholders were present.

    Lydia, using Brandon¡¯s status as thergest shareholder, freely joined the shareholders¡¯ meeting, sitting beside Brandon.

    Z looked pale, and her eyes were hollow. She sat motionless in her seat.

    The meeting room door opened, and Bryan entered confidently, his gaze casually sweeping over everyone present.

    He nced at Z briefly, prompting her to quickly bow her head as if concealing something. Z was afraid that Bryan might notice she had been humiliated earlier.

    ¡°Shall we begin?¡± Bryan sat down, tapping his fingers on the wooden table twice, raising an eyebrow at the assembled group.

    ¡°Begin what?¡± Brandon sneered. ¡°You¡¯ve won. Apex Group has lost all its projects. Do you know how many resignation letters the HR department has received?¡±

    Seeing Apex Group¡¯s decline, many employees began searching for new employment opportunities.

    ¡°Oh, really?¡± Bryan smirked, shrugging. ¡°You¡¯ve lost, and still have the nerve to stick around?¡±

    ¡°I admit I¡¯m not as skilled as you,¡± Brandon said, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Besides, my mind wasn¡¯t on work, so losing was bound to happen.¡±

    Bryan remained silent for a few seconds, uninterested in arguing. ¡°So what¡¯s the holdup? Transfer your shares as per our agreement to make up for Apex Group¡¯s losses.¡±

    ¡°What agreement?¡± Brandon feigned ignorance. ¡°I don¡¯t recall any agreement.¡±

    ¡°The shareholders and Bryan signed an agreement before, with stakes on both winning and losing!¡±

    Brandon chuckled dismissively. ¡°I don¡¯t recall. Where¡¯s this alleged agreement? Show it to me.¡±

    Raymond, who was angry because of Brandon¡¯s attitude, went to the corner of the meeting room, unlocked the safe, and retrieved a document.

    He unfolded it, revealing a document that should have contained terms and conditions but now only bore Bryan¡¯s and Brandon¡¯s signatures at the bottom right corner.

    ¡°Oh, what¡¯s this?¡± Brandon pretended to be surprised. ¡°What was written here? It¡¯s nk now. Can someone refresh my memory or magically make the text reappear?¡±

    The shareholders all stood up, visibly shocked to see that the printed text on the white paper had vanished. They began whispering among themselves, their expressions filled with anger aimed at Brandon.

    Some cast disappointed nces at Bryan.

    ¡°Bryan, you¡¯re still too inexperienced to challenge me,¡± Brandon scoffed. ¡°Apex Group is in this mess because of you. Remove her as general manager, and you can take charge. I hope you don¡¯t disappoint the shareholders and revive Apex Group.¡±

    Did Bryan have the capability to do so?

    Perhaps.

    Bryan¡¯s demeanor grew serious as he gazed at the nk document before him. After a brief pause, he chuckled softly and stood up. ¡°Apex Group is in its current situation partly due to my decisions. I will resign to ept responsibility.¡±

    He gave Brandon a pointed look. ¡°You handle it from here.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t just walk away,¡± Brandon said firmly. ¡°I already transferred half of my shares to you. You¡¯re a shareholder now. Even if you resign as CEO, when we elect a new one, it will still be you!¡±

    That was true. If they were to select a new CEO for Apex Group, it would likely still be Bryan.

    After all, everyone had invested a lot in thepany, and no one was willing to give up easily.

    ¡°Really?¡± Bryan¡¯s tone remained indifferent. ¡°Why wasn¡¯t I informed about the transfer of your shares?¡±

    ¡°The share transfer agreement is in my possession,¡± amanding elderly voice dered.

    Jarred opened the meeting room door, and Ste entered slowly, mming a document on the table in front of Brandon.

    She said, ¡°This document bears your and Bryan¡¯s signatures, but all the printed agreement contents are missing. Therefore, this share transfer agreement is null and void. If Bryan resigns, he can cut ties with Apex Group!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 327

    ?Chapter 327:

    Back when Ste had had a heart-to-heart with Bryan, she had told him about securing half of Brandon¡¯s shares. Bryan had sensed something was amiss then.

    Especially when thewyer kepting up with flimsy excuses to dy legally acknowledging the transfer document, Bryan had been convinced there was a problem with it.

    Upon examining the document, he had found it utterly nk.

    But he hadn¡¯t said anything about it; instead, he had asked Ste to keep it safe.

    Feigning ignorance, he had persistently pressured thewyer, creating the illusion that he had been unaware of this.

    Bryan had already expected Brandon¡¯s ploy to manipte the bet with this method.

    ¡°Right now, I don¡¯t possess a single share of Apex Group.

    The weight on my shoulders consists of a few unfinished projects, with total losses amounting to mere hundreds of thousands. I¡¯ll clear those with the finance department,¡± Bryan said.

    His fingers drummed the table rhythmically, the sound echoing ominously in Brandon¡¯s ear.

    Bryan continued, ¡°As for the remaining losses, that¡¯s all on Z. You picked her, so you shoulder the burden.

    Good luck!¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s, your source for inspiration

    He chuckled, giving Brandon¡¯s shoulder a light pat, causing Brandon to copse back into his chair.

    The fake stock transfer document was exposed, and he couldn¡¯t let Bryan stay.

    ¡°Stop!¡± Brandon shouted as Bryan reached the conference room door. He abruptly stood up. ¡°Think you¡¯re so clever? Is this how you want to fight me, by burning bridges? If Apex Group goes down and I¡¯m drowning in debt, the Dawson family will be in a dire situation as well!¡±

    The Dawson family still had some assets under Brandon¡¯s name.

    Losses were inevitable. Would Bryan and Ste be willing to end up with just a few luxury houses and cars, watching their money run out?

    Bryan pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and tossed his suit jacket onto the conference room table.

    ¡°Your debt is your problem, not the Dawson family¡¯s,¡± he said.

    ¡°An hour ago, I issued a statement. You, Brandon Dawson, have been expelled from the Dawson family, and we¡¯re severing ties with Apex Group!¡± Ste dered, stepping forward decisively and pping Brandon.

    After a pause, she continued, ¡°Having a son like you is my lifelong regret, and expelling you from the Dawson family is my way of making amends to the family!¡±

    The p wasn¡¯t hard; Brandon barely felt any pain.

    Lydia quickly stood up, shielding Brandon. ¡°Ste, this is too much. He¡¯s your son, and you¡¯ve disowned him. Do you want to follow Bryan and be ridiculed? Do you think it¡¯s tragic to have no son to care for you in your old age?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. This old body of mine is still strong.

    Besides, I still have my grandson, and that¡¯s enough!¡± Ste¡¯sughter wasced with mockery. ¡°And who said my grandson and I will be ridiculed?¡±

    Her words immediately changed the expressions of Lydia and Brandon, who fixated their gazes on Bryan.

    Even Z turned her attention to Bryan.

    In fact, everyone in the room was now looking at Bryan.

    Sunlight poured over Bryan,

    His features regained their former sharpness, the aura of defeatpletely vanishing.

    ¡°I hope you can still salvage Apex Group and confront me again,¡± Bryan said to Brandon.

    With that, he exited the meeting room, taking Ste and Raymond with him.

    A resignation lettery on the CEO¡¯s desk. Raymond had packed up Bryan¡¯s things there.

    Bryan stood in the office, smirking. This was where it had all truly begun¡ªEileen and him.

    A flood of memories washed over him. He could almost see Eileen standing at the desk, reporting to him.

    He even believed he could hear her voice calling him,

    ¡°Mr. Dawson¡­¡±

    After a while, he drew a deep breath and stubbed out his cigarette. Jarred approached him. ¡°Mr. Dawson, your grandmother is waiting in the car. She needs to speak with you.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Bryan replied, preparing to exit the building.

    On his way out, he noticed numerous employees submitting their resignations and carrying their belongings out.

    When they encountered Bryan, they still greeted him with respect.

    Bryan acknowledged their greetings and, upon reaching the lobby, noticed a crowd gathered at thepany entrance, ready to leave.

    He paused momentarily before instructing Raymond,

    ¡°Bring these people in.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Raymond responded promptly, approaching the group. ¡°Here¡¯s my business card. If you¡¯re searching for a new job, take my number and reach out.¡±

    He handed a card to the person closest to him.

    The group was momentarily stunned before bombarding him with questions.

    ¡°What¡¯s this about? What¡¯s the newpany?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Isn¡¯t Apex Group over? What¡¯s the newpany?¡±

    ¡°Did Mr. Dawson foresee all this and already have a n?¡±

    The crowd buzzed with a mixture of confusion and curiosity.

    Raymond believed he used to be just like them before Bryan.

    Feeling a surge of pride, he straightened his posture. ¡°Do you think you can grasp Mr. Dawson¡¯s solution? He himself had just been clued in! These people¡­ they would have to wait and see. He would keep them in suspense for now.¡±

    He said, ¡°Stop hesitating. Take the business card and remember the number. Following Mr. Dawson will be the wisest move. Even if Apex Group copses, he won¡¯t. Isn¡¯t that remarkable?¡±

    Even though he wanted to tell them everything, he thought some things were best revealed in due time.

    As they got into the car, Bryan nced at Raymond¡¯s smug demeanor and smirked. He loosened his tie and turned his gaze back to Ste.

    ¡°You wanted to talk to me?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Ste hesitated for a moment. ¡°I heard Eileen is back, and she¡¯s now the General Manager of Ferguson Group, under Julio¡¯s wing.¡±

    The words made Bryan frown. He responded sternly, ¡°She¡¯s just teamed up with Julio. It¡¯s a cooperative rtionship.¡±

    Ste said, ¡°With her aligning with Julio, the Ferguson family will undoubtedly target her. Bryan¡­ You shouldn¡¯t get involved in this mess. Your foundation isn¡¯t solid yet¡ª¡±

    Before Ste could finish, Bryan¡¯s sharp gaze cut her off.

    He didn¡¯t utter a word; he just stared at Ste with an expression that teetered between disappointment.

    His gaze was like invisible hands tightening around Ste¡¯s throat.

    After a long pause, Ste lowered her head and continued, ¡°I know I¡¯ve made many mistakes and hurt Eileen deeply. I will find a way to make it right.¡±

    ¡°And how exactly do you n to make it right?¡± Bryan shot back, his tone sharp. ¡°Money? Or perhaps handing over the Dawson family?¡±

    ¡°Materialpensation is a given. If she wasn¡¯t tied up with the Ferguson family right now, we could bring her back,¡± Ste responded without a second thought. ¡°The Dawson family will be hers in the future!¡±

    Bryan¡¯s gaze was cold. ¡°Do you think you can just summon her back at your convenience? She is a human being, not a pet to be discarded when inconvenient and retrieved when it suits you.¡±

    Ste fell silent, her words caught in her throat.

    ¡°Do you think you only hurt her?¡± Bryan pointed to his chest. ¡°You hurt me, too. You made me feel unworthy to stand before her, unfit to bring her back.¡±

    After a long, painful silence, Ste¡¯s eyes welled up with tears. She said, ¡°Oh Bryan, your mother died at your father¡¯s hands. I carry immense guilt. Her greatest wish was for you to be well. If I can¡¯t protect you, I will fail her and won¡¯t be able to face her in the afterlife. Why did I ever give birth to Brandon, that bastard? How can I ever atone for the pain he inflicted on you? How can I ever make amends to your mother?¡±

    The mention of the past enveloped Bryan in a cold, heavy silence.

    After what felt like an eternity, he said, ¡°I¡¯m fine now. You¡¯ve already atoned for Brandon¡¯s sins. From this moment on, stay out of my affairs.¡±

    With that, he opened the car door, got out, and returned to his own car.

    Raymond saw Bryan return and quickly left the crowd, hopping back into the car and starting the engine to leave.

    Jarred sighed deeply. ¡°Bryan doesn¡¯t have the ruthless edge needed for the cutthroat world of the wealthy. He¡¯s a man with feelings. Maybe¡­ allowing him to pursue his feelings is the best path.¡±

    Ste remained silent for a long time. Then, she said, ¡°In the ruthless world of the wealthy, people with feelings won¡¯t survive. Forget it, let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Back to the mountains?¡± Jarred inquired.

    ¡°Back to the Dawson Mansion. Eileen has returned and is now entangled with the Ferguson family. I¡¯m afraid she might bring disaster to Bryan. I must keep an eye on them,¡± Ste said, her eyes filled withplex emotions.

    After Julio had returned to the Ferguson family, he hadn¡¯t set foot in Ferguson Group again.

    Some people began showing their true colors in thepany, causing asional trouble for Eileen. Fortunately, Benjamin adeptly managed these issues for Eileen.

    But Benjamin¡¯s increasingly meticulous attentiveness raised Eileen¡¯s suspicions.

    As they rode the elevator after work together, Benjamin asked, ¡°How¡¯s the hunt for a secretary going?¡±

    Eileen smiled faintly. ¡°Bailee texted that she¡¯s found someone. They¡¯ll start in a few days. Thanks for pitching in.¡±

    Benjamin noticed that Eileen was maintaining a deliberate distance. ¡°Who would¡¯ve thought we¡¯d end up working side by side?¡± he said.

    ¡°Since Julio¡¯s return, less than a year has passed, and so much has changed. I suppose it¡¯s fate,¡± Eileen said, her gaze dropping as memories of her time with Bryan in West Land flooded back, tugging at her heart.

    Perhaps her heart had softened. After seeing Bryan several times recently, she found it increasingly difficult to resist her deep-rooted feelings for him.

    ¡°I¡¯ve mentioned before that the world of the wealthy is full of unpredictability. Things can change overnight,¡± Benjamin said.

    Eileen couldn¡¯t get anything from the Dawson family.

    This wasn¡¯t the first time Benjamin hinted at this.

    Eileen hadn¡¯t considered his words before, but now, she realized he understood the intricacies of the wealthy people¡¯s interests all too well.

    ¡°There¡¯s something you don¡¯t know,¡± Benjamin continued, a hint of sarcasm touching his lips. ¡°Vivian¡¯s descent into madness is tied to Z. The incident with the falling chandelier at Phoebe and Mr. Meyer¡¯s wedding? It was orchestrated by Kian. Mr. Dawson has taken over the Warren Group, sidelining Kian.¡±

    His dislike for Z now stemmed from her involvement in Kian¡¯s actions, though hecked concrete proof.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 328

    ?Chapter 328:

    Eileen felt Bryan¡¯s growing dislike for Z had turned into outright hatred.

    ¡°After the ident involving Vivian, Kian suggested I marry Vivian to provide her with afortable life,¡± Benjamin said with a forced smile. ¡°It seems they always treat us like we¡¯re just pawns.¡±

    When Vivian had been in good health, she would oftenmand Benjamin with a cold attitude.

    Kian had not said anything about it. Indeed, when Benjamin had begun working at thepany and started helping Vivian with certain duties quietly, Kian had even warned him.

    ¡°Let go of any silly ideas you have. Vivian is the Warren family¡¯s daughter. Don¡¯t get any ideas. If I find you with any inappropriate thoughts, I won¡¯t hesitate to take action,¡± Kian had said.

    At that time, Benjamin had thought the situation was ridiculously funny. He had only helped because he feared Vivian¡¯sints, not because of any real fondness for her.

    The elevator doors opened. Looking at Benjamin¡¯s somber face, Eileen couldn¡¯t help butugh.

    ¡°My previous words still stand,¡± Benjamin said, removing his hand from his pocket. ¡°We are suitable for each other.¡±

    ¡°I have something I can¡¯t tell you right now,¡± Eileen hesitated, then met his gaze with a serious expression. ¡°But soon, you¡¯ll see why we¡¯re not meant to be. I¡¯m not the right one for you.¡±

    She had been with Bryan for many years, and now, with a child involved, she felt even less deserving of Benjamin¡¯s love.

    Your adventure awaits at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c©–m

    Benjamin understood she was rejecting him and didn¡¯t insist further. ¡°Then here¡¯s to working well together in the future,¡± he said.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Eileen replied with a smile and then exited the building.

    Once Eileen arrived home, she nned to talk with Bailee about the new secretary and review the resume.

    ¡°Has Bailee not returned yet?¡± She removed her shoes in the entryway and noticed only Milford doing his homework next to Gabri¡¯s baby carriage.

    Milford looked up and pointed upstairs, ¡°She¡¯s upstairs. She actually came back early and has been in her room since.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Eileen looked up the staircase as she took down her bag. Just as she was about to go upstairs, Ruby pulled her aside.

    With her hands still wet from washing, Ruby quickly let go of Eileen and wiped her hands on her clothes. She looked worried. ¡°Eileen, something¡¯s not right with Bailee. Could you please talk to her? She won¡¯t talk to me about it!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. She¡¯s probably just exhausted from the job fair,¡± Eileen reassured Ruby. ¡°You meet all kinds of people there.¡±

    ¡°I think it¡¯s more than that. You should go and ask her,¡± Ruby urged, nudging Eileen toward the stairs. ¡°Try to get her toe down for dinner.¡±

    Eileen nodded, understanding Ruby¡¯s concern. ¡°Alright. Mom, you start making dinner. I¡¯ll take care of this.¡±

    Eileen, with a te of fruit in hand, walked up the stairs and gently knocked on Bailee¡¯s door.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to have dinner tonight,¡± Bailee said, sounding disheartened.

    ¡°It¡¯s not about dinner. We need to discuss the hiring,¡± Eileen said.

    After a few moments, Bailee opened the door.

    The room was dark, making it hard for Eileen to see Bailee¡¯s face clearly. ¡°Do you mind if I turn on the light?¡± Eileen asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do it,¡± Bailee said, reaching for the switch. She didn¡¯t look back as she moved to sit by the French window, her head down.

    Eileen set the fruit te on the table before Bailee and immediately noticed her red, swollen eyes.

    ¡°Is this about Huey?¡± Eileen asked.

    As soon as Huey¡¯s name came up, Bailee¡¯s tears started to flow. ¡°Today, I met Huey¡¯s mother. She was arranging a blind date for him.¡±

    Eileen paused for a while before saying, ¡°She doesn¡¯t support your rtionship with Huey? Huey told you she was fine with it just to keep you from being upset, didn¡¯t he?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Bailee nodded slightly, her voice a faint whisper. ¡°Was it out of kindness that he lied? How could he not tell me the truth about this? I¡¯ve already told Mom about it. She still believes she is supposed to meet Huey¡¯s parents soon.¡±

    Previously, when Huey had angrily denied his rtionship with Bailee to Winona, Ruby had be very upset.

    If Bailee told Ruby about Huey¡¯s lie this time, Ruby would likely see Huey as immature and unreliable.

    ¡°I¡¯ll speak to Mom. But you need to deal with the situation with Huey yourself. You know how he can be after all this time.¡± Eileen handed Bailee a slice of watermelon. ¡°But I want to know why his mother disapproves of your rtionship.¡±

    Bailee epted the watermelon, her head lowered as she ate. ¡°Perhaps I¡¯m just not the type of woman she envisions as a daughter-inw.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s absurd,¡± Eileen quickly dismissed the thought.

    ¡°You¡¯re beautiful and intelligent. Who wouldn¡¯t want you as their daughter-inw?¡±

    Bailee hesitated, not wanting to mention that the real issue involved Eileen. ¡°She just doesn¡¯t approve of us being together, and honestly, I don¡¯t want to delve into why. Eileen, could you talk to Mom for me? I¡¯ll deal with Huey and his mother.¡±

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s drop this topic for now,¡± Eileen replied. ¡°You told me you were going to sign the contract tomorrow. Show me that person¡¯s resume.¡±

    ¡°Oh, right,¡± Bailee replied, standing up suddenly. ¡°I left the resume behind. My mind¡¯s been elsewhere today.¡±

    She had forgotten the resume at the education agency.

    ¡°Don¡¯t stress about it, I trust your judgment,¡± Eileen reassured Bailee as she stood up. ¡°Join us for dinner.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Bailee picked up the fruit te and exited the room with Eileen. ¡°The person¡¯s name is Dalores Sampson. She¡¯s quite beautiful and has recently graduated from college.¡±

    ¡°Dalores Sampson?¡±

    The name rang a bell in Eileen¡¯s mind, invoking a vague sense of recognition, though she couldn¡¯t quite ce it.

    ¡°Once she signs the contract with me tomorrow, she can start on Monday, right?¡± Bailee asked.

    ¡°Yes, arrange for her to start at Freguson Group the day after tomorrow,¡± Eileen replied.

    Eileen took a moment to talk to Ruby, citing Bailee¡¯s packed schedule as a reason to dy any meeting with the Baker family.

    She avoided mentioning Huey explicitly, but Ruby¡¯s expression showed she understood what was going on.

    The next day, news that Bryan was stepping down from Apex Group spread quickly.

    Eileen couldn¡¯t look away from the headlines, overwhelmed by the situation.

    She knew that Bryan owned several high-value properties worth tens of millions, and that the Dawson Mansion was worth a fortune.

    Yet,pared to Apex Group¡¯s multi-billion-dor empire, those assets were mere trifles.

    Phoebe was just as puzzled and called Eileen, clearly confused. ¡°What is Bryan thinking? Is he just going to sit on his remaining properties and do nothing?¡±

    Before, Eileen would have confidently said that Bryan wouldn¡¯t make such a choice, but she found herself at a loss for words, questioning if she had ever truly understood Bryan.

    ¡°Eileen,e to my ce for lunch today. I¡¯m pregnant, and it¡¯s hard for me to go out,¡± Phoebe suddenly suggested.

    It was the weekend, and Eileen had no ns. Yet, she looked over at her daughter, who was still asleep, and said, ¡°Thanks for the invitation, but I think I¡¯ll spend the day with Gabri.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to stay glued to her side!¡± Bailee and Milford had lingered outside the door for quite a while. It was a rare urrence for both of them to be free from their usual duties.

    They had gotten up early, waiting for Eileen and Gabri to wake up.

    Eileen rubbed her forehead and looked at the door. ¡°You two,e in.¡±

    Bailee opened the door and walked in, with Milford following closely.

    But they both stopped when they noticed Gabri was still sleeping.

    ¡°Eileen, if you need to go out, just go. I¡¯m here to take care of Gabri,¡± Bailee said, on the verge of hurrying over to urge Eileen to rise.

    Eileen, resting her chin on her hand, replied, ¡°You¡¯re her aunt, and Milford¡¯s her uncle, but I¡¯m her mother. It¡¯s rare for me to have a weekend off, and I want to be with her.¡±

    Milford said earnestly, ¡°But you¡¯ve been back for a while now. How often have you seen Phoebe? This might be a good chance for you two to catch up before she has her baby. There will be less time to do so once she bes a mother. Besides, it¡¯s just lunch. You cane right back after.¡±

    On the other end of the line, Phoebe chuckled. ¡°That makes sense. I¡¯ve always known Milford is smart. Okay, it¡¯s settled.¡±

    Before Eileen had a chance to respond, Phoebe hung up.

    Eileen sat up straight. Before she could utter a word, Milford quickly said, ¡°Don¡¯t be angry! I¡¯ve actually got some good news for you today.¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s not really good news, I won¡¯t have lunch with Phoebe,¡± Eileen replied immediately.

    Milford looked proud. ¡°The school said I can advance a grade. I¡¯ve finished the high school curriculum in just one year. Ready to take the SAT now?¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Eileen¡¯s eyes opened wide in astonishment.

    She had been too caught up in her matters to pay close attention to Milford¡¯s academic progress over thest year.

    She was aware he was intelligent.

    Yet, she had not expected him to achieve such remarkable academic sess.

    He truly was a prodigy!

    ¡°Remember what we agreed?¡± Eileen teased. ¡°You owe me a cut when you start making money.¡±

    Milford felt resigned. ¡°Why don¡¯t you take advantage of this? Maybe let me work for you for a few years?¡±

    With his capabilities, he was sure tond a high-paying job after graduation. He would be an asset to any business.

    ¡°If I let you work too hard and you end up not marrying anyone, I¡¯ll be the one to me.¡± Eileenughed heartily. What Milford had said was indeed fantastic news. Just then, Gabri woke up, yawning and stretching.

    After persuading Eileen to head out early, Bailee and Milford didn¡¯t take over the baby¡¯s care. They allowed Eileen to finish the morning activities of washing and dressing the baby, and then, they all went downstairs for breakfast together.

    By ten o¡¯clock in the morning, overwhelmed by the relentless messages from Phoebe and with Bailee and Milford eagerly wanting to spend time with Gabri, Eileen headed to Phoebe¡¯s house.

    On her way to Phoebe¡¯s ce, she stopped to buy some baby items for Phoebe. When she reached Phoebe¡¯s home and parked at the front door, she spotted Bryan¡¯s car.

    Bryan was also there. This rified why Phoebe had been so persistent about hering.

    Eileen frowned upon realizing this.

    Phoebe, noticing Eileen from the window, stood up and came out to greet her. ¡°It¡¯s all because of Jacob. I just wanted to talk about Bryan¡¯s issue with you. But as soon as Jacob knew you wereing, he called Bryan over, thinking it was better for you to discuss everything directly with Bryan.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 329

    ?Chapter 329:

    Jacob hadn¡¯t told Bryan that Eileen would be here.

    In fact, he had resorted to fabrications to lure Bryan here.

    ¡°I know a secret about Eileen. Interested?¡± he had said to Bryan.

    This had piqued Bryan¡¯s curiosity, drawing him to Jacob¡¯s ce. However, upon Bryan¡¯s arrival, Jacob didn¡¯t get straight to the point. Instead, he led Bryan to a secluded garden atop the building.

    There, Jacob spread out some women¡¯s photos, handling them like a deck of cards. ¡°Pick one you like from these women, and I¡¯ll reveal Eileen¡¯s secret.¡±

    Bryan narrowed his eyes slightly, emitting a dangerous aura.

    He settled into a swing chair, the overhead foliage casting shadows on him. His presence was imposing, causing Jacob¡¯s legs to tremble slightly.

    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t act like this. If I just told you everything without conditions, that wouldn¡¯t be fair, right?¡± Jacob said.

    Bryan snorted and replied, ¡°Okay.¡±

    Jacob, well-prepared, handed Bryan the photos and activated the projector, which disyed the women¡¯s photos alongside detailed information about them.

    ¡°This one is quite attractive. She¡¯s the eldest in her family, and her parents are still together,¡± Jacob said, pointing at a photo.

    After a pause, he continued, ¡°And how about this one? Her face might be average, but she¡¯s got an impressive figure!¡±

    g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s, your storytelling home

    He was presenting the options like a seasoned salesman.

    As they were discussing, Jacob noticed the two people entering and grew more enthusiastic.

    ¡°There are plenty of fish in the sea. There¡¯s no need to fixate on Eileen. With so many choices here, pick one, and I¡¯ll assist you in winning her over,¡± Jacob boasted, patting his chest confidently.

    Before Jacob could finish, Bryan nonchntly selected a photo. ¡°This one,¡± he dered.

    ¡°Really?¡± Jacob was taken aback and peered at the photo Bryan had chosen. ¡°Then you must tell me why she caught your eye,¡± he said with a smile, flinging the photos onto the table.

    ¡°She has a good figure,es from a great family, and has a good temper,¡± Bryan replied.

    Jacob was skeptical of Bryan¡¯s quick assessment. How could Bryan judge a woman¡¯s temper before even meeting her?

    Not giving Jacob any more chances to tease him, Bryan said sternly, ¡°Enough talk. Just tell me the secret.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Jacob replied. He leaned in and whispered into Bryan¡¯s ear, ¡°Eileen is here.¡±

    As the words left Jacob¡¯s mouth, Bryan immediately turned to see Eileen standing at the entrance to the garden.

    The summer breeze teased her short hair, and a faint smile yed across her face.

    In an instant, Bryan spun around and kicked Jacob, furious at his antics.

    With agility like a cheetah, Bryan chased Jacob, causing Jacob to panic and run.

    Jacob cried out, ¡°Eileen, save me! How is it my fault he¡¯s chasing a woman?¡±

    He was still trying to escte the situation,

    In fact, he was testing Eileen¡¯s reaction to Bryan, but Eileen wasn¡¯t fooled by the act.

    She stood by the entrance, speaking to Phoebe, who approached slowly. ¡°Don¡¯te closer yet. You might get hurt,¡± Eileen warned.

    Phoebe said, ¡°I heard Jacob¡¯s cries for help. What¡¯s all this fuss about?¡±

    ¡°Honey, save me!¡± Jacob pleaded, carefully keeping his distance from Phoebe to avoid any risk to her pregnancy.

    This hesitation allowed Bryan to seize him, resulting in a well-deserved beating.

    ¡°This is my house!¡± Phoebe, witnessing the scene, didn¡¯t dare intervene. Realizing her words earlier were futile, she added, ¡°Eileen¡¯s gone downstairs, probably upset. Bryan, why are you still here hitting Jacob?¡±

    Bryan paused to deliver a few more kicks to Jacob before looking up. Indeed, Eileen had already left.

    Afterposing himself, Bryan let Jacob go and headed downstairs.

    Eileen hadn¡¯t left Phoebe¡¯s ce. Phoebe, craving the spicy food from West Land, wanted to have spicy dishes for dinner.

    With Jacob proving unhelpful and Phoebe pregnant, Eileen stepped in to handle the kitchen preparations herself.

    Donning an apron, she was busy with various tasks as strands of her short hair asionally slipped over her face.

    She then recognized the approaching footsteps.

    ¡°Jacob tricked me,¡± Bryan confessed, taking a box of ingredients and stealing nces at her.

    Eileen¡¯s expression was tense. ¡°No need to exin,¡± she replied.

    Bryan, feeling disheartened, gripped the box too tightly, and its contents tumbled to the floor.

    Eileen looked down briefly before turning her gaze to look at him.

    ¡°Leave. I¡¯ll handle this myself,¡± Bryan said, his tone sour.

    He stooped to clean up the mess.

    Eileen stopped what she was doing and left the kitchen. She watched him from the dining room doorway, waiting for Phoebe and Jacob to join her.

    But their arrival was dyed. Jacob was upstairs trying to persuade Phoebe.

    ¡°Honey, Bryan¡¯s my best friend, and he has been through a lot. If he can¡¯t win Eileen over, I¡¯d feel guilty. I¡¯m just trying to help him,¡± Jacob said.

    Phoebe was firm in her response. ¡°I¡¯ve never had many friends, and Eileen is the best one I¡¯ve ever had. Mess this up, and I swear I¡¯ll make your life hell.¡±

    Jacob lowered his head. ¡°I won¡¯t overdo it, I promise. Just trying to give them a little push.¡±

    ¡°You were almost in trouble for doing that just now!¡± Phoebe cautioned him. ¡°Please, don¡¯t make a fool of yourself in front of those two.¡±

    It was clear to her that Eileen wasn¡¯t deceived by their antics, rendering any maniptive efforts pointless.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care,¡± Jacob muttered. He then handed Phoebe a bottle of cocktail. ¡°Tonight, you need to get Eileen to loosen up with this drink. They say people tell the truth when they¡¯re drunk.¡±

    ¡°Fine,¡± Phoebe replied, taking the bottle with frustration. ¡°I¡¯ll drink with her, and if I end up drinking too much, I might just go intobor right on the spot.¡±

    Jacob hurried after Phoebe, attempting to calm her. ¡°This drink is strong. You might really end up giving birth if you¡¯re not careful.¡±

    Phoebe was so angry that she had a headache. ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous! Since I¡¯m pregnant, why would I drink anyway?¡±

    Confused, Jacob responded, ¡°So you won¡¯t drink? But why did you say you would drink with Eileen just now?¡±

    ¡°Get lost! You¡¯re an idiot!¡± Phoebe snapped, pping him.

    They were on the stairs, and Jacob didn¡¯t dare to dodge. ¡°I¡¯m curious if the drink might make Eileen reveal her true feelings. Perhaps it could even bring Bryan and her back together.¡±

    Phoebe paused, lost in thought.

    The possibility of Eileen revealing her true feelings intrigued her.

    If Eileen did end up back with Bryan, wouldn¡¯t that prove she still loved him?

    Half an hourter, they all gathered at the dining table, a bottle of exotic liquor ced before Eileen.

    ¡°Try this, Eileen. It¡¯s imported and really good,¡± Phoebe said.

    ¡°No, thanks,¡± Eileen replied, pushing the bottle aside. ¡°I need to driveter.¡±

    Jacob nudged Phoebe, who then attempted a softer approach. ¡°It¡¯s mild. Just sip it to lighten the mood.¡±

    As she spoke, Phoebe opened the bottle, filled a ss, and handed it to Eileen.

    Bryan, sipping water, watched the exchange and then nced at Jacob, who subtly gestured for him to watch the unfolding scene.

    If Eileen had half a ss, she would feel the effects.

    Yet, Eileen took only a sip and didn¡¯t go for another.

    Despite this, her cheeks flushed, and her eyes became ssy.

    Jacob, unsatisfied, said, ¡°Let¡¯s have a toast, Eileen.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Eileen replied sharply, instantly seeing through Jacob¡¯s intentions.

    Attempting to trick her? She wasn¡¯t fooled.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be like this,¡± Jacob said, setting down his ss with a pout. ¡°You¡¯re too cautious, Eileen. I actually invited you two here because someone wanted to reconnect with you both through me.¡±

    Upon hearing Jacob¡¯s words, both Eileen and Bryan turned to look at him.

    The circle of people aware of their association with Jacob was small.

    Immediately, Eileen thought of Z and Kian.

    ¡°It was Z,¡± Jacob said. ¡°She contacted me a few days ago.¡±

    ¡°When was this?¡± Phoebe asked, her expression clouding with concern. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t intend to help Z, but since we¡¯re all here, it seems worth mentioning,¡± Jacob exined.

    He added that Z had hinted at Brandon having additional strategies up his sleeve.

    Eileen nced at Bryan, noticing hisposed demeanor, his hand resting on the table¡¯s edge, his gaze calm.

    He seemed to have already known something.

    ¡°Just ignore her,¡± Bryan said.

    ¡°It appears Bryan is also well-prepared,¡± Jacob replied, half in jest, nudging a ss toward Eileen. ¡°Let¡¯s toast to that.¡±

    Eileen met Jacob¡¯s gaze with a pointed look that prompted him to abandon his attempt to persuade her to drink.

    ¡°Do as you please. I can¡¯t stop you anyway,¡± Phoebe whispered.

    The dinner concluded shortly afterward, marked by Jacob¡¯s apparent agenda.

    Phoebe had hoped Eileen would stay longer, but aware of her responsibilities at home, particrly her baby, Eileen promptly decided to leave.

    Bryan, too, made his exit, iming Eileen¡¯s car keys with the excuse that she shouldn¡¯t drive after having a drink. He insisted on driving her himself.

    Slightly disoriented from the alcohol, Eileen didn¡¯t protest and settled into the passenger seat, buckling up.

    Assuming Bryan knew her address, she didn¡¯t provide directions. Yet, as they neared her apartment, she requested he stop a block early, not wanting him to escort her to her ce.

    ¡°What¡¯s the issue?¡± Bryan inquired, pulling over. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to spend more time with me?¡± he asked, looking at her intently.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 330

    ?Chapter 330:

    Just as Eileen was unfastening her seatbelt to leave, Bryan¡¯s voice made her settle back into her seat.

    ¡°I need to talk to you about something,¡± Eileen said.

    Bryan¡¯s eyebrows arched slightly as his hands clenched the steering wheel tighter, the veins standing out on his hands.

    ¡°You should think about marriage if you find a woman from a good family,¡± Eileen said bluntly.

    As soon as she spoke, the mood in the car dropped.

    Bryan turned to face her. ¡°From a good family? Who would want a divorced man?¡±

    His words came out sharper than intended.

    ¡°But you have significant skills,¡± Eileen reminded him, emphasizing his considerable talents that manycked.

    Bryan¡¯s expression became stern, and his eyes darkened. ¡°Is that so? Then what¡¯s keeping you from wanting me?¡±

    Eileen took a moment before responding. ¡°I simply can¡¯t afford to.¡±

    Her position at Ferguson Group was unstable now. She couldn¡¯t offer Bryan any advantages, and she might even bring trouble to him.

    ¡°Then surely, no one else can afford to, either,¡± Bryan retorted, his tone thick with anger.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m brings endless adventures

    ¡°That is not true. The woman you were looking at earlier is the sole heir to a rich family. If you married her, it could elevate your status,¡± Eileen said earnestly, hoping to convince him.

    However, no sooner had she finished speaking than Bryan quickly lifted his hand, his fingers weaving into her hair.

    He pressed his lips to hers forcefully.

    His hand gripped her waist, spreading a warmth throughout her body.

    As if the kiss wasn¡¯t enough, his arm encircled her waist, hoisting her onto hisp.

    Eileen¡¯s attire was casual that day, just sweatpants and a T-shirt, as she hadn¡¯t nned on being at work.

    Her heart raced as she straddled his sturdy thighs, a position all too familiar to her.

    Her hands pressed against his shoulders, their breaths intermingling.

    ¡°Let go of me!¡± Eileen said against his lips, but he silenced her with another kiss.

    Bryan was wearing thin ck sweatpants, and Eileen could distinctly feel his body¡¯s reactions, his breath heavy and uneven.

    She had braced for his anger, yet this response was unexpected¡­

    She feared he might actually have sex with her right here!

    Her dissatisfaction leaked out in a soft moan, prompting Bryan to groan and release her.

    He reclined against the seat, his eyebrows furrowed, his Adam¡¯s apple visible as he fought to quell the surge of desire within him.

    Eileen felt weak from his touch, copsing against him.

    His hands tightened around her waist.

    Angered by how easily Bryan had swayed her, Eileen turned and bit his chest through his shirt.

    Bryan gasped in pain, tightening his hold on her waist and scolding softly, ¡°Stop it!¡±

    ¡°You deserve it,¡± Eileen retorted, stopping but still ring at him, her cheeks red.

    Bryan¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple moved as he said hoarsely, ¡°You get it now? My body responds only to you. Don¡¯t bring up other women again.¡±

    Eileen was skeptical, aware that men often let their desires lead.

    She believed Bryan might react simrly to another woman in her ce.

    Their physical attraction was undeniable; despite numerous encounters, they still found each other irresistible.

    She couldn¡¯t deny she was attracted to him.

    ¡°Could you give me a chance?¡± Bryan asked, his gaze fixed on her neck. Her lips were shiny and inviting, her eyes shimmering.

    Everything about her tempted him, bringing out the suppressed longing and desire he had harbored for so long.

    He was aware it was too much, yet he couldn¡¯t help wanting her deeply.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t right,¡± Eileen replied, hardly moving. Yet, he restrained her once more,pelling her to remain still.

    She was eager to leave, puzzled by how he had lifted her so effortlessly in such a cramped car, but he could always do it with ease.

    Eileen¡¯s words burned through Bryan.

    It was more than her not wanting to; she simply couldn¡¯t.

    ¡°You¡¯re really keeping your distance from me,¡± Bryan said, wearing a bitter smile. ¡°You¡¯re not short on money or love. What can I offer to make youe back?¡±

    Eileen raised her head slightly, her eyes brimming with tears.

    ¡°Do you miss me?¡± Bryan inquired, his fingers tenderly squeezing her waist. ¡°Not even a little?¡±

    He saw the road ahead as grim, desperately searching for a sliver of hope in her response.

    After a pause, Eileen lowered her head. ¡°Once I secure my position at the Ferguson Group, I¡¯ll share something with you. Whether we are together or not, I owe you that honesty.¡±

    ¡°Another confession?¡± Bryan straightened, drawing close to her again. ¡°What else have you kept from me?¡±

    ¡°To be honest, I never wanted to keep secrets from you, but each circumstance was out of my hands,¡± Eileen said, considering her ultimate goal of cementing her ce at Ferguson Group.

    That should be the peak of her career. Whether or not she could shield Gabri, she felt she should no longer conceal things from Bryan.

    Bryan quickly grasped her thoughts, realizing she needed to solidify her position before disclosing certain matters.

    His eyebrows knitted together. After a brief moment, he slightly raised his chin. ¡°In the meantime, you can¡¯t avoid or reject me.¡±

    As Eileen opened her mouth to respond, Bryan quickly ced his fingertip on her lips to stop her. ¡°I won¡¯t overstep.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Eileen remained still.

    ¡°Just give me five more minutes. Then you¡¯re free to leave,¡± Bryan said.

    Eileen nodded. However, the next moment, Bryan pressed his lips to hers, kissing her passionately again.

    The longing from endless nights couldn¡¯t be satisfied in a single moment.

    His kisses, intense yet tender at times, wandered to her corbone.

    Five minutes were far too short for Bryan. He simply moved her to the passenger seat after that.

    He even made her wait for ten minutes after she stepped out of the car. Only after that did he calm down. He exited the vehicle and handed her the car keys.

    Eileen¡¯s cheeks flushed a deep red, though she maintained herposure as she took the keys and drove off.

    In the rearview mirror, she saw him get into a taxi.

    While in the car, he had thought only of her.

    Now that he had left, she thought only of him.

    Unbeknownst to them, a van parked nearby, which had been there for a while, had taken several photographs.

    These photos were quickly sent to Z.

    Z had had people tracking Eileen and Bryan for a long time, yet she hadn¡¯t expected to obtain such valuable evidence only now.

    The passionate kiss in the car had been captured in high resolution, clearly disying Bryan¡¯s affection for Eileen.

    What Bryan had done was all for Eileen!

    Z¡¯s eyes were filled with envy.

    She had believed she had at least one man who truly loved her, Kian.

    She had never imagined that the person who betrayed her the most was Kian!

    That excruciating day and night had turned into a shadow that would haunt her for life.

    Lnd was impotent, dependent on drugs to have sex with her, and when she had shown no interest, he had forced the drugs on her as well.

    Yet Lnd had been unable to satisfy her¡­

    The torment of unfulfilled desire had lingered long after Lnd had left.

    Every shred of her dignity and pride had been shattered. When Kian had entered, she had desperately clung to his trousers, pleading.

    But his response had been merciless: ¡°I find you filthy.¡±

    ¡°How could you treat me this way? What am I supposed to do?¡± Z had asked. His cold words had cut through her, bringing her to tears.

    Kian had scoffed, his eyes filled with both hatred and disgust. ¡°What about Vivian? The doctor said she needs medication to remain clear for the rest of her life. She can¡¯t marry and can¡¯t have children. How is she supposed to live?¡±

    In reality, Vivian was not malicious.

    Her petty tricks against Eileen paled inparison to Z¡¯s borate plots.

    ¡°Remember, I recorded everything that happened today. From now on, whenever I call, you must answer,¡± Kian had said.

    Z had stared at Kian in horror. ¡°What do you want?¡±

    ¡°What do you think?¡± Kian had answered with a malicious smile. ¡°I want you to be forever haunted by today.¡±

    Kian knew that Z, who was usually resilient, would only be momentarily shaken by today¡¯s events.

    So he had intended to keep reminding her, turning her life into a nightmare.

    After that day, Z¡¯s back was constantly slick with sweat. She was always wary of Kian reaching out to her.

    Luckily, he had not reached out to her yet.

    She still needed to continue with what she had to do.

    After some time, she sent the photos to various media outlets.

    During a rxed afternoon, Eileen returned, took a nap with Gabri, and woke up to discover she was in the news.

    ¡°The new General Manager of Ferguson Group caught in a scandal with a man.¡±

    ¡°An intimate look into the life of Ferguson Group¡¯s new General Manager.¡±

    The photos captured Eileen in a passionate kiss with Bryan, taken from outside the car. Bryan¡¯s face was intentionally blurred.

    Additionally, two high-definition images captured Eileen exiting the car, clearly revealing her identity.

    There was also a photo of Bryan¡¯s back, showing him entering a taxi, suggesting he did not own a car. It implied he was probably financially supported by Eileen.

    Eileen was single and had recently assumed her role at Ferguson Group. Her bold approach to business had already sparked discussions.

    This news didn¡¯t shake her much but instead elicited some public empathy.

    Eileen pondered over who might have leaked the news. Why was Bryan¡¯s face purposely blurred?

    Meanwhile, Judy, idly passing her days in Onnd, leaped up when she saw the news.

    She scrutinized the woman in the article, affirming it was Eileen. A surge of thrill ran through her.

    She quickly called Roderick, who was out on a delivery job. ¡°Roderick, your sister has returned from¡­

    What do you mean you don¡¯t know? She just chose not to tell you! Nor why are you panicking? I¡¯m just concerned; I saw her in the news. What¡¯s going on with her and Mr. Dawson? She¡¯s involved with someone else now, and she has be the General Manager at Ferguson Group!¡±

    Her voice got louder with each word, fueled by the hope swelling in her chest.

    General Manager!

    Imagine the sry that muste with that position! She was convinced now her investment of five hundred thousand hadn¡¯t been in vain!

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 331

    ?Chapter 331:

    ¡°Roderick, I think the situation between Eileen and Mr. Dawson is quiteplex. Now that she¡¯s back, we should visit her. I¡¯ll take a day off, and you should take leave too. We can have a meal together. Alright, don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t invite your mother!¡± Judie¡¯s voice softened as she tried to convince Roderick.

    On the other end of the line, Roderick was preupied with work and hadn¡¯t kept up with the news online. Eileen had told him she was back, but he hadn¡¯t shared the news with Judie or Denise.

    ¡°You make a good point. I¡¯ll reach out to my sister to set up a meeting,¡± Roderick replied to Judie.

    Recalling that Judie had contributed five hundred thousand to help settle Denise¡¯s debt, Roderick felt ufortable, as if he might seem ungrateful.

    After the call ended, Judie chuckled, amused by a thought.

    Ruby soon came across the news online. Even though Bryan¡¯s image was obscured, she recognized him. She was visibly upset the entire afternoon.

    In therge apartment, Bailee and Milford sat on the carpet, watching Gabri as shey on her back, yfully kicking her plump legs. With the mood so heavy, Milford and Bailee remained quiet.

    Every so often, Gabri would coo or babble, her voice the only sound filling the room.

    Eileen descended the stairs and headed directly to the kitchen, stealing a nce at Ruby¡¯s expression.

    ¡°Mom, where is Rylie?¡± Eileen inquired.

    ¡°She¡¯s been busy with gatherings with wealthydies, ying cards, and preparing for Josue¡¯s matchmaking events,¡± Ruby replied, continuing her kitchen tasks without looking up.

    Eileen turned to retrieve two cans of seasoning from the refrigerator.

    ¡°Mom, have you seen the news?¡± she asked directly.

    ¡°Are you upset?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s straightforwardness forced Ruby to be upfront. She set down what she was holding and faced Eileen.

    ¡°I know you still have feelings for him. You¡¯ve been through so much together, those emotions run deep. But the Dawson family has hurt you too much. I can¡¯t get over that. You can¡¯t control your heart, and I can¡¯t hold back my anger.¡±

    Indeed, Eileen¡¯s heart was beyond her control. Seeing Bryan would trigger a flood of old memories. She felt a mix of relief at Bryan¡¯s restraint and growing anxiety about the potential consequences of them meeting again.

    If he truly desired to rekindle something, she knew she wouldn¡¯t be able to resist.

    ¡°Mom, I know you¡¯re worried about me. My rtionship with Bryan isn¡¯t easily resolved, especially now with Gabri involved. But I assure you, any decision I make from now on will protect both Gabri and me from harm,¡± Eileen said.

    Whether that meant separating permanently or mending things, Eileen wasn¡¯t sure.

    After a long silence, Ruby sighed. ¡°I¡¯ve been so caught up with issues thesest few days. You¡¯ve always been strong-willed, but I just hope you don¡¯t end up being hurt again. Whatever you decide, I¡¯ll support you.¡±

    Hearing this, Eileen looked towards the living room where Bailee was yfully interacting with Gabri. ¡°What¡¯s going on with Bailee?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Do you still want to keep it from me?¡± Ruby red at her. ¡°What¡¯s happening between her and Huey?¡±

    Ruby was aware that Bailee had been upset that day, clearly because of Huey, but she was clueless about the details. She gently patted Eileen¡¯s arm and urged, ¡°Tell me.¡±

    Eileen turned her gaze hesitantly. She knew that revealing the truth would only increase Ruby¡¯s displeasure towards Huey. ¡°Bailee doesn¡¯t want me to say anything. If you really want to know, maybe you should ask her directly.¡±

    Right after she spoke, Ruby snorted and said, ¡°Everyone keeping secrets.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re adults now. We can manage our own problems. We know you¡¯re concerned, but we¡¯d rather you not worry about us. If she isn¡¯t ready to talk, just give her time.¡± Eileen chuckled, wrapping her arm around Ruby¡¯s and resting her head on Ruby¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°You¡¯reughing now, but you¡¯ll know how it feels when Gabri grows up and starts keeping things from you.¡± Ruby¡¯s voice softened as she saw Eileenugh.

    However, Ruby¡¯s words quickly dimmed Eileen¡¯s smile.

    Being a mother herself, Eileen realized she would be in the same situation with her own daughter in the future.

    After a pause, she said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll just act like I don¡¯t know anything. I trust Gabri will be able to handle things on her own.¡±

    The thought of Gabri growing up and hiding things made her feel slightly anxious.

    In the evening, seizing a moment when Ruby wasn¡¯t paying attention, Eileen asked Bailee about the situation with Huey.

    ¡°After that phone call, he just vanished. I think his mom might have pushed him into dating someone else. Maybe he wants to break up with me.¡± Bailee shrugged, trying to appear unaffected.

    She had sent several messages to Huey without receiving any replies, and his phone had been turned off when she tried calling.

    Eileen didn¡¯t know what to do about it, but she trusted that Huey wasn¡¯t the type of person to just disappear without exnation.

    She said, ¡°Whether his mother pressured him to end things or pushed him into dating someone else, I believe he would have let you know.¡±

    Eileen believed Huey might keep certain things from Bailee to avoid upsetting her, but he typically kept her informed about his activities.

    Bailee paused for a moment, then suggested, ¡°Maybe he¡¯s at a closed training session at the studio, preparing for apetition.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not getting any younger. Time is valuable. If things aren¡¯t right, you should find him and sort this out.¡±

    Eileen patted Bailee¡¯s shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s not wise to put this off for too long, for both of you. Plus, Mom will be worried.¡±

    ¡°I understand,¡± Bailee responded. Then, she added, ¡°The new secretary will meet you tomorrow morning. I¡¯ll have her wait in the coffee shop near Freguson Group. I¡¯m concerned she might not be able to get in directly.¡±

    After all, Eileen had hired the secretary directly, bypassing thepany¡¯s HR department.

    ¡°Understood. You¡¯ve got a busy day, so rest early,¡± Eileen advised. ¡°I¡¯m going to put Gabri to bed now.¡±

    She carried Gabri upstairs, changed her diaper, and tucked her into a cozy sleep sack. The nearly three-month-old looked beautiful with herrger sparkling eyes and soft, rosy cheeks. Her tiny hands and feet fluttered about, asionally finding their way to her mouth.

    Every night, watching Gabri y with her fists was the best part of Eileen¡¯s day.

    Suddenly, the phone rang, startling Gabri. Eileen quickly grabbed the phone from the nightstand and answered it without checking who was calling.

    ¡°You picked up fast.¡± Bryan¡¯s voice sounded slightly surprised as he blew out a smoke ring, a smile dancing on his lips.

    ¡°Why are you calling sote?¡± Eileen asked, her eyes on Gabri, who had calmed down and resumed ying. Eileen let out a relieved sigh andy on the bed.

    Just as shey down, Gabri made a sound.

    This was the first time she had spoken.

    Eileen didn¡¯t have time to savor the moment. She swiftly covered the phone¡¯s microphone and pressed her lips together as she watched her daughter.

    ¡°What was that noise?¡± Bryan still heard it. ¡°Where are you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m at home; it¡¯s just the TV! I¡¯m getting ready for bed,¡± Eileen responded. ¡°What¡¯s the reason for your call?¡±

    ¡°I want to know how you¡¯re nning to deal with the news that¡¯s been circting online,¡± Bryan replied.

    He wasn¡¯t bothered by thebels the media had given him, but he was concerned about any potential trouble it might cause Eileen.

    In the soft light of her room, Eileen ran her fingers through her short hair. She took a deep breath. ¡°I don¡¯t intend to do anything about it. The press has been praising me, and it benefits my public image. If you¡¯re not okay with it, I can have Freguson Group¡¯s PR team manage it.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Bryan retorted. ¡°Do you think I can¡¯t handle some news?¡±

    Was she assuming he had called to ask her to quash the news?

    ¡°Have you be stupid after our kiss?¡± Bryan teased, chuckling lightly.

    Eileen felt resigned.

    ¡°Anything else? If not, I¡¯m going to hang up,¡± she said.

    ¡°Just wanted to tell you I miss you,¡± Bryan replied sincerely.

    His earnestness struck a chord in Eileen, and suddenly, Gabri¡¯s antics lost their charm. Eileen silently listened.

    Eileen listened to the sounds on Bryan¡¯s end. She could faintly hear him smoking. It waste, and knowing Eileen had work the next day, Bryan didn¡¯t keep her on the phone any longer.

    ¡°Get some sleep,¡± he said.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen replied. She ended the call and set the phone aside. Lying on the bed, she watched Gabri, who was now tired.

    ¡°Mammy will make you some milk now; just be good,¡± Eileen said, trying to keep her emotions in check. She stood up to prepare the milk.

    After her milk, the baby quickly drifted off to sleep, but Eileen remained wide awake.

    The following morning, Eileen was visibly tired, with dark circles under her eyes that she tried to mask with makeup. She went directly to the coffee shop near Freguson Group. She was supposed to meet the new secretary there at nine but arrived early, at eight-thirty.

    At eight-forty, a young woman in overalls entered, clutching a file and scanning the room. Her eyes met Eileen¡¯s, and both were briefly stunned.

    Dalores pursed her lips and walked over to a table by the floor-to-ceiling windows. She and Eileen had met once before, during a dinner Eileen had with Julio. Although it had been a brief meeting, they both remembered it distinctly. Dalores remembered Eileen because she had been dining with Julio.

    For Eileen, Dalores stood out due to her impressive figure and youthful appearance. Now, Eileen realized that the new secretary Bailee had chosen for her was Dalores.

    She had once heard Dalores¡¯ name mentioned by Julio but hadn¡¯t thought much of it at the time. Now, seeing Dalores in person, the memory resurfaced.

    Eileen furrowed her brow. Had she not trusted Bailee¡¯s judgment, she might have suspected that Dalores had sought her out deliberately, knowing she worked at Freguson Group.

    After a brief pause, Eileen stood and walked toward Dalores.

    ¡°Don¡¯te closer,¡± Dalores said sharply as Eileen approached. ¡°We hardly know each other. I no longer have any connection to Julio, so there¡¯s no reason for us to talk. Today is my first day at work, and seeing you is unfortunate enough. I¡¯d prefer not to speak to you.¡±

    Eileen was taken aback.

    So, Dalores truly had severed ties with Julio.

    Dalores had a history with Julio, but that had ended. Now, Eileen had identally hired her to work at Freguson Group.

    What aplicated situation.

    Eileen ced a document in front of Dalores. ¡°I¡¯m your boss, Eileen Curtis,¡± she said.

    Dalores looked at the employment contract and gasped in surprise.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 332

    ?Chapter 332:

    ¡°Did you do this on purpose?¡± Dalores asked, suspecting that Eileen had deliberately sought her out in the job market.

    Eileen took a seat opposite her and shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t have the time to do that. It was merely a coincidence!¡±

    Dressed in a business suit, her short hair styled neatly and her makeup impable, Eileen radiated professionalism.

    Realizing that Eileen had no intention ofplicating her life, Dalores let out a sigh of relief.

    ¡°But I don¡¯t want to work for you,¡± Dalores said.

    ¡°The agreement is for a year. If you leave early, you¡¯ll owe a penalty for breaking the contract,¡± Eileen exined. She didn¡¯t want to be harsh, but she needed a secretary urgently.

    Additionally, this young woman, so firm in her likes and dislikes, had clearly cut ties with Julio. But Eileen was confident that Dalores would stay loyal to the Freguson Group and wouldn¡¯t go against it.

    Dalores was broke; she couldn¡¯t afford to break the contract. She resigned herself to her fate. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll stick it out for six months, and then I¡¯m done.¡±

    Eileenughed softly. Avoiding the topic of Julio, she grabbed the employment contract and stood. ¡°Time to get started.¡±

    She led the way, her tall heels making her almost a head taller than Dalores. Her slender silhouette and quick movements showcased her capability.

    Read more chapters at g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls

    Dalores trailed behind, feeling small as she absorbed Eileen¡¯s directions.

    As they approached the Freguson Group¡¯s entrance, Dalores hesitated, haunted by the embarrassment she had previously endured there.

    ¡°Rx, you¡¯re not working for Freguson Group. You¡¯re my personal secretary. Your contract is directly with me, and nobody here, including Julio, has the right to interfere,¡± Eileen reassured her. Noticing her difort, Eileen deduced that Dalores had a difficult past with Julio and preferred to avoid him.

    It was time for the employees to head out, and many greeted Eileen as they passed by.

    ¡°Good morning, Ms. Curtis.¡±

    ¡°Good morning, Ms. Curtis.¡±

    Eileen nodded and smiled in acknowledgment, giving Dalores a moment to gather her thoughts.

    After a brief pause, Dalores collected herself. ¡°I¡¯ll be leaving after six months,¡± she dered.

    She had no desire to interact with Julio or remain any longer than necessary.

    ¡°That¡¯s eptable,¡± Eileen responded. ¡°After your contract ends and you¡¯ve transitioned your responsibilities, you¡¯re free to go. Now, let¡¯s head inside.¡±

    Eileen entered the Freguson Group building, her demeanor shifting from gentle to more authoritative.

    She instructed the security guard at the door, ¡°This is my secretary. She is not part of Freguson Group. Please allow her direct entry from now on.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Ms. Curtis,¡± the security guard replied promptly.

    Dalores followed, her admiration for Eileen¡¯s assertiveness being the only thing that piqued her interest. She felt detached from her surroundings and the role she was about to take on.

    Dalores¡¯s new workspace was located just outside Eileen¡¯s office, reminiscent of Eileen¡¯s previous position as a special assistant at Apex Group.

    ¡°Leave your bag here ande inside. I need to discuss a few things with you,¡± Eileen said as she moved into her office.

    Five minutester, Dalores entered the office and stood in front of the desk. ¡°Ms. Curtis, what do you need me to do?¡±

    After finishing her signature on a document, Eileen looked up and asked, ¡°You¡¯re familiar with Julio. Are you aware of his recent activities and the current state of Freguson?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s still alive?¡± Dalores responded sharply, her tone betraying some bitterness.

    Eileen sensed that Dalores had some knowledge but was mostly focused on Julio himself.

    ¡°Julio had been scheming to return to Freguson Group for quite some time. Now that he¡¯s back, thepany is facing instability. He returned to reim his ce in the Freguson family, leaving most of thepany¡¯s management to Benjamin and me. His father, Kaysen, still has allies within thepany, trying to stir up trouble,¡± Eileen exined.

    Eileen spoke as she observed Dalores¡¯s expression attentively.

    Dalores frowned slightly as she listened.

    ¡°The documents I handle are highly confidential to Freguson Group and must remain secret,¡± Eileen exined. ¡°That¡¯s why I need a secretary who ispletely loyal. The job might not be too demanding, but keeping secrets is crucial. You will likely face bribery attempts; that¡¯s expected.¡±

    Eileen leaned back in her chair, her gaze steady as she regarded Dalores. ¡°Actually, this is another opportunity for you. If you feel this role is too risky or if it¡¯s not what you want, you can leave now, and I will cancel the penalty.¡±

    She hoped Dalores would stay, trusting her instincts about Dalores¡¯s reliability. Yet, understanding the potential dangers of the role, Eileen wanted to honor Dalores¡¯s choice.

    Eileen anticipated that Dalores, who had seemed eager to leave, would seize this opportunity to walk away without hesitation.

    However, after a moment of silence, Dalores agreed, ¡°I have no issues. I can keep secrets, though I¡¯m still learning about the corporate world. If you¡¯re okay with me possibly making mistakes, I¡¯m willing to try.¡±

    Eileen nodded approvingly. ¡°You must keep all work-rted information and my whereabouts confidential, even from those closest to you. As long as you can manage that, it¡¯s good enough for me.¡±

    Dalores nodded with determination. ¡°Alright, I can do that.¡±

    Observing Dalores¡¯s serious demeanor, Eileen couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°Don¡¯t stress too much. While you might face mary temptations, your safety will be protected.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid,¡± Dalores responded confidently.

    Eileen advised her to familiarize herself with thepany¡¯s operations before returning to her own tasks.

    Having previously worked as a cleaner here, Dalores was somewhat familiar with thepany, though she was unaware of the deeper turmoil within Freguson Group.

    She sat down and spent half the day researching thepany on herputer.

    Nine months earlier, Julio, as the majority shareholder, had ousted Kaysen from the CEO position. He had swiftly secured several projects to stabilize thepany, elevating Freguson Group to a leading position in the industry.

    It was rumored that Julio had been advised by a highlypetent individual.

    Recently, Eileen had rejoined thepany and taken up the role of general manager, sessfullynding a major project with the Walsh Group and earning provisional respect from thepany¡¯s senior leaders.

    Yet, many rivals still kept a close watch on Eileen and Julio.

    This insight motivated Dalores to stay. She realized that Eileen needed someone she could trust.

    That also meant Julio needed someone he could trust.

    Lost in her thoughts, Dalores was suddenly jolted by a voice calling from outside, ¡°Mr. Ferguson.¡±

    She nced up quickly and saw Julio stepping out of the elevator, dressed in a suit. His piercing gaze swept over the room before locking onto her eyes.

    He paused briefly, then continued walking. As he passed Dalores, he stopped and inquired, ¡°Who is she?¡±

    ¡°This is Ms. Curtis¡¯s newly appointed secretary, Dalores Sampson,¡± someone quickly replied.

    Julio regarded Dalores with a look of unfamiliarity, as if he were not the same person who had lost hisposure with her before.

    Dalores averted her gaze and remained silent.

    Then, another voice chimed in, ¡°Dalores, why aren¡¯t you saying anything? This is Mr. Ferguson! You should greet him!¡±

    Prompted by this, Dalores looked up and gently greeted, ¡°Good morning, Mr. Ferguson.¡±

    ¡°Good morning,¡± Julio replied curtly, before proceeding into Eileen¡¯s office.

    The associates apanying Julio were stopped at the door, while Julio entered alone.

    Once inside, he asked, ¡°Why did you hire Dalores?¡±

    ¡°It was a coincidence,¡± Eileen responded, noticing his strained expression. ¡°I was concerned that Freguson Group¡¯s HR department might bepromised, so I decided to hire someone directly.¡±

    ¡°It happened to be Dalores. After she signed the contract, I made sure she understood the benefits and risks involved and offered her the opportunity to leave.¡±

    Yet, Dalores had chosen to stay.

    Upon hearing this, Julio pressed his lips together tightly, lost in thought.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry; she¡¯s merely a secretary,¡± Eileen reassured him. ¡°The role involves being privy to a lot of information, but she doesn¡¯t need to fully grasp it, so the risk for her isn¡¯t that high.¡±

    The responsibilities of a secretary were quite different from her previous role as a special assistant. Dalores¡¯ duties were limited to handling documents and attending social functions, not engaging in any strategic projects.

    Thus, any attempts to bribe Dalores would likely aim to track Eileen¡¯s movements or steal documents. When it came to truly sensitive information, Dalores wouldn¡¯tprehend the details.

    Hearing this, Julio¡¯s expression softened slightly. Perhaps, under Eileen¡¯s supervision, Dalores might even enjoy some protection.

    He changed the topic. ¡°How is the Walsh Group¡¯s project progressing?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s going well,¡± Eileen answered.

    ¡°Let¡¯s move on to discuss a potential acquisition,¡± Julio suggested, sitting down opposite Eileen and tapping his fingers on the table twice. ¡°The Warren Group.¡±

    Eileen was surprised. ¡°Now you¡¯re considering acquiring the Warren Group?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯vee to know that Kian¡¯s influence has been undermined. Someone invested heavily to destabilize Warren Group just to target Kian. Now, they intend to pull out and offload their shares. With Warren Group in decline, this is the perfect time to buy at a low price, revamp, and develop the business,¡± Julio exined.

    Had the Warren Group fully fallen?

    Eileen experienced a whirlwind of emotions, reflecting on her past struggles under Kian¡¯s oppressive leadership. Now, they were considering taking over hispany¡­

    ¡°Currently, Kian is still the CEO of Warren Group. Any acquisition talks would directly involve him. We need to talk with him. After we acquire thepany, deciding whether to retain him will be up to us,¡± Julio continued.

    ¡°So, shall we do it?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m merely the general manager of Freguson Group; the decision is yours,¡± Eileen said, leaving the choice to him.

    After a brief pause to think it over, Julio said, ¡°Then let¡¯s proceed. Benjamin knows the Warren Group well. You two should evaluate its current value and figure out how much money will be needed for the acquisition.¡±

    Eileen promptly used the internal phone system to summon Benjamin.

    Upon learning about the potential acquisition of Warren Group, Benjamin was even more shocked than Eileen had been. However, he quicklyposed himself and began strategizing how to secure the deal.

    Eileen, Julio, and Benjamin spent the entire day in discussions, only stepping out as the workday concluded. As she was leaving, Eileen noticed a message from Bryan saying he was waiting for her downstairs at the Freguson Group building.

    Eileen had no chance to refuse, as the message had arrived an hour earlier. Bryan was likely already there, waiting.

    After everyone had left, Eileen picked up her bag and exited her office, telling Dalores, ¡°Alright, you can head home.¡±

    Dalores responded by gathering her belongings. Her day had been spent mostly serving coffee and water, with no substantial tasks. Her workload was indeed minimal.

    She took the bus home, and by the time she arrived, night had fallen. She lived in a typical residential neighborhood.

    At the end of her street, a discreet ck sedan stood out, a vehicle she had never seen before. She could make out the glow of a cigarette and the familiar silhouette of a man inside the car.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 333

    ?Chapter 333:

    Julio spotted Dres at the entrance of the alley. He stepped out of his car, tossed his cigarette to the ground, and crushed it underfoot. Then, he approached her.

    The streetlight cast his face in shadow, making it unreadable. His features gradually became more distinct as he drew closer.

    Dres, taken aback by his piercing gaze, instinctively turned to flee.

    His long strides quickly closed the distance. He grabbed her by the wrist, hoisted her over his shoulder, and strode back to the car.

    Before she could struggle free, he was already inside the car with her, locking the door with a key before tossing it onto the front passenger seat.

    ¡°What do you want?¡± Dres clutched her bag tightly, her eyes widening with a trace of fear.

    ¡°What do I want?¡± Julio¡¯s voice turned cold. ¡°That¡¯s what I should be asking you. Why do you keep showing up, even going as far as joining the Ferguson Group like this? Wasn¡¯t the lessonst time enough for you? How strong is your desire to sleep with me?¡±

    His biting words struck Dres deeply. She clenched her teeth and eximed in anger, ¡°Jerk!¡±

    A light chuckle escaped Julio as he removed his tie, seized her hands, and tied them together with it.

    His hands wererge and formidable, overpowering her with ease.

    Your next story starts here: g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Panic rose within Dres as she struggled futilely. She tried to kick him, but the backseat was too cramped. She only managed to strike his thigh once.

    The next second, she found herself in his arms, his fingers unbuttoning her blouse. His cold fingertips brushed her skin asionally, making her shiver.

    ¡°Let go of me!¡± she cried out.

    Tears streamed down Dres¡¯ cheeks. The sheer brutality of Julio¡¯s actions and the intense humiliation overwhelmed her. She hadn¡¯t thought he would do this again.

    Julio seemed deaf to her pleas, tugging her dungarees down slightly and leaning in to nibble her chest.

    All Dres could see were the pronounced veins on his neck, signaling his malevolent intent.

    He was clearly determined to have sex with her here, in this narrow alley, inside the cramped car!

    ¡°Julio, will you marry me?¡± Dres demanded, her voice sharp with anger and desperation.

    Julio paused, his hand continuing its exploration beneath her clothes, and looked up at her with a sneer.

    ¡°Marry you? What can you give me? Do you match Eileen¡¯s skills, or do you possess the status of the daughter of a wealthy family that could benefit me?¡± Julio said.

    Dres clenched her teeth, her eyes brimming with tears as they mirrored Julio¡¯s indifferent expression.

    His voice cold, Julio continued, ¡°Oh, I forgot, you can please me, but what good does that do? If it doesn¡¯t bother you, you can be with me secretly without any recognition. How about that?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re despicable! A jerk! How can you be so shameless?¡± Dres hurled insults at him as she wept. ¡°I must have been blind to have ever seen you as my savior, to have had feelings for you. Let me go!¡±

    She cried uncontrobly, trapped and helpless, like amb in the jaws of a tiger, while Julio remained as emotionless as a predator. He persisted in his ways, watching her eyes swell with loathing, yet he still didn¡¯t release her.

    Julio believed that only by doing this would she be scared of him and stay away.

    The car was hardly a suitable ce for sex, especially with Dres resisting.

    Despite their previous encounters, she still captivated him with an addictive allure.

    The backseat bore the evidence of his desires.

    Afterward, Julio handed Dres two emergency pills, his harsh words cutting through the air.

    ¡°If you joined the Ferguson Group because of me, then congrattions. You¡¯ve achieved your goal. I do have a liking for someone like you. You¡¯re wee toe to me as long as you¡¯re okay with staying out of the public eye. But don¡¯t get any false hopes. You¡¯re not fit to carry my children.¡±

    He then handed her a bottle of water. ¡°Take the pills.¡±

    Dres adjusted her dungaree snaps, her eyes red and swollen from tears, her body aching.

    The cramped space in the car had prevented Julio from losing control like before.

    Yet, this only deepened her humiliation. He treated her like an object, his hands, which had once gently urged her to excel at school, now invading her privacy.

    The torment was unbearable.

    Dres grabbed the water and took the pills. ¡°Julio, I hate you!¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Julio responded with a light smile. ¡°Apart from your humble background, do I really appeal to your taste?¡±

    ¡°I did not join the Ferguson Group for you!¡± Dres¡¯ voice was sharp. ¡°I didn¡¯t even know this job was with the Ferguson Group before. Get that straight!¡±

    Julio raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes. ¡°Is that so? Well, that¡¯s good.¡±

    The cramped car was thick with the remnants of their intimacy, now tainted by Dres¡¯ resentment, creating a peculiar atmosphere.

    ¡°Then keep your distance from now on!¡± Dres was adamant about setting boundaries with him, as she always had been.

    After a pause, Julio looked at her. ¡°That¡¯ll be hard. Just seeing you stirs something in me. So, stay out of my sight, or find someone and get married.¡±

    Neither option was simple for her.

    Dres bit her lip, her gaze locked onto him. If she neither left nor married, would she have to endure humiliation from him every single day?

    ¡°Leave,¡± Julio said. He was the first to unlock the door and step out.

    Outside, a gentle drizzle fell, thete summer breeze cool against his skin.

    He watched with a cold expression as Dres exited the car.

    Dres paused, the misty rain falling around her. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, she turned around and delivered a sharp p across Julio¡¯s face.

    She had used all her strength for it.

    Without another word, she turned and walked away.

    Julio raised an eyebrow and watched her departing figure for a brief moment. Then, he climbed back into the car, started the engine, and drove off.

    Dres walked down the alley, her vision blurred by the drizzle.

    Gabriy in her crib, fixated on a dangling toy above her.

    At herputer desk, Eileen delved into the Warren Group¡¯s financials, calcting the least amount necessary to acquire it.

    Her phone suddenly broke the silence. She nced at the disy. It was Bryan calling. She answered the call.

    She had left work alone, mindful of the location¡ªright at the entrance to the Ferguson Group. Meeting Bryan there would be far too risky.

    She was determined not to have him appear overly intimate with the Ferguson Group.

    ¡°What¡¯s up? Given our current rapport, I don¡¯t see the need for goodnight calls,¡± Eileen said. Feeling somewhat helpless, she nced at Gabri, asleep in her crib.

    The nightly calls from Bryan filled her with anxiety. She feared that Gabri would identally make noise and cause Bryan to be suspicious.

    ¡°Is missing you considered important?¡± Bryan sounded upset by her formal tone. ¡°Why are you still up?¡±

    The alertness in her voice caught Bryan¡¯s attention. What tasks could be keeping Eileen busy now?

    He understood that she hadn¡¯t met him after work for his sake, and he didn¡¯t hold her distant demeanor against her.

    Eileen replied, ¡°I¡¯m working on the acquisition n for the Warren Group.¡±

    As soon as she mentioned it, she regretted the slip. The acquisition was supposed to be a secret, and she had just let it slip to him.

    ¡°Warren Group, huh?¡± Bryan¡¯s voice rose slightly with curiosity. ¡°How much are you investing in this acquisition?¡±

    After a brief pause, Eileen opted to remain discreet. ¡°Mr. Dawson, don¡¯t you think you should show some professional integrity? It¡¯s not appropriate to probe into these matters. Even if you were my husband, such details would be off-limits.¡±

    Bryan responded, ¡°So, by not telling me, you¡¯re practically saying I¡¯m your husband now?¡±

    Eileen was left speechless.

    How could he draw such a conclusion?

    Bryan¡¯s chuckle seeped through the phone. ¡°Can we not hang up? We can go to sleep as if we were not on the phone.¡±

    His voice betrayed his fatigue, suggesting he had been struggling with insomnia.

    ¡°No,¡± Eileen replied, her tone cold. Gabri would wake up twice in the middle of the night, crying for milk.

    He would overhear it¡­

    Even without Gabri¡¯s cries, it wasn¡¯t right for her to do that.

    With a soft sigh, Bryan replied, ¡°Alright, let¡¯s hang up then. Get some rest. See you tomorrow.¡±

    As the call disconnected, Gabri started to fuss. Eileen switched off theputer and got ready to go to bed with her daughter.

    As she settled into bed, Eileen¡¯s thoughts drifted back to Bryan¡¯s parting words: ¡°See you tomorrow.¡±

    Had he just thrown it out there, or did he mean it?

    Eileen furrowed her brow, her gaze catching the moonlight spilling through the window.

    The following morning brought a call from Roderick, inviting Eileen to share a meal.

    Eileen pushed the meal to the weekend, quickly ended the call, and made her way to thepany.

    Recently, since making the decision about the acquisition, Eileen and Benjamin had dedicated their days to investigating the Warren Group.

    Amid the whirlwind of her packed schedule, Eileen caught sight of a mark on Dres¡¯ neck.

    Having seen such marks before, she recognized it as a hickey instantly.

    Dres, catching Eileen¡¯s gaze on her neck, seemed to suddenly recall something and hurriedly adjusted her clothing, her eyes misting over.

    ¡°Is it from Julio?¡± Eileen inquired bluntly.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Dres answered.

    Eileen paused, choosing not to probe further. She wasn¡¯t privy to the full story of Dres¡¯ entanglement with Julio, but she sensed Dres¡¯ reluctance in the matter.

    With a slight frown, Eileen said, ¡°My hiring methods differ from the norm, so that contract you signed isn¡¯t entirely fair. If this job isn¡¯t what you want, feel free to resign. I¡¯ll let you go.¡±

    Eileen knew the harshness of the Ferguson family, and seeing Dres so vulnerable stirred a protective instinct in her.

    Having endured simr trials, Eileen couldn¡¯t bear to watch Dres suffer the same ordeal.

    ¡°Can I really leave?¡± Dres truly considered leaving.

    Eileen gave a nod of affirmation. ¡°Yes, I respect your choice.¡±

    ¡°What are you two talking about?¡± Julio approached.

    Upon seeing Julio, Dres instinctively bowed her head and sought refuge behind Eileen.

    Eileen¡¯s attention shifted to Bryan, who stood next to Julio, impably dressed in a sharp suit, exuding charm.

    He really came to see her today.

    Julio cast a meaningful look at Dres before telling Eileen, ¡°Mr. Dawson has extensive knowledge of the Warren Group. I¡¯ve brought him on board to handle some budgeting and evaluations.¡±

    Eileen was taken aback.

    Could Bryan truly have a deeper understanding of the Warren Group than Benjamin, who had served as a special assistant in thepany for many years?

    Eileen didn¡¯t know how Bryan had managed to persuade Julio, but his presence here meant it wasn¡¯t her ce to ask him to leave.

    ¡°Have Benjamin go to Ms. Curtis¡¯ office for a meeting,¡± Julio instructed Dres.

    Dres began to walk away, and Julio followed closely behind her.

    Meanwhile, Bryan gently pushed Eileen into her office, pinning her against the door as he embraced her.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 334

    ?Chapter 334:

    Bryan nestled his face into the crook of Eileen¡¯s neck and inhaled deeply, the scentforting him and easing the ache of separation he had endured for days.

    Eileen¡¯s body was pinned against the office door by Bryan¡¯s warm chest, making her momentarily breathless.

    She turned her head, her short hair grazing his ear, tickling him.

    He slightly tilted his head, thinking she had done it deliberately. But then, she turned away and pushed him with some force.

    He looked at her, questioning, ¡°Is a hug too much?¡±

    ¡°Let go!¡± Eileen said. The hug was long¡ªwhy was he asking her this now?

    ¡°How about a kiss then?¡± Bryan gently touched her lips with his finger, his eyes dark and mirroring her annoyed look.

    ¡°Enough!¡± Eileen really couldn¡¯t handle him like this.

    Bryan withdrew, even taking a moment to tuck a stray lock of her hair behind her ear.

    He then took a seat at the desk, straightened his suit, and prepared to shift focus to work matters.

    His formal demeanor made Eileen think she might be overthinking things, and that his actions were merely affectionate gestures.

    Just as Eileen settled into her chair, Julio arrived with Benjamin.

    Your escape begins at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Dres came in to pour some cups of coffee and then exited the room.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, could you please share your evaluation of Warren Group¡¯s business value andpare it with Mr. Nash¡¯s earlier assessment?¡± Julio motioned for Bryan to begin.

    Benjamin chimed in, ¡°My perspective isn¡¯t as extensive as Mr. Dawson¡¯s, so any differences in our evaluations likely stem from my limited analysis.¡±

    Benjamin was serious, hesitant to equate his analysis with Bryan¡¯s.

    ¡°Warren Group isn¡¯t in as poor a condition as you might think,¡± Bryan dered straightforwardly, looking towards Eileen. ¡°Thepany, as I believe Ms. Curtis has also discerned, holds solid value. The subsidiaries of Warren Group possess distinctive attributes and have been consistently growing. Though the growth is slow, it is meaningful for apany aiming for long-term viability.¡±

    While stagnation typically implied regression, the consistent growth of Warren Group had helped it maintain its status, which was a positive development.

    ¡°Warren Group is certainly a worthwhile investment. With proper management, the potential returns could be great.¡±

    Eileen concurred with Bryan¡¯s evaluation, which tempted her to mention that Benjamin might have underestimated the value of Warren Group before.

    However, she considered it a minor issue and ultimately chose not to mention it. The acquisition seemed promising regardless.

    ¡°The general view is that Warren Group is declining, especially after the previous scandal involving Kian, which resulted in many partners withdrawing and a disruption in the funding chain. But Warren Group has a strong foundation; it¡¯s merely short on cash,¡± Julio said. ¡°I must acknowledge, the strategist who orchestrated Warren Group¡¯s downfall behind the scenes is quite cunning. They capitalized on the situation to take control, manipte Kian, and create internal disorder. Then, while destabilizing thepany, they wanted to sell their shares at a low price and fueled rumors¡­¡±

    ¡°Frankly speaking, the whole scheme was aimed to target Kian.¡±

    After hearing this, Eileen remained silent for a few seconds, then turned her gaze to Bryan.

    Bryan returned her look, a cunning smile ying on his lips, his eyes sharp.

    Eileen quickly averted her eyes.

    ¡°But I¡¯m curious,¡± Benjamin interjected. ¡°Mr. Ferguson, if we acquire Warren Group, who will manage it? Have you found someone trustworthy?¡±

    Julio faced the challenge of limited trusted personnel, and careful management was crucial to ensure profitability from the Warren Group investment.

    Julio hesitated before replying, ¡°Actually, I intend to make the acquisition under both your and Eileen¡¯s names. Once I recover my initial investment, I will sever all ties with Warren Group. You two will handle its management together. You¡¯ve both been loyal to me for so long; merely making you general manager and vice manager does not fully express my gratitude.¡±

    Both Eileen and Benjamin were earning millions annually. Although they maintained a mutually beneficial rtionship with Julio, from an outsider¡¯s view, they were still just employees.

    Should Julio acquire Warren Group andter distribute its shares between Eileen and Benjamin, they would truly hold power, bing significant figures with substantial influence.

    Eileen and Benjamin would manage Warren Group together and be business partners?

    Bryan nced between Benjamin and Eileen, his expression darkening. He abruptly tossed the documents he was holding onto the table and stated bluntly, ¡°The Warren Group is worthless.¡±

    Julio, Eileen, and Benjamin were all taken aback.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, what exactly do you mean by that?¡± Julio inquired.

    ¡°Exactly what it sounds like. The Warren Group isn¡¯t worth acquiring; it¡¯s a waste of funds,¡± Bryan responded, leaning back in his chair, crossing his legs, and gazing out the window.

    The sunlight bathed him in a warm glow, yet it failed to lighten the somber expression on his face.

    ¡°But you just said that Warren Group is a valuable acquisition,¡± Julio said, his eyes shifting to Eileen with a hint of amusement as he shook his head. ¡°Mr. Dawson, try not to be impulsive.¡±

    Bryan wasn¡¯t moved. ¡°Everyone errs; I misspoke earlier.¡±

    Eileen understood Bryan¡¯s stance and said, ¡°Mr. Ferguson, Mr. Nash, let¡¯s not dwell on this and instead focus on the details of acquiring Warren Group.¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t be able to do that,¡± Bryan asserted with a darkened expression.

    Eileen countered, ¡°We¡¯ve done our homework on Warren Group. Its current market valuation is around ten billion. With Ferguson Group¡¯s recent earnings, we certainly have the resources to acquire Warren Group.¡±

    Was she serious?

    Bryan took a deep breath andughed. ¡°The price has increased. The shares are now controlled by the investor, and they won¡¯t settle for just ten billion.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not true,¡± Julio said. ¡°Mr. Dawson, surely you¡¯re joking. I¡¯ve already checked in advance. That investor needs to gather their funds to establish a newpany, EB Group. They are just short of the capital needed to go public, so they definitely won¡¯t cling to the shares or hike up the price unnecessarily!¡±

    Bryan responded sharply, ¡°Well then, let¡¯s see if they decide to increase the price!¡±

    Julio fell silent.

    Eileen had a suspicion but chose not to dwell on it. She stared at Bryan intently.

    Bryan returned her look with a fleeting nce before diverting his eyes. ¡°Mr. Ferguson, you are quite parsimonious, offering to split onepany between two people. If you really want to reward them, you should give each of them apany.¡±

    Julio replied, ¡°Mr. Dawson, ten billion is already stretching Ferguson Group¡¯s current budget. Even though we¡¯ve been sessfultely, we¡¯re not overflowing with cash!¡±

    Investing ten billion could, under the best market conditions and with careful management, take three to five years to see a return.

    After that, Julio would give thepany to Eileen and Benjamin; it was the most generous gesture he could offer.

    ¡°Dividing onepany between two people¡ªwhat kind of arrangement is that?¡± Bryan retorted, turning his head away with a scoff.

    Julio seemed to grasp something andughed. ¡°Mr. Dawson has a point. Let¡¯s secure the acquisition of Warren Group first, and then, well, figure out the divisionter.¡±

    Hearing this, Bryan pressed his lips together and held back any furtherment.

    He was intent on unloading his shares in Warren Group; selling them was inevitable.

    He could agree to do this now, but he wouldn¡¯t let Eileen and Benjamin take joint control of Warren Group.

    ¡°Well, that settles it,¡± Julio concluded, standing up. ¡°Thank you for your insights today, Mr. Dawson. It¡¯s nearly time for lunch. I¡¯d like to invite you to join us.¡±

    Bryan didn¡¯t decline the invitation; after all, opportunities to be with Eileen in a public setting were rare. Despite the presence of two others, it was better than not seeing Eileen at all.

    The four of them headed to a five-star restaurant close to the Ferguson Group headquarters, engaging in casual business discussions in a private room.

    Eileen found herself seated next to Bryan, asionally sensing his foot or leg brushing against hers.

    Bryan appeared serious, leaving Eileen uncertain whether his actions were deliberate.

    The meal proceeded without a hitch, and after it, Eileen and Benjamin went back to thepany to focus on the acquisition of Warren Group. By evening, they discovered that their lunch had be a trending topic two hours earlier.

    A high-resolution photo of Eileen, Bryan, Benjamin, and Julio dining together had been posted online.

    Given Julio¡¯s reputation in the business world, especially after regaining control of Ferguson Group and reasserting his ce in the Ferguson family, he attracted considerable media attention.

    Wherever he went, the media was always watching, so it was normal for Julio to be photographed.

    This was an oversight on Eileen¡¯s part. She didn¡¯t worry about herself or Benjamin much, as they were already on Julio¡¯s side.

    However, Bryan being spotted with Julio in a widely circted news piece was problematic.

    Upon seeing the news, Ste started feeling anxious.

    She almost fainted.

    Fortunately, Jarred was there to reassure her. ¡°Madam, don¡¯t worry; Bryan knows what he¡¯s doing.¡±

    ¡°He might understand his work and how to navigate corporate battles, but emotionally, he can be quite irrational!¡± Ste said, her hands trembling on the armrest of her chair.

    After taking a moment to calm down, she told Jarred, ¡°I need to see Eileen; please find a way to make that happen.¡±

    Jarred sighed and replied, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll handle it.¡± After work, Eileen got into her car and called Bryan.

    ¡°Stop meddling in Ferguson Group¡¯s affairs, and keep your distance from Julio,¡± she said.

    Eileen was aware that Bryan¡¯s supposed business assessment at Ferguson Group was just a pretext for him to be near her.

    ¡°And what if I were to ask you out privately? Would you agree to meet?¡± Bryan asked.

    Eileen didn¡¯t know how to answer that question.

    ¡°Being involved with me is being involved with Ferguson Group; can¡¯t you just wait until things here are more stable?¡± she said, feeling resigned.

    ¡°Wait until when? Until Julio secures Warren Group and assigns it to you and Benjamin? Until you and Benjamin get so close to managing it together that you start to have feelings for each other?¡± Bryan said with a hint of sarcasm. ¡°Wait any longer, and you might end up having children with someone else!¡±

    Eileen was notably irritated. ¡°I¡¯m more likely to have children with you first.¡±

    She had to acknowledge, there was somethingpelling about Bryan¡¯s bold and carefree nature.

    She found it hard to deter him; he was persistent.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Bryan¡¯s tone shifted to one of seriousness, taking her words as a sign she might still want him.

    ¡°Just as I said,¡± Eileen kept her exnation brief. ¡°Don¡¯t interfere with the acquisition of Warren Group.¡±

    The prospect of bing a key figure at Warren Group, as Julio had proposed, was very appealing to her. It signified reaching a pinnacle in the business world and joining the ranks of the elite.

    This could mean that, yes, she would be wealthy from that point onward.

    Yet, the journey there was fraught with challenges.

    Word of their intent to acquire Warren Group had somehow spread, catching the attention of Kaysen and his people.

    The following day at work, Dres approached Eileen, visibly distressed, revealing that someone had secretly tried to persuade her to betray Eileen.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you nning to resign before?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry; just tell them you¡¯ve resigned,¡± Eileen suggested, attempting to soothe Dres.

    Dres hesitated, then said, ¡°Can I choose not to resign?¡±

    Eileen was taken aback. ¡°Did you change your mind?¡±

    ¡°I need the money; this job pays well,¡± Dres replied, looking down, her curly eyshes veiling her eyes.

    It seemed like another instance of someone desperately opting for a risky path for money, but Eileen sensed something else; Julio must have influenced Dres¡¯ decision during their previous conversation.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 335

    ?Chapter 335:

    ¡°I do not understand your rtionship with Julio, and I don¡¯t think I¡¯m close enough to you to tell you what to do, but I¡¯ll still tell you to take care of yourself. Since you¡¯re not resigning, focus on your work. You can go now,¡± Eileen said to Dres.

    Eileen then lowered her head and busied herself with the acquisition of Warren Group.

    Half an hourter, Dres returned and said, ¡°The receptionist said there¡¯s someone here to see you. The person¡¯s name is Ste.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s vision blurred, and for a moment, she was disoriented.

    She couldn¡¯t remember when shest met Ste.

    It had been a long time. She had been in contact with Bryan so frequently that she had forgotten about Ste¡¯s existence.

    Something important must have brought Ste to visit her.

    It would be impolite not to meet with Ste.

    But to meet Ste¡­ she could guess the reason for her visit.

    ¡°The receptionist said the woman said she wouldn¡¯t leave without meeting you,¡± Dres said, noticing Eileen hesitating.

    Eileen made up her mind and put down the pen she was holding. ¡°Escort her to the VIP lounge,¡± she said.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Dres replied, then moved to call the receptionist.

    Find your favorite stories at g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s., conn

    Ten minutester, Eileen entered the VIP lounge. Ste sat with her back to the door, and Jarred stood by her side.

    Jarred saw Eileen enter the room. ¡°Miss Curtis,¡±

    ¡°Hello,¡± Eileen said, nodding politely. Jarred quickly left the room, standing by the door to wait.

    Ste turned around. With a warm smile on her face, she said, ¡°I thought you wouldn¡¯t see me.¡±

    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I?¡± Eileen replied, her smile not reaching her eyes. ¡°You said you had something to discuss with me. What is it?¡±

    ¡°I heard from Bryan that you were back, so I wanted to see you. It¡¯s just that I¡¯ve been ashamed to do so because of that incident,¡± Ste said, ack of remorse on her face.

    Eileen looked at Ste indifferently. The woman she had once thought of as kind now seemed insincere to her.

    She couldn¡¯t bring herself to feel anything for her.

    Ste continued, ¡°Bryan is having a hard time getting over you. The incident was my fault. If you are willing to return, I¡¯ll let you take control of the Dawson family as long as you stop torturing him.¡±

    ¡°Have I tortured him?¡± Eileen asked, her eyebrows raised.

    She thought back to their interactions and realized that it had been her pulling on his heartstrings while he bore it, afraid of pressuring her.

    She imagined the feeling to be quite torturous.

    But she, too, was being tortured.

    Being caught between holding on and letting go was quite painful.

    ¡°It was me who tortured you both. I put the Dawson family first. However, you know I¡¯ve always liked you and treated you well,¡± Ste said, choosing her words carefully.

    Eileen was silent for a few seconds before asking, ¡°What exactly are you here for? Please go straight to the point.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here to ask you toe back and reconcile with Bryan. You both should get married and have children,¡± Ste said, observing Eileen¡¯s expression as she spoke.

    Eileen, however, gave nothing away with her expression. ¡°I¡¯ll think about it,¡± she simply said.

    ¡°That¡¯s fair,¡± Ste replied with a broad smile. Her smile, however, soon faded, and she continued, ¡°There is another matter I wanted to discuss with you.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± Eileen asked. She wasn¡¯t surprised that there was something else Ste wanted to say.

    ¡°Could you resign from your position at the Ferguson Group?¡± Ste asked.

    The tension in the room grew palpable. The look of disappointment on Eileen¡¯s face made Ste a bit ufortable as they looked at each other.

    Ste looked away. ¡°I understand yourmitment to your work, but you still have your educational institution, right? I¡¯m just worried about you overworking yourself.¡±

    ¡°Is that the only reason you want me to resign?¡± Eileen asked.

    ¡°Getting married and having children might interfere with your work. You should resign, as Bryan is capable of bringing the Dawson family to its peak again,¡± Ste replied.

    There was an awkward silence.

    After a while, Eileen smiled and asked, ¡°You just announced the expulsion of Brandon from the Dawson family? Why, then, are you in a hurry for a wedding and children? Doesn¡¯t the Dawson family technically belong to Bryan now?¡±

    ¡°The Dawson family isrge, with several ns. Although our n leads, expelling a person from the Dawson family requires the agreement of some of the elder members of the other ns. In the power struggle between Brandon and Bryan, Brandon was cunning and strategic, while Bryan drained the Apex Group of its resources. The conservative members of the Dawson family do not agree to the expulsion of Brandon. They believe that both Brandon and Bryan have made mistakes,¡± Ste said.

    The branch ns of the Dawson family prioritized the interests of the family as a whole.

    Although Bryan was a capable leader, he had caused the losses suffered by the Apex Group, and since the elders couldn¡¯t control Bryan, they didn¡¯t want Brandon expelled because Brandon could suppress Bryan.

    In short, they wanted the father and son to suppress each other and continue bringing profits to the whole Dawson family.

    This meant that no matter the profit made by Bryan, should he have no heir, the wealth would eventually go to Brandon.

    If that happened, Bryan would just be paving the way for Brandon.

    All this basically led to the conclusion that Ste¡¯s act of expelling Brandon from the family was futile.

    The Dawson family¡¯s matters were quiteplicated.

    However, Eileen could understand this.

    She knew she and her family would still be in a precarious situation if her child returned.

    Ste said, ¡°I know you love Bryan as much as I do, Eileen. He is in a difficult situation and needs our help now. Pleasee back. I¡¯ll hand over all the power to you.¡±

    Eileen silently pondered the matter. Then, she said, ¡°Without the Ferguson Group, what do I have to support myself? The Dawson family is fraught with crises, and you can¡¯t guarantee that there won¡¯t be any more crises. So when a crisis does arise, what happens? You¡¯ll protect Bryan, but who will protect me? Have you ever thought about that?¡±

    Ste was rendered speechless by Eileen¡¯s question.

    Eileen continued, ¡°They say if I were from a prestigious family, you wouldn¡¯t sacrifice me so easily for the Dawson family¡¯s benefit. Is that right?¡±

    Ste opened her mouth as though to say something, but eventually, she said nothing.

    But Eileen understood the meaning of Ste¡¯s reaction.

    What she had said was right.

    ¡°You can me me. That incident was indeed my fault, too,¡± Ste said as tears streamed down her cheeks.

    Eileen calmly handed her a tissue before saying, ¡°I don¡¯t me you for what happened. I¡¯m not sure I could do better in your shoes.

    I understand that ta you, the Dawson family and Bryan are more important than me and that my sacrifice, no matter how painful it is for me, doesn¡¯t affect the Dawson family.

    If Eileen hade from a powerful family, the Dawson family wouldn¡¯t have dared to do what they had done, as it would have caused trouble for them.

    But she didn¡¯te from a powerful family, so they hadn¡¯t hesitated to sacrifice her.

    She had to endure the pain alone.

    ¡°Asking me to make the same mistake and give up everything is selfish of you. I don¡¯t ask to be as important to you as Bryan; I just hope you don¡¯t consider me a fool. I do love Bryan, but I am also rational. I can¡¯t risk everything I have just to love him,¡± Eileen said.

    Ste was asking her to resign and have children with Bryan to fight for the inheritance. There would be more risks in the future.

    Not only would that put her child in danger, but it would also put a target on her back.

    What would guarantee that Ste wouldn¡¯t be forced to sacrifice her again?

    She didn¡¯t believe what Ste had told her before.

    She thought that Ste had wanted to find a woman with a prestigious background for Bryan.

    A marriage alliance with the intent of suppressing Brandon would have been better than her gambling her life to help Bryan fight for everything.

    Unfortunately, Bryan had copsed, and all would be over if Ste didn¡¯t tell him the truth.

    ¡°Is there anything else you want to say?¡± Eileen asked coldly as she stood up, signaling that it was time for Ste to leave.

    Ste picked up her cane and shakily stood up. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for what happened. That incident was my fault,¡± she said to Eileen.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be like that. Although I can¡¯t ept your offer, I understand why you did what you did, and I don¡¯t me you,¡± Eileen said as she went to support Ste.

    Ste seized this opportunity and grabbed Eileen¡¯s hand. She lowered her head as she said, ¡°If you won¡¯te back, please stay away from Bryan and don¡¯t see him. He can¡¯t bear the heat from the Ferguson family right now. If you won¡¯t help him, don¡¯t cause any more trouble for him.¡±

    Eileen was stunned.

    Ste released her before she could react and left without a backward nce.

    Tears rolled down Eileen¡¯s cheeks, and she copsed into a nearby chair.

    So that was Ste¡¯s true purpose foring here.

    Ste knew Eileen wouldn¡¯t quit her job at Ferguson Group to return to Bryan.

    Ste believed the only thing she could do was to give up everything she had to fight for Bryan or stay away from him, as being close to him might attract even more trouble.

    ¡°Curtis, LB,¡± Dres called out as she pushed open the door.

    Eileen quickly turned away and wiped her tears.

    But Dres still saw her cry. ¡°You have a meeting in ten minutes,¡± she said.

    The first time Dres had seen Eileen, she thought Eileen was extremely beautiful but cold.

    The second time she had seen Eileen at the coffee shop, she thought Eileen was a shrewd businesswoman.

    But she had never expected to see Eileen crying.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 336

    ?Chapter 336:

    Eileen cleared her throat to make her voice sound steady.

    ¡°Postpone the meeting for half an hour.¡±

    Dres nodded quickly and turned to head out.

    In the hallway, she ran into Benjamin, who was on his way to meet Eileen. She gestured towards the VIP lounge. ¡°Mr. Nash, Curtis postponed the meeting by thirty minutes. She¡¯s still inside.¡±

    ¡°Alright, you can go on with your tasks,¡± Benjamin replied, holding a document as he made his way towards the VIP lounge. When he entered, Eileen hadposed herself.

    He ced the document on the table and settled into the chair recently vacated by Ste.

    He said, ¡°Seeing us dining with Mr. Dawson on the news, I figured Ste would do something.¡±

    Eileen leaned back in her chair and looked at him. ¡°It¡¯s easy for you to say that in hindsight.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mention it before because of your rtionship with Mr. Dawson. I didn¡¯t want it to seem like I was meddling,¡± Benjamin exined, pausing briefly. ¡°The Apex Group is still struggling. Brandon is chasing investments everywhere, and Z is almost forced to sleep with investors for that.¡±

    The topic had shifted to something Eileen wasn¡¯t interested in. She said casually, ¡°The capable ones won¡¯t touch the Dawson family drama, and the rest won¡¯t matter. If Z is really doing that, she¡¯ll burn out before she raises enough money.¡±

    It was clear they needed to find numerous small investors, and that would be hard for them.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§àm, where stories thrive

    Benjamin chuckled softly at her bluntment. ¡°Ste¡¯s visit didn¡¯t seem to shake you much,¡± he said.

    ¡°I¡¯m not letting it affect my work. If anything, it pushes me to work harder. Let¡¯s get going,¡± Eileen said, rising to her feet. She made a quick stop at her office to gather the necessary materials before rounding up the executives for the meeting.

    Among them were Kaysen¡¯s people, who strongly opposed the idea of acquiring Warren Group.

    ¡°Putting all of Ferguson Group¡¯s recent profits into acquiring Warren Group now? What if it goes south? Who will take responsibility?¡±

    ¡°Exactly. Considering ourpany¡¯s recent struggles, it might be wise to y it safe,¡±

    Several people voiced their concerns, causing many to waver.

    Eileen mmed the document onto the table and stood up. She scanned the room with a determined gaze. ¡°Do I need to remind you how quickly fortunes can change in this business? Name a sessfulpany that didn¡¯t take bold steps. Sess requires taking risks. If we execute this properly, the odds will be in our favor.¡±

    ¡°Oh, so that confident, Ms. Curtis?¡± one person scoffed. ¡°Then you¡¯ll take full responsibility if this doesn¡¯t pan out.¡±

    ¡°Fine,¡± Eileen replied, her voiceced with determination. ¡°Then you don¡¯t have to participate in the acquisition. If we win, you¡¯ll have to watch us enjoy the profits. If we lose, I¡¯ll take full responsibility.¡±

    Her words hung heavy in the room, momentarily silencing everyone.

    Benjamin was visibly surprised. Eileen wasn¡¯t risking Ferguson Group¡¯s future; she was putting her own on the line.

    The next morning, at the shareholders¡¯ meeting, amidst strong objections to acquiring Warren Group, Eileen said the same thing:

    Shareholders challenged her. ¡°Fine, if Warren Group tanks, you should resign and cover Ferguson Group¡¯s losses!¡±

    ¡°Agreed. But if Warren Group turns a profit, ownership of thepany will shift to me, and you will not receive the profits in the future,¡± Eileen seized the opportunity to make her demand.

    There was a pause before a shareholder responded, ¡°No way.¡±

    ¡°No?¡± Eileen scoffed. ¡°Business isn¡¯t about ying it safe. It¡¯s impossible to win the rewards without taking the risk. If we fail, it¡¯s on me; if we seed, we share the benefits. That¡¯s absurd.¡±

    She mmed the document onto the table. ¡°Two choices: join me in this venture and share the ups and downs, or I take the risks and reap the rewards alone.¡±

    After a moment of hesitation, the shareholders reluctantly agreed to let Eileen proceed. They believed they would think of a solution when Eileen tried to take over Warren Group in the future.

    After the meeting, Benjamin hurried to catch up with Eileen, his expression showing concern.

    ¡°Talking rough to the executives is one thing, but airing it to the shareholders? That¡¯s a whole different thing. And isn¡¯t resigning too risky?¡±

    ¡°What else can I do?¡± Eileen replied while walking. ¡°How else can Julio give us Warren Group?¡±

    She had said those words to the shareholders deliberately.

    By making this agreement today, the transfer of Warren Group to her and Benjaminter would be justified.

    ¡°I think you¡¯re rushing to take over Warren Group just to help Benjamin,¡± he said, exposing her true intentions.

    Eileen stopped suddenly, surprise flickering across her face. She hadn¡¯t thought of that. Her main focus had been on gaining strength quickly.

    But she couldn¡¯t decide if it was to protect Gabri or if it was because she feared Bryan might be pressured by Ste into marrying someone else soon.

    Eileen clenched her lips together in silence.

    ¡°But by then, it might be toote,¡± Benjamin said. ¡°Even with your skills, Warren Group won¡¯t turn profitable for at least two to three years.¡±

    That would indeed be toote to assist Bryan.

    ¡°I just want the acquisition of Warren Group to seed. I haven¡¯t thought much beyond that,¡± Eileen replied, handing the document to Benjamin. ¡°Here, take this. I¡¯m heading home.¡±

    Today, despite it being the weekend, Eileen had had to wake up early for the shareholders¡¯ meeting.

    Josue¡¯s flight hadnded, and he would be going to her ce soon. She was worried he might scare Gabri after their month apart.

    She was also concerned about Bailee and Milfordpeting for Gabri¡¯s attention, which could lead to problems.

    On her way home, she thought about different possibilities, but running into Bryan on her doorstep wasn¡¯t one she had expected.

    Josue had just stepped out of his car, luggage in hand, warmly inviting Bryan inside.

    Eileen jumped out of her car and hurried over to stop Bryan.

    Bryan¡¯s eyes darkened when he saw her.

    ¡°Eileen,¡± his voice echoed down the stairs as he hurriedly descended a few steps. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°Bryan gave me a ride from the airport this morning. I just wanted to invite him in for coffee,¡± Eileen exined.

    ¡°You can invite him to your ce. Why here?¡± Eileen turned and stared at Josue.

    Josue had never seen Eileen like this before. He knew Bryan and Eileen were acquainted, but this was his first time seeing them together face-to-face.

    Why was there some tension between them? He didn¡¯t dare invite Bryan inside anymore.

    Bryan asked Josue, ¡°Isn¡¯t this your ce?¡±

    He only knew Eileen and Josue lived in the same viplex, but he hadn¡¯t expected them to be so close.

    Had Josue headed straight to Eileen¡¯s ce upon returning?

    Thinking of this, Bryan frowned.

    All three of them were puzzled now.

    Eileen suddenly realized Bryan and Josue were acquainted.

    But there was no time for her to dwell on this now. ¡°Go inside,¡± she told Josue. ¡°I need to talk to Bryan.¡±

    Josue hurried away.

    Eileen took hold of Bryan¡¯s hand and led him back towards the car, intending to ask questions, but he beat her to it.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you pick up my calls or respond to my messages?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been busy,¡± Eileen replied curtly. ¡°Do you know Josue?¡±

    ¡°How else do you think ZJ would invest in Ferguson Group¡¯s branch?¡± Bryan leaned casually against the car, one hand in his pocket. ¡°Did Ste visit you?¡±

    Eileen couldn¡¯t focus on his question.

    She was too stunned.

    So, ZJ belonged to both Josue and Bryan?

    If they were close, and Josue had acknowledged Gabri as his goddaughter, why hadn¡¯t Josue told Bryan that Gabri was her daughter?

    Confusion and apprehension buzzed in Eileen¡¯s mind.

    She couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Did Josue never mention anything about me to you?¡±

    ¡°Mention what?¡± Bryan¡¯s tone was harsh. ¡°He knows you¡¯re mine. What could he possibly tell me about you?¡±

    Eileen was at a loss for words.

    She believed Bryan truly didn¡¯t know she had a daughter. She asked, ¡°So, is this your backup n? You used ZJ to invest in Warren Group, didn¡¯t you? And now, you¡¯re offloading Warren Group¡¯s shares to form EB Group?¡±

    Bryan was still leaning against the car, but his demeanor was no longer calm.

    ¡°You¡¯ve managed to figure out a lot about me, but all I got from you was one vague answer!¡± he said in frustration.

    ¡°I pieced it all together myself. If you¡¯re so sharp, figure out why I didn¡¯t reply,¡± Eileen replied, her voice tinged with worry about him discovering Gabri.

    Bryan¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Ste warned you to keep your distance from me to avoid trouble, so you decided to ignore my calls and messages?¡±

    ¡°See, you¡¯ve figured it out on your own,¡± Eileen replied, feeling a pang of bitterness in her heart. She paused, then added, ¡°Forget it. Go home. We¡¯ll talk about this some other time.¡±

    ¡°Some other time?¡± Bryan scoffed. ¡°Ignoring me today means you¡¯ll never talk to me.¡±

    Their argument wasced with a connection neither could deny.

    ¡°I¡¯ve told you before, this can¡¯t continue. I¡¯ll bring problems to you,¡± Eileen said with a hint of usation. He had pursued her, but now, Ste med her.

    Bryan heard the frustration in her voice, but he felt aggrieved as well.

    ¡°I can¡¯t just walk away! How can I stay away from you? When have I ever been afraid of the Ferguson family? Even if I Couldn¡¯t leave you to face them alone.¡±

    Eileen shot back without thinking. ¡°Benjamin and Julio¡ª¡±

    Before she could finish, Bryan interjected sharply, ¡°Say that again?¡±

    She belonged to him; he didn¡¯t want anyone else by her side but himself.

    Feeling angry, Bryan grabbed Eileen¡¯s waist and pulled her into his arms, his jaw clenched. ¡°Eileen, you¡¯re heartless. I get your concerns, but I¡¯ve never backed down from you. If the Ferguson familyes after you and harms you, I¡¯ll be heartbroken, you know?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 337

    ?Chapter 337:

    Eileen nced up at Bryan¡¯s tense expression. Each word he spoke seemed to burst out through clenched teeth.

    She wondered if he wanted to throttle her, or if she had wronged him somehow.

    But she was acting in his best interest, and if anything, she felt like the one being wronged here.

    His hand tightly gripped her waist, his gaze filled with anger.

    ¡°You¡¯re not allowed to ignore my calls and texts or avoid seeing me. I know everything that¡¯s happening; there¡¯s no need for you to worry about me,¡± Bryan said.

    Seeing Eileen¡¯s eyes flicker, he softened his tone.

    ¡°Then what don¡¯t you know?¡± Eileen countered.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know when you¡¯ll let go of your reservations. I don¡¯t want to pressure you, but my patience is wearing thin. If you push me too far, I won¡¯t consider your feelings anymore.¡± Bryan tapped the position of her heart on her chest. ¡°Right here, think only of me. You belong to me.¡±

    He then ced her hand on his chest and said, ¡°You are in here.¡±

    Eileen turned her head away, refusing to look at him. He leaned down and kissed her before finally letting her go.

    ¡°Go back,¡± Bryan said in a deep voice. After watching her turn around and climb the steps, he swiftly opened the car door and got inside.

    ?¦Ò???? ¦Ô???????????? ¦É?? ?????????????????.??????

    He feared losing control and taking her away in his car, never allowing her to leave his side again.

    Josue was clever. After entering Eileen¡¯s ce, he intentionally tried to take Gabri, which Bailee and Milford naturally resisted.

    He then used this opportunity to inquire about the situation between Eileen and Bryan.

    Bailee, meeting him for the first time, refused to tell him. However, Ruby, who had met Josue before and knew he was trustworthy, subtly reassured Bailee that it was okay.

    Wanting to spend more time holding Gabri, Bailee spoke in bits and pieces.

    She didn¡¯t mind whether Josue could fully understand her or not.

    Josue struggled to grasp the truth, relying on guessing, which surprisingly proved quite urate.

    When Eileen came back, Josue confronted her. He led Eileen to sit on the sofa, staring at her.

    ¡°Eileen, I have one question for you¡ªIs my goddaughter actually Bryan¡¯s biological child?¡± Josue asked.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen replied. ¡°Have you ever disclosed to Bryan that your goddaughter is my daughter?¡±

    Josue yelled and jumped, feeling devastated.

    ¡°I have only one goddaughter, and I¡¯m immensely proud of her. I¡¯ve been sending Bryan pictures of her daily to show her off, not knowing she¡¯s actually his biological daughter?¡± He copsed, pounding his chest and the floor. ¡°This is incredibly unfair!¡±

    Eileen watched his emotional outburst, feeling a mix of emotions.

    ¡°Wait!¡± Josue appeared to have realized something, standing up and looking at Eileen. ¡°You¡¯re not nning to tell Bryan about your daughter?¡±

    Josue was aware of the tension between Eileen and Bryan but unaware of the details of Ste¡¯s interference.

    Believing Josue had most of the facts, Eileen told him the remaining details.

    Josue listened intently, his expression turning serious. ¡°This situation isn¡¯t fair. I understand. Bryan¡¯s grandmother is really not treating you fairly. Bryan¡¯s strategy to dismantle Apex Group has been in the works for a long time. It¡¯s not something that happens overnight.¡±

    His resources overseas had all been moved to the domestic market by Bryan, and his money had all been spent by Bryan.

    After a pause, Josue continued, ¡°He loves you deeply; of course, he wants to marry you and have children with you. But I must say, Gabri is now in danger. The family rules passed down by the Dawson ancestors for centuries are truly harmful.¡±

    Eileen remained quiet, leaning back on the sofa, contemting Bryan¡¯s words earlier.

    ¡°I¡¯m struggling to make sense of everything now,¡± she admitted.

    ¡°Let me help you with that,¡± Josue said, drawing nearer.

    ¡°Forget about Bryan¡¯s grandmother. As long as you love Bryan, that¡¯s what truly matters. Your union is inevitable, but the timing isn¡¯t ideal at the moment. Even if you¡¯re not afraid of the Ferguson family or Brandon¡¯s schemes, Gabri¡¯s safety must remain a priority.¡±

    Turning towards Gabri, who was ying with Bailee and Milford, Josue marveled at her innocence and charm, worrying about her safety.

    ¡°Being this young, she can¡¯t handle much. If Brandon loses control and tries to harm Gabri, it will be toote,¡± Josue said.

    Eileen believed Josue¡¯s logic was sound; nothing mattered more than protecting Gabri.

    Josue continued, ¡°You and Bryan are deeply in love. You can be together. Do whatever makes you happy, just don¡¯t tell Bryan about the child yet.¡±

    Eileen said seriously, ¡°You¡¯re Bryan¡¯s friend. Aren¡¯t you concerned that our boldness might anger his grandmother?¡±

    ¡°Why worry about her anyway?¡± Josue replied with self-righteousness.

    Eileen didn¡¯t want to care about Ste, but Ste was Bryan¡¯s grandmother. Whatever Ste had done was out of concern for Bryan.

    Her concern wasn¡¯t Ste, but the possibility of Bryan feeling upset or ming himself.

    ¡°But I must remind you, a child needs a father¡¯s presence for proper upbringing. Bryan missing out would be asting regret,¡± Josue said. ¡°I have a n. Want to hear it?¡±

    Eileen had reservations about his n¡¯s thoroughness.

    Josue said confidently, ¡°You focus on your rtionship with Bryan. Leave Gabri¡¯s interaction with me to handle. I¡¯ve brought back all my resources to fully support him. We will practically be together every day. Since I work from home, he¡¯ll have toe to my ce. Gabri will stay with me during those times. How does that sound?¡±

    It was a solid n, and Eileen was impressed, though she harbored doubts about Josue¡¯s intentions.

    Seeing Josue¡¯s eyes gleaming, Eileen could picture him proudly showing off Gabri to Bryan.

    Josue reclined on the sofa and admitted, ¡°Now that I¡¯m Gabri¡¯s godfather, can¡¯t I boast for a few days? Once Bryan learns Gabri is his daughter, I¡¯ll be left with nothing.¡±

    ¡°Just don¡¯t go overboard,¡± Eileen warned. ¡°Your boasting now might provoke Bryan¡¯s retaliationter.¡±

    ¡°Even if I don¡¯t boast, he¡¯ll still retaliate,¡± Josue said, unsure how Bryan would handle the fact that he had kept Gabri¡¯s identity a secret.

    He might well seize the opportunity to boast now.

    ¡°Deal,¡± Eileen agreed, partly because she had been busy arranging blind dates for Josue.

    Only Ruby was avable at home to care for Gabri, andtely, fatigue was clearly showing on her face.

    Eileen knew depending solely on Ruby wasn¡¯t sustainable.

    She reluctantly acknowledged that, despite Josue¡¯s unreliability, he had a clear mind and had efficiently assisted in solving her current predicament.

    During the day, while Eileen was fully focused on work, Bryan asionally pulled her into messaging and yful banter.

    Other times, he insisted on spending an hour on the phone during lunch. On a few asions, she discovered he was actually in a meeting while they were on the phone, but he still didn¡¯t hang up.

    Even in silence, they didn¡¯t end the call.

    In the evenings, upon returning home, Eileen¡¯s focus shifted to caring for Gabri.

    Bryan was pleased with Eileen¡¯s behavior. But he hadn¡¯t expected that Josue had insisted on working from home to spend time with his goddaughter.

    This was Bryan¡¯s first time seeing Gabri since returning to the country. Gabri, just over three months old, had recently learned to lie on her stomach.

    Herrge eyes were bright, making her look irresistibly adorable, but when she propped herself up, her chubby cheeks drooped slightly, and Bryan found her even more appealing.

    ¡°What do you think?¡± Josue leaned closer to Bryan with a proud grin on his face. ¡°Impressed, huh? Isn¡¯t my goddaughter beautiful?¡±

    Bryan looked away from Gabri, raising his eyebrows to ask Josue, ¡°What do you mean? Did you ask me toe here just to have me look at the child?¡±

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Josue replied. ¡°I can work perfectly well with my goddaughter here. Make sure those executivesing here know there is no smoking allowed since there¡¯s a child in the house.¡±

    Josue¡¯s instructions were delivered earnestly, but Bryan furrowed his brow. ¡°Are you serious? Working with a child present?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Can¡¯t I do that?¡± Josue sat down, lifting Gabri, who, at just over four months old, was already quite heavy.

    Gabri¡¯s cute arms were chubby.

    Being held like this made her look even more adorable. From this angle, she couldn¡¯t see Bryan, yet her tiny head lifted as she tried hard to catch a glimpse of him in Josue¡¯s arms.

    Words of refusal caught in Bryan¡¯s throat. He eventually said, ¡°I¡¯m just concerned you won¡¯t take proper care of her.¡±

    ¡°If I fail, you¡¯re here to help, right?¡± Josue gestured with his chin, signaling Bryan to grab the form from the coffee table. ¡°I need to feed her milk every two hours; it¡¯s time now. After she¡¯s fed, we¡¯ll proceed with the meeting. You can hold her while I talk, and I can hold her while you do.¡±

    Bryan was left speechless.

    He couldn¡¯t believe what he had just heard. It was absurd.

    But he found himself locked in a stare with Gabri¡¯s big eyes, his heart softened, unable to utter a word of refusal.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know how to prepare form, right?¡± Josue passed the child to Bryan. ¡°Here, hold her; I¡¯ll go prepare.¡±

    Bryan had held the child briefly right after she was born.

    But for some reason, he now hesitated to hold her.

    Seeing Bryan¡¯s hesitation, Josue directed him to sit on the sofa. He then carefully settled Gabri into Bryan¡¯s arms, her head leaning on one of Bryan¡¯s arms. Then, he pulled Bryan¡¯s other arm to let him hold Gabri¡¯s bottom.

    Bryan¡¯s body tensed; he now felt even more unsure about holding her.

    Just as he moved away, Bryan suddenly eximed,

    ¡°Hey, she¡¯s moving!¡±

    Startled by Bryan¡¯s words, Gabri turned to stare at Bryan, wide-eyed and open-mouthed.

    Josue turned and saw Bryan and Gabri looking at each other, one in panic and the other bewildered. He quickly grabbed his phone, decisively taking photos. ¡°Great, look here and smile for the camera.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 338

    ?Chapter 338:

    Eileen was in a meeting when her phone buzzed. She nced down and saw there were messages from Josue. After a brief moment of hesitation, she clicked on the messages.

    She saw several photos sent by Josue, capturing Bryan¡¯s anxious face.

    In Bryan¡¯s arms, Gabri stared at him with wide, confused eyes, seemingly startled yet not crying.

    A slight smile appeared on Eileen¡¯s face. Then, Josue sent another message that caught her off guard and tugged at her heartstrings.

    ¡°I forgot to mention, on the day you gave birth overseas, Bryan was at the hospital. He was the first to hold Gabri. It must be fate.¡±

    So, Bryan had been at the hospital that day? And he had held Gabri!

    ¡°Ms. Curtis¡­¡± someone called out to Eileen, snapping her back to reality. She quickly set her phone down and looked up to see everyone in the meeting room staring at her.

    Withposure, she ced the document she was holding on the table and asked, ¡°Could you repeat that?¡±

    Everyone was momentarily stunned.

    Josue had arranged for Bryan to work in a vi within the same neighborhood as Eileen. The vi was three stories, with its living room transformed into an office area.

    Long rectangr tables were set up, adorned with several potted nts, and chairs lined up on both sides.

    L¦¡¦Ó??¦Ó ch¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?l??.??????

    At the end of the room, there was a projector, giving the space a very professional look.

    The only thing that broke the professional ambiance was the asional sound of Gabri echoing through the quiet vi.

    She still couldn¡¯t speak; her noises came not from her mouth but from her nasal passages.

    Josue cradled her on the sofa, herrge dark eyes roving around, mostly settling on Bryan.

    Bryan sat at the head of the table, listening to people report on the progress of EB Group¡¯s matters.

    They were just waiting to offload the Warren Group¡¯s shares and recover the funds.

    ¡°From what I¡¯ve gathered, Ms. Curtis from Ferguson Group has already begun negotiations for the acquisition. It¡¯s practically sealed.¡±

    ¡°If I recall correctly, Ms. Curtis was mentored by Mr. Dawson. Mr. Dawson¡¯s guidance is really remarkable.¡±

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s unfortunate we didn¡¯t move quicker. If we had brought Ms. Curtis, the general of EB Group, to coborate with Mr. Dawson, EB Group would have reached new heights.¡±

    Suddenly, a muffledugh broke through their serious discussion.

    Everyone turned to see Josue cradling the baby with one hand and covering his mouth with the other, his cheeks red as he suppressed hisughter.

    What could he do? He was just too excited about the fact that he was the only one here who knew the secret.

    The Curtis they were discussing was the mother of the baby he was holding, and Bryan was the father! The important thing was that Bryan had no clue!

    He felt so restless, wanting to tell the truth.

    Bryan, noticing Josue¡¯s expression, felt a surge of irritation and tossed his pen aside.

    He instinctively reached into his pocket for a cigarette, but before he could light it, Josue sternly said, ¡°Bryan, think of the child. Gabri is just a few months old. Toss that cigarette into the trash.¡±

    Bryan scowled and threw the cigarette onto the table.

    Josue didn¡¯t dare truly confront Bryan. Seeing Bryan choose not to smoke was enough for him.

    Gabri turned in Josue¡¯sp, trying to see Bryan, her wide eyes mirroring his stern expression.

    Bryan felt like her look was using him of serious wrongdoing for even considering smoking. He picked up the cigarette and threw it into the trash can.

    He then looked around the room and announced, ¡°From this moment on, smoking is banned during meetings here.¡±

    Everyone was taken aback.

    What did Josue¡¯s goddaughter have to do with Bryan? Besides, Bryan could stop smoking if he wanted, but why impose it on them?

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Dawson,¡± they replied reluctantly.

    ¡°Now, it¡¯s my turn to speak. Bryan,e here and hold the child,¡± Josue said with a pleased smile, handing the baby to Bryan.

    Bryan removed his jacket, unbuttoned his cufflinks, and rolled up his sleeves, exposing his muscr forearms.

    Having held the baby twice before, he knew what to do this time. He copied Josue,fortably holding the baby in his arms.

    But Josue was dressed in sportswear, while Bryan was in a suit,plete with a metal belt buckle that could potentially harm the baby.

    Acting on instinct, Bryan quickly unbuckled his belt.

    Just as Josue sat down to organize some documents for the meeting, he heard a ¡®clink¡¯ sound.

    He looked up, astonished, and hurried over to take the baby from Bryan.

    ¡°Bryan, what are you doing unbuckling your belt?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t want the buckle to hurt her, so I took it off!¡± Bryan eximed, his cheeks flushing red.

    Josue nced down and noticed the belt buckle in Bryan¡¯s hand. Bryan¡¯s pants were a bit loose but wouldn¡¯t fall¡ªjust not as neat as before.

    ¡°I¡¯ll hold the child during the meeting,¡± Josue said. Then, he turned and walked away with the baby.

    Bryan, frustrated, tossed his belt buckle onto the sofa and returned to the conference table, his stern look silencing everyone.

    At times, the child made these two men seem foolish, and at other times, she brought in tense tension between them.

    Feeling the tension, the baby began to squirm and whimper.

    As Josue was about to discuss global resources that would benefit EB Group¡¯s imminent public listing, he struggled to calm the baby. He looked at Bryan for a moment before saying, ¡°Hold her here.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Bryan looked away, his reply cold, though his eyes briefly met the baby¡¯s.

    ¡°Are you sure you won¡¯t hold her?¡± Josue then pointed randomly to someone else and said, ¡°Then you hold her for me for a while.¡±

    The person looked flustered. ¡°Mr. Payne, I don¡¯t know how to hold a baby, especially one this small!¡±

    ¡°What about the rest of you?¡± Josue surveyed the room and looked at the youngest attendee. ¡°Are you a father? Do you know how to hold a baby?¡±

    That man, in his thirties with a toddler at home, was too anxious to admit his parenthood. This baby was too important, and any mishandling could be disastrous for his career.

    He quickly gestured in denial and said, ¡°Mr. Payne, I really don¡¯t have the experience¡­¡±

    ¡°Perfect opportunity to learn,¡± Josue interjected, observing Bryan¡¯s reaction.

    As Josue persisted in handing the baby to Bryan, he finally couldn¡¯t stand it.

    He stood up, took the baby from Josue¡¯s arms, and with a serious demeanor, carried her to the carpet by the floor-to-ceiling window to calm her down.

    The baby, not hungry since she had recently eaten, was momentarily captivated by the new environment and quickly fell asleep.

    Bryany beside her, propping his head up with one hand, watching her sleep. Acting on a whim, he snapped a photo of her and sent it to Eileen.

    He didn¡¯t add a message; he simply wanted Eileen to see the baby.

    Yet, Eileen¡¯sck of response irked him. After more than ten minutes, he sent another message.

    ¡°I¡¯ll pick you up after work.¡±

    ¡°No dinner?¡± Eileen responded promptly this time.

    He replied with slight irritation, ¡°Okay then.¡±

    Eileen didn¡¯t respond again. She stared at the photo Bryan had sent, pondering its significance.

    Today marked Bryan and Gabri¡¯s first day of spending time together. Eileen was trying her best not to let Bryan miss anything as Gabri¡¯s father.

    In the evening, Eileen drove to the coffee shop near Ferguson Group, parked, and got into Bryan¡¯s car.

    The confined space wag filled with a strong pine fragrance Bryan had, Bryan¡¯s muscr handsy casually on the steering wheel, guiding the car effortlessly, yet he remained silent.

    Unable to stand the silence any longer, Eileen said, ¡°What¡¯s going on? The photo you sent today¡­ What was that about?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s Josue¡¯s goddaughter,¡± Bryan replied curtly, his voice tinged with jealousy. ¡°I brought her to work and helped him take care of her.¡±

    Eileen leaned back against the car door, tilting her head to look at him. ¡°And? Do you like her?¡±

    As she posed the question, Eileen felt a flutter of nerves.

    Her lips pressed tightly together as she gazed at Bryan.

    Bryan nced over, and after a brief moment of eye contact, he said, ¡°I think she looks a bit like you.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Eileen¡¯s heart raced.

    Bryan quickly added, ¡°I mean, she¡¯s going to be very beautiful one day. So, I was thinking, if we hadn¡¯t called off our wedding, do you think maybe¡­¡±

    As he spoke, the setting sun cast a golden hue inside the car, illuminating the regret in his eyes.

    It was clear he hadn¡¯t brought it up earlier because he feared he might lose control of his emotions.

    He focused on the road ahead, stopping at a red light. Then, he sighed deeply and said, ¡°The kid is quite adorable. I don¡¯t know where Josue has got her from. She¡¯s not even his, but he parades her around me.¡±

    ¡°You still haven¡¯t answered my question,¡± Eileen said, pretending to be nonchnt. ¡°Do you like that child?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s hard not to like such a little baby. I¡¯ll let you see her someday.¡± Bryan smiled. The traffic light turned green, and he started the car, ending the conversation.

    Perhaps his thoughts still lingered on the baby. After dropping Eileen off, he only gave her a brief kiss before she exited the car.

    At the Ferguson family¡¯s residence,

    Julia had returned, but the family was wary of him. After dinner, everyone retired to their rooms.

    Kaysen and his second wife, Berkley Ferguson, sat on their bed, their expressions serious.

    ¡°Julia¡¯s return ensures the Ferguson Group stays in the family. It doesn¡¯t mean we¡¯ve given in. Now, we must diminish his influence,¡± Berkley analyzed the situation. ¡°I¡¯ve looked into Eileen and Benjamin. Benjamin has been with Julio since the establishment of Ferguson Group, but Eileen¡­ She¡¯s likely the mastermind behind Julio.¡±

    The night deepened. The vi¡¯s excellent soundproofing kept their conversation private, yet they still spoke in whispers.

    Kaysen nodded and said, ¡°She vanished for some time before, probably managing Ferguson Group¡¯s international branch. We should start with her.¡±

    ¡°That reminds me, I ran into Ste at a card game recently. She was overly cordial, seemingly trying to tter me. It appears Bryan and Eileen share an unusual connection, and she¡¯s concerned we might go after Bryan,¡± Berkley said, turning to Kaysen. ¡°Given our current predicament, we can¡¯t afford more enemies, so we should focus solely on dealing with Eileen. What do you think?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 339

    ?Chapter 339:

    ¡°Of course, I agree with you,¡± Kaysen replied immediately.

    Noting his assertive tone and confident gaze, Berkley paused for a moment before tentatively asking, ¡°Have you figured out a n?¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t there plenty of options?¡± Kaysen responded casually. ¡°Lately, I¡¯ve been monitoring Ferguson Group¡¯s activities. Plus, with Julio back, my attention has been on him. I couldn¡¯t care less about Eileen and Benjamin.¡±

    Berkley¡¯s eyes sparkled with admiration as she listened. Then she said, ¡°Kaysen, I know you¡¯vee up with a n. What are you nning to do?¡±

    Kaysen¡¯s confidence swelled as he basked in her admiring gaze. He boasted, ¡°Even though I no longer run Ferguson Group, I can still end someone¡¯s life effortlessly.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Berkley eximed, startled. ¡°Are you nning to kill Eileen and Benjamin? Isn¡¯t that too risky? We¡¯re talking about lives here!¡±

    ¡°Narrow-minded!¡± Kaysen sneered at Berkley¡¯s concern. ¡°There are plenty of people desperate for money. If I¡¯m willing to pay, I could kill people and still get away with it, not to mention just two! Besides, only targeting Eileen now¡ªBenjamin is just a follower. He has some skills that might be useful to meter on.¡±

    Berkley bit her lip, carefully considering Kaysen¡¯s words. Once convinced of his seriousness and his confidence in his n, she smiled. ¡°Kaysen, you are incredible. I admire such a powerful man like you¡­¡±

    On the third floor, Benita, who was eavesdropping on their conversation through a recording device, sneered and turned off the receiver.

    To outsiders, Berkley was an elegant woman. But in reality, she was a maniptor.

    How else could she have coerced Kaysen into falsely using his own son, Julio, of incest and expelling him from their home?

    Benita was no stranger to listening in on their discussions. After all, they had already destroyed her life for their sake.

    She remained vignt, wary of being betrayed by them again.

    This time, she allowed them another opportunity to betray her. She would make sure Kaysen would never turn the tables in this lifetime!

    She saved the recording on a USB drive and then dialed Bryan.

    It waste, but Bryan hadn¡¯t gone to bed yet. He was at the Dawson Mansion.

    The grand Dawson Mansion was brightly lit, and Bryan sat in a chair as he faced Ste, who looked displeased.

    ¡°What do you need at thiste hour?¡± Bryan asked.

    Ste was direct. Aware of Bryan¡¯s recent closeness to Eileen, she felt a wave of anger.

    ¡°Can¡¯t you think more practically? In wealthy families, how many truly afford to put love first? And how many have chosen spouses from ordinary backgrounds?¡±

    Bryan nced up. ¡°Then why did you agree to the marriage before? And she¡¯s the one you set me up with.¡±

    ¡°Since she isn¡¯t from a powerful family, she would have to give up something. Sacrificing herself in a desperate situation for your sake can secure her a future filled with glory and wealth. Isn¡¯t that to be expected?¡± Ste argued passionately. She had always been somewhat careful around Eileen, but with Bryan, she was straightforward.

    Bryan chuckled suddenly, his smile dripping with sarcasm. ¡°I¡¯m not the type to let someone rescue me from a fire only to push them away when I¡¯m done.¡±

    Ste paused. Before, Bryan¡¯s eptance of Eileen had delighted her. After all, finding someone who could support Bryan and win his affection was a challenge.

    But now, this very love had be intolerable for her!

    Because this love had turned utterly useless now.

    Before Ste could say something, Bryan¡¯s phone rang.

    The caller ID was unknown.

    Bryan checked his phone and promptly hung up.

    Ste suspected it might have been Eileen calling, suggesting that Bryan still cared about her feelings.

    ¡°Bryan, I¡¯ve dedicated my life to you. I may have made mistakes, but it was all for your benefit. You might not see it; you might even resent me, but you have to listen to me!¡± Ste said.

    Bryan put his phone away and said, ¡°Or what?¡±

    ¡°Or I¡¯ll kill myself!¡± Ste blurted out.

    The room fell silent, and the once warm bond between them no longer existed.

    All that remained were Ste¡¯s threats and Bryan¡¯s deep disappointment.

    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t do that, because if you were tomit suicide over my disobedience, it would be known that I¡¯m a terrible son, and I¡¯d never be able to redeem myself. Please stop using that kind of threat; it only diminishes the little appreciation I still have for you,¡± Bryan said.

    As he finished speaking, his phone rang once more.

    It was the same unfamiliar number, calling twice now at such ate hour.

    After a brief pause, Bryan stood and headed upstairs. ¡°Grandma, take care of yourself. I can protect the Dawson family and won¡¯t let Brandon win. Please don¡¯t make things harder.¡±

    Ste quickly got up and followed him, apparently not ready to back down.

    Bryan had just reached the second step when he heard Ste¡¯s footsteps behind him. He stopped, turned around, and said firmly, ¡°It¡¯s not only you who can use death as a threat. I can do the same. Stop bothering Eileen and stay out of my affairs. You wouldn¡¯t want to suffer the grief of loss again, would you?¡±

    His voice was calm, his tone serious.

    His dark eyes fixed on Ste, making it clear he meant what he had said.

    The phone continued to ring as he ascended the stairs.

    He then answered the call. ¡°Hello.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, this is Benita Ferguson.¡±

    ¡°Benita?¡± Bryan paused briefly, thenposed himself. He entered the bedroom and said coldly, ¡°What do you need?¡±

    Benita chuckled and replied, ¡°Mr. Dawson, don¡¯t be so cold.

    I¡¯m calling to cooperate with you.¡±

    In the silent room, her voice rang clearly. The phone, now on speaker, was the only source of light in the dark room.

    As Bryan unbuttoned his shirt, his voice turned colder. ¡°Get to the point.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s about Eileen. It¡¯s not suitable to discuss this matter over the phone. I¡¯ve reserved a table for us tomorrow at noon. Let¡¯s meet there and talk. Okay?¡± Benita quickly added, ¡°I promise, it¡¯s a proposal you¡¯ll find interesting. If not, you can throw me out of the restaurant tomorrow.¡±

    Benita¡¯s tone was casual, typical of her style, but Bryan knew she wasn¡¯t one to bluff.

    Bryan agreed, and Benita ended the call.

    There were a few seconds of silence before the screen went dark.

    Bryan flicked on the bedsidemp and went to the bathroom to shower.

    The sound of water soon filled the bathroom. Bryan thought about Ste¡¯s words earlier.

    They were painful to him, and Eileen must have felt more hurt than he did.

    Why would a woman with no powerful background need to risk everything she had to marry into a wealthy family?

    That was ridiculous.

    Yet, that was the reality.

    Ten minutester, he got out of the shower, grabbed a towel to wrap around his waist, and dried his hair as he stepped out of the bathroom.

    He walked directly to the nightstand, picked up his phone, and called Eileen.

    It was now past eleven in the evening. Gabri had just fallen asleep, and Eileen¡¯s phone was on silent. The vibration prompted Eileen to take her phone to the balcony.

    Seeing that it was Bryan calling, Eileen slightly furrowed her brow and answered the call. She then heard Bryan say, ¡°I miss you.¡±

    Bryan had been saying this a lottely, but today, it somehow sounded different.

    Despite the distance, Eileen could feel his emotions.

    ¡°Are you at Dawson Mansion?¡± Eileen asked, suspecting that his mood might be linked to a conversation with Ste.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Bryan replied. ¡°I haven¡¯t moved anything in our wedding house. We¡¯ll move back there when you return.¡±

    Eileen was taken aback. ¡°You¡­ didn¡¯t you break the house?¡±

    She had thought that, in his anger, Bryan might have lost his senses and destroyed the house.

    ¡°Break the house?¡± Bryan chuckled, though hisugh wasced with sadness. ¡°That is a home we designed together, adorned with our wedding pictures, all chosen by you. How could I ever bring myself to tear it down?¡±

    Even when he had been unaware of the truth back then, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to do that.

    That home was the only thing that had given him warmth and strength during that time.

    ¡°Hang on,¡± Eileen said, leaning against the balcony railing and looking at the sleeping child inside. Her expression softened. ¡°Did we just jump to talking about the wedding house and where we¡¯ll live in the future? I haven¡¯t even said I¡¯ming back yet.¡±

    Her voice ended with a barely noticeable mix of pride and defiance.

    Bryan¡¯s lips curled slightly, seeing through her facade, but he remained patient.

    ¡°Alright, you won¡¯te back. By the way, how is the n to acquire Warren Group progressing?¡± he asked.

    Eileen answered, ¡°Everything¡¯s set. We¡¯re just waiting to meet with Warren Group¡¯s representatives, and we¡¯ll make adjustments after the meeting.¡±

    Eileen believed that there was a high chance of sess, although she knew dealing with Kian would be challenging.

    But Kian didn¡¯t have the final say now, so she was very concerned.

    Unexpectedly, Bryan said, ¡°Tomorrow at ten in the morning, I¡¯ll have someone send over the contract.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Eileen was shocked. ¡°You¡¯re going to send the contract over just like that?¡±

    This move would bypass several steps and save her a considerable amount of time.

    ¡°Use the time you save for me. I figure I¡¯ve saved you about a week,¡± Bryan said. ¡°But you have to make me one promise¡ªdon¡¯t meet with her privately in the future.¡±

    Eileen knew Bryan was referring to Ste.

    ¡°Alright, I agree,¡± Eileen replied.

    Avoiding interaction with Ste was a decision she had made some time ago, so she readily agreed with Bryan.

    However, she hadn¡¯t anticipated that the next day, she would run into Ste at the entrance of Freguson Group.

    At ten o¡¯clock, as nned, Bryan had someone deliver the acquisition contract, which Eileen, Benjamin, and Julia reviewed together. Finding it satisfactory, they signed it promptly.

    Having secured the deal so smoothly, the three of them decided to celebrate with a few trusted senior executives at a nearby restaurant.

    The cheerful atmosphere was momentarily disrupted when they spotted Ste standing at the entrance of Freguson Group, causing everyone to instinctively look at Eileen.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 340

    ?Chapter 340:

    Ste leaned on her cane, offering aposed smile that blended the grace of age with a touch of warmth.

    Everyone acknowledged her presence with a nod.

    Eileen was the only one who looked at Ste with mixed emotions. She wondered whether Ste¡¯s return was a result of the unpleasant conversation she had with Bryan the day before.

    ¡°Mrs. Dawson, you¡¯ve arrived just in time. We were about to begin our meal. Would you care to join us?¡± Julio smoothly intervened, extending an invitation to Ste.

    With a gentle shake of her head and a polite smile, Ste declined. ¡°Please, go ahead and celebrate your aplishments. I don¡¯t want to dampen the spirit of your gathering. I came to speak with Eileen. It¡¯s not appropriate for her to dine with so many men. She and I can dine separately.¡±

    Benjamin nced over at Eileen.

    Eileen met Ste¡¯s gaze with a calm, unbothered expression, and responded softly, ¡°There¡¯s nothing inappropriate about it. We are all colleagues here. Moreover, I am the guest of honor at this small celebration. I need to be present. Whatever you wish to discuss can be addressed here, or we can talkter.¡±

    ¡°Discussing it here isn¡¯t right, andter will be toote,¡± Ste said, feeling slighted by the public refusal andck of consideration.

    But no one seemed to care about her displeasure. After all, she hadn¡¯t considered Eileen¡¯s feelings either.

    ¡°If it¡¯s inappropriate to discuss now, then we can wait, even if it bes toote. The sun is high and strong at noon; let¡¯s avoid any health risks that could me the Freguson Group yet again: Eileen stepped to the side, shifting her attention to Jarred, who was standing behind Ste. ¡°Jarred, please escort Mrs. Dawson back. It would be unfortunate if anything were to happen on your watch.¡±

    Step into new worlds at g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s?conn

    After speaking, Eileen nodded to everyone, and they moved past Ste, leaving her behind.

    This marked the first time Eileen had ever turned down Ste.

    Visibly mortified, Ste paused for a moment before she couldpose herself and walk back to her car.

    ¡°She may have won today, but I have my ways to make her understand,¡± Ste murmured to herself.

    While Eileen was in the middle of her meal, she received a photograph from Ste.

    The photo showed Bryan and Benita dining together in a restaurant. Benita¡¯s affection for him was clear in the picture. Bryan¡¯s back was the only part of him visible, but Eileen recognized it immediately.

    Ste¡¯s apanying message was dripping with insinuation. ¡°Even if he loves you, he¡¯s pragmatic enough to seek a strategic marriage. He clearly knows who¡¯ll be able to help him.¡±

    Ste¡¯s message was clearly intended to stir trouble.

    Eileen couldn¡¯t help butugh. It was clear Ste was out of options with Bryan and was now resorting to petty tactics.

    Replying to the message seemed pointless, yet ignoring it felt like conceding to her satisfaction and victory.

    Eileen texted back sharply, ¡°Have you forgotten why you asked me to stay away from Bryan?¡±

    After that, Ste did not respond to her message.

    Eileen was concerned that getting entangled in the Freguson family¡¯s internal conflicts could spell trouble for Bryan.

    Thus, even if Bryan were to enter into a marriage for strategic reasons, he would not choose the Freguson family.

    After their meal, several executives returned to thepany for a meeting, while Julio headed directly to the Freguson family estate.

    Eileen and Benjamin, on the other hand, stopped by a nearby coffee shop to order afternoon tea, arranging for it to be delivered to the Freguson Group offices at three o¡¯clock.

    Meanwhile, Bryan continued his conversation with Benita.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, I can¡¯t hand over the item without your agreement to my conditions,¡± Benita stated, her sh drive fashioned as a ring, which she twirled on her finger in front of Bryan.

    Bryan¡¯s expression grew impatient. ¡°I haven¡¯t outlined your terms. How can I agree to them?¡±

    ¡°It certainly doesn¡¯t involve marrying,¡± Benita said with a smile, noticing his impatience. She paused, then added, ¡°I¡¯d like you to address the internal conflicts within my family.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s absurd,¡± Bryan responded curtly.

    Unfazed by his reaction, Benita pressed on, ¡°My parents are preparing to retaliate, starting with Eileen. Instead of aiding in resolving the internal family conflicts, you¡¯re actually shielding Eileen and handling my parents.¡±

    After finishing her exnation, Benita removed the ring from her finger and handed it to Bryan. ¡°This contains a recording. I overheard them nning to target Eileen, though I¡¯m not sure of their exact strategy.¡±

    Bryan took a moment to look at the ring now in his hand. His features tightened, reflecting his tension. Abruptly, he stood and walked away.

    Given Benita¡¯s willingness to part with the ring, Bryan concluded there must be truth to her ims.

    Watching Bryan hastily leave, Benita nonchntly resumed her meal.

    She worried that Bryan¡¯s efforts to quell the discord within the Freguson family might provoke him to dismantle it entirely. If that were to happen, she would lose her luxury.

    Benita acknowledged her inability to sway Bryan¡¯s decisions, so she refrained from dwelling on the issue.

    Her main aim, however, was to ensure that Bryan harbored resentment towards her parents, and that objective seemed to have been met.

    The streets were quiet at noon, allowing Bryan¡¯s understated luxury car to weave through traffic effortlessly. He tried calling Eileen multiple times, but received no response.

    Visibly frustrated, he pressed the elerator harder, the veins in his hand throbbing against the steering wheel.

    Ten minutester, Bryan reached the Freguson Group building.

    Just as he was About to park, he spotted Eileen¡¯s car exiting the underground garage.

    An SUV parked nearby immediately started and began tailing Eileen¡¯s car. They headed in the opposite direction of Bryan¡¯s route. By the time Bryan managed to turn around, they were already far ahead.

    Bryan attempted to call Eileen repeatedly. Inside her car, the phone continued to ring. Eileen nced at it, frowned, and chose not to answer.

    Ten minutes earlier, Eileen had received a call from Josue, informing her that Gabri was running a fever. Josue had taken Ruby and Gabri to the hospital.

    Since Gabri¡¯s birth, this was the first time she had fallen ill. Eileen was so overwhelmed with worry that she found herself unable to answer her phone.

    Her bagy open next to her, the zipper undone. She noticed repeated calls from Bryan on her phone screen and sensed that something was amiss.

    While driving, she reached for her phone just as the SUV surged from behind on her left, gaining speed as it neared her car. As she approached the sea-crossing bridge, it seemed the SUV was trying to force her car off the bridge in a dangerous maneuver.

    Reacting quickly, Eileen pulled her hand back from her phone and hit the brakes, only to see the other vehicle also reduce its speed. It was a clear indication they were anticipating her move.

    Determined, she mmed the brakes and then elerated sharply, trying to provoke the following SUV into rear-ending her. For a moment, there were no other vehicles close behind her or the SUV.

    The SUV¡¯s driver revved the engine loudly and sped up, ramming into her car with such force that Eileen¡¯s fingers whitened around the steering wheel, nearly causing her to lose control of the vehicle.

    Amidst the chaos, thoughts of Gabri shed through Eileen¡¯s mind, tightening her throat to the point where she found it hard to even make a sound, much less speak.

    The ringing phone in the car suddenly stopped.

    Eileen dared not halt her car. If she were to stop, the SUV might rush over and knock her off the bridge.

    Choosing not to stop felt like a gamble, a desperate chase for a sliver of hope on the bridge.

    The SUV¡¯s driver seemed determined not to give her a chance to survive. After gaining some distance, he swerved his vehicle sharply and aimed it directly at Eileen¡¯s car.

    Eileen had no way to avoid the oing SUV.

    Her eyes fixed on the vehicle as it charged towards her. She felt her heart sink, and despair began to cloud her vision.

    Out of nowhere, a discreet yet luxurious car appeared. It collided with the SUV, diverting it from its path towards Eileen.

    The impact was tremendous. The SUV flipped over, skidded across the road, and its front end waspletely destroyed, scattering debris everywhere.

    Finally, the SUV came to a halt against a pir, and ck smoke started to billow from it.

    Eileen mmed on her brakes. The screech of the tires echoed loudly, leaving a long ck streak on the pavement.

    She jumped out of her car and ran towards Bryan¡¯s vehicle in a panic. As she approached, she saw the car door open, and Bryan stepped out. He managed to get one foot on the ground but copsed before he could fully exit the car.

    Hey on the ground with blood seeping from his forehead. It covered half of his face but didn¡¯t obscure his gaze.

    In his gaze, he saw Eileen running towards him, unharmed. She knelt beside him, but hesitated to touch him as tears fell continuously.

    ¡°Bryan, are you¡ª¡± Her voice broke. ¡°Don¡¯t sleep; keep your eyes open and look at me,¡± she pleaded.

    Eileen positioned herself within his line of sight. She noticed his eyes flicker slightly, signaling he was still conscious.

    ¡°Call an ambnce! Please call an ambnce!¡± She shouted, her voice trembling as she called out to bystanders, her emotions spiraling out of control.

    Due to the car ident that had just urred, an ambnce had already been summoned. It arrived within five to six minutes.

    Half an hourter, at the hospital, outside the emergency room, Eileen sat on the floor in a corner. Her mind was in turmoil, and she could not recall how she had gotten to the hospital.

    She only remembered that Bryan¡¯s hand was very cold, despite it being early autumn and the temperature still warm.

    Now, Eileen was breaking out in a cold sweat.

    She was so overwhelmed that she couldn¡¯t even think about Gabri. Josue, having learned of Bryan¡¯s ident, hurried from the pediatric department to the emergency room.

    When he found Eileen sitting on the floor, disheveled, with her eyes red and swollen from crying, and her expression numb, he was taken aback.

    In his memory, Eileen had always been sharp and capable, strong and resilient, even during her pregnancy. However¡­

    ¡°I just spoke with the emergency doctor from the ambnce,¡± Josue began to exin calmly. ¡°Bryan has a head wound, which is why there¡¯s so much blood. They didn¡¯t find any life-threatening injuries during the initial check at the scene. Thea is likely due to the impact force, possibly a concussion. Try not to worry too much; he should be okay.¡±

    Josue had barely finished speaking when Eileen suddenly reached out, gripping his arm. ¡°I haven¡¯t told him that Gabri is his daughter. I should have told him earlier, but I forgot. I can¡¯t even remember what I said just now.¡±

    He opened his mouth but hesitated, unsure how to offerfort as her tears began to fall once more.

    ¡°Just now, when he swerved to deflect the SUV from me, it happened so quickly that I didn¡¯t even react. If I had just slowed the car down a bit, he might not have crashed into the pir.¡±

    Eileen continued, her voiceden with regret, ¡°If I hadn¡¯t been rushing to the hospital and had answered his call, maybe this ident could have been avoided. He wouldn¡¯t have had to risk himself to save me¡ª¡±

    ¡°Eileen!¡± Ste shouted, her voice full of anger and hatred. She was approaching with hurried footsteps from the end of the corridor.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 341

    ?Chapter 341:

    Ste, frail and aging, leaned heavily on her two helpers, each step a cautious shuffle. She red at Eileen with an intensity that seemed to cut through the air between them.

    Sensing the growing tension in the room, Josue swiftly rose from his seat and intercepted Ste before things could escte further.

    ¡°Mrs. Dawson, it¡¯s been too long. It seems trouble always follows when we meet¡ªmust be some sort of bad luck charm,¡± Josue said with a forced lightness. ¡°Please, take a seat here and let¡¯s wait for the news. The doctor said Bryan is fine.¡±

    Josue guided Ste to a nearby bench, practically pulling her down onto it. Stecked the strength to resist his firm grasp, and as soon as she was seated, she turned to him sharply.

    ¡°Josue Payne, let me go. I just want to ask Eileen if she¡¯ll only be satisfied once Bryan dies in front of her.¡±

    Josue stood his ground, his eyes fixed on Eileen, who stood with an air of defiance. ¡°Whether you want to believe it or not, if Bryan were to copse right now, it wouldn¡¯t be you struggling to cope, but her. And if Bryan were to sacrifice himself for her, he¡¯d do it willingly!¡±

    Josue¡¯s words cut through Ste, leaving her at a loss for words.

    ¡°So, she¡¯s entirely wrong. If you can¡¯t even manage your own grandson, why create problems for others?¡±

    Josue bent down slightly, cing a hand gently on Ste¡¯s back, cautious of her escting temper.

    M¦Òr¦Å ¦Ôpd¦Á§äes ¦Én G¦Áln¦Ò¦Íels.c¦Òm

    Eileen turned away, unmoved by Ste¡¯s fury. Her gaze remained fixed on the red light in the top right corner of the waiting room, her thoughts consumed solely by Bryan.

    Then, the doors to the operating room swung open, and Bryan emerged, unsteady on his feet.

    His white shirt was marred with bloodstains, hisplexion pale, and a portion of his hair on the right side had been shaved and was now wrapped in bandages. He looked a stark contrast to his usual lively and handsome self.

    His eyes flickered,nding on Eileen, who was struggling to rise from the floor.

    Dizzy from crying, Eileen rushed toward him and threw herself into his arms.

    His body swayed slightly, prompting the attending medical staff to step forward quickly and offer their support.

    Once steady, they retreated, and Bryan moved closer to Ste, who had also risen and moved toward him.

    ¡°Madam, Mr. Dawson is stable,¡± the doctor exined.

    ¡°However, his left palm is severely shattered, with the bones fragmented, which will limit his hand¡¯s mobility. He has also sustained a serious head injury with significant blood loss and a mild concussion¡± the doctor exined earnestly.

    Eileen ignored the doctor¡¯s words, pressing her face against Bryan¡¯s chest,forted by the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

    ¡°Look at him, still strong enough to hold onto a woman. He¡¯s fine,¡± Josue remarked, his voice carrying a hint of relief.

    As he saw Ste trying to separate Eileen and Bryan, he quickly stepped in, gently taking hold of Ste¡¯s arm to defuse the situation. ¡°Come on now, with a grandson like him, if you step back and let things be, he might just give you two grandkids in three years. But remember, no interfering.¡±

    Reluctantly acknowledging Josue¡¯s support for Eileen, Ste stepped back to listen to the doctor.

    Eileen loosened her grip on Bryan¡¯s hand, lifting her head to look at his pale face. She leaned in, softly pressing her lips against his.

    Pulling back slightly, she asked, ¡°Does it hurt?¡±

    ¡°Not physically, but seeing you cry hurts my heart,¡± he replied, his fingers gently tangling in her hair. He leaned down to kiss her again, their noses touching tenderly.

    After the car ident, Bryan was dazed. One singr thought dominated his mind ¨C even if he had just one breath remaining, he had to extricate himself from the vehicle and make sure Eileen saw that he was still alive.

    As the wound on his head was being stitched up, Bryan slowly regained consciousness. Impatient with the nurses¡¯ slow pace, he turned over, got off the operating table, and walked out on his own.

    With a faint grin, he muttered, ¡°I must really be getting old¡­ I almost didn¡¯t make it. Thank goodness you¡¯re here.¡±

    Then, leaning against the wall, he tightly held onto Eileen.

    ¡°We can¡¯t afford to waste any more time. How many more seven years must we let slip by? How many years do we have left to spend together?¡±

    He had let seven years pass by, but he was grateful that she had been by his side during those years, instead of with other men.

    Almost a year had passed in the blink of an eye since their wedding had been called off.

    ¡°Okay¡­¡± At Eileen¡¯s words, Bryan suddenly chuckled, his body slowly sinking. His eyelids grew heavy, unable to stay open as he watched her panic and call for the doctor.

    Weakened by blood loss, he slipped into unconsciousness, needing at least two weeks to recover before leaving the hospital.

    Upon being discharged, he still had months of recovery ahead to fully recuperate.

    In the VIP ward, Eileen finally understood the gravity of the situation from the doctor¡¯s exnations.

    She was thankful to Josue, who had managed to convince Ste to leave, allowing them some privacy.

    Alone in the ward with Bryan, she gently removed his blood-stained shirt, noticing the heavy bandages on his left hand.

    Recalling Bryan¡¯s unexpectedly firm hold on her moments earlier and noticing the bruises on his body, likely from the crash, she thought it might be causing him noticeable difort when he embraced her.

    She fetched a basin of warm water and carefully cleansed his face of the remaining blood, then moved to his neck and chest.

    Once finished, she helped him change into a fresh patient gown with the nurse¡¯s assistance.

    By the time she was done, darkness hadpletely fallen outside.

    Suddenly, hurried footsteps broke the silence of the corridor, and the ward door swung open.

    ¡°Eileen?¡±

    Bailee and Ruby burst in, their eyes showing signs of tears.

    Relieved to find Eileen unharmed, they let out a collective sigh of relief.

    But their faces reflected a mix of emotions as they looked at Bryan in the hospital bed.

    Ruby stared at Eileen and Bryan¡¯s hands intertwined, her expression filled withplex emotions.

    Eileen spoke softly, her head bowed slightly. ¡°I know you were worried about me, but¡­¡±

    ¡°I get it.¡± Seeing Eileen tear up, Ruby rushed to her side, saying earnestly, ¡°I respect your decision. As for him, I won¡¯tment.¡±

    The hospital room was quiet, except for Bryan¡¯s gentle breathing.

    After a brief moment, Eileen remembered their sick child.

    Releasing Bryan¡¯s hand gently, Eileen crossed the room and asked urgently, ¡°How¡¯s Gabri? What did the doctor say? Where is she right now?¡±

    Rubyforted Eileen with a reassuring pat on her back. ¡°Hey, don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s nothing serious. The doctor gave her some medicine, and her fever has gone down. Josue and Kylie are looking after her at home with Milford. They¡¯ve got it all covered.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll stay here at the hospital. Just keep an eye on her for me. Call me right away if anythinges up.¡±

    Eileen felt a pang of concern, realizing she might not see Gabri for at least a week.

    Bailee nced at the bed, her voice soft. ¡°Eileen, aren¡¯t you going to tell him about Gabri?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll wait until he¡¯s discharged from the hospital.¡± Eileen was determined to tell Bryan about Gabri when the time was right. She knew revealing it now might distract him from recovering properly.

    ¡°Alright, you take care of him here, and I¡¯ll handle Gabri,¡± Bailee said, giving Eileen¡¯s arm a reassuring pat. ¡°And do you want me to bring you a nutritious meal every day?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely!¡± Ruby eximed, her voice firm. ¡°Tomorrow morning, I¡¯ll go out and grab some bones for soup. If you¡¯re free around noon, swing by and pick them up. If not, Josue can handle it.¡±

    Bailee let out a sigh and gave Eileen a sympathetic smile. ¡°Mom¡¯s right. That¡¯s what I meant.¡±

    Eileen foundfort in their words.

    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte now. You both should head back and rest. Stay safe.¡±

    Bailee, having been practicing her driving skills, was now able to manage on her own, making it easier for her to get aroundte at night.

    After seeing them off, Eileen sat down by Bryan¡¯s hospital bed, deep in thought.

    Eventually, she stood up and walked over to the window, pulling out her phone to call Julio.

    As soon as the call connected, Julio jumped in, ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for your call. The traffic ident was determined to be an intentional attempt on your life by the SUV¡¯s owner. He confessed but said he mistook the target. However, his personal ount received 500,000, transferred under Kaysen¡¯s name.¡±

    Kaysen thought he had it all figured out, believing he was untouchable.

    He wanted everyone to know that he couldn¡¯t be messed with.

    But then the 500,000 went down the drain, and Eileen emerged unscathed.

    No¡­ it wasn¡¯t just wasted; it brought real disaster.

    ¡°I¡¯m going after the Ferguson Group,¡± Eileen stated firmly, her voice cold.

    Julio sighed heavily. ¡°The Ferguson Group is finally getting back on track. This chaos will set them back again. But since you work for me, go ahead and do it. Just don¡¯t bankrupt me. I¡¯m willing to ept it, even though I¡¯ve brought this trouble upon myself.¡±

    Eileen paused, then asked in surprise, ¡°Did you anticipate that I would take this step?¡±

    Julio chuckled softly. ¡°Dawson has gone above and beyond for you, even risking his life now. If you don¡¯t act, won¡¯t it bother you?¡±

    Now, Eileen relied on Julio and the Ferguson Group more than ever. She needed to keep Julio informed, but it was just a heads-up; even if Julio didn¡¯t agree, Eileen knew she had ways to persuade him.

    Early in the morning, Bryan developed a fever. Eileen hurriedly called the nurse, who quickly administered a fever-reducing injection.

    ¡°Why did he get a fever?¡± Eileen asked anxiously. ¡°Could there be an undetected issue with his injuries?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s normal after such trauma and blood loss,¡± the nurse exined.

    Eileen frowned, concerned. ¡°We knew this was likely, so why didn¡¯t we prevent it? Could it worsen his concussion?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 342

    ?Chapter 342:

    The nurse looked at her with surprise, then reassured her, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s normal to have a fever after an injury and significant blood loss.¡±

    Eileen didn¡¯t fully understand. She was worried that the fever might make Bryan¡¯s condition worse and was also concerned about how ufortable he must feel with the fever. Even if he remained unconscious, he could still be experiencing a lot of pain.

    After the nurse left, Eileen couldn¡¯t bring herself to sleep. She vigntly checked to see if Bryan¡¯s fever was decreasing. By early morning, the sky began to lighten, and she realized she had stayed awake the entire night. Her eyes were sore, but she didn¡¯t feel overly tired.

    Her main concern was that Bryan hadn¡¯t awakened at all.

    She called the nurse again, who conducted another examination.

    ¡°He¡¯s just exhausted and needs more sleep. You should use this time to freshen up and eat something. When he awakens, you¡¯ll need the energy to look after him.¡±

    The nurse could see her exhaustion and concern.

    Eileen thanked the nurse and saw her out.

    Despite not eating much the previous day due to issues with Ste and skipping dinner, she didn¡¯t feel hungry.

    Resting her chin on her hand, she leaned over the bed, gazing at Bryan¡¯s profile.

    L?t?st ?h??pt?rs ¦Én g??lnov§Ö???.??????

    Truth be told, no matter how attractive someone was, bandages could diminish their appearance. They even made Bryan look a bit less handsome.

    As morning arrived, sunlight filled the room, and a breeze gently fluttered through the window, dispersing the smell of disinfectant. The breeze caused Bryan¡¯s long eyshes to flutter slightly. His eyebrows furrowed unconsciously, and in the next moment, he opened his eyes.

    ¡°Bryan?¡± Eileen quickly stood, poured a ss of warm water, and inserted a straw into it. ¡°You had a feverst night, and the doctor said you¡¯d likely have a dry throat when you woke up. Drinking some water should help.¡± She positioned the straw at his lips. He shifted slightly, his lips parting to take the straw.

    The contours of his jawline were striking, and his Adam¡¯s apple bobbed as he drank. Even with half his face covered, the visible portion was still quite appealing.

    Eileen found herself momentarily distracted. It wasn¡¯t until she heard the soft slurping sound that she realized he had finished the water.

    She refilled the ss, and he drank it down in less than ten seconds.

    He cleared his throat and said, his voice raspy, ¡°You didn¡¯t leave?¡±

    ¡°Where would I go?¡± Eileen set down the ss and had just sat back down when he lifted his arm, his hand cradling her cheek. His fingertips tenderly traced her eyebrows, nose, and lips.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Bryan suddenly parted his lips, a slight smile ying at the corners of his mouth as he asked the question.

    Eileen was startled. Her clear eyes blinked a few times. Was he pretending to have amnesia? ¡°Who do you think I am?¡±

    She decided to y along and said, ¡°You tell me. Who do I look like?¡±

    ¡°Like the mother of my future child,¡± Bryan answered bluntly.

    A future child? They already had one. However, Eileen chose to remain silent about this for now.

    ¡°Answer my question. Who are you?¡± Bryan asked again.

    Eileen was stunned. Was he still pretending? Did the concussion affect his thinking? He kept repeating the same question.

    Her eyebrows lifted slightly, and she said cautiously, ¡°I am Eileen Curtis.¡±

    He shook his head but identally pulled at his wound, wincing in pain. ¡°No, try again.¡±

    Seeing his difort, she became rmed. ¡°I can be anyone; please stop shaking your head.¡±

    Bryan squeezed his eyes shut in pain, sweat dripping from his forehead. He struggled to grasp her chin, but despite his trembling fingers, she could barely feel his grip.

    ¡°Answer me, who are you?¡±

    Eileen, growing frustrated, grabbed his hand and said sharply, ¡°I am your mother! Are you happy now?¡±

    Bryan couldn¡¯t suppress augh, though it made his whole body ache.

    ¡°Idiot!¡± he scolded. ¡°You are Mrs. Dawson. If you get it wrong again, I¡¯ll have to punish you.¡±

    Eileen hadn¡¯t anticipated that when he woke up, he wouldn¡¯t cry out in pain or express hunger, but instead, he would begin with such yful banter.

    She settled into her seat, gently grasped his hand, and said, ¡°Okay, I¡¯m Mrs. Dawson now. Let me ask you¡ªare you hungry? Would you like something to eat?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not very hungry, but I¡¯ll eat something. You should have some food too,¡± Bryan said, his smile unwavering.

    His gaze stayed on her, his mind, heart, and words focused entirely on her.

    ¡°You might not feel hungry, but you should eat. Your body needs to heal, and for that, it needs nutrients.¡± Eileen looked down at their intertwined hands, realizing she couldn¡¯t go out to get breakfast.

    She decided to call Dalores and asked her to bring breakfast from Nero¡¯s. The ce was only a ten-minute drive from Freguson Group, making it easy for Dalores to run this errand.

    ¡°I need at least enough strength to kiss you,¡± Bryan said earnestly.

    She had been by his side, watching over him all night, yet he hadn¡¯t awakened.

    Bryan made a point of eating nutritiously during each meal to recover his strength and vitality. If he needed to sleep when she was present, it would squander their precious time together.

    As Bryan was lost in thought, a warm, soft sensation brushed against his lips. Eileen¡¯s hair tickled his face.

    Her lips carried a subtle scent of lipstick, which he inhaled deeply, feeling unsatisfied even after their brief kiss ended.

    ¡°Kissing doesn¡¯t help you get stronger. Just let me lead, focus on getting better first, and everything else can wait until you¡¯re out of the woods,¡± Eileen said softly.

    Her cheeks flushed as the sunlight streaming through the window highlighted her delicate, pink earlobes.

    She worried that Bryan might not recover well here, and once he found out about Gabri back home, he would obsessively watch over her, disrupting his rest.

    Bryan, however, had a mischievous idea. He nced at the hospital bed, which was not nearly as cozy as their double bed at home. He pondered if it could endure for long.

    ¡°Last time you mentioned that once your role at Freguson Group was secure, you wanted to discuss something with me. What was it?¡± Bryan asked quietly.

    Eileen responded, ¡°I¡¯ll tell you once you¡¯re discharged, so make sure you take good care of yourself. I¡¯ll only tell you after you¡¯ve fully recovered.¡±

    ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll talk about it after I¡¯m discharged then,¡± Bryan said, shifting to ce his hand on her shoulder.

    ¡°I want to hug you.¡±

    Eileen slipped off her shoes andy beside him, resting her head on his chest, attuned to his slightlybored breathing. She kissed his chin and said, ¡°The doctor mentioned that the anesthesia from your head surgery has worn off, it¡¯s going to be quite painful, Should I get you same painkillers?¡¯

    Bryan, his eyes half-closed, refused. ¡°No need. I can handle it. Painkillers might interfere with the healing process.¡±

    ¡°It won¡¯t impact it much. If the healing takes a month, with painkillers, it might take forty days at most. The main issue is the pain being too severe,¡± Eileen exined. ¡°As for work, let Josue take over for now. You shouldn¡¯t work for at least a month.¡±

    He slightly opened his eyes, nced at her, and said, ¡°Holding you, I feel no pain. If you kiss me every five minutes, it will hurt even less.¡±

    Eileen was at a loss for words.

    She didn¡¯t understand his aversion to painkillers, but she couldn¡¯t stand seeing him suffer.

    After breakfast, she nned to give him some medication with his anti-inmmatory drugs.

    Unexpectedly, the breakfast she had expected to arrive in thirty minutes took nearly two hours.

    Dalores arrived out of breath, with mud stains on her clothes. By then, Eileen had already gotten out of bed, knowing Bryan was weak. They remained silent, just quietly looking at each other.

    Dalores burst in, her eyes slightly red, prompting Eileen to sense that something was wrong.

    Eileen stood,id out the breakfast on the table, and adjusted the bed so Bryan could eat.

    Then she led Dalores out of the room and asked, ¡°Did you run here?¡±

    ¡°No, I took a taxi. I¡¯m sorry, there was a dy on the road,¡± Dalores answered, wringing her hands, her expression filled with guilt and distraction.

    ¡°Tell me what really happened.¡± Eileen could tell something was troubling Dalores.

    Encouraged by Eileen¡¯s question, tears immediately began to fall from Dalores¡¯s eyes.

    Dalores had received Eileen¡¯s call and had gone straight to a breakfast restaurant near the Ferguson Group building to get their food. Unexpectedly, she had seen Julio there with a woman.

    The two of them appeared to be on a date, and the woman resembled ady from a prominent family, exuding beauty and grace.

    During this encounter, Julio behaved like apletely different person, very gentlemanly and kind in front of the woman. He reminded Dalores of the Julio she once knew.

    For a moment, Dalores wondered if the harsh Julio who had mistreated her might have a split personality. She remained there, captivated by the sight of Julio, until the woman noticed her and seemingly whispered something to him.

    Turning his head, Julio finally saw Dalores, who had been watching them for quite some time.

    Julio gazed at her for a few moments, then subtly lifted the corner of his mouth, motioning for her toe over with a wave of his hand.

    Reluctantly, Dalores approached and stood beside their table. ¡°Julio¡­¡± Dalores called out, her voice hopeful, sensing some familiarity in Julio¡¯s gaze.

    Unexpectedly, Julio introduced her, ¡°Miss Harrison, this is an underprivileged student I sponsored ten years ago.¡±

    ¡°An underprivileged student?¡± Mabel asked, her tone skeptical. ¡°She doesn¡¯t really look the part.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, she doesn¡¯t appear as expected,¡± Julio replied. ¡°Perhaps because of my long-term support, she¡¯s developed ambitious aspirations, aiming to climb the socialdder, often scowling at me.¡±

    Julio¡¯s smile was mocking, and as he turned away, the warmth in his eyes disappeared. He looked at Dalores and asked, ¡°Did you follow me here? You¡¯ve got some nerve.¡±

    Mabel¡¯s eyes roamed over Dalores, finally pausing on her chest. Sheughed openly and said, ¡°She does have her charms. Why not give it a shot?¡±

    ¡°How could I?¡± Julio responded seriously, his tone carrying an edge of difort. ¡°With you here, I wouldn¡¯t dare.¡±

    ¡°In reality, I¡¯m quite liberal-minded,¡± Mabel remarked, subtly hinting at her more rxed views. ¡°I don¡¯t find these things bothersome. Considering we¡¯re both single, a few flings before marriage aren¡¯t such a big deal.¡±

    Julio shrugged and replied, ¡°I don¡¯t mind either. But her¡­ I wouldn¡¯t dare get involved with her. She¡¯s trouble.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 343

    ?Chapter 343:

    As they spoke, Dalores bit her lower lip, her face flushing with embarrassment. Being the subject of their ridicule was the ultimate humiliation.

    ¡°Julio, have you lost your mind?¡± She grabbed a ss of water from the table and threw it at Julio, hitting him in the face. His short hair became drenched, and the water trickled down his cheeks and onto his shirt.

    His hand, which had been casually resting at his side, clenched into a fist. His face, once filled withughter just moments ago, now darkened.

    ¡°She¡¯s pretty short-tempered, huh? No wonder you¡¯re not into her,¡± Mabelmented casually.

    Dalores, feeling humiliated by Julio¡¯s treatment, didn¡¯t direct her anger at Mabel. After all, she didn¡¯t even know the woman, and the real source of her frustration was Julio.

    Without another word, Dalores turned and left, leaving the breakfast behind. Since the light porridge would take another ten minutes to prepare, she waited by the entrance.

    Once the food was ready, Julio and Mabel walked out of the restaurant, just as the drizzle started again. He opened an umbre, shielding Mabel from the rain while leaving himself partially exposed.

    Dalores, without an umbre, watched them disappear into the distance before braving the rain to hail a taxi.

    Fortunately, the rain soon stopped, but as a luxury car sped by, it sshed dirty water from the road, soaking Dalores.

    In the car¡¯s left-side mirror, Dalores caught a glimpse of Mabel¡¯s smile and half of Julio¡¯s face.

    Updates loaded at g??????¦Òv????s.co??

    That was why Dalores waste.

    ¡°The Group is facing some troubles. Julio is now desperately seeking a woman of matching family status for a marriage alliance¡­¡± Eileen began to exin but couldn¡¯t finish.

    She couldn¡¯tprehend Ste¡¯s cold demeanor, nor her single-minded focus on power and wealth. But Julio, too, was in the same predicament. What could she exin? How was she supposed to make Dalores ept this harsh reality?

    ¡°I¡¯m not very familiar with high society, but I truly understand the gap between me and the wealthy. I genuinely care for him as a person, and I refuse to believe he doesn¡¯t feel the same way about me,¡± Dalores said, her voice quivering.

    Tears streamed down her cheeks, a mixture of disbelief and hope swelling inside her. Could Julio possibly have feelings for her, despite all the pain and humiliation she had endured?

    After dabbing at her tears, she asked, ¡°Ms. Curtis, do you think there¡¯s a possibility that he cares for me, but he¡¯s dating other women because of pressure from his family?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s lips moved silently, but no words came forth. Should Dalores continue to hope, or face the harsh reality that she and Julio were ipatible?

    Eileen was unsettled by Julio¡¯s unyielding rationality. He was a man who had endured nearly a decade of following his own mind.

    ¡°Maybe you should speak openly with him and make a decision that¡¯s make-or-break,¡± Eileen suggested quietly.

    Eileen suggested, unable to decipher theplexities between Dalores and Julio, leaving Dalores to gather the courage to confront Julio head-on.

    Dalores fell silent for a moment, then nodded. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    After bidding farewell to Dalores, Eileen returned to the hospital room to find Bryan, who hadn¡¯t eaten and was engrossed in texting. Upon her arrival, he quickly put his phone away. Then, on second thought, he handed her the phone, saying, ¡°No worries, it¡¯s just Raymond trying to reach me.¡±

    Eileen replied, gently pushing the phone away.

    Frowning, he offered the phone once again. ¡°You should exercise your right to check up on me. Only then can I be free of guilt.¡±

    Eileen studied him briefly before epting the phone, casually scrolling through it with a smile on her face.

    Setting the phone aside, she sat down beside him. ¡°The food is cold now; you didn¡¯t have to wait.¡±

    Bryan confessed, ¡°I was actually waiting for you to feed me.¡±

    Eileen nced down at his perfectly functional right hand. ¡°You can eat with your right hand,¡± she remarked.

    Bryan raised his right hand, clenching and unclenching it before nodding seriously. ¡°Indeed, while you feed me, I can feed you,¡± he said.

    With that, he picked up a pancake and held it to Eileen¡¯s mouth. ¡°Here, open up.¡±

    Eileen epted the pancake cautiously. Bryan then grabbed another one and yfully extended it to her. ¡°It¡¯s your turn to feed me now.¡±

    By that morning, Eileen had already grown ustomed to his yful behavior, and the two of them finished breakfast. She discreetly added painkillers to his anti-inmmatory medication.

    With the pain eased by the medication, Eileen nestled into his embrace, and soon they both drifted off to sleep.

    At noon, Bailee arrived with soup. Upon seeing them asleep, she silently ced the soup on the table and left quietly.

    At Freguson Group, without Eileen present, Dalores could have easily gone home directly. However, after delivering breakfast to Eileen, she decided to return to the office.

    Upon hearing that Julio had arrived, she wasted no time and headed straight to his office. Finding it empty, she assumed Julio hadn¡¯t returned yet. As she turned to leave, she heard the faint sound of running water from the nearby lounge. The door was slightly ajar, and dim light flickered inside¡ªJulio must have been taking a shower.

    So, she stood at the office door, waiting. After about ten minutes, Julio emerged, freshly showered and dressed in a suit.

    Spotting Dalores in his office, Julio paused briefly before striding purposefully to his desk and taking a seat.

    ¡°Who gave you permission to enter my office?¡±

    ¡°I need to speak with you, Dalores,¡± Julio said, taking a few steps forward while keeping a safe distance.

    Julio kept his head down, simply replying, ¡°Go on.¡±

    Dalores gripped the edge of her garment tightly as she spoke with restrained emotion. ¡°I admit, I like you, but my feelings have nothing to do with your money. So, I don¡¯t want to hear you say things like you did today again. If you find me annoying, I¡¯ll keep my distance.¡±

    She looked at Julio with a pained expression, her hand trembling at her side.

    Julio remained impassive for a moment before responding, ¡°Keep your distance? Then why are you here now? Just to say these words?¡±

    Dalores¡¯ voice faltered, her throat tightening. After a long pause, she gathered her courage to ask, ¡°I believe you have feelings for me. Are you distancing yourself because of circumstances? You can tell me honestly.¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Julio cut her off abruptly, standing from his chair and causing Dalores to step back in surprise.

    But instead of approaching her, Julio leaned against the desk, idly ying with a pen between his slender fingers.

    ¡°Whether I like you or not is not a question that needs answering. If it brings you happiness to think I do, then think so. But let me be clear: I¡¯m not ying games with you, nor am I interested in tragic dramas. The woman I marry will be someone like Mabel, from a wealthy background¡­¡±

    Dalores bit her lip forcefully, tasting the metallic tang of blood. She stared at Julio, whose words crushed her heart with his closed-off demeanor.

    ¡°The pain I caused you before was to push you away from me. I didn¡¯t expect you to end up working as Eileen¡¯s secretary at Ferguson Group. It¡¯s because you¡¯re now entangled with us that I allowed your stay. Under her wing, she will protect you. Once this storm passes, you can leave.¡±

    Julio¡¯s tone remained indifferent, his gaze lingering on Dalores before adding, ¡°I can offer you a sum of money.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want any of it!¡± Dalores suddenly became emotionally agitated, but quickly regained herposure. ¡°Since I¡¯m already working for Ms. Curtis, I¡¯ll do my job properly under her. I don¡¯t care about whatever is between you two; I just want to work peacefully and earn money. Since you¡¯ve said all this, remember, we have no rtionship anymore.¡±

    Julio fell silent upon hearing her words.

    He watched as Dalores wiped away her tears, discarded the tissue into the bin,posed herself, and turned to leave.

    The air still carried a hint of Dalores¡¯ fragrance. The pen in Julio¡¯s hand fell to the floor, his gaze vacant as he stared at the spot where she had just stood.

    His phone suddenly rang¡ªIt was Mabel calling.

    ¡°I¡¯ve agreed to what you mentioned. When can we arrange for our parents to meet and discuss our ns?¡±

    Julio picked up the pen, his tone steady. ¡°Meeting with me alone suffices. I¡¯ll make my own decision about marriage. We¡¯ll be engaged within seven days, married within two months, you can set any conditions, as long as they¡¯re reasonable.

    Yes, I¡¯ll begin arranging the engagement party.

    News of Julio¡¯s engagement spread quickly, coinciding with the third day of Bryan¡¯s hospitalization. Josue arrived with the news, along with soup prepared by Ruby. He wasted no time in sharing it.

    ¡°He invited you, but with your head injury looking so bad, I fear we can¡¯t attend,¡± Josue said, sounding somewhat pleased with the situation.

    Bryan, seated on the hospital bed, raised an eyebrow nonchntly. ¡°Let my dear Eileen represent me?¡±

    ¡°Dear Eileen?¡±

    Josue really wanted to swear, but he had to hold it in and retaliate differently.

    He retrieved his phone and showed Bryan a series of photos and videos of Gabri.

    ¡°My goddaughter wasn¡¯t feeling well a few days ago and wasn¡¯t up for ying, but she¡¯s better now. Look at her¡ª that chubby little face. Oh, she¡¯s so adorable,¡± Josue said.

    Eileen and Bryan paid little attention to Josue¡¯s rambling, their heads close together as they focused on Gabri on the phone.

    Some of the initial photos showed her with a fever patch on her head, her dark eyes charmingly gazing at the camera. Theter photos captured her when she was clearly unwell, being cradled and on the verge of tears, appearing quite pitiful.

    ¡°Why did she fall ill?¡± Bryan¡¯s heart ached, remembering how just days ago she was lively and yful in his arms.

    ¡°Where is the child¡¯s birth mother?¡± Bryan raised his eyes to Josue. ¡°Leaving the child with you, an inexperienced person, is such irresponsibility.¡±

    Josue looked at him, a hint of hurt in his expression, and murmured under his breath, ¡°She¡¯s taking care of you. If she were irresponsible, then you¡¯d still be unaware that you have a daughter.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m her godfather. I¡¯m d to take care of her. You have nothing to do with her, so why do you care where the child¡¯s mother is?¡± Josue retorted, proudly asserting his role as the godfather.

    Bryan fell silent for a moment before handing the phone back to Josue. Turning to Eileen, he said, ¡°Don¡¯t be jealous. We¡¯ll have our own childter.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 344

    ?Chapter 344:

    Josue¡¯s eyes sparkled with both pride and yful teasing as he joked, ¡°I doubt you could have a daughter as adorable as my goddaughter. She¡¯s the ultimate in cuteness¡ªabsolutely stunning, so precious, and her sweet little coo could melt even the toughest hearts!¡±

    ¡°Do you really think he couldn¡¯t have a baby that adorable?¡± Eileen asked, rolling her eyes as she caught on to Josue¡¯s increasing sarcasm.

    Seeing Bryan¡¯s expression darken instantly, she realized she needed to stop Josue¡¯s risky teasing. She quickly changed the subject. ¡°So, about Julio¡¯s engagement party¡ªare you going?¡±

    Noticing Eileen¡¯s cautionary look, Josue calmed down, saying, ¡°I¡¯ve been abroad for a while now, and I¡¯m not quite caught up with everyone. Plus, if he¡¯s not going, I¡¯d just feel out of ce. I might as well stay home and spend time with my goddaughter, right?¡±

    Hearing ¡°goddaughter¡± again made Eileen roll her eyes to the heavens. She felt uneasy about the moment Bryan would find out Gabri was his biological daughter, aware of the harshness he would unleash on Josue in retaliation.

    ¡°I¡¯m not very familiar with the Garrison family that Julio¡¯s fianc¨¦e is from,¡± she said, diverting the conversation again. She looked at Bryan, curiosity in her gaze. ¡°Do you know anything about them?¡±

    Bryan gave Josue a sharp nce before wrapping his arm around Eileen¡¯s waist, his hand pressing visibly against her.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know them either.¡±

    . is your storytelling hub

    He sat up straight, his body leaning close to Eileen. ¡°Josue knows them well. The Harrison family is influential in the south. They¡¯re nning to expand internationally once their business picks up. Z.J. Venture Capital is involved, and they¡¯ve just returned to stir things up in Onnd¡¯s business sector!¡±

    Then, raising his eyebrows as if challenging Josue, he whispered, ¡°Why don¡¯t you tell her yourself?¡±

    Josue rolled his eyes, annoyed at seeing them so close on the bed, embracing tightly.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll keep this brief. My goddaughter is waiting for me at home. I can only stay for ten minutes max.¡±

    The Harrison family had strong roots and nearly dominated the market in the south. Back then, Bryan had made his mark with a significant project in West Land, carving out arge share of the market for Apex Group. But at that time, Apex Group was still trailing behind the prestigious Harrison family.

    Now, Apex Group was falling apart.

    ¡°So, the Harrison family hasn¡¯t really had their time in the spotlight here in Onnd. It¡¯s all about the Ferguson family. Mabel and Julio getting engaged has really worked out for them. But I¡¯m curious about why Julio is in such a hurry to get engaged. Is there something I¡¯m missing?¡±

    Right after Josue finished speaking, everyone¡¯s eyes turned to Eileen simultaneously.

    From where Bryan was sitting, all he could notice were her curly eyshes casting shadows over her bright eyes. Her lips were slightly pursed, as if she was holding back her words.

    After a brief, tense silence, Eileen carefully removed Bryan¡¯s hand from her waist, got out of bed, and walked over to the fruit basket at the end of the bed. ¡°I¡¯m going to wash some fruit,¡± she said.

    If she decided to confront the Ferguson Group, the newly stabilized group would undoubtedly face a significant setback. Now, Julio was taking precautions, preparing for any potential blow.

    As Eileen¡¯s footsteps receded, Josue started teasing again.

    ¡°Bryan, she¡¯s hiding something from you. Can¡¯t you see it?¡±

    Bryan bowed his head, fiddling absentmindedly with the bandage wrapped around his left hand. His fingers, usually slim and wless, were now slightly swollen and puffy. ¡°Yeah, Eileen is plotting something against the Ferguson family without telling me. By the way, does your goddaughter speak yet? Do you think your wife is happy about you having a goddaughter? Oh, forget it. You¡¯ll be on your second marriage. Who knows if you¡¯ll even find someone else willing to marry you? Maybe you¡¯re right¡ªhaving a goddaughter isn¡¯t such a bad fallback n. You¡¯d better take good care of her. Who knows, if you don¡¯t have your own kids or if your future wife doesn¡¯te along, you might need to depend on your goddaughter to take care of you when you¡¯re old.¡±

    Josue could no longer force a smile.

    In terms of cruelty, Bryan was unmatched. And when it came to sarcasm, Bryan was without a rival¡ªhe was the ultimate king.

    How had he never noticed that Bryan could be so talkative?

    ¡°Bryan, your wound hasn¡¯t fully healed yet. Don¡¯t talk too much,¡± Josue said as he patted Bryan on the chest and tried to push him back down onto the bed.

    Bryan remained still. ¡°It¡¯s none of your concern. Eileen has been taking great care of metely. I¡¯m almost back to normal.¡±

    Despite his efforts, Josue couldn¡¯t get Bryan to lie back down. ¡°Seriously? Are you pretending? How the hell do you have so much energy if you¡¯re actually sick?¡±

    Bryan raised an eyebrow and tapped the bed frame with his right hand. ¡°I¡¯m not sitting up by myself. The bed is tilted. You tried to push me down, but the bed is designed to support sitting up, not lying down.¡±

    Josue was at a loss for words. He stepped back and noticed that the head of the bed was indeed adjusted to help Bryan sit up or lie down morefortably.

    ¡°When Julio¡¯s engagement partyes, I need you to go and watch over Eileen for me. I don¡¯t like the idea of her being there alone; it worries me,¡± Bryan said earnestly, making the request sound more like an order.

    He looked toward the ward door, noticing that Eileen hadn¡¯t returned yet.

    Despite Josue¡¯s earlier reluctance to attend, Bryan insisted. ¡°You don¡¯t have to do anything special, just stay close to her.¡±

    At this point, Bryan couldn¡¯t go. Fresh out of the hospital, he had a noticeable gash on his head and a bald patch that made him look vulnerable.

    He felt self-conscious, thinking it would take a month or two before he could face people again.

    ¡°So, you need my help?¡± Josue pulled a chair by its backrest, sat down, and looked at Bryan with a mischievous grin. ¡°Then answer me this: do you think my goddaughter is pretty?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s eyes flickered as he answered, ¡°Apart from Eileen, that baby is the most beautiful girl I¡¯ve ever seen.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 345

    ?Chapter 345:

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t count!¡± Josue was visibly upset. ¡°Just admit it¡ªare you jealous because I have such an adorable, smart, and beautiful goddaughter?¡±

    ¡°Why should I feel jealous?¡± Bryan replied, lifting his hand to pat Josue¡¯s shoulder reassuringly. ¡°I have Eileen now, and honestly, it would be better if I had a child with her. It¡¯s fine that you like that baby, but don¡¯t think everyone¡¯s envious. And with your temper, it¡¯s no wonder your wife left you.¡±

    His words cut through the air like a sharp de, striking Josue with a verbal jab that went straight to his heart!

    As Eileen opened the door, she immediately sensed something was off. Josue and Bryan were staring each other down, Josue with his jaw clenched tightly and a re directed at Bryan, who appeared unusually pleased with himself, almost smug.

    ¡°You are quite sharp-tongued, aren¡¯t you? Why didn¡¯t the car ident harm your tongue?¡± Suddenly, Josue stood up, hands on his hips, his face reddened with annoyance. His voice was so loud that it startled the nurses walking by in the corridor.

    Eileen slipped in, her lips curved into an apologetic smile as she quietly shut the door behind her. ¡°What¡¯s happening here? We¡¯re in a hospital; we need to keep the noise down.¡±

    She ced the fruit basket down and was about to calm Josue when Bryan raised his hand to stop her. ¡°He¡¯s just irritated by what I said. It¡¯s fair to let him vent a bit. Let him yell it out; it might help him calm down.¡±

    Bryan figured that if he didn¡¯t let Josue express his frustration, Josue might just break down crying from the buildup of emotions. In his head, Bryan sneered. How could Josue attempt such bald sarcasm right in front of him?

    ¡°Let¡¯s have some.¡± He picked up a grape and offered it to Eileen¡¯s lips.

    Fresh content live now g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s

    Eileen gently pressed the cool, damp grape to her lips, finding it refreshingly satisfying. She met Bryan¡¯s gaze and delicately bit into the fruit.

    She intended to subtly encourage Josue to leave after they finished the grapes to stop him from further provoking Bryan. But before she could say anything, Bryan picked a strawberry and held it out to her.

    It seemed Josue had enough sense to storm off in a huff. But perhaps unable to hold back his anger, Josue got home, set up a group chat, and invited both Eileen and Bryan to join.

    Then, in a burst of excitement, he flooded the group chat with numerous photos and videos of his goddaughter. Within minutes, the chat overflowed with his posts.

    Or maybe Josue knew that Eileen was busy taking care of Bryan at the hospital and missing her daughter, so he sent the photos and videos to cheer her up.

    Eileen, resting her feet on the bed¡¯s footboard, leaned in next to Bryan to look at the flood of photos and videos together.

    ¡°She¡¯s so cute. Nearly four months old now, and just look at her skin¡ªit¡¯s so soft. She¡¯s even prettier than when she was just born.¡±

    Gabri¡¯s beauty was bing more apparent as she grew. Her big, expressive eyes were especially captivating, drawing people in with their charm. Her lips, a bright cherry red, were often moist, giving them a natural gloss that enhanced their loveliness. Her arms were adorably chubby.

    The longer Eileen looked at the photos, the more she yearned to hold her baby close and shower her with kisses.

    ¡°How can you tell she¡¯s prettier now than as a newborn?¡± Bryan, deeply absorbed in the photos, was pulled back to reality by Eileen¡¯sment, puzzled.

    Eileen tensed up. She looked up to meet his gaze, the midday sun casting his face in a gentle light as he stood against the brightness. Her feelings were inly visible on her face for him to see.

    She eventually lowered her head and said, ¡°Josue has been sending me some pictures.¡±

    ¡°Does he always show them off to you?¡± Bryan sneered. Anyone familiar with Josue knew he had a goddaughter.

    After a brief pause, Eileen put away her phone, worried she might say something that would arouse his suspicions.

    ¡°Yes. Who wouldn¡¯t want to show off such a gorgeous baby girl?¡±

    She was sure that if she identally told Bryan that Gabri was his daughter, he¡¯d tear off his bandage and rush in instant.

    Her words stung Bryan deeply, piercing his heart like a thorn. He flinched, then quietly handed the strawberry to Eileen, his face stern. Yet, he turned on his phone and continued looking at the photos and videos Josue had sent.

    In the past few days, Ruby had been active, making soup to help Bryan, while Eileen took on the challenging role of looking after Gabri. Josue mentioned that Gabri had been quite troublesome at night. Normally, it was Eileen who calmed her down to sleep. So, Josue had called Eileen twice in the evening before bed, allowing Gabri to hear her mother¡¯s voice and fall asleep.

    After everything that had happened recently, Eileen was eager to leave the hospital and embrace her little girl. However, there was a problem¡ªBryan¡¯s head injury was not healing properly. Since the wound wasn¡¯t closing properly and asionally bled, the doctor gave it a thorough check.

    It turned out that Bryan¡¯s brain vessels were very fragile and significantly damaged, which hindered his recovery. The doctor suggested he stay a few more days in the hospital for monitoring before deciding when it would be safe for him to go home.

    Meanwhile, Eileen was given the chance to briefly go home, keen to attend Julio¡¯s engagement party.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back tomorrow,¡± she packed up her things and said to Bryan. ¡°You can eat by yourself and get out of bed on your own. Just make sure to keep an eye on that wound on your head. If you need anything, you can always call a nurse, right?¡±

    She had been missing from work recently, and Bryan thought she had important matters to handle. He reached out his hand, his voice showing hesitation, and asked, ¡°So, what time will you be back tomorrow morning?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 346

    ?Chapter 346:

    Bryan¡¯s eyes fixed on Eileen with intensity, reminiscent of Gabri¡¯s expectant gaze when she needed coaxing to sleep. Her resolve softened, and rather than slinging her handbag over her shoulder, she sat next to the hospital bed, cing her hands on his shoulders.

    He lifted his right hand to grasp her wrist, as if he knew what wasing next, and bowed his head to receive her kiss. Their lips met; his left hand brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, then trailed down to her shoulder, finally resting at her waist.

    His breathing grew rapid and heavy; after all, it was his head that had been injured, not his lower body.

    As she attempted to pull back, the intensity in his eyes darkened. He raised himself slightly from the bed to deepen their kiss. He pulled her into his arms, kissing her passionately as if trying topensate for their time apart.

    ¡°Stop¡ª¡± Her voice was a whisper, barely audible as she tried to evade his fervent kisses.

    Resting his head against her neck and breathing heavily, he asked, ¡°After I¡¯m discharged, we can continue this at my ce?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s not make ns just yet. Wait until you¡¯re discharged. How about I surprise you?¡± She noticed the veins on his neck tensing and gently pressed one with her finger.

    Suddenly, he seized her wrist firmly. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to do it here, then stop touching me.¡± His voice was hoarse, filled with suppressed desire.

    After a moment, he spoke again, his voice deeper. ¡°Surprise me. Last time, you mentioned that once you were settled at Freguson Group, you¡¯d tell me something. What¡¯s it?¡±

    1???E$? ?????€?S 1? g¨»l??¦Ïv?l?.§ão??

    ¡°It¡¯s the surprise. You¡¯ll find out when it¡¯s time.¡±

    Eileen gently pushed on his shoulders to create some distance between them and stood up from the bed to adjust her disheveled clothes.

    Julio¡¯s engagement party started at four in the afternoon, and Eileen returned home after lunch. She showered and changed into fresh clothes before visiting Gabri at Josue¡¯s.

    Gabri, nestled in her chair, brightened at the sight and sound of Eileen, waving her arms and kicking her legs joyfully.

    Within a minute, however, her eyebrows furrowed, her lips puckered, and tears welled up, streaming down freely.

    Eileen was startled, thinking she might have frightened the girl.

    Josue quickly came over, gently pushed Eileen aside, and picked up Gabri tofort her.

    ¡°Gabri, it¡¯s okay. I¡¯m here, don¡¯t be scared.¡±

    But Gabri¡¯s cries grew even more heart-wrenching, her tears streaming down as her eyes darted around.

    After watching Josue struggle to soothe Gabri, Eileen tentatively suggested, ¡°She might be looking for me, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    ¡°How could that be? She was probably just scared by you,¡± Josue asserted confidently. ¡°My mom says babies don¡¯t really recognize people until they¡¯re five or six months old. She¡¯s only four months old; how could she know who you are? You didn¡¯t breastfeed.¡± His tone was filled with skepticism.

    Unable to stand Gabri¡¯s distress any longer, Eileen approached and took the baby girl from his arms.

    Josue hesitated, but relented under Eileen¡¯s firm gaze.

    Once in Eileen¡¯s arms, Gabri clutched at the buttons on her clothes, and her crying slowly eased.

    Seeing the glistening tears on Gabri¡¯s cheeks, Josue passed Eileen some tissues. His voice softened with concern as he helped wipe the baby¡¯s tears away.

    For thest few days, various people had taken turns trying to calm Gabri, though they often ended up with her in tears. At night, the person who could hold Gabri without her crying was tasked with putting her to bed.

    Cradling Gabri gently, Eileen¡¯s expression softened as she looked at the baby¡¯s chubby cheeks. She showered her with tender kisses, seemingly unable to stop.

    Eventually, Gabri drifted off to sleep in her arms. Ruby arrived to take the sleeping child, and then Eileen and Josue got ready to head to the engagement party.

    Eileen selected a ck off-the-shoulder dress and styled her hair. Wearing five-centimeter heels, she arrived at the venue with Josue. However, they did not walk in together.

    At the entrance of the banquet hall, Benjamin awaited Eileen. His face lit up upon seeing her, but the sparkle in his eyes quickly faded.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson¡­ is he recovering well?¡± he asked.

    ¡°He needs plenty of rest, but his life isn¡¯t in danger,¡± Eileen replied with a smile. ¡°Thank you for asking.¡±

    After a brief pause, Benjamin seemed to realize something. ¡°Of course, we¡¯re partners after all. I heard from Mr. Ferguson that you¡¯re nning a move on the Ferguson Group. Have youe prepared today?¡±

    Eileen arched her eyebrows slightly, pulled out her phone to check the time, and remarked, ¡°Dalores mentioned that she would send over the items I need.¡±

    She hadn¡¯t wanted Dalores toe today and had nned to meet at thepany to pick the items up. However, Dalores insisted on bringing them directly to the engagement party.

    Eileen was aware that Dalores had the intention of using the pretext of delivering something to witness Julio¡¯s engagement party.

    ¡°Wait for her. You can enter first if you¡¯d like,¡± Eileen added.

    Benjamin looked towards the banquet hall and eventually stated, ¡°I¡¯ll wait with you.¡±

    The hall was already filled with many attendees, and entering would mean continuousworking. Having risen from two assistants to corporate executives, both of them would draw significant attention. Benjamin preferred to enjoy some quiet.

    Just as they stepped outside the hotel, they noticed Dalores exiting a taxi and hurrying up the steps.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, here are the items you requested,¡± she handed over a file and a sh drive to Eileen.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t face any trouble, did you?¡± Eileen casually browsed through the file, which contained the Ferguson Group¡¯s financial records for the previous decade. Everypany harbored financial secrets unknown to outsiders, and the Ferguson Group was no different. This information was bound to be disclosed by Julio, although he intended to wait until the Ferguson Group had fully stabilized.

    Dalores, visibly emotional, replied, ¡°I followed your instructions exactly. The financial manager waspletely intimidated by me.¡±

    ¡°Alright, thank you,¡± said Eileen, noticing Dalores peeking into the hotel. She continued, ¡°He¡¯s getting engaged today, and it¡¯s quite crowded inside. Without an invitation, you won¡¯t be allowed in. It¡¯s best to head back.¡±

    The engagement event today could not afford any disruptions, and Dalores might pose a risk if present.

    Eileen was unable to bring her inside.

    ¡°Understood,¡± Dalores responded, her eyes dimming as she turned and descended the steps.

    Eileen and Benjamin reentered the hotel and walked towards the engagement hall.

    Dalores had reached the roadside and was about to hail a taxi when she paused and looked back towards the hotel, her lips pressed together.

    After a moment, she approached the security guard at the entrance and said, ¡°That¡¯s my boss who just stepped out. She forgot something and sent me to fetch it. Can you let me in? I won¡¯t be long.¡±

    The security guard, who had witnessed the earlier meeting between Eileen and Dalores, hesitated briefly before responding, ¡°Then hurry.¡±

    Dalores, concealing her identity with a mask, sessfully slipped inside and headed directly toward Julio¡¯s banquet hall.

    Inside the banquet hall, most guests were from the businessmunity, all dressed sharply in formal attire. The engagement event had amercial feel to it, which neither Julio nor Mabel seemed to mind. They mingled with guests, arm in arm.

    Julio introduced Eileen and Benjamin to Mabel.

    ¡°These are my most trusted partners, Eileen Curtis and Benjamin Nash.¡±

    Holding her wine ss lightly, Mabel nced at Eileen and then turned her attention to Benjamin. She smiled and greeted them, ¡°Ms. Curtis, Mr. Nash, it¡¯s a pleasure to meet you.¡±

    Eileen replied with a formal smile and clinked sses with her, ¡°Wishing you a joyful engagement.¡±

    ¡°A joyful engagement,¡± echoed Benjamin, tapping his ss against Julio¡¯s.

    After a sip of red wine, Julio turned to Mabel and said, ¡°I need a moment to speak with Ms. Curtis alone. Mr. Nash can introduce you to the senior management of the group.¡±

    Mabel swiftly let go of Julio¡¯s arm and, with a quick pivot, positioned herself next to Benjamin, casually linking her arm through his.

    Benjamin tensed up, instinctively trying to pull his arm away, but Mabel drew him deeper into the crowd.

    Eileen¡¯s expression darkened slightly as she followed Julio from the banquet hall to a secluded smoking area around the corner.

    ¡°Is everything in order?¡± Julio nced at the file she was holding, which seemed out of ce with her evening dress.

    However, Julio, one of the few privy to the truth, understood its significance.

    ¡°Everything¡¯s set. Today, we break through Kaysen¡¯s mental barriers, and by tomorrow, this information will be with the investigative authorities. Kaysen is looking at a minimum of five years in prison¡ªconsider it my engagement gift to you,¡± Eileen said with a smile to Julio.

    Julio couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°You think sending my father to jail is a fitting engagement gift? You¡¯re quite the saint at a bargain.¡±

    ¡°Actually, I think you¡¯re rushing into this engagement,¡± Eileen remarked, feeling a sense of responsibility.

    An engagement during the stable times of the Freguson Group would undoubtedly have been smoother. But Eileen acknowledged her role in the current chaos. Once the Freguson Group¡¯s ounts were scrutinized, many partners would be investigated, likely leading to severed contracts.

    This would present another hurdle for Freguson¡¯s growth. However, Eileen¡¯s extensivework meant that recovery was feasible, though it would require significant time and humility to rebuild alliances.

    In her view, Julio was using the engagement as a panacea for all his troubles. With the backing of the Harrison family, the Freguson Group could manage to save face even amidst difficulties.

    ¡°As for Mabel, she isn¡¯t the ideal choice for a wife,¡± Eileen thought. Although arranged marriages oftencked a genuine emotional bond, many daughters from wealthy families were still considered ideal wife material.

    Eileen had done her research on Mabel, discovering that she had had boyfriends. In elite circles, Mabel wasparable to Benita, though Mabel was more capricious, while Benita was more indiscriminate, with her rtionships always in flux.

    ¡°Since it¡¯s an arranged marriage, personal traits don¡¯t matter much; family background suffices,¡± Julio remarked.

    Upon hearing this, Eileen chose to remain silent, and they both made their way back to the engagement.

    That day, both Kaysen and Berkley were present, looking rather somber. Indeed, once Julio officially married Mabel, it would signify the loss of their influence. Unable to confront Eileen directly, they had instead harmed Bryan. Now, Kaysen was anxious about the possible revenge Bryan might seek once he recovered.

    After conspiring with Berkley at home, they shamelessly showed up at Julio¡¯s engagement, hoping to disrupt the celebration, or at the very least, cause some turmoil.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 347

    ?Chapter 347:

    Kaysen hadn¡¯tpletely lost his influence; several people still approached him to exchange greetings and discuss business matters. During these interactions, his frosty gaze remained fixed on Eileen.

    ¡°If we can sow discord between Bryan and Eileen before Bryan is discharged, he definitely won¡¯t seek revenge on her behalf. Then we can extend an apology to him, and he won¡¯t be mad at us,¡± Kaysen whispered to Berkley.

    Berkley relied on Kaysen for strategies. Once he formted a n, she knew exactly what to endorse. ¡°Kaysen, you¡¯re the most capable. I¡¯ll follow your lead. What¡¯s our next move?¡±

    ¡°Come with me,¡± he said, guiding Berkley to a secluded corner.

    Eileen found the engagement party dull. After mingling with Benjamin and fielding numerous questions about her future ns post-Warren Group acquisition and the ongoing developments at Fregusen Group, she decided to take a break. Using the excuse that she had drunk slightly too much, Eileen slipped away with Benjamin to the second-floor lounge.

    Benjamin had seemed uneasy throughout the event, and once they reached the lounge, he reluctantly pulled a business card from his suit pocket.

    ¡°This is from Mabel.¡±

    It was Mabel¡¯s business card, identifying her as a manager at Harrison Group.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Eileen asked, confused. ¡°Is she trying to recruit you to Harrison?¡±

    Your favorite stories g?ln¦Ò¦Íels

    ¡°She¡¯s looking to cheat on Julio,¡± Benjamin struggled to find the right words. ¡°She said her marriage to Julio is merely a marriage of convenience, and they¡¯ve agreed to have their own affairs afterward. She wants to know if I¡¯m okay with it¡­¡±

    Unable to maintain herposure, Eileen burst intoughter, handing the business card back to Benjamin.

    Benjamin¡¯s expression grew stern. ¡°Do I seem like someone who would be her secret lover?¡±

    Yet, Eileen couldn¡¯t help but respect Mabel¡¯s honesty. She appreciated that Mabel was upfront about her marital situation. It was ethically questionable, but if Julio had indeed made such an arrangement with her, then why not?

    Before Eileen couldplete her thoughts, the door to the lounge suddenly swung open.

    Berkley entered, her eyebrows knitting together at the sight of Benjamin, but she chose to sit on a different sofa.

    ¡°You must be Eileen and Benjamin, right?¡± Berkley started the conversation.

    Both Eileen and Benjamin quickly adopted more serious expressions and nodded in acknowledgment.

    Noticing their shift from the lighter tone of their earlier conversation, Berkley offered a friendly smile. ¡°No need to be so formal. I¡¯m just weary and came here to rest. Since we¡¯re all here, we might as well talk.¡±

    Nobody was convinced by her exnation, considering the venue had set up numerous temporary lounges; her choice of seating, the same as theirs, seemed far too coincidental.

    ¡°I have something I need to discuss with Eileen privately,¡± Berkley stated bluntly, forgoing any pretense.

    Benjamin nced at Eileen, who gave a slight raise of her eyebrows and replied, ¡°There¡¯s nothing that needs to be discussed privately. Please, go ahead.¡±

    ¡°Why the caution?¡± Berkley stood up and moved closer to them. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll just speak openly here. I heard Dawson was hurt. How is he doing?¡±

    Eileen had not approached them yet, but they had already sought her out. Her expression became stern as she looked directly at Berkley. ¡°Let¡¯s be straightforward and not beat around the bush. We need to leave shortly.¡±

    Feeling intimidated by Eileen¡¯s intense stare, Berkley momentarily faltered but quickly regained herposure. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s be direct then. It¡¯s improper for outsiders like you to meddle in my Freguson family matters. My husband may have reacted strongly, but you provoked him first.¡±

    Her assertive tone implied that their actions were a forced response.

    ¡°If you agree, I hope you will no longer interfere with the Freguson family¡¯s matters to spare yourselves any trouble. This incident resulted in Mr. Dawson getting hurt, which has made things awkward between my family and the Dawsons.¡±

    This was a clear disregard for Eileen, implying that her safety was inconsequentialpared to Bryan¡¯s involvement.

    The rest area fell silent, and Eileen leaned forward, fixing Berkley with a frosty stare.

    She then burst intoughter. ¡°If you¡¯re bored, you should be a housewife at home or even y some cards. Don¡¯t meddle in business affairs. If there¡¯s something to discuss, let Mr. Freguson speak to me directly.¡±

    She pointed at Berkley¡¯s hand on her thigh. ¡°Your hand is shaking, and your voicecks confidence. You¡¯re not suited for this arena.¡±

    Her remarks caused Berkley to flush with embarrassment. Indeed, apart from pleasing her husband, she had no other notable skills. Being reprimanded by Eileen left her with no way to maintain herposure.

    ¡°You have no idea of your ce, interfering in the business of the elite. You won¡¯t even see iting when you meet your end!¡±

    As she spoke, she checked the time and stood up abruptly. ¡°I¡¯m done talking to you. You¡¯ll regret it.¡±

    As Berkley exited the lounge, she saw Kaysen descending the stairs. She hurried towards him, and they both quickly vanished into the stairwell.

    ¡°Did you manage it?¡± Kaysen asked. ¡°I can only distract her for so long.¡±

    Kaysen grinned confidently. ¡°No problem. Just wait for the fish to bite. Let¡¯s head back and enjoy the show.¡±

    In the lounge, Eileen watched the door close slowly, furrowing her brows. ¡°What was she here for?¡±

    ¡°To make threats?¡± Benjamin suggested doubtfully. ¡°But it didn¡¯te across as a threat at all. You dismissed her with just a few words.¡±

    After a moment¡¯s thought, Eileen stood up. ¡°Let¡¯s go out and check if anything¡¯s happened.¡±

    In the banquet hall, life went on as usual, with guests engaging in lively conversations andworking. Eileen surveyed the crowd but couldn¡¯t spot Julio. Mabel was with her father.

    ¡°Let¡¯s split up to find where Julio has gone,¡± Eileen whispered to Benjamin, and they parted ways.

    She hadn¡¯t gone far when her phone rang. She moved to a quieter spot to answer¡ªit was Delores.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis! Pleasee to Room 308!¡±

    Eileen¡¯s eyebrows knitted together as she headed towards the nearby stairwell, climbing swiftly to the third floor. ¡°Are you at the engagement venue?¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­¡± Delores hesitated, then added, ¡°Juste, and we can discuss it!¡±

    After ending the call, Eileen quickened her steps to the third floor. Upon exiting the stairwell, she ran into a staff member moving quickly.

    Upon seeing her, the staff member stopped and said, ¡°Are you looking for Mr. Freguson? He¡¯s in Room 308. He has something important for you!¡±

    With that, the staff member handed her a room key, which Eileen epted with a nod.

    She watched the staff member descend in the elevator, then proceeded to Room 308 and opened the door.

    Julio was lying on the double bed, his breathing uneven. Clearly, something was wrong.

    Delores was beside him, frantically wiping his face with a damp towel.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Eileen asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not entirely sure. I saw two staff members carry him here. I hid by the door when they left and stayed. He appears to have been drugged,¡± Delores exined, continuing to wipe his face while looking helplessly at Eileen.

    Recalling the staff member who had directed her to Room 308, a sense of dread filled Eileen.

    ¡°Let¡¯s move him to another room.¡±

    Motioning for Delores to stop wiping, Eileen approached and firmly pinched Julio¡¯s philtrum.

    Julio¡¯s eyes fluttered open, the redness in them making it unclear whether he was fully conscious.

    ¡°Get up, we¡¯re moving you,¡± Eileen said.

    Together, she and Delores hoisted Julio up and left Room 308. Eileen tried to open other doors on the third floor, but they were all locked.

    Eventually, they found an unlocked storage room at the end of the corridor. Without hesitation, Eileen gestured for Delores to bring him inside.

    She then reached for her phone to call Benjamin for help, wondering how to transport Julio to the hospital.

    However, before she could dial, a sudden push sent her sprawling against the hallway wall.

    The door to the storage room mmed shut and locked from the inside.

    Frantically, she pounded on the door, but it was futile.

    The third floor consisted of a long corridor, offering a clear line of sight from one end to the other. She realized that someone would likely ascend the stairs soon. Staying there would draw attention to the storage room. If members of the Harrison family discovered Julio and Delores inside, it would devastate the engagement festivities.

    Eileen figured it out: Kaysen was trying to kill two birds with one stone by implicating her and Julio! He was jeopardizing the engagement and her rtionship with Bryan. Was it necessary to always target someone¡¯s reputation?

    Lost in her thoughts, Eileen noticed the elevator reaching the third floor. After a brief pause, she hurried back down the stairwell.

    The hall was bustling as usual. Benjamin, having failed to locate Julio, was just about to call Eileen.

    Surprised to see her descending from the upper floors, Benjamin inquired, ¡°Was Mr. Freguson upstairs?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen quickly exined. ¡°But where is Kaysen?¡±

    She scanned the crowd and noticed Kaysen and Berkley mingling among the guests, her expression darkening with concern.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been keeping an eye out, and no one from the Harrison family went upstairs. I suspect¡­¡± Benjamin pondered. ¡°It could have been reporters. Kaysen is likely trying to escte the situation. His goal might be to create a big enough scandal to irreparably damage the engagement.¡±

    Luckily, Dalores had been vignt, which allowed Julio to evade this trap.

    They remained alert, watching for any activity from the upper floor, and soon several unfamiliar individuals came down. These strangers had hidden cameras in their pockets, yet they hadn¡¯t snapped any photos.

    Feeling somewhat relieved, Eileen considered checking upstairs but opted against it. Julio was still under the influence of the drug, and if it hadn¡¯t worn off, he could have behaved unpredictably toward Dalores.

    Ultimately, she and Benjamin stayed to cover for Julio, excusing his absence as urgent business matters. The celebration proceeded until ten o¡¯clock, with all attendees gradually leaving.

    She also bid farewell to Josue, albeit reluctantly. ¡°There¡¯s been an emergency. I might returnte and probably won¡¯t be able to spend time with Gabri tonight.¡±

    ¡°No worries, I¡¯ve got this, you¡¯re not needed,¡± Josue replied, more than ready to take over, and quickly left.

    Eileen and Benjamin lingered at the end of the third-floor corridor until just past midnight, when they finally heard the door to the storage room click open from the inside.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 348

    ?Chapter 348:

    The door cracked open slightly, and Dalores¡¯ face, shaded in shadows, appeared. She looked surprised to see Eileen and Benjamin still there, her lips pressed tightly together as she held her vignt stance without moving.

    Eileen approached her, asking, ¡°Are you alright?¡±

    ¡°Mistress Curtis, could you find me some clothes?¡± Dalores asked, her blouse torn by Julio. She had intended to flee hastily without being recognized. However, with Eileen and Benjamin just outside, she couldn¡¯t simply walk away unnoticed.

    Eileen turned to Benjamin and instructed, ¡°Take off your coat.¡±

    Eileen handed the coat through the partially open door, and momentster, Dalores stepped out wearing it. The coat wasicallyrge on her, making her look like a child in an adult¡¯s clothing.

    ¡°He¡¯s still inside. I¡¯ve dressed him. He won¡¯t be waking up anytime soon. You guys should get him a room,¡± Dalores stated, not moving away immediately but looking back toward the room.

    ¡°Benjamin, go reserve a room and find someone to help carry him there,¡± Eileen directed, concerned about leaving Dalores alone. ¡°I¡¯ll take you home.¡±

    Dalores didn¡¯t object, adjusting the coat around her as she turned, revealing pale skin on her neck marked with hickeys. Her eyes were also red and slightly swollen. It was clear she had been crying for some time.

    Benjamin quickly reserved a room at the front desk and then arranged for a staff member to help move Julio from the storage room.

    Dalores made sure to watch Julio being transported into the room before she agreed to leave with Eileen.

    Find magical tales on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c????

    Dalores¡¯ home was quite a distance away, and at night, with fewer cars around and enveloped in silence, the asional car horn sounded exceptionally sharp.

    ¡°Mistress Curtis, this is what they call an arranged marriage among the wealthy, isn¡¯t it?¡± Dalores suddenly asked, her voice clear.

    Eileen nced at her and confirmed, ¡°Yes, it is a typical arranged marriage of convenience.¡±

    ¡°Then he¡¯s truly pitiable,¡± Dalores said, managing a smile, but her eyes began to fill with tears. ¡°He doesn¡¯t have the freedom to choose someone he truly loves?¡±

    ¡°How do you know he¡¯s pitiable?¡± Eileen stopped the car at a red light, turned to her earnestly, and said, ¡°People pursue their desires. Julio seeks power and wealth. From a business standpoint, he¡¯s seeded in fulfilling his ambitions.¡±

    Dalores stayed quiet for a moment, then asked somberly,

    ¡°So, to him, are money and power more important than¡­?¡±

    Eileen was momentarily speechless. Did Julio have feelings for Dalores? A woman¡¯s intuition was often right; if Dalores felt he cared for her, maybe he did.

    ¡°What about me?¡± Dalores asked, looking down as tears dropped onto her hands, her voice quivering. ¡°Then why did he approach me repeatedly? I cheered him up during his recovery. I was there during his darkest days. When he was ousted from the Freguson family and drowning his sorrow in drinking, I was the one who took care of him¡­¡±

    At that time, Dalores had been merely a middle school student¡ªyoung and impressionable, yet remarkably sensible. Despite her fragility, she had pulled Julio from his darkest depths.

    He had managed a turnaround, seeking help from his best friend, shifting his career tow, and starting anew. He had said, ¡°Dalores brought light into my dark life.¡± Yet, while the light stayed, he had moved on.

    Eileen felt aplex mix of emotions. She couldn¡¯t find any other way to describe Julio and Dalores¡¯ bond except as a doomed romance.

    ¡°When ites to love, he doesn¡¯t deserve you,¡± sheforted Dalores. ¡°You are genuine, and he is not. It¡¯s best to move on from him.¡±

    ¡°My memory is sharp. I still vividly remember the day we first met. It¡¯s etched in my mind after ten years. How can I just forget?¡±

    Dalores forced a rueful smile. ¡°Not that I want to remember, it¡¯s that I can¡¯t forget.¡±

    The neon lights from outside illuminated Dalores¡¯ face, casting light on the tears streaming down her cheeks.

    The car continued until it pulled up in front of a dimly lit, old residential building. In the low light, Eileen could barely make out what Dalores was doing in the passenger seat, but she could hear her soft sobbing and sense her shaking.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry; I have a roommate. I¡¯m worried I¡¯ll disturb her if I go back like this,¡± Dalores sniffled, reaching for a tissue in the darkness to wipe her tears.

    Noticing the tissue box was empty, Eileen pulled out a fresh pack and handed it to her. ¡°Stay rational. Think about your next steps. If you decide to leave, just let me know.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Dalores nodded in gratitude. ¡°And please tell Mr. Nash I¡¯ll return his coat after it¡¯s washed.¡±

    ¡°Alright, head back. Stay safe. I¡¯m giving you a few days off to recover. I won¡¯t be in the office for the next few days either,¡± Eileen observed Dalores¡¯ pained gait, likely from the ordeal she had endured.

    Dalores exited the car and limped into the building.

    The bulb in the hallway flickered twice, casting a solitary shadow behind her.

    At that moment, Eileen felt a sudden longing to see Bryan. As she drove back, her thoughts lingered on Dalores and Julio.

    It was evident that Julio and Bryan werepletely different individuals.

    Bryan cherished love and exhausted the resources of Apex Group to acquire EB Group, yet he remained uncertain if EB Group would ever reach the heights that Apex Group had achieved.

    He had chosen love, risking his career and leaving the oue to chance.

    Julio, on the other hand, sought shortcuts, sparing no expense to stabilize Freguson Group and assert control over the Freguson family. That was his ambition.

    If Bryan had been like Julio, her fate would mirror Dalores¡¯.

    At an intersection, one route led to the hospital, the other to her home. After considerable thought, Eileen chose to go home.

    After all, what could be more crucial than her daughter?

    Moreover, Bryan was hospitalized and wasn¡¯t going anywhere soon.

    Gabri had been staying with Ruby. Anticipating that Eileen mighte homete, Ruby had slept in Eileen¡¯s room with Gabri.

    When Eileen arrived home, Ruby woke up, allowing her time with her daughter before retiring to her own room.

    The deeply sleeping Gabri seemed to sense her mother¡¯s presence, shifting slightly, her little feet pressing against Eileen¡¯s thigh, her head resting against her chest, and continued to sleep peacefully.

    Eileen didn¡¯t feel like sleeping; she preferred to watch her daughter for a while longer.

    However, after several nights of scant sleep at the hospital, she soon fell asleep herself.

    The next morning, she was jolted awake by Julio¡¯s phone call. She quickly picked up the vibrating phone and stepped onto the balcony to answer it.

    ¡°Where is she?¡±

    His reference to ¡°she¡± was clearly about Dalores.

    Eileen responded, ¡°I took her home.¡±

    ¡°Did she drug mest night?¡± Julio¡¯s voice carried a hint of anger. He knew he had been drugged and brought into a room. Despite the fog of the drug, he remembered seeing Dalores.

    Eileen felt a pang of guilt for Dalores upon hearing his usation. ¡°It was Kaysen who drugged you, aiming at both of us. Thanks to Dalores, we avoided major trouble. And she was the one who helped you. You¡¯ve wronged her.¡±

    After digesting this, Julio was silent for a while before he chuckled softly. ¡°Perhaps I¡¯m too suspicious of people.¡±

    ¡°People in high society can be quite suspicious, I get that. But you must remember, Dalores is just an average person,¡± Eileen defended her earnestly. ¡°You can¡¯t try to have the best of both worlds.¡±

    Julio admitted, ¡°I asked her to stay close to you because I feared Kaysen might target me and cause her harm.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re very logical. As a woman, I hope you treat her kindly. She¡¯s a good person,¡± Eileen stated, then ended the call.

    Gabri awoke, thrilled to be in her mother¡¯s arms. Eileen took her to wash up and prepared form for her baby girl.

    As she stepped out of the room, she ran into Milford, who had just finished freshening up and was looking to hold Gabri.

    Milford greeted her, then lowered his voice. ¡°I have good news. Remember I told you I got special permission to sit for the college entrance exam? I¡¯vepleted it, and the results are in.¡±

    ¡°Wow!¡± Eileen¡¯s face brightened. ¡°Which university did you get into?¡±

    Milford extended his hands. ¡°Let me hold Gabri, and I¡¯ll tell you.¡±

    Eileen looked at Milford, her eyebrows knitting. ¡°I haven¡¯t been back for days. Are you sure you want to take her away from my arms?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Milford hesitated. ¡°Then never mind. I¡¯ll have plenty of time after the college entrance exams, and even more when I start university.¡±

    ¡°Get to the point. Which university?¡±

    Milford couldn¡¯t hide his glee as he yfully raised his eyebrows. ¡°It¡¯s Willowbrook University, right here in Onnd.¡±

    Willowbrook University in Onnd was one of the premier institutions in the nation. The news that Milford, who had elerated his education to sit for the college entrance exam early, had been epted by Willowbrook surprised Eileen.

    ¡°What about studying abroad?¡± she inquired, noting the significant cultural differences, especially in the educational approaches to business and finance. ¡°If Milford had the opportunity to study internationally, he should take advantage of that experience first and then return to practice in Onnd. Gaining both domestic and international business knowledge would provide him with aprehensive perspective.¡±

    To her surprise, Milford pursed his lips. ¡°I¡¯m not going abroad. I¡¯m staying in Austin. Why are you so fixated on foreign education?¡±

    Eventually, he couldn¡¯t resist any longer and decisively scooped Gabri from Eileen¡¯s arms, dering, ¡°It¡¯s better here in Onnd. Besides, Gabri is here.¡±

    Eileen was left without words. She followed Milford down the stairs as he brought up his ns to host a dinner for his high school ssmates soon, as they wouldn¡¯t be together much longer, marking it as a sort of farewell.

    ¡°Have you invited Adalina?¡± Eileen inquired further. ¡°She moved here with you from West Land, and you¡¯ve been ssmates for years.¡±

    ¡°That crybaby?¡± Milford frowned. ¡°She burst into tears when she found out about my special exam permission. She¡¯s probably upset because she doesn¡¯t do as well academically as me. I¡¯ll tell her I got into Willowbrook; won¡¯t that make her even more upset?¡±

    Eileen was taken aback but advised, ¡°You should invite her regardless. It¡¯smon courtesy. Her tears don¡¯t necessarily signify anger; she might just be sad about you going off to university.¡±

    ¡°Hey, what¡¯s there to be sad about? We¡¯ll still see each other,¡± Milford replied nonchntly as he went to prepare Gabri¡¯s form.

    Watching him leave, Eileen chose not to follow. She intended to assist Ruby with preparing breakfast in the kitchen but paused when she saw Bailee sneaking out of Ruby¡¯s room, moving stealthily like a thief.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 349

    ?Chapter 349:

    After a short walk, Bailee noticed Eileen standing in the living room, watching her. She flinched and clutched her clothes tightly.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Eileen asked, puzzled by her odd behavior.

    Bailee quickly shook her head and forced a smile. ¡°You startled me. When did you get backst night?¡±

    As she moved toward her room, she continued, ¡°I thought you hadn¡¯t returned yet.¡±

    ¡°I got backte. What do you have there?¡± Eileen responded, noticing something concealed in Bailee¡¯s clothes.

    With a grin, Bailee answered, ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I left a book in Mom¡¯s room yesterday and just got a chance to pick it up now. Hurry and get ready for breakfast; I need to head to the office soon.¡±

    While talking, she went directly to her room.

    Eileen didn¡¯t dwell on her strange behavior and went to assist in the dining room.

    After breakfast, Eileen headed to the hospital, with Josue joining her for a ride to discuss business with Bryan.

    Bryan was amodated in a VIP room on the top floor of the inpatient department. They reached the top floor via the elevator and were immediately halted by two sharply dressed bodyguards.

    This floor was notably quiet and sparsely popted by patients. Eileen remembered the tranquility from her days caring for Bryan. Now, the long, deserted corridor felt unnervingly silent.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Josue eyed the bodyguards. ¡°Why are you blocking our way?¡±

    Latest chapters uploaded g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s

    ¡°Mr. Payne, we¡¯re not stopping you, just Miss Curtis,¡± one bodyguard rified firmly.

    Eileen stopped and realized, ¡°Did Ste send you?¡±

    The bodyguards maintained a straight gaze. ¡°Yes. Please don¡¯t make this difficult for us.¡±

    Josue scoffed scornfully. ¡°Who allowed you to stop her? Does Bryan know about this? If he finds out, the two of you would be in big trouble.¡±

    He pointed at Eileen and continued defiantly, ¡°You wouldn¡¯t dare cross her, yet you do?¡±

    ¡°We are working for Ste Dawson and following hermands. Please, Miss Curtis, don¡¯t make this difficult for us.¡±

    They recognized Eileen¡¯s formidable nature and attempted to persuade her.

    Before Josue could reply, Eileen cut in, ¡°The olddy instructed you to secure this floor to control whoes and goes, particrly to keep me from seeing him, right?¡±

    The bodyguards nodded in confirmation. ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°That settles it then.¡± Eileen took out her phone and called Bryan. He picked up after two rings.

    ¡°You¡¯reter than I anticipated.¡± Bryan¡¯s voice carried a hint of irritation. ¡°Didn¡¯t we agree on an early morning visit?¡±

    Eileen checked her watch; it seemed Bryan was well-acquainted with her daily routine.

    ¡°Come out, we¡¯re switching rooms.¡±

    A brief silence followed before the door to the room swung open. Bryan was piercing and intense, his gaze fixed on the two bodyguards blocking Eileen. His expression became menacing as he approached them.

    He hung up the call and swiftly kicked each bodyguard in the leg, knocking them to the floor.

    ¡°Go to the outpatient building and have your injuries checked. Let my grandma know that I almost reopened my wound when I kicked you two. If she¡¯s okay with me kicking the bucket, she can keep sending enforcers.¡±

    Looking pale, the bodyguards got up and acknowledged themand. ¡°Got it.¡±

    They observed cautiously as Bryan, who had just exuded intimidation, shifted his demeanorpletely in Eileen¡¯s presence. Bryan grasped Eileen¡¯s hand, their fingers weaving together as they entered the room.

    ¡°What¡¯s he doing here?¡± Bryan said with disdain, indicating Josue, whom he obviously considered an unwee presence.

    ¡°Discussing work with you,¡± Eileen responded, but her words were cut short as the door shut behind them.

    Josue came to his senses and addressed the bodyguards, ¡°Still here? Go get checked and notify his grandma. Make sure to avoid such assignments in the future.¡±

    The reprimanded bodyguards even expressed their gratitude to Josue for his ¡°guidance.¡±

    Josue entered the hospital room half a minute after Bryan and Eileen, only to notice that Eileen¡¯s lips appeared redder than usual. Her hair, which she usually kept neatly behind her ears, was now disheveled across her face.

    ¡°Sign these two contracts,¡± Josue stated irritably to a cheerful Bryan. ¡°After you sign, I need to return and visit my goddaughter. How long until you recover? My schedule is packed, and I¡¯m missing time with her.¡±

    Bryan turned his head toward Eileen, his voice deep and soothing in the quiet room. ¡°Eileen, could you bring me a pen?¡±

    He seemed to disregard the inquiry and Josue¡¯sints about missing time with his goddaughter. It was as though he had addressed all concerns.

    Frustrated, Josue eximed, ¡°There¡¯s a pen right in the document folder I handed you!¡±

    ¡°Yours doesn¡¯t work properly,¡± Bryan replied, tossing the pen back to Josue, who clumsily caught it, causing it to drop.

    As Josue bent to retrieve it, Eileen had already provided Bryan with another pen, removing the cap for him. Bryan casually signed his name and flung the contracts toward the foot of the bed. ¡°There, they¡¯re signed. Take them.¡±

    His actions sent a clear message: Don¡¯t interrupt us.

    Josue collected the contracts, and as he turned to leave, he noticed Bryan yfully holding Eileen¡¯s hand. They had been separated for just one night, yet it seemed like an eternity.

    Josue was uncertain whether Bryan¡¯s deep affection for Eileen now was genuine or merely a performance to make him envious. He suspected it might be an act. He wanted toment further, but Bryan¡¯s gaze was already brimming with love. So, Josue simply waved and said, ¡°Bye.¡±

    He stepped outside, taunted to leave, then swiftly reopened the door, curious if Bryan was still looking at Eileen with affection. Josue half-expected Bryan to have resumed his usual detached demeanor by then.

    Instead, he witnessed Bryan pressing Eileen against the hospital bed, kissing her fervently.

    Realization dawned on Josue: it was evident that Bryan¡¯s restraint was merely a fa?ade.

    Cursing under his breath, Josue shut the door and quickly left.

    Eileen turned her head, nestling her face into Bryan¡¯s neck,ughing while scolding, ¡°You did that just to mess with him, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Bryan replied in a raspy voice. ¡°I couldn¡¯t wait any longer, and hecks discretion.¡±

    Eileen was caught between Bryan¡¯s legs, her head resting on his right arm, while his left, despite being injured, held her waist. She refrained from moving too much.

    Seizing the moment, Bryan held Eileen close. During his stay in the hospital, he consistently chose to kiss her lips over a mere peck on the cheek, showing no restraint.

    With no one to interrupt them, the two of them found nothing to do. Their only distraction eventually came from Josue, who started sending photos and videos of Gabri to their group chat.

    Regarding Bryan¡¯s discharge ns, Josue enthusiastically suggested his home as a ce for Bryan to stay and work from, especially since Bryan was still bandaged up. Moreover, it meant daily interactions with Gabri for Josue, since Eileen¡¯s ce was small. Josue had secretly hoped that the trio would move in with him.

    After thoughtful deliberation, Bryan consented.

    Following lunch, Bryan and Eileen indulged in a short nap. They slept peacefully in the hospital, oblivious to the turmoil brewing outside.

    The true financial records of the Freguson Group over the past decade had been disclosed, leading to the immediate summoning of Kaysen, the then-responsible executive, for interrogation. Confronted with undeniable evidence, Kaysen found himself speechless and was escorted away for further questioning.

    Numerouspanies with longstanding partnerships with the Freguson Group were on high alert, concerned that Kaysen might expose manipted financial statements involving them, potentially triggering investigations. But which enterprise could endure such close examination?

    As a result, that afternoon, several partners started suggesting the termination of their contracts.

    Following Eileen¡¯s guidance, Julio handled these requests, agreeing to terminate contracts only if penalty fees were paid, ensuring that terminations could be executed within half an hour. Nevertheless, the penalty fees were hefty, deterring many from settling.

    Some partners assessed the risks and benefits, choosing to pay the fees to dissolve their contracts, while others opted to risk continuity rather than sever ties. This situation significantly affected the Freguson Group.

    Facing shortages in ongoing projects, Julio tapped into the resources of the Harrison family topensate.

    The Harrison family found themselves in an unfortunate position. Mabel had just gotten engaged to Julio a day before these troubles emerged, leading them to suspect that Julio might have orchestrated the timing. Lacking concrete proof, they had no choice but to assist Julio, hoping to recoup their losses in the future.

    Eileen, worn out, slept deeply into the evening.

    Bryan, on the other hand, did not rest asfortably.

    His unrest was triggered by thoughts of Gabri.

    Perhaps it stemmed from Josue frequently boasting about his goddaughter, iming that Bryan and Eileen could never have a child as adorable as Gabri.

    Then, Bryan dreamed that Eileen was pregnant and gave birth to a girl. The baby girl in his dream had narrow eyes and a mouth that dominated her face, along with a broad, t nose.

    Bryan found the sight unbearable and struggled to articte the depth of his feelings. It was simply indescribable.

    In the nightmare, Eileen, having just given birth, wept over the appearance of their daughter, deeming her hideously unattractive.

    ¡°She wasn¡¯t even a fraction as beautiful as Gabri¡­¡±

    Bryan woke suddenly, his forehead covered in a cold sweat.

    He remained motionless for some time after waking, haunted by the possibility that the dream could be reality.

    Once he had calmed himself, he started to regain rity. Even though it was just a dream, the sense of disappointment was profound, leading him to adopt a cautious attitude.

    He looked down at the woman in his arms, noticing her cheeks softly flushed, her lips dewy, and her eyshes long and curled.

    He bent down and kissed her cheek, as if to make up for his internal turmoil.

    Eileen awoke to his kisses, their breaths warm and intermingling. She sped his arm and tilted her head to intensify their kiss.

    As Bryan became more impassioned, Eileen gently pushed against his chest, her voice husky. ¡°Stop, let me wake up a bit.¡±

    ¡°Eileen, let¡¯s have a son in the future,¡± Bryan murmured, his chin resting on her shoulder, his eyes lingering on the slightly revealed neckline of her blouse.

    His gaze grew deeper as he adjusted her cor to cover her skin.

    Eileen tilted her head and pushed his forehead with her other hand, making him look up at her.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± she asked. ¡°Don¡¯t you prefer a daughter?¡±

    ¡°Just feel¡­ a son might be better,¡± Bryan considered.

    If they had a child who was less attractive, the disappointment wouldn¡¯t feel as severe. After all, most boys didn¡¯t prioritize appearance when making friends, and he didn¡¯t want his daughter to feel inferiorpared to other girls.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 350

    ?Chapter 350:

    Breaking free from Bryan¡¯s arms, Eileen adjusted her blouse and moved to sit in a chair. She shot a serious look Bryan¡¯s way.

    ¡°You seem to like Gabri. You also expressed your desire to have a daughter, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    It was obvious to Bryan that Eileen was quite fond of Gabri.

    ¡°When did I mention that?¡± Bryan turned away, trying to avoid her question. He swayed his legs back and forth at the edge of the bed, then grabbed the chair Eileen had sat on and swiftly pulled her to himself.

    She immediately fell into his embrace with the pull. He held the chair firmly with his legs.

    ¡°You¡¯ve got the wrong end of the stick,¡± he said.

    ¡°Oh,e off it!¡± Eileen red at him, clearly frustrated that he was avoiding the topic. She pressed her hands against his chest and grabbed his cor.

    ¡°Tell me honestly, do you like Gabri?¡±

    ¡°Not really,¡± Bryan blurted out.

    Eileen asked disappointedly, ¡°Why do you look at her pictures and videos every day?¡±

    She had thought that he was really fond of Gabri. She was scared his love for her would dissipate if he found out that Gabri was, in fact, his daughter.

    Your next favorite is on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s£®??o??

    ¡°You stare at her photos and videos every now and then, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Bryan didn¡¯t resist her grip on his cor. Instead, he crouched his back, with his right hand resting on the edge of the bed, revealing his prominent veins.

    Eileen was dumbfounded. She let go of his cor and pushed him, causing him to fall onto the bed.

    Bryan was surprised at her action. He sat up, but she had already stood up from the chair, her face gloomy.

    Bryan hurried after her and hugged her from behind. He buried his head in her neck as he said, ¡°You could have sprained my waist, you know.¡±

    The love she had for Josue¡¯s goddaughter was extreme, he thought. And she was clearly upset because he said he wasn¡¯t a fan of that little girl.

    He wasn¡¯t bothered by her gloomy face. He believed she¡¯d get over it in no time. He preferred it to having a less attractive baby girl in the future.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Slightly tilting her head towards him, she gazed at him, pitying him for being so blind to the truth before him. How could he feel no affection towards his own daughter?

    She tried so hard to hold back the anger that welled up inside her.

    Bryan noticed her sudden lividness. He turned her to face him, then gently pushed her back toward the window and kissed her deeply.

    ¡°You don¡¯t believe me? You can give it a try, and my waist would prove it,¡± he whispered softly into her ear, gently brushing his lips against hers.

    His eyes roamed with desire as he uttered flirtatious words.

    What did he mean by asking her to give it a try?

    ¡°Don¡¯t mess around. We¡¯re in the hospital,¡± Eileen said, tilting her face away from him.

    ¡°So I just need to wait until I leave the hospital?¡± He moved his hand to tuck her hair behind her ears,ing closer to her as he whispered passionately,

    ¡°I need you.¡±

    He desired her so much that a furrow appeared between his brows, showing his impatience.

    Bryan wore a white and blue hospital gown. The injury on his head left a portion of his scalp exposed. While not as dashing as before, he still exuded a certain allure.

    Eileen felt uncontrobly attracted to him.

    ¡°We cannot talk about this until you leave here first,¡± she said, looking away to hide the desire in her eyes. Her heart pounded rapidly.

    Bryan couldn¡¯t help but notice, but he only smiled and let her go.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go meet the doctor to discuss my discharge from here as soon as possible,¡± he said.

    He hurried out of the ward before Eileen could reply.

    She began to smile at his words, which caused the tension she had felt to dissipate. After that, she grew cold again and quietly returned to her seat to look through Gabri¡¯s photos.

    She searched for the chat group Josue had created but couldn¡¯t find it.

    She thought he must have dissolved the chat group, so she went through her photo gallery instead.

    About ten minutester, she received a call from Josue.

    ¡°Why would Bryan ask me not to bring Gabri to work?¡±

    Bryan had not returned from meeting with the doctor. She thought he must have called Josue outside the ward. ¡°What did he say?¡±

    ¡°With a child in your care, work progress would be slow. Get rid of that kid because I¡¯ll be staying at your residence and will need enough rest to recuperate. The kid would be a bother.¡± Josue went back to his cynical tone. ¡°My goodness! How could his daughter be annoying? He regards her as noisy? Unbelievable. He pretended to like Gabri just to please you, seeing how much you love her.¡±

    Eileen stood frozen at this revtion. She couldn¡¯t find a reply for Josue.

    ¡°There must be a way to make him like Gabri. We have to find a way before he knows he¡¯s the father.¡±

    ¡°Otherwise¡­¡± Josue believed that Bryan¡¯s mindset needed to shift; Bryan needed to ept Gabri first. However, Josue was happy that he had the opportunity to show off Gabri in front of Bryan, at least for a few more days. He secretly hoped Bryan wouldn¡¯t get too close to the little girl, so he could end up being the closest to her in the future.

    Eileen recalled when she had looked through Gabri¡¯s pictures with Bryan. She was so interested in the photos that it didn¡¯t ur to her to look at his expression and try to decipher if he truly liked Gabri or was just putting on a show then. She had presumed he harbored feelings for Gabri and was prepared to allow him to step into the role of fatherhood in the baby girl¡¯s life, ensuring that he could spend quality time with her once he was discharged. But now¡­

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, let¡¯s talk about it after he leaves the hospital. That way, we can ascertain how he really feels about her,¡± Eileen said, finding it difficult to figure out. Perhaps Bryan would grow fond of Gabri once he learned she was his daughter.

    Josue had assured Bryan that Gabri would be sent away before Bryan moved into ce.

    Bryan walked back in a few minutester with a disappointed expression. ¡°The doctor said I need at least three more days to be fit for discharge.¡±

    Eileen stayed back and took care of him for three more days. After the third day, the doctor emphasized the need for carefulness and proper care of the wound to avoid any further bleeding, as healing could be slow.

    Josue had to pick them up, with Gabrifortably seated in the back seat. She was excited to see Eileen and kicked her legs into the air.

    Eileen rushed to y with Gabri as soon as she sat in the car. She pinched her face softly, and Gabri tightly held onto her fingers. From the rearview mirror, Bryan could see how much Eileen liked Gabri. He frowned in silence.

    Upon arriving at Josue¡¯s ce, Eileen picked up the baby girl and got out of the car first.

    ¡°I thought we agreed on sending the child away?¡± Bryan questioned Josue just as he was about to leave the car.

    Josue noticed the disgust written on Bryan¡¯s face. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll do that soon. I have to help her mother recently. She has a lot to deal with these days. I¡¯ll just help her with babysitting the baby and send the girl back to her.¡±

    Josue managed to convince Bryan. He took luggage out of the car and hurriedly left.

    At home, he and Eileen spent time ying with Gabri. The afternoon seemed to pass by so quickly.

    When it was time for dinner, Bryan went downstairs and discovered that Gabri was still in the house. She giggled at him as saliva flowed from the corner of her mouth.

    Instead of feeling irritated, he surprisingly found this endearing. ¡°She will be sent back to her mother after dinner,¡± Josue said. He felt Bryan was ufortable with the baby¡¯s presence.

    ¡°Tell me the truth, do you want me to send Gabri away because you¡¯re jealous of me?¡±

    Bryan sneered. He was about to voice his dislike for the baby girl.

    Just then, Gabri suddenly made a sound that seemed like she was unhappy.

    After some time, Bryan changed his mind. ¡°I¡¯ll not condescend to your level of childishness. You are immature.¡±

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go ahead and eat then,¡± Josue guided Eileen and Gabri to the dining room for dinner.

    Eileen had no appetite for food. She was consumed with the desire to talk to Bryan. She couldn¡¯t fathom the sudden shift in his attitude.

    She handed Gabri to Josue and went to clear the table after they had finished eating.

    After clearing the table, she led Bryan to the room Josue had reserved especially for him on the third floor.

    The room suited his taste. It was ravishing and adorned with simple decorations, with moonlight flooding into the room from every corner.

    Upon Eileen guiding him into the bedroom, Bryan enveloped her waist from behind and leaned in to softly kiss her ear.

    ¡°Eileen, are you rushing somewhere?¡±

    She had hurried him to go upstairs after dinner. This made him both surprised and excited. When she made to speak, he knew she was about to speak against her desires.

    Without giving her space to speak, he leaned forward and kissed her lips.

    He moved forward and pressed his lips against hers. Locked in each other¡¯s arms, they swirled a few times before gentlyying her on the bed.

    He knelt before her, his hand serving as a pillow for her head, and kissed her passionately. She held his hand and lifted it away from her head.

    He tried to control his burning desires. Putting her steady on the bed, heid beside her and yed with her slender fingers.

    ¡°Something¡¯s been bothering me while I was working this afternoon,¡± Bryan said.

    Desire still flickered in Eileen¡¯s eyes as she asked,

    ¡°What is the matter?¡±

    ¡°You and your family deserve a proper exnation from me,¡± he said, kissing her hand. He was aware that Ruby wasn¡¯t happy with him because of the hurt he had caused Eileen.

    The wedding that never happened was the greatest pain in their lives. Bryan and Eileen both regretted it. Ruby also shared in this pain.

    By regrly sending him support through Bailee or Josue while he was in the hospital, Ruby demonstrated her willingness to ept Eileen and Bryan rekindling their rtionship.

    He believed he also needed to make his stance clear.

    Eileen turned to face him and ced her hand around his firm waist. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll prepare my mother mentally before you go visit her. I¡¯ll tell you when it¡¯s best to go.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± he replied with his deep baritone voice and drew closer to kiss her again. Then he paused and sought her consent. ¡°Can we spend the night together?¡±

    Eileen could visibly see how much he longed to be with her, yet she said, ¡°No. Let¡¯s revisit this after you see my mother.¡±

    Bryan sadly asked as he held her hand, ¡°Do I have a choice?¡±

    He yed with her fingers, not knowing if he could bring himself to let go of her tonight.

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Eileen said firmly, quickly withdrawing her hand.

    ¡°What was the surprise you promised to share with me once I left the hospital?¡± Bryan changed the topic to take his mind off her withdrawal.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 351

    ?Chapter 351:

    After a moment, Eileen turned around andy t, her eyes shimmering slightly with emotion.

    ¡°I hesitate to say it because it might not be a surprise, but rather a shock,¡± she murmured.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll give you two choices,¡± Bryan said abruptly, pinning her beneath him. His breath was ragged as he spoke close to her head, his voice unsteady. ¡°Eithere clean or help me with it.¡±

    He felt he couldn¡¯t let her leave.

    ¡°I¡¯lle clean!¡± Eileen immediately opted for honesty, but before she could say more, Bryan leaned in to silence her with a kiss.

    The kiss, intense and unrestrained, caused the room¡¯s temperature to climb. His hands, slender and precise, began to unbutton her blouse.

    The choice between the two options wasn¡¯t really hers; it was his.

    The two of them, having not been intimate for so long, now came together like tinder meeting a spark. His suggestion to ¡°help him¡± might have been genuine.

    But for Eileen, it was also a form of torture.

    Ultimately, neither found satisfaction. Around eleven, Eileen straightened her clothes, went to the bathroom to wash her hands, and sshed cold water on her face.

    She couldn¡¯t bring herself to tell Bryan the truth. After washing up, she avoided going back to bed and left the room directly.

    Given Bryan¡¯s condition, he probably needed a cold shower to calm his desires that night.

    Elsewhere, Josue had already seen Gabri home and was now ying chess with Milford.

    Gabri, having napped earlier, was still not sleepy, lying on the sofa with wide eyes, watching them y.

    Upon seeing her, Josue turned to Milford and said,

    ¡°Cover your ears.¡±

    Milford rolled his eyes, tossed aside the game pieces, and carried Gabri upstairs, remarking, ¡°You adults are annoying. Don¡¯t corrupt my Gabri.¡±

    Josue chuckled. ¡°One day, you¡¯ll find yourself more annoying than I am.¡±

    ¡°Quit the nonsense and don¡¯t set a bad example for the kid,¡± Eileen said as she entered without even closing the door behind her. ¡°Go get some rest.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you back tonight. I was nning to stay here,¡± Josue said, stretching leisurely. ¡°From tomorrow, I¡¯ll take Gabri to the office with me every day. Bryan will end up liking her.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 352

    ?Chapter 352:

    This topic snuffed out the remaining warmth in Eileen¡¯s heart. After bidding Josue goodbye, she headed upstairs.

    Taking Gabri from Milford, Eileen prepared some form for bedtime. Watching Gabri grip the bottle tightly with both hands, herrge eyes fixed on her, Eileen felt a surge of affection.

    ¡°Your dad doesn¡¯t dislike you, sweetheart. He just doesn¡¯t know you¡¯re his daughter. Let your godfather help you spend more time with him. He¡¯s bound to fall in love with you, my dear,¡± Eileen whispered gently. Although she imed it didn¡¯t bother her, that wasn¡¯t entirely true.

    Her feelings were mixed, and she couldn¡¯t fully me Bryan either. She hoped for more father-daughter interactions. Even if Bryan didn¡¯t warm up to Gabri initially, perhaps more time together would change his feelings.

    ¡°But this is his only chance. Let¡¯s set a time,¡± Eileen knew she couldn¡¯t wait indefinitely for Bryan to connect with Gabri. Ten days, at most.

    ¡°You¡¯re so adorable. If he still doesn¡¯t appreciate you after ten days, my dear, I¡¯ll make sure he regrets it, and we won¡¯t bother with him anymore.¡±

    Gabri seemed to sense Eileen¡¯s mood, or perhaps just enjoyed the sound of her voice, as she began kicking her legs so vigorously that her nket fell off.

    Eileen caught her tiny feet, ying with them a bit before they both settled down to sleep.

    The next morning, Josue arrived to take Gabri before Bryan came downstairs to prevent any suspicion.

    Your favorite stories are on g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s?c?m

    Eileen agreed but gave him a specific instruction: ¡°Hope he grows to like Gabri within ten days. If not, consider this ten-day dy before revealing her identity his punishment. If he still doesn¡¯t warm up to her after that, it won¡¯t matter. In my eyes, you¡¯ll be more of a father to her than he will ever be.¡±

    This decision was mostly because of Gabri.

    Hearing this, Josue couldn¡¯t hide his delight. He secretly hoped the ten days would pass quickly. If Bryan didn¡¯t warm up to Gabri, he believed he could establish a closer connection with her than Bryan ever could.

    ¡°Just make sure to give Bryan every opportunity to bond with her. No tricks,¡± Eileen cautioned, noticing Josue¡¯s mischievous grin.

    Feeling slightly abashed, Josue responded, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m the most honest person you¡¯ll meet. I won¡¯t y any games.¡±

    With Gabri safely delivered to Bryan¡¯s ce by Josue, Bryan descended the stairster, hearing Gabri¡¯s cheerful sounds before he reached the living room.

    Curious, he quickened his pace and soon sported the little girl on the living room mat.

    Gabri noticed him and made a curious sound, kicking her feet energetically until she tumbled face-first onto the mat.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 353

    ?Chapter 353:

    Bryan rushed over, only to find Gabri lying still, her wide eyes fixed on a red light beneath the sofa. She seemed mesmerized by something unusual.

    Bryan was at a loss for words.

    He sighed, gently lifted her up, and called out to Josue in the kitchen. ¡°You left her alone in the living room? What if something had happened to her? What is that thing under the sofa? If you¡¯re not careful, it could affect her vision.¡±

    After a brief pause, Josue retorted, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you didn¡¯t like her? Why the sudden concern? If you really care, why don¡¯t you hold her for a while? Her mom would appreciate it.¡±

    That morning, when Josue went to pick up Gabri, he could tell from Eileen¡¯s expression that Bryan¡¯s indifference towards Gabri would not bode well for him.

    Bryan scowled. ¡°I don¡¯t need her gratitude,¡± he dered bluntly.

    Josue pulled out his phone and began recording. ¡°Say it again. Say that you don¡¯t care about Gabri, that you¡¯ll help watch her, and that you don¡¯t need her mother¡¯s gratitude or approval.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re being childish!¡± Bryan scoffed, unimpressed by Josue¡¯s attempt to provoke him.

    He felt no connection to Gabri¡¯s mother. Why should he care?

    That was meaningless.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t deny it, that means you do like her,¡± Josue said with a yful tone.

    Stories live now on galn¦Ò??????????o??

    Without looking up, Bryan replied, ¡°Stop trying to provoke me. I don¡¯t like her, and I don¡¯t need her mother¡¯s gratitude or affection. It won¡¯t benefit anyone.¡±

    Gabri cooed softly, her round eyes fixed on Bryan as if using him of being a heartless father who would one day regret his words.

    The look in her eyes unsettled Bryan. He quickly averted his gaze. ¡°Go back to cooking. I¡¯ll watch her for a while¡ªjust a few minutes. Take her when I start.¡±

    Josue edited the video and sent the clip to Eileen.

    Eileen, who was dealing with the aftermath of a crisis involving Kaysen, received Josue¡¯s video.

    After viewing Bryan¡¯s remarks, she paused to think, then texted Josue.

    ¡°If you provoke him again, I promise you¡¯ll deeply regret it.¡±

    Eileen was not one to be easily misled by a video. She could sense Bryan¡¯s frustration.

    Setting her phone aside, she turned to Benjamin. ¡°Have you deployed the Harrison family¡¯s resources?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re already in y. It¡¯s stirred up some trouble, but there are no significant losses. Julio has practically been living at thepany, managing everything. He hasn¡¯t slept for days,¡± Benjamin noted, his own extended hours feeling like nothingpared to Julio¡¯s efforts.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 354

    ?Chapter 354:

    With Eileen away, Julio¡¯s responsibilities had grown. They often made crucial decisions over the phone, with Eileen offering sharp insights to steer him. Now that she was back, Julio was ready to pass the baton.

    ¡°Kaysen has thrown the Freguson family into disarray. It¡¯s the ideal time to act. I¡¯ll leave it to you,¡± Benjamin added.

    Julio faced much skepticism within the Freguson family due to his controversial reputation. Despite being in control now, he still faced significant criticism. He saw this as an opportunity to consolidate his position and extend his influence within the Freguson family during their current vulnerability.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen agreed, despite the daunting stack of paperwork before her.

    After a brief pause, she added, ¡°I¡¯ve prepared a card for Dalores. Give it to her and tell her to leave Onnd.¡±

    Benjamin slid a ck card across the desk toward Eileen.

    After a brief hesitation, Eileen picked up the card. ¡°I¡¯ll deliver it and ry your message, but I can¡¯t promise she¡¯ll agree to leave.¡±

    ¡°Try your best to convince her. It¡¯s a crucial time for us, and I can¡¯t have any distractions,¡± Julio asserted firmly before he departed.

    Eileen held the card in her hand, contemting for a moment before dialing Dalores toe to work the next day. This was a conversation that needed to happen face-to-face.

    She continued working until 9 pm, bombarded with messages throughout the day. Bryan¡¯s messages were overly affectionate, saying things like, ¡°Eileen, I miss you.¡±

    However, Josue¡¯s messages were full ofints:

    Explore captivating tales on g¦Á ? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s

    ¡°Bryan held Gabri for less than five minutes before passing her back.¡±

    ¡°He acts as if she owes him money.¡±

    ¡°He even said she isn¡¯t adorable at all.¡±

    Josue¡¯s texts wereden with dissatisfaction towards Bryan, which both amused and annoyed Eileen.

    However, she was curious to see if Bryan trulycked the ability to find Gabri adorable.

    For several days, Eileen left early and returnedte. She would have dinner with Bryan without even heading upstairs before departing again.

    Bryan attempted to catch her a few times but was unsessful. Their nned visit to see Ruby was postponed due to Eileen¡¯s hectic schedule.

    Bryan felt something was amiss, almost as if he were caught in some sort of trap, especially with Josue¡¯s evident schadenfreude.

    After a few days, Bryan felt he had been nearly driven to madness.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 355

    ?Chapter 355:

    During daylight hours, his fondness for Gabri grew, yet he restrained himself. Josue¡¯s smug demeanor irritated him. Additionally, he struggled to contain his feelings for Gabri, fearful that they might eventually eclipse his affection for his own child.

    Each night, Gabri¡¯s voice invaded his dreams, her words echoing in his ears.

    In these dreams, a slightly older Gabri would cross her chubby arms and pout. ¡°You don¡¯t like me? Well, I won¡¯t like you.¡±

    Given Eileen¡¯s chilly demeanor, his sanity was hanging by a thread.

    What he didn¡¯t know was that Eileen was also having a hard time.

    After reading Josue¡¯s provoking messages, she felt her anger rise, though she knew he was just exaggerating.

    She avoided visiting Bryan during thest two days of the ten-day period.

    When he questioned her absence, she curtly responded, ¡°Busy.¡±

    This gave Bryan a bitter taste of neglect, akin to a spouse overlooked by an indifferent partner. She had vanished for days!

    He doubted her excuse. He yearned to see her after work, yet he worried about encountering Ruby and others, which would make his visit seem abrupt.

    Then it struck him that Milford, who lived with Eileen, was soon to attend Willowbrook University.

    Immediately, Bryan sent a message to Milford, hoping he would agree to act covertly on his behalf.

    Fresh content live on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls?c?m

    However, Milford was not easily swayed and replied to him with a voice message:

    ¡°Do you need to see Eileen? Why don¡¯t you ask her directly?¡±

    Milford, aware of Eileen¡¯s recent fatigue, suspected it was connected to her reconciliation with Bryan.

    ¡°It¡¯s been ages since we talked, and there¡¯s a bit of bite to your words now, don¡¯t you think?¡± Bryan¡¯s voice in the message was ominously low. ¡°Remember, you only met her because of me.¡±

    Milford shot back, undeterred, ¡°Don¡¯t pretend I¡¯m unaware. You manipted me to get close to her. I¡¯ve helped you a lot.¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Bryan snapped, losing his temper. ¡°Will you help, or not?¡±

    Detecting the anger in Bryan¡¯s tone and knowing Eileen¡¯s mood had been off, Milford reluctantly agreed, provided it didn¡¯t harm her.

    ¡°As long as she¡¯s not hurt, I¡¯ll think about it.¡±

    That was practically an affirmation for Bryan.

    Bryan cut straight to the chase. ¡°Tell me when she¡¯s alone at home.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 356

    ?Chapter 356:

    ¡°Okay, but you owe me a favor,¡± Milford replied.

    ¡°Deal,¡± Bryan stated firmly.

    Eileen had been engulfed in her workload at the Freguson Group since Bryan was discharged from the hospital. Atst, she wrapped up her continuous overtime. On her cherished day off, Eileen enjoyed thepany of Milford, Ruby, and Gabri at home.

    During a quiet moment, Eileen spoke to Ruby about Bryan. ¡°He wants to visit you to discuss why we didn¡¯t marry earlier.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m avable to see him anytime,¡± Ruby responded immediately. ¡°But hadn¡¯t you mentioned you would talk to him about Gabri after he got out of the hospital?¡±

    It had been more than ten days, and yet Eileen had not broached the subject with Bryan.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been buried in worktely. I¡¯m worried that if I tell him now, I won¡¯t have the time to properly exin everything. Misunderstandings could arise.¡±

    In truth, the past ten days had been a pretext for finishing her assignments with the Freguson Group.

    She was apprehensive that disclosing the truth would provoke a reaction from Bryan that she might not be equipped to manage without being physically present.

    Now, however, she felt ready.

    ¡°That¡¯s sensible. Now that work isn¡¯t as demanding, invite him over. He shouldn¡¯t have to make a special trip just for you,¡± Rubymented, gently touching Eileen¡¯s hand. ¡°The choice is ultimately yours.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Bailee chimed in before Eileen could reply.

    L?t??¦Ó §éh?¦Ñ¦Ó?r? ¦Én g¨»l??¦Ïv?l?.§ão??

    Bailee had just descended the stairs, having been preupied with tasks for several days.

    Both Eileen and Ruby looked up at her direction.

    ¡°Of course. What matters most are your own choices,¡± Ruby assured her with a warm smile. As she was about to continue, she noticed Bailee produce a document from behind her.

    It was a marriage certificate.

    Flipping to the first page, they found that Bailee had married Huey.

    ¡°Mom, I married Huey. Everything happened so swiftly. I didn¡¯t have a chance to inform you beforehand. But since you¡¯ve said these decisions are ours, you won¡¯t be upset, right?¡± Bailee asked somewhat cautiously.

    Despite the joyous news, Bailee was wary. Her marriage was a significant event, and although Ruby had reservations about Huey, Bailee had proceeded with the marriage without Ruby¡¯s knowledge. The marriage certificate, meant to symbolize joy, now cast a shadow across Ruby¡¯s face.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 357

    ?Chapter 357:

    ¡°Why?¡± Eileen, equally taken aback, struggled to maintain herposure. ¡°Wasn¡¯t it Huey¡¯s mother who opposed this marriage? What made you rush into this decision?¡±

    Noticing Ruby¡¯s stern look, Bailee, filled with nervous hesitation, exined, ¡°He severed ties with his mother for me. He wanted to strengthen our bond, to prove to his mother hismitment to our rtionship.¡±

    Eileen remained silent, casting a sideways nce at Ruby. Ruby¡¯s chest heaved, her lips quivered.

    ¡°Bailee, this is foolish!¡± Ruby eventually managed to speak. ¡°He disconnected from his mother and secured this certificate without considering her feelings. Did you want to cut ties with me as well? Couldn¡¯t you have discussed this with me first?¡±

    Bailee responded quickly, ¡°I feared you wouldn¡¯t approve. If you had objected, how could I have justified it to Huey? He¡¯s been anticipating this. If I can¡¯t marry him, he would have been crushed.¡±

    ¡°Are you truly happy now that you¡¯re married?¡± Ruby abruptly stood up, tossing the marriage certificate onto the table. ¡°Do you think you can endure a lifetime without his family¡¯s blessing? And what am I to you? Why couldn¡¯t both families have sat down and discussed this? Winona isn¡¯t unreasonable. Maybe Huey has misrepresented something¡­¡±

    Ruby¡¯s anger was so intense that it caused her head to throb.

    ¡°Mom, let¡¯s not dwell on what¡¯s done. We should focus on what to do next. There is no use in assigning me now,¡± Eileen tried to console her.

    Overwhelmed, Ruby sank back into her chair, covering her face with her hands.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q??????, the heart of fiction

    ¡°Bailee, go to your room. I need to speak with Eileen alone,¡± Ruby said after a pause.

    Bailee, filled with worry, nced at Eileen, fearing Ruby might be overtaken by her anger or react to the situation entirely.

    Eileen offered her a reassuring look. ¡°Go ahead. I¡¯m with her.¡±

    Milford, seizing the moment, took Gabri upstairs.

    The expansive living room, now bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, was upied only by Ruby and Eileen. Yet, the warm light did little to soften theplexity etched into Ruby¡¯s expression.

    ¡°Eileen, what should we do now?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re already married. We should reach out to Winona. Bailee is certainly no less aplished than Huey. We shouldn¡¯t fear any harsh criticisms. Besides, you¡¯ve said Winona is reasonable. Perhaps there¡¯s just a misunderstanding we can resolve, hopefully making everyone happy,¡± Eileen suggested thoughtfully.

    Ruby exhaled deeply. ¡°You¡¯re right. That¡¯s the best approach. But I¡¯m concerned about Huey. The entire situation with their secretive marriage could make the initial meeting between our families quite awkward. If their rtionship falterster, it might permanently strain family ties.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 358

    ?Chapter 358:

    ¡°So, you mean¡ª¡± Eileen hesitated, unsure of Ruby¡¯s intention.

    ¡°I¡¯ll keep an eye on her. She¡¯s been looking at houses recently and might move in with Huey soon. I¡¯ll stay with them for a couple of days to get to know Huey better. I know you¡¯re swamped right now and need to hire help, so I¡¯ll only stay for two or three days. Any longer might be too much for them.¡±

    Given Bailee and Huey¡¯s newlywed status, Ruby was cautious not to overstep.

    ¡°I can handle things here. If that¡¯s your decision, let¡¯s proceed with it,¡± Eileen supported Ruby¡¯s n to assess Bailee and Huey¡¯s rtionship firsthand.

    Ruby then made her way upstairs to speak with Bailee. As the sun dipped toward the horizon, Huey arrived to pick them up.

    Upon spotting Eileen, he cheerfully greeted her. ¡°Hi, Eileen.¡±

    ¡°Hi,¡± Eileen replied, watching Bailee and Ruby descend the stairs with their suitcases. She turned to Huey. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to help?¡±

    It was only then that Huey realized his oversight. He hurried to assist with the luggage.

    Bailee carried more bags, indicating a longer stay, while Ruby had just a small bag for her brief visit.

    Eileen, holding Gabri, stood beside Milford at the apartment doorway, watching as Huey¡¯s car disappeared down the street.

    Milford broke the ensuing silence. ¡°So, Eileen, it¡¯s just us now.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± she replied, her gaze falling on Gabri. ¡°I¡¯m not good at cooking. How have your culinary attempts been goingtely?¡± she inquired, feeling the onset of a headache.

    More books avable at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv?ls

    Milford let out a resigned sigh.

    It appeared that the culinary responsibilities would fall to him now that Ruby was gone.

    The mere thought of this was enough to give him a pounding headache.

    ¡°Leave it to me,¡± he dered. With a determined turn, he strode into the kitchen to whip up some pasta.

    After sampling a few forkfuls, Eileenmented, ¡°To be honest, this doesn¡¯t taste good. You really need to put more effort into it.¡±

    Pleasing Eileen was a monumental task. In that moment, it struck Milford that it had always been Bryan who had managed to cater to her culinary preferences.

    To make matters worse, Bryan was probably anticipating a report from him now that Ruby was away!

    Milford decisively sent a message to Bryan, informing him that Ruby would be away for a few days.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 359

    ?Chapter 359:

    Bryan had just finished showering. He had washed his hair against the doctor¡¯s advice since Eileen wasn¡¯t around.

    As he read the message, he froze for a moment, wondering if the shower had somehow muddled his mind. Once he verified the news, he quickly grabbed his coat and headed downstairs.

    The living room was brightly lit. Kylie was tutoring Josue while a collection of women¡¯s photosy on the coffee table.

    ¡°Bryan, where are you rushing off to at this hour?¡± Kylie asked as she saw Bryan hurriedly descending the stairs.

    Pausing briefly, Bryan nodded slightly and said, ¡°I have to step out to take care of something.¡±

    ¡°Remember, you¡¯re still recovering. Don¡¯t stay out too long. Come back soon,¡± she admonished. Then she noticed Josue putting on his coat, ready to follow.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m worried about him. I¡¯ll go with him,¡± Josue said.

    Kylie sternly pushed him back onto the sofa. ¡°If you can¡¯t pick a woman as your future wife, don¡¯t even think about leaving this house!¡±

    Bryan was used to their exchanges over the past few days. He didn¡¯t want to disrupt them and quickly left the house.

    He made his way to Eileen¡¯s home effortlessly. Milford opened the door and directed him to the first room on the left on the third floor¡ªEileen¡¯s room.

    The living room was dimly lit. Bryan¡¯s only focus was reaching Eileen upstairs. He didn¡¯t notice the many baby items scattered around.

    Discover what¡¯s new on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls

    Quietly, he ascended the stairs and reached the first room at the corner of the third floor. The door was slightly ajar, and a soft light glowed from within.

    Gabri had only taken a short nap that afternoon and had been a bit fussy after dinner.

    Eileen had the nightmp on, prepared a bottle of form, and was watching Gabri drink it when she heard a noise at the door.

    She paused, got up, and looked outside.

    Though the figure was indistinct, she recognized Bryan immediately.

    ncing at Gabri in the baby cot, she frowned and went to the door.

    Before she could react, Bryan strode in and pressed her against the wall.

    The scent of his body wash permeated the air. He lifted Eileen¡¯s hands above her head, and she felt his damp hair.

    ¡°Did you just take a shower?¡± she asked sharply. ¡°It took a lot of effort to stop your wound from bleeding. Who told you it was okay to shower?¡±

    Bryan, close against her, replied in a maic voice, ¡°Why are you mad at me? Or is it because you can¡¯t get over it and have been avoiding me these past few days?¡± He sidestepped her question, expressing his frustration instead.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 360

    ?Chapter 360:

    Eileen lifted her eyes, her curlyshes casting shadows on her lower eyelids. He couldn¡¯t make out her expression clearly in the dim light of the room.

    ¡°I¡¯ve told you I can wait, so I won¡¯t force you. I won¡¯t rashly anger your mother. I¡¯ll give you time, but it doesn¡¯t mean I can bear being neglected.¡±

    His tone was serious. He pinched her chin with his fingertip and made her stare at him. ¡°Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen replied without hesitation, showing no resistance to his every move. ¡°I¡¯m fine now, and I¡¯m not angry.¡±

    After a few stressful days, Bryan finally found peace upon hearing her remarks. He gave her a deep kiss.

    He bent his legs and lifted her effortlessly, his long arms wrapped around her waist.

    When he ced her on the bed, passionate kisses fell from the corners of her eyes to her cheeks, lips, and earlobes.

    As Bryan¡¯s long-suppressed desire neared its breaking point, a voice suddenly pierced his thoughts.

    His body stiffened.

    Was he hearing things now? He must have been driven crazy by that little girltely. Otherwise, why was he hearing the child¡¯s voice at such a time?

    Another gentle cooing sound broke through, apanied by the baby girl¡¯s gasps as shey on her stomach.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s, the heart of storytelling

    Bryan raised his head and looked into the baby girl¡¯s eyes for a few seconds before abruptly letting go of Eileen.

    Shocked, he fell from the bed, gripping the edge tightly to avoid hitting his head.

    Eileen heard his angry muttering amid the sound of him hitting the floor.

    She got up from the bed and turned on the light. Bryan raised his head and fixed his piercing eyes on the baby girl.

    On the far side of the bed was a baby cot, holding the baby snugly. Beside ity an empty milk bottle, with traces of white liquid still clinging to its sides.

    Eileen perched at the foot of the bed, leaving space for the father and daughter to exchange nces as she waited for Bryan to break the silence.

    Perhaps it was sheer disbelief clouding his mind, or maybe he had considered the truth but couldn¡¯t ept it. Bryan turned his head slightly, his jawline dancing between shadow and light. He murmured, ¡°Why is she¡­¡±

    ¡°Her name is Gabri Curtis,¡± Eileen said, brushing her short hair past her shoulders. Her throat tightened as soon as she spoke.

    Her eyes grew misty as they met Bryan¡¯s.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 361

    ?Chapter 361:

    She couldn¡¯t tell if he was happy or angry; his eyes were a closed book.

    After a moment, Bryan rose from the floor. His tall frame was highlighted by the light, his lips a firm line as he stared at the baby girl.

    The baby, confused by the scene, babbled. Growing tired, she turned away, her tiny hands waving.

    ¡°She¡¯s sleepy.¡± Eileen stood up as the baby¡¯s voice edged toward a cry. ¡°Don¡¯t cry, Mommy¡¯s here.¡±

    She made the bed for the baby andy down with her. Reaching for the binky on the bedside table, she guided it to Gabri¡¯s mouth.

    Gabri grasped Eileen¡¯s arm and began sucking on the binky. Her bright eyes soon lost focus.

    The room dimmed suddenly.

    Bryan had turned off the light. When Eileen looked back, she saw him leaving the room.

    Her heart tightened. She bit her lip and continued to soothe Gabri to sleep.

    Bryan walked out, his mind in chaos. He reached the window on the third floor, where the hot night wind blew in.

    His half-dry hair quickly dried. He reached for a cigarette but remembered Eileen¡¯s prohibition during his hospital stay. He couldn¡¯t smoke around Gabri in the future.

    Ten minutester, Eileen emerged from the room. She saw Bryan at the corridor¡¯s end, leaning against the wall, his head tilted back as he fought to control his emotions.

    I??¨¨$? ¡é??t?€§ñ? 1n ??l¦Ðo¦Í¦Ål?.c??

    She approached slowly, lowering her head in front of him, unsure of what to say.

    She only wondered if Bryan would be happy to learn Gabri was his daughter. But she had never considered whether he could ept such a revtion so suddenly. Would he me her for having the baby without his consent?

    Eileen¡¯s heart filled with unease as Bryan remained silent, a sense of suffocation enveloping her.

    Suddenly, he lowered his head and extended his arms.

    With veins prominent on the back of his hands, he grabbed her shoulders, his voice trembling. ¡°Did you stay abroad to hide and have her?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Eileen looked up at him. ¡°All I wanted was to give birth to her safely, even if¡­ even if you weren¡¯t with me. I would still have her.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s eyes glistened with emotion. ¡°You make me feel like a failure, like a useless father who couldn¡¯t look after the woman he loves.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 362

    ?Chapter 362:

    It had been over four months since he discovered Gabri was his flesh and blood.

    Suddenly, the strength seemed to drain from his hand, now hanging limply at his side like a wilted flower. The prominent blue veins on his skin faintly revealed the rhythmic pulse of his beating heart.

    ¡°The reason I kept the truth from you is because there were too many eyes on us. If anything had happened to you, it could have jeopardized our daughter¡¯s safety. It wasn¡¯t that I thought you were ipetent. I just couldn¡¯t bear to take that risk.¡±

    Eileen moved closer to him, her fingers firmly gripping his wrist. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t risk Gabri¡¯s life. I don¡¯t want her to grow up without a father figure. That¡¯s why I¡¯m telling you about her now. However, we still need to keep her existence hidden from the outside world.¡±

    If they stood united, they¡¯d be the unbreakable shield that protected Gabri.

    They would be Gabri¡¯s constantpanions, and one day, they¡¯d proudly proim to the world that she was their daughter.

    No sooner had Eileen finished speaking than Bryan seized her wrist, pulling her close and enveloping her in a fierce embrace.

    He buried his head in the crook of her neck, holding her tightly. ¡°Thank you for bringing her into this world, Eileen.¡±

    He had overthought things too much just now. After a terrible idea had crept into his mind, he had no energy left to ponder anything else.

    Had Eileen been too forgiving then? Or had she let her anger towards him and Ste drive her to abort, he wouldn¡¯t have Gabri as his daughter now.

    Eileen lifted her head, resting her chin on his shoulder. Tears slipped from the corners of her eyes and onto his shirt.

    Discover the best stories at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be a caring father. My life is dedicated to you and our daughter,¡± he vowed.

    Eileen¡¯s heart melted. She clutched his shirt tightly and then wrapped her arms around his sturdy waist.

    She gave Bryan the space he needed to gather his thoughts. Once they had both calmed down, Bryan went to her room andy down beside Gabri, though sleep was a distant dream for him that night.

    Eileen, sleepless as well, positioned Gabri between them, with Bryan and herself on either side, safeguarding their child together.

    In the soft glow of the nightlight, Gabri¡¯s skin was smooth and delicate. Her curlyshes were thick and long, her arms looked chubby and cute. Eileen¡¯s eyes were fixed on the baby.

    ¡°Josue said that you don¡¯t care for Gabri,¡± Eileen said suddenly, just before dawn.

    Bryan sat up abruptly, his voice firm. ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous. There¡¯s no way I wouldn¡¯t love my daughter. He¡¯s just jealous and trying to stir things up!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 363

    ?Chapter 363:

    ¡°But I remember you saying quite clearly that you weren¡¯t fond of Gabri.¡± Eileen¡¯s gaze lifted slightly, capturing his embarrassed expression in her eyes for a fleeting moment.

    ¡°I¡¯ll exin,¡± Bryan said earnestly. ¡°I had a dream where you gave birth to a baby who wasn¡¯t very attractive. Because your baby didn¡¯t look as adorable as Gabri, you were always sad and crying.¡±

    This revtion took Eileen aback, but for the first time, she understood the pressure parents faced whenparing their children¡¯s appearances to others.

    It seemed that parents were constantly inpetition over their children¡¯s looks, academic achievements, and talents.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t I see this before? Gabri resembles you so much.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s that you¡¯re her mother.¡±

    Bryan leaned back on the bed, propping his head up with one hand, and gently poked Gabri¡¯s fist with his injured left hand.

    Gabri stirred slightly, her tiny fingers curling around Bryan¡¯s finger. Her red, puckered lips quivered before she fell back asleep. A broad smile spread across Bryan¡¯s face. He nced up at Eileen, his eyes sparkling with hope. ¡°Even though we have a lot ahead of us, our journey as a family of three has just begun.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Last night had been their first night together as a family. Indeed, a new chapter had just started.

    She suddenly lowered her head and ced her hand on her belly. ¡°My mother isn¡¯t around these days. You can stay here temporarily to help with meals, but it¡¯s toote for breakfast this morning. I have an early meeting and need to get going now.¡±

    The pasta fromst night had been so unappetizing.

    Updates always at galno¦Íe??s

    ¡°Go then,¡± Bryan said without lifting his head, his gaze still fixed on the baby girl. ¡°I¡¯ll look after her.¡±

    Eileen was at a loss for words.

    Hungry and in a rush, she got up, washed her face, and changed into fresh clothes. As she descended to the first floor, Milford turned toward her, a look of concern on his face.

    ¡°Eileen, Ipletely forgot that Gabri was here. I didn¡¯t mean to let Bryan in.¡±

    When Milford let Bryan in, he suddenly remembered that Gabri was in the room with Eileen.

    He considered going upstairs to check on them but hesitated, worried he might inadvertently intrude on their privacy.

    As a result, he had a restless night, troubled by the thought of possibly causing trouble for Eileen.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 364

    ?Chapter 364:

    ¡°I know you didn¡¯t mean any harm,¡± Eileen said, noticing Milford¡¯s anxious expression. She smiled reassuringly. ¡°I¡¯m heading to the office now. You can stay home and look after Gabri with Bryan. Just give me a call if anythinges up.¡±

    Relieved by her calm demeanor, Milford nodded gratefully. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll take good care of Gabri.¡±

    Eileen changed her shoes at the entryway and nced up the staircase, but she didn¡¯t see anything. She vividly recalled how Bryan would often insist on seeing her off whenever she left for work. He would hug her tightly or sometimes even drive her to her destination, always finding ways to be with her. Even if Gabri prevented him from apanying her, he would at least see her off at the door.

    With a sigh, Eileen pursed her lips, turned on her heel, and left.

    Meanwhile, the Freguson Group continued its steady acquisition of the Warren Group, while efforts to stabilize the Warren Group progressed smoothly. Eileen had a business lunch to attend at noon, but before heading out, she decided to video chat with Bryan. As they spoke, Bryan reclinedfortably with Gabri sprawled on his chest, basking in the warm sunlight streaming through the window.

    ¡°Look at this,¡± Bryan said, pointing at the video on his phone and gently rubbing Gabri¡¯s chubby cheeks. The baby¡¯s mouth formed a perfect ¡°O¡± with saliva dribbling down.

    Gabri blinked her bright eyes and turned her gaze elsewhere.

    Their video callsted about five minutes. For the first three and a half minutes, Bryan enthusiastically talked about Gabri. Eileen managed to get in a few responses during the remaining half-minute.

    After they wrapped up the video call, Eileen put away her phone, left the office, and called Dalores. Benjamin would be joining them at the restaurantter. However, he had some errands to run first and would head straight to the restaurant to meet them.

    Fresh chapters uploaded on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls?c?m

    The car was silent, the only sound being the faint hum of the engine. Eileen nced over at Dalores, who was intently studying the schedule. Breaking the silence, Eileen said softly, ¡°You know, your job isn¡¯t easy. The high sry you earn is due to the dangers and the need for secrecy.¡±

    ¡°I understand, but I need to keep track of your daily agenda and provide timely reminders,¡± Dalores said, ncing up from the schedule, her lips curling into a small smile.

    Eileen paused for a moment before asking, ¡°Thest time you mentioned you couldn¡¯t leave because you were short on money, what happened? Is there anyone else depending on you?¡±

    Dalores shook her head, her voice tinged with sadness.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 365

    ?Chapter 365:

    ¡°I don¡¯t have any family left. I was abandoned and then adopted purely by chance. Back then, I had a grandpa who was over 80 years old. A few years ago, he passed away. My greatest dream was to earn enough money to build beautiful tombs for my parents and grandpa.¡±

    Her parents had died in a tragic ident. They were so poor that they couldn¡¯t afford a proper coffin. Her grandpa had used wooden nks to block the soil and buy a simple coffin for her parents.

    When Julio found out about this, he stepped in and arranged for proper coffins for her parents, giving them a respectful burial. Despite his generosity, Dalores had been too shy to ask for more at the time, so their final resting ce remained the simplest graves.

    In her hometown, it was customary for a couple to beid to rest together, and their grave had to be renovated.

    ¡°How much will it cost?¡± Eileen asked, aware that local customs varied. She decided not to pry further.

    ¡°It¡¯s not too expensive. The total expenses usuallye to around ten to twenty thousand,¡± Dalores replied with a modest smile, a hint of embarrassment in her voice. ¡°But, you see, I just graduated from college. My first few jobs barely covered my living expenses. It¡¯s only through this job that I¡¯m managing to save a little.¡±

    After a brief silence, the car came to a stop outside a restaurant. Instead of immediately exiting, Eileen retrieved the ck card Julio had given her and handed it to Dalores. ¡°The amount on this card should be enough.¡±

    Dalores shook her head, a hint of disbelief in her eyes. ¡°I can¡¯t take this. How could I possibly ept your money?¡±

    ¡°This isn¡¯t my money,¡± Eileen replied, turning slightly to face her.

    Explore new stories g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??s.c?m

    Dalores looked taken aback for a moment beforeprehension slowly dawned on her. She smiled softly but continued to hold her ground. ¡°I don¡¯t want his money either. If he¡¯s trying to thank me for what happened at the hotelst time, it¡¯s really not necessary. I don¡¯t care about that. It wasn¡¯t the first time something like this happened. I simply helped him out.¡±

    Her words weighed heavily on Eileen¡¯s heart. However, she knew she had to ensure there was no room for misunderstanding or false hope. Otherwise, a girl as naive as Dalores would never have been able to move on if she had fallen in love with Julio. ¡°He asked you to leave.¡±

    Dalores¡¯ smile vanished in an instant, and her face turned pale. She stared at the ck card Eileen had handed her, unmoving.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t how he shows his care for you. Julio is someone who values profit more than love. He asked you to leave because he feared you might cause trouble for him and jeopardize his marriage to Miss Harrison. I should have told you this earlier, but I couldn¡¯t find the right moment.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 366

    ?Chapter 366:

    Eileen knew this wasn¡¯t the best time, given the business lunchter. However, with Julioing by many timestely, she felt she couldn¡¯t wait any longer, especially after noticing Dalores¡¯ emotional fluctuations.

    ¡°Is that true?¡± Dalores asked, her eyes red and glistening with unshed tears. ¡°You¡¯ve only known him for a short while. How can you understand him so well? He used to treat me with so much kindness.¡±

    Eileen ced the card gently on the center console between them. ¡°That¡¯s true. I haven¡¯t known him as long as you have. But let me tell you something: a person¡¯s true character oftenes to light in their darkest hours. He was the eldest son of the Freguson family, leading a life offort and ease. He was kind and gentle in those days, but only because he hadn¡¯t faced any real hardships.¡±

    She had the impression that after Julio was ousted from the Freguson family, he seemed to be slowly regaining his strength, buoyed by Dalores¡¯ presence. However, beneath his calm exterior, Julio was silently plotting his revenge. He was determined to get what he wanted, no matter the cost.

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe it,¡± Dalores muttered, her frustration boiling over. Whenever she was upset, she couldn¡¯t help butsh out with harsh words in front of Julio.

    However, she couldn¡¯t help but indulge in a daydream. ¡°Mr. Dawson is as cold as ice, impervious to emotions. But after all the trials and tribtions, doesn¡¯t he, too, ce some value on feelings?¡±

    Eileen and Bryan kept in touch over the phone, never shying away from conversations with Dalores around. Because of this, Dalores knew that Bryan and Eileen were back together and that Bryan had been in a car ident because of Eileen.

    ¡°Bryan might appear ruthless and resolute on the surface, but deep down, he remains unchanged when he loves someone. Julio, on the other hand, is nothing like him. Don¡¯t try topare him to anyone else. People are different.¡±

    Explore new chapters g?l¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    Dalores fell silent, her posture stiff as she lowered her gaze, not uttering a word. The midday sun streamed through the car window, casting a warm glow. A single crystalline tear slipped down her cheek andnded gently on the back of her hand.

    Dalores quickly lifted her head, brushed away her tears, and spoke in a choked voice. ¡°Ms. Curtis, I can¡¯t take the card. Even if I leave, I can¡¯t ept his money. I¡¯ve already used too much of his money. Please let him know I¡¯ll pay him back once I can save enough. Whether I stay or go is my decision.¡±

    ¡°Just take the card. You can discuss things with himter if you need to,¡± Eileen replied, unwilling to be entangled in their matters. ¡°You should head back now. Mr. Nash is attending the business lunch with me.¡±

    As soon as Eileen stepped out of the car and shut the door, she spotted Benjamin standing by the entrance of the restaurant. Seeing her approach, Benjamin quickly snubbed out his cigarette and slipped his hand out of his pocket. ¡°No need to rush. Mr. Quinn and the others haven¡¯t shown up yet.¡±

    ¡°Alright. When did you pick up smoking?¡± Eileen didn¡¯t remember ever seeing him smoke.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 367

    ?Chapter 367:

    Benjamin offered a sheepish grin and shrugged. ¡°Started after I left the Warren Group. Things were tough, and smoking seemed like a way to cope.¡±

    Together, they stepped into the elevator, heading to the fifth floor, where they had booked a private room. As soon as they stepped out of the elevator, they saw Z and Kian.

    The two emerged from a private room at the end of the hallway on the right. Kian led the way with a calm demeanor, while Z trailed behind him, her face pale and drawn.

    Eileen was struck by how much Kian had changed. It had been so long since she hadst seen him.

    Once known for his immacte appearance and charming smile, Kian now looked somewhat disheveled. The suit was fromst year, and the trademark smile that usually graced his face had vanished. Instead, he wore a glum expression.

    They paused a short distance away, and Benjamin looked noticeably ufortable. After all, he had once been Kian¡¯s assistant, but now he had surpassed Kian in both stature and sess.

    After a brief pause, Benjamin gave a slight nod toward Kian and said, ¡°Warren.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m honored,¡± Kian replied. His expression remained frosty as he continued, ¡°Mr. Nash, I must admit, your current standing in the business world far exceeds my own. And, of course, Ms. Curtis.¡±

    The way Kian addressed Eileen carried significant weight, hinting at more than just formal acknowledgment.

    Eileen gave nothing away with her facial expression. She said, ¡°What a coincidence! I have an appointment with clients; this is not a good time to catch up.¡±

    She had nothing to say to Kian and Z.

    Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Z staring intently at her. In Z¡¯s eyes, there was a look of jealousy and some other unfathomable emotion.

    Eileen winked at Benjamin. Soon, they arrived at the room where the business lunch with the clients was scheduled to take ce.

    Kian stared coldly at the closed door.

    ¡°They are quite impressive, aren¡¯t they?¡± Kian said with sarcasm as he turned around. ¡°And so are you.¡±

    Today marked the first time Kian resorted to using the indecent videos he had recorded to force her to join a group of men for a meal. The youngest individual present was nearly forty years old.

    Now that the Warren Group was finished, the Warren family had fallen as well.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 368

    ?Chapter 368:

    Kian, however, wasn¡¯t giving up. He still wanted to join a certainpany¡¯s project he had taken a liking to. However, he missed the opportunity and needed to borrow money, so he had organized today¡¯s meeting.

    ¡°Is it any different if I let you go or not? How many times has Brandon taken you to gatherings like this? Stop pretending to be pure and innocent,¡± Kian said icily.

    Z opened her mouth to speak but shut it again. She had been forced to attend simr asions countless times, but nothing had ever happened. The worst that had happened was those repugnant men getting handsy.

    However, it was clear that Kian didn¡¯t believe she was a virgin. No one did.

    ¡°Help me secure the loan. If I can join this project, I¡¯ll earn a lot in six months. I can start over. It¡¯ll also benefit you too,¡± Kian said.

    They both walked to the restroom as they talked. Kian washed his hands, after which he took out a white pill from his pocket.

    ¡°Don¡¯t act unwilling. The bank president isn¡¯t interested in you. However, you must win him over no matter what,¡± Kian said.

    The implied meaning behind his words was clear.

    Z stared at him, a frown on her face. She hadn¡¯t expected Kian to be the one to push her to the edge.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried that irritating me will make me pester you? You n to get married someday, don¡¯t you? Don¡¯t you think I¡¯d make trouble for you and tell your future wife about our rtionship?¡± Z asked.

    Kian, who had been smoothing his hair, paused at her question.

    Your imagination takes flight on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    He then turned to face her, smiling sarcastically. ¡°Noeback?¡±

    He stretched out his hand, gently took Z by the neck, and pulled her closer. He whispered, ¡°Don¡¯t push me. You¡¯re just here to satisfy my sexual urges. Don¡¯t expect any mercy from me.¡±

    Eileen didn¡¯t have to worry. No one dared force her to do anything because of Benjamin¡¯s presence.

    Her unique insights into the business world put her on the receiving end of manypliments.

    The mealsted for two hours. When it was finally over, the elevator couldn¡¯t take all the guests down in one go, so Eileen suggested to Benjamin that they take the elevator first, and she would wait for the next trip.

    When she descended the stairs, nearly all the individuals in the hall had departed. Z, positioned conspicuously at the entrance, caught sight of her and hastened over.

    ¡°Can I buy you a cup of coffee?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 369

    ?Chapter 369:

    ¡°I¡¯m busy right now,¡± Eileen replied, staring at her watch. She didn¡¯t think there was anything for them to talk about.

    Z seemed to expect her refusal. She quickly added, ¡°It¡¯s about Milford.¡±

    That excuse seemed quite stale. Milford had been in Anta for a while now, and Z hadn¡¯t reached out to him since theirst argument over a year ago.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go then. I have a meeting in twenty minutes,¡± Eileen said, pointing at a coffee shop across the street.

    The caf¨¦ was almost empty as it was noon.

    They both ordered a cup of coffee. Eileen stirred hers with a small spoon as she waited for Z to speak.

    Z, however, said nothing and instead stared into her coffee.

    ¡°It¡¯s been ten minutes,¡± Eileen stated.

    ¡°Have you gotten back together with Bryan?¡± Z asked. She hadn¡¯t seen Bryan for a while, but she had heard he had been in a car ident.

    Although the news had been suppressed, Z could tell that Bryan¡¯s car ident had something to do with Eileen.

    Eileen took a sip of her coffee, leaving a milky stain on the edge of her lips. She grabbed a tissue and carefully wiped it away.

    ¡°Given the current situation, I¡¯ll say we¡¯ve won,¡± Eileen said. ¡°I just wanted to give you a chance to vent so I don¡¯t seem harsh in my victory. Your criticism of me makes no difference. What I won¡¯t tolerate, however, is you expecting me to forget our past and just hand Bryan over to you. You can try to take Bryan from me if you feel you can, but beyond that, I have nothing else to say to you.¡± She leaned back in her chair, clearly bored with the conversation.

    1@?€$? ¡é#4??€?$ 1? g??novels.c?m

    Eileen then took her purse, preparing to leave.

    ¡°Wait a minute,¡± Z hurriedly said.

    ¡°What else?¡± Eileen asked, standing up.

    ¡°How¡ªhow is Milford doing? Has he adjusted to high school life? He¡¯s a high school sophomore, right? How is he coping? Could you arrange for him to have dinner with me?¡± Z asked.

    She had called Milford several times, but each time, they ended up arguing again. Eventually, they blocked each other.

    Eileen paused, then finally said, ¡°I¡¯ll have him get in touch with you. Also, he is no longer in high school. He was allowed to skip two grades because of how smart he is. He got into Willowbrook University.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± A feeling of joy, tinged with a pang of regret, washed over Z. ¡°Willowbrook? Was his high school performance truly exceptional?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know exactly, but it was more than enough to ensure admission to Willowbrook. You can ask him yourself,¡± Eileen said, before taking her leave.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 370

    ?Chapter 370:

    Z sank back onto the sofa, contemting that studying abroad might be a more suitable choice for him, considering his exceptional academic performance and talents.

    At such a young age, he would attract a lot of attention, and if he chose to pursue a career in business, he¡¯d be really good at it. Why didn¡¯t he choose to study abroad? She needed to talk to him about this.

    She was still ruminating on the issue when a call came in from Lydia.

    ¡°How¡¯s the investment n with Brandon going?¡± Z asked.

    Lydia sighed and answered, ¡°It¡¯s not going well, I¡¯m afraid. He¡¯s already mortgaged every property he owns. He¡¯s unwilling to give in to Travis¡¯s biological father. Men have their pride.¡±

    Brandon was not Travis¡¯s biological father. Travis¡¯s biological father had a strong background.

    Z wasn¡¯t sure who that man was.

    She only knew that Lydia had called him their biggest supporter.

    It was because of this that Lydia had always helped Z escape whenever Brandon sent her to sleep with other men.

    Lydia wanted Brandon to submit to Travis¡¯s biological father.

    ¡°Where have you been? Did Brandon whisk you away again?¡± Lydia asked. It had been a while since shest saw Z, so she had to call.

    ¡°No, not at all. I met Eileen, and we had a little chat. I¡¯ll be back soon,¡± Z answered.

    Check updates now on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°Eileen? She¡¯s be quite capable, hasn¡¯t she? You need to be just as powerful. Stabilize and grow the Apex Group so you can pass it on to Travis,¡± Lydia said.

    Z felt a pang of sadness. All her hard work, just to pass it on to Travis.

    She didn¡¯t like it, but she said, ¡°I see.¡±

    Eileen returned home in the evening. As soon as she opened the door, Milford rushed over to her with Gabri.

    ¡°Eileen, you¡¯ll never guess what Bryan did!¡±

    Milford spoke enthusiastically, counting off on his fingers. ¡°Though he only made spaghetti for lunch, that was because we ran out of ingredients. But knowing you wereing back for dinner, he had me watch Gabri for two hours this afternoon while he dashed to the nearby market to buy groceries. He¡¯s been holed up in the kitchen ever since he got back!¡±

    Bryan was known for his culinary talents, which Eileen had enjoyed in the past.

    It had been quite some time since Eileenst savored Bryan¡¯s cooking, and Milford¡¯s vivid description had whetted her appetite.

    Additionally, a subtle and unfamiliar aroma wafted through therge living room from the kitchen.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 371

    ?Chapter 371:

    Could it be a new recipe Bryan was trying out?

    Eileen changed her shoes, took Gabri from Milford¡¯s embrace, kissed the little one¡¯s chubby hands, and made her way to the kitchen.

    ¡°Wow,¡± she said, seeing the array of dishes spread across the table. Milford¡¯s mouth hung open in astonishment. ¡°Eileen, we¡¯re in for a real feast tonight!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m quite hungry myself,¡± Eileen confessed, a smile spreading across her face as she and Milford neared the dining table and paused to admire the dishes.

    Bryan came over with another small te. ¡°You¡¯re back?

    Go wash your hands, and hand me Gabri.¡±

    He adjusted the table settings, ced the small te down, and then scooped up Gabri.

    Puzzled, Eileen washed her hands in the kitchen, returned, and sat next to Bryan, with Milford on the other side.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Milford pointed to the dish closest to him.

    ¡°They¡¯re teething biscuits.¡±

    ¡°And this one here?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s baby cereal.¡±

    L§Ñt?st ch¦Ápt?rs in g??l??ov??ls.£ã¦Ïm

    A flicker of amusement crossed Eileen¡¯s face. So, was the entire dinner spread actually baby food?

    ¡°I did a lot of research online today and found that babies who are only fed form, like Gabri, can start solids a bit earlier. The baby cereal I made is easy to digest, so she¡¯ll be able to eat it soon. Gabri is reaching the teething stage¡ªI¡¯ve noticed she likes to put anything she can grab into her mouth, which could be a sign she¡¯s starting to teeth.

    ¡°I spent hours making these teething biscuits, trying out different vors¡­ And here¡¯s some fruit puree, which I steamed before pureeing.¡±

    Eileen looked at where he was pointing and realized that the entire table was filled with food for Gabri.

    There was no dinner for her.

    ¡°Bryan, what about us?¡± Milford finally broke in. ¡°What are we supposed to eat?¡±

    ¡°Gabri will just taste a little of each. Some she might not even be able to eat yet. I made enough to test the vors and see what needs improving. Except for the teething biscuits, there¡¯s enough here to feed the three of us,¡± Bryan¡¯s expression was serious, signaling he wasn¡¯t joking.

    It seemed they were going to be taste testers for the barely four-month-old baby in the days toe.

    Then Bryan grinned at Eileen. ¡°Of course, if you want a teething biscuit, I can give you one. As for Milford? Impossible.¡±

    Milford leaned back in his chair and let out a sigh.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 372

    ?Chapter 372:

    ¡°Thank you so much,¡± Eileen said, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. She decisively pulled out her phone and walked toward the living room. ¡°Milford, what do you want to eat?¡±

    ¡°Anything, as long as it¡¯s not baby food. I¡¯ll eat anything,¡± Milford eximed, standing up to follow Eileen.

    Bryan started to stand, but Eileen suddenly stopped, turned around, and pointed at him. ¡°You stay here and finish all this baby food.¡±

    Bryan, his head still bandaged and dressed in gray loungewear, held Gabri, looking quite different from his usual self.

    He remained silent for a moment, then sat down and spoke to Gabri. ¡°If they don¡¯t eat with you, I will. But since you¡¯re just over four months old, you can only try a little bit of each dish. Don¡¯t be greedy. If you like it, Daddy will make it for you every day¡­¡±

    His gentle voice speaking to Gabri gave Eileen a slight headache.

    Eileen and Milford decided to order takeout, finally getting some adult food, regardless of the taste.

    They were relieved not to be taste-testers anymore.

    ¡°Eileen, you need to find a way to handle him. Otherwise, we¡¯re going to end up eating baby food every day,¡± Milfordined.

    He still felt like a child himself and needed proper nutrition, not nd food.

    Eileen, unfazed, said, ¡°He just fully epted Gabrist night; she is now the center of his world. Don¡¯t make a big deal out of it, just bear with it.¡±

    Explore magic at g¦Á ? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s,

    Milford exhaled deeply.

    ¡°By the way, did Josuee over today?¡± Eileen had anticipated that Josue and Bryan would sh over Gabri.

    ¡°He did,¡± Milford nodded toward the dining room. ¡°Bryan asked me to convey that you said Josue doesn¡¯t need to supervise Gabri.¡±

    Eileen was skeptical. ¡°Oh? Josueplied with that?¡±

    She doubted Josue would so easily relent and expected him to challenge Bryan.

    ¡°Not exactlypliant, but Bryan has his ways. Just a few phone calls and Josue didn¡¯t show up again.¡±

    Milford¡¯s expression showed his admiration for Bryan¡¯s tact.

    What was more rming? Josue hadn¡¯t realized that Bryan was the one orchestrating his setbacks.

    Furthermore, today Josue had sent Bryan numerous photos and videos of the baby, boasting about how much he adored Gabri. The Gabri Josue was bragging about was right in Bryan¡¯s arms, and Bryan waspletely ignoring Josue.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 373

    ?Chapter 373:

    This was just the beginning of Bryan¡¯s countermeasures. Eileen chuckled to herself, her thoughts drifting to something Z had said.

    ¡°Z mentioned it¡¯s been a long time since shest saw you or reached out, and she¡¯d like to meet for a meal.¡±

    Milford showed little interest. ¡°Why should I? I¡¯d rather eat the baby food than have dinner with her.¡±

    ¡°She has made many mistakes, but aside from that, she has treated you decently. Just discern right from wrong in your heart; there¡¯s no need to cut her offpletely because of us.¡±

    Eileen sensed that Milford and Z had stopped talking. She wasn¡¯t sure of the details, but she had her suspicions.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried that if I get close to her again, she might manipte or mislead me?¡± Milford asked.

    Eileenughed. ¡°Your heart is strong; it won¡¯t be led astray. Bryan also grew up with her, yet he remains principled, doesn¡¯t he?¡±

    Milford grunted nomittally, not wanting Eileen to feel guilty for possibly influencing their rtionship.

    Their takeout quickly satiated Eileen and Milford¡¯s hunger. After finishing their meal, it had already grown dark outside. With summer ending, the nights were beginning to cool.

    After her shower, Eileen changed into warmer pajamas and then remembered she needed to buy some thicker clothes for her daughter. She took measurements of her daughter¡¯s size, preparing to shop online. Simultaneously, she chatted over video with Ruby, getting updates on Bailee and Huey¡¯s situation.

    Today marked their first official day living together. Bailee had left for work early, leaving Ruby and Huey at home. Ruby busied herself with household chores while Huey secluded himself in his study, gaming.

    Your next tale lives on g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s,

    ¡°You tell me, how can a boy like that bring happiness to¡­¡± Ruby trailed off.

    ¡°Mom, gaming is Huey¡¯s job,¡± Eileen had foreseen that Ruby would find this difficult to ept. She advised, ¡°You should treat it as though he¡¯smitted to a job away from home, rather than just ying around at home.¡±

    Ruby sighed deeply. ¡°The problem is, he eats his meal and then dashes off, asking me to leave the dishes for him to washter because he¡¯s busy with apetition these days. Can I really do that? Yet, when he spends the entire afternoon gaming, when does he find time to wash the dishes?¡±

    Eileen found Ruby¡¯s continuousints somewhat amusing. After some more chatting, perhaps tired ofining, Ruby changed the subject to Gabri.

    ¡°Did you hear from Milford that Bryan now knows he¡¯s Gabri¡¯s father?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 374

    ?Chapter 374:

    Ruby was concerned about Gabri, assuming Milford was at home caring for her, so she called him to check.

    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s taking good care of her while you¡¯re away. He¡¯s also eager for you toe back so he can exin something to you properly,¡± Eileen said. She suspected that even if Ruby returned, Bryan would be reluctant to hand Gabri over.

    ¡°He¡¯s a man and has never done this kind of thing before. I¡¯m worried he won¡¯t be able to look after her well. I can¡¯t stay at Bailee¡¯s anymore. I¡¯lle back as soon as possible to help with the baby.¡±

    After a little more conversation, Ruby ended the video call.

    Turning around, Eileen saw that Bryan had not only washed the dishes downstairs, but he had also showered. Climbing into bed, he held their daughter in his arms and then reached out for Eileen.

    Eileen set her phone aside andy down next to Bryan with her head on his chest, and his arm holding her tightly.

    ¡°The teething biscuit was a bit of a disaster; it crumbled,¡± Bryan said, sounding frustrated. ¡°I can¡¯t give it to Gabri.¡±

    ¡°Then just buy some,¡± Eileen suggested, gently holding Gabri¡¯s small hand. She had missed her after a day apart.

    Gabri wiggled, nestling into Bryan¡¯s body, her little face turning towards Eileen.

    ¡°The ones you buy are full of additives; it¡¯s safer if I make them myself! I¡¯ll try again tomorrow,¡± Bryan said as he kissed Eileen¡¯s forehead and squeezed her hand. Then he leaned in and asked her a very serious question. ¡°Where would be the most suitable ce for us tonight?¡±

    Feel the magic on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    Eileen tensed and gave Bryan a puzzled look. Weren¡¯t they already lying in bed? Surely, they weren¡¯t considering the garden outside, were they?

    ¡°I¡¯m worried about disturbing Gabri,¡± Bryan exined earnestly. ¡°And since she¡¯s just a baby, it wouldn¡¯t be appropriate to be near her when we¡ª¡±

    ¡°What does she understand?¡± Eileen shielded Gabri¡¯s chubby little body with her hand, ensuring she didn¡¯t roll off the bed.

    Bryan furrowed his brows, asking, ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    Eileen hesitated for a moment. She lowered her head to look at Gabri, who was staring back with wide-open eyes. Eileen was certain Gabri didn¡¯t grasp anything going on around her. Even if she were to wake up, she wouldn¡¯t understand what was happening.

    When Eileen recalled how Bryan had passionately kissed her the previous night with Gabri watching, making gentle cooing sounds with wide eyes, she felt a bit embarrassed.

    ¡°She¡¯s sleepy. Go prepare some form,¡± Eileen suggested, noticing Gabri¡¯s sounds that indicated she was hungry.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 375

    ?Chapter 375:

    Bryan kissed Eileen¡¯s cheek and then stood up to prepare the form, returning to sit by Gabri¡¯s side just like he had the night before. Eileen fed the baby while Bryan turned off the light and busied himself on his phone, researching everything about baby milestones: when they start teething, begin talking, and most of all, walking. He was deeply fascinated by all this information.

    Meanwhile, Bryan¡¯s eyes were bright with curiosity as he continued to browse through his phone.

    About half an hourter, Gabri had fallen asleep. Eileen gently removed the baby bottle and carefully moved Gabri to the baby cot, trying not to wake her.

    As she turned around, she suddenly found herself wrapped in Bryan¡¯s intense embrace. She almost gasped in surprise, but Bryan pressed his finger to her lips to quiet her, sealing the gesture with a kiss.

    ¡°To the bathroom,¡± Bryan whispered, not waiting for Eileen¡¯s response. He rolled off the bed and scooped her into his arms, carrying her sideways toward the bathroom.

    The bathroom was spacious, featuring arge tub and a wide sink ledge suitable for Eileen to sit on. Bryan set her on the ledge, their gazes locked as he kissed her fervently. Her head pressed against the mirror as he kissed her with an urgent intensity.

    The unfamiliar environment, the long-missed closeness, and the secluded space heightened Eileen¡¯s senses as she instinctively responded to Bryan.

    Moonlight cascaded over Eileen¡¯s skin, illuminating the traces of Bryan¡¯s kisses. As they grew warmer, strands of Eileen¡¯s hair clung to her damp forehead and cheeks, her soft voice muffled.

    Though they were just in the bathroom, it was merely a door that separated them from the rest of the house. She dared not make any noise, except for those moments when it became too overwhelming to contain.

    Stay connected g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s

    Deep into the night, Bryan sat in the living room, surrounded by a cloud of smoke. Lydia, who had been asleep, came downstairs and quickened her steps when she saw Bryan.

    ¡°Brandon, why aren¡¯t you sleeping?¡±

    ¡°How could I sleep?¡± Brandon exhaled a cloud of smoke, the scent filling the air around him.

    Lydia stopped and said, ¡°The solution is right in front of you. If you don¡¯t address it, what can I do?¡±

    Suddenly, Brandon stood and grabbed Lydia¡¯s wrist. ¡°When you married me, you promised to protect the Dawson family¡¯s fortune and seek revenge for me. That was the only reason I helped you. But now, what have I got?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re not at the end yet, why the hurry?¡± Lydia¡¯s wrist ached from his grip, and her expression darkened. She struggled to free herself from Brandon¡¯s hold, straightened her clothes, and added, ¡°Also, the recent funding for Apex Group didn¡¯t involve adding Travis¡¯s dad¡¯s shares. Once the investment is made, doesn¡¯t it still belong to you?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 376

    ?Chapter 376:

    Brandon paused and then asked, ¡°Anything else? No strings attached?¡±

    ¡°So, you think we¡¯re trying to trick you?¡± Lydia couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°Rest assured, he values trust above all. He made his fortune by keeping his promises. Besides, if we really wanted to mess with you, you¡¯d have no chance to retaliate.¡±

    This was a harsh truth, and such truths often stung. Brandon couldn¡¯t mask his difort.

    ¡°Brandon, we are legally married. If you fall on hard times, you won¡¯t have an easy time. As long as we¡¯re not divorced, I can¡¯t push you into despair, right?¡± Lydia said pragmatically. ¡°If I don¡¯t mention it and you don¡¯t either, who would know the money came from Travis¡¯s biological father? What are you worried about?¡±

    Patting Brandon¡¯s shoulder and seeing him hesitate, she continued, ¡°You made a big mistake pushing Z out. Who else but her can help you manage Apex Group? Travis isn¡¯t ready yet. Take the money from Travis¡¯s dad to stabilize Apex Group, defeat Bryan, and take over the Dawson family. Later, you can hand everything to Travis. Wouldn¡¯t that give you both honor and satisfaction?¡±

    Few people knew that Travis wasn¡¯t Brandon¡¯s biological son. Handing over the Dawson family¡¯s property to Travis would make it seem to the public as if Brandon had triumphed over Bryan.

    ¡°Alright, tell him to prepare the money and transfer it to my ount.¡±

    Lydia smiled as she headed upstairs, dialing an international number. ¡°Agreed. Stubborn as he is, so concerned about his honor. If he had realized the situation earlier, I wouldn¡¯t have needed to waste my time persuading him. But anyway, it¡¯s all for Travis¡¯s future. We¡¯re securing him a prestigious identity. Our son will be a prominent figure.¡±

    The next day, Brandon injected three billion dors into Apex Group.

    Get the newest chapters g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls

    The once-falteringpany seemed revitalized overnight, bringing in several top-tier managers from abroad with hefty sries for a fresh start.

    At this time, ZJ Venture Capital announced it would fully fund EB Group, which was set to officially enter the domesticmercial scene in ten days.

    EB Group, also linked to Bryan, had taken over several projects originally belonging to Apex Group, and partners were eager to coborate with Bryan.

    Thus, EB Group quickly soared, posing a new threat to Apex Group.

    Apex Group and EB Group appeared to be in subtle rivalry, while Ferguson Group remained uninvolved.

    Eileen saw the news that EB Group was about to go public and was stunned for a few seconds.

    She couldn¡¯t remember when Bryan had been hospitalized, but she knew he hadn¡¯t worked since then.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 377

    ?Chapter 377:

    Despite this, he had ensured the smooth development of EB Group, a testament either to his brilliant strategy or his cunning deceitfulness.

    To Brandon, Bryan was definitely cunning and deceitful.

    Perhaps the connection between EB Group and Bryan had reached Ste, who suddenly had Jarrede to the Ferguson Group office to find Eileen.

    ¡°Mrs. Ste Dawson has requested your presence along with Bryan at the Dawson Mansion for dinner tonight. She has been contemting a lot recently. I understand you harbor some resentment, but her bond with Bryan cannot be broken. Moreover, how much longer does she have? Please, for Bryan¡¯s sake, endure it.¡±

    Jarred knew Ste¡¯s original intentions best. Even though he felt she sometimes went too far, he couldn¡¯t help but make excuses for her.

    Hisst sentence resonated deeply with Eileen.

    She was already with Bryan, so she couldn¡¯t dwell on Ste¡¯s past mistakes.

    Even if Ste had set a trap by calling them over tonight, she would simply adapt to the situation. After all, Bryan was all she truly needed.

    ¡°Please tell her that we will be there tonight.¡±

    Jarred smiled, relieved, and thanked her. ¡°You are so kind and sensible. It¡¯s just that Mrs. Dawson sometimes goes too far.¡±

    That afternoon, Eileen left work early to inform Bryan about the dinner at Dawson Mansion scheduled for that evening.

    Discover fresh updates g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í?ls

    Holding Gabri in his arms, Bryan was silent for a few seconds before saying, ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll leave Gabri with Milford for now.

    If things don¡¯t go as nned, we have Josue and Mrs. Payne babysit her for a few hours.

    We¡¯ll make the trip quick ande back soon,¡± Eileen said, feeling secure leaving her daughter in their care.

    ¡°Just leave it to Milford,¡± Bryan replied without hesitation. ¡°I¡¯ve noticed these past few days that he¡¯s very caring. I trust him.¡±

    Although Milford wasn¡¯t an adult, Bryan refused to leave the child with Josue.

    Eileen didn¡¯t challenge his decision and smiled as she took Gabri. ¡°I¡¯ve picked out a few outfits for you. Change into one, and we¡¯ll go now.¡±

    There were no clothes for her, so Eileen had stopped by a mall on her way home to buy some, mostly in a sporty style.

    It would have been absurd for Bryan to wear a suit with his head wrapped in a bandage.

    Bryan casually selected an outfit and changed into it.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 378

    ?Chapter 378:

    Ten minutester, they set off and reached the Dawson Mansion within half an hour.

    To their surprise, they found Brandon and Lydia there, along with Jarred and a group of servants outside the house.

    When Jarred spotted Bryan, he rushed over. ¡°Bryan, Mrs. Dawson needs your help! As soon as Brandon got here, he demanded that your family management be taken from her. He¡¯s even after the family genealogy to gather your n¡¯s elders for a vote. He wants to strip your grandmother of her management rights and transfer them to Lydia!¡±

    A cold light shed in Bryan¡¯s eyes upon hearing this.

    The house¡¯s door was locked from the inside, and the solid wooden door was too heavy to be forced open.

    Eileen turned around, retrieved a hammer from the car, and handed it to Bryan. ¡°Break the window and get in.¡±

    Bryan grasped the hammer and made his way to the living room¡¯s floor-to-ceiling window. With a swing, the doubleyered ss shattered into countless cracks, webbing across the entire pane.

    He then threw a stone, shattering the outeryer of ss, and repeated the method to break the inneryer.

    Within seconds, they all stepped over the broken ss into the house, only to find the living room empty.

    Jarred pointed toward Ste¡¯s bedroom. ¡°She was taken there to search for the family¡¯s token!¡±

    Bryan marched to the bedroom door and kicked it open effortlessly.

    Find your next adventure at g¦Á ?¦Ç ¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s

    The intrusion startled everyone inside, and the chaos in the room sent a chill through Eileen.

    Clothes and assorted items were strewn across the floor, some hung on the walls, disyed in cabs, or scattered in disarray.

    The closet doors stood ajar, the bedside cab was overturned, and Ste sat in a chair, her face ashen.

    Her eyes flickered with emotion only when they burst through the door. ¡°Bryan, Eileen¡­¡±

    Bryan¡¯s fury red like that of a wrathful lion, his jaw clenching as he stepped toward Brandon.

    He swung a powerful punch at Brandon.

    One punch was all it took to send Brandon crashing to the floor.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 379

    ?Chapter 379:

    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± Lydia cried out in fright, her back pressed against the closet. ¡°How could you just hit him? I¡¯ll call the police! This is your father! I¡¯m a woman; you can¡¯t hit a woman, can you?¡±

    ¡°He can¡¯t, but I can,¡± Eileen interjected, stepping forward and surprising Lydia, whose pupils dted in fear.

    ¡°What are you doing? Trying to give Bryan¡¯s grandma a heart attack?¡± Lydia¡¯s voice quivered as she used Ste as an excuse.

    Ste merely scoffed. ¡°I¡¯ve put up with you for years, and I¡¯m still here. Now that they¡¯re standing up for me, I¡¯m quite content!¡±

    Under Bryan¡¯s cold re, Lydia felt a shiver run down her spine. She steadied herself, helped Brandon to his feet, and scrambled for words to defuse the situation.

    ¡°He¡¯s your father. It¡¯spletely inappropriate to hit your own father. Are you not worried about facing public criticism for your impulsive actions?¡±

    As Brandon shook off the dizziness from the blow, Lydia¡¯s words made him sit upright, his finger quivering as he pointed at Bryan. ¡°You ingrate!¡±

    But before he could say another word, Bryan¡¯s intense look silenced him.

    ¡°Are you being an attentive son yourself?¡± Ste rose, took the cane from the old butler, and strode over to Brandon, delivering a sharp p.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you die in that ident? You¡¯ve always been a failure. You¡¯ve made so many mistakes, you fool!¡±

    Brandon covered his face and red at Ste, his eyes burning with anger. ¡°I¡¯m foolish? Funny! I won¡¯t allow that malicious woman¡¯s schemes to seed against me. Yet you, you¡¯ve been misled by her, focusing all your attention on this ungrateful Bryan andpletely disregarding me, your own son!¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s is where magic happens

    A malicious woman? Eileen¡¯s brow furrowed slightly as she focused her gaze on Bryan. The dim light enveloped him, casting an even darker shadow on the ck shirt he wore. His hands, which hung by his sides, slowly clenched into fists. The veins in his slender arms became more pronounced.

    The woman Brandon spoke of must be Bryan¡¯s mother.

    The animosity between Bryan¡¯s parents was intense, almost palpable. It was baffling why Brandon harbored such deep-seated loathing for his mother.

    With Bryan¡¯s mother now deceased, that venomous hatred had been redirected toward Bryan himself.

    It was unimaginable to Eileen how a father could despise his own blood to such an extent.

    ¡°Brandon, don¡¯t be fooled by her lies!¡± Ste eximed, pointing at Lydia. ¡°The Dawson name still holds weight. It¡¯s better than watching you squander the Dawson legacy as an outsider, bit by bit!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 380

    ?Chapter 380:

    ¡°Ste, I don¡¯t appreciate those words,¡± Lydia snapped. ¡°Even though Travis isn¡¯t Brandon¡¯s biological son, he¡¯s been nothing but dedicated. Brandon has raised him as his own, and I have no doubt that Travis will be there for him when he needs him.¡±

    ¡°Get out of my face!¡± Ste¡¯s voice shook as she responded to Lydia¡¯s bold deration.

    After a brief pause, Eileen and Bryan gently helped Ste sit on the bed.

    Realizing there was nothing to gain from the situation, Brandon turned and walked away.

    Lydia nced at Eileen with a mocking smile. ¡°Ste, despite all the arrangements you¡¯ve made for your grandson, you still can¡¯t alter his feelings about being with her, can you? The Ferguson family is in disarray, and you¡¯re not worried about involving your grandson in this turmoil?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business,¡± Ste retorted coldly, her lips pale as she gestured to the old butler.

    The old butler quickly escorted Lydia out, prepared to intervene further if necessary.

    Lydia reluctantly left the room.

    The bedroom was cluttered to the point where there was barely any space to stand. Eileen nced around, poised to start cleaning.

    Suddenly, Ste spoke in a cold voice, ¡°You¡¯re my guest. Don¡¯t bother with this mess. We have servants for that.¡±

    Her tone wasn¡¯t overtly unfriendly, but her boundaries were clear.

    ¡°Please, don¡¯t let theme in again.¡± Bryan walked over to Eileen and gently took her wrist. He then turned to address the old butler who had just entered, his voice carrying an air ofmand. ¡°I¡¯m bringing extra staff. Make sure everything is sorted out.¡±

    Unforgettable stories on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s??o??

    Ste¡¯s eyes were fixed on how Bryan¡¯s hand sped Eileen¡¯s wrist. Cutting off the old butler before he could respond, she asked, ¡°You founded the EB Group yourself, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Bryan replied, his voice neutral. He had never intended to keep secrets from her about his business dealings. From the moment he started his ns, he had been transparent with her, concealing nothing. Despite this, Ste never took the initiative to discuss any strategies with him beforehand.

    Consequently, they each had their own agendas.

    He tolerated the trouble from Ste, yet she continually created problems for him.

    After a prolonged silence, Ste inhaled deeply and said, ¡°I guess I¡¯m just old and in the way. Don¡¯t worry about amodating me. I¡¯ll head to the mountains tomorrow and stay there for a while. I won¡¯t meddle in your life.¡±

    Throughout her deration, she didn¡¯t once mention Eileen, nor did she nce in her direction.

    Bryan nodded in response. ¡°Take care of yourself. Once EB Group is stable and the timing feels right, I¡¯ll inform you before the wedding with Eileen. That¡¯s when you can return from the mountains.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 381

    ?Chapter 381:

    At these words, Ste tensed up. She looked at Bryan and asked, ¡°And if you two don¡¯t end up marrying? Am I to stay on the mountain indefinitely?¡±

    ¡°You can choose toe back or stay,¡± Bryan replied, his voice calm. ¡°But regardless of your decision, the wedding will proceed as nned. The wedding is certain.¡±

    Bryan gently took Eileen¡¯s hand, their fingers softly entwining.

    Eileen, silent up until now, finally added, ¡°Take care of yourself.¡±

    She and Bryan turned and walked away.

    Eileen was puzzled by Ste¡¯s insistence on their return.

    Had Ste consented to their marriage? Her demeanor was anything but warm.

    If she opposed it, why hadn¡¯t she intervened?

    Perhaps she was reluctant to meet their expectations and had opted instead for silence.

    The night breeze murmured softly, seeping into the car through the slightly ajar window.

    Eileen, her short hair tousled by the fickle wind, reclined in the car seat and gazed at the rapidly passing scene.

    Bryan stole a sideways nce at her and pressed his lips into a thin line.

    After a lengthy silence, he broke the stillness. ¡°Can I ask you a favor?¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± Eileen faced him, urging him on. ¡°Just go ahead and say it.¡±

    Don¡¯t miss it: g?l§Úov???.c§àm

    ¡°Gabri is my daughter. I¡¯d like her to change her surname to Dawson.¡±

    As they reached a red light at the intersection, Bryan pressed the brakes and turned toward Eileen, his face serious. ¡°I just want her to carry myst name. If we have other kids, they can have your surname.¡±

    Eileen paused, then responded, ¡°Who said anything about having another child?¡±

    Gabri was her daughter¡ªhow could she just agree to change Gabri¡¯sst name to Dawson?

    Bryan found himself at a loss for words, his frustration barely concealed.

    His daughter didn¡¯t share his surname.

    ¡°If we decide to have more children, then I might consider them taking your surname,¡± Eileen¡¯s response offered him a glimmer of hope.

    He snorted, and once the red light changed to green, they continued on their way.

    He floored the elerator and headed home.

    What truly troubled him wasn¡¯t whether their future children would bear hisst name. It was the harsh reality that Gabri could never be a Dawson.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 382

    ?Chapter 382:

    Eileen considered how Bryan might feel about their next child, possibly a baby carrying the Dawson name.

    If their second child turned out to be another girl, Eileen wondered if Bryan would show her the same level of fairness and love that he did with Gabri.

    Wait, no. She suddenly realized that she didn¡¯t even want another child. Such an assumption was pointless.

    An ufortable silence filled the car.

    The car came to a stop at their destination. Just as they unbuckled their seatbelts and prepared to exit, Bryan¡¯s phone rang.

    It was a call from the Dawson Mansion. Without hesitation, he answered and connected it to the car¡¯s Bluetooth, allowing both him and Eileen to listen in.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be heading up to the mountain early tomorrow,¡± Ste¡¯s voice came through the speaker, carrying the heaviness of her years and a touch of helplessness. ¡°I¡¯ve dismissed all the staff at the Dawson Mansion, except for the old butler. He will be your main contact if you need anything. Also, there¡¯s something important I need to discuss with you about the Apex Group.

    The money that flowed into Apex Group came from Travis¡¯s biological father, who gave it to Brandon. We still don¡¯t know what he¡¯s up to.

    Be careful. I feel like his motives aren¡¯t good.¡±

    Who would risk so much for someone else? Three hundred million dors was definitely no small amount.

    Every journey starts at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c????

    ¡°I can¡¯t figure out what their endgame is with Brandon, but it¡¯s clear what Brandon wants. He aims to take control of the Dawson family and destroy you. Please stay alert.¡±

    The car was illuminated by the bright moonlight, casting a soft glow on Bryan. The light highlighted his sharply defined chin, the pronounced contour of his neck, and the darkness of his shirt, creating a strikingly handsome image.

    ¡°Understood,¡± Bryan responded to Ste.

    After exchanging a few more words, Ste ended the call.

    The old butler took the phone, cing it back in its spot. He hesitated, then faced Ste, his voice filled with doubt.

    ¡°What about the token that signifies the leadership of the Dawson n? Mrs. Dawson, shouldn¡¯t you think about handing it over to Miss Curtis sooner rather thanter?¡±

    ¡°When I¡¯m gone, the token will belong to her. She thinks for herself these days. Should she decide otherwise someday, I¡¯d be powerless to intervene if she holds the token,¡± Ste said, her voice heavy with resignation.

    Ste realized she could no longer influence Bryan or Eileen. To her, Eileen seemed vastly different now.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 383

    ?Chapter 383:

    The old butler assisted Ste to her feet, and they slowly made their way back to her room for some rest. The call felt like a farewell.

    Once the phone was set down, the silence in the room was suffocating for Eileen.

    After a prolonged moment, Eileen finally looked at Bryan, her face breaking into a smile. ¡°I¡¯ve made peace with it. Maybe you should talk to Ste. The solitude of the mountain can be overwhelming, and she¡¯s not as young as she used to be. What if she gets sick and there¡¯s no hospital nearby? Perhaps it¡¯s better for her to stay there.¡±

    ¡°Doctors are with her. She¡¯s safe on the mountain. Besides, it keeps her away from Brandon¡¯s clutches. It¡¯s her sanctuary, and it¡¯s not like she¡¯s there forever.¡± Bryan tucked his phone away and softly brushed his fingers against Eileen¡¯s earlobe. Leaning forward, he kissed her deeply. ¡°Let¡¯s get to the point. Are youpletely sure you won¡¯t reconsider Gabri taking my surname?¡±

    ¡°She won¡¯t take your surname,¡± Eileen replied, her forehead touching his as she looked him squarely in the eye. Her tone was unwavering. ¡°She¡¯s my daughter, and she will keep my surname.¡±

    Bryan gently bit her lip, but despite the softness, she still let out a cry of pain. He instantly released her, taking a sip of his drink to ease the mark left by his teeth.

    ¡°I remember what you said. No regrets in the future,¡± he warned.

    He released her and saw the deep teeth marks on her lip, feeling a rush of remorse. Tenderly, he stroked her lip with his fingertips and suggested, ¡°You can bite back tonight. Let¡¯s go home and check in with Gabri.¡±

    With that, he opened the car door and stepped out.

    L?t£åst ch?pt?rs in g??lnovels.??¦Ï??

    Eileen followed, catching a brief glimpse of him as he vanished into the vi. She shut the door, slung her purse over her shoulder, and walked toward the vi, her hands in her pockets. Just as she neared the entrance, the door burst open with great force.

    Josue bolted out, screaming. Upon seeing her, he darted behind her for cover. ¡°Eileen, your crazy husband is trying to kill me!¡± he eximed.

    Bryan followed closely, his handsome face showing intense anger as he red at Josue with his fiery eyes. It was clear that Josue hadmitted a serious offense.

    Eileen realized that she couldn¡¯t protect Josue, and he quickly ran out of the yard. However, Bryan didn¡¯t pursue him. Instead, he turned back. Eileen watched as Bryan gently and carefully wiped Gabri¡¯s chubby face with a baby wipe.

    Gabri¡¯s soft, pale skin reddened slightly after being wiped, but she seemed unaffected.

    ¡°Josue probably realized that Bryan already knew Gabri is his daughter,¡± Eileen said quietly. ¡°He barged in, trying to take Gabri away, but I stopped him.¡±

    Despite this, Milford was unable to get Josue to leave, so he stayed to watch over Gabri.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 384

    ?Chapter 384:

    It was either a coincidence or perhaps intentional that Josue kissed Gabri¡¯s cheek just as Bryan arrived.

    Eileen pursed her lips in silence, imagining Bryan¡¯s distress.

    ¡°You really shouldn¡¯t be so upset,¡± Eileen said, feelingpelled tofort Bryan, worried that he might be overwhelmed by his anger toward Josue. ¡°This might not be the first time he¡¯s kissed her.¡±

    Bryan was stunned by her words.

    ¡°The point is,¡± she continued, ¡°you can¡¯t shield her from all men. Eventually, she will grow up and form connections with someone, you know?¡± Eileen considered that Gabri would eventually get married.

    Taking a deep breath, Milford said, ¡°Eileen, you¡¯re not helping. You¡¯re just making things worse!¡±

    Bryan had only been reunited with his daughter for a couple of days. Not only had Eileen informed him that he wasn¡¯t the first to kiss Gabri, but she also suggested that, in the future, another man might form a closer bond with her.

    With a stern expression, Bryan tossed the wet wipe into the trash, picked up his daughter, and headed upstairs.

    Eileen could tell that Bryan would treat Gabri¡¯s future boyfriend coldly.

    Bryan remained silent throughout the night. As they prepared for bed, Bryan silently took his ce next to Gabri¡¯s cot.

    Eileen benefited from Bryan sleeping there. She didn¡¯t have to wake up to feed Gabri or be disturbed at all.

    New updates in g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    It was a long night in the quiet room. Only the sound of their breathing could be heard. The bright moonlight lit up the bed, making it feel especially warm.

    Deep into the night, Bryan suddenly opened his eyes. He nced at the sleeping Eileen, then quietly got up and left.

    At two in the morning, a phone call woke Josue. Without a word ofint, he rushed over.

    ¡°Bryan, what do you need from me?¡±

    Bryan, standing at the doorway and leaning on a pir, didn¡¯t invite him in but merely looked down at him.

    ¡°Do me a favor,¡± Bryan said.

    Josue rolled his eyes and quickly responded, ¡°Then I¡¯ll need to see Gabri.¡±

    ¡°Or I¡¯ll dismiss you from your role as her godfather,¡± Bryan replied.

    Positioned on the lower step, Josue felt cornered and threatened. He smirked and said, ¡°Please. Tell me what you need.¡±

    ¡°Prepare a share transfer agreement and file for a change of legal person for EB Group,¡± Bryanmanded.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 385

    ?Chapter 385:

    Josue paused, taken aback, then said, ¡°I worked so hard to build EB Group. How can you just take it¡­¡±

    Bryan¡¯s gaze cut his words short.

    Bryan didn¡¯t say he would hand over the shares to him. Realizing his misunderstanding, Josue felt embarrassed and didn¡¯t ask further. He quickly agreed, ¡°Okay. But remember the deal about using the profits for investments, and that the earnings are mine.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t go back on my promise,¡± Bryan replied calmly, leaningzily against the pir, his eyes catching the light from the streetmps.

    Looking up, Josue asked, ¡°Bryan, aren¡¯t you tired? It¡¯ste. Can¡¯t this wait until tomorrow?¡±

    He was exhausted. In fact, he hadn¡¯t been sleeping welltely since he hadn¡¯t seen Gabri. A kiss tonight might help him sleep well for a few nights.

    Wide awake, Bryan responded, ¡°I spend every day with my daughter; it keeps me energized.¡± He returned the blow that Josue had delivered a few days ago.

    Josue wanted to turn around and leave, but he didn¡¯t dare. Bryan knew exactly how to threaten him.

    ¡°Bryan, you should actually thank me,¡± Josue said. ¡°Without me, would you have held Gabri the moment she was born? Without me, would you have been able to name her?¡±

    ¡°Named her?¡± Bryan scoffed. It didn¡¯t ring a bell to him.

    ¡°Athena!¡± Josue eximed, looking at Bryan¡¯s face. ¡°Didn¡¯t you know? Gabri Curtis is just a nickname¡ªher real name is Athena Curtis.¡±

    L??t??¦Ó ?h??¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?l??.??§àm

    Bryan, leaning against the pir, paused for a moment. He quickly withdrew his hand from his pocket, stepped forward, and asked in a low voice, ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    He had forgotten that Josue had consulted him when naming his goddaughter. Josue had suggested the name Athena, but Bryan never expected they would actually use the name he had chosen.

    ¡°Hasn¡¯t Eileen told you? I offered her many options, but she ignored them all. Instead, she chose your Athena¡­¡± Josue trailed off.

    Before he could continue, Bryan rushed into the vi and mmed the bedroom door behind him.

    Inside, Eileen was deep in sleep until Bryan¡¯s kiss woke her. Instinctively, she ced her hand on his chest. She barely opened her eyes and noticed the excitement in his gaze.

    She felt both helpless and speechless. Was he thrilled in the middle of the night that Gabri was indeed his daughter?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 386

    ?Chapter 386:

    ¡°Eileen, Gabri¡¯s real name is Athena, isn¡¯t it? I¡¯m the one who named her,¡± he announced, his face glowing with pride and joy.

    The sleepiness faded from Eileen¡¯s eyes. She had indeed forgotten to tell Bryan that Gabri¡¯s real name was Athena Curtis. She had been known as Gabri for so long that even Eileen, her mother, had forgotten about it.

    ¡°You named her? Did Josue ask you for your opinion back then?¡±

    Bryan, overjoyed, embraced Eileen tightly. ¡°I was the first to hold her after her birth, and I named her.¡±

    The loss he had felt in recent months seemed somewhat redeemed.

    Eileen wrapped her arms around his sturdy waist, slightly overwhelmed by his tight hug. ¡°That¡¯s wonderful. You named her, and she carries myst name. You don¡¯t think that¡¯s unfair, do you?¡±

    She felt Bryan tense, then rx his hold slightly.

    He released her, looked into her eyes for a long moment, and said, ¡°No, as long as you are.¡±

    Eileen found his words odd. Hadn¡¯t he mentioned before that she would regret it?

    She turned over, pulled up the covers, and drifted off to sleep. ¡°I have a busy day tomorrow. I need to sleep now.¡±

    ¡°Has the Ferguson Group not stabilized yet?¡± Bryan finally showed interest in her work.

    She answered, half-asleep, ¡°Since Kaysen was imprisoned, those involved have calmed down. It should stabilize soon. Julio is nning to buy a club in the suburbs, so I need to prepare.¡±

    New updates uploaded to g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    ¡°The Quimby family¡¯s club?¡± Bryan, who kept up with business news daily, was familiar with all major and minor business shifts in Onnd.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen responded, still groggy.

    The next morning, Eileen woke up to find Bryan and Gabri downstairs.

    After washing up, Eileen went downstairs and saw Raymond gazing at Gabri in the living room. His face lit up with joy and surprise.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis!¡± As Eileen came down, Raymond quickly greeted her, ¡°She looks so much like you!¡±

    Eileen smiled and nodded at him. ¡°Really? I¡¯ve heard that from quite a few people.¡±

    ¡°Hand it to her, and you¡¯re free to go,¡± Bryan instructed Raymond casually, as he leaned against the baby¡¯s y mat and circled Gabri with his arm.

    Raymond swiftly picked up documents from the table and handed them to Eileen. ¡°Here is everything about the Quimby family¡¯s club. I¡¯ve done a thorough evaluation and investigation. Also, I have another piece of news: since the Apex Group restarted, they¡¯re getting into entertainment venues too. Brandon is also interested in the Quimby club.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 387

    ?Chapter 387:

    This implied that acquiring the club might require some effort.

    Eileen epted the documents from Raymond and said, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± Raymond responded quickly, waving his hands. ¡°Mr. Dawson has assigned me to assist you from now on. Just give me your orders, and I¡¯ll handle them promptly.¡±

    Raymond was not exaggerating; he truly was capable.

    Eileen looked from Bryan to Raymond in astonishment. ¡°I¡¯m going to work with him?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Bryan said as he adjusted the baby in his arms to a more secure position. ¡°The Ferguson Group is very busy. Without a trustworthy person by your side, you¡¯d be overwhelmed. Right now, I don¡¯t need him at EB Group.¡±

    Raymond quickly nodded and reassured Eileen, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t disclose any of Ferguson Group¡¯s sensitive information. And in the future, EB Group will also¡­¡±

    ¡°You can leave now,¡± Bryan cut him off. Raymond was being too talkative.

    After a brief pause, Raymond said, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say I was supposed to follow Ms. Curtis and take orders from her? So why am I listening to you?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s expression darkened. He stood up, holding the baby, and fixed a stern gaze on Raymond. Just then, the baby in his arms made a noise.

    Bryan gave up right away but still warned Raymond sternly, ¡°Don¡¯t say anything you shouldn¡¯t.¡±

    Raymond was stunned for a moment, his eyes shifting between Eileen and Bryan. He realized he had almost revealed the secret.

    Latest stories on

    He didn¡¯t bring it up again and instead smiled respectfully at Eileen. ¡°Is there anything else you¡¯d like me to do?¡±

    ¡°Arrange a meeting with Mr. Trenton Quimby. That¡¯s all for now,¡± Eileen responded without hesitation.

    Raymond¡¯s help would truly save her a lot of trouble.

    Raymond acknowledged her request quickly and turned to handle it.

    That evening, they were set to dine in an upscale KT/ lounge, as Trenton enjoyed such settings due to his line of work.

    It wasn¡¯t until Eileen arrived that she learned Trenton had not only arranged to meet her but had also invited several others interested in discussing the acquisition.

    Z was among them.

    Raymond had no idea that Trenton had arranged a meeting with so many people. ¡°Ms. Curtis, should we reschedule and meet Mr. Quimby by ourselves another time?¡±

    ¡°No need,¡± Eileen dered. ¡°We¡¯re here now; there¡¯s no reason to leave.¡± Eileen realized leaving was no longer an option, especially since Z had seen her and was approaching.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 388

    ?Chapter 388:

    The atmosphere in the karaoke bar was electrifying, with intricately woven carpets and lights bursting with color.

    In the soundproof VIP room on the top floor, Eileen could only hear the muted noise seeping through the half-open door.

    Z had to deliberately lower her voice as she approached Eileen, ensuring their conversation stayed confidential.

    ¡°Eileen, no matter what you say, you and Bryan have invested your hearts and souls in Apex Group. You wouldn¡¯t want to see it crumble, right? This is the first project Apex Group has taken on since its revival. Surely, Freguson Group can afford to pass on this one. Could you please not get involved?¡±

    No wonder Z had to suppress her voice; her request was nothing short of shameless.

    Eileen, standing by the door, let the opulent scene in the room reflect in her bright eyes.

    ¡°Ms. Murray, my presence here is for business, not charity. Please refrain from attempting to exploit me by bringing up the past. It only makes you look pitiable and ridiculous.¡±

    She adjusted her attire, pushed Z aside, and stepped into the room.

    Raymond, without acknowledging Z, followed Eileen inside.

    From within, a chorus of ttering voices sang praises to Eileen.

    Z left the room, closed the door behind her, pondered for a moment, and then walked away.

    Don¡¯t miss fresh updates on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Trenton had just exited the restroom and was washing his hands when a familiar figure appeared behind him. He smiled as soon as he saw her.

    ¡°Ms. Murray, why didn¡¯t you stay in the room?¡±

    ¡°I want to know who exactly you¡¯re nning to sell the club to?¡± Z stood next to Trenton and asked bluntly.

    She was so direct that Trenton froze. He looked at her reflection in the mirror for a while beforeposing himself.

    He chuckled and pulled out a paper towel to dry his hands. ¡°What are you talking about? The highest bidder wins. I don¡¯t have a predetermined winner.¡±

    ¡°Are you telling me there¡¯s no favorite?¡± Z smiled slightly. ¡°You must have chosen the Freguson Group. Out of everyone here today, they are the most capable of offering a high price. Ever since Eileen took charge, there¡¯s nothing she hasn¡¯t been able to get.¡±

    ¡°If that¡¯s all the confidence you have, there¡¯s no point in participating in today¡¯s gathering.¡± Trenton tossed the paper towel into the trash and leaned against the sink, hands in his pockets.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 389

    ?Chapter 389:

    He appeared somewhat nonchnt, but his deep brown eyes were calm and collected.

    In this industry, frequenting entertainment venues was par for the course, but it didn¡¯t mean everyone was unreliable.

    Trenton, for instance, was far more trustworthy than the rumors suggested.

    But clearly, Z wanted a quick win and hadn¡¯t done her homework on Trenton.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t about my confidence. I just want to give you a reminder. You can give Eileen a hard time. She¡¯s been on a roll since joining the Freguson Group, and many are waiting for her to slip up. For Freguson Group, acquiring your club is a minor project. If she fails, it¡¯ll be quite the embarrassment.¡±

    In short, she wanted Trenton to throw a wrench in Eileen¡¯s ns.

    From the moment Eileen showed up, Z knew her chances of acquiring the club were slim.

    Trenton stared at Z for a while beforeughing. ¡°Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s a bit out of line?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s out of line about it? Business is all about scheming. I¡¯m just giving you a friendly reminder.¡±

    Z smiled slightly. ¡°What you do next is up to you. I should get going.¡±

    She waved at Trenton and turned to leave.

    The club was bustling, and Eileen, preferring not to draw attention, nestled herself in a rtively secluded corner.

    Discover fresh tales on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§à??

    However, it didn¡¯t take long for people to approach her, engaging in small talk about business matters.

    When Z returned to the room, she kept her distance, choosing to sit away from Eileen.

    From time to time, people would strike up conversations with Z. As one of the only two women present, she also received some ttery.

    Soon, Trenton returned.

    Eileen concluded her conversation with the person next to her and walked over to Trenton. ¡°Long time no see.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, it¡¯s been a while,¡± Trenton replied with a radiant smile. ¡°Thest time I saw you, you were Mr. Dawson¡¯s special assistant. I¡¯ve often praised your skills to him, and it seems my words were well-founded. Here you are, spreading your wings and flying.¡±

    With that, the room¡¯s focus shifted entirely to Eileen as everyone began showering her withpliments.

    It was at this moment that Z realized Eileen and Trenton had known each other for a long time.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 390

    ?Chapter 390:

    The words she had whispered to Trenton earlier were not only ignored, but there was also a chance he could ry them to Eileen.

    Z wasn¡¯t concerned about Eileen finding out; she was more focused on seizing another opportunity to undermine her.

    The room was brightly lit, and the admiration for Eileen was unmistakable¡ªperhaps even to the blind!

    After a few moments of group chatter, Trenton turned and began speaking quietly to Eileen.

    ¡°Are you and Ms. Murray not seeing eye to eye?¡±

    Eileen quickly understood what Z had been up to. ¡°It¡¯s just business. We¡¯re allpetitors here. It doesn¡¯t matter if I see eye to eye with her.¡±

    Trentonughed, patting his knee. ¡°True enough, but if it weren¡¯t for me today, I guess you really would¡¯ve had a hard time.¡±

    In the business world, a woman had to either be strong enough tomand respect or willing to swallow her pride and ept losses.

    Eileen knew exactly what kind of losses she might have to endure.

    She was about to respond when a cold liquid suddenly spilled onto her trousers.

    Without looking to see who it was, Z had already turned to fetch a tissue.

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Ms. Curtis. It was an ident. I just came over to toast you and didn¡¯t expect this to happen. Please don¡¯t be upset.¡±

    ¡°Ms. Murray, let me handle it.¡± Raymond quickly stepped in. He didn¡¯t take the tissue from Z but instead grabbed two fresh ones and handed them to Eileen.

    Eileen began cleaning her trousers, uncertain what kind of juice Z had spilled.

    It was now dripping from her trousers onto her feet, leaving a sticky sensation.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, there are spare shoes in the car. I¡¯ll get them for you and find a room where you can change.¡±

    Raymond took out his phone, tapped a few times, and had already rebooked a room.

    Though it was just to change shoes, with so many men present, it would be impolite not to excuse herself.

    ¡°Please excuse me for a moment.¡±

    Eileen stood up and left the room, closely followed by Raymond, who muttered softly, ¡°She did that on purpose. I saw her trip herself.¡±

    Eileen responded coolly, ¡°I know. She probably wants to cozy up to Trenton while I¡¯m gone.¡±

    It was such ame trick.

    Raymond pointed to a room at the end of the corridor. ¡°That¡¯s the room I just booked. You can rest there for a while. I¡¯ll go get your shoes.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 391

    ?Chapter 391:

    With that, he hurriedly took the elevator and left.

    In the dimly lit room, Eileen switched on the faint light and called for a waiter to bring her some warm water.

    Her feet were sticky, and changing shoes felt futile; she needed to wash them.

    About five or six minutester, there was a knock at the door.

    ¡°Excuse me, I¡¯ve brought you some warm water.¡±

    The voice was familiar, and Eileen paused for a moment before answering, ¡°Come in.¡±

    The door opened, and the bright light from the corridor spilled in. Although Dalores was backlit, her features somewhat blurred, Eileen recognized her immediately.

    Her figure was simply too distinctive.

    After giving Dalores the cardst time, Dalores hadn¡¯t returned to the Freguson Group. Eileen didn¡¯t expect to encounter her here.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis?¡± Dalores entered, cing the warm water next to Eileen. ¡°What brings you here?¡±

    ¡°I have a business gathering here,¡± Eileen replied, ncing at the intern badge on Dalores¡¯ chest.

    Dalores pressed her lips together, remaining silent.

    Eileen asked, ¡°So, did you give the card back to Julio?¡± Why would she be working in this ce? The pay was good, but she was in need of money, wasn¡¯t she?

    More novels avable at g¦Áln¦Òv???s?c?m

    Dalores shook her head. ¡°No, I didn¡¯t. I realized I wouldn¡¯t spend a penny of it anyway. If I returned it voluntarily, he might think I was just ying hard to get.¡±

    Eileen didn¡¯t press further. She washed her feet, still waiting for Raymond to arrive.

    In the meantime, she continued her conversation with Dalores.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t a great ce to work. If you n to stay here, make sure you protect yourself.¡±

    Dalores nodded, looking genuinely touched. ¡°Thank you, Ms. Curtis, I¡¯ll take care of myself.¡±

    Before she could finish, Dalores suddenly covered her mouth and rushed out.

    Eileen watched her hastily leave, stunned and unable to react immediately.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, here are your shoes.¡± Raymond entered, cing a pair of t shoes in front of Eileen.

    Eileen put on the shoes, ncing around. Dalores had vanished.

    She decided not to interfere with Dalores¡¯ affairs. Just as she was about to return to the original room, she saw Trenton emerge.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 392

    ?Chapter 392:

    ¡°They¡¯ve all given me their bids. I¡¯m not satisfied with the prices, so I¡¯ll tell you my bottom line since there¡¯s no one else here. Let¡¯s see if you can give me a better offer¡­¡± Trenton said.

    In the restroom, Dalores was retching violently, tears streaming down her face. Bent over the sink, her clothes soaked from the water sshed on the counter, she looked utterly wretched.

    After what felt like an eternity, her hand slowly moved to her belly, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. ¡°Your timing couldn¡¯t be worse,¡± she whispered.

    Days earlier, Dalores had been about to return the card to Julio, but the waves of severe morning sickness had hit her. To hide her pregnancy, she decided not to return the card.

    If she ran out of money in the future, she would use Julio¡¯s money to raise his child. And if she ever came into money, she wouldn¡¯t spend a cent of his.

    She had no desire to owe him anything.

    That was why she took this job, nning to work for just a few months. But fate had other ns. Unexpectedly, she ran into Eileen.

    But luckily, Eileen hadn¡¯t followed her.

    Dalores vomited so violently that her vision blurred. She slid down the edge of the sink, sitting on the floor, and pulled a candy from her pocket, popping it into her mouth.

    The sweet taste offered a small reprieve, and as she looked up, she suddenly saw a pair of shiny leather shoes and straight legs standing in front of her.

    Dalores was shocked, her back slick with a sudden cold sweat as she quickly looked up.

    Stay connected through g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°Miss Sampson, right?¡± said Raymond. ¡°Ms. Curtis asked me to tell you to take care of your health.¡±

    Feeling relieved, Dalores took a deep breath and stood up, smiling at Raymond. ¡°Thank you, I will. Are you her new assistant?¡±

    Raymond wasn¡¯t familiar with Dalores; he might have seen her with Eileen a few times before, but he couldn¡¯t recall.

    He nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±

    He wanted to ask Dalores about her connection with Eileen, but seeing how pale her face was, he decided not to press further.

    Eileen and Trenton were discussing the lowest eptable price for the acquisition.

    Even though Eileen had known Trenton for a long time, she still managed to lower his price. It was ten thousand less than what was originally nned.

    However, Eileen was adept at assessing the situation. She proposed only eighteen hundred more than the highest offer made by others in the room.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 393

    ?Chapter 393:

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, you must have learned a great deal from Mr. Dawson. How did you know what they offered?¡± Trenton had hoped to get at least ten thousand more from Eileen.

    However¡ª

    ¡°You give me too much credit. I don¡¯t need to guess their offers; I just need to determine how much you would value your club based on their highest offer.¡±

    Eileen had seen through Trenton¡¯s strategy.

    Trenton sighed and waved his hand dismissively. ¡°Alright, alright, I give up. I won¡¯t argue with them anymore. I trust that you are reliable, and it¡¯s simpler to negotiate with you.¡±

    Earlier, Trenton had made Eileen specte on his bottom price for quite a while.

    By the time the two returned to the room, thirty minutes had passed.

    Ten minutes earlier, Z had casually said, ¡°Mr. Quimby has been gone for quite some time, and he left right after Ms. Curtis. I think I saw him get a message just before they stepped out. It seemed like Ms. Curtis wanted to speak with him privately.¡±

    Z¡¯s words carried a hint of suggestion.

    ¡°I think we should all concede; it seems she has already made a deal with him privately. Let¡¯s just take this as an opportunity to have some fun.¡±

    Z lifted her wine ss toward everyone. ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you all here.¡±

    The others lifted their sses in response, partially believing her words, but also somewhat skeptical.

    Updates loaded at g@lno¦Íe??s

    However, when Eileen and Trenton returned together, Trenton confidently dered, ¡°Everyone, I value and am honored by your presence. After careful consideration, I¡¯ve decided that it¡¯s best for me to partner with Ms. Curtis. I¡¯ve known her for a long time and am familiar with her working style¡ª¡±

    ¡°Mr. Quimby, there¡¯s no need to justify your decision. Whoever you choose to partner with is your prerogative. We all wish you a sessful cooperation,¡± Z interrupted, raising her ss for a toast.

    The others fell silent for a moment before joining in the toast.

    There wasn¡¯t much conversation afterward, and the group began to reflect on the implications of Z¡¯s earlier remarks.

    Eileen nced at Z, choosing to ignore the sarcastic tone in herments.

    After agreeing to meet Trenton the following day to finalize the acquisition details, Eileen decided it was time to leave the club.

    She was usually quite good at holding her liquor, but since bing pregnant, she had abstained from drinking. This was her first drink since then, and after a few sips, she felt slightly dizzy.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 394

    ?Chapter 394:

    Raymond headed straight for the underground parking, while Eileen waited at the entrance after bidding farewell to Trenton and the others.

    The night air was mild, and the breeze felt pleasant against her skin. Eileen leaned against a pir, replying to a message from Bryan, telling him she would be home soon.

    Suddenly, a figure appeared before her. Thinking it was Raymond, Eileen instinctively put away her phone and started down the steps, but she tripped and fell into an unexpectedly firm embrace.

    The strong scent of cologne overwhelmed her senses, and she was stunned for a moment before quickly pushing the person away and standing up.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Eileen stepped back onto the steps, now getting a better look at the person. To her surprise, he wasn¡¯t a young man.

    He looked to be no older than twenty, not much older than Milford. He was of mixed heritage, with striking azure eyes, long, curly eyshes, and chestnut-colored, slightly curly hair. His movements had the grace of someone from noble lineage.

    He spoke with an ent, ¡°Could you lend me a hundred dors for a taxi ride home, Miss?¡± The boy pulled a business card from his pocket and handed it to her. ¡°My name is Christos Padi. This is my card. I¡¯ve lost my phone and have no cash, and I can¡¯t get home. I¡¯ll repay youter.¡±

    Eileen instinctively touched her wallet. ¡°Sorry, I don¡¯t have any cash on me.¡±

    ncing to the side, Eileen noticed Raymond¡¯s car approaching. She turned toward him and said, ¡°Let me ask my assistant if he has any cash.¡±

    Stepping off the stairs, she approached Raymond¡¯s car. ¡°Do you have any cash?¡± she asked.

    L?t??st ch¦Ápt?rs in g??lnovels.c??m

    Raymond quickly opened his wallet. ¡°How much do you need?¡±

    ¡°A hundred should do.¡± Eileen took a banknote from him, turned back, and handed it to Christos. ¡°Here you go.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Christos epted it with a smile. ¡°Miss, could you leave your contact details so I can repay you?¡±

    As Eileen turned to leave, she heard his request and chuckled, declining, ¡°No need.¡±

    But Christos persisted, ¡°Are you worried I¡¯ll disturb you at work? Can I befriend you on WhatsApp? I¡¯ll send you the money when I get home and then delete it. You wouldn¡¯t want me to exhaust myself searching for youter, would you?¡±

    Hearing his constant talking, Eileen realized he was determined to repay her. So, she simply handed him a business card. ¡°My number is on it.¡±

    Christos took the card and, insisting on being polite, pushed his own card into her hand.

    Eileen took it and was about to return to the car when she sneezed. The strong scent of Christos¡¯ cologne had made her feel slightly ufortable.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 395

    ?Chapter 395:

    His deep blue eyes followed her as she got into the car, watching as it disappeared around the corner before he turned and walked toward a car parked by the road.

    The phone in Christos¡¯ pocket rang. He took it out, nced at the screen, and quickly hung up. He got into his car, started the engine, and merged into traffic. As he drove, a voice message came through on his sparse WhatsApp contact list.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you let me know when you returned to the country? Didn¡¯t we agree you¡¯d wait until I had settled everything here? I understand that you might not grasp why your dad and I made these decisions, but your dad has a unique identity; he cannot be exposed publicly. We want you to live a respectable life!¡±

    The voice on the other end spoke urgently and in a foreignnguage.

    After listening, Christos quickly responded with three words: ¡°Leave me alone.¡±

    Half an hourter, it was nearly ten o¡¯clock.

    As soon as Eileen opened the door, she noticed a man descending the stairs. His tall, straight figure was illuminated by the moonlight, his sharp features highlighted by the silvery glow.

    He appeared both aloof and alluring. He approached her and took her purse.

    Bryan paused as he noticed Eileen was enveloped in a strong scent of cologne. His eyes darkened as he watched her hang up her coat and wrap her arms around his waist.

    ¡°Actually, could you please make some spaghetti for me? I need to take a bath; this cologne scent is overwhelming,¡± Eileen said, trying to pull away from his embrace.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Bryan looked puzzled. ¡°Was there a man at the karaoke bar wearing a lot of cologne, and that¡¯s why you smell like this?¡±

    Your source of stories: g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í??s.c??m

    It wasn¡¯t unusual for men to wear cologne. However, what struck Bryan as odd was the purity of the scent on Eileen, which hadn¡¯t mixed with any other aromas. This suggested she had been close to someone, alone.

    Unaware of Bryan¡¯s thoughts, Eileen dismissed it. ¡°Just a nobody.¡±

    She tried to break free from his hold. ¡°Is our baby girl asleep?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Bryan replied, letting go of her as she made her way toward the dining room entrance.

    Eileen ascended the stairs to shower while Bryan headed into the kitchen.

    As he prepared the spaghetti, Bryan sent a message to Raymond, subtly seeking information.

    ¡°You had already spoken with Trenton beforehand, so the partnership went smoothly. No one caused any trouble, just ran into Miss Murray who made some strange remarks, but Ms. Curtis didn¡¯t mind at all! Huh? Other than the people we met tonight, there were no additional attendees. Oh, there was a youngdy named Dalores who seemed unwell; she must have known Ms. Curtis previously, I checked on her¡­ Ah? How would such a youngdy have cologne on her?¡±

    Raymond was confused and eventually asked directly, ¡°Mr. Dawson, what are you trying to imply?¡±

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Bryan ended the call, set his phone aside, and stirred the spaghetti.

    Ten minutester, Eileen came downstairs.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 396

    ?Chapter 396:

    The overpowering smell of cologne had dissipated, reced by her usual sweet fragrance. Bryan pulled out a chair for her to sit down.

    ¡°You need to schedule a hospital visit tomorrow,¡± Eileen mentioned while eating. ¡°My mother called to say she¡¯s returning tomorrow afternoon. It¡¯s perfect timing. After your checkup, we could go shopping. It¡¯ll be the first formal visit to her since we reconciled.¡±

    Bryan poured her a ss of water, casually inquiring, ¡°So, will you be able to join me at the hospital tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Eileen paused with a mouthful of noodles, suddenly stopping. She lifted her gaze slightly and noticed Bryan¡¯s earnest expression.

    Why did it seem a bit off?

    She swallowed the noodles in her mouth and then said, ¡°I stayedte at work today to finish some tasks, so I can take tomorrow off to apany you to the hospital.¡±

    Bryan smiled and pushed the bowl of noodles toward her. ¡°You¡¯ve worked hard, eat up.¡±

    Just then, Eileen¡¯s phone suddenly lit up.

    Before Bryan could get a clear look, Eileen quickly grabbed her phone. A friend request had appeared on WhatsApp. She remembered lending a hundred dors to someone earlier that evening, so she epted the request.

    Without any conversation, the other person transferred the hundred dors and included a message: ¡°Thank you, Eileen. You are truly beautiful and kind-hearted!¡±

    Eileen didn¡¯t respond. She simply received the money and set her phone aside.

    She had grabbed her phone quickly, thinking it might be work-rted. At the moment, she didn¡¯t think anything was wrong. But as she ced her phone down, she suddenly caught Bryan¡¯s piercing stare. It dawned on her that something might be off with him.

    Your escape begins with g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?????m

    ¡°We should go get married,¡± Bryan stated seriously. ¡°You won¡¯t betray me and break my heart in the future, will you?¡±

    Eileen was taken aback. Shouldn¡¯t she have been the one to ask that question?

    She moistened her lips and replied, ¡°As soon as I find the time, we¡¯ll go to City Hall to tie the knot. But shouldn¡¯t I be the one asking if you won¡¯t betray me?¡±

    With his hands in his pockets, he leaned against a chair and looked down at her with a grave expression. ¡°But now, you¡¯re the one making money and supporting the family.¡±

    His implication was clear: now that Eileen had be the primary earner, others might see it as a reason for her to stray.

    ¡°I enjoy the spaghetti you make.¡± Eileen savored the noodles with her eyes nearly closed, looking utterly content. ¡°You¡¯re handsome, powerful, and wealthy; there¡¯s no reason for me to leave you.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 397

    ?Chapter 397:

    Her response might have seemed superficial, but Bryan, who usually maintained a serious demeanor in his professional life, seemed to value this light-heartedment.

    He slightly raised an eyebrow, watching her finish a te of spaghetti, a subtle smile ying at the corner of his lips.

    She quickly inquired, ¡°Then what do you like about me? Tell me, I must have some qualities that others can¡¯t rece.¡±

    In the past, when she had worked for Bryan, she had encountered numerous women from affluent backgrounds, all quite remarkable. Back then, Eileen had felt inadequate.

    But now, believing that Bryan cherished her, she was convinced that she possessed unique traits or qualities that no one else could match.

    With his arms crossed on the table, Bryan studied Eileen intently for a moment. Then he dered confidently, ¡°You are Gabri¡¯s mother, and that¡¯s irreceable.¡±

    Eileen was at a loss for words.

    ¡°We were married first, and then Gabri came along!¡±

    With frustration, Eileen pointed out to Bryan, ¡°So, are you saying if I hadn¡¯t had Gabri, we might not be together now?¡±

    Was it possible that Bryan had reconciled with her primarily because of their daughter?

    Eileen¡¯s chest heaved, and her eyes were fixed on Bryan. She looked very serious.

    ¡°I was just joking.¡± Suddenly, Bryan pulled the chair, bringing Eileen closer.

    Discover more at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??s

    He embraced her, his hands gliding from her back to her head.

    His fingers swept across her forehead, and he kissed her.

    ¡°It¡¯s because you gave birth to Gabri that she means so much to me.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s expression turned solemn. His eyes deepened as he admired Eileen¡¯s glistening lips, kissing her once more.

    ¡°You are what matters most to me. There are so many things about you that draw me in.¡± His fingers moved from her forehead, resting briefly between her delicate eyebrows.

    Her eyshes fluttered, her eyes drawn to his appealing lips and chiseled chin.

    His touch continued, his fingertips tracing her nose before resting on her full lips.

    ¡°As long as it¡¯s you, no matter how ordinary, I find myself drawn to you.¡± His voice grew husky as he sealed her lips, deeply tasting her sweetness.

    Her body leaned into him, her hands on his solid thighs, cradled in his embrace.

    Moonlight poured through the kitchen window, bathing them in a gentle radiance. Eileen¡¯s slight frame was entirely enveloped by him.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 398

    ?Chapter 398:

    After a while, his breaths deepened, and when he released her lips, his grip around her waist tightened, lifting her slightly.

    Then, Bryan carried Eileen effortlessly upstairs, leaving her slippers scattered on the floor.

    The night deepened, and the entire city fell into silence.

    At the suburban club, as the nightlife began to stir, Dalores, who had just arrived for her shift, was tasked with serving VIP guests in the private room on the top floor.

    In a crowd engrossed in the night¡¯s festivities, her presence stood out.

    Despite wearing no makeup and styling her hair into a simple ponytail, Dalores distinctly caught the eye.

    She entered the room, head down, tray in hand. ¡°Good evening, gentlemen. Here are your beers. If you need anything else, please let me know.¡±

    Her gaze met several men lounging on the sofa, all d in suits. Their legs were crossed, showcasing glossy leather shoes that spoke of their value.

    Before she could set down the beers, a slightly chubby hand reached out and grabbed her wrist.

    ¡°When did we get such a fresh-faced girl here?¡± remarked a man in his thirties, looking somewhat bloated fromck of exercise.

    While not unattractive, his suggestive demeanor was quite repulsive.

    ¡°Sorry, sir, I¡¯m just here to deliver the beers,¡± Dalores said, withdrawing her hand, quickly cing thest bottle from the tray, and standing ready to leave.

    M??? ??d???? ?? g????????.????

    However, the man quickly rose and blocked her path, reeking of alcohol, clearly having consumed quite a bit.

    Dalores, wanting to avoid any trouble, turned to hispanions for assistance. ¡°Gentlemen, your friend seems a bit intoxicated¡­¡±

    Her appeal was cut short by the intense stare Julio was directing at her.

    ¡°Julio?¡± Dalores was surprised to encounter him here.

    She wondered if Julio might think she had orchestrated their meeting.

    Julio was known to detest these coincidental encounters, as it made it appear that she had manipted the situation behind the scenes.

    ¡°Mr. Freguson, do you know her?¡± The man behind Dalores quickly withdrew his hand and sat down, looking to Julio for cues. ¡°She knows your name.¡±

    It was clear he was probing the nature of Dalores¡¯ rtionship with Julio.

    Today, he was Julio¡¯s guest, here to discuss a coboration. The difference in profit margins was in the tens of millions.

    Julio shifted his attention away from Dalores and smiled, pulling a cigarette from his pocket and offering it to the man.

    ¡°Shall we sign the contract with the percentage you suggested?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 399

    ?Chapter 399:

    This gesture was a clear attempt atpromise.

    It wasn¡¯t hard to see that Julio was trying to distract the unpleasant man from Dalores.

    Even Dalores, an observer of the scene, understood the dynamics. She pressed her lips together and gripped the tray tightly, feeling a heavy sense of dismay.

    She had brought trouble to Julio once again.

    ¡°Alright, since you¡¯re so direct, let¡¯s enjoy ourselves tonight and get some people to join us.¡±

    Pleased with the deal, the unsavory man motioned for Dalores to fetch some escorts.

    Dalores nced at Julio. He was smoking, his serious expression obscured by the swirls of smoke, exuding a sense of aloofness and coldness.

    She turned sharply and exited the private room, picking up the walkie-talkie to ask the floor manager to send some girls to entertain the guests.

    Since Julio had started scheming to regain control of the Freguson Group, he had changed with each meeting.

    Today, Julio¡¯s demeanor was starkly impassive, his gaze icy and detached.

    He had intervened, not out of kindness, but because she was a distraction, and he preferred not to waste time on her.

    The more Dalores thought about it, the heavier her heart felt, the pain so intense it made breathing difficult.

    I??€?? ¡é§ß?¦Ñ§ä¦Å?? ?¦Ç g?l§Ú¦Ò¦Í¦Å??.c?m

    She retreated to a lounge, sshed her face with water, and drank arge ss to calm herself.

    Unable to face the idea of returning to that room, she contacted the floor manager, requesting someone else take her ce. However, given the peak hours at the club, her request was swiftly rejected.

    When the call ended, Dalores sat in a daze, lost in thought. Just then, the door to the break room burst open.

    Julio walked in, his hands in his pockets, kicking the door shut behind him. Leaning against it, he looked down at her with a dominant air. ¡°Took the money and did nothing?¡±

    He was using Dalores of taking his money and ignoring his advice to leave.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t spent a single cent of your money.¡± The card was still in her purse, tucked safely in the locker. She stood up, ¡°I¡¯ll go get it for you right now.¡±

    As she attempted to leave, Julio grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his embrace. ¡°Quite the clever performance, isn¡¯t it? Arranging this ¡®idental¡¯ encounter, insisting on returning the card, yet still, you linger and bother me? You¡¯re really testing my patience.¡±

    His words came out through gritted teeth, his gaze intense and daunting.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 400

    Chapter 400:

    ¡°I don¡¯t have the ability to track you just to create an ¡®idental¡¯ meeting,¡± Dalores struggled to keep herposure, afraid that crying would make her seem more desperate in front of him.

    She tried to free herself from his grip, but his hold was too strong.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you leave Onnd?¡± Julio pulled her closer, their foreheads almost touching, leaving her with no space to think.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been living in Onnd for over a decade. My friends, my teachers, my entire life is here. Where do you expect me to go?¡± Tears began to well up in Dalores¡¯ eyes. ¡°Are you not just pushing me away, but trying to ruin mepletely? Did you help me out of hardship in the past just to throw me back into it now?¡±

    How difficult was it for a young woman, just out of university, with no savings, to make it on her own in a foreign city? Could she secure a job? Could she manage to support herself? Could she afford rent?

    ¡°So, you reject the money but stay here to y the victim,¡± Julio let go of her wrist, looking down at her with scorn. ¡°Dalores, you¡ª¡±

    Perhaps Julio¡¯s stare was too intense, filled with such disdain that it made Dalores¡¯ stomach churn. Suddenly, she turned, clutching the trash bin and retching.

    Dalores had be noticeably thinner.

    Julio observed her frail figure, his eyebrows knitting together in concern.

    After some time, Dalores managed to recover slightly. She quickly rinsed her mouth with water and stood up, deliberately avoiding Julio¡¯s gaze. ¡°I have nothing more to say to you. Please, just leave.¡±

    £í????£å £õ??£ä??£ô£å£ó ??£î ???£ì????£ö??£ì??.??????

    In the stillness of the room, the scent of Dalores¡¯ vomit lingered in the air, but Julio seemed unfazed by it.

    It wasn¡¯t until the door nudged open and a voice from outside called, ¡°Dalores, are you in there?¡±

    ¡°I am,¡± Dalores replied quickly, then pushed past Julio.

    ¡°Why are you blocking the door?¡± the floor manager asked, his eyes curious as he looked at Dalores.

    Dalores hesitated, unsure whether to let the manager in, worried he might see Julio. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m not feeling well, but I¡¯ll be back to work shortly.¡±

    The manager paused for a moment, then a realization dawned on him. ¡°You vomited again? Have you been to the doctor? Are you preg¡­¡±

    ¡°Thanks, but I don¡¯t need to go to the hospital; it¡¯s just some stomach issues. I¡¯m heading to work now,¡± Dalores quickly exined, her voice tinged with unease, wary of the manager¡¯s potential response.

    Noticing Dalores¡¯ reluctance to engage in further conversation, the floor manager briskly replied, ¡°Then hurry up, don¡¯t hold things up. If you¡¯re ill, get it sorted. Who¡¯s going to cover for you if you¡¯re paid but can¡¯t work?¡±

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: New novels today dear reader, hope you like them! God loves you and Noah wishes you all the best. (=?=) /

    .

 Chapter 401

    ?Chapter 401:

    After a brief tirade, she left, leaving Dalores to close the door behind her.

    As Dalores turned around, her eyes met Julio¡¯s intense gaze. ¡°When did you start having stomach problems?¡± he asked, his toneced with concern.

    Dalores responded coolly, trying to maintain a professional distance. ¡°Mr. Freguson, don¡¯t worry about me. It¡¯s best you head back now. I¡¯ve got work to do. And next time we meet, pretend you don¡¯t know me. You could even treat me like that man in your private room did. I don¡¯t want to cause you any trouble.¡± With that, she grabbed a tray from the cab and swiftly exited the lounge.

    Julio watched her leave, his expression darkening with worry. After a long moment, he too left the lounge and made his way to his private room.

    Although they acted like strangers, Julio¡¯s clients knew of their acquaintance, and no one dared to trouble Dalores.

    As the early hours approached, Julio exited the club with his clients. The vibrant lights of the club cast yful shadows over his carefree smile. After dispersing the crowd, he settled into the back of his car and instructed the driver to depart.

    As the car pulled away, Julio¡¯s gaze lingered on the passing night scene. His attention was abruptly caught by the sight of Dalores crouched at a corner of the club entrance, violently vomiting.

    The driver, mistaking her condition,mented, ¡°That youngdy must have had too much to drink.¡±

    Julio, knowing well that Dalores didn¡¯t drink, pinched the bridge of his nose, choosing to remain silent, his thoughts heavy.

    Meanwhile, at dawn, Eileen was jolted awake by the sound of the doorbell. It was Ruby, returning unexpectedly early from her trip.

    Get thetest g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    She quickly descended the stairs. At the same time, Bryan, sensing the urgency, phoned Josue. ¡°Send over the stuff I asked you to prepare,¡± he instructed crisply.

    Josue, groggy and disoriented, mumbled a response and hung up, then rolled over to catch more sleep.

    Downstairs, Ruby appeared weary as she began unpacking her belongings in her room.

    Eileen entered the room cautiously, her voice soft with concern. ¡°Mom, why are you back so early? And why are you alone?¡±

    Ruby forced a smile as she replied, ¡°Yes, I came back by myself. I took the bus.¡± She continued to organize her things, her movements mechanical. ¡°It¡¯s good to be back.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s concern deepened. ¡°You should have told me you were back today; I would have driven you home.¡±

    Ruby continued organizing, her voice nonchnt. ¡°There¡¯s no need, darling. I can manage. I didn¡¯t want to impose.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 402

    ?Chapter 402:

    With Eileen¡¯s help, the unpacking went quickly.

    As they worked, Eileen broached another topic. ¡°How are Bailee and Huey doing?¡±

    Ruby sighed heavily as she sat down, the worry evident on her face. ¡°These past few days, Huey has been quite vocal,ining to Bailee that I¡¯m intruding on their life together. He keeps asking when I¡¯m going to leave.¡±

    Ruby¡¯s voice trembled as she recounted overhearing Bailee and Huey arguing about the matter that very morning, which had prompted her to return prematurely.

    ¡°Eileen, you are like a daughter to me, but others see things differently,¡± Ruby exined, a hint of resignation in her voice. ¡°Once you and Bailee are married and Gabri is a bit older, I think I might live with Bailee. But now, look at what¡¯s happening¡­¡±

    Ruby¡¯s expression conveyed difort more than unhappiness. Huey¡¯s inability to adapt to her presence was causing friction between him and Bailee.

    ¡°Mom, they¡¯re still finding their way as a couple. It¡¯s natural for them to want some privacy. Don¡¯t take it to heart. Huey just needs to grow up a bit,¡± Eileen reassured her, trying to soothe her concerns.

    Ruby sighed softly and affectionately squeezed Eileen¡¯s hand. ¡°Let them be. They¡¯re married now. By the way, I noticed a pair of men¡¯s shoes at the entrance.¡±

    Ruby trailed off, her statement hanging in the air as she surmised that Bryan might be in the house.

    ¡°He¡¯s upstairs with Gabri,¡± Eileen exined with a smile. ¡°He mighte downter. I think he¡¯s still a bit anxious, trying to make a good impression.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s recent injury was healing well; the thick bandage had been reced with a thinner one, and his hair, previously shaved for treatment, was beginning to grow back in a somewhat unruly fashion. He had mentioned wanting to look more presentable for Ruby.

    Your next chapter awaits g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls?c?m

    Ruby chuckled, her mood lightening. ¡°Weren¡¯t you supposed to have a check-up today? Why don¡¯t you go freshen up? I¡¯ll start cooking so you can head out early.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen replied and headed upstairs.

    Half an hourter, the dining room was filled with a sense of familial warmth. Ruby sat at the head of the table, with Eileen and Bryan¡ªwho was carefully holding Gabri¡ªnext to her. At the other end sat Milford, quietly observing the family dynamics.

    Breaking the silence, Ruby addressed Bryan directly, ¡°You don¡¯t need to be nervous. Since you¡¯re with Eileen, I have no objections.¡±

    Bryan, feeling the pressure of the situation, was slightly formal in his demeanor. He worried thating across too strong might make others ufortable, but he didn¡¯t know how to find the right bnce, resulting in a slightly stiff appearance.

    ¡°Ruby, I¡¯m truly sorry for the past troubles I¡¯ve caused Eileen, and for the worry I¡¯ve brought to you,¡± he said earnestly.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 403

    ?Chapter 403:

    Ruby, initially ready to begin her meal, paused at Bryan¡¯s words. She saw the sincerity in his expression and knew he wouldn¡¯t be able to rx until the issue was addressed.

    Setting down her spoon, she spoke up, ¡°Well, I need to know something. Can you assure me that the issues of the past won¡¯t repeat?¡±

    Eileen was taken aback by Ruby¡¯s directness and turned to Bryan, curious to see how he would respond.

    ¡°I can guarantee that, not just in words, but in actions,¡± Bryan dered. He then stood, carefully ced Gabri in her stroller, and retrieved some documents that Josue had prepared but wasn¡¯t allowed to deliver personally. Given the gravity of the matter, he was concerned things might worsen with Josue¡¯s presence.

    ¡°These documents are the share transfer notices for EB Group, along with all properties registered in my name. I¡¯ve signed them over to Eileen unconditionally,¡± he exined as heid the papers in front of her. ¡°Everything is legitimate. Once you sign them and they¡¯re notarized, they¡¯ll take effect immediately. From that point on, I¡¯ll own nothing; everything will be yours.¡±

    Stunned by the extent of Bryan¡¯s preparations, Eileen couldn¡¯t hide her shock. Even his shares in EB Group?

    ¡°No, no¡­¡± Ruby interjected, clearly surprised. ¡°That¡¯s not what I was asking for. I didn¡¯t mean for you to give up everything to Eileen!¡±

    Bryan calmly resumed his seat and gently lifted Gabri into his arms again. ¡°I did this willingly as amitment to both of you. It¡¯s my way of showing you both how serious I am.¡±

    His earnestness was evident, and it was clear he had thought this through carefully, preparing everything in advance.

    Fresh updates avable at galno¦Íe?s?c?m

    Eileen nced at Ruby, who averted her gaze, suddenly feeling that perhaps she had overstepped. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have brought this up. It¡¯s your decision to make,¡± Ruby murmured, feeling a pang of guilt for pushing Bryan into a corner.

    ¡°We¡¯ll discuss thister.¡± Eileen gently pushed the documents back towards Bryan, suggesting, ¡°Let¡¯s eat first.¡±

    Bryan, however, was resolute, sliding the papers back to her. ¡°It can¡¯t wait. I¡¯ve made my decision clear, and I need you to ept them now.¡±

    His eyes locked on Eileen, his expression unyielding, urging her to sign right then and there.

    Eileen, feeling overwhelmed, responded, ¡°Why would you transfer the EB Group shares to me? Managing thepany without any shares willplicate things for you in the future.¡± Not having any shares would surely put him at a disadvantage with the shareholders.

    Bryan replied calmly, ¡°I¡¯ll be recovering from my injuries for a few months, and EB Group can¡¯t just pause operations. With the shares in your hands, it¡¯s perfect for you to oversee things.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 404

    ?Chapter 404:

    Eileen countered, still perplexed, ¡°But I¡¯m already swamped with responsibilities at Freguson Group, and soon I¡¯ll be taking on Warren Group too. How am I supposed to manage EB Group as well?¡±

    ¡°You only need to oversee operations; the team will handle the day-to-day. Plus, Raymond can assist you. If it bes too much, we could even consider stepping away from Freguson and Warren Groups. Nothing is more crucial than your well-being, and ultimately, managing EB Group means keeping it in the family,¡± Bryan exined, his voice full of conviction as if he had considered all angles.

    Despite his thorough nning, the truth remained that his injuries required a significant recovery period, during which EB Group would indeed need leadership. However, there was a vast difference between Eileen temporarily overseeing thepany and permanently transferring ownership to her. Bryan seemed prepared to entrust everything to her for quite a long time.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have our meal now, and then head to the hospital for your check-up. If we dy, we might not get back untilte,¡± Eileen decided, putting the documents away and starting her meal.

    Bryan, recognizing her need to process everything, acquiesced with a nod. ¡°Alright.¡±

    As Ruby gazed out the window, she noticed the shift in the weather from the earlier sunshine. ¡°It looks like it¡¯s going to get cold soon; we should pick up some more clothes for Gabri. I can go with you to the mall near the hospitalter.¡±

    Considering Eileen and Bryan¡¯s situation, it wasn¡¯t wise to expose Gabri in public too much.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen agreed. ¡°Let¡¯s have Milford watch Gabri while we¡¯re out. We can make it a quick trip.¡± Eileen also needed this time to discuss privately with Bryan his recent decisions and their implications.

    Uncover new worlds at g   alnov els

    Meanwhile, Milford wasn¡¯t expecting anyone else to visit while he was babysitting Gabri. He wasfortably juggling his duties, holding Gabri in one arm and her teething biscuit in the other, engaging her with gentle y.

    When the doorbell rang, Milford, thinking perhaps Bryan or Eileen had returned for something forgotten, opened the door without hesitation.

    To his surprise, it was Z standing there, equally shocked to see him sofortably handling the baby. Gabri, oblivious to the tension, giggled and waved her little hands, babbling happily.

    ¡°What brings you here?¡± Milford¡¯s tone was less than weing as he instinctively started to shut the door.

    Z quickly blocked it, her voice firm. ¡°I kept asking you to meet for dinner, but you never responded. I had no choice but toe.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 405

    ?Chapter 405:

    Milford, cautious of any sudden moves that might harm Gabri, held the door open just enough to prevent Z from pushing her way through.

    ¡°Whose child is this?¡±

    Milford tightened his grip on Gabri and responded nonchntly, ¡°She¡¯s a friend¡¯s child. They had some errands and asked me to babysit.¡±

    ¡°Do you even have friends here?¡± Z pressed, her suspicion evident. ¡°This is Eileen¡¯s house, isn¡¯t it? Why would you bring a child here?¡±

    ¡°Why all the interrogation?¡± Milford retorted, growing impatient. ¡°We were just supposed to have a meal together, right? I¡¯m not avable for lunch today; can we do tomorrow instead?¡±

    Milford¡¯s obvious rush to see her out heightened Z¡¯s suspicions. Sensing his distraction, she seized the opportunity to step further into the house. The sight of a crawling mat and scattered toys around the living room made it clear: this child was more than just a temporary responsibility for Milford. The baby lived in this house.

    ¡°Is this Eileen¡¯s child?¡± Z asked, her voiceced with curiosity.

    ¡°This is Bailee¡¯s daughter,¡± Milford stated firmly as he ced Gabri on the crawling mat and rose to his full height, towering over Z and effectively shielding the baby girl from her view.

    ¡°Is it really appropriate for you to barge into someone¡¯s home like this?¡± Milford challenged, his voice stern. ¡°Even if this is my ce, you can¡¯t just behave this way.¡±

    Z craned her neck, trying to glimpse the baby girl, but Milford mirrored her movements, blocking her at every turn.

    ¡°What are you doing? Are you trying to kidnap her? You¡¯re scaring her, and I won¡¯t stand for it,¡± Milford used, his tone filled with anger and protection.

    Z¡¯s eyes then caught sight of a photograph on the cab: a woman lovingly holding the baby. It was a photo of Bailee and Gabri. After Bailee had taken that photo, she quickly developed it and proudly disyed it in the living room as a deration of her bond with Gabri.

    Z¡¯s attention shifted from the baby to Milford as she settled onto the sofa. ¡°I heard you skipped grades and were admitted to a university?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I mentioned thatst time, remember?¡± Milford responded, positioning himself on the crawling mat to keep a watchful eye on Gabri.

    ¡°I heard from Eileen that you¡¯re excellent academically. Aren¡¯t you considering studying abroad with such outstanding performance?¡± Z probed, noting Milford¡¯s silence and taking it as confirmation. ¡°So why didn¡¯t you choose to study abroad? Did Eileen not want to pay for it?¡±

    Milford frowned at Z¡¯s usatory tone. ¡°No, it¡¯s because I chose to stay here.¡±

    ¡°Why stay?¡± Z leaned forward, trying to gauge his expression. ¡°Going abroad could be transformative for your career. With the same effort, you could secure a better job, potentially doubling your future ie. Why choose to stay here? It¡¯s not like we see each other all the time.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 406

    ?Chapter 406:

    ¡°You have nothing to do with my decision,¡± Milford retorted sharply, his gaze unwavering. ¡°I just don¡¯t want to be far from Eileen. I¡¯m used to being around them, and going abroad alone would be dull.¡±

    For Milford, his decision was about staying close to Eileen, not about his future or his rtionship with his biological sister, which clearly stung Z.

    Z took a moment topose herself, considering the real reason for her visit. ¡°Okay, but given your elerated academic track, you could finish your university studies in two years, or maybe even one, right?¡±

    Indeed, when Milford had been epted into university after skipping grades, the president of Willowbrook University had suggested that he could speed up his studies even further.

    ¡°What are you getting at? Just say what you mean,¡± Milford challenged, meeting Z¡¯s gaze directly, tired of the roundabout questions.

    ¡°Let me be direct. Once you graduate, I want you to join Apex Group,¡± Z proposed without hesitation. With Bryan actively recruiting her top talents, Apex Group was in desperate need of capable individuals, especially those with Milford¡¯s intellect.

    Milford was quick to decline. ¡°I can¡¯t. I¡¯ve promised Eileen that I¡¯d work with her after graduation to repay the debts I umted from my studies.¡±

    Not easily deterred, Z pressed on. ¡°I¡¯m offering you a substantial sry. With your qualifications, an annual package of one million isn¡¯t out of the question. You¡¯d be able to pay back Eileen in no time.¡±

    Z continued, her tone matter-of-fact. ¡°Is she insisting that you work only for her? If so, I¡¯ll have a word with her. She agreed to finance your education knowing you¡¯d repay her, but she didn¡¯t stipte such constraints!¡±

    Your imagination starts at g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s?conn

    Her voice rose in volume, inadvertently startling Gabri, who began to squirm and crawl toward Milford on the mat.

    Quickly scooping her up, Milford soothed, ¡°It¡¯s okay, Gabri. I¡¯m here.¡±

    As heforted the child, his demeanor softened significantlypared to his interaction with Z. Noticing Gabri¡¯s distress, Milford excused himself from the conversation, his tone bing protective.

    Z persisted, oblivious to Gabri¡¯s difort. ¡°This doesn¡¯t concern you. I¡¯ll discuss it with Eileen directly. Do you even have a written agreement about your arrangement? Let me see it.¡±

    As Z¡¯s voice grew louder, Gabri nestled closer to Milford, on the verge of tears.

    ¡°Can you lower your voice?¡± Milford demanded, his tone sharp. ¡°You¡¯re upsetting her. What I do regarding Eileen is none of your concern. This discussion about my career can wait. If it¡¯s urgent, let¡¯s arrange another time to talk outside. For now, I need you to leave.¡±

    Milford turned his attention back to Gabri, whispering softly, ¡°Let¡¯s find your teething biscuit, okay? Don¡¯t cry, your mom and dad will be home soon.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 407

    ?Chapter 407:

    Gabri¡¯s big eyes, filled with tears, gazed up at Milford, seekingfort in his calm presence. The vulnerability in her expression deepened Milford¡¯s resolve to protect her from the ongoing tension.

    Z, watching Milford care for the baby, was visibly disdainful. ¡°Are you here just to babysit? Your talents are meant for building your own career, making money¡ªnot holding a baby all day. You should focus on your studies. I¡¯ll cover all your university costs and repay your debts to Eileen.¡±

    As Z reached for her phone to call Eileen and discuss the terms, Gabri¡¯s tears began to fall.

    The sound of the little girl¡¯s sobs filled the vi, her distress palpable.

    Before Z could dial, Milford, driven by a surge of protectiveness, snatched the phone from her hand and threw it to the floor. The device shattered, scattering pieces, but this did little to calm Milford¡¯s fury.

    ¡°I¡¯m telling you for thest time¡ªleave!¡± hemanded, his voice firm.

    He scooped up Gabri and made his way up the stairs, his anger beginning to subside as he sought tofort the crying child.

    Z, a mix of indignation and determination on her face, followed him a few steps up the staircase. Milford paused at the bend, turned sharply, and gave her a stern, dismissive re.

    ¡°Get out!¡± he snapped.

    The look of utter disgust in Milford¡¯s eyes stopped Z in her tracks. She didn¡¯t follow him any further, watching instead as he disappeared around the corner with Gabri. The sound of the baby¡¯s cries slowly faded as the door upstairs shut.

    ??? ??????? ?? ?????????.???

    In the quiet of the vi, Z realized something. Milford had always been independent and challenging, but he had never shown her this kind of repulsion before. Could Eileen have influenced him so deeply?

    Determined not to lose her grip on Milford, Z knew she had to act. If he continued to align so closely with Eileen, his estrangement from her, his biological sister, could be permanent.

    Z didn¡¯t leave. She gathered the pieces of her broken phone and settled onto the sofa, her mind racing with ns.

    Meanwhile, after dropping Ruby off at the mall near the hospital, Eileen and Bryan were alone in the car, giving Eileen the opportunity to address the issue. ¡°What were you thinking? If you transfer all your EB Group shares to me, what will you do afterward?¡±

    ¡°What else can I do?¡± Bryan replied gravely. ¡°For now, I¡¯m healing. I¡¯m relying on you to keep things running.¡±

    ¡°But what about after you¡¯re healed? You can¡¯t just disconnect from EB Group entirely, can you?¡± Eileen pressed further.

    Bryan¡¯s silence spoke volumes, confirming his tacit agreement.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 408

    ?Chapter 408:

    ¡°How will others perceive you if they find out about this?¡± Eileen continued, probing deeper. She had encountered men who handed their earnings to their wives, but she had never known a man who relinquished everything he owned¡ªproperty, shares¡ªall in her name. How would he stand in the businessmunity in the future?

    ¡°The way they see me will depend on how powerful your position in the market is. If you¡¯re influential, who would dare to look down on me?¡± Bryan countered, his confidence unshaken by the implications.

    He turned to face Eileen, their eyes locking. ¡°Gabri has taken yourst name, so it makes sense for you to be the breadwinner while I manage our home life. To put it nicely, I¡¯m a full-time dad. In other words, I¡¯m a trophy husband.¡±

    Eileen was left speechless.

    ¡°Although my family is bound by tradition, none of our rules specifically forbid me from being a stay-at-home husband. This won¡¯t stop me from inheriting the Dawson legacy; in fact, it will be you securing the Dawson heritage on my behalf,¡± Bryan exined, settling backfortably in the passenger seat, basking in the streaming sunlight. He seemed utterly at ease, almost envisioning a future of gardening, fishkeeping, and homemaking with Gabri.

    Eileen searched for a counterargument but couldn¡¯t find one immediately.

    However, Bryan interrupted her thoughts with a practical point. ¡°Apex Group is under your name. So, regardless of whether Brandon seeds or fails, he can¡¯ty a im on Apex Group.¡±

    Eileen understood this was merely a convenient justification. Deep down, Bryan was preparing to embrace a life as a husband who depended on his wife for financial support.

    Your next chapter is here g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    She wondered how Ste would react if she knew¡ªcould she ept such a reversal of traditional roles?

    Their arrival at the hospital interrupted their conversation. Eileen stepped out to attend her scheduled check-up. After more than an hour, the appointment concluded, and they headed home, stopping en route to pick up Ruby, who had been shopping for Gabri.

    ¡°Look at this little skirt for Gabri for when it gets colder. She¡¯ll be six months by then, and she¡¯ll look adorable in it!¡± Ruby gushed, showing off her purchases in the car. ¡°And this outfit is for next summer. By then, Gabri will be walking¡ªit¡¯s perfect.¡±

    Ruby had enthusiastically prepared for Gabri¡¯s future needs, with her purchases spanning well into the next year. Eileen responded here and there, the mood in the car light and cheerful.

    As they pulled into the vi district, Eileen noticed a familiar car parked on the roadside but thought little of it. They entered the house, their spirits high with their new acquisitions. Eileen slipped off her shoes and called out affectionately, ¡°Gabri, Mommy¡¯s back!¡±

    However, her warm greeting faltered when she saw Z sitting on the sofa, their eyes locking unexpectedly.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 409

    ?Chapter 409:

    Eileen¡¯s heart skipped a beat as her eyesnded on Z.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Eileen demanded.

    Z had been struggling with how to approach Eileen about Milford, especially if Eileen refused to let him leave. Her thoughts were jumbled, and she hadn¡¯t even registered what Eileen had said when she first walked in.

    ¡°I came looking for Milford, but he went upstairs with the baby. I also need to talk to you, so I decided to wait,¡± Z exined.

    The sight of Bryan standing protectively beside Eileen only deepened her irritation.

    ¡°Next time, call ahead before showing up unannounced, or I¡¯ll call the police,¡± Bryan said coldly, making no effort to hide his disdain.

    With that, he turned to Eileen, who silently signaled for him to go upstairs. Ruby, clutching the new clothes she¡¯d bought for Gabri, followed him out.

    Eileen¡¯s gaze lingered on the shattered phone on the coffee table. ¡°What did you want to talk about? Did you and Milford have a fight?¡±

    ¡°No, it wasn¡¯t a fight. But he was in a bitter mood, pushing me to leave. I nned to call you to arrange a meeting, but he smashed my phone and stormed upstairs.¡±

    Her face twisted with dissatisfaction as she sank back onto the couch. ¡°I let him stay with you because he was young and rebellious. I did my best to guide him, but now he¡¯s bing even more rebellious. And what about you? How can you let him stay home to look after a baby?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s patience was wearing thin. ¡°So what?¡± she snapped. She suspected Milford had smashed Z¡¯s phone because Gabri had been scared and Z kept badgering him.

    Z straightened up proudly. ¡°I n to take Milford back home. You won¡¯t have to worry about his college expenses anymore. I¡¯ll cover it. I¡¯ll even pay off everything he¡¯s spent over the past two years, in one go.¡±

    ???€$t ¡é?¦Á¦Ñ?§×§ñ? 1¦Ð [dot

    Legally, Z had the right to be assertive about Milford. She was his only sister, after all.

    ¡°As long as Milford agrees, I have no objections,¡± Eileen replied after a pause.

    ¡°That¡¯s why I need to talk to you. He doesn¡¯t want to leave, so I want you to persuade him,¡± Z pressed. ¡°Look¡­ about what happened between us¡­ we have different perspectives. You have your reasons, and I have mine. You can¡¯t say I¡¯m wrong. You¡¯ve made him think I¡¯m a bad person, and now he won¡¯t leave with me¡­¡±

    Eileen couldn¡¯t let Z¡¯s words go unchecked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never said anything to him about what happened between us. He watches the news. He sees everything. He¡¯s got a good sense of right and wrong. If he doesn¡¯t like you, it has nothing to do with me.¡±

    To Z, everything Eileen said sounded like excuses. She wasn¡¯t interested in her exnations.

    ¡°In three days, I¡¯lle to take him away. If¡ª¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 410

    ?Chapter 410:

    ¡°Save your breath. I¡¯m not going anywhere with you,¡± Milford said defiantly as he came down the stairs. The anger in his eyes had dimmed, but his tone remained firm. ¡°I¡¯m fine here. Eileen¡¯s been good to me. She¡¯s covering my tuition and expenses, and I¡¯ll repay her someday. You have no part in this, so I don¡¯t need you meddling in my life. Now, get out, and don¡¯t evere back looking for me again.¡±

    He pointed to the door with a decisive motion. ¡°Are you leaving on your own, or should I drag you out?¡±

    Z lingered a moment, then spat, ¡°If you refuse, I¡¯ll take legal action. I¡¯ll sue Eileen for damaging our sibling rtionship.¡±

    Eileen remained unshaken. ¡°You won¡¯t win. I¡¯m not imprisoning him or abusing him. Milford¡¯s here because he wants to be.¡±

    ¡°Even if I don¡¯t win, I¡¯ll appeal and sue you again and again. Do you really have the stamina for this? I doubt you can keep it up.¡± Z¡¯s voice was filled with determination, ready for a prolonged battle. She believed Eileen wouldn¡¯t want to waste time on someone who had nothing to do with her.

    Snatching her purse from the couch, she stormed out, her parting words lingering like a bad smell.

    As the door mmed shut, Milford copsed onto the couch, a deep frown etched on his face.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to check on Gabri,¡± Eileen said softly, ncing back at him. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about Z. She won¡¯t win, and nowyer will take her case after two failedwsuits.¡±

    ¡°Hmm,¡± Milford muttered, burying his face in his hands. He felt he¡¯d caused Eileen enough trouble, most of it thanks to his sister.

    L??e$? ??¦¤T??R? 1¦Ð ???lnovels.c??m

    Upstairs, Gabri had stopped crying. Her eyes were still red and puffy, showing the evidence of her distress. Bryan looked heartbroken seeing her in that state.

    When Gabri saw Eileen, she pouted sadly, her little hands waving in the air as she made soft sounds.

    ¡°What did Z want this time?¡± Bryan asked, his face dark with disdain for Z.

    Eileen kissed Gabri¡¯s tiny fingers and sighed. ¡°She wanted to take Milford away.¡±

    Every encounter between the siblings ended in conflict, and the little girl must have been stressed witnessing their argument. Bryan gently caressed Gabri¡¯s cheek, his usually stern face softening.

    With her parents by her side, Gabri¡¯s spirits lifted quickly. It wasn¡¯t long before Ruby burst in with a bundle of new clothes, making Gabri giggle with excitement.

    Milford entered his room but didn¡¯te out again.

    After lunch, a suddenmotion erupted at the Freguson Group. Eileen had to rush to thepany, unaware that Julio was also on his way.

    When the emergency arose, the staff member first notified Julio and then Eileen. They both arrived at thepany almost simultaneously and met in the elevator.

    ¡°Where¡¯ve you been?¡± Julio asked, holding the elevator door open for Eileen.

    Eileen stepped inside. ¡°I was at the hospital this morning. I wrapped up all my tasks yesterday, so I didn¡¯t expect an emergency.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 411

    ?Chapter 411:

    Julio chuckled at her hurried exnation. ¡°I¡¯m not ming you. I just wondered why you were at the hospital. Are you okay?¡±

    A thought crossed his mind, and he quickly added, ¡°You¡¯re not pregnant again, are you?¡±

    If she were pregnant again, she¡¯d be out ofmission for months. Where would he find another capable employee like her?

    ¡°No,¡± Eileen shook her head. ¡°I took Bryan for a check-up.¡±

    Julio sighed in relief. ¡°Thank God. If you¡¯re nning on a second child, give me a heads-up so I can mentally prepare.¡±

    ¡°Not anytime soon,¡± Eileen replied with a slight frown. ¡°Morning sickness was rough when I was pregnant with Gabri. I¡¯m a bit scared of going through that again.¡±

    But she didn¡¯tpletely rule out the possibility of having another child.

    Morning sickness? Julio¡¯s mind shed back to the scene at the club¡¯s lounge where Dalores was hugging a trash can, retching. He frowned but didn¡¯t continue the conversation.

    The elevator doors opened, and several executives were waiting outside. They quickly switched to business mode and began the meeting.

    Eileen hadn¡¯t anticipated that thepany¡¯s emergency would be about her. Because she had taken over Trenton¡¯s club yesterday, rumors spread like wildfire, using her of using her body to get ahead.

    Most people believed the rumors. Otherwise, they couldn¡¯tprehend how Eileen, once an assistant, could have risen to be the general manager of Freguson Group.

    From Apex Group to Freguson Group, from Bryan to Julio¡­ it seemed like a seamless transition.

    L?t§Öst ch¦Ápt?rs in g??lnovels.??m

    After this revtion, some of the signed partners proposed terminating their contracts. Those who hadn¡¯t signed either withheld their decisions or demanded that Eileen handle the negotiations herself.

    Why Eileen? The reason was obvious¡ªthey were looking for something more from her.

    The public rtions department was powerless. After all, the rumors were being spread behind closed doors, far from the media¡¯s reach.

    ¡°Arrange meetings with all the clients who want to terminate their contracts and discuss cooperation. I¡¯ll handle it myself,¡± Eileen said, twirling a pen between her fingers as she leaned back in her chair, appearing calm and collected.

    It dawned on her that the drink Z had poured on her feet the previous night wasn¡¯t just a petty act of jealousy; it had a purpose. She had underestimated Z.

    Now, everyone¡¯s eyes were on Julio, waiting for his decision.

    Benjamin broke the silence. ¡°Mr. Freguson, we all recognize Ms. Curtis¡¯ capabilities. But the business world isplicated, and not everyone knows her like we do. She¡¯s been loyal to you for so long. You know she isn¡¯t the type of person they¡¯re making her out to be.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 412

    ?Chapter 412:

    Julio¡¯s gaze shifted slightly,nding on Benjamin. After a pause, heughed. ¡°Do you think I don¡¯t trust her? I¡¯m just considering whether I can step in to solve this for her. She¡¯s a woman, after all. Leaving her to handle this alone makes me feel a bit guilty.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Freguson, don¡¯t feel guilty about this. Just double my year-end bonus, and we¡¯ll call it even,¡± Eileen said with a yful grin, brushing off the unexpected crisis with ease.

    Her light-heartedment brought a wave of relief to Julio. After the meeting concluded, Eileen stepped out of the conference room and immediately spotted Raymond.

    Raymond hurried over, a file in his hand. ¡°Ms. Curtis, Mr. Freguson, Mr. Nash¡ªI¡¯vepiled a list of those spreading rumors. Should we address it now, or wait until the situation stabilizes?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s wait until things settle down. No need to rush,¡± Eileen replied casually, ncing at the list. It included the men who wanted to take over Trenton¡¯s club.

    Raymond nodded and continued, ¡°I also have a list of clients who are looking to terminate their contracts with Freguson Group. Some are hesitant to sign, while others specifically want to meet with you, Ms. Curtis, before finalizing anything. Their contact information is included.¡±

    ¡°Get in touch with them right away. Book a room for tonight and ensure they all attend. If they can¡¯t make it, do whatever it takes to get them there.¡±

    Eileen wasn¡¯t one to procrastinate, especially when it came to important matters, so Raymond wasted no time, immediately setting her ns into motion.

    Back in her office, Eileen called Bryan to inform him that she wouldn¡¯t be home for dinner.

    hosts great stories

    ¡°You know, Raymond is truly a gem,¡± she added.

    On the other end of the line, Bryan¡¯s grip on the phone tightened. ¡°What did you say?¡±

    ¡°I said, Raymond is a gem,¡± Eileen repeated, unaware of the jealousy brewing on Bryan¡¯s end.

    She didn¡¯t notice anything unusual about praising Raymond right after mentioning that she¡¯d miss dinner.

    She continued, ¡°He¡¯s incredibly efficient! It¡¯s like he can read my mind. I never have to give him detailed instructions; he just knows what to do and gets it done perfectly!¡±

    Bryan was upset.

    He had given all his shares and property to Eileen, yet she hadn¡¯t even praised him. Now, she was calling Raymond a gem.

    ¡°You pay him a sry; it¡¯s his responsibility to do his job well.¡±

    Did a sried employee deserve that kind of acknowledgment?

    Eileen could sense a hint of jealousy in Bryan¡¯s tone.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 413

    ?Chapter 413:

    She remarked, ¡°That makes sense. So, he should receive arger year-end bonus.¡±

    Silence followed on the other end until Gabri¡¯s cooing broke the quiet, prompting Bryan to speak again.

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave it in your hands.¡±

    ¡°Alright, attend to Gabri first.¡± Benjamin knocked on the door. Eileen hung up and stood up to leave.

    ¡°Is everyone here?¡±

    Benjamin replied, ¡°Mr. Freguson suggesteding together, but he¡¯s not in the private room. He¡¯s concerned some people might cause trouble and doesn¡¯t want you handling it alone.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s alright. It would be too simple for him to be the boss otherwise,¡± Eileen teased, her bond with Julio and Benjamin as strong as ever.

    As Raymond drove Eileen, he assessed the personalities of those they were about to meet.

    ¡°Some may try to stir up trouble. If they propose a toast to you, I can step in and drink on your behalf,¡± he suggested.

    He used to frequently cover for Bryan while drinking, and there were rumors that Eileen asionally did the same for him. However,ter on, Bryan stopped allowing Eileen to do that and took over the role himself.

    In the vibrant city center, under the bright lights of arge hotel, Eileen exited the car and walked beside Benjamin. Raymond was close behind, but his phone suddenly rang. He stepped aside to take the call.

    ¡°Hello, Mr. Dawson¡­ Hmm? Isn¡¯t that a bit excessive? Alright, I¡¯ll follow your instructions.¡±

    Discover your escape on g  aln ov el s

    After ending the call, Raymond checked the list of dinner attendees and sent out a group message.

    Ten minutester, the private room, capable of hosting 20 to 30 people, was full.

    Eileen sat at the head of the table, ordering food from the waiter. As the dishes were served, everyone remained silent.

    Eileen looked puzzled and turned to Benjamin, raising an eyebrow, wondering what was happening.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Benjamin leaned in and whispered. ¡°I originally thought they would make things difficult for you.¡±

    Eileen scanned the room, catching the eyes of several attendees. They immediately smiled and raised their sses.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, it¡¯s rare to see you today. I¡¯d like to toast to you, but as a woman, you should drink less. Let Raymond handle it,¡± one of them suggested.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Eileen agreed. Raymond felt a wave of irritation. Out of the 15 people at the table, 12 intended to toast to Eileen, meaning he would need to drink 12 sses.

    That added up to five bottles of wine.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 414

    ?Chapter 414:

    As the host, Eileen was expected to respond in kind, which would add another five bottles.

    Once one person started, others quickly joined in. ¡°I¡¯d also like to toast to Ms. Curtis. I was considering terminating our contract due to rumors, but please don¡¯t take it personally.¡±

    ¡°And me¡­¡±

    ¡°Me too! I haven¡¯t finalized the contract with yourpany yet. It must be my assistant¡¯s fault; he mimunicated. I instructed that anyone from yourpany could sign.¡±

    Eileen dismissed their excuses as mere fabrications. She saw right through them.

    Raymond didn¡¯t bother with a rebuttal. ¡°Let¡¯s skip the small talk. I¡¯ll drink all the toasts for Ms. Curtis,¡± he said, downing each ss indiscriminately.

    He wondered why Bryan had arranged for these individuals to pay their respects to Eileen through toasting. And he had to be the one to drink!

    ¡°Let¡¯s move past previous issues and proceed with our contracts or arrange signings for those yet to do so,¡± Eileen stated.

    Eileen hadn¡¯t sought their toasts, but the attendees, fearful of causing offense, quickly raised their sses, anxious that any hesitation might be perceived as a refusal to make amends with Eileen and incur Bryan¡¯s wrath.

    After numerous toasts, Raymond felt full but not inebriated. He excused himself to the restroom.

    Eileen followed him, catching up just outside.

    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±

    ?@???? ??@t?¨¨?? ¨ª¨½ ??????????????????.??????

    Raymond shared, ¡°Mr. Dawson was concerned about you handling such a tough crowd, so he had me prep them in advance. With his backing, who would dare cross you?¡±

    Raymond was earnest and truthful.

    Eileen had pieced together most of it already, but one question still lingered. ¡°So, why did you still drink?¡±

    Raymond paused, his expression innocent. ¡°Mr. Dawson insisted they show their respect through toasts, but he didn¡¯t want you to drink. That¡¯s why I stepped in.¡±

    Raymond sounded a bit bitter, but quickly added, ¡°As your assistant, shielding you is part of my job. I can handle a few more drinks!¡±

    ¡°Alright, you head back first,¡± Eileen nodded at Raymond, then went to check on Julio.

    In the next private room, Julio was alone, having ordered nothing.

    Upon her entry, Eileen noticed that Julio was absorbed in his phone. A dim image of a woman¡¯s photo flickered on the screen.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 415

    ?Chapter 415:

    Feigning ignorance, Eileen approached him and said, ¡°The dinner wrapped up well. There¡¯s no need for you to stay here any longer.¡±

    ¡°That quick?¡± Julio stood, surprised, as he pocketed his phone. ¡°Are you all heading out too?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll have another round with them and leave after eating,¡± Eileen said, figuring that if she didn¡¯t leave soon, Raymond wouldn¡¯t make it out of the hotel on his own feet tonight.

    Julio nodded towards the door. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll head out first.¡±

    As Eileen and Julio left the room, they spotted a figure rushing toward the restroom.

    ¡°Dolores?¡± Julio said uncertainly and turned to Eileen. ¡°Is that Dolores?¡±

    ¡°I think so.¡± Even without a clear view of her face, Eileen was quite certain it was Dolores, judging from her figure.

    Before Eileen could respond, Julio quickly moved toward the restroom, finding Dolores vomiting at the sink, unable to reach the toilet in time.

    Dolores hadn¡¯t consumed much due to her pregnancy, leaving her with an ufortable feeling in her stomach.

    Eventually, Dolores pulled a candy from her pocket and ced it in her mouth to alleviate the nausea.

    Resting against the wall, Dolores was about to rx when she noticed two figures standing in the corner of the restroom.

    ¡°Are you pregnant?¡± Julio inquired with near certainty.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s, where the best stories live

    He had witnessed her vomiting twice, which led him to that conclusion.

    Dolores¡¯ heart pounded.

    She attempted to stayposed and retorted, ¡°What does it matter to you?¡±

    ¡°If the child isn¡¯t mine, it¡¯s none of my concern,¡± Julio responded, vividly remembering theirst encounter, which had involved him being unwittingly drugged.

    And no precautions were taken.

    Julio adjusted his tie, his impatience and somber mood evident. He approached Dalores and stated firmly, ¡°You need to get checked.¡±

    ¡°Why should I?¡± Dalores dodged his extended hand. ¡°I know my own body. And even if I am pregnant, it has nothing to do with you. I¡¯ve been with many men. The baby might not even be yours!¡±

    Julio didn¡¯t believe her im. His lips pressed tightly together as he countered sharply, ¡°A check-up will tell.¡±

    He knew Dalores well enough to doubt her words.

    His fingers mped down on her wrist, firm and unyielding, like a lion capturing its prey.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 416

    ?Chapter 416:

    Fear flickered in Dalores¡¯ eyes as she struggled to free herself. ¡°What¡¯s your problem? I¡¯m not even married. People will judge me if I go for a pregnancy test!¡± she eximed, trying to resist as Julio forcefully led her out of the restroom.

    Dalores turned to Eileen for help, desperation written across her face.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, help me!¡±

    Her pleading eyes met Eileen¡¯s, but thetter was taken off guard when Dalores was suddenly embraced, nearly losing her bnce.

    Struggling to keep her footing, Dalores was still being pulled by Julio.

    ¡°Let her go!¡± Eileen rushed forward to intervene. ¡°If she¡¯s really pregnant, you could harm the baby!¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Julio responded coldly, assisting Dalores to her feet and grabbing her wrists. His gaze was steely, unwavering. ¡°If the child is mine, it cannot stay.¡±

    Dalores¡¯ eyes widened in terror at his words. To her, Julio now seemed monstrous, almost devilish.

    Eileen stood frozen, speechless in shock, unable to utter a word.

    Julio¡¯s situation wasplicated. He needed to marry into the Harrison family to secure his position. Revealing this pregnancy would cause the Harrison family to break the engagement, potentially devastating the Freguson Group.

    Without waiting for Eileen to process the situation, or for Dalores to respond, Julio scooped Dalores onto his shoulder and strode away.

    Dalores beat her fists against his back, weeping and shouting curses.

    g¦Á ? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s has it all

    This action was almost a confession that the child was Julio¡¯s.

    As Benjamin emerged from the private room, Julio and Dalores were already stepping into the elevator.

    He found Eileen standing there, dazed. ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Eileen replied, her expression distant.

    She knew she couldn¡¯t interfere in Julio¡¯s matters or control his actions.

    Chasing after them would onlyplicate things further.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head back and wrap up dinner early,¡± Eileen suggested, her thoughts clearly elsewhere.

    The dinner concluded ahead of schedule. When Eileen got home, Gabri was still ying in the living room with Ruby.

    Upon seeing Eileen, Gabri made an effort to move toward her, clumsily rolling on the floor.

    Eileen set down her purse, switched her shoes, washed her hands, and then lifted Gabri, spending some time ying with her.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 417

    ?Chapter 417:

    ¡°Milford¡¯s been acting strangely thesest few days,¡± Ruby suddenly remarked. ¡°He onlyes out for meals, retreats to his room immediately afterward, and even when he interacts with Gabri, he¡¯s quiet and looks distressed.¡±

    Ruby gestured toward Milford¡¯s room and continued, ¡°I overheard him on the phone earlier. It sounded like he was having an argument with someone.¡±

    The argument had subsided, but Ruby was convinced that Milford had been in a heated argument with someone.

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing it¡¯s Z. I¡¯ll talk to himter.¡±

    Milford, outwardly rebellious, still had a core of sensibility.

    Not long after, Bryan descended the stairs and took Gabri from Eileen, casually saying, ¡°Let¡¯s find some time to visit the hospital tomorrow. Jacob¡¯s stepped into fatherhood.¡±

    Eileen realized she hadn¡¯t seen Phoebe in a while. Phoebe hadmented about gaining so much weight that she refused to leave the house.

    Eileen had been so busy that she¡¯d lost track of Phoebe¡¯s due date.

    ¡°It¡¯s a boy!¡± Bryan announced, kissing Gabri with a self-satisfied smile. How could a boy everpare to his precious little girl?

    ¡°Who gave birth to the baby?¡± Eileen asked suddenly.

    Bryan was momentarily confused. ¡°Of course, it¡¯s Phoebe!¡±

    Eileen grinned. ¡°Don¡¯t forget about the moms. You made me feel like you and Jacob were the ones delivering the babies.¡±

    ???€$? ?§ß???€?$ 1? g??l??ov?l??.????m

    Eileen stood up, straightened her slightly wrinkled shirt, and headed upstairs to find Milford.

    ¡°Remember, Gabri came from Eileen,¡± Ruby reminded Bryan. ¡°No matter how much you boast about Gabri, always remember that without Eileen, there wouldn¡¯t be a Gabri.¡±

    Recently, Ruby had noticed a hint of jealousy in Eileen¡¯s eyes when it came to Gabri.

    But this actuallyforted her, as it was clear Bryan didn¡¯t favor sons over daughters¡ªa rarity in wealthy circles.

    The baby in Bryan¡¯s arms kicked twice, as if agreeing with her grandmother¡¯s sentiment.

    In Milford¡¯s room, only a dim light illuminated the space. Eileen knocked and entered after receiving a muffled response.

    Milford, sitting by the window, stood up to turn on the light when he saw Eileen.

    ¡°Eileen?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve been a bit down the past few days. What¡¯s going on?¡± Eileen approached him and asked.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 418

    ?Chapter 418:

    After a prolonged silence, Milford finally looked up at her and said, ¡°I¡¯ve made up my mind. When the three days are up, I¡¯ll still go to Z¡¯s. Anyway, I¡¯ll be living on campus soon, so there¡¯s no need to make her unhappy now. But the money I borrowed from you, I¡¯ll pay back myself. I don¡¯t want to owe her anything.¡±

    Milford didn¡¯t want Z to use the debt as leverage to interfere in his life.

    ¡°If this is your decision after careful consideration, I respect it,¡± Eileen said while sitting next to him. ¡°But if you¡¯re worried about causing me any trouble, let me assure you, there¡¯s no need. With the position I¡¯m in right now, Z can¡¯t make things difficult for me.¡±

    Eileen was no longer the cautious woman she once was.

    ¡°I¡¯m not worried about causing you trouble. I just think that since this issue can be resolved easily, there¡¯s no need to make a big deal out of it. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not one for unnecessary sacrifices,¡± Milford joked, trying to put Eileen at ease.

    Their conversation flowed smoothly, and Eileen soon left Milford¡¯s room.

    Back in her own room, Eileen found Bryan stepping out of the bathroom, with Gabri sitting on the bed, gnawing on a teething biscuit Bryan had made.

    ¡°The bathwater is ready,¡± Bryan said, leaning against the wall, his eyes on Gabri. After a moment, he added, ¡°Or I could take Gabri downstairs and have your mom watch her for a bit. Then I can help you with the bath!¡±

    Instinctively, Eileen crossed her arms over her chest. ¡°No need!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve had a long day. It¡¯s only fair that I help you,¡± Bryan said matter-of-factly. ¡°I can offer a variety of services¡ªback-scratching, massage, applying body lotion.¡±

    In the past, Bryan would indeed arrange special treatments for Eileen.

    g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s, where stories thrive

    Now, it wasn¡¯t that his attention was solely on Gabri, but he believed that by caring for her, Eileen could focus on her work without worrying.

    Eileen took a deep breath, stepped forward, and nestled into Bryan¡¯s arms, pressing her body against his. She wrapped her arms around his solid waist and looked up at him. ¡°I¡¯m not jealous, but sometimes I feel like you focus a bit too much on Gabri.¡±

    Lately, Josue had beenining that Bryan wouldn¡¯t let him visit Gabri. Since their reconciliation, Josue hadn¡¯t seen Gabri in a long time. Josue¡¯s protests had been vigorous.

    Eileen thought Bryan was being a bit over the top. After all, they owed much to the Payne family for her time abroad. But calling it excessive could be a stretch, as Bryan did allow Rylie inside, just leaving Josue out.

    Bryan¡¯s hand rested on Eileen¡¯s lower back, his gaze intense. ¡°You¡¯re not at home, and I can¡¯t take her out to meet you. If I don¡¯t pay attention to her, how can I keep from missing you?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s ears turned red at his words. She stood on tiptoe and nted a kiss on his cheek.

    ¡°So, about the shares of EB Group,¡± Eileen began, trying to bring up the topic of returning the shares.

    But before she could finish, Bryan silenced her with a kiss, holding her hands tightly to prevent her from pulling away.

    Gabri, with her big, innocent eyes, watched them from the bed, trying to understand what her parents were doing. She kicked her legs and waved her arms excitedly, eager to get a better view.

    Eileen pushed Bryan away, turned around, and went into the bathroom, locking the door behind her.

    Bryan returned to the bed, picked up the baby girl, and held her close, kissing her cheek.

    ¡°Be good. Daddy loves you just as much as Mommy.¡±

    Gabri seemed to understand, opening her mouth to show a cute, toothless smile.

    ¡°But you need to go to bed early, or Daddy won¡¯t be as happy¡­¡± Bryan said, before taking Gabri to prepare some form, gently lulling her to sleep.

    Gabri¡¯s early bedtime meant Eileen couldn¡¯t sleep early. She figured it would be more convenient to visit Phoebe in the morning.

    Around ten, Eileen managed to get up, have a quick bite, and doze off again in the car.

    Half an hourter, she woke up groggily, wrapped in Bryan¡¯s ck coat as they entered the hospital.

    Phoebe¡¯s mother and Gwh had taken the newborn for some routine check-ups, leaving only Phoebe and Jacob in the room.

    Eileen¡¯s drowsiness vanished upon seeing Phoebe, who looked entirely different from before.

    Phoebe, once slim with a short, tidy haircut, now had hair long enough to tie into a ponytail. She had visibly gained weight, especially in her face.

    ¡°Look at her expression!¡± Phoebe turned to Jacob and pinched his arm. ¡°She thinks I¡¯m fat and ugly!¡±

    Jacob yelped from the unexpected pinch but quicklyposed himself.

    When he regained hisposure, he quickly said, ¡°Impossible! You¡¯re the slimmest. Don¡¯t cry¡ªyou¡¯re as beautiful as ever! New mothers are the epitome of beauty!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 419

    ?Chapter 419:

    He shot a conspiratorial wink in Eileen¡¯s direction.

    Eileen approached with a gentle smile. ¡°You¡¯ve filled out a bit, but it suits you. You¡¯ve got that maternal glow now, just like me. How could I ever find you unattractive?¡±

    ¡°But you never gained weight,¡± Phoebe countered, her voice thick with tears. ¡°I¡¯ve ballooned by at least fifty pounds since before I was pregnant.¡±

    Well, that was a considerable difference! Eileen had only gained thirty pounds throughout her pregnancy, and miraculously snapped back to her original weight a month after giving birth.

    ¡°Let¡¯s be honest, neither of us were beauty queens right after delivery,¡± Eileen admitted, trying tofort the tearful Phoebe. ¡°But for the sake of the little one, it¡¯s all worth it. Once the baby¡¯s a bit older, we can tackle those extra pounds together as a team.¡±

    Despite Eileen¡¯s efforts, Phoebe remained enveloped in a gloomy cloud.

    Gwh and Phoebe¡¯s mother returned with the baby in tow. Eileen exchanged pleasantries, all smiles and polite conversation.

    It wouldn¡¯t do for Bryan and Jacob to linger, so they excused themselves and found a quiet corner to chat.

    Due to past unpleasantness with Vivian, Phoebe¡¯s mother hadn¡¯t exactly shown Eileen much warmth. But now, with the tides shifting, her demeanor had changed dramatically, her wordsced with a touch of fawning ttery.

    Gwh joined in withpliments, making Eileen squirm in her seat.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not dwell on bygones,¡± Eileen interjected, offering a few more polite remarks before strategically excusing herself from the room.

    I??§Ö$§ä ¡é#¦Áp?¨º§ñs I§Ú galno¦Íels

    The hospital corridors buzzed with activity, punctuated by the asional wail of a newborn. Despite searching high and low, Eileen couldn¡¯t locate Bryan or Jacob. They¡¯d likely found a refuge away from the social whirl.

    While a quiet respite in the small garden sounded tempting, fate intervened as she reached the lobby.

    There, she spotted Julio practically sprinting down the hall, his assistant trailing behind, diligently absorbing his instructions.

    A jolt of memory struck Eileen. Julio had brought Dalores to the hospital. Where was Dalores now?

    Eileen¡¯s curiosity got the best of her, and she couldn¡¯t help but ask the nurses in the inpatient department where Dalores was located.

    As she approached Dalores¡¯ room, she noticed several bodyguards stationed outside, all of whom acknowledged her presence. ¡°Ms. Curtis.¡±

    ¡°Is Miss Sampson inside?¡± Eileen asked.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 420

    ?Chapter 420:

    The bodyguards nodded.

    ¡°Yes, but Mr. Freguson has ordered that no one is to enter.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll give him a call then.¡± Eileen pulled out her phone and dialed Julio. He answered after a couple of rings.

    ¡°I¡¯m at the hospital. Can I see her?¡± she asked.

    After a brief silence, Julio responded, ¡°Last night, when I brought her in, I crossed paths with someone from the Harrison family. I spoke with Mabelter. Given her health issues, she can¡¯t bear children. So, you should persuade her to either terminate the pregnancy or hand the child over to me and sever all ties.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just here to check on her, not to help you hurt her.¡±

    The harshness of Julio¡¯s words caused Eileen¡¯s heart to ache. How could she even begin to broach this topic with Dalores?

    ¡°Go ahead and see her,¡± Julio said, then hung up.

    The bodyguards stepped aside and opened the door to the room.

    At the sound of the door, Dalores sprang out of bed, grabbed a ss from the table, and hurled it to the floor. She picked up a sharp piece of ss and pressed it against her neck.

    ¡°Don¡¯te any closer!¡± Her voice was filled with hopelessness.

    When she saw it was Eileen, she hesitated but didn¡¯t lower the ss. ¡°Are you here to plead his case?¡±

    ????t??st ch??pt??rs in g??lno¦Íels.??????

    Dalores¡¯ eyes flickered with wariness. Blood seeped from her hand, which was tightly gripping the fragments of shattered ss.

    ¡°It¡¯s not what it looks like. I was just nearby and heard you were here, so I stopped by to see how you were doing.¡±

    Eileen raised her hands slightly in a pacifying gesture. ¡°I came unexpectedly, so I didn¡¯t bring anything with me.¡±

    A heavy silence settled between them before Dalores hesitantly set the ss fragment aside, her gaze growing weary. ¡°I¡¯m here for a scheduled abortion. I haven¡¯t gone through with anything yet. There was no need for you to bring anything.¡±

    She moved back to the bed and sat down, her eyes drawn to a few figures visible through the window by the door. ¡°How many people are out there?¡±

    ¡°Four,¡± Eileen answered, stepping into the bathroom to grab a broom. She began sweeping up the scattered ss by the window.

    Breaking the silence, Dalores confessed, ¡°I don¡¯t want to go through with the abortion.¡± She folded her legs and looked away, her voice tinged with resolve. ¡°This child will be my only family in this world.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 421

    ?Chapter 421:

    Eileen paused in her sweeping, turning to face Dalores. ¡°When you realized you were pregnant, did you ever foresee it ending up like this?¡±

    Dalores nodded slowly, a resigned sadness in her eyes. ¡°I figured he might find out eventually. It¡¯s difficult to conceal it from him if I remain in Onnd.¡±

    Eileen frowned, concerncing her words. ¡°Knowing that risk, why stay in Onnd? Was it a gamble? Were you really risking your child¡¯s life on a bet?¡±

    Dalores suddenly lifted her head and quickly objected, ¡°I never intended to gamble! But I¡¯ve been in Onnd for so many years, and my savings don¡¯t even reach five figures. How am I supposed to manage in a strange city? Besides, all my friends are here. When the baby arrives, I¡¯ll have some support. But if I leave¡­¡±

    ¡°Dolores, the card he gave you could let you live well in another city, maybe even settle down,¡± Eileen interjected, unable to hold back. She understood Dalores¡¯ predicament, but that was before the card came into y.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be indebted to him. I refuse to let him think I can be bought,¡± Dalores dered, turning her head away in defiance.

    Since Julio started supporting her, he had always treated her well. The food was exquisite, the amodations luxurious. She had indeed used a lot of his money, but now, she didn¡¯t want to feel more indebted to him. She would only use that card as ast resort.

    ¡°But by refusing to use the card, you¡¯re showing him that you¡¯re not easily swayed, which might exin why he¡¯s treating you so harshly,¡± Eileen pointed out, beginning to see things from Dalores¡¯ perspective. It reminded her of her own situation with Bryan. She had secretly resolved not to be just another woman in his life once Ruby no longer needed financial help.

    Eileen felt the need to prove herself, to avoid appearing inferior in his eyes. She had even dreamed of amassing enough wealth to pay Bryan back one day. Ruby was the one holding her back, much like the unborn child in Dalores¡¯ womb tied her down.

    Raising the child on her own could be beyond Dalores¡¯ means. With Julio now aware, Dalores felt cornered into choosing between abortion and keeping the baby, only to potentially lose custodyter. Both options seemed bleak.

    Every chapter lives on g a lno vels ;m

    Dalores lifted her eyes to Eileen and asked earnestly, ¡°What should I do then? Should I take his money and leave, only to be seen as a gold digger in his eyes?¡±

    They exchanged a long nce, and suddenly, Eileen found herself speechless.

    Recognizing her own stubbornness, Dalores lowered her head again. ¡°I confess, I love him. I cling to the hope of a miracle, all while fearing his disdain. I can¡¯t bring myself to leave, yet I refuse to submit to him.¡±

    If only Dalores had yielded, perhaps Julio might have shown her some leniency.

    Eileen thought the same. ¡°Regret is futile. Now that you¡¯re here, you need to make a decision.¡±

    Eileen couldn¡¯t advise her to keep the baby, nor could she push her toward an abortion.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 422

    ?Chapter 422:

    ¡°He¡¯s given me a day to decide whether to end the pregnancy or keep the baby and let him raise it,¡± Dalores said, resting her hand on her stomach, feeling the faint stirrings of life within. It seemed to her that she could almost sense the tiny life moving.

    Choosing abortion meant more than just ending the potential child¡¯s life. It felt like ending a part of herself.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, what would you do if you were in my ce?¡± Dalores looked up at Eileen, her expression torn with turmoil.

    Dalores was known for her stubbornness. If she kept the baby, severing ties with Julio and starting anew would be out of the question. Yet, not having the baby would devastate her.

    ¡°I can¡¯t decide for you,¡± Eileen replied gently. ¡°But I can suggest that you take it one step at a time. Things have a way of resolving themselves. Remember, where there¡¯s life, there¡¯s hope.¡±

    Eileen knew she had to tread carefully with her advice.

    Dolores¡¯s ability to understand the implications of her words depended on whether she could calm down and assess the situation thoughtfully. She needed to focus on the child, not just her future with Julio.

    After spending some time with Dolores, Eileen left without visiting Phoebe¡¯s ward again.

    As she stepped into the small garden outside the inpatient department, she spotted the three men.

    Jacob and Josue were yfully teasing each other. Bryan, wearing a ck brimmed hat, lookedposed and mature, but the subtle curve of his lips suggested a hint of mischief as he observed the two from his seat.

    Explore captivating tales on  .

    ¡°Eileen!¡± Josue called out, rushing toward her with a smile in his eyes that seemed to plead, ¡°I need to see Gabri.¡±

    Perhaps after being recently turned away by Bryan, Josue sought her approval.

    ¡°Eileen, you need to rein in Bryan!¡± Jacob said with a tone of envy. ¡°He¡¯s taken things too far. He¡¯s always talking about his daughter. Shouldn¡¯t my son be the center of attention today?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Josue chimed in, aggravating the situation. ¡°You¡¯ve monopolized the spotlight, Bryan. Are you trying to stir up trouble for Gabri?¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re so bold, why not announce to everyone that Eileen is your wife and that she¡¯s the mother of your daughter? Why not take Gabri out with you?¡± Josue challenged.

    Jacob pped his thigh for emphasis. ¡°Exactly! My son¡¯s one-month celebration, his hundred-day festivity, and his first birthday areing up. What about Gabri?¡±

    Annoyance crossed Bryan¡¯s face. His lips pressed into a thin line, and his eyes narrowed as he red at Jacob¡¯s smug expression.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 423

    ?Chapter 423:

    ¡°Having my goddaughter with you really bothers me!¡± Josue grumbled. He pressed further, ¡°Can you really bring yourself to take her out? She¡¯s been stuck at home for so long; it¡¯s unbearable to even think about.¡±

    His voice carried a mix of frustration and concern as he gently tapped Eileen¡¯s shoulder and suggested, ¡°I could take her out, you know.¡±

    Eileen was at a loss for words.

    She couldn¡¯t deny that a small part of her was tempted by the idea, though her excitement was mild at best.

    The realization that Gabri could hardly ever join them in public outings tugged at Eileen¡¯s heartstrings.

    During the drive back, Eileen stayed quiet, her mind preupied with one troubling thought¡ªthe issues with the Dawson family required urgent attention.

    In truth, Brandoncked a business acumen, and now Z was in charge of the Apex Group.

    Eileen recalled the obstacle Z had ced in her path regarding the acquisition of Trenton¡¯s club, and her lips pressed into a thin line.

    As the car rolled to a stop, neither she nor Bryan made a move to exit.

    Leaning against the car door, Eileen turned to him and asked, ¡°Who¡¯s our next target?¡±

    Without hesitation, Bryan replied, ¡°Z.¡±

    More content now at g?l¦Ç¦Òv???s

    Eileen raised an eyebrow. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll take care of it!¡±

    Z had always been a thorn in their side and seemed likely to remain one.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Bryan said, then raised his hand, drawing Eileen closer and nting a soft kiss on her forehead. ¡°If you run into any problems, just go to Raymond. He¡¯s my right-hand man. Since I¡¯ve put him in your charge, remember to give me credit if he does well.¡±

    He gave the tip of her nose a gentle pinch, his expression a mix of warning and frustration. ¡°Got it?¡±

    Eileen, tickled by the gesture, held back a giggle and whispered, ¡°Got it.¡±

    Though Eileen was prepared to confront Z, she nned to wait for the right moment without causing unnecessary conflict.

    Unexpectedly, that moment arrived sooner than she anticipated.

    She was scheduled to meet Trenton to finalize the acquisition contract. The agreement was close, so she attended the meeting alone.

    Trenton was efficient, and theypleted the signing in just a few minutes. However, out of courtesy, they continued their meal together.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 424

    ?Chapter 424:

    The restaurant exuded an elegant atmosphere, offering a sweeping view of Onnd. Instead of private rooms, curtains were used to create discrete dining spaces.

    As they spoke about the recent changes in the business world, Eileen sensed a deep undercurrent of upheaval within the industry.

    When she had been associated with Bryan, he was always the center of attention. With him at the helm, change had been minimal.

    Now, with the downfall of the Apex Group, Bryan stepping aside, Kaysen taking charge, and the copse of the Warren family, the pace of change was staggering.

    Dalores found a spot where she could observe them unnoticed.

    Witnessing Eileen¡¯s authoritative demeanor, so reminiscent of Bryan¡¯s, sparked a twinge of envy in Z.

    ¡°Miss Murray, did Mr. Warren send you here just to daydream?¡± A man in his forties looked at her with evident displeasure across the table.

    Z looked back, noticing his gold-rimmed sses and thick hair, which wasplemented by a dense beard.

    ¡°He asked me to assist in negotiating a deal,¡± she replied, regaining herposure. ¡°What kind of deal are you discussing with him?¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re not privy to the details, why the curiosity?¡± the bearded man countered, taking a sip of his drink and letting his gaze linger on her. ¡°He mentioned several matters and promised me a gift that would certainly be to my liking.¡±

    It dawned on Z that she had been sent as a ¡°gift,¡± not as a negotiator for Kian.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s???§àm hosts thrilling adventures

    Herplexion turned ashen, realizing the implications of her situation. She had expected this, but facing the reality was another matter entirely.

    ¡°I¡¯m not pleased with the location you¡¯ve selected.¡± The bearded man set his ss down and dered, ¡°I¡¯ll give you another opportunity. Make a change.¡±

    He was hinting at a more secluded spot¡ªperhaps a hotel room furnished with a king-sized bed.

    From his intense stare, Z could tell he was a yer, someone who viewed women as mere objects.

    The thought of being looked at by a man like him made her stomach churn. Anger, embarrassment, and irritation surged within her.

    Had Eileen ever dealt with such characters?

    ¡°How about another person?¡± Z suggested, gesturing toward Eileen, who was nearby. ¡°Perhaps a woman like her would be more to your liking.¡±

    The bearded man nced toward the woman bathed in the soft orange glow. Her hair, short and slightly wavy at the shoulders, framed her face gracefully. Her lipstick was subtle, lending an air of sophistication to her appearance.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 425

    ?Chapter 425:

    With minimal makeup, her natural beauty shone through, and her professional demeanor carried a quiet challenge that, as Z had suggested, some might find provocative.

    However, the bearded man¡¯s attention quickly shifted back to Z. He dismissed the notion with a brief, ¡°She¡¯s not my type. Don¡¯t waste my time.¡±

    Before Z could respond, her phone vibrated sharply. She nced down to find a video message from Kian¡ªexplicit andpromising, a clear threat. Z¡¯s grip tightened momentarily, but she quickly masked her tension with a smile, turning back to the bearded man. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s book a hotel online and leave.¡±

    They departed, leaving behind a table full of untouched dishes.

    Meanwhile, Eileen was unaware of their sudden exit. After finishing her meal and bidding farewell to Trenton at the restaurant¡¯s entrance, she turned to find Christos standing by her car, waving with genuine enthusiasm.

    ¡°Eileen, I recognized your car and decided to wait for you!¡± Christos eximed, his eager blue eyes sparkling in the bright lights, his smile infectious.

    As Eileen approached, the potent scent of his cologne briefly overwhelmed her, prompting a slight pause.

    ¡°What a coincidence,¡± she remarked.

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Christos replied with a chuckle. ¡°I saw your car and intentionally waited here!¡±

    It was clear then that his presence was no ident.

    Find your favorite stories at

    Eileen nodded, acknowledging his effort. ¡°Well, thanks for waiting. Do you need a lift home?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not here to ask for a ride. I came to thank you,¡± Christos said, his eyes narrowing yfully, giving him a cunning charm that Eileen couldn¡¯t help but notice.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you already thank me?¡± Eileen remarked lightly, her hand on her car door, ready to leave. ¡°Say whatever you need to now, and then you should head home.¡±

    Christos stepped closer, halting her departure with his earnestness. ¡°My grandpa always said to repay kindness with more than just words. I want to show my gratitude properly.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for anything more; you¡¯ve already settled your debt,¡± Eileen responded, attempting to end the conversation there.

    But Christos wasn¡¯t deterred. He extended an offer instead. ¡°Let me help you vent your anger. Let me get into your car, and just listen to my instructions. Trust me, I won¡¯t harm you.¡±

    Eileen was perplexed by his proposal, especially given their brief acquaintance.

    ¡°You¡¯re not that fond of Z, right?¡± Christos winked, a mischievous glint in his eye.

    Thatment sharpened Eileen¡¯s focus, and her gaze intensified as she scrutinized Christos. She was unaware of anyone named Padi living in Onnd. Was this a deliberate move by Christos?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 426

    ?Chapter 426:

    ¡°I did some digging online,¡± Christos confessed, as if reading her thoughts. ¡°You were once an assistant at Apex Group, right under the former CEO. You used to date him. Now, Z works at Apex and is the wife chosen by his family. That puts you at odds, doesn¡¯t it?¡±

    All these details were publicly avable for those who looked hard enough, and Christos had clearly taken the time to connect the dots.

    ¡°Did I get it right?¡± Christos pressed, noticing Eileen¡¯s prolonged silence.

    Eileen snapped out of her thoughts and met Christos¡¯ earnest gaze. ¡°It¡¯s not about being right. I handle my issues myself. You shouldn¡¯t get involved. Just go home.¡±

    Christos¡¯ expression shifted to one of disappointment as he leaned in closer. ¡°I just saw Z leaving with some man. They were talking about the general manager at Freguson Group being better than her. You are aware of what she¡¯s up to, right?¡±

    Eileen knew all too well Z¡¯s penchant for underhanded tactics. She always presented aposed front to Eileen while scheming behind her back.

    ¡°But they¡¯re gone now, and you don¡¯t know where they went,¡± Eileen pointed out, hesitant to pull Christos deeper into her professional drama.

    Undeterred, Christos pulled out his phone, disying a map with a blinking dot. ¡°I ced a maic tracker on their car. They¡¯re at a hotel nearby. Let¡¯s check it out!¡±

    He strode toward the passenger side of Eileen¡¯s car, but the door remained locked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll handle this myself. You should head home,¡± Eileen insisted, signaling for him to step away from the car.

    After a moment, Christos reluctantly backed off, stuffing his hands into his jacket pockets. ¡°Alright, but please be careful.¡±

    Read it first on g?lno?els.c?m

    Eileen thanked him, slid into her car, and drove off toward the location.

    Fortunately, the hotel was under the Freguson Group, making it somewhat safer for her to venture alone.

    The staff at Freguson Group¡¯s properties were quite familiar with their new general manager. They had diligently researched every aspect of Eileen¡¯s background, right down to her appearance. Although Eileen had a longstanding tenure with Freguson Group, this was her first visit to this particr property.

    As soon as Eileen entered the lobby, recognition sparked among the employees, and she was quickly greeted with warmth and professionalism.

    ¡°Good evening, Ms. Curtis,¡± said two receptionists, apanied by security guards and other personnel, all converging around her.

    ¡°Hello,¡± Eileen replied, slightly taken aback by the swift attention.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, are you here for an inspection? Where would you like to start? I can get the manager on the line right away,¡± one eager receptionist offered, holding a phone in hand.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 427

    ?Chapter 427:

    Eileen raised a hand to halt the flurry of activity. ¡°No need for that. I¡¯m actually here to find someone.¡±

    A collective sigh of relief passed through the group.

    ¡°Please, return to your duties. At the reception, could you help me check in on two guests?¡± Eileen directed the staff back to their positions and approached the front desk.

    The receptionist, now focused, followed Eileen.

    ¡°Certainly, Ms. Curtis. Who are we looking for?¡±

    ¡°Check if there¡¯s a room booked under the name Z Murray,¡± Eileen instructed, ncing at her watch. She wasn¡¯t sure whether the reservation would be under Z¡¯s name or herpanion¡¯s. If not, she¡¯d have to review the surveince footage.

    While the receptionist continued her search, the staff quietly observed Eileen, finding her even more impressive in person than in the photographs circting online. Her presence exuded both authority and elegance, causing everyone to be more vignt, worried that any misstep might draw her reprimand.

    A security guard murmured under his breath, ¡°Not only is she impressively capable, but she¡¯s stunningly beautiful too.¡±

    ¡°I know, what man could possibly be her equal?¡± another staff member chimed in curiously.

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t there some buzz about her and the former CEO of Apex Group, Mr. Dawson? Although the rumors have been mixedtely,¡± one added, fueling the spective conversation.

    ¡°Chances are slim now. You mentioned ¡®former¡¯ CEO. His fortunes have dipped too low to align with Ms. Curtis,¡± another pointed out skeptically.

    More to discover g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe?s?c?m

    ¡°Hasn¡¯t he recently founded EB Group?¡±

    ¡°What of it? New ventures struggle to gain ground.¡±

    ¡°But I heard it¡¯s already gone public, and it¡¯s imed a lot of Apex Group¡¯s assets. Seems like smooth sailing from here.¡±

    ¡°But¡­¡± The conversation took a disdainful turn as the guard concluded, ¡°Snatching Apex Group¡¯s resources and starting his ownpany? Shameful! He¡¯s not worthy of Ms. Curtis.¡±

    The group collectively agreed¡ªno one could truly meet the lofty standards they imagined for Ms. Curtis.

    At that moment, the receptionist looked up. ¡°Ms. Curtis, I¡¯ve located the booking.¡± She handed Eileen the information. ¡°Miss Murray reserved a themed room about forty minutes ago.¡±

    ¡°Please retrieve the surveince footage of their check-in, monitor their checkout time, and send me the footage afterward,¡± Eileen instructed calmly.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 428

    ?Chapter 428:

    She handed over her business card. ¡°Email the details to me, thank you.¡±

    The receptionist promptly tucked the business card away, nodding, ¡°Understood, Ms. Curtis.¡±

    Eileen gave a brief nod in response and exited the hotel.

    As she drove away, unease settled over her. Z was deeply entrenched in the Dawson family¡¯s sphere, not someone likely topromise her integrity¡ªeven for the sake of Apex Group. It seemed unlikely she¡¯d use her own money and identification for such an inappropriate meeting¡­

    The following morning, Eileen scrutinized the hotel¡¯s surveince footage, her expression turning to one of shock as she saw the unattractive man apanying Z. Could Z really be driven to such extremes? Something didn¡¯t add up. She snapped a screenshot of the man and messaged it to Raymond.

    ¡°Raymond, check this man¡¯s background ASAP.¡±

    Deciding on her next move, she instructed Raymond to share the footage with the media.

    Returning homete that night, Eileen showered quickly and went straight to bed, leaving her clothes unwashed. The next morning, as Bryan was collecting Gabri¡¯sundry, he absent-mindedly picked up Eileen¡¯s clothes as well. Suddenly, a familiar cologne scent hit him, sparking a flood of memories.

    Bryan furrowed his brow as he held Eileen¡¯s blouse, his mind shing to clich¨¦ television dramas where incriminating lipstick stains or strands of hair clung to garments. Yet, there was nothing of the sort on her clothes.

    He gathered theundry, Gabri cradled against his chest, and paused by the bathroom door, where Eileen was brushing her teeth. Catching her eye in the mirror, Eileen rinsed her mouth and noticed Bryan¡¯s lingering presence.

    ¡°Need the bathroom?¡± she asked while applying her skincare products.

    Read thetest updates at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°No,¡± Bryan replied with a slight smile, his thoughts still on the cologne scent. Perhaps it was just a business associate after all. Without pressing the issue, he left the room with Gabri.

    Meanwhile, Eileen, oblivious to Bryan¡¯s silent conjectures,pleted her morning routine and headed downstairs for breakfast, anticipating the media fallout.

    Sure enough, within an hour, the story exploded across news feeds. Z¡¯ste-night escapade in a hotel, financing the encounter herself, was now a public sensation.

    High-definition videos and screenshots vividly captured Z¡¯s shaky exit from a room, apanied by a man who appeared overly familiar, his hand lingering on her. The media wasted no time in emphasizing the themed room setting, crafting a scandalous narrative about her alleged involvement with Apex Group.

    As the story gained traction, Z arrived at Eileen¡¯s doorstep to pick up Milford. It didn¡¯t take long for her to make the connection¡ªEileen was behind the unfolding scandal.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 429

    ?Chapter 429:

    When Z and the bearded man arrived at the hotel, she was already aware that it was part of the Freguson family¡¯s chain. Her instincts screamed at her to avoid the ce, but the bearded man was insistent on checking out one of their themed rooms.

    Clinging to the hope that they wouldn¡¯t be recognized, Z reluctantly agreed. As soon as they entered, the bearded man shoved her onto the bed and pped her twice.

    ¡°The person you pointed out in the restaurant was Ms. Curtis from Freguson Group. Are you trying to make an enemy of her?¡± he sneered.

    In his eyes, choosing Z wasn¡¯t about her surpassing Eileen in looks, but rather his recognition of Eileen¡¯s powerful status, which made him cautious of crossing her.

    A wave of dread washed over Z. Had the bearded man informed Eileen? Or had he been sent by Eileen and Kian to trap her?

    The more she thought about it, the angrier she became.

    Back at the vi, Eileen and Bryan were spending time with Gabri in the living room when a loud knock echoed through the quiet house. The sudden noise startled Gabri, making her crawl quickly toward Eileen.

    Eileen immediately scooped her up, and Ruby, noticing the distress, rushed over to protect them. They all turned their attention to the door.

    Bryan¡¯s face grew serious as he stood and said, ¡°Take Gabri upstairs. I¡¯ll check who it is.¡±

    ¡°Hurry,¡± Ruby urged, noticing Gabri¡¯s anxiety. She quickly guided Eileen toward the stairs.

    ¡°Mom, take Gabri upstairs. I¡¯ll stay to find out what¡¯s going on.¡± Eileen suspected it might be Z, especially since the scandal had just erupted online. Z was sharp and would have quickly figured out Eileen¡¯s involvement, especially since Eileen hadn¡¯t tried to hide it.

    Explore fantastic tales on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s; ?¦Ïm

    Once Ruby escorted Gabri upstairs, Eileen moved toward the hallway. Bryan had already opened the door to reveal Z, who had been in the midst of knocking. When she saw Bryan, her hand froze mid-air.

    After a tense moment, Z pulled her hand back, avoided Bryan¡¯s gaze, and seemed ready to flee.

    However, upon spotting Eileen, Z¡¯sposure quickly crumbled.

    ¡°It was you, wasn¡¯t it? Why would you do this? Why!?¡± Z demanded.

    ¡°Why would I do this?¡± Eileen shot back sharply. ¡°Do you need me to remind you of your actions toward me?¡±

    Z, struggling to find the right words, vehemently denied the usations. ¡°I¡¯ve done nothing to you. You¡¯re just jealous because I manage Apex Group and because Bryan¡¯s parents acknowledge my worth!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 430

    ?Chapter 430:

    She pointed a finger at Eileen, her voice rising with anger. ¡°Is this the woman you chose? One who resorts to such vile and shameful tactics!¡±

    Eileen felt the sting of the usations, but Bryan¡¯s gaze remained cold, cutting through Z¡¯s words with an icy rity.

    ¡°Do you really think I envy your position at Apex Group?¡± Eileen responded, her voice dripping with disdain. ¡°And being recognized by his parents¡ªdo you honestly believe that¡¯s something I care about?¡±

    What Z valued so highly was something neither Eileen nor Bryan cared for in the least.

    Z reached out for Bryan, but he swiftly stepped back, avoiding her touch.

    ¡°Dirty,¡± Bryan stated coldly.

    ¡°I¡¯m not!¡± Z protested, tears streaming down her face. ¡°Bryan, I was coerced. Please believe me, I¡ªI¡ª¡±

    ¡°Whether I believe you is beside the point,¡± Bryan interrupted firmly. ¡°If you¡¯re here to settle a score, I¡¯m ready. If you¡¯re here to pick up Milford, leave now.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s patience with Z hadpletely evaporated. He turned to Eileen, gesturing for her to call Milford down.

    When Eileen looked around the room, she saw Milford already standing in the living room, his small backpack slung over his shoulder with just a few clothes packed inside.

    ¡°I¡¯m ready to go,¡± Milford announced, changing his shoes without a word and bypassing Eileen as he headed for the door.

    He walked down the stairs without looking back, getting into Z¡¯s car without a second nce.

    Your imagination thrives at  punt

    Z shot Eileen a resentful look. ¡°Fine, Eileen, this isn¡¯t over! You¡¯ll regret this!¡± she spat, storming into the car. Within moments, it sped away like an arrow.

    Eileen paused, lightly tugging at Bryan¡¯s sleeve. ¡°I overlooked Milford in all of this,¡± she admitted, her thoughts consumed by thwarting Z, yet she hadn¡¯t fully considered that Z was Milford¡¯s sister.

    ¡°Milford knows right from wrong,¡± Bryan reassured her, firmly closing the door and grasping her wrist. ¡°If this is troubling you, I¡¯ll handle it from here.¡±

    Eileen rolled her eyes, skeptical. ¡°Does it really matter whether it¡¯s you or me handling this?¡±

    To Milford, there was no distinction.

    Eileen¡¯s words seemed to please Bryan, a subtle smile forming on his lips. ¡°True, in that case, I¡¯ll leave it all in your hands.¡±

    Eileen felt concerned about how Milford would react, knowing that Z had always manipted situations from behind the scenes, never confronting her directly.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 431

    ?Chapter 431:

    Meanwhile, in the car, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Milford held his backpack close, staring out the window in silence.

    Z¡¯s fury was far from abating. She had earned her position at the helm of Apex Group through her skills, not by underhanded means! The unsavory reputation of advancing her career through intimate favors was a narrative spun by Kian, and now she was stuck with it.

    As Z stewed in frustration, her phone rang, the sound ring through the car¡¯s Bluetooth system. She nced at Milford, hesitated, and then decided to hang up.

    Momentster, a text from Kian popped up, providing an address and a hotel room number. His message was clear: he was indifferent to the recent scandals and expected her to press on.

    ¡°When does the new semester start?¡± Z attempted to shift the conversation.

    ¡°Day after tomorrow,¡± Milford replied curtly, still avoiding eye contact.

    His aloof response only frustrated Z further, but she reminded herself that he was back now, and they had plenty of time ahead to repair their rtionship. She needed to temper her irritation.

    She still hoped Milford would eventually support her in running Apex Group.

    ¡°I¡¯ll drive you to school the day after tomorrow and take care of your tuition and living expenses.¡±

    Yet Milford seemed unappreciative. ¡°Just transfer the money. I can get to school on my own.¡±

    ?????? ???????? ? g??lnov?l??.???m

    Z lived a good two hours¡¯ drive from the university, and the bus would take even longer. Despite recently being the target of online trolls, Z kept her voice gentle, but his uncooperative attitude was testing her patience.

    ¡°How do you n to get there? By bus? With all that luggage? I¡¯m trying to help you¡ªdon¡¯t be so ungrateful!¡±

    Milford gave a mocking sneer as he nced back at her.

    ¡°Are you trying to help me or just embarrass me further? At Willowbrook University, business news is like daily bread. Everyone there knows today¡¯s headlines inside and out. Why even bother showing up to drop me off?¡±

    Milford would be studying business management, a field where every piece of business news was crucial. Scandals, like the one involving Z, would also be scrutinized and remembered.

    ¡°Am I an embarrassment to you?¡± Z¡¯s fingers tightened around the steering wheel. ¡°Remember, without my help, you¡¯d still be stuck in that miserable ce in Wist Land, surrounded by troublemakers. You could¡¯ve been dead by now!¡±

    ¡°What does your help have to do with my achievements?¡± Milford¡¯s voice was firm. ¡°It was Eileen who pulled me out of that mess!¡± He gripped his backpack tightly, his resolve to distance himself from Z growing stronger.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 432

    ?Chapter 432:

    He had processed the news over breakfast, and the thought of facing Eileen made him feel embarrassed. Yet, seeing her with Bryan had only deepened his shame. Despite everything, Z was still his sister, and that was a reality he could never change.

    ¡°If it hadn¡¯t been for my connection with Bryan, how would you have ever met Eileen?¡± Z¡¯s voice grew sharper. ¡°What kind of spell did she cast on you to make you so blindly loyal to her? Don¡¯t you see? She¡¯s the one who leaked the news. She orchestrated everything that¡¯s happened to me!¡±

    Z mmed the car to a stop. They had arrived at her house, yet neither of them moved to get out.

    The tension inside the car was thick, a stark contrast to the calm they had shared earlier at Eileen¡¯s.

    ¡°Business rivalries, like yours with Eileen, aremon,¡± Milford said quietly. ¡°It¡¯s normal for her to target you. But don¡¯t try to im you¡¯ve never schemed against her¡ªI won¡¯t believe it.¡±

    Milford no longer wanted to engage in the argument. He opened the car door, stepped out, and stood by the entrance, his thoughts clear.

    He knew that Eileen wasn¡¯t the type to target someone without reason. She had many enemies, yet she¡¯d never pursued anyone with as much determination as she had Z. This reinforced his belief that Z was far from being a victim.

    As September approached, the weather grew increasingly unpredictable. It had been sunny just that morning, but now the rain had begun to fall.

    Z sat in the car, watching as the rain obscured her view through the windshield. Milford stood motionless in the downpour, his clothes soaked through.

    Discover new content now g?ln¦Ò¦Íe?s?c?m

    Z, frustrated by the ongoing strife between them as siblings, finally stepped out of the car once the rain eased. Her gaze was colder than the raindrops that had just fallen.

    ¡°Now that you¡¯re back, you¡¯ll follow my rules,¡± she stated, her voice icy. ¡°Whether Eileen didn¡¯t want you anymore, or you didn¡¯t want to burden her, you¡¯re here now, and there¡¯s no turning back. From now on, you¡¯ll do as I say. I don¡¯t tolerate freeloaders.¡±

    Z unlocked the door, stepped inside, changed her shoes, and pulled two hundred dors from her purse. She held it out to Milford, who was still standing outside.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing left for you here. Buy your own supplies; there¡¯s a supermarket on the way.¡±

    With that, she mmed the door shut.

    Milford didn¡¯t take the money. The bills fluttered to the wet ground, quickly bing soaked as they settled. His hand, hanging limply at his side, clenched into a tight fist, his fingertips turning white from the force.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 433

    ?Chapter 433:

    Eileen had been a beacon of hope in his life, a guiding light amidst the darkness of his existence. If he could persevere and seed in his studies, he might finally free himself from Z¡¯s grip. If he failed, however, he risked tumbling back into the same abyss from which he had once struggled to escape.

    The choices before him left him silent, lost in thought, over and over again.

    Eileen¡¯s methods in dealing with Z were not just about retaliation for the attempts Z had made to ruin her reputation¡ªthey were a calcted strategy to expose Z¡¯s true nature.

    After a brief period of recovery, Apex Group had recently secured several new projects. However, within the week, Eileen had made bold moves to intercept these deals, shaking up the agreements Apex Group was close to finalizing.

    Freguson Group was notcking in opportunities, and by pulling projects away from Apex Group, Eileen strengthened their own position. If outright acquisition wasn¡¯t possible, she was ready to stir things up.

    Sitting together, Jacob and Josue shared a candid assessment of her tactics.

    ¡°Bryan, Eileen was never this aggressive before. It seems she¡¯s learned a few tricks from you,¡± Jacobmented.

    Josue, caught off guard, pressed further. ¡°What was Eileen like in the past? By the time I met her, she was already a force¡ªjuggling her duties expertly even while pregnant.¡±

    Jacob lounged on the sofa, a toothpick dangling from his lips, lost in thought. He struggled to recall the earlier days. Now, his memories were dominated by Eileen¡¯s formidable presence as a business titan.

    In the spacious room, Gabri¡¯s babble filled the air as she reached for the pacifier in Bryan¡¯s hand. The pretext for this meeting had been to use Jacob as a casual reunion bait, but Josue¡¯s real motive was to see Gabri. Since Gabri¡¯s arrival, Bryan had been inseparable from her, constantly cradling her. Josue, relegated to the role of observer, found it preferable to watch her than miss her presence entirely.

    ¡°Bryan, she¡¯s tough, but don¡¯t forget she¡¯s also a woman. You staying home to care for the child while not working isn¡¯t fitting for a man,¡± Josue remarked, suggesting Bryan should return to his professional life.

    As Gabri grew restless, Bryan soothingly returned the pacifier to her, casting a knowing nce at Josue. ¡°Weren¡¯t you once quite content living off a woman?¡± he retorted.

    The color drained from Josue¡¯s face at the reminder.

    Jacob weighed in, ¡°His situation was different. He was with a wealthy heiress and embraced the role of consort by choice.¡±

    And what about Bryan¡¯s circumstances? Before winning Eileen¡¯s heart, he had been her steadfast protector. Afterward, it seemed he had let go of those burdens.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 434

    ?Chapter 434:

    ¡°I¡¯m living off my woman with dignity,¡± Bryan remarked. Of course, he wouldn¡¯t let his woman exhaust herself; he could arrange everything smoothly.

    Jacob pped Josue on the back, adding, ¡°He¡¯s much more meticulous in his arrangements than you ever were.¡±

    Josue sighed deeply. ¡°Inviting you here was a blunder on my part. But can I at least hold my goddaughter?¡±

    He rose to his feet and reached for Gabri, cautiously ncing at Bryan for any sign of refusal.

    Bryan, however, didn¡¯t stop him but set a condition. ¡°First, help me uncover the origins of Brandon¡¯s finances and figure out the true identity of Travis¡¯ father.¡±

    Bryan only knew that Travis¡¯ biological father was of mixed heritage and a foreigner.

    Josue hesitated while holding Gabri. ¡°Where should I start with that?¡±

    ¡°Start with Lydia. My contacts say she¡¯s overly cautious. Maybe bring in some of your associates from overseas. She¡¯s good at hiding her true self, especially when she¡¯s out at bars,¡± Bryan suggested, pulling a stack of photographs from his pocket.

    The images showed Lydia, heavily made-up, her features altered to look about thirty¡ªundeniably alluring.

    ¡°Damn!¡± Josue reacted. ¡°Your stepmom is that flirtatious? Can¡¯t believe your dad lets her go out like that.¡±

    ¡°Hmph!¡± Jacob scoffed. ¡°If his dad¡¯s not stepping up, why shouldn¡¯t she find someone else? Remember, acquiring a son wasn¡¯t without its costs.¡±

    I@?e$t ¡é§ß@???§ñ$ ?¦Ç ???§Ú?v¦Å??.c?m

    After a brief pause, Josue pped his forehead. ¡°Right, I¡¯d forgotten. I¡¯ll look into Travis for you as well. If I get a photo proving he¡¯s mixed-race, it¡¯ll confirm your father was cuckolded.¡±

    They only had a handful of childhood photos of Travis. At ten years old, he had a distinct biracial appearance, almost doll-like with his delicate features. His hazel eyes didn¡¯t quite fit the family¡¯s gics either. Of course, photos could be misleading¡ªaltered with filters or colored contacts. But what was clear was that he wasn¡¯t Brandon¡¯s child.

    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Bryan said. ¡°See what you can find out.¡±

    While Bryan had assigned Eileen to handle Z as a way of training her, Brandon was a different matter altogether, one Bryan intended to manage personally, given the unknown forces backing him.

    After giving his instructions, Bryan withdrew permission for Josue to continue holding Gabri.

    Josue protested with a pout. ¡°That¡¯s hardly fair!¡±

    Gabri, now sprouting two tiny teeth, giggled at the adults, her charm growing with each passing day.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 435

    ?Chapter 435:

    ¡°The time you spend holding Gabri will directly corrte to the information you provide,¡± Bryan remarked, his pragmatic side fully on disy. Then, turning to Jacob, he added, ¡°Eileen wanted me to mention¡ªPhoebe seems off. You might want to have a psychologist assess her.¡±

    Since Phoebe¡¯s return from the hospital, Eileen had sensed something was amiss. Phoebe¡¯sck of maternal joy, coupled with persistent anxiety, pointed to the possibility of postpartum depression¡ªa condition not to be taken lightly.

    Jacob¡¯s expression tightened as he sat up straight. ¡°What exactly are you implying?¡±

    ¡°Just what I said,¡± Bryan responded tersely before exiting the room, Gabri cradled in his arms.

    After Phoebe¡¯s pregnancy was confirmed, Jacob had thrown himself into learning everything from prenatal care to breastfeeding techniques, aware of the risks of postpartum depression, especially during the breastfeeding period.

    Driven by concern, Jacob hurriedly left Josue¡¯s house and drove straight to the postpartum care center where Phoebe was staying. It was the most renowned facility in Onnd, staffed with top professionals who ensured that Phoebe¡¯s diet and the baby¡¯s care were impable.

    Phoebe¡¯s mother had only stayed for two days, leaving quickly due to their strained rtionship, which had worsened after Phoebe cut ties with her family. Their time together had been incredibly awkward, so it was no surprise when Phoebe¡¯s mother jumped at the first opportunity to leave.

    Typically, Gwh visited Phoebe during the day, while Jacob stayed through the nights. On this particr day, arriving unexpectedly early, Jacob found Gwh and the caregivers clustered around the baby, deep in conversation. He moved on to the bedroom, where Phoebe sat, staring out of the window.

    A warm breeze wafted through the slightly open window. Jacob moved to close it, cautioning, ¡°Honey, they say to avoid drafts, or you might catch a chill.¡±

    Your hub for updates: g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    ¡°But the air is stifling,¡± Phoebe replied softly, as Jacob guided her back to the bed. Her eyes, once vibrant, now seemed dull and distant.

    ¡°Hot or not, you shouldn¡¯t risk it. Just be patient, and once you¡¯re fully recovered, I¡¯ll take you out to enjoy the breeze as much as you¡¯d like,¡± Jacob reassured her.

    Phoebe nced down at her postpartum figure. ¡°Forget it, I¡¯m too heavy now. Besides, your mom mentioned it¡¯s too early to take the baby outside. We might have to wait until spring.¡±

    ¡°Why mention taking the baby outside?¡± Jacob was puzzled.

    ¡°It¡¯s what everyone says¡ªthat nursing mothers shouldn¡¯t be far from their infants,¡± Phoebe exined, her tone heavy.

    Jacob¡¯s heart twisted with a mix of confusion and concern. He gently kissed her forehead. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about any of that. I¡¯ll take care of everything. You just focus on getting better.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 436

    ?Chapter 436:

    Their conversation was brief. Soon after, an attendant arrived with a tray of soup and pastries for Phoebe.

    Phoebe grimaced as she sipped the soup, clearly struggling with its richness.

    ¡°This needs more seasoning. Next time, please add a bit more salt. It¡¯s too nd for her taste,¡± Jacob suggested to the server.

    However, the server hesitated before responding, ¡°Mr. Meyer, we¡¯re advised to keep salt to a minimum in postpartum diets. Too much could affect the baby.¡±

    Phoebe had already finished her soup by the time they finished their brief exchange. ¡°I¡¯m used to it,¡± she remarked, setting down the bowl and beginning on the pastries.

    Jacob watched her eat, his concern deepening. Once Phoebe settled down for her nap, he took his leave.

    In the living room, Gwh looked up from her magazine. ¡°Why are you home at this hour? Isn¡¯t work keeping you busy?¡±

    Jacob sat down next to her. ¡°I came to see Phoebe. Mom, haven¡¯t you noticed? Something seems off about her.¡±

    Gwh set her magazine aside, her interest piqued. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Do you think she could be experiencing postpartum depression?¡± Jacob asked, genuinely unsure. His knowledge was limited to what he¡¯d read, not real-world experience.

    Gwh¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°If you suspect something like that, we should consult a professional. Don¡¯t just specte. Call a doctor immediately.¡±

    Find more content at ???????¦Ò????????.c§àm

    Motivated by her urgency, Jacob rose to his feet. ¡°I¡¯ll get someone on it right away.¡±

    By the time Phoebe awoke from her nap, a doctor, posing as a member of the center¡¯s staff, was ready to meet with her. After a brief consultation, it became clear: Phoebe was suffering from moderate postpartum depression.

    The doctor advised, ¡°Given her condition, it¡¯s best she stop breastfeeding for now. She¡¯ll need medication and therapy to address her postpartum issues effectively and restore her self-esteem.¡±

    At the postpartum center, Phoebe¡¯s meals were carefully nned to help increase her breast milk production. These included nutritious soups and broths designed for new mothers. However, despite these efforts, Phoebe¡¯s milk supply remained low.

    When the doctor brought up her nutritional needs during the consultation, Gwh took immediate action. ¡°Jacob, you need to pause your work for now. Stay here and support Phoebe alongside the doctor. I¡¯ll speak with the staff here about adjusting their approach to focus more on her psychological recovery rather than justctation.¡±

    Jacob was initially overwhelmed by the responsibility, but foundfort in his mother¡¯s proactive stance. ¡°Understood, Mom. I¡¯ll make sure to be there for her,¡± he affirmed, ready to prioritize Phoebe¡¯s health over his work.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 437

    ?Chapter 437:

    After ensuring Phoebe¡¯s care n was set, Jacob reached out to Eileen to express his gratitude, rying the seriousness of Phoebe¡¯s condition. ¡°If we had waited any longer, her depression could have worsened significantly, potentially bing a threat to her life. Eileen, I owe you a huge thanks.¡±

    While driving and speaking on the phone, Eileen replied, ¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me, Jacob. Just focus on Phoebe¡¯s recovery. Helping her get socially active after confinement might also help improve her mental state.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Jacob agreed. ¡°And don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t keep you on the phone too long¡ªI wouldn¡¯t want Bryan getting jealous. We¡¯ll talk more when we meet.¡±

    Eileen chuckled as she ended the call, amused by Bryan¡¯s notorious jealousy. Lost in thought, she nced up just in time to spot a familiar face on a bus¡ªit was Milford.

    During the busy eveningmute, the bus was packed with passengers, all looking weary from the day¡¯s work. Milford was among them, seated by the window with a shopping bag in hand. He appeared particrly disheveled, still wearing the same clothes from the day before, his hair unkempt, and a look of fatigue on his face.

    As Eileen paused at a red light, she noticed the bus making a right turn before disappearing from view. Given the time, she assumed he was out shopping for the new semester.

    Having known him for nearly two years, Eileen was ustomed to Milford¡¯s usually neat appearance¡ªhis clothes always well put-together and his demeanor organized. The contrast to the tired young man she had just seen struck her.

    Perhaps the crowded conditions were to me for his disheveled look, she mused.

    The honking from impatient drivers snapped Eileen back to the present as the light turned green. She elerated through the intersection, her thoughts lingering on Milford as she drove towards home.

    ???€$? ¡é????€?$ ?? g??l??ov?l????o??

    Meanwhile, Lydia was troubled by the implications of Z¡¯s dwindling reputation. She had previously defended Z to Brandon, hoping to shield him from any fallout that could harm Apex Group, especially with Travis poised to take over leadership.

    With a sense of urgency, Lydia dialed Z to issue a warning. The situation had worsened further with Travis¡¯ sudden disappearance after his return, deepening Lydia¡¯s concern.

    Under the bright noon light, Lydia reached out to Travis¡¯ biological father, her voice filled with anxiety. ¡°What did you say to him before he returned? Why has he disappeared?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t point fingers at me,¡± the man replied casually over the phone, his voice tinged with annoyance. ¡°He caught wind of our conversation and didn¡¯t like what we discussed.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 438

    ?Chapter 438:

    Lydia rubbed her temples, feeling a headache creeping in. ¡°And what exactly is upsetting him so much? We were only trying to give him a clean te.¡±

    ¡°No!¡± the man snapped, a hint of pride creeping into his voice. ¡°He even had to change his surname. I understand why he¡¯s upset. It¡¯s clear he acknowledges me as his father.¡±

    This only fueled Lydia¡¯s frustration. ¡°And have you considered the practical consequences of his actions? How is he supposed to lead a normal life? Can¡¯t you reason with him?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re all moving too slowly,¡± the man criticized, his patience running thin. ¡°Is the Dawson family really that formidable? I expected a swift resolution when you intervened, but this has dragged on for years.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re notorious internationally. It could take decades to cleanse your son¡¯s identity properly, and I refuse to let Travis bear the weight of any bloodshed just to fit into the Dawson family. He deserves a life untainted by such burdens.¡±

    Lydia was determined to secure a spotless future for Travis, having witnessed enough of the underworld¡¯s maniptions. Her life¡¯s mission was to pave a clear path for him, free of these entanglements.

    ¡°Then proceed,¡± the man on the other end of the line responded nonchntly. ¡°Our son will be safe, don¡¯t worry.¡±

    The call ended with a veneer of normalcy, but underlying tensions remained.

    Lydia, ustomed to such conversations, set her ns in motion to locate Travis.

    Elsewhere, the man stood in a grand castle, swirling a ss of wine as he gazed out at the serenendscape. ¡°Twenty years of struggle is enough for my son,¡± he mused aloud.

    Read new content at g¦Áln¦Ò¦Íe?s

    A poised figure nearby nodded in agreement, his blue eyes thoughtful. ¡°But Lydia¡¯s efforts aregging. They¡¯re encountering resistance from someone named Bryan Dawson.¡±

    The man¡¯s interest piqued, his expression thoughtful. ¡°There¡¯s no such thing as apletely clean te. Lydia¡¯s quest for purity is a pipe dream. Brandon seeks to use us for his revenge, but will he really hand over the Dawson empire to my son afterward?¡±

    As he lit his cigarette, shadows danced across his face, lending his blue eyes an ominous depth. ¡°I¡¯ll take matters into my own hands. By the way, how is ourtest project progressing? Are there any developments on the new form? Do we have a viable product yet?¡±

    The butler, ever precise, adjusted his sses before responding. ¡°The final product is nearingpletion, sir. It has been tested only onboratory mice so far. Human trials haven¡¯t begun.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 439

    ?Chapter 439:

    The man pondered this for a moment before a sly smile crept across his lips. ¡°I remember Lydia mentioning that Bryan is particrly fond of a woman. Find her. Let¡¯s use her as a test subject. It might just give Lydia the leverage she needs to expedite our ns and bring my son into the spotlight.¡±

    The butler hesitated, uncertain. ¡°Sir, Bryan is not someone to be underestimated. If we take his woman, he may react unpredictably.¡±

    ¡°React? How? Are you scared?¡± The man chuckled dismissively and pped the butler on the shoulder with force. ¡°We¡¯re on my ind, where I¡¯m thew. Even with my notoriety as a top drug lord, global powers hesitate to touch me. Why would I fear an ordinary man?¡±

    Laughing heartily, he radiated an air of supremacy. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen you afraid of anyone. I¡¯ll meet Bryan myself if needed.¡±

    Meanwhile, Eileen had been postponing a dinner with Roderick due to his unresolved marital situation with Denise.

    However, when Roderick repeatedly invited her, Eileen finally agreed. They scheduled to meet at a chic restaurant close to the Freguson Group headquarters.

    Aware of Eileen¡¯s high social standing, Roderick took a day off from his food delivery job and invested in an upscale outfit, hoping not to make Eileen feel ufortable. Despite his efforts, he seemed slightly out of ce in his new attire.

    Eileen arrived at the restaurant ten minutes early. She spotted Roderick pulling up on his scooter and rushing toward the entrance. She waved to catch his attention.

    ¡°Eileen, have you been waiting long?¡± Roderick asked, slightly out of breath as he approached.

    ¡°Just arrived,¡± Eileen responded, her eyes briefly scanning his new outfit. She felt a mix of relief and sadness, seeing how hard he was trying.

    L¨»t?st ch¦Ápt?rs ??n g??l??ov????.§ã??m

    Part of the reason Eileen had been hesitant about meeting Roderick was her unease over keeping Gabri¡¯s existence from him. It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t trust Roderick, but he was so closely tied to Judie, who had cleared his debts. That made him potentially more susceptible to Judie¡¯s influence. If Roderick knew about Gabri, there was a risk he might inform Judie, who had previously betrayed Eileen.

    To mitigate any risks, Eileen had chosen to withhold the information.

    ¡°You¡¯ve really made something of yourself, Eileen,¡± Roderick remarked sincerely, his voice low to avoid drawing attention. ¡°Judie mentioned you¡¯re now the general manager. That¡¯s quite impressive.¡±

    As Roderick continued talking animatedly, Eileen observed him quietly. She noticed fresh scars crisscrossing his hands¡ªremnants of frostbite from a harsh winter that had lingered into the warmer months.

    ¡°This ce is too fancy,¡± Roderick muttered, his eyes darting between the menu items and their steep prices. ¡°I said this one was on me.¡±

    Noticing the financial strain, Eileen intervened gently, ¡°You don¡¯t have to pay when you¡¯re with me, Roderick. Just enjoy the meal. Here, let¡¯s try these,¡± she suggested, pointing out some of the restaurant¡¯s specialties without considering the cost.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 440

    Chapter 440:

    Despite her encouragement, Roderick hesitated, his eyes still scanning the menu for the least expensive items.

    Eileen took the menu from him and handed it to the waiter, ordering several of the restaurant¡¯s signature dishes.

    ¡°How¡¯s everything else going? Is work too demanding? Have you managed to save up for your restaurant?¡± Eileen inquired, shifting the conversation to his aspirations.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve been saving,¡± Roderick replied with cautious optimism. ¡°I send $8,000 a month to Judie, and $1,500 to my mom. With Judie¡¯s ie, we manage our living expenses and still save about $10,000 a month. Plus, with the $100,000 you helped us with, I should be able to open a restaurant in a couple of years.¡±

    Hearing his hopeful ns, Eileen felt a pang of sympathy for the prolonged effort Roderick would have to endure.

    Silently, she sent a quick message to Raymond.

    Continuing their conversation, Roderick added, ¡°Judie¡¯s been feeling really guilty about the past, Eileen. She¡¯s been thinking about inviting you over to make amends. She really wants to apologize in person.¡±

    After a brief pause, Eileen responded, ¡°Let¡¯s talk about that some other time.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Roderick agreed quickly, then shifted the topic to something more pressing. ¡°Mom¡¯s been feeling under the weathertely. She keeps asking about you.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s concern was immediate. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with her? If she needs medical attention, don¡¯t let finances stop her.¡±

    Roderick shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s not about money. She just won¡¯t see a doctor. She keepsining about headaches, taking days off work. If she continues like this, she might lose her job.¡±

    Frequent absences could indeed jeopardize her employment.

    Eileen suspected Denise¡¯s ailments might be less medical and more an excuse to avoid work.

    A monthly ie of $1,500 wasn¡¯t substantial, but without it, Denise¡¯s expenses would only escte.

    ¡°I¡¯m tied up with work myself. We¡¯ll get together when I can make some time. Meanwhile, encourage her to seek medical advice if she¡¯s genuinely ill, and to keep her job if she isn¡¯t.¡±

    Roderick nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right, I shouldn¡¯t have troubled you with this. I¡¯ll handle it.¡±

    The conversation then veered toward Roderick¡¯s ns for his restaurant, discussing potential locations and their hefty rents. His passion for his future business was palpable.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Happy weekend dear readers! God loves you and Noah wishes you all the best. (=?=) /

    .

 Chapter 441

    ?Chapter 441:

    As they left the restaurant and approached Roderick¡¯s scooter, a man walked towards them holding lottery tickets.

    ¡°Hello, would you like to try a lottery?¡±

    ¡°No, thanks,¡± Roderick dismissed him politely.

    But the man persisted. ¡°Come on, give it a shot. Our lottery is backed by a newpany. There¡¯s no charge if you don¡¯t win, and only a small fee if you do.¡± The man eagerly promoted the lottery ticket. ¡°Plus, you can payter if you win.¡±

    Roderick looked at Eileen, his eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. ¡°That¡¯s too good to be true! Eileen, does it sound legit?¡±

    Eileen clutched her purse in one hand, holding a lottery ticket, which she had received from the salesperson, in the other. After scratching off the ticket, she discovered that she hadn¡¯t won any prize.

    ¡°Look, it didn¡¯t cost me a single penny,¡± she said as she threw the losing ticket into the trash can.

    She was about to reach for another ticket, but the salesperson promptly intervened. ¡°Excuse me, miss, but we are only permitted to issue one ticket per person.¡±

    ¡°Well, in that case, I¡¯m done here.¡± Eileen then turned to Roderick and said, ¡°You should give it a try.¡±

    Roderick selected a ticket and scratched it lightly. Unfamiliar with the process, he couldn¡¯t tell if he¡¯d won.

    The salesperson grabbed the ticket from him, and with a voice shaking with excitement, announced, ¡°Sir, you¡¯ve just won a million dors!¡±

    galn¦Ò¦Íels.c¡ðm hosts fresh updates

    Roderick stood there, stunned, unable toprehend the news.

    ¡°Oh my goodness, I¡¯m receiving a ten-thousand-dormission!¡± The salesperson was thrilled. ¡°Sir, you are incredibly fortunate! If you have a moment, could youe with me to handle the paperwork? Don¡¯t forget to bring proof of identity.¡±

    ¡°Just a moment¡­¡± Roderick, still in disbelief, asked, ¡°Are you serious? How could it possibly be a million?¡±

    The salesperson stood beside him and exined how to verify the ticket with the winning numbers.

    Watching Roderick¡¯s confused expression brought back memories for Eileen of when he was a child, always tagging along behind her.

    Roderick would believe whatever Eileen said.

    Although he had grown older, his naivety had not changed at all.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 442

    ?Chapter 442:

    ¡°Eileen, would you mind apanying me?¡± Roderick leaned in and whispered, ¡°I have a suspicion that he might be a scammer.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Eileen couldn¡¯t hold back herughter. ¡°What exactly is he trying to scam you for? Is he nning to sell you as a live-in husband in the mountains? What could he possibly want with you?¡±

    Feeling embarrassed, Roderick scratched his head and said, ¡°This seems too good to be true. I¡¯m concerned it might be a trap. I don¡¯t have much experience with these things.¡±

    Although Roderick was skeptical about his luck, he still clung to a glimmer of hope.

    Eileen smiled and responded, ¡°Sure, I¡¯lle with you.¡±

    ¡°He mentioned that the store is nearby. I¡¯ll give you a ride on my scooter.¡±

    Roderick smiled broadly, positioned the scooter, and cleared the back seat. ¡°Come on, hop on!¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Eileen, dressed in a dress, sat sideways on the scooter.

    Despite the warmth of the early autumn noon, the breeze from the moving scooter felt refreshingly cool.

    In just two minutes, they arrived at the store, with the salesperson jogging along behind them.

    The shabby appearance of the storefront, entirely dedicated to selling lottery tickets, only strengthened Roderick¡¯s suspicions.

    However, he still trusted Eileen¡¯s judgment and quietly asked if she noticed anything unusual.

    I??€$? ¡é??t??§ñ? ?¦Ç ga?n?¦Í¦Ål?.c??

    Eileen found the situation amusing and asked the staff to bring out the contract. She filled it out by entering Roderick¡¯s personal details.

    As she wrote down his ID number, Roderick voiced his concern, ¡°What if they use my ID to get a loan or ess my bank ount for some reason?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just your ID number. To secure a loan, they would need you in person or the actual document. You¡¯re protected,¡± Eileen reassured him.

    After about ten minutes of processing, the salesperson informed him, ¡°Sir, after the one percent fee is deducted, the total amount you¡¯ll receive is ny-nine thousand dors.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Roderick nodded in acknowledgment,pleted the necessary steps, and then left with Eileen.

    ¡°If this turns out to be a scam, I¡¯ll have wasted your time,¡± Roderick said as he pushed the e-bike and nced up at the imposing Freguson Group building. ¡°You should go to work now.¡±

    Eileen advised, ¡°Be sure to check your ount. They assured us the funds would be deposited within two hours.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Roderick replied indifferently, then mounted his scooter, adjusted his helmet, and rode off into the distance.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 443

    ?Chapter 443:

    The scooter made its way slowly along the pedestrian street, navigating its length before merging onto the main road.

    Before reaching the main road, Roderick eased to a stop, pulled out his phone, and took a moment to check it.

    A loud crash echoed as Roderick fell from the scooter, his face lighting up with uncontainable joy.

    ¡°The money has been deposited!¡±

    Roderick eximed, sitting on the ground and energetically waving his phone.

    Curious onlookers turned their heads to see what had happened.

    Eileen burst intoughter and helped him to his feet. ¡°Get up. This money can cover everything for your restaurant¡ªrent, renovations, and startup costs. When you open, be sure to let me know, and I¡¯ll definitely be there.¡±

    Roderick stayed on the ground, unmoving, despite Eileen¡¯s attempts to assist him.

    A drop of liquid suddenly appeared on the floor, followed by two or three more, making a faint crackling sound.

    Eileen came to aplete stop.

    ¡°Eileen, I cannot thank you enough.¡± Roderick clung to Eileen¡¯s leg, tears streaming down his face.

    He had finally pieced it all together.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m is packed with great reads

    ¡°What are you thanking me for?¡± Eileen asked, pretending not to understand. ¡°I n to eat at your restaurant frequently, and that¡¯s going to cost you a fortune.¡±

    Roderick wiped his tears and looked up at her with resolve. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. This gesture will stay with me for life. Your children and grandchildren will always dine for free.¡±

    With his eyes still red, Roderick stood up and made a solemn promise. ¡°I won¡¯t disappoint you. The restaurant will seed, and I¡¯ll repay you.¡±

    ¡°Carry on,¡± Eileen patted Roderick on the shoulder. ¡°I need to get back to work. You should focus on your tasks.¡±

    The siblings lingered on the street for a while before going their separate ways.

    As soon as Roderick saw Eileen leave, he immediately called Judie.

    ¡°Honey, resign from your job. We¡¯re starting a restaurant¡­ Yes, I have the funds. It came¡­ from winning the lottery!¡±

    At the Freguson Group building, Eileen had just walked in when Raymond rushed over to her.

    ¡°That cunning Dawson couple is incredibly clever,¡± he said, presenting her with an invitation.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 444

    ?Chapter 444:

    The vivid red card clearly indicated that it was an invitation to Brandon and Lydia¡¯s opulent wedding anniversary party, extended to Eileen.

    It was a business invitation that didn¡¯t include Bryan, but it allowed Eileen to bring a guest.

    ¡°Perhaps you should simply mention their names,¡± Raymond suggested.

    Eileen felt uneasy about his suggestion. After all, Bryan was also a member of the Dawson family. And they were a couple.

    Raymond almost bit his tongue and quickly corrected himself. ¡°Ah, I mean, what do you think? Should we go?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t see any reason why we shouldn¡¯t go,¡± Eileen said as she entered her workce after epting the invitation. ¡°If they¡¯re brave enough to invite me, I¡¯ll go. There¡¯s nothing to be afraid of.¡±

    Since it was their special day, any pranks would ruin it for Brandon and his wife. Eileen, however, wanted to bring a touch of ¡°excitement¡± to the party.

    ¡°Will you be attending with Mr. Dawson?¡± Raymond asked.

    Eileen paused for a moment before replying, ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡±

    In truth, Bryan¡¯s hair hadn¡¯t fully regrown yet, and it wouldn¡¯t be appropriate for a formal asion.

    Raymond chuckled quietly, trying to suppress his amusement. ¡°Having Mr. Dawson apany you might tarnish your image.¡±

    Lately, even Raymond found Bryan¡¯s untidy appearance rather unappealing. He had only seen Bryan at home, in pajamas, ying with toys with Gabri, or at times, using small hair clips to amuse her.

    Every story starts at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q??§àm

    In reality, Bryan¡¯s new hair barely covered his scar, leaving his typically stylish look iplete. Still, Raymond had forgotten what Bryan looked like in a suit.

    ¡°Alright, keep this discreet. I¡¯ll decide whether or not to bring him.¡±

    Eileen felt a bit concerned. Bryan was also reluctant to see Brandon. He probably preferred staying home with Gabri.

    ¡°Mr. Freguson has arrived,¡± Raymond said, smacking his forehead as he remembered. ¡°He requested that you see him as soon as you returned.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Eileen replied, grabbing her phone and heading to Julio¡¯s office.

    In the expansive office bathed in sunlight, Julio stood in the solitary shadowed corner, his gaze fixed on the view outside.

    After Eileen knocked, Julio weed her inside and returned to his seat.

    ¡°How may I assist you, Mr. Freguson?¡±

    ¡°I need you to arrange a residence under either your name or Benjamin¡¯s,¡± Julio instructed, pausing to light a cigarette before recalling Eileen¡¯s child at home.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 445

    ?Chapter 445:

    Noticing that Julio had yet to light his cigarette, Eileen approached him, her curiosity piqued. ¡°What kind of property are you referring to? Do you have a preferred location in mind? What¡¯s the purpose of this property? A marital home? Should we ask Ms. Harrison for her opinion?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s mind started to piece things together. If it were a marital home, it shouldn¡¯t be in either her or Benjamin¡¯s name.

    And then it clicked. ¡°Is this for Dalores?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Julio added, ¡°It should be conveniently located near a hospital, in a pleasant environment for her pregnancy. Arrange for a couple of caregivers as well.¡±

    Eileen paused, the realization slowly dawning on her that Dalores had chosen to keep the child.

    ¡°Have you consulted with Ms. Harrison?¡±

    Julio drummed his fingers on the table. ¡°She struggles toe to terms with it, but the Harrison family is on board, provided the child is publicly acknowledged as Mabel¡¯s.¡±

    Given Mabel¡¯s health concerns, this arrangement was a measure to secure an heir for the Freguson family.

    This approach would create a win-win situation for Julio, ensuring he has a child while addressing the family¡¯s needs¡ªexcept for the sacrifice required from Dalores.

    ¡°Julio, you are heartless,¡± Eileen said, her voice unexpectedly filled with emotion. ¡°This will devastate Dalores¡¯ life.¡±

    Magic begins at g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s

    Could she ever move on after bringing a child into the world under such circumstances? Could she start over, despite the shadow cast by her current situation? What would her future husband think if he discovered that she had a child?

    Eileen was troubled by all of these possibilities.

    ¡°She told me that meeting her was like opening a new chapter, but sleeping with me had already destroyed her life. Whether she has this child or not, her life is irreparably changed because of me. She might as well assist me in this situation,¡± Julio said in a somber tone.

    Eileen asked, ¡°Do you love her?¡±

    Sunlight streamed generously into the office, casting a warm glow over Julio.

    He fixed a serious gaze on Eileen, so intense that she feared he might leave her question unanswered. But then, to her surprise, his expression softened into a faint smile, and he simply said, ¡°I do.¡±

    And that was all.

    Eileen knew better than to press the matter further; any more questions would only add salt to an open wound.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 446

    ?Chapter 446:

    ¡°After giving it some thought, I believe Benjamin should handle the housing arrangements,¡± Julio said, shifting the focus. ¡°It¡¯s more fitting for a man to take care of a woman in this situation. As for you, it¡¯s a different story.¡±

    Eileen had her own share of troubles, and with so many eyes always on her, she knew that if anyone discovered she was taking care of a pregnant woman, the rumors would spread quickly.

    Julio¡¯s support for Dalores¡¯ university education hadn¡¯t been a secret, and this connection wouldn¡¯t withstand scrutiny.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll discuss it with him,¡± Eileen agreed. They then covered a few work-rted matters before she left.

    When Eileen ryed Julio¡¯s decision to Benjamin, he epted it without hesitation.

    Unable to contain her curiosity, Eileen asked, ¡°Don¡¯t you have any thoughts on the path Julio¡¯s choosing?¡±

    ¡°Some people value love more than their lives, while others don¡¯t,¡± Benjamin replied, pausing for emphasis. ¡°Personally, I prioritize my career over my love life. If I hadn¡¯t, you and I wouldn¡¯t be in this situation.¡±

    Benjamin had often regretted not resigning from his position as Kian¡¯s assistant to pursue Eileen in Wist Land.

    His fear of losing both his job and his chance with her meant that he valued his professional future more than his love life.

    ¡°Julio¡¯s situation is far moreplicated. He¡¯s managed to take over the Freguson Group, but his position within the family is still fragile. He needs the Harrison family¡¯s support and can¡¯t afford to alienate them.¡±

    Step into a new world at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Benjamin¡¯s words eased the weight on Eileen¡¯s heart.

    ¡°It¡¯s natural to feel sympathy as a woman, but you can¡¯t get involved. In the future, try to distance yourself from Dalores. Leave this matter to me.¡±

    Eileen nodded in agreement. ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll leave it to you then. It¡¯s going to be a tough task. If you encounter any issues, address them directly with Julio.¡±

    That evening, as Eileen arrived home and parked, her phone rang. It was Roderick.

    ¡°Eileen, I found a ce this afternoon. The rent¡¯s nearly settled, and it used to be a small restaurant, so I can save on renovation costs¡­¡±

    Roderick¡¯s excitement was palpable as he exined that the preparations for the noodle restaurant would take at most two weeks.

    His quiet surroundings suggested he was calling from a discreet location.

    ¡°Judie and I have it all nned out. She¡¯ll work as the cashier. Since Mom doesn¡¯t want to work, she¡¯ll handle the cleaning. I¡¯ll keep an eye on her daily to ensure she doesn¡¯t ck off¡­¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 447

    ?Chapter 447:

    Listening intently, Eileen sat in the car, barely able to hold back a smile.

    ¡°Eileen¡­¡± Roderick¡¯s voice trembled with emotion. ¡°I¡¯ll make it up to you properly. You won¡¯t have to worry about me anymore, and I¡¯ll take good care of Mom. I won¡¯t let her trouble you.¡±

    ¡°I believe you. You can take care of the family, and things will get better,¡± Eileen assured him.

    She wasn¡¯t just offering emptyfort; she truly believed in Roderick¡¯s potential.

    Denise, with her sluggish habits, wouldn¡¯t act without someone keeping an eye on her.

    As long as she had an easy life with Roderick, she would be content.

    And Judie, once Roderick earned enough money, would stop causing problems.

    ¡°How about you?¡± Roderick asked softly. ¡°I saw on the news that you¡¯re involved with Bryan again?¡±

    Eileen tucked her hair behind her ear and leaned back in her seat, conceding, ¡°We¡¯re truly together. Our situation isplicated, with many unresolved issues surrounding us. So, I¡¯ll have to avoid frequent meetings with you.¡±

    Roderick quickly responded, ¡°I get it. We¡¯ll meet in secret from now on. My restaurant is not far from the Freguson Group building. You cane by after work for some noodles. No one will catch on to us.¡±

    Roderick¡¯s suggestion of sneaking out for noodles sounded like something from a spy movie.

    This made Eileenugh heartily.

    Your source: g??ln??v??ls.??????

    She lingered in the car for about ten minutes before stepping out.

    As she walked into the house and changed her shoes, she heard Gabri¡¯s cheerful babbling from the living room.

    Ruby, holding Gabri, said with a grin, ¡°Look at this little genius! Around this time, she starts babbling and making a beeline for the door.¡±

    ¡°She must know I¡¯m back,¡± Eileen said, hurrying to scoop Gabri up and shower her with kisses. ¡°Where¡¯s Bryan?¡±

    ¡°Upstairs, buried in work,¡± Ruby replied with a hint of frustration. ¡°It feels like there¡¯s a hole without Milford around. Drop him a message and see when his next break is. Sometimes Gabri crawls toward his room, so she must miss him.¡±

    Cradling Gabri, Eileen sank into a chair. The baby clung to her, eyes wide and dark as night.

    ¡°Ah, look at those tiny teeth peeking out¡ªshe¡¯s extra adorable today!¡± Eileen cooed.

    ¡°I¡¯ll find out his schedule. With the university possibly letting him skip grades, his calendar is packed tighter than a sardine can. I¡¯ll ask about his ss times and see when he cane home.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 448

    ?Chapter 448:

    Eileen, lying sideways and ying with the baby, savored the moment of calm.

    Half an hourter, dinner was on the table. Eileen and Ruby were deep into their meal when Bryan finally descended the stairs, his expression unreadable.

    He pulled out a chair and sat down across from Eileen, giving her a look that spoke volumes.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Eileen¡¯s heart skipped a beat, as if she had done something wrong and was waiting for the hammer to fall.

    Bryan¡¯s voice was calm, but his smirk said otherwise. ¡°Nothing much. You¡¯ve been killing yourself with work today. Eat more.¡±

    He plopped two pieces of Eileen¡¯s least favorite vegetables onto her te.

    Eileen stared at the vegetables in disbelief.

    ¡°I¡¯m done with that,¡± Ruby said abruptly. ¡°I¡¯m going to fetch theundry from the balcony.¡± With that, Ruby left the table quickly, leaving behind a palpable tension.

    The air was thick with unease, especially for Eileen. Her anxiety never seemed to dissipate when Bryan was upset.

    ¡°I don¡¯t like vegetables,¡± Eileen said, pushing the greens back onto Bryan¡¯s te. ¡°You eat them.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s fork lifted a piece of braised meat along with the vegetables.

    He was far from upset. In one daring bite, hebined the greens with the meat.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c¨®m is your escape

    ¡°Picky eating is a bad habit that needs to be changed,¡± Bryan lectured with an almost theatrical seriousness. ¡°Gabri¡¯s watching. You¡¯re setting a poor example.¡±

    With that, he promptly fed her another piece of greens.

    ¡°Come on, just give it a shot.¡±

    Eileen frowned. She cast a worried nce at Gabri, whose little fists were clenched in anxious anticipation, desperate to grab the food.

    Reluctantly, Eileen chewed.

    Bryan seized the opportunity to make her eat seven or eight more bites of greens.

    Eileen was baffled by Bryan¡¯s sudden ¡°punishment.¡±

    Later that night, she realized that the real consequence had yet toe.

    ¡°Do you have time tomorrow evening?¡± Bryan asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Eileen responded immediately.

    Tomorrow was Brandon and Lydia¡¯s wedding anniversary, and she had already promised to attend.

    Having tucked Gabri into bed, Bryan leaned in closer. ¡°What¡¯s the asion?¡±

    ¡°Um¡­¡± Eileen struggled to find a proper excuse.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 449

    ?Chapter 449:

    But Bryan answered for her, ¡°They¡¯re up to something. If you go, be ready for anything.¡±

    ¡°You already know?¡± Eileen asked, setting her phone aside and lying on the bed, her face resting on Bryan¡¯s chest. She propped her head up with her hand and looked at him. ¡°I¡¯m ready, but I¡¯m not going alone.¡±

    She nned to bring Raymond, and Julio would be there too.

    Before she could continue, Bryan suddenly pulled her close, drawing her into his embrace. His body pressed down on hers, and his gaze became intense.

    ¡°Who are you bringing?¡± Bryan raised an eyebrow, clearly displeased. ¡°Am I some sort of embarrassment? Think I¡¯m too ugly to be seen with? Huh?¡±

    What kind of nonsense was this? Eileen was at a loss for words, her eyes widening under Bryan¡¯s piercing stare.

    ¡°Who were you talking to in the car?¡± Bryan¡¯s voice was almost a growl, their noses nearly touching.

    Instinctively, Eileen blurted out, ¡°No one.¡±

    She wasn¡¯t ready to reveal that she had given Roderick a million dors.

    To outsiders, the bond between Eileen and Roderick could seem inexplicable, especially after years of separation and the involvement of Judie and Ruby.

    Her denial only fueled Bryan¡¯s frustration.

    Bryan¡¯s lips fell to bite Eileen¡¯s chin, causing her to yelp.

    Explore new chapters gal¦Çovels.c¡ðm

    The sound was quickly silenced by a forceful kiss, as Bryan¡¯s possessiveness surged, leaving no room for exnation.

    His rational side, however, remembered their sleeping baby nearby. Instead of taking her to the bathroom, he carried Eileen to the study.

    Eileen thought Bryan had grown tired of that particr ce.

    Pressed against the cold, hard desk with their fingers intertwined, Eileen realized this was just the beginning of the real punishment.

    ¡°Am I ugly?¡± Bryan asked, his voice rough.

    Almostughing, Eileen replied, ¡°I never said you were ugly.¡±

    She didn¡¯t want Bryan to leave, but she was concerned that his previous authoritative demeanor might bepromised.

    ¡°Then do I look good?¡± Bryan pressed, still not satisfied.

    ¡°You look fantastic, no matter what!¡± Eileen¡¯s response made Bryan¡¯s heart flutter with joy.

    Even if Bryan was bald, he was still handsome. Their features seemed perfectly matched, as if crafted by the gods themselves.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 450

    ?Chapter 450:

    Seeing Bryan¡¯s pride and satisfaction, Eileen couldn¡¯t help but tease him for his childishness.

    Catching the subtle curve of her lips, Bryan yfully retorted, ¡°Laughing at me, huh?¡±

    The yful rise in his voice,bined with Eileen¡¯s melodious and soothing response, filled the quiet room.

    Suddenly, Eileen felt something sticky on her fingers, unsure of where Bryan had pressed her hand.

    Bryan didn¡¯t stop. He raised Eileen¡¯s hand above her head, gripping her sticky fingers firmly.

    Instinctively, she tensed and balled her hand into a fist, resisting his hold. She then lifted her leg and thrust her foot against his abdomen, pushing him away with a forceful kick. Groaning, Bryan released her.

    ncing back, she noticed a share transfer agreement on the desk, illuminated by the moonlight. Bryan¡¯s signature was already on the document¡ªonly hers was missing.

    Before Eileen could react further, Bryan was behind her again, wrapping his arms around her.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you given up yet?¡± she asked, tilting her head slightly. She caught sight of his sharply defined jawline.

    He leaned in, resting his chin on her shoulder. His breath was warm against her earlobe and corbone.

    ¡°How could I give up on my love for you?¡± he whispered into her ear. ¡°Do you love me?¡±

    Every story starts at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    The sensation made Eileen¡¯s ears tingle, sending shivers through her body. The lingering desire within her reignited, but she struggled to maintain herposure. ¡°I love you, but that has nothing to do with this.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s fingers deftly lifted her chin, turning her face toward his. ¡°It is relevant. If you love me, you¡¯ll listen to me.¡±

    He kissed her softly on the lips. His eyes, clear and earnest, conveyed a deep longing for her to affirm her love through her actions.

    He kissed her lips once more. ¡°Eileen, I can barely restrain myself. Sign it, and we can move forward.¡±

    His voice was low and raspy,den with pressing desire.

    ¡°Maybe we can continue first?¡± Eileen whispered, her body responding to the heat between them.

    ¡°Sign it, and then you can have what you want,¡± Bryan urged, his impatience evident. His tongue grazed her delicate corbone, sending warmth cascading through her.

    Her fingers twitched involuntarily.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 451

    ?Chapter 451:

    ¡°Eileen, sign it,¡± he urged again, nipping gently at her shoulder. The mix of pain and a tickling sensation resonated deep within her.

    As Bryan took her hand, Eileen could only watch helplessly as her fingerprint was pressed onto the document.

    He suggested, ¡°Sweetheart, let me help you sign your name. You have such lovely handwriting.¡±

    The entire process took less than thirty seconds, and afterward, Eileen feltpletely overwhelmed by his affection.

    Three hourster, close to midnight, he escorted her back to her room.

    It wasn¡¯t until the next morning that Eileen woke up and recalled the events of the previous night. She silently berated herself for allowing him to sweet-talk her into signing the document, as though she were a girl asking for a handbag as a token of affection. To get her to take over shares in the EB Group, he had even resorted to seduction. And she had fallen for it.

    ¡°Good morning, Ms. CEO,¡± Bryan said cheerily as he woke, his head nestled in her neck.

    Eileen pushed his head away irritably. ¡°Your hair is scratchy. You know what you didst night. Stop bothering me!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not fair,¡± Bryan protested, a wounded look on his face. ¡°I¡¯ve given you everything. You can¡¯t just change how you treat me after receiving it all.¡±

    Eileen was taken aback by his shamelessness.

    ¡°Dada!¡± Gabri woke up and crawled over to Bryan, pressing down on his head with both hands and gazing at them.

    Exclusive updates: galno¦Íe??s.co??

    Bryan instantly brightened, lifting her up. ¡°Did she just call me Dada?¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re counting her baby talk, she said ¡®Mama¡¯ when she was three months old,¡± Eileen replied, picking up Gabri. ¡°Come on, sweetie, let¡¯s get you ready.¡±

    Today was Saturday, and Eileen only had an evening banquet to attend.

    Although Bryan had been looking after Gabri for the past few days, Gabri still preferred Eileen¡¯spany. Eileen spent the morning with Gabri, delighting her so much that she didn¡¯t want to be with Bryan anymore.

    Having had a great time the previous night, Bryan was in a cheerful mood and catered to their needs.

    In the afternoon, Bryan took the signed share transfer agreement and handed it to awyer. Thewyer proceeded with the necessary formalities, and in less than three days, the EB Group would officially be under Eileen¡¯s name.

    ¡°Eileen, Ruby just told me that she and Josue will visit us tomorrow at noon,¡± Ruby ryed to Eileen as soon as she received the message from Bailee.

    Eileen quickly replied, ¡°Let¡¯s pick up some groceries tomorrow morning to prepare her favorite meals.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 452

    ?Chapter 452:

    Ruby agreed enthusiastically. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s been a while since she¡¯s been home.¡±

    ¡°And what¡¯s thetest with her and Winona?¡± Eileen had been so busy that she had only exchanged brief messages with Bailee about work since Bailee moved out. Both of them had been swamped, leaving little time for a proper conversation.

    Ruby sighed and set her phone down. ¡°I haven¡¯t asked. She¡¯s always so busy, and even when she¡¯s home for dinners, Huey is around, making it awkward to ask.¡±

    ¡°She knows what she¡¯s doing. Maybe they¡¯ve already confessed to Winona.¡±

    Their conversation was suddenly interrupted by the doorbell.

    Eileen handed Gabri over to Ruby and went to answer the door.

    To her surprise, it was Winona.

    After a brief moment of shock, Eileen warmly weed her inside. ¡°Mrs. Baker, pleasee in.¡±

    ¡°Hello, Miss Curtis,¡± Winona greeted her politely, acknowledging Eileen¡¯s superior status.

    The vi Eileen now resided in wasrger than the Baker family¡¯s home, and their social status had also surpassed the Bakers¡¯ family. Yet, Winona wasn¡¯t one to judge potential daughters-inw by their family¡¯s wealth, but rather by their character. This was why she had originally been fond of Eileen, despite her modest background.

    ¡°Mrs. Baker, what brings you by?¡± Upon hearing it was Winona, Ruby promptly stood to greet her, holding Gabri.

    Winona was taken aback to see Gabri in Ruby¡¯s arms.

    ¡°This is my daughter,¡± Eileen introduced.

    L?t§Öst ch¦Ápt?rs ??n g??l§ßov?ls.§ã§à??

    ¡°You have a child?¡± Winona quickly understood, considering Eileen¡¯s age. Huey, who was several years younger than Eileen and still single, was a significant concern for Winona.

    After inviting Winona into the vi, Eileen settled Gabri into a ypen and herself onto the carpet to y with her, all the while listening in on the conversation between Winona and Ruby.

    ¡°We¡¯ve known each other for years. You understand me, so I won¡¯t beat around the bush,¡± Winona said, getting straight to the point.

    ¡°¡®I¡¯m here to talk about Huey and Bailee.¡±

    Ruby nodded with a warm smile. ¡°Yes, we need to sort out the situation with the young ones.¡±

    ¡°The thing is, Huey actually has a childhood fianc¨¦e. Years ago, when his fianc¨¦e¡¯s family moved abroad, I thought about ending the engagement and tried pairing him with Eileen, but it wasn¡¯t meant to be.¡±

    With a nce at Eileen, who was now focused on her child, Winona added, ¡°Last year, that family returned and revived the engagement. It¡¯s not that I¡¯m against Huey and Bailee; it¡¯s just that our two families have been intertwined for decades. It¡¯s hard to dismiss such an engagement.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 453

    ?Chapter 453:

    Ruby¡¯s smile faltered upon hearing this. Was this meeting about blessing the couple, or was it really about separating them?

    Ruby looked at Eileen, who then stated firmly, ¡°Mrs. Baker, Huey and Bailee have already gotten married. Weren¡¯t you aware?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯ve already gotten married?¡± Winona¡¯s eyes widened before she shook her head in disbelief. ¡°That can¡¯t be. They wouldn¡¯t do it behind my back. Huey, though headstrong, wouldn¡¯t dare make such a move. If he really did, why would he agree to meet his childhood fianc¨¦e?¡±

    ¡°He agreed to that meeting?¡± Ruby looked dismayed.

    ¡°Yes, they¡¯re supposed to meet tomorrow night. He had an argument with me about Bailee and moved out, but family ties aren¡¯t so easily severed.¡±

    Winona mentioned that Huey had managed some of the advanced equipment at the Baker family resort. Sometimes when something went wrong, she would ask someone to call Huey. Despite their disagreement, they had met a few times to discuss operational issues, easing the tension slightly. However, Huey had never mentioned marriage, so Winona was skeptical.

    ¡°Mrs. Baker, there seems to be a misunderstanding. Bailee and Huey are legally married. At this point, it¡¯s inappropriate for you to arrange meetings with his childhood fianc¨¦e. It would be better to clear this up with that girl sooner rather thanter,¡± Eileen said, feelingpelled to make sure Winona understood the gravity of the situation.

    Seeing how serious Ruby and Eileen were, Winona couldn¡¯t afford to be careless and quickly called Huey. ¡°Did you marry Bailee?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Huey replied, the clicking of his keyboard and mouse audible as he trained for a friendly match.

    Visit gal????v??ls for updates

    ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me, you little brat. If you¡¯ve gone behind my back, we need to sort this out!¡± Winona yelled over the phone.

    Huey quickly assured her, ¡°I would never do such a thing without your blessing. Hey, watch out, there¡¯s someone in the bushes, pull back!¡±

    The ttering of the keyboard and mouse grew louder, heightening Winona¡¯s frustration. She ended the call abruptly.

    The conversation lingered in the living room, visibly upsetting Ruby.

    ¡°You see, he wouldn¡¯t lie to me,¡± Winona said. ¡°Ruby, I don¡¯t want their situation to damage our rtionship. Since Huey has a childhood fianc¨¦e¡­¡±

    Winona tried to rify further, but Ruby interjected. ¡°You make decisions for your son, and I¡¯ll make them for my daughter. Let¡¯s continue this conversation over the pher.¡±

    This was Ruby¡¯s polite way of suggesting that it was time for Winona to leave.

    Winona wanted to ask further about the marriage im between Huey and Bailee, but she hesitated, deciding against it and choosing to leave instead.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 454

    ?Chapter 454:

    As soon as Winona was out the door, Ruby dialed Bailee¡¯s number. ¡°Is your marriage certificate genuine?¡±

    ¡°Mom, of course it is!¡± Bailee responded in a hushed tone, likely still busy at her workce.

    Before Ruby could ask any more questions, Bailee¡¯s voice interrupted. She whispered, ¡°Mom, I¡¯m in a meeting. I¡¯ll talk to you when I get back tomorrow.¡±

    The call was abruptly ended, leaving Ruby with her questions unanswered. She let out a sigh, cing her phone on the sofa, her face full of worry.

    ¡°Mom, we haven¡¯t figured everything out yet. Try not to worry,¡± Eileen said, trying tofort Ruby. Though she had an idea of what might be bothering her, she decided it was best to wait until she could talk to Bailee and Huey tomorrow.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter whether we know the details or not,¡± Ruby continued. ¡°The marriage is legitimate. I¡¯ve seen the marriage certificate with my own eyes. There¡¯s a seal on it! But Huey, even though he¡¯s married, agrees to meet with another woman. How dare he?¡±

    Ruby¡¯s face turned pale as she struggled to contain her emotions.

    Eileen gently patted Ruby on the back, unsure of what to say.

    Ruby continued to voice her concerns, fearing that Huey might hide his marital status from Winona. If that happened, Winona might never give her consent, and all the me would fall on Bailee. Wouldn¡¯t that hurt her daughter even more?

    ¡°Mom, Bailee is 26 now. She considers her choices carefully. We all make decisions that might not turn out the way we want, but what can we do besides support her?¡±

    Eileen, who had experienced simr challenges, understood that some things might seem clearer from the outside, but that didn¡¯t necessarily make it easier for those involved. Bailee and Huey were deeply in love, and even with all the factsid out, it wouldn¡¯t change what they felt for each other.

    After a while, Ruby let out a deep sigh, picked up Gabri, and said, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll stop interfering. I¡¯ll just look after Gabri.¡±

    Despite her words, tears welled up in her eyes.

    After all, Bailee was her daughter. She only wanted her to be happy.

    That evening, Eileen made her way to the Freguson Group building.

    She was set to attend a banquet with Julio and Benjamin. Since it was a business event, they had decided to attend together.

    ¡°Did Mr. Dawson allow you toe?¡± Julio teased Eileen in the car. ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried that Brandon and Lydia might cause trouble for you tonight?¡±

    Without looking up from thetest stock updates on her phone, Eileen responded, ¡°I¡¯m already here, aren¡¯t I? Doesn¡¯t that make your question a bit pointless?¡±

    Julio raised an eyebrow. ¡°I must be the most spineless boss, letting you talk to me like that.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 455

    ?Chapter 455:

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure about ¡®spineless,¡¯ but you¡¯re definitely ruthless,¡± Eileen said honestly.

    As she finished her sentence, Benjamin added, ¡°Mr. Freguson, I¡¯ve just secured an apartment in the suburbs. The upancy rate is still under 10%, so it¡¯s quiet and secure.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s great. Put the apartment under your name. I¡¯ll cover the costs. Once we wrap this up, consider the apartment your reward,¡± Julio replied generously, clearly demonstrating his trust in his team.

    Both Benjamin and Eileen felt reassured by his approach.

    Benjamin joked, ¡°Then I hope you find more women for me to handle.¡±

    Julio burst intoughter, yfully scolding him, though his smile carried a hint of sadness.

    ¡°These days, at Apex Group, even the smallest incident is an excuse to throw a banquet and build connections,¡± Eileen remarked, steering the conversation back to business. ¡°There will be many attendees tonight. Who do you think they¡¯re really here to see?¡±

    Julio¡¯s face grew serious.

    After a brief pause, Benjamin replied, ¡°I think they¡¯re here for the city¡¯s new business-government partnership on the resort project.¡±

    ¡°And I¡¯d guess they¡¯ve nearly secured the project by some means,¡± Julio added thoughtfully, tapping his leg. ¡°So, having us here tonight might not be about causing trouble but rather about unting their sess.¡±

    The car fell silent. Eileen gazed out the window, lost in thought as the scenery passed by.

    Since she received the invitation from Brandon and Lydia, she had been wary of the potential trap they might be setting.

    ¡°If what you¡¯re saying is true, this isn¡¯t just to irritate me, but to send a message to everyone¡ªurging caution in future partnerships,¡± Eileen remarked. ¡°Apex Group still holds considerable influence.¡± It might seem petty, but it was likely an effective strategy.

    Find what you love at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s???????

    Securing this project required strong connections with government officials. If Brandon had managed to influence such a project, it meant the government officials of Onnd must respect him as well.

    This would allow him to extend Apex Group¡¯s influence even further.

    After all, who would challenge government officials?

    ¡°However, my findings suggest that neither Brandon nor Lydia has close ties with government officials. There must be another way they secured this project,¡± Eileen said, looking at Julio and Benjamin. ¡°We should dig deeper tonight. We might discover something unexpected.¡±

    Julio and Benjamin were taken aback by Eileen¡¯s swift analysis.

    Benjamin nced at Julio. ¡°Mr. Freguson, did you catch that?¡±

    ¡°I got it,¡± Julio replied, straightening his suit and averting his gaze. ¡°But I won¡¯tment on it.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 456

    ?Chapter 456:

    Eileen sighed, realizing they didn¡¯t fully grasp the situation but chose not to press further. Tonight, the responsibility was hers.

    At the hotel, a banner celebrating a wedding anniversary hung prominently. A red carpet stretched from the hotel¡¯s entrance to the street. As their car pulled up, the trio stepped out and walked into the hotel.

    The celebration hall was packed with people, all smiling and toasting. Groups huddled together, whispering to one another.

    In the crowd, Eileen spotted Raymond in the distance and gave him a subtle nod.

    Raymond, upon seeing her, quietly ryed to Bryan through his Bluetooth earpiece, ¡°Ms. Curtis has arrived.¡±

    ¡°Keep her safe,¡± Bryan instructed, his attention focused on Gabri.

    With the earpiece in, Raymond could pick up conversations within a three-meter radius. Despite the noisy venue, Bryan kept the earpiece in ce to ensure Gabri was not disturbed by any loud sounds.

    At the event, the trio¡¯s entrance didn¡¯t immediately draw attention, confirming Eileen¡¯s suspicions. Brandon¡¯s warning had clearly had an impact.

    The formal announcement of the project winner would be made in two weeks. Tonight, however, was simply for preliminary confirmations.

    Brandon, on the other hand, was already acting like a victor, walking ahead of two government officials with a broad smile.

    The government officials, in contrast, wore forced smiles, briefly acknowledging the crowd with nods.

    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to introduce Mr. Watts from Onnd and Mr. Wright from Linder Land,¡± Brandon announced carefully, aware of the potential controversy their presence at such an event could stir.

    Discover more content at ?¦Áln¦Ò¦Íe?s

    The two men gave a brief wave before bowing their heads slightly. Their bodyguards scanned the room vigntly, ensuring no one was taking photos.

    The crowd, eager not to offend, greeted them politely, offering many ttering remarks.

    ¡°I¡¯m honored that they could join my wife and me for our wedding anniversary. Allow me to also introduce the promising talents of Freguson Group,¡± Brandon continued, eager to showcase Freguson Group.

    ¡°Mr. Freguson, Ms. Curtis, Mr. Nash, these three are the rising stars in Onnd¡¯s businessndscape. What¡¯s your take, Mr. Watts?¡± Brandon asked, smiling broadly.

    Watts¡¯ expression shifted slightly as he responded vaguely, ¡°I must admit, I¡¯m not deeply familiar with the business world, but from what I gather, Apex Group has maintained a stable position for quite some time.¡±

    His implication was clear¡ªApex Group stood far above Freguson Group.

    Pleased with himself, Brandon replied, ¡°Mr. Watts, your praise is too kind. We, the younger generation, still have much to learn and eagerly look forward to more coborative opportunities. We¡¯re about the same age and should support each other.¡±

    Eileen couldn¡¯t stomach his ttery any longer and discreetly slipped away from the gathering.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 457

    ?Chapter 457:

    As she had suspected, she was merely invited to be belittled. With these two backing Brandon, he felt invincible.

    Even though others noticed the hesitation from Watts and Wright, Brandon¡¯s ability to secure their public support demonstrated his influence.

    In the future, anyone consideringpeting with Apex Group would need to tread carefully.

    Seated alone in a corner, Eileen reflected on the confusing world of business. The political world wasn¡¯t much different¡ªonly incriminating evidence could sway government officials.

    But what did Brandon have that inspired such fear in these two officials?

    Her thoughts drifted back to what Ste had once mentioned about Travis¡¯ father being a big shot. Eileen¡¯s expression tightened with concern.

    Lost in her thoughts, a phone suddenly appeared before her.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, Mr. Dawson suggested that if you find the banquet dull, you might enjoy a chat,¡± Raymond said, offering her the phone, which was already on a video call. Gabri¡¯s face appeared on the screen.

    Eileen was momentarily taken aback.

    ¡°I¡¯ll keep an eye out, go ahead and talk,¡± Raymond reassured her, making sure the child wasn¡¯t visible to anyone else.

    The phone was set to a low volume, and Gabri¡¯s soft cooing was only audible when Eileen held it close.

    asionally, Bryan¡¯s hand woulde into view, gently moving the phone away from Gabri¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°Bryan, aren¡¯t you tired of this?¡± Eileen gently scolded him.

    L?t??t ch¦Ápt?rs ¦Én g??lnov?l??.???m

    The banquet had just started, and she couldn¡¯t spend the entire evening on the phone.

    ¡°Gabri, your mommy doesn¡¯t want to talk to you. She must prefer talking to Daddy,¡± Bryan teased yfully, continuing to provoke her.

    He took the phone back, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he smiled, causing Eileen tough.

    This small moment did not go unnoticed. On the third-floor balcony, two blonde, blue-eyed men observed the scene and snapped continuous photos.

    ¡°I recognize that man. His name is Raymond Brooks. He used to be the CEO¡¯s assistant at Apex Group. Now, it seems he¡¯s with Eileen,¡± one man remarked. ¡°I¡¯d bet the person she¡¯s chatting with is none other than the former CEO himself.¡±

    ¡°Our boss has mentioned their close ties; they definitely keep in contact,¡± hispanion added. ¡°It was quite a surprise seeing her walk in¡ªsuch amanding presence, yet a simple video chat can make her seem like a teenager in love.¡±

    Their conversation continued intermittently as they snapped photos, gathering intel for a report to the ind.

    Z stepped off the elevator on the third floor and paused when she saw the two men near the railing. ¡°Are you looking for me?¡± she asked cautiously.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 458

    ?Chapter 458:

    The two men tucked their phones away and greeted her with friendly smiles.

    The bearded one extended his hand first. ¡°Hi, you can call me Dariel.¡±

    Hispanion, a burly man, introduced himself as well. ¡°And I¡¯m Sonny.¡±

    Z eyed them warily, her hands remaining by her sides. She chose not to shake hands.

    ¡°You¡¯re here on behalf of Travis¡¯ biological father,¡± Dariel exined, lowering his hand. ¡°The boss has tasked us with looking into a few matters and has requested your help.¡±

    Upon hearing that it was Travis¡¯ father and not some unknown client sent by Kian, Z felt a wave of relief wash over her.

    ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Z Murray. What do you need from me? Why didn¡¯t you approach Lydia about this?¡± she inquired, her curiosity piqued.

    Dariel chuckled softly, ¡°The boss chose you for a reason, and it¡¯s important we keep this between us.¡±

    Travis was barely familiar with Z¡¯s father. All she knew was that he was a foreign fugitive, pursued by numerous countries.

    ¡°Just let me know what you need, and I¡¯ll do what I can, though I can¡¯t guarantee results.¡±

    Dariel gave a nonchnt shrug and grinned. ¡°Our boss¡¯sb is developing some new drugs and they need someone to test them. He¡¯s set his sights on¡­¡± He gestured toward the lower floor at Eileen. ¡°The woman down there.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Z¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°Are you serious? Isn¡¯t he concerned about the repercussions?¡±

    If they were just looking for a test subject, surely any hobo would do. Choosing Eileen, a prominent business figure, would surely attract attention if she were to vanish or if any harm came to her.

    ¡°My boss enjoys provoking those who chase him, finding amusement in their struggles as they try to mask their ipetence with lies.¡±

    Let your imagination soar with g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s£®?¦Ï??

    Sonny¡¯s grin, bright and carefree, revealed his perfect teeth, further highlighting their indifference to human dignity. Not even someone as influential as Eileen could deter them.

    Z¡¯s heart raced, the sharp, metallic taste of fear creeping in for the first time. She swallowed with difficulty, feeling the weight of the moment. No sector was free from shadows, and sometimes, certain truths were manipted to calm the masses and stave off panic.

    But Travis¡¯ biological father was the mastermind behind these maniptions.

    ¡°Miss Murray, what scares you?¡± Sonny noticed her trembling hand and burst intoughter. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯re one of our boss¡¯s people. He wouldn¡¯t dream of hurting you.¡±

    Z forced a smile, but it twisted into a grimace. ¡°I¡¯m not scared. Just¡­ what does he need from me?¡±

    ¡°He needs intel on Eileen and Bryan. Growing up with the Dawsons, you must know quite a bit. Care to share?¡± Dariel motioned toward a door nearby. ¡°We¡¯ve set up a room right next door. After you, please.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 459

    ?Chapter 459:

    Z felt a pang of unease as she followed the two men, known for their ruthless efficiency, into a hotel room. Despite her reservations, sheposed herself and sat under their watchful gaze. Although their presence was threatening, they remained professional, urging her to get to the point.

    Meanwhile, Eileen, deciding it was time to end the video call, said, ¡°Bad signal, I have to hang up now,¡± using the typical excuse. She headed for the restroom, having spotted Watts and Wright walking in that direction. Her n was to intercept them.

    Raymond, a few steps behind, kept a vignt eye on her from a discrete distance.

    Watts and Wright left the restroom quietly, freshened up, and started walking side by side. As they passed, they noticed Eileen leaning casually against the wall. She was dressed in an elegant yet modest knee-length dress, her hair styled in a half-bun, exuding both grace and intelligence.

    She greeted them with a warm smile and a nod.

    ¡°Gentlemen, my name is Eileen, and I serve as the General Manager of the Freguson Group.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you,¡± Watts responded with a polite smile and a firm handshake. He conducted himself with an elegance that even Brandon¡¯s presence couldn¡¯t diminish.

    Wright also exchanged greetings, though his smile carried a hint of bitterness.

    ¡°Politics and business should remain separate, don¡¯t you think? It seems bold of you to attend Brandon¡¯s event so openly.¡±

    Eileen wasted no time, aware that Raymond might not be able to fend off others for much longer.

    ¡°Let¡¯s avoid that topic for now. We¡¯re facing certain limitations and can¡¯t discuss much in this setting.¡± Watts signaled that it was time to leave.

    ????t£å??t ???????????????? ???? g¦Álnovels.£ã¦Ïm

    Wright stayed close behind as they started to walk away.

    ¡°Trust me, and I might be able to help you,¡± Eileen said, speaking up as they passed her.

    They stopped and turned back to face her.

    Eileen continued, ¡°You might fear Brandon, but I don¡¯t. Let me handle the threat he poses. Think of it as settling a personal score.¡±

    She knew she had to be direct if she wanted to make an impact.

    Her straightforward approach left the two men with no room to dodge the issue.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to answer right now. Take my card and call me when you¡¯re ready to talk.¡±

    She handed them her business card and then politely excused herself. After discreetly signaling to Raymond, who was stationed at the end of the hallway, she turned and left.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 460

    Chapter 460:

    Raymond quietly slipped away, taking the opportunity to follow her unnoticed after she exited the building.

    The event wrapped up just after eleven, but Eileen had already left by nine.

    On the drive back, Julio¡¯s expression was dark, the weight of Brandon¡¯s subtle threats from the evening clearly weighing on him.

    The potential clients the Freguson Group had hoped to coborate with exchanged only superficial greetings with him, hinting at potential setbacks for their projects.

    ¡°The critical issue now is figuring out how Brandon managed to sway Mr. Watts and Mr. Wright,¡± Eileen said, trying to reassure him. ¡°It¡¯s not over until the project concludes. We can¡¯t predict the oue just yet. Don¡¯t worry too much.¡±

    Julio pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling deeply as he sank back into his seat.

    ¡°Without you all, I¡¯d be at my breaking point. The fate of the Freguson Group is tied to my chances of inheriting the Freguson fortune.¡±

    His potential marriage to someone from the Harrison family also hung in the bnce. Now, his rtionship with Delores needed to remain a secret at all costs.

    With Brandon now pressuring the Freguson Group, Julio felt besieged from all sides.

    ¡°Mr. Freguson, remember, no sessful journey is ever as smooth as it seems,¡± Eileen reminded him gently. ¡°Even if you secure leadership of the Freguson family, other challenges will always arise.¡±

    For example, could Delores keep the secret of the child for a lifetime? If the truth were exposed, it could devastate the Harrison family¡¯s reputation and likely lead to a messy divorce¡ªanotherplex issue to navigate.

    The glittering lights from countless homes shimmered in Julio¡¯s downcast eyes. He paused, then spoke with resolve. ¡°We¡¯ll take it one step at a time. If we don¡¯t make it, at least we¡¯ll know we tried everything. There¡¯s no turning back for me now.¡±

    Eileen thought to herself how Delores, too, must feel trapped at her own point of no return.

    Explore the world of fiction at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°I¡¯ve gotten in touch with Delores, as you asked, Mr. Freguson,¡± Benjamin leaned in toward Eileen, his voice low. ¡°I¡¯m picking her up from the hospital tomorrow afternoon. She¡¯s asked to see you.¡±

    ¡°To see me?¡± Eileen¡¯s tone was one of surprise, mixed with reluctance. She wasn¡¯t looking forward to the encounter. Delores¡¯s situation was heart-wrenching, stirring a deep sense of pity in Eileen that was hard to shake off, often leaving her emotionally drained.

    ¡°I understand. However, I¡¯ll probably bete tomorrow afternoon,¡± Eileen said, her lunch ns with Bailee potentially extending indefinitely.

    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Benjamin reassured her. ¡°She just needs to see you whenever you can make it. She cane to your ce for the meeting.¡±

    As Benjamin and Eileen discussed Delores, who was pregnant with Julio¡¯s child, Julio felt increasingly sidelined. Thoughts of Delores flooded his mind, his anxiety growing. He adjusted his tie, shut his eyes, and feigned sleep.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Nice Sunday dear readers. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best (?O?=)? ?

    .

 Chapter 461

    ?Chapter 461:

    Over the weekend, Bailee and Huey arrived at ten with a variety of presents¡ªincluding clothes and toys for Gabri.

    Having been apart from Bailee for some time, Gabri no longer recognized her and resisted being held. Bailee pursued Gabri, attempting to engage her with yful antics, while Huey, observing nearby, joined in the fun.

    The scene was cheerful for a while, leaving Ruby without the chance to converse privately with Bailee.

    It wasn¡¯t until Bryan descended the stairs and took Gabri away that Bailee and Huey lost their chance to interact with the child.

    They then settled quietly on the couch, and the mood unexpectedly shifted to one of awkwardness.

    Eileen took the initiative to ease the tension. ¡°I¡¯m not the best cook. Why don¡¯t you help Mom in the kitchen while I keep Hueypany?¡± she suggested, creating an opportunity for Ruby to pull Bailee aside for a private conversation.

    Bailee quickly stood and followed Ruby to the kitchen, the door closing behind them.

    Through the ss window, anyone could observe the mother and daughter as they engaged in conversation while busying themselves with kitchen tasks.

    ¡°Eileen, is Ruby upset?¡± Huey asked, his intuition sensing there was something wrong. He recalled greeting Ruby earlier, but she hadn¡¯t acknowledged him.

    Eileen responded with another question, ¡°What do you think might be bothering her?¡±

    Huey hesitated for a moment before sharing, ¡°Could it be because¡­ we got married without informing you? Ruby stayed with us for a few days, and I always felt like she was watching me. It made me ufortable.¡± He scratched his head, ncing towards the kitchen. ¡°Having lived with her for so long, don¡¯t you think she can be¡­ a bit irritating at times?¡±

    As Huey¡¯s question hung in the air, Eileen¡¯s expression grew somber.

    Read it all on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    She asked, ¡°If your mother had no objections to your rtionship with Bailee, would you choose to stay with your parents after marriage, or would you move out?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely, I¡¯d move out,¡± Huey answered without hesitation. ¡°We young people are worlds apart from our elders. Sharing a roof would only lead to constant bickering.¡±

    Eileen was momentarily silent. She didn¡¯t particrly mind Ruby living with her, nor was she opposed to the idea of their parents staying over.

    ¡°Even sharing space with Bailee can be challenging¡ªadding elders to the mix would onlyplicate things further,¡± Huey mused, his tone reflecting his youthful perspective.

    Opting not to dwell on their earlier discussion, Eileen shifted the topic. ¡°Your mother came by yesterday. She mentioned a childhood fianc¨¦e of yours, someone you¡¯ve promised to meet.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 462

    ?Chapter 462:

    Her straightforward delivery caught Huey off guard. He froze, visibly stunned, for a long ten seconds before regaining hisposure.

    ¡°So, that¡¯s why Mom was on the phone yesterday about my marital status? Were you all listening in?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen confirmed, ncing toward the kitchen. ¡°Ruby and I overheard everything.¡±

    Huey smacked his forehead, a realization dawning on him. ¡°Oh no, I¡¯ve been so caught up with mypetition training that I avoided talking about my marital status, fearing it would lead to endless questions from my mom. Is Ruby upset?¡±

    Huey¡¯s sudden understanding exined the chilly reception he had sensed upon his arrival.

    ¡°Let¡¯s set aside the issue of your marital status for now,¡± Eileen continued, her tone serious. ¡°Tell me, is it true that you¡¯re still meeting with the woman your mother wants you to marry?¡±

    Huey, typically lighthearted, blushed deeply. ¡°My mom told me that if I didn¡¯t like her, I could choose someone else. She was convinced I¡¯d fall for her. But honestly, my heart belongs to Bailee. I¡¯m just meeting this woman to satisfy my mom, then I¡¯ll bring Bailee home as my real partner.¡±

    His voice carried a conviction, as if everything was unfolding ording to his n.

    ¡°Maybe you think this approach works for you, but what about Bailee¡¯s feelings?¡± Eileen countered, her voice firm. ¡°She¡¯s legally your wife now, and yet you hide your marriage from your mother and secretly date another woman. Do you really think Bailee will tolerate being manipted just to gain your mother¡¯s approval?¡±

    Huey might achieve his goal, but it woulde at the cost of leaving Bailee feeling uneasy.

    ¡°Then¡­¡± Huey stuttered, suddenly unsure. ¡°Then what should I do? Has Ruby found out everything? She¡¯s bound to speak with Bailee. How do I exin this to her?¡±

    Huey¡¯s attempts to deceive one person had inadvertently hurt both Bailee and Ruby, leaving himpletely at a loss.

    Check out the newest chapters g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Í?ls

    As Eileen was about to reply, Bailee walked in from the kitchen.

    Her expression was stern, her eyes tinged with redness. Snatching her purse from the sofa, she dered, ¡°Eileen, there¡¯s an urgent matter at work. I need to leave now. We¡¯ll reconnectter.¡±

    With that, Bailee strode toward the door, swapping her shoes as she reached the threshold. Huey, seated with a tense look on his face, didn¡¯t budge.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t youing?¡± Bailee snapped, her irritation evident. ¡°Can you even manage to eat without me here?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave!¡± Huey urged, springing to his feet. In a whisper to Eileen, he added, ¡°Eileen, could you put in a good word for me with Ruby? I need to sort things out with Bailee first.¡±

    With that, he dashed out, swift as the wind.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 463

    ?Chapter 463:

    From behind the floor-to-ceiling window, Eileen observed as Bailee sped away, with Huey following closely behind.

    ¡°They¡¯ve left?¡± Ruby inquired, drying her hands and noticing the now vacant space.

    ¡°Yes, they have,¡± Eileen replied.

    Ruby shook her head in dismay. ¡°I hadn¡¯t even finished my sentence when Bailee lost her temper. I couldn¡¯t calm her down.¡±

    Ruby had been recounting how Huey had denied their marriage and had agreed to meet another woman. Before Ruby had a chance to assess the situation or discuss the next steps with Bailee, Bailee had already stormed off.

    ¡°She¡¯s so impulsive,¡± Eileenmented, her voice tinged with concern. ¡°In any rtionship, at least one person needs to have the maturity to avoid causing harm to both parties.¡±

    ¡°What should we do now?¡± Ruby asked, her voice filled with helplessness. Ruby, known for her calm demeanor, found herself unable to confront Winona on Bailee¡¯s behalf.

    Clearly, leaving Bailee and Huey to sort things out on their own had only caused more pain for Bailee.

    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to Baileeter,¡± Eileen said, though she had intended to discuss things face-to-face before Bailee hurried off.

    In the end, Eileen had no choice but to send a message.

    The message read, ¡°While you both may bepatible personality-wise, learning to adapt can make the rtionship much smoother. Huey¡¯s actions show ack of maturity, and continuing like this will only cause you more distress. If you could take a moment to maturely consider the bigger picture before acting, perhaps things would unfold differently.¡±

    Bailee received Eileen¡¯s message while on her way home, still without Huey in sight.

    After an hour of contemting Eileen¡¯s words, Huey finally arrived home. Breathing heavily, he switched his shoes at the entrance and paused, eyeing Bailee uncertainly before stepping closer.

    ¡°Bailee¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say anything,¡± Bailee cut him off, gesturing toward the furthest chair. ¡°Sit down. We need to talk.¡±

    Obediently, Huey sat down, his posture stiff, his hands resting on his knees, waiting for Bailee to begin.

    ¡°I can¡¯t keep living this way,¡± Bailee said, her voice steady but filled with frustration. ¡°I want a proper wedding, not to be hidden like some secret for the rest of my life.¡±

    She fixed her gaze on him with sincere intensity. ¡°You¡¯re supposed to meet that woman tonight, aren¡¯t you? I¡¯ll be there too, but I¡¯ll keep my distance. Once you¡¯re done, meet me at the restaurant. We need to tell your mom about our marriage.¡±

    Huey¡¯s expression clouded, and he hesitated before responding. ¡°Could we possibly deal with this in a few days? Thepetition¡¯sing up, and I don¡¯t want any distractions messing with my performance¡­¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 464

    ?Chapter 464:

    ¡°Is your life going to be about a video game, or about us?¡± Bailee pressed, her expression tense. ¡°What matters more to you, our marriage or your gaming? If you¡¯d spent even a fraction of the energy you put into your games on our rtionship, we wouldn¡¯t be at this breaking point.¡±

    Huey realized then that he had hardly made time in his packed schedule to address their ongoing issues, including securing their marriage certificate and the frequent conflicts with his mother. Whenever his mother called during work, he would put off the conversation until he finished his tasks, only returning her callster.

    ¡°I married you because I love you and want to be with you for the rest of my life,¡± he said earnestly. ¡°Sure, sometimes my work takes over, and we spend less time together, but I¡¯ve always kept our rtionship and family at the forefront.¡±

    Bailee mulled over his words, but felt a cold weariness settle in her chest. ¡°My conditions are simple. Either we attend together tonight, or we divorce.¡±

    ¡°No divorce!¡± Huey protested, leaping to his feet and wrapping his arms around her tightly. ¡°Alright, alright, we¡¯ll go together tonight. Please, don¡¯t be upset. I realize I¡¯ve been handling things poorly, especially since I didn¡¯t expect my mom to visit your mom and let everything slip¡­¡±

    ¡°If she hadn¡¯t told on you, would you have kept seeing that other woman behind my back?¡± Dodging Huey¡¯s grasp, Bailee retorted, ¡°This isn¡¯t just about what happens in the end. It¡¯s about how you handle things along the way.¡±

    Even if their paths ultimately diverged, the sting of unreturned love was nothingpared to the relentless exhaustion and sorrow of an emotionally taxing rtionship.

    Huey opened his mouth to respond but then bit back his words.

    ¡°I¡¯m listening now,¡± he said, his voice filled with regret. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I know I¡¯ve screwed up, and I promise to make changes. Your feelings will always be my priority.¡±

    He had been the one to suggest marriage, driven by a spontaneous need to prove his love for Bailee. His intentions had been genuine, not merely a tactic to appease Winona. Divorce, however, had never crossed his mind.

    Explore fresh tales at g aln ov el s ;

    ¡°We haven¡¯t even eaten yet. How about we head to that restaurant you love in the suburbs? I can take you there right now.¡±

    He reached for Bailee¡¯s hand, trying to lift her from her seat, but she pulled away, disinterested.

    ¡°Forget it, I¡¯ve lost my appetite.¡±

    ¡°But if we don¡¯t go now, you¡¯ll hardly eat anything, especially if you have to watch me dine with another woman. Could you handle that?¡± Huey coaxed.

    Bailee¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Are you nning to dine with her for long?¡±

    Huey shook his head vigorously. ¡°No, no, no. I just meant that after dinner tonight, we still have to talk things over with my mom, and that¡¯s going to take a lot of time¡­ Plus, I¡¯m not sure how you¡¯re feeling¡­¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 465

    ?Chapter 465:

    That afternoon, although Bailee had skipped lunch, Eileen waited until Benjamin had picked up Dalores and brought her to the apartment before going to see her herself.

    Dalores, having not seen them for a few days, looked thinner, which somehow made her appear more stunning.

    Upon Eileen¡¯s arrival, Dalores was lounging on the sofa, engrossed in a TV show, a tter of fruit arranged before her. Two women, both around forty, lingered nearby, clearly hired to look after her.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis,¡± Dalores called out, giving the two women a subtle nod. They moved a few steps back but kept Dalores within their view.

    They could overhear the exchange between Eileen and Dalores.

    ¡°This ce is quite pleasant, perfect for some rxation,¡± Eileen remarked as she settled into a chair.

    Dalores gave a sideways nce at the two women, then bit her lip and sighed. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s lovely, much like a bird in a cage¡ªsafe, with all the sustenance it needs.¡±

    After Benjamin dropped Dalores off, he left. Eileen was already perplexed by Dalores¡¯ summons, and as she listened to Dalores¡¯ disjointed musings, her confusion only deepened.

    Having polished off the fruit on the tter, Dalores turned and voiced a new desire. ¡°I¡¯m craving durian. Do we have any?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t keep durian here, but we have other fruits,¡± one of the women responded, collecting the empty dish.

    Dalores¡¯ brow furrowed. ¡°Then go out and get some.¡±

    Julio had given the caregivers clear instructions¡ªto fulfill every one of Dalores¡¯ requests. The caregivers exchanged looks, and one of them left to procure the durian.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s offers tales worth telling

    ¡°Go fetch some other fruits,¡± Dalores instructed the remaining caregiver, sending her off. Now alone with Eileen in the living room, Dalores finally began to open up.

    ¡°Two days ago, I received a strange text message,¡± Dalores said, handing her phone to Eileen. The message was brief:

    ¡°I can help you escape from here.¡±

    Julio had blocked her on WhatsApp and all other social media tforms, refusing even to meet with her. Her only option had been to have Benjamin ry messages to Eileen.

    Dalores continued, ¡°I didn¡¯t reply. I¡¯m sure whoever sent this is an enemy of Julio¡¯s. If I were to leave now, it could endanger my unborn child.¡±

    Eileen quickly wrote down the number and sent it to Julio, along with a snapshot of the message Dalores had received.

    Julio called Eileen within seconds. ¡°What¡¯s this about?¡±

    ¡°Someone sent Dalores this message,¡± Eileen exined. She paused before adding, ¡°You haven¡¯t left her any way to contact you directly. Were you hoping someone else would handle themunication?¡±

    From the other end, Julio asserted, ¡°I¡¯m just trying to keep her safe.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 466

    ?Chapter 466:

    ¡°And what exactly are you trying to keep safe?¡± Eileen countered. ¡°You know the truth better than anyone.¡± She could tell he wasn¡¯t nning to soften his stance.

    After a brief pause, she continued, ¡°I¡¯ve passed along the message. How you handle this is your decision.¡±

    Ending the call, Eileen was about to hand the phone back to Dalores but stopped herself. ¡°I¡¯ll have Benjamin get you a new pher,¡± she said.

    It was clear that the security of this number waspromised. Any attempt to track Dalores using advanced technology would reveal her location.

    Dalores felt a wave of anxiety at Eileen¡¯s words. ¡°Is it really that serious?¡± she asked. ¡°I should never have involved you in this. Your safety should be my priority.¡±

    ¡°If you ever find yourself in trouble and can¡¯t get a hold of Julio, you can always reach out to me,¡± Eileen said, quickly writing down a new contact number on a piece of paper.

    Dalores had previously only used Eileen¡¯s office number, but this was her personal number.

    Dalores¡¯ lips tightened as she processed the new information. ¡°Thank you, Ms. Curtis,¡± she said.

    The caf¨¦ was bathed in the warm glow of the autumn sun, with leaves fluttering down from the towering trees outside.

    Z had been waiting for half an hour when her anticipated guest finally arrived.

    Bryan approached, dressed casually with a cap on, his hands tucked into his pockets. He settled into the seat across from Z, easing back into the sofa.

    ¡°So, tell me, who is Travis¡¯ biological father?¡± he asked.

    ¡°You don¡¯t beat around the bush, do you?¡± Z remarked, her voiceced with irritation. ¡°If I¡¯m willing to share this with you, it means I¡¯m on your side.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not here to listen to your nonsense,¡± Bryan said, his patience wearing thin. Yet, he believed Z truly knew the identity of Travis¡¯ biological father, which was why he had agreed to meet.

    Z fell silent. Those two had grilled her about Bryan and Eileen before, demanding she report on their every move. The truth was, Z wasn¡¯t entirely certain of the details regarding Travis¡¯ father¡¯s identity, but she had some idea.

    What she was sure about, however, was the motivation behind the actions of those two people.

    ¡°Let¡¯s make a deal.¡± Gripping the tablecloth tightly, Z spoke with conviction. ¡°Even though Eileen is the General Manager of the Freguson Group, she won¡¯t be of any help to you. Going up against Travis¡¯ biological father alone is a losing fight. What if you and I teamed up?¡±

    ¡°What do you want from me?¡± Bryan asked, already wary of Z¡¯s self-serving nature.

    ¡°Leave Eileen and marry me,¡± Z dered.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 467

    ?Chapter 467:

    Bryan¡¯s expression immediately darkened. ¡°Then there¡¯s nothing left to discuss,¡± he said, preparing to stand and leave.

    Z leapt to her feet, stopping him. ¡°I¡¯ve adored you for years. Since I joined the Dawson family, I¡¯ve devoted myself to you. Why can¡¯t you ept me? I was here before Eileen ever was!¡±

    Her outburst was met only with a cold, icy stare from Bryan, his eyes fixed on her hand clutching his arm. He spoke sharply, ¡°Let go.¡±

    ¡°While you were with her, she stayed with you because of her stepmother. I understand your sympathy for her, but why can¡¯t you show any for me?¡± Tears flowed freely down her cheeks as she held her ground. ¡°My life hasn¡¯t been any easier than hers. At home, I was always overlooked. You know what I¡¯ve endured since joining the Dawson family!¡±

    Bryan shook off her grip, his voice cold and firm. ¡°I pity you, but not her. I love her, and I¡¯m going to help her rise above her circumstances. You should stop wasting your time on people who just pity you. Find someone who can truly help you.¡±

    Someone who could help her?

    Z wanted to say that no one could help her. But then, images of Kian shed in her mind. He had always been there, offering to rescue her from the chaos surrounding the Dawson family.

    But she didn¡¯t love Kian.

    Now, because of Kian, she was engulfed in misery.

    She and Eileen weren¡¯t so different after all. And now¡­ Eileen had taken everything from her.

    This realization reverberated in Z¡¯s mind, refusing to fade.

    Her eyes gradually clouded with sorrow, and her voice broke slightly. ¡°Alright, I understand. My love for you over thest decade means nothing to you. Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t cling to you any longer. But you¡¯ll regret this.¡±

    Travis¡¯ biological father¡¯s scheme was cruel.

    Yet, Z kept quiet about it, eager to see how Bryan would protect Eileen.

    As Bryan walked away, a new n began to form in Z¡¯s mind.

    Once back in her car, she quickly dialed a number. ¡°Dariel, I¡¯m ready to fully engage with your project. Please tell your boss I¡¯ll be his most devoted and effective aide.¡±

    ¡°Oh? My boss will be delighted to hear that, Miss Murray. From now on, consider yourself part of our team,¡± Dariel replied.

    Z responded, ¡°I¡¯m pleased to join the team. About that b rat¡¯ you mentioned earlier, I have a few ideas I¡¯d like to discuss¡­¡±

    ¡°Go ahead. I¡¯ll make sure my boss hears them. He appreciates fresh perspectives.¡± Dariel¡¯s tone remained amiable.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 468

    ?Chapter 468:

    He was certain they had Z under their control, convinced she couldn¡¯t make any moves without their supervision.

    Z¡¯s voice resonated in the car, brimming with cunning plots and the bitterness of unrequited love.

    She couldn¡¯t bear not possessing what she desired; she was ready to tear down anything in her way.

    Late at night, at a bar,

    After several rounds of drinks, Z was tipsy yet alert.

    When a group of men approached her, she hesitated but eventually gave in to their advances.

    She believed she was already tainted; there was no facade left to maintain. She was there to indulge herself.

    They retreated to a private room, reveling until the early morning hours.

    Around three in the morning, the bar staff, cautious of trouble, served them sobering drinks before they left.

    Z got home just before four.

    The headlights of her car illuminated Milford, who was perched on the stairs, clutching his backpack and trembling in the crisp autumn air.

    Even his breath seemed cold now.

    Z, with keys in hand, stepped out of the car, ignoring Milford as she headed straight indoors.

    ?????????v?????.co?? for more reading

    Milford, numbed by the cold, caught a whiff of alcohol as Z passed by.

    He paused for a moment topose himself, frowning, before entering the house.

    Milford had spent the entire weekend working non-stop without any sleep. He had to catch the bus at six in the morning to school, leaving him barely two hours to rest.

    Ignoring Z, who was lounging on the sofa, he headed straight for his room.

    ¡°Stop. Bring me some warm water,¡± Z demanded.

    Milford paused for a second before responding, ¡°Get it yourself.¡±

    ¡°Why do I even feed you?¡± Z snapped, jumping to her feet and ring at Milford¡¯s retreating figure. ¡°You eat my food, use my things, and now you¡¯re talking back?¡±

    With a loud thud, Milford set his bag down and turned around, his face twisted into a mocking sneer. ¡°Do I need to remind you? I haven¡¯t touched anything you¡¯ve bought. The food I eat is paid for with my own earnings. I cover my own school expenses with the money I earned¡ª¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t I cover your tuition?¡± Z interjected sharply. ¡°You refused the living expenses I offered and insisted on working part-time. How is that my fault? You¡¯ll do anything for Eileen while you¡¯re living in her ce, but you can¡¯t even fetch me a ss of water?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 469

    ?Chapter 469:

    ¡°That¡¯s right! I don¡¯t want to do that for you!¡± Milford shot back fiercely. ¡°You don¡¯t deserve my kindness. You¡¯re selfish and arrogant! Eileen is better than you in every way!¡±

    At that, Z¡¯s anger boiled over, and she struck Milford with a furious p.

    Milford¡¯s cheek was marked by a vivid red handprint, swollen.

    ¡°You¡¯re all fooled, thinking she¡¯s better than me. I¡¯ll show you the cost of your betrayal!¡± Z, her eyes bloodshot and fury unabated, began to hurl objects around the room.

    Milford retreated to his room and grabbed his backpack, clearly intent on leaving.

    Z yelled, ¡°I¡¯ll go to Eileen if you¡¯re not home on time. If you¡¯re disobedient, I¡¯ll hold her ountable for how she raised you!¡±

    Milford clenched his fists, his re burning into Z before he scoffed and stormed out.

    Z was certain Milford would return.

    Milford knew dragging Eileen into this would onlyplicate matters, and despite his shes with Z, he would return, enduring the situation for now.

    After all, freedom loomed on the horizon. Once he graduated and was earning money on his own, he could escape Z¡¯s grasp.

    Moonlight streamed into the room, casting a soft glow over Bryan¡¯s face, his brows furrowed and his breathing shallow.

    Trapped in a haunting dream, Bryan saw Eileen abandoning him, his frantic search for her futile and desperate.

    The dream felt disconcertingly real.

    Gabri cried out in his arms, calling for Eileen, her tears rendering him helpless, a deep ache swelling in his chest.

    Chapters live now at ??????¦Ò????????.c§àm

    Suddenly, Bryan grabbed Eileen¡¯s wrist, jerking her awake. Her eyes, clear and calm, met his, still carrying the remnants of his nightmare.

    The silence lingered for a few seconds. Before Eileen could voice her concerns, Bryan suddenly pulled her into a firm embrace.

    His grip was unexpectedly strong, betraying a fear as if letting go would cause her to disappear.

    Eileen responded by wrapping her arms around his waist, pressing her ear against his chest to hear the rapid beat of his heart.

    As Bryan¡¯s fear subsided, he inhaled deeply and rxed his embrace a little.

    ¡°Did you have a nightmare?¡± Eileen inquired, her voice soft. This seemed the only exnation for Bryan¡¯s distress. ¡°What was it? Did you dream that Gabri got married?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s voice was a whisper. ¡°I dreamed you were gone.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s heart fluttered. A simple dream had startled him to this extent?

    ¡°Where would I go, anyway?¡± Eileen soothed Bryan with a gentle pat on his back, joking, ¡°I¡¯ve already had Gabri; where could I possibly escape to?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 470

    ?Chapter 470:

    But Bryan¡¯s dream wasn¡¯t about Eileen leaving¡ªit was the fear of her disappearing without a trace.

    That kind of disappearance¡­ It might not be something within Eileen¡¯s power to prevent.

    The unspoken fears clogged Bryan¡¯s throat.

    Eileen said, ¡°Let¡¯s not talk of running away. Even if I die, I¡¯ll find you in heaven someday¡ª¡±

    Her words pierced Bryan¡¯s heart, prompting a sharp intake of breath. He pressed his lips to hers, silencing her words.

    His kiss was so intense it left her breathless, her cheeks flushing a vivid red, her mind spinning.

    When Bryan finally pulled away, he warned, ¡°Don¡¯t ever say that again.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen responded, taking in a deep breath. Yet she couldn¡¯t help but add, ¡°Let¡¯s make a pact then. No one leaves. And if one of us does, they¡­ They¡¯ll be a puppy.¡±

    Bryan¡¯sugh broke through his somber mood. Eileen¡¯s attempt to lighten the atmosphere had worked.

    He extended his pinky, linking it with hers. ¡°Deal. The one who leaves is a puppy and must bark when we see each other again.¡±

    ¡°I can do a good dog impression,¡± Eileen said seriously.

    Bryan snorted and replied, ¡°Really? Everyone can bark.¡±

    ¡°But my bark is unique,¡± Eileen said with confidence.

    His curiosity piqued, Bryan raised an eyebrow. ¡°Oh? Let¡¯s hear it then.¡±

    Fresh updates avable at ?@ln¦Ò¦Íe?s

    Clearing her throat, Eileen said, ¡°Well, show me how a dog barks first.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Bryan furrowed his brows.

    ¡°What?¡± Eileen mimicked him.

    The next second, Bryan¡¯s hand slid beneath Eileen¡¯s shirt, grazing her ticklish belly. She squirmed, giggling uncontrobly.

    He continued his yful torment until tears pooled in her eyes, and she begged him to stop. Bryan, however, didn¡¯t relent.

    ¡°Ahh¡ª¡±

    Their yful noise roused Gabri, who propped herself up, rubbing her eyes. She gazed at them and let out a series of sounds.

    Eileen quickly shoved Bryan aside, and they both sat up to face Gabri.

    ¡°Hee hee¡­¡± Gabri¡¯s light-hearted giggle caught Eileen off guard, tugging at her emotions and making her heart melt.

    As evening fell, Bailee and Huey arrived at their nned dinner spot.

    Huey parked the car, pocketed the keys, and led Bailee inside, holding her hand.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 471

    ?Chapter 471:

    As Huey stepped out of the car, a girl d in hip-hop attire with dreadlocks called out, ¡°Hu¡ª¡±

    She stopped mid-sentence, eyes narrowing as she observed Huey holding Bailee¡¯s hand. She trailed them into the restaurant, keeping a curious eye on the couple.

    ¡°Wait for me in the next room, and please don¡¯t wander. I¡¯ll wrap up this dinner quickly, and then you can join. We¡¯ll have a proper talk with my mom,¡± Huey said to Bailee.

    They had arrived early. Huey had secured a private room right next to the one Winona had reserved.

    Leading Bailee inside, Huey left the door slightly open.

    ¡°You¡¯ve made so many promises, I know. I¡¯m not going anywhere,¡± Bailee said, shaking her head at Huey¡¯s constant reassurances.

    ¡°I just worry that you¡¯ll leave.¡± Huey handed her a cup of steaming water and nced at his watch. ¡°It¡¯s nearly time. I¡¯ll head to the next room first, so they don¡¯t spot us together.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Bailee replied.

    Ever since they had nned this evening, Huey had been worried that Bailee might be mistreated by Winona.

    He kept assuring Bailee that he would handle things with Winona, urging her not to take any harsh words to heart. He had promised her that he would always love her.

    These endless assurances had Bailee¡¯s ears buzzing, yet she had to admit her anger had eased somewhat.

    Huey then stood up, gently closing the door behind him as he moved to the room next door.

    Looking up, his eyes met those of the girl with dreadlocks.

    Find your next read at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Huey paused for a moment before speaking. ¡°Hello, are you Jillian Rayne?¡±

    Jillian nodded. ¡°Yes. Didn¡¯t you see my pictures?¡±

    Jillian had immediately recognized Huey from the recent photos she had seen.

    Although Winona had sent Jillian¡¯s photos to Huey, Huey hadn¡¯t bothered to look at them.

    Nheless, he politely replied, ¡°Yes, I did see them, but it¡¯s always good to be sure.¡±

    He then chose a seat as far from Jillian as possible.

    Suddenly, Jillian suggested, ¡°My parents should be downstairs by now. We should go down and meet them, just to be polite.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Huey agreed, his expression stern as he reluctantly followed Jillian downstairs.

    However, when they reached the entrance to the restaurant, there was no sign of anyone. Jillian¡¯s brow furrowed as she said, ¡°Why aren¡¯t they here yet? Let me call my dad. Why don¡¯t you check in with your parents, too?¡±

    Huey, who wasn¡¯t looking forward to the meeting, was indifferent about when their parents would arrive.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 472

    ?Chapter 472:

    But then Jillian said, ¡°We need to sort things out with our families quickly. Otherwise, we¡¯ll be waiting around for another half hour.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Huey replied, thinking of Bailee, who was waiting. He pulled out his phone and walked over to the water fountain near the entrance.

    Just as he was about to make a call, something bumped his elbow, causing his phone to slip from his grasp and fall into the water.

    The phone¡¯s screen flickered twice before going dark.

    ¡°Damn!¡± Huey eximed, rolling up his sleeve to grab the phone. Just then, a security guard quickly stepped in.

    ¡°Sir, the pool is 1.5 meters deep at its deepest point. You can¡¯t just dive in.¡±

    Huey¡¯s foot was already soaked as the guard yanked him back, his anxiety rising. ¡°I¡¯m way taller than 1.5 meters!¡± he retorted angrily.

    The guard shifted ufortably. ¡°Even so, it¡¯s not safe.¡±

    ¡°You could lose your footing and drown.¡±

    By then, the guard had called for help to retrieve the phone.

    Jillian, witnessing this, smirked and spoke into her phone. ¡°Dad, just go to the other restaurant like I suggested. We¡¯ll be there soon.¡±

    After ending the call, she walked over to Huey. ¡°My dad says they¡¯ve changed the locationst minute, and your folks have already headed there. We should go now.¡±

    ¡°But my phone is still in the water,¡± Huey said, clearly frustrated by the slow rescue operation.

    More updates uploaded to g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??ls

    His phone contained criticalpetition data and meticulously gathered videos; losing it would be a major setback.

    ¡°Why not let them mail it to your ce once they retrieve it? Waiting here could take forever,¡± Jillian suggested, pulling out a pen and paper. ¡°Where do you live? Maybe leave a backup number.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to know that. Just don¡¯t get in my way,¡± Huey snapped, pushing her aside. He then turned to the staff, his tone urgent. ¡°Hurry up, or my phone will be ruined! What¡¯s the point of getting it back then?¡±

    If the motherboard wasn¡¯t damaged, he might still be able to recover the data by taking it to a repair shop.

    The staff quickly stepped up their efforts, and after a while, they sessfully retrieved the phone. They suggested, ¡°Our restaurant has a hairdryer. We can open the phone and dry it thoroughly.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Huey replied, following the staff member back into the restaurant to find the hairdryer.

    Jillian nced upstairs, a flicker of light in her eyes, before signaling to a waiter.

    The restaurant¡¯s private dining rooms were well soundproofed. Unaware of the events outside, Bailee was absorbed in her phone, handling some work issues.

    Suddenly, a knock at the door caught her attention.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 473

    ?Chapter 473:

    ¡°Good evening, miss. Are you ready to order?¡± a waiter asked, extending the menu with a courteous gesture.

    ¡°Oh, no, thank you. I¡¯m not ordering tonight,¡± Bailee replied, her tone apologetic. She and Huey had informed the staff when reserving the private room that they wouldn¡¯t be ordering food but would still pay for the space.

    Since it wasn¡¯t the busy season, the restaurant was more than willing to amodate such arrangements for the right price.

    To her surprise, the waiter¡¯s expression soured as he reimed the menu.

    ¡°Why do you and the guests in the next room behave the same way? Reserving a room and not ordering before leaving? How are we supposed to sustain our staff with just a small service fee?¡± the waiterined.

    Bailee felt a flush of embarrassment. But before she could respond, another detail caught her off-guard. ¡°You mentioned¡­ Did the guests in the next room leave?¡±

    The waiter nodded impatiently. ¡°Yes, the woman arrived and then left with the man in a hurry.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Bailee sprang to her feet, hurried to the neighboring room, and found it empty. Two chairs were disced, evidence of recent upancy, but the room was vacant.

    Bailee¡¯s heart clenched. She quickly dialed Huey¡¯s number, but his phone was turned off.

    Herplexion turned ashen. She bit her lower lip hard, and tears welled up in her eyes. She made her way downstairs.

    Although Huey¡¯s car was still parked in its spot, without the keys, Bailee had no choice but to hail a taxi.

    She puzzled over why Huey would leave his car but leave with someone else. Could he be trying to make it seem like he was still around?

    Your source for updates g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls

    As she tried to catch a taxi during the busy hour, her arm grew sore from the effort, until she finally managed to stop one and set off for home.

    Meanwhile, Huey had salvaged his phone from the water and was nning to get it repaired.

    ¡°My parents are still waiting. Can your phone repair wait until tomorrow?¡± Jillian asked, standing in the lobby with her purse.

    Huey didn¡¯t look up as he replied, ¡°No. Truth be told, I¡¯m married, and my wife is upstairs. Today was meant for us to confess everything. Didn¡¯t you mention your parents changed the location? Go on without me. Convey my apologies. I need to join my wife and take care of this phone issue.¡±

    With that, he headed back upstairs, focused on the phone problem.

    Upon entering the room, however, he noticed a waiter clearing up.

    ¡°Where is the woman who was here a few minutes ago?¡± Huey asked.

    ¡°She left,¡± the waiter replied.

    A whirlwind of thoughts engulfed Huey. Had Bailee decided not to speak with his mother after all? Or had she recalled something distressing that made her leave?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 474

    ?Chapter 474:

    Huey couldn¡¯t make a guess, so he decided to leave the restaurant to fix his phone first. He nned to discuss the matter with Baileeter in the evening when he got home.

    At the Freguson Group office, Eileen received a concerning update from Mr. Wright and Mr. Watts. They admitted that they had been manipted by Brandon due to past mistakes they had made before their appointments as officials. As a result, they had beenpelled to assist Brandon.

    ¡°Miss Curtis, if you can resolve this issue, the Freguson Group will certainly secure the project in Linder Land,¡± Mr. Wright assured her.

    ¡°Mr. Wright, Mr. Watts, I¡¯m not here to threaten anyone; that would make me no different from Brandon. Let me be clear¡ªI¡¯m here to oppose him. Rest assured, I will do everything I can to help,¡± Eileen replied.

    Eileen wasn¡¯t particrly interested in taking the Linder Land project. If it failed, Brandon would offend Mr. Wright and Mr. Watts, potentially ruining the Apex Group. At that point, she wouldn¡¯t need to intervene.

    ¡°Brandon probably took the evidence with him,¡± Benjamin spected after understanding the situation. ¡°How do you n to retrieve it? You might not even get close to Brandon.¡±

    It was a challenging situation, but that wasn¡¯t Eileen¡¯s main concern right now.

    Eileen thought for a moment, resting her chin on her hand. ¡°How did Brandon manage to obtain evidence of their past mistakes?¡±

    It had to be undeniable evidence that had left Mr. Wright and Mr. Watts with no choice but toply with Brandon¡¯s demands.

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Benjamin was puzzled, too. ¡°Logically, it¡¯s been years. It could only still exist if they had conspired with someone, and that person still has the evidence. Otherwise, any minor evidence would have been discarded by now.¡±

    It was possible they themselves still had the evidence, but it was unlikely they would hand it over to Brandon.

    For updates, visit ?¦Ál?ov??s.co?

    In other words, they had made mistakes and conspired with the wrong person, leaving evidence in someone else¡¯s hands.

    ¡°Forget it,¡± Eileen decided, dismissing the thought. ¡°I don¡¯t have time to dwell on this. Help me find out who Lydia usually meets.¡±

    Benjamin suddenly recalled something. ¡°A while back, I heard some gossip about Lydia visiting a KTVte at night, and some photos were leaked, but they were quickly suppressed.¡±

    ¡°KTV?¡± Eileen¡¯s instincts told her it couldn¡¯t be Lydia. She knew Brandon well. Could Brandon really be okay with his wife visiting a KTV for entertainment?

    Still, Eileen wasn¡¯t one to dismiss any leads. ¡°Have someone keep tabs on Lydia,¡± she said.

    ¡°I recall the report mentioned Lydia frequents that KTV on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Today is Thursday. Maybe we should try our luck there?¡± Benjamin suggested, proposing they stake out the KTV rather than just follow Lydia.

    Images of lively parties shed through Eileen¡¯s mind, shing with the quieter image of her baby and Bryan. This made her hesitate and feel a bit guilty.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 475

    ?Chapter 475:

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Benjamin asked with augh. ¡°Does Mr. Dawson enforce strict rules at home? You¡¯re not allowed to go?¡±

    ¡°Are you joking?¡± Eileen quickly responded. ¡°It¡¯s not that. I just don¡¯t like those ces. But never mind; I¡¯ll go tonight.¡±

    ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll go together,¡± Benjamin agreed, tactfully avoiding questioning her reasons.

    Later that evening, Eileen fibbed about needing to workte and then headed to the KTV with Benjamin.

    ¡°Go ahead and check inside. I¡¯ll wait out here,¡± Eileen instructed Benjamin. Given the size of the KTV, they decided to split up to cover more ground.

    Benjamin exited the car and went into the KTV, while Eileen stayed behind. After sitting in the car for about ten minutes, she began to feel stifled. She stepped out and peered between two parked cars.

    ¡°She¡¯s not here yet,¡± Benjamin emerged from the KTV and announced. ¡°It¡¯s still early; Lydia hasn¡¯t arrived. But even if she does, what¡¯s your n? Take some photos and threaten her to exchange evidence?¡±

    It wasn¡¯t an impossible idea, but it was unlikely to seed.

    ¡°What if Lydia is meeting someone specific here?¡± Eileen wondered aloud, turning to Benjamin. ¡°If it¡¯s really her, we could have someone gain her trust, follow her home, and then get the evidence.¡±

    Benjamin raised an eyebrow. ¡°What are you thinking? Lydia bringing a man home? Does she have a death wish?¡±

    The n seemed unfeasible, but Eileen and Benjamin knew they had to try something.

    Suddenly, a familiar scent of cologne wafted towards Eileen. Before she could ce it, Christos appeared in front of her.

    Find your adventure at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§àm (uso de ¡°?¡± y ¡°§à¡± cir¨ªlica)

    ¡°Eileen, are you here for some fun?¡± Christos asked.

    Benjamin nced at Eileen, puzzled, wondering when she had be acquainted with such a handsome young man.

    Eileen noticed that Christos was wearing colored contacts, altering his eye color. Yet, his mixed-race features were unmistakable to anyone who looked closely.

    ¡°Well¡­ I¡¯m actually here looking for someone,¡± Eileen replied with a smile.

    ¡°Is this guy your boyfriend?¡± Christos asked, eyeing Benjamin curiously.

    Benjamin remained silent.

    Seeing theplex expression on Benjamin¡¯s face, Eileen couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit amused. Christos certainly stood out here. Eileen worried that if Lydia arrived and saw him, it might raise some suspicions.

    To avoid any potential trouble, Eileen suggested they head to a nearby coffee shop, taking Christos along with them.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 476

    ?Chapter 476:

    Christos continued to chatter incessantly, bombarding her with questions. Eileen responded asionally, even mentioning that she had recently had a baby. However, based on the skeptical look on Christos¡¯ face, he didn¡¯t seem to fully believe her.

    At the coffee shop, Eileen ordered three cups of coffee. As they waited for their drinks, they found seats. After settling down, Christos spoke up first.

    ¡°Eileen, it feels like fate that we¡¯ve met. Do you feel it too?¡±

    To Eileen, Christos seemed like just a clever, talkative young man. She replied, ¡°I meet many people daily, converse with strangers, and often help them. Is that what you mean by ¡®fate¡¯?¡±

    After a pause, Christos asked, ¡°Do you know Travis?¡±

    Eileen stared at him, taken aback.

    ¡°I know you were once the special assistant to the former president of the Apex Group, and Travis is the current president¡¯s son. You must know him, right?¡± Christos narrowed his eyes and smiled at Eileen¡¯s serious expression.

    Around them, many young couples and girls were chatting and enjoying their time. But Eileen¡¯s mind was preupied with Christos¡¯ question about Travis.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Travis and I are close friends,¡± Christos reassured her, lifting his eyebrows. ¡°The president of the Apex Group is his stepfather, whom he despises for turning against his own son.¡±

    ¡°Hold on a second,¡± Eileen interrupted, her curiosity piqued. ¡°Are you and Travis so close that you share things like that with each other?¡±

    Christos beamed with pride. ¡°Absolutely. Travis and I get along really well.¡±

    At this, Eileen was at a loss for words.

    L?t??¦Ó ch¨»¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?????.??????

    She neither liked nor disliked Christos. However, she now felt a distinct detachment. She found herself instinctively wary of anything rted to Brandon, Lydia, and Travis.

    ¡°Eileen, did I just hear you mention wanting to steal something from Travis¡¯ stepfather?¡± Christos asked loudly.

    The word ¡°steal¡± caught the attention of nearby people.

    Eileen gave him aplex look and said, ¡°Let¡¯s part ways here and consider we don¡¯t know each other from now on. Goodbye.¡±

    Their coffee arrived. Eileen grabbed hers and walked away with Benjamin.

    Christos, leaving his drink behind, rushed out of the coffee shop, pleading, ¡°Eileen, don¡¯t be wary of me. I¡¯m genuinely a good person, and so is Travis. Tell me what you need to steal. I¡¯ll have Travis get it for you!¡±

    He spoke as if Travis would obediently do whatever he suggested.

    ¡°Christos, stop. I can handle my own business. You¡¯re just kids. Stay out of it,¡± Eileen said, her expression serious. ¡°Don¡¯t even say hello if you see me again.¡±

    With that, she walked away.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 477

    ?Chapter 477:

    Possibly intimidated by Eileen¡¯s stern gaze, Christos did not follow.

    Afterward, Eileen handed her coffee to Benjamin, and the two of them drove off.

    Eileen worried that Christos might inform Travis about her n to steal evidence from Brandon. That would be as good as telling Brandon himself, rendering all her efforts useless.

    After Eileen and Benjamin left, Lydia arrived at the coffee shop.

    Instead of her usual dignified, elegant style, she had opted for a revealing off-the-shoulder skirt and heavy makeup, looking alluring.

    As soon as she stepped out of the car, she spotted Christos standing nearby. She quickly narrowed her eyes and walked over. ¡°What are you doing here¡­?¡±

    Eileen returned home, still carrying the scent of cologne.

    She had informed Bryan that she would be workingte and advised him not to wait up for dinner.

    When she walked in, the dinner tes were still on the table. Ruby was just tossing some leftover food into the trash.

    ¡°You¡¯re back early. Weren¡¯t you workingte?¡± Ruby asked as she picked up an empty te. ¡°Have you eaten?¡±

    ¡°No, but I¡¯m not hungry,¡± Eileen replied, slipping off her shoes and helping Ruby tidy up the table as they discussed Bailee¡¯s situation.

    Eileen wasn¡¯t sure if Huey had resolved the issue with the arranged marriage he had faced that night, as Bailee hadn¡¯t mentioned it again.

    While Eileen was cleaning, Bryan suddenly entered the kitchen and took the items from Ruby¡¯s hands. ¡°Go ahead and help Gabri with her bath. It¡¯s not appropriate for me to do it,¡± he said.

    I@te$t ¡é#@pter$ In g@!novel$.c0m

    Typically, it was either Ruby or Eileen who bathed Gabri, since Bryan was a man.

    Ruby quickly washed her hands and hurried upstairs to the bathroom with Gabri.

    As Eileen tossed a dish into the sink, Bryan grabbed her hand and pushed her into a corner.

    ¡°Which man smells so good on you? And why did you lie about workingte?¡± Bryan asked, his voice thick with jealousy.

    Eileen could tell Bryan was just being jealous, but he looked seriously intense, his eyes focused on her, waiting for an exnation.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Eileen said, still not noticing the cologne on her. ¡°What are you, a dog? How can you smell that?¡±

    ¡°If I were a dog, I¡¯d bite you to death first,¡± Bryan replied darkly, then lowered his head to sniff her again. ¡°What awful perfume is this?¡±

    Eileen suspected the scent was Christos¡¯s cologne.

    ¡°He¡¯s just a kid,¡± she said nonchntly.

    Bryan paused for a moment before asking, ¡°Not a client?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 478

    ?Chapter 478:

    Given Eileen¡¯s busy schedule, when would she ever run into a random kid who wasn¡¯t connected to her work?

    Bryan¡¯s lips tightened as his eyes followed Eileen¡¯s every movement while she organized the kitchen.

    It was bing clear to him that she didn¡¯t take his jealousy as seriously as he had expected. She hadn¡¯t even bothered to offer him a full exnation.

    ¡°Right, I¡¯ve run into him a few times. Oh, and he mentioned he¡ª¡± Eileen began, but just as she was about to mention that Christos knew Travis, she turned to find Bryan already moving to the fridge, pulling out a drink.

    ¡°It¡¯s not appropriate for me to hear what he told you, right?¡± Bryan said sarcastically, effortlessly popping the cap off the bottle she often advised him against and taking a swig right before her eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go upstairs and get Gabri¡¯s nket,¡± Bryan announced, clearly still bothered by the lingering scent on Eileen.

    As Eileen watched him ascend the stairs, she wondered if he was imagining the scent. She sniffed her clothes again but detected nothing.

    After cleaning up, Eileen made her way upstairs to shower, using plenty of body wash to remove any lingering traces of the scent.

    When she returned to the bedroom, she found Gabri ready for sleep, clutching her bottle and kicking her little feet yfully.

    Upon seeing Eileen, Gabri rolled over with a smile.

    ¡°Hey there,¡± Eileen chuckled, fully aware that Gabri craved her cuddles, especially at bedtime.

    Bryan, still visibly bothered, shifted away from Gabri¡¯s side and ignored Eileen.

    Every tale finds a home at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Eileen slipped into bed between them, dimming the lights and whispering softly to Gabri as she gently patted the child to sleep.

    Before long, Gabri fell asleep, her chubby arms wrapping around Eileen¡¯s wrist.

    Eileen gently freed her wrist, tucked Gabri under the nkets, and then turned to face Bryan.

    The dim light entuated Bryan¡¯s muscr back¡ªa striking contrast between his broad shoulders and narrow waist. The quilt hung just over his chest, casting his silhouette sharply against the wall under the soft glow of the nightmp.

    Eileen yfully nudged his side.

    Bryan tensed for a moment but remained still.

    In a soft, teasing voice, Eileen whispered, ¡°Do you want to hold me? I made sure there¡¯s no trace of that scent after my shower.¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Bryan¡¯s response was unwavering.

    ¡°Really?¡± Eileen pressed, a hint of skepticism in her tone.

    Bryan¡¯s response was firm. ¡°No.¡±

    Eileen smiled mischievously. ¡°Then can I hold you?¡±

    As she spoke, Eileen slid closer and embraced Bryan from behind, her cool fingers tracing gentle patterns across his chest.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 479

    ?Chapter 479:

    The sensation was delightful. She savored the feeling, enjoying the firm muscle beneath her fingers¡ªit was irresistibly good.

    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me!¡± Bryan warned, his voice carrying a teasing edge. ¡°Are you trying to charm me?¡±

    His discipline was firm, a solid wall against her yful advances.

    Eileen¡¯s rebellious spirit red. She pushed Bryan down, her hands firmly pressing against his chest as she pinned him beneath her. ¡°What do you mean? Don¡¯t you find me attractive?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s expression remained neutral as he turned his gaze away.

    However, the soft brush of Eileen¡¯s hair against his chest stirred something within him.

    ¡°I can handle this,¡± Bryan muttered under his breath.

    ¡°Really?¡± Eileen raised an eyebrow, her lips glistening slightly as she licked them, intensifying her allure.

    If Bryan truly resisted her, it would mean she had no sway over him.

    Usually, Eileen yed a more reserved role in their affectionate exchanges. Yet, when she let her teasing side show, Bryan often found himself at a disadvantage.

    Eileen continued to tease, but didn¡¯t push further. With a sharp breath, Bryan finally couldn¡¯t bear it any longer.

    In a swift movement, he caught Eileen¡¯s roaming hand, lifted her effortlessly, and carried her into the bathroom.

    The abrupt action left Eileen momentarily stunned, her mind hazy as the room spun around her.

    Let your mind wander with g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q??????

    Momentster, a low growl came from the bathroom. ¡°Eileen, why? Why tempt me when you know it¡¯s that time of the month?¡±

    Eileen paused before replying, ¡°Well¡­ you were the one who said I couldn¡¯t charm you. I was just trying to cheer you up, since you seemed upset.¡±

    Bryan clenched his teeth. ¡°Are you finding this amusing?¡±

    Eileen shook her head, sensing his genuine difort.

    ¡°I¡¯ll run some cold water for you and grab an ice-cold drink from the fridge in a bit,¡± she suggested, stepping out of the bathroom to give him space to calm down.

    Twenty minutester, Bryan was still visibly affected.

    When he finally emerged from the bathroom, he found the drinks Eileen had taken from the fridge, now buried under a pile of ice on the bedside table. Gabri was positioned in the middle of the bed, acting as a buffer, and Eileen had already dozed off.

    In the middle-upper-ss neighborhood where Huey and Bailee lived, the streets were alive with early risers.

    Bailee hadn¡¯t been in the area for long, but she had quickly gotten to know the residents. It was 9 p.m. when she returned home from the restaurant by taxi.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 480

    ?Chapter 480:

    She¡¯d tried calling Huey twice during the ride home, but his phone was off, so she had no choice but to wait.

    She waited until dawn.

    It wasn¡¯t until the receptionist from the educational center rang about a visitor that Bailee realized it was already 9 a.m.

    Her eyes were sore and swollen fromck of sleep, but she managed to freshen up and head to work, her mind still tangled with worries about Huey¡¯s absence.

    Upon her arrival, the receptionist quickly approached her and directed her to the waiting area. ¡°Ms. Brooks, ady has been waiting for you for a while. She specifically asked to see you.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll handle it from here,¡± Bailee replied, aware that as the manager of the educational center, she was often the first point of contact.

    As she approached the waiting woman, Bailee greeted her warmly. ¡°Hello, I manage the educational center. You can call me Ms. Brooks. How can I assist you today regarding your child¡¯s education?¡±

    Jillian nodded in acknowledgment. ¡°Actually, it¡¯s not about tutoring. I¡¯m here to talk about something personal with you.¡±

    Taken aback, Bailee sat down across from Jillian. ¡°Really? Do I know you?¡±

    ¡°Not directly, but I know your husband, Huey,¡± Jillian exined, offering her hand. ¡°I¡¯m Jillian Rayne, Huey¡¯s childhood betrothed.¡±

    As Bailee processed this revtion, her mind spun with confusion, the unexpected encounter triggering a storm of emotions inside her. The noise from the bustling street outside couldn¡¯t mask the turmoil she felt within.

    She observed how different she and Jillian were, both in demeanor and appearance. Huey had often expressed a desire to take her to lively events, yet she had hesitated, her cautious nature always holding her back. Huey had evenined about her timidity before. Was it possible Huey was drawn to Jillian¡¯s bold and adventurous spirit?

    ¡°Last night, Huey and I met, and it seems we both still understand each other quite well. We believe we¡¯re a match. But he¡¯s reluctant to discuss this with you, given that you two are married.¡± Jillian paused, allowing Bailee a moment to gather her thoughts before taking a sip of her coffee.

    ¡°Yes, we¡¯re married. You don¡¯t mind that?¡± Bailee responded, regaining herposure.

    ¡°Not in the slightest.¡± Jillian set her cup down with a soft clink against the saucer. ¡°As long as Miss Brooks doesn¡¯t make a fuss about it. We¡¯re all mature here; it¡¯s time to be decisive about this.¡±

    Then, Jillian pulled a divorce agreement from her bag. ¡°Please sign this. Your marriage is rtively new; I doubt there are any significant assets to argue over.¡±

    Bailee clenched her thigh under the table, a silent reminder to remainposed. ¡°I married Huey. If we¡¯re to divorce, he should be the one to tell me.¡±

    ¡°He did make those vows, but he married you quickly as a rebellious act against his mother. It¡¯s difficult for him to initiate this divorce talk. I hope you can understand where he¡¯sing from.¡± Jillian then produced a card. ¡°There¡¯s two hundred thousand dors here as a settlement from him. I was going to keep it hidden, but you¡¯re more stubborn than I anticipated. You can take this and think it over, Miss Brooks.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 481

    ?Chapter 481:

    Jillian clearly wanted Bailee to take the money and sign the divorce agreement, leaving Huey for good. Bailee had never imagined her marriage would end with a financial offer.

    She reached for her phone to call Huey, but his phone was still turned off.

    Standing up, Bailee said firmly, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I won¡¯t sign anything. If Huey wants a divorce, he needs to speak to me himself.¡±

    Under Jillian¡¯s shocked gaze, Bailee turned and walked away.

    After some time, Jillian left the educational center and headed back to her car. Once inside, she immediately dialed her mother¡¯s number.

    ¡°Mom, how¡¯s Huey¡¯s mom holding up?¡± Jillian asked.

    ¡°Her outburstst night caused a cerebral hemorrhage. She¡¯s in the ICU now, still unconscious. Your father has been by Huey¡¯s father¡¯s side,forting him,¡± Jillian¡¯s mother exined with a heavy heart. ¡°I was under the impression that his son, being in the gaming industry, might be a bit unruly. Yet, he rushed to the hospital the moment he heard about his mother¡¯s condition and hasn¡¯t left her bedside¡ªa truly devoted son.¡±

    Shortly after Jillian had said goodbye to Huey, a call from her mother hade. Winona had fainted in the car as soon as she learned about the change in their meeting location, suspecting something was wrong with Huey.

    Upon arriving at the hospital with her mother, Jillian found Huey there, clutching his broken phone. The doctors were unsure how long Winona would remain unconscious. Judging by Huey¡¯s expression, Jillian sensed he would stay by his mother¡¯s side until she regained consciousness.

    ¡°It¡¯s unfortunate timing. We really should discuss your situation thoroughly,¡± Jillian¡¯s mother said with a sigh.

    Jillian smiled and replied, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. If Huey and I are meant to be, it¡¯ll happen naturally.¡±

    After chatting a bit more, they ended the call.

    L¨»¦Ó??¦Ó c§ß¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ??n g??l??ov?l??.??o??

    Meanwhile, Huey, having spent the night in the hospital, had fallen asleep just outside the ICU.

    Suddenly, his head drooped, and he slumped to the floor in an awkward heap. He jolted awake, taking a moment to gather his bearings. Instinctively reaching for his phone, he suddenly remembered it was still off.

    Morning had already arrived, and Bailee would be awake now. Huey knew he needed to update Bailee about his mother¡¯s critical condition.

    Spotting a nurse, Huey charmed her into lending him her phone for a quick call to Bailee.

    Before the phone had a chance to ring more than a couple of times, it was abruptly disconnected.

    ¡°Do you want to try again?¡± the nurse asked, her voice tinged with concern. ¡°I need to check on my patients now.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 482

    ?Chapter 482:

    ¡°No, thank you,¡± Huey replied, taking the phone back from her and staying by the ICU doors, waiting.

    Unbeknownst to him, Bailee had just ended the call and was now sobbing at her desk after Jillian had left.

    The previous encounters between Christos and Eileen had been by chance. However, this time, Christos was deliberately waiting for Eileen outside the Freguson Group¡¯s building.

    As soon as Christos saw Eileen¡¯s car, he dashed toward it, desperate to stop her.

    Left with no other option, Eileen stopped the car and rolled down her window, asking, ¡°Why are you here?¡±

    ¡°Eileen, I had Travis steal what you needed!¡± Christos raised his eyebrows with pride. ¡°And I have some extra information that will interest you.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Eileen asked, taken aback. It had only been one night. Could they have gone as far as blowing up Brandon¡¯s house?

    Christos pulled a man envelope from his jacket. ¡°Check this out¡­ But Eileen, I haven¡¯t eaten yet. How about you treat me to breakfast? We can sit down and talk.¡±

    Before Eileen could respond, Christos had already opened the passenger door and hopped in.

    Eileen caught a whiff of cologne and instinctively held her breath. ¡°I can treat you to breakfast, but you need to sit in the back.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Christos asked, looking puzzled.

    ¡°Because the front passenger seat is reserved for my husband only,¡± Eileen said firmly, leaving no room for argument.

    Christos held her gaze for a few seconds before reluctantly giving in and moving to the backseat.

    Uncover new tales on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s??om

    Eileen drove Christos to a nearby diner, allowing him to ce his order while she eagerly examined the contents of the man envelope.

    Inside, she found evidence of Mr. Wright and Mr. Watts fabricating heroic acts for promotions years ago and working with shady characters. The evidence was undeniable.

    Eileen was stunned by the revtions, horrified at how some people climbed the corporatedder using such dirty tactics.

    ¡°You¡¯re not trying to trick me with this, are you?¡± Eileen asked, unsure whether the documents she held were genuine or just a copy.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Travis took everything right from his stepfather¡¯s safe. Oh, and by the way, his mother and stepfather keep separate safes. The big secret I mentioned is in his mother¡¯s safe,¡± Christos exined, casually wiping his mouth with a napkin after finishing a toast, disying impable manners.

    After a brief pause, Christos added, ¡°Can you guess what the big secret is?¡±

    Eileen returned the documents to the envelope and shook her head. ¡°I can¡¯t even begin to guess what it might be.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 483

    ?Chapter 483:

    ¡°It¡¯s about Brandon,¡± Christos said, looking hopefully at Eileen.

    However, Eileen had little interest in delving into Brandon¡¯s secrets. ¡°I was only interested in the information about Mr. Wright and Mr. Watts. You don¡¯t have to share more if you don¡¯t want to.¡±

    ¡°Oh,e on!¡± Christos became visibly anxious and pulled a wrinkled piece of paper from his pocket. It was a medical report from the hospital, confirming that Brandon had undergone an amputation due to a car ident.

    ¡°This¡ª¡± Eileen was at a loss for words.

    ¡°Looks like you didn¡¯t know Brandon¡¯s big secret,¡± Christos said, tapping his forehead. ¡°Given that you¡¯re his daughter-inw, it¡¯s surprising you didn¡¯t know. Only a few people closely connected to the Dawson family are aware, and they keep quiet about it. Most people have no idea.¡± Eileen was among those who had no clue.

    Christos, unable to hide his sense of superiority, continued, ¡°Ever wonder why Brandon and the previous Apex Group CEO had such a huge fallout?¡±

    Eileen was taken aback by his seemingly all-knowing attitude. ¡°Does Travis really share everything with you?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely. We¡¯re close friends. We share everything,¡± Christos replied confidently.

    Eileen was about to leave with the documents, but his demeanor made her hesitate. ¡°Alright, tell me then. What else do you know?¡±

    Christos rolled up his sleeves, prepared to start from the beginning. ¡°It¡¯s all about the Dawson family¡¯s wealth. Brandon was known for his affairs, and his wife discovered that one of them had resulted in a pregnancy. Before he could deal with it, he had the car ident I mentioned.¡±

    Christos¡¯ ent made the story sound almostical. ¡°But that¡¯s not the main issue.

    The real problem is that the mistress disappeared, and Brandon suspects his wife yed a part in that.

    L§Ñt??t ch¨»pt?rs ?n g??ln¦Ïv?ls.??¦Ï??

    ¡°He thought this would ensure that the Dawson family¡¯s fortune would pass solely to Apex Group¡¯s former CEO, his son. That¡¯s why he sought revenge.¡±

    What truly troubled Brandon, however, wasn¡¯t just his son inheriting the wealth or his mistress¡¯ disappearance. It was the fact that he was no longer aplete man. If this became public knowledge, it would make him a target for mockery.

    During his recovery, he had been consumed by bitterness. As a result, he had chosen not to rescue Bryan¡¯s mother, instead leaving the inheritance to Travis, someone who wasn¡¯t even rted to him by blood, rather than Bryan. This was his way of expressing his resentment.

    Eileen felt a twinge of sympathy for Brandon but also recognized that those deserving of pity often had their own despicable sides. However, if the ident had truly been just that¡ªan ident¡ªthen what had really happened to Brandon¡¯s pregnant mistress? If it hadn¡¯t been Bryan¡¯s mother who had done something to Brandon¡¯s mistress, could this have been a deliberate plot? A scheme to stir up internal conflict within the Dawson family?

    ¡°Eileen, are you impressed with how much I know?¡± Christos grinned at her. ¡°Ask me anything else you¡¯re curious about.¡±

    Eileen wasn¡¯t very familiar with Travis and Lydia. She had simply assumed that Lydia had married Brandon for his money.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 484

    ?Chapter 484:

    She shook her head. ¡°Thank you, but I¡¯ve heard enough. You should tell Travis to run away from home soon.¡±

    She believed that with this evidence in her hands¡ªincluding proof of Brandon¡¯s condition¡ªBrandon would surely attack Travis if he found out.

    ¡°Eileen, you truly have a kind heart,¡± Christos reassured her with a wink. ¡°Don¡¯t worry; Travis has already fled.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s worries, it seemed, were unnecessary.

    ¡°But if you ever need him, he can return at any time,¡± Christos added.

    Eileen stood up. ¡°No need. You can leave now. I have other matters to handle.¡±

    This time, Christos let Eileen go as his phone buzzed incessantly in his pocket. Only after she had left did he decide to answer the iing call.

    ¡°You went into my study? What did you take?¡± the voice on the other end demanded.

    ¡°Just check for yourself what¡¯s missing!¡± Christos replied as he stood up and put on his hat. ¡°I¡¯m ending the call now.¡±

    With his hands tucked into his pockets, Christos left the breakfast shop.

    Once back at the Freguson Group, Eileen promptly contacted Mr. Wright and Mr. Watts. Unsure about the authenticity of the evidence, she urged them to assess Brandon¡¯s response. Both men were shrewd and resourceful.

    A single phone call revealed that Brandon had lost the evidence, indicating that the coborative project between the government of Linder Land and Apex Group was now over.

    After finishing his call, Brandon sensed something was wrong. He immediately checked his safe, only to find it empty. Anger surged through him, and he nearly fainted from the shock.

    When he tried reaching Mr. Wright and Mr. Watts again, only to find them unreachable, it became clear that the evidence had been stolen by their people.

    L?t?st ch¦Ápt?rs ¦Én g??l??ov§Ö???.????

    Furious, Brandon confronted Lydia. ¡°Who visited the house yesterday? Why is everything gone from my safe?¡±

    Lydia momentarily panicked but quickly regained herposure. ¡°No one was here. How could your things be missing?¡±

    Brandon¡¯s anger red. ¡°Everything disappeared overnight! How is that possible?¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t checked yet. Let me have a look,¡± Lydia said, trying to appear concerned. She opened her own safe, only to find it empty as well.

    Feigning shock, Lydia eximed, ¡°Mine¡¯s gone, too! It seems someone took advantage of the situation while we were out. Your medical report was in there, too. It must have been Bryan or Eileen. They probably knew you had united most of the Dawson family branches and are preparing to strike back!¡±

    Brandon, believing Lydia¡¯s words, grew even more furious. He realized he needed to quickly gather the Dawson family branches to remove Bryan from the family and reim his assets.

    Without saying another word to Lydia, Brandon immediately reached out to Ste, who had secluded herself in the mountains. He forced her to return.

    Meanwhile, Lydia quietly breathed a sigh of relief. If Brandon discovered the truth, her n would face serious challenges.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 485

    ?Chapter 485:

    In the afternoon, Eileen returned home to find Gabri asleep.

    She ced Brandon¡¯s medical report in front of Bryan, and his expression suddenly changed.

    ¡°Where did you get this?¡± Bryan asked, his voice low.

    ¡°This is real, right?¡± Eileen replied, observing Bryan¡¯s reaction, which confirmed the document¡¯s authenticity.

    She nced over at the slumbering Gabri and motioned for Bryan to join her in the study.

    Once inside, Eileen exined her interaction with Christos.

    ¡°Travis¡¯ friend?¡± Bryan¡¯s expression turned cold.

    ¡°He ims to be, though I can¡¯t confirm it. But the documents he provided are legitimate,¡± Eileen said, leaning against the desk, watching Bryan closely. Her lips were tightly pressed, revealing her concern.

    She knew that engaging with Christos was risky, given his connection to Travis, but the information he provided was too valuable to ignore.

    After a moment of silence, Bryan spoke again, his voice steady but strained. ¡°What else did he say?¡±

    ¡°He mentioned that Brandon believes your mother forced his mistress to leave, and that her fabricating his car ident led to his current condition,¡± Eileen replied, her voice careful. ¡°But I don¡¯t believe your mother could have done such a thing.¡±

    If Bryan¡¯s parents were capable of such deceit, Eileen thought, Bryan himself wouldn¡¯t be as genuine and honorable as he was.

    Bryan¡¯s gaze darkened as he sat down in a chair bathed in sunlight. Despite the warmth, he looked lost, surrounded by an overwhelming sense of loneliness and coldness.

    Exclusive updates avable g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°That¡¯s why my mother¡¯s death never convinced him of her innocence,¡± Bryan said, his voice barely above a whisper. His words carried a weight of deep, unresolved pain.

    He had always suspected that his mother¡¯s death was somehow tied to Brandon.

    Bryan had been young when he witnessed his parents¡¯ rtionship unravel that night. After Brandon¡¯s ident, Brandon stayed in the hospital, emotionally unstable, and threatened to kill his wife.

    During Brandon¡¯s hospitalization, his wife had visited only in the beginning, never returning after that.

    Three monthster, when Brandon was discharged, he began to speak harshly in front of Bryan, who had been just a child at the time.

    Just a few months earlier, the Dawson Mansion had been filled with the warmth of a harmonious family life. Bryan, his mother, and Ste had created a peaceful, joyful home.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 486

    ?Chapter 486:

    But when Brandon¡¯s infidelity was revealed, the atmosphere in the house turned somber, overshadowed by sorrow and heavy sighs.

    Bryan had overheard his mother and Ste discussing Brandon¡¯s affairs. His mother had believed that all men had their weaknesses, and if Brandon was willing to return, she would forgive him, for Bryan¡¯s sake.

    At that moment, Bryan had clung to the hope that their family would regain the happiness it once had.

    However, Brandon¡¯s unexpected car ident shattered that hope.

    When Brandon recovered and returned home, his fury unleashed chaos in the house. Heshed out at Bryan¡¯s mother, his anger boiling over.

    ¡°You wretch! Is this how you repay me? All for the sake of this bastard? If you won¡¯t let me live in peace, I¡¯ll make sure you suffer!¡± Brandon had shouted, his voice echoing through the vi.

    If Ste hadn¡¯t intervened just in time, Bryan¡¯s mother could have been suffocated by Brandon¡¯s rage.

    In the quiet study, memories resurfaced in Bryan¡¯s mind. He leaned back in his chair, his face etched with silent pain.

    Though Brandon had been embarrassed by his actions, he was not the only one who had been hurt. Bryan had suffered too.

    ¡°My grandmother begged me not to make this public. She knew Brandon¡¯s actions were despicable, but she also saw him as pitiful. She promised my mother that she would pass control of the Dawson family to me and ensure my safety,¡± Bryan said quietly.

    Ste, despite being Brandon¡¯s mother, now despised his behavior. However, she still wished to preserve some semnce of dignity for him. So, she nned to quietly remove him from the family and ensure he lived out his days in obscurity.

    ¡°She did what she could,¡± Eileen said softly, walking behind Bryan. She wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her cheek against his.

    Your escape is on g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s

    Unable to find the right words tofort him, she simply held him, offering her presence in silence.

    Bryan¡¯s veins stood out like tributaries on a map as he sped Eileen¡¯s wrist. After a long silence, he finally spoke. ¡°I promised my grandmother I wouldn¡¯t let this out.¡±

    Exposing the truth would only bring more shame to Brandon, pushing him into desperate acts that would further tarnish the Dawson family¡¯s reputation.

    This seemed to be Bryan and Ste¡¯s final act of tolerance¡ªtreating Brandon as a clown to be indulged, rather than confronted.

    ¡°You always see the bigger picture. I support whatever decision you make,¡± Eileen said, her loyalty unwavering.

    This was the one secret Bryan had kept from Eileen, too mortifying to share. Now that the truth was out, Bryan felt both a sense of relief and a pang of difort. Yet, Eileen acted as though nothing had changed. She simply returned to the bedroom to be with Gabri after leaving the study.

    Before dinner, Bryan received a call from Jarred.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 487

    ?Chapter 487:

    ¡°Brandon came up the mountain and met with Ste in private. I don¡¯t know what they talked about, but Ste wants you toe back to the Dawson Mansion tonight as well,¡± Jarred said.

    ¡°She¡¯s already on her way back to the Dawson Mansion?¡± Bryan checked the time. It was nearly six o¡¯clock, and dusk was settling in. Streetlights flickered on amidst the swirling leaves, heralding a chilly autumn evening.

    The bad weather outside, visible through the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, seemed to press in with a palpable intensity, casting a shadow over Bryan¡¯s heart.

    Jarred sighed. ¡°Ste left earlier and asked me to handle the packing. She should be at the mansion by now. Something about this feels wrong. Maybe you should go and see her.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡± Bryan ended the call and ryed the details to Eileen as he made his way upstairs to change.

    Eileen quickly passed Gabri to Ruby. ¡°Mom, I¡¯ll ask Josue to help look after Gabri. Can you prepare some food? Feed her, then put her to bed. I¡¯ll go with Bryan.¡±

    Ruby¡¯s heart pounded. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Eileen, is everything okay?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Everything¡¯s fine,¡± Eileen reassured Ruby, careful not to disclose too much.

    Eileen had a hunch that Travis¡¯s theft from Brandon¡¯s safe had been discovered. Brandon¡¯s request for Ste¡¯s presence likely indicated a new strategy in y.

    The opulent car zipped along the smooth road, the scenery outside a blur.

    Half an hourter, Eileen and Bryan arrived at the gates of Dawson Mansion.

    A fleet of luxury cars was parked outside, and Bryan immediately grasped the situation.

    M??? ?¦Ñ????? ?? ?????¦Í???.???

    ¡°Brandon has invited several elders from the family,¡± Bryan said.

    Although Ste presided over the Dawson family, she still needed to consult with the family elders for significant decisions. Brandon had long cultivated rtionships with many of them for this very moment.

    Inside the expansive mansion, every room was brightly lit. The living room was filled with people dressed in ck. Most were men, but there were also two elderly women with white hair and lively faces, wearing gold-rimmed sses that concealed wise eyes.

    Bryan wore a ck coat that ended just above his hips, emphasizing his strong legs. His short hair, trimmed slightly shorter on one side, was anything but unkempt. It highlighted his rugged charm, making him stand out among the guests.

    Aside from Brandon and Lydia, everyone else in the room was about twice Bryan¡¯s age. But Bryan¡¯s icy presencemanded attention, and his confident stance in the center of the room intimidated them all.

    ¡°Long time no see,¡± Bryan said with a slight nod, then turned to introduce the people in the room to Eileen. ¡°These are the heads of the family branches, all equal in rank to my grandmother. I won¡¯t introduce each one individually; just consider them all family.¡±

    Turning back to the group, he added, ¡°This is my wife, Eileen.¡±

    Eileen followed his lead, offering a polite greeting to the people in the room.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 488

    ?Chapter 488:

    ¡°Bryan, who you choose as your wife is your concern, but introducing her as such without even being married is outrageous!¡± Brandon¡¯s voice cut through the tension as he perched on a sofa at the edge of the room, with Lydia serving fruits to the others.

    The elders¡¯ presence seemed to demand Lydia¡¯spliance, as she dutifully served fruits and water. It was clear that the Dawson family adhered to strict, old-fashioned traditions.

    ¡°Why have you all gathered here sote? Is there something worth discussing?¡± Bryan bypassed Brandon, guiding Eileen to sit beside Ste. He stood tall beside Eileen and Ste, his figure bathed in the bright light.

    Brandon¡¯s face darkened as he stood. ¡°I summoned them to discuss how my unfilial son has drained Apex Group and damaged the family¡¯s interests.¡±

    ¡°How you and your father resolve your differences is your business,¡± Bryan replied coolly. ¡°But Apex Group concerns the entire Olson family¡¯s interests. We cannot tolerate such antics and must intervene now.¡±

    An elderly man in a suit, leaning on a cane with a bald head and snowy beard, stood up and addressed the room. His voice,manding yet soft, filled the space.

    His words immediately struck a chord.

    ¡°Bryan, that¡¯s your fault.¡±

    ¡°I heard you established EB Group. That should be considered Dawson family property, right?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. And given your past actions, we can no longer trust you, Bryan. We demand you hand over EB Group and all assets under your name to your father!¡±

    Brandon smirked triumphantly but said nothing, watching the scene unfold.

    Discover more

    Bryan raised an eyebrow with a casual air. ¡°I extracted resources from Apex Group without taking a single penny. So, EB Group is separate from Apex Group. I¡¯ll admit, it does cast a shadow on my character.¡±

    Supervisors who led their teams to jump ship always faced skepticism in the industry, yet their undeniable capabilities stillmanded respect. Bryan was that kind of person.

    ¡°If you¡¯re unsure, just check the funds invested in EB Group. None of that money came from my ount,¡± Bryan said, resting one hand in his pocket and exuding nonchnce. He leaned back against the sofa, rxed, as though he didn¡¯t take the others seriously at all.

    Brandon snapped, ¡°I don¡¯t believe EB Group isn¡¯t under your name. Who¡¯s in charge? Who are the shareholders? Tell us!¡±

    ¡°Two people invested in and established thepany: my wife, Eileen, and a well-known foreign venture capitalist, Josue. I¡¯m merely working for them,¡± Bryan replied, spreading his hands and shrugging. ¡°You can verify it online right now.¡±

    Some of the people in the room immediately checked EB Group¡¯s ownership structure.

    It turned out that Eileen and Josue each owned half of EB Group, with Eileen being the one in charge of thepany. This meant Eileen owned half the shares, along with full management rights.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 489

    ?Chapter 489:

    Bryan added, ¡°By the way, here¡¯s another piece of news. When I married Eileen, several properties and vehicles under my name were transferred to her¡ªgifts with no strings attached.¡±

    That was another bombshell.

    ¡°You¡¯ve given her all your properties?¡±

    ¡°Are you serious?¡±

    ¡°Shame on you!¡±

    The elders¡¯ faces turned red with anger.

    But Bryan remainedpletelyposed, as if the matter were a golden opportunity.

    One elder could no longer contain himself, clutching his chest and gasping for breath. What Bryan had done was truly a disgrace!

    ¡°If you all find this so shameful, then let¡¯s talk about me, as the eldest son, inheriting the family fortune today.¡± Bryan turned the tables, thwarting Brandon¡¯s attempt to take control of EB Group and setting his sights on Apex Group.

    Even scrap iron had value, let alone Apex Group with its solid foundation. Bryan knew this well. Even if things went south, he could sell his shares and give the profits he had earned to Eileen.

    Bryan continued, ¡°If you agree, I¡¯ll return to Apex Group and guarantee its revival within three years. The family dividends will be paid in full, and¡ª¡±

    Brandon couldn¡¯t take it anymore. He interrupted, ¡°Stop talking nonsense! You did all of this and still think you can demand Apex Group? Stop embarrassing us!¡±

    Brandon then turned to the elders and said, ¡°Bryan has tarnished our family¡¯s reputation, so Apex Group must not be given to him. And there¡¯s definitely money from him in EB Group, just not publicly visible. We must make him return it all. It belongs to us!¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if he feels ashamed; we shouldn¡¯t let his actions tarnish the entire Dawson family¡¯s reputation. I say we sever ties with him and expel him!¡± Brandon dered with conviction.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s©q??o?? is where stories live

    Bryan met Brandon¡¯s gaze with cool detachment. ¡°After you disown me, your eldest son, do you n to have another son to take my ce?¡± he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

    The sting of his words left Brandon sputtering, like a cat suddenly stepped on its tail. The elders, unaware of Brandon¡¯s undisclosed illness, mistakenly thought Bryan was ridiculing Brandon¡¯s age and his ability to father another child.

    ¡°That was uncalled for, Bryan,¡± Lydia chimed in. ¡°Even if you¡¯re not here, Travis will be. He just finished college and is more than capable of taking on responsibilities. He was educated abroad from a young age and could greatly benefit the Dawson legacy.¡±

    ¡°Yes, and Travis is already recognized as a member of our family. If you¡¯re out, he¡¯s my only heir and will inherit the Dawson family¡¯s wealth,¡± Brandon said, fixing his eyes on Bryan.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 490

    ?Chapter 490:

    Eileen, who had been silent, noticed the rage simmering in Brandon¡¯s eyes. It was as if he wanted to hurl something directly at Bryan¡¯s mother. ¡°Since you ruined me, I will stop at nothing to prevent you from getting what you want!¡±

    This wasn¡¯t just a grudge; it was visceral loathing, a demon entrenched in Brandon¡¯s very soul.

    ¡°Really?¡± Bryan¡¯s voice remained even as he spoke. ¡°Then let¡¯s have Travis join us, so everyone can meet him. You im he¡¯s twenty-two, yet no one hasid eyes on him for over two decades. To those unaware of his existence, he might seem like a mere figment, not a real person at all!¡±

    ¡°He has been studying overseas since his youth. The curriculum is demanding, and his packed schedule has left him no time for vacations. Therefore, he has never returned. That¡¯s perfectly reasonable, isn¡¯t it?¡± Lydia stepped in. ¡°This isn¡¯t the moment to talk about Travis. Let¡¯s concentrate on you.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Eileen looked toward Lydia, skepticism clear in her tone. ¡°Doesn¡¯t it seem absurd to consider ousting Bryan before we even verify if Travis truly exists? What if Travis is just a fabrication? Without a legitimate heir, the elders certainly won¡¯t approve of removing Bryan.¡±

    She dismissed Lydia¡¯s attempt to divert attention, her gaze sweeping over the assembled crowd.

    When Eileen and Bryan mentioned Travis¡ªwho hadn¡¯t been seen in twenty years¡ªa palpable tension filled the room. Members of the Dawson family¡¯s various branches might only meet the core family members a few times in their lives.

    Yet, as the stewards of each branch, they made annual trips to Dawson Mansion in Onnd, ensuring they met the family and its future generations. Brandon and Lydia had been living overseas for years after Travis was born. It was indeed strange that none of the family had seen Travis as an infant.

    Before anyone could ponder further, Ste interjected with a scoff. ¡°Let¡¯s drop the theories and suspicions. I¡¯m Travis¡¯ grandmother, and even I haven¡¯tid eyes on him, much less any of you.¡±

    Her deration stirred murmurs in the room.

    Find thetest stories g?ln¦Òv??ls

    Ste continued, ¡°Lydia took the baby home from the hospital and never once brought him to visit, always citing his frail health as the reason. She kept him hidden before they moved abroad. It¡¯s been years.¡± Her gaze flickered to Lydia and Brandon. She added casually, ¡°I¡¯m starting to wonder if there¡¯s even a child at all.¡±

    Turning to Bryan, who stood beside her, she said, ¡°At least I¡¯ve seen Bryan grow up. He¡¯s dependable. Yes, I made mistakes that hurt Eileen¡¯s feelings, leading to Bryan marrying into Eileen¡¯s family. But I can assure you, Eileen is a good soul.¡±

    ¡°Mom!¡± Brandon hissed, his voice low with warning. ¡°Remember what I¡¯ve told you.¡±

    Unperturbed, Ste held her ground. ¡°Brandon, my presence here isn¡¯t out of fear of you; I¡¯m simply running out of patience. I am ready to confront whateveres our way regarding the Dawson family¡¯s fate. And remember, I still know your secret!¡±

    Her words hit Brandon like a vice, leaving him red-faced and speechless.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 491

    ?Chapter 491:

    ¡°Brandon, there¡¯s only one thing you need to do,¡± the lead elder chimed in. ¡°Bring Travis here now, and we¡¯ll believe you.¡±

    Brandon quickly replied, ¡°He¡¯s not back in the country yet. He can¡¯te right now.¡±

    The elder set a firm deadline. ¡°Three days. Bring him to us in three days, otherwise¡­¡± The implication was clear. Dismissing Bryan without proof of Travis would jeopardize their financial support, and the elders were well aware of that.

    Lydia¡¯s gaze flitted around the room as she spoke hastily, ¡°It won¡¯t take three days. I¡¯m going to call him right now to book a flight for tonight. He¡¯ll be here by tomorrow morning. Let¡¯s n to meet for lunch then.¡±

    Eileen raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. She knew Lydia was lying. After all, Travis had helped Christos steal the documents the previous night. Yet, Eileen chose to remain silent, waiting to see Lydia¡¯s next move.

    Ste managed to arrange amodations for everyone at the Dawson Mansion, and soon, the expansive vi was bustling with activity.

    Jarred arrived shortly after and showed everyone to their rooms. Brandon and Lydia, appearing hurried, quickly left, clearly preupied with something urgent.

    Back in the living room, only Eileen, Bryan, and Ste remained. The silence in the room felt suffocating.

    Finally, breaking the silence, Ste turned to Bryan. ¡°You married into Eileen¡¯s family?¡± She paused, her tone tinged with disbelief. ¡°Who came up with that idea?¡±

    Bryan settled next to Eileen and confessed, ¡°It was my idea. I pressured her into epting the EB Group shares and all my assets.¡±

    After making his position clear, he sped Eileen¡¯s hand, stood up, and said, ¡°Grandma, I¡¯ll take care of my affairs. You should rest. Tomorrow will be a long day.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you staying the night?¡± As Bryan prepared to leave, Ste felt a twinge of disappointment. ¡°I won¡¯t meddle anymore. I¡¯m just curious.¡±

    Stay connected at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°This isn¡¯t about that.¡± Bryan gave a slight nod. ¡°I have other matters to attend to back home.¡±

    Realizing Ste might think he was upset, he added, ¡°It¡¯s not what you think.¡± He purposely omitted any reference to Gabri.

    Then, he and Eileen left.

    The night was thick with darkness, as if immense hands were stretching out from the shadows. Eileen had been mostly silent since their arrival, her mind swirling with the events of the night. She had braced herself for a sleepless night, but to her surprise, she fell asleep almost instantly after retrieving Gabri from Ruby¡¯s room.

    At nine the next morning, Eileen and Bryan made their way back to Dawson Mansion. The previous day¡¯s crowd lingered, but a new face, a man in his early twenties, caught their attention in the living room.

    He bore a resemnce to Brandon, though his features seemed to echo Lydia¡¯s even more. His demeanor was humble and polite. He served coffee to the elders, respectfully addressing each one by name. His conduct appeared more courteous than Bryan¡¯s when in thepany of others.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 492

    ?Chapter 492:

    Yet, Eileen couldn¡¯t reconcile this version of Travis with the stories she had heard from Christos about how much Travis resented his stepfather, Brandon. She found herself stealing nces at him.

    ¡°Ste, just look at him. Travis really is something,¡± someone remarked after observing him for a moment.

    Others quickly echoed thepliment.

    Ste, however, remained impassive. ¡°I¡¯m not used to suddenly having another grandson. I don¡¯t feel any connection to him.¡±

    ¡°Ste,¡± Lydia interjected with a smile. ¡°Travis hasn¡¯t had the chance to meet you yet. He¡¯s probably just a bit shy.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Eileen remarked. ¡°He seems quite at ease serving coffee to the elders. Also, he doesn¡¯t resemble Bryan in the slightest.¡±

    Lydia nced at Eileen and exined, ¡°They don¡¯t share the same mother, which is why they look different. Travis simply takes after his biological parents.¡±

    Eileen shook her head, countering, ¡°He¡¯s entirely your son, not a Dawson in the least. It¡¯s as if you had him all by yourself.¡±

    Caught off guard, Lydia¡¯s response faltered, her eyes widening.

    ¡°You have no ce toment here,¡± Brandon said, rolling his eyes at Eileen before turning to address the room. ¡°Everyone, I admit it was my oversight not to introduce Travis earlier. But he¡¯s here now. Judge for yourselves whether he¡¯s capable of leading the Dawson family.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not your ce to say that, Brandon,¡± Ste retorted. Leaning on her cane, she slowly rose to her feet. The soft thud of her cane on the carpet echoed in the room.

    With a firm grip on her cane, Ste surveyed the room and dered, ¡°I demand a paternity test. This boy doesn¡¯t resemble any Dawson family member. I¡¯m starting to question Lydia¡¯s fidelity.¡±

    Your favorite tales are on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§ànn

    ¡°Ste, you¡¯ve gone too far!¡± Lydia jumped to her feet, her voice sharp. ¡°I¡¯ve devoted years to the Dawson family and bore Brandon a son. It¡¯s one thing not to recognize my efforts, but to question the legitimacy of your grandson is another. You need to stop favoring Bryan!¡±

    ¡°Everyone, see for yourselves! My mother favors that woman and her son far too much!¡± Brandon¡¯s voice was tinged with bitterness. ¡°She overlooked me and handed over the leadership of Apex Group to Bryan, leaving me in the cold. You must restore justice for me!¡± He was on the verge of kneeling, a vivid disy of his helplessness and desperation.

    The lead elder turned the focus back to Ste. ¡°Ste, while this matter may pertain only to your immediate family within the main branch, it has significant implications for the future of the entire Dawson family. Don¡¯t you think your actions are a bit extreme?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± another elder added. ¡°Bryan is at fault. Regardless of the specifics, he yed a role in harming Apex Group. He must be punished, and you need to provide an exnation.¡±

    ¡°Now that he¡¯s been taken in by his wife¡¯s family, it would tarnish the Dawson family¡¯s reputation if this were to be public knowledge. Just go along with Brandon¡¯s suggestion. Cast Bryan out from the Dawson lineage and erase his name from our family tree.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 493

    ?Chapter 493:

    At that moment, all eyes turned to Bryan.

    Brandon¡¯s disy of vulnerability had struck a chord. The group of elders now saw the suggestion of a paternity test for Travis as clear evidence that both Bryan and Ste had crossed a line. Initially, they had questioned whether Brandon truly had a son named Travis. Now, they began to doubt the legitimacy of Travis as Brandon¡¯s biological child. Even after a paternity test, they might continue to question the results.

    This matter could drag on endlessly.

    Feeling the pressure, the elders werepelled to side with Brandon, directing their focus to Ste.

    ¡°If you decide to strip Bryan of his ce in our family, the Dawson family will be left without an heir!¡± Ste dered, her expression resolute. ¡°Because Brandon became infertile after that car ident over two decades ago!¡±

    In the expansive vi, the living room, once filled with the chatter of guests, fell into an unnerving silence at Ste¡¯s words.

    ¡°You¡¯re lying!¡± Brandon immediately retorted. ¡°Mom, am I not your flesh and blood? How could you use me like this for Bryan¡¯s sake?¡±

    He raised his voice, skillfully shifting the me onto Ste. ¡°I know you¡¯ve watched Bryan grow up, and I understand you¡¯re not close to my son. But don¡¯t forget, I¡¯m also your child. Why would you say such things about me?¡±

    Brandon repeated his im that he, too, was her son, as if trying to make his presence and worth undeniable. How could he face anyone if this became public?

    ¡°Well¡­¡± a voice chimed in, siding with Brandon. ¡°Ste, we have no objections to you supporting Bryan, but this usation is absurd.¡±

    ¡°Yes, and let¡¯s not forget about Travis, who is also your grandson. He seems responsible and well-mannered. Surely he won¡¯t mishandle thepany funds like Bryan did¡­¡±

    The discussion grew as more voices joined in, defending Brandon and promoting Travis as the rightful heir to the Dawson family legacy.

    Updates loaded at g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe??s

    ¡°As long as they are my descendants, I¡¯ll treat them equally,¡± Ste dered, locking eyes with Brandon. With firm resolve, she added, ¡°It¡¯s easy to find out if I¡¯m telling the truth. Brandon has lost his ability to father children. We don¡¯t even need a hospital checkup. Just strip him naked and see for yourself!¡±

    Her implication was clear. Brandon was physically iplete.

    Gasps filled the room. Those present looked at Brandon with a mixture of shock and pity. Amidst the expressions of sympathy, there were also snickers of sarcasm, each one piercing Brandon¡¯s heart like a dagger.

    Brandon vividly recalled the surgery after his ident¡ªthe local anesthesia, the vulnerability he felt, the cold of the scalpel as it made its incision¡­

    The memories surged forward, overwhelming his ability to stayposed.

    Feeling as if he had been stripped bare, shame washed over him, and his face turned livid with rage.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 494

    ?Chapter 494:

    ¡°Do you want to ruin me? How can you do this to me? I¡¯m your son!¡± Brandon cried out. In a fit of rage, he snatched an ashtray from the table and hurled it toward Ste.

    In that moment, he seemed oblivious to the fact that he was attacking his own mother.

    All Brandon could think about was silencing the murmurs around him and preventing his disgrace from bing public. Despite hisck of management skills and struggles with leading Apex Group, he had always been regarded as a man in everyone¡¯s eyes. But now¡­

    Bryan¡¯s expression shifted. He quickly pulled Eileen to the side, and with a swift motion of his hand, deflected the flying ashtray. The ashtray crashed to the floor, chipping a corner.

    But Brandon wasn¡¯t done yet. He seized cups and hurled them indiscriminately at anyone within range. People scrambled to dodge the projectiles, but not everyone escaped unscathed.

    Thanks to Bryan¡¯s quick actions, Eileen and Ste were only sshed with lukewarm coffee.

    Lydia, however, was not so lucky. Standing too close to Brandon, she took a direct hit. A cup smashed against her forehead, spilling coffee all over her and leaving a bleeding wound. Blood trickled down her face, washing away her poised appearance.

    By the time ¡°Travis¡± reacted to help Lydia, it was toote.

    Jarred quickly reacted, summoning servants to restrain Brandon.

    With veins bulging on his forehead, Brandon was pinned to the floor. His gaze burned with fury as he red at Bryan and Ste.

    ¡°You ruined me! I won¡¯t let you have it easy!¡± he shouted.

    Bryan¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°You have two choices: leave on your own, and we part ways peacefully. I¡¯ll keep your secret. Otherwise¡­¡±

    ¡°You and Ste are both too cruel!¡± Lydia, clutching her bleeding forehead, finally spoke up. ¡°You trampled on Brandon¡¯s masculinity. Are you trying to drive him to desperation?¡±

    Leaving the Dawson family, Brandon was aging and unable to bear children. His future seemed grim.

    Eileen turned to Lydia. ¡°Even so, Travis was nurtured with the Dawson family¡¯s resources, and you are legally married. Without the Dawson family, don¡¯t you still have each other? How are we pushing him to the brink? He still has options, unlike Bryan¡¯s mother!¡±

    Some members of the Dawson family branches observed with sympathy, recognizing the scandal as a stain on the family¡¯s reputation. Despite everything, Brandon¡¯s situation was pitiable.

    If Lydia continued to appeal to their emotions, they might view Bryan as overly harsh and unforgiving toward his own father. Moreover, that could potentially lead them to keep Brandon in the Dawson family.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 495

    ?Chapter 495:

    Therefore, Eileen knew it was crucial to remind them of Brandon¡¯s grave misdeeds, including the role he yed in the death of Bryan¡¯s mother.

    ¡°Everyone, I admit I failed in disciplining Brandon. I raised someone capable of such cruelty. For years, I clung to a thread of maternal love, hoping not to push him too far. He is pitiful, indeed, but what I nurtured is a wolf in sheep¡¯s clothing,¡± Ste said, her voice trembling. Her gaze was fixed on the defeated Brandon lying on the floor.

    Throughout these years, she had hoped that Brandon would eventually recognize his mistakes. But Brandon¡¯s decision to withdraw medical treatment for Bryan¡¯s mother had directly caused her untimely death. Ste had believed this act would awaken his conscience.

    The truth was that Brandon, overwhelmed by his own losses, had never found the path to redemption.

    ¡°If he remains among us, there¡¯s no telling how much more havoc he could wreak. With all of you as my witnesses, it¡¯s time we make a definitive decision,¡± Ste dered.

    With nods of agreement from those gathered and the removal of Brandon¡¯s name from the Dawson family records, the matter was finally settled.

    ¡°I promise to restore Apex Group to its former glory and ensure the Dawson family¡¯s prosperity,¡± Bryan asserted.

    ¡°What about EB Group¡­¡± someone whispered.

    Eileen was considering saying that she could return EB Group to Bryan, keeping it within the Dawson family¡¯s holdings. However, before she could speak, Bryan interjected with a displeased tone, ¡°EB Group belongs to Eileen!¡±

    He had diligently managed Apex Group in the past, substantially supporting the Dawson family. Now, having joined the Curtis family, he felt it was only fair to give something back to them.

    Upon hearing this, the room fell silent. No one dared to bring up the subject of EB Group again.

    ???§ÁE ??P?¦«T¦®? I§ª G¦«?§ª?V¦®??.???

    The family collectively agreed to remove Brandon, Lydia, and Travis from the Dawson family records. They then recorded a brief video officially dering Brandon¡¯s expulsion from the Dawson family and the remation of all his shares in Apex Group. These shares were to be transferred to Bryan, who became the new leader of the Dawson family.

    Finally, Bryan, now the new leader of the Dawson family, delivered a speech.

    He began bymitting to secure future dividends for the Dawson family. He then took a moment to introduce his wife. ¡°This is Eileen. We married nine years ago.

    We faced some misunderstandings, separated, and have now reunited.

    ¡°Today, I formally announce that I¡¯ve married into the Curtis family, and¡­¡±

    He stopped, then gestured toward Eileen. ¡°You say it.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 496

    ?Chapter 496:

    Although surprised, Eileen stepped forward. The brief video they had just filmed would no doubt attract the attention of countless viewers once it circted.

    ¡°We have a daughter,¡± Eileen said quietly.

    Ste stood frozen, her gaze fixed on the couple in front of the camera. It wasn¡¯t until Bryan motioned for Jarred to turn off the camera that Ste snapped back to reality.

    ¡°You¡­ You have a daughter?¡± Ste stammered. Tears welled up in her eyes as she stared at Eileen and Bryan, her face a mix of disbelief and emotion.

    Eileen turned toward Ste and gave a slight nod. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for not telling you sooner. Our daughter is five months old now.¡±

    As Ste pieced together the timeline, she realized why Eileen had disappeared. It became clear that Eileen had been overseas, dealing with the difficulties of childbirth.

    Ste¡¯s lips trembled as she fought to contain her emotions. She was ovee with feelings, but the words wouldn¡¯te.

    ¡°Congrattions, Ste! Four generations under one roof. Our family now has an heir!¡± someone said cheerfully.

    ¡°Yes, congrattions!¡± another voice chimed in.

    More people caught on and began offering their congrattions, creating a warm atmosphere.

    Ste exchanged pleasantries with them, but as the guests left and the house grew quieter, she was left alone with Bryan and Eileen, struggling to find the words to express her feelings.

    Finally, Bryan broke the silence. ¡°I¡¯ll release the video and visit you with Gabri soon.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± Ste nodded vigorously, her aged eyes sparkling with anticipation.

    Don¡¯t miss out g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??ls?c?m

    When her gaze shifted to Eileen, her smile faltered. ¡°Eileen, I¡­¡±

    Sensing Ste¡¯s hesitance, Eileen quickly reassured her with a warm smile. ¡°When wee back with Gabri, we¡¯ll visit you together.¡±

    Bryan and Eileen soon left, eager to share their news with the world. They approached several media outlets and offered apologies for the sudden wave of personal updates, formally announcing Bryan¡¯s integration into the Curtis family and the birth of their daughter, Gabri.

    Upon its release, the video caused an uproar.

    Bryan, although he had been out of the public eye for some time and appeared slightly disheveled in the video, still retained the chiseled features that had always captivated the public.

    The announcement of Bryan¡¯s integration into the Curtis family was captivating, but it was Eileen who delivered the final surprise when she revealed the birth of their daughter. This revtion instantly captured widespread attention.

    ¡°This couple is infuriatingly adorable!¡±

    ¡°I heard Bryan used to be a domineering CEO. His actions now seem beneath him, but why does it still feel so¡­pelling?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 497

    ?Chapter 497:

    In the upper echelons of society, envy and resentment bubbled beneath the surface. They recognized the strength of the couple¡¯s union and understood that, from now on, they could no longer afford to offend Eileen.

    Meanwhile, the middle and lower sses were amazed by the spectacle of a high-society man willingly marrying into a woman¡¯s family.

    At that moment, Ste had a sudden realization. ¡°They didn¡¯t remarry and get a certificate, did they?¡±

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Jarred confirmed with certainty. ¡°If they had, they would have realized that the document they signed wasn¡¯t actually a divorce agreement. You should have told them earlier.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright. They¡¯lle back, and I¡¯ll exin everything then,¡± Ste replied with a dismissive wave of her hand. ¡°I just hope that when Eileen learns about the document they actually signed, she¡¯ll hold fewer grudges against me.¡±

    Jarred paused for a few seconds before responding, ¡°She certainly will.¡±

    After making waves in the business world, Eileen and Bryan returned to their home.

    ¡°Are you happy?¡± Eileen asked, sitting on the sofa and studying Bryan, whose smile hadn¡¯t faded since the announcement.

    Bryan nodded, engaging Gabri with a soft toy. ¡°Very much so.¡±

    Eileen shared his happiness. From this moment onward, she and Bryan no longer had to hide their rtionship; she was now officially his wife.

    ¡°From now on, Gabri won¡¯t just be confined to our home,¡± Bryan said as he picked up Gabri, his eyes glowing with love as he admired her cute features.

    And then? Eileen¡¯s smile wavered as she leaned her elbow on the armrest, looking at Bryan. Was he simply content that everyone now knew Gabri was his daughter? Just pleased that he could finally take Gabri outside?

    L??t??st ch??pt??rs in g¦Ál??ovels.c?m

    Eileen blinked, her clear eyes studying Bryan as he acted yful in front of Gabri. He seemed much more carefree now than when he had pursued her in Wist Land.

    ¡°Eileen, should we take her out now?¡± Bryan asked, excitement in his voice. ¡°Maybe we could head to the mall and buy her some new clothes?¡±

    Eileen smiled, replying, ¡°My mother just bought her several new outfits.¡±

    ¡°Then what about diapers?¡± Bryan asked.

    ¡°We¡¯re stocked up on those, enough tost for months,¡± Eileen responded.

    Bryan raised another question, ¡°What about form milk?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve got that covered as well,¡± Eileen said.

    ¡°Well¡­ What does she need, then?¡± Bryan asked, genuinely puzzled.

    Eileenughed lightly. ¡°She doesn¡¯t need anything, so we don¡¯t really have an excuse to parade our daughter around, do we?¡±

    ¡°Is there anything you need?¡± Bryan pressed. ¡°With the weather changing, do you need new clothes? We could take her shopping with us.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not exactly short on clothes, but¡­¡± Eileen teased.

    Bryan seized the opportunity. ¡°Then what are you short on?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 498

    ?Chapter 498:

    Eileen replied yfully, ¡°I could use a few more men. Would you get some for me?¡±

    ¡°Eileen!¡± Bryan eximed, his grip on Gabri not preventing him from swiftly pulling Eileen into a hug.

    Gabri and Eileen nestled against Bryan¡¯s chest. One hadrge, sparkling eyes, while the other¡¯s clear gaze held a mischievous glint.

    The three of them spent time on the carpet,ughing and ying until Ruby returned from visiting Bailee.

    ¡°Everyone¡¯s talking about your news,¡± Ruby said, starting to make dinner with Eileen¡¯s help. ¡°Bailee mentioned that people at the educational center were wondering if the ¡®Ms. Curtis¡¯ she referred to was you.¡±

    Eileen hadn¡¯t been to the educational center much since returning to Onnd, so there was some uncertainty about her identity there.

    ¡°How¡¯s Bailee doing?¡± Eileen asked, as she hadn¡¯t received a response to herst message and hadn¡¯t had the chance to follow up on their previous conversation.

    Ruby sighed. ¡°She mentioned¡­ Huey¡¯s caught up in apetition. She¡¯s having trouble reaching him.¡±

    This wasn¡¯t entirely an excuse; Bailee knew Huey was involved in apetition. But she hadn¡¯t brought up the events of that night to Ruby, especially since she hadn¡¯t seen Huey return and was unclear about what had happened.

    Just then, Bryan¡¯s phone rang. Eileen took Gabri from him, allowing him to go upstairs to take the call.

    The study was dimly lit, with only the moonlight providing some illumination. Positioned by the window, Bryan swiped to answer the call, and Josue¡¯s teasing voice echoed.

    ¡°If I congratte you now, you won¡¯t think I¡¯m mocking you for marrying into the Curtis family, will you?¡±

    gal¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe?s.c?m is your update source

    ¡°No, I won¡¯t,¡± Bryan replied, leaning against the desk with aposed expression. ¡°What¡¯s thetest on that investigation you were handling? It¡¯s been a while.¡±

    ¡°Of course, I¡¯ve found something. Otherwise, you might think I¡¯m just calling to congratte you on stealing my goddaughter.¡± Josue chuckled briefly before his tone turned serious. ¡°The situation with Travis¡¯ father is moreplex than we expected. Leads go overseas and then just disappear.¡±

    Bryan frowned, listening intently. ¡°Is that all?¡±

    Josue quickly responded, ¡°No. I¡¯m skilled at digging deep. It was challenging, but I uncovered a few things. Travis¡¯ father is someone who operates from the shadows. I suspect he¡¯s trying to use the Dawson family to clean up his son¡¯s background, since he can¡¯t stay hidden forever.¡±

    Josue wasn¡¯t an expert in these matters, but he had solid connections. He had no hesitation in reaching out to his ex-wife¡¯s brother, who was involved in the underground scene, to gather intelligence.

    ¡°With Brandon ousted from the Dawson family, their schemes have hit a snag, and their connections to you are severed,¡± Josue added. ¡°The man will likely seek out another family to exploit, though it¡¯s uncertain how vindictive he might be¡­¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 499

    ?Chapter 499:

    After a brief silence, Bryan massaged the bridge of his nose and instructed coldly, ¡°Keep an eye on them, and let me know immediately if anything happens.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m on it; don¡¯t worry,¡± Josue assured him confidently. ¡°Because of this, I¡¯ve had to deal with my ex-wife again. You owe me a favor now.¡±

    Bryanughed lightly. ¡°Isn¡¯t that exactly what you wanted? Stop pretending!¡±

    From the other end of the line, Josue eximed, ¡°Bryan, you¡¯re heartless! Have you forgotten about me since Eileen came along? Remember, when weunched the venture capital firm, you promised you wouldn¡¯t leave me hanging!¡±

    Bryan abruptly ended the call.

    Josue swore under his breath and booked a flight back to Onnd, determined to make Bryan pay by giving Gabri a big kiss right in front of him.

    Back in control of Apex Group, Bryan dismissed Z first. The notice had reached her even before Bryan came to his office.

    When Z got the news, she was summoned by Kian to a bar tucked away in an alley¡ªa ce not frequented just for casual drinks.

    Among a crowd of shabbily dressed men and women, Kian stood out, almost unrecognizable to Z.

    As they sat there, Z quickly realized that Kian hadn¡¯t invited her just to mingle with others, but to keep himpany.

    ¡°The women here are dirtier than you,¡± Kian whispered to Z. ¡°Though I¡¯ve found plenty of men for you, at least they¡¯re clean.¡±

    He couldn¡¯t say the same for the crowd around them.

    Z gritted her teeth and retorted, ¡°Just because someone is disease-free doesn¡¯t make them clean. Kian, you¡¯re a bastard!¡±

    Fresh updates loaded g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m

    Kian scoffed and, instead of sipping his wine, abruptly drew her close, pushing a ss of wine toward her lips. The ss struck Z¡¯s teeth sharply, causing a painful jolt.

    ¡°I¡¯m a bastard? At least I¡¯m not as cruel as you. Stop pretending you¡¯re so pure and noble,¡± Kian said.

    Z cursed through clenched teeth. ¡°Kian, if I had known this was your true nature, I would have severed ties with you long ago. Your so-called affection for me is an insult!¡±

    Kian¡¯s face darkened. ¡°An insult, you say? Let¡¯s see how low you really are in front of me. Drink this now!¡±

    Z had no choice but toply.

    Kian had incriminating videos of her on his phone. Any resistance from her, and he would show them to everyone in the bar for free¡­

    After consuming quite a bit of alcohol, Z received a call from HR informing her that she had been terminated.

    She had been busy all afternoon, and it was only after receiving the call that she discovered the news. Z learned that Brandon had lost his position, and Bryan had taken control of the Dawson family. Bryan had also announced that he had a daughter with Eileen!

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 500

    Chapter 500:

    Suddenly, Z felt a cold shiver run through her. When had Eileen secretly had a child?

    Overwhelmed with emotions, Z epted whatever Kian handed her without hesitation. Unbeknownst to her, Kian had slipped a small white pill into her drink.

    Half an hourter, Z felt a surge of intense heat coursing through her. Kian escorted her out of the bar and used her ID to check into a nearby hotel, paying with her card.

    Inside the hotel room, Z clung to Kian, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck, rising on her tiptoes to kiss him.

    Kian turned his head away. Though his body reacted to Z¡¯s actions, he couldn¡¯t shake what Z had done to Vivian. Even though he loved Z, he felt that touching her would be a betrayal of Vivian.

    He pushed Z away and left the room, eventually finding a drowsy beggar on the street. He handed the beggar the room card and walked away.

    The next morning, Z woke to a nauseating stench. Shocked, she found a beggar sleeping beside her. Her mind raced as she tried to process what had happened.

    Meanwhile, out on the vast ocean, a luxury cruise ship glided gracefully. A man stood at the bow, breathing in the salty sea breeze. After spending half an hour at sea, he returned to the shore of the ind.

    With a heavy sigh, he muttered, ¡°It would be such a waste to have my son stuck on this ind, unable to spend his money. Call Lydia and check on how things are going on her side.¡±

    ¡°No need for that, sir. The news is already out,¡± a subordinate said, approaching the man and handing him a tablet that disyed the news of Brandon¡¯s expulsion and Travis being disassociated from the Dawson family.

    As he finished reading the news, Lydia¡¯s call came through. ¡°Are you still in the mood for sailing? Things went wrong here!¡± Lydia eximed.

    The man arched an eyebrow. ¡°Isn¡¯t that your problem? You assured me the n was foolproof, that our son would get a new identity.¡±

    ¡°But I didn¡¯t foresee this¡­¡± Lydia clenched her teeth, too frustrated to continue.

    She clung to a fading hope. ording to her, Travis had been conceived before Brandon¡¯s ident.

    But in this situation, even if Lydia confessed the truth, the Dawson family would likely insist on a paternity test, rendering her efforts useless.

    Before they could delve deeper into Travis¡¯ background, she had to remain silent.

    ¡°The strategy you devised is too time-consuming. It might legitimize everything without implicating us, but it doesn¡¯t suit my son. Let¡¯s proceed with my earlier suggestion. It¡¯s not the cleanest method, but it leaves no evidence.¡± The man was resolute in his decision.

    Lydia felt uneasy. After years spent embedded within the Dawson family, she felt entitled to the position and was reluctant to let go.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll make sure the Dawson family pays.¡± The man understood Lydia¡¯s frustration. With some coaxing, Lydia reluctantly agreed.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 501

    ?Chapter 501:

    After ending the call, the man casually tossed his phone aside and turned to his subordinate. ¡°Send the new drug we developed to¡­ Z. I like her ruthlessness. She¡¯ll be perfect for testing its efficacy.¡±

    ¡°Sir, that woman is tough, yet she¡¯s still inexperiencedpared to Bryan.¡± The subordinate paused before adding, ¡°Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have been pushed back like that after she had Apex Group under her control.¡±

    They had done their research on Z, confident that her fiery nature would make it hard for her to ept her dismissal from Apex Group without retaliation. However, they doubted that Z held any real leverage against the increasingly influential Bryan and Eileen.

    The man massaged his forehead briefly, then his face broke into a grin. ¡°It¡¯s been ages since I¡¯ve heard you speak so highly of someone. I¡¯m really starting to want to meet Bryan.¡±

    The subordinate lowered his head, cautioning, ¡°Sir, please think it over. Bryan isn¡¯t someone you want to provoke, especially when your own life could be at stake.¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± The man spun around. ¡°This is about the new drug we¡¯re developing. If it seeds, I stand to make a fortune. Stirring up this kind of drama will only highlight my sess and keep those chasing after me at bay. Isn¡¯t that delightful?¡±

    His excitement grew with each word. ¡°Prepare everything. I¡¯m heading out.¡±

    Eileen hadn¡¯t expected that, after announcing Bryan¡¯s integration into the Curtis family, she would end up being the one swamped with work. The Freguson Group was flooded with coboration offers, and one project after another rolled out smoothly, ushering in a wave of new partnerships.

    Meanwhile, Eileen received a call from Roderick, who had just opened his restaurant. He had invited her to the ribbon-cutting two days ago, but she had been too busy to attend. Now, having learned from the inte that Eileen had a daughter, Roderick had been calling persistently, asking Eileen to bring Gabri to his restaurant to eat. As her uncle, he hadn¡¯t yet had the chance to meet his niece.

    On a quiet Monday evening, Eileen and Bryan decided to visit Roderick¡¯s restaurant, keeping a low profile. The restaurant, located near a busymercial street, saw high foot traffic during lunchtime. By evening, as people headed home, the crowd thinned significantly.

    Knowing that Eileen, Bryan, and Gabri wereing, Roderick had reserved the restaurant¡¯s only private room for them.

    L¦Á¦Ó??¦Ó ?§ß¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?l??.??om

    Eileen exited the car, Gabri in her arms, looking around with wide, curious eyes. It was the baby¡¯s first outing, and everything around her seemed new and exciting.

    Judie emerged swiftly. ¡°Eileen, you¡¯ve arrived! Come in. Roderick¡¯s tied up in the kitchen¡­¡±

    No sooner had she spoken than she noticed Bryan parking the car and approaching. She cast a brief nce his way but skipped the pleasantries, leading Eileen inside instead. ¡°Roderick has prepared some special dishes for you. He¡¯s quite the chef; you must try them.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 502

    ?Chapter 502:

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen replied, her tone showing mild reluctance towards Judie¡¯s bubbling enthusiasm. She stepped into the restaurant, pausing for a moment to look around as she waited for Bryan.

    The restaurant, which covered over a hundred square meters, had a quarter of its space dedicated to the kitchen and a small private room. The remaining area was furnished with about twenty tables and chairs, offering a clean, cozy atmosphere.

    ¡°Eileen, the private room¡¯s right here. We¡¯ve already served two dishes,¡± Judie informed her, pouring a cup of coffee for Eileen and then turning her attention to Gabri. ¡°This little one is adorable, just like you.¡± Judie reached out to embrace Gabri, but Gabri, ustomed to the quiet of home, recoiled from the unfamiliar touch.

    Judie chuckled. ¡°Oh, she¡¯s shy.¡± She settled beside Eileen. ¡°Eileen, do you have a craving for anything in particr? I can ask Roderick to make it for you right now.¡±

    Eileen, still watching Gabri, replied, ¡°Nothing in particr. Just tell Roderick to keep it light.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Judie said, ¡°It¡¯s not often we get to host you. We couldn¡¯t afford much before, but now we can treat you properly.¡± Her tone carried a hint of pride.

    Although their restaurant wasn¡¯trge and they weren¡¯t as wealthy as Eileen, they werefortably making ends meet. Their daily profits consistently ranged between two to three thousand dors. With this pace, they could afford a house in Onnd within a few years.

    The restaurant was their pride, and Judie wanted to boast a little in front of Eileen. In her mind, they were now on equal footing. She no longer had to live in Eileen¡¯s shadow.

    Eileen could easily read Judie¡¯s thoughts, but her reason foring today was solely to see Roderick. After enduring over thirty minutes of Judie¡¯s continuous small talk, Roderick and Denise finally arrived, bearing a handful of dishes.

    After setting down five dishes, Denise returned to the kitchen to fetch more, eventually bringing out ten dishes and a soup.

    ¡°Eileen, Bryan,¡± Roderick called out, his gaze lingering on Gabri. He pulled a small jewelry box from his pocket, causing Judie¡¯s smile to falter slightly.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s is your story source

    ¡°When I learned you had a daughter, I picked this up from the jeweler. They rmended gold for children,¡± Roderick exined, opening the box to reveal a gold bracelet, likely worth over ten thousand dors.

    He hesitated for a moment before extending it toward Eileen. ¡°Eileen, why don¡¯t you help Gabri put it on?¡±

    ¡°You do it,¡± Eileen replied, gently holding Gabri¡¯s chubby arm, rolling up her sleeve, and presenting it to Roderick. ¡°Gabri, let your uncle put the bracelet on you.¡±

    Gabri gurgled happily, her eyes fixed on Roderick as he fastened the bracelet around her wrist. She fumbled momentarily before touching the bracelet, clearly pleased with her new jewelry. Her tiny legs kicked energetically, and she continued to fidget with the bracelet absentmindedly.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 503

    ?Chapter 503:

    Roderick began to say something to Bryan but paused when he noticed only one cup of coffee on the table, positioned in front of Eileen. He quickly turned to Judie and asked, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you get a cup of coffee for Bryan?¡±

    Judie, still upset about Roderick¡¯s unexpected gift to Gabri, responded curtly, ¡°I was under the impression that Bryan doesn¡¯t like coffee.¡±

    Why should she have to serve Bryan? She knew well that Eileen¡¯s newfound influence had little to do with Bryan. Eileen had achieved her position on her own.

    ¡°Enough!¡± Roderick snapped, giving Judie a disapproving look. He then grabbed a cup, poured coffee, and handed it to Bryan. ¡°Bryan, I heard about your car ident on the news. Are you feeling better now?¡±

    Bryan epted the coffee with a small nod. ¡°I¡¯ve recovered now.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s great to hear. With both of your situations improving, and things going well for us, we should all be living happily,¡± Roderick said with a genuine smile.

    His sincere demeanor encouraged Bryan to engage more actively in the conversation. Bryan shared insights on how to attract and retain customers, discussing the increasing trend of ordering takeout. He suggested hiring a part-time delivery worker for the lunch hours and creating a customer group that could order directly at the in-store prices.

    Roderick engaged enthusiastically in the conversation, eagerly discussing ideas with Bryan. Meanwhile, Denise sat quietly, eating her meal without speaking to Eileen.

    When Eileen excused herself to the restroom, leaving Gabri with Bryan, Denise quickly followed her.

    Once Eileen emerged from the bathroom, Denise approached her. ¡°Eileen, may I talk to you about something?¡± she asked.

    Eileen dried her hands and turned to face Denise in the mirror¡¯s reflection. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡±

    Denise hesitated before replying, ¡°Now that Roderick is stable and I¡¯ve quit gambling, maybe we could close the distance between us¡­ Would it be alright if I stayed with you from now on?¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s is your escape to fiction

    Denise had grown tired of Judie. From the moment the restaurant opened, Judie had disyed an air of arrogance, neglecting her duties while taking in money. Meanwhile, Denise was left to wipe down tables, clean the kitchen, and wash the dishes¡ªall for no pay.

    When Denise had mentioned the possibility of a sry, Judie dismissed her with a wave of her hand. ¡°Family doesn¡¯t need to talk about money. Just focus on your tasks. Let me know if you need anything, and I¡¯ll buy it for you.¡±

    On top of that, Judie would often manipte Roderick by suggesting that if Denise had ess to money, she might fall back into her old gambling habits, which could potentially ruin their business.

    As a result of this maniption and theck of pay, Denise was left with only three hundred dors. She was trapped in a job that didn¡¯t offer any realpensation.

    If she wasn¡¯t going to receive any money, Denise thought, she might as well move in with Eileen and enjoy afortable life without the need to work.

    ¡°No,¡± Eileen responded firmly. ¡°We need to stick to what thewyer outlined.¡±

    Denise felt bitterness rise in her chest. ¡°You can look after a stepmother and another man, but you can¡¯t take care of your own mother?¡±

    ¡°I transfer money to your bank ount each month. Based on what you¡¯re telling me, it seems like Judie has the card. That¡¯s something you¡¯ll need to handle on your own.¡± As Eileen dried her hands, she added, ¡°If you can¡¯t sort it out, I can talk to Judie about itter.¡±

    The money was meant for Denise, and it was entirely inappropriate for Judie to intercept it.

    However, Denise clearly saw the two thousand dors as insufficient. ¡°If I lived with you, you wouldn¡¯t have to send money. Wouldn¡¯t that be better? Do you really think Judie will hand it over?¡±

    ¡°She will,¡± Eileen answered without hesitation. ¡°And if she doesn¡¯t give you the card, you can get a new one, and I¡¯ll make sure the money is sent to your new ount.¡±

    Eileen left no room for further discussion and walked away.

    Denise clenched her teeth, feeling increasingly aggrieved. The issue stemmed from Ruby, who had taken on the role of Eileen¡¯s mother. Having two maternal figures in the house was bound to cause friction.

    If only one of them could stay, Denise wondered, why did it have to be Ruby?

    Unable to change Eileen¡¯s mind, Denise decided to confront Ruby instead.

    This meal had only deepened Eileen¡¯s unfavorable view of Judie.

    Bryan felt like a newly-wedded daughter-inw out of favor, receiving cold stares from Eileen¡¯s family.

    As Eileen and Bryan settled back into the car, Eileen quickly reassured him, ¡°Don¡¯t mind Judie¡¯s attitude too much. She¡¯s just being snobbish.¡±

    Previously, Judie had seen Bryan as someone beyond her reach. However, with recent news about the downturn of Apex Group and theunch of EB Group under Eileen¡¯s leadership, it seemed that Bryan had fallen from grace, now ranking below Judie and Roderick.

    Bryan paused while buckling his seatbelt, a spark flickering in his eyes before he looked up, mildly aggrieved. ¡°What can I do? I seem to be reliant on others now.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not relying on anyone,¡± Eileen reassured him, patting Gabri¡¯s little hand. ¡°You¡¯re Gabri¡¯s father and my¡­ rightful¡­¡± She stopped abruptly, realizing something. ¡°We haven¡¯t actually remarried yet, have we?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 504

    ?Chapter 504:

    Bryan raised his eyebrows and said seriously, ¡°It took you this long to notice that I still don¡¯t have an official status?¡±

    So, he had been hinting all along with his constant reminders, and she hadn¡¯t realized?

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you just say things directly?¡± Eileenined.

    ¡°Can everything really be said directly?¡± Bryan retorted.

    Eileen found it obvious. ¡°Of course! We should be clear and open. There¡¯s no need for secrecy or subtle hints.¡±

    Bryan pressed his lips together, stopping at a traffic light. His dark eyes caught the reflection of the red light and, bluntly, he said, ¡°So, when your period ends, I can¡ª¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Eileen cut him off sharply before he could finish.

    Bryan wisely chose silence. When the light turned green, he started the car again. ¡°That¡¯s why some things are better left unsaid.¡±

    Eileen saw through his attempt to shift the topic. Bryan didn¡¯t genuinely care about Judie¡¯s attitude. He had apanied Eileen tonight solely for her benefit. His friendly conversation with Roderick was because of his good rtionship with Eileen and the gift Roderick had prepared for Gabri. He had discreetly assessed the solid gold lock, noting that Roderick had opted for the most expensive option.

    Though he wasn¡¯t bothered, Bryan had still yed his cards well, leveraging Eileen¡¯s difort with Judie¡¯s preferential treatment and taking advantage of it. Despite everything, he recognized that Eileen had been under a lot of stress from work recently, so he hadn¡¯t kept her up toote.

    A bit sleepy, Eileen said, ¡°I¡¯ll reorganize my schedule tomorrow. Then, we can make time to get remarried.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Bryan replied, holding her close, his chest against her back, warm and soft.

    The following day, as Eileen was on her way to work, Bryan made ns to take Gabri out. He told Eileen that he had arranged to meet Josue at the mall, bringing Jacob along since Phoebe¡¯s birthday was approaching, and Jacob wanted to pick out a present for her.

    Eileen didn¡¯t call out his excuse for showing off his daughter and drove off to work.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s hosts exclusive updates

    As she left the residential area, Eileen briefly caught sight of a familiar figure in the corner of her vision. It was fleeting, and by the time she looked again, she wasn¡¯t sure if she had seen it correctly. Dismissing it as a mistake, she drove on.

    Meanwhile, Bryan secured Gabri in her car seat and left.

    Ruby sighed as she surveyed the empty house. Will I even get to see Gabri again?

    Considering Bryan¡¯s current routine, it seemed likely he¡¯d take Gabri out every day. Feeling restless alone at home, Ruby thought about messaging Bailee but decided against it, assuming Bailee was busy as well. She grabbed a jacket and decided to head to the nearby supermarket to pick up ingredients for a nice meal.

    Denise, who had earlier imed a stomachache to avoid helping at the restaurant, was loitering outside the neighborhood. She eyed the grand vi with envy. As Denise thought about how to enter, she spotted Ruby, dressed in clearly expensive attire.

    Denise quickly moved to intercept her, blocking Ruby¡¯s path.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 505

    ?Chapter 505:

    Ruby, startled at first, quicklyposed herself and recognized Denise. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± she asked.

    ¡°What?¡± Denise sneered. ¡°This is my daughter¡¯s house. Can¡¯t I visit? And you, as the stepmother, how dare you question me?¡±

    Ruby remained calm, choosing not to engage in an argument. ¡°If you¡¯re looking for Eileen, you should call her. She¡¯s at work and not here.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not here for Eileen. I¡¯m here to talk to you.¡± Denise slipped her hands into her pockets, sizing up Ruby¡¯s well-maintained appearance, noting her smooth skin.

    Denise concluded that Ruby surely didn¡¯t engage in much housework. Unlike her, she washed dishes and cleaned tables every day!

    ¡°What do you want from me? We have nothing to discuss,¡± Ruby said, trying to walk past Denise, but Denise grabbed her arm.

    Surprisingly strong, Denise held her firm. ¡°Eileen is heartless, ignoring her own mother. I can¡¯t get through to her, so I¡¯vee to you. Surely you¡¯re not shameless, are you? You have a daughter yourself, yet you stay in my daughter¡¯s house! I heard your daughter is married. Is her marriage not as good as Eileen¡¯s? Is that why you¡¯re shamelessly staying here?¡±

    It was early morning, and several residents were out for their daily walks. Ruby, a long-time resident of the vi district, recognized many of them. Given Eileen and Bryan¡¯s public status, Ruby didn¡¯t want to cause a scene.

    She lowered her voice. ¡°Please let go of my arm. If you want to talk, let¡¯s go to the caf¨¦ over there.¡±

    ¡°A caf¨¦?¡± Denise sneered. ¡°Do you want to embarrass me in public by showing off that you¡¯ve had coffee in a nice caf¨¦ before?¡± Denise, who had never been to a caf¨¦, mocked Ruby.

    Ruby¡¯s cheeks flushed. ¡°Where would you prefer to talk then? Just don¡¯t yank on me!¡±

    Denise looked around and then suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s talk at my daughter¡¯s house. I¡¯m her mother, and I haven¡¯t even been inside her house before. That¡¯s not right.¡±

    Feel the thrill at g aln  ov el s .

    Ruby paused, conflicted. Logically, she had no right to deny Denise ess to Eileen¡¯s home. But she feared that letting Denise in impulsively might cause disruptionster.

    Ruby thought it over but decided against openly sharing her concerns. Instead, she said, ¡°I rushed out and forgot my keys. I can¡¯t get back in. Let¡¯s choose another location.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t try to fool me!¡± Denise scoffed, rolling her eyes. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m stupid? Ruby, how did I not see your shamelessness before? As a stepmother, what right do you have to keep me from entering my daughter¡¯s house?¡±

    Denise¡¯s sharp words left Ruby speechless.

    ¡°My home is her home, so she has every right to keep you out,¡± a voice suddenly called. Eileen¡¯s car had pulled up, and she overheard Denise¡¯s words as she stepped out. Her elegant face was set in anger, and she walked over in her high heels, her eyes a mix of detachment and disgust.

    ¡°Denise, blocking and harassing my mother in public is against thew. Do you realize that?¡± Eileen said coldly.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 506

    ?Chapter 506:

    Denise recalled thewyer¡¯s letter and knew she couldn¡¯t confront Eileen like this.

    Quickly, Denise managed a smile. ¡°Eileen, don¡¯t speak to me like that. I¡¯m your mother; I just wanted to see you. I heard Ruby¡¯s daughter got married, and I assumed she might soon have grandchildren to care for. Who will look after Gabri then? Surely I can do that for you.¡±

    Denise¡¯s words twisted the truth, subtly threatening Ruby by implying that Ruby should not stay in the house anymore.

    Anger red within Eileen. Denise and Judie were clearly cut from the same cloth.

    ¡°I¡¯ll manage my daughter myself. If my mother can¡¯t help me, we certainly don¡¯t need someone like you meddling. No matter how you dress it up, my decision won¡¯t change. Beyond alimony, expect no involvement from us,¡± Eileen said firmly.

    With that, Eileen ushered Ruby into the car and helped her into the passenger seat.

    Denise, lingering by the car, seemed ready to respond but then thought better of it. Fearing further provocation, she simply stood there, watching as Eileen drove off with Ruby in the luxurious vehicle.

    Sighing, Denise pped her thighs. Why had Eileen shown up? If only she had caught Ruby alone, manipting her would have been easy.

    Denise nced at the onlookers and began to fake crying. The curious crowd drew closer, gossiping.

    ¡°What happened?¡± one of them asked.

    ¡°Hey, you know thatdy, right?¡± another voice chimed in.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Are they bullying you?¡± someone else questioned.

    Your story source galnov??????c?m

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry. Tell us what happened; maybe we can help,¡± another added sympathetically.

    Denise rubbed her eyes until they stung, then, with red eyes, said, ¡°Eileen is my daughter, and that woman is unrted to her. After I divorced Eileen¡¯s father, I couldn¡¯t take her with me. Heter married that woman¡ªEileen¡¯s stepmother¡ªwho sent Eileen to school for a few years but eventually made her pay for her own medical expenses, costing her a lot of money. Now, she won¡¯t even let my daughter recognize me¡­¡±

    In the car, Ruby expressed her concerns. ¡°Eileen, what if she does something drastic?¡±

    ¡°It won¡¯te to that. She¡¯ll leave if she can¡¯t get in,¡± Eileen replied, trying to alleviate her own irritation andfort Ruby. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t dwell on her words. You know how she treated me and how well you¡¯ve treated me. You have nothing to feel guilty about in front of her.¡±

    Ruby sighed, acknowledging the point. ¡°I don¡¯t feel guilty. I just didn¡¯t want to cause a scene and embarrass you. Otherwise, I would have confronted her.¡±

    If it were anywhere else, Ruby wouldn¡¯t have hesitated to handle Denise¡¯s antics.

    ¡°Eileen, this can¡¯t go on. I don¡¯t think she¡¯ll give up easily,¡± Ruby said, her voice tinged with concern.

    Eileen said, ¡°I will speak with Roderick about thister.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 507

    ?Chapter 507:

    Eileen figured that Denise must have shown up when Roderick wasn¡¯t present. If Roderick had been there, he wouldn¡¯t have allowed Denise toe.

    ¡°That¡¯s fine as well. Take your time. If needed, send her more money monthly. It¡¯s your decision whether I should move out, but she definitely shouldn¡¯t move in. It will make your life too messy.¡± Ruby always looked out for Eileen¡¯s future.

    A warm feeling spread through Eileen¡¯s heart as she looked at Ruby and smiled. ¡°What were you intending to purchase? I can drop you off at your destination.¡±

    Ruby hadpletely forgotten about her shopping ns due to the disturbance caused by Denise. ¡°Forget it; just take me to the educational center. I¡¯ll visit Bailee and return in the evening.¡±

    Ruby was worried that Denise might still be around and could cause problems if she returned early.

    Eileen drove Ruby to the educational center and dropped her off, letting Ruby go in by herself. She had received multiple notifications about a high-level meeting and realized she was already behind schedule.

    The receptionist immediately recognized Ruby as she walked in. ¡°Ruby, what¡¯s the reason for your visit today?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here to see Bailee. Is she busy now?¡± Ruby inquired with a friendly smile.

    The receptionist nced at her watch. ¡°Ms. Brooks hasn¡¯te in yet. She has been out of sortstely and typically arrives around ten. Would you like me to give her a call?¡±

    This news made Ruby frown. Bailee was consistently hardworking, and Ruby had seen her dedication to the educational center over the past two years. What could be causing Bailee¡¯s recentteness?

    ¡°I¡¯ll wait in her office. You can continue with your tasks.¡± Ruby proceeded to Bailee¡¯s office to wait.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s, home to unforgettable stories

    At about ten o¡¯clock, Bailee showed up. ¡°Mom, why didn¡¯t you inform me you wereing?¡±

    Ruby motioned for her to sit down. ¡°It was ast-minute decision. Your sister gave me a ride. What¡¯s been happening with you recently? The receptionist said¡ª¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Bailee managed a strained smile. ¡°I¡¯m just having trouble sleeping alone, so I¡¯ve been staying upte and sleeping in.¡±

    Bailee ced her bag down and chose not to sit next to Ruby. Instead, she went to open the window for some fresh air.

    Ruby thought for a moment before changing the subject. ¡°I believe it¡¯s time to settle things with Huey. I¡¯ll have a conversation with Winona. In the future, I¡¯ll move to yourplex and help you after you have children.¡±

    Ruby hade to a well-thought-out conclusion: she couldn¡¯t continue staying at Eileen¡¯s ce. Denise would take advantage of her being there. Since Gabri no longer needed her care, Ruby felt it was time to move on and not interfere with Eileen and Bryan¡¯s married life.

    ¡°What¡¯s the reason for this sudden move from my sister¡¯s house?¡± Bailee asked, sitting down beside Ruby. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Ruby shared her experience with Denise that morning. ¡°Your sister no longer needs my presence, and I don¡¯t want to give Denise any leverage.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 508

    ?Chapter 508:

    Bailee thought it over. ¡°You¡¯re right. I noticed a rental notice in our building as I was leaving. I¡¯ll get in touch with thendlord right away.¡±

    While Bailee contacted property management, Ruby decided to address the situation with Winona.

    As Bailee made her phone call, Ruby sent a text message:

    ¡°Winona, given the developments with our children, let¡¯s not prolong this any further. Can we arrange a meeting to discuss the matter?¡±

    The text message was met with silence, and Ruby patiently waited. She didn¡¯t mind. After all, Bailee hadn¡¯t finalized her housing situation yet.

    At a shopping mall in Onnd, Bryan rxed in a caf¨¦, holding Gabri in his arms, enjoying the warmth of the sun. The charming sight of Gabri nestled in his arms drew admiring nces from those nearby. The handsome man and his adorable child made a heartwarming scene. Onlookers were captivated by the charming duo.

    Across from Bryan, Josue wore a frustrated expression. ¡°Bryan, this is too much. Did youe out just to sit here? Don¡¯t you consider my feelings at all?¡± He gestured to his face. ¡°As Gabri¡¯s godfather, don¡¯t I have some standing to maintain?¡±

    ¡°What? You¡¯re shameless enough anyway,¡± Bryan replied coolly, continuing to y with Gabri.

    Bryan found great amusement in Josue¡¯s flustered state, a smile curving his lips.

    ¡°Fine, you¡¯ve won,¡± Josue conceded, taking a sip of his coffee. He silently grumbled but couldn¡¯t keep his eyes off Gabri.

    Despite the passage of time, Gabri still remembered Josue. Upon seeing him, she shed a bright smile, her dimples adding to her charm.

    Josue¡¯s heart softened at the sight. Just as he was about to lean in and ask Bryan to let him hold his goddaughter, his phone suddenly rang.

    The tales you love are at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    ¡°Hello?¡± Josue answered, not checking the caller ID, his attention still fixed on Gabri as he made yful faces.

    Abruptly, his demeanor shifted as he responded and hastily ended the call.

    ¡°Damn it. Bryan, I¡¯m in trouble! My ex-wife and her brother are here!¡± Josue fidgeted nervously, unsure where to ce his hands.

    Bryan¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Why are you so afraid? She was the one who tricked you, left with your sperm, and denied you the chance to recognize your child. You don¡¯t need to be scared.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that; she wants to reconcile with me,¡± Josue said, scratching his head. Noticing Bryan¡¯s calm face, he remarked, ¡°I can¡¯t stand you since your daughter doesn¡¯t even have yourst name.¡±

    ¡°Does your child have your surname?¡± Bryan confronted Josue directly. ¡°Not only does she not have yourst name, but you haven¡¯t even met your child. You don¡¯t even know if it¡¯s a boy or a girl. Now, your ex-wife wants to reunite with you, and you¡¯re not grateful? There¡¯s no need to be so stubborn.¡±

    Bryan spoke from personal experience. Being obstinate led to nothing.

    As a thought crossed his mind, Josue¡¯s expression grew somber. ¡°She wants to reconcile; that¡¯s fine. But she deceived me before!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 509

    ?Chapter 509:

    Realizing he had said more than he intended, Josue sighed, leaned back in his seat, crossed his arms, and propped up his legs, falling silent.

    Bryan softly toyed with Gabri¡¯s chubby little hand. Then, a thought struck him, causing his expression to darken. ¡°Why are they here?¡±

    ¡°Like I said, they want to bring me back as a live-in son-inw,¡± Josue responded with irritation.

    Bryan straightened up, contemting for a moment before decisively stating, ¡°That¡¯s not possible. Your ex-wife¡¯s brother has a unique status and can¡¯t move freely between countries. He wouldn¡¯te here just for your ex-wife.¡±

    A thought began to take shape in Bryan¡¯s mind.

    Josue quickly caught on. ¡°You think they¡¯re here because of Travis¡¯ biological father? But he¡¯s not¡­¡±

    Josue left ¡°here¡± unspoken as he suddenly recalled that he wasn¡¯t sure where Travis¡¯ biological father was now.

    ¡°I¡¯ll find out for you. This isn¡¯t something to take lightly.¡± Josue called his ex-wife back. ¡°What are you two really doing here? Don¡¯t lie to me. Your brother can¡¯t just travel freely¡­ Damn it, I¡¯m not going to meet you!¡±

    His ex-wife hung up before he could finish speaking.

    Josue threw his phone onto the table, ran his hands through his short hair, and said, ¡°She wants to meet me before exining why they¡¯re here.¡±

    Bryan ced his car keys on the table and pushed them toward Josue. ¡°Take my car.¡±

    Josue had just arrived at the airport and taken a taxi straight to the caf¨¦.

    galnov??s keeps you updated

    After a brief moment of shock, Josue said, ¡°If she takes me back forcefully, aren¡¯t you helping her? Show somepassion!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just helping a friend get what he wants,¡± Bryan replied. ¡°Finish your coffee and get going.¡±

    Josue thought for a moment. He believed nothing was more important than his friend¡¯s safety, so he took the keys and headed out.

    Josue¡¯s ex-wife, Edna Cortez, was of mixed heritage, with stunning eyes and a remarkable figure.

    While running his venture capital firm overseas, Josue had met Edna during business dinners.

    One thing led to another, resulting in a one-night stand and a quick marriage within three days.

    It was the most impulsive decision Josue had ever made.

    Within three months, Edna had be pregnant.

    Then, she set her conditions: she wanted their child to inherit her family¡¯s fortune, and if Josue wanted to remain with her, he would have to be a live-in son-inw.

    Josue had been furious at her terms, so he divorced Edna.

    They had no contact for years until Josue reached out to Edna¡¯s brother for information about Bryan.

    When Josue arrived at the hotel and found Edna¡¯s room, he knocked twice. The door swung open, and a slender figure rushed out to embrace him.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 510

    ?Chapter 510:

    ¡°It¡¯s been ages, Josue!¡± Edna greeted, her ent noticeable, but her English was fluent enough for them tomunicate easily.

    Josue gently removed her hands and walked past her to face the tall, muscr man standing by the window. ¡°You¡¯re not here just for Edna and me, are you? This visit is about the man I asked about before, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Dewitt turned to face Josue. ¡°No. Edna has been missing you, and since I¡¯m on vacation, I thought I¡¯d drop by.¡±

    ¡°Spare me the excuses,¡± Josue said with a dismissive tone. ¡°Don¡¯t try to trick me. You¡¯re a liar, just like your sister.¡±

    Edna approached with a coffee in hand, her smile faltering. ¡°A liar? I admit I hid my true identity, but my feelings for you were sincere.¡±

    Her earnest eyes met Josue¡¯s, causing him to look away quickly.

    Ignoring her, Josue focused on Dewitt. ¡°Let¡¯s leave the past behind. Just tell me the real reason you¡¯re here.¡±

    Dewitt spread his hands in resignation. ¡°It¡¯s not just about you and Edna. There¡¯s a ssified work-rted matter I can¡¯t reveal, but I promise it has nothing to do with the man you mentioned earlier.¡±

    Given Dewitt¡¯s background as a former soldier, his word carried weight.

    Josue epted this exnation. ¡°Alright, I believe you. I¡¯m leaving now.¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡± Dewitt grasped Josue¡¯s shoulder and effortlessly pulled him back into the room. ¡°You need to talk to Edna.¡±

    Josue was thrown onto the bed as though he were nothing more than a sack, his shoulders throbbing painfully, causing him to wince.

    Lose yourself in stories on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Edna asked, approaching to rub his shoulders.

    He quickly moved away from her touch. ¡°My condition doesn¡¯t concern you. We have nothing left to discuss. If you still have any regard for what we once shared, let me see the child!¡±

    Edna withdrew her hand, biting her lip in hesitation as she looked at Josue. ¡°The child is being raised by my parents as their heir and cannot leave the country. If you want to see them, you¡¯ll have toe back with me.¡±

    ¡°Go back?¡± Josue sat up, crossed his arms, and stared intently at Edna. ¡°That¡¯s your home, not mine. You yed with my feelings and have kept me from seeing my own child. What right do you have to ask me to go back with you?¡±

    His anger red as he stood abruptly, his normally cheerful expression clouded over. ¡°Edna, the fact that we¡¯re not enemies is the best I could do. I don¡¯t want to see your face ever again!¡±

    The Cortez family¡¯s strong influence abroad left Josue feeling isted and powerless to take the child from Edna.

    The longer it continued, the heavier his resentment grew, eventually turning into hatred.

    ¡°Josue, will you listen to me?¡± Edna¡¯s voice trembled. ¡°I never imagined you would object to going back with me.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 511

    ?Chapter 511:

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Josue interjected sharply, his wordsced with bitterness. Suddenly, he reached out and grasped Edna¡¯s neck, his forehead veins bulging. ¡°The issue isn¡¯t about going back, but how you¡¯ve deceived me and kept me from seeing our child!¡±

    Edna felt his grip wasn¡¯t tight, yet the emotional pain was intense.

    Tears rolled down her cheeks. ¡°But if you go back with me, you can see the child!¡±

    ¡°No way!¡± Josue¡¯s lips parted decisively as he let go of her and turned to leave the room.

    After Josue left, Dewitt returned to the room.

    ¡°He won¡¯t go back with you. Let it go,¡± Dewitt said, raising an eyebrow. ¡°He values his pride. He can¡¯t forgive your deceit.¡±

    Edna cried quietly, then another thought struck her. ¡°Then why did you bring me here? Is it rted to what Josue said?¡±

    Dewitt¡¯s eyes shifted. ¡°It¡¯s confidential; I can¡¯t discuss it. Use this time to try onest time to persuade him. If he doesn¡¯t agree this time, you should give up and go back to get married.¡±

    Just as he finished speaking, his phone rang. He excused himself and returned to his room to take the call.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve arrived safely and am closely monitoring Bryan¡¯s every move, ensuring his safety as best as I can. Please keep my visit a secret to avoid alerting Bryan andplicating our ns to entrap our target. Once we use Bryan to draw out the snake and capture them, we¡¯ll make sure he receives significantpensation!¡±

    Josue¡¯s trip took only an hour and a half. Bryan had taken a nap with Gabri in the caf¨¦. When Josue returned, Gabri was still asleep.

    ¡°The reason for their visit isn¡¯t what we assumed,¡± Josue said. ¡°He isn¡¯t just watching that one man; there are several targets he¡¯s after. Don¡¯t read too much into it.¡± Josue felt both frustrated and irritated. This was his first encounter with Edna since their separation five years ago. He had consciously held back his feelings, avoiding even looking at her. Part of him was angry, and the other part feared that he might lose hisposure under her soft gaze.

    Josue scratched his head and tentatively asked Bryan, ¡°Do you know of any ces where they read fortunes?¡±

    Discover fresh tales at g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s,

    Bryan looked at him, puzzled. ¡°What? Are you trying to find out more about your romantic life in the future?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Josue leaned in and whispered, ¡°I need someone to tell me if I¡¯m destined to have a son or a daughter.¡±

    Josue hadn¡¯t seen the child yet, but he felt he should at least find out whether it was a boy or a girl.

    Bryan rxed in the sunlight, asionally texting Eileen while watching Gabri. He was oblivious to Josue¡¯s deep sense of loss and confusion.

    He said, ¡°Pride doesn¡¯t get you much. If you still care for her, let go of her deception.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 512

    ?Chapter 512:

    ¡°That¡¯s easy for you to say,¡± Josue said sharply, tapping the table with his fingers, creating a soft thud that resonated through the caf¨¦. Some people nced their way, and Josue offered a sheepish smile before continuing, ¡°She won¡¯t even let me see the child. She ims she has no right, but shouldn¡¯t she at least tell me if it¡¯s a boy or a girl? She could show me a photo of the child. Is that too much to ask?¡±

    The more Josue spoke, the angrier he became. ¡°I have every right to hold this grudge.¡±

    ¡°You wait here for Jacob. I¡¯m taking Gabri to the Freguson Group to bring lunch to Eileen.¡± Bryan grabbed the car keys and left swiftly, carrying Gabri.

    Josue muttered ¡°heartless¡± several times under his breath before dialing Jacob. ¡°It¡¯s almost noon. Finish up your shopping ande over here to have lunch with me. I¡¯m starving.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Jacob sounded confused for a moment before replying, ¡°I¡¯m at home. Didn¡¯t I tell you I need to get back quickly to spend time with my wife after shopping? If you¡¯re hungry, why don¡¯t you eat something yourself? Why are you calling me¡­¡±

    Meanwhile, Bryan stopped at a restaurant Eileen liked and picked up her favorite dishes. After a bit of driving, he reached the Freguson Group around one o¡¯clock. He had informed Eileen of his arrival, and she, along with Raymond, was waiting for him outside.

    Bryan parked directly in front of thepany, making a notable entrance, and then, under the watchful eyes of onlookers, lifted Gabri out of her car seat in the back. Gabri, just awakening, had slightly red eyes and furrowed brows, but upon seeing Eileen, she immediately began waving her tiny arms joyously.

    Eileen quickly took Gabri into her arms, smiling at her. Bryan passed the food to Raymond, his attention still focused on Eileen and Gabri.

    Raymond joked, ¡°Mr. Dawson, if you hade anyter, Ms. Curtis would have been waiting for dinner.¡±

    Although Eileen had already eaten, Bryan insisted on delivering lunch. Was this really about bringing lunch, or was he simply here to show off his daughter?

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, Gabri¡¯s absolutely beautiful, just like you,¡± Raymond said.

    Read exclusive stories at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Eileenughed. ¡°Really? Once she gets a little older, we¡¯ll see who she resembles more.¡± When Gabri was upset, she mimicked Bryan so closely that Eileen secretly thought Gabri would end up more like him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go inside.¡± Bryan stood against the wind, shielding Eileen and Gabri, casually smoothing Eileen¡¯s tousled hair. He extended his arm around Eileen¡¯s slim waist, intending to escort her into the building, but Eileen didn¡¯t move.

    ¡°Take Gabri back. It¡¯s work hours, and everyone is busy. It doesn¡¯t look right bringing a child here.¡± Eileen nced around at the curious onlookers inside the office, leaning in to whisper to Bryan, ¡°There¡¯s a limit to how much you can show off your daughter.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s eyes widened, surprised. ¡°Do you think I came here just to show off Gabri?¡±

    Was that not obvious?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 513

    ?Chapter 513:

    As Eileen gazed into Bryan¡¯s earnest eyes, she began to question if she was wrong.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll take her back.¡± Bryan took Gabri from Eileen¡¯s arms and turned to leave, his expression carrying a hint of pride.

    Raymond quickly tugged at Eileen¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Ms. Curtis, don¡¯t let him get upset.¡±

    Eileen still remembered how difficult Bryan had been thest time he got angry. Though she suspected he was putting on an act now, she stopped him. ¡°Well, since you¡¯re already here, why not bring her upstairs? Julio is here too, and he hasn¡¯t met Gabri yet.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not a great idea.¡± Bryan stood with Gabri in his arms, his back to the sunlight, leaning on the car as he looked up at the office building. ¡°You¡¯re all busy working. Why should I bring a child here?¡±

    ¡°I decide what¡¯s appropriate here. If I say it¡¯s fine for you to bring her to the office, then it¡¯s fine,¡± Eileen replied.

    Bryan then walked into the building with Gabri, a satisfied smile on his face. Eileen and Raymond followed, with Raymond muttering, ¡°Ms. Curtis, is Mr. Dawson suffering from postpartum depression? Even though he didn¡¯t give birth, it¡¯s said that caring for a child can easily lead to depression, no matter the gender. Has he gone crazy at home?¡±

    That must be why he was so eager to go out, not just to show off his daughter. Maybe he needed the social interaction to fend off depression.

    ¡°You¡¯re reading too much into it. He¡¯s strong. He¡¯s not the type to get depressed easily,¡± Eileen responded, too embarrassed to admit that Bryan¡¯s boundless energy at home was almost too much for her.

    Bryan only stayed at the Freguson Group for less than an hour. When Eileen introduced Gabri to Julio and Benjamin, he seized the opportunity to update Raymond on someplex matters concerning the Apex Group.

    Raymond thought to himself, ¡°Great, now you want me to manage things for Eileen and for Apex Group too? Am I a machine?¡±

    But he kept his thoughts to himself and only replied, ¡°Yes, Mr. Dawson. I assure you, I¡¯ll handle everything you¡¯ve tasked me with efficiently.¡±

    Find your imagination at galn  ovels ; con

    Afterward, as Eileen needed to get back to work, Bryan left with Gabri.

    Since Bryan had recently announced he had a daughter with Eileen, there was considerable interest in seeing the once-prominent business figure now embracing his role as a full-time dad.

    Even as Bryan walked downstairs, a few reporters were there snapping photos of him with Gabri, making sure to blur the images for privacy.

    However, when Z saw these blurred photos in the news, she instantly recognized the child as the one Milford had mentioned¡ªBailee¡¯s child.

    So, Milford was also helping Eileen deceive her?

    Late at night, Milford returned from his part-time job, entering the house just before eleven o¡¯clock, still burdened with a pile of homework toplete.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 514

    ?Chapter 514:

    As he changed his shoes and clutched the bread he had purchased, he paused when he noticed Z sitting on the sofa. He turned, intending to head straight upstairs.

    ¡°Stop!¡± Z stood up and blocked his path. ¡°Why did you keep it from me that Bryan and Eileen have a daughter? What¡¯s going on in your head? Helping a bunch of outsiders hide a secret from me!¡±

    Every time Z and Milford argued over these petty issues, Milford couldn¡¯t bring himself to engage. He was eager to head upstairs, but suddenly a sharp pain shot through his shoulder.

    Z had hurled a ss of water at him, striking his shoulder before the ss shattered on the floor. The sharp crack of the breaking ss was particrly jarring. Standing at the top of the stairs, Milford turned around and red at Z. ¡°Have you lost your mind?¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t lost my mind!¡± Z marched over, gesturing wildly around the house. ¡°Don¡¯t you realize that I¡¯m no longer the CEO of Apex Group? This house won¡¯t be mine much longer!¡±

    Milford watched in silence as Z¡¯s anger erupted.

    ¡°Brandon has lost his grip on power, and I have no one to help me now!¡± Z¡¯s bitterness deepened as she continued. ¡°My glory and wealth are gone¡ªall because of Eileen and Bryan! If you hadn¡¯t kept the fact that they already had a child from me, things might not have turned out this way!¡± She was seething with frustration. ¡°You are all obstacles in my way, and so are our parents! It would be better if you didn¡¯t even exist in this world. I¡¯ll get rid of you all eventually. Mom and Dad failed to protect me from the Dawson family, and they took me away. But that¡¯s not enough! You kept causing me endless trouble and pain!¡±

    Overwhelmed by a sense of injustice, as if the world itself had conspired against her, Z broke down in tears, clutching her hair in despair and copsing to the floor in a dramatic disy of anguish.

    Milford watched her for a moment, then hurried down the stairs. He reached out, gripping her shoulders firmly, trying to make her stand. ¡°What are you talking about? Who are you nning to get rid of? And why would you want to get rid of me, too?¡±

    Milford¡¯s grip on Z¡¯s shoulders was tight, almost painful.

    Regaining control, Z pushed Milford away with a burst of strength, her voice steady despite her trembling hands. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. Just go upstairs and rest. I need to find a new ce for us. We¡¯re moving to a smaller house.¡±

    Before Milford could process her words, Z sprang up, grabbed her bag from the entrance, and bolted out the door. Milford stumbled back, hitting the wall as Z pushed him. In the process, he stepped on a shard of ss that had pierced his shoe, sending a sharp pain through his foot.

    Blood immediately began to drip onto the floor. Wincing, Milford crouched down, carefully pulling the shard out. He limped around the room, searching for the first aid kit to treat the injury.

    Despite the severity of his wound, Milford couldn¡¯t afford a hospital visit.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 515

    ?Chapter 515:

    Z, in a frantic rush, sped out of the house and drove into the city, her mind racing as she tried to figure out where to go. Wanting to drown her sorrows, she initially nned to head to a bar, but her remaining sense of rationality held her back. After all, sinking any lower might mean the end for her.

    Instead, she bought a six-pack of beer from the supermarket, parked her car in a deste suburban area, and drank alone to numb the pain. Intoxicated, she passed out in the car, sleeping through the night.

    By dawn, she was awakened by a throbbing headache and rapid knocking on her car window. Groggily, she opened her eyes and saw Dariel peering in.

    Startled, it took her a few seconds to recall that Dariel worked for Travis¡¯ biological father.

    ¡°Come out. Let¡¯s talk,¡± Dariel said with a smile, gesturing to a car parked a short distance away.

    Z smoothed her hair and climbed out of the car, making her way toward the vehicle Dariel had indicated. The car door was slightly open, revealing only a pair of long legs and a golden-tipped cane resting beside them.

    Under the bright sunlight, the interior of the car was bathed in a blinding re, making it impossible for Z to see anything clearly, not even the man¡¯s face.

    ¡°Z, my boss wants to discuss something with you,¡± Dariel said.

    Z¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Could the man in the car be Travis¡¯ biological father?

    She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Z Murray.¡±

    ¡°Hello,¡± came the response, followed by a hand extending from within the car.

    Find inspiring stories on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s???§àm

    For some reason, Z felt a twinge of anxiety at the sound of the voice. She hesitated for a moment, then slowly reached out and shook the offered hand.

    ¡°I¡¯ve brought something extraordinary. I need someone to test it for me. If it works, we could make a fortune. If you agree to work with me, there will be significant rewards for you.¡± The man¡¯s eerily pale hand pulled a small vial of transparent liquid from his pocket, waving it before Z.

    ¡°You could easily find someone to test it for you. Why do you need me?¡± Z asked, her voice shaky.

    The man let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Have you forgotten who I¡¯m searching for? You even gave me advice on the matter.¡±

    Z¡¯s eyes widened in rm. ¡°But Brandon has been defeated. It seems excessive to go to such lengths against Bryan, doesn¡¯t it?¡±

    She had assumed that Travis¡¯ biological father would move on to another target now that Brandon had failed.

    ¡°What I need for my experiment has little to do with Brandon. I¡¯m aiming to provoke those bastards who are trying to catch me by targeting someone influential,¡± the man said.

    It was a tant act of provocation.

    When something happened to these prominent figures, the authorities would be pressured into action. But the police would be unable to catch anyone or offer any exnations. Wouldn¡¯t that be quite entertaining?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 516

    ?Chapter 516:

    Z¡¯s heart raced as she realized this man wanted to y with others¡¯ lives as if they were mere pawns in a game.

    After a long, tense pause, she finally asked, ¡°What do you need from me?¡±

    ¡°I must admit, the opponent you chose for me is quite formidable. You will need to help me track their movements and draw them out when the time is right.¡± The man spoke of such dark schemes with a disconcerting lightness, as if human lives meant nothing to him.

    Faced with such a person, Z felt she had no choice but toply. The image of Bryan announcing he had a daughter with Eileen shed through her mind. She gripped her clothes tightly, her knuckles whitening as she struggled to calm herself.

    After a long silence, Z suddenly smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t let you down. You made the right choice in choosing to work with me¡­¡±

    Meanwhile, Ruby had yet to hear back from Winona after sending her a message.

    In the evening, when Eileen returned home, Ruby couldn¡¯t help but bring it up. ¡°How much longer is this back-and-forth going to drag on? Bailee and Huey have been legally married for a long time. Why is Huey always so busy? What could possibly be more important than their marriage?¡±

    ¡°What did Bailee say about it?¡± Eileen frowned, sensing that Huey wasn¡¯t entirely to me for the dys. Bailee clearly hadn¡¯t pressured Huey enough.

    Though Ruby was eager to help, she didn¡¯t know where to start.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t heard anything directly from Bailee, but the receptionist at the educational center mentioned that Bailee hasn¡¯t been doing well recently. She has been arrivingte in the mornings, and today, she looked unwell,¡± Ruby said, her concern evident.

    How could she not be worried? Bailee wasn¡¯t young anymore. The situation would be troubling enough if Bailee and Huey weren¡¯t legally married, but with Bailee being legally married without Huey¡¯s parents¡¯ recognition, it only added to Ruby¡¯s anxiety.

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. I have the day off tomorrow. I¡¯ll swing by the educational center, have a chat with Bailee, and find out what she thinks. You¡¯re right¡ªwe need to settle this soon,¡± Eileen said, trying to soothe Ruby. Indeed, this issue had dragged on for far too long.

    L??€$? ???t??§ñ? ?¦Ç g??l??ov?l??.??§àm

    Saturday morning arrived with a soft golden light spilling over the streets as Eileen made her way to the educational center. She spent hours waiting until, finally, Bailee appeared, looking exhausted. The dark circles under her eyes told the whole story.

    She moved through the crowd of parents and students with a forced energy, clearlycking the usual spark she often carried.

    ¡°Eileen, what are you doing here?¡± Bailee asked, clutching her bag tightly.

    ¡°You know why I¡¯m here,¡± Eileen replied, shing a brief smile at a passing tutor. ¡°This isn¡¯t the ce for us to talk. Let¡¯s head to that caf¨¦ down the street.¡±

    The caf¨¦ was just a short walk away, and Eileen noticed that Bailee was unusually quiet, her mind seeming miles away.

    Once inside, they ordered their coffees, and as soon as the waiter left, Bailee sighed, her shoulders sagging. ¡°Eileen, just ask whatever you want to know.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 517

    ?Chapter 517:

    Eileen leaned forward, her eyes softening. ¡°It¡¯s not about what I want to know. It¡¯s about what you¡¯ve been hiding. You can¡¯t handle everything alone. Spill it, and let¡¯s find a solution together.¡±

    Eileen could tell that Bailee was holding something back.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t been able to get in touch with Huey for a while,¡± Bailee admitted, her voice breaking as tears welled up in her eyes. ¡°We were supposed to meet his arranged date together and confess everything to his mother. He told me to wait in the next room, but he left with his arranged date without a word. I found out from the waiter.¡±

    Bailee looked heartbroken, her hands trembling slightly.

    Huey¡¯s phone had been off, and he hadn¡¯t contacted her at all. It was as if he had vanished.

    ¡°And then? You haven¡¯t been able to contact him at all?¡± Eileen asked, sympathy evident in her voice. How had Bailee been managing all this?

    Bailee shook her head but paused. ¡°He never showed up, but his arranged date did. She brought a divorce agreement for me to sign, but I refused. I need to hear it from Huey himself before I do anything.¡±

    ¡°Do you really think he¡¯d do something like that and not face you?¡± Eileen frowned. ¡°Have you tried to find him? Visit his gaming center? You know where he lives.¡±

    Eileen felt something was off¡ªsomething must have happened on Huey¡¯s side.

    Bailee bit her lip, taking a deep breath. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to say to him or where to even start.¡±

    If Huey had given her the divorce agreement himself, should she sign it? How would she exin this to Ruby, who had never fully supported her rtionship with Huey?

    ¡°The longer you drag this situation out with Huey, the more it stresses Ruby out. She¡¯s starting to see him as unreliable because of this. You¡¯re an adult now, Bailee. You need to face the consequences of your actions. If you can¡¯t handle the fallout from your own decisions, how do you think that will make Ruby feel?¡± Eileen said, her voice firm.

    Eileen could see right through Bailee¡¯s turmoil. She felt sympathy for her, but at the same time, frustration was building up. She hoped Bailee could be more mature about this situation.

    Bailee had always shown maturity and dedication when it came to her job, always striving not to let Eileen down. But when it came to her love life, she seemed tock the same level of maturity.

    ¡°Have you ever considered that something might have happened to Huey?¡± Eileen asked, broadening the scope of possibilities. ¡°Ignoring the situation might lead to regrets that you¡¯ll carry for a lifetime.¡±

    Bailee¡¯s shoulders tensed, and she looked up at Eileen, fear flickering in her eyes. ¡°What do you mean? What could¡¯ve happened to him? Don¡¯t freak me out like that.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 518

    ?Chapter 518:

    Eileen sighed. ¡°An adult doesn¡¯t just disappear without a word. You won¡¯t know what really happened unless you make an effort to find out.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll call him right now. If he doesn¡¯t pick up, I¡¯ll call his mom!¡± Bailee shot out of the caf¨¦, phone in hand, her fingers trembling with urgency.

    Eileen watched Bailee from the window, observing her make call after call in vain.

    Suddenly, a familiar figure caught Eileen¡¯s eye. She turned her gaze to follow the limp stride of Milford as he entered the caf¨¦.

    A waitress rushed over to him. ¡°You¡¯rete. And what happened to your foot?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, just a little scrape,¡± Milford said, trying to brush it off. ¡°Don¡¯t worry; it won¡¯t affect my work.¡± He stomped his foot to show he was fine, though his wince suggested otherwise.

    ¡°That¡¯s good, then. Get to work quickly!¡± The waitress returned to her duties, diving back into her work.

    Milford limped toward the staff changing room, keeping his head low. He didn¡¯t notice Bailee outside, engrossed in her phone calls, nor did he see Eileen, the only customer quietly sitting in the caf¨¦.

    A few minutester, Milford re-emerged, now wearing his uniform top. He stopped short when he saw Eileen standing just outside the changing room, her arms crossed.

    ¡°Eileen?¡± Milford eximed in surprise, his face lighting up. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a regr here. I should be asking you the same question. Why are you here?¡± Eileen responded, giving him a once-over. Her eyes lingered on his crumpled ck pants, clearly worn for quite some time. The uniform seemed to highlight how much weight he had lost, and even his face looked noticeably thinner.

    ¡°Is the academic pressure really that bad? Why are you working here? Shouldn¡¯t you be resting at home on weekends?¡± Eileen asked.

    Milford¡¯s throat tightened, but he forced a casual shrug. ¡°I just thought getting some work experience would help me find a job after I graduate.¡±

    Find thetest releases g?ln¦Òv????s

    Eileen raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. ¡°With your grades,panies will be tripping over themselves to hire you. Why would you need work experience?¡±

    Her gaze then dropped to Milford¡¯s left foot, noticing how it barely touched the floor, making him lean slightly on his right. ¡°What happened to your foot?¡± Eileen asked.

    Her sharp eyes caught details that Milford¡¯s own sister, Z, had missed. Z had seen the blood trail but hadn¡¯t bothered to ask about Milford¡¯s injury.

    Milford always took pride in his resilience, but now, Eileen¡¯s concern nearly brought him to tears. ¡°It¡¯s just a minor injury, nothing serious,¡± he replied.

    Eileen was silent for a moment, tilting her head thoughtfully. ¡°How much living allowance does Z give you each month? You live so far from school. Do you stay on campus, or does she pick you up every day?¡±

    Milford stayed silent, his circumstancesid bare without a word.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 519

    ?Chapter 519:

    ¡°I have money,¡± Eileen said, pulling a card from her purse and handing it to Milford. ¡°Use mine. You can pay me back after you graduate and start earning.¡±

    The sight of the card made Milford¡¯s eyes water, but he gently pushed it back toward her. ¡°My life¡¯s difficult, but I can manage. I don¡¯t want to trouble you anymore. The principal spoke to me yesterday, and several professors will mentor me one-on-one. I might even graduate next year. It¡¯s only six months away, right? I can do it¡­¡±

    Milford¡¯s voice trailed off, and before he could finish, he suddenly copsed backward.

    Eileen gasped, instinctively reaching out to catch him, but they both ended up on the floor.

    Eileen¡¯s shoulder hit the floor hard, the impact sending a jolt of pain through her body. Her hand inadvertently brushed Milford¡¯s cheek. The heat radiating from his skin felt like a furnace st, and Eileen yanked her hand back as if burned.

    ¡°What happened here?¡± a waiter barked, rushing over with another at the sound of the thud. They spotted Eileen and Milford sprawled on the floor together.

    ¡°Did he knock you down, miss?¡± the other waiter asked, his concern tinged with suspicion.

    ¡°Are you okay, miss?¡± the first waiter said, helping Eileen to her feet. ¡°We¡¯re so sorry! This waiter here is still in college, a little clumsy, you know¡­¡±

    ¡°Forget about me,¡± Eileen said through the pain, gesturing toward the unconscious Milford. ¡°He fainted. It must be a fever. We need to get him to a hospital now. My car¡¯s out front. Help me get him in; I¡¯m taking him to the ER.¡±

    Eileen pointed toward the parked car, urgencycing her voice.

    But a nervous waiter blocked her path. ¡°Hold on,dy! This is our employee, and we don¡¯t know you. We can¡¯t just let you leave with him¡­¡±

    Eileen spun around, her voice firm but edged with desperation. ¡°His name¡¯s Milford Murray, a freshman at Willowbrook University. He just turned eighteen. He¡¯s burning up. Every minute wasted could be serious. You don¡¯t want to be responsible for that, do you? If you¡¯re still worried, you can send someone toe with me.¡±

    Stay updated with galn¦Ò¦Í??????.c?m

    The manager hesitated, the boss not being there yet. After a brief silence, the manager gestured for the two waiters to take Milford to Eileen¡¯s car.

    ¡°Thanks for stepping up, ma¡¯am,¡± the manager mumbled, his eyes darting around. He then leaned in and whispered urgently to one of the waiters, ¡°Didn¡¯t Milford leave his sister¡¯s number? Call her and tell her to go to the hospital.¡±

    The waiter quickly scurried to make the call, phone clutched in his hand.

    Bailee, frustrated after getting nothing but voicemails from Huey and Winona, walked back into the coffee shop. Her eyes widened at the sight of two waiters carrying Milford out, his face pale.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 520

    Chapter 520:

    ¡°Don¡¯t ask questions for now. Get us to the hospital. Milford has a fever,¡± Eileen said as she climbed into the passenger seat, wincing from her bruised arm.

    The hospital was nearby, just a ten-minute drive away.

    Milford was quickly rushed to the emergency room, and Eileen informed the doctor about his injured foot.

    After about ten minutes, the doctor emerged from the emergency room. ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much. His high fever is due to a deep wound on his foot that wasn¡¯t treated promptly, which caused it to swell. He¡¯s likely had a fever for longer than today.¡±

    The doctor exined the situation while asking a nurse to bring medicine for the fever and attend to Milford¡¯s wound.

    ¡°Please settle the payment,¡± the doctor said as he handed over the bill.

    The manager hesitated and didn¡¯t take the bill right away.

    Eileen grabbed the bill from him without hesitation. ¡°Give him the best medicine,¡± she instructed the doctor. ¡°And keep him here for two days for observation of the wound.¡±

    The manager sighed, looking uncertain. ¡°Just to be clear, Milford only works at the coffee shop on Saturdays, and the injury didn¡¯t happen here. You can treat him in the hospital, but if he¡¯s hospitalized, the cost will be high. I won¡¯t be able to exin this to my boss.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the money; I¡¯ll take care of it,¡± Bailee said, unable to hold back any longer. She grabbed the bill from Eileen¡¯s hands. ¡°Eileen, I¡¯ll settle the payment. You should go and get your arm checked by the doctor.¡±

    Bailee then left.

    Eileen hesitated. She knew admitting Milford would take a long time. Z hadn¡¯t arrived yet, and the manager couldn¡¯t leave Milford alone with Eileen, so they had no choice but to wait.

    The doctor then took Eileen to examine her arm. The manager waited alone outside the emergency room until Z hurried in.

    Your next chapter awaits at galn¦Ò????????

    Z saw the manager and rushed over. ¡°What happened? What¡¯s wrong with Milford?¡± she asked urgently.

    The manager stood up to exin, ¡°Miss Murray, your brother has a fever¡­¡±

    Z cut him off, her brow furrowing into a deep frown. ¡°A fever? Seriously? That¡¯s why you¡¯re blowing up my phone? Why did you have to send him to the hospital? Can¡¯t you just give him some medicine?¡±

    The manager was stunned,pletely taken aback.

    Was Z really Milford¡¯s sister? Eileen had shown more concern for him, and she was only an acquaintance¡­

    ¡°Where is he?¡± Z demanded, impatience rising in her voice.

    The manager gestured toward the curtained entrance of the emergency room. ¡°He has an infection in his foot wound, and it¡¯s started to swell. They¡¯re cleaning him up now. The doctor already gave him something for the fever.¡±

    Before the manager could finish, Z waved her hand dismissively. ¡°Listen up, you¡¯re covering all the expenses. He got hurt on your watch!¡±

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Triple chapters today dear readers. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best (=?=) /

    .

 Chapter 521

    ?Chapter 521:

    Z wasn¡¯t being harsh for no reason. The truth was, her bank ount was dwindling¡ªthere were barely four digits left. Apex Group had been on the verge of copse before, and any money that hade in had gone straight tounching projects or plugging the hole of unpaid sries for the rest of the staff.

    Lydia had convinced Z to be the general manager, promising they were all ¡°in this together.¡± But Z hadn¡¯t seen a single dime beyond pocket change.

    Zunched into a tirade, her tone both arrogant and aggressive. Even when she was wrong, she put on a haughty front, appearing as if she were someone not to be messed with.

    The manager frowned, clearly frustrated. ¡°Fine, we¡¯ll cover the medication today, but that¡¯s it. We¡¯re not paying for his hospital stay or any further treatment for his foot.¡±

    ¡°Who said he needs to be hospitalized?¡± Z scoffed, crossing her arms. ¡°It¡¯s just a scratch! Once the fever breaks, he can take some medicine and go home to recover.¡±

    She even considered buying some iodine and gauze from the pharmacy, along with a few fever pills¡ªbarely costing a few dozen dors.

    ¡°But somedy already checked him in,¡± the manager exined, assuming Eileen had already spoken to Z and updated her on Milford¡¯s condition. ¡°She said she was a friend and wanted him to stay overnight for observation.¡±

    Z¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Who arranged his hospital stay?¡±

    Eileen emerged from the ER, her arm throbbing in pain. It wasn¡¯t broken, just a nasty sprain, but it hurt nheless. Smoothing out her rumpled sleeve, Eileen said, ¡°I got him admitted. Don¡¯t worry; I¡¯ll handle the bill.¡±

    The manager¡¯s expression softened, his eyes practically sparkling as he looked at Eileen more kindly than before. Unconsciously, his gaze towards Z shifted to one of exasperation.

    ¡°Thanks for being so understanding, ma¡¯am. Since Milford passed out on the job, I¡¯ll talk to the boss and get today¡¯s bill covered,¡± the manager said.

    Ga ln ovels . fuels your imagination

    ¡°You can talk about that with Milfordter,¡± Eileen replied, dismissing the manager with a nod. ¡°You can go back to your post. We¡¯ve got this.¡±

    ¡°Alright then, I¡¯ll leave now,¡± the manager said, bowing slightly before walking off.

    Outside the ER, a few worried individuals paced restlessly, waiting for news of their loved ones. Z and Eileen stood among the anxious crowd.

    Their conversation, though heated, did not go unnoticed. Those around them overheard snippets of their exchange. But, caught in their own worries, the others barely paid attention to Z and Eileen¡¯s argument. They gave them a quick nce before returning their focus to the ER doors, their faces lined with concern.

    Z, unable to hold back any longer, snapped, ¡°What¡¯s your problem, Eileen? Are you unting your money now? Who do you think you are, paying for Milford¡¯s hospital bills? I¡¯m his sister, you hear me? And you¡ªacting like a saint with your charity¡­¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 522

    ?Chapter 522:

    Shame flooded Z¡¯s cheeks as she realized the attention she was drawing. It felt as though everyone in the room was staring at her, their gazes sharp and piercing, like a thousandser pointers aimed straight at her.

    Eileen could no longer tolerate Z¡¯s words, and her reaction was swift and fierce.

    Her hand, raised in anger, struck Z hard across the cheek, sending her stumbling back into the wall.

    ¡°Z, can you just act normal for once? If something¡¯s wrong, maybe see a neurologist instead of causing chaos here! Sure, Milford is your brother, but you don¡¯t deserve the title of his sister! I could easily have him cut ties with you. It¡¯s just that I don¡¯t want him to feel like he¡¯s failing or a burden!¡± Eileen said.

    Milford, now a grown man, had his own pride to consider. The ongoing conflict could cast a longsting shadow over his mental state, potentially convincing him of his inadequacy, his inability to be self-reliant, making him feel like a problem and a burden.

    That was why Eileen had hesitated to intervene directly before.

    She preferred that Milford handle the situation on his own.

    ¡°Are you threatening me?¡± Z retorted, cradling her reddening cheek, her eyes sharp and menacing beneath her tousled hair. ¡°You think just because Bryan¡¯s on your side, you can do whatever you want? That you can¡ª¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t make me p you again. Either speak respectfully and take care of Milford, or stay quiet,¡± Eileen cut in, rubbing her sore arm. Ignoring Z, she continued, ¡°I¡¯ve already contacted his school about amodations. What he does during his breaks is up to him.¡±

    Arguing with Z was pointless. It would lead nowhere.

    Eileen chose not to say anything more. At that moment, a nurse wheeled the still-unconscious Milford into the hallway.

    Eileen followed them toward the ward, with Z quietly trailing behind, her hand brushing her hair to cover her reddened cheek.

    Explore more fiction on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s???????

    But just as Eileen was about to step into the ward, Z suddenly seized her wrist. ¡°Eileen, believe me, it¡¯s only a matter of time¡­ You¡¯ll lose it all. I¡¯ll be there to watch you break down, crying!¡±

    ¡°Go home, Z. Get some sleep,¡± Eileen interrupted calmly. ¡°In dreams, you can have everything you desire.¡±

    With those words, Eileen entered the ward.

    Once the nurse had updated Eileen on Milford¡¯s condition and left, Z was nowhere to be seen.

    The doctor informed Eileen that Milford wouldn¡¯t likely wake untilter in the afternoon. Eileen lingered for a while, then realized Bailee hadn¡¯t returned from settling the bill.

    She asked for directions to the billing counter at the nurse¡¯s station and was just about to look for Bailee when she spotted Huey¡¯s father, Frankie Baker.

    She had met Frankie only once before at a resort and hadn¡¯t seen him since.

    Back then, Frankie had been a lively man with a full head of ck hair.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 523

    ?Chapter 523:

    Now, yearster, Frankie seemed to have aged twenty years.

    His hair was streaked with gray, his movements were unsteady, and his skin had lost its former glow. Deep lines marred his brow as he hurried toward the back of the inpatient department.

    ¡°Excuse me, where does that corridor lead?¡± Eileen asked, gesturing toward the direction Frankie had gone.

    The nurse stood and nced down the corridor before replying, ¡°That leads to the ICU. It¡¯s where the most critical patients are treated, those teetering on the edge of life.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Eileen replied, nodding gratefully before quickly following the path Frankie had taken.

    The ICU was framed byrge windows, offering a nearly unobstructed view into the rooms from the corridor.

    As Eileen approached the ICU, she noticed Huey and Bailee standing near one of the windows.

    Huey looked disheveled, his clothes wrinkled, a stubble covering his face. He was staring intently into the ICU room.

    Beside him, Bailee appeared thin and worn.

    As she walked a bit closer, Eileen glimpsed inside the room where Winonay, her figure barely visible in the sterile light. Frankie was already by her side, wearing protective clothing.

    ¡°Eileen,¡± Bailee suddenly said, noticing Eileen¡¯s reflection in the ss. She turned around, her face strained. ¡°I¡¯ve paid the fees. I¡¯ve seen him¡­¡±

    Her voice trembled, her lips quivered as she pointed at Huey, tears streaming down her face.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s holds stories for every mood

    Huey turned slowly to face her. ¡°Are you feeling unwell?¡± he asked, his voice filled with concern.

    ¡°Why are you at the hospital?¡±

    ¡°Not us, it¡¯s someone else,¡± Eileen quickly rified. She was about to ask about Winona¡¯s condition when Huey said, ¡°I¡¯m relieved it¡¯s not you. Everyone needs to prioritize their health. It¡¯s the most important thing.¡±

    He then turned away, lost in thought for a moment. ¡°Just give me a little more time. With my mom¡¯s condition, I¡¯m not sure what to say to you both right now.¡±

    Bailee responded immediately, ¡°I¡¯ll stay. I¡¯ll help you take care of her.¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Huey dismissed the idea. ¡°My mom isn¡¯tpletely out of it. She regained consciousness a few days ago and said one thing: that I have to marry Jillian, or she won¡¯t rest in peace.¡±

    Bailee¡¯s presence at the hospital could unsettle Winona if she were to wake up again.

    This was also the reason Huey hadn¡¯t lent a phone to call Bailee.

    Before Bailee could respond, Huey quickly added, ¡°I don¡¯t want to end our marriage. My mother hasn¡¯t fully woken up yet. Once she¡¯s more stable, I¡¯ll make it clear to her that I¡¯m not marrying anyone but you.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 524

    ?Chapter 524:

    ¡°Now isn¡¯t the time for this. Bailee being here could affect your mother. Look after Winona and yourself; ask for help if you need it,¡± Eileen said.

    With others around, it was clear that deep emotional conversations were inappropriate.

    The situation was already charged with life-and-death stakes, making it an unfit moment for discussing rtionships.

    Learning that Huey¡¯s phone was broken, Bailee took the card out of her phone, handed Huey her phone, and made sure they could at least stay connected.

    She then made her way back to Milford¡¯s ward with Eileen following her.

    ¡°You¡¯re right, Eileen. I dragged it out too long,¡± Bailee admitted, despising herself for the dy. If she had reached out to Huey sooner, she would have discovered Winona¡¯s condition earlier.

    She wouldn¡¯t have tormented herself for so long.

    Suddenly, Eileen felt like the world was spinning out of control, and the haunting words of Z echoed in her mind.

    ¡°You¡¯ll lose it all¡­¡±

    Taking a deep breath and furrowing her brow, Eileen said, ¡°Winona¡¯s illness has stalled your rtionship with Huey. I¡¯ll talk to Mom. Perhaps you should consider moving back home for a while.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps I could stay here and look after Milford for a few days,¡± Bailee suggested. ¡°He needs someone, and I¡¯m concerned about Huey. At least this way, I can keep an eye on him from a distance.¡±

    Milford would need a couple of days in the hospital, at least until the doctor cleared him for discharge after his foot wound had properly healed.

    Knowing she wasn¡¯t up to the task of caring for Milford and seeing the earnest plea in Bailee¡¯s eyes, Eileen agreed.

    After leaving a note for Milford, Eileen headed home.

    At home, only Bryan was present. Ruby had taken Gabri out for a stroll around the neighborhood.

    As Eileen changed her shoes at the entrance, Bryan noticed her distressed demeanor and came over to assist her with her bag, his intense gaze locking onto hers.

    After she had changed her shoes, his strong, veined hand grasped her wrist and pulled her into a tight embrace, his deep voice resonating.

    ¡°Honey, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Bryan asked.

    His tone was filled with affection, a soothing balm that eased Eileen¡¯s weariness and the lingering unease.

    Eileen lifted her head and rested it against Bryan¡¯s chest, leaning into him quietly.

    ¡°Nothing¡­¡± she began.

    Before she could say more, Bryan noticed the scent of disinfectant on her. ¡°Did you go to the hospital? Are you¡ª¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 525

    ?Chapter 525:

    He gently pulled her away, examined her carefully, and lifted her sleeve with concern.

    Upon noticing a bruise on her elbow, he asked with seriousness and anxiety, ¡°What happened to you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve treated it with ointment; it¡¯s nothing serious,¡± Eileen replied. Seeing the mix of nervousness and frustration on Bryan¡¯s face, Eileen shared her encounter with Milford.

    Meanwhile, Bryan helped her to the sofa, brought a hot towel, and ced it on her bruise.

    ¡°Always remember that your safetyes first,¡± Bryan said, his voice still filled with worry.

    He understood it was an ident and held no me toward her.

    Eileen tilted her head sideways against the back of the sofa while Bryan pressed gently on her elbow. The heat from the towel seeped through her skin, spreading warmth through her blood.

    Aforting warmth spread through her heart. She shifted closer to Bryan, pulling her arm free. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Let me rest here for a bit.¡±

    She theny down on hisp, soaking in the sunlight, and slowly closed her eyes.

    Two hourster, Ruby returned with Gabri to find Eileen asleep.

    Ruby¡¯s expression was slightly odd, but Eileen, groggy from her nap, didn¡¯t notice it. She picked up the baby and yed with her on the crawling mat.

    Later, during lunch, Eileen mentioned Winona¡¯s condition to Ruby.

    Ruby, concerned, said, ¡°Howe we didn¡¯t hear about this sooner? I must go see her; it would be rude not to.¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m, your destination for tales

    Even if Bailee weren¡¯t married to Huey, Ruby had known Winona for many years.

    When Winona was ill, she had visited Ruby from time to time.

    Ruby felt she had to go to the hospital to visit Winona because of their long-standing friendship.

    ¡°Mom,¡± Eileen said, needing to be honest. ¡°Even though Winona ended up in the hospital by ident and stayed in aa, Huey said she woke up once and only mentioned going through with the arranged engagement. She can¡¯t be disturbed right now. Let¡¯s give the Baker family some time.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ I won¡¯t bring up the matter about Huey and Bailee,¡± Ruby said cautiously.

    Seeing Ruby¡¯s determination to visit, Eileen gently exined, ¡°It¡¯s not about discussing them; right now, Winona needs to rest. The Baker family¡¯s main concern is her recovery. If you truly wish to see her, it would be best to wait until she¡¯s awake.¡±

    Huey wasn¡¯t in the right state of mind to host visitors.

    Frankie was the same. Despite Ruby and Winona¡¯s friendship, it wasn¡¯t the right time for Ruby to visit before Winona regained consciousness.

    The visit would likely make both Huey and Frankie feel ufortable.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 526

    ?Chapter 526:

    ¡°Then¡­ I¡¯ll move to Bailee¡¯s ce tomorrow. I¡¯m worried about her.¡± Ruby, recalling the rumors she had heard while out with Gabri, seized the moment to suggest leaving.

    Seeing how decisively Ruby spoke, as if she had been preparing for this, Eileen was taken aback for a few seconds before replying, ¡°Bailee is at the hospital right now. Milford¡¯s foot is injured, and Bailee is taking care of him.¡±

    ¡°So many things have happened,¡± Ruby sighed, frowning. ¡°How is Milford doing? I¡¯ll cook somethingter and visit them this afternoon.¡±

    She then stood up and headed into the kitchen to start preparing food.

    In the end, she prepared two meals: one for Milford and Bailee and another for the Baker family. She went to the hospital before dinnertime.

    Indeed, there had been a lot to handletely. Aiming to resolve things quickly, Eileen helped Milford check in at the school and gave him a bank card to cover his living expenses.

    Milford didn¡¯t argue. After spending three days in the hospital, he packed his things and moved into the school dormitory.

    Winona had been moved out of the ICU, though it was still uncertain when she would regain consciousness.

    Huey had arranged to meet with Bailee and Frankie at the hospital next week to disclose everything about their situation.

    ¡°The press conference for EB Group is tomorrow. It¡¯s your first time facing the media, and I¡¯ll go with you,¡± Bryan said during dinner, updating Eileen about the situation at EB Group.

    After a pause, he added, ¡°I n to make the Apex Group a branch of EB Group. With EB Group¡¯s support, managing Apex Group will be much easier. It will return to its former glory sooner orter. As for everything rted to the Apex Group, you can leave it to Raymond.¡±

    He was concerned that Eileen might be exhausted.

    New chapters now on .c?m

    Currently, the Ferguson Group was thriving. With the Harrison family¡¯s backing, Julio had secured a solid position within the Ferguson family.

    Julio had the energy to handle the Ferguson Group, and with Benjamin¡¯s support, Eileen felt capable of managing EB Group.

    Eileen turned to Bryan and asked, ¡°Are you really nning to stay at home and look after Gabri from now on?¡±

    ¡°After the announcement, it¡¯s best if I don¡¯t attract too much attention,¡± Bryan said with a serious expression, though his words sounded somewhat absurd. ¡°I don¡¯t want others to think I¡¯m after your family¡¯s wealth and that you¡¯re just a figurehead. That wouldn¡¯t be right.¡±

    Rolling her eyes and finishing her meal, Eileen cracked a smile and said, ¡°Well, since I¡¯m working hard from Monday to Friday, sex is off the table. Friday nights are for me to rest, so no touching then, either. And I need to sleep well on Sunday nights to be ready for work, so we can¡¯t do anything then, either.¡±

    In that case, Bryan could only have sex with Eileen on Saturdays.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 527

    ?Chapter 527:

    Bryan¡¯s expression soured. ¡°You¡­ You really want me to suffer from my desire, huh?¡±

    ¡°Do you want to exhaust me then?¡± Eileen answered with poise after wiping her mouth. She stood up, patted his shoulder, and added, ¡°Besides, you¡¯ll have your hands full with Gabri. I wouldn¡¯t want to overburden you.¡±

    With that, she walked into the living room and took Gabri from Ruby¡¯s arms. ¡°Mom, could you look after Gabri tomorrow morning? Bryan and I have things to handle. He¡¯ll be back by noon.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Ruby responded.

    A dim light illuminated the empty vi.

    Z sat on the sofa, a few pieces of bread before her.

    Clutching the key Milford had left, she pondered whether it meant he wasn¡¯ting back.

    Milford was really something. Z believed that with Eileen¡¯s support, Milford must be having a great time at school.

    Z looked down at the bread, her frequent mealtely, and felt nauseous just from the smell.

    ¡°Milford, I¡¯ll show you that Eileen is nothing! She¡¯ll end up being more pitiful than me!¡± she muttered.

    With a flick, she tossed the key away, grabbed her phone, and dialed a number quickly. ¡°Sir, I¡¯m ready to proceed, but on one condition.¡±

    ¡°You have a condition?¡± The man on the line sounded both amused. ¡°That¡¯s bold. Go on.¡±

    There was also a woman¡¯s voiceing from the man¡¯s end of the line. Although it was very faint, it was still audible. Since the man didn¡¯t say anything, Z chose to ignore it.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s, your source for inspiration

    ¡°I want to see Eileen lose everything. I want the EB Group, the Apex Group, and the Ferguson Group to crumble!¡± Z said.

    She was confident in the man¡¯s capabilities; the real question was whether he would agree to her condition.

    Z, however, was far too trusting. The man on the other end of the line spoke with irritation. ¡°Fine, but you¡¯ve really dragged this out. I¡¯m losing my patience.¡±

    ¡°Tomorrow!¡± Z responded without hesitation. ¡°Tomorrow is the EB Group¡¯s press conference. Both Bryan and Eileen will be there¡­¡±

    Once the call ended, the man set the phone down, a smirk ying across his face. ¡°I do admire this woman¡¯s spirit. Let¡¯s see how things unfold. If all goes well, I might just give her a hand.¡±

    It was ate autumn day, and the rare warmth of the sun was a delightful surprise. Eileen and Bryan handed Gabri over to Ruby¡¯s care and set off for the EB Group.

    Before they left, Eileen told Ruby, ¡°If Gabri starts feeling uneasy, you can take her for a walk around the block, but stay close to home.¡±

    Eileen had concerns about Denise showing up again.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 528

    ?Chapter 528:

    ¡°Okay,¡± Ruby nodded in agreement.

    Once Eileen and Bryan had left, Ruby spent some time ying with Gabri on her y mat. The little girl was still unsteady even with support.

    Soon, Gabri, tired of ying inside, began to whine, missing her outdoor adventures with Bryan. She wanted to go outside.

    Ruby quickly dressed her in a soft beige jacket and settled her into the stroller. She then headed out for a walk.

    The viplex boasted wide roads, but there was only one park, featuring a naturally shapedke, a popr spot among the parents and their children.

    As Ruby walked with the stroller toward the park, she passed by many people.

    Among them was a group of women, who normally exchanged pleasantries, but now maintained their distance from Ruby, murmuring among themselves.

    They whispered words like ¡°stepmother¡± and ¡°shameless.¡±

    ¡°Can you believe she has the audacity to take that child out in public?¡±

    ¡°Later, we need to find out where she gets the nerve to leave her own daughter¡¯s house for this ce.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard her daughter owns an educational center, but it was actually Eileen who helped the center develop. Her daughter probably can¡¯t handle it, and the center might copse under her leadership. Well, isn¡¯t it obvious she¡¯s just clinging to her financial lifeline now?¡±

    Ruby paused, her gaze fixed on the whispering women. Her brow furrowed as she found herself unable to move closer.

    Just yesterday, during an outing with Gabri, this same group had subtly pried into her personal matters.

    Your adventure awaits at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c©–m

    She had responded with measured politeness, careful not to stir up any issues for Eileen and reluctant to badmouth Denise.

    Once people formed their opinions, those ideas stuck.

    Realizing that any attempt at rification would only be dismissed as mere excuses, Ruby had opted for silence.

    Yet, today¡¯s encounter surpassed her expectations in its brazenness.

    Turning away, she steered Gabri down a different path, deliberately avoiding the familiar confines of the small park.

    Gabri, easily pleased, found joy in the simplest outings. A stroll along the winding roads of theirplex was enough to keep her content.

    As Ruby pushed Gabri¡¯s stroller around, a familiar security guard, probably in histe fifties, greeted her warmly near themunity gate.

    ¡°Watching over your granddaughter again? This little one grows more charming by the day!¡± the security guard said.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Ruby replied, her voice filled with a hint of pride. ¡°She¡¯s the spitting image of her mother, Eileen, at that age.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 529

    ?Chapter 529:

    Ruby barely had time to exchange pleasantries when the unexpected sound of screeching tires filled the air. A van barreled into themunity, shattering the tranquility of the moment.

    The security guard, quick to react, pulled out his stun gun and sternlymanded the driver to stop.

    Several more guards emerged from the security post, ready to intervene.

    Ruby, sensing the imminent danger, hurriedly maneuvered Gabri to the safety of the sidewalk, her heart pounding with fear.

    To her shock, the van was speeding directly toward her.

    It charged through about eight guards, sending a few soaring through the air before it turned and blocked Ruby¡¯s way.

    In a desperate move, Ruby scooped up Gabri, ready to flee, but her ns were thwarted when arge man stepped out of the van and blocked her path, his demand chilling.

    ¡°Hand over the child!¡±

    The man¡¯s hand was a stark contrast against Gabri¡¯s tender pink outfit as he grabbed at her clothing.

    Ruby nced back and saw several others inside the van.

    One of them was leaning out, gun in hand, shooting at the approaching guards.

    Echoes of gunfire resonated through the air. Gabri, overwhelmed by the chaos, broke into sobs, her small hands clinging desperately to Ruby¡¯s attire as tears stained her flushed cheeks.

    g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s, your storytelling home

    ¡°You¡¯re not fit to look after her! I¡¯lle with you!¡± Surrounded with no escape in sight, Ruby adamantly refused to relinquish the child to these ruthless men.

    Eileen had asked her to take care of Gabri, and she needed to protect her.

    The man, losing patience, forcefully grabbed Ruby¡¯s arm, yanking her into the van.

    Inside, the sight of five men wielding firearms sent shivers down Ruby¡¯s spine.

    Holding Gabri close, she steeled herself against the fear that threatened to overwhelm her.

    The van then elerated abruptly, darting out of the neighborhood like a fleeing arrow, leaving behind a trail of incapacitated guards at the entrance.

    Nestled at the base of the mountainy a police station. As soon as the rm red, roadblocks sprang up, forming a formidable barrier.

    Eileen¡¯s eyelid twitched uncontrobly as the press conference drew to a close, but she shrugged it off.

    Bryan noticed her difort and stepped in to field the questions concerning EB Group.

    When the event wrapped up and journalists swarmed for morements, Bryan quickly shielded Eileen and escorted her out.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 530

    ?Chapter 530:

    Inside the elevator, he let go of her arm and looked at her with concern. ¡°What¡¯s going on? You seem off.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just my eyelid twitching. Maybe it¡¯s telling me that taking over EB Group is a bad idea,¡± Eileen said with a light chuckle, massaging her eyelid.

    Bryan smiled gently, his attention lingering on the elevator¡¯s ascent until they reached the top floor.

    ¡°I put together your office. I chose the desk and chairs to suit your taste,¡± he said, holding Eileen¡¯s hand as they walked into the office. Sunlight streamed through the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, filling the room with a bright glow around noon.

    The sprawling view of Onnd¡¯s cityscape stretched out before them.

    But just as Eileen started to take in the view, her personal phone rang. The unfamiliar number on the caller ID brought a rush of anxiety to her heart.

    ¡°Hello, is this Miss Curtis? We¡¯re calling from the security service. There¡¯s been a breach at your residence. A van forced entry, and your mother and daughter have been taken hostage by individuals from the van¡­¡±

    Eileen couldn¡¯t clearly hear the rest. As her throat constricted, she cast a desperate nce at Bryan, gesturing frantically towards the phone, her voice lost.

    Bryan reacted quickly, grabbing the phone and switching it to speaker mode, just as the caller clearly delivered the message again.

    Eileen stood transfixed, the dreadful news of Gabri and Ruby¡¯s abduction overwhelming her thoughts.

    This was no mere robbery. The assants had bulldozed through the guards with lethal indifference and captured Gabri.

    As Raymond steered the car, Bryan called the police and then swiftly dialed Josue. ¡°What exactly brought your ex-wife¡¯s brother here?¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m brings endless adventures

    ¡°He¡­¡± Josue began to echo his earlier exnation, but Bryan¡¯s grave tone halted him mid-sentence, signaling that something bad had happened.

    He eximed, ¡°Damn it! I¡¯ll ask him again!¡± He quickly dialed Dewitt¡¯s number. Dewitt picked up immediately.

    Josue asked, ¡°Why exactly have youe here? Have you deceived me, you scoundrel?¡±

    The air crackled with tension on Dewitt¡¯s end.

    A cacophony of foreignnguages filled the air.

    Dewitt simply reassured Josue, ¡°Rx, your friend will be okay.¡±

    ¡°Fucking hell, I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Josue swore angrily, but the call ended before he could finish.

    Josue was furious and worried. He stared at his phone, unsure of what to tell Bryan.

    He didn¡¯t know what Bryan was facing, and every second counted.

    He eventually called Bryan, his jaw clenched. The phone rang twice before Bryan answered.

    Josue said, ¡°He lied before. You¡ª¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 531

    ?Chapter 531:

    ¡°Gabri has been kidnapped,¡± Bryan interjected, his voice shaking with anxiety and anger. ¡°We¡¯re on the way there.¡±

    ¡°Send me the address; I¡¯ll go there. I am going to call the police. Dewitt will make sure Gabri is safe!¡± Josue said, a mix of anger and fear in his voice.

    ¡°The police are already on it,¡± Bryan said. ¡°We¡¯ll keep each other updated. But don¡¯t count on Dewitt.¡±

    Bryan then hung up.

    He was smart. He knew Dewitt¡¯s group was using him as bait.

    Raymond, worried, spoke from the front seat. ¡°Sir, we can¡¯t drive to that address. It¡¯s a long hike through the mountains. Going there without backup is dangerous.¡±

    Bryan frowned and looked at Eileen.

    Eileen sat in the corner, her eyes filled with sadness as she stared nkly out the window.

    She didn¡¯t cry, but she looked like she might shatter at any moment.

    Bryan¡¯s jaw tightened. He reached out and gently ced his hand on Eileen¡¯s. ¡°Gabri will be okay. I promise I¡¯ll do everything I can to keep her safe.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me.¡± Eileen pulled her hand away, tears welling up in her eyes.

    Right now, she couldn¡¯t handle any words offort.

    Only having Gabri back would make her feel better and allow her to think clearly again.

    Bryan watched her struggle topose herself, his heart breaking.

    The car grew quiet, an ufortable silence hanging in the air.

    Gabri¡¯s captors were waiting on a hilltop outside Onnd.

    The car stopped at the foot of the mountain. The ce was deserted, except for the asional bird chirping from the trees.

    Eileen opened the car door to get out, but just as she was about to step out, a sharp pain shot through her neck and shoulders.

    She passed out and fell back into the car.

    Bryan caught her with his hands, holding her close as he kissed her forehead gently.

    He held her hand for a few seconds, then carefullyid her down in the back seat. He got out and closed the door.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson¡ª¡± Raymond wanted to get out of the car, but Bryan shut the driver¡¯s door before he could open it.

    ¡°Do you have any cigarettes?¡± Bryan asked.

    Raymond¡¯s hands trembled as he pulled out a new pack of cigarettes.

    Bryan took the pack, his eyes filled with worry. ¡°Take Eileen home. If she wakes up, tell her I¡¯m going to get Gabri and Ruby back safely.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 532

    ?Chapter 532:

    Raymond started to argue, but Bryan¡¯s stern gaze silenced him.

    Raymond felt tears welling up in his eyes. ¡°Wait for the police! We already called them; they can help! Don¡¯t go in there by yourself.¡±

    ¡°Those people can¡¯t be trusted,¡± Bryan said. When he learned that Dewitt had concealed his true purpose here, Bryan knew those people would risk everything for the arrest operation.

    They would sacrifice hostages to capture Travis¡¯ father.

    They wouldn¡¯t care about Gabri¡¯s and Ruby¡¯s safety.

    Without a second thought, Bryan turned and walked towards the mountains. His voice was cold and determined. ¡°Take Eileen home.¡±

    Bryan then disappeared into the thick brush on the mountainside.

    Raymond started driving back. He couldn¡¯t help but call the police, hoping they would help Bryan save Gabri.

    On the way back, he got a call from Josue. Jacob had also found out about this and was rushing there with Josue.

    ¡°Did they enter the building? Stop them if you can! Whatever they¡¯re nning, we need a police strategy. We have to work together!¡±

    Raymond nced at the unconscious Eileen in the back seat, his voice shaky. ¡°Ms. Curtis is with me. Mr. Dawson told me to take her home. That means¡­ He will bring Gabri back safely today, or he¡¯s noting back.¡±

    Jacob roared, ¡°What¡¯s his n? Revenge can wait! Does he even have a n? Those people are dangerous! Why didn¡¯t you talk him out of this? He¡¯s lost his mind!¡±

    Josue snatched the phone from Jacob¡¯s hand and asked Raymond for the location. Then, he hung up.

    Read more chapters at g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls

    ¡°I¡¯ll go and find Bryan on that mountain,¡± Josue said to Jacob, his voice tight with guilt. ¡°If I hadn¡¯t been such a fool and fallen for Dewitt¡¯s lies, he wouldn¡¯t be in this mess. I¡¯ll give my own life for his if I have to.¡±

    Without another word, Josue jumped into the car and mmed the ignition. The engine roared to life.

    Jacob wasn¡¯t about to let Josue go alone. He threw open the passenger door and practically leaped into the car. ¡°I¡¯ming, too.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely not,¡± Josue said, shoving Jacob out of the car, his voiceced with desperation. ¡°You¡¯ve got people depending on you. I can handle this alone. I¡¯m not afraid of anything.¡±

    Before Jacob could react, Josue started the car. The tires screeched as the car sped away, leaving Jacob standing there alone.

    Jacob¡¯s first instinct was to chase after the car, but then he stopped dead in his tracks. Images of his baby¡¯s giggling face and Phoebe¡¯s warm smile flooded his mind.

    He clenched his fists, watching Josue¡¯s car disappear into the distance. With a guttural roar, heshed out by punching his own car.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 533

    ?Chapter 533:

    Autumn leaves crunched under Bryan¡¯s shoes as he navigated the overgrown path. Smoke curled from his lips as he puffed on one cigarette after another, flicking the butts aside.

    Each discarded cigarette butt was a ticking time bomb, its ember igniting the tinder-dry undergrowth.

    Smoke soon began to rise, carried by the breeze through the silent woods.

    In the heart of the forest stood an abandoned chemical factory. A sheer cliff face loomed behind it. The air there had once carried a faint, acrid tang of untreated wastewater that had poisoned thend.

    The factory had been deserted for years, and while the air had cleared, the lingering scent of chemicals still remained inside.

    Bryan reached the entrance of the factory, his gaze fixed on the menacing helicopter perched on the rooftop.

    A hulking figure emerged from the helicopter, his booming voice echoing from the rooftop. ¡°You¡¯re a tough act to follow, just like they said. Coming alone? Now that shows guts. Makes me think I made the right choice.¡±

    ¡°Where is my daughter?¡± Bryan¡¯s gaze locked onto the figure, unwavering even under the harsh re of the midday sun.

    ¡°Step inside.¡± The man signaled with a wave and descended from the rooftop stairs.

    Bryan lit hisst cigarette, trying twice to get it burning.

    When he pulled out his phone, his pupils narrowed at the sight of a message from Josue, sent just seconds before.

    The message contained detailed information about the man, Coen Padi, whose veins pulsed with the blood of various underworlds.

    Your next story starts here: g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Generations of wickedness had shaped the powerful and arrogant Coen of today.

    Bryan pocketed his phone and walked slowly into the factory.

    Coen hade down from upstairs, followed by numerous men in ck. The men were clearly armed.

    Coen smiled at Bryan and extended his hand as he approached. ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you.¡±

    ¡°Cut the crap.¡± Bryan scanned the area, but Gabri and Ruby were nowhere to be seen. He turned back to Coen. ¡°Before we discuss your terms, I need to know they¡¯re safe.¡±

    Coen seemed taken aback. ¡°How did you know I had conditions to discuss with you?¡±

    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t have made the effort to kidnap them otherwise.¡± Bryan¡¯s intense gaze held firm.

    Coen had scars crisscrossing his face and a noticeable wound on his throat.

    Despite his smile, an aura of violence lingered around him.

    For years, Bryan was the first person who dared stare him down, which fueled Coen¡¯s excitement. ¡°What do you think? Should I recruit him?¡± Coen asked his men.

    ¡°It¡¯s up to you, sir,¡± the leading man in ck replied.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 534

    ?Chapter 534:

    Coen was only joking. He patted Bryan¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You came here alone, ready to die? Have you thought about what will happen to your wife if you¡¯re gone? Do you think she¡¯ll be able to live without you?¡±

    Bryan pushed Coen¡¯s hand away. ¡°You could kill me without bringing me here. So let¡¯s get to the point and talk terms.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Coen said, pulling a small vial from his pocket.

    The transparent liquid inside looked like water. ¡°This is a new drug I¡¯ve developed. I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s a sess. I want you to test it for me. You have nothing to worry about. It¡¯s not gonna kill you.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s eyes locked onto the vial. After a moment, he unbuttoned his cuffs. ¡°Bring Gabri and Ruby out, escort them down the mountain, and hand them to my people. Then I¡¯ll try it myself.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a man of my word,¡± Coen said, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°And I trust you are, too.¡±

    He gestured, and a door on the second floor opened.

    Ruby¡¯s hair was in disarray. She held Gabri, who was still trembling from fear in her sleep.

    Ruby¡¯s clothes were dirty, and she had lost one shoe.

    Gabri, on the other hand, looked unharmed. Her pink outfit was still clean.

    Seeing Bryan below, Ruby¡¯s throat tightened as she shouted, ¡°Bryan, Gabri is here!¡±

    Your escape begins at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°Ruby!¡± Bryan looked at Gabri in Ruby¡¯s arms, noticing only a glimpse of pink, unable to see her face clearly.

    Still, this was enough to calm him down. ¡°Take Gabri down the mountain. They¡¯ll escort you two,¡± he said to Ruby.

    Ruby panicked and asked quickly, ¡°What about you?¡±

    ¡°I can handle this. Don¡¯t worry about me,¡± Bryan assured her. ¡°Gabri¡¯s safetyes first. Take her and go.¡±

    Ruby¡¯s heart raced when she heard this.

    She had managed to keep Gabri safe, which would ease Eileen¡¯s worries.

    However, Bryan would stay behind now. Wasn¡¯t he also Eileen¡¯s whole world?

    When she hesitated, she looked at the many ck-d men and then at Bryan alone. She understood the situation.

    Either they all died here, or she could save Gabri¡­

    She couldn¡¯t save Bryan.

    ¡°Let¡¯s move,¡± said a man in ck, stepping forward to lead Ruby outside.

    Bryan kept his eyes on Gabri in Ruby¡¯s arms until they disappeared into the forest.

    It was just a thirty-minute journey. Bryan waited for the update.

    Coen monitored his men, disying a crude screen showing Ruby¡¯s progress.

    ¡°You¡¯re in a tough spot,¡± Coen said to Bryan. ¡°Those cops don¡¯t really support you. They only want to use you to catch me.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 535

    ?Chapter 535:

    Bryan stayed silent, staring intently at Ruby on the screen.

    She was walking down the mountain slowly due to her age, clutching Gabri tightly.

    Half an hourter, a team of uniformed officers appeared. When they saw the man with Ruby and the child, they raised their weapons.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, let¡¯s get started.¡± Coen handed a disposable syringe to Bryan. ¡°Once you inject it, the gun aimed at your daughter will target the gunman¡¯s heart. Your daughter will be safe.¡±

    It was clear that if Bryan didn¡¯t follow through, Gabri would remain in danger.

    Bryan¡¯s eyelids drooped as he took the syringe, opened the package, and drew the white liquid from the vial.

    Drops formed on the needle tip, and in their reflection, Bryan saw shes of Eileen¡¯s smiles.

    He then looked at Gabri on the screen and inserted the needle into his vein, slowly injecting the fluid¡­

    The strong smell of disinfectant constantly hit Eileen, taking her back to when Ruby was very ill years ago.

    The feeling of helplessness and the pain in her heart overwhelmed her.

    The pain in her dreams made sweat bead on her forehead.

    Her hands gripped the white sheets tightly as she cried out, ¡°Bryan!¡±

    She suddenly jolted upright, waking from her dream, but the heartache stayed with her.

    Find your favorite stories at g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s., conn

    Though momentarily confused, she slowly remembered what had happened. Was she in a hospital?

    Had Bryan knocked her out and gone up the mountain by himself?

    Eileen quickly tossed the covers aside and ran barefoot out of the room.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you wearing any shoes?¡± Bryan asked, opening the door while holding dinner. He frowned when he saw Eileen¡¯s distressed state and stepped forward.

    ¡°Where is Gabri?¡± Eileen backed away, creating some distance between them. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you let me go up the mountain? Did you manage to save Gabri? Where is she?¡±

    Bryan ced the dinner on the table and gently pulled the nearly hysterical Eileen into his arms. ¡°Gabri is safe. She¡¯s in pediatrics, a bit shaken, but Ruby is with her.¡±

    ¡°I need to see her.¡± Eileen pushed him away and moved toward the door.

    Bryan grabbed her wrist and made her sit on the bed. ¡°Eileen, calm down. If you keep this up, in the future, you¡ª¡±

    He suddenly fell silent.

    He then knelt to help put her shoes on. ¡°You¡¯ll scare Gabri. Put your shoes on, and I¡¯ll take you to her, alright?¡±

    His tone was gentle.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 536

    ?Chapter 536:

    Eventually, Eileen was able to calm down. ¡°Did you rescue Gabri? How did you do that? What have they done to you? Or did you promise them anything?¡±

    Bryan bent down and carefully helped Eileen with her shoes. After a moment of silence, he looked up at her.

    ¡°You look frightened.¡± He smiled and kissed her gently. ¡°Josue arrived just in time with his ex-wife¡¯s brother and saved us. But Coen managed to escape. Now, they¡¯re pursuing him with everything they¡¯ve got.¡±

    This incident hadn¡¯t hit the news yet, and many failed arrests like this would be kept a secret.

    So, even if Eileen tried to find out more, she wouldn¡¯t be able to.

    However, Bryan was telling the truth. Dewitt had arrived just after he had injected the drug.

    Coen had made it to the rooftop and escaped by helicopter. Many of his men had been killed on the spot.

    It was rumored that two people close to Coen had not been killed; they were left alive for the police to gather more information.

    As Bryan had anticipated, when those forces arrived, they hadn¡¯t checked for hostages at the abandoned factory but instead began aggressively arresting Coen¡¯s people.

    However, neither Dewitt and his group nor Coen¡¯s followers had made any move against Bryan.

    ¡°Really?¡± Eileen looked intently into Bryan¡¯s eyes, searching for any hint of deceit.

    She was skeptical.

    A viin like Coen, so indifferent to human life, would surely have tried his best to fight, perhaps bringing Bryan down with him if necessary.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§àm, where stories thrive

    How could he have allowed Bryan and Gabri to return safely?

    Visibly anxious, Eileen clutched Bryan¡¯s arm tightly. ¡°Tell me the truth. I can bear it. It doesn¡¯t matter what happened, as long as you and Gabri are alive.¡±

    She was so anxious that she didn¡¯t notice the tiny, red needle mark under her finger on Bryan¡¯s arm.

    ¡°You don¡¯t believe me?¡± Bryan stood up, gently pushing her hand away. He grasped her wrist, reassuringly saying, ¡°I¡¯ll take you to see Gabri. She¡¯s safe and unharmed.¡±

    Bryan feigned ease and led Eileen out of the ward.

    Gabri had been deeply shaken and often woke from sleep in a startle, but the doctors said she was physically fine and just needed time to recover from the shock.

    When Eileen and Bryan reached Gabri¡¯s ward, the doctor was just leaving and halted them at the door.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 537

    ?Chapter 537:

    ¡°The little one is a light sleeper. Any noise might wake her. You shouldn¡¯t go in. Just look through the window,¡± the doctor said.

    Peering through the ward window, they saw the baby cradled peacefully in Ruby¡¯s arms, asleep.

    Even so, the baby¡¯s little hands asionally twitched, and she made soft groaning sounds.

    Ruby stood and soothed her by gently patting her shoulder.

    ¡°Doctor, how is she? Should we arrange a thorough check-up for her?¡± Eileen asked, her gaze locked on Gabri.

    The doctor responded patiently, ¡°We¡¯ve alreadypleted a full check-up. She¡¯s just shaken up; there are no physical traumas or internal injuries¡­¡±

    After providing the exnation, the doctor departed. Eileen stood outside the room, gazing through the ss at Gabri.

    Bryan silently observed Eileen¡¯s profile.

    Tears welled up in her eyes. He couldn¡¯t tell what she was thinking, but she didn¡¯t look away for a long while.

    ¡°Want to go in and see her?¡± Bryan thought that maybe holding Gabri would bring Eileen some peace.

    But Eileen quickly waved him off, tears streaming down her face as she shook her head. She quickly wiped her tears away and said, ¡°She has just managed to fall asleep. Let¡¯s not disturb her. I just needed to see that she¡¯s safe.¡±

    ¡°She is safe, just like I promised,¡± Bryan assured her, leaning against the wall beside her. ¡°You¡¯re just like her, scared and needing rest. I¡¯ll take you back.¡±

    Eileen nodded and returned to her ward, allowing Bryan to help her into bed. Then, they had dinner Bryan had brought in.

    ?¦Ò???? ¦Ô???????????? ¦É?? ?????????????????.??????

    Bryan ate with unusual calmness, asionally urging Eileen to eat before the food got cold.

    He also ate withrge mouthfuls, as if he was very hungry.

    ¡°Gabri is very important to me,¡± Eileen suddenly said, setting down her utensils. ¡°But so are you. You left without considering¡­ If anything were to happen to either of you, have you thought about what I would do?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve never considered that,¡± Bryan replied quickly and directly. ¡°All I know is that you are my life.¡±

    Eileen opened her mouth to say more, but Bryan interjected, ¡°Eat now, or it¡¯ll get cold. We¡¯re safe now, aren¡¯t we?¡±

    He was unusually calm. Eileen, her mind a whirl of emotions, didn¡¯t ponder too deeply.

    Eileen found it hard to fall asleep that night, having rested too much during the day. Bryan patiently stayed by her side, showing her videos and photos of Gabri on his phone.

    At three in the morning, Eileen finally drifted off to sleep.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 538

    ?Chapter 538:

    Bryan set his phone aside and carefully withdrew his arm from beneath her.

    He covered her with a nket, then quietly exited the ward.

    The night was still.

    Outside in the garden, about eight tall figures lingered. As Bryan stepped out, Josue approached him swiftly.

    ¡°How¡¯s everything going? Are you feeling alright?¡± Josue asked.

    ¡°Yeah, I feel fine,¡± Bryan responded as he walked over to a bench and sat down, his body rxing slightly.

    He had been anxious that Eileen might probe further.

    Thankfully, Eileen was still overwhelmed and hadn¡¯t noticed anything amiss.

    Just then, a doctor approached and took Bryan¡¯s blood.

    ¡°The test results from this afternoon are clear¡ªno signs of drug-rted substances.¡± Josue sat down next to Bryan, his voiceced with contempt. ¡°That bastard monopolizes the drug trade. How many families has he ruined? Whatever drug he has concocted¡­¡±

    It couldn¡¯t be anything good!

    But he didn¡¯t finish his thought. Though Bryan¡¯s blood had been tested, there was no telling what substance he might have been given.

    Their concern deepened the more they considered it.

    ¡°The real problem is, Coen got away,¡± Jacob spat. ¡°That scoundrel is bent on revenge. He might be lying low somewhere now. If he decides to strike back and drags us down with him¡­¡±

    Before Jacob could finish speaking, Bryan fixed him with a piercing gaze, making him fall silent.

    L¦¡¦Ó??¦Ó ch¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?l??.??????

    Bryan¡¯s eyes, deep and grave, held a solemnity that lingered persistently.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, please monitor yourself closely. If you feel any difort, inform us immediately,¡± the doctor said, putting away the blood sample.

    Then, he administered a shot of a drug resistance agent to Bryan, designed to neutralize any drugs in his system.

    ¡°Dewitt mentioned that in Coen¡¯s absence, their forces have surrounded his former location and seized hisb. Once they find thetest drug, they¡¯ll work on making an antidote.¡± Josue¡¯s brow furrowed with concern. ¡°But are you sure you don¡¯t want to tell Eileen? What if, one day, you don¡¯t wake up? Aren¡¯t you worried about leaving things unsaid?¡±

    Bryan dabbed the needle mark with a cotton swab.

    Without looking up, he replied, ¡°Eileen¡¯s stronger than you might think, yet more delicate than you can imagine.¡±

    Above all, he couldn¡¯t bear the thought of seeing her fall apart. If his time came sooner than expected¡­

    He could only consider himself selfish.

    The doctor drawing Bryan¡¯s blood wasn¡¯t affiliated with the hospital but was an expert in drugs.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 539

    ?Chapter 539:

    Once the blood collection concluded, Josue and Jacob rested against a tree, quietly watching Bryan¡¯s back.

    After a while, Bryan said, ¡°No need for you to wait here. You can go back now. I¡¯ll update you if anything arises.¡±

    Emerging from the dark, he was bathed in the orange light of the streetmps.

    When he went back, he hardly slept, spending the night in Gabri¡¯s ward. She slept more soundly as the night progressed. He stayed watching her for a long period before leaving.

    Instead of going back to Eileen¡¯s ward, he took out his phone and made a call.

    ¡°Check if Mr. Watts from Onnd and Mr. Wright from Linder Land have been active recently,¡± Bryan said.

    ¡°Why are you looking into them?¡± asked Raymond, puzzled.

    ¡°Brandon previously gathered evidence against Mr. Watts and Mr. Wright to secure a government-business coboration project. That evidence was probably given by Coen, who dared to settle openly in Onnd because he has leverage over Mr. Wright and Mr. Watts,¡± Bryan replied.

    Bryan had spent the entire afternoon contemting how to locate Coen.

    With Dewitt¡¯s team not caring about hostages, the fact that Coen had fled and vanished suggested he was under someone¡¯s protection.

    Raymond understood Bryan immediately. ¡°I¡¯m on it now!¡±

    After ending the call, Bryan went back to Eileen¡¯s room. Overwhelmed and stressed, he dozed off next to her.

    But his sleep was troubled, filled with dreams that changed direction midway.

    When Eileen woke up early in the morning, she noticed Bryan¡¯s frown as he slept. As she reached out to calm him, he suddenly sped her wrist.

    Their eyes locked in a cautious exchange until Bryan realized his reaction and let go.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Eileen asked, touching his forehead.

    Bryan shook his head. ¡°I had a bad dream about yesterday. It scared me, too.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s heart sank at his words. Wasn¡¯t everyone scared?

    However, she knew Bryan¡¯s fear wasn¡¯t about Coen.

    It was the fear of Gabri being in their grasp.

    ¡°It¡¯s over now. Let¡¯s see if we can get Gabri discharged and take her home,¡± Eileen suggested, eager to leave the hospital soon.

    As Bryan watched Eileen get out of bed, his mind went nk for a few seconds.

    With a frown, he scanned the room and then stood up.

    Gabri was ready to be discharged. Eileen asked Bryan to handle the paperwork while she went to Gabri¡¯s room.

    Gabri sat quietly, her usual smile gone, her big ck eyes darting around.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 540

    Chapter 540:

    At the sound of the door, she was startled and quickly hid in Ruby¡¯s embrace.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid; it¡¯s your mommy,¡± Ruby tried tofort Gabri, gently stroking her back.

    Eileen moved closer and gently coaxed Gabri to lift her head from Ruby¡¯s hug.

    When Gabri saw Eileen, she began to cry, tears rolling down her cheeks.

    She sobbed deeply and reached out for a hug.

    Eileen¡¯s heart softened as she embraced her daughter.

    Gabri clutched at Eileen¡¯s cor, and Eileen cuddled her face against Gabri¡¯s chin and cheek.

    Half an hourter, Bryanpleted the discharge process.

    Rejoining Eileen, he found Gabri still unsettled but moreposed than when she was with Ruby on the way back home.

    Once home, Bryan offered to hold Gabri, but she clung to Eileen.

    Eileen said, ¡°Just let me hold her. You didn¡¯t sleep wellst night. Maybe you should take a nap now.¡±

    But Bryan was in no mood to sleep.

    His phone kept buzzing in his pocket, so he went upstairs.

    Entering the study, he answered the call.

    Step into new worlds at g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s?conn

    ¡°Mr. Dawson. Last night, Mr. Wright secretly drove to the seaside area to pick someone up¡­¡±

    Sitting on the ymat, Ruby watched Gabri in Eileen¡¯s arms. Not even Gabri¡¯s beloved rubber duck could brighten her mood. Ruby felt her heart sink.

    ¡°It¡¯s my fault. I should have watched Gabri more closely,¡± Ruby said.

    ¡°Don¡¯t me yourself,¡± Eileen said, moving closer and handing her a tissue. ¡°Our lives are usually calm. Against those lurking in the shadows, we stand no chance. If they reallye after us, we won¡¯t be able to defeat them. Thankfully, we¡¯re all safe for now. I just hope Coen gets caught soon so that we can live without fear.¡±

    Those things were all new to Ruby. The very sight of guns had left her petrified.

    She had stayed awake all night, and the sound of gunfire still rang in her ears, even when she wasn¡¯t carrying Gabri.

    When she and Gabri were led down the mountain, the sound of gunfire had filled the hills, and helicopters had buzzed overhead.

    ¡°I¡¯ve also frightened you this time,¡± Eileen said, not ming Ruby.

    She had watched the surveince video. The attackers had targeted Gabri alone.

    Yet Ruby had insisted on apanying Gabri.

    It was clear that Ruby had put her life on the line for Gabri¡¯s safety.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah:

    I hope you¡¯re enjoying the new chapters! More novels are on the way this week, so stay tuned to the website for updates.

    I¡¯m also working on a new section featuring VIP novels. This initiative is meant to help protect some of the website¡¯s content, since a few sites have been copying everything I publish¡ªeven my messages.

    In the near future, I¡¯ll introduce a subscription model that will grant ess to all these VIP novels. But don¡¯t worry¡ªfree content will still be avable. For example, if we release 10 novels, 6 will remain free while 4 will be VIP.

    The idea behind the VIP novels is not only to prevent other websites from copying everything, but also to thank the people who support this project and help us keep the website running. I truly appreciate the kind messages you send me on WhatsApp and your constant support¡ªthank you for being part of thismunity.

    Lastly, my goal is to publish 1,000 novels, and I hope you, dear reader, will continue to enjoy this website along the way. God loves you, and Noah wishes you all the best. (=?=)/

    .

 Chapter 541

    ?Chapter 541:

    Luckily, Ruby had gone along, or Gabri might have been even more scared, and worse things could have happened at the hands of those men.

    ¡°All I could think about was keeping Gabri safe. I didn¡¯t have time to be scared. But now, the more I think about it, the more terrified I be,¡± Ruby sighed, sinking into the sofa, looking utterly drained.

    Her energy had dissipated, and now, even at home, her legs felt weak.

    In the silent living room, the two adults kept a watchful eye on Gabri, falling into a heavy silence.

    Though life seemed to have gone back to normal, their fear lingered. They wouldn¡¯t be able to shake off the fear for a while.

    Eileen hadn¡¯t gone to her office for two days.

    Meanwhile, Bryan kept busy. He had Raymond continue searching for Coen, while Josue kept him updated on the raids at Coen¡¯s hideouts.

    Coen¡¯s ind housed severalbs that shipped products globally.

    A newly developed drug had been seized by international police for analysis.

    Those involved in its creation were detained for investigation.

    The analysis of the drug and news of Coen¡¯s location reached Bryan at the same time.

    After informing Eileen, Bryan went to see Josue, who almost cried when he saw Bryan.

    ¡°I¡¯m not dead. Why are you crying?¡± Bryan said calmly, his lean figure rxed yet marked by a touch of seriousness. ¡°Get to the point.¡±

    M¦Òr¦Å ¦Ôpd¦Á§äes ¦Én G¦Áln¦Ò¦Íels.c¦Òm

    Josue sat next to him. ¡°Don¡¯t panic. The efficacy of this drug is still uncertain. Even if it¡¯s effective, researchers are already working on an antidote. There will be a solution!¡±

    Bryan tightened his jaw, his expression stern as he faced Josue. ¡°Stop wasting time. Cut to the chase.¡±

    Raymond had been called in by Bryan to personally report on Coen¡¯s location.

    When he entered, Josue was off to one side, fidgeting as though he was upied with something.

    ¡°Where is he?¡± A cigarette dangled from Bryan¡¯s thin lips as he fixed Raymond with an impassive stare.

    Approaching swiftly, Raymond leaned in and whispered something to Bryan. Then, he straightened up and said, ¡°However, Coen¡¯s base was raided, and we¡¯ve lost track of where he went after taking the helicopter.¡±

    Coen had already had a precise n and destination for his escape.

    ¡°As for Mr. Wright¡­¡± Raymond hesitated, reading Bryan¡¯s expression. ¡°He shared this information reluctantly and hopes you¡¯ll keep your word not to reveal his connection to Coen.¡±

    A cold intensity flickered in Bryan¡¯s eyes as he thought about Coen¡¯s escape and the details Josue had mentioned about the drug.

    He rested his forehead against his hand, lost in thought.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 542

    ?Chapter 542:

    ¡°Where the hell is he running to?¡± Josue snapped back to the present, grabbing his phone to call Dewitt. ¡°Tell me his location. I will catch him this time!¡±

    Before Raymond could intervene, Josue had already connected the call and blurted out, ¡°Bryan located Coen. You guys better¡ªWhat? You won¡¯t capture him?¡±

    Dewitt¡¯s voice, tinged with an ent, echoed on the other end of the line. ¡°Coen is defeated. His only allies now are criminals worldwide. We¡¯re relying on him to draw out bigger fish¡­¡±

    ¡°Screw your ns!¡± Josue exploded. ¡°He broke thew, and you know what he did to Bryan! Are you guys even human?¡±

    Josue seethed with anger, yet Dewitt was unfazed, absorbing Josue¡¯s outburst. Then, Dewitt spoke. ¡°We¡¯ve got a bead on Coen¡¯s whereabouts. Once he leaves Linder Land, we¡¯ll follow him. Edna and I will head back then.

    Do you want to see Edna before we leave?¡±

    The mention of Edna at such a tense juncture only escted Josue¡¯s fury.

    ¡°She¡¯s in cahoots with you. I¡¯m done with her! You two can go to hell!¡±

    With that, Josue mmed the phone down, his breaths short and heavy with indignation.

    Bryan grasped their strategy instantly, no exnations necessary.

    Their primary mission was to dismantle the criminalworks. Casualties were a lesser concern.

    However, Bryan was focused on a different aim¡ªto eliminate any potential dangers.

    L?t?st ?h??pt?rs ¦Én g??lnov§Ö???.??????

    He was determined to protect Eileen and Gabri from ever enduring such threats, especially since there was a potent drug flowing through his veins.

    He believed Coen would keep a stealthy watch over him. Regardless of whether the drug would ruin him, it could still spell trouble for Eileen.

    After a moment of reflection, Bryan stood up. ¡°Let¡¯s head back.¡±

    ¡°Back to where?¡± Josue was quick to stand up as well. ¡°The doctor suggested immediate hospitalization to monitor for any adverse effects.¡±

    Hospitalization?

    Bryan knew this meant he would have to confess to Eileen about the injected drug, exposing the grim possibilities that might lie ahead for him.

    Bryan¡¯s fists tightened.

    After a while, he said, ¡°Let¡¯s keep it under wraps for now. Just give me three days.¡±

    Ignoring the worry that creased Josue¡¯s features, Bryan left.

    Raymond, unaware of the earlier exchange, nced at Josue before rushing after Bryan.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, what happened to you? Why do you need observation?¡± Raymond asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Bryan replied.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 543

    ?Chapter 543:

    Only Josue and Jacob were privy to the fact that he had been injected with the drug.

    Bryan had no ns to share that information with others. As he reached his car, he instructed, ¡°Ensure Mr. Wright thoroughly details Coen¡¯s departure ns. And book me a flight ticket to Linder Land for the day before Coen leaves.¡±

    He then swung open the car door, buckled his seatbelt, and drove off.

    Raymond, left standing there, was perplexed. Was Bryan heading to Linder Land to intercept Coen?

    But without support from Dewitt¡¯s people, venturing there alone seemed futile.

    Questions swirled in Raymond¡¯s mind, yet he was unable to grasp Bryan¡¯s true motives and had no choice but to follow the order.

    The night stretched long, and the chill ofte autumn was piercing.

    Eileen felt the cold biting at her limbs, despite holding Gabri close for warmth.

    Any slight movement to leave Gabri would startle her awake, so Eileen could only hold Gabri tightly.

    Bryany beside Eileen, allowing her to rest against his chest.

    His heartbeat resonated strong and clear in Eileen¡¯s ear, providing aforting, rhythmic backdrop.

    As the night deepened, Gabri eventually settled into a deeper sleep, but Eileen only found rest intermittently.

    It wasn¡¯t until Bryan pulled her closer into his arms that she finally felt secure.

    Enclosed in his embrace, she drifted off to sleep.

    Updates loaded at g??????¦Òv????s.co??

    Come morning, sharp cries startled Eileen awake.

    She quickly scooped Gabri into her arms, soothing her with gentle words. ¡°Good girl, Mommy¡¯s here; don¡¯t be scared.¡±

    At that moment, Bryan tried to sit up but felt one of his arms weak and numb. He copsed back onto the bed with a muffled thud, the sound obscured by Gabri¡¯s continuing cries.

    Eileen, oblivious to Bryan¡¯s situation, continued soothing Gabri.

    Bryan nced at his numb arm and frowned.

    His fingerscked any feeling, and despite his efforts, his army immobile on the bed.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Eileen, having calmed Gabri slightly, turned her attention to Bryan.

    Bryan met her gaze. After a pause, he let out a light chuckle. ¡°I¡¯ve been holding you all night, and now my arm¡¯spletely numb.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll give it a rub after I settle Gabri down,¡± Eileen said, fetching Gabri¡¯s beloved toy. Gabri, her tears drying, took the toy with mild interest but stopped crying.

    Eileen gently ced Gabri in Bryan¡¯s embrace and sat beside him, her cool fingertips beginning to massage the feeling back into Bryan¡¯s numb arm.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 544

    ?Chapter 544:

    Slowly, the sensation returned under Eileen¡¯s tender touch.

    Bryan clenched his hand, signaling her to stop. ¡°It¡¯s fine now; the numbness has passed.¡±

    Eileeny down next to him, and together, they wrapped Gabri in a gentle embrace, ying with her quietly.

    Gabri, though still slightly shaken, began to show signs of recovery, much to Eileen¡¯s relief.

    But Eileen still didn¡¯t go to the office. Julio and Benjamin, fully aware of her situation, had stepped in to manage her responsibilities.

    EB Group remained leaderless, and it troubled Eileen to learn that Raymond was calling Bryan from time to time instead of updating her about work.

    After breakfast, Bryan took a lengthy call from Raymond. He emerged from the study thirty minutester with a serious expression.

    ¡°I need to go to EB Groupter. Tonight, I might have to leave for a business trip,¡± Bryan said.

    ¡°A business trip?¡± Eileen felt an odd tightness in her chest as she stood and faced Bryan. ¡°Is it something very important? Couldn¡¯t it wait a few days?¡±

    Her expressive eyes showed a mix of reluctance and sheer panic.

    She could soothe Gabri, while Bryan brought peace to her soul.

    Her look tightened Bryan¡¯s chest, rendering him speechless for a moment.

    ¡°Are you keeping something from me?¡± Eileen furrowed her eyebrows. She then nced at Ruby, who was tending to Gabri.

    . is your storytelling hub

    Ruby, however, only knew that Bryan had some negotiations with Coen after she left the factory with Gabri.

    Ruby shook her head at Eileen.

    ¡°Come with me.¡± Eileen led Bryan upstairs, closed the bedroom door, and backed him against the wall. ¡°If you dare¡ª¡±

    ¡°me myself,¡± Bryan said, cutting her off. ¡°I think, if I hadn¡¯t pushed for us to go to Wist Land, you would have been living a normal life now, not caught up in all this. I¡¯m not sure if my mistake was failing to protect you or dragging you into this mess.¡±

    He bowed his head, holding her arms tenderly.

    He was afraid that if he held her close, he might not be able to do what needed to be done next.

    Eileen couldn¡¯t meet his sad eyes.

    She dropped her gaze, gathered herself, and then looked up again. ¡°I don¡¯t regret any of the steps we¡¯ve taken. From now on, I just want our family to be okay.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s throat moved as he was unable to say a simple ¡°okay.¡±

    Eventually, he shifted the conversation. ¡°You¡¯repletely focused on Gabri right now. Let me take care of the business matters for a bit. Otherwise¡­ being idle will make me overthink.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 545

    ?Chapter 545:

    Gabri had be deeply attached to Eileen. She would get upset when separated from her, even briefly, making it difficult for Bryan to help care for her.

    Eileen worried that Bryan might me himself even more if she didn¡¯t allow him to help. After thinking for a moment, she said, ¡°Alright, but be cautious if you go. I heard from my mom that when you went to save Gabri, you reached an agreement with Coen, which is why Coen let my mom leave with Gabri. What did you promise him?¡±

    It had only been two days and two nights since the incident, but it felt like an eternity. Eileen¡¯s mind was cluttered with unresolved issues.

    ¡°He¡­ He just wanted me to step aside for Travis and leave the Dawson family,¡± Bryan exined. Then, he added, ¡°That Christos you know is likely Coen¡¯s son, Travis.¡±

    Eileen was taken aback. ¡°He¡¯s mixed-race?¡±

    Bryan nodded. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s apparent he isn¡¯t the biological son of Brandon and Lydia because he¡¯s mixed-race. They kept him hidden for twenty years, too scared to make him appear in public. Despite all our digging, we only found a photo and couldn¡¯t verify if the person in the photo was indeed Travis.¡±

    When they established that Travis¡¯ biological father was Coen, Bryan became convinced that the ¡®good friend¡¯ Christos, whom Eileen had mentioned, was actually Travis.

    ¡°He helped me before,¡± Eileen said, puzzled. ¡°If he¡¯s Travis, why did he help me?¡±

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t want to change his identity. He probably hates that Lydia wants to use the Dawson family to create a new identity for him. Now, with Coen in trouble and their true identities revealed, they are on the run,¡± Bryan replied.

    But Christos had remained clean, despite his father¡¯s involvement in international crimes.

    The police aimed to locate him and keep him under surveince discreetly, not to arrest him.

    Fresh content live now g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s

    This mess was the catastrophe Brandon had inflicted on the Dawson family.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go see Grandma with Gabriter today,¡± Bryan suggested, stroking Eileen¡¯s hand. ¡°Grandma has been asking to see Gabri. I asked Jarred to keep the incident a secret from her. Otherwise, she¡¯d be really worried.¡±

    Eileen hesitated to bring Gabri, who was still unsettled, to meet someonepletely new to her. She worried it might frighten Gabri.

    But Bryan¡¯s persuasive presence was too strong for her to refuse him.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen eventually said.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go to the office first. Once I¡¯m done, I¡¯lle pick you up,¡± Bryan said, kissing Eileen softly.

    Eileen slightly closed her eyes in response to his gesture.

    But Bryan quickly released her, turned, and walked out of the bedroom.

    Work at the EB Group was going smoothly, with Raymond overseeing most operations.

    When Bryan arrived, Raymond had just finished dealing with some delicate tasks. Upon seeing Bryan, Raymond followed him into his office.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, I¡¯ve already booked your flight for tonight. I¡¯ll go with you,¡± Raymond said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 546

    ?Chapter 546:

    ¡°No need for you to do that,¡± Bryan replied, settling into his seat. His hands were sped together on the table as he organized his thoughts. ¡°What¡¯s the situation with Z?¡±

    Raymond quickly replied, ¡°I¡¯ve had someone watching her. She hasn¡¯t left her house in days. However, I discovered that she had dealings with Coen¡¯s men before Eileen was kidnapped.¡±

    ¡°Look for any proof that Z drove Vivian mad. Send Z to jail for that. Also, investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Z¡¯s parents,¡± Bryan ordered.

    Raymond inhaled sharply. ¡°Mr. Dawson, are you implying that Z¡¯s parents¡­¡±

    Bryan slowly shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m not sure, just a hunch. But finding something to extend her sentence would be helpful.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Raymond replied.

    ¡°For now, the management of EB Group and Apex Group is in your hands. Call Josue if you need assistance,¡± Bryan instructed.

    As Raymond made notes, he felt something was amiss. ¡°Mr. Dawson, what are you talking about? Can¡¯t I ask you for help if I run into issues? Besides, Ms. Curtis is also avable.¡±

    ¡°Just take notes on what I tell you,¡± Bryan said, briefly using his phone before continuing, ¡°I¡¯ve transferred twenty million to your ount. Use it to buy a birthday gift for Gabri each year, in your name.¡±

    Raymond understood immediately. The transaction notification made his heart sink. ¡°I can¡¯t do that. If you want to send gifts, you should do it yourself.¡±

    ¡°Just do thisst favor for me,¡± Bryan said firmly.

    ¡°Then what about Ms. Curtis?¡± Raymond¡¯s voice was heavy with sorrow.

    Bryan paused for a moment before responding, ¡°Sending gifts to her would only bring her pain.¡±

    1???E$? ?????€?S 1? g¨»l??¦Ïv?l?.§ão??

    ¡°Mr. Dawson¡ª¡± Raymond began.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Bryan interjected, leaning back and giving more work-rted instructions, leaving no chance for Raymond to speak.

    Before he left EB Group, he gave a stern instruction to Raymond. ¡°Keep my location a secret. For anything important, go to Josue; he¡¯ll know what to do.¡±

    With that, Bryan quickly left, driving to pick up Eileen and Gabri.

    Bryan had given a heads-up earlier, so when he arrived with Eileen and Gabri, everyone was busy preparing avish lunch.

    Eileen noticed a new children¡¯s y castle in the garden, along with many unpacked toys and clothes in the living room.

    As she and Bryan stepped out of the car, Ste emerged from the vi, her eyes fixed on Gabri in Eileen¡¯s arms. She hurried down the steps.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 547

    ?Chapter 547:

    In this new environment, even in Eileen¡¯s embrace, Gabri remained alert.

    Her eyes darted around, resisting Ste¡¯s attempt to hold her.

    She kicked her legs and clung tightly to Eileen¡¯s clothes.

    ¡°She¡¯s probably scared because she doesn¡¯t know me,¡± Ste said, withdrawing her hands and not pushing further. ¡°Come inside first. She¡¯ll get used to me and the new environmentter.¡±

    Eileen and Bryan entered, and the air inside was filled with the smell of delicious food.

    Seeing the busy kitchen, Eileen knew the meal wasn¡¯t ready yet.

    Ste led them to the living room, where a deep red, antique-looking book with gold bordersy on the coffee table.

    Ste opened it and flipped through the pages, documenting the recent generations of the Dawson family.

    ¡°I believe today is the perfect time for this. Although it¡¯s sudden, let¡¯s officially include Gabri and Eileen in the family tree,¡± she said.

    Ste had already informed the other branches of the Dawson family about this.

    Originally, she had envisioned a grand ceremony to mark the greatest celebration for the Dawson family in many years.

    But the news that Bryan was bringing Eileen and Gabri over today had spurred her to act immediately.

    Bryan¡¯s expression grew serious, his thin lips slightly parting. ¡°This feels hasty. Let¡¯s pick another day.¡±

    ¡°When did you start caring about that?¡± Ste¡¯s smile disappeared. ¡°Can¡¯t we hold a proper ceremonyter to make up for it?¡±

    Your favorite stories g?ln¦Ò¦Íels

    Eileen was taken aback by Bryan¡¯s refusal of Ste¡¯s proposal.

    Ste watched, her lips pressed together, as Bryan said, ¡°Let¡¯s choose another day. I will personally select a suitable date to include them in the family tree.¡±

    His stubborn refusal irritated Ste. ¡°I¡¯ve already notified the family branches. You can¡¯t just say no now!¡±

    ¡°Grandma, Gabri¡¯sst name is Curtis now. Do you intend to list her as Gabri Curtis in our family tree?¡± Bryan asked.

    Ste replied, ¡°Of course not. Didn¡¯t you tell me you also named her Athena? I think Athena Dawson has a lovely ring to it.¡±

    Bryan countered, ¡°It¡¯s strange if her surname in the family tree doesn¡¯t match her legal documents.¡±

    ¡°Then¡­¡± Ste paused, ncing at Eileen.

    Considering a change of surnames?

    Ste continued, ¡°Eileen, a surname is merely abel. What are your thoughts?¡± Her tone was inquisitive.

    Eileen started to frown and was about to speak when Bryan interjected, ¡°Grandma, Eileen and I have already discussed this. Our next child, regardless of their gender, will carry the Dawson surname. Let¡¯s include them in the family tree then.¡±

    Bryan didn¡¯t want to change Gabri¡¯s surname now.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 548

    ?Chapter 548:

    Besides, since Gabri already bore the Curtis surname, Eileen might also prefer not to change it.

    Ste thought that if the second child was a boy and would carry the Dawson surname, she would have no reason to change Gabri¡¯s surname back to Curtis.

    After a moment of reflection, Ste closed the book. ¡°Since this is your choice, I¡¯ll respect it. But remember, you must honor yourmitment: the next child must have the Dawson surname.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Eileen said, her smile genuine. She was oblivious to the depth of Ste¡¯s thoughts.

    After some time spent ying, Gabri still seemed uneasy in the new environment.

    This noticeably dampened Ste¡¯s good mood.

    The lunch was soon ready, and everyone proceeded to the dining room.

    The meal included several dishes specially prepared for babies by a chef Ste had hired.

    Since Bryan nned to fly to Linder Land tonight, Eileen and Bryan decided to leave with Gabri shortly after the meal.

    While Ste was distracted by Gabri, clearly reluctant to see her leave, Bryan spoke to Jarred. ¡°It¡¯s getting cold. The vi is too expansive for my grandmother to live alone. Try to persuade her to spend the winter at the temple on the mountain.¡±

    Jarredughed. ¡°She found it too isting up there before,pletely cut off from the world with no updates. Now, with the little one around, I doubt she¡¯ll consider going back.¡±

    Observing Ste nearby, Bryan inquired, ¡°How has she been doingtely?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. She¡¯s healthy. The doctor has visited recently to check on her, and she¡¯s eager to be stronger. She¡¯s looking forward to taking Gabri out for some fun when Gabri is old enough to run around,¡± Jarred replied, his face breaking into a grin.

    Find magical tales on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c????

    Ste cherished Bryan¡¯s first child dearly.

    After a while, Eileen and Bryan departed with Gabri, leaving Ste with a deep sense of loss.

    During the ride back, Gabri fell asleep.

    Uncharacteristically, she didn¡¯t wake up even after they returned home, prompting Eileen to ask Ruby to take her to her room.

    Eileen then went to the bedroom to prepare Bryan¡¯s luggage.

    ¡°How long will you be away?¡± she inquired, eyeing the two suitcases, one notablyrger than the other.

    Bryan was seated on the bed. He supported himself with his hands and looked up at her. ¡°Not for long. Just pack the essentials.¡±

    Eileen chose the smaller suitcase, opening it to pack for Bryan.

    ¡°The weather in Linder Land is simr to here. Since the trip is brief, there¡¯s no need for heavy clothing. If you find it cold, you can always buy some clothes there,¡± she said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 549

    ?Chapter 549:

    Business trips were a frequent urrence in their lives, but Eileen usually traveled with Bryan.

    However, with Gabri here and the recent events, Eileen couldn¡¯t leave home now.

    As she packed, a deep sense of loss overwhelmed her.

    Sitting on the floor after cing thest item, she looked up at Bryan. ¡°Should Gabri and Ie with you?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Bryan answered decisively.

    ¡°Why not?¡± Eileen countered. ¡°Gabri is unsettled, but she calms down when I¡¯m with her.¡±

    And she felt more at ease when Bryan was near.

    The prospect of Bryan being away for several days filled Eileen with a sense of emptiness.

    Bryan leaned closer, gazing at Eileen. ¡°Look after Gabri. Make sure you¡¯re both okay, and that will give me peace of mind.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Eileen held back further objections. Though reluctant, she knew the journey would be too much for Gabri.

    The flight was scheduled for nine in the evening, which was still a few hours away.

    But Bryan still felt the time was too short.

    He watched Eileen move around, putting things away, her reluctance evident in the constant reminders she gave him.

    Bryan felt a deep ache in his heart.

    Latest chapters uploaded g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s

    He held back from saying too much, fearing he might lose control of his emotions.

    Yet, when Eileen sat beside him and grasped his arm, he couldn¡¯t hold back any longer.

    He drew her close and kissed her passionately, his cold lips meeting her warm ones.

    The kiss was intense, conveying his reluctance to leave.

    He wrapped his arms tightly around her.

    His chilly fingers traced beneath her clothes, sending a shiver of electricity through her.

    ¡°Eileen, will you miss me?¡± Bryan pulled back slightly, gently rubbing his nose against hers.

    Tears welled up in Eileen¡¯s eyes as she nodded. ¡°Yes, I will. Gabri will miss you, too.¡±

    A tightness gripped Bryan¡¯s throat as he managed a smile. ¡°The ache of missing someone can be bearable.

    Don¡¯t just stay indoors doing nothing. Focus more on the joyful moments.¡±

    ¡°But you are the one who brings me joy.¡± Eileen wrapped her arms around his neck, looked up, and kissed him softly on the lips. ¡°If I miss you, I¡¯ll just call you. I don¡¯t need anything else to be happy.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 550

    ?Chapter 550:

    ¡°What if you can¡¯t reach me?¡± Bryan gently tapped her nose with his free hand. ¡°If you can¡¯t reach me, don¡¯t cry. Find someone else to keep youpany.¡±

    Eileen gently patted his hand. ¡°If I can¡¯t reach you, I¡¯ll keep calling until you pick up.¡±

    Bryan buried his face in her neck. ¡°You¡¯re being stubborn. It¡¯s going to make me upset.¡±

    In the stillness of the room, they whispered tenderly to each other.

    Eileen reflected on how, since reuniting and having Gabri, they had never been apart. Perhaps that was why Bryan seemed so hesitant to leave now and why he held her so close.

    She hadn¡¯t realized his words might be a different kind of goodbye.

    Bryan insisted on not having Eileen drive him to the airport. After dinner, Raymond arrived to pick him up.

    He took the suitcase from Eileen, his veins prominent on his hand, his fingertips turning white from the grip.

    After changing his shoes, he nced back at her. ¡°Take care of yourself and Gabri.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Eileen smiled at him. ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting for you toe back.¡±

    Bryan turned and walked, his ck shirt merging with the darkness of the night. He waved his hand and said, ¡°Don¡¯t wait for me. If I can return, you don¡¯t have to wait.¡±

    His voice was almost lost to the wind. Standing on the porch, Eileen couldn¡¯t make out what he was saying.

    As she watched him walk away without a backward nce, a feeling of unease crept over her, as if she were losing something precious.

    Your next favorite is on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s£®??o??

    At the airport, Josue and Jacob were already there, waiting.

    Josue had a suitcase with him.

    When Bryan appeared, Josue quickly approached and said, ¡°I¡¯m prepared. I¡¯lle with you.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Bryan replied firmly. ¡°I need to do this alone. Coen is on high alert. Having another person along would justplicate things.¡±

    ¡°But if I were with you, you¡¯d have a better chance of defeating him.¡± Josue insisted on apanying Bryan. ¡°This is my fault. If I hadn¡¯t fallen for the Cortez family¡¯s tricks, you wouldn¡¯t be in this mess now!¡±

    His voice rose in the busy airport, drawing a few nces from passersby.

    Bryan frowned and said coldly, ¡°Just do as I¡¯ve instructed.¡±

    Despite Bryan¡¯s authoritative tone, Josue still didn¡¯t want to back down.

    Bryan patted Josue on the shoulder and said, ¡°I acknowledge you as my daughter¡¯s godfather. Don¡¯t let me down.¡±

    Godfather¡­

    The responsibility weighed heavily on Josue.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 551

    ?Chapter 551:

    Watching Bryan head toward the ticket barrier, Josue felt immobilized by the gravity of the situation.

    He stood frozen, clutching his hair tightly, overwhelmed by his emotions.

    He then turned to Jacob and asked, ¡°Are we really just going to stand here and let him go?¡±

    ¡°What else can we do?¡± Jacob replied. ¡°Drag him back and tie him down? Let him¡ª¡±

    ¡°That would be better than letting him die!¡± Josue interjected.

    Jacob paused for a moment and then spoke with somber eptance. ¡°He probably thinks that facing death there is preferable to the agony of waiting here. For Eileen, a quick end might be kinder than prolonged anguish¡­¡±

    That night, Eileen suffered from insomnia. Gabri had initially slept soundly, and it seemed like it would be a peaceful night.

    Unexpectedly, after midnight, Gabri became unsettled.

    She would either suddenly raise her hands and groan in difort or cry out without warning.

    Eileeny awake, unable to sleep. Gazing into the dark sky and hearing Gabri¡¯s troubled sounds, her heart was in disarray.

    The door to Eileen¡¯s bedroom was open. Ruby, stirred by Gabri¡¯s cries, came upstairs.

    ¡°What happened? She was fine before midnight, right?¡± Ruby asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Eileen replied, pacing back and forth while cradling Gabri. ¡°Perhaps she¡¯s still shaken from the earlier fright.¡±

    Ruby prepared some milk and gently fed it to Gabri. After drinking, Gabri¡¯s cries ceased.

    Once fed, Gabri was fully awake but couldn¡¯t settle back to sleep. So, Eileen took her downstairs to the living room, letting her y with her toys.

    Eileen rested on the sofa, watching Gabri y. The night wore on until dawn, the sky slowly brightening.

    Eileen remained motionless, her thoughts numb. When Ruby took Gabri away to feed her, she barely noticed.

    ¡°Gabri¡¯s been up for a long time; now, she¡¯s tired and has fallen asleep again,¡± Ruby whispered as she emerged from the bedroom.

    Eileen blinked and rose from the sofa as the first bright rays of the morning sun shone through.

    She squinted, a thought crossing her mind. ¡°Bryan should have reached Linder Land by now. Why hasn¡¯t he contacted me?¡±

    ¡°He might have thought Gabri was having a tough night and didn¡¯t want to bother you,¡± Ruby said. ¡°Do you want to try to get some sleep now?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Eileen responded, feeling wide awake.

    On a whim, she headed to the kitchen to cook.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 552

    ?Chapter 552:

    It wasn¡¯t until eight in the morning that Gabri stirred awake. Ruby carried her out from the bedroom and found Eileen seated at the dining table.

    Eileen had prepared four breakfasts, including a special meal just for Gabri.

    She set the table as she would have when Bryan was home, intentionally omitting the ketchup from his portion.

    Eileen rested her chin on her hands, gazing at the table.

    ¡°Eileen, you don¡¯t have to wait for us,¡± Ruby said as she took a seat. ¡°The food is getting cold.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I wanted to have breakfast with you,¡± Eileen replied, then got up to reheat the food.

    She added, ¡°I had this feeling that Bryan wasn¡¯t really away on a trip, so I made an extra te. I won¡¯t reheat his portion; I¡¯ll just freeze it. When he gets back, he can have it then. After all, I rarely cook breakfast for him.¡±

    Before Ruby could respond, the doorbell rang.

    The urgency in the sound caused Eileen¡¯s hands to shake.

    Two tes slipped from her grasp, crashing to the floor and breaking.

    ¡°Are you okay? Did you get hurt?¡± Ruby quickly pulled Eileen away from the shattered ss.

    But Eileen¡¯s attention was fixed on the door, not the broken dishes. The door rattled with persistent knocking.

    ¡°Mom, look after Gabri. I¡¯ll open the door,¡± Eileen said.

    Your favorite stories are on g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s?c?m

    Before Ruby could react, Eileen had already dashed to the door.

    Upon seeing Josue outside, Eileen involuntarily held her breath.

    Her hand tightened on the doorknob as she asked, ¡°What brings you here?¡±

    ¡°Eileen, I¡­¡± Josue began, struggling to find the right words.

    They exchanged a look, the silence thickening the tension between them.

    ¡°Is Bryan away on business, or did he go after Coen?¡± Eileen asked, but it seemed like she already knew the answer.

    ¡°She¡¯s stronger than you might think, but also more delicate than she appears.¡±

    Josue suddenly recalled Bryan¡¯s words and slowly nodded, as if finally understanding.

    ¡°Where is he now? Did he manage to catch Coen?¡± Eileen asked.

    ¡°Bryan nted a bomb on Coen¡¯s helicopter. Coen and his men are dead,¡± Josue said, then paused, unable to continue.

    Eileen smiled suddenly and said, ¡°I knew he¡¯d seed. He should tell me the details himself.¡±

    ¡°Stop fooling yourself,¡± Josue replied.

    When Eileen started to close the door, Josue stopped her, asking, ¡°Do you want to keep waiting for nothing, or are you ready to hear what I have to say?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s smile faded quickly. She turned and went back inside, leaving the door open for Josue. He followed her in and closed the door.

    Eileen asked Ruby to take Gabri upstairs and then sat down across from Josue. ¡°I don¡¯t need all the details. Just tell me where he is.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 553

    ?Chapter 553:

    Josue frowned and gave her a brief overview of the situation.

    Bryan had arrived in Linder Land with a n to take the ce of one of Coen¡¯s bodyguards. But Coen had been cautious. Just before he set off, Coen dered that he would only bring two bodyguards who had been with him for years.

    To ensure Eileen¡¯s safety, Bryan hadn¡¯t hesitated¡ªhe grabbed onto thending gear when the helicopter took off.

    As Bryan was lifted off the ground, Coen had whistled and remarked, ¡°I should have persuaded you to be on my sidest time. What a pity!¡±

    Suspended several kilometers high by the helicopter, Bryan had clung on with all his strength. The wind had whipped his face, making it painful. The thin air made it hard for Bryan to breathe, gradually sapping his strength.

    He had used all his energy just to hold on, leaving him with no strength for anything else.

    But thinking of Eileen and Gabri filled his eyes with resolve.

    Struggling, he managed to get the bomb out and attach it to thending gear.

    Noticing what Bryan was doing, Coen¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Bryan, are you out of your mind?¡±

    Bryan didn¡¯t respond. He focused on attaching the bomb quickly, ignoring the pistol Coen had aimed at him.

    Once everything was set, he let go of thending gear. The wind caught him, lifting him high before he began to fall.

    The helicopter exploded in a shower of sparks, and Bryan watched it happen.

    He meant everything to Eileen, but against the massive explosion, his figure shrank to a speck before vanishing into the sea.

    Stories live now on galn¦Ò??????????o??

    Eileen turned pale as she heard the details.

    Josue looked at her, gritted his teeth, and said, ¡°He fell into the sea, and we never found his body.¡±

    His body was never found?

    That night, Bryan had been unusually clingy. Eileen had thought it was because they hadn¡¯t been apart since getting back together.

    But Bryan had been nning to risk his life to ensure a safe future for her and their daughter.

    Tears welled up in Eileen¡¯s eyes, and she found it hard to breathe.

    It felt as though she could smell Bryan¡¯s blood with every breath.

    Seeing her silence, Josue wanted tofort her but didn¡¯t know what to say.

    It was all his fault.

    If only he had noticed the problem sooner and not been tricked, things might not have ended like this.

    He started, ¡°Eileen¡­¡±

    ¡°Find him,¡± Eileen said, her voice so soft that Josue thought he might have misheard.

    ¡°What did you say?¡± Josue asked.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 554

    ?Chapter 554:

    Clenching her fists, Eileen dug her nails into her palms. The pain was sharp, but her voice was steady.

    ¡°Organize a search and rescue team to find him in the sea.¡±

    ¡°Even though he fell into the sea, the explosion¡¯s impact was so severe that it was like hitting solid ground,¡± Josue said.

    Eileen asked, ¡°Then did you manage to find his body?¡±

    Josue didn¡¯t respond.

    The sea was vast, deep, and seemingly bottomless.

    Even if Bryan were still alive, could he truly survive long enough to be found?

    Eileen¡¯s face was pale, and her body seemed frail, but her words, though soft, were filled with determination. ¡°I need to see him, whether he¡¯s alive or dead.¡±

    Eileen mustered all her resources to initiate a search and rescue operation in the sea to find Bryan.

    Josue and Jacob alsomitted substantial funds and effort to support the search.

    However, finding someone in the sea was like searching for a needle in a haystack.

    Eileen understood this.

    But if she stopped searching for Bryan and resigned herself to his death, she felt her life would lose its meaning.

    She wandered through each day in a daze, unable to focus on managing thepany.

    Explore captivating tales on g¦Á ? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s

    She would sit for hours, lost in thought, cradling Gabri in her arms.

    ¡°Eileen, you haven¡¯t been eating much. I made you some soup. Would you like to try some?¡± Ruby¡¯s voice cracked as she spoke.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m not hungry,¡± Eileen replied, forcing a smile. ¡°Please, just let me be for now. Mom, you should rest.¡±

    Ruby was heartbroken seeing Eileen like this but felt helpless. She decided to devote her attention to caring for Gabri.

    Three months passed, and the critical period for a sessful rescue had ended, prompting the rescue team to leave.

    Only the salvage team Eileen had hired continued their efforts in the sea.

    Eileen had spent all her savings, working tirelessly day and night.

    Her dedication to work had left her little time to think about Bryan, and it also allowed her to invest thest of her funds in more sophisticated equipment to aid the search.

    One morning, while ying with Gabri, Eileen caught a glimpse of a very familiar face on Ruby¡¯s phone.

    ¡°Mom, what are you looking at?¡± Eileen asked.

    Startled by the sudden question, Ruby nearly dropped her phone.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 555

    ?Chapter 555:

    She quickly showed Eileen the phone. ¡°It¡¯s a video about someone who¡¯s been in the hospital for a while. People are looking for this person¡¯s rtives¡­¡±

    Ruby¡¯s exnation faded into the background as Eileen focused on the familiar face on the screen.

    She grabbed the phone, paused the video, and stared at the blurred profile.

    The man had a distinct jawline and a prominent nose.

    It was clear that he would strike from the front.

    Trying to contain her excitement, Eileen quickly called Raymond. ¡°Find out where this video was filmed and book me a ticket there. I need to go as soon as possible.¡±

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, why do you suddenly want to go to the hospital?¡± Raymond asked, confused.

    Eileen took a deep breath, reyed the video, and focused on the brief glimpse of the familiar profile.

    She replied, ¡°Bryan is there, waiting for me. I¡¯m going to find him.¡±

    Raymond was taken aback. He quickly arranged for someone to trace the location of the hospital in the video while briefing Josue and Jacob on the situation.

    Josue and Jacob rushed to EB Group, arriving just as Eileen was preparing to leave for work.

    Seeing them, Eileen said, ¡°You¡¯re here just in time. I need to head to Bayside City¡­¡±

    ¡°Eileen!¡± Josue interrupted before she could finish. ¡°How many ces have you searched these past few months? Every time, it¡¯s not Bryan. Just let it go. If he were still alive, he¡¯d havee back by now. Why would he leave you searching for him like this?¡±

    Pity was evident in Josue¡¯s eyes as he spoke.

    Fresh content live on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls?c?m

    Eileen met his gaze, listening until he finished, then replied calmly, ¡°The rumors before were baseless, but this is different. I saw him in the video. It has to be him.¡±

    ¡°The bigger the hope, the bigger the disappointment,¡± Josue cautioned.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it worse to have no hope at all?¡± Eileen countered.

    Before Josue could respond, Eileen waved him off. ¡°I have to go. You cane with me if you want.¡±

    Josue and Jacob exchanged nces, silently conceding.

    But the moment they stepped out of the office, Josue wasted no time in sending a message.

    ¡°She¡¯s found you.¡±

    As Eileen made her way to Bayside City, her emotions were a whirlwind of anticipation and anxiety.

    The thought of not fulfilling her long-held hopes gnawed at her.

    But the recurring image of the familiar profile in her mind was unmistakable. It had to be him.

    Exhaustion might have yed a part, or perhaps it was the emotional weight of her journey, but within the brief hour-and-a-half flight, Eileen drifted off to sleep.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 556

    ?Chapter 556:

    In her dream, she saw Bryan, who had been absent from her life for far too long.

    ¡°Here you are,¡± he said, his voice soothing and his gaze as tender as she remembered.

    When Eileen saw him again, her built-up resilience shattered instantly.

    Tears streamed down her face as she reached out to embrace him. But suddenly, her body gave way, sending her tumbling down.

    ¡°Eileen, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    As soon as Eileen opened her eyes, Josue¡¯s face was right in front of her. Bryan was nowhere to be seen.

    Tears welled up in Eileen¡¯s eyes. She quickly shut them, inhaling deeply before replying, ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Just a dream.¡±

    She felt disoriented after the dream.

    Was he appearing in her dreams because he missed her, too?

    Or was he already¡­

    No, that couldn¡¯t be. He must be alive.

    Since she hadn¡¯t seen his body, she had to keep searching for him.

    In Bayside City.

    Uponnding, Josue suggested Eileen rest before visiting the hospital.

    L?t??¦Ó §éh?¦Ñ¦Ó?r? ¦Én g¨»l??¦Ïv?l?.§ão??

    But how could she rest now?

    Eileen urged the driver to head straight to Bayside Hospital.

    In most hospitals, ces to offer congrattions were scarce, except in the maternity ward.

    But at that moment, Eileen¡¯s heart was inexplicably filled with joy. Her instincts screamed that Bryan was here.

    Following the information Raymond had provided, she rode the elevator to the 23rd floor.

    As the doors opened and she stepped out into the hallway, her eyes suddenly widened. Her vision blurred with tears, and her sense of surroundings quickly faded.

    Yet, the figure standing not too far away remained strikingly clear in her eyes.

    The man was tall and handsome.

    Even with the baggy hospital gown, he still stood out.

    It was Bryan.

    The thought of their separation over the past three months, and all the emotions she had bottled up, left Eileen without hesitation. She yearned to rush into his arms and weep uncontrobly.

    However, her legs felt incredibly heavy, making each step feel like an enormous effort.

    Eventually, she stopped, tears streaming down her face, and whispered, ¡°Bryan, I¡¯ve finally found you. I¡¯m here to take you home.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 557

    ?Chapter 557:

    But after waiting for a response, there was only silence. Bryan neither spoke nor moved toward her.

    What was going on?

    Wiping her tears, Eileen noticed that Bryan was still a distance away.

    Only then did she see something off about him.

    His limbs were stiff, and his movements were agonizingly slow. Each step seemed to take immense effort.

    Was he injured?

    The thought struck Eileen¡¯s heart like a hammer blow. If it hadn¡¯t been for her, would he have suffered such severe injuries?

    It was nothing short of a miracle that he had survived the fall from the sky. Compared to death, his injuries seemed trivial.

    As long as he was alive, she vowed to stay by his side.

    Even if he were incurable, it wouldn¡¯t matter; his survival was enough.

    Bryan¡¯s phone, still clutched tightly in his hand, disyed a message from Josue. He had just finished reading it when Eileen appeared before him.

    A storm of emotions brewed behind his calm exterior.

    He approached her slowly, his steps deliberate. A smile of pure joy tugged at Eileen¡¯s lips as he neared, but, to her dismay, he walked right past her.

    How could this be happening?

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q??????, the heart of fiction

    Eileen turned around, reaching out to grab Bryan¡¯s shirt, but Josue stopped her.

    ¡°Wait, Eileen. You can¡¯t see him right now,¡± Josue said.

    ¡°Why not?¡± Eileen¡¯s voice rose with a mix of confusion and hurt as she faced Josue and Jacob. A sudden realization hit her. ¡°You found him a long time ago, didn¡¯t you? And you kept it from me?¡±

    Josue and Jacob exchanged a brief nce before Josue spoke. ¡°I know this is hard to grasp, but we had to do it. If we had told you sooner, it could have hurt both you and Bryan.¡±

    Eileen knew they were Bryan¡¯s closest friends and wouldn¡¯t do anything to intentionally harm him.

    But despite knowing about Bryan, they had let her search desperately for him. Anger bubbled inside her.

    After several deep breaths to calm herself, Eileen said, ¡°You¡¯d better have a damn good reason for this!¡±

    Josue paused, carefully choosing his words. ¡°We actually found Bryan two months ago.¡±

    Eileen narrowed her eyes at him, and he quickly continued, ¡°He¡¯s lost his memory. He couldn¡¯t remember anything.¡±

    Whenever they brought up the past, he became agitated.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 558

    ?Chapter 558:

    Looking back at Bryan, who hadn¡¯t walked far, Josue sighed deeply and exined, ¡°We discussed his condition with his doctor, wondering if seeing familiar faces would help him. But the doctor warned that it could worsen his condition, possibly causing him to reject treatment altogether. That¡¯s why we didn¡¯t tell you before.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s mind raced, sensing that the situation was moreplicated than it appeared, but she couldn¡¯t quite make sense of it yet.

    Her gaze shifted to Bryan, and her throat tightened as tears began to fall. ¡°His legs¡­¡±

    ¡°It seems to be a result of his fall,¡± Josue replied softly. ¡°The doctor believes he¡¯s fortunate he¡¯s not paralyzed. For now, his legs can only be treated gradually.¡±

    Eileen nodded, her face a mix of understanding and sorrow. ¡°I understand. You can leave now. I want to see him.¡±

    Josue reached out his arm to stop Eileen. ¡°His condition is not stable right now. It¡¯s best if you don¡¯t disturb him.¡±

    ¡°Josue,¡± Eileen¡¯s voice was soft but carried an undeniable authority. ¡°If you stop me again, we will not be friends anymore.¡±

    Josue wanted to protest, but Jacob gently pulled him aside and said, ¡°Give them some time.¡±

    Eileen moved closer to Bryan, each step slow and careful. Josue sighed, watching her approach, his eyes reddening with emotion.

    Following at a distance, Eileen didn¡¯t dare interrupt him. She watched silently as his once steady legs betrayed him, his movements awkward and jerky. The contrast between this fragile man and the confident Bryan she remembered was striking.

    But there was no room for mockery in Eileen¡¯s heart. She was grateful for every scar. They were proof that he was still alive.

    After nearly an hour, Bryan returned to his ward, with Eileen quietly trailing behind.

    More books avable at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv?ls

    Sensing her presence, Bryan nced back.

    His expression was cold, and his eyes held no warmth. With a fleeting nce at Eileen, he sat on the bed, closing his eyes to rest.

    Eileen had shared countless moments with Bryan, yet she had never felt so lost for words.

    She approached slowly, forcing a smile that she didn¡¯t realize looked awkward.

    ¡°I saw the video of you searching for your family. I want to help. What do you remember? Can you tell me?¡± she asked, her voice trembling.

    But Bryan didn¡¯t respond. He didn¡¯t even look at her.

    He simplyy there, exhausted from the effort earlier, slipping into sleep.

    Eileen didn¡¯t disturb him. She stood silently, watching his profile.

    Memories of their time together flooded her mind¡ªsweet, sorrowful, painful, joyful¡­ All of it merged into a single emotion: relief that he was alive.

    As long as he was alive, there was hope.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 559

    ?Chapter 559:

    Eileen stood in the ward the entire afternoon, the hours slipping by unnoticed.

    The bright midday sun slowly turned into the soft hues of sunset.

    Bryan remained motionless, as if truly asleep.

    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, Eileen. You should go back and rest.¡± Josue finally spoke, his voice carrying a gentle urgency. ¡°Even if you don¡¯t trust me, think about your own health. Besides, you¡¯ve found him. He isn¡¯t going anywhere.¡±

    Eileen wasn¡¯t worried about him going anywhere. She had more pressing matters to attend to.

    With a reluctant nce back at Bryan, Eileen finally turned and left the ward.

    As the door clicked shut, Bryan, who had been still all afternoon, slowly opened his eyes. Despair flickered in his gaze. He tried to lift himself to catch onest glimpse of Eileen¡¯s retreating figure, but his arms betrayed him, and he copsed back onto the bed.

    Staring at his unresponsive arms, he fought to hold back his rising emotions.

    After a long pause, he managed to pick up his phone, dialing a number with great difficulty. ¡°Arrange for my discharge.¡±

    His voice, once captivating, now sounded slow and hoarse.

    After returning to the hotel, Eileen had a simple meal before making a phone call.

    ¡°Raymond, contact the top doctors in every field and have theme to Bayside City immediately. I need them to conduct a thorough examination of Bryan,¡± Eileen said, her tone firm.

    ¡°Have you found Mr. Dawson?¡± Raymond¡¯s voice brimmed with excitement, a relief to Eileen. At least she could trust that Raymond wasn¡¯t part of Josue and Jacob¡¯s n to hide the truth about Bryan¡¯s whereabouts.

    Discover what¡¯s new on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls

    If Raymond had been involved, Eileen wouldn¡¯t have known whom to trust anymore.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve found him. But he¡¯s not in good shape. Please arrange for the doctors to get here as soon as possible,¡± Eileen replied.

    After hanging up, Josue¡¯s voice came immediately. ¡°The medical technology at Bayside Hospital is top-notch. We¡¯ve already arranged a full examination for Bryan.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t trust you anymore.¡± Eileen¡¯s voice was calm but sharp, her eyes hardening.

    Josue instinctively opened his mouth to exin, but Eileen waved him off. ¡°I told you, I don¡¯t have the energy to question why you lied to me. But you did lie. Now, I can¡¯t be sure if anything you¡¯ve told me is true. I need to find out for myself.¡±

    Deep down, she knew neither Josue nor Jacob would betray Bryan. But as for why they had kept secrets from her, she didn¡¯t want to think about it, nor did she have the strength to do so.

    During the three months Bryan had been missing, she had repeatedly reyed the events of his time in Linder Land in her mind.

    But no matter how many times she thought about it, she couldn¡¯t pinpoint the reason.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 560

    ?Chapter 560:

    Why had Bryan gone to such lengths to leave her and Gabri forever, instead of staying to protect them?

    The next day, after picking up the team of doctors Raymond had arranged at the airport, Eileen headed straight to Bayside Hospital.

    The ward door was open, and several nurses were inside, cleaning.

    The sight of the empty bed made Eileen¡¯s legs give way, nearly causing her to copse.

    It seemed Josue had anticipated this. He caught Eileen just in time. Eileen pushed him away and asked one of the nurses,

    ¡°Excuse me, the patient in bed No. 9¡­¡±

    ¡°He has been discharged,¡± the nurse replied calmly.

    Biting her lip, Eileen turned to Josue.

    Josue raised his hands defensively. ¡°I swear, I really don¡¯t know anything this time.¡±

    ¡°Arrange for the medical team to settle in.¡±

    With that, Eileen turned to investigate the detailed records from the hospital.

    Although Bryan had lost his memory, the details of his hospitalization and discharge had been meticulously recorded.

    Jacob drove the car, while Josue sat in the passenger seat, taking Eileen to a fishing vige on the coast.

    Throughout the journey, Josue kept ncing back at Eileen in the rear seat.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s, the heart of storytelling

    She appeared calm, her eyes closed, resting.

    After several nces, Josue couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Don¡¯t you want to ask something?¡±

    ¡°Will you tell me the truth?¡± Eileen replied.

    ¡°I¡¯ll try my best,¡± Josue answered.

    Eileen opened her eyes and asked, ¡°How was he saved?¡±

    ¡°A fisherwoman found him at sea and rescued him. Since Bryan was dressed in fine clothes and looked distinguished, the fisherwoman thought she could make a fortune by saving him, so she spent a lot of money getting him to the hospital,¡± Josue exined.

    Eileen sneered, ¡°Let¡¯s see if you¡¯d still look distinguished after falling from the sky. Would you bet a hundred million on it?¡±

    Her eyes were so intense that Josue couldn¡¯t meet her gaze.

    He turned helplessly to Jacob and asked, ¡°How about you say something?¡±

    Jacob, who had been driving in silence, finally spoke. ¡°You can¡¯t imagine how impoverished the people in that vige are.¡±

    Eileen sighed and fell silent.

    Because the fishing vige was so remote, it took them about an hour to arrive.

    The vige was so small that its boundaries were visible at a nce.

    Eileen approached a group of middle-aged women weaving fishings by the roadside and asked, ¡°A few months ago, a fisherwoman saved a man here. Do you know who she is?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 561

    ?Chapter 561:

    The women were silent, their eyes shifting toward a woman in the corner.

    Everyone remained silent, their eyes turning toward a woman in the corner.

    The woman¡¯s skin was weathered and distinctly red, like that of a seasoned fisherman, rough and aged beyond her years.

    Eileen¡¯s eyes widened in recognition. The woman was Zelda Dury, the one who had posted the video seeking Bryan¡¯s rtives.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Zelda asked, her voice tinged with suspicion.

    ¡°We¡¯re Bryan¡¯s family,¡± Eileen said, smiling warmly at Zelda. ¡°Can you take us to him? I¡¯ll give you two hundred thousand dors in cash as a token of my gratitude.¡±

    The offer of such a substantial sum caused a ripple of whispers among the gathered fishermen.

    But Zelda¡¯s face remained impassive. ¡°I can take you to him, but I can¡¯t promise he¡¯ll leave with you.¡±

    As Zelda stood up, Eileen noticed the empty sleeve where Zelda¡¯s left arm should have been.

    A wave of sympathy swept over Eileen. She decided then to have the medical team examine Zelda and provide her with an artificial limbter.

    Eileen and the others followed Zelda, arriving at a small yard shortly after.

    Scattered around the yard were various woven baskets filled with fish and shrimp. The salty tang of the sea breeze filled the air.

    But what truly seized Eileen¡¯s attention was the familiar figure in the yard.

    I??¨¨$? ¡é??t?€§ñ? 1n ??l¦Ðo¦Í¦Ål?.c??

    Bryan moved slowly and awkwardly, a shadow of his former self. Yet, to Eileen, he was still her guiding light, the one she cherished most.

    Taking a deep breath, Eileen tried to calm the surge of emotions in her heart, but it was in vain.

    She rushed to Bryan, her voice trembling. ¡°Why did you leave the hospital so suddenly?¡±

    Bryan ignored her, just as he had yesterday. He moved slowly, awkwardly, and did something clumsily.

    Eileen stood there, watching him. He was sorting dried fish and shrimp with great effort.

    It was a simple task, but now, it seemed incredibly difficult for him.

    Though it took him nearly five minutes to ce a single fish, he tackled the job with utmost seriousness.

    He looked just like he did when he was working in front of theputer before.

    His once graceful hands, reminiscent of a pianist¡¯s, were now marred by countless small scratches.

    Eileen felt her heart ache, her breathing bingbored.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 562

    ?Chapter 562:

    Slowly, Eileen crouched down and gazed up at him. ¡°Bryan, I know you¡¯ve forgotten the past. But it¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll be with you, helping you remember, step by step. Let¡¯s go home now, okay?¡±

    Despite Eileen¡¯s tender words, Bryan¡¯s face remained nk, showing no sign of recognition or response.

    How could this be?

    Noticing this, Zelda approached and gently patted Bryan¡¯s shoulder. ¡°She¡¯s speaking to you. At least give her an answer.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know her,¡± Bryan replied, his voice rough and almost unrecognizable to Eileen.

    As he spoke, he turned his gaze to Zelda, a clear sign of his deep trust in her.

    It was clear that Bryan trusted Zeldapletely. So much so, that he refused to even acknowledge Eileen¡¯s words.

    Eileen¡¯s emotions red up suddenly, urging her to step forward without thinking. But Zelda¡¯s steady hand gently held her back.

    ¡°Calm down,¡± Zelda said. ¡°If you startle him, he might not say a word.¡±

    Zelda¡¯s calming words sparked a glimmer of hope in Eileen. Desperately, she pleaded, ¡°I¡¯m his wife. Please, trust me. Help me get him toe home with me!¡±

    Zelda repeated Eileen¡¯s words to Bryan. Bryan, who had been detached and focused on his task, finally stopped. He slowly turned his head to look at Eileen.

    Seeing his gaze, Eileen held her breath, fearing that her shaky breathing might influence his decision.

    But Bryan only nced at her for a moment before turning his attention back to Zelda. ¡°I only know you,¡± he said. ¡°And I only trust you.¡±

    Discover the best stories at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s

    His words cut Eileen deeply, like a cold, sharp de.

    She had never imagined a day woulde when she would be unable to speak to Bryan directly.

    What hurt even more was seeing Bryan, who used to care only for her, now cing his trust in another woman right in front of her.

    The pain was intense, making each breath feel like a struggle.

    Though her heart ached, Eileen rose and signaled Zelda toe closer for a private conversation.

    ¡°Miss Dury, I truly appreciate everything you¡¯ve done¡ªsaving him, getting him to the hospital, and even posting his video online,¡± Eileen said, bowing slightly. ¡°Now, I¡¯d like to take him home. Thank you so much for taking care of him these past few days.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s gratitude was sincere, but she was taken aback when Zelda said, ¡°I can¡¯t let you take him. Do you know how much I spent to save him? The medical bills are in the tens of thousands of dors!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Eileen replied quickly. ¡°I¡¯ll pay you double for your care.¡±

    For Eileen, money wasn¡¯t an issue in this case.

    ¡°Absolutely not.¡± Zelda shook her head, her determination clear. ¡°Do you understand my situation right now?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 563

    ?Chapter 563:

    She touched the space where her arm used to be and added, ¡°I lost an arm, and now no man wants to marry me. I¡¯m over thirty and still single. I saved him, and now he only trusts me. He could marry me to repay me.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s anger red up, almost pushing her to the edge. But remembering that Zelda had indeed saved Bryan¡¯s life, Eileen fought to keep her emotions in check.

    She inhaled deeply and spoke softly, ¡°I understand the sacrifice you made and that you¡¯re not well-off. I¡¯m willing to help you financially to improve your situation. However, marrying him isn¡¯t an option for you. He¡¯s already married.¡±

    Eileen raised her chin, her expression firm. ¡°I am his wife, and we have a daughter.¡±

    ¡°So what?¡± Zelda¡¯s tone was indifferent. ¡°He¡¯s forgotten the past. Even though you¡¯re his wife and you have a child together, it means nothing to him. I don¡¯t care.¡±

    ¡°You may not care, but thew does!¡± Eileen¡¯s sharp tone surprised the woman and caught Bryan¡¯s attention.

    Eileen took another deep breath to steady herself and continued in a low voice, ¡°He¡¯s married. If he were to marry you now, it would be considered a crime. Besides, you don¡¯t even have his personal details. Do you want your children to be like him¡ªunregistered and without any legal status?¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Zelda replied with a casual shrug. ¡°In this small town, we don¡¯t need to register to get married. If we have a child in the future, I can just register it under my name.¡±

    Eileen finally realized just how stubborn the woman in front of her was.

    She weighed the idea of asking Raymond to find a way to take Bryan away from this small vige. She knew that wouldn¡¯t be difficult to arrange.

    But¡­ Bryan only trusted Zelda. If he were forced to leave now, it might seriously affect his health.

    After a moment¡¯s consideration, Eileen approached Bryan cautiously. ¡°Hi. I know you might not remember me, and that¡¯s okay. I¡¯m here to help you remember. Since we¡¯re strangers at the moment, let¡¯s start with introductions.¡±

    Updates always at galno¦Íe??s

    After a brief pause, she continued, ¡°I¡¯m Eileen Curtis, CEO of EB Group. Do you know why it¡¯s called EB Group? It¡¯s because the initialse from my name and my husband¡¯s. My husband is Bryan, and my name is Eileen. The initials E and B make up EB Group.¡±

    Watching Bryan intently, she added, ¡°My husband has always been incredibly good to me. We have a lovely daughter named Gabri. She¡¯s at that charming age where she¡¯s starting to climb around and sometimes says ¡®Mommy.¡¯ Gabri has a father who loves her very much. I really hope that someday she can call him ¡®Daddy¡¯ and grow up with his love and care.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s voice trembled with emotion as she spoke.

    Tears rolled down her cheeks, each one carrying the pain of her broken heart. Bryan remained unmoved, his attention absorbed in sorting the fish and shrimp, showing no sign of emotion.

    Eileen covered her face with her hands, a deep sense of despair settling in her heart.

    In her distress, she missed the brief flicker of sadness that crossed Bryan¡¯s eyes.

    Bryan¡¯s lips tightened as he turned and walked away. However, his health was steadily declining. Moving too quickly caused him to lose his bnce, and he stumbled, falling sideways.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 564

    ?Chapter 564:

    Eileen, her vision blurred by tears, rushed to his side instinctively, asking, ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    Her eyes were filled with concern, the tears brimming in them almost as though using him.

    The emotion in Bryan¡¯s gaze shifted. Before Eileen¡¯s vision could clear, he pushed her away with all his strength.

    Taken by surprise, Eileen was shoved backward, falling hard onto the floor. The rough surface scraped her hands, and the pain from the raw flesh made her gasp.

    Despite the pain, she ignored her own wounds and looked up at Bryan.

    Her heart sank as she saw him. He was looking at her as if she were a stranger.

    His gaze was cold and distant.

    ¡°Bryan¡­¡± Eileen whispered his name, her voice trembling.

    ¡°Please stay away from me, and don¡¯te here again,¡± Bryan said coldly, his words like a knife to her heart.

    With those harsh words, he turned and slowly made his way back toward the room. His movements were slow, but he didn¡¯t pause, and Eileen couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he truly wanted to escape from her.

    That thought almost drove Eileen mad. She stood up, determined to follow him, but Zelda blocked her path.

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t want to see you. Just go,¡± Zelda said, her tone firm.

    How could Eileenpete with Zelda, a woman whose strength had been honed by years of hardbor?

    Before long, Eileen found herself standing at the door. Despite the blood on her hands and the pain in her palms, she gripped the doorknob firmly, her determination unyielding. Zelda shuddered, startled by her resolve.

    Fresh chapters uploaded on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls?c?m

    ¡°What in the world are you trying to do?¡± Zelda cried out, releasing her grip on Eileen. ¡°If you keep this up, I¡¯m going to scream for help! This is my home. How can you be so unreasonable?¡±

    ¡°He is mywful husband. Aren¡¯t you the one being unreasonable?¡± Eileen¡¯s eyes were filled with resolve, though her tears betrayed her determination.

    Zelda seemed to soften slightly, her gaze lingering on Eileen. However, within moments, her expression turned somber as she asked, ¡°Does he even remember you? He recognizes only me. I¡¯m all that¡¯s left in his world!¡±

    With that, Zelda mmed the door shut with force.

    Eileen¡¯s anguished cry pierced the air, carried by the sea breeze. It faded as it hit the shore, dissipating into bubbles that quickly vanished without a trace. The house grew eerily silent, as if emptied of all life.

    ¡°Bryan¡­¡± Eileen whispered his name, her voice filled with despair. Was it truly impossible for her to bring him back?

    Perhaps it was the weight of her despair that strengthened her resolve. She would not give up.

    ¡°Leave this ce! Don¡¯te back, and don¡¯t disrupt our lives!¡± Zelda¡¯s voice echoed once more from inside, but Eileen¡¯s focus remained on the door.

    The memory of Bryan¡¯s cold, harsh gaze still stung in her chest, and her heart ached with each breath.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 565

    ?Chapter 565:

    Nearby, Josue and Jacob heard themotion and rushed over, stunned by Eileen¡¯s disheveled appearance.

    Josue immediately moved to help her, asking, ¡°Why do you have to go through this¡­?¡±

    He trailed off, not because he was lost for words, but because Eileen¡¯s tear-filled, piercing gaze silenced him. It was as if she could see through him, exposing all the lies he had ever told her.

    With a deep sigh, Josue said, ¡°Let¡¯s go back to the hotel for now.¡±

    This time, Eileen didn¡¯t object, though she didn¡¯t ept Josue¡¯s help either. She pushed him away gently, walking unsteadily toward the car. She opened the door and got inside without a word.

    Josue and Jacob exchanged a look, their faces filled with mutual resignation.

    At the hotel, Josue paced back and forth across the room.

    Jacob massaged his forehead, muttering, ¡°Stop pacing. You¡¯re making me dizzy.¡±

    ¡°Eileen finally found Bryan after searching for him for three months,¡± Josue said, sitting beside Jacob. His voice was filled with despair. ¡°What do we do now?¡±

    Josue sat down beside Jacob, his voice filled with despair, saying, ¡°I can stand to see her so heartbroken.

    ¡°But Bryan can¡¯t go back with her. How can we convince her to give up?¡±

    Jacob responded, ¡°Go talk to her.¡±

    ¡°Stop!¡± Josue interjected bitterly. ¡°In her eyes, I¡¯m the viin. She won¡¯t listen to a word I say now.¡±

    Explore new stories g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??s.c?m

    Jacob sighed deeply, ¡°I¡¯ll go.¡±

    He stood, left the room, and knocked on Eileen¡¯s door before entering.

    To his surprise, Eileen appearedposed. Her eyes were slightly swollen, but her face was dry¡ªno traces of tears.

    He took this as a positive sign, though his heart sank when he noticed the untouched dinner on the table. He sighed.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to sigh,¡± Eileen said calmly, though her voice carried a hint of sorrow. ¡°Finding him is a blessing. I¡¯m actually very content.¡±

    She was quiet and despondent, her words tinged with sadness.

    Jacob felt a pang of empathy. Bryan knew Eileen well. He must understand the pain she was enduring. What turmoil was Bryan experiencing now?

    After a moment, Jacob spoke softly, ¡°Eileen, just give up.¡±

    Eileen didn¡¯t respond. Instead, she fixed her gaze on him, silent.

    Jacob continued, his voice full of concern. ¡°You¡¯ve seen Bryan¡¯s condition. It¡¯s not just bad¡ªit¡¯s terrible. He doesn¡¯t want to remember anything from his past and resists anything rted to it. If you continue pushing him, I fear it will only make things worse.¡±

    When Eileen remained silent, Jacob added, ¡°The doctors said his memory loss is due to extreme stress. If you keep pressuring him, it could be fatal.¡±

    ¡°Do you think I¡¯ll make him die?¡± Eileen¡¯s voice was quiet but filled with emotion.

    Jacob started to reply, but she interrupted him, her tone steady but filled with sorrow.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 566

    ?Chapter 566:

    ¡°Jacob,¡± she said. ¡°I thought you were different. You¡¯ve seen everything between Bryan and me. You know the challenges we¡¯ve faced to build our home and have Gabri.¡±

    Tears started to fall as she mentioned her daughter. She sniffled and continued, ¡°Bryan is like this because of Gabri and me. How can I just give up on him?¡±

    Eileen closed her eyes, her voice softening as if speaking to herself. ¡°When I first heard he¡¯d fallen into the sea, I thought he was dead. But I still searched for him. If I hadn¡¯t, my life would have felt pointless.¡±

    Eileen spoke with deep sadness in her voice.

    Jacob looked at her, wanting to offer words offort, but he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that nothing he said would make a difference.

    To Eileen, Bryan was as important as her own existence.

    She had been searching for him, driven by a deep sense of hope.

    Having finally found him, giving up was not an option for her.

    Yet, what could she do if she refused to give up?

    It would only subject her to the agony of losing Bryan once again!

    Jacob clenched his jaw and said, ¡°I understand, Eileen. But Bryan¡¯s in no state to be disturbed right now.¡±

    Eileen replied, ¡°What makes you think I¡¯m disturbing him? Perhaps with time, he¡¯ll remember me. You know how deeply he loves me. I will never abandon him.¡±

    Her words were so resolute that Jacob found himself unable to argue further.

    Explore new chapters g?l¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    Eileen stood by the window throughout the entire night, contemting the situation. Afterward, she used her phone to search for information about the area around the fishing vige.

    As the sun began to rise, she called Raymond.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis?¡± Raymond answered, his voice still groggy from sleep. ¡°Is there any update on Mr. Dawson?¡±

    Eileen spoke calmly, her voice unwavering. ¡°Get everything prepared immediately. Arrange all the funds from EB Group, Apex Group, and Ferguson Group. I need the money urgently.¡±

    Raymond, still stunned, nearly fell out of bed.

    The amount she was asking for was in the billions!

    ¡°Ms¡­ Ms. Curtis,¡± he stammered. ¡°What are you nning?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m nning to buy a fishing vige in Bayside City and develop it into a resort,¡± Eileen replied.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, you need to proceed gradually with the preparatory work before investing. You have to be cautious with such a huge sum. If the project fails, you could lose everything!¡± Raymond said.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already made up my mind. Just go ahead and get everything ready,¡± Eileen instructed before hanging up.

    Raymond was stunned.

    ¡°Has Ms. Curtis lost her mind over Mr. Dawson?¡± he muttered under his breath.

    While instructing his team to get ready, he booked a ne ticket and caught the first avable flight to Bayside City.

    A sudden knock on the door roused Eileen from her sleep. Opening the door, she found Raymond standing outside.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 567

    ?Chapter 567:

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Eileen asked.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, I had toe. What are you nning? This is a multi-billion-dor investment. How can you make such a decision so casually? There¡¯s no assessment done, and the board of directors won¡¯t back it. If it fails, you could lose everything!¡± Raymond eximed.

    ¡°Please,e inside first,¡± Eileen said calmly.

    While Raymond was visibly anxious, Eileen remainedposed.

    She even poured a ss of water for him, saying, ¡°Here, have some water. Try to calm down.¡±

    Raymond replied, ¡°How can I stay calm now¡­¡±

    ¡°No matter how worried you are, it won¡¯t change anything. I am not going to alter my n to build the resort,¡± Eileen said firmly. ¡°I¡¯ve found Bryan, but he has forgotten me and refuses toe home with me. So, I need to stay here with him.¡±

    Raymond fell silent.

    He remembered what Bryan had done for Eileen.

    Now, Eileen was equally consumed by her feelings for Bryan, driving her to take such a drastic step.

    ¡°Even if I lose all my money, it¡¯s worth it if he can return to my side,¡± Eileen dered with unwavering determination.

    Seeing Eileen¡¯s resolve, Raymond felt a deep sadness and was left speechless. He then set to work without further dy.

    In just three days, the announcement of the fishing vige¡¯s impending acquisition sparked widespread outrage.

    Upon Eileen and Raymond¡¯s arrival at the fishing vige, they were immediately surrounded by the locals.

    ¡°Are you nning to tear down our homes?¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t do that!¡±

    ¡°How dare you destroy our homes?¡±

    The crowd continued to shout at Eileen and her team.

    Confronted by the furious crowd, Eileen frowned and attempted to speak, but Zelda pointed at her and yelled¡­

    ¡°It¡¯s her! She¡¯s the one ruining our homes!¡±

    The crowd grew even more enraged, moving toward Eileen.

    Raymond quickly pulled Eileen behind him, positioning himself to protect her, and signaled to the others to remain alert.

    Amid the chaos, a sudden cry of pain stopped everyone in their tracks. There was a brief moment of stillness before the crowd parted, revealing Zelda, disheveled and lying on the ground.

    ¡°Enough!¡±

    Before anyone could react, Bryan began to approach, moving slowly and deliberately. His movements were painstakingly slow, each step calcted.

    But neither Raymond¡¯s people nor the vigers dared to make a move. Those who met Bryan¡¯s gaze quickly lowered their heads, too intimidated to look him in the eye.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 568

    ?Chapter 568:

    Bryan reached Zelda, helping her to her feet. After confirming that she was alright, he turned his cold stare toward Eileen.

    ¡°What do you want?¡± he asked, his voiceced with indifference.

    He was protecting Zelda and confronting Eileen¡ªwho had risked everything to protect him.

    In that moment, a profound emptiness washed over Eileen.

    But she clung to the hope that he might remember her one day.

    Even if he couldn¡¯t, it didn¡¯t matter. She believed that if he had once fallen in love with her, he could do so again.

    Looking into Bryan¡¯s eyes, Eileen spoke softly. ¡°I just want to be with someone.¡±

    ¡°Are you really going to disrupt so many people¡¯s lives just to be with someone?¡±

    His harsh words stirred the crowd¡¯s emotions once more.

    Eileen took a deep breath, then pulled out a folder and said, ¡°Here¡¯s the thorough investigation I conducted. The decline in the fishing industry has left many fishermen struggling, making their lives harder. By developing tourism here, we can improve everyone¡¯s living conditions.¡±

    ¡°Is a better life worth the destruction of our homes? We reject that idea!¡±

    ¡°It won¡¯t mean the destruction of your homes,¡± Eileen responded calmly. ¡°Having nearly lost my own family, I would never harm someone else¡¯s home. The construction will be limited to the outskirts only.¡±

    The vigers exchanged nces, their expressions showing signs of being swayed.

    Eileen continued, ¡°The area hasn¡¯t been overly developed. Many spots remain in their original, untouched state. Once the resort is up and running, it will attract many visitors. You could offer fishing trips, which would significantly boost your earnings¡­¡±

    Your imagination takes flight on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    The vision Eileen painted for the resort was so appealing that it filled the crowd with anticipation. They eagerly urged her to borate further on the resort¡¯s development.

    Zelda tried to intervene, but it was clear that Eileen was fully prepared.

    Eileen had not only conducted a detailed investigation into the fishing vige¡¯s current state but had also outlined a clear andpelling vision for its future. More importantly, the proposed subsidy was an irresistible offer for the vigers.

    Observing the crowd¡¯s reactions, Eileen let out a sigh of relief. The n for the acquisition had gained partial sess.

    ¡°Those interested should register with Raymond. For the first ten families, the subsidy will be one and a half times the usual amount,¡± Eileen announced.

    At her words, everyone rushed to Raymond to sign up.

    Eileen smiled, casting a satisfied nce at Bryan.

    But just as she was about to catch a glimpse of his expression, she saw something familiar in his eyes.

    However, before she could fully read it, Bryan had already turned and left with Zelda, leaving her with nothing but the cold, indifferent view of his back.

    The joy in Eileen¡¯s heart vanished in an instant. She watched Bryan and Zelda walk away, her lips pressed tightly together.

    Although the acquisition n had been moving forward smoothly, she was now faced with a difficult problem.

    Eileen hadn¡¯t seen Gabri, who was in Onnd, for several days.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 569

    ?Chapter 569:

    She wanted to stay here until Bryan regained his memory, which meant she needed to bring Gabri over. But Gabri was so young¡­

    The thought of the long journey weighed heavily on Eileen, but she resolved to return to Onnd and bring Gabri back.

    The first step in the acquisition strategy was to gain a thorough understanding of the area. As Raymond and the others familiarized themselves with the small vige, Eileen arranged her flight back to Onnd.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have a home here. Where will you stay once you bring Gabri?¡± Jacob asked, frowning as he watched Eileen pack. ¡°You don¡¯t know how long you¡¯ll be staying here. Are you nning to have Gabri live in a hotel with you for years?¡±

    Eileen continued packing and replied, ¡°No, I won¡¯t be staying in a hotel. A family in the vige just moved out, and their house is avable. I¡¯ve asked Raymond to purchase it so I can live there with Gabri.¡±

    Jacob was taken aback by how thoroughly Eileen had prepared. Her actions made it clear that she wasmitted to staying.

    Speechless, Jacob watched as Eileen quickly finished packing and hurried to the airport with her suitcase. Jacob then made his way toward the vige.

    Twenty minutester, in Zelda¡¯s yard, Bryan stood beneath a tree, holding a wooden stick and watching the leaves fall slowly.

    Despite it beingte winter, Bayside City wasn¡¯t very cold. Only the wind caused the yellow leaves to fall.

    Jacob and Josue stood at the doorway for a moment, watching Bryan before entering.

    ¡°Eileen¡­ She¡¯s gone back to Onnd,¡± Josue said softly.

    1@?€$? ¡é#4??€?$ 1? g??novels.c?m

    Bryan stiffened. Turning his head took great effort.

    His brow furrowed, and he looked at Josue and Jacob, confusion and reluctance filling his eyes.

    ¡°You realize you don¡¯t want her to leave, right?¡± Josue asked, sitting down on a small stool. ¡°Do you understand that we¡¯ve angered Eileen too many times because of you?¡±

    He had intended to confront Bryan directly, armed with tough words. However, when he looked up and saw Bryan¡ªonce vibrant and strong¡ªnow frail, he held back his harsh words.

    Jacob sat beside Josue, cing aforting hand on his shoulder, and sighed. ¡°Bryan, we thought the most painful ending for you would be to secretly watch Eileen live from a distance. But we didn¡¯t expect her to search for you and finally find you here.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all Zelda¡¯s fault!¡± Josue med Zelda outright. ¡°We told her over and over that we would handle all of Bryan¡¯s medical expenses, that she didn¡¯t need to worry. But instead, she posted a search for Bryan¡¯s rtives, and Eileen found it by chance!¡±

    Seeing Josue and Jacob¡¯s determination to get Bryan to a major hospital for treatment, Zelda had assumed that Bryan came from a wealthy family.

    She had nned to benefit by positioning herself as Bryan¡¯s savior, which led to her posting the video in hopes of finding Bryan¡¯s family.

    ¡°It¡¯s toote for regrets now,¡± Jacob said, turning toward Bryan. ¡°Eileen has gone to fetch Gabri. She bought a house here and ns to bring Gabri to stay with you.¡±

    He fell silent, bowing his head.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 570

    ?Chapter 570:

    Both Jacob and Josue waited for Bryan to decide. Continuing with their original n would deeply hurt Eileen, but how could Bryan remain unaffected by that?

    After a long pause, Bryan spoke slowly. ¡°Find a way to make her leave.¡±

    ¡°She won¡¯t leave!¡± Jacob nearly shouted, his frustration evident. ¡°Don¡¯t you see? You are her world!¡±

    ¡°I am fully aware of that,¡± Bryan replied firmly, his words leaving no room for doubt. ¡°That¡¯s why I want her to leave. Otherwise, having her watch me deteriorate¡­ Do you think she would feel better then?¡±

    They had reached an impasse.

    The yard fell into an eerie silence.

    Suddenly, the door swung open, and Zelda stepped outside. Noticing the three men, she hesitated before cautiously asking, ¡°Is there anything I can do to help?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Bryan responded. ¡°Do me onest favor.¡±

    In Onnd

    The nended at Onnd Airport at two in the afternoon. Phoebe drove to pick up Eileen. When they met, Phoebe was visibly emotional, her eyes brimming with tears.

    Phoebe rushed toward Eileen to hug her, identally knocking Eileen¡¯s suitcase to the ground.

    ¡°I heard you found Bryan? Is he back with you?¡± Phoebe asked, ncing around the area behind Eileen.

    Before her arrival, Eileen had only sent Phoebe her flight details, with no further exnation.

    Check updates now on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    Thus, Phoebe arrived at the airport expecting to see a crowd, including Eileen, Bryan, and the others. Instead, she found only Eileen.

    Seeing no one else with her, Phoebe released Eileen and immediately asked, ¡°Where are they?¡±

    Eileen retrieved her suitcase and responded, ¡°They didn¡¯te back. Bryan doesn¡¯t remember me. Everything that happened earlier upset him so much that he¡¯s in a fragile state. Forcing him to return could make his condition worse¡­¡±

    As she exined, she took Phoebe¡¯s hand, and together, they began walking out of the airport.

    Eileen appearedposed, but inside, she was filled with sorrow.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be settling in Bayside City from now on,¡± Eileen said once they were in the car, buckling her seatbelt.

    Phoebe, clearly taken aback, stared at Eileen and asked, ¡°Settle in Bayside City? Are you nning to stay with him forever? What if he never regains his memory?¡±

    ¡°After searching for him for three months, I lost all patience,¡± Eileen replied. ¡°Honestly, I almost believed he would nevere back, but I needed to know if he was alive or dead. That kept me going. At one point, I thought that as long as he was alive, wherever he was, I would be okay with that, even if we couldn¡¯t be together.¡±

    Eileen hadn¡¯t shared these feelings with anyone over thest three months, but now, she was opening up to Phoebe.

    She continued, ¡°But now, after learning he¡¯s alive and has lost his memory, all I want is for him toe back to me. I want Gabri to grow up with him around.¡±

    Phoebe pulled out two tissues, wiped her own tears, and offered one to Eileen. ¡°I support you! If Jacob gives you any trouble in Bayside City, just let me know¡­¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 571

    ?Chapter 571:

    Meanwhile, Gabri had been restless due to Eileen¡¯s absence, hardly staying in her room, which kept Ruby constantly on her toes.

    Luckily, Rylie was there to help. They took turns entertaining Gabri, managing to keep the situation under control.

    As the door opened, Gabri looked up expectantly.

    When she saw Eileen¡¯s familiar figure, her face lit up with a smile.

    But that smile quickly faded, and she started crying, tears rolling down her cheeks.

    Eileen didn¡¯t bother changing her shoes. She dropped her suitcase and immediately scooped Gabri into her arms.

    Gabri clung tightly to Eileen¡¯s neck, crying out loud.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry. Mommy will never leave you again,¡± Eileen reassured, as Ruby quickly dabbed at Gabri¡¯s tears.

    Eileen gently patted Gabri¡¯s back, offeringfort, and then told Ruby, ¡°I¡¯m moving to Bayside City, and I¡¯ll bring Gabri with me.¡±

    ¡°Moving to Bayside City? Why?¡± Ruby looked at Eileen with confusion and asked, ¡°Didn¡¯t you find Bryan? Why didn¡¯t hee back with you?¡±

    Ruby instinctively nced behind Eileen, only to realize that Bryan hadn¡¯t returned with her.

    Eileen held Gabri close, perhaps to ease the pain of their separation or to draw strength from her daughter. Taking a deep breath, she tightened her hold on Gabri.

    Struggling to control her emotions, Eileen began exining the situation in Bayside City to Ruby.

    Ruby gasped. ¡°He lost his memory?¡±

    L§Ñt?st ch¦Ápt?rs in g??l??ov??ls.£ã¦Ïm

    ¡°He fell from the sky into the sea. It¡¯s a miracle he¡¯s alive,¡± Eileen responded, a hint of bitterness in her voice. As long as he was alive, she was relieved, but finding Bryan alive yet not remembering her, and treating another woman better, was excruciating.

    Ruby noticed the change in Eileen¡¯s mood. ¡°You¡¯re right. All that matters is he¡¯s alive. You and Gabri can move to Bayside City and still be a family there, but¡­¡±

    Ruby hesitated, as if finding it hard to continue.

    ¡°Mom, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Eileen asked.

    ¡°The situation with Bailee is still a mess. I can¡¯t leave right now,¡± Ruby replied, her eyes on Gabri in Eileen¡¯s arms, her reluctance evident. With Winona still in aa, the issues with Bailee and Huey had been left unresolved, and Ruby¡¯s meeting with Frankie had been postponed because of Bryan¡¯s ident.

    ¡°I understand. Mom, you can stay here with Bailee. Call me if you need anything,¡± Eileen said, biting her lip. ¡°Don¡¯t put off Bailee¡¯s matters any longer. We don¡¯t know when Winona will wake up. Bailee will suffer if this drags on. She needs to make a decision soon.¡±

    At that moment, Bailee had to make her own choice, though others could offer their advice.

    Seeing Ruby¡¯s distressed expression, Eileen continued, ¡°Mom, Bailee is an adult now. She has her own choices and path. You can help her weigh the pros and cons, but you can¡¯t make decisions for her.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 572

    ?Chapter 572:

    Ruby nodded. ¡°I know. I wanted to tell you the same thing. Short-term pain is better than long-term suffering. It¡¯s not good for you and Gabri to keep drifting. This path is bound to be hard!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll stick to my decision no matter the challenges,¡± Eileen replied.

    Over the past few months, Eileen had kept her struggles and pressures to herself. One thought had remained constant in her mind: finding Bryan would lead to a happy ending.

    If she had failed to find him, the search itself would have be the purpose of her life. Even then, she could have led a fulfilling life with Gabri.

    After briefly exining the situation to Ruby, Eileen headed to the Freguson Group and then the EB Group. She was fully in charge of EB Group, and although the top executives were not pleased with her decision to invest all the funds in the small vige, they were powerless to stop her.

    However, managing the Freguson Group had proven more challenging. Julio and Benjamin had not interfered, but Eileen faced significant pressure from other executives and shareholders.

    Upon Eileen¡¯s arrival at thepany, Benjamin approached her. After observing her for a while, his expression shifted to one of disappointment.

    When Benjamin first heard of Bryan¡¯s troubles, he had seen it as an opportunity. He had hoped that, once Eileen moved past her grief, he might have a chance with her. But now, seeing her, he realized the truth: whether Bryan was alive or not, he stood no chance. As long as Bryan existed, Benjamin was irrelevant to Eileen.

    With a resigned smile, Benjaminmented, ¡°Finding him really reinvigorated you. Is building a resort there a way to honor where he was rescued?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s eyes flickered with disappointment. ¡°Something unexpected happened. He can¡¯te back, so I must go there.¡±

    Benjamin didn¡¯t press further and shifted the conversation to business.

    Explore magic at g¦Á ? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s,

    ¡°Julio and I can manage the executives, but exining the situation to the shareholders is tough,¡± Benjamin said as he sat down.

    ¡°So, the shareholders want you to go to Bayside City?¡± Eileen quickly pinpointed the critical issue. ¡°If you don¡¯t support this project, they will withdraw the funding?¡±

    Julio, who had a good rtionship with her, had already approved the funding. But if Eileen failed to convince the shareholders, it would mean losing the opportunity, effectively conceding defeat.

    However, her rtionship with Julio wouldn¡¯t be jeopardized. This was also a strategy to maintain her bond with both Julio and Benjamin.

    Benjamin smiled and said, ¡°When ites to business, I won¡¯t tiptoe around your feelings, so don¡¯t try to sway me with sentiment.¡±

    Eileen smiled and extended her hand. ¡°I¡¯ll see you in Bayside City. Staying there to wait for Bryan is my wish, but I assure you, the project is truly worthwhile.¡±

    ¡°Okay, see you there.¡± Benjamin shook her hand, holding her gaze for a few seconds before releasing it. He turned and walked away.

    Within a day, after settling thepany¡¯s matters, Eileen boarded a ne to Bayside City with Gabri. This trip felt different from thest. Eileen wasn¡¯t as anxious.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 573

    ?Chapter 573:

    Previously, she had been testing the waters, unsure if she could really find Bryan. But now, knowing for certain that he was alive and that they could be a family again filled her with joy. With Gabri by her side, she felt that Bryan might be swayed. Perhaps seeing Gabri would even trigger his memory.

    The thought made Eileen increasingly joyful during the journey. This was Gabri¡¯s first time on a ne, and she behaved remarkably well, not crying at all.

    When theynded, only Raymond was there to pick them up, which puzzled Eileen. She had expected Jacob and Josue toe.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t theye here?¡± Eileen asked.

    ¡°They¡­¡± Raymond hesitated before replying, ¡°You¡¯ll find out when you get there.¡±

    Eileen was confused but didn¡¯t dwell on it.

    Upon reaching the house she had purchased previously, Eileen kissed Gabri on the cheek and said, ¡°Gabri, this is our home from now on.¡±

    Gabri was unusually quiet, seeming to sense Bryan¡¯s presence here. Her big ck eyes were observant, taking everything in.

    Eileen continued, ¡°Now, Mommy will take you to see Daddy.¡±

    Raymond looked like he wanted to intervene, but Eileen, buoyed by excitement, quickly left with Gabri.

    Eileen believed that if she alone couldn¡¯t jog Bryan¡¯s memory, Gabri might be the one to do it. Bryan had adored Gabri, cherishing her and caring for her around the clock. With both Gabri and herself present, she thought that perhaps Bryan would recover all his memories at once.

    Eileen¡¯s smile broadened as she hastened her steps. But then, unexpectedly, she came across numerous wedding decorations around the corner.

    She didn¡¯t understand why there were so many wedding adornments here, but her heart sank.

    Your next tale lives on g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s,

    The vige was pristine and picturesque, with neatly arranged brick houses facing the sea, nestled against the mountains. Gabri, seeing the wedding decorations, babbled happily and reached out, wanting to touch them.

    Eileen moved slowly, her gaze fixed on the house at the end of the street. It was Zelda¡¯s home. More and more people entered and exited, all wearing smiles.

    ¡°He could marry me to repay me!¡± These words echoed sharply in Eileen¡¯s mind.

    Unconsciously, Eileen tightened her grip on Gabri. She stood frozen at the street corner, staring nkly ahead.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis¡­¡± Raymond approached cautiously when he noticed that Eileen hadn¡¯t moved for a while. ¡°I¡¯ve been caught up in the project these past few days and haven¡¯t kept track of Mr. Dawson¡¯s situation¡­ This morning, I learned that Mr. Dawson is going to marry Zelda.¡±

    Eileen turned to Raymond, her eyes a mixture of sorrow and disdain. ¡°How can he marry her? He¡­¡±

    Even though she had never had a wedding with Bryan, they already had Gabri. Though they had signed a divorce agreement, they had reconciled.

    They¡­

    Eileen had so much to say, but words failed her. Last time, she had falsely imed bigamy just to deceive Zelda.

    ¡°The wedding is set for ten days from now,¡± Raymond said, avoiding Eileen¡¯s gaze. ¡°I heard it will be a modest affair, as they¡¯re short on funds, especially since Mr. Dawson is having difficulty moving.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 574

    ?Chapter 574:

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear the details!¡± Eileen¡¯s voice was sharp with a mixture of helplessness and pain. ¡°You need to contact the doctor and arrange for a thorough examination of Bryan.¡±

    Raymond quickly responded, ¡°Ms. Curtis, that¡¯s difficult. Mr. Dawson isn¡¯t allowing strangers near him. If a doctor approaches him for an examination, he¡¯ll refuse. Also, the Dury family is protective and won¡¯t let us in.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t let him marry someone else!¡± Eileen was paralyzed with the thought of moving closer, unwilling to witness Bryan and Zelda receiving well-wishes.

    The house Eileen had purchased in the vige was two stories high. From the top floor, she could gaze out at the sea and watch the sunrise over the mountains. Raymond had arranged the room¡¯s decorations and furniture in advance, ensuring there were areas for Gabri to y and that the security was as tight as it was in Onnd.

    After returning to the house, Eileen ced Gabri in the ypen and settled on the carpet. She watched her daughter in silence, her mind reying memories of Bryan spending time with Gabri.

    Jacob and Josue entered, finding Eileen lost in thought. The sight was too much for them.

    ¡°No wonder Bryan hasn¡¯t visited her or allowed us to update him on her condition,¡± Jacob murmured sadly. ¡°If we, as her friends, are this distressed for her, imagine how Bryan must feel.¡±

    Josue watched Eileen for a moment, then turned to Jacob and whispered, ¡°We shouldn¡¯t cause more harm now. Do you think Eileen would feel better if we told her the truth?¡±

    A heavy silence hung between them. They were unsure which pain was easier to bear.

    ¡°Damn it!¡± Josue eximed, punching the wall. ¡°I should go abroad and get back at Dewitt now! If it weren¡¯t for him, we wouldn¡¯t be in this mess.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s not dwell on that. We need to focus on the task Bryan gave us,¡± Jacob said, patting Josue on the shoulder. ¡°You¡¯ve already upset Eileen. Doing more wouldn¡¯t help. You tell her.¡±

    Feel the magic on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    Josue shoved Jacob¡¯s hand away, retorting, ¡°What are you thinking? Do you want me banned from returning to Onnd? If I upset Eileen too much, my mother won¡¯t let mee home!¡±

    The two muttered in low voices, nudging each other to go first.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have toe over here. You can just talk from there,¡± Eileen said, having noticed Josue and Jacob long ago from behind the carved designs of the vestibule cab.

    Josue peeked from behind the cab and said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll start. Bryan is getting married. Jacob will tell you the rest.¡±

    With that, Josue disappeared back behind the cab.

    After a tense pause, Jacob gathered his courage and approached Eileen. ¡°Eileen, you can¡¯t keep waiting for him like this. You¡¯ve even brought your child here. Have you considered what you¡¯ll do if Bryan doesn¡¯t remember you and falls for Zelda?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve never considered that,¡± Eileen responded firmly. ¡°I won¡¯t let that happen.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 575

    ?Chapter 575:

    Josue poked his head out and interjected, ¡°But it¡¯s already happened. Over the past three months, Zelda has devotedly cared for Bryan. She¡¯s secured a significant ce in his heart. Bryan likes her now. And think about it¡ªyour direct approach might just irritate him. Even if you told Bryan everything, he still wouldn¡¯t remember you. How would you feel if he returned to you with Zelda still in his heart?¡±

    His words cut deep, causing Eileen great pain.

    In response, Eileen asked, ¡°Then do you know how I would feel seeing him marry another woman and have children with her? What if he regains his memoryter? If I don¡¯t try to stop this marriage now, won¡¯t he¡ª¡±

    ¡°His memory can¡¯t be recovered!¡± Jacob eximed, then quickly covered his mouth, realizing his mistake.

    He knew Bryan didn¡¯t want Eileen to know that he hadn¡¯t lost his memory. There was nothing Eileen could do about it.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Eileen stood up, her gaze sharp as suspicion began to form in her mind. ¡°Is his memory loss because of Coen¡¯s drug, or¡­¡±

    Josue interjected, ¡°No matter the reason, Bryan is physically disabled now. He¡¯s not the man he once was. Why do you insist on staying with him? You have many suitors. With your capabilities, finding another man would be easy. Why put yourself through this torment?¡±

    ¡°I love him for who he is, not for his past achievements. Even though he¡¯s disabled now, my love for him willst a lifetime!¡± Eileen said resolutely. ¡°From this moment on, if you two try to persuade me otherwise, our friendship is over!¡±

    With that, Eileen picked up Gabri and started to ascend the stairs.

    Halfway up, she couldn¡¯t hold back her tears any longer.

    She kissed Gabri¡¯s cheek and cradled her once they were back in the room. In a soft voice, she whispered, ¡°Gabri, you understand me, don¡¯t you? Even if he were no longer alive, I couldn¡¯t forget him¡­¡±

    Stay connected g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s

    Outside, in the corner of the house, Bryan leaned against the cold wall, cane in hand. He had overheard the heated exchange inside.

    The veins on the back of his hand bulged, his fingertips turning white as he gripped the cane tightly.

    He clenched his teeth, the muscles in his jaw tensing as he fought the urge to burst into the house and embrace Eileen and Gabri.

    He shifted slightly, then slowly walked away.

    Bryan had only taken a few steps when Jacob and Josue caught up with him.

    ¡°You heard everything. We tried to change Eileen¡¯s mind, but it¡¯s just not possible,¡± Josue exined, offering support to Bryan. But Bryan pushed him away.

    ¡°If persuasion doesn¡¯t work, then stop trying. Once I¡¯m married to Zelda, she¡¯ll have no choice but to move on,¡± Bryan stated, his voice rough as he struggled to keep his emotions in check.

    With his hands tucked into his pockets, Jacob followed Bryan and said, ¡°The hospital hasn¡¯t found a way to neutralize the drug yet. However, people from Coen¡¯sb suggested that if the drug isn¡¯t fully sessful, the effects will be manageable. Have you considered what will happen if it fails? Marrying Zelda means you can never go back to Eileen. She¡¯ll resent you forever.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 576

    ?Chapter 576:

    Bryan stopped and turned to face Jacob, silent for a long moment.

    What did Jacob mean by ¡°the effect will be manageable¡±?

    With his failing health, he couldn¡¯t even embrace Eileen properly, much less offer Gabri the warmth she deserved. He felt like he would only be a burden to them both.

    He couldn¡¯t ept that.

    Then, a cry drifted from a slightly open window. Bryan looked up, his ears catching Eileen¡¯s gentle voice soothing Gabri.

    The familiar sound of Gabri¡¯s voice stirred something deep within Bryan. He wanted to walk away quickly but found himself unable to move beyond a few steps¡­

    Josue and Jacob watched Bryan¡¯s state, their eyes filled with sympathy.

    When evening came, the guests had left Zelda¡¯s home, leaving the wedding decorations behind, but the atmosphere of the ce was somber.

    As Bryan entered, Zelda and her father, Felipe Dury, quickly stood up, their expressions uneasy.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, are you truly intent on marrying Zelda?¡± Felipe asked, his tone somewhat disappointed. ¡°Given your health, marrying my daughter seems unfair to her. Plus, you are married, and your rtionship with your wife seemsplicated. I¡¯m concerned you might bring problems to Zelda.¡±

    Before Bryan could respond, Zelda interjected, ¡°Dad, I want to marry him. Regardless of what his wife might do, she can¡¯t force him not to marry me.¡±

    Despite Felipe¡¯s subtle signals to stop, Zelda ignored thempletely.

    Felipe¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Helping you wasn¡¯t about expecting something in return. You needed a ce, and your friends paid us, so I agreed. But now, despite your failing health, you still wish to marry my daughter. Are you trying to cause us problems?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget our agreement to keep matters private,¡± Bryan said as he sat down on a bench.

    Get the newest chapters g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls

    He maintained his dignified demeanor. After spending too much time under the sun recently, he now had a rugged appeal.

    Zelda¡¯s gaze lingered on his striking profile, her eyes shining.

    ¡°If your daughter had followed the rules, we wouldn¡¯t be facing these issues,¡± Bryan stated coldly, ncing at Felipe.

    Knowing Felipe¡¯s deep love for his daughter, Bryan added, ¡°The wedding is fake. But as long as she consents, I will ensure she is financially secure for life.¡±

    Felipe, concerned for Zelda¡¯s future, nced at her. Given Zelda¡¯s disability and the potential damage to her reputation, he knew it would be challenging for her to find another man willing to marry her after this. He feared for his daughter¡¯s well-being in hister years if things turned out this way.

    Upon hearing Bryan¡¯s proposal, Felipe turned his gaze to Zelda.

    ¡°I agree. But I¡¯m not interested in your money,¡± Zelda quickly stated.

    What else could she be interested in? The answer seemed obvious.

    Bryan gave Zelda a cold nce, causing her to shiver.

    She realized her mistake.

    Seeing how casually Josue and hispanions handled money, she had assumed Bryan was wealthy and thought that by issuing a missing person notice, she could gain more funds.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 577

    ?Chapter 577:

    However, her actions had inadvertently led Bryan¡¯s wife to him, and Bryan had deliberately avoided interacting with her.

    Later on, she overheard a conversation between Josue and Bryan, and it became clear that Bryan was distancing himself to avoid burdening his wife.

    Instantly, she felt a profound empathy toward Bryan, and her feelings for him deepened day by day.

    Unfortunately, Bryan was already devoted to someone else.

    But if she were to marry him, who knew what might happen then?

    ¡°But that woman imed you two are legally married. If you marry my daughter, wouldn¡¯t she bebeled a homewrecker? And wouldn¡¯t you be guilty of bigamy?¡± Felipe voiced another concern.

    Bryan¡¯s lips moved slightly, his Adam¡¯s apple shifting as he calmly responded, ¡°We¡¯re already divorced.¡±

    At this revtion, hope flickered in Zelda¡¯s eyes. They were divorced?

    With that reassurance, she felt a sense of relief. There was nothing more to worry about.

    As evening settled in, the sea breeze swept across the hills, cooling the small vige significantly.

    The night grew exceptionally cold, and theck of heating or air conditioning made it difficult for Eileen to getfortable.

    Concerned that Gabri might kick off her nket and catch a cold, Eileen found herself barely sleeping, haunted by unsettling dreams.

    In her dreams, she saw Bryan marrying Zelda, while she herself was swallowed by the cold sea.

    Discover fresh updates g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í?ls

    She awoke around four in the morning. Perched by the window, she stared out at the darkndscape, lost in thought as the cold wind howled outside.

    As dawn broke and the first light spread across the sea, Eileen snapped out of her reverie.

    Before Gabri stirred, Eileen freshened up and went downstairs to prepare breakfast.

    Raymond, who was staying on the first floor, walked into the kitchen, scratching his back.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, this ce is really dreadful. It¡¯s so cold and damp. Hey, what¡¯s that on your neck?¡±

    He noticed, as Eileen bowed her head, that her fair neck was covered in red spots.

    When Eileen looked up, Raymond saw that the spots extended across her neck.

    ¡°Are you having an allergic reaction to something?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Eileen responded, instinctively scratching at the spots.

    Raymond quickly stopped her. ¡°Don¡¯t scratch. The doctor will be here soon to check on you. Also, we need to figure out how to convince Mr. Dawson to undergo a health check.¡±

    Eileen nodded. ¡°I have a n. Just arrange for the doctor toe here.¡±

    After speaking, she turned and headed upstairs. ¡°I¡¯ll check on Gabri. Please inform everyone in the vige to gather.¡±

    With Ruby absent, the responsibility of caring for Gabri fell solely on Eileen. With tasks awaiting her, she needed to wake Gabri earlier than usual.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 578

    ?Chapter 578:

    Fortunately, Gabri was cooperative, greeting Eileen with a smile and a hug when she was roused. She let Eileen dress her before they both went downstairs.

    By the time they arrived downstairs, the doctor had already arrived. He began by inspecting the red spots on Eileen¡¯s neck and then found simr spots on the rest of her body.

    ¡°It appears to be an allergic reaction, likely triggered by the damp climate here,¡± the doctor said.

    Eileen responded, ¡°I¡¯ve lived in Wist Land before without any issues like this.¡±

    ¡°Wist Land isn¡¯t near the sea, and here, there¡¯s no air conditioning to manage the humidity and the cold of winter. That definitely contributes to the problem,¡± the doctor exined patiently. He then prescribed an ointment for Eileen.

    Eileen said gratefully, ¡°Thank you. We will need you to conduct check-ups for everyone in the vige over the next few days, with a particr focus on a thorough examination for Bryan.¡±

    The doctor immediately nodded and said, ¡°Ms. Curtis, don¡¯t worry. Mr. Dawson¡¯s assistant has already informed us about everything.¡±

    Eileen epted the ointment from the doctor and applied it to the areas she could reach. Unfortunately, she couldn¡¯t treat the itchy red spots on her back, where her hands couldn¡¯t reach.

    There were a lot of people in the vige, and it would take a couple of days to conduct physical examinations for everyone. Eileen spent time with Gabri indoors and soaked up the sun at noon, avoiding visiting Bryan. The wedding decorations everywhere dampened her spirits.

    Over the past few days, Gabri had gotten used to her new surroundings. She explored in her stroller while Eileen watched her from the steps. Eileen¡¯s white T-shirt was stained with blood from her aggravated allergy, as she couldn¡¯t apply ointment to some areas on her back.

    However, she seemed unaffected by the pain. She continued to dress and undress each day, enduring the pain of her wounds tearing open again and again.

    Jacob found it hard to watch. He wanted to help but felt powerless. Eventually, upon seeing Bryan, Jacob couldn¡¯t keep silent. ¡°Eileen is struggling. She¡¯s allergic and can¡¯t apply ointment on her back because she can¡¯t reach the spot.¡±

    Find your next adventure at g¦Á ?¦Ç ¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s

    Bryan, who was carving a small puppet, paused at Jacob¡¯s words and suggested, ¡°She could ask other women in the vige for help.¡±

    ¡°She refuses to do that,¡± Jacob sighed. ¡°She¡¯d have to undress, and Gabri never leaves her side. She doesn¡¯t want her child around strangers.¡±

    Eileen seemed indifferent to her own difort, not letting it bother her.

    ¡°Thankfully, Gabri has settled in well here, or Eileen would have been even more stressed,¡± Jacob said, sitting down and ncing at the object in Bryan¡¯s hands. ¡°How long until it¡¯s finished? You have your physical examination tomorrow. You could give it to Gabri yourself then.¡±

    The puppet was modeled after a popr cartoon character. Upon learning of Gabri¡¯s visit, Bryan had started working on the puppet tirelessly. Now, he had almostpleted it, only needing to work on the facial features.

    ¡°You give it to her for me,¡± Bryan said as he meticulously carved the puppet, his hands nearly bleeding.

    Jacob sighed heavily, saying nothing.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 579

    ?Chapter 579:

    Bryan had scheduled his physical examination for thest day, fully aware of what it entailed.

    The following morning, Bryan handed the puppet to Jacob and then made his way to the examination area. Eileen watched as Bryan staggered towards them. It took him over ten minutes to cover just a few hundred meters.

    Noticing his legs were slightly stiff, Eileen whispered something to the doctor.

    ¡°Those with mobility issues due to leg problems or age should be examined first,¡± the doctor then announced to the crowd.

    Someone immediately cleared a path. Bryan looked up and caught Eileen¡¯s gaze from behind dozens of people. He quickly looked away and continued forward.

    Suddenly, Bryan felt a tug at his trousers. Looking down, he saw Gabri.

    Gabri was sitting in her baby walker, looking up at him. Seeing Bryan look down, she babbled happily with a bright smile.

    Even after three months, Gabri still recognized him.

    Bryan gripped his cane tighter and gazed at the little girl he had missed so much.

    Bryan¡¯s expression turned serious, and his brow furrowed. He sensed Eileen watching him. He should have walked away decisively, but he didn¡¯t want to.

    ¡°Whose child is this?¡± Zelda hurried over, pulling Gabri¡¯s little hand away. ¡°Go find your parents; don¡¯t bother us.¡±

    Perhaps because Gabri had never met Zelda, or perhaps due to Zelda¡¯s harsh tone, Gabri became anxious. Her face flushed, and she turned to look at Eileen.

    Her big ck eyes began to well up with tears, her lips quivering as if to say, ¡°Mom, someone is being mean to me. Help.¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s is where magic happens

    Eileen stood and walked toward them. Seeing Zelda holding Bryan¡¯s arm, she quickly lowered her gaze and took Gabri away. ¡°Gabri, let¡¯s go and y here.¡±

    The doctor led Bryan to an indoor bed for his examination, citing his mobility issues.

    The doctor, a renowned psychologist, nned to hypnotize Bryan. ¡°Later, just watch the clock¡­¡±

    Outside, Zelda approached Eileen and said, ¡°Do you really n to stay here indefinitely? I¡¯m going to marry Bryan. There¡¯s no point in you staying here.¡±

    ¡°Is there any point in marrying a man who has lost his memory?¡± Eileen responded calmly, trying to reason with Zelda. ¡°You want to marry him because you¡¯re missing an arm and you¡¯re afraid no one will take care of you when you get older, aren¡¯t you? What if I offer you enough money?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not as shallow as you think,¡± Zelda said, giving a dismissive snort. ¡°I wasn¡¯t truthful before. I actually want to marry him because I love him.¡±

    Love?

    Eileen couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°Do you have any standards for love? Do you truly love a married man who¡¯s already a father?¡±

    She pointed to Gabri, who was holding a water bottle, and continued, ¡°This is his daughter. She needs her father as she grows up. Doesn¡¯t that matter to you?¡±

    ¡°People get divorced all the time. It¡¯s not like they can¡¯t move on afterward,¡± Zelda replied. ¡°Don¡¯t try to intimidate me with legalities. You and Bryan don¡¯t have thew on your side! If you truly care about the child, take her and leave now. That way, you won¡¯t have to watch us get married and feel upset.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 580

    Chapter 580:

    With that, Zelda turned and walked away.

    Biting her lip, Eileen watched Zelda¡¯s retreating figure. Then, she sat down and yed with Gabri as if nothing had happened. She refused to give up now. There were still a few days left until the wedding. She was waiting to hear what the doctor would say.

    Half an hourter, the doctor emerged from the room, apanied by Bryan and Josue. No one knew when Josue had entered the room.

    Noticing Eileen¡¯s gaze, Josue sullenly put his hands in his pockets and retreated to a corner.

    The doctor handed off the remaining paperwork to his assistant and approached Eileen to report.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson¡¯s situation is quiteplex,¡± the doctor said. ¡°I¡¯m aware of the news stories about you and Mr. Dawson. He treated you as if you were his life, and he nearly lost his child before. He appears normal, but he¡¯s actually quite on edge. He even made ns to capture Coen before. Given these circumstances, it¡¯s understandable that he¡¯s very cautious.¡±

    After a pause, he continued, ¡°Additionally, his memory loss makes him even more fearful and suspicious of unfamiliar things. Therefore, taking a forceful approach to remove him is not advisable.¡±

    Hearing this, Eileen felt her hope fade.

    ¡°Then¡­ how is he doing? Are his injuries severe? Can he recover?¡± Eileen asked. Seeing Bryan move so slowly, like someone with a disability, she felt a profound sadness.

    ¡°Well¡­¡± The doctor nced towards Josue, who subtly signaled him. The doctor quickly replied, ¡°If he had received proper treatment from the start, he might be in better shape now. But after being injured for so long, it¡¯s difficult for him to fully recover and return to normal.¡±

    ¡°I understand. Carry on with your work,¡± Eileen said before turning to sit on the stairs, her fists tightly clenched.

    Unforgettable stories on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s??o??

    Bryan stood a few steps away, waiting for Zelda. His gaze remained fixed on her the entire time.

    In the past, Eileen had been the recipient of such a gaze from him. Now, another woman had taken her ce, and Bryan¡¯s attention was directed at Zelda, right in front of her.

    ¡°Mommy!¡± Gabri ran over excitedly, clutching something in her hand.

    Eileen took the object from Gabri¡¯s hand and noticed it was a small puppet. It was smoothly polished and made of wood.

    ¡°Where did you get this?¡± Eileen asked.

    Jacob approached and exined, ¡°I gave it to her. A craftsperson in the vige makes them, so I got one for her.¡±

    ¡°Did you hear what the doctor just said?¡± As Jacob approached, Josue walked over to Eileen and asked, ¡°What are you nning to do? Are you going to stay and watch Bryan¡¯s wedding, or will you leave?¡±

    The question made the light fade from Eileen¡¯s eyes. ¡°How long until they¡¯re married?¡± she asked.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah:

    Double chapters are up¡ªone for yesterday and one for tomorrow!

    New chapters drop next Wednesday, and fresh novels arrive this Monday at g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? l??.

    God loves you, and Noah wishes you all the best! (=?=)/

    .

 Chapter 581

    ?Chapter 581:

    ¡°Six days,¡± Jacob replied. ¡°I¡¯ve heard they¡¯re nning a big wedding. They¡¯ve been considering it for some time. After all, Zelda is the only daughter of the Dury family, and they recently received money from you.¡±

    Zelda had previously said she didn¡¯t want arge wedding, but she had changed her mind. It was absurd that she was using the money she had gotten from Eileen to fund the wedding.

    Eileen lowered her head and ran her fingers through her hair. There was no way she would just leave.

    She needed to find a way to stop Bryan from marrying Zelda.

    However, it felt wrong to interfere. She had to find a solution that was both perfect and ethical.

    But her hopes had just been shattered. The pent-up negative emotions from the past few days overwhelmed her, leaving her thoughts in disarray.

    ¡°Let me look after Gabri tonight,¡± Josue suggested, noticing her distress. ¡°You seem really upset. What if Gabri gets sick because you¡¯re not able to care for her properly?¡±

    Eileen couldn¡¯t refute that. Lately, she had been feeling terrible and struggling with sleep. When she did manage to sleep, it was hard for her to wake up.

    Recently, Gabri had kicked off her nkets several times during the night, and Eileen hadn¡¯t been able to wake up and tuck her in. She was worried Gabri might catch a cold if this continued. Feeling even worse today, Eileen epted Josue¡¯s offer.

    ¡°But you¡¯ll need to stay here,¡± she said.

    Josue and Jacob had been staying at a small hotel in a nearby town, only visiting the vige during the day. Eileen didn¡¯t want them to take Gabri away from here.

    Josue immediately replied, ¡°Okay. That won¡¯t be a problem.¡±

    Don¡¯t miss it: g?l§Úov???.c§àm

    He then picked up the baby and suggested, ¡°I¡¯ll take her out for a walk. You haven¡¯t had a chance to do so since you arrived, and it¡¯s a beautiful day today.¡±

    Josue left with Gabri. The vige was quiterge, and Zelda¡¯s house was in a corner, a considerable distance from where Eileen was staying.

    Carrying Gabri, Josue sweated heavily and breathed hard from the exertion. After reaching an open space near Zelda¡¯s house, Josue began sending messages to Bryan, urging him toe back quickly.

    Bryan didn¡¯t respond.

    Josue then mentioned he had brought Gabri here.

    Soon after, he saw Bryan approaching in a hurry, clearly struggling with each step.

    When Bryan saw Gabri in Josue¡¯s arms, his calm demeanor crumbled, his emotions overwhelming him.

    ¡°Can you hold her?¡± Josue moved closer to Bryan and said, ¡°Let me help you. You won¡¯t be able to hold her once she starts walking on her own.¡±

    Bryan dropped his cane and wiped his hands on his clothes. Before he could figure out how to hold Gabri, she reached out her hands and leaned toward him. She smiled sweetly and babbled.

    Gabri leaned against Bryan¡¯s chest, gripping his cor with her tiny hands.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 582

    ?Chapter 582:

    ¡°You can hold her. I¡¯m right here to help. Don¡¯t worry; she won¡¯t fall,¡± Josue assured Bryan as he encouraged him to hold Gabri.

    Fortunately, Bryan¡¯s arms were strong enough to lift Gabri, but she constantly moved in his arms. His frail condition made it hard for him to react quickly, and he risked her falling.

    Luckily, Josue kept a steady hand on Gabri¡¯s back. He watched as Gabri kissed Bryan on the cheek.

    The scene touched Josue deeply, nearly making him cry.

    As she babbled, Gabri yfully poked Bryan¡¯s face and pinched his lips. She showed no signs of unfamiliarity with him. After over an hour, Josue took Gabri back for lunch. In the afternoon, he managed to coax her into taking a nap.

    Eileen spent the afternoon sitting by the second-floor window, lost in thought. By evening, she still couldn¡¯t make sense of her emotions and had developed a headache. She went downstairs and brought some wine back up. She thought maybe getting drunk would help her release some pent-up emotions and find the strength to keep going.

    When Raymond saw Eileen carrying wine upstairs, he became concerned and discreetly approached Jacob and Josue. ¡°Ms. Curtis has taken some wine upstairs. Is she going to be alright?¡± Raymond asked.

    It was already nine o¡¯clock, and the darkness outside seemed to mirror the uncertainty within. Josue believed Eileen might be struggling to sleep. He waved his hand and suggested, ¡°Maybe you should stay by her door, Raymond, just in case she needs help?¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary,¡± Jacob quickly replied. ¡°Go back to your room, and don¡¯te out even if you hear any noise.¡±

    Raymond felt uneasy, as though something big might happen. Jacob gave Josue a meaningful look, and Josue quickly understood. ¡°Yes, you can go now. We¡¯ll look after Eileen. Don¡¯t you have work early tomorrow?¡± Josue said, urging Raymond to return to his room. Raymond¡¯s room was the southernmost one on the first floor.

    Although unsure of Jacob and Josue¡¯s ns, Raymond trusted they wouldn¡¯t harm Eileen and returned to his room.

    Jacob then dialed Bryan. ¡°Eileen is nearly drinking herself to death. Don¡¯t you care?¡±

    Every journey starts at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c????

    Bryan ended the call abruptly.

    In just over ten minutes, he reached Eileen¡¯s house. Someone from the Dury family had escorted him here on an electric bicycle.

    As he gazed at the faint light glowing from the second-floor window, Bryan paused briefly before entering the house.

    Jacob had been waiting for him. ¡°Josue managed to get Gabri to sleep. I checked on Eileen upstairs; she¡¯s very drunk. You should go check on her.¡±

    Bryan eyed the staircase. Although it was only two stories, climbing them seemed daunting.

    ¡°Come on, let me help you go upstairs,¡± Jacob said, walking over to assist Bryan.

    Minutester, Bryan opened the bedroom door. The soft light illuminated the figure on the bed.

    Eileeny there, holding half a bottle of wine, her cheeks flushed, her disheveled appearance a stark contrast to the usualposed woman Bryan knew.

    Bryan sat at the edge of the bed, watching her inebriated state. It was a sight he had never witnessed before.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 583

    ?Chapter 583:

    He lifted his hand and gently stroked her cheek with his fingertips. The reduced sensitivity in his fingertips made it difficult for him to feel the softness of her skin.

    ¡°What?¡± Eileen murmured, slowly opening her eyes.

    Her gaze was clouded with intoxication. As she focused on the familiar face, tears immediately began to fall. ¡°Are you really going to marry someone else? Don¡¯t you care about me and Gabri anymore? What am I supposed to do now?¡±

    Eileen raised her hand and gently traced Bryan¡¯s eyebrows with her fingertips, moving down his straight nose to his thin lips. ¡°They told me you had fallen into the sea. I never believed it. You wouldn¡¯t be so reckless. You still have me and Gabri. You wouldn¡¯t leave us!¡±

    After a pause, she added slowly, ¡°But they said Coen injected you with an experimental drug. That¡¯s why you did it, right? Were you saying goodbye to me before heading to Bayside City? Why didn¡¯t you tell me the truth?¡±

    Tears streamed from her eyes, soaking her long ck hair. She clutched his arm, sobbing uncontrobly. All the emotions and grievances she had suppressed for so long erupted in an instant.

    ¡°If I had told you the truth, would you have let me go?¡± Bryan wiped away her tears.

    Eileen shook her head, her tears flowing even more. ¡°I just want you toe back¡­¡±

    Bryan gritted his teeth, yearning to hold her tightly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry. I¡¯m back now,¡± Bryan coaxed gently, not caring how much she had drunk or if she would remember his visit the next day. He bent down and kissed her forehead.

    Eileen clung to his arm and murmured, ¡°You aren¡¯t back. You¡¯ve forgotten all about me. And you want to marry another woman!¡±

    L?t£åst ch?pt?rs in g??lnovels.??¦Ï??

    Eventually, the dizziness from the alcohol became too much, and she began to feel faint. Bryan remained still, letting her hold his arm as she gradually quieted down.

    He noticed red spots on her back, some broken skin that looked especially severe. When he first arrived, he had been allergic and had felt terrible, even after applying ointment daily. He couldn¡¯t fathom how Eileen had endured it.

    He took the ointment from the bedside table, lifted her shirt, and gently applied ayer to her back.

    The window was open, letting in the cold air, making her hair messy.

    After applying the ointment, Bryan stood up, closed the window, tucked Eileen in, and started to walk out. But as he reached the door, he couldn¡¯t help but turn back. He sat at the edge of her bed, unsure whether to touch her. Instead, he just watched her. She looked thinner than before, and her lips were pale.

    Even in her sleep, she continued to frown.

    Bryan¡¯s heart ached as he watched her. She had told him she didn¡¯t know what to do with him, but he was equally uncertain about what to do with her.

    Morning was breaking. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over Eileen¡¯s face. Her curly eyshes fluttered a few times as she sensed a familiar presence. She clung tightly to the warmth of the ¡°thing¡± in her arms.

    Suddenly, she opened her eyes and sat up, startling Gabri, who was sitting nearby.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Josue eximed, quickly picking up Gabri. ¡°You scared her.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s breath quickened. The sensation of Bryan felt too real to be just a dream. She looked at Josue with questioning eyes.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 584

    ?Chapter 584:

    Josue, stretching his neck, exined, ¡°You were sleeping so deeply today that I got worried and came to check on you. Gabri refused to leave, so I yed with her for a while.¡±

    Then, he turned and left with Gabri in his arms. ¡°Breakfast is ready. Come downstairs,¡± he called as he walked out.

    Eileen lowered her gaze to her hands. After a moment of hesitation, she got out of bed and started putting away the bottles on the floor. But then, she noticed a footprint on the floor, only the first half visible.

    She wasn¡¯t sure about the size of the foot, but it was clearly not hers, and Josue couldn¡¯t have been so close to her bed.

    Her gaze shifted to the bedside table, where the lid of the ointment was not closed. A thought crossed her mind as she touched her back. She didn¡¯t feel the usual tingling sensation.

    The sensation on her back now felt like the same feeling when she had first applied the ointment to the spots on her arm.

    After making the bed, she went downstairs, where she took Gabri from Josue¡¯s arms. She sat at the table, eating breakfast in silence, which puzzled Jacob and Josue.

    The two exchanged uneasy nces. Had Eileen discovered something?

    But Eileen remained calm as she ate.

    Josue nudged Jacob, who said, ¡°There are only a few days left before Bryan and Zelda¡¯s wedding¡­¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Eileen interjected. ¡°You don¡¯t need to keep reminding me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just concerned that you might be upset seeing it,¡± Jacob said earnestly. ¡°The one you love is marrying someone else, and that must be painful. I just think you¡ª¡±

    New updates in g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    ¡°I¡¯m not upset,¡± Eileen interjected again, setting down her utensils. ¡°I¡¯ve thought it over. What you said makes sense. If he wants to marry, let him. Even if I try to bring him back, I can¡¯t stop him from marrying. Why should I torment myself like that?¡±

    The room fell silent.

    Jacob nced at Josue before asking Eileen, ¡°Have you really made up your mind?¡±

    Eileen nodded. ¡°Yes, I have. I even regret investing in this ce, but the construction has already started. Tomorrow, Benjamin wille to inspect the project. After he gets the shareholders to agree to invest, I¡¯ll leave.¡±

    Josue mmed his hand on the table. ¡°Exactly. Eileen, I always knew you were a smart person. It¡¯s right for you to move on. When we get back, I¡¯ll introduce you to a great guy. As Gabri¡¯s godfather, I¡¯ll make sure she has a good stepfather.¡±

    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t talk nonsense,¡± Jacob said, poking Josue.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything wrong!¡± Josue pushed Jacob away, about to say more, but Jacob dragged him off.

    As they left the yard, Josue asked, ¡°Why did you push me? Our n is seeding, right?¡±

    Jacob sighed. ¡°What were you thinking? You should at least introduce Eileen to someone else after Bryan¡¯s gone. Otherwise, her marriage will be the subject of gossip because of her high social status. By then, Bryan won¡¯t be able to handle it¡­¡±

    In the afternoon, Jacob and Josue shared the news about Eileen with Bryan.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 585

    ?Chapter 585:

    The two of them spoke cheerfully,menting that Eileen had finallye to her senses or perhaps had simply given up on Bryan. After all, Bryan was basically disabled now. It was reasonable for Eileen not to want him back.

    Bryan didn¡¯t respond the way Josue and Jacob had expected. He lowered his gaze, continuing to fumble with the piece of wood in his hand, crafting a puppet for Gabri.

    As the three of them conversed in the yard, Zelda and her father watched them from inside the house.

    ¡°Dad, are we starting the big banquet three days before the wedding?¡± Zelda asked.

    Felipe nodded. ¡°Yes, some guests will arrive tomorrow. Make sure everything in the yard is cleaned up.¡±

    Zelda lowered her voice and whispered, ¡°If Eileen¡¯s project seeds, she¡¯ll be a hero in our vige. How about inviting her to the banquet tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°Why do you want to invite Eileen?¡± Felipe asked, expressing his disapproval. ¡°You know her history with Bryan. Won¡¯t that make you ufortable?¡±

    Zelda led Felipe further into the corner and said, ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear them? They say Eileen has given up, but I¡¯m not sure if that¡¯s true. It¡¯s better to test her before the wedding rather than risk her ruining it. Don¡¯t you agree?¡±

    What if Eileen was only pretending to have moved on, just to catch them off guard and disrupt their wedding? It would be toote for regrets then.

    Zelda¡¯s logic waspelling. After a brief hesitation, Felipe sighed and said, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll have someone invite her over tomorrow.¡±

    Due to regional differences, the local customs here were unique.

    The next day, Eileen received the invitation. She was invited to the banquet over the next three days, and she quickly epted.

    L??t??¦Ó ?h??¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?l??.??§àm

    Coincidentally, Benjamin had just arrived in town. Eileen called and asked him to pick up some valuable items to bring as gifts.

    Benjamin arrived in the vige around three in the afternoon.

    He observed the local environment and the red spots on Eileen¡¯s neck, looking concerned. ¡°You¡¯re managing to endure the conditions here. You¡¯ve really gone to great lengths for Bryan.¡±

    Eileen epted the gifts Benjamin had brought and said, ¡°I can¡¯t take it any longer. Once youplete your survey, I¡¯ll go back with you.¡±

    Benjamin¡¯s face brightened. ¡°Really? Are you ready to move on?¡±

    ¡°I have to,¡± Eileen replied firmly. ¡°Zelda has invited me to the banquet before their wedding. Since you¡¯re here, you should attend with me.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Most of the vigers will be at her house. It¡¯s a good chance for me to learn about the local customs and people.¡± Benjamin nced toward Eileen¡¯s house and asked, ¡°Is this where you¡¯re staying?¡±

    With no cars avable, staying in town wasn¡¯t convenient for Benjamin. So, Eileen suggested that he stay here with her.

    Raymond and Josue were upying the first floor, leaving no room avable there.

    Therefore, Eileen arranged for Benjamin to stay on the second floor.

    After settling Benjamin in, Eileen took him and Gabri to Zelda¡¯s house. Along the way, she pointed out potential sites for scenic development.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 586

    ?Chapter 586:

    As they entered a street adorned with wedding decorations, Benjamin realized they were nearing Zelda¡¯s ce. The entrance to her home was bustling with visitors.

    ¡°Can you hold Gabri for a moment?¡± Eileen asked, her arms weary from carrying her for so long.

    Benjamin agreed and took Gabri into his arms. Despite being only nine months old and recognizing faces, Gabri wasn¡¯t shy around new people.

    Although Benjamin had only met Gabri a few times, he cradled her gently. Gabri reached out and pointed at a wedding decoration hanging above, ying with it.

    Catching a glimpse of Bryan standing in the doorway, Eileen chose not to look at him. Instead, she suggested to Benjamin, ¡°Grab one of those decorations for Gabri. Let her enjoy her father¡¯s wedding day.¡±

    The decorations were within easy reach for Benjamin if he stood on his toes. However, he felt it was inappropriate to do so. Just as he was about to voice his concerns, he noticed Bryan at the door.

    Turning to Eileen, who was deliberately avoiding eye contact, he realized what was going on.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll get it,¡± Benjamin said. He grabbed a fake flower for Gabri, who waved it joyously in her tiny hands.

    Seeing Gabri so delighted with the flower made Eileenugh. The sound of herughter seemed to ease some of the tension in the air.

    Eileen and Benjamin continued to walk toward the house with Gabri. As Bryan stood by the door, appreciating the sunset, Eileen paused briefly, smiled, and said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, congrattions in advance.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. Pleasee in,¡± Bryan responded calmly, though his fists were clenched slightly.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head in. You must be tired after such a long trip. Make sure to eat wellter,¡± Eileen said gently to Benjamin.

    New updates uploaded to g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Yet, Benjamin was taken aback by Bryan¡¯s demeanor, which felt distant and cold.

    It wasn¡¯t until Eileen gently touched his arm that Benjamin snapped out of his thoughts. He instinctively called out, ¡°Boss¡ª¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not your boss. Just call him Mr. Dawson,¡± Eileen interjected.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson,¡± Benjamin corrected himself quickly.

    Bryan nodded slightly and said, ¡°Please,e inside.¡±

    Eileen grabbed Benjamin¡¯s wrist to guide him inside. As they entered, they were warmly greeted by the locals.

    Eileen had be quite a celebrity in the vige, with everyone eager topliment her.

    Once Eileen and Benjamin were seated, someone hesitantly asked, ¡°This is¡­?¡±

    The vigers all looked at Benjamin curiously. They recognized Gabri as Eileen¡¯s daughter, so they assumed the man cradling her in his arms must be her husband.

    ¡°You must be Ms. Curtis¡¯ husband, right?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re really young and handsome!¡±

    ¡°What a perfect family!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 587

    ?Chapter 587:

    Their remarks reached Bryan, who was standing still by the door. Leaning against the wall, cigarette in hand, Bryan took a long drag. He couldn¡¯t hear Eileen¡¯s exact response to the crowd, but he noticed the chatter growing louder.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson.¡± Zelda emerged from the yard, saying, ¡°Almost everyone has arrived. Let¡¯s head inside.¡±

    ¡°You invited her?¡± Bryan questioned Zelda.

    Zelda, slightly uneasy, replied, ¡°My father thought it would be appropriate, since Miss Curtis is well-known here.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s piercing gaze seemed to see right through Zelda¡¯s thoughts. He extinguished his cigarette, dropped it to the ground, and stuffed his hands into his pockets as he moved toward the courtyard. ¡°Don¡¯t y any tricks.¡±

    His low tone was enough to make Zelda flinch. She watched him leave before regaining herposure and following him.

    Inside the yard, about eight tables were filled with guests chatting happily. People were engaged in a lively discussion about how the small vige would transform into a resort, with Eileen and Benjamin at the center of the conversation.

    Eileen nced at Bryan, who had joined the same table as her. He remained silent after sitting down, seemingly indifferent to the vige¡¯s future.

    ¡°We¡¯re not hosting today,¡± Eileen said, realizing the shift in focus. ¡°Let¡¯s save the vige reconstruction talks forter and focus on the wedding now.¡±

    The vigers, realizing they had overlooked the host, quickly changed the topic to discuss the uing wedding with Felipe.

    Meanwhile, Eileen took the opportunity to feed Gabri some food. ¡°Let me hold her. You should eat,¡± she said to Benjamin.

    ¡°No need, she¡¯s quite taken with me,¡± Benjamin replied, visibly charmed by the little girl, who smiled up at him.

    Latest stories on

    Gabri beamed at Eileen. When she caught sight of Bryan, her babbling grew louder, and her smile widened.

    Eileen looked up and caught Bryan¡¯s gaze. In the next moment, she gently turned Gabri¡¯s head away.

    ¡°Honey, don¡¯t look around. It¡¯ll scare you,¡± Eileen said softly.

    Gabri beamed at her, then tried to pull herself up using Benjamin¡¯s thigh. She spun around, wrapping her little arms around Benjamin¡¯s neck, showering him with kisses and gentle touches.

    Bryan watched from a distance, his fists clenched as he observed the affectionate interaction between Benjamin, Eileen, and Gabri. A surge of anger washed over him.

    Eileen had never felt so full after a meal like this.

    ¡°Today, while we celebrate a joyous asion for the Dury family, I¡¯d also like to take a moment to introduce someone to you all,¡± Eileen said, holding a ss of wine. After the meal, before the crowd could disperse, she continued, ¡°Standing next to me is Mr. Nash from thepany. He will be involved in the uing project. Tomorrow, please have someone show him around the vige so he can familiarize himself with the area.¡±

    Though she was familiar with the locale, Eileen knew the locals possessed insights about the vige that she couldn¡¯t match.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 588

    ?Chapter 588:

    Everyone weed Benjamin warmly, raising their sses in a toast.

    Eileen took a sip from her ss, then took Gabri from Benjamin¡¯s arms, giving him the opportunity to mingle with the vigers. Benjamin was here on behalf of thepany¡¯s shareholders, so Eileen maintained a professional distance.

    Once Benjamin had introduced himself, a question came from the crowd.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, Mr. Nash, which one of you will oversee the vige¡¯s reconstruction n?¡±

    Without hesitation, Benjamin responded, ¡°Ms. Curtis will lead the effort. She originated the n and is the one in charge of the project.¡±

    The questioner nodded in understanding. ¡°So, Ms. Curtis will stay to oversee the project? If weplete it before the weather turns warm, we could attract a wave of tourists.¡±

    The implication was clear: they hoped Eileen would expedite the transformation of their humble vige into a thriving resort, bringing profits to themunity sooner rather thanter.

    Everyone turned their gaze to Eileen, filled with anticipation.

    Eileen averted her eyes and quickly nced at the man sitting quietly nearby, his head bowed. The faint outline of a scar on Bryan¡¯s forehead was visible¡ªa reminder of the time he had saved her.

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave with Mr. Nash once he finishes his survey here,¡± Eileen dered.

    At this, Bryan looked up, but Eileen was addressing the slightly unsettled crowd with a reassuring smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll leave my top assistant here to make sure weplete the project as quickly as possible. Perhaps you could appoint someone from your side to liaise with us and take charge of the project moving forward.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. We need to execute this project wlessly,¡± Benjamin added.

    ¡°But we¡¯re just simple folks here in the vige. There¡¯s no one qualified to oversee such a project on our end.¡±

    Don¡¯t miss fresh updates on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    ¡°We¡¯re also at a loss with those design drawings.¡±

    Several men with sunburned faces looked clearly distressed.

    ¡°Bryan understands design drawings,¡± Zelda chimed in, nodding toward the man next to her. Pride swelled in her voice. ¡°When Ms. Curtis sent over the designs for the vige rebuild, my dad consulted him. He was brilliant at weighing the advantages and disadvantages. I think he¡¯s the perfect person to represent our vige.¡±

    As she spoke, she gave Bryan a gentle nudge.

    A chilly aura surrounded Bryan, his eyes betraying no emotion. Despite his inscrutable expression, people could sense his displeasure.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen replied quickly. ¡°Mr. Nash, please arrange for someone to liaise with Mr. Dawson. Make sure the vigers¡¯ interests are prioritized. Anything thates up, ry it through Mr. Dawson.¡±

    She repeatedly addressed Bryan formally as ¡°Mr. Dawson,¡± each mention striking him like a sharp de to the heart. Bryan clenched his fists, struggling to maintain hisposure.

    Out of the corner of his eye, he watched as Eileen, carrying Gabri, and Benjamin walked away. He then lifted his head and stared at Eileen¡¯s retreating figure. His eyes narrowed as he became lost in thought.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 589

    ?Chapter 589:

    In the small vige, streetmps were spaced every few hundred meters, casting faint light on the uneven ground. Carrying Gabri made Eileen¡¯s walk particrly challenging, and Benjamin instinctively moved to assist her.

    ¡°No, thanks,¡± Eileen said, avoiding Benjamin¡¯s outstretched hand.

    ¡°What?¡± Benjamin asked, his voiceced with a chuckle. ¡°You don¡¯t want my help after all the acting?¡±

    Hearing this, Eileen was taken aback. She turned around to face Benjamin. Under the glow of the streemp, several insects buzzed overhead.

    ¡°You can¡¯t deceive me. We¡¯ve known each other for so long. I can see through you easily,¡± Eileen said, her tone more serious now.

    Benjamin took a deep breath. ¡°Is there anything I can do to help?¡±

    As he spoke, he noticed Josue and Jacob approaching.

    In a hushed tone, he added, ¡°To be frank, those two are close with Bryan. They¡¯ll always prioritize him. You need someone who is on your side, no matter what. Trust me, I¡¯m that person.¡±

    He emphasized thest two words deliberately.

    There was sincerity in his eyes. For a moment, Eileen couldn¡¯t help but marvel at how Benjamin, once her rival, had be a close friend.

    ¡°Then, thank you,¡± Eileen said, handing Gabri to Benjamin just as Jacob and Josue caught up with them.

    Josue instinctively reached out to take Gabri from Benjamin. ¡°I can take her.¡±

    Before Benjamin could respond, Eileen interjected, ¡°Let Benjamin hold her. He needs to get familiar with Gabri in advance.¡±

    Discover fresh tales on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§à??

    What? In advance?

    Josue¡¯s eyes widened, exchanging nces with Jacob.

    By then, Benjamin had already lifted Gabri onto his shoulder, holding her high in the air, causing her to giggle.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Jacob asked, unable to resist. ¡°Does Benjamin want to be Gabri¡¯s godfather?¡±

    With a knowing smile, Eileen nced at Benjamin and Gabri. ¡°Not a godfather. He¡¯s going to be Gabri¡¯s stepfather,¡± she said softly. ¡°He¡¯s been in love with me for many years. Didn¡¯t Bryan mention that to you before?¡±

    Both Jacob and Josue gasped.

    ¡°But I haven¡¯t made up my mind yet. Let¡¯s see how he does first. You two can help me keep an eye on him,¡± Eileen said, continuing to walk.

    The sound of rapid footsteps echoed behind her. Josue hurried to catch up, his voice tinged with concern. ¡°You¡­ Have you really moved on from Bryan? Can you forget all the good he did for you?¡±

    Gesturing toward thevish wedding decorations, Eileen said, ¡°Bryan has been as cruel to me as he was once kind. Now, he¡¯s marrying another woman right before my eyes. Why shouldn¡¯t I move on? I won¡¯t wait for him to hurt me any longer.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 590

    ?Chapter 590:

    Josue found himself speechless for a moment. He knew Eileen¡¯s words rang true, yet he couldn¡¯t ept that she was already considering being with another man.

    Eileen turned to Josue and Jacob. ¡°Bryan has also forgotten you. You should leave with me. Staying here is pointless. If he can¡¯t remember, he¡¯s noting back to us. You¡¯ve all invested so much time and energy trying to help him ¡®regain his memory,¡¯ haven¡¯t you? Don¡¯t waste any more effort. I¡¯ll have Raymond book your tickets back.¡±

    Herposure and rationality were so evident that Jacob felt tears welling up in his eyes.

    Eileen turned and hurried to catch up with Benjamin and Gabri. Meanwhile, Jacob and Josue stood frozen, side by side, watching as Eileen walked away with Benjamin and Gabri.

    ¡°Benjamin has really been a great support to Eileen while working for Kian,¡± Jacob remarked, breaking the silence.

    Frustrated and emotional, Josue pped Jacob¡¯s arm and retorted sharply, ¡°Enough! No matter how much Benjamin has helped Eileen, he could never treat her better than Bryan. Bryan followed her to Wist Land and even gave up his own family for her. To him, Eileen is as important as his own life!¡±

    ¡°But Bryan could also hurt Eileen,¡± Jacob said, pointing out the reality of the situation.

    A heavy silence fell over them.

    ¡°Forget it. Isn¡¯t this what Bryan wants? Let¡¯s just send him an invitation when Eileen gets married. He¡¯ll be relieved,¡± Josue said.

    Relieved? Jacob only smiled, saying nothing. He believed Bryan would be upset if that happened.

    The next morning, the sun shone brightly. Eileen and Benjamin joined the vigers for a tour around the vige. Bryan, recently appointed as the project liaison, was also part of the group.

    He moved slowly, dressed in a ck shirt, jeans, and sneakers, his gaze fixed intently on Benjamin and Eileen. Benjamin carried Eileen¡¯s bag and asionally held Gabri. Eileen, in turn, helped carry Benjamin¡¯s coat when he held Gabri. They stood out among the vigers.

    Bryan nced down at his own hands, noticing the thin calluses and tan. He couldn¡¯t help but think that Benjamin and Eileen looked like a perfect pair.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson,¡± a voice interrupted. A pair of white sneakers appeared in Bryan¡¯s line of sight. He looked up to meet Eileen¡¯s indifferent gaze. Her voice, though familiar, sounded distant. ¡°They say you¡¯re having a hard time walking. We¡¯re heading up the mountainter, so you don¡¯t need toe along.¡±

    Bryan remained silent, contemting her words.

    After a pause, Eileen continued, ¡°Mr. Dawson, could you have the vigers prepare some food for us? We¡¯ll pay. Just make sure it¡¯s not too spicy¡ªBenjamin can¡¯t handle spicy food.¡±

    Bryan nodded slightly, using a stone for support as he straightened up. ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Please also prepare some suitable food for my daughter. She¡¯s nine months old now and has six teeth. Something soft would be good,¡± Eileen added.

    Bryan listened intently, then leaned back against the stone. His gaze drifted toward Gabri and Benjamin.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 591

    ?Chapter 591:

    After a long pause, he asked, ¡°Ms. Curtis, do you have any specific dietary preferences?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Eileen responded. ¡°As long as Gabri and Benjamin are satisfied with the food, I¡¯m not particr about my own meal.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Bryan asked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°When we met earlier, you seemed a bit off. Do you¡­ Do you recognize me?¡±

    After asking, he frowned, looking down, his disappointment hidden behind a cigarette that he ced in his mouth before turning away. ¡°I¡¯ll get lunch ready in advance. Ms. Curtis, please continue with your ns.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen replied.

    Bryan didn¡¯t press further, and Eileen pretended not to hear his question. She turned and joined Benjamin, following the vigers up the mountain.

    They soon disappeared into the woods.

    Bryan¡¯s expression darkened. He extinguished his cigarette and began preparing lunch.

    When Eileen and Benjamin returned from their mountain exploration, it was well past lunchtime, and the food that had been prepared was now cold. Not wanting to inconvenience anyone, Benjamin decided to reheat the food himself.

    Among the dishes, Eileen noticed Gabri¡¯s favorite. The little girl still loved it and eagerly devoured the reheated food.

    After feeding Gabri, Eileen turned to find Benjamin warming the other dishes. He then took Gabri from her arms. ¡°I¡¯ll look after her. You eat first. Cold food might upset your stomach.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen replied, ncing at the slightly ajar window in the corner of the Dury family¡¯s yard before starting to eat. She hurriedly took a few bites, then switched forks to feed Benjamin some of his favorite dishes.

    ¡°Let me feed you. You¡¯ll feel ufortable eating cold food too,¡± she said.

    More novels avable at g¦Áln¦Òv???s?c?m

    Benjamin smiled and epted the food.

    Eileen alternated between eating, feeding Benjamin, and yfully interacting with Gabri. The three of them looked like a happy family.

    Suddenly, the window closed.

    After lunch, Eileen and Benjamin returned to her ce with Gabri. While Benjamin worked on the investigation report, Eileen put Gabri down for a nap.

    In the evening, a member of the Dury family came over to invite Eileen and Benjamin to dinner.

    Eileen, apanied by Gabri and Benjamin, went to the dinner. She engaged in casual conversation with Benjamin from time to time during the meal.

    Benjamin helped Eileen with holding Gabri, and naturally, some physical contact urred.

    Time passed quickly, and before they knew it, there was only one day left before Bryan and Zelda¡¯s wedding.

    When Eileen received the dinner invitation from the Dury family this time, she brought along the gift Benjamin had purchased and a small box.

    By the time most guests had left, Eileen and Benjamin remained.

    ¡°Miss Dury, Mr. Dawson, I don¡¯t mean to be rude, but I must ask¡ªare you truly nning to get married?¡± Eileen asked.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 592

    ?Chapter 592:

    ¡°Of course. Why do you ask?¡± Zelda responded without hesitation.

    Eileen turned to look at Bryan.

    Bryan leaned back in his seat, his posture slightly stiff.

    He answered tly, ¡°Of course.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Eileen said, handing Zelda the gift. ¡°This is my wedding gift to you.¡±

    Then, she offered the small red box to Bryan. ¡°And you better take this, Mr. Dawson. I think it will be useful for you.¡±

    Bryan stared at the small box for a moment before epting it. A crisp sound came from inside.

    His expression flickered with emotion, and he furrowed his brow.

    ¡°I wish you a joyful wedding,¡± Eileen said. ¡°It¡¯s a pity I can¡¯t attend tomorrow, but Mr. Nash and I are returning to Onnd.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you two stay here longer?¡± Zelda asked.

    Eileen smiled and replied, ¡°No, it¡¯s time for us to leave. My ex-husband once told me that indecisiveness isn¡¯t beneficial. One should be decisive when necessary.¡±

    Bryan had said those words to Eileen when she was his assistant.

    It was during their second intimate encounter.

    Their first time was an ident, and by the second time, Eileen hadn¡¯t yet decided what to do about their rtionship.

    Stay connected through g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    She had epted money from him the first time they were together, and she felt that epting money again would make their rtionship transactional.

    Bryan had kissed her and then advised, ¡°Indecisiveness isn¡¯t beneficial. You should be decisive when necessary.¡±

    ¡°Ex-husband?¡± Zelda looked at Bryan, puzzled. Wasn¡¯t Eileen¡¯s ex-husband Bryan?

    Not wanting to reveal too much, Zelda quickly shifted the conversation. ¡°Ms. Curtis, what are your ns after returning to Onnd?¡±

    Throughout, Eileen¡¯s gaze remained fixed on Bryan. He sat there, his eyes downturned and his brow furrowed, silent.

    Eileen couldn¡¯t tell if Bryan was genuinely indifferent, or¡­

    ¡°I intend to find a suitable father for Gabri while she¡¯s still young,¡± Eileen said, turning to Zelda with a smile. ¡°She¡¯s almost old enough to start calling for her daddy. Wouldn¡¯t it be wonderful if someone were there to respond?¡±

    The yard fell into an uneasy silence.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. We need to catch our flight tomorrow afternoon,¡± Eileen said to Benjamin.

    With that, she grabbed her bag and began to leave, letting Benjamin carry Gabri.

    Bryan, who had been sitting motionless, suddenly rose. The chair beneath him creaked as he stood.

    The noise erupted suddenly and loudly, causing everyone to turn their attention to Bryan.

    Eileen, who had just reached the door, paused and looked back at him, her gaze filled with questions.

    ¡°I¡¯m full. I¡¯m going back to my room,¡± Bryan said coldly, then turned and walked slowly into his room.

    Suddenly, Eileen¡¯s heart sank. She pressed her lips together, turned around, and led Benjamin to leave. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± she said quietly.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 593

    ?Chapter 593:

    Inside a small room, Bryan looked out the window, watching Eileen and Benjamin walk away in the distance. He could make out their figures huddled close together, theirughter faintly reaching his ears.

    It was a long night. Bryan sat on the steps outside the house, bathed in the orange glow from the light above. He held a cigarette between his fingers, with several bottles of wine next to him. His gaze was empty.

    Jacob and Josue had been standing at the yard¡¯s gate, watching Bryan for a while. Leaning against the doorframe with his hands in his pockets, Jacob nudged Josue with his foot and suggested, ¡°Should we try to talk to him?¡±

    ¡°How do you suggest we do that?¡± Josue asked. ¡°Tell him he¡¯s going to die someday and that it¡¯s a blessing to see his wife remarry before then?¡±

    Jacob coughed at Josue¡¯s bluntness and cleared his throat. ¡°If Ie across something that troubles me in the future, just keep your distance.¡±

    Josue¡¯s way of persuading someone was clearly not the mostforting.

    From a distance, Jacob and Josue kept their eyes on Bryan, concerned about what he might do tonight.

    Eileen couldn¡¯t sleep either. As she watched her daughter sleep, her mind was crowded with thoughts. She stared out the window at the moon in the sky.

    After midnight, dark clouds gathered, strong winds began to blow, and soon, it started to rain heavily. Raindrops hit against the ss, and the wind was strong enough to snap branches, the sound echoing in the night.

    Suddenly, there was a knock at Eileen¡¯s door. She stood and opened it to find Benjamin, standing a good distance away.

    ¡°I just got a call from the airline. The flight tomorrow afternoon is canceled due to the strong wind and rain,¡± Benjamin said.

    They couldn¡¯t leave?

    Updates loaded at g@lno¦Íe??s

    ¡°Got it,¡± Eileen replied, her face expressionless.

    Noticing her alert state, Benjamin asked, ¡°Have you slept at all?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Eileen answered, shaking her head. ¡°With this storm, I can¡¯t sleep.¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s only been stormy for thirty minutes, and it¡¯s already half past two in the morning,¡± Benjamin pointed out. ¡°Jacob and Josue aren¡¯t here. Just be honest.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t want to be honest with Benjamin, but she kept picturing Bryan as he turned and walked away earlier that day. She was haunted by that image and still felt somewhat dazed.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think Bryan can have his wedding tomorrow,¡± Benjamin said. ¡°So you shouldn¡¯t feel too sad.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sad. In fact, not only am I not sad, but I will go andfort them tomorrow,¡± Eileen said firmly.

    Benjamin was left without words.

    Eileen kept her word. The next day, the storm persisted for more than half the day. Forget about having a wedding¡ªit was even challenging to step outside. Gabri peered out the window at the pouring rain, chattering and eagerly wanting to go out and y in the water.

    But with the rain continuing, Eileen had to entertain Gabri inside, which was exhausting. Gabri sometimes wanted to be held, and sometimes she demanded to go to the window to watch the rain. She would point outside asionally.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 594

    ?Chapter 594:

    In the evening, the rain finally stopped, and a rainbow formed under the setting sun. Eileen cleared the dirt and water from the yard and allowed Gabri to ride her stroller outside for some fun.

    Suddenly, her phone rang. It was Jacob. Once the call connected, he quickly said, ¡°The rainstorm caused a mudslide that copsed the Dury family¡¯s house. Bryan injured his leg and is getting treated in town.¡±

    Jacob had thought for a long time before deciding to call Eileen.

    After the rain eased, the ground behind the Dury family¡¯s house started showing signs of instability, prompting a swift evacuation. Bryan got injured during the copse while evacuating. By the time Jacob called Eileen, two hours had passed.

    When Jacob went to make the call, Bryan was still unconscious. However, when Jacob returned, he found Bryan awake.

    ¡°Where have you been?¡± Josue asked.

    Jacob answered, ¡°I called Eileen. She¡¯s on her way here. She must be really worried.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Bryan looked at Jacob, seemingly upset that he had made the call. However, he didn¡¯t say anything.

    They waited in the ward until it was dark. The room was tense, with neither Jacob nor Josue moving to turn on the light.

    Suddenly, Jacob¡¯s phone broke the silence with its ringtone. He pulled it out and said, ¡°It must be Eileen asking which room we¡¯re in. Let¡¯s turn on the light so she can see Bryan when she arrives.¡±

    He then flicked on the light and answered the phone.

    ¡°What? What flight tickets¡­ The flight back to Onnd¡­ You don¡¯t need to book for us. Wait, you¡¯re still leaving? When? Oh, the next avable flight isn¡¯t for three days, and that¡¯s weather permitting. Go ahead and book it. I¡¯ll stay here another two days with Josue¡­¡±

    L?t??st ch¦Ápt?rs in g??lnovels.c??m

    After a brief conversation, Jacob ended the call.

    Turning back, he noticed Bryan and Josue watching him.

    He pressed his tongue to his cheek and said, ¡°It was Eileen calling. But she won¡¯te here¡­¡±

    Bryan and Josue remained silent.

    ¡°I just called her on impulse,¡± Jacob said. ¡°I thought we should tell her about your ident. But you¡¯ve lost your memory, and you were supposed to get married today. It¡¯s understandable if she doesn¡¯t show up.¡±

    Jacob tried to justify his earlier excitement and urged Bryan not to be too upset.

    Bryan cast his gaze downward, his thoughts unreadable.

    ¡°Look, just focus on recovering. Eileen¡¯s not a doctor; her being here wouldn¡¯t change much,¡± Josue said, rolling his eyes at Jacob.

    Hadn¡¯t Jacob just given Bryan hope, only to crush it? He shouldn¡¯t have called Eileen.

    Jacob and Josue used the excuse of going out to get dinner to leave the ward, and they started arguing as soon as they were outside.

    ¡°Why did you call Eileen?¡± Josue asked.

    ¡°I acted impulsively. I thought Bryan would be happy seeing her when he woke up,¡± Jacob replied.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 595

    ?Chapter 595:

    Josue said, ¡°Even if he feels happy, he can¡¯t show it!¡±

    Jacob responded, ¡°I didn¡¯t consider that. Think of it as an automatic reaction. Whenever something involving Bryan happens, I feelpelled to inform Eileen, or something just feels off¡­¡±

    Their voices faded as they moved further away.

    Back in the ward, Bryan was sitting on his bed. He reached for his phone on the bedside table and opened WhatsApp.

    He switched to an alternate ount¡ªone he had used to add Eileen as a friend. However, he had never messaged her from this ount.

    Eileen was his only contact on this ount.

    Just five minutes earlier, Eileen had posted a photo of Gabri ying with Benjamin.

    Seeing Gabri¡¯s radiant smile made Bryan¡¯s heart ache.

    The pain was so intense that Bryan felt as if he could hardly breathe.

    He couldn¡¯t remember thest time he had held Gabri. The sensation of holding her seemed distant, and it had been ages since he had spoken to Eileen properly.

    He wondered if he would ever get the chance to do those things again.

    A wave of despair washed over him, yet fear had never been something he was familiar with. But now, it seemed like someone else had entered Eileen¡¯s and Gabri¡¯s lives, and they were managing just fine without him.

    He had hoped for this before, yet now that it hade to pass, he felt utterly desperate.

    He didn¡¯t sleep at all that night, his already somber expression growing more intense by morning.

    Your source of stories: g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í??s.c??m

    Apart from exchanging a few words with Jacob and Josue, he remained silent.

    Then, Jacob stepped out to grab breakfast but rushed back almost immediately.

    ¡°She ising!¡± Jacob burst through the door of Bryan¡¯s ward, announcing, ¡°Eileen ising!¡±

    Hearing this, Bryan, who had been lying in bed, tensed up. He quickly grabbed the bedpost and pulled himself up.

    By the time he sat up, Eileen had already entered the room, gifts in hand.

    ¡°Eileen, you didn¡¯t have to bring anything,¡± Josue said cheerfully, relieved to break the gloomy atmosphere that had surrounded him and Jacob because of Bryan.

    Despite his words, it was clear that Bryan was eager to see Eileen.

    Eileen handed the gifts to Josue and said, ¡°I heard Mr. Dawson was injured. As the project director, I thought it would be appropriate to bring gifts.¡±

    Jacob was momentarily at a loss for words.

    The formality of the gesture felt strange.

    ¡°Is Bryan hurt badly?¡± Eileen inquired nonchntly.

    ¡°It¡¯s just a sprain, but recovery could take a few months,¡± Josue replied.

    Eileen¡¯s face remained impassive. ¡°Then he should rest. I¡¯ve informed thepany about your condition. When we build the resort, we¡¯ll ensure there are structures around the vige for disaster protection. We will also help the Dury family with some home repairs.¡±

    While Eileen spoke, both Jacob and Josue watched Bryan closely, gauging his reaction.

    Clearly, Eileen was here strictly for professional reasons.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 596

    ?Chapter 596:

    As Eileen continued speaking, Josue whispered, ¡°So, you didn¡¯t bring Gabri with you today?¡±

    ¡°No. Benjamin is looking after her while I¡¯m at work,¡± Eileen replied. She then approached Bryan¡¯s bed and added, ¡°Your leg is injured, so it must be difficult to keep up with the project these days. You might want to consider having your fianc¨¦e, Zelda, step in for you temporarily.¡±

    Bryan thought for a moment, his lips pressed tightly together, before responding, ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Wait.¡± Jacob interrupted. ¡°Don¡¯t be so formal, Eileen. Isn¡¯t there something else you want to say?¡±

    With a slight raise of her eyebrows, Eileen couldn¡¯t resist adding, ¡°Yes. Mr. Dawson and Zelda were supposed to marry yesterday, but the ceremony was postponed due to the weather. I hope you recover soon, Mr. Dawson, so you can hold your wedding. Maybe the gods were against your wedding yesterday, but as they say, where there¡¯s a will, there¡¯s a way. If you persevere, it will happen eventually.¡±

    Josue looked baffled and asked, ¡°What are you implying, Eileen?¡±

    ¡°What? Don¡¯t you understand?¡± Eileen turned to Josue. ¡°Let me spell it out for you. Those who seek trouble will find it.¡±

    With that, Eileen pulled out a sealed envelope containing a stack of money.

    She said, ¡°This is from thepany; we hope you recover soon. Please ept it.¡±

    Without waiting for a response, she zipped up her bag, turned, and left.

    In less than five minutes, she had said her piece and departed.

    Your escape begins with g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?????m

    Jacob stood there, bewildered. ¡°That¡¯s it? We couldn¡¯t convince her to leave just a few days ago, but now she¡¯spletely moved on?¡±

    ¡°Women always change so fast.¡± Josue said with a knowing expression. ¡°But she¡¯s changed way faster than Edna ever did.¡±

    ¡°Did she and Benjamin get together a while ago?¡±

    Exasperated, Jacob walked over to Bryan¡¯s bedside and said, ¡°What you did probably pushed them closer together.¡±

    ¡°Fuck off.¡± Bryan frowned and threw a packet of tissues at Jacob.

    Noticing Bryan¡¯s foul mood, Josue pulled Jacob out to get some breakfast.

    Bryan remained alone on the bed, clenching his teeth in frustration, though his chiseled face betrayed no sign of anger.

    His emotions wereplicated.

    In the afternoon, Bryan was discharged from the hospital. On his way back to the Dury family¡¯s home, he passed by the house where Eileen was staying.

    From a distance, he saw Benjamin ying with Gabri in the yard. Gabri, toddling along in her walker, babbled, ¡°DaDaddi!¡±

    The word struck a chord in Bryan.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not your daddy,¡± Benjamin gently corrected her.

    Bryan¡¯s expression shifted. After a moment, he turned and walked away.

    Due to the weather, Eileen stayed in the vige for two more days.

    Three dayster, when the weather cleared, it was time for Eileen and Benjamin to leave for the airport.

    The day before their departure, a local warned them that the heavy rains could easily trigger mudslides.

    The summer rains often drenched the area, which was popr with tourists. This could cause problems in the future.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 597

    ?Chapter 597:

    Eileen and Benjamin had already nned for these contingencies, so they called a meeting with several vige officials.

    Bryan, who had been appointed the project liaison by the vigers, also attended the meeting.

    Eileen and Benjamin proposed three precautionary measures and discussed which one would be the most effective.

    The vigers were excited to see such actionable ns being developed so quickly.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, Mr. Nash, you two are so capable and talented. Could you leave your contact information? In case of emergencies, we could reach out directly,¡± one of the vigers asked.

    Benjamin handed over a business card. ¡°Here¡¯s my card. Feel free to call me anytime.¡±

    Someone then turned to Eileen and asked, ¡°And what about Ms. Curtis?¡±

    ¡°If you get in touch with him, you¡¯ll reach me too. After we return, we¡¯ll be together most of the time, whether it¡¯s during work hours or not,¡± Eileen replied, ncing at Bryan.

    At the end of the table, Bryan lifted his head and nced her way.

    Eileen continued, ¡°Mr. Nash and I are catching a flight tomorrow morning. If you need anything while we¡¯re gone, you can contact Raymond.¡±

    As Eileen turned her gaze away and prepared to leave with Benjamin, Bryan, who had been silent, unexpectedly spoke up. ¡°Ms. Curtis, can we have a talk alone?¡±

    The vigers exchanged puzzled nces.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, whatever you have to say, you can say it here,¡± Eileen said as she settled back into her chair.

    Discover more at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??s

    ¡°It would be better to discuss this privately,¡± Bryan replied.

    ¡°We don¡¯t know each other well enough to require privacy. We only discuss work matters. To avoid any misunderstandings, please speak openly here, or not at all,¡± Eileen said.

    Bryan nced over at Benjamin.

    ¡°Let¡¯s step outside,¡± Benjamin suggested, leading the others out of the room.

    The room was furnished with chairs that were ufortable to sit on.

    Bryan stood up abruptly, his knee colliding with the unforgiving edge of a chair. But he didn¡¯t seem to feel any pain.

    He walked to Eileen¡¯s side, maintaining a cautious distance between them.

    ¡°Are you angry with me?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, what¡¯s this about? I don¡¯t see why I¡¯d be angry with you. I barely know you,¡± Eileen replied, not even looking at him.

    Bryan¡¯s lips tightened in understanding as he saw through Eileen¡¯s facade. He had discovered long ago that she had been putting on an act.

    ¡°I¡¯ve arranged a flight for you tomorrow afternoon. Are you going back or not?¡± Eileen said directly, turning to face him.

    Their gazes locked, the air heavy with unspoken words. Eileen couldn¡¯t remember thest time she had looked at him like this.

    It felt like a distant echo of a dream, but it didn¡¯t bring her any joy.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 598

    ?Chapter 598:

    Bryan¡¯s longing to embrace her was palpable, yet he resisted the urge. ¡°Taking me back would only prolong the heartache for you,¡± he said.

    ¡°Then why even bother talking to me now?¡± Eileen stood abruptly, her hands sifting through the scattered papers on the table. ¡°You always do what you want. My words won¡¯t change a thing. Do you expect me to thank you for making me miserable?¡±

    She scoffed and added, ¡°You¡¯ve made it clear that looking for you was a mistake. Just stop. Don¡¯t make me regret ever knowing you.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s hand stretched out slowly, reaching for her wrist, but Eileen slipped away with graceful agility.

    His fingers barely brushed her sleeve as he watched her walk farther away.

    Eileen said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t hold on to you. Whether you seek help or choose to let go, you don¡¯t need to stay in this ce.¡±

    With those words, she left the room swiftly.

    The door swung shut with a soft click, obscuring Bryan¡¯s sight of herpletely.

    Her retreating figure conveyed a sense of determined detachment.

    In the evening, Josue and Jacob hurried to see Bryan.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Josue asked, passing Bryan a ne ticket. ¡°Eileen asked me to give this to you. Have you decided if you¡¯re going back?¡±

    Bryan took the ticket, his eyes briefly scanning it as his fingers traced its edges quietly.

    Jacob sat beside Bryan, exchanging a knowing look with Josue. ¡°With his stubbornness? I don¡¯t think so.¡±

    M??? ??d???? ?? g????????.????

    ¡°Come on, guys. Enough with the games. What¡¯s really going on? Did Eileen give you the ticket because she figured out you¡¯re not really suffering from amnesia?¡± Josue¡¯s anxiety was palpable as he scratched his ears and settled into a chair. ¡°Bryan, just tell me what¡¯s going on. You¡¯ll regret not speaking up if you suddenly drop dead without a chance to clear the air.¡±

    After a long pause, Bryan finally spoke. ¡°Eileen¡¯s sadness won¡¯tst. Gabri will fill her life with joy, and she¡¯ll move on. I can handle her forgetting me and moving forward, but I can¡¯t bear her resenting me.¡±

    That kind of resentment was deep-seated.

    Eileen wasn¡¯t being childish.

    She was giving him onest warning¡ªif he didn¡¯t stop, it would break her heart, and she would end up resenting him for life.

    He couldn¡¯t bear the thought of her enduring such emotional turmoil.

    Jacob suddenly understood and said, ¡°It¡¯s about control, isn¡¯t it? She¡¯s not okay with you controlling her. If she ends up resenting you, that¡¯s on you. It¡¯s not that she can¡¯t ept you as you are now; it¡¯s that you can¡¯t handle her resentment. She¡¯s got you in a bind.¡±

    After a prolonged silence, Bryan smiled suddenly, his gaze drifting to the sky. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    After a sleepless night, Eileen awoke with a knot of tension in her stomach.

    Despite her attempts to hide it, Benjamin sensed her unease.

    ¡°The airport¡¯s a fair drive. We should leave by noon at thetest. I¡¯ll help you pack,¡± Benjamin said, setting his suitcase aside. ¡°You seem distracted; maybe you¡¯ll forget to bring Gabri with you.¡±

    Eileen shook her head firmly. ¡°No, I won¡¯t forget. She¡¯s my daughter.¡±

    Benjamin focused on packing for both Eileen and Gabri.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 599

    ?Chapter 599:

    By eleven, he quickly prepared a meal for the three of them. After they ate, they headed to the airport.

    The road was rough, and Gabri eagerly looked out the window, thrilled by every bump and jolt.

    Meanwhile, Eileen¡¯s unease grew, a persistent distraction clouding her thoughts.

    She felt carsick for the first time, her head spinning. Despite this, she held on until they reached the airport.

    With help from someone with their luggage, Benjamin held Gabri. Concerned for Eileen, he suggested, ¡°You¡¯ve got almost an hour before boarding. Why don¡¯t you rest in the VIP lounge?¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Eileen said, rubbing her temples.

    As they entered the VIP lounge, Eileen spotted the three men seated together.

    Josue and Jacob satfortably, smiling warmly at her.

    Bryan, sitting between them, had swapped his rural attire for a custom tracksuit.

    Jacob quickly stood, motioning for Eileen to join them. ¡°Come over here.¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m okay,¡± Eileen replied, her unease dissipating instantly. She settled into the chair opposite them, leaning back as she tried to shake off the difort from the bumpy ride.

    Seeing this, Jacob walked over to Benjamin. ¡°Let me take Gabri.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Meyer, I think I can hold her,¡± Benjamin replied.

    I??€?? ¡é§ß?¦Ñ§ä¦Å?? ?¦Ç g?l§Ú¦Ò¦Í¦Å??.c?m

    ¡°Her father is right here. Why are you holding her? They haven¡¯t seen each other in ages. Let them spend some time together and get closer,¡± Jacob said, reaching out to take Gabri from Benjamin¡¯s arms.

    Eileen suddenly said coldly, ¡°Isn¡¯t her father on his deathbed? What¡¯s the point of him getting closer to Gabri when he¡¯ll be gone soon? It¡¯s better for him to keep his distance.¡±

    ¡°Fine¡­¡± Jacob withdrew his hand, sitting back beside Bryan.

    Seeing Eileen close her eyes to rest, Jacob leaned toward Bryan and whispered, ¡°No wonder you¡¯re afraid she¡¯ll resent you. She¡¯s really taking this seriously.¡±

    Bryan nced away, choosing to remain silent.

    Soon, it was time to board.

    After a restless night, Eileen managed to secure a nket from a passing flight attendant and tried to sleep on the ne, cradling Gabri close.

    Her head bobbed with each attempt to find afortable position.

    Only when someone gently supported her head, letting her rest on their shoulder, did she finally feel at ease, sinking into a deep, uninterrupted sleep.

    By the time the ne arrived in Onnd, it was already past nine in the evening.

    Eileen stirred awake to the flight attendant¡¯s reminder, realizing Bryan had taken Benjamin¡¯s ce beside her.

    Josue and Jacob were keeping Gabri entertained.

    Eileen briefly nced at Bryan but remained silent.

    When it was time to disembark, she gently took Gabri into her arms and left with Benjamin.

    ¡°Mr. Ferguson arranged for a car to pick us up. There¡¯s an early meeting tomorrow about the vige project. It might be a long one, so you better go home and get some rest,¡± Benjamin informed her.

    Eileen nodded in understanding, but before she could reply, Josue caught up with her.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 600

    Chapter 600:

    ¡°Eileen, why are you walking so swiftly? Bryan can¡¯t keep up with you because of his legs,¡± Josue said.

    ¡°Why does he want to keep up with me?¡± Eileen fired back.

    Josue¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Bryan will go home with you.¡±

    ¡°Why should he go home with me?¡± Eileen replied sharply. ¡°I only brought him back because I see no need for him to hide from me. Don¡¯t overthink it. I¡¯ll leave him in your care. Take him to the hospital if he can be saved, or to the morgue if not.¡±

    With that, she turned and walked away briskly.

    Bryan couldn¡¯t help but chuckle upon hearing her words.

    He knew Eileen was upset, but that wasn¡¯t such a difficult problem to solve.

    ¡°Why are youughing now?¡± Josue asked. ¡°With her attitude, I wouldn¡¯t trust her to care for you. I fear she might just send you straight to the morgue and cremate you.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t the doctor advise that Bryan should be ready for exams and treatment in the hospital?¡± Jacob asked. ¡°Bryan, now that you¡¯re back, you should head directly to the hospital.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t that Bryan had never received treatment before, but his condition hadn¡¯t been consistently monitored, which had prevented the doctors from detecting problems promptly.

    That evening, Jacob and Josue took Bryan to the hospital and arranged for his regr doctor to oversee his care at the hospital in Onnd.

    Ruby had been waiting for Eileen since hearing of her return.

    Gabri, having not seen Ruby in quite some time, was overjoyed to see her. She babbled in front of Ruby as if they had never been apart.

    ¡°Has Bryan returned?¡± Ruby asked eagerly after spending some time ying with Gabri.

    £í????£å £õ??£ä??£ô£å£ó ??£î ???£ì????£ö??£ì??.??????

    ¡°He has. He¡¯s probably at the hospital by now,¡± Eileen replied as she organized her belongings.

    Ruby was shocked. ¡°Hospital? Did he regain his memory? Is there anything wrong with his health?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s alright. Don¡¯t worry,¡± Eileen reassured Ruby while taking Gabri from her arms. She then asked, ¡°How is Bailee doing?¡±

    ¡°I spoke with Frankie. Winona isn¡¯t doing well. Frankie mentioned that the decision was up to the kids. They don¡¯t want to hold them back.¡± Ruby felt a sense of relief from their agreement.

    Winona was now back home, with professionals looking after her.

    Frankie had suggested that Bailee and Huey move back to live with Winona. That way, if anything happened, they could assist her promptly.

    ¡°Has Bailee moved into the Baker family¡¯s home?¡± Eileen asked, pleased to hear some positive news.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Ruby replied with a smile. ¡°You¡¯re both dealing with one problem after another. When can I stop worrying?¡±

    ¡°You can stop worrying now. As long as Gabri and I are fine, you don¡¯t need to worry about anyone else,¡± Eileen answered.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Hi, dear ones! Sorry for being a dayte. New chapters will be avable tomorrow night. God loves you, and Noah wishes you all the best. (=?=) /

    .

 Chapter 601

    ?Chapter 601:

    ¡°If Bryan isn¡¯t well, would that make you feel okay? Don¡¯t act tough with me. Life must go on, yes, but you can share your feelings with me. If you¡¯re sad, I¡¯ll be by your side tofort you. If you need to cry, just cry,¡± Ruby said gently, running her fingers through Eileen¡¯s hair. ¡°You¡¯ve lost so much weight. Can you really just let everything go?¡±

    Eileen couldn¡¯t simply let go, but she couldn¡¯t make herself feel aggrieved either. She had just learned to cope in her own way.

    Life appeared to have returned to normal. In the morning, Eileen had Ruby watch Gabri while she drove to Freguson Group¡¯s headquarters.

    At a red light, the bright morning sun flooded the car. She pressed the brake, put on her sunsses, and answered a call from Raymond.

    Raymond was temporarily overseeing the project in the vige. He nned to return once construction began.

    He provided an update on the project.

    ¡°Got it. Find out which hospital Bryan is in. It¡¯s important to obtain his health report to understand what¡¯s wrong with him,¡± Eileen instructed.

    Even if Bryan had lost a leg and been truly handicapped, he wouldn¡¯t have feigned amnesia to make her this angry.

    Thus, the situation might be more grave and troubling than she had initially believed.

    However, from the start, Jacob and Josue had withheld information from her, forcing her to investigate on her own.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson has returned?¡± Raymond asked, surprised. ¡°Then why am I still here?¡±

    Raymond had agreed to stay in the vige because Bryan was there. Regardless of Bryan¡¯s memory loss, Raymond had wanted to keep Bryanpany.

    Get thetest g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°Even if he hadn¡¯t returned, you wouldn¡¯t be able to help him much by being by his side anyway,¡± Eileen said, ending the call abruptly, her tone tinged with frustration.

    Upon arriving at Freguson Group, Eileen attended a six-hour meeting.

    Although she had initiated this project for Bryan, it wasn¡¯t an uninformed investment. The potential for profit was clear, so Benjamin presented the investigation results, which received unanimous approval from all shareholders.

    Detailed follow-up actions were collectively agreed upon, and the meeting adjourned.

    As Eileen walked out of the meeting room, she checked her phone and found a message from Raymond.

    Raymond had located Bryan¡¯s hospital and learned that a renowned international doctor had arrived the previous night specifically to oversee Bryan¡¯s case. However, Bryan¡¯s medical condition wasplex.

    Aside from Bryan and his doctor, only Josue and Jacob knew the details. Raymond had been unable to uncover more.

    Eileen pressed her lips together upon hearing this and immediately called Phoebe.

    ¡°You finally remember to call me?¡± Phoebe¡¯s voice wasced with dissatisfaction. ¡°It¡¯s bad enough you don¡¯t talk to me, but Bryan even took Jacob away. Jacob missed our son¡¯s hundred-day celebration.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m calling to apologize. But shouldn¡¯t you hold Jacob ountable? Do you want to get even with him now?¡± Eileen replied.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 602

    ?Chapter 602:

    ¡°Do you have any suggestions? He came backst night, left early this morning, and left me exhausted in bed without saying a word. I need to get back at him,¡± Phoebe said.

    Eileen quickly proposed a n. ¡°Let¡¯s head to the D.V Club tonight. I¡¯ll help you blow off some steam.¡±

    Phoebe immediately agreed, ¡°Deal.¡±

    Eileen skipped dinner and headed straight to the D.V Club.

    The entrance of the club was bustling. A waiter escorted Eileen to the private room Phoebe had reserved.

    Inside the private room, Phoebe, whom Eileen hadn¡¯t seen for quite some time, appeared rejuvenated. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail, a change from her previous style. She looked every bit like a charming mother now.

    ¡°Jacob said he¡¯ll be here in ten minutes,¡± Phoebe said as she stood to wee Eileen. They both sat down together. ¡°You have to help me release this anger.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Eileen said, checking her watch. ¡°I¡¯ve arranged for something special, and it should be here any minute.¡±

    Just as she finished speaking, the door opened. Several waiters entered, carrying arge durian, instant noodles, and a washboard.

    ¡°Peel the durian and drop the peel on the floor,¡± Eileen ordered.

    The waitersplied, and soon the room filled with the pungent aroma of durian. Phoebe, too impatient to wait for the waiters to finish peeling, grabbed some of the durian to eat.

    She muttered, ¡°Kneeling on the peel would hurt, right?¡±

    ¡°Do you pity Jacob?¡± Eileen asked. ¡°He doesn¡¯t need to kneel. We¡¯ll let drinking take the ce of kneeling. Five sses of wine will rece ten minutes of kneeling on the durian, three sses for kneeling on the washboard, and two sses for the instant noodles.¡±

    Your next chapter awaits g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls?c?m

    Eileen was confident that if Jacob got drunk, she could extract information about Bryan¡¯s condition from him.

    Jacob pushed open the door and strolled into the room, his hands buried in his pockets. He hadn¡¯t even started to say anything to Phoebe when he caught sight of Eileen sitting next to her.

    A wave of dread instantly engulfed him. He was more afraid of Eileen than of his wife.

    Eileen had gone to the lengths of retrieving Bryan from a remote vige and even suggesting they take him straight to a morgue. Jacob realized that Eileen had be much more daunting than the mere assistant he had once known her as.

    Still, he harbored no pity for Bryan. In his eyes, Bryan deserved no sympathy for indulging his wife to the extent that she had changed so much.

    Avoiding Eileen¡¯s gaze, Jacob approached Phoebe. ¡°Honey, why did you want to go to the club? Should I call some toy boys over for you?¡±

    As he took a seat, his eyesnded on the washboard and the durian peel. The two bags of instant noodles were partially obscured by the corner of the table.

    A pang of anxiety struck him. ¡°Perhaps I should invite a few more for you, too, Eileen.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 603

    ?Chapter 603:

    ¡°That¡¯s fine by me. I¡¯m single now, after all,¡± Eileen responded casually. ¡°But there¡¯s no need to get Phoebe any toy boys. You¡¯re still her husband, right?¡±

    Phoebe scoffed. ¡°He¡¯s clearly a husband with something wrong with his head. Otherwise, why would he want to get me toy boys?¡±

    Caught off guard, Jacob sensed a trap. He paused and then gently tugged at Phoebe¡¯s sleeve, pleading, ¡°Honey, if you¡¯re mad at me, just go home. Let me handle everything. Please, just don¡¯t turn me over to Eileen!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll have to resolve the mess you made on your own. Don¡¯t try to drive a wedge between Eileen and me.¡± Phoebe knew that Eileen¡¯s invitation today was primarily to confront Jacob. Determined not to strain her friendship with Eileen, Phoebe decided to side with her.

    She turned to face Eileen and urged, ¡°Tell me how we¡¯re going to do this, Eileen. I can¡¯t wait any longer.¡±

    Eileen gestured toward the durian peel next to Jacob andid out his options. ¡°Kneel on what we prepared or drink. If you don¡¯t kneel, you¡¯ll have to drink. Either way, you¡¯re here for the next three or four hours tonight.¡±

    This implied that if Jacob chose not to kneel, he would have to drink an excessive amount¡ªlikely more than what was avable on the table now.

    Confused by Eileen¡¯s motives, Jacob weighed his options. Finally, he chose to kneel and awkwardly settled onto the pile of instant noodles.

    No sooner had he taken his ce than a crisp sound echoed.

    ¡°It must be broken. Now, it¡¯s your turn to drink. I¡¯ll make it easy on you, just three sses to start.¡± Eileen slid three sses of wine toward Jacob.

    Jacob said, ¡°Even if Gabri were here kneeling on instant noodles, they¡¯d still break. You set this up!¡±

    Fresh updates avable at galno¦Íe?s?c?m

    ¡°Since you know it, why do you still ask?¡± Eileen countered, a yful edge to her voice. ¡°If you can¡¯t bear it, just drink.¡±

    She leaned back on the sofa, watching Jacob with a faint smile. Jacob¡¯s face flushed with embarrassment as he looked desperately at Phoebe for support.

    Phoebe, however, continued to fill the empty sses. ¡°For the sake of my friendship with Eileen, you should drink. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll make sure you get home safely if you¡¯ve had too much.¡±

    With a grimace, Jacob downed the three sses of strong liquor in one swift motion. Kneeling on the washboard, the pain in his knees worsened after just five minutes. He downed three more sses after that. He barely managed a minute on the durian peel.

    Less than an hourter, Jacob slumped against the sofa, clutching Phoebe¡¯s leg, and began to plead, ¡°Honey, why would you take Eileen¡¯s side over mine? My legs are killing me. There¡¯s no way I can have sex using your favorite position tonight!¡±

    ¡°Get lost!¡± A flush crept over Phoebe¡¯s face as she shoved Jacob away.

    ¡°You need to be kinder. You can¡¯t be as harsh as Eileen. Bryan is such a decent guy, yet she tormented him and forced him toe back.¡± Resting his head on Phoebe¡¯s knees, Jacob continued, ¡°Bryan really is a good guy, but look at the mess he¡¯s in now. I¡¯m unable to help him¡­¡± Tears welled up in his eyes as he spoke.

    Phoebe nced at Eileen and cautioned, ¡°If you push him for answers, he might just spill everything. But remember, the way Jacob and Josue have covered it up and trapped Bryan suggests a truth you might not want to face. Are you sure you¡¯re ready for that?¡±

    ¡°What could possibly be worse than Bryan being dead?¡± Eileen asked, a bitter smile curving her lips. ¡°He insists on handling everything alone, leaving mepletely out of the loop. Am I truly his wife, or merely a puppet he maniptes at will?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 604

    ?Chapter 604:

    At that moment, a realization seemed to dawn on Phoebe. She gently patted Jacob¡¯s head and said, ¡°If you¡¯re nning to return home tonight, you better tell us Bryan¡¯s current condition. What drug was he injected with?¡±

    Jacob burst into tears, clinging to Phoebe¡¯s leg, quickly dampening her clothes.

    Between sobs, he said, ¡°I¡¯ll tell you everything; just please, don¡¯t hurt me! Bryan was injected with a very potent drug.¡±

    Phoebe was at a loss for words.

    Eileen massaged her forehead, her voice steady as she asked, ¡°Could this drug be lethal?¡±

    ¡°It won¡¯t kill his brain, but it¡¯s deadly to the rest of his body!¡± Jacob replied, his body trembling as he sat upright. ¡°Are you familiar with what a vegetative state is? He will be in a worse condition than someone in a vegetative state. Although he could hear andprehend everything around him, he would be unable to open his eyes or speak,pletely paralyzed, trapped in his own body.¡±

    The spacious room, which could easily amodate dozens, suddenly felt ufortably small as Jacob¡¯s words lingered. Eileen¡¯s breathing grew shallow.

    Her gaze remained fixed on Jacob, unblinking.

    Jacob, noticeably drunk, continued, ¡°His brain will be the only part that still works. That monster, Coen, ims it¡¯s the coziest way to exist, lying in bed all day without eating or drinking, free from physical pain. What a cruel joke! It¡¯s a fate worse than death!¡±

    Once Bryan¡¯s condition reached that point, he would be doomed to a life sustained by nutritional injections at the hospital.

    Eileen struggled toprehend the sheer magnitude of Bryan¡¯s suffering. Slowly, the realization of his determination began to sink in. He would only be able to feel emotions, unable to act on them. That was torture.

    How could he continue to love her under those circumstances? He could only love her in his mind, unable tomunicate or share any closeness, while she would face the overwhelming responsibility of caring for him alone.

    Uncover new worlds at g   alnov els

    ¡°Eileen.¡± Phoebe¡¯s voice cracked as she noticed Eileen sitting frozen on the couch. ¡°No wonder Bryan wanted to keep this from you. This is bad.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Eileen murmured, her voice shaking as she clutched the couch. Her gaze was distant and hollow.

    Silence filled the room for a moment before Eileen lowered her head, pressing her palms to her temples. Her hair fell over her shoulders, partially veiling her face but unable to hide the sorrow that weighed heavily on her.

    Jacob¡¯s incessant mumbling made it harder for Phoebe tofort Eileen. In a burst of irritation, Phoebeshed out with a sharp kick that sent Jacob tumbling.

    Moving closer to Eileen, Phoebe softened her tone. ¡°Eileen, hold on. Jacob said earlier that it¡¯s still uncertain whether the drug will have the intended effect. There¡¯s still a chance.¡±

    ¡°I know there¡¯s hope, but your reassurances don¡¯t ease the pain right now. I need some space to gather myself,¡± Eileen responded without looking up.

    Phoebe watched as a single tear fell from Eileen¡¯s eye, silently tracing its path down her cheek and disappearing onto the floor.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go home,¡± Phoebe said, summoning a waiter to help the inebriated Jacob to his feet. They left together.

    Eileen was left alone in the private room, leaning against the sofa, staring at the ceiling as tears streamed down her face.

    It hurt.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 605

    ?Chapter 605:

    Perhaps Bryan had been so insistent because he didn¡¯t want her to suffer this much. Yet, she believed he must be feeling better now than he had in the vige. This ce was closer to her and Gabri, and even if he¡­ at least they were nearby.

    Thinking of Gabri made Eileen¡¯s sadness deepen. She gazed at the colorful liquid on the table, fighting the temptation to drink it.

    She knew Gabri was at home, waiting for her. She needed to return.

    Late into the night, she drove home just past eleven. Aside from a slight fatigue, her delicate face showed no signs of the evening¡¯s emotional toll.

    In the hospital room, Bryan, dressed in blue and white hospital attire, stood by the window, gazing out at the brightly lit building in the center of the city.

    It was the EB Group building. He had been monitoring its progress for months. Under Eileen¡¯s leadership, thepany had thrived.

    ¡°It¡¯s so cold. Why are you standing by an open window? Aren¡¯t you afraid of catching a cold?¡± Josue said as he entered the room.

    He walked over to close the window but found a stubborn crack that wouldn¡¯t budge. He applied more force, but the window resisted.

    Looking down, Josue noticed that Bryan¡¯s fingers were caught on the window¡¯s edge. His fingers¡ªidentally crushed twice by Josue¡ªhad turned pale.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say something?¡± Josue quickly moved Bryan¡¯s hand away.

    Bryan nced down and noticed it for the first time. He squinted slightly and murmured, ¡°I didn¡¯t feel any pain.¡±

    His fingertips were numb, a worrying sign of his worsening condition.

    Josue gripped Bryan¡¯s wrist with concern. ¡°Does this hurt?¡±

    ¡°My fingers don¡¯t hurt, but my wrist does,¡± Bryan replied, pulling his hand back. ¡°What did the doctor say?¡±

    ¡°You haven¡¯t had a blood test in nearly a month,¡± Josue said, handing Bryan a report. ¡°After this recent test, we¡¯ve noticed that the drug¡¯s effects are slowing down. The team is working hard on an antidote, but they¡¯ve hit a roadblock because one of the ingredients won¡¯t break down. They¡¯re still questioning theboratory personnel.¡±

    Josue gestured for Bryan to return to his bed. After a pause, he continued, ¡°Coen is more cunning than we thought. The experiments were conducted by multiple individuals, none of whom saw the entire process. So, even though theb staff have given statements, we still don¡¯t know the exact drug dosage because¡­ one key participant is missing.¡±

    Everyone in theboratory had been detained, except for the person responsible for controlling the drug dosage. This had severely hindered the development of the antidote. Whoever was involved in the experiment was no ordinary person. This alone suggested that Coen still had people working for him.

    ¡°Coen died in the explosion, and with that, we lost all leads,¡± Josue reflected. ¡°We should have captured him when we had the chance, forced a confession, and secured the antidote.¡±

    Bryan nced at the medical report before setting it back down. ¡°Then start with Coen¡¯s associates. Don¡¯t overlook anyone.¡±

    As Josue was about to agree, he suddenly changed his mind and said, ¡°Why should we bother investigating? You¡¯re ready to give up.¡±

    A pillow flew at Josue¡¯s face.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 606

    ?Chapter 606:

    Josue caught it swiftly and retorted, ¡°You onlysh out at us. Would you dare show this attitude to Eileen? She hasn¡¯t even visited you.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s expression darkened. Eileen hadn¡¯t visited him since he was admittedst night. He turned over and shut his eyes, seemingly trying to sleep.

    Sensing Bryan¡¯s irritation, Josue didn¡¯t dare provoke him further. He settled onto the sofa with the pillow, fully expecting that Eileen would visit Bryan by tomorrow at thetest.

    Yet, three days passed without her visit. Bryan¡¯s expression grew darker with each passing day. It wasn¡¯t until the fourth day, when photos of Eileen, Benjamin, and Gabri having lunch together surfaced, that Josue realized Eileen was truly determined.

    When the ident happened, they had kept the real situation about Bryan from the public, only telling the media that it was an ident. Since then, Bryan hadn¡¯t been seen in public for months.

    Images of Eileen and Benjamin enjoying a meal with Gabri were now sshed across the media, highlighting their cheerful interaction. The public believed Eileen had moved on.

    All of Bryan and Eileen¡¯s past promises and shared happiness now seemed insincere. Yet, there was no solid evidence, and the media only hinted at the situation.

    That afternoon, Jacob dragged Eileen to Bryan¡¯s hospital room. The sunlight filtered in just right. Bryan had been in the hospital for several days, and shielded from the harsh outdoor elements of the vige, he looked noticeably better. Still, his movements were stiff.

    He turned to look at Eileen and clearly noticed her displeasure with Jacob¡¯s actions.

    ¡°Don¡¯t leave, Eileen!¡± Jacob positioned himself by the door, fearing she might try to escape.

    ¡°I won¡¯t leave,¡± Eileen said firmly. She had no intention of running. She straightened her disheveled clothes and walked over to Bryan¡¯s bed. ¡°We were together once. I bore him a child. It¡¯s only right that I visit him.¡±

    Your imagination starts at g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s?conn

    Josue scoffed. ¡°You didn¡¯t even bring anything, so you really just came to see him.¡±

    ¡°Jacob didn¡¯t give me a chance to buy anything,¡± Eileen retorted.

    She lowered her head and studied Bryan¡¯s sharp profile. He wasn¡¯t looking at her anymore. She couldn¡¯t tell if he was upset or simply thought it was right for her to be there.

    Perhaps due to his recent work in the vige, the veins on the back of his hand were more pronounced.

    ¡°How has your treatment been going?¡± Eileen asked directly, aware Josue and the others wouldn¡¯t be honest with her.

    As expected, Josue responded, ¡°He¡¯s quietly battling something¡­ that he¡¯s really missing you.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Eileen stepped back, her hand in her pocket, and leaned against the bed¡¯s edge. ¡°If you don¡¯t tell anyone, no one knows about your secret troubles. Just refuse to acknowledge them until someone else points them out. That¡¯s unnecessary.¡±

    ¡°You two, step outside,¡± Bryan suddenly said, gesturing for Josue and Jacob to leave.

    Jacob sensed the tension in the room was too intense.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 607

    ?Chapter 607:

    Josue pushed Jacob out the door, and as they left, Jacob muttered anxiously, ¡°I hope they don¡¯t start a fight.¡±

    Josue replied, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Bryan isn¡¯t in any shape to harm Eileen, but he¡¯s not going to lose to her in a fight either.¡±

    ¡°Nobody¡¯s going to get hurt.¡±

    Once they exited, Bryan eased himself out of bed. His movements were slow but deliberate, and his tall frame loomed over Eileen.

    Eileen looked up and saw the stubble on his chin. It had been a long time since she had been this close to him. His scent felt unfamiliar now.

    Her eyes began to well up, and the effort of looking up made it harder for her to hold back the tears.

    ¡°What is it you wanted to say? Just get it over with,¡± she said. She hoped he would tell her that he couldn¡¯t bear seeing her with another man, happily raising their child.

    But Bryan¡¯s emotions were quickly quelled by his rational side. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have brought me back,¡± he said.

    Eileen smiled, the bitterness clear in her voice. ¡°It¡¯s not toote for you to leave now. I¡¯ll forget you and everything we had. I¡¯ll forget every word you ever said to me. And I won¡¯t let Gabri know her father¡¯s name is Bryan. She¡¯ll have a stepfather, and he will¡ª¡±

    Her words were cut off as Bryan suddenly kissed her passionately.

    In the early morning sunlight, Bryan kissed Eileen passionately, their bodies pressed close together. Eileen tilted her head back, clutching Bryan¡¯s clothes tightly, allowing him to lead.

    After a moment, Bryan stopped, resting his forehead against hers. ¡°If I¡¯m not around in the future, Jacob and Josue will be there to support you. Try not to be too hard on them,¡± he said.

    Though Jacob had been silent these past few days, Bryan had noticed his lingering bitterness. Jacob had forced Eileen to visit the hospital today, suggesting she might have done something to provoke him.

    ??? ??????? ?? ?????????.???

    With their foreheads still touching, Eileen remained silent.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need toe to the hospital so often. I have doctors here,¡± Bryan added, his hand sliding down her shoulder to cover hers. His fingers were stiff,cking their usual flexibility and warmth.

    Eileen nced down and saw his fingers were a bit blue. ¡°What happened?¡± she asked softly.

    ¡°Just an ident. It doesn¡¯t hurt,¡± Bryan quickly said, hiding his hand behind his back.

    Eileen¡¯s gaze followed his hand, and she gently pushed him away after seeing his fingers.

    ¡°And you shouldn¡¯t bring Gabri here. Hospitals aren¡¯t good ces; they¡¯re full of germs.¡± Bryan moved a step away, standing beside her by the window, both of them bathed in the early morning light.

    Eileen smoothed her long hair. She had many questions, and so much to say, but she held back after hearing his words.

    She nodded and said, ¡°I understand. I¡¯ll make time to visit you amidst my busy schedule. If you feel unwell, have Josue and Jacob notify me immediately. Even if you die, they must inform me.¡±

    Bryan frowned and gently tapped her forehead. His touch was soft and deliberate, yet she remained still, allowing the gentle tap.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 608

    ?Chapter 608:

    ¡°Is¡­ Is there anything else I can do for you?¡± Eileen grasped his hand from her forehead, embedding all her unspoken words and emotions into that single question.

    She couldn¡¯t bear the thought of him facing everything alone, and she couldn¡¯t focus on her work with ease.

    After a moment of thought, Bryan replied, ¡°Investigate Travis. He studied medicine abroad. Find out where he is now.¡±

    Among their acquaintances, Z was likely the only link to Lydia and Travis. Though Eileen hadn¡¯t seen Z since Bryan¡¯s ident, she knew where Z was. Z had sold the vi and purchased a three-bedroom apartment, living off her previous earnings in a somewhat idle manner.

    Several times, Z had waited outside Eileen¡¯s vi but left without a word as soon as she spotted Eileen. She had clearly been curious to see how miserable Eileen would be without Bryan. At the time, although Eileen appeared untroubled, she had been deeply distressed.

    Thus, aside from desperately searching for Bryan, Eileen had focused on her work. She had anticipated that Z would try to provoke her, so she never gave her the opportunity.

    ¡°Go and find Raymond. He has uncovered something about Z. He can assist you,¡± Bryan said, seemingly intuiting Eileen¡¯s thoughts.

    Eileen didn¡¯t linger. The longer she stayed, the harder it would be for her to leave. Bryan didn¡¯t stop her either. Leaning against the window, he watched her exit the ward. As the door slowly shut, he saw Josue and Jacob quickly approach Eileen.

    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Jacob asked. ¡°Did you tell him you made me drunk and that there are things I didn¡¯t confess until I drank too much?¡±

    He wasn¡¯t sure what he had revealed, but upon waking, he had suspected that Eileen had wanted to extract information from him.

    However, Jacob didn¡¯t understand the situation. Eileen wouldn¡¯t inform Bryan that she knew everything, so she hadn¡¯t mentioned getting Jacob drunk to him.

    Your next chapter is here g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°Bryan asked me to search for Travis. Both of you should do that as well. If you hear anything, let me know immediately.¡± Eileen walked toward the elevator, pressing the button as she spoke. Before Josue and Jacob could ask anything further, she had already left.

    Josue looked at Jacob and asked, ¡°Why didn¡¯t she cry?¡±

    ¡°If she cries, both of us might end up dead,¡± Jacob replied, patting Josue on the shoulder. ¡°The stronger they appear, the longer we survive. If either of them breaks down¡­¡±

    It was likely because Bryan was at his limit.

    Jacob believed that, although Eileen hadn¡¯t said anything about it, she likely held them responsible for concealing Bryan¡¯s whereabouts earlier. Should the situation deteriorate, their rtionship with Eileen would suffer significantly.

    ¡°Eileen can¡¯t be that insensitive,¡± Josue said.

    Jacob responded, ¡°Is it really about being sensible? People can¡¯t always control their spontaneous emotions¡­¡±

    When Eileen drove back to thepany, her eyes were still red, but her ck sunsses concealed this from everyone.

    On the way, she had contacted Raymond, who had forwarded her all the details he had uncovered about Z. He had discovered the information before, but hadn¡¯t revealed it because of Bryan¡¯s incident.

    Before Z had been adopted by the Dawson family, her life had been difficult. Her parents had favored their son over her. When Lydia adopted Z, she had explicitly stated in the adoption contract that Z would need to undergo a hysterectomy. To prevent Z¡¯s family from causing further trouble, everything had been meticulously documented in writing.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 609

    ?Chapter 609:

    Z¡¯s parents had readily agreed. They demanded a substantial sum and allowed the Dawson family to take Z away without any second thoughts.

    Z vividly remembered that scene. As a result, she harbored more resentment toward her parents than toward Brandon and Lydia. After squandering the money from selling Z, her parents had gued her again, incessantly demanding more money. Eventually, Z had been driven to desperation. She had orchestrated a car ident and killed her parents.

    Milford was the only family she had left. She hadn¡¯t nned to associate with him, but when Bryan visited Wist Land, she acknowledged Milford to maintain contact with Bryan.

    The information Raymond sent to Eileen included evidence that Z had bribed a truck driver to murder her parents.

    In the evening, Eileen went directly to Z¡¯s ce. After knocking, she heard Z¡¯s voice from inside, ¡°Leave the takeout at the door. I¡¯ll get it myself.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s me. Open the door,¡± Eileen replied.

    As soon as she finished speaking, she heard movement inside the room.

    After a long pause, the door finally opened. In addition to Z, a man was also inside the room. Wearing a vest, the man brushed past Eileen and exited without a word.

    The air inside was thick with the unpleasant smell of hormones.

    Z, usually so confident and poised, now appeared disheveled, although her eyes still retained a hint of arrogance. She opened the window to let in some fresh air, sat down on the sofa, and lit a cigarette.

    Once the smell began to dissipate, Eileen stepped inside and tossed a sealed bag onto the table in front of Z.

    ¡°Eileen, have you been having a tough timetely? Are you afraid to face me?¡± Z asked as she opened the bag. ¡°So, you¡¯re finally ready to confront me, huh? Why have you been such a coward?¡±

    ???€$t ¡é?¦Á¦Ñ?§×§ñ? 1¦Ð [dot

    With her hands in her pockets, Eileen calmly let Z speak her mind. She watched as Z¡¯s expression shifted when she clearly saw the contents of the sealed bag. A subtle smile spread across Eileen¡¯s face.

    ¡°Consider yourself lucky that I¡¯ve hesitated for so long, or you wouldn¡¯t even be living the life you have now. Let¡¯s make an agreement: give me Travis¡¯s whereabouts, and I won¡¯t hand the evidence over to the authorities,¡± Eileen said, her voice cold.

    ¡°What do you want with Travis?¡± Z stood up, her eyes locking with Eileen¡¯s. ¡°What, are you nning to kill Travis to avenge Bryan? Even if you do, Bryan won¡¯te back! And you¡¯ll end up in prison!¡±

    Z¡¯s words seemed to be an attempt to dissuade Eileen, but the thought of it all exhrated her. She continued, ¡°If you really go through with it, I won¡¯t mind if you take the evidence to the cops. Maybe we can still be friends¡­ behind bars!¡±

    She seemed unhinged now, possibly due to the overwhelming circumstances that had drained her will to live.

    ¡°You¡¯ve lostpletely. Don¡¯t try to drag me down with you. Where is Travis?¡± Eileen demanded, her tone as icy as ever.

    ¡°I have no idea where he is, but he¡¯s been asking about you through me.¡± Z sat back down. ¡°He seems interested in you. Should I pass along a message telling him you¡¯re looking for him?¡±

    Eileen wasn¡¯t sure if Travis would hide further upon learning that she was looking for him, nor did she understand why he had asked Z about her.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 610

    ?Chapter 610:

    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary,¡± Eileen replied. She picked up the document from the table and added, ¡°Thew will handle your punishment.¡±

    With that, she turned and left.

    Once she was back in her car, Eileen instructed someone to monitor Z¡¯s phone calls. She also sent the evidence of Z¡¯s involvement in her parents¡¯ murder to the police.

    As soon as Eileen left, Z¡¯s mood darkened.

    The cigarette in her hand burned slowly. It wasn¡¯t until she felt the sharp sting from the burn that she snapped back to reality. She hastily tossed the cigarette into the trash and rinsed her hand under the faucet.

    The pain radiated from her fingers through her limbs, and the cold tap water did nothing to soothe the difort.

    In a sudden burst of rage, she hurled the dishes from the stove to the floor.

    The sound of porcin shattering echoed throughout the room, and the piecesnded at the feet of Milford, who had just entered.

    Milford nced coldly at Z¡¯s frantic state. ¡°How many times have I reced those dishes for you? Next time, I¡¯ll get you iron dishes.¡±

    ¡°Why are you here? Can¡¯t you see how awful things are for me? Eileen is backing you up and letting you stay at school. Are you feeling very satisfied with yourself?¡± Z snapped angrily.

    Milford tossed his schoolbag onto the sofa and began tidying the table. ¡°I¡¯m not that kind of person.¡±

    Even though Eileen had arranged for him to stay at school and given him money, Milford continued to work hard to earn his own. Over time, he¡¯d even shared some of his earnings with Z.

    The money from the vi sale had already been squandered by Z. When Milfordst visited, Z had gone without food for two days.

    L??e$? ??¦¤T??R? 1¦Ð ???lnovels.c??m

    As he was cleaning, Milford noticed a piece of paper on the floor. It contained a chat history that seemed to reveal someone had hired a truck to carry out the murder of Z¡¯s parents.

    Before he could fully read it, Z quickly grabbed the paper, ripped it to pieces, and tossed it in the trash.

    ¡°What was that?¡± Milford¡¯s expression turned serious as he recalled his parents¡¯ car ident. ¡°I asked you a question. Answer me!¡±

    Z sneered. ¡°I thought you were clever. Can¡¯t you figure it out? They sold me to the Dawson family. They got what they deserved! They ruined my life!¡±

    Milford, who had distanced himself from his parents because of the situation with Z, had spent most of his time with his grandmother and had little memory of his parents. He never expected that Z would be connected to their deaths.

    ¡°Z, you¡¯re a monster! You project your suffering onto everyone. You¡¯ve made Bryan go missing and made Eileen miserable. You even killed your own parents!¡± Milford shouted.

    Though he had never condoned Z¡¯s actions, he had felt sympathy for her, believing she had suffered immensely. Despite his reluctance, he had felt obligated to look after her.

    But now, Z had shattered all his perceptions of her¡ªshe was not just cruel, she was evil.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 611

    ?Chapter 611:

    ¡°This is all your fault! You always side with Eileen!¡± Z¡¯s voice was filled with fury. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for that, I wouldn¡¯t be in this mess. If things hadn¡¯t turned out this way, I wouldn¡¯t have hurt Bryan or be so heartless¡­¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re being utterly unreasonable!¡± Milford eximed before grabbing his schoolbag and storming out.

    The fact that his own sister had murdered their parents weighed heavily on Milford¡¯s heart. He wheeled his bike to the park and sat there until midnight when the school was closed.

    On her way home, Adalina noticed a familiar figure sitting in the park. She approached cautiously and recognized Milford.

    ¡°Milford, what are you doing here?¡± she asked.

    As she got closer, she noticed several empty bottles scattered around him.

    ¡°Have you been drinking? How could you do this?¡± Adalina asked, her concern growing. Milford was clearly intoxicated, his face flushed from the alcohol.

    ¡°Let me take you home. You can¡¯t just stay here like this,¡± she said gently.

    ¡°Just leave me alone. Please leave me alone,¡± Milford muttered, his voice filled with anguish. He longed to return to the time when he was with his grandmother¡ªbefore the burden of his parents¡¯ death and the truth about Z had shattered his world. He had cherished the days when his grandmother would drop him off and pick him up from school, always cooking him wonderful meals¡­

    Adalina, unsure of what to do, stayed quietly by his side, watching him in concern.

    From a distance, Z observed Adalina¡¯s unexpected arrival, a smirk forming on her face. As she saw Milford copse on the bench, she walked closer.

    ¡°Milford, wake up!¡± Adalina said, clearly distressed. She was considering calling Denzel for help when Z approached.

    ¡°Are you one of his ssmates?¡± Z asked, her voice calm.

    L?t§Öst ch¦Ápt?rs in g??lnovels.??m

    Adalina looked up and, recognizing Z, said, ¡°You¡¯re¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m his sister,¡± Z interrupted, her tone neutral. ¡°He¡¯s been under a lot of stress with schooltely, and I haven¡¯t been able to get through to him. Could you help me out and take him to a nearby hotel now?¡± Z gestured towards the hotel by the road. ¡°My ce is quite far away, and his bike is still here. We can¡¯t go back tonight.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Adalina agreed without hesitation. She secured her bike and helped Z guide Milford to the hotel.

    Though it wasn¡¯t a long distance, Milford was too heavy for Adalina to carry alone. Once inside the hotel, she gently ced him on the bed, then copsed onto the edge of it in exhaustion.

    Out of nowhere, a ss of water appeared in front of her. Adalina looked up to see Z offering it.

    ¡°Thank you for helping me. Have some water,¡± Z said, her voice surprisingly soft.

    ¡°Thanks, Z,¡± Adalina replied, taking the ss. Sweat dripped from her as she drank, still trying to catch her breath. She watched as Z carefully removed Milford¡¯s shoes and made him morefortable in bed.

    After a brief rest, Adalina tried to get up to leave, but she suddenly felt lightheaded. Her vision blurred, and before she could steady herself, she copsed onto the bed, losing consciousness.

    After verifying the evidence, the police arrested Z at midnight.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 612

    ?Chapter 612:

    Eileen had feared Z might have fled, but to her surprise, the police brought her back to the station shortly thereafter. Eileen had been waiting at the station for a long time. When Z arrived, their eyes met, but Z didn¡¯t resist as fiercely as Eileen had expected. Instead, Z gave her a cryptic smile.

    ¡°So what if it¡¯s jail?¡± Z sneered. ¡°A life for a life, right? I¡¯m not scared! After all, those damned have already made their way to hell, and soon someone will join me in prison to keep mepany!¡±

    Eileen didn¡¯t understand what Z meant. She frowned, troubled by Z¡¯s unsettling words and wild expression.

    ¡°Take her away,¡± the officer in charge ordered. His team escorted Z out and handed Eileen a mobile phone. ¡°Ms. Curtis, this is Z¡¯s phone. We¡¯ve unlocked it.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Eileen replied, epting the phone.

    She scrolled through it, finding that there were few saved contacts. Most of the call records were from unfamiliar numbers. Several text messages were sent from an unknown number, and from the conversation, it seemed to be Travis.

    It had been days since Z and Travis hadstmunicated. Eileen ced the phone in her bag and walked out of the police station. As she stepped outside, she saw Bryan, who had just gotten out of a car by the roadside.

    Bryan walked over slowly, his deep eyes fixed on her.

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Eileen asked, waiting for him to approach. ¡°Are you worried after hearing that Z was arrested?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Bryan replied, ncing briefly at the police station¡¯s entrance. ¡°Something happened to Milford. Denzel called Jacob.¡±

    Just as Bryan finished speaking, Jacob, who had just parked his car, hurried over. ¡°Where is Milford?¡±

    hosts great stories

    Suddenly, Eileen remembered Z¡¯s words: ¡°Someone will join me in prison to keep mepany soon!¡±

    ¡°What happened to Milford?¡± Eileen asked, her voice sharp with concern.

    Jacob rubbed his head and exined, ¡°The manager of the hotel called the cops, iming that a minor had been drugged and was about to be assaulted. The police arrived quickly and found Adalina and Milford together in bed.

    They notified Denzel. Denzel fetched his daughter and demanded an exnation from the police.

    He called me, stressing that he needed to prioritize his daughter¡¯s well-being.

    Denzel¡¯s message was clear: he held Milford responsible.

    Shortly after, the officer handling Milford¡¯s case arrived and provided Eileen and the others with the details.

    The hotel owner imed that Adalina had been drugged and brought to the hotel by Milford and Z. However, there was no video evidence because the hotel¡¯s surveince system was broken. They did manage to capture a grainy video on the street showing two people supporting another, but the identities were unclear. The three individuals were far from the camera, and the footage was taken in the dark.

    The hotel owner had assumed the three had drunk too much and decided to stay the night, thinking nothing of it. However, after Z had left, the hotel owner had sensed something was amiss and called the police.

    When the police arrived, they found Milford and Adalina in bed together, both undressed, and Adalina was immediately crying. Milford reeked of alcohol and appeared heavily intoxicated. He only sobered up after being taken to the police station.

    ¡°ording to Milford, he vaguely remembers meeting his ssmate, Adalina, and his sister, Z. Because he was drunk, Z and Adalina took him to a budget hotel. We heard that Z was arrested here and came to collect evidence,¡± the police officer handling Milford¡¯s case exined.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 613

    ?Chapter 613:

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Eileen eximed without thinking.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, please remain calm. The investigation is still ongoing. If Milford is telling the truth, his crime will be much less severe if Miss Murray can testify for him and if Adalina goes to the hospital to prove she was not raped,¡± the officer said.

    Although Milford and Adalina were around the same age, the problem was that one was underage while the other was an adult. The difference was only a few months, but if Milford really had done something to Adalina, his entire life would be ruined, and he would be held legally ountable.

    ¡°You are the one who deserves to die! Do you understand that?¡± Eileen was close to Z now, and it was difficult for her to suppress her anger. With tears in her eyes, she eximed, ¡°Help Milford, and then I¡¯ll find a way to help you. Speak up for him!¡±

    Milford had already been through so much and had finally found the right path, learning gratitude and determination. This incident would ruin himpletely.

    When Z saw Eileen bing frantic over Milford, she found the situation absurd.

    She sneered, ¡°Milford is my brother. He should join me in prison. I won¡¯t leave. Since I¡¯ve lost everything and my life is a wreck, I might as well drag everyone down with me!¡±

    Seeing Eileen ovee with emotion, the police quickly intervened. After separating Z and Eileen, the officer handling Milford¡¯s case approached Z to gather more evidence.

    Without missing a beat, Z said, ¡°Milford is trouble. He quit school in Wist Land long ago and fell in with badpany. He begged me to bring that girl to the hotel, and Iplied.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re lying!¡± Eileen shouted, struggling in Bryan¡¯s embrace but unable to break free. She was so angry, she felt as if she could tear the room apart.

    When Z was taken out in handcuffs, she saw the police in charge of Milford¡¯s case and guessed they were there for him.

    Just as she was about to make a snide remark, she suddenly noticed the tall figure beside Eileen.

    Discover your escape on g  aln ov el s

    Her expression froze. She stared at Bryan in disbelief and asked, ¡°You¡­ You¡¯re not dead?¡±

    Eileen and the others turned to look at Z, but Bryan¡¯s cold gaze made her feel especially uneasy.

    ¡°Z, what have you done?¡± Eileen hurried over and seized Z¡¯s hand. ¡°Milford is your brother!¡±

    She paused, realizing the extent of Z¡¯s cruelty. If Z could harm her own parents, what would stop her from doing the same to her brother?

    Eileen shoved Z forcefully, causing her to crash awkwardly against the wall. Yet Z¡¯s gaze never left Bryan.

    The pain in Z¡¯s back snapped her back to reality. Shaking her head, she murmured, ¡°How are you still alive? How can I die while you are still alive? How can I let you see me like this? This is not fair!¡±

    Eileen grabbed Z by the cor and pped her sharply across the face.

    ¡°You¡¯re the one who deserves to die! Do you understand that?¡± Eileen was close to Z, struggling to suppress her anger. With tears in her eyes, she eximed, ¡°Help Milford, and I¡¯ll find a way to help you. Speak up for him!¡±

    Milford had been through so much and had finally found the right path, learning gratitude and determination. This incident would ruin himpletely.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 614

    ?Chapter 614:

    Seeing Eileen ovee with emotion, the police quickly intervened. After separating Z and Eileen, the officer handling Milford¡¯s case approached Z to gather more evidence.

    Without missing a beat, Z said, ¡°Milford is trouble. He quit school in Wist Land long ago and fell in with badpany. He begged me to bring that girl to the hotel, and Iplied.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re lying!¡± Eileen shouted, struggling in Bryan¡¯s embrace, but she couldn¡¯t break free. She was so angry that she felt as though she could tear Z apart with her bare hands.

    Jacob quickly intervened, addressing the police officer. ¡°Z¡¯s statements are unreliable. She and her brother, Milford, have a strained rtionship. Milford has always been close to Eileen.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Meyer, don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll gather more evidence,¡± the officer replied, interrupting Jacob. He then instructed his team to escort Z to the holding area to await further proceedings.

    Eileen was beyond reason. Once Bryan escorted her to the car by the wrist, she slumped into the seat,pletely still.

    Bryan spoke quietly, ¡°Z has already notified the school about Milford. He is a unique talent and has attracted attention from various circles. Now, with these allegations, the school has expelled him. What we need to do now is not only alleviate the charges but also fully clear his name. This is the only way Milford can restore his dignity.¡±

    Bryan sent a message to Raymond, instructing him to investigate the hotel owner. He also asked Jacob to contact Denzel, hoping that Adalina would be able to recount the events of that night.

    Inside the car, Bryan, Eileen, and Jacob worked through these matters. The sound of iing messages and phone calls continued to fill the silence.

    Frustrated, Jacob eventually tossed his phone into the storage box. ¡°Denzel said Adalina was deeply affected. When she woke up, she found herself unclothed on the bed with Milford and was terrified. She¡¯s been silent ever since. It seems she¡¯ll only be able to tell us what happened once she calms down.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s still time. No need to worry,¡± Bryan reassured him.

    Having finished coordinating with Raymond, Bryan stowed his phone and instructed Jacob to take Eileen home.

    ?@???? ??@t?¨¨?? ¨ª¨½ ??????????????????.??????

    Eileen took a deep breath and turned to Bryan. ¡°Why did you leave the hospital?¡±

    ¡°I anticipated that you might lose control after hearing about Milford¡¯s incident,¡± Bryan exined. ¡°I came because I was concerned for you.¡± He wrapped his arms around her from behind, drawing her closer. ¡°I¡¯m still here to support you.¡±

    He wanted her to know that she could rely on him.

    Eileen considered allowing Bryan to handle the situation. She realized that she didn¡¯t need to bear the weight of everything on her own, as she had done when Bryan wasn¡¯t by her side. Having him with her felt reassuring.

    She rested her head on Bryan¡¯s shoulder and closed her eyes to rest.

    ¡°I¡¯m not going home,¡± Eileen said quietly, still holding onto Bryan¡¯s fingers. ¡°It¡¯s nearly dawn. I¡¯ll head to the hospital.¡±

    Gabri and Ruby had probably already fallen asleep, and Eileen worried that returning home would disturb them.

    At the crossroads leading to either the hospital or home, Bryan instructed Jacob to head toward the hospital.

    The bed in the VIP ward was spacious. Eileen quickly fell asleep, curling up next to Bryan. Her hand rested on his chest, her long ck hair flowing loosely, the ends just brushing against his hand.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 615

    ?Chapter 615:

    Bryan gently brushed the tips of Eileen¡¯s hair with his fingertips. His peripheral nerves were failing him, making it difficult to feel the strands, but he seemed to sense them and continued his gentle touch.

    As time passed, Bryan shifted slightly to nt a soft kiss on Eileen¡¯s head.

    ¡°Don¡¯t move,¡± Eileen murmured, her sleep disturbed by worries about Milford¡¯s situation. She snuggled closer to Bryan¡¯s neck, her warm breath tickling his ear.

    Bryan felt restless, as if he couldn¡¯t lie still any longer. Despite the numbness in his peripheral nerves, other parts of his body still held feeling, and he couldn¡¯t ignore the need to move.

    As Eileen sank deeper into sleep, Bryan gently withdrew his hand, got out of bed, grabbed his coat, and quietly left the ward.

    Josue, who had arrived early in the morning, was surprised to see Bryan up so early. ¡°Where are you headed at this hour?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t go in,¡± Bryan stopped him, his tone firm. ¡°Eileen is still asleep. I¡¯m going to get her breakfast.¡±

    ¡°Eileen?¡± Josue was taken aback. Noticing the seriousness in Bryan¡¯s eyes, he hesitated before pulling his hand back from the door.

    Josue, realizing the situation, couldn¡¯t help butin. ¡°Jacob and I have been looking after you here in the hospital, making sure you¡¯re fed andfortable in your bed. And what did you do? As soon as Eileen shows up, you surrender your bed to her and even go out to buy her breakfast!¡±

    A mix of grievance and jealousy colored Josue¡¯s words.

    Bryan¡¯s response was calm, yet certain. ¡°I enjoy doing this. You wouldn¡¯t understand¡ªbecause you don¡¯t have a wife.¡±

    Josue, wounded by Bryan¡¯sment, sped his chest with his hands and stared at Bryan with wide eyes as Bryan headed toward the hospital¡¯s restaurant.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s, where the best stories live

    Soon after, Bryan returned with breakfast, but Eileen remained asleep.

    Her bed still held Bryan¡¯s scent, and she snuggled deeper into the quilt, enjoying a peaceful sleep. The soft sunlight filtered through the window, causing her to instinctively frown at the brightness.

    But the next moment, the harsh light disappeared, and her expression softened as she slipped back into slumber.

    Around ten o¡¯clock in the morning, Eileen slowly woke up.

    When she opened her eyes, she saw Bryan sitting beside her. The sunlight enveloped him, and he shielded her from the midday re.

    Eileen reached out, gently touching Bryan¡¯s furrowed brow. ¡°Did I oversleep? Milford¡ª¡±

    ¡°Hold on!¡± Suddenly, Josue jumped up from the sofa, eximing, ¡°I¡¯m here, too!¡±

    Eileen was slightly taken aback. She had intended to ask about Milford¡¯s situation, but Josue seemed to have misinterpreted her actions, thinking she was about to take off her clothes.

    ¡°Raymond is still investigating the hotel owner to uncover any discrepancies. As for Denzel, we need to wait another two days.¡± Bryan ignored Josue and tenderly smoothed Eileen¡¯s disheveled hair. He reassured her, ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much. Since Z resorted to underhanded tactics to trap Milford, we can use unconventional methods to resolve this.¡±

    It was clear that conventional approaches were insufficient for dealing with certain malevolent individuals.

    Although revealing the truth about Milford¡¯s incident was ideal, it was prudent to prepare an alternative n.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 616

    ?Chapter 616:

    ¡°Someone can say that easily, but I¡¯ll be the one actually taking action. Ms. Curtis, I wonder if you¡¯ll be more grateful to Bryan or to me,¡± Josue said with a hint of sarcasm.

    Eileen propped herself up, gathering her long hair into a bun. She sat cross-legged on the bed and replied, ¡°Let¡¯s just deal with the matter at hand first.¡±

    Bryan was already up, bringing Eileen breakfast. The ward had a microwave to heat the food.

    Josue sighed, noticing Bryan¡¯s attentive care for Eileen. ¡°It seems someone prefers his wife over his friends. Eileen, Bryan got breakfast early and made sure not to wake you. He even asked me to be quiet and shielded you from the sunlight¡­¡±

    After a pause, he continued, ¡°And Bryan, why reach out to us only when you¡¯re in trouble? You mentioned that if Eileen knew about it, she¡¯d be upset. Don¡¯t you think Jacob and I would feel the same?¡±

    At this, Eileen looked over at Bryan.

    Bryan had been rescued by the Dury family before, which had forced him to search for his own family. If he had failed to contact them, he would have been reported missing to the police and quickly discovered by Eileen. Therefore, reaching out to Jacob and Josue had been his only option.

    ¡°A true friend will always be there for me, regardless of the situation,¡± Bryan said.

    He then handed Eileen the fork and slid the bowl of food toward her. ¡°Eat this while it¡¯s still warm.¡±

    Bryan appeared indifferent to Josue¡¯s evident jealousy. He was open to discussing this in front of Eileen. After all, there were no secrets between them now.

    ¡°You really are something!¡± Josue stood up from the sofa, visibly angry, and looked as though he was about to confront Bryan physically.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Eileen quickly reached out, shielding Bryan with her arm. ¡°Bryan¡¯s a patient. How can you treat him so harshly?¡±

    g¦Á ? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s has it all

    Josue¡¯s frustration intensified, and he snapped, ¡°Who spent three months searching for him? Who nearly drove you to depression during that time? Don¡¯t you know¡ª¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t you understand the situation?¡± Eileen interrupted, her voice firm. ¡°You always want to matter more to Bryan than I do, but that¡¯s just not possible. And don¡¯t forget, he didn¡¯t tell me out of love for you. It¡¯s wrong that you and Jacob kept this from me.¡±

    ¡°Sit down and keep your distance from him,¡± Eileen said, her tone unwavering.

    Before Josue could respond, his phone rang. Realizing the tension was escting, he answered the call. After a brief exchange, his expression shifted to one of shock. ¡°What?¡± he eximed.

    Milford had admitted his crime.

    Ten minutes ago, he had confessed to everything. It was said that he had made a phone call before that. No one knew who he had been speaking to, but the officer on duty mentioned that the callsted only thirteen seconds.

    ¡°How could he do that?¡± Eileen eximed, scrambling out of bed and nearly knocking over the food on the bedside table.

    Josue¡¯s phone rang again. ¡°Calm down,¡± he said, trying to steady her. ¡°The police mentioned that Milford had a message for you. They sent it as a voice note.¡±

    He handed the phone to Eileen. The voice message was under ten seconds long.

    ¡°Eileen, you always said hard work pays off. I believe that, but I don¡¯t want to waste my efforts. My name can¡¯t be cleared. I give up.¡±

    ¡°He¡­¡± Josue, although he had never met Milford, had heard a lot about him from Jacob. He had great respect for Milford, who was known for his maturity and good character. Milford¡¯s voice on the phone filled him with sympathy.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 617

    ?Chapter 617:

    Standing by the bed, Bryan watched Eileen closely.

    The reason Eileen had slept so soundlyst night was the sense of security she felt. She had been confident she could help Milford. But now?

    With Milford¡¯s confession, there was no way for her to save him.

    Eileen handed the phone back to Josue, then left the ward, grabbing her bag.

    Before leaving, she said to Bryan, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll go home to see Gabri first. You stay here and continue your treatment.¡±

    She didn¡¯t mention Milford.

    Josue looked puzzled. He turned to Bryan and asked, ¡°Do we need to follow her? She can¡¯t just storm the police station and take Milford out forcefully, right?¡±

    ¡°No need to follow her; she won¡¯t do that,¡± Bryan reassured Josue. He knew Eileen wasn¡¯t impulsive. ¡°Everyone knows what happened to Milford. Those envious of his talent will believe whatever they want. Even if he¡¯s released, he won¡¯t escape the gossip. So, he chose to give up. Once Eileen calms down, she¡¯ll figure out the best way to help him.¡±

    Spending years in prison didn¡¯t mean Milford¡¯s life was over.

    What mattered was the future.

    As soon as Eileen stepped into the house, she heard Gabri babbling.

    ¡°Mommy!¡± Gabri crawled to the door, beaming at Eileen.

    ¡°You¡¯re finally back! What were you up tost night?¡± Ruby asked as she picked Gabri up. Gabri wriggled, wanting to be held by Eileen.

    ???€$? ?§ß???€?$ 1? g??l??ov?l??.????m

    After changing her shoes and putting down her bag, Eileen quickly walked over and took Gabri into her arms.

    Noticing the hospital¡¯s disinfectant scent on Eileen, Ruby asked, ¡°You went to the hospital? Are you feeling alright?¡±

    ¡°Bryan¡¯s in the hospital. Thank you for looking after things these past two days,¡± Eileen said, not mentioning anything about Milford.

    Gabri wrapped her arms tightly around Eileen, gazing up at her face before nting kisses on her cheek.

    Eileen turned her head aside and said to Gabri, ¡°I haven¡¯t washed my face yet. Go y with Grandma for a bit. I¡¯ll join you soon.¡±

    Noticing Gabri¡¯s disappointed expression, she added, ¡°Guess what? I¡¯ll take you to see Daddy in two days!¡±

    Today was the weekend. After wrapping up some online work, Eileen spent the entire morning ying with Gabri at home.

    At noon, Eileen drove Ruby to Bailee¡¯s house for lunch.

    Bailee had put on some weighttely, probably because she was in high spirits, free from worries.

    Eileen seemed fine, but she kept fiddling with her phone, engrossed in a conversation with someone.

    Z had been sentenced to death for intentional homicide, with a two-year suspension. She was taken aback by the verdict, especially the suspension.

    Once imprisoned, she understood everything.

    Handcuffed both in hands and feet, she clutched a stic basin. The clinking of the foot shackles echoed as she moved through the prison doors.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 618

    ?Chapter 618:

    The watchful eyes of the other inmates made her feel a bit scared.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be staying here with them,¡± the prison guard announced, opening a door.

    Inside, about eight burly women lounged on beds. Their gazes were more menacing and unnerving than anyone Z had encountered before.

    Instinctively, Z turned to flee, but the guard shoved her inside.

    She fell awkwardly, pain shooting through her body.

    ¡°Hey, newbie, fetch me some water to wash my feet!¡± A group of prisoners surrounded a short-haired woman. The woman, her neck adorned with tattoos, clearlymanded authority.

    Still in pain, Z didn¡¯t respond immediately. One of the women quickly walked over and pped her across the face. ¡°Boss is talking to you!¡±

    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± Z cried out, clutching her face. ¡°This is a prison; there arews¡ªouch!¡±

    Before she could finish, a sharp pain shot through her lower abdomen. Several women crowded around,nding blows on her.

    Half an hourter, bruised and limping, Z fetched a basin of water. She was forced to squat and wash the boss¡¯s feet.

    As soon as Z finished, the short-haired woman grabbed her hair and shoved her onto the bed. The others poured the filthy water from the basin into her mouth.

    The rancid smell made Z gag, but she couldn¡¯t move. She retched, but each time she opened her mouth, more dirty water was forced in.

    After what felt like an eternity, the torture finally stopped. Z was soaked, her clothes clinging to her.

    g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s, where stories thrive

    ¡°Didn¡¯t we agree that if I epted you as my boss and followed your orders, you wouldn¡¯t bully me?¡± Z asked.

    The short-haired womanughed loudly. ¡°Don¡¯t you get it? We¡¯re targeting you. You¡¯ll suffer for two years here. Someone must hate you so much to ask me and my people to torture you. You know, no one has ever gotten out of my hands alive. But the person who sent you to me asked that I keep you alive for the two years you¡¯re here.¡±

    Z felt a cold dread settle in. She felt as if she had descended into her own personal hell.

    Meanwhile, Milford was ced in a private cell, and the guard brought him books. Among the books was a new one, freshly opened. Milford turned to the first page and saw the familiar handwriting.

    ¡°If you survive, you¡¯ll emerge stronger.¡±

    Eileen had Z¡¯s phone. At three in the afternoon, during a meeting, she received a message on Z¡¯s phone.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on with Eileentely?¡±

    The message was from Travis.

    Eileen stood up abruptly and addressed the room, ¡°Let¡¯s take a thirty-minute break.¡±

    She reviewed the chat history between Travis and Z multiple times before replying in Z¡¯s tone.

    ¡°Bryan is still alive. He and his people seem to be looking for you.¡±

    After a while, Travis responded, ¡°Finding me isn¡¯t hard, but they¡¯ll likely overthink it.¡±

    Eileen took a screenshot of the chat and sent it to Bryan.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 619

    ?Chapter 619:

    While she wasn¡¯t sure why Bryan wanted to find Travis, she was certain it wasn¡¯t for revenge.

    After some time, Travis sent another message: ¡°I¡¯ll give you an address. Meet me thereter.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Eileen responded.

    She then rescheduled the meeting for the following day, gathered her bag and coat, and left thepany.

    Shortly after, Travis sent her the location¡ªit was in a remote suburb, several hours¡¯ drive away.

    The destination was a coffee shop, typically quiet with few patrons, and almost deserted in the evening.

    As Eileen walked into the coffee shop, the rich aroma of coffee filled the air. A waiter approached her immediately.

    ¡°Good evening, are you Miss Curtis?¡± the waiter asked.

    ¡°Pardon me?¡± Eileen halted and frowned, confused.

    ¡°Miss Curtis, Mr. Dawson has reserved a room for you on the second floor. Allow me to escort you,¡± the waiter offered, trying to guide her upstairs.

    Eileen hesitated. Had Travis realized that she had been the one texting him?

    ¡°Miss Curtis, Mr. Dawson instructed me to inform you that if you chose not to ascend, I should tell you that he is not here but has left something for you,¡± the waiter added, offering a reassuring smile.

    Another waiter approached and spoke, ¡°Please don¡¯t worry, Miss Curtis. Our establishment¡¯s priority is to serve, not to cause harm. If Mr. Dawson had ill intentions, we would not tolerate them.¡±

    I??§Ö$§ä ¡é#¦Áp?¨º§ñs I§Ú galno¦Íels

    Eileen shook her head, replying, ¡°Please bring me what he left for me. Thank you.¡±

    Hearing this, the waiter promptly went upstairs to retrieve the small box for her.

    The box was crafted with exquisite detail and secured with a password lock.

    Eileen gently shook it, sensing liquid sloshing inside.

    ¡°This box is secured with a six-digit password,¡± the waiter exined. ¡°Mr. Dawson asked that we remind you to handle it carefully. You have three attempts to crack the code. After the third incorrect attempt, the box will reset automatically.¡±

    Eileen examined the box closely. Its in appearance belied the delicate contents inside¡ªshe couldn¡¯t afford to break it.

    After a moment of thought, Eileen thanked the waiter, left the shop, and drove off in her car.

    Upon arriving at the hospital with Gabri, Eileen headed to find Josue instead of going directly to the ward.

    Josue¡¯s face lit up at the sight of Gabri. ¡°How about you look after Bryan tonight, and I¡¯ll take care of your daughter?¡± he suggested.

    ¡°Quit daydreaming.¡± With her hands tucked into her pockets, Eileen allowed Josue to take Gabri from her arms and asked, ¡°Why is Bryan looking for Travis? What does he want from him?¡±

    Josue paused before answering. ¡°The drug created in Coen¡¯sb was a joint effort involving several people. While we¡¯ve identified most of the drug¡¯sponents from those apprehended, one keyponent is still unounted for.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 620

    Chapter 620:

    Eileen¡¯s eyes widened slightly as she quickly retrieved the wooden box from her bag. ¡°So, this must be the finalponent of the drug?¡±

    Josue was so stunned upon seeing the box that he almost lost his grip on Gabri.

    ¡°You went to see Travis?¡± he asked, his voice tinged with surprise.

    ¡°No, I contacted him using Z¡¯s phone. But he recognized me and arranged for someone to deliver this to me,¡± Eileen replied. She took Gabri from Josue¡¯s arms and entered the ward.

    The soft babbling of Gabri quickly filled the otherwise quiet room. Bryan, who had been sitting on the bed, engrossed in his phone while looking at photos of Gabri, looked up sharply and tossed his phone aside.

    Before Bryan could react, Eileen had already ced Gabri in his arms.

    ¡°Travis gave me this box.¡± Eileen had refrained from questioning Bryan about his search for Travis earlier, fearing he might not give her an honest answer. But after learning that the item in the box could be the antidote, she didn¡¯t care about anything else.

    She held the small box in her hand, carefully examining it.

    Bryan paid no attention to the box; his focus was entirely on securely cradling Gabri.

    ¡°The most crucial item for your life is now in Eileen¡¯s hands. Just let me hold Gabri,¡± Josue said, eager not to miss the opportunity to hold the child.

    Josue moved swiftly, and due to Bryan¡¯s limited mobility, he could only watch as Josue took Gabri from his arms.

    Bryan then turned his attention to the small wooden box that Eileen held.

    ????t??st ch??pt??rs in g??lno¦Íels.??????

    He took the box, gently shook it, and frowned as he examined it.

    ¡°The box contains a liquid. It¡¯s delicate and cannot be opened forcefully; a password is required,¡± Eileen exined.

    Concerned that Bryan might damage it, Eileen quickly seized his wrist to stop him.

    ¡°So, if all three attempts are used up, the password will reset?¡± Josue said, his voice full of understanding. ¡°No wonder Travis is Coen¡¯s son. Only he would think of this method!¡±

    A glimmer of hope appeared in Bryan¡¯s eyes. He turned to Josue and instructed, ¡°Call in the technical staff.¡±

    Even with the experts, breaking the code wouldn¡¯t be easy and could take time.

    Given the gravity of the situation, Josue reached out to Jacob to enlist the help of specialists capable of cracking passwords.

    Eileen, Gabri, and Bryan spent the night together in the ward. Gabri still slept peacefully in the unfamiliar setting, nestled between Eileen and Bryan.

    The following morning, with an early meeting ahead, Eileen took Gabri back home.

    Before leaving, Bryan advised her not to bring Gabri to the hospital too often, but Eileen could sense his reluctance in offering the suggestion. She also noticed that Bryan was making a deliberate effort to distance himself from her in his own way.

    Eileen was filled with a mix of emotions as she drove back to the neighborhood. When she spotted Ruby standing motionless outside, she stopped her car by the roadside, got out, and slowly walked over.

    Just as she was about to speak to Ruby, a conversation from a nearby group caught her attention.

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard Ruby¡¯s daughter is doing well now, but Ruby is still living with Eileen.¡±

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah:

    Hello, dear readers! Sorry for the dy this week ¡ª my birthday was two days ago, and I didn¡¯t have much time to release the chapters.

    Two new novels will be released tomorrow. I hope you enjoy them!

    God loves you, and Noah wishes you all the best. (?O?=)? ?

    .

 Chapter 621

    ?Chapter 621:

    ¡°Isn¡¯t Eileen¡¯s husband dead? She doesn¡¯t seem that upset. Maybe Ruby¡¯s the one who¡¯s made her so heartless.¡±

    ¡°Most stepmothers are heartless, but how could Eileen not be? She doesn¡¯t even seem to care about her biological mother.¡±

    ¡°From my point of view, Ruby¡¯s daughter¡¯s sessful marriage is thanks to Eileen¡¯s help. Eileen¡¯s be so influential that she now oversees severalpanies.¡±

    ¡°In that case, Ruby must be powerful too. She turned her stepdaughter into a financial asset to secure advantages for herself and her own daughter.¡±

    The rumors kept circting, growing more malicious with each remark.

    Eileen¡¯s face tightened with anger. She noticed Ruby, clearly ready to confront the crowd, and quickly intervened.

    Handing Gabri over to Ruby, Eileen marched toward the gossiping group, her high heels clicking sharply against the pavement.

    The sound of her footsteps caught their attention, and they quickly exchanged nces before falling silent.

    ¡°Listen up, it¡¯s not very amusing to gossip behind my back,¡± Eileen called out from the stairs, her voice carrying down to the group below. She pointed to Ruby and added, ¡°You must think very poorly of us, especially if my stepmother views me as nothing more than a source of ie.¡±

    With a smile, she continued, ¡°Gossiping behind our backs is one thing, but now that we¡¯re here, feel free to speak openly to our faces.¡±

    One of the gossipers, clearly ufortable, replied, ¡°Miss Curtis, please don¡¯t put it that way. We live in the same neighborhood, and we¡¯ll often run into each other¡±

    ¡°Are you suggesting that I¡¯ll be too embarrassed to face you from now on?¡± Eileen interjected sharply. ¡°Or is it that you¡¯re too ashamed to face me after talking about me behind my back?¡± She paused, then added, ¡°If you enjoy gossiping about me so much, how about I organize a meeting where I can share all my personal matters with you?¡±

    The majority of those seated at the pavilion were affluent women from high society. Though their status was not quite on par with Eileen¡¯s elevated position, they were older and couldn¡¯t tolerate being addressed in this manner.

    Every chapter lives on g a lno vels ;m

    The women exchanged nces, rose from their seats, and confronted Eileen with flushed faces, their voices filled with indignation.

    ¡°Eileen, the title ¡®Miss Curtis¡¯ we use for you is a sign of respect, not fear.¡±

    ¡°How dare you speak to us like this?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s clear your stepmother failed to instill any proper manners in you¡ª¡±

    Before the woman could finish, Eileen snatched a ss of water from the table and drenched her with it.

    Eileen coldly retorted, ¡°Though I was raised by my stepmother, I would never stoop to gossiping behind someone¡¯s back. It¡¯s truly enlightening to witness your shameless behavior today!¡±

    She mmed the ss back onto the table with icy precision, causing the women to shudder.

    ¡°If I hear any more of this gossip, I will hold you ountable!¡±

    With that, she turned on her heel and descended the steps. Eileen ushered Ruby into the car and drove them both back to their house.

    Ruby stayed silent, and an unsettling quiet filled the car as they drove.

    Once they parked, neither Eileen nor Ruby moved. Gabri fidgeted with the buttons on Ruby¡¯s clothes, asionally making little noises.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 622

    ?Chapter 622:

    ¡°When did these rumors start circting?¡± Eileen finally broke the silence, ncing at Ruby. ¡°You knew about this all along. Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±

    Ruby sighed and responded, ¡°It started quite some time ago, but then there was the incident with Gabri and Bryan. After Bryan¡¯s ident, they kept quiet for a while, but recently, the gossip started up again.¡±

    The women involved were older than Ruby, and many of them, living in close quarters, were engaged in business dealings and forming alliances. To avoid troubling Eileen, Ruby had ignored the gossip.

    Today, upon hearing the rumors being spread about Eileen, she feltpelled to intervene.

    ¡°Eileen, don¡¯t let it bother you too much. It¡¯s just gossip. They won¡¯t have the nerve to continue after today,¡± Ruby reassured her.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m just worried about you. You shouldn¡¯t have to endure these unfair usations, and¡­¡± Eileen hesitated, her words trailing off.

    Based on Ruby¡¯s timeline, the gossip had started after Denise¡¯s visit. Eileen suspected that Denise was somehow involved in the spread of the rumors. However, after Bryan¡¯s ident, Denise had behaved sensibly and had note to visit again.

    Roderick, on the other hand, had made regr visits to Eileen¡¯s ce, bringing various tonics and food. Although Roderick was not particrly eloquent and struggled to findforting words, it was clear he genuinely wanted her to visit his small restaurant instead of staying home all day, which, he believed, wasn¡¯t good for her.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get out of the car and head inside,¡± Eileen said. She got out, changed into morefortable attire at home, and proceeded to her office for a meeting.

    The meeting concluded at eleven in the morning. After passing the documents to the secretary, Eileen went straight to Roderick¡¯s restaurant. It was a busy workday, and during lunchtime, Roderick¡¯s restaurant was bustling with activity. Not only were all the seats upied, but there was also a long line of people waiting to ce takeout orders.

    Judie was handling the orders at the front desk, while Denise was cleaning. Observing the scene, Eileen joined the queue and waited for about ten minutes until it was her turn.

    ¡°What would you like to¡ª¡± Judie looked up, recognized Eileen, and was momentarily taken aback. ¡°Eileen, why didn¡¯t you let me know you wereing?¡±

    Explore captivating tales on  .

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Just give me a serving of spaghetti,¡± Eileen replied with a smile. ¡°I didn¡¯t get to try Roderick¡¯s spaghetti during myst visit. Please order me the best one he has.¡±

    Judie quickly selected the most expensive option. ¡°This spaghetti is our specialty. Adding a few extra pieces of meat will bring the price to over fifty dors.¡±

    After saying this, Judie printed the receipt and handed it to Eileen, offering a smile but remaining silent.

    Eileen examined the receipt for a moment, then reached into her bag to take out some cash.

    Upon seeing the money, Judie smiled brightly but refused to ept it. ¡°There¡¯s no need for you to pay; we¡¯re family. This one¡¯s on the house.¡±

    ¡°Eileen makes plenty of money herself. Does she really need you to cover this?¡± Denise, noticing Eileen, hurried over and took the money from her. She then handed it to Judie. ¡°You¡¯re pregnant now, so you should save more. You¡¯ll need itter.¡±

    At this, Eileen nced down at Judie¡¯s belly.

    There was no noticeable change, but it was clear that Judie had gained some weight.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 623

    ?Chapter 623:

    Judie returned the money to Eileen and said, ¡°Eileen, since you¡¯re in my restaurant, I¡¯ll make the decisions. This one¡¯s on me.¡±

    She then called over another waiter to ce the order and escorted Eileen to the back.

    There was a small dining area where the restaurant staff usually ate. Eileen could see the kitchen through a window, where Roderick was working diligently, sweat glistening on his forehead.

    Roderick was so absorbed in his work that he didn¡¯t notice Eileen¡¯s presence.

    ¡°Eileen, now that you¡¯re on your own, don¡¯t hesitate to ask for help. We¡¯re more than willing to assist you, as long as you reach out.¡± Judie guided Eileen to a seat, attempting to cultivate a closer bond. However, there was a subtle undertone of condescension in her words.

    Eileen had learned from Roderick that the restaurant was thriving, with profits nearing two hundred thousand after only a few months of operation. Generating several hundred thousand a year seemed well within their reach.

    As a result, Judie¡¯s sense of superiority had grown. While it was true that Eileen was wealthier, Judie believed her life was more fulfilling, considering she had a supportive husband and was about to have a baby.

    Judie then lowered her gaze, touched her belly, and continued, ¡°Recently, Roderick and I had an ultrasound, and we were told there¡¯s an eighty percent chance we¡¯re having a son. Roderick¡¯s mother was overjoyed and suggested we save up for a home for the baby.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful,¡± Eileen responded, choosing to ignore Judie¡¯s subtle maniptions. Despite her personal dislike, Judie was still Roderick¡¯s wife. Given Roderick¡¯s affection for Judie and their seemingly perfect life, Eileen felt it unnecessary to interfere.

    ¡°Eileen, there¡¯s no need to be envious. You can still find another partner while Gabri is young. Just be cautious, though. Don¡¯t let anyone take advantage of you because of your wealth.¡± Judie poured a ss of water for Eileen.

    Eileen epted the water with a simple, ¡°Thank you,¡± while contemting whether or not to reveal to Judie that Bryan had returned.

    ¡°But considering your situation¡­ Finding a man who¡¯s never been married is unlikely unless he¡¯s after your money. So, you should look for someone who¡¯s divorced by now.¡± Judie continued her pretense of concern, but Eileen could sense she was scheming for her own benefit.

    More content now at g?l¦Ç¦Òv???s

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for you to concern yourself with my marriage,¡± a clear voice interjected suddenly.

    Judie was startled. She stood up abruptly, her leg colliding with the table, causing her to wince in pain.

    However, there was no time for her to focus on the difort. Her attention was fully fixed on Bryan, her face reflecting utter disbelief.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Eileen asked in surprise, her gaze fixed on Bryan.

    In the small room, Bryan managed only a few steps, his awkward posture evident despite his efforts to hide it.

    Eileen, aware of his condition, quickly pulled out a chair for him. Bryan sat down and exined, ¡°The doctor wants me back at the hospital for an IV drip every afternoon at three. Other than that, I¡¯m free to go out.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Eileen asked, surprised. ¡°Then why are you here to find me? Why not just take a walk around the block?¡± She recalled his earlier intentions to distance himself from her. He had even advised her not to bring Gabri to the hospital too often.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 624

    ?Chapter 624:

    Perhaps it was the night he spent holding Gabri close that unsettled his heart, making him long for their constantpany.

    Eileen studied Bryan, but he remained unfazed. He shot a cold nce at Judie, who was standing in the corner, and said, ¡°You two go ahead.¡±

    ¡°Bryan, you¡­¡± Judie was so shocked to see him alive that she struggled to speak.

    ¡°You can n her second marriage after I¡¯m dead,¡± Bryan said, unwilling to engage in an argument with Judie.

    Momentster, a waiter served a te of spaghetti. Out of courtesy, Judie requested another te for Bryan. Feeling uneasy, she left shortly after.

    ¡°Have you cracked the password on the wooden box yet?¡± Eileen asked as she ate.

    Bryan shook his head. ¡°No, Jacob and Josue took it.¡±

    Eileen paused at this, her expression turning serious. ¡°So, there¡¯s a chance you won¡¯t make it. Why did you decide toe here to see me? Are you trying to sabotage my chances of meeting someone new?¡±

    Bryan was taken aback, unsure how to respond. He noticed a hint of provocation in her eyes.

    He replied inly, ¡°I¡¯ll disguise myself so no one will recognize me. Since someone else will be taking my ce, I should be the one to pick your next partner.¡±

    Eileen understood just how stubborn Bryan could be.

    ¡°If you miss Gabri and me, you can just¡ª¡± Eileen began.

    Bryan interjected, ¡°I just came to offer you some advice.¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s???§àm hosts thrilling adventures

    Was he serious about choosing her next partner himself?

    Eileen resumed eating, feeling that Bryan¡¯s tone was a mixture of half-joking and half-serious.

    Soon, they were served another te of spaghetti. Bryan began eating slowly.

    Eileen and Bryan stayed at the restaurant until three in the afternoon.

    Roderick came out of the kitchen and noticed Eileen. He shook his hands dry, wiped them on his apron, and walked into the room. Upon seeing Bryan, he was so shocked that he almost jumped up.

    ¡°Bryan?¡± His eyes widened. ¡°You¡¯re alive!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve always said he isn¡¯t dead.¡± Eileen had insisted to Roderick and the others that Bryan wasn¡¯t dead. She couldn¡¯t bear to hear the word ¡°dead,¡± especially since she hadn¡¯t seen Bryan¡¯s body.

    Roderick was stunned for a moment before quickly sitting next to Bryan. ¡°It¡¯s really good that you¡¯re still alive. Why didn¡¯t you tell me you wereing?¡±

    Eileen smiled and replied, ¡°You were busy. We didn¡¯t have anything else to do, so we just sat here and waited for you.¡±

    As they spoke, Denise and Judie walked in, with Denise carrying a te of fruit.

    After everyone took their seats, Denise slid the te of fruit toward Judie.

    ¡°The restaurant is closed now. I would normally be heading home at this time, but since you¡¯re here today, Eileen, I¡¯ll stay and chat for a while.¡± Judie nced at Bryan and asked, ¡°Where have you been, Bryan? Eileen has been very distressed and has put in a lot of effort to find you.¡±

    Roderick, who wanted to ask the same question, nodded and added, ¡°Yes, I was really concerned about Eileen during that time.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Denise quickly interjected, ¡°As her mother, I was also really worried about her. I tried moving in with her during that time, but Ruby wouldn¡¯t have it. I couldn¡¯t even see my own daughter. It¡¯s utterly absurd.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 625

    ?Chapter 625:

    ¡°Yes, she kept you out, but was she also able to keep you quiet?¡± Eileen had wanted to bring this up but hadn¡¯t known how. Now that Denise had mentioned it, she seized the opportunity.

    Her words made Denise feel uneasy.

    Eileen continued, ¡°You¡¯ve been spreading rumors in our neighborhood, tarnishing both my mother¡¯s and my reputations. Do you think this will aplish your goal?¡±

    At that moment, Roderick¡¯s face turned cold. ¡°What rumors? Mom, what have you done?¡±

    Denise quickly responded, ¡°I haven¡¯t done anything wrong. I was just worried about Eileen. As Gabri¡¯s grandmother, I needed to see Gabri, so I dropped by. But Ruby shut me out¡ª¡±

    ¡°And we had a quarrel. Perhaps the rumors started because Ruby was too haughty, and the neighbors couldn¡¯t stand her.¡±

    ¡°You know better than anyone what really happened.¡± Aware of Denise¡¯s dishonesty, Eileen chose not to argue further. Instead, she warned, ¡°If I hear those rumors again, I¡¯ll call the police. They¡¯ll find out who¡¯s behind them, and whoever it is could end up in jail for years.¡±

    Denise felt fear upon hearing this. Roderick appeared angry, while Judie rolled her eyes at Denise.

    Bryan remained silent next to Eileen, but his presence was impossible to ignore. To Denise, however, they were the younger generation, and she expected them to respect her.

    Immediately, Denise said angrily, ¡°You want to send your own mother to jail? Aren¡¯t you afraid of karma?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to keep reminding me you¡¯re my mother. Are you trying to constantly remind yourself of our rtionship?¡± Eileen replied. Hearing the word ¡°mother¡± from Denise was absurd to her. It felt like Denise was trying to hurt her.

    ¡°I¡¯m just telling the truth! I¡¯m afraid you might forget it!¡± Denise said awkwardly. ¡°Don¡¯t change the subject. Even though you¡¯ve distanced yourself from me legally and give me alimony every month, you should still have a conscience! You live in a big house and drive a luxury car, yet you only give me two thousand dors a month. Don¡¯t you feel ashamed of that?¡±

    Find your favorite stories at

    ¡°Our rtionship is only protected byw, but I can also use thew to make you lose everything,¡± Eileen said coldly, clearly angry.

    Seeing Eileen¡¯s anger, Denise didn¡¯t dare to argue further. She looked at Roderick and said, ¡°I¡­ I have my son. Do you think I need you? My son is earning money now, and Judie is pregnant. I n to treat my grandson better than I¡¯ve ever treated your daughter!¡±

    ¡°Then you better remember what you just said,¡± Eileen replied. She didn¡¯t feel saddened by Denise¡¯s words. After all, she never expected Denise to care for Gabri. Gabri already had a grandmother who truly cared for her¡ªRuby.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Bryan said, standing up and putting his arm around Eileen¡¯s shoulder.

    Two customers entered and were startled by themotion. Eileen, not wanting to disrupt business at Roderick¡¯s restaurant, decided to leave with Bryan.

    Judie stood up and went to greet the customers, while Denise, feeling guilty, moved to wipe down the tables.

    Roderick quickly ran after Eileen and Bryan.

    ¡°Eileen, why didn¡¯t you tell me that Mom came to your ce before?¡± Roderick asked, slightly out of breath from running.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 626

    ?Chapter 626:

    ¡°A lot has happened recently. She came to my home once and left. I didn¡¯t expect her toe back again,¡± Eileen replied. She didn¡¯t think the rumors would have spread so widely just because Denise had visited once. Eileen believed Denise must have been stirring up trouble regrly to keep those older women gossiping about Ruby and her.

    In the restaurant, Judie, who had just finished taking orders from the customers, couldn¡¯t help but frown when she saw Roderick running out after Eileen and Bryan.

    ¡°Judie, can I have a word with you?¡± Denise asked, not daring to confront Roderick directly. She approached Judie to discuss the matter.

    Judie responded with frustration, ¡°What¡¯s the point of discussing this with me? If you have concerns, you should speak directly with your son. After all, he makes the decisions, not me.¡±

    Denise shot back, ¡°Listen to yourself. You¡¯re clearly unhappy with him too, aren¡¯t you? Roderick is straightforward but naive, and that¡¯s why he¡¯s being taken advantage of by Eileen.¡±

    Judie, while organizing the money on the counter, remained silent, waiting for Denise to borate further.

    Denise continued, ¡°Even though Eileen is technically meeting her legal obligations, morally, what she¡¯s doing is insufficient. Two thousand a month is a mere pittance for her. She clearly doesn¡¯t consider me important.¡±

    ¡°What are you getting at?¡± Judie nced anxiously towards the door, worried that Roderick might return.

    Denise lowered her voice and suggested, ¡°Tell Eileen to buy a vi for the baby you¡¯re carrying. I don¡¯t want the two thousand a month anymore. A vi would be a good way to silence me and sever my ties with her. Doesn¡¯t that sound reasonable?¡±

    Judie¡¯s eyes widened in interest.

    A vi? Such a purchase would run into the tens of millions. They had recently earned some money, but it was still nowhere near enough. It seemed Eileen was quite irritated with Denise. If parting ways could be achieved with a price tag in the tens of millions¡­ would Eileen agree?

    Read it first on g?lno?els.c?m

    ¡°I can¡¯t help you with this. You¡¯ll need to negotiate directly with Eileen,¡± Judie said.

    Denise quickly replied, ¡°You don¡¯t have to get involved. I don¡¯t want to jeopardize your rtionship with Roderick. Just act as if you know nothing and let me leave sometimes. Otherwise, I¡¯ll be stuck in the restaurant every day¡­¡±

    Judie realized something and gently took Denise¡¯s arm, smiling. ¡°Mom, you¡¯re getting older. I¡¯ve been concerned about you, especially since you¡¯ve been burning the midnight oil with us. I¡¯ll hire a waiter for the restaurant soon so that you can rest at home for a bit. Besides, once we buy the vi, we¡¯ll need a housekeeper for therge space. I can¡¯t manage that myself since I¡¯m pregnant. You don¡¯t need to worry about work anymore¡ªjust stay home and rx.¡±

    It was Denise who needed to request the vi from Eileen. Therefore, it was essential to make Denise happy first.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Denise replied.

    Judie had initially nned to buy a three-bedroom house, but with Denise now suggesting a grand vi, her spirits lifted.

    In the past, when Judie and Roderick had wanted to buy a house, Eileen had refused to help them. Back then, the house had only cost two million. Eileen might not have had so many issues with them now if she had just bought it for them back then.

    Now, it seemed Eileen had iting!

    Bryan waste for his hospital appointment. He was supposed to return for an injection at three o¡¯clock but didn¡¯t show up until five.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 627

    ?Chapter 627:

    The attending physician had been waiting in his ward.

    When the door to the ward opened, Bryan entered slowly with Eileen, drawing several nces.

    Josue and Jacob were particrly displeased. The attending doctor and his assistant seemed resigned.

    Instantly, Eileen felt a flush of embarrassment, as though she had secretly taken Bryan, the patient, out on a date. She felt the urge to let go of his hand.

    Though it was said that Bryancked sensation in the tips of his fingers and had little strength, his grip on her was so firm that she couldn¡¯t free her hand.

    ¡°What are you staring at?¡± Bryan shot back, irritated. ¡°It¡¯s only two hourste.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not the issue!¡± Josue retorted, unable to hold back his frustration. ¡°You didn¡¯t respond to our calls or texts. Do you want us to worry ourselves sick?¡±

    Jacob spoke more seriously. ¡°The real issue is your health. How can you be in the mood to go out when you¡¯re still ill? You need to stay in the hospital and focus on your treatment.¡±

    Bryan lifted his sleeve to reveal the back of his hand.

    The back of his hand was marked with several needle punctures from the infusions. In just a few days, the marks had umted, which was difficult to look at.

    ¡°Get your injection now,¡± Bryan said, reluctantly releasing Eileen¡¯s hand.

    Eileen nced to the side, feeling uneasy under the doctor¡¯s scrutiny. She brushed her hair behind her ear, trying topose herself.

    Before Eileen could do anything more, Jacob and Josue dragged her to the sofa to sit.

    More to discover g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe?s?c?m

    ¡°If you¡¯re just going to bring him back here to disrupt his treatment every day, you might as well let him stay in that small vige.¡±

    ¡°Previously, when he was in the small vige, he received his treatment punctually every day. The only issue was that the blood tests were dyed due to inadequate transportation.¡±

    Josue and Jacob had hoped that Bryan¡¯s return would lead to more effective treatment within a few days.

    It seemed that not only was Bryan¡¯s treatment ineffective, but he was also bing increasingly uncooperative.

    After a moment, Eileen replied, ¡°But this was his first time attempting to leave the hospital to find me.¡± She felt unjustly med for the situation.

    ¡°He was worried you might visit during the day, which made him anxious. As a result, he kept making excuses to dy getting his intravenous drip,¡± Jacob exined.

    ¡°The moment the doctor said he could get some exercise, he bolted out immediately. Jacob and I were worried, but he wouldn¡¯t let us drive him, fearing we¡¯d interrupt his ns to see you,¡± Josue added seriously.

    Jacob and Josue emphasized that Eileen¡¯s presence had indeed influenced Bryan¡¯s treatment in a significant way.

    Eileen nced at the bed where the doctor was administering the intravenous drip and said seriously, ¡°Mr. Dawson hasn¡¯t had proper resttely. He¡¯s very weak.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the weak one,¡± Bryan shot back harshly. ¡°I just haven¡¯t gotten used to things here since my return.¡±

    He wouldn¡¯t admit that his sleeplessness came from thinking about Eileen and Gabri constantly. The once oppressive darkness in his mind had been reced with a flood of thoughts, keeping him awake.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 628

    ?Chapter 628:

    ¡°What are you not used to?¡± Jacob retorted. ¡°So, it¡¯s only when Eileen and Gabri are around that you¡¯re uneasy? Maybe you should go back to the vige.¡±

    ¡°Let Zelda look after him,¡± Josue chimed in.

    As soon as Jacob and Josue finished speaking, Bryan grabbed the pillow from behind him and hurled it at them.

    Josue managed to deflect the pillow, letting it fall to the floor. Both Josue and Jacob appeared rather pleased with themselves.

    Eileen felt a sharp headache from their constant bickering. She decided she wouldn¡¯t visit so often in the future.

    ¡°Make sure he¡¯s well taken care of. I¡¯m leaving now,¡± Eileen said as she rose, grabbing her bag and putting the pillow back on the bed.

    She nced at Bryan and then said, ¡°Don¡¯te out to see me unless it¡¯s important. The injection is crucial. I¡¯ll visit when I have the time.¡±

    Without waiting for Bryan to reply, Eileen nodded to the doctor, turned on her heel, and left.

    It seemed she was eager to leave quickly after disrupting Bryan¡¯s treatment.

    Once back in the car, Eileen immediately called Raymond to inquire about Milford¡¯s situation in prison.

    ¡°Everything is set up as nned,¡± Raymond replied. ¡°You asked me to find a way to get him out, and I¡¯ve notified him. We can make arrangements, but¡­¡± He sighed. ¡°Milford is incredibly stubborn. He had the messenger convey that he sees himself as a viin. He believes your presence in his life was like a dazzling firework¡ªbright, fleeting, but enough for him.¡±

    Raymond¡¯s voice carried a deep concern.

    Eileen furrowed her brow, sympathy for Milford rising within her. ¡°Is there any way you can arrange for me to see or speak with him?¡±

    Read thetest updates at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    Raymond said without hesitation, ¡°Ms. Curtis, Milford¡¯s attitude makes it clear that he won¡¯t see or speak to you. Our best option now is to ensure he¡¯s well taken care of inside and that he can continue his studies.¡±

    Eileen replied, ¡°Okay.¡±

    After a long silence, she added, ¡°Get in touch with Willowbrook University. They may have publicly dismissed him, but they set up a special graduation exam for him in prison. We need to make sure he earns that diploma and do everything we can to reduce his sentence¡­¡±

    Her mind raced with ns for Milford. She wanted to do everything she could to help him.

    She couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that if it weren¡¯t for her and Bryan¡ªand if Z hadn¡¯t found Milford¡ªhe wouldn¡¯t be in this situation.

    Milford was smart. Although he might have been bullied by the thugs in Wist Land at first, he would have eventually found his own way to live well.

    These thoughts churned in Eileen¡¯s mind, leaving her restless. On the drive back, the vibrant city lights blurred past her, sinking her deeper into thought.

    She couldn¡¯t recall thest time she had seen Milford, but memories of him ying with Gabri at her home, running to school, and working diligently flooded her mind.

    On the rare free weekend, Bailee visited Eileen, with Huey in tow.

    ¡°You dropped by so suddenly,¡± Rubyined with a smile. ¡°We¡¯re out of food.¡±

    ¡°Take a rest here. I¡¯ll go get some,¡± Eileen said as she headed upstairs to change.

    Ruby quickly stopped her. ¡°You don¡¯t know how to cook, so you wouldn¡¯t know what to buy. I¡¯ll go. Bailee needs to discuss matters about the education agency with you. I¡¯ll handle the groceries.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 629

    ?Chapter 629:

    She put on her coat and headed to the door before Eileen could protest.

    Bailee sat on the sofa next to Eileen, draping an arm around her shoulder. They watched Huey dash around as they shifted their conversation to matters about the educational agency.

    There wasn¡¯t much to discuss; Bailee was simply updating Eileen on the agency¡¯s profits and growth over the past few months.

    ¡°Eileen, we could expand and set up branches all over the country. Don¡¯t you think?¡± Bailee said.

    It was true that while they dominated online courses in the southern region, offline tutoring was a different story.

    Bailee added, ¡°But it¡¯s just a suggestion. It¡¯s fine if you¡¯re not up for it. It would require a lot of time and effort.¡±

    After pondering for a moment, Eileen asked, ¡°Are you two nning a wedding?¡±

    Bailee and Huey stared at her, caught off guard by the sudden change in topic.

    ¡°I just believe that every woman dreams of a grand wedding. Something to look back on without any regrets, you know,¡± Eileen continued, arching her eyebrows. ¡°As for the educational agency, that¡¯s your call. You get to decide how to invest and n. Consider it my wedding gift to you.¡±

    Ever since Eileen left Wist Land, she had rarely been involved in the educational agency¡¯s affairs. Every quarter, Bailee would send her a copy of the agency¡¯s financial statements and transfer money to her ount. Eileen had tried discussing this with Bailee several times, but Bailee had always dodged the topic.

    Today, Eileen wanted to make it clear.

    ¡°No way,¡± Bailee responded firmly. ¡°You founded it. I can¡¯t just take it over. I¡¯m perfectly content with my monthly sry of twenty thousand, considering my educational background.¡±

    ¡°Bailee, with your skills, twenty thousand is a drop in the bucket,¡± Eileen countered. ¡°You¡¯ve been managing the agency since it was established in Onnd. Under your leadership, it brings in over two million in profit annually. You¡¯re more than qualified to run it!¡±

    Explore fantastic tales on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s; ?¦Ïm

    After a pause, Eileen added, ¡°Maybe you don¡¯t want to take over because I founded it, but have you considered that I do nothing but collect the profits now while you handle everything? That doesn¡¯t sit right with me. Besides, I really don¡¯t need the money from the educational agency anymore.¡±

    Talking about money felt awkward, and Eileen was aware that it could affect their rtionship. But she knew it had to be said directly. Otherwise, Bailee might never take over the agency.

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell Phoebe to change the legal ownership to you and her. From now on, you two make the decisions.¡±

    As Eileen spoke, Gabri, a bundle of energy, started running around, causing a ruckus. Eileen seized the moment to chase after her, ensuring Bailee had no chance to argue.

    Huey leaned back in his chair and let out a long sigh. ¡°Listen, we don¡¯t have any grand ns. My studio makes enough to get by. But if you two keep arguing about the educational agency, why don¡¯t you just take it? Eileen is doing this for your benefit.¡±

    Bailee looked at him, words caught in her throat. She was squirming at the suggestion.

    From the very start, she and Ruby had always relied on Eileen.

    Eileen¡¯s words made Bailee feel as though she owed Eileen even more.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 630

    ?Chapter 630:

    ¡°Eileen pulls in hundreds of millions every year, while you, as her sister, only make a couple hundred thousand. People will gossip if they know this,¡± Huey continued, rubbing his temples. He could already hear the whispers and judgments.

    Bailee¡¯s stomach twisted at the thought. She knew that if people ever dug into Eileen¡¯s life and discovered her much lower earnings, the rumor mill would go into overdrive. They would portray Eileen as the cold, heartless stepsister who didn¡¯t care about her family.

    Thinking of this, Bailee realized she couldn¡¯t dy the matter any longer.

    ¡°It¡¯s pretty awkward to talk about this, but let¡¯s settle it today and never bring it up again. It could really strain our rtionship,¡± Eileen said. ¡°I¡¯ll go with you on Monday to prepare the legal paperwork.¡±

    Bailee had no choice but to agree. She nodded.

    The next two hours were spent discussing Winona¡¯s situation, but Ruby still hadn¡¯t returned.

    Eileen decided to let Bailee take care of Gabri for the time being. ¡°I¡¯m going to find Ruby,¡± she said.

    Her biggest concern was the persistent gossip circting in themunity. She feared Ruby might end up in a confrontation with someone.

    Eileen stepped out of the vi and began her search. She wandered the neighborhood streets but couldn¡¯t spot Ruby anywhere. Finally, as she approached the corner near the supermarket, she saw Ruby holding several bags, engaged in a heated argument with Denise.

    ¡°Listen here,¡± Denise said, gripping Ruby¡¯s wrist. ¡°I just want to see Eileen. Take me to her. I have every right to talk to her!¡±

    Ruby, struggling to bnce the bags, red at Denise. ¡°If you want to see Eileen, figure it out yourself. I won¡¯t take you to her!¡±

    Denise shouted angrily, ¡°How could you be so shameless? You and your daughter are always leeching off my daughter. Can¡¯t you stand on your own for once?¡±

    Your imagination thrives at  punt

    ¡°Let go of her!¡± Eileen¡¯s voice rang out as she rushed over, taking the bags from Ruby¡¯s hands.

    The intensity in Eileen¡¯s voice made Denise release Ruby immediately. Eileen grabbed Ruby¡¯s hand and started leading her back home.

    But Denise wasn¡¯t ready to give up. She caught up with them, desperation in her eyes. ¡°Wait, Eileen. I need to talk to you. Just give me a chance.¡±

    ¡°Five minutes,¡± Eileen replied coldly, not even looking at Denise.

    ¡°I¡¯m tired of this,¡± Denise continued, her tone demanding. ¡°Buy me a vi, and I promise I¡¯ll never bother you again. I¡¯ll pretend to be a stranger if we ever meet.¡±

    Noticing that Denise was going to great lengths to stop her, Eileen realized that Denise wouldn¡¯t relent until the issue was settled.

    ¡°I don¡¯t n to sever all ties with you,¡± Eileen said. ¡°Roderick is in the middle of this, and I don¡¯t want to make things harder for him.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t pretend you care about Roderick that much!¡± Denise rolled her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re worth billions, and Roderick can barely afford a house in Onnd! Do you even deserve to be his sister?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not for you to decide!¡± Eileen retorted.

    For a moment, Denise was speechless. Spotting someone nearby, she began to make a scene. ¡°Alright, if you refuse to meet my demands today, I¡¯ll let everyone know how badly you¡¯re treating me! Look, everyone! This is my daughter, who earns hundreds of millions every month but only gives her mother two thousand dors a month!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 631

    ?Chapter 631:

    The legal letter from a few years ago had indeed silenced Denise. If she had persisted in causing trouble, she could have ended up in jail.

    The situation had stirred significant attention. Someizens, unaware of Denise¡¯s greed, used Eileen of being overly harsh. With Eileen¡¯s rising status and wealth, if Denise made a fuss now, it would surely attract even more scrutiny, which would undoubtedly affect Eileen.

    Denise was confident in this, and that was why she decided to make a scene. She yelled, ¡°It¡¯s just a vi. You could easily afford it. If you can be so generous to outsiders, why can¡¯t you extend the same generosity to me, your mother?¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Eileen said, her gaze frosty. ¡°I¡¯m not intimidated by drama. If you want to make a fuss, I¡¯m more than willing to be part of it.¡±

    ¡°You ungrateful daughter!¡± Denise shouted. ¡°I¡¯m your mother. If you continue to treat me like this, you¡¯ll face karma¡­¡±

    Several affluent women from the neighborhood noticed themotion and approached to see what was happening upon recognizing Eileen.

    Observing their approach, Eileen quickly turned and called security. Ruby, standing nearby, scowled in anger. She swiftly pulled Denise to a corner before the group of wealthy women could approach.

    When Denise realized what was happening, she had already been pulled into the corner. She shoved Ruby away and eximed, ¡°What are you doing? You¡¯re nothing more than a mistress who took my husband and my daughter away from me. You¡ª¡±

    ¡°Denise, stop being so shameless! Eileen has been more than fair by giving you two thousand dors a month. You should be ashamed to ept it. If you keep causing problems, you might even lose that!¡± Ruby said sharply, keeping her voice low.

    ¡°You¡­¡± Denise was taken aback and hesitated, her arrogance momentarily curbed. ¡°What do you know?¡±

    ¡°I know everything I need to know.¡± Ruby sighed with relief as she saw Denise subdue her arrogance, though her face remained stern. ¡°Don¡¯t think that once Eileen¡¯s father is gone, the truth will stay hidden forever. If you harass Eileen again, I¡¯ll make sure she learns the truth.¡±

    ?????? ???????? ? g??lnov?l??.???m

    With that, Ruby huffed and swiftly walked back into themunity, brushing past the wealthy women, who nced at her. She straightened her back and hurried over to Eileen, who had just exited the security booth.

    A few security guards came out to escort Denise away. The wealthy women had no time to engage in conversation with her. Surprisingly, Denise didn¡¯t resist and left in a huff.

    ¡°Mom, what did you say to her?¡± Eileen asked, having noticed Ruby speaking to Denise earlier.

    Ruby took the shopping bags from Eileen and replied, ¡°We¡¯re of a simr age, so I know how to handle her. See? She¡¯s quiet now.¡±

    Eileen, still doubtful, said, ¡°But she¡¯s not the type to be swayed easily by others.¡± She knew Roderick must have tried to convince Denise numerous times in private.

    Ruby replied, ¡°I have my methods. Let¡¯s head back now; Bailee is still waiting for us.¡± They quickened their pace and headed home to prepare the meal.

    In any case, the Baker family issue was resolved. Despite his mother¡¯s objections, Huey hadn¡¯t married someone else. Ruby was quite pleased with this decision and no longer held the same level of dislike for him as she once had.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 632

    ?Chapter 632:

    The meal was harmonious, but Eileen¡¯s heart was heavy with regret. She watched Gabri, whose big eyes were wide with excitement as she eagerly reached for the food. Gabri beamed, revealing her four tiny teeth, and tried to feed Eileen by handing food to her mouth.

    ¡°Mommy isn¡¯t hungry,¡± Eileen said with a smile, gently turning down the offer. She recalled a day in the hospital when Gabri¡¯s hands were smeared with grease, trying to feed Bryan. Bryan had epted the food from Gabri¡¯s greasy hand without hesitation.

    Even though Eileen found it unappetizing, Bryan didn¡¯t mind in the slightest.

    Eileen used a wet wipe to clean Gabri¡¯s hands, her heart overwhelmed with emotions.

    Noticing this, Bailee asked, ¡°Which hospital is Bryan at? Huey and I will visit him when we can.¡±

    ¡°When you¡¯re free, I can take you there.¡± After cleaning Gabri¡¯s hands, Eileen smiled at Bailee and Huey and added, ¡°He¡¯s doing well now.¡±

    Huey put down his fork and asked, ¡°What¡¯s Bryan¡¯s illness? I know some top specialists. Do you need me to contact them for assistance?¡±

    Eileen shook her head, replying, ¡°No, thank you. He¡¯s already under the care of professionals.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s reassuring. How long will he be in the hospital?¡± Bailee asked cautiously.

    Eileen paused for a moment. The timing of Bryan¡¯s discharge was uncertain. It was unclear whether he would even be discharged soon.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not focus on that,¡± Ruby interjected, shifting the conversation. ¡°Hospital visiting hours are only in the morning. When you both find time to visit, make sure to n it out in advance and bring me along.¡±

    Bailee quickly responded, ¡°Sure thing.¡±

    Discover new content now g?ln¦Ò¦Íe?s?c?m

    In the afternoon, Eileen went upstairs with Gabri for her nap. Gabri, brimming with excitement, crawled around the bed and found a ck button.

    The button belonged to Bryan¡¯s shirt, and Eileen wasn¡¯t sure where Gabri had discovered it.

    Gabri waved the button in the air, then made her way to Eileen, pressing the button gently against her cheek.

    Eileen felt the coldness of the button. She picked it up and stared at it for a long time.

    ¡°Ma!¡± Gabri mumbled, extending her tiny fingers to gently brush away the tears from Eileen¡¯s eyes.

    No tears fell onto the pillow; Gabri had tenderly wiped all of Eileen¡¯s tears away.

    Eileen sat upright, clutching the button in her hand. She hugged Gabri tightly and said, ¡°This button belongs to your Daddy.¡±

    Gabri showed no interest in the button. Instead, she gazed up at Eileen, her eyes mirroring Eileen¡¯s red eyes.

    Eileen kissed Gabri¡¯s forehead and said, ¡°If you can start calling him ¡®Daddy¡¯ soon, it will make him so happy, and he¡¯lle back faster.¡±

    Gabri repeated the word, ¡°Daddy.¡±

    However, it was just the instinctive repetition of a baby, not a genuine call for her mother. Eileen estimated it would take at least two months for Gabri to learn to call her and Bryan. She wasn¡¯t sure if Bryan would have the chance to hear it¡­

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 633

    ?Chapter 633:

    Just then, Eileen¡¯s phone rang, interrupting her thoughts. It was a call from Josue.

    ¡°Eileen, get to the hospital now,¡± Josue said urgently.

    Eileen felt a wave of unease wash over her. ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll find out when you get here. It¡¯s urgent!¡± Josue replied, quickly ending the call.

    Her heart sank as she hurried downstairs, Gabri in her arms. Huey was engrossed in a game by the bay window, and Bailee and Ruby were talking. As soon as they saw Eileen rushing, they both stood up.

    ¡°I need to get to the hospital now. Please take care of Gabri for me,¡± Eileen said.

    Ruby took Gabri from Eileen, and in the next moment, Eileen was changing her shoes on the porch.

    Seeing this made Ruby worry. ¡°Please be careful on your way. Maybe Huey could drive you instead?¡±

    ¡°No, thank you.¡± Eileen declined the offer and drove straight to the hospital.

    Her nerves were on edge the entire drive, and in her rush, she ran two red lights.

    In the hospital room, Bryany on the bed, staring nkly at the ceiling. When he heard the door open, he turned his head slightly to look.

    Eileen, her face etched with worry, rushed over to him, but after a moment, her gaze shifted to Josue, who was still engrossed in a game on the sofa.

    Without lifting his head from his phone, Josue remarked, ¡°You arrived quickly. You need to keep Bryan in line. He¡¯s been trying to escape just to see you.¡±

    Earlier that day, when Bryan returnedte, the doctor had revoked the previous arrangement that Bryan only needed to be in the hospital for his afternoon IV drip at three. His tardiness had caused the doctor to lose trust in him.

    Eileen didn¡¯t want to be med for ¡°luring¡± Bryan out of the hospital, so she had been diligently focusing on her work in the past days. But Bryan was clearly not satisfied with just phone calls and daily chats with Eileen.

    He had attempted to leave the hospital several times, and it was clear that Josue could no longer control him.

    ¡°Bryan tried to leave under the pretext of needing breakfast at eight this morning,¡± Josue exined. ¡°Jacob stopped him then. He tried the same thing at noon, and I stopped him. I hoped he would relent after two failed attempts, but he still tried to slip away when it was time for his nap. If he leaves then, he won¡¯t make it back for his three o¡¯clock IV drip. That¡¯s why I had to call you.¡±

    Hearing this, Eileen frowned at Bryan.

    Despite being confined to the bed and unable to move, Bryan¡¯s expression showed a hint of defiance. ¡°I just wanted to get some fresh air in the garden downstairs,¡± he said.

    ¡°The garden downstairs?¡± Eileen asked, clearly amused. ¡°Whose garden are you talking about?¡±

    His vague excuse didn¡¯t fool her.

    ¡°Eileen, please stay with him for a moment,¡± Josue said as he received a message. He turned off his game, quickly getting up. ¡°He needs to start his IV drip in ten minutes. I have to step out for a bit.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Eileen replied.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 634

    ?Chapter 634:

    She sat beside the bed, carefully releasing Bryan from his restraints and began massaging his legs. She wasn¡¯t sure how long he had been confined, but she could see the lingering effects of his injury. The area where Bryan had been hurt had remained swollen for several days. Although the swelling had started to reduce, the redness still remained.

    ¡°Is it still hurting?¡± Eileen asked.

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t feel any pain there,¡± Bryan replied. Noticing Eileen¡¯s concern, he added, ¡°The redness and swelling indicate blood flow, which is a good sign. I justck sensitivity in that area.¡±

    Although Eileen wasn¡¯t an expert, she epted his exnation. Smiling, she asked, ¡°What made you want to leave? Were you trying to see me?¡±

    ¡°It seems you¡¯re the only one who can lure me out,¡± Bryan said, raising an eyebrow.

    Eileen thought for a moment before responding, ¡°What about Gabri? You can help me find a good husband, but what about her? She¡¯ll need to find a boyfriend and get married someday. Aren¡¯t you concerned? Just hold on until then.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s expression darkened.

    If he could hold on until then, why would he be concerned with finding Eileen a husband? He could be that husband.

    ¡°I need to find you a great husband, one who will also be a good father to Gabri. Those are the two conditions that matter,¡± Bryan said, his voice calm, though his emotions were hidden beneath the surface.

    Eileenughed lightly and teased, ¡°There are very few men I¡¯m interested in who could meet both of those conditions. You can take your time choosing. But to do that, the only thing you should focus on right now is following your treatment here in the hospital.¡±

    If he were to die before finding the perfect match¡­

    Though Eileen left the sentence unfinished, Bryan understood what she meant. His expression darkened, but he remained silent.

    I@?e$t ¡é§ß@???§ñ$ ?¦Ç ???§Ú?v¦Å??.c?m

    There was always this subject between them that neither wanted to address directly.

    Inside the doctor¡¯s office, Josue entered the room, sat down, and focused intently on the small wooden box.

    ¡°Are you sure? Is this password correct?¡± he asked.

    They had already attempted twice and failed. If they failed again, the password would be reset, and no one would know the new one.

    ¡°My suggestion remains the same: could you ask for the original password? Perhaps the person who sent you the box might be willing to share it,¡± the technician proposed.

    Josue waved his hand dismissively. ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±

    Eileen had tried to reach Travis after receiving the box, but she had been unable to contact him. It was clear Travis was determined not to reveal the password to her.

    ¡°In that case, we¡¯ll have to try again,¡± the technician said. ¡°If we fail once more, we¡¯ll have to leave it to chance in the future.¡±

    Hearing this, Josue cursed under his breath and said, ¡°Do it.¡±

    The technician quickly made the necessary adjustments and attempted to unlock the box.

    A click sounded as the lock disengaged.

    All eyes were fixed on the box. The previously silent office, where even the faintest sound could be heard, erupted into cheers the next second.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 635

    ?Chapter 635:

    ¡°It¡¯s unlocked!¡±

    ¡°Quick, call the doctor and get this tested!¡±

    Josue, his voice shaking, retrieved the vial from the small box.

    He had never imagined that the transparent liquid inside could appear so beautiful.

    A doctor swiftly took the vial, and Josue handed a substantial amount of money to the technician.

    After a moment of contemtion, Josue decided not to inform Eileen and Bryan about this immediately.

    This small wooden box represented their hope, but its contents remained a mystery. What if Travis had deceived them?

    It was better to hold on to hope than face the potential disappointment.

    If the research oue was positive, he would inform Bryan and Eileen right away. But if it proved to be of no value, there was no reason to bring it up.

    After some time, Josue returned to the ward and saw Bryan and Eileen sitting by the window, watching the sunset together.

    ¡°The infusion is almost done,¡± Josue said as he approached to rece Bryan¡¯s medication. ¡°When we were administering the drip, you knew to keep an eye on it. But now that Eileen is here, all your attention is on her, and you didn¡¯t even keep an eye on your drip.¡±

    He didn¡¯t hesitate to use Bryan in front of Eileen.

    Eileen simply smiled and remained silent, while Bryan lounged in his chair, seemingly indifferent to Josue¡¯s remarks.

    At Roderick¡¯s restaurant,

    Your hub for updates: g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Denise used her difort as an excuse to avoid helping. After Eileen had refused her request, Denise returned to the restaurant, arriving after the lunchtime rush had ended.

    Without a word, she donned an apron and began wiping down the tables with a cloth.

    After finishing her tasks, Judie approached Denise and asked, ¡°How did it go? Did Eileen agree?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Denise replied.

    ¡°Weren¡¯t you so sure she would agree? And didn¡¯t you say you¡¯d cause a scene if she refused? What¡¯s the issue?¡± Seeing Denise¡¯s downcast expression, Judie sensed something was off. ¡°What does she have over you?¡±

    Denise paused for a moment before speaking. ¡°I¡¯m just worried that Roderick might find out about this.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve told you I¡¯ll keep it a secret from Roderick!¡± Judie, consumed with thoughts of the vi, had hoped Denise would bring good news today. Her hopes were clearly dashed now.

    Her frustration was evident as she said icily, ¡°Well, can you do this or not? Don¡¯t just talk and do nothing!¡±

    As she spoke, she flicked the duster from Denise¡¯s hand. ¡°Stop dusting the table and focus on figuring this out!¡±

    Denise¡¯s hand stung from the contact, and a red mark bloomed across her skin. Yet, she could only say, ¡°I¡¯m concerned that if we push Eileen too far, she¡¯ll retaliate. We won¡¯t be able to handle it.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 636

    ?Chapter 636:

    Judie rolled her eyes and eximed, ¡°You promised me that if you kept pestering Eileen, she¡¯d eventually cave and buy us a vi! So, what¡¯s happening now? Are you just making empty promises, or are you stalling to buy yourself a couple more days of cking off?¡±

    Denise found herself at a loss for words, caught in a dilemma.

    ¡°I¡¯ve told Roderick you¡¯ve been under the weathertely and need at least a week off to recover. But make no mistake, you need to wrap this up within the week. I want that vi under my name before the baby arrives,¡± Judie dered.

    After saying that, she banned Denise from working there and sent her away, anticipating problems if Roderick discovered anything amiss. That would onlyplicate matters further.

    Denise left the restaurant in a huff and made her way to the bus station, frustration clouding her thoughts.

    Within roughly two days, the doctor had the sample tested, and the results were ready.

    Upon receiving the information, Josue wasted no time. He summoned Eileen to the hospital and mmed the stack of examination reports onto the bed.

    ¡°What aplete jerk Christos is!¡± he eximed in anger.

    Eileen shot him a look before hastily flipping through the reports.

    ¡°Is he ying a joke on us? This test report says it¡¯s just water! Literally just pure, natural water!¡± Josue was fuming, his hands nted firmly on his hips. The testing staff were in disbelief. Despite running the tests multiple times, they had to confirm that the sample was nothing but water.

    Eileen felt a sharp pain in her head. The hope she had harbored for days shattered in an instant.

    Clutching the test reports tightly, her lips pressed into a thin line, Eileen remained silent.

    Find more content at ???????¦Ò????????.c§àm

    ¡°He¡¯ll reach out again,¡± Bryan said as he pushed back the quilt and swung his legs out of bed. He gently took the reports from Eileen¡¯s grasp.

    After a moment, he tenderly brushed her long hair with his hand. ¡°Christos isn¡¯t nearly as heartless as Coen. Remember Lydia? She spent years crafting a new identity for Christos, meticulously nning every move, only for him to destroy everything without a second thought. It shows that at least he despises such deception.¡±

    While Christos was far from a saint, he wasn¡¯t a viin relentlessly pursuing his desires.

    Eileen had never seen Christos as a bad person, especially after he had stolen the documents from Brandon¡¯s safe for her.

    Yet this time, he had crushed all her hope.

    ¡°We need to keep tracking Christos,¡± Bryan suggested, subtly signaling Josue.

    Josue, noticing Eileen pretending to be strong, sighed deeply. ¡°Okay, I promise to find him,¡± he dered resolutely.

    Then, he strode out of the hospital room.

    Eileen snatched the test report from Bryan¡¯s hands, ripped it into pieces, and marched to the trash can to dispose of it.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 637

    ?Chapter 637:

    Once she finished, she remained standing, pausing in a corner to collect herself.

    Herst shred of hope had been shattered, overwhelming herpletely.

    Stayingposed had be a struggle for her now.

    ¡°The doctor mentioned I could be discharged if I stay inside and avoid going out. He¡¯de by daily to check on me and draw blood,¡± Bryan said, pausing a few steps behind Eileen. He leaned against the wall. ¡°What do you think?¡±

    His tone was light, but it barely masked the turmoil within his heart.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you bring this up sooner?¡± Eileen asked, taking a deep breath. She turned to face him, managing a strained smile. ¡°It¡¯s a hassle for me to visit the hospital every day. If you head home, Gabri can see you all the time.¡±

    ¡°But my return¡­ it might not really be for the best.¡±

    Bryan was uncertain whether reentering Eileen¡¯s and Gabri¡¯s lives now was the right choice. His health condition was still unknown. But he knew Eileen would be happier if he returned now.

    However, he also understood that this happiness would be temporary.

    ¡°Bryan, let¡¯s have a wedding.¡± Ignoring Bryan¡¯s words, Eileen gently tugged at his hospital gown, her eyes downcast. ¡°You owe me a wedding. Every woman dreams of marrying the love of her life. We don¡¯t need arge crowd, but our families should be there.¡±

    Bryan tensed. After a few seconds of silence, he finally asked, ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sure. It¡¯s not toote. You owe me this,¡± Eileen replied, meeting his gaze.

    She was right. They had been legally married for years, yet they had never had a wedding.

    ???€$? ¡é????€?$ ?? g??l??ov?l????o??

    A wave of mixed emotions washed over Bryan. He pressed his lips together, hesitating, then muttered, ¡°I need to step outside for a smoke.¡±

    Eileen watched him leave the room, noticing he didn¡¯t have a cigarette in hand. He was gone for more than half an hour. When he returned, Eileen was surprised to smell the faint scent of smoke on him.

    ¡°I just spoke with the doctor,¡± Bryan said, settling back onto the bed. ¡°He said I can go home after today¡¯s infusion. He¡¯ll starting to my ce for treatment tomorrow.¡±

    He paused, his eyes meeting hers, and then asked, ¡°Do you want to go home with me?¡±

    Eileen stared at him for a moment before responding, ¡°You can go wherever you want. But don¡¯t step into my house again unless you hold the wedding.¡±

    Bryan was left speechless. Her deration both amused him and caught him off guard. Meanwhile, Eileen, clearly frustrated, moved toward the sofa to grab her bag, preparing to leave.

    Without hesitation, Bryan reached out and encircled her slender waist to stop her.

    Eileen, aware that Bryan didn¡¯t have much strength, didn¡¯t push him away. Instead, she remained in his arms, her hands resting lightly against his chest.

    ¡°We will have the wedding,¡± Bryan said softly. ¡°But we need to discuss something first.¡±

    ¡°Are you worried I¡¯ll do something to you?¡± Eileen asked, her voice tinged with amusement.

    Bryan raised an eyebrow and replied seriously, ¡°I am, indeed.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 638

    ?Chapter 638:

    He then lowered his head and kissed her forehead softly, his lips brushing lightly across her skin, lingering on the bridge of her nose as their warm breath mingled.

    After a moment, he said softly, ¡°The doctor advised that I refrain from doing it.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Eileen¡¯s eyes widened in surprise.

    She looked up at Bryan and asked, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Bryan avoided her gaze, tightening his hold on her waist as he replied, ¡°Exactly what I said.¡±

    ¡°I think the doctor is making a mountain out of a molehill.¡± Eileen paused thoughtfully before responding earnestly, ¡°There¡¯s nothing urgent for you to handle at home.¡±

    She could afford to let Bryan rest at home without any pressing concerns.

    With a serious expression, Bryan pressed his lips together and raised his hand to gently pat her head. ¡°I¡¯m not in the best shape. But have you be foolish now?¡±

    Frowning, Eileen pushed his hand away and retorted, ¡°The doctor said you can move around. There¡¯s no reason you can¡¯t even go downstairs.¡±

    She started to consider arranging a room on the ground floor for Bryan to avoid the hassle of climbing stairs.

    Just then, a light cough came from outside the unlocked door. The door creaked open.

    The doctor poked his head in and nced at the two of them, standing close to each other. With a serious face, he said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, we need to draw some blood before you leave the hospital.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Bryan replied.

    The doctor then looked at Eileen. He hesitated for a moment before adding, ¡°Mr. Dawson needs to focus on resting when he gets home. He can¡¯t overexert himself.¡±

    Read new content at g¦Áln¦Ò¦Íe?s

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll make sure he doesn¡¯t overexert himself¡ªno morning jogs or evening strolls, just like in the hospital,¡± Eileen said, attempting to break free from Bryan¡¯s embrace.

    But Bryan held her tighter.

    The doctor paused for a moment before adding, ¡°I meant no sexual activity.¡±

    He closed the door and left.

    Hearing the doctor¡¯s words, Eileen froze, her body stiffening in shock.

    Bryan noticed the change in her demeanor.

    Eileen¡¯s ears turned bright red as she stared at Bryan¡¯s chest, too embarrassed to look up or say anything.

    ¡°Are you going to see a neurologist to check if you¡¯ve really be stupid?¡± Bryan teased with a smirk.

    Eileen pinched his waist hard and demanded, ¡°So you went out just now to ask the doctor about this?¡±

    Bryan replied innocently, ¡°I didn¡¯t ask about it, but the doctor felt the need to tell me.¡±

    The doctor had clearly feltpelled to warn Bryan, especially since Bryan had already tried to leave the hospital several times to see Eileen.

    ¡°So, you need to seriously consider if marrying me is a wise choice.¡± Bryan knew that for now, he couldn¡¯t offer Eileen much, except for a wedding.

    ¡°Do you think I¡¯m marrying you for sex?¡± Eileen gritted her teeth, anger shing in her eyes. ¡°If that¡¯s all I wanted, I could find someone else!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 639

    ?Chapter 639:

    Bryan¡¯s arms tightened around her waist, pulling her closer, as if he wanted to merge with her. ¡°That¡¯s just part of the reason.¡±

    The thought of not being able to be with her physically tormented him. So, going home felt like torture to him.

    With flushed ears, Eileen pulled away from him and said, ¡°Let Josue drive you home tonight. I need to go home and prepare.¡±

    She thought about it for a moment, feeling Bryan wasn¡¯t fit to climb stairs given his condition.

    ¡°The doctor said climbing stairs will aid my recovery,¡± Bryan said, seeing through her thoughts. ¡°But it¡¯s probably better if Josue takes me home tonight. You can go ahead with your tasks now.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll head back first,¡± Eileen replied.

    After leaving the hospital, Eileen passed a flower shop and bought arge bouquet¡ªa symbol of hope and renewal¡ªon her way home.

    Ruby was surprised when Eileen walked in with the flowers. ¡°Why the sudden flower purchase?¡±

    Eileen ced the flowers in a vase and replied, ¡°Mom, Bryan is being discharged tonight. He can continue his treatment at home now.¡±

    Ruby¡¯s face lit up with surprise and joy. ¡°That¡¯s wonderful! Bailee said she¡¯d take me to visit him at the hospital tomorrow, but now he can be home.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen answered. Then, she added softly, ¡°I¡¯m going to marry Bryan.¡±

    Ruby blinked, taken aback. ¡°It¡¯s about time. How long will his recovery take? Are you nning to hold the wedding after he recovers or now? Can he handle it?¡±

    L¨»t?st ch¦Ápt?rs ??n g??l??ov????.§ã??m

    Ruby didn¡¯t know much about Bryan¡¯s condition¡ªonly that he had lost his memory and might have been injured in the ne crash.

    Eileen hesitated but didn¡¯t mention the full extent of Bryan¡¯s condition. She simply said, ¡°We¡¯ll hold the wedding now. He¡­ He might never fully recover.¡±

    Ruby trembled at this, almost losing her bnce. She quickly steadied herself and eased down onto the sofa, her face a mixture of urgency and concern.

    ¡°What¡¯s really happening to him? Tell me the truth!¡± she urged.

    ¡°Coen injected him with an experimental drug,¡± Eileen exined sinctly. She didn¡¯t dare go into the details of what the drug might do, only mentioning that its effects were unknown.

    ¡°So, there¡¯s no certainty about Bryan¡¯s recovery?¡± Ruby¡¯s eyes widened with disbelief and concern. ¡°And you¡¯re still nning to marry him?¡±

    Realizing how her words sounded, Ruby quickly added, ¡°Eileen, that¡¯s not what I meant. I just¡­ What will you do if he doesn¡¯t get better? You love him so much, but can you handle it? I¡¯m worried you might suffer because of how deeply you love him.¡±

    Eileen gently sat beside Ruby and patted her arm, reassuring her. ¡°It¡¯s not that I¡¯m just falling in love with him now. I¡¯ve loved him deeply for a long time.¡± She paused, her voice softening. ¡°And don¡¯t worry. Gabri will keep me grounded.¡±

    Tears streamed down Ruby¡¯s face, and she was at a loss for words, unable to convince or scold Eileen.

    Eileen continued, her tone reflective. ¡°When I first married him, I had just graduated from college, and you had just fallen ill. He seemed like a miracle to me, someone unattainable, yet he saved both of us. Later, when I worked at Apex Group, I never imagined that my boss was the same man I had been married to for three years. He helped us again, making sure you could continue your treatment.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 640

    Chapter 640:

    As Eileen spoke, a flood of emotions overtook her. She had never imagined that the past would feel better than the future.

    Ruby, sobbing, said, ¡°It¡¯s all my fault! If I hadn¡¯t been sick, you wouldn¡¯t have gotten involved with him. You might have married someone ordinary, and although you wouldn¡¯t be as wealthy, you¡¯d have had a simple, happy life.¡±

    Eileen shook her head. She couldn¡¯t bear the thought of life without Bryan. ¡°I can¡¯t imagine a life without him,¡± she whispered.

    Ruby wiped her tears and said through sobs, ¡°I¡¯ll do everything I can to help with the wedding. And make sure to invite Roderick and the others.¡±

    Eileen nodded, understanding that even though she didn¡¯t want a big wedding, her close family and friends needed to be there. Despite Denise¡¯s behavior, Roderick was still a good brother to her.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll call Roderick,¡± Eileen said, though the thought of Denise made her expression darken.

    At the same time, Bryan was receiving an IV drip when Josue burst into the ward, his excitement palpable. ¡°We¡¯ve found Lydia!¡± he eximed. ¡°Dewitt told me that Lydia and Christos have been spotted in the country!¡±

    The exact location was unclear, but the police had been careful not to alert them and had decided to observe discreetly. However, Bryan and the others weren¡¯t concerned about being cautious. They had already sent people to search for Lydia and Christos, confident they would eventually find Christos.

    Bryan¡¯s face darkened as he spoke. ¡°Christos is ying games with us. He wants our attention, but he won¡¯t reveal anything even if we find him. If he has something to say, he¡¯lle to us.¡±

    Eileen could sense the frustration in his words. ¡°What exactly is Christos¡¯ game? Why attract our attention, only to leave us hanging?¡±

    Bryan stared at the IV bottle as the transparent liquid slowly dripped down. After a prolonged silence, he suddenly said, ¡°Call off the search. Once I¡¯m discharged from the hospital, Eileen and I will have a wedding. It won¡¯t be extravagant, but make sure the public knows.¡±

    He spoke each word clearly and with determination.

    Josue stood there, momentarily stunned, staring at Bryan in confusion before he finally managed to say, ¡°Okay.¡±

    He walked away, still unsure of Bryan¡¯s intentions.

    After Josue left, Bryan called Jacob toe and pick him up. Word of his discharge quickly spread.

    Ruby had prepared a feast. Phoebe arrived with her child, and even Rylie showed up. The usually quiet and spacious vi was suddenly bustling with activity, leaving Eileen surprised by themotion surrounding Bryan¡¯s hospital discharge.

    ¡°Is my room ready?¡± Bryan asked, resting his hand on the back of a chair, leaning toward Eileen. ¡°Even though we can¡¯t have sex, we can still share a room.¡±

    Eileen was at a loss for words.

    Amid the noisy conversations around them, Bryan had whispered into Eileen¡¯s ear. His tone was sincere, his face expressionless, but his words made her unable to meet his gaze.

    She nudged him with her elbow and said, ¡°We¡¯ll live here just like before.¡±

    Bryan smiled approvingly. ¡°That¡¯s good. Just make sure you drink more water; I don¡¯t want you to get sick from withholding your desires.¡±

    His words made Eileen struggle to stay calm, her brows furrowing.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Hope you liked the chapters dear readers! New novels releases in a few minutes. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. . (?O?=)? ?

    .

 Chapter 641

    ?Chapter 641:

    ¡°You two need to stop,¡± Phoebe interjected, gesturing toward Eileen. ¡°Today should be about celebrating Bryan¡¯s return. You two are the stars tonight. Maybe save some of your whispers forter?¡±

    Josue nodded eagerly, clearly agreeing with Phoebe. ¡°Since you can¡¯t do anything tonight, better save the talking. Otherwise, you¡¯ll have nothing left to talk about.¡±

    Ruby and Rylie were entertaining the children in the living room, so the others spoke freely.

    Eileen¡¯s cheeks flushed, and she instinctively stepped behind Bryan.

    ¡°We never run out of things to talk about, unlike some who can¡¯t even speak without bickering,¡± Bryan said, sitting up and protectively shielding Eileen. He added, ¡°We¡¯re also not like someone who wants to say something but never does.¡±

    Jacob was clearly a henpecked husband. The so-called bickering was just Phoebe scolding him, but he didn¡¯t seem to mind. In fact, he took pride in it.

    Meanwhile, Josue clenched his teeth and muttered, ¡°If I had a wife, I wouldn¡¯t be stuck looking after you. Could you at least try to be appreciative?¡±

    Jacob quickly added fuel to the fire. ¡°See? He has no wife and doesn¡¯t want to help you, while I have a wife and still want to help you¡ªthat¡¯s real friendship.¡±

    ¡°Enough with the nonsense!¡± Josue shot up, furious, and lunged at Jacob. The two of them argued, moving from the dining room to the garden.

    By the time they reached the garden, everyone had nearly finished eating, so they all got up and headed outside. Eileen stayed a few steps behind, walking with Bryan.

    Once outside, Eileen and Bryan sat on a bench, watching the others. Gabri, sitting on a y mat by the window, pulled herself up using the window sill. She tapped on the ss, babbling excitedly at the people outside. Ruby stayed close, ensuring Gabri didn¡¯t fall.

    ¡°Mind if I watch Gabri for a while?¡± Rylie asked, handing Jacob¡¯s son, Clyde Meyer, to Ruby. ¡°This little boy is fun, too. You can take care of him for a bit.¡±

    galn¦Ò¦Íels.c¡ðm hosts fresh updates

    Rylie had always enjoyed spending time with Gabri, andtely, with Eileen so busy, Rylie had missed taking care of her. Upon seeing Gabri, she immediately wanted to hold her.

    Ruby passed Gabri to Rylie and switched her attention to Clyde.

    ¡°Maybe we should let Eileen and Bryan have another baby soon,¡± Rylie mused, thinking it would give her a chance to help raise one of the children.

    ¡°If you¡¯re so fond of children, why not ask Josue to have one?¡± Ruby responded, her voiceced with reluctance. She didn¡¯t want Eileen and Bryan to consider having another child right now. After all, Bryan¡¯s health was still unstable, and she couldn¡¯t bear the thought of Eileen taking care of two children alone.

    Rylie felt a pang of hurt at Ruby¡¯s words. Josue was still head over heels for Edna, despite having met countless other women. A few months ago, when Josue had reluctantly started dating, Bryan¡¯s ident had happened, and Edna had returned. Since then, Josue had resumed his previous habits. How could Rylie realistically hope for grandchildren under such circumstances?

    Lost in thought, Rylie didn¡¯t notice the phone ringing in the dining room. She handed Gabri back to Ruby and quickly hurried to answer it.

    ¡°It¡¯s Josue¡¯s phone. It must be important. I¡¯ll answer it for him,¡± Rylie said.

    Noticing it was an international call, Rylie hesitated briefly before picking up.

    Before she could speak, Edna¡¯s voice came through. ¡°Josue, it¡¯s me. I¡ª¡±

    Rylie quickly ended the call. ¡°No wonder Josue¡¯s been avoiding dates; it¡¯s her calling him again.¡±

    Muttering to herself, she ced the phone down, but it rang again almost immediately.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 642

    ?Chapter 642:

    Seeing Josue enter the room, Rylie swiftly set the phone to forward all international calls and messages to her own phone, erased the call history, and ced the phone back in its ce.

    ¡°What were you doing with my phone?¡± Josue asked suspiciously. ¡°Did you save some girl¡¯s number?¡±

    ¡°Your phone¡¯s as empty as a desert. What girl would be unlucky enough to end up with you?¡± Rylie shot back, trying to cover her nervousness with a loud voice.

    Afterward, she rubbed her hand on her clothes and muttered, ¡°How annoying!¡±

    Josue was left speechless.

    Shortly after, Rylie¡¯s phone buzzed with several text messages from Edna.

    ¡°Josue, please give me a chance to exin.¡±

    ¡°I really don¡¯t have time now. You¡¯re the only one who can help me!¡±

    It seemed Edna was in some kind of urgent situation, persistently seeking Josue¡¯s help. Some of the messages were in anguage Rylie couldn¡¯t understand.

    All Rylie knew was that she couldn¡¯t let Edna continue affecting Josue. She decided to ignore all the messages for now.

    In the evening, everyone returned to their homes.

    Bryan¡¯s overly yful and flirtatious behavior earlier led Eileen to banish him to the sofa for the night.

    The sofa was spacious and soft, made even cozier with ayer offortable bedding. However,pared to a double bed, it looked in and somewhat pathetic.

    Gabri was excited to have another person in the bedroom with her. Shey down for a moment before sitting up beside Eileen to peek at the sofa.

    I??€$? ¡é??t??§ñ? ?¦Ç ga?n?¦Í¦Ål?.c??

    She extended her hand towards it, babbling.

    Before Eileen could respond, Bryan got up and made his way back to the bed. ¡°Gabri wants me to sleep here,¡± he said.

    As soon as Bryan finished speaking, hey down on the bed, sinking into the soft mattress.

    Reaching out with one long arm, he pulled Gabri into his embrace before she even had a chance to react.

    Startled, Gabri instinctively scooted toward Eileen, babbling nervously.

    Feeling a bit irritated, Eileen took Gabri into her arms and snapped, ¡°You understand what she said, so why can¡¯t you understand that she wants you to stay away from her for now?¡±

    Nestled against Eileen, Gabri turned around and saw that it was Bryan who had reached for her. A smile spread quickly across her face.

    Eileen was left speechless. She sighed, realizing that there was no point in continuing the argument, and let Gabri y with Bryan.

    It wasn¡¯t long before Eileen found herself drifting off to sleep. She didn¡¯t even realize when Bryan and Gabri had fallen asleep.

    With the wedding preparations on her mind, Eileen called Roderick to discuss the details. After some thought, he finally said, ¡°You¡¯ll need to work out the wedding ns with the Dawson family. Ruby¡¯s the only one on your side. How about Ie along to back you up?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 643

    ?Chapter 643:

    Roderick felt it would be odd for him to attend the wedding without ying a part in the preparations. It made him feel like an outsider.

    ¡°We¡¯ll have a meal with Ste in a few days. I¡¯ll call you then,¡± Eileen replied. After a pause, she added, ¡°Who else can support me like you, my brother?¡±

    Roderick clearly appreciated the gesture. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t embarrass you. I¡¯ll buy a suit, and I won¡¯t let Judie and Denisee.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine if they juste for a peaceful meal. But you know how they can be,¡± Eileen said, her voice tinged with guilt as she worried about straining Roderick¡¯s rtionship with Judie and Denise.

    Roderick reassured her, ¡°I understand. Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    After a bit more conversation, Roderick hung up and returned to his small restaurant.

    He wasn¡¯t just thinking about the suit he needed to buy. He realized he had to spruce up his appearance¡ªstyle his hair, focus on skincare. He couldn¡¯t afford to show up at a fancy hotel looking unkempt and embarrassing Eileen.

    Then, a sudden thought struck him.

    Despite Eileen and Bryan already having a child, this would be Eileen¡¯s first wedding. As her brother, he felt he needed to give her something special.

    If it weren¡¯t for Eileen, he wouldn¡¯t have opened his new restaurant.

    He had managed to save up about eight hundred thousand in the past few months and had nned to buy a house before Judie gave birth, knowing that she would be upset if he didn¡¯t.

    But the house could wait. He couldn¡¯t miss the chance to give Eileen a proper wedding gift.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m is packed with great reads

    He nced over at Judie, who was busy at the checkout counter, and made up his mind.

    Eileen had initially nned to invite only the families of Jacob and Josue to the wedding. Even though she had reserved thergest hotel, the guest list remained sparse.

    With the wedding arrangements in ce, Eileen and Bryan took a trip up the mountain to fetch Ste.

    On the way, Eileen stopped at a traffic light and turned to Bryan. ¡°So, we are just holding the wedding ceremony? Are we not going to make it official at the registry?¡±

    The question hung in the air, met with silence.

    For Eileen, the wedding would publicly announce their union, but for some reason, Bryan resisted the idea of getting their marriage registered.

    He feared that the legal bond would only deepen the pain for Eileen if he was gone.

    She would be a widow, the one left to sign his death certificate and handle the funeral arrangements¡ªit was all too much.

    Bryan was frustrated with himself. He couldn¡¯t bear the thought of letting Eileen go, yet, in the meantime, he was trying to n for her future without him.

    ¡°Then we won¡¯t get the marriage registered,¡± Eileen finally said as the light turned green. She had read between the lines during those long seconds of silence.

    She hated Bryan¡¯s patronizing attempts to protect her, but she couldn¡¯t bring herself to confront him about it.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 644

    ?Chapter 644:

    The silence between them stretched until they arrived at the temple. The road was smooth, and they walked in together.

    They hadn¡¯t seen Ste in months. Her hair, once streaked with ck and gray, had now turnedpletely gray. Her eyes, clouded and sad, showed no recognition when Jarred announced visitors.

    But when she saw Bryan and Eileen standing side by side, her eyes lit up. She grabbed her crutch, struggling to stand up.

    Jarred rushed to support her.

    Eileen and Bryan quickly moved forward, each taking an arm to steady Ste.

    A few days ago, whispers had spread like wildfire. Rumors had swirled about a business legend caught in some sort of ident.

    Those in the dark had no clue it was Bryan, but those who knew him recognized immediately who it was.

    Ste was one of the few who understood the situation. The usual buzz around Bryan had gone silent.

    Later, the news of Eileen¡¯s frantic search became the talk of the town. Ste had suspected that something had happened to Bryan, but she held on to hope, not knowing what else to do.

    Now, she felt everything was worth it when Bryan finally appeared before her.

    She grabbed Bryan¡¯s arm, her eyes flooded with tears. She was struck speechless.

    ¡°Calm down and sit. Take your time,¡± Jarred said, concerned for Ste as he gently guided her to a seat.

    Every story starts at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q??§àm

    Bryan¡¯s expression was a mix of emotions. He said, ¡°Grandma, we¡¯re here to pick you up. I¡¯m going to marry Eileen.¡±

    Ste nodded. ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s go back. I¡¯ll be at peace once you¡¯re married.¡±

    Eileen and Jarred helped Ste pack, and then they all descended the mountain.

    When they reached the Dawson Mansion, it was just past noon. Bryan had prepared for Ste¡¯s return in advance, and the servants had prepared lunch for them.

    Eileen and Bryan sat on either side of Ste, their smiles bright as they chatted about the uing wedding. But Ste quickly sensed something was amiss. She noticed Bryan¡¯s subtle struggle with movement, though she didn¡¯t show her concern. Her heart sank as she watched them.

    ¡°Make sure you call your mother and the others tomorrow to discuss the wedding details,¡± Ste said, patting Eileen¡¯s hand gently. ¡°And I have a special gift for you. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll love it.¡±

    Eileen gave a slight nod. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    The media reported on Eileen and Bryan¡¯s uing wedding. Even Z, from her prison cell, heard the news.

    That night, Zy on her bunk, her face bruised and swollen. She stared at the moon outside the window, lost in thought.

    Eileen and Bryan were getting married? This wasn¡¯t fair.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 645

    ?Chapter 645:

    Here she was, suffering in prison, while Eileen had everything she wanted.

    Z¡¯s eyes turned cold as she thought of something. She pressed her lips together, contemting her next move.

    After a long while, she suddenly sat up. She grabbed the small mirror from the table and hurled it to the floor, shattering it. Then, she picked up a sharp fragment and shed her wrist.

    Blood poured out immediately. Someone quickly triggered the loud prison rm, and the entire facility erupted into chaos¡­

    In the middle of the night, the prison guard rushed Z to the nearest hospital for urgent medical care. The prompt medical response was life-saving, but the significant blood loss meant she would need a few days to recover.

    Z was content with her short two-day hospital stay. The difort in her wrist was of no concern to her.

    A single prison guard remained on duty outside her room, stationed by the door but not entering. The doctorspleted their rounds quickly, saying only what was absolutely necessary, mindful of her unique situation.

    However, a young nurse, probably a recent graduate in her twenties, felt a strong sense of sympathy upon witnessing Z¡¯s distress.

    As they walked away from the ward, the doctor cautioned the young nurse, ¡°Those who seem pitiable often have their own ws. You don¡¯t know her well. Don¡¯t risk your career over her, got it?¡±

    ¡°While administering medication, I saw bruises on her arms. Could she be experiencing abuse in prison?¡± The young nurse expressed concern. ¡°Should we alert the guard?¡±

    The doctor¡¯s expression grew stern. ¡°Who are you to make such judgments? Every environment has its own politics. You can¡¯t even manage your own issues, and you¡¯re concerned about others? Consider this a final warning¡ªdon¡¯t get involved!¡±

    The young nurse promptly lowered her head in acknowledgment. ¡°I understand.¡±

    Magic begins at g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s

    At the luxury hotel, Roderick stepped out of the taxi and straightened his perfectly pressed suit. After making sure everything was in order, he walked into the hotel.

    After providing the names Eileen and Bryan to the receptionist, he was directed to a private room. He was thest to arrive, as everyone else was already there.

    Ruby and Bailee had kindly reserved a seat for Roderick next to Bryan.

    ¡°You¡¯re here,¡± Ruby said, indicating the seat next to Bryan. ¡°Please, take a seat.¡±

    Roderick replied, slightly nervous, and then greeted Ste and the others before taking his seat. He quietly listened as Ste and Ruby discussed the wedding arrangements.

    ¡°Basically, the process will be much like what we discussed previously. However, we will listen to their preferences and keep it low-key with a smaller guest list,¡± Ste said.

    Ste opened a box containing property deeds and various documents. Finally, she pulled out a ck bank card.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 646

    ?Chapter 646:

    ¡°This is the wedding gift I prepared for Eileen. Although the actual amount may not matter to them, I intended it to serve as a positive sign. The sum of eleven million signifies that Eileen is the unique choice for Bryan.¡±

    Ruby, seated next to Ste, was simply being amodating, frequently seeking Eileen¡¯s input.

    ¡°Moreover, there¡¯s something I haven¡¯t disclosed.¡± Ste extracted a document from the ck box. ¡°This document is the divorce agreement Eileen signed upon her departure from Onnd, but I reced it with a marital contract. It stiptes that, should they ever divorce, Eileen will be entitled to half of the Dawson family¡¯s assets.¡±

    This was a deliberate part of Ste¡¯s strategy. Back then, even though the shares had been registered under Brandon¡¯s name, the majority of the Dawson family¡¯s assets had been shifted to Bryan¡¯s ownership by Ste. Ste had hoped that, if Bryan ever failed, Eileen would still possess some assets of her own.

    Regardless of whether the assets were Eileen¡¯s or Bryan¡¯s, it was certain that they would not end up entirely in Brandon¡¯s hands.

    Eileen suddenly nced up, remembering the moment she signed the document, and realized that she and Bryan were still legally married. So, there was no need for them to talk about remarriage.

    ¡°What exactly did I sign then?¡± Bryan suddenly rose to his feet, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within him. He approached Ste and retrieved both agreements.

    The documents were nearly identical, except for one added use: if he were to acquire the Dawson Group¡¯s shares and divorce due to irreconcble differences, half of those shares would be awarded to Eileen as rpense.

    Ste had meticulously selected Eileen and wanted to treat her well. The earlier incident was a deep-seated regret, a mistake that could not overshadow all the benevolence she had extended toward Eileen.

    Eileen felt a surge of warmth in her heart as she smiled, rose from her seat, and walked over to Ste. ¡°Regardless of everything, I am deeply grateful for all you¡¯ve done for me, especially for this agreement.¡±

    Step into a new world at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    She looked over at Bryan, who was holding the documents, his gaze contemtive. She knew what he was thinking.

    Noticing the familiar marriage certificate and a photo in the box, she retrieved them and looked at them thoughtfully.

    The photo captured her with a youthful face, her eyes expressing uncertainty and confusion. The man beside her had striking features. Although his appearance wasn¡¯t asmanding as it was now, he was still intimidatingpared to how she used to be.

    ¡°I¡¯ll hold onto these from now on,¡± Eileen said, putting the marriage certificate and photo into her bag.

    If Bryan wasn¡¯t interested in remarrying, she wouldn¡¯t press the issue. Her insistence would only add to his burdens. But now, it turned out they were still married.

    A sense of relief and a touch of sweetness filled Eileen¡¯s heart. She chose to ignore Bryan¡¯s reaction and returned to her seat.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 647

    ?Chapter 647:

    Bryan averted his eyes, returned the documents to their ce, and sat down, his face giving nothing away.

    Ruby let out a soft sigh and said to Ste, ¡°They¡¯ve endured so much. As long as they find happiness, I¡¯m okay with anything.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Ste replied, ncing at Bryan. Even without anyone telling her, she could tell he was struggling, needing assistance even with his meals. The realization that Eileen was prepared to marry Bryan despite this brought immense joy to Ste¡¯s heart.

    Roderick kept quiet and ate sparingly, trying not to cause any embarrassment for Eileen.

    Noticing Roderick¡¯s difort, Eileen smiled reassuringly at him. ¡°Treat this ce as if it were your own home. There¡¯s no need for formality here. My wedding will have many guests, and you certainly don¡¯t want to be hungry even after the banquet, do you?¡±

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Roderick replied with a bashful smile. ¡°It¡¯s customary to eat heartily at a wedding as a gesture of goodwill toward the couple.¡±

    ¡°You can eat heartily now,¡± Eileen responded. ¡°Enjoy your meal before it gets cold.¡±

    Setting aside his fork, Roderick retrieved a card from his pocket. ¡°Eileen, I have something for your wedding.¡±

    His hand, bearing burn scars, held a pristine ck card, creating a stark contrast. Typically, a card of this color would carry a bnce of no less than half a million.

    Eileen hesitated, refusing to take it. ¡°It¡¯s just a ceremony now, and I don¡¯t need any gifts.¡±

    ¡°This is not about what you need,¡± Roderick said gently. ¡°Marriage is a significant event. You kept it private before, and I was too financially strained to offer anything. But with your wedding now, I want to show my respect properly.¡±

    Your source: g??ln??v??ls.??????

    Roderick was resolute. He pressed the bank card into Eileen¡¯s palm, saying, ¡°It¡¯s not much, but it might help.¡±

    Eileen frowned and replied, ¡°Judie¡¯s going to have the baby in a few months, and you¡¯ll soon need to spend a lot of money. You also need to buy a house and settle in. Once you¡¯re financially morefortable, you can give me the money then. No need to do that now.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not about buying the house,¡± Roderick replied. ¡°Judie feels that our mother isn¡¯t up to taking care of things, so she¡¯s opting for a high-end maternity center. It¡¯s pricey, costing twenty to thirty thousand a month, but if it makes her happy, that¡¯s what matters.¡± Roderick was aware that Judie had hoped to purchase a home before the baby arrived, but he chose to give the money to Eileen after weighing his options. Judie wouldn¡¯t be home during the first month post-delivery. Besides, even with a new house ready, they couldn¡¯t just move in immediately due to the need for furnishing.

    Eileen, seeing Roderick¡¯s firm stance, didn¡¯t want to drag out the disagreement. Once Judie had the baby, she nned to return the money to Roderick. He would have no grounds to reject it then.

    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll ept it. But you¡¯re not short on money, right?¡± she asked.

    Roderick shed a grin. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve still got around a hundred thousand left. Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 648

    ?Chapter 648:

    Midway through dinner, Eileen excused herself to use the restroom. When she walked out of the bathroom, she noticed Bryan leaning against the wall. His brow only rxed a bit when he heard her approaching.

    ¡°Are you waiting for me?¡± Eileen nced at him through the mirror while she washed her hands. ¡°Are you trying to get me to divorce you?¡±

    Bryan approached her, his hands finding the edge of the sink, his forehead gently resting against hers. ¡°Would you even consider it?¡±

    ¡°Not only would I not consider it, I¡¯d be furious,¡± Eileen replied firmly.

    ¡°Then how could I even bring it up?¡± Bryan buried his face in her neck, inhaling deeply. ¡°I¡¯m scared that you¡¯ll be sad, but I¡¯m more worried that you¡¯ll be angry.¡±

    If he couldn¡¯t prevent her sadness, he would at least try to steer clear of angering her.

    ¡°Are you really that scared of me? Why weren¡¯t you scared back when you disappeared into that tiny vige?¡± Eileen teased.

    Realizing his fault, Bryan kissed her softly. ¡°Let¡¯s agree not to dredge up the past during our arguments.¡±

    ¡°Fine,¡± Eileen dried her hands and gently pushed him away, creating some space between them. ¡°Just don¡¯t make me angry before the wedding. If you do, you¡¯re gone. I might just sell your ashes and bury them with someone else¡¯s. Remember, I am yourwful wife, and I can do whatever I want with your ashes.¡±

    After all, if she no longer wanted her husband, she had the right to do as she pleased. Who would stop her?

    Bryan was left speechless, his gaze flickering.

    After their meal, they escorted Ste to her home first.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c¨®m is your escape

    ¡°Bailee, you take Ruby and Gabri home. Bryan and I will drop Roderick off,¡± Eileen said. It was gettingte, and if they dyed, Gabri¡¯s bedtime would be pushed back too far.

    Bailee nodded in agreement, efficiently ushering Ruby and Gabri into her car.

    Meanwhile, Roderick suggested taking a taxi, but Bryan insisted on giving him a ride. Roderick reluctantly agreed, waiting until Eileen had everything organized before he climbed into the car.

    As they drove, Roderick received a call from Judie, inquiring about his whereabouts. He offered her an excuse, trying to cate her curiosity. But upon reaching Roderick¡¯s neighborhood, they encountered Judie, who was out for an evening stroll.

    ¡°Eileen?¡± Judie called out, her expression shifting into a frown as she first spotted only Eileen. When she saw Roderick emerging from the car, her frown deepened. ¡°Where have you been? I¡¯ve been worried all day, thinking you might be up to no good.¡±

    Roderick circled to the back of the car, pulling Judie aside to whisper to her. ¡°I¡¯ll fill you in once we¡¯re home.¡±

    He then looked up, offered Eileen a warm smile, and said, ¡°We¡¯re safe.¡±

    Judie was clearly upset. ¡°What is happening here? What are you two up to? Roderick has been away all day! Has he done something disgraceful behind my back? Eileen, are you hiding something for him? I¡¯m pregnant with his child now! You can¡¯t do anything that will affect me!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 649

    ?Chapter 649:

    Eileen, noticing Judie¡¯s irritation, stepped out of the car and exined, ¡°I¡¯m getting married to Bryan. Today, we were just finalizing our wedding ns. Roderick came to represent my family there.¡±

    Judie¡¯s expression soured when she heard this. She had been wondering if Eileen would invite her to the meal discussing wedding ns. It now appeared that Eileen had no intention of inviting her at all.

    ¡°If you want your family to be present, just having him there isn¡¯t enough. Denise and I are also your family. Why didn¡¯t you invite us?¡± Judie protested.

    ¡°You¡¯re pregnant, Judie. You shouldn¡¯t be exerting yourself. It was my decision to advise Eileen against inviting you,¡± Roderick interjected firmly.

    Judie¡¯s expression darkened, and she pinched Roderick¡¯s waist sharply.

    As the argument between Roderick and Judie dragged on, Eileen¡¯s frown deepened. She realized that letting them go back home would only worsen the situation. So, she bluntly said, ¡°Judie, I shouldn¡¯t have to make this clear. You know exactly why you and Denise can¡¯te.¡±

    Her eyes held a questioning look, as if she could see right through what Judie was thinking. With a trace of unease in her voice, Judie replied, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°I understand you think your mother doesn¡¯t care about you, but I¡¯ve never been bad to you!¡± Judie snapped.

    ¡°But you haven¡¯t exactly been kind to me either,¡± Eileen responded. Rather than confronting Judie¡¯s underlying motives head-on, Eileen chose a subtler approach. If not for Judie¡¯s intervention, Denise might never have approached her in private before.

    Eileen knew that stating her thoughts openly could strain Judie¡¯s rtionship with Roderick, so she only hinted at it subtly. Judie caught on to the unspoken message.

    As Eileen had anticipated, Judie remained silent, ring at her.

    Explore new chapters gal¦Çovels.c¡ðm

    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. You should go back and rest,¡± Eileen said, turning to leave.

    Behind her, Judie¡¯s fury peaked; she shook off Roderick¡¯s hand and hurried after Eileen. Just then, the car window rolled down halfway. Bryan gazed out at Judie with a cold, unsettling stare, causing her to halt and step back.

    Judie hadn¡¯t expected Bryan to be in the car. His piercing look left her frozen, unable to do anything but watch as Eileen drove off.

    ¡°Roderick, if you don¡¯t exin what¡¯s happening, I¡¯m not going to let this go!¡± Judie turned around and snapped at Roderick. ¡°Haven¡¯t I treated Eileen well? How could she use me of mistreating her? She just looks down on me. If you weren¡¯t her brother, she¡¯d probably keep her distance from you too!¡±

    ¡°Stop talking nonsense,¡± Roderick retorted, his brow furrowing as he guided her back home. ¡°Eileen isn¡¯t like that at all. If we both went to the meal, what about my mother? She¡¯d definitely cause a scene if she found out about it.¡±

    Judie pressed undeterred. ¡°Do you also look down on me? Why keep secrets from me? I¡¯m carrying your child¡­¡±

    Their argument slowly dwindled as they moved further away.

    In the dead of night, Z detached the medical devices from her body. The beeping of the machines echoed in the silent hospital ward.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 650

    ?Chapter 650:

    The nurse, just finishing her rounds, jumped at the sudden sound. Her first instinct was to turn off the machine. Then, she turned to Z and asked, ¡°What are you doing? Your condition is still critical. You need to be hooked up to these machines.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t try to save me. Living like this is torture,¡± Z replied, sitting up. Her paleplexion made her look particrly pitiful. ¡°Please, just give me a quick death.¡±

    As the young nurse attended to her duties, she said, ¡°Your situation is special here. If you need anything, just let me know, and I can call the guard outside.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing special about me. I was once cherished by my parents, much like yours cherish you,¡± Z sighed deeply. ¡°Now, I can¡¯t even see them. What¡¯s the point?¡±

    The nurse, already feeling empathetic, became visibly unsettled. ¡°Please, don¡¯t talk like that. As long as you¡¯re alive, there¡¯s hope you might see them again.¡±

    Z closed her eyes and said, ¡°No, there¡¯s no hope. I¡¯m on death row, and visits aren¡¯t allowed.¡±

    ¡°Death row?¡± The nurse¡¯s heart sank as the gravity of Z¡¯s situation became clear. Sympathy mixed with the realization of Z¡¯s crimes.

    Feeling awkward and not knowing what else to say, the nurse focused on her tasks, staying quiet to avoid delving into the heavy subject.

    ¡°Could I ask a favor?¡± Z looked toward the nurse. ¡°May I use your phone for just a moment?¡±

    ¡°What do you need it for?¡± The nurse¡¯s pulse quickened. She was wary of potentially aiding a dangerous n, such as an escape or an illegalmunication. Negative scenarios ran through her mind, and she nearly said no.

    Z quickly added, ¡°I just want to call the only person I care about now. You can monitor the call if that makes you feel safer.¡±

    Z¡¯s expression was filled with a desperate yearning to connect with her loved one.

    Every story starts at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    Moved, the nurse pulled out her phone from her coat and unlocked it.

    As Z epted the phone from the nurse, tears streamed down her face. Her voice choked up, making it hard for her to speak.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be just outside the door. You have five minutes,¡± the nurse said. She preferred not to listen to a potentially painful conversation and stepped out of the room.

    Once alone, Z wiped away her tears and quickly made the call.

    After only a few rings, the call connected. Laughter and voices could be heard in the background on the other end of the line.

    ¡°Hello,¡± came a familiar male voice.

    Z tightened her grip on the phone.

    The man asked, ¡°Who is this?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s me, Z.¡± Z steadied her breathing. ¡°Kian, have you really sunk this low? Hanging out in low-end bars now instead of upscale clubs?¡±

    The loud, tacky music red in the background, and the chaos of the cheap bar was evident.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 651

    ?Chapter 651:

    Kianughed and said, ¡°Still living a better life than you, aren¡¯t I?¡±

    Z fell silent.

    ¡°What? You want me to save you?¡± Kian asked.

    ¡°Do you even have the means to save me?¡± Z snapped back. ¡°You¡¯ve be insignificantpared to Bryan. And with Bryan and Eileen getting married, you¡¯re just standing by helplessly, right?¡±

    The noise around Kian seemed to lessen, as he probably moved to a quieter area. ¡°Did you call just to taunt me, or¡­ Are you trying to use me again? Do you think I¡¯m still that naive?¡±

    Z replied, ¡°I¡¯d call it a mutually beneficial arrangement, but if you see it as me using you, then there¡¯s nothing more to discuss. You¡¯ve always held me solely responsible for Vivian¡¯s misfortune, but did you ever stop to think that Bryan was the one who epted Vivian¡¯s advances in college because he didn¡¯t want to be with me?¡±

    ¡°He never epted her advances,¡± Kian said, well-informed about Vivian and Bryan¡¯s histories. ¡°He just never turned her down, which gave Vivian false hope.¡±

    ¡°Then isn¡¯t he also to me for using Vivian?¡± Z retorted. ¡°The whole school was abuzz with their supposed romance. Even Vivian was fooled by the facade he unintentionally created. Why do you pin all the me on me for how Vivian ended up? Your inaction allowed Vivian to pursue Bryan, even though you knew Bryan had no interest in her! Bryan used her. If it weren¡¯t for your actions, why would Vivian have pursued him?¡±

    Kian was silent. The weight of Z¡¯s words hit him hard. He knew deep down that these truths were undeniable.

    After the Warren family¡¯s fall from grace, Kian might have remained a figure in high society. But the weight of guilt and remorse had weighed heavily on him. How could he indulge in luxury knowing Vivian was still lost in confusion?

    He had chosen to fall from grace as a form of self-punishment.

    ¡°It¡¯s not just your fault or mine,¡± Z said firmly. ¡°Bryan is at fault too.¡±

    Exclusive updates: galno¦Íe??s.co??

    Z¡¯s voice grew more bitter as she continued, ¡°And so is Eileen. If it weren¡¯t for her, Bryan might have chosen Vivian. Now we¡¯re at odds, while they get to enjoy marital bliss. Why should they be happy while we suffer?¡±

    Her words carried through the night, settling heavily on Kian¡¯s heart and deepening his anguish and rage.

    Z continued, ¡°Believe in yourself. You can still get your revenge. Those who have nothing to lose have nothing to fear.¡±

    Just as Z finished, the door opened. She quickly ended the call, erased the record, and handed the phone back to the nurse. ¡°Thank you. I have no regrets now.¡±

    Eileen and Bryan took Gabri to the mall for the first time. Nearly ten months old, Gabriy in the stroller, one foot jauntily propped on the handle, herrge, curious eyes observing everything. With a pacifier in her mouth, she charmed everyone who passed by.

    Bryan carefully selected ingredients for Gabri¡¯s meals, moving slowly through the supermarket aisles, with Eileen watching him closely. His focus was entirely on baby-rted items. He didn¡¯t pick anything for Eileen.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 652

    ?Chapter 652:

    ¡°What about this?¡± Bryan picked up two jars of sauce. ¡°These are baby-safe. Should we get the sweet one or the salty one?¡±

    Eileen looked at the jars and said pointedly, ¡°She likes sweet. Do they have that?¡±

    As Bryan examined thebels, he caught the deeper meaning in Eileen¡¯s words. He looked up at her and said earnestly, ¡°She must have gotten that from her mother.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not from me,¡± Eileen retorted. ¡°You¡¯re the one who could turn all of Onnd sour with your¡­¡±

    ¡°That isn¡¯t scary,¡± Bryan interrupted. ¡°What¡¯s frightening is some people souring themselves and being too proud to admit it.¡± He put both jars in the shopping cart.

    Grinning at Gabri, he added, ¡°Mommy has this bad habit. Make sure you don¡¯t pick it up.¡±

    ¡°She will marry someday.¡± Eileen leaned on the stroller and yfully poked Bryan¡¯s forehead. ¡°She¡¯ll find someone who loves her more than you ever could. To her, that man will be her entire world, and you¡¯ll be nothing more than a distant memory.¡±

    Bryan stiffened. He turned to look at Eileen with a serious expression. ¡°Do you always wound me with such harsh words, even when you know you¡¯ll be hurt by them?¡±

    Eileen also felt a pang of sadness as she thought back to that day. However, she couldn¡¯t stand seeing Bryan so full of himself at that moment.

    Bryan adjusted Gabri¡¯s pacifier, then stood and wrapped his arms around Eileen¡¯s slim waist. With one hand on the stroller and the other on the shopping cart, Bryan moved forward, holding Eileen close.

    ¡°Do you need anything else from the supermarket?¡± he whispered in Eileen¡¯s ear. ¡°I¡¯ll head upstairs and grab it for youter.¡±

    Eileen couldn¡¯t help but smile as she replied, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. After shopping, we still need to personally prepare some food for Gabri. Let¡¯s wrap up our shopping quickly.¡±

    L?t§Öst ch¦Ápt?rs ??n g??l§ßov?ls.§ã§à??

    Though Bryan saw through her pretense, he indulged her. ¡°How about we get some snacks for you?¡±

    ¡°At my age, I don¡¯t need snacks,¡± Eileen said, but despite her words, her eyes lingered on the snack aisle.

    Eileen knew that high school and college years were when girls most craved pampering. But those years had been tough for her, as Ruby could only cover basic living expenses. Ruby had juggled multiple jobs to support the family, leaving no extra money for snacks. Eileen had outgrown that desire and no longer craved such things.

    ¡°But I think you¡¯re still very young, especially considering your great figure.¡± Bryan¡¯s warm, dry hand rested on her waist.

    Eileen rolled her eyes at him, though she couldn¡¯t help but smile. Her eyes then traced the prominent veins on the side of his neck and his muscr chest, which looked incredibly appealing. He still felt so familiar to her, but there were many new and strange aspects now. The feeling that he could leave her at any moment created an unease between them.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 653

    ?Chapter 653:

    After filling the shopping cart to the brim, Bryan asked Eileen to escort the delivery person to the car. He mentioned he needed to pick up a seasoning he had forgotten.

    However, when Eileen returned to the car and waited for a bit, she saw Bryan approaching with tworge bags of snacks. The bags weren¡¯t too heavy, so he carried them himself. They were so full that they bulged with an abundance of snacks.

    ¡°Are you satisfied?¡± Bryan asked, lifting the two bags, his gaze filled with affection.

    Eileen smiled at him. ¡°Hurry and bring those up.¡±

    They must be quite heavy.¡±

    She tried to get out of the car, but Bryan stopped her by blocking the car door from opening.

    Eileen quickly opened the trunk, allowing Bryan to load the bags inside.

    With two days remaining before the wedding, she had delegated most of her work tasks to Benjamin and Julio. It was a rare chance for her to rest, so she spent nearly every day with Bryan.

    The day before the wedding, Eileen and Bryan took Gabri to the Dawson Mansion at Ste¡¯s request.

    As soon as Bryan stepped inside, Jarred approached him with a smile. ncing into the living room, he leaned in and whispered, ¡°Mr. Warren stopped byst night.¡±

    ¡°Kian Warren?¡± The mention of this name, which had been absent from Eileen¡¯s life for so long, made her heart race with unease.

    Jarred nodded and exined, though he wasn¡¯t sure what Mr. Warren discussed with Bryan¡¯s grandmother. Since his departure, she had been troubled and hadn¡¯t slept well through the night.

    It seemed clear that Ste¡¯s sudden call to bring Eileen and Bryan here this morning was rted to Kian.

    Visit gal????v??ls for updates

    Bryan replied with a calm, slightly frosty tone. He took Eileen¡¯s wrist and led her inside.

    As soon as Ste saw theming, her troubled expression vanished. She greeted them with a smile and invited them to sit down.

    ¡°How are the preparations for the wedding tomorrow going?¡± she asked.

    The moment Eileen took her seat, Ste reached out, gently patting the back of her hand.

    Such gestures of familiarity were not new, but had Jarred not mentioned anything, Eileen might not have suddenly felt a sense of aversion toward Ste, who now seemed to have an ulterior motive.

    Instinctively, Eileen pulled her hand away and offered Bryan a ss of water from the coffee table.

    ¡°All the arrangements are in ce,¡± she replied.

    ¡°So, who have you invited?¡± Ste inquired further.

    ¡°Other than Josue and his mother, Jacob and his wife, the guest list only includes you and Eileen¡¯s family,¡± Bryan answered sinctly.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 654

    ?Chapter 654:

    Ste pondered for a moment before asking, ¡°What about Eileen¡¯s colleagues?¡±

    I understand she has a good rapport with Julio and also with Bryan¡¯s former assistant. What¡¯s his name again?¡±

    ¡°Benjamin Nash,¡± Eileen answered.

    Ste immediately nodded, ¡°Yes, I heard you have a good rtionship with him, and that you were ssmates in college.¡±

    ¡°Yes, we¡¯ve known each other for quite some time,¡± Eileen replied.

    ¡°Benjamin used to work for Kian, right? Why did you get him to join your side so suddenly? What convinced him to agree?¡± Ste asked.

    Sensing something was off, Eileen frowned.

    Had Kian been here simply to spread rumors and defame her and Benjamin?

    But this was still insufficient to cause amotion.

    ¡°He had grievances with Kian¡¯s actions from the past,¡± Eileen said, leaving it at that. ¡°Additionally, during that period, the Warren family was on the brink of copse. He was urgently seeking a new job, so his transfer was quite understandable.¡±

    Ste remained persistent. ¡°So, how did you recruit yourpetitor¡¯s assistant? Do you have a good rtionship with him privately?¡±

    Eileen responded straightforwardly, ¡°If you have questions, just ask me directly. There¡¯s no need to beat around the bush. To rify, I¡¯ve known Benjamin for over a decade. We were ssmates in college and had an academic rivalry. Although we¡¯re not on the best terms, he has helped me.¡±

    Despite Eileen¡¯s clear answer, Ste had more questions on her mind.

    However, noticing Bryan¡¯s icy demeanor, she decided to shift the conversation. ¡°It¡¯s just a casual chat. Eileen, could you check on the kitchen? They¡¯re preparing all your favorite dishes.¡±

    New chapters now on g@?¦Ç¦Òv???s.c§àm

    Eileen, upon hearing this, stood up and made her way to the kitchen.

    With Eileen gone, only Bryan and Ste remained in the living room.

    Ste leaned closer to Bryan and whispered, ¡°Do you know Gabri¡¯s birthday?¡±

    ¡°I do,¡± Bryan replied. Gabri¡¯s birth was his first experience holding a baby, and discovering that Gabri was his daughter made that moment unforgettable for him.

    ¡°July 26th,¡± Bryan said.

    Ste continued after noting the date, ¡°I heard about the time Kian trapped you and Eileen on a mountain. Is it true that Eileen was taken away by Benjamin then?¡±

    Bryan frowned upon hearing this and then realized what Ste was implying. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that I¡¯m overthinking. I¡¯m simply concerned about you,¡± Ste said, doing some quick calctions. ¡°Even though Gabri isn¡¯t a boy, she will still be entitled to inherit your assets in the future. If she is not your daughter, wouldn¡¯t it be unfair for her to inherit your wealth?¡±

    Speaking quietly to avoid Eileen overhearing, Ste continued, ¡°Make sure to arrange for a paternity test for Gabri when you get the chance.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s eyes suddenly became cold, as though filled with an icy frost.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 655

    ?Chapter 655:

    Ste quickly reached out and touched his arm in aforting gesture, trying to reassure him. ¡°Please, don¡¯t be upset. My words weren¡¯t meant to be harsh. Eileen was also a victim back then. I¡¯ve witnessed the deep bond you two share, and I won¡¯t stand in the way of her joining the family just because Gabri isn¡¯t your biological child. However, I can¡¯t bear the thought of Gabri inheriting the Dawson family¡¯s assets if she isn¡¯t truly your daughter.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re being incredibly harsh and insensitive,¡± Bryan responded, pulling his hand away. ¡°Don¡¯t you understand Eileen? If anything had really happened between her and Benjamin that night, do you honestly believe she¡¯d still be alive? Do you think she¡¯d still be with me?¡±

    If something had happened, Eileen might have struggled to continue living for Ruby¡¯s sake, but she would never have stayed with Bryan afterward. She would never have let Bryan raise a child that wasn¡¯t his own.

    ¡°I think I understand Eileen very well,¡± Ste said, lowering her head. ¡°However, considering all the harm I¡¯ve caused her, she¡¯s been disappointed in me. She changed, disappeared for a time, and came back with a child. How can I trust her now?¡±

    Bryan nced over at Eileen in the kitchen, his voice cold. ¡°You don¡¯t see her as part of the family, and you fail to understand things from her perspective. You can let Jarred take you to the wedding, but Eileen and I are leaving now.¡±

    Rising from his seat, Bryan made his way to the kitchen. Ste, filled with anxiety and uncertainty, almost spoke but hesitated, afraid Eileen might overhear.

    Eileen was discussing baby food with the kitchen staff when Bryan approached, gently grasping her wrist. ¡°Let¡¯s go home now.¡±

    ¡°Now?¡± Eileen was startled, her eyes wide with confusion as she stared at Bryan.

    Before she could respond, he gently pulled her out of the kitchen. Eileen noticed Ste¡¯s evasive gaze and realized that Bryan¡¯s intention to leave now likely had something to do with Ste.

    g??????¦Òv??????.c?m ¨C check it out!

    She quietly changed her shoes at the entryway and followed Bryan to the car.

    It wasn¡¯t hard to figure out¡ªif Bryan was angry, it had to be about her or Gabri. Yet, she couldn¡¯t imagine what issues Ste could have with her or Gabri.

    Bryan seemed reluctant to offer any exnation, particrly with the wedding the next day, knowing Eileen would need to see Ste tomorrow.

    Creating a fuss now wouldn¡¯t resolve anything; it was better to wait until after the wedding.

    ¡°I¡¯ve just added the chefs at Dawson Mansion on WhatsApp to inquire about making food for tomorrow,¡± Eileen mentioned, passing her phone to Bryan. ¡°You can contact them and get some instructions.¡±

    Bryan cast a quick nce at her before taking the phone and beginning to send messages. Once he was done, he returned the phone and looked back at Eileen, making sure she wasn¡¯t going to ask for anything else.

    His heart remained heavy, a wave of bitterness constricting his throat. With a furrowed brow, he stared out the car window. The harsh midday sun streamed beams of light beneath his nose, making his deep eyes appear even more shadowed.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 656

    ?Chapter 656:

    When they arrived home, Ruby noticed Bryan¡¯s somber look and whispered to Eileen to ask about it.

    Eileen replied, ¡°It might just be pre-wedding jitters,bined with a disagreement with Ste. Don¡¯t let it trouble you.¡±

    After offering a fewforting words to Ruby, Eileen began to prepare lunch.

    Out of the blue, Ruby¡¯s phone rang. Frowning when she saw the caller ID, she stepped outside to answer the call.

    ¡°What¡¯s the purpose of this? Hurting Eileen won¡¯t be good for you. Even if you seed, you won¡¯t get anything from it. Are you even serious right now? Threatening me with this? I haven¡¯t mentioned anything to Eileen yet because I don¡¯t want to make things ugly. Do you honestly think I¡¯m scared of you?¡±

    After a heated exchange, Ruby ended the call.

    Turning around, Ruby was taken aback when she saw Eileen holding Gabri behind her, nearly dropping her phone in surprise.

    ¡°Eileen, I think the pot in the kitchen might be boiling over. I need to check on it,¡± Ruby said, attempting to leave, but Eileen stepped in her way.

    ¡°Who was on the phone with you?¡± Eileen asked, having caught bits of the conversation. Although she wasn¡¯t clear on the specifics, she could tell it was about her.

    Ruby hesitated briefly before responding, ¡°An old acquaintance. I¡¯ll handle cooking first and exin everything to youter.¡±

    Herck of skill in lying was evident as her ears flushed red while she spoke.

    Eileen moved aside, and Ruby nearly fled to the kitchen.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s has the stories you love

    Observing Ruby¡¯s hurried exit, Eileen furrowed her brow before carrying Gabri to the living room. Just as she settled down, Ruby¡¯s phone buzzed with a new message, showing the beginning of a text:

    ¡°Regarding Eileen, I don¡¯t want¡ª¡±

    Eileen¡¯s gaze darkened as she saw the unfamiliar number. She took Ruby¡¯s phone and unlocked it, discovering that Ruby had been inmunication with this number through several messages in recent days.

    Although the sender¡¯s name wasn¡¯t disyed, Eileen quickly deduced it was Denise. Denise had recently attempted to ckmail her into buying a vi, and when that had failed, she had continued to harass Ruby.

    The messages implied that Ruby had probably spent a lot of Eileen¡¯s money before, and now Denise was demanding money for a vi. Additionally, Denise had leveraged Eileen¡¯s secrets, subtly hinting that they could potentially impact her.

    Despite Ruby¡¯s repeated warnings to Denise, the responses had been the same: ¡°If you care about Eileen so much, buy me a vi.¡±

    Denise¡¯s persistent demands for a vi made Eileen scoff. As she was reading the messages, another one from Denise arrived:

    ¡°I¡¯ll be at Seaside Cafe at two in the afternoon. If you fail to show up, I¡¯ll make a scene at Eileen¡¯s wedding tomorrow!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 657

    ?Chapter 657:

    Eileen¡¯s face grew somber as she read thest two messages, and she ced the phone back down. Without uttering a word, she headed to the kitchen to assist Ruby.

    After lunch, she concocted an excuse to go meet Denise. Just as she was about to leave, Bryan rushed downstairs, and they crossed paths at the entrance.

    ¡°Where are you headed?¡± Bryan asked, noticing the car keys in her hand. ¡°Let me give you a ride.¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not necessary. I¡¯m going to meet Josue,¡± Bryan answered, while changing his shoes. Leaning against the entryway cab, he pulled Eileen into his arms. ¡°We¡¯re getting married tomorrow. Why are you leaving without informing me? Are you trying to run away?¡±

    Eileen was momentarily at a loss for words.

    She jabbed Bryan¡¯s chest with her finger and said, ¡°If I had wanted to escape, why would I have gone through all the effort to bring you back? I could have simply left you in that vige and watched you marry Zelda!¡±

    Bryan¡¯s eyes narrowed at the mention of Zelda. ¡°Stop always bringing up the vige and Zelda when we argue. She stirs up jealousy in you; it¡¯s time for you to let it go.¡±

    ¡°Stop ttering yourself; I¡¯m not jealous,¡± Eileen replied. ¡°Why are you meeting with Josue? Has he got news about Christos?¡±

    Out of the blue, Bryan consented to tie the knot. While he decided against avish wedding, he intentionally made sure the press was aware of it. This was a departure from his usual way of doing things, and Eileen suspected Bryan was keeping something from her.

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s about Christos. The specifics are unclear, but I¡¯ll fill you inpletely when I get back,¡± Bryan softly pinched Eileen¡¯s nose and spoke to her gently. ¡°I¡¯m not keeping secrets from you; I just want to avoid adding to your worries.¡±

    He knew that although Eileen remained calm on the outside, internally, she was wrestling with a multitude of thoughts, having endured so many challenges. He worried that she might be overly fatigued.

    L§Ñt?st ch¦Ápt?rs in g?lnov?ls.?¦Ïm

    Eileen averted her gaze, seized his wrist, and gently removed his hand. ¡°Keep me informed if anythinges up,¡± she said.

    ¡°Of course, Curtis,¡± Bryan teased. They left the house together¡ªEileen heading off to meet Denise, and Bryan making his way directly to Josue¡¯s ce.

    The Seaside Cafe was conveniently located close to Eileen¡¯s residence, and she arrived after a brief ten-minute drive. The moment she stepped out of the car, she spotted Denise seated by the window in an upstairs private room. Denise was scanning the cafe¡¯s interior, oblivious to Eileen¡¯s arrival.

    Once inside, Eileen told the waiter Denise¡¯s name, and the waiter guided her to the upper floor. The door to the room was partially open. Eileen requested the waiter to return downstairs, choosing to enter the room by herself.

    Treading softly on the red carpet, she quietly pushed open the wooden door, which made no sound. Denise, now positioned by the window, was gazing down at the street, muttering to herself. ¡°Ruby, you¡¯re dependent on Eileen. Don¡¯t try to convince me you¡¯re broke. A bit of Eileen¡¯s money couldst for generations. If you don¡¯t get me a vi today, I¡­¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 658

    ?Chapter 658:

    ¡°What will you do?¡± Eileen ced her bag on the table, pulled out a chair, and took a seat.

    Jolted, Denise spun around and trembled. ¡°Why¡­ why are you here?¡±

    ¡°Why can¡¯t I be here?¡± Eileen questioned, lifting her gaze to Denise. ¡°Besides, if anyone should be asking for the vi, it should be me. Why did you go to my mother? She isn¡¯t your mother, so she owes you nothing.¡±

    ¡°You¡­¡± Denise fumed. ¡°I¡¯m just stating the facts. You¡¯ve showered Ruby with money, and she¡¯ll pass it on to her daughter. If you give it to me, at least I¡¯ll give it to Roderick! Why are you helping outsiders?¡±

    Eileen remainedposed as she responded, ¡°She raised me, never asks for anything, and always puts me first. I will give her everything. How is that any of your concern?¡±

    Despite being in a private room, Denise¡¯s booming voice disrupted the tranquility of the shop.

    A waiter knocked on the door, asking if they needed anything.

    ¡°She doesn¡¯t know how to appreciate fine coffee. Just serve her a ss of water; she can¡¯t afford the coffee here anyway. Also, keep an eye on us from the door in case I lose my temper during our argument. I have family to look after, so I can¡¯t risk doing anything illegal. Please step in if necessary.¡± Eileen shed a polite smile at the waiter, her tone leaving no room for argument.

    Denise¡¯s face flushed with embarrassment from the mockery. Eileen was clearly mocking her for never having coffee before.

    Confused and not wanting to offend Eileen, the waiter hesitated but ultimately decided to stand guard by the door.

    Once the door was shut, Denise continued to re at it. Eileen tapped the table twice and warned Denise, ¡°If you¡¯re not worried about looking foolish, feel free to keep causing a scene. It doesn¡¯t bother me.¡±

    ¡°Why should I care about that? I¡¯m no celebrity. But what about you? Aren¡¯t you worried about people finding out about this?¡± Denise scowled and sharpened her tone. ¡°Imagine if people found out you livefortably while your real mother can only¡­¡±

    Your next story begins at  .

    Her patience wearing thin, Eileen interjected, ¡°Stop with the threats. What did you use to threaten my mother into buying you a house?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t threaten her,¡± Denise lied smoothly. ¡°She should¡¯ve seen thising. She can¡¯t depend on her daughter, so she has to rely on mine.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not here to hear your lies. If you don¡¯te clean, consider this thest time you¡¯ll see me.¡± Eileen narrowed her eyes at Denise and added, ¡°Honestly, my mother only has my secondary card, and she hasn¡¯t spent a single penny from it except for her basic living costs. The secondary card has a spending limit, so she can¡¯t buy you a vi. If you want one, I¡¯m the only one who can foot the bill. If you don¡¯te clean, I won¡¯t give you any money.¡±

    Denise wasn¡¯t foolish; she could tell Eileen was probing to discover how she had threatened Ruby.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t threaten her. Even if you ask, I won¡¯t tell,¡± Denise sat down, averting her gaze. ¡°I have nothing more to say to you. You should leave.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 659

    ?Chapter 659:

    Eileen¡¯s curiosity about the truth only deepened. ¡°If you don¡¯te clean, you won¡¯t be able to leave here,¡± she said.

    Denise leapt to her feet in a burst of rage. ¡°What are you nning to do? Are you going to kill me here? Oh, think of it as having a heart attack! I¡¯m dying! Someone, please help!¡±

    Her outburst quickly brought the waiter into the room, who was worried that a death on the premises would harm their business.

    Seeing this, Eileen grabbed her bag and left.

    Dealing with someone as unreasonable as Denise was proving to be quite challenging.

    The moment she stepped out of the coffee shop and into her car, Denise rushed outside, positioning herself in front of the car, dering, ¡°If you don¡¯t hand over the money, you might as well run me over!¡±

    Through the car window, Eileen and Denise locked eyes. With a frosty gaze, Eileen opened the door and stepped out. ¡°You clearly don¡¯t want to stay in Onnd anymore. Consider this: If Roderick found out you approached me, have you thought about what might happen?¡±

    She was reluctant to inform Roderick because of his familial bond with Denise. However, Denise had crossed the line, leaving no reason for Eileen to hold back any longer.

    ¡°I¡¯m not concerned with the consequences; I just want you to buy me a vi,¡± Denise perched herself on the hood of Eileen¡¯s car and threatened. ¡°Your wedding is tomorrow. You can waste all your time on me if you want to hold the wedding. Got nothing else to do anyway.¡±

    She clearly wanted to pester Eileen until she agreed to buy her a vi.

    As Eileen reached for her phone to call the police, Ruby emerged and yanked Denise off the car.

    ¡°Eileen, I¡¯ll handle this. You should leave now!¡± Ruby said.

    Denise and Ruby grappled, toppling to the ground in a chaotic struggle.

    Worried that Denise might harm Ruby, Eileen feltpelled to intervene.

    ¡°Stop pretending to be the hero, Ruby! Get out of my way! Do you think I won¡¯t make sure you miss the wedding tomorrow? Then, Eileen will have no one on her side at the wedding!¡± Denise clutched Ruby by the cor.

    Ruby clung to Denise, disregarding her own injuries. ¡°Even if I don¡¯t attend, Bailee and Roderick will be there for Eileen. They¡¯re her family. You don¡¯t need to be concerned about that!¡±

    ¡°Let her go!¡± Eileen approached, grabbing Denise¡¯s hands to assist Ruby. She then quickly pulled Ruby away from Denise.

    Eileen decided to walk home instead of driving. The ce was close enough to her house, and there was no point in getting entangled with someone like Denise.

    ¡°How could you do this to me? Look at this¡ªmy daughter is so ungrateful! She never takes care of me. Someone, please help me!¡± Denise lunged at Eileen, grabbing her leg and starting to cry loudly.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 660

    Chapter 660:

    Some passersby quickly recognized Eileen and began whispering among themselves. The crowd was filled with harsh judgments. Rumors about the strained rtionship between Eileen and her biological mother had been circting for a while.

    Now, seeing the scene in person, people noticed how Eileen¡¯s detachment and coldness toward her biological mother were even more pronounced than they had expected.

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Ruby, unable to tolerate the disparaging remarks aimed at Eileen, shouted at Denise, ¡°Eileen isn¡¯t even your daughter!¡±

    The street bustled with a sea of people. Eileen felt as if she were drifting in a bubble, disconnected from reality. She blinked, her gaze shifting from Denise, whoy sprawled on the ground, to Ruby.

    ¡°Mom, what did you just say?¡±

    ¡°Stop talking nonsense!¡± Denise shot to her feet. ¡°Ruby, you can¡¯t just spread lies because you¡¯re envious that I have such a wealthy daughter¡­ I¡¯ll sue you!¡±

    Ruby opened her mouth, but hesitated, unsure whether revealing the truth would help, especially with Eileen staring at her in shock.

    ¡°Sue her,¡± Eileen said, her voice icy and emotionless. ¡°Go ahead and sue her. I want the truth toe out. Let¡¯s see where this leads.¡±

    Denise flinched under Eileen¡¯s cold stare, her voice trembling. ¡°I-I just said that offhand,¡± she stuttered. ¡°Don¡¯t buy into Ruby¡¯s lies. She¡¯s trying to tear us apart, and that¡¯s because she¡¯s scared you might get me a vi. People show their true colors when they¡¯re afraid. You think she¡¯s been kind, but¡­¡±

    The rest of Denise¡¯s words were drowned out by the unyielding intensity of Eileen¡¯s gaze. She had heard these words countless times before.

    ¡°I¡¯m not lying,¡± Ruby said calmly, her voice steady. ¡°Denise, if you¡¯re so sure, why don¡¯t you prove it with a paternity test? Show everyone the truth.¡± She noticed the stunned look on Eileen¡¯s face, knowing that her point hadnded. There was no need for further secrecy.

    Stay tuned at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    Denise¡¯s face drained of color. She ced her hands firmly on her hips and yelled, ¡°No, she¡¯s my daughter! We don¡¯t need a paternity test. You must be crazy! I¡¯m done talking to you!¡±

    Without another word, she fled.

    Eileen guided Ruby back to the car, and she climbed in as well. But she sat in silence, her eyes fixed on the busy street outside.

    Before Eileen could gather her thoughts or speak, Ruby broke the silence. ¡°After I was with your father, it took me a while to find out you weren¡¯t his biological daughter¡­¡±

    Years ago, after Lowell Curtis and Denise had been married for a long time without having a child, they sought medical advice. The tests showed no obvious issues with their health, but the doctors discovered a gic mismatch and rmended artificial insemination.

    They couldn¡¯t afford the expense, so they returned to their modest life. Before long, someone offered them a baby girl, and they quickly used their savings to buy her.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Have a nice weekend dear ones! New novels releases in a few hours. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. (=?=) /

    .

 Chapter 661

    ?Chapter 661:

    They had hoped this child would provide them with support in their old age, but just a few years after adopting Eileen, Denise became pregnant with Roderick. As time passed, Lowell and Denise grew distant. When they divorced, both fought over Roderick, and neither of them wanted Eileen.

    ¡°In truth, you should feel better knowing they aren¡¯t your real parents,¡± Ruby said, her voice wavering as she struggled to offerfort. She wasn¡¯t sure whether her words were soothing or not.

    Eileen slumped in her seat, her hands resting loosely at her sides. Her calm eyes were filled with emotion, but she didn¡¯t feel much. She only felt slight difort.

    ¡°You know, if you want to track down your real parents, I might have a lead,¡± Ruby said. ¡°When Lowell and Denise took you home, you were wearing a small gold locket with an ¡®E¡¯ on it. Lowell saw it briefly before the seller took it away. He did take a photo of it, though, and I still have that photo.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s memory flickered with the image of the gold locket in a photo she had seen in Ruby¡¯s house, carefully tucked away in a book. Their life had been tough, and they¡¯d lost the photo once. Ruby had spent a long time searching for it.

    Ruby had hinted that the locket was important to Eileen¡¯s past, but at the time, Eileen hadn¡¯t grasped its significance. Now, everything clicked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you the photo when we get back. With your influence now, you¡¯ll surely find your real parents,¡± Ruby said warmly.

    Eileen shifted in her seat and smiled at Ruby. ¡°I¡¯m getting married tomorrow. Let¡¯s focus on that now. Whether I find my biological parents or have the locket, it¡¯s not as important as having you with me. That¡¯s what truly matters.¡±

    The locket¡¯s value suggested to Eileen that her real parents might have been wealthy. No matter whether she had been lost or stolen, her wealthy biological parents should have been able to find her. Yet, no one hade looking. So why would she look for them?

    ¡°Eileen, whether you choose to search for your real parents or not, and regardless of who they might be, you will always be my daughter,¡± Ruby said, her voice gentle and unwavering. ¡°I don¡¯t have much to offer for your wedding, but I borrowed a bit from Bailee. Please ept this as my gift to you.¡±

    Dive into the story world at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s?c?m

    Ruby had intended to present the moneyter, but the topic of Eileen¡¯s biological parents had prompted her to give it to Eileen now.

    ¡°You can¡¯t reject it. Bailee¡¯s money is part of your own funds, so¡­ you¡¯re merely receiving your own money,¡± Ruby said, her voice tinged with a touch of embarrassment.

    Ruby believed Denise was right about one thing. Eileen had done so much for her, and Ruby knew she could never fully repay her.

    ¡°Eileen has endured so much over the years, especially during your illness,¡± Ruby continued. ¡°You¡¯ve given Bryan and me more than we could ever repay. Without you, I wouldn¡¯t have met Bryan, and we wouldn¡¯t have the life we enjoy today.¡±

    Eileen started the car and eased into the traffic, making her way home. She was calm, having not been affected by the matter as much as Ruby had feared.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 662

    ?Chapter 662:

    Ruby watched Eileen, a sense of relief in her eyes. Eileen seemed to be coping with the news about her origins better than Ruby had expected.

    At Josue¡¯s house, Kylie was busy arranging a blind date for him. Bryan and Jacob were also there.

    Bryan lounged on the soft couch, arms folded, observing as Josue and Jacob struggled with the setup.

    ¡°This is ridiculously high-tech. Are you sure Christos didn¡¯t give us some kind of adult film by mistake?¡± Jacob said, frowning at the strangely shaped USB drive. He was visibly frustrated, having spent a long time trying to connect it to the projector.

    Josue, crouched next to the projector, kept trying to insert the USB. ¡°Even if it¡¯s adult content, we have to watch it to find out. We¡¯re stuck with what we¡¯ve got for now.¡±

    Jacob said, ¡°Bryan knew Christos would stir up trouble after learning about the wedding. Are you sure this isn¡¯t a trick?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right, alright?¡± Josue snapped. He grabbed the USB drive from Jacob¡¯s hand and tried to insert it into the slot again. ¡°You¡¯ve been buttering up Bryan real good. Do you know how much he exploited me while abroad?¡±

    As Josue grumbled, the TV suddenly crackled to life.

    He paused, bewildered, and looked up to see the file¡¯s contents appearing on the screen.

    ¡°It turns out to be a wireless sensor. We don¡¯t even need to plug it in!¡± Josue eximed.

    The projector had detected the sensor as soon as Josue ced the USB down.

    Jacob rolled his eyes. ¡°What have you even got for Bryan to exploit? You¡¯re so dumb!¡±

    Josue resisted the urge to throw Jacob out and instead pulled him to the sofa to watch what was on the USB drive. They sessfully essed the content, which turned out to be a video.

    In a dimly lit room, Christos was seated on a chair. He adjusted the camera and greeted them with a wave and a smile.

    ¡°Hi, my dear friend. Long time no see,¡± Christos said, his eyes twinkling with joy as if he were enjoying life.

    ¡°He¡¯s so shameless!¡± Josue spat, his voice filled with disgust.

    On the screen, Christos continued speaking. ¡°You should have figured out by now that thest drug in your body was my doing. The people you abducted are just a bunch of nobodies. The real essential item is here with me.¡±

    He held up a vial. After giving it a couple of shakes, the clear liquid inside bubbled.

    ¡°If I tell you this is the antidote, would you believe me?¡± Christosughed loudly, his tone teasing.

    Josue narrowed his eyes, his emotions almost getting the better of him. He nearly stood up.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 663

    ?Chapter 663:

    Jacob, however, remained calm. ¡°What games is he ying now? Who¡¯s to say that¡¯s not just water in the vial?¡±

    His words helped cool Josue¡¯s rising temper.

    Bryan watched the screen calmly as Christos continued his enigmatic antics.

    Christos spoke again. ¡°Though I loathe seeing the Dawson family¡¯s assets, my father met his end at your hands, Bryan. If I don¡¯t seek revenge, I¡¯m not worthy of being a son. However, I dislike causing trouble for others. I prefer engaging in challenging and perilous endeavors.¡±

    He shook the vial again, then found a very thin rope and tied it around the vial. After that, he called in a mastiff and secured the rope around the dog¡¯s neck.

    ¡°What do you think? Do you feel confident enough to take it off?¡± Christos patted the mastiff¡¯s head and grinned malevolently.

    Then, in a cautious tone, he added, ¡°I¡¯ve developed the drug you¡¯ve been injected with. It¡¯s not like the others, which don¡¯t have antidotes. After all, I consider myself quite thoughtful. As long as you inject this liquid¡­ and if you can endure it, you¡¯ll recover fully. However, even if you do make it, I¡¯m not sure if your wife and daughter will wait for you until then. It¡¯s a test of human nature. Do you dare to try?¡±

    With that, hisughter echoed around the room.

    The next second, the screen abruptly went ck.

    ¡°It must be that hisugh was so revolting it broke the TV,¡± Josue muttered. He stood up, frustrated, and hurled the USB drive across the room.

    Ignoring Josue¡¯s outburst, Jacob turned to Bryan and asked, ¡°Do you believe the antidote is real? What does he mean by a test of human nature?¡±

    Bryan straightened up and replied, ¡°It¡¯s real, but it won¡¯t be easy to restore me to my former state.¡±

    More chapters just for you g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s

    ¡°Let¡¯s start by finding that mastiff,¡± Josue said anxiously. ¡°We could just get a few police officers involved, but who knows where that dog is?¡±

    ¡°Do you really think Christos is as unreliable as you assume?¡± After a moment¡¯s thought, Bryan added, ¡°He¡¯ll certainly find a way to deliver the mastiff to the police and inform us eventually.¡±

    The antidote was extremely valuable, especially since theb on the ind had been shut down. Christos probably only had one dose.

    Thus, Christos needed to ensure that the antidote reached Bryan. Then, he would quietly observe whether Bryan dared to use it. Moreover, Christos would be monitoring what would happen after the antidote was administered.

    ¡°Go and get in touch with the police. No matter where the mastiff is, transport it here immediately to secure the antidote.¡± Bryan stood up but suddenly fell back onto the sofa.

    Josue and Jacob instinctively wanted to rush over to help but stopped themselves, noticing Bryan¡¯s struggle.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 664

    ?Chapter 664:

    Bryan nced down at his legs. Half of his feet had been numb for a while now, and the numbness was creeping upward. If he didn¡¯t receive the antidote soon, he might even struggle to walk.

    ¡°Find a doctor and get me an injection. I need to make sure I can walk Eileen to the wedding car smoothly tomorrow and make it through the wedding. I might not be able to give her aplete version of myself, but I can at least give her aplete wedding,¡± Bryan said.

    Josue instinctively objected. ¡°The doctor said you should only take that injection as ast resort. It could worsen your condition and interfere with other medications.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if it worsens my condition. I¡¯ll get the antidote soon anyway.¡± Bryan massaged his knees and legs, gradually feeling them again after a long while.

    He managed to stand up and saw a car speeding by outside the window.

    It was Eileen¡¯s car.

    He headed straight for the door and said to Josue and Jacob, ¡°I¡¯m leaving this in your hands. Ask the doctor toe here after midnight. I¡¯ll be here by then.¡±

    Bailee had just returned when Ruby asked her to look after Gabri for a bit. When Eileen and Ruby finally came back, Gabri was already asleep.

    ¡°Eileen, Mom, where have you been? Why did you rush off?¡± Bailee got up and walked to the porch to greet them.

    As soon as they had entered the room, Ruby passed the baby to Bailee and hurried out without offering any exnation.

    Ruby waved her hand dismissively and said, ¡°Nothing. Didn¡¯t you have a gift for Eileen? Let her see.¡± She quickly shifted the topic to avoid discussing Eileen¡¯s identity.

    Bailee presented a banknote and a wedding quilt she had crafted herself.

    Step into fiction with g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s???o??

    ¡°You don¡¯tck money. I really didn¡¯t know what to get for you, so I made this quilt myself. It¡¯s traditional for a mother to make a quilt when her daughter gets married, and I made this one under our mother¡¯s guidance. If any issues arise in the future, you don¡¯t have to face them alone. I¡¯ll help you with it.¡± Bailee patted the quilt inside the bag and smiled at Eileen. ¡°I hope you¡¯ll tell us immediately if something happens or if you face any difficulties in the future. Don¡¯t go through everything alone.¡±

    Eileen felt a warmth in her heart. As long as she could remember, it was Ruby and Bailee who had provided her with endless warmth. She truly considered them family.

    She was aware that Ruby and Bailee had felt gratitude and guilt towards her in the past, and they had always tried their hardest not to burden her. Now, she was relieved they feltfortable sharing this with her.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen smiled and epted the quilt, pressing her lips together to hold back the flood of emotions welling up inside. She struggled with the emotional moment and was on the verge of tears.

    Just then, Bryan opened the door and entered.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 665

    ?Chapter 665:

    Eileen turned and patted the quilt. ¡°Bailee made this. Let¡¯s take it upstairs and put it on the bed.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Bryan gave Bailee and Ruby a nod and then followed Eileen upstairs.

    Once they were in the bedroom, Eileen opened the bag containing the quilt and asked, ¡°Has Christos made any moves? Can we secure the antidote from him?¡±

    ¡°Why are you so eager to know? Are you just looking for an excuse toe upstairs?¡± Bryan teased as he held the quilt.

    Eileen set the quilt aside and noticed the look in Bryan¡¯s eyes. She knew he wouldn¡¯t let the subject go unless he addressed it.

    So, he sat on the edge of the bed, pulled her near, and sped her legs with his knees. ¡°You¡¯re so direct. Aren¡¯t you worried that the answer might be there¡¯s no antidote, and that could disappoint you?¡±

    But Eileen was not afraid. Was there anything more disheartening than Bryan being dead?

    In those few months, she had endured the darkest and most agonizing times.

    ¡°Disappointed about what?¡± Eileen ced her hands on his shoulders and gazed at him. ¡°If there¡¯s no antidote, I¡¯ve already nned out which cemetery, funeral home, and crematorium we¡¯d use for you.¡±

    Bryan was momentarily lost for words.

    He was certain that the woman before him was the one he cherished the most. If he hadn¡¯t seen the concealed sorrow in Eileen¡¯s eyes, he might haveughed it off.

    ¡°Christos has the antidote. Jacob and Josue have already sent people to retrieve it. But the drug is experimental, so the antidote might not be guaranteed to work,¡± Bryan said.

    Find exclusive chapters g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s

    ¡°As long as it can save your life,¡± Eileen responded firmly.

    Bryan frowned and nced at his legs. Then, he looked up and asked, ¡°Do you only want to save my life? Have you thought about anything else?¡±

    What if he ended up bedridden and unresponsive, only able to hear and sense things around him? Was this what she considered saving his life?

    Realizing Bryan¡¯s thoughts were taking a grim turn, Eileen pinched his chin and gently tapped his forehead.

    ¡°When will you get the antidote back?¡± she asked.

    ¡°That depends on when they can handle that aggressive mastiff,¡± Bryan replied.

    Eileen was confused. ¡°What?¡±

    Bryan was frustrated by Christos¡¯ schemes. He didn¡¯t want Eileen to be concerned about him, so he stood up to straighten the quilt and subtly changed the subject.

    ¡°What were you doing outside just now? You seem upset,¡± he said.

    Eileen had tried to hide her feelings, but Bryan could easily see through her.

    Eileen didn¡¯t reveal everything. ¡°I went to meet Denise. Nothing positive ever happens when I meet her. How could I feel happy?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 666

    ?Chapter 666:

    Even though Denise had demanded a vi to sever their ties, Eileen knew that Denise¡¯s greed was endless. She realized that if Denise got the vi, she might soon ask for a car or even more luxurious items.

    That was why Eileen had to refuse Denise. Moreover, now that she had learned she wasn¡¯t rted to Denise, she saw no reason to keep indulging her.

    Later in the evening, Huey also came over. Bryan was staying at Josue¡¯s and woulde to pick Eileen up the next morning.

    The room was decorated for the wedding, and therge vi radiated joy. Although Bryan and Eileen were staying on the first floor, the bridal room had been set up on the second floor. Eileen would be escorted from the first floor by Bryan, and after the celebrations, they would spend their wedding night on the second floor.

    It wasn¡¯t supposed to be soplicated, but Ruby insisted on the traditional separation before the wedding.

    In the quiet of the night, Eileen felt the reality of her impending marriage. She was overwhelmed with sleeplessness. Lying in bed, she toyed with Gabri¡¯s hands and reminisced about the past. Her emotions were a mix of bitterness and sweetness. Yet, these memories couldn¡¯t shield her from the fear of an uncertain future, which stirred anxiety and worry within her.

    Suddenly, her phone on the bedside table buzzed. She picked it up and looked at the screen.

    It was a message from an unknown number. After reading it, she was nearly certain it was from Christos:

    ¡°Eileen, are you happy about getting married?¡±

    Eileen instinctively frowned and replied, ¡°What are you trying to do?¡±

    Christos responded, ¡°I just want to make sure you¡¯re happy. With Bryan in such poor health, are you still eager to marry him?¡±

    New chapters uploaded at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°Otherwise, what do you think tomorrow¡¯s wedding is, a fake show?¡± Eileen retorted. Everyone knew the wedding date¡ªhow could it possibly be a sham?

    Christos replied, ¡°But I don¡¯t want you to marry him. I don¡¯t think he deserves you.¡±

    Eileen responded, ¡°If you¡¯re trying to create doubts or convince me not to marry, I suggest you stop. You text me hoping I¡¯ll curse you out, but I won¡¯t give you that satisfaction.¡±

    Christos, appearing upset, sent several crying emojis.

    Eileen found the timing and nature of Christos¡¯s messages bizarre, especially considering the gravity of their rtionship. She didn¡¯t understand why he was in the mood for such a conversation.

    Christos sent another message: ¡°Eileen, the antidote on the dog is a fake. The real antidote is with me. If you decide not to marry him, I will give it to him. What do you think?¡±

    Just as Eileen was about to put her phone away, Christos sent another message.

    After Eileen read it, her eyes narrowed. She threw back the quilt, climbed out of bed, and quietly left the room to call Christos.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 667

    ?Chapter 667:

    The call was answered immediately, and Christos¡¯s voice came through. ¡°Eileen, why are you calling me sote? Aren¡¯t you worried your fianc¨¦ will be upset if he finds out about this?¡±

    ¡°Cut the crap. What are you trying to do?¡± The veins on Eileen¡¯s forehead bulged. She had run out of patience with Christos. If he had been there in person, she might have struck him.

    ¡°Eileen, you¡¯re being too aggressive. Have you forgotten that I helped you steal those items from Brandon? How can you treat me like this?¡± Christos said.

    ¡°Enough!¡± Eileen raised her voice. ¡°This is about saving a life. I don¡¯t want to waste time with your games. You helped once, and I will repay that favor. You and Coen are not the same. I don¡¯t hold a son responsible for his father¡¯s debts. But if you¡¯re truly a good person, give me the antidote directly. If not, don¡¯t test my patience.¡± Her voice was icy.

    There was a brief silence on the other end before Christos spoke in a normal tone. ¡°I mean it. As long as you don¡¯t marry him, I¡ª¡±

    Eileen didn¡¯t wait for him to finish. She hung up the phone, turned, and walked back to her room.

    Eileen knew people like Christos were unpredictable. His intentions could shift at any moment, and it seemed like he was just toying with her.

    Simrly, Denise had imed she would sever ties with her if she received a house, but there was still a chance she could cause further trouble and continue to entangle herself with her.

    Eileen was determined to marry Bryan.

    The moonlight cast a soft glow over the dark night.

    Eileeny in bed but remained awake throughout the night. Around five in the morning, the makeup artist arrived, and Eileen went downstairs to get ready.

    About an hourter, Eileen donned her wedding dress. Her long ck hair was styled elegantly, and her makeup entuated her stunning features.

    Gabri, too, was dressed in a white gown, chosen by both Eileen and Bryan. Usually quiet and reserved, Gabri clung to Eileen today and wouldn¡¯t let go. She reacted defensively to anyone who approached, refusing to let anyone touch her.

    When Bryan arrived, the crowd parted for him as he walked toward Eileen and Gabri, holding a bouquet in hand. He smiled warmly at them.

    As Bryan extended the flowers to Eileen, Gabri suddenly screamed. She stood on Eileen¡¯s legs, shielding her with both hands, looking at Bryan.

    Bryan¡¯s smile froze in ce.

    The room fell into an awkward silence.

    Everyone knew about Bryan¡¯s mobility issues, so pranks were off-limits. Yet, no one had anticipated that the day¡¯s troublemaker would be the typically angelic Gabri.

    Josue snickered and said, ¡°You make my goddaughter cry, and you¡¯ll have the whole room to answer to.¡±

    Bryan scanned the room, seeing everyone¡¯s protective gaze on Gabri. Eileen, especially, let Gabri cling to her without a word, watching Bryan with a yful glint in her eye.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 668

    ?Chapter 668:

    ¡°No!¡± Gabri¡¯s defiant little shout rang out again.

    Bryan furrowed his brows as an idea sparked. He pulled his phone from his pocket and offered it to Gabri.

    ¡°How about you y with Daddy¡¯s phone, sweetie?¡± Without even ncing at it, Gabri swatted the phone away. Itnded on the bed and bounced dangerously close to the edge.

    Normally, Gabri loved ying with phones, but today was different. She shifted from standing on Eileen¡¯sp to sitting, clinging tightly to Eileen¡¯s neck as if afraid someone would take her mommy away.

    Ruby, unable to stand it anymore, stepped forward. ¡°Gabri, sweetheart, your Daddy and Mommy are getting married. Mommy¡¯s not getting any younger, and this is something we have to do. Can you be a good girl and let this happen?¡±

    Eileen raised an eyebrow. Could Gabri even grasp that concept?

    Eileen frowned and locked into the little girl¡¯s soulful eyes, saying, ¡°If Mommy and Daddy get married, we¡¯ll all be together. You¡¯ll have a home with both of us.¡±

    She gently stroked Gabri¡¯s cheek. ¡°If you don¡¯t let Mommy get married, does that mean you don¡¯t want Daddy?¡±

    Gabri turned to Bryan, her little face scrunched, pouting her lips.

    Ruby dangled a piece of candy enticingly in front of Gabri. ¡°Look, sweetie, Grandma has a piece of candy for you.¡±

    Gabri¡¯s eyes lit up. She reached for the candy and sat beside Eileen.

    With Ruby¡¯s distraction working its magic, she gave Bryan a discreet nod, signaling him to proceed.

    galn¦Òv???s.????m ¨C your update hub

    Josue had hired an emcee to add some lightheartedness during the traditional wedding customs. Neither Eileen nor Bryan was very familiar with these traditions, so the extra guidance was a wee touch.

    ¡°Now, Mr. Dawson, you may kiss the bride!¡± The emcee¡¯s voice boomed with excitement, electrifying the atmosphere.

    Bryan leaned forward, gently cupping Eileen¡¯s face. His eyes sparkled with love and anticipation.

    Just as Bryan was about to kiss Eileen, Gabri nted a kiss on Eileen¡¯s cheek before he could. The crowd erupted inughter.

    After that, Gabri tried to push Bryan away, her chubby little hand firmly nted on Eileen¡¯s face, blocking any further attempts for a kiss.

    Thwarted by his own daughter, Bryan had no choice but to give in. He stepped back with a chuckle. Eventually, Ruby swooped in and coaxed Gabri out of the room.

    Eileen sighed, preparing to lift the hem of her dress and walk when she felt a strong arm wrap around her waist. Before she knew it, Bryan had lifted her into his arms.

    Eileen looked up and stared at Bryan¡¯s determined jawline. She could even feel his fingertips tightening.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 669

    ?Chapter 669:

    ¡°Put me down, Bryan. I can walk,¡± Eileen said.

    ¡°Rx,¡± Bryan replied calmly. ¡°The doctor said it¡¯s fine for me to carry you to the car.¡± With smooth, long strides, he carried Eileen out of the room.

    The stairs outside the vi looked steep and daunting; it was a challenge for Bryan, let alone while carrying Eileen. But Bryan navigated them with surprising ease, leaving everyone watching in awe.

    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯ve got this?¡± Eileen whispered, not daring to move.

    Bryan descended the stairs steadily as his response.

    Eileen was surprised, and she tightened her grip on Bryan¡¯s shirt. There was something different about him today. He moved with fluidity unlike before. He must have done something behind her back.

    Eileen pursed her lips, her eyes misting with emotion, and leaned her head against his neck.

    When they arrived at the hotel, Josue was happily engrossed in a game with Gabri. The buzz of people and Josue¡¯s cheerful chatter kept Gabri so entertained that she didn¡¯t even notice her parents were the ones getting married. She didn¡¯t fuss anymore.

    The ceremony proceeded seamlessly.

    The ceremony was merely a formality for Eileen. But without it, she would have felt that something was missing. Now, it feltplete.

    Close friends and family filled only a few tables, sharing lighthearted conversations and joyful moments before eventually dispersing. It was a simple wedding, but it had all the essential elements.

    Eileen dazzled in an expensive wedding dress, and a sleek multi-million-dor car was their transportation. Her heart was filled with love, her focus entirely on Bryan.

    Your next journey starts at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s???o??

    In her happiness, she missed the somber look on Ste¡¯s face. Ste nced at Gabri several times, seemingly wanting to say something. Though the wedding wasn¡¯t open to the public, the media had sshed details about its extravagant cost.

    For Bryan, the wedding brought an unexpected challenge: Gabri¡¯s newfound resistance toward him. Somehow, Gabri¡¯s possessiveness of Eileen red whenever he was near. The little girl seemed to fear losing her mommy to him, fussing and babbling whenever he approached Eileen.

    On the wedding night, Bryan found himself humorously ousted from the room by Gabri.

    In the dead of night, Josue sent a message to Bryan, telling him the police had caught a stray mastiff downtown. The dog, restrained by a muzzle, posed no threat. Hanging from its cor was a small vial of liquid, which had been promptly sent to the hospital for analysis.

    Josue found the situation strange. Why would Christos relinquish the drug so easily?

    Bryan advised him to wait for the results before jumping to conclusions.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 670

    ?Chapter 670:

    Meanwhile, Eileen¡¯s wedding night had been nothing like she had imagined. The way she woke up the next day was unexpected. She was awakened by a loud quarrel from downstairs. Among themotion, she recognized the raised voices of Denise and Judie.

    She bolted out of bed and hurried downstairs, just in time to see Denise and Judie forcing their way upstairs. Ruby was trying to hold them back but got shoved by Denise. She was pushed down to sit on the stairs.

    ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± Bryan, looking as if he¡¯d been roused from a deep sleep, had bloodshot eyes. The icy authority in his voice startled Denise and Judie, causing them to step back instinctively.

    Eileen rushed to Ruby¡¯s side, helping her up. ¡°Mom, are you okay? Did you get hurt?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Ruby replied, waving her hand dismissively. ¡°I have no idea how they got in. They just barged in, demanding money to buy a house.¡±

    Judie, one hand cradling her pregnant belly, said, ¡°Eileen, I¡¯m here for what¡¯s rightfully ours! I¡¯m due in a few months. How could you let Roderick use our family savings as a wedding gift? That¡¯s hundreds of thousands he earned bit by bit!¡±

    Denise rolled up her sleeves and ced her hands on her hips. ¡°You¡¯re sitting on a pile of cash, yet you haven¡¯t bought me a house or helped Roderick with anything. How dare you ept money from him? If you don¡¯t give it back today, we¡¯re not leaving!¡±

    Roderick had attended the wedding as well and stayed close to Eileen throughout the event. Whenever Eileen had a free moment, Roderick would hurry over to speak with her. When he saw someone approaching Eileen, he would quickly step away. Despite the small number of guests, the event had beenplex, and Eileen had been too busy to engage in lengthy conversations with him.

    Seeing Judie and Denise demanding the money back, Eileen now realized that Roderick might not have informed Judie about the funds. Eileen believed that, even though she was not rted to Roderick, she could not ept the money without Judie¡¯s approval.

    ¡°I¡¯ll return the bank card to Roderick,¡± Eileen told Judie.

    Judie replied, irritated, ¡°I¡¯m here now. Why do you still want to give it to him? The money belongs to both of us. You should hand it over to me now.¡±

    More books uploaded on g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls?c?m

    After a moment of thought, Eileen retrieved the card from her purse and handed it over to Judie.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for you to argue with Roderick about this. He gave me the money because of our rtionship,¡± Eileen exined.

    ¡°Exactly. You two have a closer rtionship than we do. I¡¯m pregnant, and he didn¡¯t buy me a house but gave all the money to you. I regret marrying him,¡± Judie said sharply as she took the card back.

    Denise whispered, ¡°Go home, and if there¡¯s any money on this card¡­¡±

    ¡°Now that I¡¯ve handed the money to you, you can leave now,¡± Eileen said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 671

    ?Chapter 671:

    ¡°No,¡± Judie replied, putting the card away. ¡°I¡¯m just reiming my card. Don¡¯t act like you¡¯ve given me something. Also, our small house isn¡¯t adequate for us to live in. You need to find a solution for that.¡±

    While Judie was speaking, Denise tugged at her sleeve, but Judie brushed Denise¡¯s hand away. After Ruby revealed the real rtionship between Denise and Eileen that day, Denise had stopped causing problems. She had clearly been feeling guilty.

    Now, Eileen could see that Judie was implying that Eileen should buy a house for them.

    ¡°You should ask Denise about this matter,¡± Ruby said. ¡°Ask if she¡¯s shameless enough to demand Eileen buy a house for her.¡±

    Denise turned her gaze away, unable to respond.

    Suddenly, Judie reached out and touched her arm, urging, ¡°Say something!¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Denise hesitated, struggling to find the right words.

    Judie, visibly enraged, said, ¡°Eileen, as Denise¡¯s daughter, you have plenty of money, yet you only give her two thousand a month in alimony. Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s unreasonable?¡±

    She then cast a look at Bryan.

    Bryan stood with amanding presence.

    Judie added, ¡°You supported your stepmother before, and now you support a man. Why can¡¯t you ensure a better life for your real mother?¡±

    Immediately after Judie¡¯s remarks, Bryan narrowed his eyes and red at her coldly.

    Judie took a deep breath and said, ¡°Why are you staring at me? Did I say something wrong? You¡¯ve been using Eileen¡¯s money since marrying her. Now, with your health issues, don¡¯t you depend on Eileen to support you?¡± Judie had only skimmed the news headlines and was unaware that Bryan had given EB Group, Apex Group, and Warren Group to Eileen.

    L?t?st ch?pt?rs in g?lnovels.c?m

    ¡°I choose to support my partner and my stepmother. Even if I decide to help someone homeless in the future, it¡¯s none of your business. If you¡¯re bold enough, go ahead and sue me. Otherwise, keep your false usations to yourself, or I¡¯ll take legal action against you for trespassing and ckmailing,¡± Eileen raised an eyebrow, pointed toward the door, and warned, ¡°If you don¡¯t leave right now, I¡¯ll call security.¡±

    Judie tried to stay, but Denise forcibly pulled her away.

    Had Judie not been pregnant, Denise would have dragged her away faster.

    Once they had walked a considerable distance away from the vi, Denise finally released her grip on Judie.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Judie, feeling angry, shoved Denise. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you speak up just now? Ruby has already been swayed, and Eileen will be too embarrassed in front of Bryan to refuse you.¡±

    Denise replied, ¡°Why would Eileen be embarrassed in front of Bryan? Bryan indulges her. Even if she ignores her own mother, Bryan will still support her.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 672

    ?Chapter 672:

    Judie was momentarily speechless. After a moment, she snapped, ¡°Whose side are you on? You assured me you¡¯d buy me a vi before the baby was born.¡±

    ¡°If you want it so badly, ask Eileen for it yourself,¡± Denise replied. Despite her fear of Judie, she was intimidated by Eileen.

    Denise knew that if Eileen decided to confirm the paternity and it was revealed she wasn¡¯t her biological daughter, she might have to return all the money Eileen had given her over the years.

    Having exhausted all her money and with Judie unwilling to assist, she faced the possibility of being imprisoned.

    Thinking of this, Denise turned and headed toward the road.

    Judie, frustrated, ignored Denise and called an Uber, leaving.

    Denise,cking both funds and familiarity with the Uber app, wandered around for some time before realizing that Judie had already left.

    She chased after the car for a while but couldn¡¯t catch up. Frustrated and angry, she had no choice but to call Roderick.

    After receiving the call, Roderick learned that Denise and Judie had gone to confront Eileen.

    Without dy, Roderick closed the restaurant and drove a van to pick up Denise. When they returned home,

    Judie was lying on the bed, holding the card Eileen had given her.

    ¡°Did you actually get the card back?¡± Roderick asked, immediately recognizing it.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c???? brings imagination alive

    Judie ced the card under the pillow, sat up, and responded, ¡°Yes, I got it back. This is our shared asset. You didn¡¯t even consult me before giving it to Eileen.¡±

    Roderick patiently exined, ¡°I¡¯ve mentioned before how much Eileen has helped us. If we don¡¯t repay her at her wedding, when do you think we¡¯ll ever have the chance to repay her? I can still earn money in the future for our family!¡±

    Judie dismissed his exnation. ¡°When has she ever helped you? Did she buy you a house, a car, or provide money for your wedding? You also owe me for risking my life to give you a child!¡±

    She thrust her belly out, causing Roderick to retreat and bump into the quiet Denise behind him.

    Roderick and Denise nearly fell over.

    Judie, noticing Denise hiding behind, became even angrier. ¡°If Denise, didn¡¯t you promise to get Eileen to buy a vi? It¡¯s no surprise that Eileen refused you, considering you just stood there silently, doing nothing!¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Roderick darkened as he heard Judie¡¯s words. ¡°You asked Eileen for a vi? How many times have I told you not to bother her?¡±

    Judie retorted, ¡°What do you mean by ¡®bother¡¯? Your mother is Eileen¡¯s biological mother. Why is it so wrong for her to help us?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 673

    ?Chapter 673:

    ¡°My mother isn¡¯t Eileen¡¯s biological mother! I¡¯m not rted to Eileen. Now, you should understand why I told you not to bother her!¡± Roderick shouted.

    Denise was taken aback, her gaze fixed on the enraged Roderick. ¡°How did you know this?¡±

    Judie, equally stunned, nced between Roderick and Denise with wide eyes. ¡°What exactly do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Eileen isn¡¯t my mother¡¯s biological child,¡± Roderick stated, his gaze shifting to Denise. ¡°When I was in middle school, Dad came to me and told me I was his only son, and that Eileen was adopted. He tried to convince me to go along with him, but I refused.¡±

    However, Denise was unyielding. After his initial failure, Lowell never had the courage to return.

    Roderick wished to avoid furtherplications, so he kept this information to himself.

    His feelings for Eileen wereplex. During his parents¡¯ divorce, he had frequently seen her crying in secret.

    His memories of Eileen were a mix of vivid and vague impressions¡ªhe couldn¡¯t clearly recall many of their childhood interactions.

    Later, when she had pressed him to turn to Eileen for assistance, he had hesitated but did so out of necessity.

    Aware that Eileen didn¡¯t know they were not rted, he had felt too awkward to fully take advantage of her kindness.

    He had genuinely seen the hardships Eileen had faced and had been reluctant to add to her burdens.

    Over time, he genuinely started to see Eileen as a sister.

    Gal no ve l s . hosts your favorite stories

    Had Judie¡¯s exploitative behavior not been exposed today, he would have kept this secret hidden forever.

    ¡°Moreover, the funds to start my restaurant came from Eileen. How much is on this card? Nowhere near enough to repay her. Judie, if you want to be with me, don¡¯t prevent me from paying her back. If you do, we¡¯ll get a divorce!¡±

    With that, Roderick moved to the bed, retrieved the card from under the pillow, and turned to leave.

    Judie wanted to follow him, but her feet felt as though they were glued to the floor.

    If she ran after him and reimed the card, their marriage would be at risk. A divorce would leave her with just half of the card¡¯s worth and a child to support.

    But if she didn¡¯t chase after him, she would lose hundreds of thousands just like that!

    ¡°Judie, calm down.¡± Denise, realizing that they couldn¡¯t rely on Eileen anymore, tried to offer somefort. ¡°Roderick is a man of honor. This could actually be beneficial for you. Plus, we haven¡¯t burned bridges with Eileen entirely. When you give birth to the child or run into trouble, Eileen might still assist us for Roderick¡¯s sake.¡±

    It then dawned on Judie that when Denise had returned the other day looking guilty, it was probably because her real rtionship with Eileen had been revealed. She had hoped Denise would help her secure more money from Eileen, but now, Denise seemed to be more of a hindrance than a helppared to Roderick.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 674

    ?Chapter 674:

    ¡°I don¡¯t need your advice! Just leave me alone!¡± With that, Judie shoved Denise out of the room and mmed the door shut.

    Judie and Denise¡¯s visit didn¡¯t seem to affect Eileen much, but it made Bryan sense something was amiss. Seizing the opportunity while Ruby went upstairs to check on Gabri, Bryan slipped into the kitchen after Eileen.

    ¡°Are you keeping something from me?¡± Bryan asked.

    Eileen, preparing breakfast without turning to face him, replied, ¡°Mr. Dawson, you do have a sharp mind. Why don¡¯t you take a guess at what I¡¯m hiding?¡± she teased.

    She boiled some eggs, then leaned against the counter and nced at him.

    Bryan leaned against the kitchen cab, his elbows propped up on the edge, his fingers rxed and hanging down. His deep-set eyes narrowed slightly. After a brief pause, he replied, ¡°It¡¯s difficult to read your thoughts, Ms. Curtis. I concede.¡±

    Eileen, finding his reaction amusing, walked over and wrapped her arms around his waist. ¡°I¡¯m not Denise¡¯s biological daughter. We are not rted.¡±

    This revtion had never crossed Bryan¡¯s mind. He pressed his thin lips together, furrowed his brow, and gazed at her, hesitant to speak.

    Eileen said, ¡°This may not be ideal, but it¡¯s not entirely negative. At least it will prevent Denise from leveraging her ¡®mother¡¯ status to exploit me.¡±

    Although Denise hadn¡¯t been overtly exploitative, she had nheless created considerable problems.

    ¡°So, you don¡¯t intend to make this public?¡± Bryan asked, his hands resting on her waist as he looked down at her.

    Eileen shook her head. ¡°No. Regardless of whether Roderick and I are biologically rted, we maintain a good rtionship. There¡¯s no need to create unnecessary problems between us.¡±

    Your story source g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    After a moment, Bryan let out a soft sigh and pressed a kiss to her forehead. ¡°You still have Gabri and me.¡± He positioned himself behind Gabri, his expression one of support.

    Eileen¡¯s heart sank slightly, but she mustered a smile. ¡°Yes, I have both of you.¡±

    Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the ringing of Bryan¡¯s phone. Bryan ced a hand on her waist, pulled out his phone, and answered the call. It was Josue on the line.

    ¡°The drug test results are in,¡± Josue said. ¡°It¡¯s definitely the antidote, but there¡¯s an unknownponent that experts can¡¯t identify. We¡¯re unsure of its potential effects.¡±

    Josue swore under his breath, feeling that Christos had outsmarted them.

    The kitchen was quiet, and Eileen overheard what Josue had said. Her eyes flickered with a brief glimmer of hope before fading again. She looked at Bryan, frowning.

    ¡°Make sure the experts are prepared to give me a full body check. When everything¡¯s ready, I¡¯ll take the antidote,¡± Bryan said decisively.

    Eileen suddenly grabbed his wrist. The veins in Bryan¡¯s hand stood out as he held her wrist in return. After finishing his call, he ended it and said to Eileen, ¡°I can¡¯t wait any longer.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 675

    ?Chapter 675:

    The sight of her lying awake each night, and his inability to offer her a secure future, was too much for him to bear.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll go with you,¡± Eileen replied, unable to meet his gaze. Her lowered eyes failed to conceal her growing panic.

    She said, ¡°The night before our wedding, Christos reached out to me. He said he¡¯d give me the antidote if I didn¡¯t marry you. But I turned him down. It turns out he was indeed lying.¡±

    Christos had eventually handed over the antidote. In her heart, nothing mattered more than marrying Bryan.

    ¡°Don¡¯t pay attention to him,¡± Bryan said, uncertain of Christos¡¯ motives. ¡°I¡¯m heading to the hospital now. Enjoy your breakfast, don¡¯t wait for me.¡±

    Eileen nodded.

    When she finished breakfast, Bryan still hadn¡¯t returned. She called him, and Josue answered the call, informing her that Bryan was undergoing aprehensive physical examination. If everything was clear, they would proceed with administering the antidote.

    ¡°Bryan told me that if you called, I should be honest with you,¡± Josue said. ¡°If you want toe to the hospital, I¡¯ll send you the address. If you hadn¡¯t called, he might secretly take the antidote and return without informing you.¡±

    Bryan didn¡¯t want her toe.

    Eileen felt a weight in her heart but eventually requested the hospital¡¯s address. Josue sent her the details, noting that the full results wouldn¡¯t be avable until three in the afternoon.

    Eileen didn¡¯t head to the hospital immediately. Instead, she texted Bryan, ¡°You don¡¯t want me toe?¡±

    After a long pause, Bryan finally responded, ¡°You cane, but only if you promise not to cry.¡±

    Explore more chapters on g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s?c?m

    Eileen hesitated, her emotions fluctuating between hope and despair. She couldn¡¯t guarantee that she wouldn¡¯t lose control.

    With little time to think it through, Eileen skipped lunch. She asked Ruby to put Gabri to sleep and then headed to the hospital.

    To Eileen¡¯s surprise, she encountered an unexpected traffic jam on her way. After the traffic had cleared, Eileen finally arrived at the hospital just after 3:10 in the afternoon.

    ¡°Well, your timing is a bit unusual,¡± Josue said nonchntly as he saw Eileen and nced at the operating room.

    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± Eileen asked, breathless from running up the stairs. ¡°Why are you standing outside the operating room? Where is Bryan?¡±

    Josue gestured toward the red light above the operating room and said, ¡°He¡¯s inside.¡±

    The ring red light in the upper left corner caught Eileen¡¯s attention, making her frown as she asked, ¡°What does that mean?¡±

    ¡°The results are in. He¡¯s in good health and meets the criteria for the injection. He¡¯s currently in the operating room receiving the antidote,¡± Josue replied.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 676

    ?Chapter 676:

    Although everything was ready, unforeseenplications could arise. That¡¯s why they had decided to administer the antidote in the operating room, where all necessary emergency equipment was avable.

    Eileen¡¯s expression grew more serious at Josue¡¯s words. She moved to a corner and leaned against the wall in silence, her eyes fixed intently on the door of the operating room.

    ¡°Bryan asked me to give this to you,¡± Josue said, extending his hand as he approached Eileen.

    Eileen saw the glistening heart-shaped diamond ring resting in Josue¡¯s palm. It was hers and Bryan¡¯s wedding ring.

    Eileen momentarily held her breath, blinking twice before slowly raising her hand to take the ring from Bryan.

    ¡°Can¡¯t I go in?¡± Her voice came out soft and raspy, and her eyes reddened as she looked up at Josue. It was clear why Bryan had asked him to deliver the wedding ring to her¡ªhe had clearly prepared for the worst.

    Seeing the sadness in Eileen¡¯s eyes, Josue shook his head with a sigh. ¡°If you had arrived earlier, you could have apanied him inside. But it¡¯s toote now.¡±

    Eileen felt a lump form in her throat, struggling to ept the worst possible oue.

    Her body betrayed her deepest fears as tears began to well up in her eyes.

    Watching Eileen¡¯s tears, Josue felt the sting of emotion himself, afraid he might break down as well, given Bryan had been his close friend for years. He tried to control his emotions and said, ¡°Christos might be a bad person, but he¡¯s notpletely heartless. Don¡¯t worry; the antidote has to be real. We just can¡¯t predict the reaction after it¡¯s administered. But Bryan is in the hospital¡ªwhat¡¯s there to be afraid of?¡±

    Eileen turned her head, wiping away her tears. A spark of hope kindled in her heart. ¡°I¡¯m not afraid. The hospital is the right ce. Regardless of Bryan¡¯s reaction, at least he¡¯s somewhere he can be treated.¡±

    The best reads are at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Eileen clutched Bryan¡¯s wedding ring tightly. No matter the oue, she had to remain patient and stay by his side.

    Half an hourter, the light outside the operating room abruptly turned off. Eileen rushed forward at once. Shortly after, a doctor emerged from the operating room.

    Unable to contain herself, Eileen asked, ¡°Doctor, how is he?¡±

    ¡°The antidote has been injected, but Mr. Dawson remains unconscious post-injection. However, his vitals are stable across the board. We need to move him to a hospital bed for further monitoring,¡± the doctor said.

    Once Bryan was moved to the ward, he remained unconscious. Eileen anxiously inquired of the doctor, ¡°When will he wake up?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ the medication in his system contains some unpredictable elements, so we cannot determine when he will regain consciousness.¡± The doctor wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, fearing that Eileen might lose herposure.

    Hearing the doctor¡¯s words and seeing Bryan lying motionless on the bed, Eileen felt her heart sink. She said nothing, merely gripping Bryan¡¯s hand tightly, her resolve unwavering.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 677

    ?Chapter 677:

    No matter what, she was determined to wait until Bryan woke up.

    Yet, after an entire day had passed, Bryan remained unconscious.

    Noticing Eileen still by Bryan¡¯s side, Josue said, ¡°It¡¯s already seven in the evening. Go home and take care of Gabri. I¡¯ll handle things here.¡±

    Eileen lifted her head, realizing it was dark outside and that Gabri was still waiting for her at home.

    ¡°Bryan, we still have Gabri. You promised to take me traveling around the world. You can¡¯t break that promise.¡±

    Eileen, typicallyposed, struggled to maintain her calm in that moment. What would she and Gabri do if Bryan never woke up?

    Josue¡¯s expression grew somber as he witnessed her distress. He handed Eileen a tissue and said, ¡°Even though the doctor can¡¯t give you a definite answer, this isn¡¯t the worst oue. At least he¡¯s alive, and his body is responding normally after the antidote. Bryan just hasn¡¯t woken up yet.¡±

    In this situation, their only option was to continue waiting.

    Eileen wanted to say something but found herself at a loss for words. After a brief pause, Josue added, ¡°After the injection, his body is immobile and he remains asleep. It might be part of the absorption process, with his brain still active. Eileen, he wouldn¡¯t want to see you like this. Go back to Gabri and get some rest.¡±

    Josue knew that Eileen was Bryan¡¯s most cherished person, and seeing her in this state would break Bryan¡¯s heart. If Bryan¡¯s mind remained alert and he experienced any distress orplications, it would only make things harder. Moreover, Josue didn¡¯t want to witness her breakdown.

    With every word Josue spoke, Eileen¡¯s sadness deepened. In an instant, her heart felt as though it were pierced by a thousand des.

    She slowly approached Bryan and whispered in his ear, ¡°Bryan, I¡¯m going home to Gabri now. I¡¯ll visit you again tomorrow. You must be okay. I¡¯ll be waiting for you to wake up and keep your promise. Please don¡¯t disappoint me.¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s, the ce for amazing tales

    As she spoke, it felt like a thorn was lodged in her throat, making her wordse out with difficulty.

    She then ced the wedding ring Bryan had asked Josue to give her into Bryan¡¯s hand.

    Seeing the sorrow etched on Eileen¡¯s face, Josue sighed deeply. He felt sorry for both Eileen and Bryan. He prayed that fate wouldn¡¯t be cruel to them.

    ¡°Allow me to escort you out,¡± Josue said, stopping his train of thought.

    Eileen shook her head, managing a small smile as she replied, ¡°No need for that. Take care of him. I¡¯m heading out.¡±

    With that, she turned and walked away.

    At the moment she turned, Bryan¡¯s hand twitched slightly¡­

    Less than forty minutester, Eileen arrived back home from the hospital.

    Noticing that Eileen had returned by herself, Ruby frowned and asked, ¡°Didn¡¯t Bryane back with you?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 678

    ?Chapter 678:

    Her heart sank at the sight of Eileen¡¯s pale face.

    At Ruby¡¯s question, Eileen tried to respond, but the pain in her heart, thinking about Bryan lying in bed, made it impossible for her to get any words out.

    In that moment, Ruby seemed to understand the situation. She handed Gabri to Eileen and said, ¡°Spend some time with the child. I¡¯ll prepare something for you to eat. It won¡¯t take long.¡±

    Gabri was the only one who could offer Eileen anyfort now.

    Eileen barely touched her dinner. It was evident that she was preupied and in a state of distress.

    Ruby hesitated, torn between wanting to offerfort and fearing she might say the wrong thing.

    When Ruby hesitated, Eileen had already retreated upstairs with Gabri. Gabri had missed Eileen all day and clung to her now.

    Once she had gently lulled Gabri to sleep, Eileeny on her bed, tossing and turning, sleep eluding her.

    It suddenly struck Eileen how ustomed she had grown to having Bryan by her side.

    The next morning, Eileen woke up early.

    As Ruby prepared breakfast, she noticed Eileen making her way downstairs, dressed for the day. With a smile, Ruby approached and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Eileen. I¡¯ll take care of Gabri. I know you¡¯re anxious, but it¡¯s important to stay healthy. You should still eat on time, even if you¡¯re not hungry.¡±

    Eileen gave a grateful nod. ¡°Thanks for taking care of Gabri, Mom. I¡¯ll be back tonight, just like yesterday.¡±

    Step into a new journey on  .con

    ¡°Is Bryan in the hospital?¡± Ruby asked hesitantly.

    Eileen didn¡¯t shy away from the truth. ¡°Yes, he hasn¡¯t woken up since they administered the antidote.¡±

    ¡°Go on, then,¡± Ruby said, not wanting to dy Eileen¡¯s n.

    Eileen left the house, heading straight to the hospital as quickly as she could.

    She had envisioned the moment she would open the door and see Bryan¡¯s warm, smiling face.

    Yet, the moment she opened the door, a lump formed in her throat when she saw Bryan lying on the bed, unconscious. His fingers were still attached to a blood pressure monitor, and various other monitors surrounded him. Bryan was still unconscious.

    Taking a deep breath, Eileen made her way to the bedside, drew out a chair, and sat down.

    She took Bryan¡¯s hand in hers and noticed how cold his fingertips were.

    Without hesitation, she fetched warm water and a towel, gently applying the warm water to his hand in hopes of warming him up.

    As soon as Josue returned, he saw Eileen attentively caring for Bryan. His brow furrowed in concern as he gently asked, ¡°Are you here so early?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m worried about Bryan,¡± Eileen replied softly, carefully warming Bryan¡¯s cold hands.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 679

    ?Chapter 679:

    Josue¡¯s heart sank at Eileen¡¯s words. Logically, the antidote should have worked by now, and Bryan should have regained consciousness. However, more than twenty hours had passed since the injection, and Bryan remained unresponsive.

    He understood that the longer Bryan remained in this state, the more Eileen¡¯s worries would deepen. Josue couldn¡¯t find the words tofort her. He, too, had been anxious for several days as Bryan remained in aa. Bryan had undergone a series of tests, and the results hade back normal.

    Eileen paced, her anxiety palpable. ¡°It¡¯s been several days. All the tests have been done. Why hasn¡¯t he woken up yet?¡±

    After a pause, she continued, ¡°Are you sure there¡¯s nothing wrong? Or are you hiding something from me? If there¡¯s anything I can do to help him wake up sooner, just let me know. I¡¯m willing to try anything!¡±

    Her doubts began to gnaw at her. Had Bryan kept them from sharing the worst news with her?

    Looking resigned, the doctor tried to reassure Eileen. ¡°Mrs. Curtis, I assure you, we have reviewed all the results thoroughly. There is no hidden issue. His condition is simply unexpected.¡±

    ¡°Eileen, please try to stay calm. This situation is truly unforeseen. All we can do now is wait,¡± he said.

    Eileen slowly regained herposure. She turned around, took a deep breath, and tucked her long ck hair behind her ears.

    Josue had sent the doctors away. Eileen sank into a chair, her gaze fixed on the man bathed in the warm sunlight.

    The scar on Bryan¡¯s forehead was still there. The small wounds from the ne crash had mostly healed, erasing the rugged look Bryan had once worn from his days in the remote mountain vige. Yet, hey there in his bed, trapped in a deepa that seemed to defy logic, sending waves of pain washing over Eileen.

    Dive into fiction with g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    Eileen didn¡¯t leave until sunset, despite Josue urging her several times. She hadn¡¯t slept well for days, leaving her in a daze as she wandered through the chaotic city streets. Amidst the cacophony of traffic, she felt a ringing in her ears.

    Caught off guard, Eileen stumbled into the path of an approaching truck. The world seemed to tilt around her as her head mmed against the truck¡¯s windscreen. Warm blood trickled down her forehead, turning her vision into a haze of red.

    In her dazed state, Eileen faintly heard Bryan¡¯s familiar voice through the mor of the world around her.

    ¡°Eileen¡­¡±

    Despite the overwhelming noise and chaos, thefort of Bryan¡¯s voice provided a moment of sce. A gentle smile touched Eileen¡¯s lips as she surrendered to the darkness, her consciousness slipping away.

    The sharp, antiseptic smell of disinfectant filled the air, prickling Eileen¡¯s senses. She grabbed the sheet and sat up abruptly.

    ¡°Bryan!¡±

    The doctor nearby quickly steadied her. ¡°Curtis, are you okay? We haven¡¯t finished treating your wound yet.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 680

    Chapter 680:

    A sharp pain shot through Eileen¡¯s forehead as she tried to recall the moments before the ident. Slowly, her memory returned.

    ¡°How is she, doctor?¡±

    Eileen was about to speak when she heard Phoebe¡¯s voice.

    Eileen turned towards the voice and saw Jacob, Josue, and Phoebe entering the room, their faces etched with worry.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I just got scraped,¡± Eileen said.

    ¡°You were hit by a truck! If it hadn¡¯t been going slow, you could have been killed!¡± Josue eximed. He knew Eileen had pushed herself to the limit after caring for Bryan for so many days.

    Realization finally dawned on Eileen.

    The doctor meticulously cleaned the wound on Eileen¡¯s forehead and reassured her, ¡°It¡¯s just a small wound. With proper care, it should heal well and avoid any scarring. The X-ray shows no concussion, but you¡¯re suffering from hypoglycemia. You need to rest more and stick to regr meals.¡±

    ¡°Did you hear that, Eileen?¡± Phoebe¡¯s tone carried a hint of scolding. ¡°If you keep pushing yourself to the brink like this, how will you ever manage to look after Bryan?¡±

    But no sooner had Phoebe spoken than a wave of regret washed over her.

    Eileen¡¯s face turned pale, and her eyes clouded with a distant look. She grew quieter after Bryan¡¯s name had been mentioned.

    ¡°I¡¯ve prescribed some medication for her. You can settle the bill now,¡± the doctor said, handing the receipt to Josue. Josue and Jacob then left the ward with the doctor.

    Now, only Phoebe and Eileen remained in the room.

    Discover more on g¦Á ? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s,

    Phoebe took Eileen¡¯s hands in hers and said, ¡°Eileen, I know you¡¯re struggling right now, but you have to take care of yourself. If you don¡¯t, what¡¯s going to happen next?

    You need to be strong.

    ¡°The doctor said that Bryan is stable and might wake up soon. You still have Gabri to care for, and Bailee and Ruby are waiting for you. You have so many people who care about you.¡±

    After a heavy silence, Eileen finally spoke. ¡°Now I understand why Bryan chose to stay in that small vige before, even though it meant he might nevere back.¡±

    Her voice was rough, and tears glistened in her eyes as she spoke.

    The waiting, she realized, was more torturous than the pain of thinking he had died. It was a relentless suffering.

    Eileen muttered, ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have gone to look for him before, right? At least that way, I could still hold on to the hope that he might still be alive. But now¡­¡±

    Bryan was indeed still alive, but he couldn¡¯t give her any hope.

    This was sheer torment for Eileen.

    Bryany on the bed, within reach, so close that Eileen could touch him. As she leaned over, she could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat and the evenness of his breathing. Yet, despite these signs of life, he remained unresponsive.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Nice day for you dear readers! God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. (>?=)

    .

 Chapter 681

    ?Chapter 681:

    Overwhelmed, Eileen covered her face with her hands. Tears streamed through her fingers, and her shoulders shook with silent sobs.

    ¡°Eileen¡­¡± Phoebe, witnessing Eileen¡¯s distress, felt a pang of sadness as well. She reached out and enveloped Eileen in aforting embrace, trying to offer her some strength.

    But soon, Eileen gently pulled away from Phoebe¡¯s arms. With a strained voice and tear-filled eyes, she said, ¡°Phoebe, please give me a few minutes.¡±

    Though worried, Phoebe nodded and said, ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you outside. Just call me if you need anything.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s brow furrowed as she gazed out the window. The darkness outside seemed to stretch out like a hand reaching for her, leaving her breathless and devoid of hope.

    The few minutes Eileen had asked for were really just moments for her to vent her frustration.

    As Eileen walked out of the ward, Phoebe heard her footsteps and immediately got up from the bench. She saw Eileen stand before her with resolve in her eyes.

    Eileen hadposed herself. Her long hair was neatly tied back, giving her a more resilient appearance. Besides the red rims around her eyes, a gauze-wrapped wound adorned her forehead.

    ¡°This is the medicine the doctor prescribed,¡± Phoebe said, handing Eileen the medication Josue had given her.

    Eileen epted it with a curt nod. ¡°I¡¯ll go find him,¡± she said.

    It was clear to everyone that ¡°him¡± meant Bryan.

    Phoebe, Josue, and Jacob exchanged nces before trailing after Eileen.

    Fresh chapters live g?ln¦Ò¦Íe?s?c?m

    They all went to Bryan¡¯s hospital room. After a moment of standing by Bryan¡¯s bed, Eileen finally spoke up. ¡°Regardless of whether he can hear us, I want to make our ns in front of him. There¡¯s no need for us to stay here constantly to keep watch. I¡¯ll arrange for a caregiver to look after him. You can visit when you¡¯re free, and I won¡¯t being here every day either.¡±

    Eileen had once centered her life entirely around Bryan, but now, Gabri was also a part of her world. Their friends, too, had their ownmitments, and they couldn¡¯t remain in the hospital all the time.

    No one knew the effort Eileen had put into making this decision.

    Josue nced at Bryan, his brow furrowing as he nearly lost hisposure. If they were barely holding on, how could Eileen manage?

    Phoebe stood behind Jacob, her tears falling quietly.

    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Jacob said with a forced smile, trying to lighten the mood. ¡°If Bryan could hear us now, it would bring him joy to hear you making this decision. When the ne crash happened, we didn¡¯t think he¡¯d make it back. Now, it¡¯s not worse than that.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen replied with a strained smile. She took a deep breath, sat down beside Bryan, and gently warmed his cold hands. ¡°Bryan, did you hear what I said? We¡¯ll return to our daily routines from now on.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 682

    ?Chapter 682:

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯re not abandoning you. We¡¯lle to visit whenever we¡¯re free,¡± Josue said, rubbing his face. ¡°Let¡¯s discuss a schedule and take turns looking after him each day.¡±

    Jacob immediately replied, ¡°That sounds good. We can rotate days, one person a day. If that doesn¡¯t work, then we can do two days¡ª¡±

    Before he could finish, Eileen interjected, ¡°But what if Bryan doesn¡¯t wake up for a year, two years, or even a lifetime?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s words came across as harsh, even slightly ungrateful. Yet, they all understood that she was saying this for their sake and bracing for the worst.

    Days, or even a few months¡ªeveryone could manage that. But Bryan had been unconscious for days, and if this continued for years¡­

    Each person had their own ns in life. It was simply unfeasible for them to be constantly by Bryan¡¯s side.

    Thus, Eileen had made this decision. And most importantly, if she didn¡¯t move on, neither Josue nor Jacob would be able to resume their normal lives.

    Regardless of the oue, life had to go on.

    Taking a deep breath, Eileen reassured them, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The caregiver is very diligent, and I will visit frequently. I¡¯ll let you know the moment he wakes up.¡±

    As Eileen spoke, she smiled, conveying through her expression that she hade to terms with the situation and was managing well. But her brave facade only deepened their sadness.

    Despite their concern, they had no choice but to follow Eileen¡¯s n.

    ¡°Eileen, if you need anything, don¡¯t hesitate to let us know. While we may not be able to handle everything, we¡¯re here to support you in any way we can,¡± Jacob said, his concern evident.

    Find your next chapter g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s

    Eileen nodded, her lips pressed together. After a moment, Christos came to mind.

    She said, ¡°Please help me locate Christos. Even though the antidote is real, he must know something about Bryan¡¯s condition.¡±

    When Eileen mentioned Christos, her demeanor turned stern, her eyes cold. If there was really a drug issue, she vowed not to let Christos off easily.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. No matter what, I¡¯ll track Christos down,¡± Josue assured her.

    That bastard! The antidote he had provided had led to this situation.

    ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t keep you any longer. We¡¯ll catch up over a meal another time. I¡¯ll stay here with Bryan for a while now,¡± Eileen said, nodding to them before turning her gaze back to Bryan.

    Understanding that Eileen needed some time alone with Bryan, everyone quietly left.

    The moment Josue stepped out of the ward, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care what it takes; find Christos for me!¡± His voice was deep,ced with fury.

    Jacob, aware of the importance of finding Christos, also sent out urgent messages.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 683

    ?Chapter 683:

    Responses starteding in almost immediately.

    They were now scouring every possible location for Christos.

    After tending to Bryan¡¯s body and recing his hospital gown with a fresh one, Eileen helped clip his nails.

    A wave of emotions washed over the caregiver as she observed how well Eileen was taking care of Bryan. It was surprising that Eileen was still willing to hire her.

    ¡°I wille by whenever I¡¯m free. Do your job well, and you¡¯ll be paid well,¡± Eileen said in a serious tone.

    Her words brought the caregiver back to reality. She understood the underlying meaning behind Eileen¡¯s words. Nodding, the caregiver quickly responded, ¡°You have nothing to worry about, Ms. Curtis. I¡¯ll take good care of Mr. Dawson.¡±

    Eileen simply nodded. She then turned her gaze to Bryan. With reluctance in her eyes, she softly said, ¡°I¡¯m leaving now. I might not be able toe by for a few days, but I¡¯ll return as soon as I¡¯m done handling things.¡±

    Her voice was gentle, as if soothing a child. She leaned closer to Bryan¡¯s perfectly sculpted face, her eyes welling up with tears.

    She didn¡¯t feel sorry for herself, but for Bryan. It would be better if he werepletely unconscious. But what if he was aware of what was going on around him but just couldn¡¯t move? He would feel so lonely that way.

    Eileen pressed her forehead against Bryan¡¯s. She knew she needed to stay strong for him.

    ¡°The phone is on the table. Call me when you wake up,¡± she whispered to him.

    She then pressed a kiss on his forehead. However, Bryan didn¡¯t react to her touch as hey motionless, making her heart ache.

    Read exclusive content at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    The next morning, Eileen got ready and went to work.

    She had just entered the Ferguson Group when she received a call from Julio.

    ¡°Where are you, Eileen?¡± Julio asked, his voice filled with urgency.

    Frowning, Eileen answered, ¡°I just arrived at thepany.¡±

    ¡°Come to my office immediately,¡± Julio said, his tone leaving no room for dy.

    Hurriedly, Eileen made her way to Julio¡¯s office.

    Inside, Julio was pacing restlessly. The look on his face was one of urgency, and he looked tired. It was clear that something significant had happened.

    Eileen could guess what had happened. She walked into the office, her expression concerned. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Noticing her arrival, Julio rushed to her and asked, ¡°Have you seen Dalores?¡±

    ¡°No. What happened to her? Isn¡¯t she with you?¡± Eileen asked, frowning.

    Julio¡¯s frown deepened at Eileen¡¯s response. ¡°She ran away. A few days ago, she went out with the nanny to a maternity store. While the nanny wasn¡¯t looking, Dalores managed to slip away.¡±

    Julio hadn¡¯t brought up the matter of Dalores before because Eileen had been dealing with a lot, and he hadn¡¯t wanted to burden her. After an extensive search in Onnd had failed to find Dalores, he had decided to call Eileen.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 684

    ?Chapter 684:

    Eileen¡¯s eyes widened in surprise at Julio¡¯s words. Thest time she had seen Dalores was when Julio had arranged everything for her. Eileen had met her at the vi. Dalores had made it clear that she wanted to give birth to the baby before making any decisions. Why, then, would she run away?

    ¡°She had nothing on her at the time of her disappearance¡ªno money, nothing. That makes it impossible for her to have left Onnd,¡± Julio¡¯s voice was full of worry. ¡°Dalores is a woman near her due date, on the run with no money. What if something bad happened to her?¡±

    This thought troubled him deeply.

    ¡°Keep searching for her. Look into anyone she contacted before her disappearance,¡± Eileen said firmly.

    Julio looked up abruptly, surprised. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±

    He had not stopped Dalores from having contact with the outside world. She had been obedient and had not caused any trouble. However, ording to the nanny, Dalores would sometimes make and receive calls and then return to her room.

    The recollection of this information gave Julio a thoughtful pause. ¡°I¡¯ll look into it. If she contacts you, let me know immediately. I¡¯ll leavepany matters to you for now,¡± he said, his intention clear¡ªhe would search for Dalores himself.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Eileen replied.

    ¡°How¡¯s Mr. Dawson doing? He seemed fine at the wedding two days ago. How did he suddenly fall into aa?¡± Julio asked, his concern growing.

    Only those close to Eileen and Bryan knew about Bryan¡¯s condition. But since Eileen had been at the hospital these past few days, no one had asked her about Bryan¡¯s situation.

    ¡°He¡¯s okay. He¡¯ll wake up soon,¡± Eileen said.

    Find the best stories g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    If only her voice hadn¡¯t carried the weight of hopelessness in her eyes, he might have believed Bryan was fine.

    He patted Eileen¡¯s shoulderfortingly and said, ¡°If you need any help, let me know.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Eileen replied gratefully.

    Less than five minutes after Eileen returned to her office, her assistant rushed in. ¡°Ms. Curtis, there¡¯s been an ident at the construction site.¡±

    Eileen, who had been working on some documents, froze for a moment.

    ¡°Take me there right now,¡± she said.

    Now that Bryan was in aa and Dalores was missing, the ident at the site was yet another addition to the string of misfortunes.

    Eileen and her assistant hurriedly made their way to the construction site.

    The ident had resulted in the death of one person. The deceased¡¯s family was holding onto the body, making threats, and refusing to let the authorities investigate.

    ¡°I want to see the person in charge. I want to speak to them personally. If not, I¡¯ll blow up this ce!¡±

    The deceased was a woman.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 685

    ?Chapter 685:

    The man holding onto her body was her husband. He appeared to be in his thirties, with a sallowplexion.

    He had a homemade explosive device strapped to his chest, and no one dared approach him.

    Eileen, trying to defuse the situation, said, ¡°Calm down, sir. As the death urred on-site, we¡¯ll perform an autopsy. Ourpany acknowledges the ident and will provide adequatepensation.¡±

    ¡°Is that what you think I want? Compensation? Thispany exploits people! The foreman used his rtionship with the supervisor at the Ferguson Group to oppress the workers. They withheld our wages and drove my wife to her death. Driscoll Todd killed my wife! I want to see Driscoll! I don¡¯t wantpensation, I want his head!¡± the man shouted.

    Driscoll had fled after the incident.

    The man had no other choice but to take this drastic measure to force Driscoll out.

    Julio should have been the one to handle this issue, but he was busy searching for Dalores.

    Eileen, hearing the man¡¯s story, understood his predicament. Trying tofort him, she said, ¡°What you say is true; the Ferguson Group will make sure Driscoll is arrested and that the necessarypensation is provided. However, you must stand down. Hurting others won¡¯t bring your wife back. It will only cause more loss.¡±

    ¡°Do you care? My wife is dead! I have nothing left to lose. Driscoll drove my pregnant wife to her death. He deserves to go to hell!¡± the man screamed in anguish.

    The man was now emotionally unstable and seemed unwilling to listen to anything Eileen had to say.

    A chill ran down Eileen¡¯s spine.

    Your favorite tales live at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s£®??????

    She knew the man must be acting this way because he had run out of options. Moreover, he didn¡¯t even ask for money.

    A sudden burst of emotion sent a wave of panic through the crowd, causing them to scatter in haste.

    Eileen, however, remained rooted in ce as she watched the frenzied man.

    Suddenly, the rushing crowd jostled her, and before she knew it, she was falling backward.

    Benjamin swiftly caught her and guided her to a safe spot.

    The situation was dire. Thepany¡¯s security guards quickly moved everyone to safety, with the police arriving on the scene shortly after.

    ¡°Don¡¯t hurt him. We need to do everything we can to make amends,¡± Eileen turned to Benjamin. ¡°We must help him find Driscoll and give him an exnation.¡± Her tone was firm.

    Benjamin¡¯s brow furrowed as he replied, ¡°The police will take care of this. Just stay calm. The matter is not as simple as you think. Since the man managed to get his hands on a bomb and bring it here to cause trouble, there¡¯s likely someone pulling the strings behind this.¡±

    Seeing the man in his crazed, trance-like state, Eileen felt a pang of recognition, as if she were seeing a reflection of herself.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 686

    ?Chapter 686:

    Slowly, she regained herposure and rity. ¡°You mean someone¡¯s pulling the strings and causing all this chaos?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Benjamin replied, casting a nce at the man confronting the police. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. He won¡¯t set off the bomb. He must have a goal, but we don¡¯t know who he¡¯s working for.¡±

    Most people kept a safe distance from the man.

    Perhaps reaching an agreement with the police, the man discarded the bomb and allowed himself to be led away.

    The ordealsted just over ten minutes but had a significant impact on the Ferguson Group.

    All the media outlets covered the crisis, failing to specify who was responsible. They simply highlighted Ferguson Group¡¯s involvement.

    As a result, Ferguson Group¡¯s stock market took a hit.

    To address the negative fallout from the incident, Eileen workedte into the night, finally heading home after eleven.

    On her way home, as she drove past the hospital, she didn¡¯t go inside but pulled over to the roadside.

    She stepped out of the car and leaned against it, gazing up at a specific ward.

    Though the light in the room was faint, it stood as the only glimmer of hope in her heart.

    Bryan hadn¡¯t been in aa for long, yet it felt like an eternity to Eileen. She struggled to recall what it was like when he was always by her side.

    Endless adventures await on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    Lowering her head, she couldn¡¯t hide the disappointment in her eyes.

    Suddenly, her phone rang, piercing the quiet night. She quickly answered it. Turning around and getting back into the car, she said, ¡°Mom, I¡¯m on my way home now.¡±

    Roderick had heard about Bryan¡¯s situation and had wanted to meet with Eileen multiple times, but his busy restaurant kept him upied.

    That wasn¡¯t the only issue; Judie was nearing her due date, and her emotional instability led to frequent arguments with him over minor things.

    Their disputes became even more intense whenever Eileen was mentioned. In the midst of this turmoil, Roderick could only send a few messages expressing his concern for Eileen.

    Each time Eileen responded briefly, telling him to wait for good news and assuring him that she would update him immediately if anything happened to Bryan.

    The more Eileen acted like this, the more worried Roderick became. Unable to shake his concern, he ended up closing the restaurant at midnight and drinking alone.

    His drinking soon led him to copse on the roadside. The police found him there and contacted Judie to bring him home.

    Seeing Roderick sprawled on the bed, Judie¡¯s frustration boiled over. ¡°What¡¯s the point of this? I¡¯m your wife, and Eileen is not even rted to you. Why are you so worried about her?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 687

    ?Chapter 687:

    ¡°Enough. I¡¯ll get him some warm water to clean him up. Just take care of him.¡± Denise, feeling sympathy for Roderick, knew she had to care for him diligently. He was her only hope for the future, and she needed to ensure he was well taken care of.

    Judie rolled her eyes at Denise and moved Roderick¡¯s position on the bed with her foot.

    After a while, Denise finished preparing the warm water and began to clean Roderick¡¯s body. ¡°Judie, please keep an eye on him tonight. Don¡¯t¡ª¡±

    ¡°You handle it,¡± Judie interjected, grabbing a pillow. ¡°I¡¯m pregnant and need my rest.¡± Without another word, she turned and left.

    Denise hesitated, wanting to say something, but ultimately decided to focus on caring for Roderick.

    Thankfully, Roderick managed through the night without further incident. Yet, just as dawn approached, Denise¡¯s phone rang abruptly at five o¡¯clock. Startled, she hastened outside to answer the call.

    She instinctively returned to her room. ¡°I¡¯ve asked you not to contact me anymore. I have no idea where your daughter is. Shortly after I took her in, my marriage fell apart, and I¡¯ve lost track of her since.¡±

    With that, she ended the call.

    Setting the phone down, she turned to find Judie awake and looking at her in confusion. ¡°Oh, I forgot you were here. I¡¯m sorry, I¡ªI¡­¡±

    ¡°Hold on a moment,¡± Judie interrupted, her curiosity piqued. ¡°Who was on the phone?¡±

    ¡°Um¡­¡± Denise hesitated, her voice faltering. ¡°I suspect Eileen was stolen and sold a long time ago. I¡¯m not sure how her family managed to reach me.¡±

    How could she admit she had bought Eileen? The illegal nature of it all was undeniable. If she admitted this, how could she ever hope to take advantage of Eileen in the future?

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s is where imagination thrives

    Judie¡¯s eyes flickered as an idea struck her. ¡°Did you even ask who was calling?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask,¡± Denise replied quickly. ¡°I didn¡¯t dare to probe too much.¡±

    Judie, now standing and grabbing Denise¡¯s phone, said, ¡°Let me check. I need to see where the call came from.¡±

    The phone disyed that the caller was from Alverton, the most remote northern reaches of the country. Judie knew well that people in Alverton were either extremely rich or very poor.

    ¡°When Eileen was brought to you, did she have anything with her?¡± Judie asked.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Denise replied quickly. ¡°She had gold, but it was taken away by the seller.¡±

    Thirty years ago, buying gold for a mere infant was a sign of considerable wealth.

    Judie¡¯s eyes gleamed with realization. ¡°If her family is wealthy, then you can turn this to our advantage. If they contact you again about Eileen, just tell them they¡¯ve reached the wrong person. Mention that one of your rtives did buy a child and ask for some money to ¡®help with the search.¡¯ Then, say that you¡¯re unable to contact this so-called rtive.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 688

    ?Chapter 688:

    ¡°You¡¯re brilliant! I didn¡¯t dare to consider this before,¡± Denise said, though she was still nervous. ¡°But what if they find out something? I¡¯m worried about the details. What exactly should we say?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the details,¡± Judie assured her. ¡°Hand over your phone for now. I¡¯ll take care of it.¡± With that, she slipped Denise¡¯s phone into her pocket and went to wake Roderick up.

    Winter¡¯s dawn arrivedte, and at about six o¡¯clock in the morning, the world outside was still shrouded in darkness.

    Eileen, who usually slept in, was jolted awake by Raymond¡¯s repeated calls. An urgent situation had arisen at the EB Group.

    Eileen had to scramble out of bed and rush to the office.

    She had previously considered the incident with the Ferguson Group yesterday an ident, but today¡¯s incident revealed a more sinister reality: someone was deliberately targeting her.

    The enemy had meticulously nned their attack. During Eileen¡¯s absence from thepany, someone had stolen the core technology of the EB Group.

    With just seven days left before the EB Group¡¯s new productunch, any leak of this technology before theunch could deal a crippling blow to thepany.

    The meeting room buzzed with tension as all the senior executives gathered, their expressions grave.

    Dressed in a ck business suit, Eileen exuded professionalism as she entered. Facing the senior executives, she was the first to speak.

    ¡°I want to start by apologizing,¡± Eileen began, her tone earnest. ¡°Due to some personal issues, I haven¡¯t managed our affairs as well as I should have, and that has unfortunately reflected on ourpany. I¡¯ll be exining the situation to our shareholders, so you can rest easy on that front. For now, our focus must be on damage control and bracing for the challenges ahead.¡±

    g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s, your fiction escape

    Taking full responsibility for the recent turmoil, Eileen gave a much-needed sense of relief to the executives, who had expected to be reprimanded.

    They then began to propose solutions actively.

    After three hours of intensive discussion, they formted a preliminary n.

    After the meeting, Eileen proceeded directly to the general shareholders¡¯ meeting. There, she faced harsh criticism. Some shareholders even questioned her capability based on her gender, suggesting that her personal distractions had led to this mess.

    ¡°Have we identified the traitor within thepany?¡±

    ¡°Everyone involved in the project must be held ountable!¡±

    ¡°Once we¡¯ve settled this matter, I suggest we rece all staff involved in this project.¡±

    This suggestion implied theplete dismissal of all technical and nning staff connected to the project.

    Eileen shot back immediately, ¡°We can¡¯t just switch people out. This project is the result of everyone¡¯s hard work, and the one who betrayed us is to me. Recing everyone involved would only affect the employees¡¯ morale.¡±

    Her words only served to draw further criticism from the shareholders.

    Amid a barrage of usations, threats were also made.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 689

    ?Chapter 689:

    They warned Eileen that if she couldn¡¯t resolve the issue, she would have to resign.

    ¡°If I step down, who will take over?¡± Eileen challenged, patting the chair beside her. ¡°Who has the courage to take thepany from me? Or from Bryan?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t drag Bryan into this. Just look at his current state,¡± a shareholder snapped back disdainfully.

    Eileen¡¯s expression turned cold in an instant. ¡°No matter his condition, you cannot surpass him! If you think you can take over, think about the strong foundation he built for me!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re here for a slice of the profit of LB Group, then stick around. If not, feel free to leave now. Nobody¡¯s holding you here against your will.¡±

    Eileen mmed her hand on the table, casting a frosty look at the shareholders.

    None of the shareholders dared to lift their gaze.

    Eileen¡¯s authoritative tone reminded them strongly of Bryan.

    ¡°If this project fails, we¡¯ll all absorb the losses equally. We profit together, so we should also shoulder the losses together. If you¡¯re not on board with that, then pull out your investment. You can directly contact Raymond to do that.¡±

    With that, Eileen turned and walked out of the meeting room.

    Outside, Raymond was waiting. He quickly caught up with Eileen.

    He had been in the vige for an extended period. He had rushed back to EB Group overnight after hearing about the crisis. He had intended to assess the situation before reporting to Eileen.

    However, he hadn¡¯t realized the full gravity of the issue until his arrival.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s has your next chapter

    Eileen and Raymond walked into Eileen¡¯s office together. Raymond stood before her desk, giving a slight bow. ¡°I apologize, Ms. Curtis. This is my fault.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault,¡± Eileen interjected. ¡°It¡¯s my fault.

    How¡¯s everything with the project in the vige?¡±

    ¡°The project is progressing well, and your decision is wise. When the resort opens, it will clearly be profitable.¡± Raymond then summarized the vige¡¯s current status briefly.

    He then cautiously inquired, ¡°Do you think this will make the shareholders turn against you?¡±

    Eileen, not looking up, responded, ¡°Quite a few are already displeased. If I show any weakness, things could spiral out of control. It would be much harder to deal with the situation then.¡±

    Currently, the traitor was still seeking chances to undermine EB Group, which faced the risk of either a takeover or a copse.

    ¡°Thank you for your efforts these past days,¡± Eileen said to Raymond.

    Raymond had spent a considerable amount of time in the vige. His appearance was now marked by tan and coarse skin, reminiscent of how Bryan had looked when Eileen saw him in the vige.

    ¡°Your end-of-year bonus will be doubled. You don¡¯t need to go to the vige. Just keep an eye on the project from here,¡± Eileen instructed.

    Raymond acknowledged her words. After a brief pause, he added, ¡°Mr. Dawson¡­¡±

    Raymond asionally felt the need to reach out to Bryan.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 690

    ?Chapter 690:

    However, recently, Raymond had been unable to get in touch with Bryan and was hesitant to inquire about what could have happened.

    Even after such a significant event, Bryan was nowhere to be seen, leaving Eileen to handle the situation on her own. Thispelled Raymond to finally voice his concerns.

    ¡°Bryan has been given the antidote and is still in the recovery phase. I¡¯m not certain how long his recuperation will take,¡± Eileen responded, unable to voice her doubts about whether Bryan would ever wake up.

    Turning away, Raymond retrieved a shopping bag from his suitcase, ced it on the desk, and slid it toward Eileen.

    ¡°Zelda gave me this,¡± he exined. ¡°She found it in Mr. Dawson¡¯s room after he left the vige.¡±

    Eileen opened the bag to discover several intricately carved wooden figurines, each with distinctly t edges. There were a few cartoon characters along with some small animals.

    One was distinctly darker than the rest; it was two people together.

    Bryan had once captured a photograph of Eileen and Gabri in a simr pose. The figurine showed Eileen cradling Gabri, her head bowed, a gentle smile on her face.

    Eileen touched the figurine with her fingertips, as though she could sense thefort Bryan had drawn from it during his extended stay in the small vige.

    She started to cry, her tears clouding her vision.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, someone is sabotaging the project from behind the scenes. I¡¯ve initiated an investigation and will update you as soon as possible. Please take some time to rest,¡± Raymond noticed Eileen¡¯s distress.

    Taking a deep breath, Eileen dabbed her eyes with a tissue. Onceposed, she dered, ¡°I anticipate they¡¯ll act soon. Alert the public rtions team to implement the emergency protocols, ensure all innocents involved are reassured, and seize every chance to catch the traitor.¡±

    She then stood up, putting all the figurines back into the bag. ¡°I¡¯ll go to the hospital.¡±

    She just couldn¡¯t stay away from the hospital for long. She had told Josue and the others to encourage them to resume their everyday lives.

    However, upon her arrival at the hospital, she learned that Josue and the others had just visited and left.

    ording to the caregiver, Josue and Jacob had spent over an hour in the ward, sitting silently without engaging in any conversation or activity, before departing.

    Eileen settled into a chair, methodically pulling out each figurine from the bag and arranging them on the table.

    Then, she carefully ced the figurine representing herself and Gabri into Bryan¡¯s hand.

    ¡°The wood feels cold,¡± she murmured. ¡°You should wake up and hug me and Gabri instead.¡±

    She adjusted Bryan¡¯s grip on the figurine, ensuring his hand wasn¡¯t too close to the edge of the bed.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 691

    ?Chapter 691:

    This way, even if hecked the strength to hold it, the figurine wouldn¡¯t fall off the bed.

    Then, Eileen stood up and headed to the bathroom to fetch a basin of water to wipe Bryan¡¯s body.

    No sooner had she left the room than Bryan¡¯s hand¡ªstill warm against his skin¡ªtwitches. The figurine slipped from his grip and rolled off the bed¡¯s edge, hitting the floor with a soft thud.

    Hearing the sound, Eileen turned around abruptly.

    Eileen returned slowly to the bedside and looked at the figurine lying on the floor.

    She hesitantly touched Bryan¡¯s defined arm, which remained unresponsive.

    Her eyes then shifted to his face, which still exuded a dignified aura, even in his unconscious state.

    He still hadn¡¯t awakened.

    But how had the figurine, which she had securely ced in his hand, ended up on the floor?

    A frown creased Eileen¡¯s forehead as she noticed Bryan¡¯s fingers¡ªslightly curled but still unmoving.

    A flicker of disappointment crossed her eyes. She retrieved the figurine and carefully ced it back in his hand, then went to the bathroom to fetch some water to wipe him down.

    As theunch date for the new product neared, the pressure from the shareholders intensified.

    Meanwhile, Raymond was deep in his investigation when those targeting Eileen made their move, setting a meeting with her at the Venezia Hotel at seven in the evening.

    Explore fresh updates on g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, I believe this is a setup. We should be cautious,¡± Raymond urged, advising Eileen to reconsider attending the meeting.

    Eileen eyed the unfamiliar number on her phone and asked, ¡°Who owns the Venezia Hotel?¡±

    ¡°The Mueller family,¡± Raymond replied quickly. Being well-versed in Onnd¡¯s businessndscape, he immediately connected the dots.

    A realization dawned on him. ¡°Could Jonathan be orchestrating this?¡±

    ¡°People tend to target you when you¡¯re down. Often, the first to strike is someone who¡¯s been nursing a grudge against EB Group for years,¡± Eileen replied.

    It wasmon knowledge that Bryan had founded EB Group. Though he hadter handed it over to Eileen, his influence still lingered.

    Moreover, Eileen was firmly on Bryan¡¯s side.

    Anything associated with him was likely a thorn in Jonathan¡¯s side.

    Previously, Jonathan might have hesitated to act, but now¡­

    ¡°Still, Jonathan couldn¡¯t pull this off alone,¡± Eileen said, her eyes narrowing as she pondered. ¡°Brandon.¡±

    Many of EB Group¡¯s top brass had once been underlings at Apex Group. Only Brandon had the ability to reach out and sway them.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 692

    ?Chapter 692:

    Raymond¡¯s brow furrowed in frustration. ¡°It¡¯s amon saying that when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter. Yet, for Brandon to spearhead such a maneuver, especially considering he is Bryan¡¯s father¡­ I¡­¡± He nearly cursed aloud.

    ¡°This might be a blessing in disguise,¡± Eileen interjected. ¡°Look into Brandon¡¯s recent dealings. See who he has been associating with. Even if we don¡¯t have concrete proof yet, find that person and try to uncover evidence of Brandon bribing them.¡±

    If they were right, Brandon would be caught red-handed, breakingmercialw. Bryan had always suspected that Brandon would hold a grudge and seek revenge, but the rapid esction with Coen had caught him off guard. He hadn¡¯t had the time to deal with Brandon. Now that Brandon had made his move, Eileen was ready to seize this opportunity.

    Raymond saw the wisdom in Eileen¡¯s strategy. ¡°Understood, Ms. Curtis. I¡¯ll get on it immediately.¡±

    By the afternoon, Raymond had unearthed evidence of a senior executive who had secretly been in contact with Brandon.

    ¡°Get a few people together to join the dinner tonight with me,¡± Eileen said. ¡°I expect Jonathan willy out his terms then. He can¡¯t monopolize this technology but might try to exploit any reluctance to unveil the product¡¯s features before theunch, aiming to squeeze out some advantages.¡±

    A single project wasn¡¯t enough to immediately jeopardize EB Group, but with Brandon¡¯s ndestine schemes and the mounting pressure from shareholders, it was a challenge to ensure thepany wouldn¡¯t suffer significantly.

    Eileen knew she had to save this project unless there was no other choice.

    Following Eileen¡¯s directives without hesitation, Raymond enlisted a few bodyguards and a couple of senior executives to apany Eileen to the dinner. At the same time, he began questioning the senior executive who had leaked thepany¡¯s core technology, determined to gather evidence before Jonathan made his demandster in the evening.

    If they managed to demonstrate that Jonathan and Brandon were involved inmercial malfeasance, Jonathan would be deterred from exposing the core technology, knowing that doing so would only exacerbate his potential penalties.

    Your new favorite is g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m

    Having coordinated these efforts on Eileen¡¯s behalf, Raymond set out to confront the traitor, Truett Gomez, trapping him at his residence.

    Truett, a 45-year-old long-term employee at Apex Group, had climbed the ranks thanks to Brandon. Surprised by Raymond¡¯s appearance at his doorstep, Truett¡¯s initial shock soon morphed into a smile. ¡°Raymond, to what do I owe the pleasure?¡± he asked casually.

    ¡°You know exactly why I¡¯m here,¡± Raymond replied, not bothering to wait for an invitation as he brushed past Truett to enter his house.

    As he entered, he noticed a small suitcase by the door, its zipper slightly open, revealing a glimpse of something greenish inside. Truett followed him in, swiftly grabbed the suitcase, and disappeared into a bedroom, shutting the door behind him. He then returned, gesturing for Raymond to take a seat.

    ¡°Raymond, I didn¡¯t expect you to visit me today. Unfortunately, I¡¯m out of coffee beans, so you¡¯ll have to make do with water,¡± Truett said, pouring a cup of warm water and handing it to Raymond.

    Raymond epted the water and looked around curiously. ¡°Are your wife and child not home, Mr. Gomez?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re on vacation abroad,¡± Truett replied with a faint smile.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 693

    ?Chapter 693:

    ¡°I noticed the packed suitcase at the entrance. It seems like you¡¯re nning to join them,¡± Raymond said. ¡°Looks like you¡¯re traveling with a lot of cash.¡±

    Truett stiffened at Raymond¡¯s words, then managed a forced smile. ¡°I¡¯m a bit old school, you know. Unlike you young folks, I don¡¯t rely much on cards and mobile payments. I tend to keep cash on hand.¡±

    Raymond took a sip of his water, his gaze steady. ¡°Just the two of us here, Mr. Gomez. No need for pretenses. The cash in the suitcase¡ª is it from Brandon? How much money did he give you?¡±

    Truett hesitated.

    ¡°We can offer you double. Just tell me the truth,¡± Raymond interjected.

    Tempted by the prospect of doubling his earnings, Truett trembled, his voice wavering as he spoke.

    ¡°Raymond, this isn¡¯t a joke. You don¡¯t even know what Brandon promised. Can you truly double it?¡±

    ¡°I was merely testing you, but you spilled the beans quite easily,¡± Raymond revealed a recording device from his pocket. ¡°You know, if this ends up with the cops, you¡¯re looking at a charge, right?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be like that, Raymond,¡± Truett¡¯s voice darkened as he was cornered. ¡°What is it you need to know? I¡¯ll tell you everything.¡±

    Sensing that things were unfolding too smoothly, Raymond grew cautious. ¡°What exactly are Brandon and Jonathan concocting? Apart from leaking our core tech, what else did they task you with? How much did they pay you?¡±

    After a brief pause, overwhelmed by the flurry of questions, Truett responded, ¡°Their n was to corner Ms. Curtis and coerce her into surrendering her shares in both EB Group and Apex Group. They gave me a million for that. And besides spilling product details, they instructed me to keep you tied up until at least half past seven in the evening.¡±

    Earlier, Raymond had been tailing Truett for some time. Truett had driven all over town for a couple of hours, asionally stopping to grab some food and beverages. He had also paused to visit the restroom. By the time he returned home, the clock had struck half past seven in the evening. Now, it was already seven forty-two.

    Discover what¡¯s next on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s???o??

    A frown formed on Raymond¡¯s face as he rose quickly from his seat. ¡°Damn it, what are they nning to do to Curtis?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure of the exact ns. But Brandon has his sights set on the groups founded by Bryan, while Jonathan has his eyes on Eileen,¡± Truett said.

    It was clear that Eileen was the focal point. Both EB Group and Apex Group were under Eileen¡¯s control, and she was Bryan¡¯s wife. Even though Eileen had taken multiple bodyguards to the hotel today, it might not be enough. This was a trap within a trap!

    Upon realizing the imminent danger, Raymond dashed out of the house and tried calling Eileen, but he got no response. His anxiety was palpable as he began to sweat heavily. Left with no other option, he decided to call Josue and Jacob.

    Meanwhile, Josue and Jacob were in Bryan¡¯s hospital room. They had just ced a cigarette between Bryan¡¯s fingers and an unopened bottle of red wine in his other hand. It was as if they were having drinks and chatting like before.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 694

    ?Chapter 694:

    The sudden sound of a phone ringing almost caused Jacob to lose his grip on the wine bottle. He nudged Josue and whispered, ¡°Next time, silence your phone before youe. If Bryan wakes up, you¡¯re the one to me.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s better he wakes up than not at all,¡± Josue replied as he picked up the call.

    Raymond spoke urgently, ¡°Mr. Payne, I need help! Ms. Curtis has gone to meet Brandon and Jonathan. Those scoundrels have set a trap at the Venezia Hotel!¡±

    Josue¡¯s expression turned grim instantly. He switched his phone to speaker mode and said as he slipped on his shoes, ¡°Which room at the Venezia Hotel are they in? When did she head there? Why was she in contact with Brandon and Jonathan? Give me the details.¡±

    Upon arriving at Bryan¡¯s hospital room, Josue and Jacob removed their shoes and positioned themselves on either side of Bryan¡¯s bed. After a brief moment, they quickly stood up and resumed their conversation while slipping on their shoes.

    Raymond informed them that the core of the project had been stolen. In a flurry, Jacob and Josueced up their shoes, grabbed their phones, and hurried out of the hospital.

    In the sunlit room, the man lying on the bed suddenly scrunched his eyebrows and clenched his hands tightly.

    At the Venezia Hotel¡­

    When Eileen and her bodyguards arrived, they found the hotelpletely empty of customers. Eileen realized she might have walked into a trap. Turning around, she saw two lines of suited bodyguards quickly blocking the hotel¡¯s entrance. It became evident that the side and rear exits were simrly guarded.

    Eileen¡¯s bodyguards immediately sensed the danger and swiftly encircled her.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis,¡± one of them said.

    ???????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.??????

    ¡°Since there¡¯s no way out, I might as well head inside,¡± Eileen said, her voice calm. Trapped, she resolved not to show any fear.

    This was likely the extent of what Brandon and Jonathan were capable of. After all, a defeat this time could cost them everything, with Brandon potentially facing life behind bars. Yet, since they had invited her here, it meant they had a purpose.

    Eileen was then led by a waiter to the dining room on the top floor.

    The expansive dining room was almost empty. Under the opulent, intricate lighting, the ambiance wasvish. The empty sses caught the light from all around, shimmering brilliantly.

    In the center of the room stood arge table, able to amodate over a dozen people. Brandon and Jonathan sat there, appearing calm. Brandon had a serious yet eager expression, while Jonathan appeared smug.

    ¡°Hello, Eileen,¡± Jonathan said as he rose, casually shedding his woolen coat and letting it fall to the floor. His subordinate promptly scooped it up and stepped aside quietly.

    Jonathan walked toward Eileen, surveying her from head to toe as he circled her. ¡°I never noticed how stunning you are before. You weren¡¯t this captivating back when you were Bryan¡¯s special assistant.¡± He touched his forehead thoughtfully and continued, ¡°Back then, you wouldn¡¯t even dare to make eye contact with me. Now, your gaze resembles Bryan¡¯s. Clearly, he taught you well.¡±

    ¡°Jonathan, are you aware that your Mueller family is in no position to cover the fines of economic offenses?¡± Eileen said, her voice cutting through the air.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 695

    ?Chapter 695:

    ¡°This cutting-edge technology is valued at several billion dors. The entire Mueller family is facing financial strains; they can¡¯t afford to pay the fines.¡±

    Yet, Jonathan remained unfazed. ¡°That¡¯s none of my concern. I merely loaned some money to Brandon. That¡¯s the extent of my involvement.¡±

    He was cautious, making sure his role was limited to causing Eileen trouble without getting involved in the broader issues.

    Brandon then stood and pointed to two contracts on the table. ¡°Eileen, there¡¯s no escaping today. One contract is for the EB Group, and the other is for the Apex Group. You need to transfer your shares in these two groups to me. Even without these two, you still have the Warren Group and the Ferguson Group. They¡¯re more than enough to ensure a life of luxury for you.¡±

    Brandon was demanding that Eileen hand over control of both EB Group and Apex Group to him.

    ¡°Even though Truett managed to dy Raymond and divert attention to aid your sess, he must have confessed to your crimes. Even if I sign these today, you won¡¯t be able to take over EB Group and Apex Group,¡± Eileen said calmly to Brandon. ¡°Once you walk out of this hotel, you¡¯ll be arrested for economic crimes. Trapping me here won¡¯t benefit you; it¡¯ll only add another charge to your list.¡±

    Brandon clenched his jaw and responded, ¡°You better understand your position now and not involve the police over such a minor matter!¡±

    He was attempting to convince Eileen to avoid escting the situation and topromise.

    But Eileen knew that if Brandon secured the EB Group and Apex Group and she conceded, he would gain too much. That wasn¡¯t fair.

    ¡°Brandon, do you have no shame?¡± Eileen¡¯s rising fury was triggered by the sight of Brandon¡¯s audacious demeanor. ¡°Bryan is your own son. Your cruelty towards him is unbearable. You are unworthy of being called a father!¡±

    Her voice rang out, loud in the dining room, creating a slight echo.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s has stories worth exploring

    Jonathan sat nearby, waiting for them to conclude their discussion.

    However, observing that they were on the verge of physical conflict, Jonathan intervened with impatience. ¡°Brandon, wrap this up. I don¡¯t have time for this.¡±

    ¡°He is not deserving of being my son!¡± Brandon dered coldly, mming the contracts down on the table. ¡°Sign these!¡±

    Eileen turned her head away, her response firm. ¡°No, I refuse to do that.¡±

    Before she could say more, Brandon grabbed her wrist and forcefully pushed her against the table. The dishes crashed to the floor with a loud shattering sound, causing Eileen to stumble.

    Taken aback by Brandon¡¯s aggressive action, Eileen¡¯s bodyguards quickly moved in, only to be surrounded by men in ck who stormed in. A fierce skirmish broke out.

    Eileen fell to the floor, and shards of ss pierced her elbow, causing her to wince in pain, her face paling from the sudden injury.

    Brandon yanked Eileen to her feet and shoved her against the railing. Part of her body dangled dangerously over the edge, threatening to send her plummeting at any moment.

    ¡°Eileen, die here or hand over the EB Group and Apex Group! Make your choice!¡± he shouted, nearly losing his sanity.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 696

    ?Chapter 696:

    The hard railing pressed lightly against Eileen¡¯s waist. Brandon¡¯s force felt as if it might break her.

    ¡°Brandon, don¡¯t kill her,¡± Jonathan said, rising from his seat and taking a few steps toward them.

    Consumed by his emotions, Brandon barely registered Jonathan¡¯s words. His obsession with seizing the Apex Group had driven him to the brink of insanity. Since being ousted by the Dawson family, he had lived like a rat, scurrying through life without hope or direction.

    Brandon tightened his grip on Eileen¡¯s neck, his voice cold and unyielding. ¡°Will you sign the contracts or not?¡±

    Eileen gasped, her face reddening. The pain coursing through her body was nothingpared to the torment in her heart. Images of Bryan and Gabri shed through her mind.

    She hesitated, caught between the urge to fight back and the temptation to give up. But instinctively, she refused Brandon¡¯s demands.

    Seeing the danger Eileen was in, Jonathan sprang into action. He dashed over and grabbed Brandon¡¯s arm, trying desperately to pull him away, but his efforts were in vain.

    ¡°Damn it! Let her go! Don¡¯t kill her!¡± he shouted.

    The three of them wrestled near the railing, their movements frantic and chaotic. Meanwhile, Eileen¡¯s bodyguards were overwhelmed and outnumbered by Jonathan¡¯s men. They were soon subdued.

    Jonathan¡¯s bodyguards then moved to help him, managing to pry Brandon off Eileen.

    Eileen¡¯s weak body slid off the ss wall and fell to the floor.

    ¡°Damn it! Why did I ever agree to work with you? If you kill her, what will I get from this?¡± Jonathan exhaled in relief as he saw that Eileen was still alive.

    Regaining hisposure, Brandon quickly responded, ¡°Jonathan, she hasn¡¯t signed the contracts yet. You promised me she would sign first, and then you¡¯d deal with her!¡±

    ¡°Can you really make her sign this way?¡± Jonathan said as he approached Eileen. He crouched beside her and grasped her wrist with a firm grip. ¡°Here¡¯s the deal, Eileen. You need to decide. Do you want to serve me in bed, or do you want to serve all these people?¡±

    Jonathan grabbed Eileen¡¯s wrist and dragged her slightly across the floor. Her long ck hair syed out around her like a dark halo.

    Jonathan caught a flicker of hatred in her eyes.

    He gave her face a couple of light ps and said, ¡°I¡¯m dying to know¡ªhow is Bryan doing now? Is he dead or alive? You¡¯re so stubborn. Do you really think Bryan cane to your rescue?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s cheeks flushed red from the ps, but she didn¡¯t look scared. ¡°Even if he can¡¯t save me, you still won¡¯t be able toy a finger on me. You¡¯ll just have to wait until I¡¯m dead!¡±

    ¡°You are quite brave,¡± Jonathan chuckled. ¡°But what does it matter? Bryan is noting back. Don¡¯t you just want to be my woman? It¡¯s tough for a widow like you to survive in this world.¡±

    Now, the power of EB Group was a tempting prize, and manypanies were eager to stake their im. Bryan¡¯s downfall had been the turning point. With Eileen overwhelmed and unable to manage thepany, those lurking in the shadows grew bolder.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 697

    ?Chapter 697:

    However, they preferred to watch the chaos from a safe distance. They didn¡¯t dare confront Eileen head-on, unlike Brandon and Jonathan.

    ¡°I don¡¯t need your protection, and I never will,¡± Eileen dered defiantly, refusing to give in, even though Jonathan was tightly gripping her cor.

    Noting the shift in Jonathan¡¯s expression, she smirked. ¡°Do you really think that you can surpass Bryan by tormenting me? You will never surpass him. All you¡¯re doing is proving to everyone that you are just a coward who bullies women!¡±

    Jonathan¡¯s face flushed with fury. ¡°You are incredibly stubborn! Are you trying to provoke me into giving you a quick death?¡±

    That wasn¡¯t true. Eileen couldn¡¯t ept the way others belittled Bryan.

    Even though Bryany motionless in bed now, unable to awaken, she refused to yield to Jonathan¡¯s threats. This was because she was representing Bryan!

    ¡°Your stubbornness is infuriating!¡± Jonathan snapped. ¡°I won¡¯t show any mercy. Today, you are going to face ruin at my hands!¡± Jonathan stood up and dragged Eileen toward the door.

    Battered and exhausted from Brandon¡¯s earlier attack, Eileencked the strength to fight back now. As she was yanked toward the door, she clung to it with all her might, refusing to let go.

    Jonathan crouched down, prying her fingers away with force.

    Exhaustion had drained Eileen¡¯sst reserves of strength, and a flicker of despair began to cloud her eyes.

    Suddenly, a loud crash echoed down the hall, followed by the heavy thud of hurried footsteps. Several imposing figures stormed into view, and the dazed bodyguards quickly scrambled to intervene.

    Though Eileen couldn¡¯t see who had arrived, she surmised it was either Jacob or Josue.

    Jonathan looked up, his face contorted with rage. ¡°Damn it! Brandon, how dare you deceive me!¡±

    He released Eileen and barked orders for all his bodyguards to charge forward. But despite their efforts, they couldn¡¯t stop the man.

    Every inch of Eileen¡¯s body ached, and it took all her effort just to sit up. Her back was against the door as she struggled to catch her breath. When she finally lifted her head, her eyes widened in disbelief.

    She saw Bryan, whose expression was dark and radiating a murderous intensity. He wore a ck suit jacket over a blue and white hospital gown, his chiseled features set in a tense expression.

    Bryan quickly knocked down the bodyguards with swift, decisive blows and hurried down the hallway. Josue and Jacob had also arrived with an army of bodyguards, and within minutes, they had turned the tables.

    It wasn¡¯t until thest bodyguard was taken down that Bryan noticed Eileen in the corner, her back pressed against the door. Her long ck hair was tangled, and her clothes were in disarray. Despite her condition, her eyes sparkled with a mix of happiness, excitement, and relief.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 698

    ?Chapter 698:

    Suppressing the urge to rush to Eileen¡¯s side, Bryan turned his attention to Jonathan. He strode over and delivered a sharp kick, sending Jonathan crashing to the floor.

    Without a word, Bryan unleashed a torrent of punches and kicks on Jonathan, his anger evident. ¡°I told you she¡¯s mine! Don¡¯t ever touch her!¡± Bryan growled fiercely as he continued to beat Jonathan with increasing force.

    Jonathan soon began to cough up blood.

    Josue and Jacob rushed to Bryan¡¯s side to stop him from actually killing Jonathan. ¡°That shameless bastard, Brandon has fled!¡±

    ¡°Go after him!¡± Bryan growled through clenched teeth before walking toward Eileen.

    He quickly removed his coat and knelt beside her, draping it over her with care.

    Eileen leaned into him, pressing her face against his chest.

    Warm blood seeped onto Bryan¡¯s skin, feeling like liquid fire that could sear through his flesh. It made his heart ache with a profound, almost unbearable intensity.

    ¡°Where does it hurt?¡± Bryan swept Eileen into his arms, his voiceced with concern as he carried her toward the exit. ¡°I¡¯ll take you to the hospital now.¡±

    Eileen gripped his arm, shaking her head. ¡°No more hospitals, please. Let¡¯s just go home.¡±

    The hospital was a ce of pain for her, a constant reminder of loss. She had felt desperation because of Ruby and Bryan being in the hospital before. The very word made her shudder.

    Bryan¡¯s grip tightened around her waist, his eyes searching hers for a moment before he relented. ¡°Alright, we¡¯re not going to the hospital.¡±

    As Bryan carried Eileen past Jacob, Jacob draped his suit over Bryan¡¯s shoulders. The sight of Eileen and Bryan exiting the hotel was striking¡ªBryan¡¯s broad back covered by the suit, and Eileen wearing the hospital gown he had given her.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m is a world of wonder

    Gently, Bryan settled Eileen into the car. Before she could getfortable, a screech of tires and a sickening thud ripped through the air.

    Eileen and Bryan turned their heads toward the source of the noise, only to witness Brandon engulfed in a fiery explosion. Brandon had fled recklessly into traffic, collided with a car, and been thrown into a live power line. His body sparked and convulsed before falling limp onto the pavement.

    ¡°He¡¯s¡­¡± Eileen¡¯s voice caught in her throat as she turned to Bryan. Brandon was, after all, Bryan¡¯s father.

    Bryan¡¯s knuckles whitened as he gripped the door, but he turned his gaze away quickly. ¡°He got what he deserved. He owed my mother a life, and now, he¡¯s paid his debt.¡±

    Bryan then leaned in to unbuckle Eileen¡¯s seatbelt, slid behind the wheel, and sped away, leaving the gruesome scene behind.

    Outside, the city was a symphony of honking and hustle. But inside the car, it was quiet.

    Eileen almost felt like this wasn¡¯t real. She leaned back, her eyes glued to Bryan. Bryan had tossed his suit jacket in the back, leaving his upper body bare. The streetlights painted him in shadows and highlights, all sculpted muscle and raw masculinity.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 699

    ?Chapter 699:

    Eileen¡¯s fingers traced a path down his shoulder, across the hard ne of his bicep, then settled on the back of his hand, mapping the veins beneath his skin. The heat radiating from him was the proof she needed that he was real, that this wasn¡¯t some fever dream.

    ¡°When did you wake up?¡± Eileen asked, her voice thick with emotion. ¡°And why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±

    ¡°Just now,¡± Bryan replied, his eyes flicking to hers before returning to the road. He pressed on the gas. ¡°I overheard Raymond¡¯s conversation with Josue and Jacob on the phone. I woke up not long after they left.¡±

    He had been drifting in and out of consciousnesstely, floating between awareness and oblivion.

    Raymond¡¯s call had been the jolt his system needed. It was as if he¡¯d broken through a brick wall to finally wake up.

    After regaining his senses, he had ripped out his IV, tossed the sheets aside, and gotten out of bed. The nurses, frightened, chased after him, but they couldn¡¯t catch up.

    He¡¯d used the phone Eileen had left to call Josue and Jacob, who quickly returned to pick him up.

    On the drive to rescue Eileen, Josue and Jacob had been equally shocked.

    Suddenly, Bryan¡¯s phone rang, snapping him back to reality. It was Josue calling. Bryan answered and put the call on speaker. Josue¡¯s voice filled the car.

    ¡°Eileen, Bryan¡¯s awake! Was it him who saved you just now?¡±

    Eileen chuckled, a bittersweet smile crossing her lips as tears slid down her cheeks. After a beat of silence, she replied, ¡°You were there, weren¡¯t you? Why are you asking me?¡±

    Josue and Jacob cursed.

    ¡°What the hell is with him?¡±

    ¡°The moment he got in the car with us, he refused to answer our questions. All he did was tell me to floor it and go faster!¡±

    ¡°I swear I¡¯m gonna kill him. I haven¡¯t cried this much in over thirty years!¡±

    ¡°Me, neither! Not even when my kid was born was I this damn excited!¡±

    Their loud voices grated on Eileen¡¯s ears. She buried her head in the hospital gown, seeking refuge from the noise.

    Seeing Eileen¡¯s distress, Bryan snapped, ¡°Enough! We can meet up and talk after a few days. I¡¯m hanging up now.¡±

    ¡°Hold on!¡± Josue quickly said. ¡°Why wait a few days? What are you going to do tonight? Why wait?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m busy,¡± Bryan said curtly before ending the call.

    He nced at Eileen. Her eyes, clear yet filled with unshed tears, held him captive.

    Twenty minutester, the car came to a halt in front of the vi.

    Eileen and Bryan walked into the vi, where Ruby, who was looking after Gabri, stood up with a smile. ¡°Hey, Gabri, look who¡¯s¡ª¡±

    She stopped short, noticing Bryan standing there in his suit jacket.

    Ruby was clearly taken aback, her eyes widening in surprise.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 700

    Chapter 700:

    Gabri squealed with delight and reached out her little arms towards Eileen.

    Eileen hurried over, but just as she reached out to take Gabri from Ruby¡¯s arms, the little girl suddenly pushed her away.

    A wide grin spread across Gabri¡¯s face, her eyes lighting up when she turned her gaze to Bryan. Her chubby little hand pointed directly at him.

    ¡°Your daddy is back,¡± Eileen said, pulling Bryan over.

    Bryan gave Ruby a quick hello, but before he could say another word, Gabri hadunched herself into his arms.

    He held her close, feeling his heart melt at the warmth of her presence. His eyes softened as he looked down at her.

    ¡°Daddy!¡± Gabri chirped, tilting her head to nt a kiss on Bryan¡¯s cheek.

    The contrast between Gabri¡¯s excitement now and her reluctance at the wedding hit Bryan hard. He felt a wave of warmth. Pressing his face against Gabri¡¯s, he whispered low and earnestly, ¡°Daddy¡¯s back, sweetheart. And I¡¯m not going anywhere this time.¡±

    Ruby nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks. ¡°That¡¯s great. Have you two eaten anything?¡±

    Eileen shook her head. ¡°Not yet. Don¡¯t worry, the doctor ising to check if Bryan can eat anything right now.¡±

    After all, Bryan hadn¡¯t eaten in a while and had been relying on nutrition supplements. He needed to be examined by a doctor first.

    Eileen had messaged Josue on the way, asking him to send over a doctor.

    Soon, the doctor arrived and performed a basic check-up on Bryan. ¡°There doesn¡¯t seem to be any issues, but I rmend Mr. Dawson go to the hospital tomorrow for a more thorough examination. Some tests require specialized equipment.¡±

    ???????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.??????

    Eileen quickly arranged for the check-up to be scheduled for the next day.

    ¡°Wait,¡± Bryan said, pulling on his shirt and grabbing Eileen¡¯s hand. He rolled up her sleeve and said to the doctor, ¡°Check on her too.¡±

    The sight of the bruises on Eileen made Bryan¡¯s heart drop.

    But her injury wasn¡¯t severe. The doctor gave Eileen some ointment to help with healing before leaving.

    While Eileen and Bryan were being checked by the doctor, Ruby had prepared some soup, as the doctor had advised. Eileen finished it soon after the doctor left.

    Ruby, holding Gabri, turned to Bryan and Eileen. ¡°You¡¯re both in bad shape. I¡¯ll take care of Gabri tonight.¡±

    In the soft glow of the room, Eileen slipped into her nightdress after her shower, applying ointment to the bruises Jonathan had left on her wrist. The steady sound of water running in the bathroom brought her a strange mix of peace and tension.

    When the water stopped, the bathroom door opened momentster. Eileen nced up as Bryan emerged. His bare chest glistened with droplets of water, which trailed down his sculpted abs before disappearing into the towel at his waist. His body was undeniably attractive.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: A new day with new releases! God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. (?O?=)? ?

    .

 Chapter 701

    ?Chapter 701:

    He dried his short hair with a towel, his gaze fixed on Eileen¡¯s slender figure sitting on the bed. His throat tightened. He discarded the towel and moved toward her, cing one knee on the mattress as he leaned in to kiss her.

    Eileen lifted her head, her long hair cascading down. Bryan¡¯s fingers tangled in her hair, holding her as he deepened the kiss. The kiss stirred a deep-seated desire in Bryan, especially since they hadn¡¯t been intimate for a long time. Eileen trembled slightly, nervously gripping his wrist. She didn¡¯t know what else to do, her instincts guiding her toply.

    Bryan ced his forehead against hers, his voice barely a whisper. ¡°Let me help you apply the ointment.¡±

    Beyond the bruises on Eileen¡¯s wrist, a more severe mark darkened her waist. The ones on her long legs were particrly distressing, making his frustration grow.

    Eileen pulled her nightdress down to her waist, revealing the vivid blue and purple bruises that marred her smooth back. Bryan squeezed the ointment onto his fingers and gently applied it to her back, his touch tender despite the roughness of his fingers. He kept his desires in check as he moved to her legs.

    Thest wound was on her ankle. He held it, applying the ointment with careful precision, his head tilted to one side.

    Eileeny on the bed, her gaze fixed on him.

    As Bryan finished and set the ointment aside, he moved with sudden intensity, pulling her beneath him before she could react. Eileen¡¯s eyes widened in surprise, her lips slightly parted.

    ¡°Does your waist hurt?¡± Bryan asked softly, leaning in to steady her with gentle hands on her waist.

    Eileen nodded, her voice barely a whisper. ¡°Yes.¡±

    g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s takes you away

    ¡°Bear it. I can¡¯t control myself any longer,¡± Bryan said, his hand sliding up her arm and then tracing down her nightdress.

    Eileen quickly turned off the light, cloaking the room in deep shadows. The heavy sound of their breathing filled the space, making the atmosphere thick with unspoken tension.

    Bryan moved carefully, trying to avoid worsening her pain, but his control slipped from time to time. The veins in his neck bulged, amplifying the intensity of the moment.

    Eileen¡¯s moans shattered hisposure, pulling him deeper into the passion.

    The night stretched on, and Bryan didn¡¯t stop until the first light of dawn began to filter through the room. Exhaustion and a lingering sourness washed over Eileen, yet sleep was elusive. Her ssy lips were slightly parted, and her breath came in soft, uneven puffs.

    Being held gently in Bryan¡¯s arms, she felt as if she were drifting through a hazy dream. She feared that closing her eyes might lead to a nightmare of Bryan back in a hospital bed.

    Bryan was holding Eileen, feeling content, when suddenly, his phone pinged. He retrieved it and saw a voice message from Josue. It was a reminder about the full-body check-up scheduled for today. Thest sentence of the message had been said teasingly by Josue: ¡°I figured you¡¯d need a nudge to get moving.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 702

    ?Chapter 702:

    After all, Bryan had been unconscious for a long time. Josue knew Bryan would be intimate with Eileen after finally waking up. Josue and Jacob were sure that¡¯s what had happened the previous night.

    ¡°Rest for a while,¡± Bryan said gently to Eileen. It was six in the morning now, and Bryan wanted Eileen to rest as much as possible, even though he knew she found it hard to fall asleep.

    Eileen lifted her head and pressed a gentle kiss on his cheek. Her slender arms draped around his sturdy waist, and she replied with azy, contented smile.

    Bryan traced light patterns on her shoulder with one hand, while the other thumbed through his phone. A shadow of concern suddenly passed over his eyes.

    At eight o¡¯clock, Gabri¡¯s voice rang out, calling for them.

    Ruby carefully positioned Gabri at the door, allowing her to inch forward, her hands sliding along the wall for bnce. When there was nothing left for her to grip, Gabri crawled across the floor. She grabbed the edge of the bedspread and hoisted herself up with a swift roll.

    Plopping down between Eileen and Bryan, Gabri shed a wide grin. Bryan immediately lifted her onto hisp. ¡°Weren¡¯t you quite the troublemaker on our wedding day?¡± he asked, still remembering what had happened clearly that day.

    Gabri, not understanding what he had said, simply smiled at Bryan, her eyes locked onto him,pletely ignoring Eileen.

    Eileen gently poked Gabri¡¯s round belly and said, ¡°Give Daddy a kiss. He¡¯s feeling upset.¡± She wasn¡¯t sure if Gabri could understand, but the little girl gazed at Bryan with her big eyes.

    Then, Gabri leaned in, puckered her lips, and nted a kiss right on Bryan¡¯s cheek. Bryan¡¯s face was quickly covered in drool, but he smiled happily.

    Eileen couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. She was surprised that a kiss from Gabri had erased Bryan¡¯s frustration so quickly.

    Stay tuned for updates at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    The three of them stayed on the bed for a while, enjoying the peaceful moment.

    Ruby had already had her breakfast and prepared a meal for them. Bryan could now walk as usual. Ruby had noticed this when he hade home the previous night. She still felt happy thinking of this now while feeding Gabri. She was on the verge of tears but managed to keep them at bay.

    After Bryan and Eileen finished their breakfast, Ruby took over caring for Gabri and gently nudged them to go to the hospital.

    With the appointment set, Bryan headed directly to the examination room as soon as they arrived at the hospital. Josue and Jacob were already there. Once Bryan was inside, Jacob sidled up to Eileen and said in a low voice, ¡°Brandon is still in the ICU, not dead. His condition is critical.¡±

    Eileen recalled the severity of Brandon¡¯s electric shock yesterday. She had thought he had died then.

    ¡°But the doctors don¡¯t think he¡¯ll make it. Even if he survives, he¡¯ll face a lifetime of suffering,¡± Jacob added.

    Eileen shot a nce toward the examination room and said, ¡°Don¡¯t tell Bryan about this.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 703

    ?Chapter 703:

    Despite Bryan¡¯s deep-seated anger toward Brandon, confronting the painful reality of family strife was always a heavy burden. It was better for Bryan to believe that Brandon had died yesterday.

    Brandony in agony, his face twisted in pain, unable to close his eyes. He stared at the ceiling, surrounded by the cold, mechanical beeping and humming of medical machines.

    The door to the ICU swung open, and a figure in a sterile gown and mask stepped inside. He stood beside Brandon¡¯s bed, his eyes cold.

    As their eyes met, Brandon¡¯s pupils widened in recognition. He struggled to move, but the pain held him down, leaving only a strained growl escaping his lips.

    ¡°Why so nervous?¡± The man leaned in and whispered into Brandon¡¯s ear. ¡°I¡¯m not here to kill you. You used to be my father, after all. I just thought I¡¯de and see you off.¡±

    Brandon red at him, his teeth gritted in anger.

    The man¡¯s lips curled into a smirk as he continued, ¡°Let me tell you something. The ident that made you infertile wasn¡¯t a random event. My mother arranged it. She wanted you to suffer and separate from your wife so she could marry into your family and secure a new future for me.¡±

    After the ident, Brandon feltpelled to show the world that he was unscathed, driven by an underlying insecurity. Though few had known about the incident, he couldn¡¯t shake the need to prove himself.

    Lydia, aware of this, had smoothly carried out her n.

    Frozen after learning the truth, Brandon fixed his gaze on Christos. Christos removed his mask and took Brandon¡¯s venttor off. ¡°Speak up, Brandon. I¡¯m all ears.¡±

    Brandon stammered, ¡°You¡­ You!¡± His words hung in the air as he struggled to process what he was hearing.

    He had once deeply loved Bryan¡¯s mother and married her, but after the ident, he had hated her for years. Now, he realized that decades of animosity had been misdirected. Tragically, he had killed his wife¡ªthe woman he had once vowed to cherish.

    Latest updates at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    As regret washed over him, tears cascaded down his face, mingling with agonized cries that echoed the depth of his torment.

    Christos patted Brandon¡¯s chest, his voice soft but carrying an unsettling coldness. ¡°Do you wish for death now? As long as you still breathe, the medical team will fight to save you. But I¡¯m here to see you off,¡± he said. ¡°You understand my meaning, yes? Is that what you desire?¡±

    Brandon nodded vigorously, his eyes swirling with regret and torment, teetering on the edge of madness.

    ¡°Alright. Calm down. Let me help you,¡± Christos replied.

    He reattached Brandon¡¯s venttor, only to disconnect it elsewhere.

    ¡°This may hurt. Endure it,¡± he cautioned, a smile ying at the corners of his mouth. ¡°Your wifey in wait for your signature, enduring much pain. I can¡¯t grant you a swift exit.¡±

    Christos then detached another wire.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 704

    ?Chapter 704:

    Piece by piece, the life-sustaining equipment was removed, each action amplifying Brandon¡¯s agony, causing him to thrash violently.

    ¡°You¡­ Why?¡± Brandon managed to say.

    Christos raised an eyebrow, his indifference chilling. ¡°My pursuit of medicine was to champion justice and punish the wicked, not to save lives and mend wounds.¡±

    Brandon¡¯s heart seethed with rage. How dare Christos say that? What did the Dawson family¡¯s affairs have to do with him?

    ¡°Then¡­ you should punish Lydia!¡± Brandon spat out.

    Christos¡¯ face stiffened, his gaze turning icy. ¡°Worry not. In time, all will descend into hell¡¯s depths to join you. Pray that your wife has forgiven you by then. Otherwise, you¡¯ll have to continue your quarrels even after death.¡±

    Brandon¡¯s face, once flushed with effort and pain, slowly drained of color as his breath faltered. His eyes remained open, staring nkly, as life slipped away.

    Expressionless, Christos turned and left the ICU. He shed his sterile garb and donned a peaked cap. After a moment of thought, he headed in another direction.

    An hourter, Bryan emerged from the examination room, the doctor at his heels, holding a report. ¡°Congrattions, Mr. Dawson. All the toxins have been flushed from your system. The prolonged unconsciousness? Likely due to a sedative mixed into your antidote. It¡¯s harmless though,¡± the doctor assured.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Bryan replied, epting the report and shaking hands with the doctor.

    Turning, his gaze found Eileen, who stood a short distance away. She had heard every word the doctor had said. A smile broke through her tears, a mixture of relief and joy too powerful to contain. She didn¡¯t say anything, but her emotions were evident.

    That evening, a grand celebration was organized in arge private room, drawing a lively crowd, including Bailee and Huey. The mood was exuberant as Huey regaled everyone with tales from histest gaming exploits, yfully boasting about his strategies in the newest season. He also shared with everyone what he had done when he had been off the fact that Bryan was actually Apex.

    .c¨®m is the source

    Laughter filled the room, echoing into thete hours.

    Exhausted from a sleepless night, Eileen leaned on Bryan. ¡°Let¡¯s head back and sleep. Sleep, literally.¡±

    Bryan, loungingfortably on the plush sofa, couldn¡¯t help butugh at her emphasis.

    ¡°You head out first, I¡¯ll follow in five minutes,¡± he whispered, knowing well that he was the center of attention tonight and that it would be difficult for him to leave now.

    Eileen, catching the mischievous glint in his eye, smiled knowingly and discreetly exited the room.

    True to his word, Bryan emerged soon after. Then, they both got into the car to go home.

    As Bryan started the engine, Eileen stretched and yawned, her thoughts shifting to business matters. ¡°Tomorrow is the new productunch for EB Group. It has been dyed by two days, but thankfully, the core technology hasn¡¯t been leaked. It¡¯s going to be big sess.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 705

    ?Chapter 705:

    ¡°You can rest at home tomorrow. I¡¯ll handle things at thepany,¡± Bryan replied, navigating the roads with practiced ease.

    Eileen turned to him, curiosity in her gaze. ¡°Does that mean you¡¯re not going to leave all the business matters to me from now on?¡±

    Bryan raised an eyebrow, his voice low and earnest. ¡°Marrying you was to prove mymitment to you, not to offload my responsibilities onto you.¡±

    If it weren¡¯t for his desire to spend more time with Gabri, he wouldn¡¯t have transferred all the responsibilities to her before. And if not for the identster, he wouldn¡¯t have burdened her with so much.

    ¡°The shares are still yours; I¡¯ll manage the rest,¡± Bryan added.

    Eileen¡¯s smile broadened, a light touch of contentment settling over her features.

    The following day, news of Brandon¡¯s death broke. Despite the fact that he had been kicked out of the Dawson family, Brandon¡¯s prominence ensured that his passing made headlines.

    Bryan, after reading the news with indifference, made a call to the old mansion to check on Ste. Brandon was, after all, her brother. Although Ste was shaken and managing only small meals, her health was fine. Relieved by this, Bryan headed straight to the EB Group offices.

    At the office, Bryan¡¯s presencemanded an air of authority that even the most confident shareholders couldn¡¯t match. The shareholders were all frightened, unlike when they had confronted Eileen. But Bryan was ruthless. He reviewed the surveince footage from thest shareholders¡¯ meeting and decisively identified those who had caused trouble for Eileen. He forcefully acquired their shares and ousted them from thepany.

    ¡°From today on, the shares of EB Group, Apex Group, and Warren Group are mostly in my wife¡¯s name. I¡¯ll be overseeing them on her behalf. Any grievances, direct them to me. Anyone found disturbing Eileen will be promptly dismissed,¡± Bryan said, his tone unwavering and authoritative, brooking no argument.

    Some people were dissatisfied with Bryan dismissing shareholders at will. They had wanted to talk to Eileen about thister, but when they heard Bryan¡¯s words, they quickly abandoned the idea. They all lowered their heads, not daring to say anything.

    Meanwhile, Eileen was relishing a rare moment of tranquility since Gabri¡¯s birth. When she woke up, Bryan had already left.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s hosts captivating tales

    She spent her morning with Gabri, then ventured out to the local square with Ruby, where they enjoyed some retail therapy, refreshing Ruby¡¯s wardrobe.

    During their shopping spree, Eileen¡¯s phone rang. It was Roderick calling, his voice sounding excited.

    ¡°Eileen, good news! Judie has just delivered a boy. Congrattions, you¡¯re an aunt now!¡±

    Although Eileen couldn¡¯t see Roderick, she could picture the smile on his face.

    ¡°Judie gave birth today? Congrattions! Which hospital are you at?¡± Eileen asked as she checked the time. She wanted to buy some gifts before going to the hospital.

    His voice a little muffled, Roderick answered, ¡°No, she gave birth a few days ago. I didn¡¯t tell you because I thought you were going through hard times. But when I saw the news that Bryan returned to thepany¡­¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 706

    ?Chapter 706:

    Bryan¡¯s return to the business was a powerful statement. Upon his return, he swiftly made strategic moves within the EB Group, effectively thwarting the ns of those with ulterior motives.

    The media only reported that Bryan had returned and was more formidable than ever. It was when Roderick saw this that he called Eileen to tell her he had be a father.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯lle visit you at home when I have the time,¡± Eileen said, grateful for Roderick¡¯s thoughtfulness.

    There was a brief awkward silence from Roderick before he finally said, ¡°I¡¯m not asking you toe visit. I just wanted to share this happy news with you.¡±

    He knew Eileen would want to buy something when she came to visit, so he wanted to make it clear that he wasn¡¯t asking for money or any gifts.

    ¡°You don¡¯t want me toe? You don¡¯t want to be your son¡¯s aunt?¡± Eileen said, her voice slightly raised.

    ¡°It¡¯s not that! I want you to be his aunt!¡± Roderick hurriedly said. ¡°Just don¡¯t buy anything when Judie already has everything she needs.¡±

    Eileen agreed. Once the call ended, she immediately went to the maternity store with Ruby. She had originally nned to go there to buy something for Gabri, so she decided to use the opportunity to get something for Roderick¡¯s family as well.

    She nned to buy baby strollers, clothes, toys, and other things a child under one year old might need.

    Eileen had initially nned to visit Judie the next day, but when she received the location, she discovered that it was an apartment close to her own vi. She could pass by when she was heading home.

    So, Eileen asked the shopping mall to deliver the gifts to Roderick¡¯s apartment. She then sent Ruby and Gabri back before heading there.

    Now, it was eight days after the baby¡¯s birth. Roderick had decided to close the restaurant and stay home with his family.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q??§àm opens doors to fiction

    By the time Eileen arrived, the shopping mall¡¯s delivery service had already moved all the gifts into the apartment.

    ¡°I remember asking you not to buy anything,¡± Roderick muttered.

    Before Eileen could reply, Denise snorted, ¡°How much do these things cost? It¡¯s really not a big deal for her. Don¡¯t be so grateful to her. You give her everything, but she only gives you a little of what she¡­¡±

    ¡°Mom!¡± A frown appeared on Roderick¡¯s face. However, before he could respond, a delivery worker interrupted, asking where an item should be ced.

    Turning to Eileen, Roderick said, ¡°Please have a seat. I¡¯ll go sort things out.¡±

    Eileen stood, bag in hand, and watched Roderick leave. Then, she turned to Denise.

    Denise seemed quite smug. Noticing Eileen¡¯s gaze, Denise straightened up and said, ¡°This is your first time visiting our apartment, right? It might not be as luxurious as your vi, but it¡¯s pretty nice. I bet you didn¡¯t expect us to be living so well.¡±

    Denise was right. Eileen really hadn¡¯t expected this.

    The apartment was the smallest in the entireplex.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 707

    ?Chapter 707:

    It was a two-story duplex in a less affluent neighborhood, yet it still cost about two million dors.

    A few days ago, Judie and Denise had asked Eileen for some money. They had imed that Roderick only had a few hundred thousand dors.

    Eileen¡¯s initial guess when she arrived here was that it was a rented apartment.

    However, ording to Denise¡¯s words, it seemed Roderick had bought the apartment.

    ¡°Come on in, Eileen,¡± Roderick called loudly from inside.

    It was obvious he didn¡¯t want Eileen to have to listen to Denise.

    When Eileen entered, she noticed the decor was outdated, leading her to believe the property wasn¡¯t a new one.

    ¡°When did you buy this apartment?¡± Eileen asked casually as she changed her shoes.

    Roderick waved dismissively and said, ¡°I didn¡¯t buy this ce. It¡¯s rented. Judie didn¡¯t tell me until after she rented it. I¡¯m too pleased, but as long as she¡¯s happy, she can do whatever she wants.¡±

    Eileen frowned as she remembered Denise¡¯s smug look.

    ¡°The rent is quite cheap. It costs only two thousand dors a month,¡± Roderick said as he instructed the workers to move the items into a room.

    Two thousand dors? That amount couldn¡¯t even rent a room in this apartment.

    Eileen was now even more sure that Judie had been lying to Roderick.

    But if this apartment wasn¡¯t rented, how could they afford to buy it?

    Check new chapters at

    ¡°They¡¯re done moving the items. Come, let¡¯s go see the baby,¡± Roderick said after the workers had left.

    They had hired a nanny to look after the baby. When Eileen went upstairs, the nanny was outside in the sun, ying with the baby. The sunlight was being used to treat the baby¡¯s jaundice.

    Judie, who was lying on the bed, saw Eileen enter. After a pause, she sat up with a warm smile. ¡°You¡¯re here, Eileen.¡±

    Eileen nodded and then turned to look at the baby. He was a chubby little boy. He looked like Roderick and was incredibly cute.

    Roderick couldn¡¯t stop grinning. Judie, still lying on the bed, asked Roderick to do various things for her, which he did withoutining.

    Eileen took out a bank card and slipped it under the baby¡¯s nket.

    ¡°Eileen!¡± Roderick eximed, looking embarrassed.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Judie said with a smile.

    Roderick tried to take the card back to give it to Eileen, but Judie stopped him. ¡°Roderick, why don¡¯t you go get Eileen some fruit and coffee?¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen said to Roderick.

    Reluctantly, Roderick turned and went downstairs to get what Judie had asked for.

    When the nanny noticed that there was a guest, she left to attend to other tasks, leaving Judie and Eileen alone in the room.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 708

    ?Chapter 708:

    ¡°When did you buy this apartment?¡± Eileen asked.

    This question startled Judie, and there was a hint of panic in her eyes. She quicklyposed herself and said, ¡°I didn¡¯t buy this apartment. It¡¯s rented. Who told you I bought it?¡±

    ¡°I thought you did. It seems I was wrong,¡± Eileen said with a smile.

    ¡°It is rented. I couldn¡¯t afford to buy such a ce. I rented it because it wasn¡¯t convenient to stay in that small ce after the child was born. Since we hired a nanny, I decided to rent this ce temporarily. It has the added bonus of being close to your ce,¡± Judie exined.

    It seemed like Judie was trying to show off.

    Roderick soon returned with the coffee and fruit for Eileen.

    Denise followed close behind, making thinly veiledments about how only a son could be relied on. Her remarks were clearly aimed at Eileen.

    Roderick, visibly frustrated by Denise¡¯s words, quickly changed the subject. ¡°The baby doesn¡¯t have a name yet, Eileen. I was hoping you could give me some suggestions.¡±

    Eileen didn¡¯t miss the re Judie shot at Roderick.

    But she ignored it and said, ¡°Bryan named our daughter. I think you, as the father, should be the one to choose a name for the baby.¡±

    Hearing this, Judie sighed with relief.

    It had been somewhat dull staying here. If not for Roderick, Eileen wouldn¡¯t have bothered toe.

    ???????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.??????

    She managed to suppress her mixed feelings and stayed for over half an hour. Then, she received a call and seized the opportunity to head downstairs, ready to leave.

    She spoke briefly with Bryan, informing him that she was at Roderick¡¯s ce. Once she confirmed that Bryan was home, she ended the call decisively and prepared to leave.

    ¡°I want you to stay for dinner,¡± Roderick said, following her all the way to her car.

    ¡°There will be plenty of opportunities for us to dine together in the future. We¡¯ll have a meal together another time,¡± Eileen responded after getting into her car. She then started the engine and drove away.

    Back in the room on the second floor, just after Eileen and Roderick had left, Judie vented her frustration on Denise.

    ¡°What did you tell Eileen?¡± Judie asked.

    Denise shook her head vigorously in denial. ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything.¡±

    Judie rose from the bed and pushed Denise toward the baby. ¡°If you said nothing, how did Eileen find out this apartment was bought?¡±

    ¡°I just mentioned that she wouldn¡¯t expect us to live here. I didn¡¯t say anything about buying the apartment!¡± Denise replied, starting to panic.

    ¡°Really useless. Eileen is observant. She instantly figured out your schemes. Why did you say so much? If she finds out how we bought this apartment, there will be serious consequences!¡± In a burst of anger, Judie fiercely scolded Denise.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 709

    ?Chapter 709:

    Denise was about to respond sharply but paused to reconsider.

    The apartment, after all, had been purchased with Eileen¡¯s real parents¡¯ money in exchange for her whereabouts. It was registered under her name.

    This meant that Judie was living in Eileen¡¯s apartment and treating her harshly all the time!

    However, realizing it wasn¡¯t wise to cause a scene since Roderick was unaware the apartment was purchased for this reason, Denise reluctantly held back.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think you can be arrogant just because the apartment is in your name,¡± Judie, seeming to read Denise¡¯s thoughts, sneered. ¡°Do you really think I put the apartment under your name for your benefit? I was just covering my tracks in case Eileen¡¯s real parents decided to investigate. If you don¡¯t want to get caught, keep quiet and listen to me!¡±

    Denise felt a chill. ¡°You actually nned this! You¡¯re the one who did this. You¡¯re the one who wanted this apartment¡ªyou¡ªI¡ª¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡± Judie cut her off. ¡°Didn¡¯t they need to find Eileen urgently to let her see her grandmother onest time? They used up all their savings to give us the money. Their entire life savings was only two million dors. They are poor, and Eileen wouldn¡¯t acknowledge them if she knew this. I hired someone to impersonate her to fulfill their wish. Isn¡¯t that perfect for everyone?¡±

    Judie had taken the money and enlisted a woman, who had been a kept mistress since her youth, to impersonate Eileen and visit Eileen¡¯s grandmother.

    However, there had been aplication. Her colleague had called to say that Eileen¡¯s grandmother was still alive and that it seemed she wouldn¡¯t be passing away anytime soon.

    Judie had agreed to pay her colleague two thousand a month to keep up the act, and the woman was willing to continue ying the part.

    Once Eileen¡¯s grandmother passed away, her colleague would simply return, pretending to get married and have a family. That would effectively conclude the matter.

    More content at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    The more Eileen thought about it, the more she felt something was amiss. Two million dors was no trivial sum for Roderick¡¯s family.

    She called Raymond on her way back home, requesting him to investigate who owned the apartment and the nature of the transaction involved.

    By the time she ended the call, she had reached home.

    She spotted Bryan and Gabri ying in the small park.

    Upon seeing Eileen approach, Gabri waved her little arms excitedly.

    From behind the ck fence, Gabri reached out, trying to touch Eileen.

    After parking, Eileen leaned over the fence to give Gabri a kiss.

    Before Eileen could fully straighten up after kissing Gabri, Bryan enveloped her in a hug and kissed her on the lips.

    Gabri watched intently, her eyes widening as she saw them kiss for a few seconds.

    ¡°No!¡± she eximed, her teeth clenched in disapproval.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 710

    ?Chapter 710:

    Eileen blushed and gently pushed Bryan away, unable to suppress a smile as she noticed Gabri¡¯s animated expression.

    Gabri wriggled closer to Eileen and nted a kiss on her lips.

    It seemed like she aimed to kiss Eileen where Bryan had.

    Bryan chuckled. He gently pulled Gabri back and exined, ¡°That spot is just for you. You can kiss her anywhere else.¡±

    ¡°Mommy¡¯s cheeks, okay?¡±

    ¡°No, no!¡± Gabri was visibly upset, iling her little arms in protest.

    When she continued to resist, Bryan put her down. She then ced her hands on the railing, attempting to climb up to reach Eileen for a kiss. Bryan intermittently tugged at her clothes. She nced back, waved her little arm at Bryan as if to hit him, then turned back, continuing to climb.

    After several attempts, Gabri grew frustrated and sat down on the grass, bursting into tears. Bryan, feeling amused after teasing her, picked her up again but continued saying things she couldn¡¯t understand.

    ¡°Sweetheart, you can have anything you want, just don¡¯t try to steal Mommy from me,¡± Bryan said.

    Hearing this, Eileen burst intoughter, walked around the iron fence, and entered the house.

    Ruby, who was cooking in the kitchen, wore a smile. She had watched the entire scene unfold from the kitchen window.

    ¡°I¡¯m so happy for you,¡± Ruby said to Eileen, her eyes welling up with tears. ¡°It¡¯s been so long since I¡¯ve seen youugh like that.¡±

    It had been six months since Bryan¡¯s ne crash. Whether Eileen was immersed in her work or spending time with Gabri at home, her face had always borne a shade of sadness before. Ruby had noticed this and felt deeply sympathetic. But she had refrained from constantly urging Eileen to cheer up, fearing it might overwhelm her.

    ¡°I think we¡¯ll only be smiling from now on.¡± Eileen handed a tissue to Ruby and said, ¡°Mom, I¡¯m sorry I¡¯ve caused you a lot of worry before.¡±

    Ruby wiped her tear-streaked cheeks and said, ¡°You¡¯re my daughter. Of course, I worry about you.¡±

    While Eileen and Ruby were talking, Bryan, unable to persuade Gabri to stay outside, carried her into the vi.

    Then, Gabri expressed a desire to be held by Eileen. Once in Eileen¡¯s arms, she grabbed Eileen¡¯s head, attempting to nt a kiss.

    Bryan was left speechless. He unbuttoned his cuffs and rolled up his sleeves, humorously mimicking as if he were preparing to discipline Gabri.

    After Gabri kissed Eileen, she turned to sh a triumphant smile at Bryan, seemingly taunting him. Bryan yfully responded to Gabri¡¯s provocation, gently tapping her back twice with his fist. She theny in Eileen¡¯s arms, pretending to be aggrieved.

    Eileen paid no mind to Gabri¡¯s dramatics. Seeing this, Gabri burst into tears.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 711

    ?Chapter 711:

    As Eileen had anticipated, Bryan couldn¡¯t bear to see Gabri cry. He quickly scooped her up, showered her with kisses, and soothed her, swiftly turning her tears intoughter.

    At that moment, Raymond returned Eileen¡¯s call. Eileen stepped away to find a quiet spot to talk.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, I¡¯ve found out the apartment is registered under Denise Moran¡¯s name. It was transferred to her half a month ago,¡± Raymond said.

    Eileen asked, ¡°Where did Denise get the money for the apartment? Can you find out about that?¡±

    ¡°Our investigation revealed that a significant amount of money was sent from an international source to Denise, though we have yet to identify exactly where it came from,¡± Raymond paused, then murmured, ¡°It doesn¡¯t make sense. Roderick and his family have no known connections abroad.¡±

    Eileen knew exactly who Roderick was acquainted with. He had started his career delivering food in Onalsnd and eventually opened a restaurant. He stayed in touch with the friends he had met during his food delivery days. He wasn¡¯t familiar with anyone outside Onalsnd or South Town, and certainly not anyone abroad.

    ¡°Roderick has no idea that the apartment was bought. This has to be connected to Judie,¡± Eileen said.

    Considering Denise¡¯s age, she wouldn¡¯t be involved with foreign transactions or have the resources. But how had Judie acquired the funds?

    ¡°Monitor Judie and Denise closely. Let me know right away if there are any changes,¡± Eileen instructed. Being an outsider, this was the extent of what she could do.

    ¡°Of course, Ms. Curtis,¡± Raymond answered without hesitation.

    Once she ended the call, Eileen went back to the dining room, where lunch was set and ready. Ruby, Bryan, and Gabri were seated at the table. Ruby and Bryan were amusing the little one as they waited for Eileen. Eileen found herself mesmerized by the scene. It was something she hadn¡¯t dared to imagine in years.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??om has it all

    Bryan¡¯s gaze shifted towards her abruptly. Noticing her at the doorway, he stood, gently took her hand, and guided her to a seat.

    ¡°There will be plenty more moments like this ahead. It¡¯s not toote to start epting this reality bit by bit. You don¡¯t need to dwell on this moment forever,¡± Bryan said, his voice steady, quickly dispelling Eileen¡¯s mncholy.

    Arching an eyebrow, Eileen said, ¡°You sure talk big. Even during your short lunch break, youe home to eat, just like I do.¡± They always felt like this was a dream, and the difort was noticeable whenever they were apart.

    Bryanughed softly and admitted, ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right.¡±

    Having won this small debate, Eileen felt more settled and began having lunch. No matter how busy Bryan was, he always made sure toe home for all three meals each day.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 712

    ?Chapter 712:

    On several asions, Raymond confided to Eileen that Bryan often skipped important business meetings for this, sending Raymond in his ce.

    Luckily, Bryan¡¯s influence was immense, and his reputation continued to rise. As a result, even when Raymond stepped in for Bryan, his presence alone was enough to secure deals.

    Eileen felt her first real sense of achievement since leaving her job when Gabri took her first steps. The little girl, still small, staggered as she tried to walk, prompting the adults to anxiously stay close by, ready to ensure her safety.

    Bryan made the house child-proof, covering all sharp corners with foam padding.

    Meanwhile, in the outside world, gossip began to spread. As Bryan¡¯s sess grew rapidly, Eileen maintained a low profile, rarely making public appearances. Whenever Bryan had some leisure time, he would take Gabri out, and the media often snapped photos of them together. As a result, rumors circted that Eileen had ¡°died,¡± with stories ranging from cancer and divorce to running away with someone else.

    Eileen didn¡¯t bother addressing these rumors, choosing instead to savor her time at home with her daughter and recover from the exhausting nights with Bryan.

    Bryan was more than content to keep Eileen out of the spotlight, especially since the Ferguson Group continued to try to bring her back to work. Considering everything, including Benjamin¡¯s situation, Bryan chose to ignore all the rumors.

    Her infrequent outings caused Eileen to be almost disconnected from the outside world, but Raymond kept her informed about the situation.

    Havingpleted her postpartum recovery, Judie left the baby in the care of a nanny and went to the restaurant daily to gather earnings. While the restaurant was thriving, the family faced ongoing issues,rgely due to Denise, who had been taken into custody for fraud and extortion.

    That afternoon, Judie and Roderick visited the police station to gain rity on the situation. They were stunned into silence when the police mmed the apartment¡¯s title deed onto the table.

    ???????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.??????

    Judie refused to offer any exnation, iming ignorance, and then abandoned Denise at the station. The police continued to interrogate Denise, and realizing Roderick was clueless about this, they sent him home to await further updates while they focused on getting the truth from Denise.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, any idea where that money came from?¡± Raymond asked, looking perplexed after he brought Bryan home and exined the situation.

    In the living room, Bryan yed with Gabri near the floor-to-ceiling windows while Eileen, seated on the sofa, frowned as she listened to Raymond.

    Bryan, apparently struck by a thought, looked up and suggested, ¡°If you want to get to the bottom of this, you might want to start with Judie.¡±

    He was convinced that, despite Denise¡¯s attempts at fraud, she wouldn¡¯t have been able to amass two million dors with her level of intelligence.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 713

    ?Chapter 713:

    ¡°I¡¯ve had surveince on Judie, but nothing out of the ordinary hase up,¡± Raymond reported.

    Before Eileen could respond, her phone rang. It was a call from Roderick. She answered swiftly, and his voice came through, urgent and anxious.

    ¡°Eileen, Mom has been arrested by the police. She managed to acquire the money to buy the apartment, and now they¡¯re using her of fraud. It has to be a mistake¡ªshe¡¯s not capable of orchestrating this.¡±

    Roderick, who knew Denise well, found it hard to believe.

    After a brief pause, Eileen replied, ¡°She might not be capable on her own, but consider if there¡¯s someone around her who could pull this off¡ªsomeone she would listen to without question.¡±

    Hearing this, realization dawned on Roderick. Since Judie¡¯s pregnancy, Denise had grown morepliant to her. They frequently whispered to each other, clearly hiding something from him.

    ¡°Calm down and talk this through. Don¡¯t frighten the child,¡± Eileen advised, knowing that Roderick¡¯s silence indicated he was thinking of Judie.

    Roderick ended the call abruptly, his impulsiveness surprising Eileen. After all, this was a serious issue. If it wasn¡¯t resolved, Denise could face a life sentence.

    Roderick went upstairs and entered the bedroom, surprising Judie, who was cradling the baby.

    ¡°Come outside with me,¡± Roderick demanded, his tone more furious than usual.

    Judie frowned, unwilling toply. ¡°I¡¯m with the baby. Whatever it is, we can discuss itter.¡±

    Discover endless worlds on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s©q??o??

    ¡°The nanny can take care of the baby. Come out now!¡± Roderick ordered, instructing the nanny to take care of the child as he forcibly dragged Judie out of the bedroom.

    The suddenmotion caused the baby to cry, prompting the nanny to hold him and calm him down.

    Roderick yanked Judie down the stairs and flung her onto the sofa.

    ¡°Judie, tell me the truth. Where did Mom get that money?¡± Roderick red at her with fury, making Judie feel a bit intimidated.

    Sitting upright, Judie retorted defiantly, ¡°How would I know? Your mom found the ce and said it was two thousand dors a month. It seemed like a good deal, so I rented it. How was I supposed to know she bought it?¡±

    ¡°Do you think I¡¯m an idiot?¡± Roderick shouted, his eyes zing with anger. ¡°If you don¡¯t tell me, I swear I¡¯ll kill you!¡±

    While speaking, Roderick raised his hand, but upon seeing Judie¡¯s trembling expression, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to hit her. Initially startled, Judie quickly regained her arrogance. Seeing that Roderick couldn¡¯t bring himself to strike her, she stood on tiptoe, pressed her head against his palm, and said, ¡°Come on! p me! Roderick, you¡¯re heartless. I just gave birth to your son, and now you¡¯re trying to hit me! Do I deserve this? After all the tough years I¡¯ve spent with you, now that you¡¯re wealthy, you find a reason to¡ªOuch!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 714

    ?Chapter 714:

    Her provocation thoroughly infuriated Roderick. Determined, he pped her across the face. He then shoved her onto the sofa, pointed at her nose, and said, ¡°Enough! I want to know where you got the money to buy the apartment. If you don¡¯t tell me today, we¡¯re done!¡± The p left half of Judie¡¯s face stinging.

    Covering her face, Judie sat dazed for a moment before it dawned on her that Roderick, usually sopliant with her, had actually hit her. She looked up abruptly and saw Roderick¡¯s eyes filled with anger, which instantly dampened her rage. Were they over? Was this a hint at divorce? Where would she find another man like Roderick?

    ¡°Roderick, hear me out. This was all your mother¡¯s idea. I¡¯ve been trying to talk her out of it!¡± Judie was scared, so she got up and wept as she exined, ¡°Eileen¡¯s real parents reached out to your mother. Your mother saw it as a missed opportunity if she didn¡¯t make some money, so she demanded an apartment from them. Those people aren¡¯t living well, and Eileen¡¯s grandmother, on her deathbed, was desperate to see Eileen onest time. She continued with her usual story, iming Eileen had be wealthy and that her rtives might try to take advantage of her.¡±

    She went on, ¡°She said Denise had asked her to find someone who could impersonate Eileen to meet the family.¡±

    But now, the truth hade out. The person who had impersonated Eileen had been arrested. Since the apartment was in Denise¡¯s name, the police had arrested Denise directly.

    ¡°You are so cruel!¡± Roderick shoved Judie. ¡°You think everyone is as heartless as you? Eileen¡¯s real grandmother is dying. She wants to see Eileen onest time. If she doesn¡¯t, she might die with regret! How could you do this?¡±

    Roderick¡¯s push sent Judie tumbling to the floor. In shock, she stared at Roderick, who seemed like a different person now. She quickly defended herself. ¡°Roderick, I¡¯m not to me. It¡¯s your mother¡ª¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Roderick cut her off. ¡°My mother is nearly sixty. I¡¯ve known her for almost thirty years. I know her well. The riskiest thing she ever did was take a loan from a loan shark, and even then, she was scared. She could never orchestrate such a scheme.¡±

    He looked at Judie with disappointment. ¡°I thought you were just bitter and greedy, but you¡¯re actually malicious! Judie, just wait. We¡¯ll get a divorce once my mother¡¯s situation is sorted.¡±

    Don¡¯t miss fresh updates at g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls?c?m

    ¡°Out!¡±

    Divorce?

    The word hit Judie like a bolt from the blue. She copsed to the floor. After Roderick left, she began crying loudly. The nanny had just managed to soothe the baby to sleep. When she heard Judie¡¯s cries, she quickly descended the stairs tofort her.

    ¡°Judie, stop crying. The baby just fell asleep. What¡¯s so severe that you and your husband can¡¯t discuss it calmly?¡± the nanny asked.

    ¡°He wants a divorce. He won¡¯t discuss anything with me now!¡± Judie¡¯s mind was in turmoil. How could she manage without Roderick? Returning to South Town to marry a divorced man would be her only option if she divorced him.

    The nanny replied, ¡°You two just weed your baby not long ago. How could he truly want a divorce? He¡¯s probably just upset. Have a proper conversation with him when he returns. I¡¯m sure he doesn¡¯t really want a divorce.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 715

    ?Chapter 715:

    A baby? Indeed, she had recently given birth to Roderick¡¯s son. Roderick wouldn¡¯t really want a divorce. He wouldn¡¯t just leave his son, right?

    This thought reignited Judie¡¯s hope. She asked the nanny to help her up, then hurried upstairs to check on the baby. The baby was her ace now. She was determined to sway Roderick.

    After leaving the apartment, Roderick headed straight to Eileen¡¯s home. He soon arrived.

    ¡°Did you finish your discussion with Judie?¡± Eileen asked, astonished to see Rodericke so quickly.

    Roderick paused outside the door, reluctant to enter. His van was parked behind him. He said dejectedly, ¡°I might need your help this time.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s brow furrowed. After a moment, she replied, ¡°As long as the money is returned, take care of the rest.¡± She was willing to speak for Denise and suggest withdrawing thewsuit. ¡°But you must be cautious in the future. That apartment is tied to arge sum. If they can pull off such a scheme and get away with it, they might cause problems for you in the future.¡±

    Yet, Roderick kept shaking his head. ¡°It¡¯s not about Mom. It¡¯s Judie.¡±

    He was hesitant to mention that Judie had orchestrated a scheme using Eileen¡¯s real family. However, thinking of Denise, who was still in prison, he feltpelled to disclose everything.

    ¡°My family?¡± Eileen took a moment to process. ¡°Did theye looking for me?¡±

    ¡°Yes, they mentioned that your grandmother is very sick and wants to see you onest time. Judie saw this as an opportunity to demand money,¡± Roderick replied.

    Judie had assumed Eileen came from a wealthy family because she had a gold locket when she was a baby. Now, Eileen¡¯s family was probably struggling, and they had scraped together two million dors in hopes of bringing Eileen back to see her grandmother onest time.

    Find the best stories now at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m

    Roderick found Judie¡¯s behavior uneptable. How could she do something so cruel?

    Judie had taken two million dors from the family and found someone to impersonate Eileen. The family was left penniless, unable to locate the real Eileen.

    ¡°Eileen, I don¡¯t want this apartment. Sell it and give the money back to your parents. But our mother¡­ I know she¡¯s not your mother, but could you consider not suing her for my sake?¡± Roderick asked.

    This was the first time Roderick had pleaded with Eileen. He spoke in a low voice, filled with embarrassment.

    Eileen was still overwhelmed by the news that her biological parents had sought her out. Bryan, having soothed Gabri to sleep, had descended the stairs and overheard the conversation between Eileen and Roderick. With a frown, Bryan approached and said to Eileen, ¡°Resolving the police station issue is easy. You just need to decide whether or not to acknowledge your biological family.¡±

    Roderick added, ¡°I took Judie¡¯s phone when I left. On my way here, I looked through the call log. There¡¯s a number from another city. Judie has called this number several times recently. I think it might be your family. Do you want to call this number?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 716

    ?Chapter 716:

    Roderick quickly pulled out the phone and offered it to Eileen. ¡°Let¡¯s set aside everything else. You can check if your grandmother is indeed waiting to see you onest time. Don¡¯t miss the chance.¡±

    The unfamiliar number was from Alverton, a vast in in the far north.

    Was her hometown in Alverton?

    In Roderick¡¯s opinion, the legal system should address Judie and Denise¡¯s wrongdoings. However, if Eileen¡¯s grandmother were to die filled with regret, that error would be beyond rectification.

    Noticing Eileen¡¯s silence, Roderick paused briefly before saying, ¡°Eileen, while Judie¡¯s actions were reprehensible, she did raise a legitimate concern. We¡¯re not familiar with the other family. If you¡¯re married, you could initially conceal your identity. However, if your real grandmother truly is nearing death, perhaps consider ensuring she doesn¡¯t pass away with regrets.¡±

    ¡°I see your point,¡± Eileen responded. Her emotions had clouded her judgment just now. She wanted to meet her real family. The fact that her family had exhausted their resources to give Judie two million just for Eileen to visit her grandmother highlighted their deep regard for family bonds.

    That was enough reason for her to meet them now and make contact. ¡°I¡¯ll meet your family first. Regarding my mother¡­ you can handle that once you¡¯re back,¡± Roderick advised, stepping back. He paused, then added, ¡°Bryan can apany you. I¡¯m avable to go with you.¡±

    Before Eileen could reply, Bryan nodded and said, ¡°I have time to apany her.¡±

    ¡°Good, you two go together. Once you¡¯re there, keep me posted. I¡¯ll be ready to assist if any issues arise,¡± Roderick said, lowering his head, hesitating to leave, but not saying anything further.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, whether I go or not, you¡¯ll always be my brother,¡± Eileen said, going through her thoughts and feeling moved. Upon hearing this, Roderick looked up quickly. ¡°And you¡¯ll always be my sister!¡±

    Eileen¡¯s eyes welled up with tears. She gestured toward him. ¡°Go back, drive carefully, and think things through before you deal with Judie¡¯s matter. Don¡¯t act hastily.¡±

    Stay updated on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    ¡°I understand. I¡¯ll inform you after I¡¯ve sorted things out with Judie,¡± Roderick responded, climbing into his vehicle and waving to Eileen from the window.

    His truck stood out in the vi district, and without the entry pass Eileen had secured for him, he wouldn¡¯t have been able toe here.

    Feeling a reassuring hand around her waist, Eileen turned to see Bryan guiding her back indoors.

    Once they settled on the couch, she turned to him and asked, ¡°Do you really have time to apany me to Alverton?¡±

    ¡°Even if I don¡¯t have time, I¡¯ll make it,¡± Bryan assured her immediately. He took out his phone to delegate tasks to Raymond while continuing the conversation with Eileen. ¡°Alverton is quite a distance, and it¡¯s uncertain how long you¡¯ll need to stay there. How could I let you travel there by yourself?¡± Heading to Alverton meant Eileen would need to manage numerous matters, and there was a chance she might forget about him for a while.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 717

    ?Chapter 717:

    But he couldn¡¯t bear to be separated from her for so long. As Bryan proceeded to book tickets for the trip, Eileen asked, ¡°Is Gabriing along too?¡±

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t possibly let you travel to Alverton alone, nor could I leave Gabri here by herself,¡± Bryan replied earnestly. ¡°If necessary, we can bring Mom along too.¡± By ¡°Mom,¡± he was referring to Ruby. Ruby¡¯s care for both Eileen and Gabri had not escaped his notice. At the wedding, he had started to call her ¡°Mom,¡± a gesture that Ruby had acknowledged with joy.

    ¡°I¡¯m not going,¡± Ruby dered suddenly.

    Eileen turned to see Ruby standing by the staircase. Ruby¡¯s immediate response indicated she had been listening in for some time, even hearing what Roderick had said earlier.

    ¡°Going to reconnect with your family is a good thing. You should definitely go if you feel it¡¯s necessary. Since Bryan can apany you, I don¡¯t need to go. Plus, someone should stay here,¡± Ruby said as she walked closer, gently encouraging Eileen. She seemed slightly hesitant but masked it well.

    ¡°Then, please wait for me here at home. Or, if Alverton turns out to have beautifulndscapes, once I get to know the ce, you and Bailee can alsoe,¡± Eileen suggested, reassuring Ruby of her return. This was her home, regardless of what she might find out in Alverton or how her biological parents turned out to be. Ruby would always remain her mother.

    Bryan secured the tickets for the following morning. In the evening, after reflecting, Eileen decided to send a brief message to the unknown number, introducing herself and saying that she would travel to Alverton the next day to meet them and talk. She kept this hidden from most people, merely telling Josue and others that she was just heading to Alverton for a vacation. But she disclosed the truth to Bailee.

    Learning that Eileen and Bryan were leaving the next day, Bailee and Huey came over in the evening for a family dinner. Gabri was exceptionally lively, scampering around and making everyoneugh.

    At dinner, she insisted on sitting beside Bailee, frequently touching her belly. Her hands were oily, and she asionally poked Bailee¡¯s belly gently and patted it. Even though her outfit got smeared, Bailee didn¡¯t mind and joyfully continued engaging with Gabri.

    ¡°Bailee, we¡¯ll return as soon as we can. Meanwhile, please make sure to visit Mom more,¡± Eileen said.

    L?¦Ó??¦Ó ch?¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?ls.????

    Bailee and Huey had moved back to the Baker family¡¯s residence, while Ruby stayed here. Winona¡¯s health condition remained unchanged, which had caused Huey to mature quickly, now dedicating more focus to his burgeoning gaming career.

    Due to Winona¡¯s health issues, Frankie waspletely focused on caring for her, staying by her side every day. So, Huey had stepped up to manage the family¡¯s business operations along with his studio.

    ¡°Eileen, it¡¯s stunning. If you feel like extending your stay, you can do that. Ruby has Bailee and me here,¡± Huey told Eileen as he handed Bailee a napkin to clean her attire. The warm and harmonious atmosphere made Eileen a bit reluctant to leave.

    Nevertheless, contemting the family that had been longing for her for years, she held back her reluctance. She needed to undertake this journey.

    The winter evenings were exceptionally chilly, apanied by fierce winds. Alverton was noticeably colder than Onnd by twenty degrees, with its expansive ins nketed in snow.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 718

    ?Chapter 718:

    As the ne was about tond, Eileen was captivated by the vast snowy expanse outside the window. She seldom witnessed such extensive snowfall, and the boundless ins appeared strikingly beautiful. However, her admiration quickly waned after she disembarked. The cold was piercing!

    Wrapped in a thick down jacket, Eileen trembled and snuggled closer to Bryan, who protectively held Gabri in his other arm. Once inside the airport, where it was warmer, Bryan let Eileen go to retrieve their bags. Gabri clung tightly to his neck, refusing to let go.

    ¡°Wait by the exit for us. I¡¯ll be quick,¡± Bryan said to Eileen. The area was bustling with people.

    Eileen adjusted her hair and made her way to the exit. As soon as she stepped outside, someone seized her wrist, eximing, ¡°Eileen! You must be Eileen, right?¡±

    Taken aback, Eileen withdrew her hand and rified, ¡°Sorry, you¡¯ve mistaken me for someone else.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t be mistaken!¡± The woman appeared to be in her forties, her skin well cared for. She continued, ¡°You came from Onnd to reconnect with your family, right? Your name is Eileen Curtis, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Just the night before, Eileen had indeed introduced herself through texts. ¡°Yes,¡± she confirmed.

    The woman instantly sped her hand, tears welling up in her eyes. ¡°You are my family!¡± she eximed. Eileen, still uncertain, asked cautiously, ¡°How are you rted to me?¡±

    The woman held onto her wrist tightly and led her away. As she dabbed at her tears, she introduced herself. ¡°I¡¯m your aunt. Your grandmother¡¯s health is failing, and she¡¯s been longing for you to return. We¡¯ve been searching for you. She knows you¡¯re here today and is eagerly waiting at home. We should hurry.¡±

    Without allowing Eileen time to process the information, she hurried her out of the airport and into a Ford valued at around one hundred thousand dors.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s£®c????, a world of tales

    It wasn¡¯t until they were in the car that Eileen remembered Gabri and Bryan were still at the airport. She quickly took out her phone and messaged Bryan, instructing him to check into a hotel with Gabri first. She would arrange for them to join her once she was settled.

    During the drive, the woman shared details about Eileen¡¯s family background. Eileen¡¯s mother had been a member of the Vazquez family, while her father came from a more modest background. After her mother had given birth to her, she had gone missing as an infant. Since then, her mother had searched tirelessly for her. A few years ago, her mother had fallen into a deep depression and passed away, leaving the Vazquez family in decline.

    Now, the family consisted of her father, Conroy Finch, and her nearly ny-year-old grandmother, Le Vazquez. ¡°Your mother was the pride of the Vazquez family. She had a sharp mind for business, but tragically¡­¡± The woman, Gianna Vazquez, trailed off, her expression forlorn. The rest of her words remained unspoken.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 719

    ?Chapter 719:

    Tragically, her mother had been consumed by grief after her disappearance and had sumbed to depression. Gianna continued, ¡°Now, our Vazquez family relies on your father and my son, your cousin, to provide for us.¡±

    Eileen nodded. She had heard what she had feared the most. Although she had never met her biological parents, the news that her mother had endured great hardships and fallen into depression while searching for her unsettled her deeply.

    ¡°Eileen, don¡¯t be too sad,¡± Gianna said gently, noticing Eileen¡¯s distress. ¡°Your grandmother is still with us at home. If you¡¯re sad, you¡¯ll upset her. Her health is already fragile.¡±

    Eileen nodded again. Just as she was about to respond, Gianna took a call. After listening briefly, she blinked. Once she ended the call, she turned to Eileen.

    ¡°It turns out we¡¯re passing the hospital on our way. I¡¯ll pick up some medication for your grandmother. Why don¡¯t you get a check-up while we¡¯re there?¡±

    In the confined space, Gianna¡¯s attempt at a cheerful demeanor suddenly made Eileen feel more somber.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for a physical check-up. We should just do a paternity test directly,¡± Eileen said.

    Gianna offered an awkward smile. ¡°Last time, unfortunately, someone impersonated you. I hope you understand this. But I¡¯m confident that you belong to our Vazquez family.¡±

    As she spoke, she instructed the driver to head to the nearby hospital.

    Eileen remained silent, taking the opportunity to respond to the message from Bryan. He exined that Gabri was feeling exhausted, making it difficult for him to bring her along quickly, so he had opted to check into a hotel first. He cautioned her to stay alert and, if any trouble arose, to immediately call him and share her location. Despite the car¡¯s heater being on, Eileen still felt cold.

    About ten minutester, they arrived at the hospital¡¯s entrance. Stepping out of the car, Eileen followed Gianna into the hospital.

    Explore more on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s©q??????

    ¡°Conroy!¡± Gianna hastened towards the man sitting at the blood sample window.

    He appeared to be in his fifties, with a somewhat cold expression. His gaze was detached.

    Seeing him, Eileen approached and said, ¡°Mr. Finch.¡±

    Conroy frowned and nodded. He made noment on her formal address and requested the nurse to expedite the blood collection process.

    Once Eileen¡¯s and Conroy¡¯s blood was drawn, Conroy held a cotton swab to his arm and began speaking to Eileen while Gianna conversed with the nurse.

    ¡°You bear a strong resemnce to your mother. I could confirm your identity even without the paternity test,¡± he said.

    Eileen gently dabbed the injection spot with a cotton swab and smiled at Conroy. ¡°It¡¯s best to be certain.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Conroy adjusted his sses and said, ¡°I had nned to wait for the paternity test results before you met your grandmother, but seeing you now, I think we should let you go to her right away.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 720

    Chapter 720:

    Both Gianna and Conroy had been certain that Eileen was from their family the moment they set eyes on her. This heightened Eileen¡¯s curiosity about her resemnce to her mother.

    As Eileen silentlymented that she would never meet her mother, Gianna returned.

    ¡°Conroy, are you still heading to work? If not, we could go home together. If you are, I¡¯ll take Eileen home myself,¡± Gianna said.

    Conroy discarded the swab, rolled down his sleeve, and replied, ¡°I need to go to work. You two go ahead and get settled at home. We¡¯ll all have dinner together when I return with Kinsey.¡± Then, he turned to Eileen and added, ¡°She should stay in the room her mother used before she married.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ve arranged everything,¡± Gianna assured, waving to Conroy before departing with Eileen.

    As they drove through Alverton, Eileen started to feel drowsy, and Gianna suggested she sleep. Eileen slept until six in the evening, when the car finally stopped in front of arge mansion.

    In the vast grasnds of Alverton, most herdsmen lived in yurts. However, a few noble families chose to construct their vis amid the wilderness.

    The sky was still bright at six o¡¯clock.

    Gianna woke Eileen, and they both exited the car to enter the house.

    ¡°This mansion has been in our family for generations. Now, the Vazquez family has nearly nothing left,¡± Gianna exined as they walked. ¡°Over there is the part of the mansion where your parents lived after their marriage. I live here with Kinsey, my son, and your cousin. Your mother used to live in the same ce with your grandmother.¡±

    Therge mansion was divided into four distinct sections. Each family member upied one segment, and another part included guest rooms and a garden. Each section featured small, arched entrances leading into the yard. The rooms inside were all spacious and well-lit.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s is your storytelling haven

    The innermost courtyard was quieter, with several servants standing by the doorway of one room. Upon spotting Gianna and Eileen approaching, they quickly nodded and greeted her.

    Gianna nodded in return and led Eileen inside the room.

    The room was dimly lit. Large windows outside obscured much of the orange light from the setting sun. An elderly woman with grey hairy on the bed.

    Hearing the footsteps, the old woman opened her eyes and turned her head. Her mouth quivered slightly as she caught sight of Eileen. ¡°Eileen¡­¡±

    Gianna gently nudged Eileen a few steps forward and said, ¡°Your grandmother is asking for you. Go ahead.¡±

    Eileen approached the bedside and looked at the elderly woman lying there. The woman¡¯s hands were deeply wrinkled, and Eileen instinctively took one in her own. ¡°Grandma?¡± Eileen said softly.

    Just hearing that word brought tears to Le¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°My dear is back¡­ Cecilia, have you seen her? She¡¯s returned¡­¡± Le¡¯s quivering voice was clearly audible in the quiet room. Eileen was guided by Le to sit on the bed, and Le made an effort to sit up as well.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Happy weekend dear ones! God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. (©¤??O)

    .

 Chapter 721

    ?Chapter 721:

    Gianna quickly went to help Le sit up. Initially, Eileen intended to help, but Le¡¯s grip on her hands was firm.

    ¡°Eileen, spend a little time talking with your grandmother. But keep it brief, her health isn¡¯t the best,¡± Gianna gently told Eileen. Eileen nodded in agreement, and Gianna gestured for the servants to leave the room.

    They were reunited for the first time, sping hands tightly. Tears formed in Eileen¡¯s eyes as she struggled to find the right words.

    Le leaned back against the headboard, pointed to the cab, and said, ¡°Open that.¡±

    Eileen pulled out the drawer and found a small photo album and a pair of bracelets inside.

    The photo album contained numerous photographs taken since her birth. Among them were several pictures of a woman who resembled her about sixty percent. The woman, sporting a long ponytail, appeared vibrant and was smiling. She seemed like a sessful businesswoman from that time period. There was a subtle tenderness in her eyes as she looked at the baby in her arms.

    ¡°Your mother was once a formidable figure. When you went missing, she fell apart. You were her entire world. Sadly, she couldn¡¯t hold on until you returned.¡± Tears rolled down Le¡¯s cheeks. She reached up to smooth Eileen¡¯s messy hair and gently touched her face. ¡°You look just like your mother.¡± Eileen let Le search for signs of her mother in her features, allowing her to express the longing and worry she had felt over the years.

    About ten minutester, Gianna entered the room and gave Eileen a knowing look. She then stepped over to Le and said, ¡°Mom, try not to get too excited. Eileen is back for good and won¡¯t be leaving. She¡¯s had a long flight to get here. Let her rest for a bit. During dinner, you can ask her more questions. Does that sound okay?¡±

    Le wiped away her tears and nodded to Eileen. ¡°Alright, go rest now.¡±

    Gianna stood up and led Eileen out of the room.

    The spacious living room was brightly lit, with retro decor. Gianna escorted Eileen to thest room and gestured for her to take a seat.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s???§à?? opens doors to wonder

    ¡°This was your mother¡¯s room while she was alive. You can stay here from now on. It¡¯s filled with things she left behind, and your grandmother insists that nothing be touched,¡± Gianna exined.

    ¡°I understand,¡± Eileen said, surveying the room and nodding at Gianna with a smile.

    After a moment, Gianna sighed and added, ¡°You should spend more time at home. When it¡¯s time for a meal, you can bring some food to your grandmother and talk to her for a little while every day. She shouldn¡¯t get too worked up.¡±

    This meant that Le wouldn¡¯t be able to join them for meals. After a brief pause, Eileen suggested, ¡°Maybe we should take Grandma to the hospital.¡±

    Gianna shook her head firmly. ¡°The hospital is too far. She wouldn¡¯t be able to handle the trip.¡±

    That made sense. The journey back from the hospital earlier had already taken a long time.

    ¡°What if we invited the doctor toe here instead?¡± Eileen asked, unable to bear the thought of Le enduring her illness at home.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 722

    ?Chapter 722:

    Gianna was momentarily taken aback by the suggestion. After a long, appraising look at Eileen, she abruptly asked, ¡°I should have asked before¡­ How have you been doing?¡±

    The abruptness of her question disrupted the previously calm atmosphere. It seemed like she was testing Eileen.

    Eileen frowned and responded instinctively, ¡°Just a regr employee in apany.¡±

    Gianna nodded. ¡°Oh, I figured as much. You might not realize how costly it is to have a doctore to the house. I heard you¡¯re from Onnd; the ce is crowded with buildings. But the situation here is different. The distance and logistical challenges make it much more difficult.¡±

    Essentially, Gianna was pointing out that hiring a doctor toe from the hospital would be too expensive for them to afford at the moment.

    After a pause, Gianna continued, ¡°Actually, your grandmother¡¯s illness is due to worry. Since your mother passed away, her health has been poor. I had her checked before, and it¡¯s a long-standing condition. The doctor said she should just rest at home and avoid any long trips.¡±

    Eileen couldn¡¯t bear it anymore and fell silent.

    She resolved to find a doctor who coulde over to examine Le at ater time.

    ¡°Are you married?¡± Gianna inquired once again.

    ¡°No,¡± Eileen replied, shaking her head.

    If she admitted to being married, she would have to introduce Bryan. Hiding her own identity was easy, but hiding Bryan¡¯s was not.

    Find exclusive stories at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s

    Gianna smiled upon hearing this and said, ¡°Rest in the room for now. I¡¯ll call when dinner¡¯s ready.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen replied. After Gianna left, she sat on the bed and checked her phone, which had rung several times. She had fallen asleep on the way here, missing several messages from Bryan. Now, he was calling her anxiously.

    Eileen quickly answered the phone. ¡°I¡¯ve arrived. I was just talking.¡±

    ¡°Send me your location,¡± Bryan sighed in relief, asking for her whereabouts directly.

    Eileen frowned and said, ¡°You can¡¯te here.¡±

    ¡°Are you nning to abandon Gabri and me now that you¡¯ve reconnected with your family?¡± Bryan asked, his tone sour. Eileen could hear Gabri babbling in the background on Bryan¡¯s end; they were likely in the hotel since there was no other noise.

    ¡°I would never abandon you, but the situation here is quite delicate. I¡¯ve told them I¡¯m not married,¡± Eileen whispered, fearing someone might overhear her. At the same time, she felt a bit uneasy for saying that.

    ¡°Eileen!¡± Bryan¡¯s voice sounded frustrated. ¡°So you¡¯re truly going to abandon Gabri and me now that you¡¯ve found your real family?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Eileen reassured him, her tone softening. ¡°It¡¯s just that the situation here isplicated. I¡¯ll exin everything when we meet next time.¡±

    Bryan snorted and said, ¡°When is this ¡®next time¡¯ supposed to be? Are you expecting to meet me when I¡¯m so old that Gabri needs to push me in a wheelchair to see you?¡±

    Since Eileen was being mysterious, it was clear that the situation hade up suddenly and wasn¡¯t something she could easily escape from.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 723

    ?Chapter 723:

    Eileen couldn¡¯t help but be amused by Bryan¡¯s words. She said, ¡°Oh, stop it. Just take care of Gabri at the hotel. I¡¯ll send you the locationter. Can you try to reach two doctors? My grandmother isn¡¯t in good health.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Bryan¡¯s voice rose. ¡°Are they so poor that they can¡¯t even afford to let a doctore to the house?¡±

    Even though calling a doctor to the house was costly, most ordinary families could still manage it.

    The Vazquez family¡¯s residence was a spectacle of luxury and splendor. As Eileen observed the opulent decorations, she surmised that everything in sight likely held considerable value.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure about the specifics. All I know is they haven¡¯t bothered to call a doctor,¡± Eileen said.

    Bryan seemed to catch on to something from her words. ¡°Just be careful, and make sure you call me if anythinges up,¡± he cautioned.

    ¡°What about you?¡± Eileen inquired, a thought striking her. ¡°Weren¡¯t you here to check on the branchpany you established here a few years back?¡±

    A few years ago, when the Apex Group had expanded rapidly, they had set up a subsidiary in Alverton. However, circumstances had shifted dramatically over the years, and Bryan hadn¡¯t had the opportunity to visit the subsidiary and assess the situation until now.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do that after you¡¯ve wrapped up your tasks there. I¡¯m not in any rush,¡± Bryan said, ncing at Gabri. With the chilly weather outside, he preferred not to drag her around every day.

    Eileen sighed. ¡°Understood. Are you hinting that I¡¯m dragging my feet? I¡¯ll try to wrap things up quickly.¡±

    Bryan chuckled, then said, ¡°It¡¯s chilly out here. Make sure you stay warm at night. And expect a surprise from me tomorrow morning.¡±

    Feel the magic at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c¦Ï??

    ¡°What?¡± Eileen was already brimming with joy from his words. She ended the call reluctantly, the resonant timbre of Bryan¡¯s voice lingering in her ear.

    Shortly thereafter, Tessa Perry, one of the two servants at the Vazquez residence, appeared to invite Eileen to dinner. The other servant, Tracey Byrd, was slightly older and responsible for taking care of Le.

    Tessa, a woman of few words, didn¡¯t meet Eileen¡¯s gaze. She led the way, staying silent.

    The dining area was in a room at the junction of four courtyards. There, Le, seated in a wheelchair, had been wheeled in for the meal.

    Conroy and Gianna positioned themselves on either side of Le¡¯s wheelchair. Beside Conroy was a young man, about twenty-five, but with a youthful face that could pass for eighteen. If not for the suit he was wearing and his mature demeanor, he would have lookedpletely like a teenager.

    ¡°Kinsey, say hello to your cousin,¡± Gianna instructed, then turned to Eileen. ¡°Eileen, this is my son, Kinsey Vazquez.¡±

    Standing up politely, Kinsey said to Eileen, ¡°Eileen, nice to meet you.¡±

    Eileen nodded. ¡°Nice to meet you, too.¡±

    Kinsey returned the nod, then sat back in his chair.

    He adopted a deliberate expression, feigning maturity.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 724

    ?Chapter 724:

    ¡°Eileen, please, take a seat.¡± Le extended her hand towards Eileen, gesturing for her to sit beside her.

    However, both seats beside Le were already taken, and Eileen hesitated. She looked at Gianna and then at Conroy. Conroy seemed oblivious to Le¡¯s words, as if he hadn¡¯t heard her at all.

    Gianna, with a smile, turned to Le. ¡°You need someone to feed you. Conroy and I can do that. Besides, Eileen just got back.¡±

    Her words hinted that, having just returned, Eileen might not yet feelfortable enough to take on such a personal task as feeding Le.

    ¡°It¡¯s no trouble at all. I can feed Grandma,¡± Eileen quickly said. Upon hearing this, Gianna and Conroy exchanged nces. After a moment, Conroy rose and said, ¡°Come, sit next to your grandmother.¡±

    He then paused, as if recalling something, and pulled a document from his bag. ¡°We¡¯ve got the results of the paternity test. She¡¯s your granddaughter; there are no errors this time.¡± Typically, paternity test results would take a couple of days to process. In urgent cases, with the right connections and additional payment, the results could be expedited.

    Clearly, significant resources¡ªboth money and connections¡ªhad been utilized to obtain the paternity test results this time. They could afford to do that, but they couldn¡¯t afford to ask a doctor toe to the house to examine Le?

    Thinking of this, Eileen settled into her seat, her face not betraying her thoughts. Unfamiliar with Le¡¯s health specifics, she opted to watch and adapt her actions based on Le¡¯s condition.

    Meanwhile, Le was enjoying the soup that had been simmering for hours. Eileen carefully retrieved a small bowl of soup, cooling it before feeding Le spoonful by spoonful. Gianna asionally picked some easily digestible food for Le.

    ¡°You seem to eat quicker when Eileen¡¯s here. You¡¯re trying to finish early so that she can eat, too, aren¡¯t you?¡± Gianna teased Le lightly.

    ¡°The weather is cold. The food will get cold soon.¡± Le turned to Eileen and asked, ¡°Your mother struggled with her appetite. How about you?¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c§à??, your storytelling home

    Eileen responded with a warm smile. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Eating regrly keeps me going without any issues.¡±

    Le¡¯s face lit up with a relieved smile. ¡°So, you¡¯ve got a hearty appetite like me. Your mom was more like your granddad in that regard.¡±

    Eileen noticed that Le¡¯s earlier sadness had faded, reced by the joy of reconnecting with her. Eileen said, ¡°My mom looked after either you or Grandpa.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Le agreed, her smile brightening further. ¡°You¡¯re sweet, just like your mother was.¡±

    The mood around the table grew lighter and more cheerful, a stark contrast to the tension when Eileen had first arrived in the afternoon.

    Le finished her meal quickly. Normally, she would have headed back by now, but today she lingered, pointing to a dish on the table. ¡°Your mother was fond of this. Try some.¡±

    Alverton was far from Onnd, with quite distinct culinary traditions. The dishes on the table all looked unfamiliar to Eileen. They were distinctly local, and the air was filled with the scent of beef and herbs.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 725

    ?Chapter 725:

    Truthfully, Eileen wasn¡¯t keen on these foods, but she couldn¡¯t ignore the expectation in Le¡¯s eyes. She sampled two pieces and nodded in approval. ¡°Yes, this is delicious,¡± she said.

    ¡°Your mother was good at making that dish,¡± Le said. ¡°This time, your aunt cooked it, but it doesn¡¯t quite match up to your mom¡¯s.¡±

    Le then gestured toward another area. Conroy went to fetch a different dish Le had pointed at for Eileen.

    The table wasden with a variety of dishes. After tasting each one, Eileen was so stuffed that she had to put her fork down. ¡°Grandma, I¡¯m full,¡± she said.

    Upon hearing this, Le promptly replied, ¡°Then let¡¯s stop here. You can try more tomorrow. Now, take me back to my room.¡± Eileen rose to her feet and wheeled Le toward her bedroom. Gianna exchanged a few words with Kinsey before hurrying to catch up with them.

    ¡°Have a chat with your grandma,¡± Gianna suggested to Eileen. ¡°You¡¯ve had a long day, so stay upte talking. There¡¯s always tomorrow.¡±

    Once inside Le¡¯s bedroom, Eileen sat down on the sofa. Gianna fetched some warm water to wash Le¡¯s face and feet.

    Le appeared much livelier than she had earlier in the day. As Gianna assisted her, Le chatted with Eileen, asking about her past and inquiring whether her stepmother had mistreated her.

    Eileen told Le that after moving in with Ruby, she had been raised by her and had even graduated from a prestigious university. She omitted mentioning Ruby¡¯s illness and her subsequent meeting with Bryan.

    ¡°That¡¯s a great university,¡± Gianna said, her eyes sparkling. ¡°Graduating from such a renowned university, you¡¯ll probably earn enough to support your grandmother one day.¡±

    ¡°That would be wonderful,¡± Le said, beaming with pride. ¡°Your stepmother seems like a kind soul. Make sure to give her some money to repay herter.¡±

    galn¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m opens doors to new adventures

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry; she¡¯s living with me now and will continue to do so,¡± Eileen replied with a smile.

    When Le heard this, her smile dimmed slightly.

    Gianna paused for a moment, then suddenly stood up, as if a thought had struck her. ¡°Eileen, it¡¯s time for bed now. Your grandmother¡¯s getting ready to sleep. You can return to your room now.¡±

    Feeling she might have misspoken, Eileen sensed that Le might think her stay here was only temporary. However, Gianna kept signaling for her to leave, leaving no room for Eileen to rify things with Le. She had no choice but to go.

    Back in her room, Eileen washed up andy in bed, restless and awake. Thoughts of clearing up the misunderstanding with Le gued her. As a result, she spent a sleepless night tossing and turning. Just as she finally drifted off in the early morning, a knock at the door jolted her awake.

    ¡°There are some people here. They¡¯re asking for you,¡± Tessa said.

    Groggily rubbing her eyes, Eileen slipped on her down jacket and stepped out of her room. From a distance, she spotted Bryan holding Gabri. They both beamed at her.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 726

    ?Chapter 726:

    Eileen found herself unable to muster a smile. She paused mid-step, her eyes wide with surprise.

    ¡°Eileen, what¡¯s holding YOU up?¡± Noticing that Eileen was rooted to the spot, Gianna furrowed her brow. She hastened over and tugged Eileen toward Bryan.

    ¡°Your cousin¡¯s here.¡±

    Cousin?

    Taking a deep breath, Eileen exchanged a look of confusion and surprise with Bryan when Gianna wasn¡¯t looking.

    Bryan gave Gianna a slight nod, then turned his smile to Eileen.

    ¡°Looks like Eileen¡¯s still half asleep.¡±

    ¡°She just flew in yesterday. She might be exhausted,¡± Gianna exined, then gently squeezed Eileen¡¯s hand. ¡°Hey, your cousin traveled all this way with his child, and you¡¯re letting them stay at a hotel instead of bringing them home?¡±

    Eileen paused for a moment before ying along.

    ¡°He was fetching his luggage when you met me yesterday. I didn¡¯t get a chance to invite him over.¡±

    Gianna¡¯s voice was tinged with frustration. ¡°Oh, my mistake. I should have guessed someone came with you.¡±

    She then noticed the luggage and stamped her foot. ¡°I brought her back so quickly that she didn¡¯t even have the time to take her luggage.¡±

    Stay updated g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s

    ¡°Ah, Ma,¡± Gabri suddenly eximed, pointing at Eileen with wide eyes.

    Unable to resist any longer, Eileen moved forward and lifted Gabri into her arms,forting her with soft, soothing words.

    ¡°Probably skipped breakfast to get here so early, didn¡¯t you? Have breakfast here. And Mr. Dawson, please don¡¯t feel out of ce just because my husband and son have already left for work and there aren¡¯t any other men around. Eileen¡¯s here, and you¡¯re wee to make yourself at home.¡± Gianna extended the breakfast invitation to Bryan.

    Bryan nodded and replied, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Following that, Gianna asked Eileen to show Bryan to the dining room before she went to wake Le and bring her down for breakfast.

    With Gabri cradled in her arms, Eileen turned and headed for the dining room. She could hear Bryan¡¯s familiar, steady footsteps closely behind her.

    ¡°This is quite a mansion, but I haven¡¯t seen many servants here,¡± Bryanmented in a low voice, his eyes scanning the surroundings.

    ¡°Since my arrival, I¡¯ve only encountered the cook and Tracey, who looks after my grandmother,¡± Eileen replied as she set Gabri on the floor to explore the room.

    Then, she turned abruptly and collided with Bryan¡¯s solid, warm chest.

    ¡°What are you doing, ¡®cousin¡¯?¡± cing a hand against his chest, Eileen tried to shove him back, but he didn¡¯t budge. ¡°I said, your cousin, Bryan. What will people say if they see us like this? Won¡¯t they start gossiping?¡±

    Bryan chuckled and gently pinched Eileen¡¯s nose.

    ¡°Still upset about that? You¡¯re the one who ditched us at the airport and came back by yourself, clearly wanting nothing to do with us.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 727

    ?Chapter 727:

    Eileen knew arguing with him was futile. She narrowed her eyes and demanded, ¡°Where¡¯s the doctor I asked you to bring?¡±

    ¡°The doctor will be here this afternoon, I¡¯ve arranged everything,¡± Bryan assured her. He gazed at her bare, naturally beautiful face, illuminated by the morning light, and impulsively kissed her.

    He remarked, ¡°It¡¯s no wonder people believe you¡¯re single.¡±

    His grip on her waist tightened. There were no visible signs that she had ever been married¡ªher good figure and youthful appearance betrayed nothing. Had it not been for her mature demeanor, one could easily have mistaken her for a college student.

    Eileen was caught off guard by the sudden, quick kiss, causing her to nce outside. Therge yard was empty, to her relief. She exhaled softly, about to speak, when she felt a pull at her clothing. Looking down, she saw Gabri standing there, tugging at her clothes with a pout, evidently wanting a kiss too. Bryan released Eileen and leaned down to give Gabri a kiss.

    Gabri, however, huffed and tugged him away, clearly still wanting a kiss from Eileen. Watching Bryan¡¯s attempt being yfully rebuffed, Eileen couldn¡¯t help but smile. She bent down and gently kissed Gabri on the cheek.

    Bryan knew whenever he was away, Gabri missed him terribly and always asked to see him. Yet when he was present, she seemed to pay him little attention. To catch Gabri¡¯s attention, he needed to kiss Eileen¡ªa tactic that always worked.

    ¡°There¡¯s something off about this yard.¡± Bryan shifted the conversation, remarking, ¡°It¡¯s hard to believe a ce this big is kept so tidy with only servants.¡±

    Eileen, who had been preupied with thinking about Le since her arrival, hadn¡¯t given it much thought.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been wondering the same thing. Mr. Finche¡ª¡± Eileen paused, correcting herself, ¡°I mean, my father¡ªims he¡¯s working to support us, but it just doesn¡¯t seem feasible to manage such arge mansion with only two servants, not to mention supporting my sick grandmother. Even if my cousins also worked to make money, they can¡¯t afford to live like this.¡±

    The costs of maintaining the mansion alone would be substantial each month. Additionally, the travel expenses for them to go to work were also high, considering the distance. The numbers just didn¡¯t seem to add up.

    ¡°I think they¡¯re pretending to be poor. Maybe they¡¯re wary of me,¡± Eileen said.

    She saw nothing wrong with their conclusion, considering she hadn¡¯t disclosed her true identity to them either. Le had been nothing but kind to her.

    Gianna appeared somewhat aloof, but Eileen attributed this to Gianna not being her biological mother. However, since her arrival, her biological father, Conroy, had barely spoken to her.

    Last night, she had tried to talk to Conroy after dinner, but his cold demeanor had left her unable to say anything to him.

    Amidst the silence, footsteps approached from outside. Gianna ushered Le into the room. Spotting Eileen and Bryan, she promptly said, ¡°Sit down. Breakfast will be served shortly. I¡¯ve even requested an extra egg custard for the child.¡±

    Le scrutinized Bryan from head to toe with evident hostility. She beckoned Eileen closer. ¡°Eileen,e and sit down.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 728

    ?Chapter 728:

    Left with no other option, Eileen seated herself next to Le, with Bryan sitting beside Eileen and Gabri in his arms.

    Gianna, detecting Le¡¯s discontent, awkwardly exined, ¡°Eileen has been missing for many years. Her grandmother has been deeply worried. She feels a bit ufortable around Eileen¡¯s current family¡­ Dawson, please try to understand.¡±

    She then gently nudged Le.

    ¡°Mom, please don¡¯t act like this. Eileen isn¡¯t ustomed to the climate and surroundings here. Eventually, she must return to Onnd. If you continue to behave like this, how can she go back?¡±

    Hearing this, Le swiftly turned to Eileen and inquired, ¡°Eileen, are you nning to leave?¡±

    Then, she looked at Bryan and asked, ¡°Are you here to take her away?¡±

    Brian frowned as he spoke. ¡°No, just here to bring her luggage. I can¡¯t take her away!¡±

    Le ignored his exnation, clutching Eileen¡¯s hand firmly. ¡°She belongs to our family; she carries our blood. I¡¯ll hold you all responsible. Your family bought her when she was a child; that¡¯s illegal!¡± Her hand trembled as she pointed at Bryan.

    Eileen quickly took Le¡¯s hands, offering reassurance. ¡°Grandma, I¡¯m not going anywhere. My cousin¡¯s just bringing my luggage so that I can stay here longer.¡±

    She gently patted Le¡¯s back and covertly signaled Bryan.

    ¡°Le, I¡¯m not here to take her away. After we have breakfast, I¡¯ll leave with my daughter, okay?¡± Bryan patiently tried to negotiate with her.

    Meanwhile, Gabri sat on a chair, her legs swinging, herrge, watery eyes fixed on the unfolding scene, momentarily forgetting the slice of bread in her hands.

    Keep reading g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Bryan¡¯s assurances seemed to calm Le, who finally stopped shouting. Otherwise, Gabri might have burst into tears.

    ¡°Mom, look what you¡¯ve done,¡± Gianna scolded lightly, patting Le on the back. ¡°You¡¯ve always told us to wee guests. Why contradict yourself now?¡±

    Though Le¡¯s demeanor softened, she still appeared stern, her grip on Eileen¡¯s hand unyielding.

    Bryan consciously avoided looking at Eileen, not wanting Le to suspect that he nned to leave with her.

    Consequently, he was unable to talk to Eileen throughout the breakfast. He had intended to speak with her before he left, but no sooner had he set down his fork than Le instructed Gianna.

    ¡°See the guest out. Eileen can take me back to my room.¡±

    ¡°I think Eileen should have a word with her cousin. It¡¯s not right for me to escort him out,¡± Gianna protested.

    ¡°Just go,¡± Lemanded sternly.

    Left with no choice, Gianna said, ¡°Alright.¡±

    She stood, offering Bryan an apologetic nod, and requested Eileen to take Le back carefully.

    Bryan scooped up Gabri. As he walked away, Gabri reached out her tiny hands, grasping at the air and repeatedly murmured, ¡°Mommy.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 729

    ?Chapter 729:

    After Bryan and Gabri vanished through the gate, Eileen wheeled Le into the room.

    ¡°Wait a minute,¡± Le said abruptly, cing her hand on the wheels to halt the wheelchair.

    At this, Eileen stopped in her tracks.

    ¡°Is something wrong, Grandma?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Tracey is in the room. Take me to the garden,¡± Le replied, pointing in a particr direction.

    Lifting her gaze, Le looked at Eileen, signaling her with her eyes. Eileen caught on quickly and changed direction.

    The next second, Tracey emerged from the room. ¡°Miss Curtis, it¡¯s chilly outside. Why don¡¯t you bring Mrs. Vazquez back inside since you¡¯ve finished eating?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d like to go out and enjoy the sun for a bit,¡± Le said promptly. Tracey still approached them with the intention of taking the wheelchair.

    ¡°It¡¯s too cold this early in the morning. There isn¡¯t any sunlight yet.¡±

    Eileen maintained her grip on the wheelchair handles as Tracey gently patted her wrist, suggesting, ¡°Let me take her back inside.¡±

    Le¡¯s face showed a mix of urgency and disappointment, her eyes wide with unspoken concern.

    Eileen firmly pushed Tracey¡¯s hand away. ¡°No need. I¡¯m taking my grandma out for a little stroll in the garden. She¡¯s bundled up well, and even though the morning sun isn¡¯t strong, the weather isn¡¯t too cold. Besides, the air in the garden is fresh and invigorating at this hour. We¡¯ll be outside for a while.¡±

    ???? ??????? ?? ?????????.???

    Tracey, taken aback, stared at Eileen.

    Turning slightly, Eileen asked, ¡°Any other concerns?¡±

    Eileen¡¯smanding presence rendered Tracey speechless. Just yesterday, Eileen had been the epitome of calm and gentleness, but today, she exuded a strong andmanding demeanor, looking like an entirely different person.

    Without thinking, Tracey shook her head slightly and replied, ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Grandma, let¡¯s visit the garden,¡± Eileen said. Then, she wheeled Le away.

    A soft smile yed on Le¡¯s lips as she sat in her wheelchair, a twinkle of amusement in her eyes as she thought of something.

    The garden was bathed in the soft glow of early morning sunshine, surrounded by expansive ins that the wind constantly caressed.

    Once they found a sheltered nook, Eileen knelt down to adjust Le¡¯s clothing.

    Suddenly, Le sped Eileen¡¯s hand firmly and said with conviction, ¡°You¡¯re sharp. You must have realized there¡¯s something amiss with the Vazquez family.¡±

    Eileen looked up, her expression a mix of shock and confusion. ¡°I noticed something amiss, but I can¡¯t pinpoint what it is,¡± she admitted.

    ¡°Take Grandma¡¯s advice. Don¡¯t trust anyone easily. The situation here is far moreplicated than it seems,¡± Le said urgently.

    No sooner had she spoken than the sound of footsteps approached.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 730

    ?Chapter 730:

    Gianna hurried over, her eyes darting between Eileen and Le. With a warm smile, she eximed, ¡°In the blink of an eye, you two disappeared! Why venture out on such a chilly day? Why didn¡¯t you talk to Eileen in the room?¡±

    The worry previously etched on Le¡¯s face was now masked by indifference. She snorted and said,

    ¡°It¡¯s been ages since I¡¯ve been outside. I just needed some fresh air.¡±

    ¡°You might be ustomed to the cold, but can¡¯t you see Eileen turning red because of it?¡± Gianna chided gently as she patted Le on the shoulder. ¡°Let¡¯s head back inside, shall we?¡±

    Indeed, the cold was biting. d in a thick down jacket, Eileen had been feeling cold since she rose from bed in the morning. Now, her cheeks were tinged with pink from the brisk morning wind, and her hands were slightly numb.

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s head back,¡± Le said, noticing Eileen¡¯s difort.

    Eileen walked back with them, her thoughts lingering on Le¡¯s earlier words. She trailed a couple of steps behind Gianna, observing her thoughtfully. It was clear Gianna cared for Le deeply. She chatted with Le as she pushed Le¡¯s wheelchair.

    Once back in the room, Gianna invited Eileen to sit and join their conversation. Gianna fed Le fruits and assisted her with using the restroom, showing great care in her actions.

    asionally, Gianna would delegate trivial tasks to Eileen, suggesting that after Eileen became more acquainted with the family, she might take on more significant responsibilities in caring for Le. However, she was actually preventing Eileen from having any alone time with Le.

    The newest releases are at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Eileen had realized this after her brief conversation with Le in the garden.

    ¡°Aunt Gianna, whatpany does my father work for? Are he and Kinsey in the samepany?¡± Eileen asked, attempting to glean some information from Gianna.

    Gianna paused her tidying of Le¡¯s quilt and responded promptly, ¡°He works for argepany in Alvenon.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Le shot a quick nce at Eileen.

    ¡°And what¡¯s his monthly sry? If it¡¯s too low, can he really afford to support us? The mansion we live in isn¡¯t small. It must be quite valuable. If it were sold, none of you would need to work this hard,¡± Eileen said.

    The moment Eileen finished speaking, Gianna stopped what she was doing and turned to stare intently at her.

    After eyeing Eileen closely for a moment, Gianna burst intoughter.

    ¡°Eileen, you really have no clue what it means to live off one¡¯s former glory without any ambition left, do you? Even though our family isn¡¯t what it once was, we had our days of grandeur. And now you want us to sell the mansion?¡± Her voice was thick with sarcasm, clearly mocking Eileen for her naivety.

    Eileen replied in a serious tone, ¡°A former champion, even when beaten, still stands above a regr contender. We need to rethink our tactics. It¡¯s better to lead among the lesser than to remain in uncertainty.¡±

    Gianna shook her head, waving her hand dismissively. ¡°Okay, okay. You¡¯ve juste back and probably don¡¯t grasp the full extent of the Vazquez family¡¯s legacy. I won¡¯t argue with you.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 731

    ?Chapter 731:

    She nced at Le, catching the hint of disappointment on her face and chuckled to herself.

    ¡°Mom, I thought Eileen might live up to at least half of my prowess; I never expected her to want to sell the mansion,¡± she said.

    Le¡¯s eyes dropped, and her slightly furrowed brows mirrored her inner turmoil. Eileen stayed quiet, appearing as though she didn¡¯t care about Gianna¡¯s remarks at all.

    In the afternoon, a servant came in to report that there were people at the gate whose car had broken down. They needed to borrow some tools.

    Eileen, Gianna, and Le were outside enjoying the sunshine after lunch when two polite men showed up. They gave a subtle nod to Eileen before courteously exining their predicament.

    ¡°All our tools are in the garage,¡± Gianna said, giving Tracey a quick nce. ¡°Can fetch what¡¯s needed from there.¡±

    Just as Tracey was about to head there, she paused, a realization dawning on her. ¡°Ms. Vazquez, I don¡¯t have the key to the garage.¡±

    Gianna, suddenly remembering something, spun around and went back inside. She returned with a hefty ring of keys, each meticulouslybeled for its corresponding lock.

    Yet, instead of passing the keys to Tracey, Gianna opted to apany them to retrieve the tools personally.

    ¡°My boss isn¡¯t feeling well, and the repairs might take a while. Could he possibly rest here for a bit?¡± asked the younger man, his tone cautious.

    Stay connected at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m

    Gianna surveyed the area, her eyes shifting from Eileen and Le, who were seated by the stone table. She then nced at Tracey before nodding in agreement.

    ¡°Sure, my mother doesn¡¯t get out much. It might do her good to have someone to talk to.¡±

    The man, who appeared to be in his forties, greeted Eileen and Le before he sat down.

    With Gianna gone, Eileen turned to Tracey. ¡°Could you bring some coffee and snacks for the guest?¡±

    Tracey hesitated for a moment but then nodded. She headed inside.

    As soon as Tracey was out of sight, Eileen leaned in closer and spoke quickly. ¡°Dr. Glyn, could you please check on her?¡±

    Le¡¯s eyes widened in surprise when Kenton Glyn turned to her. ¡°Madam, do an examination for her, please.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Hesitating, Le turned to Eileen.

    ¡°This gentleman is a good friend of mine. He¡¯s a doctor. You¡¯re not well enough to travel to the city hospital, so I brought him here,¡± Eileen said, gently touching Le¡¯s arm.

    ¡°Please, let¡¯s do this. We¡¯re short on time.¡± Le¡¯s eyes flickered with emotion, and sheplied.

    ¡°Madam, you¡¯re somewhat frail, but there¡¯s no serious illness. A bit of rest should do the trick,¡± Kenton announced after a thorough check. He looked at Le¡¯s face and then at her wheelchair, puzzled. ¡°You really shouldn¡¯t be confined to this wheelchair.¡±

    Surprise flickered in Le¡¯s bright eyes as she nced between Kenton and Eileen. Could Kenton¡¯s assessment be wrong, or was there something else?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 732

    ?Chapter 732:

    With a subtle smile, Le lowered her head. Just then, Tracey returned, bncing a tray of snacks and a coffee pot, rushing toward them.

    As Tracey noticed the trio sitting in silence, she breathed a sigh of relief and ced the tray on the stone table.

    ¡°Please enjoy, sir,¡± Eileen said as she gracefully poured Kenton a cup of coffee.

    Tracey stood nearby, casting asional nces toward the group.

    An hourter, the car was finally fixed. Gianna came back with the man in tow.

    Kenton took this moment to say his goodbyes.

    Le suddenly let out a weary sigh. ¡°When you get old, you¡¯re not much use anymore. I can¡¯t even go outside the house. You shouldn¡¯t be stuck here with me all the time. Go out, enjoy yourselves.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Gianna agreed, taking a seat and smiling warmly at Eileen.

    ¡°You¡¯ve really been gone since you arrived in Alverton. I¡¯m tied down with your grandmother, and your father and Kinsey are swamped with work. Why not explore the city on your own?¡±

    After a moment of thought, Eileen said, ¡°With the situation here, maybe I should look for a job.¡±

    This caught both Le and Gianna off guard.

    ¡°I meant for you to have some fun, not to go job hunting!¡± Le responded quickly.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Gianna echoed softly. ¡°How long will you stay in Alverton? Why bother looking for a job?¡±

    Stay tuned for more g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í??s.c¡ðm

    Eileen smiled awkwardly. ¡°I¡¯m pretty strapped for cash right now, so I can¡¯t really splurge on anything fun.¡±

    Without hesitation, Gianna offered, ¡°No need to worry about that. Take this money and enjoy some time in the city. You don¡¯t have to find a job.¡±

    Despite her own financial constraints, Gianna handed Eileen twenty thousand to let her enjoy herself in the city.

    Eileen epted the money and thanked Gianna. She said she would go to the city tomorrow morning.

    She suggested staying in Le¡¯s room tonight since she would leave the next day.

    ¡°You need to rest, Tracey will take care of your grandmother. You can¡¯t manage on your own,¡± Gianna said.

    ¡°It¡¯s really no trouble. I¡¯ll just sleep next to Grandma. If she needs anything during the night, call Tracey,¡± Eileen assured her, gently taking Le¡¯s arm. ¡°Is that alright with you, Grandma?¡±

    Le wore a smile, saying, ¡°Of course.¡±

    Gianna shot a nce at Tracey but held back any further objections. Instead, she advised cautiously, ¡°Be alert during the night. Try not to let Eileen bother you too much, as she¡¯s not ustomed to our routine, okay?¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Tracey responded promptly.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 733

    ?Chapter 733:

    As dusk settled, Eileen bathed, slipped into her pajamas, and headed to Le¡¯s room.

    She noticed a nket neatly spread on the sofa. Tracey, clutching a pillow, approached and said, ¡°Miss, I¡¯ll sleep at the foot of your bed tonight to ensure I¡¯m within earshot if Mrs. Vazquez requires anything.¡±

    Eileen raised an eyebrow. ¡°When I wasn¡¯t here before, you didn¡¯t sleep inside the room for that. Why do you want to do that now?¡±

    Tracey hesitated and then rified, ¡°It¡¯s just that¡­ usually, she calls out quite loudly, but I¡¯m concerned about disturbing your rest tonight, so I thought it best to stay nearby.¡±

    Eileen nodded.

    ¡°That¡¯s very considerate of you, Tracey. Let¡¯s all sleep in the same room tonight. I¡¯ve brought some milk. Help yourself to a cup.¡±

    She then gestured towards the table where three cups sat, two already emptied by Le and herself.

    Tracey quickly responded to Eileen, ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. I¡¯m just a humble servant.¡±

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter. Grandma told me you¡¯ve been with us for many years, and even when the Vazquez family has fallen on hard times, you remain loyal. That makes you part of our family.¡± Eileen offered the milk to Tracey, adding, ¡°Drink this quickly. Grandma is exhausted. We should get some rest early.¡±

    Taking in Eileen¡¯s words, Tracey drank the milk, cleaned the three cups, and then returned to switch off the light and retire for the night.

    Eileen and Le were on the bed, while Tracey slept on the sofa. Eileen gazed at the radiant moonlight shining through the window in the dark room.

    In the still room, the sound of the wind whistling outside the window was clearly audible, soon joined by the steady breathing from the sofa.

    Eileen, holding her phone, casually texted, mentioning her n to go downtown the next day. His response, however, was quite subtle.

    ¡°Gabri is happy to hear that you¡¯ll be back tomorrow.¡±

    Eileen was skeptical and replied, ¡°Does she really understand the concept of this?¡±

    ¡°No, but there¡¯s an unspoken bond between father and daughter,¡± Bryan responded.

    He implied that since he was happy, Gabri was, too. After exchanging a few more messages, Eileen couldn¡¯t help but chuckle.

    ¡°Eileen, you are married, right? Is that ¡®cousin¡¯ your husband?¡± Le suddenly whispered.

    Eileen swiftly put her phone away and switched on the dim bedside light.

    Le was startled by her action and whispered, ¡°Wake up Tracey.¡±

    ¡°No, I won¡¯t.¡± Eileen shook her head, sat up, and said, ¡°I added some sleeping pills to her milk.¡±

    Le spoke in a hushed tone because she assumed Tracey was asleep, given the sound of her steady breathing. She had lowered her voice, intending to whisper to Eileen.

    She hadn¡¯t expected that Eileen was prepared for this.

    Upon hearing this, Le tried to get up, but Eileen stopped her. ¡°Grandma, lie down. I¡¯m listening. Why are you pretending to be ill?¡± Eileen asked.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 734

    ?Chapter 734:

    Kenton had mentioned that Le wasn¡¯t so frail that she needed a wheelchair. In other words, the im that Le was dying and wanted to see her granddaughter onest time was just an excuse.

    ¡°If I had done this, how else could I have forced them to find you and bring you back?¡± Le sighed. ¡°When you were lost, your mother¡¯s spirits were deeply affected. I was preupied with caring for her, leaving the burden of searching for you to Conroy and Gianna. But years went by without any news of you until your mother¡¯s death. Not being able to find you has been a sore spot in my heart.¡±

    By the time she had realized what had been happening, the Vazquez Group had already fallen under Conroy¡¯s control, leaving her powerless. With no other options, she had repeatedly pressured Conroy to search for Eileen. It had taken him a long time to gather any information.

    ¡°So the Vazquez family isn¡¯t struggling at all. They¡¯ve been deceiving me,¡± Eileen said.

    Le nodded.

    ¡°They convinced me by saying that we didn¡¯t know your true nature and were concerned you might have malicious intentions if you desired the Vazquez family¡¯s assets. But now I know it was just a pretext to get rid of you.¡±

    As soon as Eileen was convinced there was nothing of value here and chose to leave, the Vazquez family would inevitably fall into Conroy¡¯s hands.

    ¡°Gianna has likely been bought off by Conroy. She respects me out of duty but follows Conroy¡¯s lead in everything else. After all, the Vazquez family is now dependent on Conroy,¡± Le said.

    Read exclusive stories .c©–m

    ¡°Grandma, what are you nning? What do you need me for?¡± Eileen asked directly.

    Le gritted her teeth and said, ¡°The Vazquez family has a legacy of a thousand years. It can¡¯t be ruined after your mother passed. If Conroy gains control of the Vazquez family¡¯s assets, the Vazquez Group will be the Finch Group!¡±

    ¡°Grandma, if it¡¯s just the Vazquez Group you¡¯re concerned about, I have a solution,¡± Eileen replied. She wasn¡¯t fully aware of the Vazquez Group¡¯s significance in Alverton, but she was confident that either the EB Group or the Apex Group could reim it.

    But Le quickly pointed out that it wasn¡¯t that simple. Historically, the Vazquez family had a rule that family property could not be inherited by men. Every woman must marry someone who then resides with the Vazquez family. To ensure the family¡¯s legacy is preserved, descendants must choose their spouses carefully. ording to tradition, only couples can be buried together in the Vazquez family¡¯s ancestral tomb.

    With Eileen¡¯s mother now deceased before her husband, she could only be temporarily interred outside the family¡¯s ancestral burial site. It would only be after Conroy¡¯s death that they could finally beid to rest side by side in the Vazquez family¡¯s ancestral tomb.

    Le said, ¡°Eileen, Alverton may be vast, but there¡¯s an old saying that lonely spirits cannot be reincarnated. I don¡¯t care whether you manage to reim the Vazquez family¡¯s property or not¡ªafter death, all is meaningless. But you must ensure that your mother isid to rest in the Vazquez family¡¯s ancestral tomb!¡±

    The Vazquez family¡¯s ancestral tomb was situated deep in the mountains, where other noble ns of the family resided. Only couples could be interred there, with their approval. Eileen frowned, pondering how to make that happen.

    ¡°Aside from arranging for Conroy and your mother to be buried together so that your mother can enter the ancestral tomb, there¡¯s another option: if you can uncover evidence of Conroy¡¯s¡­¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 735

    ?Chapter 735:

    ¡°Disloyalty and expel him from the Vazquez family. Your mother could then be interred alone in the tomb as a divorced person.¡± Le grasped Eileen¡¯s wrist urgently and implored, ¡°Eileen, do whatever it takes to help your mother.¡±

    Eileen was unsure of the significance of the ancestral tomb in current times.

    She vividly recalled that Bryan¡¯s mother had faced simr troubles with his father and had been unable to beid to rest in the ancestral tomb before. Now that Bryan had officially assumed control of the Dawson family, those people no longer had power over him, allowing him to ce his mother in the ancestral tomb.

    It was said that being buried outside the family tomb meant bing a lonely spirit¡­ Such beliefs were steeped in superstition, yet they had persisted for thousands of years. Eileen believed that if she failed to secure her mother¡¯s resting ce, it would be a sore spot in Le¡¯s heart.

    ¡°Do you know if Conroy is having an affair?¡± Eileen asked Le.

    Le shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. He doesn¡¯t return home frequently, and there have been rumors at thepany. Still, knowing the Vazquez family¡¯s rules, he would likely keep any affair well-hidden.¡±

    Once Eileen grasped the general situation of the Vazquez family¡¯s affairs, she felt a headacheing on.

    She hadn¡¯t expected such a predicament upon her return. Now, she would need to uncover evidence of her father¡¯s infidelity! Since it was a rare chance for them to chat in private, Le stayed awake, chatting with Eileen until nearly dawn.

    The next morning, Eileen rose while Le was still asleep. She asked a servant who was preparing breakfast to inform Le of her departure and then left with her suitcase.

    Latest releases on g@?¦Ç¦Òv???s

    Outside the Vazquez family¡¯s residence, a Land Rover was parked by the roadside.

    The car window was partially open, revealing Bryan¡¯s sharp features. As he heard the approaching footsteps, he turned his head.

    The backseat window then rolled down, and Gabri, seated in a child¡¯s seat, waved her small arms at Eileen.

    As the car drove through the endless expanse of snow, Gabri¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement. She pointed outside and shot Eileen a look, as if saying, ¡°Mom, look at all the snow!¡±

    The trip from the Vazquez family home to the city was long. During the drive, Eileen kept Gabri entertained with form and snacks, ensuring the little one stayed content. Bryan had secured a modest apartment in the city, a convenient stone¡¯s throw from the Apex Group¡¯s branch office. It was a typical urban dwelling, nestled in a neighborhood popted primarily by corporate professionals. While not in Alverton¡¯s most affluent district, the apartment offered afortable living space.

    When they finally arrived at their new home, Eileen wasted no time. She scooped Gabri out of the car, and the two of them shared a warm embrace,ughing and ying as they made their way inside.

    Bryan trailed behind, lugging Eileen¡¯s luggage. He quickly caught up with them.

    It was nearly lunchtime by the time they got settled. After quickly organizing their things, Bryan headed to the kitchen, ready to whip up something delicious.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 736

    ?Chapter 736:

    After ying with her daughter and making her happy, Eileen went to the kitchen and encircled her arms around Bryan¡¯s solid frame.

    The sudden embrace startled Bryan, nearly sending his spat ttering to the floor.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Eileen murmured, nuzzling softly on his shoulder as she looked at his profile.

    Bryan nced at her, their eyes locking briefly before he asked bluntly, ¡°You need something from me?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Eileen replied, stepping back to face him, leaning against the cool counter. ¡°We¡¯re a couple. We are facing challenges together.¡±

    A short, amused snort escaped Bryan¡¯s lips. ¡°You¡¯re all about sharing the struggles, but never the good times.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s eyes widened in protest. ¡°When have I ever shied away from sharing the good times?¡±

    ¡°At night,¡± Bryan continued to fry the steak, his tone taking on a serious edge. ¡°I always make sure you¡¯refortable, but you never return the favor.¡±

    His physique had been undeniably impressive recently. After a year with no sex, he was clearly starved. And after the antidote had healed him, he had been draining all her strength! Eileen frowned, her hand instinctively rubbing her aching waist.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for you to make mefortable. I don¡¯t have strong needs.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s dark eyes suddenly fixed on her with an intensity that made her heart skip. ¡°So, what does that mean? Have you lost interest in me?¡±

    ¡°Not exactly,¡± Eileen said carefully. ¡°It¡¯s like taking sleeping pills too often¡ªthey gradually lose their effectiveness.¡± She meant that the sex sessions had be routine.

    Your favorite tales live on g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s

    But to Bryan, her words sounded different.

    Did she mean¡­ she was tired of it? Or did he need toe up with new ideas in bed to keep her interested?

    ¡°I¡¯ll have Raymond arrange everything for you this afternoon,¡± Bryan said, trying to mask his concern. ¡°But you¡¯ll need to follow my ns tonight.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s legs suddenly felt a bit weak. She met his gaze for a few seconds before reluctantly agreeing, ¡°Alright.¡±

    Remotely, Raymond first investigated the Vazquez family. Given the distance and his packed schedule, he could only dig up that Conroy had taken over as head of the Vazquez Group, with Kinsey as the vice general manager.

    The Vazquez family¡¯spany in Alverton was called VQ Group.

    It made sense why Gianna feltfortable letting Eileen head into the city without worrying about Eileen uncovering the link between VQ Group and the Vazquez Group.

    Raymond wasted no time setting up a job for Eileen as an administrative assistant in VQ Group, starting the following day.

    Bryan raised an eyebrow. ¡°Are you really sure it¡¯s smart to take on a low-profile job at VQ Group? What if someone recognizes you? Your role in helping Julio go back to the Freguari family and running EB Group and Apex is pretty well-known. Someone there might have seen your face before.¡±

    Eileen shook her head. ¡°This ce is a long way from Onnd. Who would recognize me here? The photos in the news are outdated and barely resemble me. Even Conroy, my father, didn¡¯t recognize me, so I seriously doubt anyone else will.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 737

    ?Chapter 737:

    Bryan reached out, gently pinching her chin and turning her face toward him. ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried about them pushing you around? What¡¯s the n here? Trying to take over the Vazquez family is challenging, but there¡¯s no need to risk yourself like this.¡±

    Eileen knew that associating herself with VQ Group meant setting the stage for an inevitable confrontation with Conroy. If Conroy found out she had discovered that VQ Group belonged to the Vazquez family, she would be in grave danger.

    Eileen patted Bryan¡¯s shoulder. ¡°My grandmother doesn¡¯t care about the family wealth. What bothers her is that my mother hasn¡¯t beenid to rest in the ancestral tomb yet. She is convinced that my father is cheating and wants me to find out who the other woman is. She believes that if we can catch him, it¡¯ll be enough to force him out of the family. And if he retaliates against the business, well, at least my mother will be able to rest in the tomb, even if it means she¡¯s alone.¡±

    Talking about this daunting task made her head ache. Bryan, even with his striking features and effortless charm, had never made her worry.

    But now, for the first time, she had to catch someone in an affair, and that someone was her own father.

    ¡°Do you think the woman your father is seeing is in thepany?¡± Bryan asked.

    Eileen shook her head and responded, ¡°I¡¯m not certain, but thepany is buzzing with rumors. There¡¯s likely someone who¡¯s in the know. Moreover, my father hardly ever stays at the Vazquez family home. If he¡¯s indeed having an affair, he might be living with that woman. That¡¯s why I need to get close to him.¡±

    ¡°It seems, from what you¡¯ve mentioned, that I have your father to thank for this opportunity to see you,¡± Bryan chuckled and continued to talk with her a bit longer. After they finished lunch, he suggested that Eileen take a nap. He also advised her to rest well, warning that otherwise, she mightck the energy for work the next day.

    M¦Òr? ¦Ôpd¦Át?s ¨ªn G¦Áln¦Òv?ls.c¦Òm

    Initially, Eileen hadn¡¯t grasped Bryan¡¯s implications, but as night fell, she understood everything.

    The drawback of an extended afternoon nap was her newfound insomnia at night. Bryan incessantly badgered her, behaving almost manically, and imed that more physical activity would help her sleep. His words rang somewhat familiar, yet the sound of his heavy breathing next to her ear interrupted her thoughts. She couldn¡¯t recall the exact moment he had said this before, but she was certain he had made simr remarks in bed before.

    His insistence on the afternoon nap for Gabri was clearly a ploy to ensure she would be awake to keep himpany at night.

    The following morning, Eileen showed up at VQ Group sporting two prominent dark circles under her eyes. She had Bryan drop her off a block away from the building. Then, she made her way to the personnel department with her entry report in hand.

    She was escorted to the executive department for registration. After introducing herself to the team, she was shown to her desk by Savanna Welch, the head of the department. Eileen removed her thick down jacket and settled into her new workspace.

    No sooner had she settled into her seat than she was summoned for a task.

    ¡°Hey, neer, take this to the top floor,¡± a voicemanded. A sealed envelopended with a thud on Eileen¡¯s desk. Eileen looked up at a woman drenched in perfume and caked in makeup, appearing older than her years.

    ¡°This document seems like it might be confidential. Are you sure I should handle it as the neer?¡± Eileen questioned.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 738

    ?Chapter 738:

    The woman gave Eileen a once-over and scoffed. ¡°For someone new, you seem to believe you know a lot here. The document is sealed. Cut the crap and just deliver it.¡±

    Eileen nodded and replied simply, ¡°Okay.¡±

    Eileen believed she needed to adopt a cautious stance in thepany. If any trouble arose, she would need to me it on someone else.

    Clutching the document, she rode the elevator to the top floor, pondering if she would meet Kinsey and Conroy.

    What should she say if she ran into them?

    The elevator doors soon slid open. Outside, Kinsey and Conroy were apanied by a man wearing sses.

    Eileen hadn¡¯t prepared what to say to them.

    ¡°Mr. Yates.¡± Conroy was the first to realize what was happening. He stepped aside, turned, and called out to the man behind him.

    The man seemed taken aback for a moment before finally realizing the situation. ¡°Who are you? What are you doing here?¡± the man inquired, looking at Eileen.

    Eileen quickly exined, ¡°I¡¯m a new employee. I¡¯m here to deliver a document for a colleague in the executive department.¡±

    The man, Quinton Yates, gave her a cold look and gestured to Conroy.

    ¡°Take it. I¡¯ll be waiting for you in the parking lot downstairs.¡±

    With that, Quinton disappeared into the CEO¡¯s private elevator. The air was thick with tension as Eileen, Conroy, and Kinsey exchanged nces.

    Updates loaded now at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe?s

    Breaking the silence, Eileen said, ¡°You work here too? What a coincidence! Today¡¯s my first day at thepany.¡±

    Kinsey¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Didn¡¯t your aunt mention you were only staying in the city for a couple of days?¡±

    As the elevator doors were about to close, Eileen stepped out to speak to them in a secluded corner.

    ¡°Grandma¡¯s health isn¡¯t good. How could I just leave? Besides, it breaks my heart to see you struggling so hard to support the family. I pretended I was in the city for fun, but really, I came to find a job and help with the household expenses.¡±

    Kinsey nced at Conroy and then asked Eileen, ¡°What¡¯s your monthly sry?¡±

    ¡°Two thousand five hundred in total. I¡¯ve found a really cheap ce to rent here. I can manage to save a thousand dors a month,¡± Eileen replied, counting on her fingers.

    ¡°A thousand?¡±

    Kinsey¡¯s mouth twitched involuntarily at the figure. That amount was not enough to cover anything.

    Conroy sighed, his frown deepening. ¡°A thousand is not much. You should go back and stay with Grandma.¡±

    He couldn¡¯t tell Eileen to return to Onnd outright, but he could suggest she leave thepany.

    ¡°No,¡± Eileen dered with serious determination. ¡°I¡¯m still young. If there¡¯s a chance for me to earn, I need to support our family. If you think my ie is insufficient, maybe I should move into your ce. That way, I can save on rent.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 739

    ?Chapter 739:

    ¡°No,¡± Conroy rejected the idea immediately, adding, ¡°Also, refer to me as Mr. Finch at thepany.¡±

    Eileen bit her lip, her dark eyes questioning him. ¡°Canrey, my father¡­ Why would I have to call you Mr. Finch here? And why can¡¯t I live with you?¡±

    ¡°People at work despise nepotism. If they find out you¡¯re my daughter, they¡¯ll think I¡¯ve manipted HR to get you the job. It¡¯s best if we act like strangers at the office. That includes Kinsey,¡± Conroy rationalized his stance convincingly.

    Kinsey chimed in, ¡°Just call me Kinsey at thepany.¡±

    A slight smile broke across Eileen¡¯s face. ¡°Alright. If you ever need my assistance at work, feel free to ask.¡±

    Upon noticing someone approaching, both Kinsey and Conroy tensed up visibly, quickly turning to leave. Eileen announced, ¡°I¡¯m leaving now. I don¡¯t want to cause any trouble for you.¡±

    With that, she hastened to the elevator and pressed the button. Kinsey and Conroy took different paths, striding directly into the CEO¡¯s office located at the corridor¡¯s end.

    Once inside, Kinsey¡¯s expression shifted dramatically. ¡°Uncle Conroy, what¡¯s our next move? She¡¯s bound to discover who we really are in thepany sooner orter!¡±

    Conroy, his brow furrowed yet his demeanorposed, responded without worry. ¡°She¡¯s merely a regr employee. Have HR cook up an excuse to dismiss her.¡±

    His experience with handling such predicaments made him believe that dismissing Eileen would be simple. It was rare for Eileen, a new employee, to ess the top floor on her first day. Such an opportunity might never arise again.

    Your favorite stories g¦Áln¦Òv???s

    Returning to her desk, Eileen found a stack of documents awaiting her, courtesy of Savanna.

    ¡°This is thepany report for thest quarter. I need you to organize it and email it to me today,¡± Savanna instructed.

    ¡°Ms. Welch, it¡¯s unrealistic to expect the report for an entire quarter to be organized in one day,¡± Eileen replied. She understood Savanna was deliberately making things difficult for her.

    Savanna¡¯s gaze was icy.

    ¡°If you can¡¯t manage it, that simply shows you¡¯re not up to the job. I suggest you leave as soon as possible.¡±

    Raising an eyebrow, Eileen replied firmly, ¡°I¡¯ve already signed a contract with thepany. Even though I¡¯m on probation, I cannot be terminated without a legitimate reason.¡±

    ¡°Whether I can fire you or not doesn¡¯t depend on you,¡± Savanna said firmly.

    Eileen found Savanna¡¯s words amusing. ¡°Are you the CEO here, or are you just simply rich? Then you can pay me the severance fee, and I¡¯m out of here.¡±

    Savanna¡¯s throat tightened, words failing her. ¡°The extra work is making it tough for the interns. This is hical, and it can expose you,¡± Eileen said. Simply put, they fire the interns for good reason, so they make things hard for them on purpose.

    Savanna likely hadn¡¯t expected Eileen to be so hard to deal with. She looked at Eileen¡¯s coworkers, who lowered their heads but were clearly eavesdropping.

    The problem was no longer just about firing Eileen. How she dealt with this situation would affect her standing in thepany.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 740

    Chapter 740:

    ¡°Miss Welch, if you¡¯re finished, I¡¯ll start working. If I don¡¯t finish the task, you can punish me. But no personal attacks, please,¡± Eileen said, grabbing a chair and starting to go through the documents. These files were easy for her, but with so much to do, she couldn¡¯t finish the task in one day.

    At noon, she skipped lunch with Bryan and asked him to pick her up after eight in the evening. Bryan didn¡¯t reply to her texts. She figured he was displeased. She nned to work from home, hoping to avoid getting punished.

    Upstairs, hearing Eileen¡¯s reply to Savanna, Conroy felt frustrated.

    ¡°Kinsey, how does she know so much?¡± Kinsey asked, confused.

    Conroy paused for a moment, then said, ¡°She¡¯s from Onnd. Maybe she thinks our workce is full of traps. She could just be bluffing. But she¡¯s been bold enough to speak out, so we can¡¯t go after her directly now. We need to find a way to make her mess up at work, and then we can fire her for that.¡±

    This meant he needed to find another chance, and Eileen could stick around at VQ Group for a bit longer.

    The thought made Conroy¡¯s head throb. He looked at Kinsey and said, ¡°Why don¡¯t you take a few days off and head home? Have your mother figure out how to make Eileen go back.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll go back and ask my mom about this after work,¡± Kinsey replied.

    After hesitating for a while, he added, ¡°Oh, and Jessica ising back tonight.¡±

    Conroy¡¯s frown deepened.

    ¡°Tell her not toe to the office.¡±

    ???? ??????? ?? ?????????.???

    ¡°I can¡¯t reach her at the moment. She might be on the ne already. I don¡¯t know her flight details. I¡¯ve sent her a message telling her not toe.¡± Kinsey pulled out his phone again and sent a voice message.

    ¡°Then keep an eye on where she is. If she doesn¡¯t see the message, stop her at the entrance and tell her to wait for me at home,¡± Conroy sipped some water, trying to soothe himself, but the knot of emotions in his chest wouldn¡¯t go away.

    By three in the afternoon, Eileen had finished about a quarter of the work. Her arm sore from the writing, so she decided to take a quick walk to stretch and ease the ache. As she stood up, everyone in the executive department turned to look at her.

    She stood there, stunned, her eyes locked on them.

    Eventually, a young woman, about twenty, hurried over and whispered, ¡°Come with me.¡± She then led Eileen down the hall to the break room, where a name tag on the young woman¡¯s chest read ¡°Lenny Freeman, an intern.¡±

    Lenny continued, ¡°I¡¯ve only been here a week, and Miss Welch is already making my life difficult. I¡¯m too scared to speak up.¡±

    ¡°Why were the others looking at me like that?¡± Eileen asked, still feeling uneasy about the stares.

    Lenny chuckled. ¡°They might not say it, but they¡¯re all impressed. I bet they¡¯re scared you¡¯ll march into the manager¡¯s office and give Miss Welch a piece of your mind!¡±

    Eileen was speechless. She suddenly wondered if Raymond had felt the same pressure when she and Bryan tasked him with too much work.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Happy sunday dear readers! God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. (? ?? ? ¨C ? ) ?

    .

 Chapter 741

    ?Chapter 741:

    ¡°I¡¯m swamped with work right now. Otherwise, I would have offered to help you with your task,¡± Lenny smiled and extended her hand. ¡°There are only two of us interns here, so we should stick together.¡±

    Eileen hesitated and then shook Lenny¡¯s hand. It had been a while since she had connected with someone at work like this, and it felt a bit strange.

    ¡°Just call me Lenny,¡± Lenny said, leaning closer to read Eileen¡¯s name tag. ¡°Eileen Curtis. That¡¯s a nice name.¡±

    Eileen smiled and filled a paper cup with water. She chatted with Lenny for a few more minutes before deciding to get back to work.

    On her way back to her seat, she passed by the elevator just as the doors opened.

    Inside, Kinsey was talking with a young woman, maybe in her early twenties, dressed in a cute, almost doll-like way.

    A few words floated out: ¡°Why didn¡¯t he meet me downstairs? I miss him terribly¡­¡±

    Kinsey seemed to notice Eileen. His face went white with panic. The elevator doors soon closed, cutting off whatever they were saying.

    Eileen turned to Lenny and asked, ¡°Who¡¯s that with Kinsey?¡±

    Lenny gasped and pped a hand over Eileen¡¯s mouth. ¡°Quiet! That¡¯s Vazquez. You shouldn¡¯t call him by his first name like that.¡±

    Eileen felt resigned and said, ¡°Okay, then who¡¯s the girl with Mr. Vazquez?¡±

    Lenny shook her head. ¡°That girles to thepany sometimes, but she¡¯s not here for Mr. Vazquez. She¡¯s here to see Mr. Finch.¡±

    Your next story is at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    ¡°Conroy? He¡¯s over fifty! That girl looked way too young for him.¡±

    ¡°Do you know how long she¡¯s known Mr. Finch?¡± Eileen asked.

    Lenny held up one finger.

    ¡°A week.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡°What? Only a week? Did he often change girlfriends?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m saying I¡¯ve only been here a week. How am I supposed to know the answer to your question?¡± Lennyughed.

    ¡°I heard this girl¡¯s just a director in name only. She onlyes here for fun, not work. She doesn¡¯t even have an office. When shees here, she¡¯s usually hanging out in Mr. Finch¡¯s office.¡±

    Conroy had made this girl a director, even though it was clear she wasn¡¯t doing any actual work. This was public knowledge in thepany.

    Maybe he knew Le wouldn¡¯t be able to leave home, so he didn¡¯t even make an effort to hide this.

    ¡°Hey, you two! Can one of you take this document up to Mr. Finch¡¯s office on the top floor?¡± A senior employee of the executive department walked over, holding a document.

    ¡®My stomach is killing me. Can you do me a favour?¡¯

    Eileen chose not to take the document herself. Instead, she gave Lenny a gentle tap on the arm. ¡°Lenny, can you take care of this? I¡¯m swamped with tasks.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 742

    ?Chapter 742:

    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Lenny replied, epting the document and making her way off.

    The employee expressed gratitude and quickly dashed to the restroom. Eileen lingered for a moment, deep in thought, before she turned and walked away.

    She had chosen not to go to the top floor, knowing that Conroy would be wary of her. It was wiser to feign ignorance than raise any suspicions now.

    Based on Kinsey¡¯s reaction earlier, it appeared that the young woman¡¯s presence was unnned. Thus, Eileen resolved to maintain an appearance ofplete cluelessness.

    Shortly after, she noticed the CEO¡¯s exclusive elevator making its way down to the ground floor. She rushed to the window, pulled out her phone, and zoomed in to see Conroy and the young woman hastily entering a car to leave.

    The woman appeared very young and was dressed in an adorable fashion, prompting Eileen to question her own beliefs. Was the woman really Conroy¡¯s type? It felt a bit too much.

    Returning to her task, Eileen pondered for a moment before finding a photo of a charming young girl online and forwarding it to Bryan.

    ¡°What is this?¡± Bryan¡¯s response was quick.

    ¡°Do you like it?¡± Eileen asked directly.

    ¡°Are you out of your mind?¡± Bryan responded, hinting that her behavior was inappropriate.

    Eileen put her phone away and immersed herself back into her work.

    At eight in the evening, the office was almost empty. Eileen made her way down slowly and spotted the car parked on the street, with the sounds of Gabri¡¯s babbling emanating from within.

    Stay tuned for more g??lno¦Íe??s.c?m

    The earlier photo had clearly unsettled Bryan. He was inside the car with a grim expression, not even rolling down the window for Eileen. Eileen quickly got in.

    He cast her a sidelong look. Then, he started the engine and drove away.

    Since Eileen hadn¡¯t eaten dinner, he took her to a meal before going home.

    Once home, Eileen promptly showed Bryan the photo of Conroy and the young woman leaving thepany together in the afternoon. Despite the photo¡¯sck of rity from the zoom, it was clear that the woman was quite attractive.

    ¡°Could you ask Raymond to look into this woman?¡± Eileen asked.

    Bryan nced at the photo and replied, ¡°Raymond¡¯s only human, not a miracle worker. This photo is too blurry.¡±

    Eileen believed he had a point. She put her phone away and pondered for a moment.

    Then, she said, ¡°In that case, have him investigate Conroy¡¯s address by tomorrow. Is that possible?¡±

    ¡°Raymond¡¯s scheduled for a seven-hour flight tomorrow morning,¡± Bryan said. ¡°Would it be alright if he investigates for you tomorrow afternoon?¡±

    Though the matter wasn¡¯t urgent, seeing that young woman had made Eileen eager to uncover the truth. She let out a sigh andy down, saying, ¡°Let me know as soon as he has the information.¡±

    After a hectic day, she was feeling quite exhausted now. Bryan¡¯s gaze briefly lingered on her legs, visible under her nightgown.

    He soon looked away and gently covered her with a light nket. ¡°Is it VQ Group?¡± he inquired.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 743

    ?Chapter 743:

    Eileen replied, turning to snuggle Gabri before drifting off to sleep.

    The following morning, Eileen arrived at the office early and encountered Savanna the moment she stepped out of the elevator.

    Savanna cast a cold nce in her direction but soon turned and walked away. It was evident that the heavy workload wasn¡¯t a valid excuse for Savanna¡¯s hostility toward her.

    Eileen settled at her desk and resumed her work, noticing that Lenny had somehow moved to sit beside her.

    ¡°Lenny, do you know where Mr. Finch resides?¡± Eileen inquired nonchntly as she turned on herputer.

    Lenny responded, ¡°I have no idea. Why would I be interested in where an old man like him lives? However, I¡¯ve heard that Mr. Vazquez lives in the same neighborhood as Mr. Finch.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Which neighborhood does Mr. Vazquez reside in?¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t figured that out yet,¡± Lenny said with a grin. ¡°I¡¯ve only been here a short time, but I¡¯ve been making friends with thepany driver, who surely knows the precise address of both Mr. Vazquez¡¯s and Mr. Finch¡¯s homes.¡±

    ¡°Find out about that and keep me posted,¡± Eileen said with a wink.

    Just as Lenny was about to consent, she realized something.

    ¡°You¡¯re interested in Mr. Finch? But he¡¯s a bit too old, don¡¯t you think? And he¡¯s associated with that young woman. Even if he is a bit of a lecher, he seems to prefer that type of woman.¡±

    Eileen almost choked on her own saliva upon hearing this.

    ???? ??????? ?? ?????????.???

    As she struggled to regain herposure, Lenny nudged her gently.

    ¡°Hear me out. You should join me in admiring Mr. Vazquez. I promise not topete with you. We¡¯ll simply see who ends up winning his favor.¡±

    The conversation was bing increasingly absurd. Eileen fought to keep her smile in ce.

    ¡°But it looks like the young woman gets along well with Mr. Vazquez too,¡± Lenny pondered for a moment, stroking her chin. ¡°I¡¯m beginning to suspect that Mr. Vazquez has an interest in her, even though she¡¯s with Mr. Finch.¡±

    Eileen sat up straight and returned to her work, dismissing Lenny¡¯s fanciful theories. But then, she thought of something.

    It was now clear that Gianna was indeed coborating with Conroy, and even Kinsey was helping cover for Conroy. With Le being the only one at home and unable to leave the mansion, the situation appeared grim.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Lenny suddenly whispered.

    ¡°Eileen, the woman is here. She¡¯s chatting in the secretary¡¯s office on the top floor.¡±

    With her extroverted nature, Lenny had quickly made a lot of friends at thepany and had managed to join the exclusive chat group of secretaries on the top floor. It appeared that the young woman was also part of the chat group, engaging in conversation and sending money to the members.

    It seemed they were engaged in a game where the losers had to give money to the others. Eileen nced at the chat and noticed that the young woman¡¯s ID was ¡°princess Jessica.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 744

    ?Chapter 744:

    ¡°Could you add me to the group?¡± Eileen asked Lenny.

    Since this was a casual chat group made up of employees from various departments, Lenny¡¯s action of adding Eileen to the group went unnoticed.

    Eileen looked at Princess Jessica¡¯s profile and sent a friend request.

    Within about three minutes, her friend request was epted.

    The next second, a money transfer notification appeared. Princess Jessica had transferred her money. Eileen was stunned.

    ¡°Those who make an effort to tter me, the princess, will be generously rewarded.¡±

    Eileen hesitated, her cursor hovering over the block button, but she resisted the urge to block the young woman. She didn¡¯t respond, but instead, reviewed Princess Jessica¡¯s posts.

    Eileen was surprised to find her posts included location details, specifying the precise building and apartment number.

    ¡°Does Mr. Vazquez reside in WaterEdge Vis?¡± Eileen asked Lenny.

    Lenny pondered briefly before replying, ¡°Mr. Vazquez does live in that area. I¡¯ve seen his car going in that direction, but I can¡¯t confirm it with certainty.¡±

    Kinsey and Conroy both lived there, and the young woman also resided there.

    The thought of Conroy¡¯s rtionship with such a woman made Eileen frown. Resting her chin on one hand, she worked on organizing the form on herputer. It took her quite a while to picture the woman with Conroy.

    This was too much for her to handle.

    By noon, the quarterly form was nearlyplete. Lenny invited Eileen to join her on the mid-level floor of thepany. Lenny took Eileen¡¯s arm and spoke to her in a friendly manner.

    Eileen couldn¡¯t resist asking, ¡°Lenny, how old are you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m twenty-three,¡± Lenny replied. She looked Eileen over and added, ¡°You must be a year or two older than me, just call me by my first name.¡±

    In fact, Eileen was nearly ten years older than Lenny. ¡°Aren¡¯t you concerned that might cause trouble for you?¡± Eileen asked.

    ¡°Thepany is sorge that I could roll around on the floor if I wanted to. Why would anyone want to cause trouble for me?¡± Lenny said with a humorous tone. ¡°Just look at you¡ªif you didn¡¯t seem soposed handling things, I¡¯d think you were still in college.¡±

    Lenny¡¯s teasing left Eileen at a loss for words. She shook her head, but before she could reply, Lenny tugged her aside.

    As Eileen turned and lifted her gaze, she saw Bryan being greeted respectfully by Conroy. Conroy was apanied by the young woman, and Kinsey followed closely behind. When Conroy and Kinsey noticed Eileen, they instinctively took a couple of steps back, trying to distance themselves from Bryan. They walked side by side with Mr. Yates, who remained silent upon seeing Eileen.

    Conroy turned and signaled Kinsey. Kinsey then paused, observed Conroy and the others entering the canteen, and proceeded toward Eileen.

    ¡°Mr.¡ª¡± Lenny weed Kinsey with enthusiasm.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 745

    ?Chapter 745:

    Kinsey cut her off, saying to Eileen, ¡°Come with me.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen replied. She signaled for Lenny to go without her and then followed Kinsey to the balcony outside the canteen.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Kinsey asked Eileen, his hands casually stuffed in his pockets.

    After a long pause, Eileen, standing before him, said, ¡°I¡¯m your cousin, and I believe you should show me some respect.¡±

    Kinsey appeared puzzled and stared at her.

    ¡°What¡¯s with your attitude?¡±

    Eileen shot a look at him. ¡°Just because you have a higher position in thepany doesn¡¯t mean you can disregard our family rtionship. Do you really think I¡¯d hesitate to tell the wholepany that you¡¯re my cousin?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t do that!¡± Kinsey blurted out, ring at her. ¡°I¡¯ve already told you that our rtionship must remain private within thepany.¡±

    Eileen raised an eyebrow and asked, ¡°If you want our rtionship hidden, why did you ask me toe here with you?¡±

    Kinsey nced towards the canteen and inquired, ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    Eileen was momentarily speechless. She realized that his question about her being at VQ Group the previous night was because he had intended toe here today. She understood that Bryan had likelye here for her. However, Bryan surely hadn¡¯t anticipated that his visit would make her unable to have lunch here.

    ¡°It¡¯s lunchtime. Do I need to remind you again?¡± Eileen responded to Kinsey.

    New content uploaded g?ln¦Òv??ls?c?m

    Kinsey looked slightly flustered, realizing he hadn¡¯t thought much before speaking earlier. He pulled out some cash from his wallet, handed it to Eileen, and said, ¡°Don¡¯t have lunch at the canteen today. We need to host an important client.¡±

    Eileen epted the money and said, ¡°Why are you letting the important client eat in the canteen? Why don¡¯t you take the client to a nice restaurant?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s what the client requested,¡± Kinsey replied, feeling that the conversation was dragging. He added, ¡°Stop asking so many questions. You can¡¯t know anything about the matter.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know much, but I¡¯m curious about one thing,¡± Eileen said, tucking the cash into her bag. ¡°Why can¡¯t I dine here while you¡¯re entertaining the client?¡±

    Not wanting to borate further now that Eileen had epted the money, Kinsey said, ¡°Just hurry up and leave. I have important matters to attend to.¡±

    He then turned and walked back into the canteen.

    After a moment of contemtion, Eileen left the balcony. Just as she was deciding where to go, a message from Lenny popped up on her phone.

    ¡°I¡¯ve reserved a spot for you. Join me! It¡¯s quite the visual treat today.¡±

    A treat? Bryan¡¯s presence here had clearly attracted attention. Bryan had even brought Gabri with him. Gabri was asleep, snugly cradled in his arms. Yet, the crowd seemed more focused on Bryan¡¯s appearance, barely acknowledging the baby in his arms.

    Eileen entered the canteen, surveyed the surroundings, and made her way to Lenny, who was seated at a table adjacent to Bryan¡¯s.

    Lenny had intentionally chosen this table to be near Kinsey. She waved enthusiastically as Eileen approached.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 746

    ?Chapter 746:

    Kinsey and Conroy noticed this, and their expressions abruptly shifted. Conroy quickly pulled Quinton, who was standing nearby, to take a seat.

    Now, the table was too small for them. Kinsey had to move to the table where Lenny and Eileen were seated. He sat across from Eileen.

    In an irritated tone that only Eileen could hear, he said, ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you to leave?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m trying to save money for you,¡± Eileen whispered back. ¡°The money you just gave me will cover our meals for several days. Plus, Lenny has already bought me lunch, so it¡¯d be a waste not to eat.¡±

    Lenny leaned closer abruptly and asked Eileen and Kinsey, ¡°Do you two know each other?¡±

    Kinsey quickly replied, ¡°No, we don¡¯t. And please don¡¯t talk too much while eating.¡±

    With that, he started eating.

    Seeing this, Lenny quickly stopped talking.

    Bryan yed along with Eileen¡¯s act. Understanding that Eileen wanted to keep Kinsey¡¯s and Conroy¡¯s identities hidden, he chose to ignore Conroy¡¯s small actions.

    Bryan shifted his position to hold Gabri morefortably, but this position made it difficult for him to eat.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, may I hold her for you?¡± The young woman set her fork down and asked Bryan tentatively.

    ¡°No, thank you,¡± Bryan declined immediately.

    Despite Bryan¡¯s refusal, the young woman stood up and approached. ¡°It¡¯s fine, I know how to hold a child.¡±

    Explore more stories g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??ls?c?m

    Bryan lifted his gaze slightly, his expression growing cold.

    The woman felt ufortable but didn¡¯t move.

    Eventually, Bryan stood up.

    The woman, mistakenly believing Bryan was about to hand Gabri to her, felt a surge of joy. She extended her hand, but Bryan deftly avoided her reach.

    Bryan then walked directly to Eileen and asked, ¡°Excuse me, could you hold the baby for me?¡±

    Eileen coughed, obviously taken aback. She ced her hand on her forehead to hide her astonished expression.

    Eileen was shocked by Bryan¡¯s action.

    Who would even think of asking someone else to take care of their child while they eat?

    To anyone unfamiliar with her rtionship with Bryan, it would seem like he had lost his mind.

    Obviously, no one present was aware of her rtionship with Bryan.

    People around them stretched their necks and gaped with wide eyes.

    Eileen took a deep breath topose herself, shot Bryan a covert re, and then addressed him formally, ¡°Sir, I don¡¯t think we are acquainted.¡±

    ¡°Exactly. I¡¯m just asking for your help. Will you do it?¡± Bryan responded earnestly.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 747

    ?Chapter 747:

    Eileen, momentarily stunned, struggled to keep her irritation in check.

    Kinsey unexpectedly nudged her under the table, startling her. She looked at him, and he gave her a quick nod.

    Eileen then set aside her fork, stood up, and offered Bryan a smile. ¡°Alright.¡±

    Eileen took Gabri from Bryan. The baby stirred slightly, opened her eyes for a moment, and then went back to sleep.

    Bryan resumed his seat and ate swiftly, while Conroy spoke in hushed tones about a coboration, likely to keep it from Eileen¡¯s ears.

    Conroy felt reassured as Bryan also kept his voice low.

    During the ten-minute meal, Bryan didn¡¯t expose Conroy¡¯s identity as the CEO of thepany to Eileen.

    Once the meal was over, Bryan quickly stood up, took Gabri back from Eileen, and returned to listen to Conroy.

    After finishing his meal, Kinsey cleared his tray and joined Bryan in the conversation.

    Eileen continued eating while Lenny said, ¡°Oh my gosh! Mr. Dawson is practically a legend. ording to the news, he¡¯s died and resurrected eight times!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Eileen stared at her with a stunned expression.

    Lenny nodded. ¡°The first time was a car ident where he was saving his wife. It made headlines, and they weren¡¯t even married at that time. Then, before their marriage, he went through a period of starvation thatnded him in the hospital. Well, then there was a third time¡­¡±

    Fresh chapters just uploaded g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m

    After a pause, she continued, ¡°The fourth time was when he was thrown off a ne by some viin while his wife and child were aboard, making it a very perilous situation. There also came a time when he supposedly died and then recovered his memory, which counts as a rebirth, right? And after that, he had surgery and took time to heal.¡±

    The news stories, which were already a mix of truth and exaggeration, had turned into outright fabrications. Now, Eileen found the tales amusing and shook her head.

    ¡°Are there more?¡±

    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s alright now, but his wife has passed away,¡± Lenny replied.

    Eileen was so shocked that she choked, grabbing a tissue to cover her mouth as she coughed violently.

    ¡°You find it too, don¡¯t you?¡± Lenny continued. ¡°After surviving all those trials, losing his wife must have been devastating. You could count it as another rebirth, right? He has to live for his child.¡±

    Eileen massaged her temples and resumed eating.

    The ridiculous stories made her need an extra bite to steady her nerves. She hadn¡¯t anticipated the public perceiving their life this way.

    Ever since Bryan took the reins of thepany, she had kept a low profile. Although there were plenty of rumors about their rtionship being broken, this was the first she had heard that she had ¡°passed away.¡±

    ¡°You should stop digging into Mr. Dawson. Concentrate on Kinsey,¡± Eileen said, wanting to avoid any more stories about Bryan and her.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 748

    ?Chapter 748:

    Lenny sighed. ¡°Not that I¡¯m unwilling to investigate him, just that I¡¯m not interested in Kinsey. He¡¯s married. There¡¯s no point in me getting close to him.¡±

    Eileen suddenly turned to look at her. ¡°Kinsey is married?¡±

    ¡°Yes. He got married a few months ago and recently celebrated his baby¡¯s one-month milestone,¡± Lenny answered earnestly.

    ¡°He¡¯s married and you still have feelings for him and are pursuing him?¡± Eileen asked in disbelief.

    Lenny shrugged. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with that? It¡¯s a trend among young people. I¡¯m attracted to his appearance, not aiming to be with him. It¡¯s simr to being a fan of a movie star.¡±

    Maybe because of the age gap, Eileen was unfamiliar with this modern phenomenon. She remained stunned by the revtion that Kinsey was married.

    ¡°Kinsey got married a few months ago and the baby is already a month old?¡± she inquired.

    Lenny did a quick calction.

    ¡°Yes, he got married less than three months ago. It happened suddenly. I wasn¡¯t here at the time, but after I arrived, I learned that many single women at thepany were heartbroken. Kinsey is impressive, but his rapid marriage and the quick arrival of his child have raised doubts. Many people doubt the child is even his.¡±

    Given the timeline, the child was likely not his. However, nowadays, premarital pregnancies were not unusual. Since Kinsey¡¯s wife was never seen by anyone in thepany, the truth remained elusive.

    Eileen finished her food just as her phone buzzed. It was a message from Bryan: ¡°Leaving?¡±

    Start your next adventure at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s

    Eileen put her phone down, returned her tray, and walked briskly out of the canteen.

    To uncover the truth about Conroy, she needed to cut any apparent connections with Bryan.

    She didn¡¯t look back and ignored the sound of Gabri stirring and fussing. She forced herself to keep moving and quickened her steps.

    However, while she waited for the elevator, Jessica Marshall, the young woman frequently seen with Conroy, approached her. Jessica positioned herself beside Eileen, examining her with an unrestrained gaze.

    ¡°Where are you from?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Onnd,¡± Eileen replied.

    Jessica nodded, appearing to understand something.

    ¡°That exins why Mr. Dawson entrusted the child to you. You¡¯re from the same ce.¡±

    Eileen stayed quiet as she followed Jessica into the elevator. With Lenny having dashed off to take a call, Eileen found herself alone with Jessica. Noticing that Jessica was still staring at her through the reflection in the elevator wall, Eileen decided to ask.

    ¡°Do you work for thepany? What¡¯s your name?¡±

    ¡°Jessica Marshall, director of thepany,¡± Jessica responded, ncing at Eileen¡¯s intern badge. ¡°Just call me Miss Marshall.¡±

    ¡°Nice to meet you, Miss Marshall,¡± Eileen replied.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 749

    ?Chapter 749:

    Jessica dismissed the greeting with a wave of her hand. Her youthful appearance was belied by an authoritative demeanor. She then took out her phone and began to scroll. As the elevator reached their floor, Eileen exited first and looked back.

    Jessica was also looking at her, a trace of hostility in her eyes.

    Back at her desk, Eileen wrapped up her work ahead of schedule and left work on time. She then hailed a cab to follow Jessica and Conroy, who had just left thepany.

    Eileen had been tailing Conroy and Jessica for blocks, maintaining a discreet distance, when her phone rang. It was Bryan.

    She answered swiftly, saying, ¡°On duty. There l¡ª¡±

    ¡°Someone is following you,¡± Bryan interjected, his voice calm.

    Eileen was taken aback. ncing in her rearview mirror, she noticed a ck car trailing her. Since she had joined the group, it wasn¡¯t surprising that Conroy had someone tailing her.

    ¡°Where are you?¡± Eileen asked, smiling bitterly. Her lie had been exposed before she could finish it.

    ¡°I¡¯m right in front of you,¡± Bryan said, with a hint of anger.

    ¡°What?¡± Eileen peered ahead and saw Bryan¡¯s car positioned ahead of Conroy and Jessica¡¯s vehicle.

    ¡°Conroy invited me to dinner,¡± Bryan exined concisely.

    It dawned on Eileen that while she had thought she was following Conroy for an extended period, it had actually been Bryan all along. So, Conroy and Jessica were unaware of Bryan¡¯s presence.

    Your favorite updates g?ln¦Ò¦Í?ls

    ¡°Why did you get close to Conroy?¡± Eileen asked. ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried about feeling embarrassed if your identity gets revealed someday?¡±

    ¡°I think Conroy will be the one feeling embarrassed,¡± Bryan replied nonchntly.

    Gabri¡¯s babbling echoed continuously from the other end of the phone. Rubbing her forehead, Eileen responded, ¡°Go have dinner with them and try to find out more about their rtionship. I¡¯m heading home.¡± She didn¡¯t want to miss the opportunity for Bryan to gather some information for her.

    ¡°Conroy introduced Jessica as the director of VQ Group,¡± Bryan informed her with his deep voice. ¡°He has no ns to make her real identity public.¡±

    That made sense. They wouldn¡¯t dare do anything questionable in public, making it hard to obtain concrete proof of any improper rtions between them.

    ¡°So, why are you going to dinner with them? Is it for a business coboration?¡± Eileen slowed her car, preparing to turn around.

    ¡°No,¡± Bryan replied.

    ¡°Even though the Vazquez family holds some power in Alverton, the VQ Group is bound to fail eventually. To avoid any losses, I¡¯m not nning to coborate with them. However, I might help you if you need my assistanceter.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Eileen replied.

    Bryan continued, ¡°Conroy heard I was in town and reached out to me as a host. He has met me a couple of times before. I¡¯ve stayed in contact with him under the pretext of seeking his help to find a nanny.¡±

    ¡°Find a nanny? You¡¯re looking for a nanny for Gabri?¡± Eileen questioned, taken aback.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 750

    ?Chapter 750:

    ¡°I¡¯m just using it as an excuse to maintain contact with him and to see you whenever I want,¡± Bryan said. ¡°But I didn¡¯t anticipate that he would invite me directly to the group and suggest Jessica as Gabri¡¯s nanny.¡±

    Eileen was at a loss for words. Jessica appeared too young. Her role as thepany director confirmed she was an adult, but she was clearly not suitable to care for a baby.

    ¡°So, Conroy asked you out to dinner tonight just so Jessica could be the nanny?¡± Eileen asked.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Bryan replied. Eileen, a bit confused, thought for a moment. Why was Conroy so eager to push Jessica towards Bryan? After all, Bryan was quite a catch, and with rumors now circting that his wife had passed away, this made him a sought-after bachelor. Wasn¡¯t Conroy concerned that Jessica might develop feelings for Bryan? Or perhaps he wasn¡¯t bothered by this at all. As long as Jessica could gain Bryan¡¯s affection, it would facilitate smoother cooperation between Bryan¡¯spany and the VQ Group in the future.

    ¡°Good luck!¡± Eileen ended the conversation abruptly. Having said that, she turned her car around, shook off the car tailing her, and headed home. She thought it best not to let Conroy¡¯s people discover where she lived to avoid any assumptions about her financial status. However, she hadn¡¯t anticipated that Bryan would return within twenty minutes.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you go to dinner with them?¡± Eileen asked, fresh out of the shower and wearing a face mask. Her slender form was partially concealed by her nightdress.

    Bryan removed Gabri¡¯s shoes and set her down. As soon as Gabri¡¯s feet hit the floor, she scampered towards Eileen with her arms raised. Her little feet pattered across the floor, echoing her joyful giggles. Eileen quickly moved toward Gabri and lifted her into her arms.

    Discover new books g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    Then, Gabri yanked off Eileen¡¯s face mask and nted a kiss on her cheek. After the kiss, Gabri¡¯s lips were smeared with the serum from the face mask, and she looked bewildered, quickly wiping her mouth with her hands. She then tapped Eileen¡¯s face and widened her eyes in confusion.

    ¡°Face mask,¡± Eileen exined.

    Bryan approached after changing his shoes and said, ¡°Conroy suggested Jessica could look after Gabri, and I turned it down immediately. So, I didn¡¯t eat anything at dinner and quickly returned.¡±

    Earlier today at thepany, Conroy had discussed business with Bryan but only hinted that Jessica was fond of children. During dinner, he had directly suggested Jessica take care of Gabri.

    Bryan had rejected the offer quickly, but he hadn¡¯t dismissed it outright. Instead, he had suggested, ¡°Yourpany has many employees. You could choose someone else to assist me.¡±

    ¡°You are basically telling him you want me to be the nanny,¡± Eileen grasped his intention. ¡°Then I¡¯ll stay at home every day to care for the child while you deal with Conroy?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not appropriate. You should deal with him on your own,¡± Bryan stated firmly.

    Eileen was left speechless.

    ¡°Conroy isunching a project. He wants me to be the nner and participate in it. The profits and losses won¡¯t affect me. He trusts my skills. I epted, and he promised to help me find a nanny. I also mentioned¡­¡± Bryan leaned closer and whispered in Eileen¡¯s ear, ¡°I haven¡¯t found a suitable ce to live yet. He told me the house next to his is avable for rent, and I¡¯ve asked him to help me secure it.¡±

    Thus, whoever became the nanny would be moving into the house next to Conroy¡¯s with Bryan.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 751

    ?Chapter 751:

    Eileen quickly stood on her tiptoes and nted a kiss on Bryan¡¯s cheek. ¡°Mr. Dawson, do you think it¡¯s fitting for me to be the nanny?¡± she teased.

    Bryan couldn¡¯t suppress his smile. ¡°If you take the job, you¡¯ll earn a high sry, but there¡¯s one additional task you¡¯d need to handle.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I can handle even ten more tasks, let alone just one,¡± Eileen responded.

    However, when Bryan mentioned sex, Eileen rolled her eyes at him.

    The following day, Bryan and Eileen parted ways on the street near VQ Group. Ten minutester, they encountered each other in the elevator of VQ Group.

    Jessica was also present. Bryan was right behind Eileen and Jessica, cradling Gabri. The child babbled, leaned toward Eileen, and reached out to tug at her hair.

    Jessica couldn¡¯t resist ncing at Eileen. She raised her hand, attempting to pull Gabri¡¯s tiny arms away from Eileen in an effort to bond with the child.

    However, Gabri quickly pulled her hands back, avoiding Jessica¡¯s touch. She had identally entangled her fingers in Eileen¡¯s hair, yanking Eileen tightly into Bryan¡¯s arms.

    Bryan quickly wrapped an arm around Eileen¡¯s waist to steady her. Gabri showed her displeasure toward Jessica. She waved her hand dismissively at Jessica and snorted.

    ¡°Let go!¡± Bryan said to Gabri in a stern voice. Gabri, taken aback, spun around and stared at Bryan. When she realized he was addressing her, her lips quivered, and she burst into tears. As she wept, her grip on Eileen¡¯s hair tightened, causing Eileen pain.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, dear. Can you open your little hand?¡± Eileen, unable to see them clearly, gently tapped Gabri¡¯s hand to coax her into releasing her hold.

    Discover more at

    Realizing she was clutching something, Gabri loosened her grip while sobbing.

    Eileen¡¯s ponytail was tousled. She turned to look at Gabri, her gaze filled with deep concern.

    ¡°Can¡¯t you keep your distance?¡± Jessica said irritably. ¡°Ande here, quickly.¡±

    Suddenly, Eileen became aware that she was in Bryan¡¯s arms. She swiftly stepped away from his embrace, straightened her attire, and nodded at him apologetically.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Dawson.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Bryan responded, casting a displeased nce at Jessica.

    But Jessica assumed his irritation was caused by Eileen. She rummaged through her bag to find something to divert Gabri¡¯s attention.

    Gabri paid her no heed, instead resting against Bryan¡¯s shoulder, her tiny frame shaking.

    When Eileen saw Gabri like this, she felt for her. When the elevator reached their floor, Eileen had no choice but to exit first. She had just settled back at her desk when Lenny approached and announced, ¡°We have a big task ahead of us today.¡±

    ¡°What big task?¡± Eileen set down her bag, removed her coat, and hung it up.

    Lenny pulled out her phone and tapped into a chat group. Eileen didn¡¯t recognize it, but it was an internal chat group for VQ Group.

    ¡°It¡¯s rumored that Mr. Dawson might soon serve as a project nning advisor for ourpany to assist Mr. Finch. And he needs to find a suitable employee from thepany to temporarily take care of his child,¡± Lenny exined, sending a screenshot of the details to Eileen¡¯s phone.

    To make the request seem logical, Savanna had included a few criteria, such as needing to be gentle. Most critically, Gabri must be fond of this person.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 752

    ?Chapter 752:

    Several employees met the first few criteria. However, the final condition seemed tailored specifically for Eileen.

    Eileen smiled, pocketed her phone, and started to work. At ten in the morning, she got a text from Bryan informing her that Conroy had secured the rental house next door.

    Bryan nned to sign the lease in the afternoon. He would then pack his belongings and move in by evening.

    He explicitly urged Eileen, ¡°Make sure to sign up to take care of Gabri. Take the initiative.¡±

    His message conveyed his concern that she might mess it up. Eileen chuckled upon reading Bryan¡¯s message. When Savanna inquired who was interested in volunteering, Eileen quickly stepped forward.

    It was unclear how long Bryan would be with thepany. If he were to stay for an extended period, it meant the caregiver would need tomit for several months and might face the risk of losing their job upon returning to their regr role, considering everyone here was just a regr employee. Thus, those who volunteered had personal motivations.

    Some viewed it as an opportunity to climb the socialdder, while others, needing the money, were drawn by the temporary high pay. Unlike them, Eileen¡¯s sole motive was her desire to look after Gabri.

    Lenny signed up because it would allow her to take an entire afternoon off to participate in the selection event.

    At three in the afternoon, only the two of them had signed up in the administrative department. Together, they ascended to the top floor, submitted their paperwork, and participated in a half-day orientation. They were interviewed one by one.

    Discover tales at g ? ln ¦Ò¦Í?? ?? s,

    The results would be dered the following morning, and the chosen candidate would begin caring for Gabri afterward. After finishing work, Eileen evaded her followers and drove straight to WaterEdge Vis. Bryan had distracted Conroy and Kinsey so she could enter the vi area unnoticed. After shaking off the tails, she swiftly found the specific building Bryan had directed her to. Unexpectedly, Eileen spotted a familiar figure within themunity.

    A woman walked hurriedly with a shopping bag from across a flowerbed. The woman looked recognizable from behind, but Eileen couldn¡¯t identify her immediately. Her car surged forward, and she took another nce in the rearview mirror.

    ¡°Delores?¡±

    Eileen hit the brakes and peered again. The woman had vanished from the street, but a shadow slipped into the vi nearby. She bit her lip, concerned for a moment, then dialed Juno and inquired, ¡°Have you located Delores?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Julia responded. ¡°I¡¯ll find her, whatever it takes.¡± He was clearly still searching for her.

    Uncertain if she had seen correctly, Eileen ended the call after a brief conversation and headed home.

    Later, Bryan returned with Gabri. Eileen felt like an intruder all night, anxious that Conroy might appear unexpectedly. She knew she had to endure until morning. Once dawn broke, she would no longer fear Conroy¡¯s potential visit.

    Nheless, if Conroy discovered she was living next door to him, he might choose to relocate overnight. Jessica had applied to take care of Gabri.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 753

    ?Chapter 753:

    Though Bryan had rejected her offer, he had done so subtly, citing that it was impractical given Jessica¡¯s role as thepany¡¯s director. The next morning, Eileen, Lenny, and about a dozen other women were assembled in the meeting room of the VQ Group, awaiting Bryan¡¯s decision.

    Jessica walked in alongside Bryan. She surveyed the gathering of women, who naturally cleared a path for her to take the first seat.

    ¡°Bryan, please,¡± Jessica said with a smile as she addressed him. After he seated himself, she also sat down.

    Hearing Jessica address Bryan with such a sweet voice, Eileen lowered her gaze and tugged at her sleeves to cover the goosebumps forming on her arms.

    ¡°Now, I¡¯ll give you all an opportunity. If you wish to leave, do so now,¡± Jessica dered, scanning the room. Her intention was clear.

    A brief silence followed, and then, someone stood up and exited. After a moment of contemtion, Lenny leaned toward Eileen and whispered, ¡°Let¡¯s leave. shing with this woman will do no favors.¡±

    ¡°You should go,¡± Eileen replied, believing it was unnecessary for Lenny topete for the job and risk offending Jessica, especially since Lenny was just here to avoid working. Unaware of Eileen¡¯s thoughts, Lenny left.

    Initially, there had been over ten candidates, but after a while, only about seven remained. Jessica mentally noted the remaining applicants.

    ¡°Let¡¯s start,¡± Bryan dered.

    Jessica was eager to make her case. ¡°Let me start. I studied overseas, and¡ª¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s???§àm, your fiction hub

    ¡°Wait,¡± Bryan interjected. ¡°Introducing yourself isn¡¯t crucial here. I¡¯m looking for someone to care for my daughter, not a teacher. Gabri will make the choice.¡±

    With that, he lifted Gabri onto the table and dered, ¡°She approaches first will secure the position.¡±

    Jessica paused, taken aback, then seemed to have an idea. She smiled and said, ¡°Alright, let her decide on her own.¡± She then pulled several lollipops from her bag, ced them on the table, and enticingly waved them at Gabri.

    Jessica was nearest to Gabri, offering such appealing bait. Seeing this, the other candidates¡¯ faces fell with disappointment, realizing they probably wouldn¡¯t win.

    Nobody dared to voice their thoughts. They merely exchanged nces before lowering their heads.

    When Gabri noticed the colorful lollipop in Jessica¡¯s hand, her attention was immediately drawn to it. She sat still, fixated on the lollipop that Jessica kept waving, and reached out to grab it.

    ¡°Ahem¡­¡± Eileen covered her mouth and coughed softly.

    Hearing the familiar sound, Gabri turned her head. At the far end of the table sat Eileen, upright with her hands on the table, smiling warmly at Gabri.

    ¡°Ma!¡± Gabri babbled, pushing herself up with her hands and toddling barefoot straight toward Eileen. Eileen reached out her arms and quickly scooped Gabri up when she approached.

    Gabri nestled her head against Eileen and nted two kisses on her face.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 754

    ?Chapter 754:

    Jessica abruptly stood, her chair scraping loudly against the floor.

    ¡°You¡­¡± she began.

    ¡°It appears Gabri has made her choice,¡± Bryan said as he stood. He looked at Eileen. ¡°You¡¯ll need to move to my house. Is there any problem with that?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, I have no objections,¡± Eileen responded, shaking her head.

    Bryan looked pleased and nodded. ¡°Great. Take Gabri to my office after work. We¡¯ll get your things and head straight to my ce.¡±

    ¡°I might need to return to the executive department to grab a few things. My bag and cell phone are still at my desk,¡± Eileen said.

    ¡°Well, go back and pack your things. Come to my office afterward,¡± Bryan instructed as he walked over, lifted Gabri, and exited the room first.

    Eileen was about to follow when she heard Jessica say, ¡°Eileen, you stay. Everyone else can return to their stations.¡±

    The atmosphere immediately became charged with tension. The others, not wanting to be involved, quickly dispersed.

    Jessica shut the meeting room door, turned, and crossed her arms. ¡°You¡¯re not suited for this job. Go to Mr. Dawson¡¯s office and decline it now,¡± she said to Eileen.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Ms. Marshall. I¡¯m capable of handling the job,¡± Eileen responded politely.

    Perhaps Jessica misunderstood her words, or perhaps she simply refused to ept them. Jessica stated more directly, ¡°I don¡¯t care whether you think you can do it or not. I want you to go to Dawson right now and turn down the job.¡±

    ???¨¦?? ???t?€§ñ? ?n Ga?n?¦Í¦Ål?.???

    ¡°Why?¡± Eileen inquired.

    ¡°Because you took the position I wanted!¡± Jessica, seeing that Eileen didn¡¯t grasp her point, stated bluntly, ¡°You need to stay away from Mr. Dawson. I want him!¡±

    ¡°Let me remind you that Mr. Dawson is a married man with a child,¡± Eileen said, taken aback by Jessica¡¯s intentions.

    Did Conroy intend to coborate with Bryan, while Jessica harbored personal motives?

    Jessica grew impatient. ¡°You¡¯re so irritating! I don¡¯t care if he¡¯s married. I want you to reject the job!¡±

    ¡°I understand your point, but it seems you don¡¯t grasp mine,¡± Eileen stated firmly. ¡°I refuse to do that.¡±

    Herst sentence echoed clearly through the silent meeting room. Jessica, unustomed to such a direct refusal, was momentarily taken aback.

    Eileen gave a slight nod and said, ¡°Ms. Marshall, I¡¯m going to pack my belongings now.¡±

    With that, she walked past Jessica and exited the meeting room. The sound of the door shutting snapped Jessica out of her daze, her face flushing with anger.

    The news that Eileen had been chosen quickly spread throughout the department. As Eileen entered the executive area, Lenny hurried over.

    ¡°You¡¯re incredible. I thought you were just there for fun, but you actually secured the job. Did she give you any trouble?¡± Lenny asked. It was evident to everyone that Jessica was very determined to get this position.

    ¡°She suggested I resign voluntarily, but I refused her,¡± Eileen replied honestly.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 755

    ?Chapter 755:

    Lenny nodded in admiration, then looked at Eileen with concern.

    ¡°Now, Mr. Dawson can look out for you. But once he leaves thepany, you might face tough times. How could Jessica tolerate you then?¡±

    After a moment of thought, Eileen shook her head and said, ¡°Jessica won¡¯t wait until Mr. Dawson¡¯s departure. She¡¯ll keep causing problems until she either gives up or Mr. Dawson decides to rece me.¡±

    It was unlikely she would be reced, but she didn¡¯t express this to Lenny.

    Lenny nodded with even greater respect and said, ¡°You¡¯re so courageous. Go on. If you ever need help, just let me know.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll head upstairs now,¡± Eileen replied. She gathered her things, informed Savanna, and made her way upstairs.

    Jessica was in Bryan¡¯s office. Eileen knew Jessica had been talking with Bryan, but it was clear Jessica was upset.

    When Jessica noticed Eileen entering, her frustration was palpable.

    ¡°Ms. Marshall, please inform them that I¡¯ll treat them to dinner tonight,¡± Bryan instructed, signaling it was time for Jessica to leave.

    Jessica turned and left, giving a snort as she passed by Eileen. Once the office door was shut, only three people remained in the room. Bryan released Gabri, who excitedly ran towards Eileen.

    ¡°Ma!¡± Gabri dashed to Eileen and wrapped her little arms around Eileen¡¯s legs. She then looked up at Eileen with a beaming smile, which made Eileen¡¯s heart melt.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s takes you to new worlds

    Although Eileen saw Gabri daily at home over the past two days at thepany, she had had to turn Gabri down when she tried to embrace her. This had made her feel quite ufortable. Now, she could finally embrace Gabri without any hesitation. She cradled Gabri and yed with her in the office.

    Bryan, feeling overlooked, reminded Eileen, ¡°The office next door belongs to Conroy.¡±

    Instinctively, Eileen lowered her voice while ying with Gabri.

    Meanwhile, people in the office next door whispered, trying to keep their conversation private.

    ¡°What did you say?¡± Conroy discarded his pen, stood up, and looked at Jessica.

    ¡°Who did Mr. Dawson choose?¡±

    ¡°Eileen Curtis,¡± Jessica responded.

    At this, Conroy¡¯splexion turned ghostly white.

    Unaware of the implications, Jessica continued, ¡°Mr. Dawson instructed Eileen to pack up after work today and move into his house.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s house? That¡¯s next to where he lived!

    The more Conroy thought about it, the darker his expression became.

    ¡°Conroy, you need toe up with something to stop this!¡± Jessica approached and clung to Conroy¡¯s arm. ¡°If I can¡¯t get close to Mr. Dawson, how will you manage to talk about the cooperation with him?¡±

    Conroy felt his head spinning. After a moment of silence, he pushed Jessica¡¯s hand away and said, ¡°Let me think for a bit. I¡¯ll figure something out.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 756

    ?Chapter 756:

    When Conroy settled back into his chair, Jessica sat on the armrest, draped an arm around his neck, and said, ¡°You promised you¡¯d always love and look after me, and I¡¯m holding you to that.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Conroy assured her softly and patiently. ¡°Go and call Eileen over.¡±

    When Eileen learned that Conroy wanted to see her, she wasn¡¯t surprised in the slightest.

    She set Gabri down and exited Bryan¡¯s office to find Conroy waiting by the corridor entrance. As she emerged from the office, Conroy gestured for her to approach. She quickly walked over and inquired, ¡°Mr. Finch, you wanted to see me?¡±

    ¡°I heard you¡¯ve taken on the role of caring for Mr. Dawson¡¯s daughter,¡± Conroy¡¯s tone was neutral, neither particrly harsh nor friendly.

    Eileen nodded and followed him into the dimly lit room, where Conroy¡¯s expression was clearly visible. He looked serious.

    ¡°You might not fully understand who Mr. Dawson is,¡± he began. ¡°He adores his daughter immensely. Should any mistakes ur under your watch, are you prepared to handle the consequences? Do you really think you¡¯re up for this task?¡± Conroy continued, ¡°You should resign from this position.¡±

    Eileen responded with conviction, ¡°The pay he offers is substantially higher than what an average executive department employee earns. With the extra ie, I could significantly contribute to our family¡¯s finances.¡±

    ¡°Contribute to¡ªwhat would a few thousand really change?¡± Conroy almost voiced his thoughts aloud.

    ¡°If my sry is seven or eight thousand a month, that¡¯s an extra ten thousand a year. With that money, I could buy nice things for Grandma and even take her to the city for medical visits,¡± Eileen exined, stretching out her fingers as she counted the benefits of taking care of Bryan¡¯s daughter.

    G  a lno  ve ls . is where the magic begins

    But Conroy refused to listen.

    ¡°You¡¯re only focusing on the benefits. What if you harm the child? It wouldn¡¯t just affect you; I¡¯d be implicated too!¡±

    ¡°How could that happen?¡± Eileen replied in confusion.

    ¡°No one knows about your rtionship with me. If I make a mistake, let him fire me. I don¡¯t need your help,¡± she said.

    Conroy was left speechless.

    ¡°Someone¡¯sing,¡± Eileen said as footsteps echoed from outside. ¡°I¡¯m going back now. Next time, don¡¯t approach me with such minor issues. It would be problematic if our rtionship were exposed.¡±

    Having said that, Eileen turned to leave. Conroy hastily stopped her and asked, ¡°Wait. Are you moving into Mr. Dawson¡¯s house tonight?¡±

    Eileen responded with slight irritation, ¡°Yes. Why do you need such details?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a single woman. How can you just move into a house like that? It¡¯s inappropriate. Listen to me and turn down the job!¡± Conroy sought another angle to dissuade her.

    Eileen brushed off his concern with ease. ¡°It¡¯s fine. Besides, I¡¯ve heard Mr. Dawson¡¯s wife has passed. Imagine if I take good care of his daughter and he grows fond of me¡ªour Vazquez family will benefit from his support, right?¡± Conroy¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief; he couldn¡¯t believe Eileen was considering such a possibility.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s possible?¡± Eileen continued, trying to convince him. ¡°I heard Mr. Dawson lives next door to you. You live in such a nice ce.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 757

    ?Chapter 757:

    ¡°No,¡± Conroy replied instinctively.

    Yet, he realized he couldn¡¯t deter Eileen, who was determined to move into Bryan¡¯s house that evening. Moreover, since Mr. Dawson had invited him to dinner, avoiding Eileen would be impossible.

    Thus, he said, ¡°That¡¯s justpany-provided amodation. Also, Mr. Yates has now delegated the project with Mr. Dawson to me. So, Mr. Dawson and I appear as equals. But please, don¡¯t reveal our connection to Mr. Dawson.¡± He warned Eileen of potential issues in advance.

    After listening to Conroy¡¯s extensive exnations, Eileen realized that she would not act like she knew Conroy at Bryan¡¯s ce, nor would she suspect his role when she observed him conducting business with Bryan.

    She suddenly felt that acting was really a daunting task. After listening to Conroy talk for a long time, she finally seized an opportunity to leave and returned to Bryan¡¯s office.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, please maintain a safe distance from me in Conroy¡¯s presence. We also shouldn¡¯t reveal that he heads the VQ Group. Otherwise, our charade can¡¯t continue,¡± Eileen said as she settled on the sofa and entertained Gabri. ncing up at Bryan, who stood by his desk.

    The VQ Group had been nning a significant project for several years, and its sess was uncertain. Bryan¡¯s timely arrival had provided Conroy with much-needed opportunity. Additionally, since Bryan was open to offering his advice, Conroy had secured his services with a hefty monthly sry.

    Of course, this was kept a secret from the business world.

    Explore g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s for fresh content

    Bryan, however, epted the substantial payment with ease. Staff from both the project and nning departments sought his decisions. For the most part, he worked remotely, managing tasks for the EB Group and the Apex Group from hisputer.

    ¡°I¡¯ve observed many attempts to conceal their identities, but it¡¯s rare to see someone try to hide another¡¯s identity,¡± Bryan remarked.

    Eileen had never encountered such a situation before. Hearing the teasing tone in Bryan¡¯s words, she grinned and said, ¡°If I figure out whether Jessica is living with Conroy, I¡¯ll have my answer. This won¡¯t take long.¡±

    ¡°Now that Conroy is aware you¡¯re moving next door, he¡¯ll definitely be more cautious. I imagine if Jessica and Conroy are living together, they¡¯ll try to cover everything before this afternoon,¡± Bryan said, finding it easy to predict Conroy¡¯s next move.

    Eileen understood this and felt a headacheing on.

    ¡°I refuse to believe I won¡¯t uncover any clues,¡± she muttered.

    At three in the afternoon, Bryan and Eileen left under the pretext of packing. However, they actually headed straight home. When they returned, Eileen noticed Jessica exiting a vi to the right with a suitcase, heading deeper into the vi area. Jessica seemed upset and was talking on her phone, oblivious to their passing car.

    Eileen and Bryan stopped the car at the vi¡¯s gate, got out, and watched as Jessica entered a vi on the street. Eileen then nced to the left; that vi belonged to Kinsey. To the right was Conroy¡¯s, and across the street was Jessica¡¯s.

    ¡°By the way, have you ever met Kinsey¡¯s wife?¡± Eileen whispered to Bryan as she entered the vi with Gabri in her arms.

    Bryan opened the door, ushering them inside, his hand resting gently on her jacket as he replied, ¡°I hardly get to see my own wife, let alone someone else¡¯s.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 758

    ?Chapter 758:

    Eileen chuckled. She turned around and said seriously, ¡°They say Kinsey got married a few months ago, and his wife had a baby less than two months after that.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Bryan frowned. ¡°I didn¡¯t know that.¡±

    Kinsey¡¯s marriage had been rushed and low-key, not widely covered by the media. Therefore, the news had remained rtively contained within thepany.

    Suddenly, Eileen had a realization. She stepped out of the vi to take a look and said, ¡°Yesterday, I saw a woman carrying a shopping bag. She looked a lot like Dolores. She headed into Kinsey¡¯s vi.¡±

    ¡°Could that woman be Kinsey¡¯s wife?¡±

    ¡°Kinsey ising to dinner here tonight. If he¡¯s really married, he might bring his wife along,¡± Bryan said.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Bryan turned to Eileen with a quizzical look. ¡°Are you curious about Kinsey¡¯s wife?¡±

    Eileen had been finding many people intriguing. The person she ought to be most interested in was right in front of her, yet she had overlooked him.

    After changing her shoes, Eileen walked into the room carrying Gabri. ¡°Certainly, befriending Kinsey¡¯s wife could give me insight into Kinsey¡¯s and Conroy¡¯s backgrounds, right?¡±

    ¡°You should try understanding me better,¡± Bryan said coldly from behind her.

    Eileen halted, feeling a chill as she held Gabri. She turned to look at him. With his hands in his pockets, Bryan approached her with an icy demeanor.

    ???¦Å?? ¡é??t?€§ñ? ?¦Ç ?a?§Ú?¦Í¨º??.???

    ¡°You should see how long you can endure this kind of life.¡±

    ¡°This kind of life?¡± Eileen furrowed her brow.

    ¡°What are you dissatisfied with? We always have sex at night. Don¡¯t you feel we¡¯re close enough already?¡± he said, his tone blunt.

    Eileen felt she hadn¡¯t done anything wrong. Given their need to maintain a professional distance during the day, their evenings were a stark contrast once they were behind closed doors¡­ Eileen felt they had been very closetely.

    ¡°You think I only enjoy being with you at night?¡± Bryan¡¯s expression darkened. As Eileen set Gabri down, he quickly approached, wrapped his arms around her slender waist, and pulled her close. ¡°I don¡¯t want a rtionship that¡¯s hidden in the shadows. I want us to be a couple openly during the day too.¡±

    His eyes held serious intensity. Suddenly, Eileen felt she might have wronged him. How could she have misjudged him so?

    Yet, this wasn¡¯t entirely her fault. In her mind, his gentle daytime demeanor was overshadowed by his indulgent nocturnal persona.

    ¡°I¡¯ll resolve this as quickly as I can,¡± Eileen said, though her voicecked conviction.

    Bryan snorted and gestured for her to head upstairs. ¡°Change into somethingfortable. Raymond will be delivering dinner soon, and Conroy and Kinsey are expected to be here in half an hour.¡±

    It had been a while since Eileen had worn a business suit. Lately, she had found the formal attire constricting and ufortable during her time at the VO Group.

    She returned to her room, took a shower, tied her hair in a bun, and changed into a set of casual clothes.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 759

    ?Chapter 759:

    Raymond had arrived with a spread from a five-star restaurant. Upon seeing Eileen, he greeted her, saying, ¡°Mrs. Dawson.¡±

    ¡°You should call me Ms. Curtis. When others are around, you can simply call me Eileen,¡± Eileen replied. Raymond looked slightly startled. He hesitated even to address Gabri by her first name, let alone call Eileen by hers.

    He instructed the staff to arrange the dishes on the table and then had them leave. He stayed behind to wee the guests. About ten minutester, Conroy arrived with Kinsey and Jessica, bringing along many gifts and some children¡¯s toys.

    After some initial small talk, they all took their seats. Just as Eileen was about to sit next to Bryan with Gabri in her arms, Jessica pulled at her sleeve.

    ¡°Just set the baby down, and I¡¯ll look after her,¡± Jessica said.

    Her implication was clear: she didn¡¯t want Eileen sitting next to Bryan, nor did she want Eileen at the table.

    ¡°Come and sit here,¡± Bryan said as he pulled out a chair beside him and gave Eileen a look.

    Jessica frowned and said, ¡°Did you bring extra tableware, Eileen? If we need more bowls or tes, you can fetch them for us. Why should a nanny sit at the table?¡±

    ¡°Miss Marshall, no need to worry about that. The tableware is sufficient. If anything is needed, I can get it,¡± Raymond interjected just in time, defusing the tension.

    Without waiting for Jessica to respond, Eileen had already moved to Bryan¡¯s side with Gabri in her arms and took a seat.

    Gabri resisted sitting in her baby seat, so Eileen continued to hold her.

    ?@?¨¦$? ???t?¦Å§ñ? ¨ª¦Ð ?al¦Ðo¦Í¦Ål?.c??

    Jessica, having no other option, reluctantly sat down beside Eileen and observed her discreetly. She noticed that Eileen was quite adept at taking care of the baby. Jessica had initially nned to find something Eileen had done wrong with Gabri in order to ask Bryan to fire her. However, seeing Eileen¡¯s capability, she realized she needed to rethink her strategy.

    Despite Conroy¡¯s outward calm, he felt uneasy in his heart. After a while, he noticed Eileen hadn¡¯t revealed any personal connections between them. He also noticed Bryan had refrained from disclosing any ties between him and the VQ Group. He gradually became relieved.

    Suddenly, Bryan asked, ¡°Mr. Vazquez, I heard you¡¯re married?¡±

    Kinsey, who had been silent, responded, ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve been married for a couple of months now.¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t your wife join us tonight?¡± Bryan continued. ¡°I also heard you¡¯ve be a father. Maybe in the future, your wife could bring your child over to visit.¡±

    Kinsey set down his fork and responded politely, ¡°Thank you, Mr. Dawson. My son is just a few months old, and it¡¯s quite chilly outside. My wife is taking care of him, so it¡¯s hard for her toe out.¡±

    Eileen felt a twinge of disappointment as she didn¡¯t glean any insightful information from the exchange. After feeding Gabri, who was satisfied, Eileen set her on the floor to y on her own and started eating.

    But then, she suddenly sensed something was off. Looking up, she noticed Conroy and Kinsey staring at her. Pausing, she nced down at the food on her te. There was nothing unusual about it.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 760

    Chapter 760:

    ¡°Why are you still eating?¡± Jessica said sharply. ¡°Miss Dawson has left. You¡¯re here to take care of her, not to dine!¡±

    ¡°Even if she¡¯s here to look after the baby, she needs to eat,¡± Raymond interjected as he tended to Gabri. He was tempted to reveal Eileen¡¯s true identity and shock them all. Conroy offered a strained smile andmented, ¡°Mr. Brooks, you¡¯re very thoughtful. It¡¯s just that Eileen is from ourpany¡¯s executive department. We¡¯re concerned she might not make Mr. Dawson satisfied with her work here. Her entire focus should be on the baby.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean I should leave the table as soon as the baby is full?¡± Eileen asked tentatively.

    Without hesitation, Jessica replied, ¡°Of course. You¡¯re here for the child. You should follow wherever the child goes!¡±

    Eileen had nearly finished her meal anyway. Seeing Bryan¡¯s expression darken, she subtly kicked him under the table. She then set down her utensils, stood up, and walked to the living room with Gabri.

    Despite this, Jessica¡¯s animosity towards Eileen persisted. Jessica could see Gabri demonstrate her affection for Eileen by hugging her and kissing her, treating her as if she were her mother.

    Determined to drive Eileen away, Jessica set down her utensils and announced, ¡°I¡¯m full. Enjoy your meal. I¡¯m going to the living room.¡±

    She stood up and walked into the living room, pausing to watch Gabri y by the floor-to-ceiling window. She then scanned the room, her gaze eventuallynding on Eileen¡¯s bag by the porch.

    Since Eileen and Bryan had only recently moved in, there were few personal items around. A man¡¯s briefcase and a woman¡¯s handbag were near the door. Two down jackets and a woolen overcoat were hanging in the entryway. Bryan¡¯s wallet was on the cab by the door.

    New updates in g??l¦Ç¦Òv???s

    Jessica nced at Eileen, who was deeply engaged in ying with Gabri, before turning away and walking toward the door. The primary reason for Bryan hosting Conroy and Jessica for dinner today was to express gratitude to Conroy for assisting him in finding a ce to live.

    Conroy felt uneasy around Eileen, and after having his fill of food and drink, he was ready to leave. However, Jessica suddenly said, ¡°Eileen, hand over yourpany ID badge for now. You can retrieve it when you return to work.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Eileen stood, walked to the entryway, searched her bag, and handed the ID badge to Jessica.

    Jessica took the badge, squeezed it twice, and frowned, asking, ¡°Did you put something inside?¡±

    Eileen shook her head. ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t lie,¡± Jessica retorted, opening the badge. ¡°There¡¯s something in here.¡±

    She then extracted a ck card hidden between theyers of the ID badge. The card, a symbol of status and wealth, was not something an ordinary person would possess¡ªespecially not someone like Eileen.

    Eileen instantly recognized it as the secondary card linked to her main ount. The card belonged to Bryan. Her primary card was safely in her wallet. Within seconds, she seemed to grasp the situation and met Jessica¡¯s gaze. ¡°A ck card?¡± Jessica toyed with the card, appearing astonished.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Nice weednesday dear ones! Tomorrow I¡¯m gonna publish two new novels on gal. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. (?O?=)? ?

    .

 Chapter 761

    ?Chapter 761:

    ¡°Eileen, where did you get this?¡±

    ¡°What did you do, Eileen?¡± Conroy¡¯s expression darkened immediately, his re fixed on Eileen.

    From behind them, Bryan, hands in his pockets, observed the scene coolly. ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡±

    Kinsey stepped aside swiftly, allowing Bryan to approach. Jessica promptly handed the card to Bryan. ¡°Mr. Dawson, I found this in Eileen¡¯s ID badge. Is it yours?¡±

    Bryan took the card, looked it over briefly, and nodded. ¡°Yes. It¡¯s mine.¡±

    ¡°What have you done, Eileen?¡± Jessica¡¯s pent-up frustration burst forth. ¡°How could you stoop to stealing? How can Mr. Dawson trust you after this?¡±

    Conroy, misunderstanding the entire situation, believed Eileen had stolen the card and feared she would upset Bryan. He shot Eileen a warning nce and said, ¡°Why are you just standing there in silence? Apologize to Mr. Dawson right now!¡±

    ¡°Why should I apologize?¡± Eileen responded calmly. ¡°Just because this was found in my ID badge doesn¡¯t mean I stole it. Isn¡¯t it unfair to use me without any proof, Miss Marshall?¡±

    Jessica scoffed. ¡°Do I need to make up usations? Exin how this card ended up in your badge if you didn¡¯t steal it. Did it just walk in there on its own?¡±

    ¡°Of course not. I ced it there myself,¡± Eileen replied.

    ¡°See? She admitted it!¡± Jessica turned to Bryan. ¡°Mr. Dawson, this is uneptable. We¡¯ll find you a new nanny immediately, and I¡¯ll have Eileen leave right now.¡±

    Despite her youthful appearance and charming outfit, Jessica¡¯s demeanor was harsh. Though she appeared sweet and delicate, her tone was aggressive.

    I?t€$? ¡é§ß?¦Ñ?¦Å?? ?§Ú g??l??ov?l??.??om

    Eileen looked at Jessica with cold eyes. She hadn¡¯t anticipated that her first significant conflict here would be with Jessica, not Conroy or Kinsey. She furrowed her brow and said, ¡°Taking something without permission is theft, but Mr. Dawson gave me this card for household expenses. Is there a problem with that?¡±

    Jessica found herself at a loss for words. Conroy exhaled in relief.

    Kinsey, observing the tension in the room, asked Bryan, ¡°Mr. Dawson, is that true?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Bryan replied, his gaze icy as it swept over Jessica. ¡°You¡¯ve made a false usation, Miss Marshall.¡±

    ¡°Jessica, apologize to Eileen now!¡± Conroymanded without hesitation, eager to defuse the situation.

    Jessica stomped her foot in frustration. ¡°It can¡¯t be true. That card was¡­¡±

    She had secretly slipped the card into Eileen¡¯s ID badge, aiming to frame her. How could Bryan have given it to Eileen? But she couldn¡¯t reveal her actions. She bit her lip, looking back and forth between Eileen and Bryan, both of whom seemed to be mocking her. Overwhelmed with humiliation, she didn¡¯t offer an apology. Instead, she shoved her way through them and dashed away.

    Eileen wobbled and nearly tumbled. Luckily, Bryan quickly caught her, preventing a fall.

    ¡°I apologize for Jessica¡¯s outburst,¡± Conroy said, attempting to justify Jessica¡¯s behavior. ¡°She just has a temper. I will ensure she apologizes to you tomorrow.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s look became frosty. ¡°She owes an apology to Eileen, not to me.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 762

    ?Chapter 762:

    Taken aback, Conroy quickly said, ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll ask her to apologize to Eileen tomorrow. We¡¯ll leave now so that you can rest.¡±

    With that, Conroy and Kinsey departed. Ignoring their departure, Bryan guided Eileen into the living room. He asked Raymond to tidy up the table before taking Eileen and Gabri upstairs.

    Eileen bathed Gabri, tucked her into bed, and then took a bath herself. Once in bed, Bryan embraced her warmly, holding her close. He carried her into the adjacent bedroom, which featured arge bay window. They had spent the night there previously. Bryan seemed to favor this spot. He pressed Eileen against the bay window, and she ced her hands on the cold ss, worried that the pressure might shatter it.

    Peering through a slit in the curtains, Eileen spotted a sneaky figure approaching Conroy¡¯s vi.

    Jessica entered the vi without knocking, using her fingerprint to unlock the door. From where Eileen stood, she could see a silhouette in the upstairs bedroom of Conroy¡¯s vi. Soon, another figure appeared after Jessica entered.

    Jessica threw herself into Conroy¡¯s arms, but Eileen couldn¡¯t make out their conversation. All she could see were their silhouettes merging in a tight embrace.

    ¡°Hold on a moment,¡± Eileen said to Bryan urgently, wanting to open the window to eavesdrop.

    But Bryan was undeterred. Frowning, he drew the curtains shut.

    Bryan was deeply engrossed in the moment. How could he stop right now? Eileen, however, found herself distracted. She repeatedly attempted to draw back the curtain, which only increased Bryan¡¯s irritation.

    Check exclusive content g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    As a result, Bryan had been rough. Eileen woke up with a sore waist and was unable to rise from bed the next morning, causing her to miss work. Aware of this, Bryan fabricated an excuse about the child causing issues at home to justify taking a day off for Eileen.

    He settled Gabri in the living room and stationed himself at the table. Every so often, he entertained her with toys. As noon approached, Bryan checked his watch, shifted down hisputer, and gestured to Gabri, instructing her, ¡°Go wake up Mommy, Daddy will start cooking.¡±

    ¡°Mommy, tired!¡± Gabri said. Gabri had been eager to y with Eileen since early morning. Bryan had repeatedly exined that Eileen was tired. Now, Gabri grasped his reasoning and attempted to use his words to her advantage.

    Bryan, smiling gently, ced Gabri at the foot of the stairs and tapped her shin lightly. ¡°Mommy has rested enough. She¡¯ll be starving if she doesn¡¯t get up.¡±

    Gabri didn¡¯t understand him fully, but seeing Bryan¡¯s persistent encouragement, she began to crawl upstairs.

    Eileen awoke to the soft taps from Gabri¡¯s chubby hands. Gabri¡¯s patting made Eileen¡¯s back feel slightly sore. As Eileen opened her eyes, she found Gabri leaning in to give her a kiss.

    Eileen instinctively shifted back. She picked up Gabri and inquired, ¡°Where is Daddy?¡±

    ¡°Standing,¡± Gabri dered earnestly.

    Eileen, at a loss for words and feeling puzzled, carried Gabri, freshened up, and descended the stairs, where the enticing smell of food greeted her.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 763

    ?Chapter 763:

    Feeling hungry, she left the task of feeding Gabri to Bryan. After the meal, Eileen took Gabri to the supermarket to pick up some everyday items and two bottles of milk powder. While browsing the milk powder aisle, Eileen noticed a familiar person.

    It was Dolores, pushing a stroller and meticulously choosing milk powder.

    Gabri suddenly yelled, making Dolores turn toward the noise. As their eyes met, Dolores panicked.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, what brings you here?¡± Dolores asked. She had escaped to Avenon from Onnd, hoping to avoid familiar faces. Yet here she was confronted by someone not only known to her but also closely connected to Ulli!

    A thought crossed Eileen¡¯s mind. She frowned and suggested, ¡°It¡¯s a long story. Why don¡¯t we head to the coffee shop downstairs to talk once we¡¯re done here?¡±

    After a brief hesitation, Dolores agreed. They both headed to the coffee shop on the ground floor.

    The coffee shop had a y area for kids. Gabri rushed off to y on her own after entering. Dolores¡¯s baby, only three months old,y swaddled in the stroller.

    ¡°Dolores, are you married?¡± Eileen asked bluntly.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Dolores replied, her lips pressed tightly together, unsure of how to borate. She had been pregnant when she escaped from Onnd and had quickly found a man to marry. Exining this would take a lot of time.

    Eileen asked, ¡°Is the man you married Kinsey Vazquez?¡±

    ¡°How did you know?¡± Dolores responded, her eyes widening in shock.

    L¦Ët??¦Ó §éh¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?r? ¦Én g??l?ov?ls.??????

    In the quiet coffee shop, a ringing sound suddenly filled Eileen¡¯s ears, causing her to hesitate. She frowned slightly and continued, ¡°Do you and Kinsey genuinely love each other? Do you know who Kinsey really is?¡±

    Dolores trusted Eileen, especially in Alverton, where she felt out of ce. She shared the story of her encounter with Kinsey. After escaping to Alverton with little money, she had struggled to adjust and had fallen ill,nding her in the hospital. The hospital staff, knowing she was pregnant and alone, had felt deep sympathy for her, believing her husband had died. Somehow, word had gotten out, and it was Kinsey who had approached her first, expressing his desire to marry her. He had promised that marriage would ensure her afortable life in Alverton and legitimize her child. After much thought, Dolores had agreed to Kinsey¡¯s proposal.

    ¡°Kinsey¡¯s only condition was that our child must take his surname,¡± Dolores said.

    Eileen was taken aback. ¡°So, is this child linked to Kinsey¡¯s inheritance of the Vazquez family¡¯s assets?¡±

    In wealthy families, having an heir was necessary for inheritance. But under the Vazquez family¡¯s rules, females were to inherit the family¡¯s wealth. Since Kinsey was male, having a son wouldn¡¯t affect his im, would it?

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Dolores replied, shaking her head. ¡°I hardly know anything about Kinsey. Had you not mentioned it, I wouldn¡¯t have known he¡¯s the general manager of VQ Group or his ties to the Vazquez family here in Alverton.¡±

    She had suspected that Kinsey had a powerful background but had never imagined the extent of his influence.

    ¡°When does this sham marriage end?¡± Eileen questioned. ¡°There must be some sort of timeframe, right?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 764

    ?Chapter 764:

    Dolores shook her head again.

    ¡°He never specified an end date. At the time, my circumstances didn¡¯t allow me any leverage to negotiate.¡±

    Thus, she was stuck in her current situation, uncertain if she would ever escape.

    ¡°Why are you here in Alverton? How did you know about the Vazquez family?¡± Dolores asked.

    Eileen exined everything to Dolores. She knew that to maintain a low profile in Onnd and avoid Kinsey¡¯s future suspicions, she needed cooperation in keeping up the facade.

    ¡°It makes sense now. I overheard Kinsey mentioning a cousin recently. I never imagined you were the long-lost child of the Vazquez family,¡± Dolores said.

    When Dolores heard that Eileen was hiding her true identity as Bryan¡¯s wife, she grimaced and responded, ¡°This is tooplicated. If I hadn¡¯t been in dire need of money, I wouldn¡¯t have gotten involved.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re considering leaving, I can offer financial support. I¡¯m not sure what Kinsey and Conroy are scheming, or how you and your child fit into their ns.¡± There was clear worry on Dolores¡¯ face. Eileen didn¡¯t hesitate to offer her full support.

    Dolores considered this for a moment, but before she could respond, she noticed someone approaching from a distance. She was so startled that she quickly stood up and eximed, ¡°Jessica is here!¡±

    Jessica was visible through the window, stepping out of a car. She wore pink overalls, and her hair was styled in a ponytail. Her yful attire was at odds with her angry expression. Dolores quickly ducked down, gripping the stroller, ensuring that when Jessica nced over, she only saw Eileen. Jessica then turned and made her way toward the coffee shop.

    Check what¡¯s new on g@lnov??s.c¡ðm

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, let¡¯s discuss this another time. If Jessica sees us together, I¡¯ll be in trouble. I need to leave now,¡± Dolores said as she crouched down and maneuvered out of the coffee shop through the side with the stroller.

    Jessica had already entered through the coffee shop¡¯s front entrance. She marched straight toward Eileen, raising her hand to p her.

    But Eileen swiftly caught her wrist and calmly asked, ¡°Ms. Marshall, what exactly do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±

    ¡°What do you think I¡¯m doing?¡± Jessica snapped, fury evident in her voice. ¡°How dare you trick mest night? When exactly did Mr. Dawson give you that card? You were the one who ced it in there. How did you manage to get Mr. Dawson to protect you like that?¡±

    Jessica had suppressed her anger all night, eagerly awaiting the chance to confront Eileen at the office. But after spending the entire morning waiting at thepany, she discovered that Eileen and Bryan hadn¡¯t gone to work at all. Enraged, she hurried back and, from afar, noticed Eileen¡¯s car parked near the mall¡¯s entrance. She headed straight inside, her demeanor frosty.

    Eileen shook off Jessica¡¯s hand and replied, ¡°If you¡¯re curious about why Mr. Dawson is protecting me, ask him yourself. There¡¯s no reason to direct your frustration at me.¡±

    ¡°Direct my frustration at you?¡± Jessica pulled back her hand and sneered. ¡°Who do you think you are? You¡¯re not worth my wrath! I could end you easily. Today is your final opportunity¡ªleave now before it¡¯s toote!¡±

    ¡°I have no interest in your so-called opportunity,¡± Eileen replied icily. ¡°If you¡¯re sopetent, stop just talking big. Do whatever you want to do then. Your threats are simply irritating.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 765

    ?Chapter 765:

    With a disdainful smile, Eileen grabbed her bag and lifted Gabri into her arms. Gabri, hearing the argument, froze with her toy car in hand. Her wide eyes locked on Jessica.

    After being picked up by Eileen, Gabri huffed at Jessica before turning her head away in irritation. Gabri¡¯s evident anger brought a smile of amusement to Eileen¡¯s face.

    While Eileen settled into the car and buckled Gabri¡¯s seatbelt, she noticed the little girl¡¯s cheeks were puffed with anger. Unable to resist, Eileen leaned in and ced a tender kiss on Gabri¡¯s cheek. ¡°Don¡¯t be upset, sweetheart. Mommy¡¯s not angry at all,¡± Eileen said.

    ¡°Angry?¡± Gabri echoed, mimicking the word. She extended her tiny arm and pointed outside. Eileen yed a song through the car¡¯s speaker, and Gabri started waving her hands and feet in joy with the music, finally forgetting her anger.

    Unfortunately, Eileen had forgotten to save Dolores¡¯ phone number. If she wanted to see Dolores again, she would have to rely on another stroke of luck.

    Eileen recalled how Dolores had appeared scared when she spotted Jessica. She suspected that Dolores knew Jessica, too.

    Jessica watched Eileen¡¯s car elerate away. After a while, she retrieved her phone and dialed a number. As she walked, she spoke into the phone, ¡°Conroy, you need to help me! If you don¡¯t do something now, Eileen might push me to my breaking point. You assured me a role in overseeing Mr. Dawson¡¯s matters, yet now you can¡¯t control Eileen, and she¡¯s trampling all over me. Do you even care about me anymore?¡±

    ¡°Calm down. The issue with Eileen is moreplex than it seems. I haven¡¯t had the chance to exin everything to you yet. Just be patient, and we¡¯ll find a solution,¡± Conroy responded, his tone a mix of anxiety and resolve. Gianna had just called him moments ago to report that Le was improving rapidly, so he needed to act quickly.

    Latest chapters ?¦Áln¦Ò¦Íe??s

    Upon arriving home, Eileen told Bryan that she had encountered Dolores.

    ¡°Do you think Kinsey married Dolores because of some stiptions from the Vazquez family regarding having children? Maybe it¡¯s a strategy to secure the family assets?¡± Eileen spected.

    Without raising his head, Bryan replied, ¡°The Vazquez family is quite prominent in Alverton. Their inheritance rules are straightforward: daughters inherit, not sons. Therefore, Kinsey didn¡¯t marry Dolores to benefit from her, but likely has some other schemes involving Dolores.¡±

    In other words, Dolores¡¯ child wouldn¡¯t provide Kinsey with any advantage within the Vazquez family.

    ¡°The situation with wealthy families is always so intricate,¡± Eileen remarked.

    ¡°In the next life, we should be reborn into a regr family together. We¡¯d manage on a modest ie. As long as we have enough to eat, everything will be fine.¡±

    ¡°You have a knack for drawing wealth and prosperity into your life,¡± Bryan smiled. ¡°Even if we¡¯re reborn into an ordinary family, I¡¯ll still find myself wealthy and influential because of you.¡±

    Eileen pondered for a while. Then she said to Bryan, ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll pass my good fortune to someone else and help them be a bit wealthier. You don¡¯t need it.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s smile faded slightly as he showed his discontent. He set his papers aside, walked over to her, and encircled her from behind as she sat on the sofa.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 766

    ?Chapter 766:

    ¡°Are you really sure about that?¡±

    The moment Bryan came closer, Gabri darted toward him, clinging to his thighs as she scrambled onto the sofa. With a tilted head and a radiant smile, she looked up at him.

    ¡°Daddy, smile!¡± she eximed, her face stretching into a broad grin.

    Gabri had clearly noticed Bryan was angry and feared he might direct his frustration at Eileen. So, she quickly intervened, hoping to lift Bryan¡¯s spirits.

    Gabri¡¯s gesture caused Eileen to chuckle and nestle closer into Bryan¡¯s embrace.

    Following a day filled with joy, Eileen apanied Bryan to thepany the next morning. They headed directly to the top floor and walked into Bryan¡¯s office.

    As Bryan became engrossed in his meeting, Eileen entertained Gabri in the office.

    Momentster, as Bryan stepped out, Conroy entered the office, shut the door behind him, and walked over to Eileen. ¡°Eileen, it¡¯s been more than a week since you¡¯ve been here. It¡¯s time you visit your grandmother; she¡¯s been missing you terribly,¡± he said.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll go see Grandma this weekend,¡± Eileen replied. She had been away from the mansion for almost a week and had only managedte-night video calls with Le. Because of Tracey¡¯s constant watch, Le kept her phone hidden, but she always found opportunities to send Eileen messages to reassure her of her safety.

    So, despite Conroy¡¯s attempts to use Le¡¯s condition as a reason to ask Eileen to return, Eileen remained unmoved. ¡°I¡¯ve told you this before, but maybe it didn¡¯t sink in. The money you make holds no value to the Vazquez family. You should focus on spending more time with your grandmother. Frankly, she might not have much time left.¡± Conroy became more direct.

    1@?€?? ¡é??t?¨º§ñ$ ¨ª§Ú gal??ovels.??om

    Eileen pretended to understand his intentions. ¡°That can¡¯t be true. Auntie said Grandma¡¯s health improved significantly after I returned. She even encouraged me to stay in the city a few more days before heading back to Onnd.¡±

    Conroy was left speechless. It was clear that everyone wanted Eileen gone. Why couldn¡¯t she see it?

    ¡°Besides, if Grandma¡¯s health is failing, shouldn¡¯t you be the one to stay by her side, show your respect, and be with her in her final days?¡± Eileen asked with genuine concern. ¡°My mother has been gone for years, and it¡¯s asting regret that she never found me. Now that she has, it¡¯s only fair that you, my mother¡¯s husband, take care of Grandma. And let¡¯s not forget, Kinsey is Grandma¡¯s only other grandchild. He should return to spend more time with her too.¡±

    ¡°We should all resign and go back home,¡± Conroy stared at Eileen, unsure of what to say.

    ¡°Why the hesitation?¡± Eileen asked, pulling out a bank card from her bag. ¡°I have around a hundred thousand dors saved up. Can you and Kinsey together earn twenty thousand per month? That¡¯s two hundred thousand a year. I can easily provide that amount as your sry. We¡¯re not short on money for now. What do you think?¡±

    Conroy blinked a couple of times before he fully understood what Eileen meant.

    ¡°Two hundred thousand dors?¡±

    Considering his vast abilities, this sum seemed insignificant.

    How could she even bring that up?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 767

    ?Chapter 767:

    Conroy replied, ¡°There¡¯s no need for this. Kinsey and I are men; we can¡¯t ept your money. I asked you to reunite with the Vazquez family, not to pay for it. You can go back alone. Kinsey and I won¡¯t being with you.¡±

    Eileen responded promptly, ¡°Kinsey has depended on his grandmother¡¯s family for twenty years. Why would he be ashamed to use a woman¡¯s money? And as for you, you¡¯ve been relying on your wife¡¯s family and using her money for a long time. Why would you refuse to use your daughter¡¯s money?¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Conroy clenched his teeth and red at her.

    ¡°Never mind.¡± Eileen tucked the card away and said, ¡°I only have two hundred thousand in savings. I¡¯d prefer to use it to buy food for Grandma. I¡¯m not going back, but if you visit Grandma, you can take me along.¡±

    After finishing her statement, Eileen went to y with Gabri by the window.

    Noticing that Conroy hadn¡¯t left, she inquired, ¡°Mr. Finch, is there anything else? If you need it, I can give you the two hundred thousand dors.¡±

    Conroy stood up and adjusted his crumpled clothes. ¡°No.¡± Casting a nce at Gabri, he added, ¡°Make sure you take excellent care of the baby. If anything happens to her, those two hundred thousand won¡¯t be enough to cover even a hair on her head!¡±

    With that, he walked out.

    Eileen arched an eyebrow upon hearing that. ¡°Then Gabri must be worth a considerable fortune!¡± she muttered with a smile.

    Conroy stormed out in frustration. Once back in his office, he paced restlessly, hands on his hips. After a while, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number. ¡°Make the arrangements. I¡¯m going back to the mansion tonight.¡±

    G  al  no vel s . holds tales worth reading

    He returned with Kinsey, deliberately keeping the matter from Eileen. However, Eileen learned of Conroy¡¯s ns when Le sent her a message.

    Le also asked Eileen to start a video call at eight in the evening to let her see the situation with the Vazquez family.

    When Eileen received the news, it waste afternoon, around five o¡¯clock. The hours until the call at eight dragged on as she waited with mounting anticipation. After all, her knowledge of Gianna, Conroy, and Kinsey was limited to what Le had told her. After finishing work, Eileen quickly ate.

    Dinner at home was followed by a trip to the study with her phone, waiting for the video call. Meanwhile, Bryan was in the bedroom, spending time with¡­

    Just before eight o¡¯clock, Le initiated the video call. She remained silent, motioning for Eileen to hide the phone, and then sat back on the bed.

    Whether due to her legs being in good condition or her eagerness for the task, Le had done all of this with ease. A few minutester, the bedroom door opened, and Conroy and Gianna entered.

    ¡°Mom, Conroy returned today to discuss the matter about Eileen with you.¡± Gianna moved over and sat next to Le.

    Le responded weakly, ¡°What¡¯s this about?¡±

    ¡°Eileennded a job after moving to the city. It looks like she ns to stay,¡± Gianna updated Le about the events following Eileen¡¯s departure.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 768

    ?Chapter 768:

    Gianna went on to exin that Eileen¡¯s job at VO Group was merely a coincidence. Gianna and Conroy exchanged a look before Gianna continued.

    ¡°Mom, while it¡¯s true that Eileen is my sister¡¯s biological daughter, I don¡¯t believe she¡¯s as simple as she seems.¡±

    ¡°What are you implying?¡± Le asked.

    Gianna replied, ¡°It seems like she believes the only valuable thing in the Vazquez family is the mansion. Just a few days ago, she inquired about the value of this old mansion and hinted that it might be worth selling. I don¡¯t think she¡¯s as naive as she appears. It seems like she¡¯s keen on making money from selling the mansion.¡± Her voice came through the phone clearly, making Le¡¯s eyes widen in shock.

    It seemed that intentional misinterpretation could be this obvious at times.

    ¡°She¡¯s quite greedy,¡± Conroy remarked. ¡°Her focus has always been on money. She worked as a secretary in ourpany, but then, she became a nanny for the money. On top of that, she seems to have hidden agendas; she¡¯s after Mr. Dawson.¡± He gave a brief overview of Bryan¡¯s situation: he didn¡¯t have a wife, only a baby daughter. The important thing was that he was wealthy.

    Le listened in silence and then asked, ¡°So, what exactly are you suggesting?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re concerned that Eileen is after the Vazquez family¡¯s wealth,¡± Gianna said straightforwardly.

    ¡°But the Vazquez family¡¯s wealth rightfully belongs to her,¡± Le countered. ¡°You can¡¯t just assume the Vazquez assets are yours because your sister is gone and Eileen was lost when she was a child. There¡¯s no family rule that grants the fortune to a second daughter. Allowing Kinsey to use the Vazquez name is already a big concession.¡±

    I@?€$? ¡é??t??§ñ? In ?al¦Ð?¦Í¦Ål?.c?m

    Gianna promptly answered, ¡°Mom, Kinsey isn¡¯t the issue. He married an older woman and has a child of his own. He hasn¡¯t established any groups or alliances. Why are you still suspicious of him?¡±

    Le gestured dismissively, not questioning him, but questioning what both of them intended to do. When Eileen returned, they had forced her into promising to keep the real situation about the Vazquez family hidden.

    ¡°Family under wraps. Now that I¡¯ve verified Eileen¡¯s integrity, why are you still alleging that she¡¯s after the family¡¯s assets? The reality is, she rightfully deserves the family wealth,¡± Le said, her voice calm but firm.

    ¡°Mom, we didn¡¯t mean that,¡± Conroy responded, giving a slight nod and speaking with respect. ¡°But Eileen wasn¡¯t raised by her mother. Despite her Vazquez lineage, shecks the family¡¯s trademark sharpness and business savvy. If she were to take over the familypany, she might ruin it.¡±

    ¡°Then, since you¡¯re still young, it would be best to transfer thepany to her soon. As her father, you can provide her with guidance on how to lead thepany,¡± Le suggested nonchntly.

    Conroy averted his gaze, his brow deeply furrowed. After taking a moment topose himself, he faced Le again and replied, ¡°Mom, you¡¯re oversimplifying the situation. There are many people in thepany ready to exploit this opportunity. If Eileen assumes the role, she¡¯ll encounter schemers attempting to create divisions among us, and she might not follow my guidance.¡±

    Le, visibly irritated, interjected, ¡°Enough of this. What exactly do you propose?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 769

    ?Chapter 769:

    ¡°What I¡¯m suggesting is that Eileen should go back to Onnd for now. We could have Conroy assist her in getting a promotion to see if she truly has any business skills,¡± Gianna said cautiously.

    ¡°That sounds like a good n,¡± Le agreed, nodding thoughtfully. ¡°So, if Eileen demonstrates her business capabilities, she¡¯ll return to inherit the Vazquez family¡¯s assets and lead the family, correct?¡±

    Conroy nodded affirmatively.

    Le¡¯s demeanor became more serious. ¡°And if we find no evidence of business acumen in her?¡± she pressed for specifics. ¡°If we can¡¯t ascertain her skills, who will lead our family then?¡±

    Suddenly, the room was engulfed in silence.

    After a lengthy pause, Conroy looked at Gianna and finally responded, ¡°If we can¡¯t gauge her business skills, Conroy should bring her into VQ Group and provide guidance. If she continues to be immature, arrogant, and reckless¡ªfollowing outsiders¡¯ words and putting the group at risk¡ªit will simply confirm that she is only a problem for our family!¡±

    Eileen almost wanted to immediately defend herself upon hearing that.

    Le¡¯s phone might have died, or the signal could have faltered. The video call ended right after Gianna¡¯s words.

    Eileen reflected on the entire conversation, realizing that Conroy and Gianna were plotting to return her to Onnd and ¡°uncover her supposed business acumen.¡±

    That would be difficult. While they might not find any real business talent, they were sure to reveal her vtile temper. Conroy and Gianna were full of schemes, and if she wasn¡¯t vignt, she could easily be ensnared in one of their traps. She wasn¡¯t worried about a fallout with them. What troubled her was their persistent dishonesty and pretense.

    Latest updates only on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??ls

    Still, she was skeptical they could keep up their charade forever if she pushed for a direct confrontation.

    On the other side, after leaving Le¡¯s room, Conroy and Gianna spoke in hushed tones. Gianna said to Conroy, ¡°Conroy, regardless of the situation, it¡¯s simple to persuade Mom. She understands the stakes but won¡¯t risk putting her trust in Eileen. We must remain resolute on this. You need to find a way to ensure Eileen leaves Alverton.¡±

    ¡°Eileen isn¡¯t as simple as she seems,¡± Conroy replied promptly. ¡°She¡¯s been associated with Mr. Dawson since her first day at thepany, and now, Mr. Dawson values her. There¡¯s definitely something suspicious here.¡±

    The ¡°suspicious¡± aspect referred to Eileen¡¯s apparent ability to charm men.

    ¡°We need to get her to leave immediately,¡± Gianna said.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t mentioned your connection with Eileen to Jessica, right? Here¡¯s the n: you should inform Jessica that Eileen is your daughter. She will find that intolerable and will surely drive Eileen away.¡±

    Gianna was entirely confident in Jessica¡¯s ability to cause trouble for Eileen.

    Conroy nodded in agreement. ¡°Okay, we¡¯ll do this¡­¡±

    As they spoke, they made their way toward Gianna¡¯s house.

    While Eileen was contemting Conroy and Gianna¡¯s next moves, she suddenly got a call from Julio.

    Julio would be at the airport at six in the morning; he asked Eileen to pick him up.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 770

    ?Chapter 770:

    As the vice president of the Group, Eileen had earned her monthly bonuses because of her role in helping Julio reim the Frequeson family¡¯s fortune. Consequently, she believed it was her responsibility to pick up her boss from the airport.

    Bryan, however, disagreed. He arranged for Raymond to pick Julio up from the airport instead.

    He rolled over and went back to sleep, holding Eileen in his arms.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s wise to let Raymond do this. Julia wouldn¡¯te to Alverton without a reason¡ªhe must have something significant to do. I need to see him,¡± Eileen said as she gave him a gentle poke in the arm.

    ¡°I don¡¯t agree. Julio called my wife to fetch him early in the morning; he wasn¡¯t being polite at all.¡± Bryan rested his chin on Eileen¡¯s shoulder, his forehead gently touching her cheek. His voice,den with frustration, murmured softly in her ear, enveloping her in its sound.

    Eileen responded softly, ¡°But he is my boss.¡±

    ¡°And your husband,¡± Bryan reminded her with irritation, gently nipping at her earlobe. Though Bryan applied only slight pressure, Eileen winced and pulled away. ¡°Ah! That hurts!¡±

    As Eileen voiced her difort, Gabri¡¯s voice chimed in.

    ¡°Hit!¡±

    Eileen and Bryan both turned to look at Gabri, who was now awake. With sleepy eyes, Gabri scowled at Bryan and yelled, ¡°Hit!¡±

    ¡°Not hurt, sweetheart,¡± Eileen said as she swiftly moved away from Bryan and held Gabri in her arms. ¡°Even if Daddy might deserve a scolding, he¡¯s still your father. You can¡¯t hit him, alright? That¡¯s Mommy¡¯s job. Do you understand?¡±

    . brings magic to life

    Gabri looked up at Eileen with wide eyes, not quite grasping the situation but beaming happily in Eileen¡¯s embrace. Bryan managed a smile, but his cheerful mood was short-lived as Eileen added, ¡°For instance, even though my boss interrupted my sleep, he is still my boss. I can¡¯t just disregard him. Don¡¯t you agree?¡±

    ¡°Eileen!¡± Bryan¡¯s roar reverberated through the vi.

    After some persuasion, Eileen finally got Bryan¡¯s permission to go see Julio. Bryan insisted on apanying her.

    Raymond had booked Julio into the city¡¯s most opulent hotel. Just after Juliopleted his check-in, Eileen and Bryan arrived.

    In the luxurious suite, there was no sign of luggage. Only Julio, who stood by the window with a cigarette. Upon seeing Eileen and Bryan enter, Bryan carrying Gabri, Julio hurriedly extinguished his cigarette and opened the window to let in some fresh air.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, I wasn¡¯t expecting you to be here, too,¡± Julio said.

    ¡°It¡¯s no trouble at all. Feel free to reach out to me if you need anything next time,¡± Bryan replied, giving Julio¡¯s hand a firm shake, subtly indicating that Julio should contact him for help instead of reaching out to Eileen.

    Julio couldn¡¯t suppress augh after a brief pause.

    Eileen nced at Bryan before turning to Julio with a serious look.

    ¡°Mr. Walsh, what brings you to Alverton so abruptly?¡±

    ¡°Well, there¡¯s an urgent project that requires my personal attention,¡± Julio exined after a brief pause. ¡°I apologize for bothering you. How have you been in here?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 771

    ?Chapter 771:

    The topic soon turned to Eileen. She openly revealed to Julio the true motive behind her arrival, sharing everything with him since her arrival. However, she kept her encounter with Dalores a secret.

    ¡°Are you saying you¡¯ll be staying in Alverton for several more months?¡± Julio asked.

    Eileen nodded. ¡°We don¡¯t know when we will leave yet, but leaving anytime soon isn¡¯t an option.¡±

    Despite her fiery disposition and her impatience with Conroy and his associates, she couldn¡¯t confront him directly. Even if she could, it was challenging for her to resolve matters with Le afterward. She couldn¡¯t just abandon Le in Alverton and return to Onnd. Besides, she knew that given Le¡¯s age, traveling to Onnd would not be easy for her.

    Although these issues loomedrge, she had no time to dwell on them at the moment.

    ¡°Mr. Walsh, let¡¯s change the subject,¡± Eileen said, shifting her focus. ¡°The project in Alverton has caught your interest? Let me know if there¡¯s any way I can assist.¡±

    ¡°The Coastal Project,¡± Julio replied.

    The Coastal Project had been selected by the VO Group, and it was the project Bryan was currently involved with. The VQ Group was set on securing the bid this time around.

    ¡°The Ferguson Group shouldn¡¯t have overstepped by meddling with the Coastal Project,¡± Eileen said directly, highlighting a w in Julio¡¯s strategy. ¡°A powerful figure can¡¯t easily topple a local contender. You¡¯ve only just begun to establish yourself in Onnd, so it¡¯s imprudent to extend your investments so far.¡±

    Julio fell silent upon hearing this.

    Dive into tales at g¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s,

    In the expansive suite, the only sound was Gabri ying with her toys.

    After a long while, Julio finally broke the silence. ¡°I came here partly to secure a share of the Coastal Project¡¯s profits. Actually, I came here mostly because¡­ Dalores is in Alverton.¡±

    ¡°Eileen, you¡¯ve seen her, haven¡¯t you?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s lips parted, but words failed her. After a tense pause, she finally spoke. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve seen Dalores.¡±

    Her hesitant tone had already made the answer clear.

    Eileen didn¡¯t know if it was because she didn¡¯t want Dalores to be found or because Dalores had fled to this ce and married another man. She knew Dalores was clearly making a clean break from Julio. There was little left for her to say to change the matter.

    Julio¡¯s voice was charged with urgency as he asked, ¡°Where is she?¡±

    This time, Eileen fell silent.

    Julio¡¯s frown deepened as he raised his voice, saying, ¡°Eileen, you¡¯ve been instrumental in my work with the Ferguson Group. Without your help, I wouldn¡¯t have returned to my family. But I¡¯ve always treated you well. There¡¯s no reason for you to hide the matter about Dalores from me.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Ferguson,¡± Bryan interjected, his lips curling into a thin line as he positioned himself between Julio and Eileen. ¡°While Eileen is your subordinate, she could easily resign. Furthermore, the matter about Dalores is a personal issue for you. It¡¯s fair that Eileen doesn¡¯t want to get involved.¡±

    Eileen stayed still, quietly positioned behind Bryan. She instinctively reached out to grasp his firm arm, findingfort in his presence.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 772

    ?Chapter 772:

    In fact, Julio had no intention of coercing Eileen into speaking; he had raised his voice only because he had been too eager for the answer. Bryan, however, didn¡¯t care about his reasons. He believed Julio had no right to direct his frustration at Eileen.

    After some time, Julioposed himself. ¡°Mr. Dawson, I apologize for my rashness. This is a personal matter, and I will deal with it on my own.¡±

    ¡°Best of luck, Mr. Ferguson. For work-rted issues, please coordinate with Eileen online. And avoid private meetings unless absolutely necessary. She has a lot on her te,¡± Bryan said as he stood, his hand gently sliding down Eileen¡¯s arm to hold her hand.

    As they were about to leave, Gabri dashed over, her arms stretched wide for a hug.

    Bryan stooped to lift Gabri into his arms, one hand still holding Eileen¡¯s, the other cradling the child. He gave Julio a brief nod.

    ¡°If you need any assistance, feel free to reach out to Raymond. He¡¯ll be able to help.¡±

    Raymond stood there, momentarily at a loss for words. Bryan refused to let Julio bother his wife, but he was more than willing to let Julio bother his assistant?

    ¡°Certainly, Mr. Ferguson. I¡¯ve given you my card before. Feel free to reach out if you need anything,¡± Raymond replied. He offered a respectful smile and a slight nod before exiting the suite with Bryan.

    Once outside, Bryan directed Raymond to manage all of Julio¡¯s requests and ensure that Eileen was not disturbed.

    ¡°Rest assured, Mr. Dawson, I¡¯ll ensure Mr. Ferguson¡¯s needs arepletely satisfied,¡± Raymond said, his smile strained but his attitude respectful.

    ???€?? ¡é?¦Át?¦Å§ñs 1n ga?n?¦Í¦Ål?.???

    Eileen, with Gabri in her arms, followed Bryan as they made their way to the VQ Group.

    They arrived slightlyter than usual, and the parking lot was quiet when they pulled in.

    After getting out of the passenger seat, Eileen went to the back of the car to unfasten Gabri from her car seat. She then spoke quietly to Bryan about Dalores and Julio.

    Jessica watched the scene unfold with a scowl. She muttered to herself, ¡°What¡¯s the deal here? She¡¯s just a nanny, but she¡¯s riding in the front while the child is left alone in the back? Conroy said I could do whatever it takes to deal with her. Let¡¯s see how you¡¯ll handle this, you shameless woman¡­¡±

    She then entered the elevator, seething with anger.

    At noon, Eileen and Bryan, with Gabri in tow, enjoyed a meal at the canteen and intended to rest in Bryan¡¯s office afterward. However, as they were heading back, Jessica intercepted them, saying, ¡°Mr. Dawson, I need to speak with Eileen. You and your daughter go ahead and get some rest. I¡¯ll make sure Eileen¡¯s back before the afternoon work begins.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Eileen responded before Bryan had a chance to object.

    Bryan still reminded Jessica, ¡°Miss Marshall, please ensure she returns safely in the afternoon.¡±

    ¡°Certainly,¡± Jessica replied.

    She then led Eileen to the administrative department, where it was quiet. Most people were resting during their lunch break. ¡°The cleaningdy is absent today. You¡¯ll need to handle the cleaning here. Everyone else is busy with their tasks, and we can¡¯t afford any dys. Since you¡¯re the least upied, you¡¯re the ideal choice.¡± Jessica gestured toward the broom and bucket tucked away in the corner.

    Eileen pressed her lips together and surveyed the room. A few people feigned sleep, clearly not wanting to get involved. After all, Jessica wielded an authoritative presence in thepany.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 773

    ?Chapter 773:

    ¡°Ms. Marshall¡ª¡± Eileen began.

    ¡°Enough with the excuses. Either you clean up now or resign. And just so you know, the cleaningdy won¡¯t be back for a month, so you¡¯ll be responsible for this task every morning.¡± With that, Jessica turned on her heel and walked away.

    The moment Jessica was out of sight, Lenny approached Eileen and murmured, ¡°You¡¯ve snatched Miss Marshall¡¯s task. Now she¡¯s targeting you.¡±

    Eileen nodded, understanding dawning on her. ¡°Is this how tant workce bullying can get?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not always this direct, but here, no one dares challenge Miss Marshall. You either put up with it or resign. Comining to the higher-ups won¡¯t make a difference,¡± Lenny exined, ncing at the broom and mop. ¡°I can lend a hand if you need it.¡±

    Her offer was genuinely kind. With Jessica¡¯s hostility, Eileen would likely facepany-wide istion, and helping her might make Lenny a target as well.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for you to assist me with this. Could you do me another favor instead?¡± Eileen murmured quietly into Lenny¡¯s ear. Lenny stared at her in disbelief, her eyes widening.

    ¡°What are you talking about? You¡¯ll have to cover the cost yourself that way.¡±

    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry; it won¡¯t be too expensive,¡± Eileen reassured her. ¡°If I take on the cleaning during my lunch break, it will count as overtime, so Jessica will end up paying me double my sry.¡±

    However, Lenny was skeptical about the possibility of receiving double pay. ¡°Eileen, you¡¯re being too naive about this. Miss Marshall will¡ª¡±

    Stay updated with g?ln¦Òv???s

    Eileen gently patted her on the shoulder, interrupting, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. I¡¯ve got this under control.¡± Recognizing Eileen¡¯s determination, Lenny promptly dialed the number for the housekeeping service.

    When the afternoon work period began, Jessica made her rounds through the administrative department, only to find it impably clean. Her face contorted with fury.

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you¡¯ll be able to maintain this for an entire month, Eileen!¡±

    ¡°Miss Marshall,¡± Savannah said, emerging from the office. She shot a quick nce at Lenny before guiding Jessica to the side to murmur something privately.

    Seething with anger, Jessica stormed to the top floor. Without hesitation, she flung open Bryan¡¯s office door. It banged against the stopper with a jarring noise, jolting Gabri out of her sleep.

    Gabri lifted her arm and began to cry uncontrobly. Herrge eyes, still rimmed with the red of disturbed sleep, quickly filled with tears. They soon began cascading down her cheeks.

    Eileen, equally startled, quickly held Gabri in her arms and began soothing her with gentle pats.

    Jessica barreled into the room and positioned herself directly in front of Eileen, disregarding everything else. ¡°Eileen, how dare you bring in a cleaner?¡±

    ¡°Miss Marshall, could you at least try to speak civilly? You¡¯re scaring the child!¡± Eileen rose to her feet, maintaining a cautious distance from Jessica while holding Gabri protectively.

    But seeing that only Eileen and Gabri were in the office, Jessica approached Eileen, her voice rising with anger. ¡°Stop pretending to care for the child! Answer my question!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 774

    ?Chapter 774:

    ¡°What is there to answer?¡± Eileen responded coolly as Gabri¡¯s cries continued.

    ¡°It¡¯s absurd for apany of this level tock a cleaner. Employees are left to manage these tasks during critical times. Even if you don¡¯t see it as an issue, it¡¯s an evident disgrace!¡±

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± Jessica spat, her face contorting with disdain. ¡°Who do you think you are? What right do you have to criticize thepany¡¯s policies?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I admit I¡¯m not qualified,¡± Eileen shot back defiantly. ¡°If my words upset you, then fire me!¡±

    Her bold remark left Jessica momentarily speechless.

    Unable to verbally defend herself, Jessica decided to take action. She rolled up her sleeves and prepared to charge forward, but Bryan, striding over, quickly stopped her with his leg.

    Consequently, Jessica lost her bnce and tripped. She lunged forward uncontrobly. Noticing this, Eileen swiftly maneuvered to avoid her, holding Gabri tightly in her arms.

    Jessica¡¯s head collided with the wall with a resounding thud. She grimaced in pain as a dull buzzing filled her head and darkness began to cloud her vision. Settling onto the sofa, Eileen gently soothed Gabri. She then retrieved the small jelly Gabri liked, and as Gabri tasted the treat, her cries slowly subsided. Gabri tried to stand up on the sofa, clutching the armrest with her tiny hands. She looked at Jessica, who was now sprawled on the floor.

    Bryan, his hands casually tucked into his pockets, surveyed Jessica with a detached expression. ¡°Miss Marshall, you¡¯ve attempted to attack people in my office. Don¡¯t you think you owe me an exnation?¡±

    Find more books at g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, you¡¯ve misunderstood the situation¡­¡± Jessica said, clearly intimidated by Bryan¡¯s frosty demeanor. She pushed through the pain to stand up and rify. ¡°I¡¯m here to address an issue with Eileen. She¡¯s been avoiding me. She deliberately pinched your daughter to make her cry. I had nothing to do with scaring your daughter!¡± Jessica lied without hesitation.

    Eileen spun around to face Jessica and retorted, ¡°Miss Marshall, I¡¯m not as heartless as to harm a child. If you doubt me, let Mr. Dawson examine Gabri to see if there are any marks from pinching on her.¡±

    ¡°The baby¡¯s skin is so delicate that any pinch would make her cry for a long time. The pinch won¡¯t leave a mark,¡± Jessica quickly said.

    ¡°Miss Marshall, you¡¯ve never had a child yourself. How could you possibly know that there would be no mark from a pinch? Gabri¡¯s skin is fair and delicate. Even a firm press would leave a noticeable red mark, let alone a pinch,¡± Eileen countered sharply.

    As Eileen spoke, Jessica¡¯s expression darkened. She found herself outmatched in the art of argument by Eileen. The most unsettling part was Bryan¡¯spleteck of response. How could he ce so much trust in Eileen?

    ¡°Enough,¡± Bryan said, casting a detached nce at Jessica. ¡°Miss Marshall, please refrain froming to my office unless it¡¯s absolutely necessary. If you need to discuss something with Eileen, inform me beforehand. And don¡¯t squabble with her in front of the child.¡±

    Jessica quickly nodded. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Dawson. This won¡¯t happen again.¡±

    She regretted her carelessness. Not only had she failed to resolve her issue with Eileen, but she had also nearly offended Bryan. She vowed to seize a more opportune moment to deal with Eileen once and for all.

    Once Jessica had left, Eileen furrowed her brow at Bryan and asked, ¡°Are you reallyfortable letting me deal with Jessica on my own?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 775

    ?Chapter 775:

    ¡°If not for Gabri, you would have defeated her easily.¡± Bryan nced at Gabri¡¯s tear-streaked face, approached her, and gently wiped away her tears with his fingertips. Turning to Eileen with a serious expression, he added, ¡°Make sure to get justice for Gabri next time.¡±

    Eileen felt resigned and asked, ¡°Couldn¡¯t this be handled by you since you¡¯re Gabri¡¯s father?¡±

    ¡°If I acted out of anger, the VQ Group might be at risk. Are you certain you want that?¡± he responded earnestly, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

    Hecked the patience for meticulous nning. However, Eileen¡¯s goal wasn¡¯t to take control of the VQ Group but rather to ensure her mother could rest in the family cemetery. So, Eileen quickly refused him, saying, ¡°No, thank you. I can handle this myself. In fact, it¡¯s rather satisfying that way. When I consider it more carefully, please don¡¯t act impulsively.¡±

    Even though she shared Bryan¡¯s impatience, particrly after Jessica¡¯s recent actions, she knew she needed to remain calm and strategize. The matter could not be rushed.

    Nevertheless, passivity was never her style. Eileen quickly turned to Bryan and suggested, ¡°How about we visit Conroy¡¯s house tonight?¡±

    ¡°Are you nning to make a polite visit or show up unannounced?¡± Bryan inquired.

    Without missing a beat, Eileen answered, ¡°Of course, thetter. There¡¯s no use in making a formal visit. This afternoon, you came up with a reason to go to Conroy¡¯s home in the¡­¡±

    ¡°Evening.¡±

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re giving me all the time in the world,¡± Bryan teased with a chuckle, leaning in to lift Eileen¡¯s chin and kiss her softly.

    Fresh uploads now at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??ls

    ¡°I must admit, my thoughts are consumed with you right now.¡±

    Suddenly, Gabri approached. She flung her arms around Eileen¡¯s neck, shoved Bryan¡¯s hand away, and nted a kiss on Eileen¡¯s cheek. She then shed a wide grin at Eileen and gave Bryan a yful roll of the eyes.

    Bryan¡¯s face fell into a frown, but as soon as his expression darkened, Gabri¡¯s eyes lit up with a mischievous smile as she called out, ¡°Daddy¡­¡±

    Her adorable demeanor immediately softened Bryan¡¯s heart. He bent down to kiss Gabri¡¯s cheek and said, ¡°I¡¯m off to a meeting now.¡±

    With that, Bryan turned to leave, while Gabri swiftly wiped her cheek with her hand.

    Eileen nearly burst intoughter at the scene.

    Later in the afternoon, Eileen received an unexpected call from Benjamin. After exchanging pleasantries, Benjamin asked, ¡°Mr. Ferguson has traveled to Alverton. Have you had a chance to meet with him?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen replied. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    After a brief pause, Benjamin responded, ¡°I¡¯ve heard from Mr. Ferguson¡¯s team that he has instructed them to look into your activities in Alverton and identify everyone you¡¯ve been in contact with this morning. Is there some sort of falling out between you two?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Eileen replied, not surprised that Julio would be probing into her affairs. ¡°I saw Dalores here. Julia came here looking for her, but I didn¡¯t disclose her location to him. I suppose he¡¯s now trying to track my contacts to find out where she is.¡±

    In reality, Eileen believed that since Julio had discovered that Dalores was in Alverton, he would eventually find Dalores, regardless of whether he began his search with her.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 776

    ?Chapter 776:

    ¡°I appreciate you calling to inform me of this,¡± Eileen said to Benjamin.

    Benjamin let out a sigh of relief and spoke in a more casual tone, ¡°You¡¯re wee. I was just concerned that if you and Julio are at odds, I might find myself in a difficult position.¡±

    ¡°You should prioritize your own interests as you used to,¡± Eileen replied, hinting at something. ¡°That¡¯s who you truly are.¡±

    After a long pause, Benjamin chuckled and said, ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±

    Once the call ended, Eileen wondered whether she should inform Dalores about Julio¡¯s presence in Alverton.

    After reflecting deeply, Eileen realized she didn¡¯t have any contact details and had to let the matter go. Since she hadmitted to not meddling in Dalores and Julio¡¯s affairs, she resolved to staypletely out of it.

    Before leaving work, Bryan made a point to inquire about Conroy¡¯s evening ns and found out that he had no engagements for the night.

    Thus, after Eileen and Bryan had returned home, freshened up, and changed, they made their way directly to Conroy¡¯s ce with Gabri.

    They rang the doorbell several times until the door swung open, revealing Conroy. He panicked when he saw them at his door.

    ¡°Oh, Mr. Dawson, what brings you here?¡±

    ¡°Sorry to bother you, Mr. Finch,¡± Bryan replied. ¡°We¡¯ve run out of sauce at home and thought we might join you for dinner.¡± He said this flimsy excuse with a serious expression. However, Conroy did not dare call him out on it.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s brings your imagination alive

    ¡°Oh, but I haven¡¯t prepared anything fancy. I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t host you properly right now. I¡¯ll get changed, and maybe we can go out for dinner together.¡±

    Standing next to Bryan, Eileen caught a glimpse of a shadow moving behind Conroy, indicating someone else was present in the vi.

    ¡°Eating out is quite costly, Mr. Dawson. Your daughter is still young, and it isn¡¯t healthy for her to be fed from restaurants often. Let¡¯s cook here at home,¡± Eileen said, looking up at Bryan. ¡°Mr. Dawson, do you enjoy my cooking? If Mr. Finch doesn¡¯t have anything prepared, I can cook with what¡¯s avable. Would that be alright?¡±

    Conroy was about to object, but Bryan quickly interjected.

    ¡°Certainly. It¡¯s already an intrusion for us to drop by unannounced. I¡¯m fine with whatever is avable.¡±

    At the entrance of the vi, an uneasy silence fell. Conroy stood by the door, his fingers turning white as he clutched the doorknob, unable to release it. Should he allow them inside? But there was someone else at his home¡­

    Yet turning them away wasn¡¯t an option, especially not with Bryan present.

    ¡°If it¡¯s too much trouble, we can leave, Mr. Finch,¡± Bryan offered, though he remained stationary.

    Conroy shivered and quickly said, ¡°No, it¡¯s no trouble at all, Mr. Dawson.¡±

    ¡°Then thank you,¡± Bryan responded smoothly.

    Conroy was at a loss for words. He hesitated for a moment and then stepped aside to let Eileen and Bryan enter. He retrieved disposable slippers from the closet for them. The noise from the living room ceased.

    As Eileen and Bryan changed their shoes, Conroy went into the living room first, only returning after they finished.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 777

    ?Chapter 777:

    Eileen noticed that Conroy was still in his office attire, though it was somewhat rumpled. His shirt was partly untucked, his belt loosened, and his tiey abandoned on the couch. A faint, familiar scent of perfume lingered in the air.

    Eileen couldn¡¯t quite pinpoint where she had smelled the scent before.

    ¡°Well, Eileen, let¡¯s head to the kitchen and see what we can whip up for dinner,¡± Conroy suggested, giving Eileen a look.

    Eileen followed him to the kitchen and started searching through the refrigerator, which was fully stocked. Inside, there were steaks, chicken, a variety of fresh vegetables.

    ¡°Then, Mr. Dawson, we can¡¯t cook dinner here. We¡¯ll go out instead,¡± Conroy whispered firmly to Eileen.

    Eileen pulled out the steak. ¡°But dining out is costly. We could cut the costs in half by cooking here. Besides, you¡¯ve got everything we need in the fridge.¡±

    Conroy halted her actions and demanded, ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear me? We¡¯re not eating at home. I¡¯ll treat Mr. Dawson to dinner at a restaurant!¡±

    His voice grew almost ferocious. Worried that Bryan might overhear, he peeked toward the door and lowered his voice. ¡°Just do what I say.¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t afford to be extravagant. A meal out, by Mr. Dawson¡¯s standards, might cost a month¡¯s sry. Mr. Dawson is understanding. He won¡¯t object to eating here,¡± Eileen said seriously.

    If it hadn¡¯t been for the sincerity and innocence in Eileen¡¯s eyes, Conroy might have thought she was purposely causing trouble for him.

    Feel inspired by g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s???????

    ¡°You¡ª¡± Conroy began. ¡°Mr. Dawson, do you prefer beef or chicken? We also have potatoes and broli. What¡¯s your choice?¡±

    Eileen suddenly shouted to Bryan in the living room, deliberately ignoring Conroy.

    ¡°Mr. Finch prefers either is fine with me,¡± Bryan responded calmly.

    Conroy quickly said, ¡°No need for that. We¡¯ll go with whatever Mr. Dawson prefers.¡±

    Eileen interpreted this as approval to select ingredients based on her preferences. She set aside the beef, chose the chicken, and picked some of her favorite side dishes.

    As soon as she finished selecting the ingredients, Bryan entered the kitchen. He rolled up his sleeves and said, ¡°It¡¯s bad enough we dropped in without warning. Can I help with anything?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for you to do anything here!¡± Conroy reacted as if he were confronting a major challenge and quickly ushered Bryan out. ¡°These dishes are simple. I¡¯ve got it all covered. Dawson, please just make yourselffortable.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Finch, you know how to cook?¡± Bryan asked, his tone rxed.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s have Mr. Finch cook. Eileen, I¡¯m eager to taste his cooking,¡± Bryan said.

    Conroy, taken aback, felt as though he had been cornered by his own words. It must have been the suddenness of their visit that made him feel something was amiss.

    Conroy quickly concurred with enthusiasm, only asking Eileen to help by washing the vegetables.

    After finishing the preparations, Eileen left the kitchen and sat in the living room. Her eyesnded on a Chanel handbag tucked under the sofa. She nced toward the staircase and noticed a beige stocking in the corner.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 778

    ?Chapter 778:

    ¡°Someone is upstairs,¡± Bryan said, ncing upward.

    ¡°Do you think we¡¯ll get a chance to go up?¡± Eileen asked.

    ¡°I doubt we¡¯ll get the opportunity,¡± Eileen responded, shaking her head. Their visit had already unnerved Conroy too much. He would not allow them upstairs today.

    Yet, the visit wasn¡¯t pointless.

    Eileen now knew the person hiding in Conroy¡¯s ce wasn¡¯t Jessica. She recognized that the beige stocking and the stylish handbag didn¡¯t fit Jessica¡¯s usual style. Was Conroy unfaithful, or had she misunderstood Jessica¡¯s rtionship with him?

    ¡°As long as the woman remains in Conroy¡¯s house, we have no cause for concern. Once she steps out, we¡¯ll catch sight of her,¡± Eileen turned to Bryan and dered.

    ¡°We¡¯ll sleep in the car tonight.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m okay with that,¡± Bryan replied, lifting his eyebrows. ¡°As long as you can handle it.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s expression was one of mild confusion. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I be able to handle it? You¡¯re underestimating me. Staying up all night is nothing to me.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s eyes narrowed as he looked from her face to her waist, speaking softly. ¡°I¡¯m concerned about your waist.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just sitting in the car for one night. What¡¯s the big deal?¡± Eileen remained unfazed.

    Bryan leaned closer, his voice almost a whisper in her ear. ¡°Are you certain we¡¯ll just be sitting in the car?¡±

    Understanding Bryan¡¯s words, Eileen elbowed him in the chest. ¡°I¡¯ll be by myself!¡±

    Find great reads at g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s

    ¡°How can I be at ease then?¡± Bryan replied, his voice filled with concern. ¡°It¡¯s too risky for you to stay in the car alone.¡±

    ¡°But we can¡¯t leave Gabri at home by herself!¡± Eileen quickly said, anticipating Bryan¡¯s thoughts.

    ¡°That¡¯s decided then. Now, be quiet!¡± Bryan responded.

    At that moment, Conroy came out of the kitchen. Eileen swiftly nudged Bryan aside and moved to Gabri¡¯s side.

    About twenty minutester, dinner was served, consisting of four dishes and a soup. Eileen and Bryan sat at the table with Conroy but hardly touched their food, engaging only in sparse polite conversation. The meal had taken nearly an hour to prepare, but they finished eating in less than ten minutes. Conroy¡¯s frustration intensified when Bryan candidly critiqued his cooking after the meal.

    ¡°Mr. Finch, your cooking could use some work. Perhaps refrain from offering to cook next time,¡± Bryan said.

    Conroy managed a forced smile. ¡°Mr. Dawson, I¡¯ve been cooking for myself for so long; I suppose I¡¯ve grown ustomed to my own style.¡±

    Bryan nodded solemnly and then ventured into more personal territory. ¡°Must be challenging for you, living on your own. I heard your wife passed away a long time ago. Have you considered remarrying?¡±

    Caught off guard by the personal question, Conroy didn¡¯t know what to say. He nced at Eileen instinctively, unsure if she was aware of the Vazquez family rules.

    After a brief hesitation, he replied courteously, ¡°My wife and I shared a profound connection. Although she¡¯s gone, I don¡¯t n to remarry.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 779

    ?Chapter 779:

    ¡°You can think about remarrying,¡± Eileen chimed in, dabbling her mouth with a napkin. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be better to spend your life with someone instead of living alone?¡±

    Conroy frowned.

    ¡°I¡¯ll manage my personal matters myself,¡± he said.

    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Eileen replied, then turned to Bryan. ¡°Mr. Dawson, you shouldn¡¯t pry into someone else¡¯s private matters.¡±

    Her tone suggested she found Bryan¡¯s prying slightly irritating, casting him in a meddlesome light.

    Bryan acknowledged her point coolly, then stood up and lifted Gabri from her chair. ¡°I was merely curious, Mr. Finch. No harm meant.¡±

    ¡°None taken,¡± Conroy replied stiffly, standing to escort Bryan out, shooting a few annoyed looks at Eileen when Bryan wasn¡¯t looking.

    Eileen disregarded him and left with Bryan. Back at home, she positioned herself in the chair by the floor-to-ceiling window, keeping watch over Conroy¡¯s front door.

    As darkness settled, she adjusted the reclining seat to maintain her vignce.

    Around ten o¡¯clock in the evening, the car door suddenly opened, and Bryan slipped in. Pressing a finger to Eileen¡¯s lips, he set his phone in the holder, disying a live feed of their bedroom where Gabri was peacefully sleeping.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Eileen whispered.

    ¡°Gabri is asleep. I came to keep youpany.¡± Bryan extended his arm, wrapped it around her waist, and drew her close. ¡°Has the person note out yet? She might stay the night.¡±

    Feel the thrill at g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s

    Eileen shifted slightly, amodating Bryan¡¯s subtle movements. ¡°Or she could be waiting for a quiet moment to leave.¡±

    Eileen believed she would need to remain here for quite some time tonight.

    ¡°That makes sense. Let¡¯s stay here and wait.¡± Bryan leaned in, kissed her forehead, and then draped a thin nket over her. The weather was cold, but they couldn¡¯t run the heater because that would draw attention.

    Eileen rushed to the car without grabbing a nket. Now, she cuddled closer to Bryan, draping her legs across hisp and pulling the nket tighter around them both. His body heat warmed her, and she soon fell asleep in his embrace.

    In the car, the glow from the phone illuminated Bryan¡¯s defined features as he nced at the sleeping Eileen. He adjusted the nket around her and kept busy on his phone, dealing with some work matters, asionally ncing at Gabri¡¯s video feed.

    Meanwhile, the streetmps outside shone directly on Conroy¡¯s door, making anyone exiting visible. Therefore, Bryan didn¡¯t pay much attention to the door.

    It wasn¡¯t until dawn that Bryan set his phone aside and nced at the vi across the street. Seeing no activity, he stepped out of the car. He went around to the passenger side and carefully carried the still-sleeping Eileen back inside.

    Inside, it was much warmer. Eileen turned over and continued to sleep on the bed.

    Gabri woke up. As soon as she began making noise, Bryan took her downstairs for a walk.

    He continued to watch Conroy¡¯s house, eventually noticing Conroy step outside.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 780

    Chapter 780:

    ¡°Good morning,¡± Conroy greeted with surprise. ¡°Mr. Dawson, you¡¯re up early.¡±

    Bryan replied, his eyes on Gabri as she toddled around. ¡°The kid woke up early.¡±

    Conroy smiled, then paused, sensing something amiss. ¡°What about Eileen? She¡ª¡±

    Bryan interjected. ¡°She¡¯s preparing breakfast.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯m off to grab some breakfast. See you, Dawson.¡± Conroy waved, then got into his car and drove away.

    Bryan nced at Conroy¡¯s vi, scooped up Gabri, and brought her inside.

    After preparing breakfast, Bryan sent Gabri upstairs to wake Eileen. Once Eileen hade downstairs for breakfast, he said, ¡°That person hasn¡¯t left yet. Conroy went to get breakfast. She might leave after he heads to work. Maybe you should stay home today.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± After a moment of thought, Eileen asked, ¡°Should I knock on the door after Conroy leaves?¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re not worried about rming them, you can do that,¡± Bryan replied, reminding Eileen of her options.

    It was now clear Conroy was having an affair. Eileen needed concrete proof, not just to catch him red-handed.

    Eileen thought for a moment before saying, ¡°I¡¯ll figure something out. I need to at least see what this woman looks like. It will help with the investigation.¡±

    Knowing that Eileen was smart, Bryan didn¡¯t object. He quietly finished his breakfast, tidied up, and headed off to work. As soon as Bryan left, Eileen arranged for lunch to be delivered from a five-star hotel directly to Conroy¡¯s house, scheduled for eleven o¡¯clock.

    Every story starts at galn ovels ;

    She spent the morning engaging with Gabri, and as noon approached, the weather brightened. Eileen stepped out with Gabri. As soon as she was out, she encountered Dalores, who wasden with shopping bags.

    When Dalores noticed Eileen, she paused and handed some snacks to Gabri.

    ¡°Dalores, give me your phone number. It¡¯ll make it easier for us to contact each other in the future,¡± Eileen said, pulling out her phone and looking at Dalores expectantly.

    Dalores hesitated before replying, ¡°Kinsey doesn¡¯t want me to have contact with outsiders. He hasn¡¯t given me a phone.¡± Kinsey had been treating Dalores like a captive.

    Eileen was just about to respond when her phone rang. The name ¡°Julia Ferguson¡± appeared on the screen, startling Dalores.

    Unconsciously, Dalores looked at Eileen with a pleading gaze. Eileen quickly retrieved her phone, paused for a moment, and then answered the call.

    ¡°Mr. Ferguson.¡±

    ¡°Where are you living now?¡± Julio¡¯s voice wasn¡¯t loud, but in the quiet environment, Dalores could hear it. She swiftly clutched her wrist, shaking her head repeatedly.

    ¡°Is there something you need?¡± Acting on instinct, Eileen sided with Dalores and asked, ¡°Did Bryan instruct you to contact Raymond for anything you might need?¡±

    Julio remained silent for a few seconds before getting straight to the point. ¡°My issue is directly rted to you. I¡¯ll be frank¡ªI¡¯ve looked into where you¡¯ve been. Apart from that, you¡¯ve only been at home. Considering Dalores might have recently had a baby and can¡¯t work, I suspect she¡¯s living near your ce.¡±

    Without hesitating, Eileen responded, ¡°Do you really think she could afford a vi on her own with a child?¡± Julio fell silent.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Hope you enjoyed the chapters dear ones. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ?(?? ? ? )??

    .

 Chapter 781

    ?Chapter 781:

    Back when Dalores had been with him, she hadn¡¯t had much money. Now, with a child, it would be a miracle if she didn¡¯t starve to death. How could she possibly afford a vi?

    ¡°I¡¯m willing to trade shares in the Ferguson Group for information on her whereabouts,¡± Julio said, his tone now shifting to a more businesslike one.

    Hearing this, Eileen firmly decided to support Dalores. ¡°Julio, not everyone is driven by money. I might work for you, but your issues with Dalores are personal. I won¡¯t get involved.¡±

    She neither aided Dalores¡¯ escape nor disclosed her location to Julio; that was all she could do.

    After stating her position, Eileen ended the call. Looking at Dalores, who was sweating despite the chilly air, she said, ¡°Julio came here a few days ago. He knows you¡¯re in this city. That¡¯s all I can share.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Dalores replied.

    Julio¡¯s call hade at the right moment, relieving Eileen of the decision on whether to tell Dalores about his presence here. Eileen put away her phone and advised, ¡°Take care of yourself.¡±

    Dalores suddenly stopped Eileen. ¡°Eileen, we¡¯re friends, aren¡¯t we? I know I might not deserve to call you a friend, but I¡¯m not asking for your help, just some guidance.¡±

    What should she do? How could she evade Julio¡¯s relentless pursuit? With Kinsey, she was merely someone he coborated with. She doubted whether Kinsey would choose to defend her in front of Julio.

    She was aware that Julio was after the baby. Surrendering the child might free her from Julio, but the baby was her entire world. The turmoil was evident on her face, and Eileen understood her dilemma with just a nce.

    Freshly uploaded on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s

    ¡°As a mother, I understand how hard it is to part with your child. But Julio is fixated on getting the baby. If you want to sever ties with himpletely, you need to find a way to make him give up the baby. The specifics of how, though, you¡¯ll need to figure that out yourself,¡± Eileen said. She found it hard to remain indifferent. She empathized deeply with Dalores as a mother. Without her child, Dalores would be devastated.

    Dalores thought for a moment, then nodded. ¡°I understand. Thank you, Eileen.¡±

    ¡°I have to go now. You should head back,¡± Eileen said. She felt she didn¡¯t deserve Dalores¡¯ gratitude, but at the same time, she felt guilty toward Julio. Caught in the middle, she didn¡¯t know if she had done the right thing.

    She returned with Gabri just as the hotel car arrived. Waiters swiftly disembarked, carrying trays directly to Conroy¡¯s vi. The door opened, but the waiters obstructed Eileen¡¯s view. She couldn¡¯t clearly see the woman inside, but she could just make out that the woman was dressed in a dark red gown with long hair, looking very sexy. Once the waiters had ced the dishes inside, they departed. Eileen took her time walking back home. Two minutester, her phone suddenly pinged with messages.

    She unlocked her phone and saw several photos sent by the hotel manager. She had requested the hotel staff to snap a few pictures of the woman as they entered. The cold quickly numbed her fingers as she handled her phone. She scooped up Gabri and rushed back to the vi, settling by the heater to examine the photos.

    ¡°Damn it!¡± she muttered, flinging her phone onto the sofa.

    Who would wear a face mask in broad daylight, especially an algae mask that covered everything but the eyes and mouth? Eileen couldn¡¯t see the woman¡¯s face at all in the photos. And that meal had cost her a substantial sum!

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 782

    ?Chapter 782:

    Frustrated, Eileen retrieved her phone and dialed Bryan. She had just wasted money. Bryan, who was in a meeting, listened to her. Despite having bank ounts well into the billions, Eileen was vexed over losing a few hundred dors.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll get your money back from Conroy,¡± Bryan whispered. After all, he was surrounded by Conroy¡¯s team members at the meeting, so he had to keep his voice down.

    Afterforting Eileen, Bryan ended the call. When he looked up, his expression had quickly shifted from gentle to serious. Someone asked, ¡°Mr. Dawson, did you just mention Mr. Finch?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Bryan replied.

    ¡°I mentioned that since I¡¯m working for Mr. Finch, I won¡¯t let him suffer financial losses. After all, I was brought on board for a high fee, but whether he secures this profit eventually is up to him.¡±

    The group was puzzled, unable to grasp his meaning. Nevertheless, they all apuded and continued to tter Bryan. ¡°Mr. Dawson, you are absolutely right!¡±

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, you¡¯ve done your part. Now, the matter is in Mr. Finch¡¯s hands.¡±

    On her return home, Dalores passed by the snooping maids, directed the servants, and headed upstairs.

    Though she was married to Kinsey, her child carried herst name. Her child¡¯s full name was Emerson Sampson. Kinsey spared no expense on the child, hiring a top-tier nanny and ensuring only the best for everything.

    Dalores had even entertained the idea of living in this vi indefinitely if Kinsey permitted it. She had believed that, in this way, she and her child would at least be safe.

    g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s hosts great fiction

    But now, she realized that this might not be the case.

    Eileen was correct. This was the root of Julio¡¯s fixation. She needed to find a way to make Julio relinquish his interest in the child. That alone would suffice.

    After pondering for a bit, she charged her old phone and powered it on.

    Within seconds, it was inundated with missed calls and messages.

    Among them was a transaction notification from an unknown number. The number had also sent a message.

    ¡°Been cooperative. The deal isplete, and I¡¯ll deliver the promised benefits. But you¡¯d better keep your distance and never return. Otherwise, neither you nor the child will be safe.¡±

    At that time, Dalores had considered fleeing, not only to escape external control but also because a mysterious figure had reached out, urging her to escape. This person had orchestrated several escape ns for her, but Dalores had hesitated, wary of their unknown motives. Eventually, the person had warned her starkly¡ªif she stayed and delivered the baby, they would kill the baby. Realizing the gravity of her situation, Dalores had begun coborating with the person to escape.

    As Dalores mulled over these memories, the abrupt ring of her phone shattered the silence of the room. The number, unmarked but hauntingly familiar, shed insistently on the screen. Dalores¡¯ heart pounded as she hesitated. Then, on the fifth ring, she steeled herself and answered.

    ¡°Dalores!¡± The voice of Julio pierced through, icy and sharp, casting a chill over the room. ¡°How dare you run away? Did you even consider the repercussions? Are you not terrified of what I can do if I catch you?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 783

    ?Chapter 783:

    His questions wereden with menace, causing Dalores¡¯ voice to quiver. ¡°Julio, I don¡¯t want to have anything to do with you anymore! Let¡¯s meet and end this cleanly.¡±

    ¡°End this?¡± Julio¡¯sugh was cold. ¡°You think you get to decide? We¡¯ll meet, but I choose the ce. I call the shots.¡±

    Before Dalores could protest, he ended the call.

    The phone slipped from Dalores¡¯ grasp as a wave of dread washed over her. Julio was a looming specter in her life, a disaster she couldn¡¯t escape. Dalores¡¯ mind raced as her phone lit up once more, disying a terse message from Julio. The meeting was set for three o¡¯clock in the afternoon at a coffee shop. ncing at the clock, Dalores noted with a sinking feeling that it was nearly one already. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, Dalores dialed Kinsey. ¡°Can you do me a favor?¡±

    The coffee shop bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun. Dalores was anxious. She fidgeted in her seat by the window, her eyes darting to her watch every few minutes. It had been six months since she hadst seen Julio. The prospect of facing him now, under such strained circumstances, was daunting. She was sure Julio would be angry. As the minutes ticked closer to their meeting time, her heartbeat quickened.

    She looked out the window and gave a slight pull on her sleeve. Julio emerged, the cool air shutting around him. He removed his sunsses and scanned the area before his gaze settled on Dalores. Even through the window, Dalores could feel the chill from his icy stare.

    Julio approached with a purposeful stride. His ck jacket billowed slightly around him, entuating his tall frame and giving him an imposing presence.

    Without a word, Julio sat down across from Dalores. ¡°Where is the child?¡± he demanded immediately.

    Dalores slid the menu toward him, a futile attempt to dy the conversation. ¡°Why don¡¯t you order some coffee first? We can talk over a drink.¡±

    ¡°No need for that,¡± Julio dismissed her suggestion curtly. ¡°I¡¯m not here for small talk.¡±

    ¡°So, you¡¯re only here for the child?¡± Dalores asked, her voice barely above a whisper, her hand gripping the edge of the tablecloth.

    Julio¡¯s affirmation came swiftly. As he nodded, Dalores¡¯ eyes brimmed with tears, her worst fears beginning to materialize. ¡°You promised me you¡¯d deliver the baby and walk away afterward. You were the one who broke the promise, not me. How can you act as if I¡¯m the viin here?¡±

    Julio¡¯s tone was icy. Daloresposed herself before replying. ¡°Promise? It was you who cornered me into agreeing. How could you be so heartless, Julio? Do you even understand what it means to be a mother? You¡ª¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t force you to have a baby!¡± Julio interjected sharply.

    ¡°You chose to sleep with me. You didn¡¯t take precautions, and you chose to keep the baby. All those decisions were yours.¡± His words stung Dalores¡¯ heart.

    It seemed like, in his mind, she had always been the one moving toward him, while he had remained detached. She remembered their first night together; he had been intoxicated. The second time, she hadn¡¯t refused. The third time¡­ thest time, when she had gotten pregnant, she had been willing to sleep with him to help him because he had been drugged.

    So, she had asked for this?

    Dalores¡¯ gaze dropped, hershes fluttering as tears began their slow descent onto her hands. Seeing this, Julio¡¯s expression softened.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 784

    ?Chapter 784:

    ¡°Just tell me, how much money do you need?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not after your money,¡± Dalores replied, her voice breaking. ¡°I lost the baby¡­¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Julio frowned, looking at her t abdomen.

    When Dalores had fled, she had been nearly due to give birth. What did she mean by saying she had lost the baby? Dalores reached into her purse and pulled out a surgical abortion consent form¡ªthe form, her signature, dated just two weeks after her escape.

    ¡°When I escaped, I was penniless on the streets of Alverton, where the nighttime temperatures dropped far below zero. I nearly died out there.¡± Dalores¡¯ voice was steady, her eyes hollow yet determined. ¡°Facing that, I knew the baby wouldn¡¯t survive. So, I used thest of my money for an abortion. After that, I found work to sustain myself.¡±

    Julio stared at her, disbelief etched on his features.

    Dalores said, ¡°Remember the gold bracelet you bought in advance for the baby? I sold it. That¡¯s how I got the money for the abortion.¡±

    Julio suddenly stood up, his hands mming onto the table. He leaned toward her, gripping her cor. ¡°Say that again!¡±

    ¡°I can repeat it a hundred times if needed,¡± Dalores shot back, her voice rising. ¡°I terminated the pregnancy myself! Because you, Julio, you¡¯re not fit to be a father. You¡¯re a heartless monster!¡± Dalores met his furious gaze without flinching.

    ¡°I¡¯d never want my child to inherit your cruelty. You disgust me!¡±

    Julio¡¯s grip tightened on her cor, his hands shaking with rage. Dalores¡¯ expression was filled with such disdain that it pierced his chest like a knife.

    Your story hub g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s

    ¡°You owe me a life!¡± Julio¡¯s voice was a raw growl. Dalores shoved his hand aside, surged to her feet, and flung her coffee at his face.

    ¡°You don¡¯t deserve any repayment,¡± she dered. ¡°You brought color into my life, but then, you tore it apart. Let¡¯s act like we¡¯re strangers from now on.¡±

    With that, she turned around and left. It was only after this encounter that she grasped a painful truth: distance did not sever the bonds of affection. She discovered that even deep-seated hatred was insufficient to erase a person from her heart.

    Sitting by the window, Julio watched as Dalores left the coffee shop. Her figure shrank into the distance until it was just a speck.

    In a gesture of frustration, Julio mmed his hand down, sshing a ss of water onto the floor. The anger etched on his face was terrifying. The waiters, ready to clean up, paused and exchanged uneasy looks.

    Fortunately, Julio turned and quickly walked away, leaving the chaos behind without doing anything further.

    His mind was in turmoil. He sped out of the crowded city, overtaking car after car.

    Dalores, who had just boarded the bus, nced back and saw Julio¡¯s car charging forward. The car nearly collided with a water truck when it abruptly swerved, sliding into thene of the bus.

    Dalores gasped. Before she could breathe a sigh of relief for Julio, the bus braked sharply due to his suddenne change. The abrupt stop caused her to lose her bnce and tumble into the aisle. The bus wasn¡¯t crowded, but the sudden jolt led to minor injuries among the passengers, who voiced their difort. Dalores, head bowed, cradled the part of her body that hurt, while unexpected tears trickled down her cheeks. How could it not hurt?

    The physical pain was insignificantpared to the ache in her heart. Now, her rtionship with Julio waspletely over. Their past experiences made it clear they wouldn¡¯t even be friends.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 785

    ?Chapter 785:

    If love was impossible, then let their rtionship end in mutual disdain, with no further contact.

    Eileen understood Bryan¡¯s words earlier about asking Conroy to reimburse the money.

    In the evening, Conroy¡¯s assistant arrived, knocked on the door, and delivered a spread of gourmet dishes, significantly morevish than what Eileen had ordered earlier.

    ¡°Ms. Curtis, Mr. Finch instructed me to set this up. He was informed that Mr. Dawson was expecting a guest, and due to a mix-up at the restaurant at noon, the dishes were sent to his ce by mistake. So, he arranged this meal for Mr. Dawson.¡±

    Eileen knew the mention of a guest served as an excuse. Not only did it mask the earlier mistake, when several dishes had been delivered to the woman staying at Conroy¡¯s ce, but it also facilitated the reimbursement.

    Bryan was always thoughtful and meticulous in his nning for her. Eileen couldn¡¯t help but smile. She directed the assistant and his staff to arrange all the dishes on the table. Just after Eileen had dismissed them, Bryan returned home.

    Conroy¡¯s people departed following a brief greeting with Bryan.

    Bryan nced over at Eileen, who was standing by the door. He gave her a subtle wink as he greeted Conroy¡¯s people.

    Eileen chuckled as she turned and walked back into the vi. Bryan followed her inside, closing the door behind them. He quickly blocked her path and teased, ¡°I¡¯ve secured double what you lost. Are you pleased now?¡±

    ¡°Not exactly,¡± Eileen responded, gesturing towards the dining room. ¡°It¡¯s just too much food. How can the three of us possibly eat all this?¡±

    Discover updates g?l¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll defer to your n. What should we do?¡± Bryan asked. Suddenly faced with the situation, Eileen didn¡¯t know what to do. She simply didn¡¯t want to waste any food.

    ¡°Is Kinsey workingte today?¡± Eileen inquired.

    ¡°They just started a meeting. It¡¯s tost at least two hours,¡± Bryan informed her.

    Two hours would mean their time off work would be around eight o¡¯clock¡ªnot exactlyte by Bryan¡¯s standards. But Bryan quickly understood what Eileen was implying and rified, ¡°He¡¯ll be home before dinner, though.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll take some food over to Dalores,¡± Eileen said. The dishes were still in their takeaway containers. She packed several dishes randomly and headed to Kinsey¡¯s vi. Theyout of the nearby vis was nearly identical. After two knocks, the door opened.

    ¡°Hello, I¡¯m your neighbor. I had guestsing for dinner, but they had to cancelst minute. I¡¯ve got plenty of food left. If it¡¯s alright with you, I¡¯d like to share some,¡± Eileen said, careful not to reveal her acquaintance with Dalores to the servant.

    The servant scrutinized Eileen, and after a moment, deemed her harmless. ¡°Thank you. Pleasee in for a cup of coffee. Thedy of the house is upstairs; I¡¯ll ask her toe down.¡±

    Eileen expressed her thanks and entered. Inside, the vi¡¯s decor was entirely different, making it hard to believe that the structure was the same as the other vis.

    She was invited to sit in the living room, and someone went to call Dalores down.

    Within thirty seconds, Dalores hurried downstairs, cradling her baby.

    ¡°Eileen¡­ Why are you here?¡± Dalores stopped herself before saying Eileen¡¯s name aloud and nodded politely to her in front of the servant. She then sat down and said, ¡°I heard you brought several dishes over. Thank you.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 786

    ?Chapter 786:

    ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡± Eileen yed with the baby and started a conversation with Dalores about the child. The servant lingered for a bit and then exited the room.

    Eileen then questioned Dalores, ¡°Have you seen Julio? Did he cause you any trouble?¡±

    Dalores shook her head. ¡°No. I¡¯ve made my position clear to him, and he won¡¯t being back.¡±

    ¡°What did you say to make him back off?¡± Eileen asked, curious.

    ¡°I told him I had an abortion,¡± Dalores said, touching her red eyes and dering firmly, ¡°He won¡¯t bother me anymore. He despises me now.¡±

    A heavy silence fell over the room. Eileen hadn¡¯t expected Dalores to say that to Julio.

    ¡°Regardless, this is my decision. I¡¯ll handle whateveres from it. Thank you,¡± Dalores said, offering Eileen a smile.

    Eileen soon left.

    Stepping out of the vi, Eileen deliberately nced at Conroy. The woman inside hadn¡¯t emerged for quite some time, suggesting she might be living there. With a frown, Eileen returned home.

    During the meal, Eileen discussed with Bryan that it wasn¡¯t practical to keep surveince on Conroy¡¯s vi daily.

    ¡°There¡¯s a security camera outside the vi that can be angled in that direction. However, we can¡¯t make it too obvious. You really need to go to the office and can¡¯t keep watch tomorrow.¡± While feeding Gabri, Bryan gave Eileen some advice. He added, ¡°I need to attend a business banquet hosted by VQ Group tomorrow night. I think you should attend, too.¡±

    Find what you love at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s???????

    What Bryan was hinting at was that it was time for them to expose Conroy¡¯s real identity.

    Eileen asionally saw Conroy at thepany. Conroy¡¯s assistant helped him cover his identity, and Eileen always yed along. However, at arge banquet, it would be much harder for Conroy to maintain his act.

    ¡°I¡¯m already tired of this. I¡¯m curious to see how Conroy will handle himself,¡± Eileen said with a smile to Bryan. ¡°But are you sure no one will recognize me there tomorrow night?¡± Despite the fact that Alverton was far from Onnd, businessmen always traveled around the world for work. Some businessmen who hadn¡¯t seeded in Onnd might have moved to Alverton. It was possible that some of them had encountered Eileen before.

    While Conroy and Kinsey, who had never left Alverton, were unaware of Eileen¡¯s identity, that didn¡¯t mean others at the banquet wouldn¡¯t recognize her.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure,¡± Bryan said, shaking his head. ¡°But if you¡¯re not holding Gabri, you might go unrecognized.¡±

    Rumors in Onnd were notoriously oundish, often distorting the truth far beyond what outsiders might believe, including tales of Eileen¡¯s supposed demise or infidelity. In fact, Bryan had reviewed the guest list for the banquet and noted no familiar names. He had just said that to tease Eileen.

    Taking his words seriously, Eileen suggested, ¡°Then maybe you should take Gabri, and I¡¯ll just blend into the background.¡±

    The following morning, Eileen busied herself selecting clothes for the banquet and a new dress for Gabri. She went to thepany at noon, ready to have lunch with Bryan and attend the banquetter.

    Weighed down by Gabri in one arm and shopping bags in the other, Eileen struggled out of the elevator, breathless. That was when she encountered Jessica and her secretary, Tami Glyn.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 787

    ?Chapter 787:

    ¡°Isn¡¯t this Mr. Nanny?¡± Tami said, eyeing Eileen critically. ¡°Shopping on the clock? Do you even take your work seriously?¡±

    Before Eileen could respond, Tami turned to Jessica. ¡°Miss Marshall, don¡¯t you think you should discipline her?¡±

    Jessica eyed the shopping bags and then approached Eileen. ¡°Buying a suit for Mr. Dawson? You must know his size pretty well. Are you two close?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s mouth twitched at the absurd question, but she replied calmly, ¡°Mr. Dawson needed a suit for an urgent matter. He asked me to buy it for him.¡±

    She tactfully sidestepped the other question.

    ¡°What about this?¡± Jessica scrutinized the evening gown inside one of the shopping bags and questioned sharply, ¡°Is this for you?¡±

    Eileen nodded affirmatively.

    Jessica scoffed. ¡°You¡¯re attending the business banquet as well? To babysit?¡±

    Eileen responded firmly, ¡°I apany Mr. Dawson¡¯s daughter wherever she goes, and she¡¯ll go wherever Mr. Dawson goes.¡± Before Jessica could interject, Eileen turned to Tami with a smile.

    ¡°I don¡¯t work under Miss Marshall, and she doesn¡¯t oversee my duties. If my actions bother you, perhaps you should discuss them with Mr. Dawson. Do you need me to take you to him?¡±

    Tami¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°How can you speak in front of Miss Marshall like that?¡±

    Jessica and Tami had believed Eileen would be relegated back to the executive department after Bryan¡¯s departure. Eileen¡¯s audacious behavior now seemed foolish. Yet, Eileen knew that Bryan would take her with him when he left thepany.

    Discover more content at ?¦Áln¦Ò¦Íe?s

    Eileen said, ¡°Why couldn¡¯t I speak like that in front of her? Miss Marshall is human, not some wild animal that might bite, right?¡±

    Unperturbed by their stunned expressions, Eileen proceeded straight to Bryan¡¯s office, carrying Gabri in her arms. She was relieved to finally set Gabri down on Bryan¡¯s desk, where the little girl mbered enthusiastically into her father¡¯s waiting arms.

    As Bryan enveloped Gabri in a warm hug, he looked at Eileen and gestured for her toe closer. He then began gently massaging her tired arms and said, ¡°It¡¯s tough taking care of Gabri on your own, isn¡¯t it? I¡¯ve suggested hiring a nanny before. Have you given it any thought?¡±

    Eileen quickly shook her head. ¡°I¡¯d rather not fuel the office gossip. Everyone already thinks I have too much leisure time, only taking care of Gabri.¡±

    If Conroy sensed anything unusual, it would onlyplicate things further. Meanwhile, as Bryan gently massaged Eileen¡¯s arms, Gabri, perchedfortably on hisp, yfully mimicked his actions on Eileen¡¯s arms.

    Sitting snugly against Bryan, using him like afy chair, Gabri looked at Eileen with a smile while massaging her.

    ¡°Daddy, look,¡± she said, directing Bryan¡¯s hands to where she had just patted Eileen, as if instructing him in the art of massage.

    With a giggle, Gabri cheekily added, ¡°Mommy bought me a dress!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 788

    ?Chapter 788:

    ¡°Mommy used Daddy¡¯s money to buy you the dress,¡± Bryan said, amused by Gabri¡¯s words toward Eileen, wanting some credit for himself. The smile on Gabri¡¯s face slightly dimmed as she turned herrge eyes first to Eileen and then to Bryan.

    She eventually leaned toward Eileen, her eyes seeking confirmation. ¡°Yes, sweetheart, I used Daddy¡¯s money to buy you the dress,¡± Eileen confirmed, nodding.

    Gabri pped her hands joyfully. ¡°As he should!¡± she eximed, swinging her little arms. Bryan was momentarily speechless.

    ¡°That¡¯s right! It¡¯s Daddy¡¯s responsibility to make money for us,¡± Eileen said, crossing her arms and kissing Gabri¡¯s cheek. Her heart swelled with pride at Gabri¡¯s growing understanding of words, sentences, and her ability to engage in conversations.

    Bryan watched the exchange with a mixture of affection and faint anger, his face softening into a smile despite his mock frown.

    After they had a meal, Eileen gently tucked Gabri into bed, ensuring she drifted off to sleep. Slipping quietly out of the office, Eileen made her way to the executive department to find Lenny.

    ¡°Lenny, why the urgency in calling me here?¡± Eileen asked, having received many texts from Lenny requesting her to meet.

    Lenny looked worried as she shared, ¡°I¡¯m in a bit of a pickle. Savanna insisted on having me apany her to thepany¡¯s business banquet tonight. She bypassed many senior employees but chose me, an intern. It feels odd. Is she setting me up for something? Maybe to fire me?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible,¡± Eileen replied, shaking her head. ¡°Even if she¡¯s not fond of you, sabotaging the banquet just to fire you is too far-fetched.¡±

    L?t??t ch¦Ápt?rs ¦Én g??lnov?l??.???m

    ¡°Really?¡± Lenny¡¯s anxiety eased slightly. ¡°But a colleague I trust warned me to be cautious.¡±

    The idea of Savanna bringing Lenny, new and inexperienced, to such a prestigious event was indeed puzzling. Eileen considered attending the banquet only with Gabri but concluded it would be less conspicuous and more beneficial if Lenny could join them.

    Grateful, Lenny grasped Eileen¡¯s hand, visibly relieved by her support.

    Meanwhile, Jessica, fuming, stormed into Conroy¡¯s office to vent.

    Conroy immediately seized on a crucial detail in her words. ¡°Eileen is going to the banquet tonight?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Yeah, it seems it was Dawson¡¯s decision. He probably can¡¯t bear to be away from his daughter. Eileen is being so arrogant because of that!¡± Jessica said. Conroy, absorbed in his own scheming, only half-listened to Jessica¡¯sints.

    His mind raced with strategies to prevent Eileen from attending the banquet without offending Bryan. After dismissing Jessica, Conroy made a decisive move. He issued a directive banning minors from the event.

    Having been dismissed from the office, Jessica stamped her foot in frustration and cast a fierce re at the door of Conroy¡¯s office. ¡°Men are such unreliable creatures! Do you think I¡¯m a nuisance? If you want me to deal with Eileen, I¡¯ll handle it myself!¡± she muttered.

    As she fumed, her gaze fell on Tami, and her expression brightened with a spark of inspiration. Quickly, she approached her. ¡°Tami, you should apany me to the banquet tonight. I have something in mind. Listen¡­¡±

    Eileen hadn¡¯t attended a business banquet in what felt like an eternity. Though she was no stranger to the customs of such events, they now felt somewhat foreign to her. Above all, she also needed to keep her true identity under wraps tonight.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 789

    ?Chapter 789:

    A luxurious red carpet unfurled in front of the hotel entrance, stretching out like a river of velvet to the street. Reporters on either side mored for the perfect shot, their cameras shing.

    Raymond eased the car to a near stop and asked, ¡°Mr. Dawson, should we pull over here?¡±

    ¡°Drive straight to the parking lot,¡± Bryan instructed, his voice steady. He wasn¡¯t certain if the guests inside were familiar with Eileen, but he was confident that many of the reporters were.

    Bryan casually navigated through an app on his tablet, ncing up now and then at Eileen, who was dressed in a sleek ck gown. Gabri wore a pink dress, and the two of them were softly singing a children¡¯s song. Gabri¡¯s voice, sweet and melodic, filled the car, asionally rising above the gentle hum of the engine. Eileen, her voice tender, sang along with Gabri.

    Bryan put away the tablet and, with a protective gesture, wrapped his arm around Eileen¡¯s waist. Leaning in close, he whispered, ¡°We¡¯ll need to go our separate ways once we¡¯re inside. How do you n to handle it if someone tries to hit on you?¡±

    Business parties were notorious breeding grounds for unwanted advances, especially since men far outnumbered women. A woman like Eileen, with her striking figure and beauty, would undoubtedly be the center of attention the moment she stepped inside.

    Eileen chuckled softly, amused by Bryan¡¯s concern, but answered earnestly. ¡°I¡¯ll tell them I¡¯m married and have a daughter.¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t be enough,¡± Bryan responded, clearly not satisfied. Eileen furrowed her brow, searching for a better answer. After a moment, she said, ¡°And I¡¯m expecting our second child?¡±

    Let your imagination soar with g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s£®?¦Ï??

    Bryan narrowed his eyes and looked at her. ¡°Good women lie.¡±

    Eileen was left at a loss for words.

    He was the one who said that wasn¡¯t enough. She had lied for his sake!

    ¡°But that¡¯s alright,¡± Bryan said with a smile, his eyes gleaming mischievously. ¡°I¡¯ll take responsibility for making that liee true.¡±

    Eileen stared at him, utterly bbergasted. He had tricked her on purpose, and she had walked right into his trap without even realizing it!

    As the car slipped into the shadowed confines of the underground parking lot, Eileen, unable to contain her frustration, pinched Bryan hard on the waist. But Bryan didn¡¯t so much as flinch. Without missing a beat, he caught her hand and, in one swift move, brought her index finger to his lips, giving it a yful bite.

    The bite wasn¡¯t hard, but the unexpected softness and warmth of his lips sent a jolt through Eileen. She yanked her hand back with a startled gasp.

    With a soft squeal, the car¡¯s partition slowly slid up, and Raymond said slowly, ¡°Mr. Dawson, the event is about to start. And¡­ Miss Dawson is still seated with you.¡±

    The partition then lowered, sealing off any sound with impressive soundproofing.

    Eileen wanted to rify things, but Raymond probably couldn¡¯t hear her now. Even if he could hear her, she wasn¡¯t sure if he would believe her.

    ¡°This is all your fault!¡± Eileen whispered fiercely to Bryan, her ears burning with frustration.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 790

    ?Chapter 790:

    Gabri, alerted by themotion, swiveled her tiny head toward them. ¡°Fault!¡± she echoed in her babyish voice, which instantly dissolved Eileen¡¯s anger.

    As the car came to a stop, Raymond was itching to bolt as soon as he stepped out. But Bryanmanded coldly, ¡°Get back here!¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Raymond turned around, noticing that neither Eileen nor Bryan appeared particrly ruffled, and sheepishly returned. Trailing behind, Raymond apanied Eileen and Bryan into the elevator and up to the banquet hall.

    At the entrance, staff members were diligently checking invitations.

    Bryan, known by all, strolled ahead without hesitation. He didn¡¯t need an invitation. However, as Eileen tried to enter with Gabri in her arms, she was stopped.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, ma¡¯am, but children aren¡¯t allowed inside the banquet,¡± the staff member said.

    Bryan, who had already taken several steps forward, returned to the entrance, running his fingers sharply along the table.

    ¡°She¡¯s my daughter,¡± Bryan said.

    ¡°Apologies, Mr. Dawson, but those are the rules of the event,¡± the staff member replied.

    Rules? For Bryan, rules didn¡¯t matter.

    It suddenly dawned on Eileen¡ªthis was Conroy¡¯s subtle way of keeping her out.

    ¡°Go and ask Mr. Finch toe here,¡± Bryan ordered coolly, pulling a chair out and gesturing for Eileen to sit down with Gabri.

    Eileen sat down, cradling Gabri. The staff, hesitant and nervous, responded, ¡°Mr. Finch is exceptionally busy today, sir. He said he does not want to be disturbed unless necessary. Please, Mr. Dawson, don¡¯t make things difficult for us. We have a delightful children¡¯s area in the hotel. Perhaps your daughter could y there while you attend the event? If she gets tired, we¡¯ll arrange a room for her to¡ª¡±

    ????t£å??t ???????????????? ???? g¦Álnovels.£ã¦Ïm

    Bryan¡¯s expression darkened, his voice dropping to a cold pitch. ¡°And since you¡¯re being so considerate, will you be arranging a mother and father for her, too?¡±

    Bryan knew Conroy was doing this deliberately, which infuriated him.

    The staff member, visibly shaken, was rendered speechless.

    At that moment, Jessica noticed the standoff at the entrance. She hesitated briefly before approaching Bryan. ¡°Mr. Dawson, is there a problem here?¡±

    Raymond, eager to prevent Bryan from losing his temper, quickly exined, ¡°Miss Marshall, the banquet staff here are refusing entry to Miss Dawson.¡± Jessica blinked in surprise, her gaze shifting to Eileen and the baby in her arms. Not allowing Eileen in would unravel the entire n she and Tami had devised.

    ¡°How could you be so thoughtless?¡± Jessica immediately chastised the staff. ¡°This is Mr. Dawson we¡¯re talking about! His daughter has already lost her mother¡ªshe can¡¯t leave her father¡¯s side. If you deny the child entry, can you take responsibility if something happens to her?¡±

    Raymond, who had been savoring the staff¡¯s reprimand, was suddenly shocked by Jessica¡¯s im that Gabri ¡°had lost her mother.¡± He turned around and covered his mouth, coughing until his face turned a deep red.

    Meanwhile, Eileen lowered her head, releasing a quiet sigh. One of the staff members wanted to say something but was swiftly nudged by his colleague. Forcing a smile, he said, ¡°Our deepest apologies, Miss Marshall. It was our mistake. We¡¯re sorry, Mr. Dawson. Please, you can enter now.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 791

    ?Chapter 791:

    Upon hearing this, Eileen rose with Gabri, and together with Bryan, they walked into the banquet hall, with Jessica trailing closely behind.

    ¡°What if Mr. Finch finds out about this and holds us ountable?¡± one staff member whispered nervously.

    ¡°Are you blind? Mr. Finch is just using us,¡± another replied. ¡°He didn¡¯t want to cross Mr. Dawson directly. Even if we did block them today, when Mr. Dawson tells him about this, he will just me us! It¡¯s better to let Miss Marshall take the fall for it. That way, we¡¯re off the hook.¡±

    The staff members exchanged hurried whispers, relieved to have dodged the bullet.

    The banquet hall was bustling with guests. Once inside, Eileen quickly excused herself, handing Gabri over to Bryan under the pretense of needing to use the restroom.

    Seizing the moment, Jessica walked over to Bryan. ¡°Mr. Dawson, may I hold your daughter for a while? Eileen shouldn¡¯t have run off like that. You must have so many people to greet, and she just left at the most crucial moment!¡±

    Gabri seemed to sense the situation. She clung tightly to Bryan¡¯s neck.

    Bryan declined Jessica¡¯s offer in a firm tone.

    ¡°No, thank you for your offer, Miss Marshall. Please proceed with your duties.¡± With that, he walked briskly into the crowd.

    The sight of the man dressed in a suit and leather shoes, carrying his little one, stood out.

    Yet Bryan¡¯s stern expression remained unaffected as he surveyed the area with piercing eyes. Before he could spot Conroy, a group of people approached him with greetings.

    Explore the world of fiction at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Leaving the restroom, Eileen found a secluded corner and texted Lenny, who replied with crying emojis. Lenny exined that Savanna had asked her toe here to drink on her behalf.

    While Lenny was not being directly targeted, the situation was far from ideal. She was unable to leave Savanna¡¯s side.

    Eileen cautioned Lenny to stay alert and decided that she should find a spot to watch Conroy closely.

    ¡°Hey, Miss Curtis.¡± Dalores nearly called Eileen by her first name. When Eileen nced in Dalores¡¯ direction, she saw Kinsey approaching. Kinsey¡¯s eyes widened in panic upon seeing Eileen.

    He turned to Dalores and asked, ¡°Do you know her?¡±

    ¡°Yes, we live in the same area. I¡¯ve seen her a few times since she¡¯s from Onnd. We¡¯ve had a few conversations.¡± Just as Dalores finished speaking, she noticed Kinsey distancing himself.

    Looking down, she realized he had released her hand. With an expression that was neither clearly pleased nor upset, Kinsey stated, ¡°You can stay here and talk with her for a bit. I¡¯ll go and greet some guests.¡±

    He then nodded at Eileen and turned to walk into the crowd.

    He likely went to inform someone.

    ¡°Why are you still here?¡± Eileen asked, taking Dalores¡¯ hand and guiding her to sit down. After a moment of thought, she added, ¡°Tonight is a business gathering. If I¡¯m not mistaken, Julio will be here.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 792

    ?Chapter 792:

    Dalores was taken aback.

    ¡°What? Hasn¡¯t he gone back to Onnd?¡±

    Eileen shook her head.

    ¡°No, he hasn¡¯t left. Though he hasn¡¯t reached out to me, he would surely inform me if he were leaving. Moreover, he¡¯s here for a project; the matter hasn¡¯t been settled yet.¡±

    Eileen bit her lip and scanned the room anxiously.

    She needed Kinsey¡¯s approval to leave; otherwise, she would have departed immediately.

    ¡°There are so many people here. He might not even see you. It¡¯s best if you don¡¯t stay with Kinsey,¡± Eileen said. She had already warned Julio beforehand not to approach her at the event to start a conversation, and he would pretend they were strangers.

    Thus, Dalores staying by her side wouldn¡¯t increase the likelihood of running into Julio.

    ¡°Just saw Mr. Dawson. Gabri has really grown! It¡¯s wonderful that you both can bring her along wherever you go.¡±

    Dalores had been eager to leave with her son. Unfortunately, her son was very young, and shecked the financial means.

    ¡°Gabri¡¯s usually quite noisy. She¡¯s calm right now because she doesn¡¯t see me around. Otherwise, she would be causing amotion trying toe to me,¡± Eileen shifted the conversation to their children, sparking a discussion about Gabri and Dalores¡¯ son.

    Throughout the banquet, Eileen spent most of the time talking with Dalores.

    Not far off, a man in his thirties, wearing a suit, observed them with a lecherous gaze.

    Read it all on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    As Jessica and Tami walked by him, Tami said, ¡°That¡¯s the woman sitting right there. I¡¯ll double your payment once it¡¯s done.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± the man replied, swirling his ss, nearly spilling the wine due to his forceful motion.

    Jessica scoffed at the sight. She quickly led Tami away and disappeared into the crowd, wary that the man might cause trouble that could implicate her.

    Eileen was oblivious to the lurking dangers. She suddenly spotted Julio approaching.

    What was worse, Julio was apanied by Kinsey.

    ¡°Wee, Mr. Walsh. A pleasure to speak with you. Let me introduce my wife, Dalores. She¡¯s from Onnd as well. Perhaps we can dine together sometime,¡± Kinsey said, formally introducing Dalores to Julio without acknowledging Eileen.

    Desperate to gain favor with Julio, Kinsey mentioned that Dalores was from Onnd as a conversation starter.

    Dalores was taken aback, her gaze fixed on Julio. Julio¡¯s face quickly turned cold.

    ¡°Dalores, what are you waiting for? Say hello to Mr. Walsh,¡± Kinsey signaled Dalores.

    Dalores hesitated, about to rise, when Julio spoke up.

    ¡°Mr. Vazquez, are you sure she¡¯s from Onnd?¡± Indeed, she wasn¡¯t.

    Dalores hade from a humble vige background. Though Julio had brought her to Onnd ten years ago, she wasn¡¯t originally from there.

    Julio¡¯s voice was frosty, and he wore a mocking smile.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 793

    ?Chapter 793:

    ¡°She¡¯s your wife? Are you two actually married?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Kinsey said, looking perplexed. He nced between Dalores and Julio.

    ¡°Do you two know each other?¡±

    Dalores felt her heartbeat quicken, uncertain whether to confess her acquaintance with Julio.

    Julio responded coolly, ¡°Do you really think so? That¡¯s impossible.¡±

    Kinsey remembered Dalores¡¯ situation back then.

    How could someone like her know someone as influential as Julio?

    ¡°All right, I need to leave,¡± Julio gave Eileen a slight nod, then turned and walked away briskly.

    Kinsey¡¯s face quickly turned stern. His conversation with Julio had been flowing well, but once Dalores was introduced, it drastically altered his demeanor.

    He shot an annoyed look at Dalores but remained silent since Eileen was present. He simply told Dalores to leave by herself.

    With that, he walked away.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to leave now, Eileen,¡± Dalores said, taking some time topose herself. ¡°I wasn¡¯t keen oning, but Kinsey believed having a woman present would smooth interactions with businessmen. He didn¡¯t anticipate that I¡¯d disrupt his ns. I¡¯m uncertain if he¡¯ll hold this against meter.¡±

    Indeed, in the business realm, the presence of a femalepanion often helped garner more attention.

    Check out the newest chapters g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Í?ls

    While the underlying intent of this tactic was somewhat dubious, it proved to be effective.

    With a gentle sigh, Eileen advised Dalores, ¡°You should head home first. Stay safe, and don¡¯t hesitate to call me if you need anything. As for Kinsey¡­ try not to fret. If any issues arise, remember I¡¯m here to support you.¡±

    Eileen could offer Dalores nothing more than some money, but that would at least prevent Dalores and her son from ending up homeless or without food.

    ¡°Thank you, Eileen,¡± Dalores said, feeling a twinge of shame. ¡°You were quite unpleasant when we first met, but you¡¯ve be my biggest supporter.¡±

    After a brief conversation, Dalores got up and left. Eileen remained seated alone at the corner table.

    The man in the suit, who had been silently watching Eileen and Dalores, put down his ss and walked over.

    Holding a goblet, Eileen made her way across the room. As she passed the man, she brushed against his shoulder.

    The man gave a slight nod, looked over inappropriately, and said, ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t see you there.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Eileen replied, continuing on and ignoring him. The man didn¡¯t follow her but headed in the direction Dalores had gone.

    People clinked their sses in toasts. After wandering for a while, Eileen finally located Conroy.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 794

    ?Chapter 794:

    Conroy was engaged in a conversation with someone who warmly grasped his hand and said, ¡°Mr. Finch, the sess of VQ Group is all thanks to you. I¡¯m curious, does thepany now belong to the Vazquez family or to you?¡±

    The question was delicate, and the area was crowded with people. Conroy responded with a polite chuckle. ¡°You must be joking. The VQ Group will always be part of the Vazquez family. I manage it in honor of myte wife. We can discuss this another time.¡±

    Everyone admired his response. They saw him as a kind man with dignity, so no one would question Conroy¡¯s intentions with the group, even if he took it over in the future.

    Conroy smiled modestly at the gathering. But his smile vanished when he spotted Eileen.

    He had seen Bryan earlier with Gabri and assumed Eileen hadn¡¯t attended. He hadn¡¯t expected to see her when the banquet was nearing its end.

    Another man approached Conroy, and he returned the greeting with a forced smile. He then excused himself from the group and quickly made his way to Eileen, pulling her toward the balcony of the banquet hall.

    ¡°You¡­ How did you manage to get in here?¡± Conroy asked. The balcony¡¯s window was thin, and the chilly air seeped through. d in a light dress, Eileen shivered and said coldly, ¡°I just walked in.¡±

    Conroy furrowed his brow and added, ¡°I mean, how did you manage to enter the banquet hall? You mentioned no entry for minors.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not a minor,¡± Eileen stated confidently. She then raised her eyebrows, saying, ¡°Then how did you end up in charge of VQ Group? Moreover, it belongs to the Vazquez family. Why wasn¡¯t I informed?¡±

    The matter wasid bare, leaving Conroy without an opportunity to lie or cover it up.

    He paused for a long moment before replying, ¡°I just didn¡¯t want to cause you any worry.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t want me to worry, or you didn¡¯t want me to spend your money?¡± Eileen questioned, her brow furrowed.

    Conroy often found himself unprepared for Eileen¡¯s blunt inquiries. ¡°What do you mean money? The money belongs to the Vazquez family, and thus to you as well.¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s good¡­¡± Eileen began, her tone thoughtful.

    Eileen smiled slightly, ¡°So why didn¡¯t you tell me that VQ Group belongs to the Vazquez family?¡±

    Realizing that Eileen was determined to uncover the truth, Conroy felt the urge to flee.

    ¡°Here¡¯s the situation. Currently, VQ Group is facing some challenges,¡± he began.

    Feigning sudden realization, Eileen interjected, ¡°Oh, thepany is facing bankruptcy? You kept it from me because you didn¡¯t want me to worry?¡±

    Conroy nodded quickly, sensing something was amiss but couldn¡¯t quite ce it.

    ¡°What a pity. I thought I was a wealthydy just now, and that I wouldn¡¯t need to earn money anymore. Seems like I still have to work for a living,¡± Eileen said with a hint of regret.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Conroy responded hastily.

    ¡°But it¡¯s not suitable for you to work at VQ Group. You¡¯d do better to work elsewhere and help support our family,¡± he added.

    ¡°But I¡¯m earning money from Mr. Dawson, not from the Group. Mr. Dawson hired me to be his daughter¡¯s nanny. Doesn¡¯t that mean he pays me?¡± Eileen said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 795

    ?Chapter 795:

    The money she was earning had nothing to do with VQ Group.

    ¡°How about you exin what¡¯s happening with VQ Group? How long will itst? Are we going to end up bankrupt like those people on TV, where even the house gets taken by the court? Will Grandma be left without a home?¡± Eileen deliberately said the most dramatic things to make Conroy let his guard down.

    Though Conroy was momentarily speechless, a sense of relief washed over him. He believed Eileen didn¡¯t fully grasp the situation and knew nothing about business.

    ¡°It¡¯s not as dire as you make it sound. You don¡¯t really understand business. Since you¡¯ve decided to work for Mr. Dawson, focus on that for now. We can discuss this furtherter. I¡¯m quite busy at the moment,¡± he said.

    With that, Conroy opened the balcony door and stepped outside. He had only taken a few steps when he paused and turned to look at Eileen.

    Eileen¡¯s smile looked eerily unsettling through the clear ss window.

    Her eyes reminded him so much of her mother¡¯s!

    It seemed as though she could see right through him, uncovering all his secrets.

    ¡°Conroy!¡± Jessica¡¯s voice, filled with displeasure, snapped Conroy back to reality. He turned to see Jessica quickly holding his arm. ¡°I¡¯ve been looking for you everywhere. Where have you been?¡±

    Distracted by Eileen¡¯s prating gaze, Conroy pushed Jessica¡¯s arm away and said, ¡°There are too many people here. Don¡¯t make a scene. Go check with the staff at the door and find out who allowed Eileen inside!¡±

    Explore fresh tales at g aln ov el s ;

    ¡°Eileen?¡± Jessica scoffed. ¡°She¡¯s a person, not a prisoner. Who could stop her from entering with Mr. Dawson?¡±

    ¡°I specifically instructed the staff not to let any minors in, thinking it would prevent Eileen from attending the banquet since she would need to look after Mr. Dawson¡¯s child. How did she manage to get in?¡± Conroy felt that Eileen was uncovering too much about him.

    The truth made Conroy uneasy. At this, Jessica¡¯s heart skipped a beat. She was the one who had let Eileen in. She had never imagined that Conroy had done it intentionally.

    ¡°Why would you block Eileen¡¯s entry, risking upsetting Mr. Dawson?¡± Jessica asked.

    Conroy ced his hand on Jessica¡¯s shoulder and said softly, ¡°I didn¡¯t inform you before, but Eileen is my daughter. Currently, she¡¯s a part of the Vazquez family¡¯s real circumstances.¡±

    Noticing the anxious expression on his face, Jessica realized the truth hade out. However, she was unconcerned. She inhaled deeply and eximed, ¡°She is your daughter? Why didn¡¯t you tell me this sooner?¡±

    Had she known this earlier, she would have made things more difficult for Eileen.

    ¡°It¡¯s not toote for you to know now. Just be careful with what you say around her from now on.¡± After saying this, Conroy returned to his tasks.

    The banquet was about to end, and Eileen and Bryan decided to leave.

    On the way home, Gabri dozed off in Eileen¡¯s arms, her hair neatly braided, making her look adorable. Eileen, feeling quite tired, leaned against Bryan¡¯s shoulder and sighed.

    ¡°Finally torn through that veil,¡± she said softly. ¡°I think Conroy is about to make his next move.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 796

    ?Chapter 796:

    ¡°You¡¯re tired, take a nap,¡± Bryan suggested. ¡°Considering how things are progressing, if you want to fulfill your grandmother¡¯s wish for your mother to rest in the family¡¯s cemetery, you¡¯ll need to put in more effort in the future.¡±

    Bryan suddenly narrowed his eyes as he nced at the brightly lit hotel. Then, he spotted a familiar figure emerging from the shadows.

    The speed of the car was so fast that Bryan only caught a fleeting glimpse of the man, who seemed to be one of Julio¡¯s associates.

    ¡°Did Dalores attend the banquet today?¡± Bryan asked, his tone casual.

    ¡°Yes, she met Julio, but she left early. I doubt she¡¯ll want to see him again,¡± Eileen replied, her eyes closed. She looked utterly drained. Bryan decided it was best not to ask any more questions and averted his gaze.

    When Dalores stepped out of the hotel, she was still shivering, despite her thick down jacket. The weather was too cold. Kinsey had brought her here, but it was clear that getting a ride back with him wasn¡¯t an option. She headed to the roadside and tried to catch a taxi to get back.

    Since parking was prohibited directly in front of the hotel, she had to walk a little further to the main road. She had just taken a few steps when someone suddenly caught up with her.

    ¡°It¡¯ste, and not exactly safe for you to be out here alone. Let me drive you home.¡±

    Dalores stared at the man in front of her, realizing she had no idea who he was. His demeanor was far from reassuring.

    Dalores put some distance between them and forced a polite smile. ¡°No, thank you.¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s offers tales worth telling

    ¡°Come now, no need to be shy. If I¡¯m offering to drive you home at this hour, I¡¯m sure you know what that means,¡± the man said, chasing after her.

    Dalores had never worn high heels before; today was her first attempt. She walked awkwardly, struggling to shake the man off, her difort growing with each step.

    She hesitated to move toward the darker edge and gasped, saying, ¡°Sir, we don¡¯t know each other. I can pretend I didn¡¯t hear what you said, but if you keep this up, I¡¯ll have to call the police!¡±

    ¡°Of course you don¡¯t know me. Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t be making this offer to you,¡± the man flirted shamelessly, a sly smile on his lips as he eyed her figure with obvious desire. ¡°Come on, we¡¯re adults. Why not have a little fun with me?¡±

    He continued to pester Dalores, cornering her until she had nowhere left to escape.

    As Julio exited the hotel, a familiar voice reached his ears. He lit a cigarette, squinted, and began walking in that direction. But as he listened to the conversation, he quickly pieced together what was happening in the dimly lit corner. He narrowed his cold eyes and rolled up his sleeves before striding forward.

    Suddenly, Dalores shouted, ¡°I¡¯m married! If you keep bothering me, my husband won¡¯t let you get away with it!¡±

    Julio came to a sudden halt. His thin lips parted slightly, and the cigarette between his fingers billowed smoke.

    His expression darkened.

    ¡°Let me go!¡± Dalores yelled. The man gripped her shoulder and began dragging her toward the parking lot.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 797

    ?Chapter 797:

    Dalores struggled, but she was no match for the man. She twisted her ankle and lost one of her high heels during the scuffle.

    In a daze, she noticed someone standing nearby. Without thinking, she struggled harder. ¡°Help! Sir, please¡ª¡± Before she could finish, she recognized the figure¡ªit was Julio.

    With one hand in his pocket, Julio looked at Dalores coldly. Her eyes were red and filled with tears.

    The man turned around nervously and eyed Julio warily. Dalores looked at Julio, her lips trembling, aware of his intense gaze. But now, Julio was her only hope. As she was about to speak, she saw Julio turn around and walk away.

    Stunned, the man regained hisposure and continued dragging Dalores toward the car.

    ¡°Let me go!¡± Tears streamed down Dalores¡¯ face as she fought against the man¡¯s grip. Though she couldn¡¯t free herself, she no longer called out to Julio for help.

    The man¡¯s van was parked in a corner of the lot, conspicuous among the luxury cars. He opened the van door and lifted Dalores in. She clenched her teeth and cried, her helplessness clear as the man easily threw her into the vehicle.

    A driver was already inside. After the man climbed in, he ordered, ¡°Start the car now!¡±

    The driver started the engine and made a sharp turn, the van quickly disappearing into the quiet emptiness.

    Dalores copsed into the seat, her strength drained. Her eyes appeared dim, and even the neon lights filtering through the windows did little to brighten them.

    The van sped along, with a Benz SUV trailing steadily behind. The partially open window allowed the cold wind to whip through, frosting Julio¡¯s face as he followed at a distance.

    Leaving the city, the van entered less crowded areas. It soon approached a vast in, where temporary houses of various sizes stood. One had been rented in advance.

    After exiting the vehicle, the man carried Dalores inside the house. The driver quickly parked and hurried to follow him.

    ¡°Sir, could I have a turn with herter?¡± the driver asked.

    ¡°How could I forget you, buddy?¡± the man grinned, patting Dalores¡¯ rear. ¡°I¡¯ll call you when I¡¯m done.¡±

    Tears of humiliation streamed down Dalores¡¯ face. She thought about what would happen to her son if she died. She couldn¡¯t just die and leave him behind. But facing such an ordeal, how could she continue to live?

    Before she could sumb to despair, the man abruptly threw her onto the cold ground.

    The sound of closebat reached her ears.

    Feeling a sharp pain from the fall, Dalores clutched her arm and saw Julio kicking the man away.

    The man and the driver, near the temporary house, quickly turned and ran inside. Julio pursued them. Soon, screams and the sounds of fighting filled the air, echoing through the night.

    Dalores stared at the house with misty eyes for a long time before realizing what had happened.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 798

    ?Chapter 798:

    Julio soon emerged from the house with his suit jacket in hand, his white shirt disheveled. He strode over to her and helped Dalores up from the ground.

    He wrapped an arm around her waist, supporting her as they walked toward his car.

    He opened the door, helped her in, casually tossed his suit jacket onto the seat, and then went to the driver¡¯s seat to start the car.

    The car sped down the empty road like an arrow released from a bow. Dalores hugged herself in the back seat, gripping the door handle tightly. She didn¡¯t speak anymore; she was very calm.

    As the car entered the bustling area of the city, Julio slowed down significantly. Dalores slowly sat up straight and said in a hoarse voice, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°How do you n to thank me?¡± Julio replied quickly, as if he had been anticipating her gratitude.

    Dalores held her hemline and remained silent.

    ¡°What? Are you just expressing your thanks verbally?¡± Julio nced at her in the rearview mirror and said sarcastically, ¡°Of course, it¡¯s your husband¡¯s job to save you. I have no obligation to do so.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask you to save me,¡± Dalores replied, her heart sinking. All she could think about was Julio¡¯s back when he had turned around and left earlier.

    So, he hade to save her afterward, only to demand her gratitude?

    Julio slowed the car to a stop by the roadside, his expression tight with anger, visible in his eyes.

    Dalores attempted to exit but found the doors locked. Lowering her voice, she requested, ¡°Please open the door.¡±

    ¡°Am I to you? Why should I obey everything you say?¡± Julio reclined in his seat, ced his hands behind his head, and closed his eyes as if to rest. Was he nning to sleep here for the night?

    ¡°What exactly are you trying to do?¡± Dalores grew anxious, pushing against the seat, but it didn¡¯t move at all. Her anxious tone failed to elicit any response from Julio, who was feigning sleep.

    ¡°Our rtionship has reached this point. What more do you want from me? I¡¯ve said what I needed to say. If you believe I¡¯ve done something wrong, tell me directly. But please, can you stop pestering me like this?¡± Dalores was losing patience. She wanted to cut ties with Julio, fearing that if he stayed around, he might discover the existence of their son, Emerson.

    Suddenly, Julio opened his eyes and turned to face Dalores. His seat was now level with hers, bringing their eyes dangerously close.

    He said, ¡°What did you do wrong? Don¡¯t you know? Did you really travel from Onnd to Alverton to get an abortion just to marry Kinsey?¡±

    In one swift motion, Julio reached out and sped Dalores¡¯ neck, immobilizing her. She tried to avoid his using gaze but couldn¡¯t.

    She ced her hands on the headrest, straining to pull back, but Julio¡¯s grip kept her head in ce, forcing her to meet his gaze.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you feel any guilt? Doesn¡¯t it hurt?¡± Julio¡¯s grip was very tight, causing her pain that radiated from her skin and bones.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 799

    ?Chapter 799:

    ¡°Dalores, that was my child. What right did you have to abort my child?¡±

    Tears streamed down Dalores¡¯ face,nding on Julio¡¯s nose. She said, ¡°Did you consult me when you wanted an abortion before? Did you consider my feelings when you pressured me to have the child only for Mabel to raise it? I¡¯m a person, not your pet. You can¡¯t just control me. Why are you so cruel to me?¡±

    ¡°Because you brought this on yourself!¡± Julio¡¯s voice was chillingly cold. His red eyes bore into hers, piercing through the dimness of the car.

    She had brought this upon herself¡­

    These words were his constant retort to her hopeful pleas.

    ¡°I brought this on myself? So, what are you going to do now?¡±

    Suddenly, Dalores stopped struggling and was pulled closer to Julio, her nose almost touching his.

    Julio maintained his firm hold as he observed the despair in her eyes more clearly. Rage welled up inside him.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to make you repay what you owe me!¡± Abruptly, Julio pressed his lips against hers forcefully, causing her pain. Dalores was taken aback and instinctively resisted. Fortunately, their positioning was awkward, allowing her to break free from his grip.

    ¡°Repay? With what?¡± Dalores asked.

    ¡°Give me another child,¡± Julio¡¯s voice was a growl.

    Dalores was shocked and stared at him, disbelief etched across her face. ¡°Are you insane? If you want children, there are plenty of women who would be willing to have your children. But let me make this clear: I want nothing more to do with you. Do you understand?¡±

    ?????????v?????.co?? for more reading

    ¡°When have you ever had the final say in what happens between us?¡± Julio clenched her cor tightly and dered, ¡°Unless you settle your debt to me, we cannot sever our ties.¡±

    Julio¡¯s words left Dalores reeling, her head spinning. What snapped her back to reality was the sound of the car lock disengaging. She instinctively opened the door and leaped out. She could barely stand the cramped space inside any longer.

    Stepping into the fresh air, she took a deep breath. The cold wind hit her, and she shivered from the chill, d only in her thin clothes. With her cell phone and wallet lost, she saw many cars pass by, but none stopped to help. She began to walk slowly, her bare feet feeling the ground.

    When Eileen and Bryan returned to their ce, they nced toward Kinsey¡¯s vi. Only the first baby room on the right had a dim light; all the other rooms were dark. Had they gone to bed already?

    Eileen got out of the car, holding the sleeping child, and hurried into their vi. She didn¡¯t dwell on the matter of Dalores and went straight for a hot shower. Afterwards, she went to the bed. Not having worn high heels for a long time, her feet ached, and she quickly fell asleep.

    She was deeply asleep when a call from an unknown number abruptly woke her. She swiped the screen and answered the call. Kinsey¡¯s voice came through.

    ¡°Eileen, do you know where Dalores is?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 800

    Chapter 800:

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Didn¡¯t she head home early?¡± Eileen sat up, puzzled.

    ¡°She hasn¡¯te back,¡± Kinsey said in a low voice. ¡°Do you remember Mr. Ferguson from the banquet? I suspect he might be involved in Dalores¡¯ disappearance.¡±

    Eileen suddenly made the connection and responded, ¡°I have a friend in Onnd who knows Mr. Ferguson. I¡¯ll reach out to him.¡±

    After ending the call, Eileen rose from her bed and walked out of the bedroom. She then dialed Julio¡¯s number. As soon as he answered, she asked directly, ¡°Do you know where Dalores is?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Julio replied. The background noise suggested he was in a noisy ce, possibly a bar.

    Eileen didn¡¯t probe further but said, ¡°Dalores is in thin clothing and doesn¡¯t have her phone. She could die if she spends the night outside in this weather.¡±

    She had finished speaking when the call abruptly ended. She then texted Julio the address of her neighborhood, guessing that Dalores would likely try to return there. Given that Julio had left her somewhere, it shouldn¡¯t be hard for him to trace her path back.

    Despite her actions, Eileen remained uneasy and found it hard to fall asleep after returning to her bedroom. Bryan tried several times to take her phone away, but each time she managed to retrieve it while he was asleep.

    Eventually, Bryan grew frustrated. He pinched her cheek and said, ¡°How can you be so unruly? If you keep this up, how am I supposed to teach Gabri anything?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Just as Eileen saw a short video from Julio showing Dalores getting into a taxi, providing some relief, she was caught off guard by Bryan¡¯sment.

    Chapters live now at ??????¦Ò????????.c§àm

    ¡°What does my behavior have to do with you teaching Gabri?¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t listen to me, she won¡¯t either. You skipped the soup this morning, and she copied you. I told her twice, but she just pointed at you to stop,¡± Bryan replied.

    Even though Gabri could only say a few words, her remarks were often sharp. Bryan found he couldn¡¯t win arguments with her.

    ¡°Then just don¡¯t serve me soup next time. If she doesn¡¯t see it, she¡¯ll assume I¡¯ve had it,¡± Eileen countered.

    Hearing this, Bryan was momentarily speechless, feeling a headacheing on. After a while, he said, ¡°You think she¡¯s as easy to fool as you?¡±

    His tone, dripping with sarcasm, made Eileen roll her eyes. She retorted, ¡°I don¡¯t know about that, it seems she¡¯s smarter than you.¡±

    Gabri always had ways to make Bryan listen to her.

    Eileen believed that whether Gabri had a good or bad temper didn¡¯t depend on her. She knew Gabri was clearly spoiled by Bryan, but she was also spoiled by him.

    After talking with Bryan for a while, Eileen turned around and drifted off to sleep.

    At VQ Group,

    Conroy believed that since Eileen knew VQ Group was part of the Vazquez family, he needed to involve her in thepany¡¯s business in some capacity. He had spent the entire night deliberating and finally decided what he would let Eileen do.

    The next morning, as soon as Eileen arrived at thepany with Gabri, Conroy quickly found a reason to summon her to his office.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: New chapters on wednesday dear readers. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ????(? ?? ? ¨C ? ) ?

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 801

    ?Chapter 801:

    It was Eileen¡¯s first time in Conroy¡¯s real office. The room was adorned with tall potted nts near therge windows, creating a vintage yet luxurious vibe.

    Upon her arrival, some employees approached Conroy needing his signature on some documents. Eileen waited roughly twenty minutes before they departed.

    ¡°Thepany is on the verge of bankruptcy. Why are you still so busy?¡± Eileen asked bluntly.

    Conroy didn¡¯t like what Eileen had just said.

    He silently prayed that Eileen¡¯s words were all nonsense and hoped that God wouldn¡¯t take them seriously. Then, he looked at Eileen and said, ¡°Here¡¯s the situation. You should be aware that thepany is losing about twenty million every month. If we continue at this rate, we¡¯ll be bankrupt within a year. Do you have any viable solutions?¡± Was this meant to increase her involvement as a ¡°rookie,¡± hoping she would back off on her own?

    Eileen decided to embrace her role as the ¡°rookie¡± fully.

    ¡°If we¡¯re losing twenty million a month, and we can stillst until the end of the year, why not dere bankruptcy now? We can minimize our losses this way, right?¡±

    Conroy managed to control his irritation and responded, ¡°Ourpany has so many employees. How can you suggest bankruptcy so casually? Think wisely!¡±

    ¡°Then sell thepany!¡± Eileen suggested.

    ¡°We can¡¯t sell it. It¡¯s the legacy of your grandmother¡¯s family¡¯s lifelong efforts. How can we just sell it?¡± Conroy said sorrowfully. ¡°Last time, you wanted to sell the old house, and now thepany. If your grandmother knew this, she would be very upset!¡±

    Fresh updates avable at ?@ln¦Ò¦Íe?s

    ¡°Oh,¡± Eileen shook her head and said, ¡°I don¡¯t know what else to do.¡±

    ¡°For starters, we should begin by identifying internal problems to cut losses,¡± Conroy suggested with a look of disappointment.

    Identifying internal issues was a fundamental approach when apany faced problems.

    Yet ording to Conroy, the situation at thepany was dire. The best strategy now was to minimize losses.

    If Eileen truly were a novice in business, how could she grasp all of this?

    Therefore, Eileen decided to act more like a novice. Her response was not only unprofessional but also somewhatical.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s reducepany expenses by firing employees and dying the payment of staff sries for three months.¡±

    That seemed like the idea of a ruthless businessperson!

    Conroy believed that Eileen truly was inexperienced. If he handed over VQ Group to her, it would surely copse sooner rather thanter.

    Conroy looked visibly disappointed. ¡°Thepany has many long-term employees. How can we reduce the staff?¡±

    ¡°Reduce the staff? I was actually suggesting we fire them,¡± Eileen pretended to be clueless.

    ¡°Firing employees is the same as reducing staff!¡± Conroy was taken aback that Eileen couldn¡¯t grasp this concept.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you worked before?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 802

    ?Chapter 802:

    Eileen nodded. ¡°My previous job¡­ I called it tiring.¡±

    Conroy was left speechless.

    Silence fell, and Eileen struggled to suppress herughter.

    She looked at Conroy with a serious expression and asked, ¡°Am I wrong?¡±

    ¡°Fine, then tell me who should be fired,¡± Conroy was clearly frustrated.

    ¡°Miss Marshall, for starters. I think she just wanders around all day. If she can¡¯t contribute anything useful, then let her go. And you and Kinsey are rtives. Only one of you should stay in thepany to oversee everything. There¡¯s no need for both of you here, draining the payroll. If we fire people like this, we could cut the staff by half. We could reduce a lot of our losses,¡± Eileen stated confidently.

    ¡°Reducing staff isn¡¯t the way to address our core issues. We need to tackle the root of the problem.¡±

    Conroy shifted away from the topic of reducing the staff.

    ¡°The problem is, you¡¯re not capable enough to manage thepany. That¡¯s why thepany is facing bankruptcy now,¡± Eileen said. ¡°You can¡¯t pinpoint the issue, and you expect me toe up with a solution? This is absurd.¡±

    Before Conroy could respond, there was a knock on the office door, and Bryan entered with Gabri in his arms.

    Bryan nced at Eileen and then turned to Conroy.

    ¡°Mr. Finch, how much longer will you need my employee?¡±

    Find your next read at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Eileen said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, the VQ Group is on the brink of copse. You¡ª¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense!¡± Conroy quickly interjected. He suddenly became anxious. He stood up, walked around the desk, and positioned himself in front of Eileen to block her from Bryan¡¯s view.

    He smiled at Bryan and said, ¡°Dawson, I apologize. I was merely jesting with Eileen. There¡¯s nothing more for her to do here. We can address matterster.¡±

    Then, he turned to Eileen and whispered sternly, ¡°Thepany¡¯s financial issues are confidential. How can you discuss them so freely with someone not employed here?¡±

    And Bryan was clearly not an employee of VQ Group.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Finch,¡± Eileen replied. She then left with Bryan.

    Once in Bryan¡¯s office, Eileen said, ¡°He lied to me, saying VQ Group was nearing copse and asked me to find a solution. I just yed along to have some fun.¡± There was no real progress.

    However, the woman who had been hiding in Conroy¡¯s ce had not left yet. Eileen returned daily to review the surveince footage and noticed the woman hadn¡¯t stepped outside even once.

    Unsure of what to do next, Eileen retrieved her phone and called Dalores at Kinsey¡¯s ce.

    Dalores, having been outside in the cold for two hours the previous night, had caught a cold.

    ¡°Eileen, what¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°What happened to youst night?¡± Eileen asked, concerned. ¡°What¡¯s going on with you and Julio?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 803

    ?Chapter 803:

    ¡°He probably despises me so much that he bes upset upon seeing me,¡± Dalores replied. Not wanting to discuss Julio further, she shifted the topic. ¡°Kinsey mentioned that his uncle left a document at home and asked me to fetch it from his uncle¡¯s ce. I¡¯ll bring it to thepanyter. Is there anything you need me to bring?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s voice rose unintentionally. ¡°Wait, really? Are you saying you¡¯re going to Conroy¡¯s ce to retrieve the document?¡±

    Dalores replied, ¡°Yes, someone is at his ce and will hand me the document when I get there.¡±

    ¡°Do you know who the person at his ce is?¡± Eileen asked tentatively. ¡°Have you seen that person before?¡±

    Dolores hesitated, her voice tinged with a trace of unease as she confessed,

    ¡°Honestly, I¡¯ve neverid eyes on anyone from Kinsey¡¯s family, except Mr. Finch.¡±

    She couldn¡¯t say for sure if the Vazquez family had ever seen her. Yet, Kinsey had told her his family was quite satisfied with her. How and when that satisfaction was formed was a mystery to her.

    ¡°I see,¡± Eileen replied. ¡°Just let me know when you get near. I¡¯ll bring some photos, and you can help me figure out who this woman at Conroy¡¯s house is.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Dolores agreed without hesitation.

    Once the call ended, Eileen turned her attention back to ying with Catn. After about half an hour, she guessed Dolores would be arriving soon. She handed Gabri over to Bryan and made her way downstairs.

    More updates uploaded to g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??ls

    From a distance, Eileen spotted a taxi pulling up at thepany¡¯s gate. Dolores stepped out quickly, clutching a document as she made a beeline for Eileen, who was standing at the corner.

    ¡°I was wondering how we¡¯d get in touch since I don¡¯t have a cell phone,¡± Dolores replied.

    Eileen reached into her bag and pulled out a phone, handing it to Dolores.

    ¡°This is my spare. I bought it not long ago, and the SIM card is new. You can use it for now. I think¡­ It¡¯s about time you had a phone of your own.¡±

    Dolores hesitated for a moment before epting the phone with a smile.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll take it. Thanks.¡±

    ¡°Take a look at this photo,¡± Eileen said, showing Dolores a picture. ¡°Is this her?¡±

    Dolores recognized the woman instantly.

    ¡°That¡¯s her. She was wearing a transparent mask earlier, but her features were delicate enough that I recognized her right away. Is this the new woman with your father?¡±

    She didn¡¯t beat around the bush. Conroy wasn¡¯t exactly old, so it wasn¡¯t shocking that he could find a new me. The Vazquez family didn¡¯t seem to mind him having other women, as long as he divorced and left the family on his own.

    Eileen slipped the photo back into her bag.

    ¡°It¡¯s a long story. The situation with the Vazquez family is moreplicated than you might imagine. I think you were able to marry Kinsey because of that.¡±

    Dolores sighed. If she had had the means to live on her own with her child, she would have chosen that path in a heartbeat.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 804

    ?Chapter 804:

    Just as they were about to continue their conversation, Kinsey appeared, scanning the area. When he spotted Dolores and Eileen together, he quickly approached.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± he asked Eileen.

    Dolores nodded. ¡°Or just some fresh air and chatting,¡± Eileen exined. She saw Kinsey take the document from Dolores and subtly signal her to leave. Eileen raised an eyebrow but kept her expression neutral.

    Eileen and Kinsey entered thepany building and rode the elevator together.

    ¡°When are you heading back to the Vazquez Mansion? Could you give me a lift then?¡± Eileen asked casually. Without even ncing up, Kinsey replied, ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a good idea.¡±

    Eileen said, ¡°Why not? We¡¯re cousins. What could people possibly say? Oh, by the way, I think it¡¯s about time my position here was made clear to everyone. Otherwise, those people will continue to make things difficult for me.¡±

    ¡°You should take that up with your father. I¡¯m not in charge of VQ Group. We¡¯re equals here; I don¡¯t have a say in that matter,¡± Kinsey replied.

    Eileen smiled, undeterred. ¡°Could you at least pass the message along for me? Thanks.¡± As if the thought had just urred to her, she added, ¡°By the way, where is your father?¡± Eileen had only met Gianna and Kinsey but had never met Gianna¡¯s husband.

    ¡°My parents¡­ they¡¯ve divorced,¡± Kinsey said, casting his gaze downward, clearly ufortable.

    ¡°It¡¯s best you don¡¯t bring this topic up in front of my mother,¡± he added.

    Your source for updates g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls

    Eileen nodded. ¡°Understood.¡±

    The elevator doors slid open, and the two exited. Kinsey headed toward Conroy¡¯s office, while Eileen made her way back to Bryan¡¯s.

    As Eileen entered, Gabri bounded over to her, and Eileen scooped her up, sinking into the plush embrace of the sofa. A sigh escaped her lips.

    ¡°I¡¯ve had enough of their dawdling. If they want to strike against me, they should stop wasting time. My patience has worn thin. Perhaps it¡¯s time to take matters into my own hands.¡±

    Bryan, looking up from his papers, paused before responding, ¡°Do you need anything? Raymond¡¯s just a call away. I have a video meeting tonight¡ªit¡¯ll probably runte.¡± He clearly meant that he was unable to help her today.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Eileen replied. She retrieved her phone and dialed Raymond. ¡°Come home with me after work,¡± she said.

    Raymond¡¯s voice crackled with shock. ¡°What? Come home with you? That¡¯s probably not the best idea¡­ Did you and Mr. Dawson have another fight? Look, if you¡¯re mad, just take it out on him. He won¡¯t dare fight back. But please, spare me¡­¡± The poor man¡¯s voice trembled. He was sensing the turbulence of Eileen and Bryan¡¯s conflicts closing in on him.

    ¡°Come home with us! Not with me alone,¡± Eileen¡¯s voice was clipped, impatience edging her words.

    ¡°Okay, okay!¡± Raymond responded swiftly, his tone brightening with relief as he ended the call.

    In the evening, Raymond brought dinner. After eating, Bryan disappeared upstairs for his meeting.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 805

    ?Chapter 805:

    Eileen asked Raymond to keep Gabri entertained in her room while she leaned against the window, observing Conroy¡¯s residence.

    The curtain in Conroy¡¯s bedroom was partially drawn, allowing fleeting glimpses of a woman¡¯s slender silhouette, though her face remained obscured.

    Every time the woman was there, she hid herself perfectly, as if wary of prying eyes.

    Hours passed in slow, heavy anticipation. By eleven, Eileen had put Gabri to bed. She descended the stairs and found Raymond, who looked excited.

    ¡°It¡¯s time,¡± she said.

    Under the cover of night, they slipped out of the vi like shadows, creeping around to the back of Conroy¡¯s ce. With a quick, practiced motion, they shattered a window.

    The crash echoed in the stillness, but the hour waste, and the residents slept on, oblivious to the sound.

    A cold draft swept through the open window as Raymond tossed several aerosol bombs inside. In moments, smoke began to fill the vi¡ªthick and suffocating.

    Eileen bent down, picking up a small stone. She stepped back, calcting the distance, and then hurled it with precision at the bedroom window on the second floor.

    The shattering ss roused Conroy, and the woman beside him was also startled awake. Their sleep-clouded minds barely registered the shouts from outside: ¡°Fire! Help!¡±

    Instinctively, Conroy grabbed the woman¡¯s wrist, and they fled down the stairs and out of the vi. The woman was in Conroy¡¯s arms, their matching pajamas offering little protection from the biting cold of the night.

    For updates, visit ?¦Ál?ov??s.co?

    Conroy¡¯s heart sank when he saw Eileen; her gaze was locked on the woman in his arms.

    ¡°Dad, who is she?¡± Eileen asked.

    The woman in Conroy¡¯s embrace suddenly halted and pressed her face into his arms.

    Silence hung in the air for a few seconds. Then, Conroy stammered, ¡°Uh¡­ Let me exin this to you¡ª¡±

    ¡°There is nothing to exin,¡± Eileen interjected, circling them.

    ¡°You¡¯re both in matching pajamas. That says it all.¡±

    Conroy grew tense.

    After circling them twice, Eileen stopped in front of them and dered, ¡°You¡¯re all grownups. I get it. Fine. Remember, I told Mr. Dawson you could remarry as long as you divorced my mother. The Vazquez family wouldn¡¯t object, right?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t divorce your mother,¡± Conroy replied firmly. ¡°I¡¯m your father, and your mother is my wife. That will never change!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re being unreasonable here. Holding one woman while your wife is in heaven. Who do you n to be buried with? You want all three of you to end up in the same cemetery?¡± Eileen¡¯s voice turned icy as she pulled the woman out of Conroy¡¯s embrace.

    Gianna stared at Eileen in shock, too stunned and nervous to respond.

    ¡°Auntie Gianna, how can you do this? Aren¡¯t you ashamed to be with your brother-inw?¡± Eileen¡¯s mocking gaze made Gianna¡¯s ears flush, but she was trembling from the cold in her light clothes, unable to say anything.

    Conroy grunted and escorted Gianna toward the vi.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 806

    ?Chapter 806:

    ¡°Let¡¯s discuss this inside.¡±

    Eileen nced back at her vi. In the upper right corner, Bryan stood by the French window, aptop in hand. He was watching her.

    Eileen smiled, waved at him, and then headed to Conroy¡¯s ce. Bryan arched an eyebrow as he watched Eileen walk swiftly, her long ponytail swaying. He chose not to interrupt her fun. He quickly pulled out his phone and texted Raymond to keep an eye on Eileen.

    Bryan cautioned Raymond that if anything untoward happened to Eileen tonight, it would spell trouble for him.

    Raymond felt stressed.

    Bryan didn¡¯t watch his wife closely, yet he expected Raymond to keep an eye on her and be responsible if anything happened? That was hardly fair!

    Raymond exhaled deeply, pocketed his phone, and followed Eileen to Conroy¡¯s residence, though he stopped at the porch and did not enter.

    The living room windows were shattered, and two used smoke grenade casingsy on the floor.

    Upon seeing this, Conroy grasped the whole situation.

    Eileen had orchestrated everything!

    ¡°Eileen, why are you so cunning at such a young age?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m your daughter. Isn¡¯t it normal for me to be cunning?¡± Eileen replied as she settled on the sofa, zipping up her down jacket, finding little warmth inside the room.

    Find your adventure at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§àm (uso de ¡°?¡± y ¡°§à¡± cir¨ªlica)

    Gianna was seated on the sofa, shivering from the cold and staying a half meter away from Conroy.

    Had Eileen not been sitting across from them, they would have been in each other¡¯s arms again.

    ¡°Tell me, is your love genuine, or is it merely a matter of physical need?¡± Eileen asked.

    The former would be embarrassing, while thetter was revolting.

    Either way, it was intolerable. ¡°Your mother has been in aa for many years. Father and I have done everything we can to care for her. Kinsey¡¯s father and I don¡¯t get along and are already divorced. Your father and I have spent so much time together over the years. Things shouldn¡¯t be this way, but we can¡¯t help our feelings,¡± Gianna replied.

    ¡°And then?¡± Eileen seemed puzzled, not understanding why Gianna had said that directly. Did she expect everyone to ept that she and Conroy cared for each other?

    ¡°Father and I don¡¯t want our rtionship to be public. To avoid disgracing the Vazquez family, we¡¯re prepared to keep this hidden indefinitely,¡± Gianna appeared deeply distressed, as if she had made a significant sacrifice.

    Eileen gave a slight smirk and said, ¡°So, does the Vazquez family prevent you from marrying each other? You¡¯ve kept your rtionship secret just to protect the Vazquez family¡¯s reputation? Yet, the family¡¯s reputation will be ruined because of you!¡±

    ¡°You¡ª¡± Gianna was left speechless by Eileen¡¯s words. Just as she was about to respond, Conroy took hold of her wrist and interjected, ¡°Don¡¯t bother exining to her. What does she know? She never prioritizes thepany¡¯s interests or considers our family¡¯s circumstances. Someone like her has no right to meddle in the Vazquez family matters.¡±

    ¡°I have no right to meddle in the Vazquez family¡¯s affairs? I also have no right to inherit the Vazquez family¡¯s assets, right?¡± Eileen¡¯s tone grew icy. ¡°As far as I¡¯m concerned, my mother passed away not long ago. Can you honestly tell me when your affair began?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 807

    ?Chapter 807:

    Gianna and Conroy fell silent, unable to respond.

    They looked ashamed. Observing their expressions, Eileen continued, ¡°If I¡¯m not wrong, Jessica is the child of you two, correct?¡±

    Gianna and Conroy remained silent.

    Eileen said, ¡°Let me guess further. Did you arrange for Kinsey to marry Dolores to demonstrate your loyalty to my grandmother and to show that you didn¡¯t use Kinsey to seize power, right? Thepany isn¡¯t on the brink of bankruptcy, nor is it losing twenty million a month. You¡¯re just afraid I¡¯ll covet the Vazquez Group¡¯s assets, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Eileen felt a surge of satisfaction as the secrets came to light one by one.

    Gianna¡¯s and Conroy¡¯s pale faces made her feel amused.

    ¡°I¡¯ll offer you two options. You can leave the Vazquez family and live on your own. I can provide you with a sum of money. Or¡­ continue like this. You¡¯ll have to make sure I never find any evidence of your affair,¡± Eileen said, confident she would win now.

    She knew Jessica was tangible proof that Conroy had cheated. A paternity test involving Jessica, Conroy, and Gianna would rify everything.

    However, she was unsure how to break the news to Le. Jessica¡¯s existence confirmed that Gianna and Conroy had been together for over twenty years.

    Gianna had engaged in an affair with her sister¡¯s husband. Eileen wondered whether Le could ept this.

    Gianna had also thought of this and felt fearless. ¡°Who do you think you are, Eileen? The Vazquez family isn¡¯t yours tomand. Behave, and we¡¯ll provide you with plenty of money. Don¡¯t ask for more!¡±

    L?t??¦Ó ch¨»¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?????.??????

    ¡°But ording to the Vazquez family¡¯s rules, I own the Group. Why would I just take some money? You think I should be content to simply be wealthy and abandon my im to the entire Vazquez family? That¡¯s absurd.¡± Clearly, Eileen disagreed.

    Conroy, ovee with anger, abruptly stood up. ¡°Your grandmother¡¯s health is deteriorating. It would hurt her if we make a big deal of this. If you care about her well-being, you shouldn¡¯t stir up more trouble!¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t want anything bad to happen to Grandma, do you?¡± Eileen¡¯s pointedment revealed the reasons behind their deep concern for Le. Le clearly had something important to her.

    Conroy was struck, unable to find the right words. Gianna spoke in a low voice.

    ¡°So what¡¯s your angle here? Are you just after money? You¡¯ve been away for so long, and you think you can just waltz in and control VQ Group? Even if we handed it to you, you wouldn¡¯t know what to do with it. Here¡¯s what I propose: why don¡¯t you get your father to guide you, and once you¡¯ve got the hang of things, we¡¯ll hand thepany to you. What do you think?¡±

    Conroy looked like he was about to object, but Gianna¡¯s gaze silenced him before he could utter a word.

    What was she scheming?

    Since it would take a few days for Eileen to dig up dirt on their affair, she decided to wait and see what they wanted to do for now.

    ¡°Alright then, it¡¯s settled. You can go back to sleep. I¡¯ll return to my ce now,¡± Eileen said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 808

    ?Chapter 808:

    She got up, pulled her down jacket tighter around her, and exited, carefully avoiding the ss shards on the floor. Conroy and Gianna shivered, watching Eileen leave.

    ¡°Why did you suggest that?¡± Conroy frowned.

    ¡°Are you really going to hand over thepany to her?¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t you see what¡¯s going on? She¡¯s only after the cash. Besides, the Vazquez family needs to build alliances, and what better way than through a strategic marriage? We¡¯ll find her a suitable husband from a powerful family, and that¡¯ll keep her in check. If she gets money and a wealthy man by her side, she¡¯ll stop thinking about other things,¡± Gianna spoke with conviction, her body still trembling from the cold. As she finished, she led Conroy upstairs. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s find another room to get some rest. We need to visit Le tomorrow and make sure she doesn¡¯t catch wind of any of this.¡±

    When Eileen returned, Bryan was still engrossed in work.

    The moment she entered the study, he sensed that something was on her mind. He paused the video conference, removed his headphones, and folded his hands on the table, looking at her intently.

    ¡°How did it go?¡±

    ¡°I caught them red-handed. It¡¯s Gianna,¡± Eileen said as she sat down across from him. ¡°They¡¯re trying to gaslight me, telling me to take the money and leave. They want me to just forget about the Vazquez family¡¯s fortune.¡±

    Bryan raised an eyebrow. ¡°And how did you respond?¡±

    Eileen gave a sly smile. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m not going anywhere!¡±

    I@te$t ¡é#@pter$ In g@!novel$.c0m

    ¡°Of course not!¡± Bryan nodded in agreement.

    ¡°But then Gianna suggested I learn from her. She said once I¡¯m capable of running thepany, she¡¯ll hand the Vazquez family over to me.¡± Eileen extended her hand, her fingers tapping lightly on the table as she asked, ¡°What do you think they¡¯re really up to?¡±

    Bryan leaned back in his chair, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

    After a moment, he said, ¡°If you want to y along with their game, go for it. But if you¡¯re in a hurry, you could always drop the bombshell about the affair. Just remember, your grandmother is still entrenched in the Vazquez family. Stirring up too much trouble could put her in a difficult position.¡± He could clearly read her thoughts.

    That was exactly what Eileen was thinking. She narrowed her eyes and gave him a smile.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to go back to Onnd?¡±

    Bryan replied, ¡°Grandma¡¯s been in good healthtely. Jarred keeps me updated regrly. She¡¯s been visiting the temple and spending time in the mountains. Even if I went back, I wouldn¡¯t be able to see her. I might as well stay here and let you have some fun. But I don¡¯t want to return.¡±

    After all, Eileen had more rtives in Onnd than he did.

    Since they had arrived here, they hadn¡¯t been in touch with Roderick. Who knew how he was handling things with Judie?

    It seemed like returning wasn¡¯t an option just yet.

    Retrieving her phone from her pocket, Eileen spun on her heels and walked out. ¡°I¡¯ll make a few calls. You go ahead and get back to work.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 809

    ?Chapter 809:

    ¡°It¡¯s already midnight.¡± Bryan¡¯s voice, soft but firm, filtered through the crack in the door. ¡°You should get some rest now. Make the phone calls tomorrow.¡±

    Eileen, still riding the high of catching the adulterer, felt as alert as if she had just had her morning coffee. She wasn¡¯t sleepy at all, but she epted Bryan¡¯s advice, powered off her phone, and retreated to her room. Yet, despite her best efforts to drift into sleep, she tossed and turned restlessly.

    By the time morning rolled around, the moment her eyes fluttered open, Eileen called Ruby. Bailee and Huey had packed up and moved out of the Baker family home, with Ruby taking up residence just across the street from their ce. Between their hectic work schedules, Ruby had slipped seamlessly into the role of their chef and housekeeper.

    Having lived with them before, Ruby knew the drill and had nned ordingly. She always just left after cleaning the table.

    Ruby sighed, her concern hanging heavy in the air. ¡°Bailee¡¯s been married all this time, and still no sign of a baby. I¡¯ve asked her more than once, and she tells me she hasn¡¯t used protection. Do you think something might be wrong with her or Huey¡¯s health?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re both swamped with work. Maybe it¡¯s just the stress and the fact they¡¯ve been married for so long. Maybe you should give them a little more time,¡± Eileen replied, thinking perhaps Bailee and Huey were still enjoying their honeymoon phase, but she didn¡¯t want Ruby to know that.

    Ruby continued, ¡°But I¡¯m not getting any younger. You can still help take care of the kids now. In the future, how will I manage that?¡± After a pause, Ruby asked, ¡°Do you want to have another child? If you do, even if you want to stay in Aluerton, I¡¯ll go there and help out.¡±

    Eileen quickly replied, ¡°No! If you want to visit Alverton, you¡¯re more than wee toe, but I¡¯m not having a baby.¡±

    Every tale finds a home at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Ruby, seeing Eileen¡¯s resistance, sighed. ¡°Then I¡¯ll just encourage Bailee to have a baby.¡±

    Eileen couldn¡¯t help but chuckle.

    After a while, they hung up the phone, and Eileen called Roderick next. The moment Roderick answered, Eileen could tell he was outside. The wind howled in the background, but nothing could mask the happiness in his voice.

    ¡°Eileen, what a surprise, calling me this early!¡±

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve been tied up in Alvertontely and haven¡¯t had the chance to get in touch with you. I just wanted to know how you¡¯ve been doing,¡± Eileen said, a smile tugging at her lips.

    Roderick paused for a moment before replying, ¡°I¡¯ve divorced Judie. The kid¡¯s with me, and my mother is out, taking care of him for me. Judie¡­ I¡¯ll share the restaurant¡¯s profits with her for the next six months, and then we¡¯ll go our separate wayspletely.¡±

    After all, Judie was the one who had caused the whole mess, and Denise had been left in the dark about it all. Later, when Eileen had arrived and pieced together what had happened, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to be too harsh and had asked Bryan to help Denise out of prison. As for Judie, she had returned the apartment and divorced Roderick.

    ¡°The baby¡¯s still young. He shouldn¡¯t have to grow up without his mother,¡± Eileen said softly.

    ¡°My mother has been taking amazing care of him. He¡¯s chubby now, and the form is doing wonders. I¡¯ve hired someone to help out at the restaurant, and business is booming. Even with Judie taking half the profits, I¡¯m earning more than enough to support the kid and my mother. Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Roderick was quick to shift the conversation, not wanting to dwell on the topic of the baby. ¡°How about you? How¡¯s it going with reconnecting with your family? Also, will you evere back?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 810

    ?Chapter 810:

    ¡°Yes, I will,¡± Eileen said. ¡°As soon as everything here is sorted out, I¡¯ll be back.¡±

    She could hardly stand the cold in Alverton. Once the Group was stabilized and the Vazquez family matters were resolved, she nned to discuss with Le about heading back to Onnd.

    Roderick¡¯s joy was palpable.

    ¡°That¡¯s fantastic! When you¡¯re back, I¡¯ll have a few new dishes at my restaurant waiting for you.¡±

    They chatted a bit longer. Then, Eileen received a call from Gianna.

    Eileen finished her call with Roderick and answered Gianna¡¯s call.

    ¡°Eileen, why don¡¯t you take a day off today? Let¡¯s head back to the Vazquez Mansion,¡± Gianna said.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Eileen¡¯s brow furrowed instinctively. She had been chatting with Le justst night over dinner. Could something have happened to Le?

    Gianna smiled and replied,

    ¡°Nothing urgent. I just thought it would be nice for you toe home. I¡¯ve organized a little wee-back party for you at the mansion. A few family friends will be there. Oh, and bring Mr. Dawson along if you can.¡±

    Gianna had met Bryan before.

    Eileen knew that if Bryan apanied her, it would expose his identity.

    But she decided not to decline directly. ¡°I¡¯ll talk with Mr. Dawson about this,¡± she replied.

    Let your mind wander with g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q??????

    They ended the call shortly after. Gabri, awakened by their conversation, gazed up at Eileen with wide eyes.

    Upon noticing her mother looking back at her, Gabri smiled.

    ¡°Mommy, hug!¡±

    Scooping Gabri up, Eileen headed to the study to find Bryan. Despite workingtest night, Bryan was already awake. He was just about to step out as Eileen entered with Gabri. He took Gabri into his arms.

    ¡°I need to return to the Vazquez family mansion today. They¡¯re throwing a wee banquet to introduce me publicly as the long-lost granddaughter of the Vazquez family,¡± Eileen said, her toneced with a hint of irony.

    Bryan replied, ¡°They¡¯ll likely invite Julio because of the project. You can ask his help if you need anything there.¡± He knew his presence at the event was not possible, so he didn¡¯t even ask about it. Gabri couldn¡¯t go either.

    Eileen, standing on her toes, gently kissed Gabri¡¯s cheek.

    ¡°Sweetheart, you need to be good at home with Daddy, alright?¡±

    Gabri pouted and said without hesitation, ¡°Want Mommy to stay!¡±

    Bryan interjected with an enticing offer, ¡°What if I get you a ck cat?¡±

    His words instantly brightened Gabri¡¯s mood, her recent obsession with a cartoon cat making the promise especiallypelling. Gabri instantly smiled.

    ¡°Okay! Daddy will buy me a ck cat!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 811

    ?Chapter 811:

    Eileen¡¯s and Bryan¡¯sughter filled the room. After their light breakfast, Bryan arranged for a car to take Eileen back to the Vazquez mansion.

    When Eileen arrived, Gianna and Conroy hadn¡¯t arrived yet. This time, the situation at the mansion was different. It was teeming with servants, all busily preparing for the banquet in the evening.

    Eileen headed straight to Le¡¯s room, finding her grandmother poised elegantly at her dressing table, her white hair perfectly styled for the asion.

    Le looked up and greeted Eileen with a warm smile.

    ¡°You¡¯ve moved quickly,¡± Le remarked, both surprised and pleased.

    ¡°How did you manage to convince them to reveal your identity so soon?¡±

    Conroy and Gianna had cut Le¡¯s connection with the outside world. Even if Le wanted to hold the banquet, she wouldn¡¯t have been able to do it without them.

    The morning¡¯s good news that the family was holding a wee banquet made Le realize that Eileen had made her move.

    ¡°I¡¯ve only been back for less than a month,¡± Le said, impressed by Eileen¡¯s swift actions. She had expected it would take Eileen at least a year or two to handle Conroy and Gianna.

    Eileen, her lips curving into a smile, leaned in and whispered, ¡°Do you want me to take more time to deal with the matter?¡±

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Le responded, looking rejuvenated by the turn of events. ¡°I¡¯ll give you another month to wrap everything up.¡±

    The new deadline added pressure on Eileen.

    ¡°Grandma, once this is all settled, would you consider moving to Onnd with me?¡± she asked.

    Le looked down, her voice tinged with reluctance. ¡°I¡¯ve spent my whole life in Alverton. Onnd is so far away¡­ How could I possibly move there?¡±

    Noticing Le¡¯s reluctance, Eileen changed the subject.

    ¡°Will there be many people at the banquet tonight?¡±

    Le smiled with a hint of pride. ¡°Our family is quite influential here in Alverton. Even those living hours away wille. It¡¯s a significant event, your return.¡±

    After a pause, she added, ¡°If you¡¯re in charge of the Vazquez family in the future, they¡¯ll have to be careful not to offend you.¡±

    Eileen found amusement in Le¡¯s spirited derations. Le¡¯s vibrant demeanor was a refreshing change from the frail woman Eileen had seen before.

    As evening approached, Eileen discovered that the earlier statements were not exaggerations at all.

    The turnout was astounding; nearly a thousand guests had arrived at the Vazquez Mansion.

    Those living nearby had driven for about two hours, while others had journeyed for seven to eight hours to reach the mansion. Eileen also learned about a bed and breakfast not far from their estate, owned by the Vazquez family. It was often used to amodate guests duringrge events.

    Tonight, it stood ready to host the guests whose homes were far away from here.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 812

    ?Chapter 812:

    Amidst the preparations, Le presented Eileen with a stunning piece from the past¡ªan exquisite dress that had once belonged to Eileen¡¯s mother.

    ¡°This dress was for your mother¡¯sing-of-age celebration, crafted at the steep price of more than twenty million dors. I believe it¡¯llplement your elegance perfectly, and it fits you just right,¡± Le exined, her eyes twinkling with nostalgia.

    The dress, ornately decorated with local folklore motifs and trimmed with fox fur, blended pristine white with vibrant red; it was strikingly beautiful.

    As Eileen took in the dress¡¯s details, she could easily picture how radiant her mother must have looked wearing it years ago. Le seemed reluctant to take her eyes off the garment, her fingers lingering on the fabric as she reminisced.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll wear it tonight,¡± Eileen said.

    Le smiled warmly, her gaze affectionate. ¡°You¡¯ll outshine even your mother,¡± she said, patting Eileen¡¯s shoulder with tears in her eyes.

    Eileen sought to steer Le away from growing too nostalgic, so she shifted the conversation. ¡°Have you met Kinsey¡¯s wife yet?¡± she asked.

    Le replied, ¡°No, they¡¯re just putting on a show to affirm their loyalty so that I don¡¯t suspect Kinsey of marrying purely for business ties. His wife is merely a front¡ªno need to do anything to her!¡± After a pause, she continued, ¡°I¡¯ve heard Kinsey will bring her here tonight. Don¡¯t be deceived; they have their motives for this banquet.¡±

    Le¡¯s insights were sharper than Eileen¡¯s.

    Eileen nodded as she listened to Le. The Vazquez Mansion buzzed with activity, its ancient grandeur spruced up for the evening¡¯s event.

    L¨»¦Ó??¦Ó c§ß¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ??n g??l??ov?l??.??o??

    Dolores, new to such opulence, clung to Kinsey¡¯s side initially. With Kinsey preupied, he soon left her side amidst themotion, advising her to stay in a corner to avoid any trouble. Dolores snuck out her phone and texted Eileen, though her messages remained unanswered as Eileen was tied up with the guests. The influx of attendees was overwhelming, with numerous guests approaching Dolores, curious about her background and her connection to the Vazquez family.

    Even though the news of the marriage was public, no one had seen Dolores before, highlighting her insignificance to the Vazquez family.

    Knowing this, Dolores imed she was merely here to enjoy the event. After several ufortable encounters, she excused herself and stepped outside for some air.

    That was when she spotted Julio, dressed sharply in a silver suit and a cashmere overcoat, making his way toward her. He narrowed his eyes as he noticed her.

    Instinctively, Dolores turned to go in another direction. However, she wasn¡¯t as quick as Julio, who approached swiftly, grasped her wrist, and ushered her to stand beside his car. The off-road vehicle¡¯s frame was quite high, effectively concealing Dolores¡¯ small figure. Dolores leaned against the car and looked up at Julio, who blocked her path.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± she asked.

    ¡°I should be asking you the same question,¡± Julio responded, slipping a hand into his pocket and giving her a slight smile.

    ¡°You refused to be with me without status, and you didn¡¯t even want our child. Have you done all that just to embroil yourself in the troubles of the Vazquez family?¡±

    It was clear he understood her precarious position within the Vazquez family.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 813

    ?Chapter 813:

    He continued, ¡°Where is your self-respect?¡±

    As Dolores lowered her head, biting her lip and refusing to respond, Julio¡¯s anger red. He lifted his hand and gripped her delicate neck. His grip tightened as if he meant to strangle her. Struggling to breathe, Dolores¡¯ face reddened, veins bulging in her neck, and her eyes turned red as well. Julio¡¯s cold expression mirrored her tearful gaze.

    ¡°I have no dignity. I¡¯m just a failure. You¡¯re set to be the head of the Fergusoni family. Look at you, so superior, yet why bother with me? Don¡¯t you see how demeaning this is for you?¡± Tears streamed down Dolores¡¯ cheeks as she pelted him with her questions, each one a struggle to utter.

    Upon hearing this, a storm of emotions churned in Julio¡¯s chest. He suddenly released his hold. He could have killed her if he hadn¡¯t controlled himself. Dolores copsed to the ground, breathing heavily.

    She looked up at Julio, got to her feet, and dered, ¡°I¡¯ve told you before that I¡¯ve settled all my debts to you. I would even give my life if you still resent me. But since you haven¡¯t taken my life today, I hope from now on we can act as strangers or even enemies. That would be better than this torment!¡± With that, she shoved Julio aside and sprinted back into the mansion.

    Julio watched her leave, pondering her words, frustration boiling inside him.

    In a sudden gesture, he swung his arm and punched the car window. The ss shattered.

    Blood flowed from his knuckles, yet he seemed oblivious to the pain. The car rm went off, drawing the attention of the Vazquez household staff. They hurried over, shocked by the scene. The housekeeper quickly acted, taking Julio to tend to his hand.

    Uncover new tales on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s??om

    Before Eileen stepped out, she noticed some noises outside but didn¡¯t know what was happening. Her thoughts were consumed by Bryan. As she responded to his messages, she asionally looked up to acknowledge Le¡¯s remarks.

    Noticing Eileen was distracted, Le fell silent. She shifted slightly and sneakily nced at Eileen¡¯s phone screen. The smile that yed on Eileen¡¯s lips reminded Le of the look her daughter had when she was in love. Le, aware that Eileen was so aplished, thought it unlikely for her not to have a significant other at her age. She even believed Eileen might be married.

    Previously, she had suspected that the so-called cousin fromst time was actually Eileen¡¯s husband, but Eileen had denied the question. Thus, Le wasn¡¯t sure about that. She thought of the child the so-called cousin had brought¡­ could the child be Eileen¡¯s?

    ¡°Mommy, I¡¯m being good!¡± Eileen identally yed a voice message Bryan had sent over the weekend.

    The child¡¯s voice was so endearing that Le couldn¡¯t help but lean closer to Eileen¡¯s phone. She remarked, ¡°This voice is so sweet. Is this the baby you visited that day?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen replied. It was only then that Eileen realized she hadn¡¯t informed Le about her marriage and her daughter. She quickly pulled up some photos of Gabri and showed them to Le.

    ¡°Her name is Gabri, and she¡¯s one year old.¡±

    Le¡¯s mood brightened at the sight of the photos, and she smiled fondly, saying, ¡°Gabri? I didn¡¯t pay enough attention to her that day. Is sheing today?¡±

    ¡°She can¡¯te today,¡± Eileen replied, reminding Le. It was only then that Le remembered that Gianna had met Bryan before, thinking he was Eileen¡¯s cousin.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 814

    ?Chapter 814:

    She then thought of something and inquired, ¡°Has your father seen him before?¡±

    Eileen quickly gathered some information about Bryan on her phone and showed it to Le.

    ¡°It¡¯s him.¡±

    ¡°Oh!¡± Le stood up in surprise.

    ¡°Is he really this powerful? Can he really challenge the VQ Group?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen replied and was about to add more when Le gestured for her to stop.

    ¡°No, we shouldn¡¯t do that. We shouldn¡¯t stir up trouble. Even though you could overpower the VQ Group, it would cost you a lot if you did that,¡± Le said. The underlying concern was, if Eileen dealt with the VQ Group, some would probably return to Onnd afterward.

    Le had spent her whole life in Alverton and had no desire to leave. At her age, moving to Onnd seemed daunting. She wondered how much longer she had to live.

    She didn¡¯t want to pass away in a strangend, so she nned to dy Eileen¡¯s ns as much as possible.

    Though Le didn¡¯t voice these thoughts, Eileen understood what she was implying.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t go against the VQ Group. The Vazquez family has a prominent reputation in Alverton. Taking drastic measures could tarnish the family¡¯s image.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for considering the Vazquez family¡¯s reputation,¡± Le responded, patting Eileen¡¯s hand. Then, as if remembering something important, she turned, retrieved a key from the cab, and handed it to Eileen.

    L§Ñt??t ch¨»pt?rs ?n g??ln¦Ïv?ls.??¦Ï??

    ¡°I have something that has kept Conroy uneasy until now, but¡­ Now is not the time to reveal it.¡±

    The bronze key appeared ancient. It was the key to a safe in a high-end facility.

    The annual cost to secure the items in the safe was as much as¡ª

    Only someone with significant wealth or influence could afford such a privilege.

    Eileen felt the pressure mounting.

    ¡°Grandma¡­¡±

    ¡°Listen, only use this if absolutely necessary. Do you understand?¡± Le said, patting Eileen¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Eileen tucked the key away.

    Just then, a servant entered to announce that the banquet was starting.

    Linking arms with Le, Eileen slowly exited the room and went to the bustling banquet area in the back garden.

    The area was teeming with guests, all eyes on Conroy, who was dressed sharply in a suit and radiating joy, seemingly thrilled at his daughter¡¯s return.

    Off to the side, Gianna and Kinsey also wore smiles and asionally talked with nearby guests. However, the truly joyful one was Le. Amidst the apuse, she escorted Eileen onto the stage with deliberate steps. Dressed in a striking white and red dress with her ck hair flowing, Eileen looked stunning.

    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, today, we¡¯ve gathered you here to share two joyous updates from our Vazquez family.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 815

    ?Chapter 815:

    Conroy walked onto the stage, his enthusiasm evident as he approached Eileen and Le. He patted Eileen¡¯s shoulder warmly and began to recount the incredible story of how Eileen had been found after being missing for years.

    However, Eileen¡¯s attention was piqued by Conroy¡¯s mention of two pieces of joyful news.

    One of them was clearly her return, but she had no idea what the other one was.

    Le patted her wrist and whispered, ¡°Let him finish. We¡¯ll decide what to do next anyway.¡±

    In other words, Conroy¡¯s words held power.

    After a lengthy speech, Conroy finally announced the second piece of good news. ¡°Everyone, my wife longed to see our daughter onest time before she passed away, but sadly, that wasn¡¯t possible. Now that my daughter has returned, I must take responsibility for her as her father. Considering Eileen¡¯s age, I want to find her a suitable match.¡±

    Eileen was dumbfounded. She felt it was a good thing that she hadn¡¯t asked Bryan to attend the banquet today. Otherwise, he would have likely made a scene in the Vazquez Mansion and silenced Conroy instantly.

    Eileen noticed that the guests now looked at her with anticipation, clearly wanting to get close to the Vazquez family through her.

    Yet, she was already a married woman!

    ¡°Perhaps I¡¯m getting ahead of myself. What I mean is, if anyone knows a suitable young man, maybe we could talk. I¡¯m confident good news will follow soon.¡± As Conroy finished speaking, the crowd erupted in apuse.

    Gianna also stepped onto the stage and spoke briefly. Then, the banquet officiallymenced.

    L?t?st ch¦Ápt?rs ¦Én g??l??ov§Ö???.????

    Gianna attempted to introduce Eileen to the guests, but Le intervened. ¡°Stay, Eileen. Let theme to us,¡± Le said, guiding Eileen to a seat, expecting guests to approach them on their own initiative.

    Gianna and Conroy exchanged a nce and then left to mingle with the guests.

    The guests were perceptive, and noticing Eileen and Le seated, they began to approach to introduce themselves.

    Some sought to make friends with the influential Vazquez family. Others were hoping to secure an advantageous match for their eligible sons.

    ¡°My son is twenty-nine, a graduate of a prestigious foreign university¡­¡±

    Le dismissed the speaking guest with a wave of her hand.

    ¡°Too young. Eileen needs a husband, not a child.¡± Eileen struggled to stifle a smile at the remark. At just over thirty, she was only a few years older than the man; the age gap didn¡¯t warrant such a drasticbel.

    ¡°This one¡¯s not suitable; his unattractive features might taint Eileen¡¯s good genes.¡±

    ¡°And this one, too; he appears dim-witted.¡±

    ¡°This one¡¯s physique is unbnced¡ªshort legs and a long torso. Eileen has a perfect figure; they¡¯re clearly not a match.¡±

    ¡°And this one¡¯s even worse. He¡¯s thirty-five, correct? Don¡¯t you think he is too old for Eileen?¡±

    Eileen was left speechless. In fact, the man was only two years older than her.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 816

    ?Chapter 816:

    She didn¡¯t object to Le refusing these guests. She just believed Le¡¯s remarks were too harsh.

    This approach would likely offend these guests. After Le had rejected over a dozen suitors, the guests stopped approaching.

    It had be clear to everyone that Le had no intention of finding a partner for Eileen.

    Gianna¡¯s and Conroy¡¯s expressions darkened.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. This is Eileen¡¯s first exposure to high society, and she might be a bit overwhelmed. She¡¯s never seen anything like this before. After all, she may yet be swept off her feet by someone¡¯s charms. Once someone actively pursues her, she¡¯ll soon sumb to their advances,¡± Gianna said to Conroy, trying tofort him. But he looked unconvinced.

    Conroy said, ¡°She seems tooposed, not like a novice in high-society events. Could it be¡­?¡±

    ¡°It can¡¯t be,¡± Gianna dismissed his concerns with a wave of her hand. ¡°She must have been prepped by Le. Tracey said they¡¯ve been holed up in that room since morning on their own.¡±

    Gianna and Conroy were well aware that Le desired Eileen to bepetent.

    Le wished to transform Eileen into a dignified, high-society woman, worthy of their wealthy family¡¯s status. However, recalling Eileen¡¯s previous absurd notions about rescuing the VQ Group, Conroy promptly pushed aside his doubts.

    ¡°So, have you found a suitable match for Eileen?¡±

    Exclusive updates avable g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°I have,¡± Gianna replied.

    ¡°To avoid any embarrassing situations, I didn¡¯t let him approach Le and Eileen today. Once we¡¯re back in Alverton¡­ I¡¯m curious to see how long Eileen can resist him.¡±

    Gianna crossed her arms, gazing at Eileen with a confident smile.

    ¡°I bet she¡¯ll sumb within a week.¡±

    Conroy countered, ¡°I think she has a bit of pride, like your sister, and isn¡¯t just any ordinary woman with no principles. It¡¯ll take at least two weeks.¡±

    Conroy¡¯sment was genuine, reflecting his thoughtful assessment of Eileen¡¯s character.

    No sooner had he spoken than a chill ran down his spine, and he felt a frosty re upon him. He looked down to see Gianna¡¯s eyes zing with anger.

    ¡°Who exactly are you referring to?¡± she asked.

    Conroy hastily shook his head, attempting to cate her.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it like that, I just think¡­ No, listen to me¡­¡± Conroy tried to exin, but Gianna wasn¡¯t having any of it.

    Her anger already simmering, Gianna turned on her heel and stormed off.

    Surrounded by the crowd, Conroy couldn¡¯t openly follow Gianna without drawing attention, so he eventually chose not to follow her.

    Eileen observed the scene with interest, her lips pressed together in thought.

    Were they quarreling? If so, that meant there were conflicts between them.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 817

    ?Chapter 817:

    Eileen raised an eyebrow, waiting patiently for the banquet to conclude. As the guests began to bid their farewells, she finally spotted Dolores and Julio together.

    It was a sight to see them in the same space; though there were so many people between them, the connection between them remained palpable.

    Noticing Julio¡¯s bandaged hand, Eileen frowned. Seizing the opportunity to speak with him when she was seeing him off, she asked in a hushed tone, ¡°What happened to your hand?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Julio¡¯s eyes darted briefly toward Dolores before quickly refocusing on Eileen. ¡°Looks like you¡¯re nning to stay in Alverton for a long time.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you?¡± Eileen shot back.

    ¡°Are you staying for the project or for Dolores?¡±

    Julio¡¯s expression twisted into a scornful sneer, and he snapped impatiently, ¡°You¡¯re reading too much into the situation. Without the child, she¡¯s just a stranger to me.¡±

    ¡°A stranger who made you lose control and smash a car window?¡± Eileen¡¯s words pierced through Julio¡¯s facade.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to meddle in your affairs, but I must remind you that some actions can¡¯t be undone once taken. Be cautious and reflect on what you truly desire, lest you suffer lifelong remorse.¡±

    The surrounding noise faded into the background as Eileen¡¯s soft-spoken words struck Julio¡¯s heart, leaving asting impact.

    Julio snorted in derision. ¡°You think I actually want her? That I¡¯d spend the rest of my life regretting my actions because of her?¡±

    Your escape is on g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s

    ¡°Then cut ties with herpletely,¡± Eileen said. ¡°Why do you persist in fixating on her every time you see her? If you don¡¯t want her, cut ties with her decisively. Don¡¯t remain entangled. I¡¯d lose all respect for you.¡±

    No sooner had Eileen finished speaking than a reprimanding voice cut through the air from a nearby corner.

    Kinsey slipped into the car and drove off, leaving Dolores behind. She chased after the car for a few futile steps. Julio¡¯s instinctspelled him to rush to Dolores¡¯ side, but Eileen¡¯s sudden intervention halted him.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Eileen asked, her voice firm. ¡°I have plenty of drivers at my disposal. No need for you to y the hero here.¡±

    Julio halted abruptly and turned toward Eileen. Eileen lifted an eyebrow and said,

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you im she¡¯s nothing to you without the baby? It¡¯s high time you cut ties with herpletely. You¡¯ve got to stand by your word.¡±

    As she spoke, Eileen made her way toward Dolores. Julio watched Eileen guide Dolores into the Vazquez Mansion, their figures soon vanishing from sight. He then turned away. He gripped the door handle with his bandaged hand, the pressure of his turmoil visible only in the tension of his grip. Lowering his head to hide the inner struggle, he opened the door and slid into the car.

    After bidding farewell to thest of the guests, Eileen and Dolores turned to say goodbye to Le.

    ¡°Grandma, it¡¯ste. I need to get back to the city. I¡¯ll arrange a limo to bring you there another day,¡± Eileen said.

    Now that her identity was no longer a secret, Gianna and Conroy couldn¡¯t stop her from taking her grandmother to the city.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 818

    ?Chapter 818:

    She could sense her grandmother¡¯s reluctance to let her go. To put it bluntly, she knew Le didn¡¯t have much time left in this world, considering her age.

    She understood that Le would want to spend her remaining time close to her.

    Le smiled softly as she patted Eileen¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Sweetheart, I¡¯m not going anywhere. I¡¯m too set in my ways here. Just visit me when you can. Now, off you go.¡±

    Knowing there was a long journey ahead and the hour waste, Eileen had no choice but to leave.

    She brought Dolores back with her. The sky was darkening, stretching its cloak over the vast in before them.

    Dolores gazed out of the window, her face nk.

    ¡°I¡¯ve spent so many years in Onnd before; I¡¯m not used to living here,¡± she said.

    ¡°It¡¯s no surprise,¡± Eileen sniffled, nodding. ¡°I¡¯m not used to living here either. The weather, the food¡ªit¡¯s all too different.¡± If Bryan hadn¡¯t been cooking for her every day, she would have lost so much weight here.

    ¡°But I¡¯ve grown ustomed to life without Julio,¡± Dolores said, her head lowered. ¡°His sudden reappearance has turned my world upside down. I want to leave now.¡±

    The truth about Gianna and Conroy¡¯s affair was still hidden from Le. Therefore, to prove Kinsey¡¯s ¡®loyalty,¡¯ Dolores still had a part to y here.

    Leaving was not an option for her now.

    M??? ?¦Ñ????? ?? ?????¦Í???.???

    With one hand resting on the car door, Eileen sent Bryan an update when she stopped the car at a red light. She then turned to Dolores and said,

    ¡°Your rtionship with Julio is a tangled web. No matter where you go, he¡¯ll find a way to follow.¡±

    Dolores pressed her lips together for a moment before asking,

    ¡°So what does he want?¡±

    The words Julio had spoken in the CSI that night about wanting her to give him a child still echoed in her mind.

    But she knew they were words born of anger, not meant to be taken to heart.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t walk away because I didn¡¯t believe he could be that cold. I wanted to help him. I didn¡¯t want to use my child as a bargaining chip, and I didn¡¯t want to marry him just because we had slept together before. To him, I am nothing but a maniptive gold-digger¡­¡± Dolores spoke with a mix of bitterness and disappointment.

    She realized now that she had been wrong from the beginning. When Julio had told her to leave, she should have packed up and left, disregarding the help he had given her for years. Her mistake had been that she had a heart.

    ¡°You and Julio are worlds apart in how you see things, so it¡¯s hard to say who¡¯s right and who¡¯s wrong. But every step you take now is a path paved by your past,¡± Eileen remarked. The light flickered green, and Eileen twisted the key in the ignition, bringing the engine to life. With a steady press on the elerator, she drove straight toward the city.

    By the time they reached home, it was already past eleven, and the night had swallowed the world in darkness.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 819

    ?Chapter 819:

    Eileen pulled up at the vi¡¯s gate, letting Dolores out. She watched as Dolores approached the door, knocking, but no one answered.

    With hesitation, Eileen stepped out of the car and marched over. She rapped sharply on the door. ¡°Kinsey, open up!¡±

    Within seconds, the door creaked open.

    Kinsey¡¯s eyes narrowed in displeasure as he looked at Eileen. It was clear he was silently using her of meddling in his affairs by bringing Dolores back from the Vazquez Mansion.

    ¡°Regardless of what¡¯s going on between you two, abandoning her is too much. She¡¯s your wife, Kinsey. You can¡¯t use her when you want and discard her when she¡¯s not of use to you, like she¡¯s only a tool. That¡¯s the kind of thing only a real lowlife would do,¡± Eileen¡¯s words came out sharp.

    Whenever Kinsey and Dolores were together, Eileen could always see the disdain etched in Kinsey¡¯s features. It was clearly directed at Dolores.

    ¡°Your advice is duly noted, Eileen,¡± Kinsey responded, his tone as t as his expression, as he stepped back to let Dolores in.

    ¡°Come inside.¡±

    Dolores shot Eileen a grateful nce before heading inside. She changed her shoes and directly headed upstairs.

    In truth, Dolores wasn¡¯t overly concerned with how Kinsey treated her. All she wanted was to live asfortably as she could under his roof and ensure her child was well cared for. Still, she appreciated Eileen¡¯s support.

    Discover more

    As Eileen turned to leave, she noticed Bryan and Gabri stepping out of the vi from a distance. Bryan held Gabri¡¯s small arm, guiding her down the steps. Gabri then opened her arms wide, rushing toward Eileen. Gabri¡¯s actions tugged at Eileen¡¯s heartstrings. The sight spurred Eileen into action: she quickly approached Gabri. She scooped Gabri up.

    nting a tender kiss on her cheek, Bryan guided Gabri back inside, holding her while talking to her. Gabri didn¡¯t drift off to sleep until the clock was nearing midnight.

    After a busy day, Eileen was tired. After tucking Gabri in, she turned, linking her arm with Bryan¡¯s as she settled into bed, eager to sleep.

    But Bryan gave her a teasing pinch, making her frown in confusion. ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°We need to talk.¡± Bryany on his side, propping his head up with one hand, his gaze resting on her.

    ¡°So, you¡¯ve met a lot of suitors today, huh? Those younger guys look pretty good.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°Who told you that?¡±

    ¡°I not only know that, but I also have a photo.¡± Bryan fished his phone out, showing her the photo.

    Eileen couldn¡¯t remember if the guy in the photo was younger or older than her. She had had that expression in the photo because Le had dismissed the guy for reasons that were anything but ordinary.

    But the photo seemed to paint a different story, as if she had been on the verge of agreeing before Le stepped in.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 820

    Chapter 820:

    ¡°Just one photo?¡± Eileen looked up at Bryan, an eyebrow raised. ¡°Did you get the full conversation? Didn¡¯t hear what we actually said?¡±

    ¡°Does it even matter?¡± Bryan put away his phone and looked away. The real issue gnawing at him was that she had been out there among a sea of potential suitors.

    Eileen could tell he was jealous.

    ¡°When did you get so insecure? You know you¡¯re wealthier and way more handsome than any of those guys, right?¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Bryan arched an eyebrow. ¡°Is it mainly because I¡¯ve got more money?¡±

    Eileen was momentarily at a loss for words. Just because she had mentioned his wealth first didn¡¯t mean it topped her list! She knew Bryan had this tendency to get a bit possessive. After not seeing him all day, she indeed wanted to spend some sweet time with him. But she couldn¡¯t resist teasing him when he got like this.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m married, yet I went to see lots of my suitors today¡ªa grave mistake. Mr. Dawson, please punish me by sending me to contemte my actions alone. You stay here and care for your daughter.¡±

    As Eileen spoke, she slid off the bed and quietly slipped into the adjacent room, her bare feet making no sound.

    She hade here seeking a peaceful night¡¯s sleep, hoping to evade Bryan¡¯s relentless questioning.

    However, Bryan took advantage of the situation and became even more brazen on the bed since Gabri was not in this room.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s©q??o?? is where stories live

    The next day, Eileen arrived at thepany feeling drained because of Bryan. Shey on the sofa in her office, struggling to stay awake. Meanwhile, Raymond was summoned to watch over Gabri, while Bryan openly exploited the work hours to attend to EB Group¡¯s business.

    The office phone rang, and Bryan answered it¡ªConroy was on the line.

    Conroy offered to introduce Bryan to a key contact with ties to VQ Group, and this person wanted to meet Bryan over a meal. Bryan nced at his watch and agreed to the invitation after Conroy revealed the booked restaurant for their meal.

    ¡°The dinner may runte, so I suggest you bring your daughter and have Eileen join you as well, Mr. Dawson,¡± Conroy said. He kept his rtionship to Eileen hidden from Bryan. He had extended the banquet invitation to Bryan the previous day, but Bryan hadn¡¯t attended.

    He thought it might be wise to keep Eileen¡¯s true identity concealed for the time being. Maybe someday, she could surprise him in an unexpected way.

    After all, individuals like Bryan were always cautious. If he discovered Eileen was his daughter and suspected a deliberate setup, it could sparkplications.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Bryan replied. He hung up the phone and signed a document. Looking up, he noticed Eileen had been roused by the call, her sleepy gaze fixed on him, unblinking.

    ¡°You need to go to lunch with me today,¡± he said.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen replied, her voicecking emotion. She rose, ambled into the lounge, washed her face, and stretched, shaking off the remnants of sleep. By the time she arrived, she was fully awake.

    Worried that Eileen might be too tired, Bryan tasked Raymond with watching Gabri. Despite his advanced education, Raymond couldn¡¯t escape the childcare duties assigned by his boss. Raymond drove to the hotel, brought out a lollipop from his pocket, and used it to coax Gabri into his arms. He then followed behind Eileen and Bryan as they entered the hotel.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Happy wednesday dear readers. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. (=?=) /

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 821

    ?Chapter 821:

    Gabri, holding the lollipop, looked at her parents and then dered seriously to Raymond, ¡°Ray, I only allowed you to hold me because you gave me a lollipop!¡±

    ¡°What if I hadn¡¯t given you a lollipop?¡± Raymond asked, ying along. He didn¡¯t know when Gabri had started calling him ¡°Ray.¡±

    Perhaps Gabri had invented the nickname ¡°Ray¡± because she often heard Bryan and Eileen call him ¡°Raymond,¡± a name she struggled to pronounce.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t have a lollipop, I¡¯ll run away!¡± Gabri eximed, waving her hand as if in motion.

    Raymond chuckled at her antics, though beneath his amusement, he felt the pressure weighing on him. He was fond of Gabri, but the weight of responsibility was daunting; if she were to trip and fall, he feared Bryan¡¯s wrath.

    Eileen nced back at them with a smile, maintaining a deliberate distance from Bryan as they entered the booked private room. Conroy was already present, apanied by two other men. One was a dignified individual over fifty, and the other, a younger man in his thirties.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, allow me to introduce you to Rhett Santiago, the CEO of Santiago Group, and his son, Everett Santiago,¡± Conroy said.

    Rhett rose from his seat and extended a hand to Bryan, who shook it cordially. Conroy then ushered Bryan to his seat with a warm gesture. As Bryan sat down, he noticed that Eileen had been seated beside Everett.

    Eileen found herself sandwiched between Bryan and Everett. Conroy had led Eileen to sit there, and now, with everyone else settled in, it would have been awkward for her to switch seats. With no other option, Eileen had to ept the situation. She focused on the conversation between Bryan and Rhett, asionally ying with Gabri, who was on the other side of Bryan.

    Find thetest stories g?ln¦Òv??ls

    ¡°Miss Vazquez,¡± a gentle voice suddenly echoed, catching Eileen off guard.

    Eileen turned to face Everett, her surprise evident. She didn¡¯t think Everett was calling her, but as she saw his gaze on her, she realized he was addressing her.

    ¡°Mr. Santiago,¡± she replied, her voice apanied by a polite nod.

    ¡°You are thirty-two years old now, right?¡± Everett inquired, his question direct.

    Eileen¡¯s brow furrowed instinctively, and she nodded in affirmation. ¡°Yes.¡±

    Everett¡¯s face broke into a smile as he said, ¡°I¡¯m twenty-nine, so you¡¯re three years older than me. But that¡¯s not a big deal. In fact, they say older women are often a better match for men.¡±

    Eileen was left speechless, unsure how to process Everett¡¯sment.

    What was happening here?

    She was certain that if she continued talking with Everett, Bryan would be furious.

    ¡°What college did you graduate from?¡± Everett asked again. Eileen¡¯s response was barely audible, her toneced with indifference.

    ¡°A college in Onnd.¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s not among the top one or two universities in Onnd, it can¡¯tpare to the University of Alverton,¡± Everett said, his voice tinged with a hint of superiority. ¡°This means that I have a better educational background than you.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 822

    ?Chapter 822:

    Everett was drawing aparison between Eileen and himself.

    Their conversation was hushed, a stark contrast to the lively discussion unfolding between Conroy, Rhett, and Bryan.

    Although Bryan couldn¡¯t quite catch the specifics of Eileen and Everett¡¯s exchange, he couldn¡¯t help but notice that they had been talking for a while.

    Beneath the table, Bryan discreetly kicked Eileen¡¯s leg, a subtle gesture that caught her off guard.

    Eileen nearly jumped up, but she restrained herself just as Everett continued speaking.

    ¡°If you¡¯re one year older, you¡¯d be considered of advanced maternal age. So, if we married, you¡¯d need to be pregnant within the next year. Otherwise, the baby might not be healthy, and the intelligence of the baby could also be affected.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s expression turned serious as she asked,

    ¡°Mr. Santiago, did your mother have you when she was over thirty-three years old?¡±

    Everett¡¯s eyes widened slightly, taken aback by Eileen¡¯s question, before he shook his head.

    ¡°No, my mother had me when she was twenty-nine.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s gaze locked onto his, her expression neutral, as she said,

    ¡°Then it seems that you are wrong about the part regarding the mother¡¯s advanced age affecting the child¡¯s intelligence.¡±

    Eileen muttered in her heart, Your intelligence has still been affected, even though your mother had you when she was still young.

    Stay connected at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    However, she knew that no matter how foolish Everett might be, he wouldn¡¯t be speaking to her with such forwardness without a reason.

    As she caught Conroy ncing at her from time to time, the pieces fell into ce¡ªthis was a blind date for her, orchestrated by Conroy.

    She acknowledged that Everett was pretty impressive in many ways.

    Suddenly, she grasped Conroy¡¯s and Gianna¡¯s true intentions. They wanted her to marry into a wealthy family and give up the Vazquez family¡¯s assets.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Everett, confused, frowned.

    ¡°Are you questioning my intelligence?¡±

    Eileen shook her head.

    ¡°No. I wouldn¡¯t dare.¡±

    His voice rising, Everett said,

    ¡°But exactly what do you mean?¡± His anger was palpable.

    ¡°Mr. Santiago, be aware that stating things too bluntly can be off-putting to others,¡± Eileen said to Everett. She nodded discreetly towards Bryan.

    ¡°Also, I want you to know that I prefer a man like him.¡±

    Everett looked past Eileen at Bryan. Bryan possessed the air of a man of sess, a trait that even Rhett, the head of the Santiago family,cked. Yet, his recent time with Eileen and Gabri had given him a soft aura.

    He reclined casually in his chair, listening to Conroy and Rhett¡¯s conversation. As Everett observed him, Bryan unexpectedly turned his head and looked back at Everett.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 823

    ?Chapter 823:

    Bryan had a cold expression, which made Everett shiver slightly.

    Everett instinctively lowered his head.

    Bryan¡¯s eyes then drifted over to Eileen, who smiled.

    She had to keep silent, otherwise, Everett might ¡®die¡¯ right there. It was an unexpected twist for her to be in the same room with her husband while supposedly on a blind date. She felt a yful urge but restrained herself, fearing Bryan¡¯s reaction when they returned home.

    After Bryan looked away, Everett whispered, ¡°He¡¯s already married, isn¡¯t that his daughter next to him?¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Eileen replied. ¡°His wife died.¡±

    For the first time, she found spreading rumors rather intriguing. Everett frowned, paused to think, and then said, ¡°Even if his wife is dead, you can¡¯t marry into the Dawson family. You should give up; only my family will settle for you.¡±

    Eileen was left speechless.

    It seemed that Everett either underestimated the significance of the Vazquez family in Alverton or that Conroy had influenced him to have a prejudiced view of her.

    She felt as if she wasn¡¯t even deemed fit to be Bryan¡¯s servant.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t there a possibility that I don¡¯t want to join your family at all?¡± Eileen said.

    Everett quickly retorted, ¡°Impossible. If you didn¡¯t want to join my family, would your father have brought you here to meet me? My father said he would assess you during this meal, and if he approves, he¡¯ll discuss marriage ns with your father.¡±

    Your favorite tales are on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§ànn

    Eileen was taken aback.

    ¡°Marriage? Without any courtship or engagement?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Everett said without hesitation. ¡°If my father approves, your father wouldn¡¯t dare hesitate, worried that our family might change its mind. Then you¡­¡± He continued with a stream of arrogant remarks.

    Eileen quickly realized that Everettcked Rhett¡¯s sharpness.

    He appeared quite naive.

    She turned her head away, disregarding Everett.

    Noticing her disinterest, Rhett changed the subject to Eileen.

    ¡°Mr. Finch, this is your daughter, Miss Vazquez, correct? She¡¯s quite beautiful.¡±

    Conroy replied,

    ¡°Yes, she resembles my wife. Very beautiful.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, my son Everett is an honest man with a good head for business. He and Miss Vazquez would be well-matched,¡± Rhettmented.

    When Everett and Eileen were seen together, the disparity between them was clear; they were not well-matched in appearance. So, Rhett had refrained from praising Everett¡¯s looks. However, when Bryan heard Rhett¡¯s words, his expression darkened. He nced at Eileen.

    Eileen, looking embarrassed, shed Bryan a guilty smile. As Conroy was about to speak, Bryan interjected,

    ¡°Rhett¡¯sment is inappropriate. The Vazquez family is renowned for both their beauty and intelligence. Your family may be intelligent, butcks in appearance.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 824

    ?Chapter 824:

    Rhett was left speechless. Conroy quickly whispered to Bryan,

    ¡°Dawson, I apologize for not informing you beforehand. As Rhett said earlier, Eileen is indeed my long-lost daughter. As her father, I was looking for a suitable match for her. I have a close rtionship with Rhett, so I arranged for her to meet Everett.¡± He emphasized that his rtionship with Rhett was good.

    Logically, as an outsider, Bryan should not have gotten involved and should have smoothed things over after criticizing Everett. However, Bryan chose not to. He looked somewhat surprised and asked,

    ¡°Are you really Miss Curtis¡¯ biological father, Mr. Finch?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Conroy responded immediately.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Bryan said calmly. He then turned to Eileen and inquired,

    ¡°Have you acknowledged this man as your father?¡±

    Eileen considered it and realized she had not.

    Conroy had only assumed the role of her father in public, maintaining a distant demeanor in private. They shared no heartfelt father-daughter interactions.

    ¡°If you haven¡¯t, I suggest you think it over,¡± Bryan advised, his fingers drumming on the table. ¡°A stepfather using you as a bargaining tool is expected, but a biological father doing the same indicates he does not view you as his daughter. You might want to reconsider acknowledging him as your father.¡±

    Conroy was left speechless, sitting there stunned, unable to process what he had just heard.

    Updates loaded at g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe??s

    How had a simple matchmaking session turned into a debate about whether Eileen acknowledged him as her father?

    Eileen nodded earnestly, affirming Bryan¡¯s advice.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Dawson, for the reminder. But rest assured, I only acknowledge the Vazquez family.¡±

    Her statement was not deception; she was publicly known as a member of the Vazquez family, not specifically as Conroy¡¯s daughter.

    ¡°But,¡± Rhett furrowed his brow at Conroy, ¡°Mr. Finch, what¡¯s happening? Is she your daughter?¡±

    ¡°Yes, she is,¡± Conroy quickly said, then smiled at Bryan. ¡°Mr. Dawson, you might not be fully aware of our family dynamics. Let¡¯s focus. Today is about Eileen and Everett. How about we three step aside and talk business? We¡¯re almost done here. What do you say?¡±

    Bryan stood up, grabbed his coat from the chair, and pulled Eileen to her feet, draping an arm around her as he escorted her from the room.

    His cold voice filled the room. ¡°I¡¯m not interested in discussing anything further. My daughter is tired; it¡¯s time I took her home.¡±

    Raymond quickly dressed Gabri, grabbed her little milk bottle, and followed, muttering under his breath, ¡°Daughter is tired, but why are you escorting your wife out?¡±

    He was perspiring from the haste. By the time he reached them, Bryan was already in the car with Eileen.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, I was afraid you¡¯d forgotten about the baby,¡± Raymond said, holding Gabri. He knew Bryan wouldn¡¯t have waited for him if he hadn¡¯t been with Gabri.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 825

    ?Chapter 825:

    The back door of the luxury car swung open, and Bryan took Gabri from Raymond, gesturing for him to take the wheel.

    He then secured Gabri in her safety seat on the right and turned to Eileen, who was twirling a strand of her hair.

    Before he could speak, Eileen said, ¡°Everett is so unattractive and very arrogant. Rhett ims he has a business mind, but I saw no evidence of it.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve observed quite a bit,¡± Bryan responded nonchntly, hinting that she had paid enough attention to Everett to assess his business skills.

    As the car¡¯s partition sealed off the space in the back seat, Raymond started the car.

    Eileen¡¯s voice, now shielded within the confines of the back seat, carried a tone of frank observation. ¡°It¡¯s clear from Everett¡¯sck of savvy that he can¡¯t hold a candle to you in business. He wouldn¡¯t stand a chance against even the slightest bit of your expertise.¡±

    Bryan, amused by her attempt at ttery, let out a dismissive chuckle. ¡°Really? Anything else of note?¡±

    ¡°We barely exchanged words. The conversation fell t quickly,¡± Eileen replied. She reflected for a moment before continuing. ¡°Conroy¡¯s eagerness to arrange this meeting just shows his desperation to marry me off. I doubt he¡¯ll back down easily.¡±

    Tonight¡¯s experience had been embarrassing for Eileen, having to entertain the idea of another suitor in her husband¡¯s presence. Though internally she might have found an odd thrill in the situation, she didn¡¯t dare show it.

    Nevertheless, Bryan¡¯s intervention today likely meant Conroy would hold back on any direct approaches for the time being. Still, Eileen knew Conroy was more astute than she gave him credit for.

    On the other end, Rhett, picking up on the tension, asked,

    ¡°Mr. Finch, what exactly is the nature of Mr. Dawson¡¯s rtionship with your daughter? Does he have any romantic interest in her?¡±

    Recalling Bryan¡¯s sharp remark about Everett and his action of escorting Eileen out swiftly, Rhett found the situation suspicious. It was challenging for him to dismiss the possibility of a deeper connection between Bryan and Eileen.

    Conroy quickly replied,

    ¡°Well¡­ Rhett, you¡¯re overthinking things. It¡¯s probably because Mr. Dawson and my daughter both came from Onnd that they¡¯ve seemed to click so quickly. But let me be clear, I appreciate your son¡¯s merits. I think he is a good match for my daughter. I¡¯ll speak with my daughter about this.¡±

    Though he harbored doubts in his heart, he didn¡¯t say it. After all, hecked full insight into Bryan and Eileen¡¯s rtionship and was wary of offending Rhett.

    After a few polite exchanges, Conroy and Rhett parted ways.

    Conroy returned home and couldn¡¯t sleep all night.

    The next morning, he summoned Eileen to his office. He fixed a serious gaze on her. ¡°Eileen, I need the truth. What exactly is your rtionship with Mr. Dawson?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s my boss,¡± Eileen responded. ¡°And I¡¯m a live-in nanny for his daughter.¡±

    Conroy¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°It¡¯s not that simple!¡± he said, mming his hand on the desk.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 826

    ?Chapter 826:

    ¡°I have a business arrangement with Mr. Dawson. Don¡¯t jeopardize it. What do you really know about him?¡±

    Eileen hesitated for a while before she replied.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know much beyond the obvious¡ªhe¡¯s attractive, physically fit, and yes, he¡¯s quite tall¡­¡±

    She ticked off Bryan¡¯s attributes on the surface, and Conroy¡¯s suspicion morphed into a pointed question. ¡°Are you saying you have feelings for him?¡±

    Before Eileen could respond, the door to the room swung open.

    Jessica stormed in, wearing her mboyant Barbie-pink outfit. She hadn¡¯t bothered with a knock.

    nting herself in front of Eileen, Jessica sneered. ¡°Just who do you think you are? You¡¯re just a woman who grew up in thrift-store clothes. Now that you¡¯re the daughter of the Vazquez family, you think you¡¯re worthy of Bryan? You¡¯re not!¡±

    ¡°I am not an illegitimate daughter,¡± Eileen said without hesitation.

    Flustered and visibly shaken, Jessica raised her voice. ¡°Now, you¡¯re so old, unmarried, just an ordinary employee, and now a nanny. You have no future!¡±

    Eileen repeated firmly, ¡°I am not an illegitimate daughter.¡±

    Jessica¡¯s face reddened with fury. ¡°Except that, what else can you say?¡±

    ¡°You are an illegitimate daughter,¡± Eileen said, altering her response slightly.

    ¡°Enough!¡± Conroy interjected sharply. Eileen¡¯s repeated words had struck a nerve.

    ???§ÁE ??P?¦«T¦®? I§ª G¦«?§ª?V¦®??.???

    His tone was icy as he attempted to restore some semnce of control. ¡°Both of you are my daughters, crucial to the VQ Group. If either of you could win Bryan¡¯s heart, it would please me greatly.¡±

    Eileen scoffed, skeptical of his im. ¡°I doubt you¡¯d be pleased if either of us won him over.¡±

    After all, if that happened, Jessica would be furious, and Conroy would have to¡­

    ¡°Eileen, it¡¯s not personal, but realistically¡­ Jessica has more advantages than you, and the Dawson family¡¯s standards are exceptionally high. For someone of your background, it would be challenging for the Dawson family to ept you,¡± Conroy exined, subtly urging Eileen to give up on the idea. ¡°The Santiago family¡¯s prospects are quite respectable, and Everett has not married before, which positions him as a more appropriate match for you than Bryan.¡±

    ¡°The suitability you speak of doesn¡¯t resonate with me,¡± Eileen responded, her tone t.

    Conroy, annoyed, demanded, ¡°What exactly do you disagree with?¡±

    Eileen answered earnestly, ¡°You even think it¡¯s appropriate for you to have an affair with your sister-inw, so I question your standards and principles. So please, keep out of my marital decisions.¡±

    Conroy¡¯s face flushed a deep crimson.

    Eileen then turned to Jessica. ¡°If you also want Bryan, then we canpete fairly. If you win, he¡¯s all yours.¡±

    With those words, Eileen exited the office.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 827

    ?Chapter 827:

    Once she exited, Jessica¡¯s frustration boiled over. ¡°Why did you and Mom even have me? It¡¯s because of you that I¡¯m humiliated! Eileen is the daughter of the Vazquez family, and I¡¯m forever hidden. Why?¡±

    ¡°Jessica, my dear, please calm down,¡± Conroy tried to soothe her. ¡°I¡¯ve exined that the Vazquez legacy will eventually be yours. Whether or not you¡¯re recognized now is not important.¡± Heforted Jessica for a while until she was finally willing to speak to him again.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care anymore. Eileen has made her stance clear, so don¡¯t hold me back. I¡¯m going to pursue Bryan,¡± she said.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Conroy quickly agreed.

    Back in Bryan¡¯s office, Eileen didn¡¯t mention the fact that she now had a rival in love. She was wary of reigniting discussions about her ongoing struggles with the setup meetings.

    While entertaining Gabri, she received a text from Julio asking for Dalores¡¯ phone number. Her response was prompt and firm: ¡°Why don¡¯t you have Dalores¡¯ number? And why do you need it now? Answer these questions convincingly, then I might consider your request.¡±

    Julio didn¡¯t know how to answer the first question. He only responded, ¡°I need to discuss something with Dalores. It¡¯s about my divorce.¡±

    Julio and Mabel had had a marriage more on paper than in spirit, celebrated with a forgettable ceremony.

    The abrupt mention of divorce made Eileen¡¯s brow furrow. Julio hastened to rify, ¡°She has broken the terms we agreed upon. If I can prove it, I can part ways with her without conflict.¡±

    Don¡¯t miss out g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??ls?c?m

    Otherwise, he would face a significant financial loss for paying the liquidated damages.

    Since Eileen was unaware of the entire situation, she chose to forward Julio¡¯s contact information to Dalores.

    Eileen shared with Dalores the reason Julio had sought her out, leaving the decision to reach out to him in Dalores¡¯ hands.

    With her lips pressed tightly together, Dalores gazed at the familiar number disyed on her phone. She remembered the number even without Eileen sending it to her. She hesitated for a moment before dialing Julio. After a few rings, his icy voice echoed on the other end of the line.

    ¡°Dalores?¡±

    He recognized immediately that it was her on the line.

    ¡°What proof do you need?¡± Dalores asked directly.

    Julio responded straightforwardly. ¡°Did anyone get in touch with you during your pregnancy?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Dalores answered. ¡°Someone was covertly trying to aid my escape. I was losing hope of finding an opportunity to leave when they abruptly threatened me, dering that if I didn¡¯t leave, I would lose my baby.¡±

    She recounted all her interactions with this mysterious helper to Julio. It now dawned on her that the person was Mabel. Yet, she was puzzled by Mabel¡¯s motives. Mabel had married Julio for his wealth and was unable to have children herself. Why had Mabel helped her escape with her baby?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 828

    ?Chapter 828:

    ¡°Do you still possess the messages and the contact number of this person?¡± Julio asked, seeking tangible evidence, not merely her ount.

    Dalores responded, ¡°I lost my phone during my escape, so I don¡¯t have anything left.¡±

    Julio, growing impatient, asked, ¡°Could you draft a statement detailing how you were coerced and threatened to terminate your pregnancy and then forced to leave?¡± He was clearly quite eager for a divorce.

    Yet Dalores was uncertain about getting involved in his personal matters.

    ¡°I can pay you a substantial amount once it¡¯s settled,¡± Julio added.

    Without a second thought, Dalores responded, ¡°I don¡¯t want your money.¡± Throughout this ordeal, money had been a stain on her conscience, bringing her nothing but shame. Julio had often painted her as money-hungry. Hearing the word ¡°money¡± now sparked a surge of revulsion in her.

    ¡°What is it that you want, then?¡± Julio, his frustration mounting, asked.

    ¡°I want to cease allmunication permanently,¡± Dalores dered resolutely. ¡°Let¡¯s cut ties with each otherpletely.¡±

    Julio fell silent.

    Taking a deep breath, Dalores added, ¡°I¡¯ll help you with this matter, but after it¡¯s done, if we cross paths, we¡¯ll treat each other as strangers, not even as acquaintances.¡±

    ¡°Are you doing this because you feel obligated?¡± Julio¡¯s voice turned scornful. ¡°You owe me a life. What right do you have to negotiate terms here? You¡ª¡± He was cut off mid-sentence as Emerson, who had been sound asleep, began to stir and cry.

    L??t??st ch??pt??rs in g¦Ál??ovels.c?m

    Dalores¡¯ hands shook, causing her to drop her phone onto the bed. The baby moved closer to the phone, prompting Dalores to end the call abruptly. She wondered whether Julio had heard the sounds of her son crying.

    Cradling Emerson in her arms, she nursed him and let her mind drift.

    Suddenly, her phone rang with a new message from Julio, who had sent her the location of a coffee shop. ¡°Meet me there at three this afternoon. Once I¡¯m divorced, you¡¯ll hear from me again.¡±

    Dalores bit her lip. The briefness of the message brought her a smallfort.

    There was still ample time until the meeting at three. She chose not to respond to Julio¡¯s message immediately, contemting whether to attend.

    By noon, the housekeeper had put Emerson to bed, giving Dalores a moment to herself. The time for the meeting was drawing closer.

    Dalores eventually decided to go to the coffee shop. She made the decision only because she wanted to cut ties with Julio after helping him with his divorce.

    At three, the coffee shop was almost empty, bathed in the afternoon sunlight. Dalores was seated by a window, seemingly asleep from waiting.

    As Dalores neared, she clutched her bag tighter and intentionally made noise as she sat down across from him. Julio¡¯s eyes snapped open, meeting hers. ¡°You¡¯re ten minuteste,¡± he said.

    Dalores checked her phone, confirming her tardiness. ¡°I was dyed by a traffic jam. Let¡¯s not waste time further. What do you need from me to confirm the matter?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 829

    ?Chapter 829:

    Julio retrieved a document from his bag and handed it to Dalores. It detailed the terms concerning their child.

    Included were numerous messages from an unknown person, urging Dalores to leave Julio and terminate her pregnancy. The document required her signature and fingerprints. Dalores carefully examined all the documents before signing.

    ¡°Why are you being so cautious?¡± Julio said, smirking slightly.

    ¡°You studiedw. I couldn¡¯t possibly deceive you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m always cautious,¡± Dalores replied as she signed the documents, adding some terms at the bottom. ¡°Do you really think you can fool me?¡±

    ¡°Remember, I used to be awyer too,¡± she countered.

    Hearing this, Dalores paused. She suddenly felt the need to scrutinize every word in the documents thoroughly.

    Julio gave a mocking smile, leaned back in his chair, and looked at her. ¡°But you¡¯re hardly my maniption. Just pass me the documents if you¡¯re finished.¡±

    This wasn¡¯t strong enough to directly implicate Mabel in anything, but it was better than nothing.

    Once Dalores had finished signing, she handed Julio the pen. Then, she took out another document. ¡°You need to sign this agreement.¡±

    Julio briefly looked at it and realized it was a contract requiring him to never contact Dalores again.

    He stayed seated, choosing not to review the specific terms. ¡°You think it¡¯s toote to ask me to sign this now?¡± he said. She had already signed his documents. What leverage did she have now topel him to sign hers?

    gal¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe?s.c?m is your update source

    Dalores frowned and stared at him, unsurprised. ¡°I anticipated you might renege on our agreement, so I haven¡¯t signed the final document for you.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Julio reviewed the documents she had returned and, sure enough, found thest signature space empty.

    The handwriting on Dalores¡¯ documents was precise and familiar¡ªhe had once guided her hand, teaching her each letter. Her handwriting had remained unchanged ever since.

    ¡°Dalores, who taught you to be so shrewd?¡± Julio ced the documents down and regarded her with a blend of curiosity and ire.

    Previously, she had always cowered at his anger. Whenever he red at her like this, she would quickly admit her mistake. This time, Dalores was able to resist. ¡°People change. I¡¯ve seen this aspect in you before.¡±

    All of a sudden, Julio¡¯s face darkened.

    Dalores and Julio reached an impasse, looking at each other. Suddenly, Kinsey appeared beside them.

    Positioned between them, Kinsey shifted his gaze from Dalores to Julio before taking a seat next to Dalores. He briefly nced at the documents on the table but soon disregarded them. Turning toward Dalores, he inquired, ¡°It seems you¡¯re quite familiar with Mr. Ferguson on a personal level, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Not in the slightest,¡± Dalores replied. ¡°We¡¯re all from Onnd. He requested a favor, and I¡¯m merely helping him out.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 830

    ?Chapter 830:

    Kinsey raised an eyebrow. ¡°Then why does it seem like Mr. Ferguson is troubling you somewhat?¡±

    Dalores tightened her lips, at a loss for words.

    Before Julio could interject, Dalores stood up, seized Kinsey¡¯s hand, and headed for the exit.

    ¡°I¡¯ve said all I needed to. Let¡¯s head home now.¡±

    After being urged forward a couple of times, Kinsey had no choice but to rise and follow as she briskly ushered him out without bidding Julio farewell.

    Exiting the caf¨¦, Dalores looked back and sighed in relief upon seeing that Julio hadn¡¯t followed them.

    However, turning back to Kinsey, she caught a glimpse of his displeasure.

    ¡°When did you get a new phone?¡±

    It was only then that Dalores remembered the phone Eileen had given her; it was a gift from a friend.

    ¡°When did you make such a close friend here?¡± Kinsey pressed, taking the phone to scrutinize it. ¡°This phone looks like it¡¯s worth at least twenty or thirty thousand dors.¡±

    Dalores grew frustrated. She had only concealed her phone for a few days, yet she was exposed now. Would Kinsey confiscate her phone?

    Kinsey said, ¡°Dalores, I don¡¯t care about your dealings with Mr. Ferguson. But you must not jeopardize my rtionship with him. Moreover, even if there¡¯s nothing between us, we are legally married. I expect you to maintain a distance from other men. Otherwise, I¡¯ll¡­¡±

    Fresh updates loaded g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m

    Kinsey was sure he had the upper hand, as he was the only support Dalores had in raising her child.

    Dalores knew he was threatening her. She quickly agreed and said, ¡°I understand. I won¡¯t meet with him privately again¡ª¡±

    Before she could finish her words, Kinsey interjected.

    ¡°I have to return to the office. You should take a taxi home.¡± He quickly turned and walked away.

    Dalores, ustomed to his abrupt departures, wasn¡¯t upset by him. Instead, she was somewhat relieved that he hadn¡¯t confiscated her phone. Just as she breathed a sigh of relief, Julio¡¯s voice caught her from behind.

    ¡°It seems Kinsey is not treating you well at all.¡± Under normal circumstances, a husband would likely be furious to find his wife secretly meeting another man.

    ¡°It¡¯s none of your concern how he treats me. If you want me to sign your documents, sign mine first.¡± Dalores clung to a sliver of hope. She needed just five more minutes to secure a future free from Julio¡¯s intrusions.

    Yet her insistence irritated Julio. He scowled and said, ¡°What makes you think you can negotiate with me? Dalores, unless you sign the documents, I won¡¯t cut ties with you. We¡¯ll see which one of us can afford to waste more time on this.¡± After making his statement, he handed the documents to her and added, ¡°Think about it. Sign this and give it back to me afterward.¡±

    Dalores was speechless as she watched Julio walk away, hands in his pockets, a surge of frustration igniting within her. How could Julio be so shameless?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 831

    ?Chapter 831:

    Without hesitation, she blocked his number and ripped the document to shreds. She then called Eileen, requesting her assistance in obtaining a new SIM card. At the moment, without any money, she couldn¡¯t even afford a new SIM card.

    Eileen was brief in her response, agreeing to secure a new SIM card for Dalores and send it to her after work.

    As soon as the call ended, it was clear to Eileen that Dalores and Julio had failed toe to an agreement. Eileen reclined on the sofa, observing Gabri scampering around the office. Gabri pointed at a flowerpot, saying, ¡°Daddy! I want a flower!¡± Gabri tried to reach for the flowerpot while looking up at Bryan with wide eyes. Bryan paused, put down his pen, and calmly said, ¡°Ask your mother.¡±

    Gabri turned to Eileen and gestured toward the budding flower. ¡°Sweetheart, you shouldn¡¯t pluck the flower bud. It needs to grow and bloom into beautiful petals that are amazing,¡± Eileen exined as she approached Gabri and gently guided her hand away from the nt.

    Gabri, a bit puzzled, inquired, ¡°Smell amazing?¡±

    Eileen nodded. ¡°Yes. Let me show you some flowers.¡± She led Gabri back to the sofa and showed her a video on her phone of flowers blooming.

    Gabri then grasped the idea. She began guarding the flower bud zealously whenever anyone neared the flowerpot. She would remind everyone, ¡°We must wait! The flower is going to smell amazing. I want to watch it bloom!¡±

    Her actions were so endearing that anyone watching couldn¡¯t help but find her adorable.

    Perhaps Jessica found Gabri charming, or maybe she was trying to curry favor with Bryan. While delivering documents to Bryan, Jessica walked past the flowerpot. Hearing Gabri¡¯s excitement about the flower¡¯s scent, she quickly plucked the bud for Gabri. ¡°You really love it, sweetie? I¡¯ve picked it for you, and I¡¯ll get more flowers for you in the future!¡± Jessica said.

    Gabri¡¯s smile vanished immediately. She stared at the bud in Jessica¡¯s hand, turned to Eileen, and then burst into tears.

    ¡°I wanted to see the flower bloom! I didn¡¯t want it picked!¡± Gabri cried.

    Bryan frowned at the scene. He stood and walked over to pick up Gabri from Eileen¡¯s arms.

    But Gabri clung to Eileen¡¯s neck, sobbing heavily.

    At first, Jessica was concerned that she had caused a problem, seeing how upset Gabri had be. But then, she waspletely taken aback by Gabri¡¯s strong attachment to Eileen.

    Gabri was unwilling to be consoled by her own father, Bryan, preferring to cling to Eileen instead.

    Jessica now believed that if she could win over the child, perhaps Bryan would see her in a different light.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, I apologize. I didn¡¯t know she wanted that¡­¡± Jessica quickly apologized to Bryan, trying to look pitiful. Bryan dismissed her coolly, waving his hand.

    ¡°That¡¯s fine. Please continue with your tasks,¡± he said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 832

    ?Chapter 832:

    Jessica looked at the flower bud in her hand. Bryan then instructed, ¡°Take the flower away with you.¡±

    He was aware that Gabri would be upset if she saw the bud again. He anticipated that, in the future, Gabri would guard the things she wanted more fiercely.

    Left with no other option, Jessica discarded the flower bud in a trash bin, grabbed her purse, and left to buy a variety of treats for Gabri.

    In the office, Eileen struggled to soothe Gabri. Once she seeded, it was time to leave. On her way back, she stopped to pick up a new SIM card for Dalores and then headed straight to Dalores¡¯ ce with it.

    She was surprised to find Kinsey at the house. He had answered the door.

    ¡°I need to discuss something with Ms. Sampson,¡± Eileen said.

    Kinsey scrutinized her and inquired, ¡°Did you purchase the phone for Dalores?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen responded candidly. ¡°We¡¯re all from Onnd, and it helps to stay connected. We can¡¯t do that if Dalores doesn¡¯t have a phone. Is there a problem with that? You seem unhappy. I¡¯m curious. After all, who doesn¡¯t have a mobile phone these days? Or are you suggesting she shouldn¡¯t have one?¡±

    Kinsey¡¯s eyes narrowed as he spoke, his voiceced with irritation. ¡°Dalores is my wife. Our rtionship is our business, not yours.¡± He paused for a moment before adding, ¡°What do you know about Dalores and Julio¡¯s rtionship?¡±

    Eileen shook her head and replied curtly, ¡°I¡¯m here to give something to Dalores, not to engage in idle gossip with you. So, either you call her out now, or I¡¯ll juste back when you¡¯re not around.¡±

    L¦Á¦Ó??¦Ó ?§ß¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?l??.??om

    Kinsey was left at a loss for words.

    Eileen, always so direct.

    Kinsey nced at the car parked behind Eileen, noticing a man¡¯s silhouette inside. With a resigned sigh, he opened the door and instructed the servant to summon Dalores, allowing Eileen to wait inside.

    After that, he walked out of the door, approached the car, and handed a cigarette through the window.

    A voice floated out. ¡°My daughter is here. I can¡¯t smoke now.¡±

    ¡°My apologies, Mr. Dawson. I didn¡¯t know,¡± Kinsey said, bowing his head slightly. ¡°Would you like toe in? It¡¯ste, and you probably haven¡¯t eaten dinner. We have some food prepared at home.¡±

    Bryan looked up from his phone, considering the offer. After a moment, he nodded. ¡°Alright, thank you. I¡¯ll park the car first. Please tell Eileen to just wait inside.¡±

    Kinsey was taken aback. His invitation had been partworking attempt, part courtesy. He hadn¡¯t expected Bryan to ept so readily. He actually didn¡¯t have enough dishes prepared at home.

    As Bryan parked his car, Kinsey hurried back to the vi, instructing the servants to prepare more dishes. He then hastily called a five-star hotel for food delivery, afraid the servants wouldn¡¯t be able to prepare the food in time.

    Eileen had just handed Dalores a SIM card when Kinsey returned. She made to leave, but he stopped her.

    ¡°No need to rush off. Mr. Dawson will be joining us for dinner shortly.¡± With that, Kinsey disappeared upstairs.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 833

    ?Chapter 833:

    Dalores took Emerson from the servant¡¯s arms and asked the servant to assist in the kitchen. She sat down with Eileen, their voices hushed.

    ¡°Honestly, you¡¯re the only person I contact with this phone. Kinsey wasn¡¯t too happy just now, so who knows if I¡¯ll even be able to keep it?¡± A bitter smile tugged at Dalores¡¯s lips. Without money, she was trapped under Kinsey¡¯s thumb.

    Though Eileen was her willing ally, Dalores hesitated to trouble her further.

    With Emerson still so young, getting a job seemed impossible for at least three years. She wouldn¡¯t be able to pay Eileen back if she borrowed money from her.

    Challenges piled up, blocking every path forward. Dalores resigned herself to taking each day as it came, walking a precarious line beside Kinsey.

    Sensing her friend¡¯s turmoil, Eileen said, ¡°Have you talked with Bailee recently? The educational institution needs two online teachers. Would you be interested?¡±

    Dalores perked up at the mention of Bailee¡¯s renowned institution. Its teachers were wellpensated, with some earning hundreds of thousands annually.

    Despite herck of experience, Dalores¡¯s high level of education made her a promising candidate. The prospect of recording lessons while Emerson slept presented a challenge, but it also offered a glimmer of hope. She would have a job and, more importantly, a source of ie.

    Dalores¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement. ¡°Is that really possible? But I don¡¯t have anything prepared here. Should I be interviewed first? I¡¯d hate to be a burden.¡±

    Eileen leaned forward, her voice reassuring. ¡°With your qualifications, it¡¯s absolutely doable if you put in the effort.¡± She paused before adding, ¡°The institution offers support slots. Once you sign the contract, they provide aptop and all the necessary materials. You just need to dedicate your time and energy.¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s is your story source

    This support program had been Eileen¡¯s brainchild, initially designed to help college students from underprivileged backgrounds. Given Dalores¡¯s current situation, it fit the criteria perfectly.

    Hearing this, Dalores was thrilled. ¡°Really? That¡¯s amazing! Please, help me apply for a spot.¡±

    They hadn¡¯t chatted for long when Bryan arrived. Kinsey, now in casual attire, descended the stairs to chat with Bryan in the living room. Meanwhile, Eileen and Dalores entertained the children on the balcony.

    Half an hourter, dinner was served. Eileen¡¯s stomach growled with hunger.

    Kinsey, focused entirely on Bryan, opted for a seat opposite him rather than at the head of the table. The finest dishes were ced between the two men, while Eileen and Dalores, seated to the side, had only a few tes of vegetables before them.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, these are just simple home-cooked meals. I hope you don¡¯t mind,¡± Kinsey said politely.

    Bryan¡¯s voice was cool. ¡°Home-cooked meals that took over an hour to prepare? It seems your dinner invitation is more of a formality, not sincere at all.¡±

    Eileen had just reached for her fork when she heard Bryan¡¯s sharp remark. She knew Bryan had been feeling protectivetely, seizing any opportunity to reprimand the Vazquez family for their treatment of her.

    He had grown to dislike them all, using every opportunity to put them in their ce, turning minor issues into major grievances and leaving them humiliated.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 834

    ?Chapter 834:

    Kinsey, still young and easily embarrassed, was rendered speechless by Bryan¡¯s words.

    Suddenly, a voice cut through the tension. ¡°Kinsey, do you mind if I join you for dinner?¡±

    Eileen turned to see Jessica sauntering in, d in fluffy dinosaur pajamas, tossing a set of keys into her pocket. Kinsey, seeing a lifeline, smiled and weed her. ¡°Of course not. Have a seat. We were just about to start eating.¡±

    Jessica took the head of the table, with Kinsey and Bryan nking her. Her eyes swept the room, narrowing with disgust when theynded on Eileen.

    ¡°You¡¯re a nanny, which means you¡¯re a servant. Why are you at the table?¡±

    She turned to Kinsey. ¡°Have your servants eaten? If not, let Eileen eat with them. Can¡¯t spoil the mood here.¡±

    Kinsey instinctively nced at Bryan.

    Bryan frowned, his gaze shifting to Eileen, silently asking, ¡°Are you going to let that slide? If you don¡¯t do something now, I will step in!¡±

    Eileen quickly responded, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m a nanny, but I¡¯m also the Vazquez family¡¯s daughter. Miss Marshall, it seems your identity is different from ours.¡±

    Had Jessica said anything worse, Bryan might have exposed her true identity right then and there.

    Under the table, Eileen lightly tugged at Bryan¡¯s sleeve and shook her head at him. ¡°What¡¯s different about me? We¡¯re the same! I¡¯m¡ª¡±

    ¡°Since there¡¯s no difference, let¡¯s eat,¡± Eileen interjected. As she spoke, Bryan picked up his fork and began eating.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s is your escape to fiction

    Seeing this, Jessica had no choice but to swallow her words, and Kinsey was also speechless.

    The meal left Jessica feeling frustrated. She felt as if everyone¡¯s gaze on her was a silent reminder of her status as an illegitimate child.

    After the meal, Eileen and Bryan strolled back home with Gabri. Dolores was tidying up the dining area when the sound of Jessica and Kinsey arguing drifted from the living room.

    ¡°Why did you invite her over for dinner?¡± Jessica asked.

    Kinsey responded tly, ¡°I only invited Mr. Dawson.¡±

    Jessica¡¯s voice was sharp. ¡°Didn¡¯t you realize? She looks after Bryan¡¯s child. How could she not apany him? Invite them next time! If it hadn¡¯t been here today, you would have been in trouble.¡± It seemed as though the mere presence of Eileen and Bryan could have hurt Kinsey somehow.

    Jessica continued, ¡°Eileen is so annoying, always sticking close to Bryan. She¡¯s taking care of his child too well, making him see her in a new light. Starting tomorrow, I¡¯m going to be around that child all the time. Eventually, I¡¯ll make the kid prefer me over her.¡±

    While Jessica was busy plotting her next moves, Dolores, who was washing the dishes in the kitchen, couldn¡¯t suppress a smile. Regardless of how much time Jessica spent with Gabri, the child would never bond with her as she did with Eileen. After all, Eileen was the child¡¯s mother!

    Dolores peeked at Jessica¡¯s agitated figure in the living room, silently wondering how she would react when the truth about Eileen¡¯s identity came out.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Jessica picked up a packaged pacifier from the coffee table and turned to Kinsey. ¡°Did you buy this?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 835

    ?Chapter 835:

    Kinsey shook his head. ¡°No, Dolores bought it. She said it¡¯s a specialfort pacifier for her child.¡±

    Pacifier? Upon examining its shape, Jessica quickly realized what it was designed to resemble. ¡°Wasn¡¯t Gabri without a mother? Surely she needed this forfort!¡±

    ¡°This is mine now!¡± Jessica pocketed the pacifier and left.

    By the time Dolores emerged from the kitchen, Jessica had already left. ¡°She has taken it away. How will Emerson manage tonight?¡± Dolores asked. Emerson¡¯s old pacifier had broken, and Dolores had just purchased this new one; she hadn¡¯t even unwrapped it yet.

    ¡°I used my money to buy it anyway. Let Jessica take it. You can get another one next time,¡± Kinsey said indifferently before heading upstairs.

    Dolores was left without words. She pulled out her phone and texted Eileen, ¡°Tomorrow, Gabri will receive a special gift.¡±

    Eileen repeatedly asked Dolores what she meant, but Dolores refused to reveal what Gabri¡¯s special gift was.

    The mystery was unraveled the following day when Jessica produced the pacifier, unwrapping it publicly and attempting to give it to Gabri.

    ¡°Wait!¡± Eileen quickly intervened. ¡°What sort of special gift is this? It¡¯s too weird!¡±

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Jessica responded irritably, shrugging Eileen off. ¡°I bought this specifically for Mr. Dawson¡¯s daughter. Who do you think you are to interfere?¡±

    Eileen had seen the pacifier at Dolores¡¯s ce and realized it had been taken without permission. However, she didn¡¯t bring that up. Instead, she exined, ¡°Gabri is over a year old and doesn¡¯t need a pacifier anymore. The one you have is meant for younger babies, not suitable for her.¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s hosts exclusive updates

    Jessica didn¡¯t know anything about caring for children; she only knew that Eileen was trying to stop her. She frowned and said, ¡°Eileen, you just don¡¯t want me getting close to Mr. Dawson¡¯s child. Are you worried that if I bring her more gifts, she won¡¯t like you anymore?¡±

    Eileen was at a loss for words. Jessica moved to offer the pacifier to Gabri again. Eileen cautioned, ¡°This is meant for her mouth. You should sterilize it with hot water first to kill any germs. It¡¯s very unclean.¡±

    Gabri clearly picked up on the word ¡°unclean.¡± She snatched the pacifier from Jessica and plunged it into the bucket for mops used by the janitors, swishing it around a few times. Then, holding it up triumphantly, she pressed it toward Jessica¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°Washed! It¡¯s clean now, here¡ª¡±

    Some tiny water from the bucket remained in the pacifier, and it squirted into Jessica¡¯s mouth as Gabri pushed it forward. Jessica gagged in revulsion, swatting the pacifier from Gabri¡¯s hand. The gesture turned Gabri¡¯s small hand red.

    Shocked by the harsh treatment, Gabri quickly began to cry, turning to Eileen in search offort.

    ¡°What¡¯s happening here?¡± Bryan entered the office just after his meeting, immediately tensing up at the sound of Gabri¡¯s cries.

    Eileen carried Gabri away to the break room to soothe her, while gesturing for Bryan to deal with Jessica.

    Eileen knew that her words wouldn¡¯t sway Jessica, but Bryan could handle her.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 836

    ?Chapter 836:

    Once Eileen had left, Jessica said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, you see now that Eileen can¡¯t properly look after your child. She made her cry like this!¡±

    ¡°Whether she can take care of my child well or not isn¡¯t for you to say. I know this well,¡± Bryan replied coldly.

    Jessica knew that Bryan had been watching Eileen care for Gabri daily, and she realized that her singlement wasn¡¯t going to alter his opinion.

    She quickly added, ¡°I brought some gifts for the child, but Eileen didn¡¯t let her use them, which made her upset and cry.¡±

    Bryan was skeptical of her exnation. ¡°From now on, you don¡¯t need to bring anything for my daughter. Now, go to Mr. Finch¡¯s office and reflect on your actions. Inform Mr. Finch that if my daughter is disturbed again, I will not continue to work with the VQ Group.¡±

    The job was merely a cover for Bryan; he was primarily upied with tasks for the Group. However, given that Conroy relied heavily on him for this project, he believed he could use this to his advantage.

    Jessica wanted to respond but was silenced by Bryan¡¯s stern look. Reluctantly, she exited and made her way directly to Conroy¡¯s office¡ªnot to reflect on her actions, but to vent her frustrations.

    ¡°Eileen is so irritating; that child listens to her every word, and it drives me crazy!¡± Jessica said.

    ¡°Jessica, based on what you¡¯ve described¡­ Mr. Dawson clearly values Eileen. Why not wait and see if Eileen can really win him over? Her ability to care for the child is a big plus in his eyes. If we can resolve any issues with her and keep Mr. Dawson happy, it¡¯ll be beneficial for the VQ Group. Then you might¡­¡± Conroy said, focusing solely on securing the VQ Group¡¯s interests. He considered personal matters secondary.

    Feel the thrill at g aln  ov el s .

    Jessica, however, was intent on winning over Bryan. She wasn¡¯t fond of Conroy¡¯s suggestion, but it wasn¡¯t the first time he had proposed it. She knew getting upset wouldn¡¯t influence his opinion.

    Wasn¡¯t it just about the child? She had no interest in being a stepmother. It seemed wiser to use the child to turn Mr. Dawson against Eileen.

    It would be killing two birds with one stone!

    A n began to take shape in Jessica¡¯s mind. She casually agreed with Conroy and then left.

    Dolores hadn¡¯t expected to encounter Julio at the grocery store. His car was parked along the curb, and he was leaning against it, smoking. Upon seeing her, he extinguished his cigarette and approached her directly.

    ¡°Did you change your number to avoid me?¡±

    ¡°Since you know I¡¯m avoiding you, why bother approaching me? Isn¡¯t this just like what I did to you before?¡± Dolores¡¯ lips twisted into a slight sneer.

    ¡°The way you despised me then is the same way I despise you now. Don¡¯t you feel that?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s entirely your issue if you despise me. It¡¯s none of my business,¡± Julio¡¯s voice was icy, his steely gaze capturing the fragility of Dalores¡¯ features as he arched an eyebrow.

    ¡°Remember when I urged you to leave and you chose to stay? What was going through your mind then?¡±

    Dalores clenched her jaw, her eyes zing as she met his gaze. ¡°I must have lost my senses then. I couldn¡¯t abandon you in peril. I was eager to shield you from harm. Had you been upfront about your feud with the Ferguson family before, I wouldn¡¯t have stubbornly stayed. So, what¡¯s your angle now? Do you want to hear me rail against you further, or push me to despise you more deeply?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 837

    ?Chapter 837:

    Her fury was palpable. How could he talk about the past so casually and still refuse to sever ties with her? If he cared about her, why hadn¡¯t he shown it before? If he didn¡¯t care, why was he acting like this now? She feltpletely confused.

    Dalores¡¯ words seemed to strike a nerve, and Julio¡¯s gaze turned stormy. He flicked his cigarette aside and advanced, seizing her wrist and backing her against the car. His fingers, cold and firm, tilted her chin up, his eyes narrowing dangerously.

    ¡°I¡¯m doing this because you owe me a child,¡± he dered, his tone serious, as if he truly expected her to give him a child.

    Dalores opened her mouth to retort, but a voice interrupted them.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡±

    Julio remained unmoved. Dalores mustered all her strength to push him away. She turned and locked eyes with Kinsey¡¯s dark expression. She approached Kinsey, her posture rigid under the weight of Julio¡¯s intense scrutiny.

    Positioned behind Kinsey, she avoided Julio¡¯s gaze.

    ¡°Mr. Ferguson, shouldn¡¯t you exin this now?¡± Kinsey¡¯s gaze bored into Julio.

    Julio¡¯s heart ached as he watched Dalores walk to Kinsey¡¯s side, yet he kept his expression impassive.

    ¡°She slipped, and I helped her up. Is there a problem?¡± Julio said, his words clearly fabricated. But Kinsey, not wanting to ruin his rtionship with Julio, suppressed his irritation.

    ¡°Well, what brings you here, Mr. Ferguson?¡±

    Your story source galnov??????c?m

    ¡°I¡¯m just here to help your wife.¡± Julio¡¯s tone remained indifferent as his eyes met Kinsey¡¯s.

    Instantly, Kinsey¡¯s face flushed with anger. Wasn¡¯t Julio¡¯s remark an overt challenge?

    Dalores bit her lip, ring at Julio. What was he trying to do? His words would only make Kinsey misunderstand them more.

    ¡°Drive carefully on your way back. I¡¯ve finished what I came to do,¡± Julio announced, climbing into his car and pulling away.

    ¡°Dalores, have you forgotten what I warned you about?¡± Kinsey turned, his anger now directed at Dalores.

    Dalores opened her mouth to speak, yet words failed her. Julio¡¯s earlier statements were dangerously ambiguous.

    Kinsey snatched the phone from Dalores¡¯ hand and demanded, ¡°Did you get this phone from Eileen just to contact Mr. Ferguson? Exin yourself. If you¡¯re involved with him, I¡¯ll let you be together!¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Dalores shook her head in panic. She couldn¡¯t afford to cut ties with Kinsey. Without his financial support, she wouldn¡¯t be able to provide for Emerson. Besides, even as Kinsey¡¯s wife, she was already suffering from Julio¡¯s pestering. If she left Kinsey, she believed Julio would only harass her more, risking the exposure of Emerson¡¯s existence.

    ¡°Remember what you said. If there¡¯s nothing between you and him, keep your distance,¡± Kinsey stated, his tone sharp. Despite sensing something amiss, Kinsey chose not to delve deeper and merely issued a warning. He returned the phone to Dalores before walking away.

    Dalores stood frozen, torn between Julio¡¯s unyielding pursuit and Kinsey¡¯s stern ultimatums. She felt trapped in a dilemma. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, she dialed Eileen for help.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 838

    ?Chapter 838:

    ¡°Eileen, can you help me figure out what Julio really wants? If he¡¯s upset about my departure, I need to know how I can make amends,¡± Dalores said.

    Eileen¡¯s mind reeled after hanging up with Dalores. Shey on the sofa, staring nkly at the ceiling. asionally, Gabri woulde to offer a gentle kiss or soothingly stroke her face, but nothing could distract Eileen from contemting how to deal with Julio.

    Bryan, having watched her intently more times than he could count, concerned she might be overtaxing her mind, gently lifted her head to let her rest on hisp.

    ¡°Stop thinking so hard,¡± he said softly.

    Eileen shared the matter about Julio and Dalores with Bryan, genuinely not wanting to get involved. ¡°It¡¯s clear Julio cares about Dalores, even if he won¡¯t admit it. If he continues like this, Dalores might never forgive him.¡±

    Caught in a dilemma, Eileen worried she might eventually be med by both Dalores and Julio.

    Bryan raised his hand and softly smoothed her furrowed brow with his fingertips until her expression softened.

    ¡°I know what to do,¡± he said. ¡°Tonight, ask Julio to join us for a meal. I¡¯ll take care of the matter.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen replied. She wrapped her arms around Bryan¡¯s neck, lifted herself, and kissed him on the chin. ¡°You¡¯re now taking care of not only work issues but also my personal troubles.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want all your brain cells to die over the matter, so I have to intervene,¡± Bryan said, his touch tender. He ran his fingers through her hair and raised an eyebrow. ¡°I¡¯m going to handle some work. You arrange the meal with Julio tonight.¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s, home to unforgettable stories

    Eileen sat up and messaged Julio to arrange a dinner for the evening.

    In the afternoon, Jessica tried several times to find excuses toe inside the office but was blocked by Bryan. By evening, Eileen, Bryan, and Gabri arrived at a restaurant that served Onnd cuisine.

    In the dimly lit privacy of their room, they settledfortably, with Bryan graciously allowing Julio to ce the order. Julio gestured expansively, ordering every specialty listed on the menu. ¡°You two are setting me up, huh? Won¡¯t be saving your money then.¡±

    ¡°Fair enough, Mr. Ferguson,¡± Bryan responded nonchntly.

    Soon, the table wasden with dishes. Before Julio could reach for his fork, Bryan said, ¡°Just eating is a bit dull. How about a game?¡±

    He looked directly at Julio, making it clear the suggestion was aimed at him.

    Julio paused, eyeing Bryan and Eileen both. ¡°What game?¡±

    ¡°We can roll the dice. The loser has to answer a question,¡± Bryan replied, pulling a set of dice from his bag and requesting an empty bowl from the waiter. In the first round, Bryan lost.

    Julio seized the opportunity to ask, ¡°How long are you staying in Alverton, Mr. Dawson?¡±

    ¡°Until Eileen¡¯s matter here ispleted,¡± Bryan answered.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 839

    ?Chapter 839:

    They rolled the dice again, and this time, Julio was the loser. Without hesitation, Bryan asked, ¡°Why are you still bothering Dalores?¡±

    The direct question struck a chord, resonating deeply with Eileen. Yet her lips twitched with uncertainty. Was Bryan simply too clever, or was Julio too naive? Could Julio really reveal everything she needed to know so easily?

    Julio leaned back in his seat, a realization dawningte. ¡°Mr. Dawson, what do you want to say to me? Why not say it directly?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s approach made him feel that his previous question was too vague. He had only asked Bryan a simple question, yet Bryan¡¯s question was aimed at coaxing him into opening up.

    ¡°I refuse to answer when you ask me directly,¡± Bryan responded calmly. ¡°ying a game levels the ying field and spares Eileen the effort of trying to get your fake answer.¡± With a final tap on the table, he added, ¡°Lie and you¡¯ll be single forever.¡±

    Julio was rendered momentarily speechless. Eventually, he spoke.

    ¡°I saw Kinsey at a bar recently with a woman in his arms. Theyter headed to a hotel together. He¡¯s not a good husband for Dalores,¡± he said, his expression stormy as he spoke.

    So, was Julio¡¯s relentless pursuit of Dalores a way to gauge the depth of her feelings for Kinsey? Whether directly or indirectly, he was probably determined not to let Dalores remain in the shadows of Kinsey¡¯s actions.

    ¡°Are you trying to seduce Dalores into cheating, so she would feel better about herself?¡± Eileen asked.

    Julio responded with irritation. ¡°I was trying to find a chance to warn her, but every time she sees me, she reacts defensively. In such a state, she doesn¡¯t trust anything I say.¡±

    The tales you love are at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Eileen understood him now, but even if Dalores believed him, it wouldn¡¯t change much. After all, Dalores had married Kinsey purely to survive. Whether Kinsey was faithful or not didn¡¯t matter to her.

    Bryan put away the dice and began feeding Gabri.

    Julio frowned and suggested to Eileen, ¡°Maybe you could remind Dalores not to be so meek sometimes.¡±

    Back when Dalores had been by his side, he fully understood her reasons for doing so. Yet seeing Dalores demean herself before Kinsey out of affection was maddening.

    How could such a disloyal man deserve her love?

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll tell her.¡± Eileen nodded and then added, ¡°Mr. Ferguson, you needn¡¯t be so convoluted either. You¡¯re doing this not merely because you¡¯re deep down, but because you care about her.¡±

    ¡°She owes me a life. That will stay with me forever,¡± Julio said, his expression somber.

    So, Julio¡¯s lingering resentment towards Dalores stemmed from the loss of their child.

    Suddenly, Gabri blurted out, ¡°Emerson!¡±

    Eileen quickly handed her a small snack. ¡°Gabri, be good and eat your snack.¡±

    ¡°Does Emerson eat snacks, too?¡± Gabri kept mentioning Emerson, seeming to remember something.

    Fortunately, Julio, distracted, did not pick up on her words. The mealsted just half an hour before Julio, having eaten his fill, excused himself.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 840

    Chapter 840:

    He departed with a troubled look, clearly unhappy with Bryan¡¯s approach, but he couldn¡¯t do anything about it.

    Back at home, Eileen ryed to Dalores that Kinsey had been seen with another woman.

    Dalores responded without surprise, ¡°I¡¯ve overheard him sweet-talking another one on the phone sometimes. I wonder, if he has someone he likes, why did he marry me?¡±

    If he intended to deceive Le, bringing home any other woman from a wealthy family would have sufficed. Le wouldn¡¯t have noticed the difference.

    ¡°Just be careful. Kinsey is shrewd, even if he¡¯s not the talkative type,¡± Eileen said. She was also puzzled about Kinsey¡¯s decision to marry Dalores. After hanging up, she pondered for a while but couldn¡¯t unravel the reasons. Given the collusion between Conroy and Gianna, it seemed unnecessary for Kinsey to do this. Was there something she was missing?

    Eileen sighed, massaging her temples, and then leaned into Bryan¡¯s embrace.

    ¡°You really pay this much attention to your issues?¡± Bryan teased, his hand resting on her waist. ¡°If you had been this sharp back in West Land, Gabri might already have been in preschool by now.¡±

    Eileen shot him a re. ¡°If you had acknowledged me as your wife from the start, Gabri would have been in middle school by now!¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Bryan¡¯s tone turned yful. ¡°It seems we¡¯ve missed a lot of time. Since we¡¯re short on time and ¡®quality¡¯ isn¡¯t enough, we¡¯ll make up for it in ¡®quantity¡¯.¡±

    Eileen chuckled, but before she could respond, he yfully flipped her onto her back.

    Eileen hurriedly said, ¡°I¡¯m tired.¡±

    galnov??s keeps you updated

    Bryan replied, ¡°Then let¡¯s start quickly so that you¡¯ll get some rest early¡­¡±

    At VQ Group, early in the morning in the break room, Jessica was making coffee, lost in thought, until the cup overflowed, spilling hot water onto her hand.

    She quickly stopped the water and ced the coffee cup down. The area where the water had spilled began to redden.

    An employee nearby swiftly grabbed Jessica¡¯s hand and ran it under cold water. ¡°Miss Marshall, are you okay? Hot water burns, but typically, it won¡¯t leave scars if treated properly. Just applying ointment for a few days should help.¡±

    The employee, seasoned from dealing with her own child¡¯s idents, was familiar with the situation.

    Jessica frowned and asked, ¡°So it won¡¯t leave scars, but it will only make people feel pain for a few days?¡±

    ¡°It hurts quite a bit. The burn will blister, and then you¡¯ll need to puncture it, apply ointment, and go through the healing process. It¡¯s quite painful for children, they¡¯ll cry,¡± the employee sighed. ¡°My daughter got burned once, and it nearly broke me.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯m fine now.¡± Jessica withdrew her hand and left the coffee behind. She returned to her office, casting thoughtful nces at Bryan¡¯s office door. asionally, she noticed people entering and exiting, with Gabri ying inside.

    Eileen sometimes brought Gabri outside the office to y, though she didn¡¯t do this often to minimize disturbances during work hours. When Gabri became too restless, Eileen would take her out. Now, she was escorting Gabri to the break room, using the excuse to get water for her.

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Good night dear ones. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ?(^?^ )? ¡ä-

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 841

    ?Chapter 841:

    Gabri, holding a teething stick, toddled briskly ahead, while Eileen followed with a bottle in hand, guiding her toward the break room.

    The break room was vacant. Eileen rinsed a cup with hot water, bnced the temperature with some cold water, and turned just in time to see Gabri nearing the door. Through the curtain, she noticed someone approaching. No, the person probably couldn¡¯t see Gabri from that angle. It was easy for them to identally bump into Gabri!

    Eileen hastily set her cup down and sprinted toward Gabri. Before she could make out who was at the door, she noticed the steaming liquid about to cascade onto Gabri¡¯s body.

    She swiftly covered Gabri¡¯s face with one hand and pulled her back by the cor with the other. Despite her quick reaction, the hot water sshed onto the back of her hand, and some droplets hit Gabri¡¯s arm.

    Gabri burst into tears. Pain throbbed in Eileen¡¯s hand, and cold sweat ran down her face, but her focus was entirely on Gabri. Ignoring her own burn, she bent down, scooped Gabri up, and gently patted her back to calm her. Red marks appeared on Gabri¡¯s arm from the burns. Eileen wanted to apply cold water to them, but Gabri clung tightly to her neck, crying uncontrobly.

    Gabri¡¯s sharp cries caught the attention of many, and panic quickly spread as people realized the child had been scalded. She was Bryan¡¯s beloved daughter, after all.

    Almost daily, employees saw Bryan cradling his daughter with an expression of sheer love. He clearly adored her.

    ¡°Why are you all still standing there?¡± Jessica put down her cup and yelled. ¡°Go get Mr. Dawson!¡±

    Lose yourself in stories on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    Someone hurried to fetch Bryan.

    In less than ten seconds, Bryan appeared, his expression grim. His eyes quickly took in the sight of Eileen¡¯s reddened hand and Gabri¡¯s blistered arm, and his face turned cold. He gently lifted Gabri into his arms, soothing her softly. He then led Eileen to the sink to rinse her hands with cold water while carefully dabbing cool water on the red spots dotting Gabri¡¯s tiny arm.

    Jessica approached them. ¡°How could you let the child get hurt, Eileen? The break room is such a dangerous ce. Why did you bring her here? Look at the burns on her arm. She must be in so much pain. It breaks my heart just seeing it.¡±

    She didn¡¯t reveal that it was she who had spilled the hot liquid that scalded both Eileen and Gabri.

    Eileen¡¯s heart ached as she observed the red dots and blisters on Gabri¡¯s arm. Stung by Jessica¡¯s biting remarks, Eileen turned off the tap abruptly, spun around, and pped Jessica across the face.

    Jessica¡¯s confident expression disappeared as she instinctively covered her face. After regaining herposure, she yelled, ¡°How dare you strike me, Eileen? I¡¯m the director of VQ Group! You¡¯re just an employee! How dare you hit me?¡±

    ¡°Also the future sessor of VQ Group. You¡¯re just a director,¡± Eileen countered, her face stern, her tone authoritative.

    Before, few had known of Eileen¡¯s true identity. When it was revealed that she was the future sessor of the VQ Group, many realized she was the lost granddaughter the Vazquez family had been searching for. She was Conroy¡¯s daughter!

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 842

    ?Chapter 842:

    Onlookers were captivated by the unfolding drama between Conroy¡¯s favored director and his newly discovered daughter. Fearing Eileen might expose her true identity, Jessica shot back defensively, ¡°Why are you ming me? It was an ident that I spilled the water. Isn¡¯t it your responsibility to look after the child? Why me me for your oversight?¡±

    ¡°You know whether it was an ident or not!¡± Eileen retorted, certain it had been intentional. Even if Jessica had been careless, the spill should have hit the curtain in the break room, not Gabri, who was barely a meter tall. And it had been aimed at her face!

    ¡°Effective immediately, you¡¯re fired. Don¡¯te back to thepany,¡± Eileen dered. Just as she finished, she noticed Conroy approaching quickly.

    Conroy¡¯s expression darkened when he heard Eileen¡¯s words. He red disapprovingly at her and demanded, ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Finch, I want to ask the same question! Who does she think she is, trying to fire me?¡± Jessica eximed, gaining confidence as Conroy neared. She positioned herself behind him, shooting a hasty re at Eileen.

    Before Eileen could reply, Bryan intervened, grasping her wrist. He said to Conroy, ¡°I¡¯m taking them to the hospital now. The water was spilled by Miss Marshall. I expect a reasonable exnation from youter, Mr. Finch.¡± With that, Bryan took Eileen by the arm and left, cradling Gabri.

    Bryan¡¯s assertive words frightened Conroy more than Eileen¡¯s anger ever could. As Eileen passed by, Conroy noticed the back of her hand was red and covered in blisters, and Gabri¡¯s small arm also bore blisters.

    Taken aback, Conroy quickly caught up with Bryan. ¡°Mr. Dawson, there must be some misunderstanding. You can take Eileen and Gabri to the hospital first. I¡¯ll stay here to sort this out. I assure you I will provide a reasonable exnation.¡±

    Discover fresh tales at g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s,

    Bryan did not respond; he simply followed Eileen into the elevator, ignoring Conroy for the time being. Seeing this, Conroy directed the others to return to their work and led Jessica to his office.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Tell me the truth!¡± Conroy demanded.

    Jessica¡¯s face was red. ¡°It¡¯s none of your business! Aren¡¯t you going to give an exnation? Why don¡¯t you just fire me and let your legitimate daughter be the future of the VQ Group!¡±

    Conroy stood abruptly, his eyes aze with intensity. ¡°So, you really did spill the water on Mr. Dawson¡¯s daughter intentionally?¡±

    Jessica replied, ¡°Yes. I couldn¡¯t bear to see Eileen caring so well for the child, making Mr. Dawson hold her in such high regard. She doesn¡¯t deserve that! If I had the chance, I could take care of the child just as well¡­¡±

    The atmosphere grew tense. Conroy frowned, his gaze stern. ¡°Whether she deserves it is for Mr. Dawson to decide, not you! You think you¡¯re targeting Eileen, but you¡¯ve actually offended Mr. Dawson. This is absurd!¡±

    Jessica bit her lip, recalling the intensity of Bryan¡¯s gaze before he departed, and remained silent.

    ¡°Starting tomorrow, don¡¯te back to thepany. Go home and wait for my news!¡± It was the first time Conroy had ever shown such a stern demeanor toward Jessica. Though seething with anger, Jessica knew she had to restrain herself and let Conroy manage the situation.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 843

    ?Chapter 843:

    At the hospital, Eileen¡¯s hand had suffered more severe burns, while Gabri¡¯s minor burns were expected to heal in less than two days with the proper treatment. Despite her pain, with her hand swathed in gauze, Eileen could not contain her anger. She said to Bryan, ¡°Why did you rush me away? I need to make sure Jessica is permanently removed from VQ Group and kept away from Gabri!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you realize that the wound on your hand could worsen without treatment?¡± Bryan said, his voice tinged with both concern and anger.

    The doctor informed them that had they arrived at the hospital sooner, Eileen¡¯s recovery could have been quicker¡ªpossibly in just a week. Now, however, her recovery would take at least ten days. Additionally, the severity of the wound posed a high risk of infection, potentially leading to a fever.

    But Eileen hadn¡¯t focused on her own injury earlier. Back when she had been in the break room, her fury had been so intense that she needed to vent, especially since her daughter had been hurt.

    Now, seeing the grave expression on Bryan¡¯s face, Eileen wanted tofort him and calm him down.

    ¡°Eileen, you¡¯ve got to stop this now. I¡¯m running out of patience. If you continue to get involved in this kind of trouble, I¡¯ll have no choice but to confront Conroy directly!¡± After saying this, Bryan stood up and followed Gabri, leaving Eileen with a firm ultimatum.

    Eileen paused for a moment before saying, ¡°Then I shouldn¡¯t have pushed Jessica out of the VQ Group. Without her around, proving she is Conroy¡¯s daughter will be even harder.¡±

    Bryan didn¡¯t know what to say. He knew it was already toote. After what he had said to Conroy, Conroy would likely use Jessica¡¯s dismissal as a corrective step.

    Read exclusive stories at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    ¡°You¡¯re in the hospital now. We just need to find a way to bring Jessica here,¡± Bryan said as he picked up Gabri and nced at Eileen¡¯s bandage. ¡°I¡¯m getting you admitted to the hospital for observation.¡±

    Eileen panicked. ¡°But the doctor said I could recover at home.¡±

    Bryan cut her off with a firm look, and she quickly stopped talking. Well, she could stay in the hospital. It had been a while since herst hospital stay, after all. Within minutes, Eileen was settled into a VIP ward. Bryan sent Raymond home to fetch Eileen¡¯s and his clothes and toiletries. He also made sure Raymond would order food to be delivered to them regrly.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, how long do you n to stay here?¡± Raymond inquired. ¡°Do you need me to bring yourptop?¡±

    ¡°No. Manage the work for me,¡± Bryan instructed, his tone final. ¡°We¡¯ll stay as long as it takes for Conroy to understand the situation.¡±

    Raymond was rendered speechless. He had forgotten to bring Bryan¡¯sptop over when he went back to get their belongings. And now, he would have to manage Bryan¡¯s work for him.

    Eileen wasn¡¯t sure what Bryan meant by waiting for Conroy to understand the situation. All she knew was that Bryan was furious, and that she needed to be on her best behavior. Otherwise, Bryan would confront Conroy directly.

    Eileen stayed in the hospital for three days, and news of this spread. Both Julia and Dalores had heard about it. Coincidentally, they had decided to visit Eileen on the same day.

    Dalores was the first to appear, with Julio entering the ward five minutester. Upon seeing Dalores, Julio casually ced a fruit basket down and asked Eileen, ¡°Did you break your¡­?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 844

    ?Chapter 844:

    Eileen, reclining under a hospital nket that hid signs of injury, didn¡¯t let Julio see her obvious wounds. He assumed that Eileen¡¯s leg under the nket was injured.

    ¡°Actually, it¡¯s my hand that¡¯s scalded,¡± Eileen replied.

    Julio was confused. He nced over at Bryan, who was preupied with Gabri, and realized what was happening. He nodded.

    ¡°Ah, I see. Not just the hand, then. Seems Mr. Dawson¡¯s heart is also under the weather. A hospital stay might be what you need.¡±

    His voice carried a teasing undertone that made Eileen¡¯s smile falter.

    Dalores, standing by the window, shifted uneasily. Choosing to stay silent with her head lowered, Julio also fell silent, and the atmosphere grew awkward.

    Unable to stand the tension any longer, Dalores wanted to leave. She said, ¡°I should head back now, Eileen. Rest up and let me know when you¡¯re discharged.¡±

    ¡°You really didn¡¯t have toe, but thank you for making the effort,¡± Eileen replied, her tone reflecting a mix of appreciation and embarrassment over the fuss Bryan had made about her condition.

    Dalores smiled at her, grabbed her bag, and headed for the door. As she reached for the handle, she heard Julio say, ¡°Seems like someone¡¯s worry has you shackled to this hospital bed. But you¡¯re alright, so I guess it¡¯s time for me to leave.¡±

    Dalores quickened her steps, descending the stairs.

    Eileen watched Julio leave the room, the chill from the partly open window bringing a wee freshness that broke the sterile smell of the hospital. She couldn¡¯t hold back her questions any longer. ¡°Why am I still here, really? When can I leave the hospital?¡±

    Find your imagination at galn  ovels ; con

    Bryan¡¯s expression was inscrutable as he answered, ¡°Conroy has already called me several times, asking me to go back. Once he contacts you, you will be able to leave soon.¡±

    Frustrated and confused, Eileeny back on the bed, her gaze lost in the sky¡¯s vast expanse reflected in the window.

    Dalores took the elevator to the first floor, and as soon as she stepped out, she saw Julio standing just outside, apparently having sprinted down the stairs from Eileen¡¯s floor. Frowning, Dalores avoided eye contact and moved past him, but Julio kept pace with her.

    ¡°Help me end things with Mabel. Then, I¡¯ll put the past behind us,¡± he said.

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you,¡± Dalores responded, without stopping. ¡°You¡¯ve used up all my trust. Don¡¯te to me again. Your decisions, your divorce¡ªthey¡¯re yours to handle. If you¡¯re ready to deal with the consequences of pursuing a married woman, then proceed. I don¡¯t care.¡±

    As they conversed, they reached the bustling hospital hall. Suddenly, the emergency elevator door burst open, and a team of nurses, urgently pushing a gurney and shouting for space, rushed out.

    Dalores stopped short, startled. Before she could step aside, she felt a firm grip encircle her waist, pulling her swiftly into a protective embrace. Her hand instinctively clutched Julio¡¯s sleeve as they narrowly avoided the medical team. As the chaos subsided, she was still in a daze.

    ¡°Could you try using your brain for once? You almost bumped into the team,¡± Julio said, his voice tinged with his usual cold detachment.

    It was then that Dalores realized just how firmly Julio was holding her, and that their sudden closeness had attracted the stares of bystanders. Frowning, she pushed against his chest to free herself, but he didn¡¯t budge.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 845

    ?Chapter 845:

    ¡°I just saved you. You owe me. Help me with my divorce from Mabel,¡± Julio said.

    ¡°Did I ask for your help?¡± Dalores retorted sharply, stepping hard on his foot. The sudden pain made Julio wince and loosen his hold. Seizing the moment, Dalores quickly pulled away from him.

    With a serious look, she said, ¡°You¡¯ve been a part of my life for years. Regardless of our past, whether it was good or bad, I want to close this chapter gracefully. Please, don¡¯t make me resent you. I¡¯d rather look back with gratitude than hatred, okay?¡±

    Hatred? She actually used this word.

    Her gaze at him felt so strange that it made Julio¡¯s heart sink.

    Dalores turned to leave, her steps echoing her resolve, but her departure was halted by a suddenmotion. The familiar figure from her own household burst into the hospital, cradling Emerson in her arms. Panic colored her shouts. ¡°Help! This child has a high fever, and he might be going into shock!¡±

    Instantly springing into action, the nurse at the reception dashed forward, swiftly escorting Emerson into the emergency room. Without a second thought, Dalores followed, her maternal instincts overriding everything else.

    Seeing this, Julio frowned, and he hurried after Dalores.

    Outside the emergency room, the nurse halted the nanny. ¡°Are you the child¡¯s family? We need you toe and sign some necessary forms immediately.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± the nanny admitted, her voice shaking with anxiety.

    Just then, her gaze caught Dalores approaching, and relief washed over her face. ¡°That¡¯s the child¡¯s family!¡± she said, directing the nurse to Dalores.

    As Dalores hurried over, she caught the reflection of a figure in the window behind her. Her heart skipped a beat.

    At that moment, the nanny raced over to Dalores, pointing urgently at her and speaking to the nurse.

    ¡°She is the child¡¯s family. She can sign the forms!¡±

    Daloresposed herself under the weight of Julio¡¯s watchful eyes and approached the nurse.

    ¡°I¡¯m the child¡¯s¡­ stepmother. Let me sign the forms.¡±

    ¡°Alright, please follow me,¡± the nurse said briskly, handing her several documents and directing her where to sign.

    Feeling the intensity of Julio¡¯s stare on her back, Dalores felt ufortable but managed to keep herposure as she signed the forms.

    The nanny then took the card to handle the payment, leaving Dalores alone outside the resuscitation room. Dalores turned to find Julio standing at the far end of the corridor, leaning against the wall of the designated smoking area. He seemed to have gone through several cigarettes already, his gaze piercing.

    The sight of Julio made Dalores¡¯ heart sink further. She was focused on Emerson¡¯s well-being, afraid that Julio would notice something unusual about her.

    If Julio didn¡¯t leave, what would happen if he saw Emerson?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 846

    ?Chapter 846:

    Thinking of this, Dalores approached Julio, stopping at a cautious distance. ¡°Why did you follow me here?¡± she asked. ¡°If I hadn¡¯te, how would I have known that you would abandon your own child just to be another¡¯s stepmother?¡±

    Julio responded, his voice dripping with scorn, ¡°Maybe I refuse to cut ties with you because of the child.¡±

    Dalores¡¯ deration reverberated between them, sharp and cutting. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m prepared to be a stepmother because I genuinely care about Kinsey. I even cared for you once, despite how you treated me. But I¡¯ve changed. I¡¯m ready to embrace all thates with my choices¡ªwhether it¡¯s stepping into a maternal role for Kinsey¡¯s child or making difficult decisions about my own future.¡±

    Dalores¡¯ words cut into Julio¡¯s heart.

    He extinguished his cigarette, closed the distance between them, pinned Dalores against the wall, and kissed her.

    His kiss wasden with the scent of tobo, leaving Dalores¡¯ lips tingling with pain.

    The eyes of passersby lingered too long, their whispers igniting a flush of shame in Dalores. In a desperate bid to escape Julio¡¯s grasp, Dalores bit his lip hard.

    ¡°You¡¯re so stupid. Do you honestly think Kinsey genuinely cares about you? Maybe you¡¯re the only one willing to be a stepmother to his child. If it were anyone else¡­¡±

    His words sliced through the air with cruel sharpness, suggesting that Kinsey only loved his mistress. As for Dalores, she was just a legal nanny hired to care for his child. Once the child grew up, Kinsey would likely cast her aside.

    ¡°I¡¯m a fool, but I¡¯m not shameless!¡± Dalores struggled, but she couldn¡¯t break free from Julio¡¯s grip.

    Find inspiring stories on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s???§àm

    Julio sneered. ¡°Are you saying that I¡¯m shameless? I learned it from you!¡±

    Neither of them was willing to back down. They could see the storm of emotions in each other¡¯s eyes but were unable to understand one another.

    Suddenly, the door to the resuscitation room burst open, snapping Julio¡¯s grip loose. Dalores dashed towards the doctor, her mind solely focused on Emerson¡¯s condition.

    ¡°The child¡¯s safe now; it was just a severe reaction to a high fever. You should be quicker to act in such situations from now on,¡± the doctor said, his disapproval of Dalores evident.

    Dalores felt her heart ache but said nothing, her attention fixed on Emerson as he was gently pushed out of the room on a gurney. She turned to look for Julio, but he had vanished, leaving only the remnants of his cigarette smoldering in the ashtray, a thin trail of smoke rising from it.

    ¡°Take him to the ward. Keep him under observation for the next 24 hours,¡± the doctor instructed briskly.

    Nodding, Dalores apanied the nurses as they escorted Emerson to a VIP ward, her heart heavy with what might have happened had Julio lingered a moment longer. Seated by Emerson¡¯s bed, her mind raced. If Julio had been more perceptive, the secrets she guarded about Emerson might have been exposed.

    After taking a moment to calm down, Dalores took out her phone and hastily typed a message to Eileen, asking to fast-track her application to be an online teacher.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen responded promptly.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 847

    ?Chapter 847:

    Eileen had sensed the urgency in Dalores¡¯ message and perhaps the undercurrents of a deeper turmoil left by Julio¡¯s unexpected appearance at the hospital. She knew Dalores was calcting her escape, thinking about how quickly she could umte the funds needed to go to a ce where Julio couldn¡¯t reach her. Eileen estimated that it would take a few months of saving for Dalores to make her n feasible.

    Her train of thought was abruptly derailed by the buzzing of her phone. It was Conroy calling¡ªhis timing almost uncanny. Bryan had mentioned that he would call, and sure enough, he had. Eileen answered the call.

    ¡°Where have you been thesest couple of days?¡± Conroy¡¯s voice was tinged with impatience.

    ¡°In the hospital,¡± Eileen responded calmly.

    There was a brief pause before Conroy¡¯s tone softened. He feigned concern. ¡°Is it anything serious? I can send someone to look after you. You should rest and not burden Mr. Dawson with your issues; he is needed at thepany.¡±

    Eileen now understood why Bryan had said that about Conroy.

    The dots connected seamlessly¡ªConroy¡¯sck of leadership was evident, and Bryan was the real pir behind VQ Group¡¯s important project. Presenting the project couldn¡¯t be expedited.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson has insisted I remain here until I¡¯m fully recovered,¡± Eileen lied smoothly, leaning back and staring nkly at the ceiling. Conroy¡¯s anxiety spiked upon hearing this. A healing period of ten days would dy the project.

    ¡°Eileen, you must find a way to shorten your hospital stay. Mr. Dawson needs toe back to thepany quickly!¡± Conroy instructed.

    L??€$? ???t??§ñ? ?¦Ç g??l??ov?l??.??§àm

    Eileen responded with a hint of frost in her tone, ¡°Mr. Dawson is not just upset about my injury; it¡¯s Gabri¡¯s condition that concerns him. Pushing him now would only backfire. You¡¯ll need to manage the situation yourself.¡± She ended the conversation sharply, silencing Conroy¡¯s further protests.

    She then silenced her phone and set it aside, deciding to ignore Conroy. Conroy called twice and sent several messages: ¡°Rest early after dinner. There¡¯s going to be a great show to watch tomorrow morning.¡±

    Bryan checked the time and said he could take Eileen downstairs for a walk.

    Eager for a change of scenery, Eileen quickly agreed. She donned her coat and shoes in excitement. She really wanted to be distracted from the hospital. She believed that perhaps she could be discharged after tomorrow. Just as she walked out of the in-patient department, she saw Bryan soothing their daughter, who giggled in his embrace. ¡°I know you¡¯ve been bored inside, but stay close¡­¡±

    When they reached a quiet area, Bryan set Gabri down. She stretched out her small legs and sprinted ahead energetically.

    Meanwhile, Eileen didn¡¯t hurry, strolling leisurely behind Bryan with her hands in her pockets.

    ¡°So, you wanted toe out to take Gabri for a walk?¡± he asked. He had only brought her along because it was convenient. ¡°She¡¯s been cooped up for too long,¡± Bryan exined, watching Gabri¡¯s tiny form. When Gabri paused and smiled at him, it warmed his heart.

    He didn¡¯t catch Eileen¡¯s subtle hints.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 848

    ?Chapter 848:

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s not good for children to stay inside too much. They could be ill. Adults are fine inside as long as they stay alive, right?¡± Eileen said sarcastically.

    Bryan stopped and turned to watch her kick a pebble. She watched it skip across the man-madeke, creating ripples.

    ¡°That makes sense,¡± Bryan nodded seriously. ¡°You¡¯re unbreakable; you won¡¯t die. But I¡¯m not. Without you¡­ I wouldn¡¯t survive.¡±

    Right as he spoke, Eileen yfully kicked him in the back. Bryan winced and red at her.

    ¡°If you injure me, you¡¯ll regret it!¡± he warned.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care. Gabri is all I need!¡± Eileen huffed and rushed to catch up with Gabri, who was gleefully exploring.

    Goosebumps formed on Eileen¡¯s arms. She puzzled over how Bryan could deliver such cheesy lines without a hint of irony.

    After spending a long time outdoors, Gabri eventually agreed to return to the hospital room.

    Early the next morning, Conroy sent a message to Eileen asking for her room number. Eileen provided him with the ward number. Within minutes of receiving her response, Conroy showed up, dragging a reluctant Jessica along.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, I apologize for noting to see your daughter earlier. I¡¯ve been buried in work,¡± Conroy said, setting down a bouquet of flowers. He walked past the resting Eileen directly to where Bryan and Gabri were sitting on the couch.

    He approached and looked at the nearly healed red marks on Gabri¡¯s arm, sighing deeply. ¡°Miss Dawson, what have the doctors said? How long must she stay in the hospital?¡±

    Bryan, without looking up, responded sharply, ¡°Hospitals don¡¯t force people to leave.¡±

    He implied that they would remain there as long as he saw fit, depending on his mood.

    ¡°Jessica, why are you just standing there?¡± Conroy understood Bryan and called Jessica over.

    ¡°Apologize to Miss Dawson. Your actions were too much. A child¡¯s skin is extremely sensitive.¡±

    Conroy uttered these words, sounding sincere yet hollow. From her position, Eileen could only see the backs of Conroy and Jessica, but she could easily envision the sycophantic expression on Conroy¡¯s face. His fawning behavior was so ridiculous.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, I am truly sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to cause harm that day. Mr. Finch has dismissed me, and I¡¯ve faced the consequences. Please, don¡¯t be angry anymore¡­¡± Jessica¡¯s voice softened to nearly a whisper by the end.

    Bryan rxed on the sofa with his legs crossed, casually watching Gabri y, his hands offering gentle support. Despite his tender actions, his gaze remained cold.

    ¡°As Gabri¡¯s guardian, I cannot ept your apology on her behalf. However, business remains business, and I will not ignore that. Today, you should really be apologizing to Eileen, not Gabri.¡±

    ¡°Apologize to Eileen.¡± Jessica was displeased. She had agreed toe only because Conroy had persuaded her, telling her she needed to apologize to Gabri to make Bryan less angry. She had no intention of apologizing to Eileen. Eileen didn¡¯t deserve her apology at all!

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 849

    ?Chapter 849:

    ¡°She works for the VQ Group. Whether her hand recovers is Mr. Finch¡¯s concern. At most, he could offer her paid leave for recovery.¡± Jessica spoke dismissively, ignoring Conroy¡¯s attempts to quiet her by tugging at her sleeve.

    Bryan¡¯s expression darkened.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know the VQ Group could be so devoid ofpassion. I generally steer clear of suchpanies¡ª¡±

    Before he could finish, Conroy interjected.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, this is indeed Jessica¡¯s fault. She harmed Eileen. Since Eileen is my daughter, Jessica could apologize to her in private. But today, she is here primarily to apologize to your daughter.¡±

    Bryan remained silent, his sharp gaze fixed on Conroy. Realizing his oversight, Conroy quickly corrected himself. ¡°Apologizing in private isn¡¯t suitable. Jessica, apologize to Eileen now. Even though you left the VQ Group, you might still cross paths with Eileen in the future.¡±

    While speaking, he gave Jessica a meaningful look. Eileen eyed Jessica¡¯s unkempt hair and then calmly rose from her bed to await the apology.

    Left with no other option, Jessica said reluctantly, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Eileen, for identally sshing you with hot water that day.¡±

    ¡°I do not ept your apology.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s response wasn¡¯t loud, but it immediately brought silence to the room. Both Conroy and Jessica stood in shock, unable to grasp what they had just heard.

    Find thetest releases g?ln¦Òv????s

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Conroy whispered, a warning in his voice. ¡°Don¡¯t cause trouble for the VQ Group. Isn¡¯t Mr. Dawson¡¯s support enough for you?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, since you support me in this matter, does that mean I can decide how to forgive Miss Marshall?¡± Eileen turned to Bryan.

    Bryan lifted an eyebrow. ¡°Certainly.¡±

    Holding up her injured hand, Eileen dered, ¡°My hand is severely injured, and she thinks a mere apology is enough? Not a chance! I want to flick her on the forehead.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s brow furrowed. Wouldn¡¯t that hurt her fingers? A p might be better than this. But Eileen was aware of Jessica¡¯s ego. Even if it meant breaking ties with Conroy, she knew Jessica wouldn¡¯t present her target for a p.

    Eileen¡¯s intention wasn¡¯t to vent her anger; she had other motives in mind.

    Jessica stood in disbelief. ¡°Eileen, have you lost your mind?¡±

    ¡°Enough talking, Miss Marshall. Just a simple flick on the forehead. Yes or no?¡± Eileen gave Jessica a choice.

    ¡°No,¡± Jessica began.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen interjected before Jessica could finish her response. Conroy then chimed in, ¡°Ah, it¡¯s merely yful banter between you two. Go ahead, Jessica. Just let Eileen flick your forehead. With her hand injured, it couldn¡¯t possibly hurt much.¡±

    Conroy nudged Jessica towards Eileen.

    Eileen targeted Jessica¡¯s forehead and flicked it with force.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 850

    ?Chapter 850:

    Jessica recoiled, her forehead throbbing. Unnoticed by her, Eileen had yanked a few strands of her hair.

    Eileen had used all her strength to do that.

    Jessica clutched her head, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. She held them back, not wanting to lose herposure in public.

    ¡°Mr. Finch, it seems there has been a misunderstanding. How could I possibly flick her with my injured hand?¡± Eileen said, secretly holding the few strands of Jessica¡¯s hair in her hand.

    Turning to Bryan, she added, ¡°Mr. Dawson, my hand has almost recovered. Shall we return to the VQ Group tomorrow?¡±

    Bryan gave a firm nod in agreement.

    ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll head back tomorrow. Mr. Finch, Miss Marshall, you¡¯re free to go now. And as for your promise, Mr. Finch, I expect not to see Miss Marshall at the VQ Group again.¡±

    Since Bryan had remained firm on the matter, Conroy had no hope of keeping Jessica at thepany. Left with no choice, Conroy replied with a forced smile, ¡°Of course, Mr. Dawson. Don¡¯t worry¡­¡±

    As the door swung shut behind Conroy and a sullen Jessica, Eileen deftly plucked two strands of her own hair, contrasting them with Jessica¡¯s. The differences were stark: her hair was dark and sleek, while Jessica¡¯s was lighter with a chestnut hue.

    Approaching Bryan, she handed over the strands of hair.

    ¡°Let¡¯s invest in a quick paternity test. I intend to use the results to sever Conroy¡¯s ties with the family. That way, my mother can rest in the Vazquez family¡¯s ancestral tomb.¡±

    Stay updated with galn¦Ò¦Í??????.c?m

    ¡°The matter will be resolved in three to five days. After that, we can arrange things for your grandmother and return to Onnd,¡± Bryan replied, epting the strands of hair. Gently setting Gabri down, he added, ¡°Careful, don¡¯t handle her; you might hurt your hand.¡±

    ¡°Why the rush to return to Onnd?¡± After a pause, Eileen continued, ¡°If my grandmother decides against returning with me, I might have to extend my stay in Alverton.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s brows knitted tightly. ¡°I¡¯ll send the hair for testing first.¡±

    He then left the room, his expression etched with a hint of unusual concern.

    A paternity test could yield results within hours, leaving Eileen to spend the afternoon anxiously watching the clock.

    At three o¡¯clock in the afternoon, the results were ready, and Eileen apanied Bryan to retrieve them.

    The nurse handed over the envelope, and Eileen ripped it open immediately. ¡°Do you think Conroy will ept these results when I show them to him, or should I make extra copies in case he tries to destroy them?¡±

    After a pause, she added, ¡°If he refuses to ept them, we¡¯ll need to take legal action. My greatest worry is how my grandmother will cope with the revtion about Jessica¡¯s identity. She¡ª¡±

    Eileen was stunned as she read the results, which clearly stated ¡°[NO blood rtion].¡± The revtion shattered her usual calm. She and Jessica were not rted by blood!

    Bryan¡¯s eyes widened slightly in surprise. ¡°Has Conroy told you that Jessica is his and your aunt¡¯s child?¡±

    ¡°I figured it out myself, and they never refuted it,¡± Eileen murmured, biting her lip.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 851

    ?Chapter 851:

    Gianna and she shared a certain resemnce. Jessica looked somewhat like Gianna¡ªabout fifty to sixty percent simr¡ªthough their styles and demeanors were quite different. It was challenging to see them as mother and daughter, but if you knew their rtionship, one could recognize their simrities.

    As for Conroy¡­ Eileen bore no resemnce to him at all, while Jessica had a round face simr to his. Thus, Eileen couldn¡¯t see any resemnce between Jessica and herself.

    But she was Conroy¡¯s daughter, and Jessica was the daughter of Conroy and her aunt; they should be rted by blood. Pondering this, Eileen asked, ¡°Could there have been a mix-up with the hair samples?¡±

    Bryan dismissed the idea with a quick shake of his head. ¡°That¡¯s unlikely. I¡¯ve made sure I didn¡¯t make a mistake.¡± He nced at theboratory staff nearby, signaling to Eileen that they would discuss the matter further after they returned to the ward.

    Back in the hospital room, Eileen tossed the paternity test results onto the bed, her mind racing to pinpoint where the mistake might have urred.

    ¡°Did you do a paternity test with Conroy before?¡± Bryan asked.

    Eileen turned to face Bryan and nodded. ¡°Yes, on my first day here, my aunt brought me to the hospital to get the test done with Conroy. We got the results that same night.¡±

    Bryan thought for a moment and then said, ¡°There are two possibilities here: either your paternity test with Conroy is fake, or the one with Jessica is. That means either you¡¯re not Conroy¡¯s biological daughter, or Jessica isn¡¯t.¡±

    Eileen gasped, her mind racing to keep up with Bryan¡¯s logic.

    How could she not be Conroy¡¯s biological daughter? And if Conroy cherished Jessica deeply, how could Jessica not be his daughter?

    Your next chapter awaits at galn¦Ò????????

    ¡°Don¡¯t dwell on it too much. We¡¯ll arrange another paternity test with you and Conroy soon to rify everything,¡± Bryan suggested calmly.

    Seeing Eileen¡¯s puzzled look, Bryan gently smoothed her hair back. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of your discharge. Let¡¯s discuss this once we¡¯re home.¡±

    After days of anticipation, the discharge Eileen had hoped for finally came, but she didn¡¯t feel happy at all.

    She watched Gabri, who was struggling with her words.

    ¡°Wearing a jakey!¡± Gabri said.

    ¡°It¡¯s jacket,¡± Eileen corrected her gently.

    ¡°Jackey!¡± Gabri insisted, twirling around in her light purple jacket and pointing at it determinedly. ¡°Jackey!¡±

    Eileen couldn¡¯t help but wonder where Gabri had picked up the incorrect pronunciation.

    Ten minutester, Eileen was discharged from the hospital. She returned home with Bryan and Gabri.

    As Bryan drove toward the entrance of their viplex, he slowed the car near the parking barrier. Suddenly, a woman hurried over and tapped on the car window. Bryan rolled down the window of the back seat, and Eileen leaned over to see what it was.

    ¡°Hello, can I help?¡± Eileen asked as the woman moved closer to the backseat window.

    The woman smiled apologetically at Eileen.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 852

    ?Chapter 852:

    ¡°Sorry to bother you, miss. I¡¯m here to visit someone, but they can¡¯te out right now to let me in. Could you please take me in, just through the entrance?¡±

    Eileen¡¯s eyes caught sight of the woman¡¯s watch, which looked oddly familiar.

    After a brief hesitation, Eileen smiled and replied, ¡°Sure,e on in.¡±

    She signaled to Bryan to unlock the car door. The woman quickly got inside, thanking them more than once.

    Eileen discreetly studied the woman. She was dressed in high-end designer clothes, with a polished look that hinted at wealth. Clearly, she wasn¡¯t just some random scammer.

    ¡°Which vi are you headed to? We can just drop you off at the door,¡± Eileen said.

    The woman quickly shook her head. ¡°Oh, no. That¡¯s too much trouble. Just let me out near your ce. From there, I can walk.¡±

    In such arge viplex, it could be a long walk if she was going deep inside.

    But Eileen sensed that the woman wasn¡¯t just being polite. She didn¡¯t want them to know exactly where she was going.

    When the car stopped in front of Eileen¡¯s vi, the woman seemed momentarily surprised. She nced around before saying, ¡°This is your ce? How convenient! My destination isn¡¯t far from here. Thanks again!¡±

    Eileen stepped out of the car and watched as the woman disappeared into the distance. Eileen didn¡¯t enter her vi immediately but lingered, standing quietly behind the vehicle, observing.

    Minutes passed, and the woman returned, hurrying towards Kinsey¡¯s vi. She knocked on the door, and as soon as the servant opened it, she slipped inside without hesitation. Kinsey was supposed to be at work, but the servant had weed the woman into Kinsey¡¯s ce, allowing her to wait inside.

    Ga ln ovels . fuels your imagination

    Eileen noticed the watch on the woman¡¯s wrist. It matched the one Kinsey wore. Julia¡¯s words about Kinsey¡¯s secret lover echoed in her mind. Kinsey had no feelings for Dalores.

    ¡°This woman seems different, probably from a wealthy family. She¡¯s in a rtionship with Kinsey for love,¡± Eileen mused. ¡°Would Kinsey marry Dalores, a woman with no wealth, when he could be with this young woman from a wealthy family?¡±

    Eileen turned to Bryan, leaning against him, seeking his insight.

    Bryan didn¡¯t look up. ¡°If Kinsey¡¯s not hiding something from your grandmother, then he¡¯s using her to hide something from someone else.¡±

    Eileen pondered this. ¡°Kinsey might not be getting along well with Conroy and my aunt. He probably married Dalores because he¡¯s wary of Conroy and my aunt.¡±

    ¡°Kinsey wanted to show them he didn¡¯t covet power or the Vazquez family¡¯s wealth,¡± Bryan added.

    ¡°This woman must truly love Kinsey, or she wouldn¡¯t bother waiting for him,¡± Eileen said.

    As a car approached, Bryan gently ushered Eileen and Gabri into the vi.

    Once inside, Eileen walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, barefoot, watching as Kinsey arrived home, hastening inside with an air of urgency.

    Less than five minutester, the bedroom curtain on the second floor was drawn shut.

    Eileen sighed. ¡°This is reallyplicated.¡± Kinsey was using Dalores as a pawn, controlling her every move to keep his secret rtionship hidden. As long as the Vazquez family¡¯s situation remained unresolved, Dalores would remain trapped.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 853

    ?Chapter 853:

    ¡°Focus on your family. Don¡¯t worry about him,¡± Bryan said, as he prepared milk for Gabri.

    Gabri stood barefoot, tiptoeing with excitement as she watched Bryan prepare her milk. ¡°Daddy, want milk!¡± she eximed.

    Lost in conversation with Eileen, Bryan was slow in preparing the milk for Gabri, which frustrated her. She stamped her foot and demanded, ¡°Daddy, take care of me first! Mommy¡¯s not important!¡±

    Bryan quickly covered her mouth to silence her. Gabri¡¯s big eyes widened in confusion, blinking.

    Bryan handed Gabri the milk, scooped her up, and whispered, ¡°If you want a little brother or sister, your mommy is very important.¡± Gabri sipped her milk, listening intently, her wide eyes locked on Bryan¡¯s.

    Eileen¡¯s patience was wearing thin. She urgently needed evidence to secure her mother¡¯s rightful ce in the family cemetery.

    Previously, Eileen had proceeded with caution, avoiding raising suspicions. However, her efforts to obtain hair samples from Jessica for a DNA test had ultimately revealed that she and Jessica were not biologically rted. Theplex web surrounding the matter was overwhelming, fueling her anxiety.

    Lost in thought, Eileen sat by the window, tuning out the conversation between Bryan and Gabri.

    The next day, at VQ Group, Eileen and Bryan arrived, and an assistant promptly informed Eileen that Conroy had requested her presence.

    ¡°Why does Mr. Finch want to see me?¡± Eileen asked Conroy¡¯s assistant, Baylor.

    Explore more fiction on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s???????

    Baylor¡¯s expression remained neutral. ¡°You¡¯ll find out when you see him, Miss Curtis.¡±

    With that, he opened the door to Conroy¡¯s office and offered a courteous smile. Eileen nodded politely and stepped inside.

    ¡°Eileen, wee,¡± Conroy said warmly as he led her to sit on the sofa before sitting down himself.

    As they sat together, Eileen felt a shiver of unease at the unfamiliar proximity to Conroy. ¡°Mr. Finch, what do you need from me?¡± she asked.

    ¡°No need for formalities,¡± Conroy said, his voice gentle. ¡°I want to apologize for Jessica¡¯s actions. She won¡¯t be returning to the VQ Group, so I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive her. As your father, I¡¯m asking you for this one favor.¡±

    Father?

    The word sounded strangeing from Conroy, making Eileen squirm with difort.

    Eileen subtly shifted away, creating more space between them.

    ¡°I don¡¯t harbor grudges, but my memory is impable,¡± she said.

    Conroy¡¯s smile wavered for a moment before he regained hisposure. ¡°Has Mr. Dawson been attentive and taken good care of you during your hospital stay?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen nodded. ¡°Luckily, it was my left hand that got hurt. If it had been my right, that would¡¯ve been a real problem.¡±

    Conroy¡¯s expression showed concern.

    ¡°Even with just your left hand injured, it must be quite challenging for you. How did Mr. Dawson assist you with daily tasks? And what about personal care, like using the bathroom? Were you able to bathe and take care of yourself? After all, Mr. Dawson is already busy taking care of his child.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 854

    ?Chapter 854:

    Suddenly, Eileen understood why Conroy had summoned her here. He was probing into her rtionship with Bryan. ¡°Is Mr. Dawson interested in you, Eileen?¡± Conroy finally asked, bing more direct.

    Eileen raised an eyebrow, her tone neutral. ¡°But I¡¯m interested in him.¡±

    Conroy was taken aback and said anxiously, ¡°But you used to be quite taken with him! What changed your mind? When I told you not to offend him, you didn¡¯t listen.¡±

    Eileen interjected, ¡°I initially considered marrying Bryan to stabilize the Vazquez family¡¯s finances and secure our future, given the VQ Group¡¯s struggles. However, now that thepany is thriving, my priorities have shifted. Bryan is divorced with a child; I don¡¯t want to marry him.¡±

    Conroy¡¯s eyes zed with anger, his gaze piercing enough to kill. He found Eileen¡¯s attitude infuriating.

    ¡°Do you even know what you¡¯re talking about? Do you have any idea who Mr. Dawson is?¡± Conroy¡¯s tone was forceful, his words dripping with emphasis. ¡°Even if he¡¯s been divorced multiple times, he would still be an exceptional match for you!¡±

    Eileen suddenly fell silent, her eyes locking onto Conroy¡¯s. Just as he started to reel uneasily, she reached out with lightning speed and yanked at his hair. She had intended to pull out a grey hair for a DNA test.

    But to her surprise, she identally yanked out a whole wig, revealing Conroy¡¯s shiny, bald scalp beneath. Only a few stray strands framed his temples. It turned out he had been wearing a wig this whole time.

    The atmosphere turned awkward as Eileen examined the wig in her hand, her curiosity genuine. ¡°Do you wear this even when you sleep?¡± she asked.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s holds stories for every mood

    She recalled the night she had forced Conroy and Gianna out, remembering how his hair had still been intact.

    Conroy¡¯s face reddened with rage. He grabbed the wig back, attempting to put it on again. However, Eileen had identally damaged the wig, and it wouldn¡¯t stay in ce on his head.

    ¡°It¡¯s a full wig, isn¡¯t it? You should really shave your head for a more secure fit. How about I help you shave your hair?¡± Eileen looked at Conroy¡¯s head. If she didn¡¯t help him shave his hair, she wouldn¡¯t be able to get his hair for a DNA test.

    Conroy¡¯s hair was sparse and clipped short, making it difficult to extract a strand. He was visibly irritated as he adjusted his wig, eximing, ¡°There! No need for pretense here. You¡¯re just after my hair for a paternity test, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    With her motives revealed, Eileen remained calm. ¡°Now that you¡¯re aware, why not just hand me a strand of your hair?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no way I¡¯m letting you touch my hair!¡± Conroy gestured dismissively, his expression one of outright refusal.

    Eileen paused briefly before replying, ¡°Have you thought about how much safer it is to extract a hair than to use blood for a DNA test? If I needed blood, I might have to carry a knife, which would mean you¡¯d always be wary of me possibly stabbing you. At best, you¡¯d end up with stitches; at worst, it could be fatal.¡±

    ¡°HOW dare you!¡± Conroy shuddered at her suggestion. ¡°If you harm me with that knife, I¡¯ll see you in jail!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 855

    ?Chapter 855:

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t harm you directly,¡± Eileen replied coolly. ¡°Instead, I¡¯d arrange for ¡®idents¡¯ to happen.¡± She locked eyes with him, her frown deepening. ¡°Imagine your brakes failing, causing you to crash into the windshield, or a pipe falling from above your home, or objects tumbling down on you. You¡¯d find no proof that any of these events were deliberate.¡±

    Conroy paused, his gaze fixed on her, clearly weighing her words.

    ¡°Eileen, you¡¯re ying dumb to deceive me. You made me believe you were naive, but you¡¯re actually quite cunning!¡± Conroy finally said, his voice edged with frustration.

    Eileen realized she wouldn¡¯t get what she wanted from him and chose not to prolong the conversation. ¡°I never imed to be naive. It was you who chose to believe that and acted superior in front of me.¡±

    Upon her return, neither Conroy nor Gianna had anticipated that her standing would surpass that of the Vazquez family. They had never believed she was wealthy¡ªthey only saw her as someone who wasn¡¯t as gullible as they had assumed, ying them the whole time.

    Conroy felt a mix of humiliation and anger, imagining Eileen as a puppet master, watching and manipting them all.

    ¡°Let me be clear with you today,¡± he said, his tone colder. ¡°If you marry the man and bring some benefits to the Vazquez family, you¡¯ll be considered a daughter of the Vazquez family in the future. But if you don¡¯t listen to me and act ordingly, you won¡¯t get a penny from the Vazquez family. I know your grandmother reached out to talk about how to get your mother into the family cemetery, correct? Well, unless you hand over the VQ Group, that won¡¯t happen!¡±

    Eileen¡¯s expression turned cold. ¡°Even if I handed you the VQ Group, you wouldn¡¯t allow my mother¡¯s burial in the family cemetery.¡±

    Conroy answered, ¡°Gianna¡¯s situation is different from your mother¡¯s. She¡¯s eligible for a ce in the ancestral tomb of the Vazquez family.¡±

    This implied that if Eileen gave him the VQ Group, he might allow her mother to be buried there in the future, and Gianna could also be buried there despite her divorced status.

    Nevertheless, Eileen didn¡¯t trust a word he said. Considering Gianna and Conroy¡¯s long-standing rtionship and their affection for Jessica, it was clear that Conroy had emotional ties to her mother. How could Gianna not beid to rest next to Conroy in the future?

    Eileen said, ¡°Since you¡¯re being upfront, let me offer you a proposal as well. If you divorce my mom today and allow her to return single, I might still give you the VQ Group to help you out. However, if you refuse¡­ Don¡¯t hold it against meter for being cruel to you and disregarding your position as my father!¡±

    Conroy burst outughing. ¡°You¡¯re joking, right? I¡¯m eager to see how you¡¯ll do that. Who do you think you are to speak to me with such arrogance? You really think you¡¯re Bryan¡¯s wife or something?¡±

    Eileen answered, ¡°Maybe I am. And even if I¡¯m not, when you pass away, I¡¯ll dig up your remains and feed them to the dogs!¡±

    ¡°You¡ª¡± Conroy hesitated, not willing to take that risk. He knew well that he would likely die before Eileen.

    ¡°If you dare disturb my grave, aren¡¯t you worried about being condemned by others? Have you no shame?¡± he retorted.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 856

    ?Chapter 856:

    ¡°You have no shame in getting involved with Gianna. Why should I feel ashamed about digging up your grave?¡± Eileen stood, straightened her clothes, and casually adjusted Conroy¡¯s skewed wig, making it sit more properly. ¡°With this ridiculous hair, you¡¯re ying quite the game. You¡¯ll see what¡¯sing to you.¡±

    With those words, Eileen left. Behind her, Conroy seethed, ¡°You¡ª¡± His voice was soon muffled by the door. Despite saying that, Eileen knew the situation wasplicated. Now, Conroy would be even more vignt against any attempts by her to conduct a paternity test.

    She wasn¡¯t skilled at taking on such intimacy byw, and she needed solid evidence of sex to prove adultery. Yet, the fact that Conroy and Gianna had raised Jessica until now without raising suspicions highlighted their extreme caution and secrecy.

    This was going to be challenging. Eileen knew it would be hard for her to make another move again.

    As she sat on the couch contemting these issues, she noticed Bryan was focused on his work. ¡°Bryan, how about we have an argument so that I can spend a few days at the Vazquez Mansion?¡±

    Bryan slightly lifted his eyelids. ¡°Going back to the Vazquez Mansion sounds like a hassle.¡±

    Eileen sat up straight to have a serious discussion with him. ¡°Conroy has probably cklisted me. It¡¯s going to be next to impossible for me to even see him again. Under these circumstances, gathering more evidence will be tough for me, but you are different! You have a better chance!¡±

    Bryan crossed his arms and reclined in his chair, looking at her. ¡°How am I any different? Do you think I can just yank some hairs from his head or take a couple of vials of his blood whenever I like?¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m, your destination for tales

    ¡°If you¡¯re nice to him, he¡¯d probably hand his life over to you. What¡¯s a few terms of bloodpared to that?¡± Eileen became more convinced as she spoke that Bryan was perfect for this task. ¡°His hair is fake; the real stuff is tucked away underneath his wig. It¡¯s hard to pull out his hair, and there¡¯s no justifiable reason to draw his blood without cause. You¡¯re the only one who could possibly earn his trust.¡±

    Bryan frowned. ¡°I¡¯m not a woman. How do you expect me to get that close to him? He probably only removes that toupee when he¡¯s asleep. I can¡¯t exactly sneak into his bed, can I?¡±

    Bryan¡¯s words almost made Eileenugh out loud. She said, ¡°He doesn¡¯t even remove his toupee when he sleeps. You¡¯ll have to figure out your own way to obtain his blood or hair.¡±

    Unable to hold back any longer, Bryan stood, picked up Gabri, who was drawing on an A4 paper next to him, and walked over to Eileen. He ced the child on herp and asked, ¡°So tell me, how can I get Conroy to trust me enough to willingly give me his blood?¡±

    Eileen felt Gabri¡¯s weight as the child turned and handed her a colored pencil. ¡°Mommy, you draw!¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t Jessica like you? Why not court her, get a premarital health check done, and drag Conroy along for a physical? It wouldn¡¯t be too much, would it?¡± Eileen casually guided Gabri¡¯s hand to draw some lines. Gabri squealed with delight.

    Luckily, Gabri was in her arms. Otherwise, she might have been tossed out the window by Bryan.

    ¡°What a terrible n! I can¡¯t believe you even thought of that!¡± Bryan¡¯s expression darkened. He clenched his teeth and flicked Eileen¡¯s forehead.

    Eileen flinched in pain and covered her forehead with her hands. Yet, knowing she was at fault, she refrained from retaliating.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 857

    ?Chapter 857:

    Gabri jumped up, nting herself in front of Eileen like a tiny warrior. She red at Bryan and yelled, her voice surprisingly fierce.

    Eileen reached out to gently steady Gabri, whispering, ¡°Honey, Daddy¡¯s being mean to Mommy.¡±

    ¡°Cryv Mammy. I¡¯ll give him a piece of my mind!¡± Gabri patted Eileen¡¯s shoulder, her tiny body radiating fierce protectiveness.

    Bryan, stung by Gabri¡¯s words, tried to defend himself.

    ¡°Your mom is being unreasonable,¡± he grumbled.

    As soon as the words left Bryan¡¯s mouth, Eileen leaned in and whispered in Gabri¡¯s ear, ¡°Mommy needs Daddy¡¯s help, but he won¡¯t¡­¡±

    ¡°Daddy, you should help Mommy!¡± Gabri eximed.

    Eileen quickly thought of something and squeezed out a few tears. ¡°It¡¯s okay if Daddy doesn¡¯t want to help. I¡¯ll figure it out myself. And if it gets too hard¡­ I¡¯ll just cry.¡±

    Seeing her mother¡¯s tears, Gabri became anxious.

    ¡°Mummy, don¡¯t cry! Daddy will help you, right, Daddy?¡± Gabri pleaded with Bryan, her big eyes full of concern.

    Bryan, feeling resigned, wanted to pull Eileen away and reason with her. But if he didn¡¯t agree right now, Gabri would probably start to cry. He sighed.

    ¡°Okay, okay, I¡¯ll help.¡±

    As Bryan tried tofort Gabri, she turned to Eileen, her voice soft and soothing.

    New chapters now on .c?m

    ¡°I won¡¯t cry, Mommy. You don¡¯t cry, either.¡±

    ¡°Mommy¡¯s not crying, sweetheart. You¡¯re my little angel. You¡¯re so good to me, unlike someone¡­¡± Eileen whispered, hugging Gabri close. She made sure Gabri didn¡¯t see her dry eyes, not wanting her daughter to know the tears were fake.

    Bryan red at Eileen.

    ¡°I¡¯ll help you, but only if you can put me in a good mood first.¡±

    Eileen knew exactly what he was getting at. But she was undoubtedly reluctant toply with his demands. She didn¡¯t want to exhaust herself for nights.

    Watching him stroll back to work, smug as ever, made Eileen¡¯s anxiety spike.

    But what other choice did she have?

    Even though Jessica had left thepany, she still had Bryan¡¯s number and asionally texted him.

    So, Eileen¡¯s n was doable.

    But Bryan would never fake being with Jessica to take her and Conroy for a physical examination.

    And right on cue, Jessica sent him a text, confessing her feelings to him.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, I¡¯ve had feelings for you for a while now. I wouldn¡¯t mind being a stepmother to Gabri, and I¡¯m a quick learner, even though I¡¯m young! Eileen might be doing a good job taking care of Gabri now, but give me a chance, and I¡¯ll outshine her. Besides, she¡¯s not good enough for you, considering her family background. I¡¯m younger than her and better than her in many ways.¡±

    Eileen snorted as she read Jessica¡¯s message to Bryan. The nerve of that woman,paring their family backgrounds!

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 858

    ?Chapter 858:

    She was the legitimate heir, for crying out loud, while Jessica was nothing but an illegitimate daughter.

    As Bryan drafted a response, Eileen watched with anticipation.

    ¡°Marrying into the Dawson family isn¡¯t going to be easy. We¡¯re very particr about who joins our family. I only have one daughter, and if we were to marry, I¡¯d expect to have more children. So, I need to be absolutely certain there are no gic health issues in your family.¡±

    Rich families were obsessed with keeping their bloodlines pure, so pre-marital health checks were standard procedure. Bryan and Jessica weren¡¯t anywhere near marriage, but Bryan¡¯s message was loud and clear¡ªhe wanted to dig into Jessica¡¯s family¡¯s medical history. Eileen silently gave Bryan a thumbs-up.

    But then, she realized something: ¡°This will only lead to Conroy and Gianna getting physical examinations, not the paternity test we need.¡±

    Jessica quickly replied, ¡°I¡¯m perfectly healthy, and I can get you my parents¡¯ medical records. They¡¯re both in great shape!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s not enough. If you¡¯re serious about this, I¡¯ll need blood samples from you, your parents, and any living rtives. I¡¯ll have them tested myself. And I expect full disclosure about your parents¡¯ identities. My family doesn¡¯t associate with people with shady pasts,¡± Bryan responded.

    Bryan put his phone down, a smug grin on his face. ¡°She¡¯ll get Conroy to tell me the truth and hand over his blood sample.¡±

    Eileen was speechless. She had been ying along with Bryan and had agreed to his terms to do this, and all it took were a few words from him?

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s, your source for inspiration

    Feeling a bit down about the ¡®fun¡¯ night ahead, Eileen said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, you¡¯re a genius. Seriously.¡±

    Bryan waved off herpliment.

    ¡°Don¡¯t distract me. I¡¯ve got work to do.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be quiet,¡± Eileen said, smiling.

    ¡°I knew you had a better n the whole time. Doesn¡¯t matter how good my ideas are, yours is always better.¡±

    Bryan ignored her. Eileen continued, ¡°Hey, it¡¯s been a while since we went to the Vazquez Mansion. I told grandmother about Gabri thest time¡­ Should I take Gabri back to see her today?¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Bryan replied. ¡°If you block Jessica¡¯s number. Out of sight, out of mind.¡± This was a clear threat. If Eileen dared to leave today, he would make sure her ns went down the drain.

    Eileen caved immediately.

    ¡°Can you at least go easy on me tonight? And maybe set a timer or something?¡±

    Bryan felt resigned.

    ¡°Why does it feel like punishment to you?¡±

    Eileen bit her lip, unsure how to exin that she wasn¡¯t exactly a marathon runner in the sex department.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 859

    ?Chapter 859:

    ¡°Two hours max after time, from now on!¡± Eileen dered, her voice firm.

    To her surprise, Bryan agreed without a fuss.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Eileen let out a sigh of relief.

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget to get back to Jessicater.¡±

    After some dy, Jessica responded. ¡°Mr. Dawson, I assure you, my family has no shady past. I¡¯ll send you blood samples from my parents first, and then I¡¯ll tell you who my parents are. You¡¯re wee to meet them in person if you¡¯d like.¡±

    ¡°Meet me at the VQ Group¡¯s entrance tomorrow morning at eight,¡± Bryan replied, setting the meeting for the next day. Though that was set for tomorrow, he had other ns for tonight, and those ns involved Eileen.

    He wanted Eileen¡¯s full attention tonight, and since the matter wasn¡¯t resolved yet, Eileen would be more willing toply with him tonight.

    Later, after a nice dinner out, Bryan and Eileen were heading home. As they pulled up to their gatedmunity, they encountered the same woman from the day before.

    The woman waved them to a stop, looking a bit hesitant.

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry to bother you again,¡± she said. ¡°But could I ask for another favor? Would you mind helping me get through the entrance?¡±

    Eileen nodded and opened the car door for her. The woman got in and quickly pulled out her phone.

    Your adventure awaits at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c©–m

    She said, ¡°I need a keycard for entry here. Could I buy one from you? I¡¯m happy to pay.¡±

    Eileen paused for a moment, unsure if she should give in to the woman¡¯s request.

    The woman reassured her, ¡°Feel free to charge double the price. I¡¯m just here to visit my friend. It¡¯s inconvenient for him to alwayse pick me up, and he¡¯s hesitant to let mee often, first wanting to avoid both¡­¡±

    Eileen found herself unable to resist the woman¡¯s pleading gaze, which tugged at her heartstrings.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to pay. I¡¯ll give you one,¡± Eileen said, handing over a keychain from her bag. ¡°Just return it when you¡¯re done with it.¡±

    With joy in her eyes, the woman received the keychain and smiled at Eileen.

    ¡°Thank you so much! I¡¯m Sariyah Gonzalez. What¡¯s your name?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Eileen Curtis,¡± Eileen said, attempting to shake the woman¡¯s hand, but Sariyah held onto it tightly.

    ¡°Wait¡­ You¡¯re Eileen Curtis?¡± Sariyah¡¯s jaw dropped. She looked visibly shocked.

    Eileen nodded, confused by Sariyah¡¯s reaction.

    ¡°Yes, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Sariyah erupted intoughter, still holding onto Eileen¡¯s hand. She stammered, ¡°Y-You have the same name as the Eileen I¡¯ve heard so much about! You know Onnd, right? There¡¯s a female entrepreneur named Eileen who lives there. Her story is like a fairy tale, Cindere. I¡¯ve been to Onnd several times, and each time I visit, I hear the story of her and her husband again. I can almost recite it word for word now, but I¡¯m still happy to hear it again. Unfortunately, I¡¯ve never had a chance to meet them.¡±

    Eileen fell silent. She felt utterly exposed now.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 860

    Chapter 860:

    ¡°I can tell from your ent that you¡¯re also from Onnd,¡± Sariyah added when Eileen didn¡¯t say anything.

    Eileen nodded. ¡°Yes, we¡¯re both from Onnd.¡±

    Sariyah¡¯s gaze turned inquisitive, and she asked eagerly, ¡°So, you¡¯re wealthy too? Do you know this Eileen?¡±

    ¡°Since you¡¯re so fascinated with Eileen, why not look her up online?¡± Eileen asked.

    Sariyah held her in such high esteem, having visited Onnd multiple times. Even though Sariyah had never seen her in person, hadn¡¯t she seen any photos of her? After all, a simple phone search would likely yield some photos of her.

    ¡°I¡¯d rather not dig into Eileen and her husband online. Hearing their love story is enough for me. Perhaps Eileen isn¡¯t as beautiful as I imagine, and seeing her in person might shatter the Cindere-like image I¡¯ve created in my mind,¡± Sariyah said bluntly.

    Eileen was rendered speechless.

    It seemed to Eileen that Sariyah was prone to judging people based on their appearance, so she refrained from revealing that she was, in fact, the Eileen Sariyah had been eager to meet.

    ¡°We¡¯re here. I¡¯ll get going now. I know where you live, and I¡¯ll visit you again in the future!¡± Sariyah stepped out of the car at the vi and walked off into the distance.

    Eileen didn¡¯t wait to see how far Sariyah had gone before turning back inside. She quickly picked up Gabri and went into the vi.

    ¡°This Sariyah is quite interesting,¡± Eileen muttered as she changed her shoes. After a moment of reflection, she added, ¡°It¡¯s unfortunate that a woman like Sariyah is involved with Kinsey.¡±

    g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s, your storytelling home

    ¡°People say I have a short fuse, but you know me well enough to judge my true character,¡± Bryan said gently, taking Gabri from her arms and offering a calming perspective. ¡°Just because you think Kinsey isn¡¯t good for Sariyah doesn¡¯t necessarily mean Sariyah sees Kinsey in the same negative light.¡±

    In reality, Eileen had limited interactions with Kinsey, but she perceived him as somewhat chauvinistic. Moreover, Kinsey ignored the rtionship between Conroy and Gianna, which led her to assume he was a bad person.

    ¡°Tomorrow morning, Jessica will deliver Conroy¡¯s and Gianna¡¯s blood samples to the VQ Group,¡± Bryan said smugly. With Gabri cradled in his arms, he swiftly ascended the stairs. He simply walked away after saying that, not waiting for Eileen to reply. Since he had put Gabri to bed early that evening, Eileen knew what he wanted tonight.

    Eileen instinctively clenched her fists and trailed behind him up the stairs. She then headed to the bathroom to shower.

    There was no way she could talk him out of sex tonight, so she might as well get it over with and try to get some sleep as soon as possible.

    In the vi next door, Jessica was in a storm with Conroy.

    ¡°Why did you bring a syringe to take my blood? Am I supposed to just allow you to take my blood?¡± Conroy scowled at Jessica. ¡°What are you trying to do here?¡±

    Jessica groaned and anxiously replied, ¡°I¡¯ve already told you that this is for something serious. I need your blood and that woman¡¯s blood!¡±

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Have a great week dear readers. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. (? ?? ? ¨C ? ) ?

    .

 Chapter 861

    ?Chapter 861:

    ¡°Why do you need your parents¡¯ blood? What is this important matter?¡± As far as Conroy was concerned, she was being unreasonable and wasn¡¯t making much sense.

    ¡°Do you want to use witchcraft to hurt us or something?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not as superstitious as you think. I¡¯ve found a way to be with Mr. Dawson.¡±

    Jessica didn¡¯t want to tell Conroy that Bryan nned to test the blood for hereditary diseases. Her n was to keep everything under wraps until she was able to snatch Bryan away from Eileen once and for all. Then, she would see if Conroy dared to stop her.

    How could Conroy ce his hopes on Eileen? He was truly¡­

    Unfortunately, Conroy refused to cooperate, so she had no choice but to tell him the truth now.

    ¡°What way?¡± Conroy asked, his brows furrowed in confusion. ¡°I¡¯ve already informed you that Mr. Dawson is getting closer to Eileen, so don¡¯t cause any problems now!¡±

    This was about Eileen again?

    Jessica¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°I don¡¯t care. I just need to take blood from you. Will you give it or not?¡±

    Conroy felt resigned. ¡°Gimme a break, kid! It¡¯s sote. Can you stop this? Why do you need my and your mother¡¯s blood? Don¡¯t forget our rtionship! Once the truth about you being my daughter gets out, it¡¯s all over!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not what you think,¡± Jessica replied calmly. ¡°Mr. Dawson is the one who wants the blood. Why would he be interested in anything else? To be honest, he¡¯s concerned about our family¡¯s medical history and potential inherited diseases. If he and I were to marry, I would have children for the Dawson family. He just wants to test the blood to ensure there are no hereditary diseases to worry about.¡± As Jessica spoke, she slowly moved towards Conroy.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m brings endless adventures

    ¡°Jessica, I have a feeling that you¡¯re being deceived¡­¡± Conroy said, sensing something amiss.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Jessica asked, momentarily halting her attempt to draw Conroy¡¯s blood. ¡°It¡¯smon for wealthy families to scrutinize their partner¡¯s medical background. However, I¡¯m aware that Mr. Dawson¡¯s ex-wife¡¯s mother had cancer. But he still married his ex-wife,¡± Conroy said.

    When Eileen had sent a legal notice after their disagreement, Eileen was not yet famous. So only a handful of people were aware that Eileen¡¯s mother was not her biological mother.

    This ce was thousands of miles away from Onnd, and the people at VQ Group knew next to nothing about matters in Onnd. So they were unaware of the fact that Ruby was not Eileen¡¯s biological mother.

    ording to the rumor mill, the only reason Eileen had agreed to marry Bryan had been to help her mother. Considering cancer¡¯s serious nature, would Bryan have proceeded with the marriage if he had genuine concerns about Eileen¡¯s medical history?

    ¡°Hear me out. Take three blood samples, either all from me or all from you, but not from both of us. If it¡¯s just a routine physical, Mr. Dawson won¡¯t suspect anything, but if it¡¯s a paternity test, he¡¯ll discover something amiss. Get what I¡¯m saying?¡± Conroy suggested.

    Jessica nced at her arm and replied promptly, ¡°Got it. Then I¡¯ll take your blood.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 862

    ?Chapter 862:

    Conroy was at a loss for words, but he wasn¡¯t about to take three tubes of blood from his precious daughter.

    He rolled up his sleeves and settled onto the sofa.

    ¡°Just do it,¡± he said. ¡°And tell Bryan it¡¯s the blood of you and your parents.¡±

    Early summer had arrived, but Alverton still clung to its chill, especially in the mornings.

    Eileen, bundled in a wool overcoat, huddled in the backseat, shivering and drowsy, her head resting on Bryan¡¯s shoulder.

    The car came to an abrupt halt. Raymond lowered the back window, and Jessica hurried over.

    Jessica¡¯s view was limited; she could only make out Bryan¡¯s form and a glimpse of Eileen¡¯s hair, but she couldn¡¯t see Eileen¡¯s position in the car.

    Gabri, still nestled in Bryan¡¯s arms, waved excitedly, further obscuring Jessica¡¯s view.

    Jessica pulled three tubes of blood from her bag.

    ¡°This is the blood from my parents and me, Mr. Dawson. Please let me know the results as soon as you can after the test.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Bryan replied, taking the tubes and ncing at her smooth arms, devoid of any needle marks.

    It was freezing outside, but Jessica was only wearing a sleeveless dress. She clearly wasn¡¯t bothered by the cold.

    ¡°So¡­ can we grab lunch together?¡± Jessica said, looking at Bryan with hopeful eyes.

    Bryan put the blood samples in the car¡¯s glove box, not even looking up.

    ¡°Sorry, but no. I¡¯ve got work to do.¡±

    He gave Raymond a look, and Raymond rolled up the window.

    Raymond offered Jessica an apologetic smile as he did that.

    The car pulled into the underground parking. Bryan stared at the blood samples and then said, ¡°Later, take these to the hospital. Have them check if it¡¯s even human blood.¡±

    Raymond was stunned.

    ¡°How could it not be human blood?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re trying to trick me, so they¡¯re no better than animals,¡± Bryan scoffed.

    Raymond finally understood Bryan¡¯s intentions. ¡°Mr. Dawson, you tricked them into giving blood for a paternity test, so of course they¡¯ll fight back.¡±

    But Bryan¡¯s eyes grew cold, and Raymond felt a chill run down his spine, rendering him incapable of finishing his sentence.

    Raymond shivered. ¡°Never mind. We¡¯re at thepany. We can leave the car here. I¡¯ll take a cab to the hospital.¡±

    He unbuckled his seatbelt and quickly exited the car. It was quiet now, except for Eileen¡¯s breathing and the sound of Gabri ying with her toy.

    ¡°Go ahead andugh if you want,¡± Bryan suddenly said.

    Eileen burst outughing, burying her face in his arms. ¡°You¡¯re actually right. They can¡¯t be reasoned with, so you have no choice but to trick them.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 863

    ?Chapter 863:

    Bryan wasn¡¯t sure if she was yfully teasing him or just being genuine. She was stillughing. ¡°Why are you stillughing? Now, even I won¡¯t be able to get Conroy¡¯s blood,¡± Bryan said.

    Eileen stoppedughing, swung open the car door, and exited with Gabri in her arms.

    ¡°Well, you did say you¡¯d handle it for me, so you¡¯ll have to manage it no matter what.¡±

    She was clearly leaving the matter to him.

    Bryan also exited the car. He casually ced a hand on Eileen¡¯s waist. ¡°Whose blood is in these tubes? Can you guess?¡± he asked.

    They entered the elevator. The doors slid shut, enclosing them in silence. Bryan¡¯s question lingered in the air.

    Eileen, oblivious to theck of needle marks on Jessica¡¯s arm, said instinctively, ¡°Conroy¡¯s?¡±

    ¡°I think you¡¯ve got a ny percent chance of being right. Let me confirm it for you,¡± Bryan¡¯s eyebrows shot up yfully.

    The elevator dinged as they reached the top floor, and Eileen walked out, Bryan following her. Bryan gestured for her to go to his office.

    He then entered Conroy¡¯s office, pulled up a chair, and sat. He got straight to the point. ¡°Conroy, is that project report done yet?¡±

    ¡°Not quite, Mr. Dawson. I¡¯ve been swampedtely, and I can¡¯t trust something this sensitive to just anyone. I hope you understand,¡± Conroy replied.

    ¡°No worries.¡± Bryan tapped the table. ¡°Hand over the files. I¡¯ll take care of it.¡±

    Read more chapters at g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls

    Normally, Conroy wouldn¡¯t dream of passing such a task off to Bryan, but since Bryan had offered, Conroy quickly handed the files to him.

    ¡°Thanks, Mr. Dawson,¡± Conroy said. ¡°I need to tell you that on the third page of this document¡ª¡± Conroy flipped to page three and pointed out a specific line to exin his point.

    However, Bryan suddenly grabbed Conroy¡¯s wrist, his grip tight. Conroy was taken aback. The next second, Bryan¡¯s hand moved up Conroy¡¯s arm,nding right where his daughter had drawn those three marks of blood.

    ¡°Ouch!¡± Conroy instinctively yanked his arm back.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, what are you doing?¡±

    ¡°The fabric of your suit is good, Mr. Finch. The sleeve of your arm is made of the same material as the suit. Is it worth a lot of money?¡± Bryan asked calmly.

    Conroy looked down at his suit, confused. What kind of suit didn¡¯t have matching sleeves?

    Still, he nodded. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s custom-made, quite expensive. But not as pricey as yours.¡±

    ¡°Naturally.¡± Bryan stood, looking down at the files.

    ¡°You think you still need to exin something in the files, right? Then maybe you should handle the report yourself. Hand the report to me as soon as you finish it.¡± With that, Bryan left and headed back to his office. He said to Eileen, ¡°Call Raymond and ask which hospital he went to. Get your blood drawn and run a paternity test with the blood Jessica sent.¡±

    He was now almost certain that the blood was Conroy¡¯s.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 864

    ?Chapter 864:

    Eileen and Jessica weren¡¯t blood-rted. That meant either Eileen and Conroy weren¡¯t rted, or Conroy wasn¡¯t Jessica¡¯s father.

    They both had Conroy as their father and Gianna as their aunt. There had to be a blood connection somewhere.

    Eileen didn¡¯t care if it was Conroy¡¯s daughter. She just wanted to know if she was Conroy¡¯s daughter.

    Eileen handed Gabri to Bryan, grabbed the car keys, and sped off to the hospital, already dialing Raymond¡¯s number.

    After getting her blood drawn for a quick paternity test, she found a spot in the hospital¡¯s waiting area to rest. After a rough night¡¯s sleep and the blood test, she was feeling a bit lightheaded.

    ¡°Eileen?¡± Dalores¡¯ voice floated down from above.

    Eileen looked up to see Dalores sitting down beside her, Emerson cradled in her arms. She was pressing a cotton ball to the child¡¯s tiny finger.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Eileen asked, concerned.

    ¡°He got another fever,¡± Dalores sighed.

    ¡°He had one when you were in the hospitalst time, too. He got better at hometer, but then the fever came back. The doctor wanted to run some blood tests.¡±

    Little Emerson, only about five months old, whimpered and clung to Dalores, clearly ufortable.

    Dalores looked exhausted and worried.

    Your next story starts here: g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°This is the first time he¡¯s been sick. Why can¡¯t he get better?¡±

    ¡°Kids get sick; it¡¯s normal. But fevers, you¡¯ve got to watch those closely. The blood tests will tell you what¡¯s going on. If there¡¯s nothing wrong, you won¡¯t need to worry so much,¡± Eileen reassured her. ¡°When will you get the results?¡±

    ¡°We drew the blood yesterday afternoon, so the results should be out soon. We just did a few more tests.¡± Just as Dalores finished speaking, the nurse called out Emerson¡¯s name, a somber expression on her face.

    Dalores¡¯ heart lurched as she sprang to her feet and hurried over.

    ¡°I¡¯m Emerson¡¯s mother. Do you have his blood test results now?¡± she asked urgently.

    The nurse¡¯s eyes were filled with sympathy as she nced at the small child in Dalores¡¯ arms.

    ¡°Yes, we do. The doctor rmends a bone biopsy. He suspects Emerson may have acute leukemia.¡±

    The world seemed to tilt beneath Dalores¡¯ feet. Her legs buckled, and she stumbled, clutching Emerson tightly. Eileen leapt up to steady her, but the sudden movement sent them both tumbling into a nearby chair. Eileen winced as her back bumped into the chair.

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Several nurses rushed over to assist them. Ignoring her own difort, Eileen noticed Dalores¡¯ trembling arms struggling to hold the baby.

    Gently, Eileen took Emerson in her arms and turned to the nurse. ¡°If the child gets a bone biopsy, when will the results be out? What are the chances it¡¯s actually leukemia?¡±

    The nurse¡¯s voice was gentle.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 865

    ?Chapter 865:

    ¡°When we suspect this type of disease, the likelihood is usually around seventy to eighty percent. But medical advancements havee a long way, and the child can have a bone marrow transnt. Try not to lose hope.¡± She gave Dalores¡¯ shoulder aforting squeeze before leaving to arrange Emerson¡¯s biopsy.

    The few people in the waiting area had overheard everything, casting sympathetic nces toward Dalores.

    Emerson, nestled in Eileen¡¯s arms, whimpered softly, his tiny hands reaching for his mother¡¯s clothes.

    The sound of Emerson seemed to pull Dalores back from the brink. She wiped her eyes and took her son in her arms, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°It can¡¯t be. This is Emerson¡¯s first real illness. How could it possibly be leukemia? The doctor said before it was an infection when he had that fever.¡±

    Tears spilled down Dalores¡¯ cheeks. Eileen fetched some tissues from the nurse¡¯s station before returning.

    ¡°The sess rates for treating leukemia have improved dramatically. Even if it is the case, you don¡¯t need to worry as much.¡±

    Dalores¡¯ voice cracked with anguish. ¡°How can I not? No matter how high the odds, there¡¯s always a chance of rpse, and my baby will suffer so much. Why is this happening to us? I know I made mistakes with Julio before, but why punish my innocent Emerson?¡±

    She slid from the chair to the floor, cradling Emerson and sobbing uncontrobly. The people nearby murmured words offort, some even wiping away tears of their own. The scene transported Eileen back to when Ruby had been¡­

    Your escape begins at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    At that time, it had been Ruby, embracing Bailee and herself, her voice raw with desperation as she pleaded with the nurse, ¡°I have two children. I can¡¯t die. Please, find a way to save me.¡±

    Those words had been born from a primal will to survive.

    The medical staff had offered hope, saying that even though there wasn¡¯t a cure, Ruby could extend her life with treatment, which required a lot of money.

    Ruby had immediately abandoned the idea of treatment and prepared to leave the hospital with Bailee and Eileen right then.

    Back then, Eileen¡¯s only thought had been finding money for Ruby¡¯s treatment. Now, financial concerns were no longer an issue. Yet, faced with Dalores¡¯ anguish, Eileen found herself at a loss for words offort.

    The nurse returned, exining that due to Emerson¡¯s young age, they needed time to prepare for the bone marrow extraction. She scheduled an appointment for eight o¡¯clock the next morning, noting that the results could take one to three days.

    In the meantime, the doctor prescribed medication to help manage Emerson¡¯s fever.

    With Raymond remaining at the hospital for the paternity test results, Eileen drove Dalores home. ¡°If you need financial help for the treatment, I¡ª¡±

    ¡°He hasn¡¯t even been diagnosed yet!¡± Dalores¡¯ sudden outburst startled Emerson from his sleep. She quickly held him, pressing her forehead against his as she wept.

    Eileen¡¯s voice softened with understanding. ¡°I¡¯ll pick you up tomorrow morning for Emerson¡¯s test.¡±

    In Alverton, Dalores had no friends. She was just here as a pawn.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 866

    ?Chapter 866:

    Eileen knew Dalores desperately needed support now.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Dalores suddenly whispered.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Eileen nced in the rearview mirror, taking in Dalores¡¯ tear-streaked face. Since learning Emerson¡¯s blood test results, Dalores hadn¡¯t stopped crying.

    ¡°Here, dry your eyes,¡± Eileen said, offering fresh tissues as she parked in front of Kinsey¡¯s ce. ¡°There¡¯s still hope. Try not to sink into despair just yet.¡±

    Dalores dabbed at her red-rimmed eyes. ¡°I need you to go with me tomorrow.¡±

    Eileen nodded. ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll pick you up in the morning.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Dalores exited the car with Emerson in her arms and went inside the vi. The nanny approached, reaching for the baby, but Dalores shied away.

    Noting Dalores¡¯ distress, the nanny stepped back.

    After seeing Dalores off, Eileen¡¯s mind was a mess. The thought of little Emerson tugged at her heartstrings, filling her with a deep sense of sadness.

    Eileen drove straight back to the VQ Group. The moment she stepped into Bryan¡¯s office, she spotted Gabri ying cheerfully on the table. Without hesitation, she scooped the little girl up into her arms.

    Bryan, sensing Eileen¡¯s distress, immediately ended his video conference and approached her.

    ¡°I thought you wereing back after getting the test results?¡± he asked.

    Find your favorite stories at g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s., conn

    Eileen sank onto the sofa, cradling Gabri. Her brow furrowed as she exined, ¡°I ran into Dalores at the hospital. Emerson is suspected of having acute leukemia. He needs a bone marrow test tomorrow.¡±

    Both Bryan¡¯s and Eileen¡¯s gazes instinctively fell on Gabri.

    Gabri stared back at them innocently, a tiny toy clutched in her hand.

    Bryan sat beside Eileen, gently tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. ¡°The sess rates for treating leukemia are quite high now. Try not to empathize too deeply; it will only affect you, and it won¡¯t trulyfort Dalores.¡±

    In Alverton, Eileen was likely the only one who could offer Dalores any realfort.

    ¡°I know,¡± Eileen sighed. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­¡± She trailed off, knowing she needed to regain herposure. She had managed to stay calm for Dalores earlier, but seeing Gabri now stirred up her emotions.

    After a moment¡¯s thought, Bryan suggested, ¡°I know some leading experts in this field. I¡¯ll contact them right away and see if they can examine Emerson at the hospital tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen agreed, giving him a gentle nudge to get started.

    Bryan quickly arranged a ten-minute video conference with the specialists.

    The doctors weren¡¯t rmed by pediatric leukemia cases. They reassured them that even if diagnosed, it wasn¡¯t as dire as it might seem. Besides, Emerson¡¯s case wasn¡¯t even confirmed yet.

    They exined that modern medical advancements had pushed recovery rates to around ny percent. While the chance of rpse was slightly higher than for non-leukemic children, it wasn¡¯t certain by any means.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 867

    ?Chapter 867:

    Eileen immediately forwarded the recording of the entire video call to Dalores, hoping it would provide her somefort.

    Relief washed over Dalores as she watched the recording.

    Finally able to process everything calmly, Eileen felt a weight lift from her shoulders. Just then, her phone rang. It was Raymond, calling to say the paternity test results were in.

    ¡°The paternity test results show that the three blood samples Jessica brought are all human blood. However, there¡¯s no blood rtion between you and whoever this blood belongs to, Ms. Curtis.¡± Raymond paused for a moment before asking, ¡°Does the blood really belong to Conroy?¡±

    Eileen turned to Bryan with a questioning look, seeking confirmation.

    Bryan¡¯s eyebrows shot up as he asserted, ¡°I verified it myself. I¡¯m positive it¡¯s Conroy¡¯s blood. If you¡¯re still unsure, feel free to verify it yourself.¡±

    How could she verify it? Whenever she was around, Conroy would deliberately keep his distance, making it impossible for her to get near him.

    After the call ended, Eileen felt a little dizzy. Lately, she had been experiencing mood swings and felt like she was riding a roller coaster.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Bryan ced his hands on the table and gave her a once-over. ¡°Don¡¯t you enjoy ying with them? Why can¡¯t you keep up the act now?¡±

    Before, Eileen had enjoyed ying games with Conroy and the others.

    With a dismissive eye roll, Eileen pressed her crimson lips together and replied, ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯ve never called Conroy ¡®dad,¡¯ have I?¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§àm, where stories thrive

    She had never been able to think of him as her father.

    Now, given her growing conviction that Conroy wasn¡¯t her biological father, addressing him as ¡°dad¡± had be more difficult. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡±

    Seeing Eileen¡¯s dispirited demeanor, Bryan added, ¡°I have another n.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± Eileen¡¯s eyes sparkled with curiosity as she swiftly lifted her head to face him.

    Bryan retrieved his phone and dialed Jessica¡¯s number. In a detached and formal tone, he said, ¡°Miss Marshall, I¡¯ve received some of your family¡¯s medical test results. It appears that you and your parents carry the gic marker for cancer, increasing your risk of developing cancer by 50 percentpared to the general poption. Unfortunately, this means you no longer meet the criteria to be my partner. I suggest you arrange aprehensive medical checkup for your parents. It¡¯s possible they may already have cancer.¡±

    Jessica¡¯s heart skipped a beat when she received the call from Bryan, but her excitement was short-lived as his words left her stunned.

    Bryan had no idea whose blood samples she had given him, but she knew that those samples were from Conroy.

    Did this mean that Conroy carried the recessive cancer gene?

    Jessica sprang to her feet and quickly dialed Conroy¡¯s number. The second he picked up, she used, ¡°Conroy, why didn¡¯t you inform me sooner that your family has a history of carrying the recessive cancer gene?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Conroy was baffled by the outburst. ¡°My family has never had cancer before, and your grandparents¡¯ deaths were due to an ident. How could I possibly have the cancer gene?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 868

    ?Chapter 868:

    ¡°Mr. Dawson imed to have analyzed the three blood samples and found the cancer gene in each one. He thinks the samples belong to all three of us! Wait, since your blood contains the cancer gene, mine probably does too!¡± Jessica became anxious. ¡°I¡¯m going to schedule a medical checkup to verify this for myself!¡±

    Jessica abruptly ended the call before Conroy could respond.

    She immediately scheduled a full-body checkup for both herself and Conroy, and he had no chance to refuse. They would go to the hospital the next morning.

    Later that evening, as Eileen emerged from the bathroom and approached the bed, Bryan suddenly wrapped his arms around her waist, causing a sharp pain that made her gasp in difort.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked, letting go immediately.

    Eileen lifted the hem of her dress, revealing the bruise on her waist.

    ¡°I got hurt by ident today,¡± she said, quickly filling him in on what had happened at the hospital.

    Bryan turned on themp beside the bed. After examining the bruise, he retrieved some ointment from downstairs and applied it gently to the area. He then used his palms to massage Eileen¡¯s waist until the difort eased.

    ¡°This is all your fault. You were too roughst night. That¡¯s why I was too weak to catch myself when I fell. You said two hours was enough, but you didn¡¯t stop there. You kept going for almost half the night!¡± Eileenined, lying on her stomach.

    ¡°You told me to have a time limit,¡± Bryan replied with a serious face. ¡°I said two hours. But you didn¡¯t tell me how to do it just one time.¡±

    ?¦Ò???? ¦Ô???????????? ¦É?? ?????????????????.??????

    Eileen¡¯s eyes went wide in shock as she was rendered speechless. She had to fight the urge to curse him.

    Bryan was a master at finding and exploiting even the tiniest weakness to get what he wanted. How could she possibly be his match?

    ¡°People get to rest even when they¡¯re working,¡± Eileen grumbled. ¡°But I have to ¡®serve¡¯ you every day without rest.¡±

    Bryan responded, ¡°There are twenty-four hours in a day, and typically, one works for eight hours. You¡¯ve never served me for eight hours. Moreover, you can rest at least seven days a month during your period. If you want topare this to a job, you need to put in more effort.¡±

    ¡°You want to exhaust me to death, don¡¯t you?¡± Eileen grasped his wrist,y down, and pressed her foot against his chest. ¡°From now on, I¡¯m taking Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays off, while you get Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays off. We¡¯ll only do it on Sundays!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t need to rest.¡± Bryan¡¯s hand closed around her ankle, and as he took in her disheveled attire, his desire burned.

    But then, he suddenly remembered her waist was still injured.

    He frowned, let go of her ankle, and tucked her in.

    The next second, Eileen turned around, grabbed her cell phone, and began searching online for ¡°When does a man¡¯s sex drive¡­?¡±

    Despite the crowds at the hospital early in the morning, Eileen and Dalores arrived ahead of time and were prioritized by the nurse to undergo the bone marrow test first.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 869

    ?Chapter 869:

    In addition to Eileen and Dalores, two couples with infants in their arms were also waiting.

    ¡°Are you going to tell Julio about this?¡± It wasn¡¯t until Eileen noticed the couples that she remembered there was a higher likelihood of a sessful bone marrow match for leukemia treatment between immediate family members.

    Dalores hesitated.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been pondering it all night, but I¡¯m unsure if I should share it with him.¡±

    It was unfair for Dalores to carry the burden alone. If Emerson didn¡¯t have leukemia, it wouldn¡¯t be an issue. But if he were truly diagnosed with leukemia and the bone marrow match failed, Dalores would eventually have to tell Julio about this.

    Eileen stood quietly and didn¡¯t say anything else. Ten minutes passed before Emerson was carried out of the room, his face crimson from crying.

    ¡°You can go back now. We¡¯ll notify you as soon as the results are avable.¡± The nurse called another couple, signaling that it was time for Eileen to leave with Dalores.

    ¡°Emerson had a blood test done yesterday when he was unwell, and we¡¯re expecting the results of another test today. I have to go get them before I leave,¡± Dalores exined.

    Seeing that Dalores was struggling, Eileen offered, ¡°Why don¡¯t I take Emerson to the waiting area, and you can get the results?¡±

    Once Dalores told her where to get the report, Eileen quickly stepped into the elevator to go there. As she approached the spot to pick up the report, she saw two people in the distance.

    Wearing masks, they were dragging Conroy along, with Jessica saying, ¡°You need to take a test! The cancer gene is incredibly dangerous. It means you¡¯re at risk of having cancer. My grandparents¡¯ idental death meant they never had the chance to face cancer, but if they were still alive¡­¡±

    L¦¡¦Ó??¦Ó ch¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?l??.??????

    She kept talking as she dragged the reluctant Conroy with her. Just as they were about to reach Eileen, Eileen quickly found a spot to hide. Although Eileen couldn¡¯t clearly hear what was being said, she could easily guess that Jessica was taking Conroy to get a physical examination here.

    Eileen pressed her lips together and trailed behind Jessica and Conroy, observing as they underwent a series of medical tests, including blood draws, ECGs, brain CT scans, and other examinations.

    Eileen then went to the spot where the blood was drawn. She picked up the form that Jessica had identally left behind and said to the nurse stationed there, ¡°Hello, I¡¯m a friend of the two people who just had their blood drawn. They also want to do a paternity test, if that¡¯s possible.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll need to inform the doctor and let the doctor arrange the test,¡± the nurse replied.

    Eileen¡¯s attempt to capitalize on the loophole failed. Left with no other choice, she simply thanked the nurse and turned around to leave.

    As she was trying to think of a solution, Bryan called her. Perhaps it was because she had done something wrong, but her mood was low when she exined.

    ¡°I just saw Jessie and Conroy getting checked out at the hospital. I tried to discreetly add a paternity test to their exams, but the hospital wouldn¡¯t permit it.¡±

    ¡°Of course, the hospital wouldn¡¯t permit it,¡± Bryan replied sharply. ¡°Haven¡¯t you been away from work so long that you¡¯ve be clueless about basic procedures?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 870

    ?Chapter 870:

    No hospital would allow her to add tests for other people without a valid reason or authorization. She had asked the nurse on a whim. Knowing she was in the wrong, Eileen lowered her voice.

    Since she had taken the form and asked the nurse to add an extra test for someone else without a valid reason, the nurse had likely thought she was suspicious.

    ¡°Which hospital are you at?¡± Bryan asked, his tone softening.

    ¡°The hospital in the north of the city,¡± Eileen replied. ¡°Let me handle it. Reach out if anything happens. And please, think before acting,¡± Bryan reminded her.

    Eileen¡¯s face lit up with joy. ¡°Got it. I¡¯ll contact you straight away next time. I was hesitant to reach out earlier because I thought you¡¯d be busy and I didn¡¯t want to disturb you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll always prioritize your needs, no matter how busy my schedule is,¡± Bryan replied, smiling upon hearing her soft tone.

    After the call, he turned to Raymond and said, ¡°Go to the hospital and track down Conroy¡¯s and Jessica¡¯s blood samples from their exams. Get a paternity test done.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Raymond replied. He took a few steps away, then mustered up the courage to return and ask, ¡°Excuse me, Mr. Dawson, didn¡¯t you say you¡¯d handle this?¡± He was only human. Since the moment he arrived in Alverton, he had constantly been tasked with handling matters for Bryan. Everyone perceived Bryan as a powerhouse, but what they didn¡¯t realize was that Raymond was the one actually putting in the effort.

    It was okay if others didn¡¯t recognize his contributions, but now, Bryan was asking him to do things for Eileen.

    Bryan¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly as he thought for a moment. Then, he nodded and said, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ve got this covered. You can head home to rest now.¡±

    ¡°No, no, no!¡± Raymond¡¯s nerves got the better of him, and he shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ll finish the task, sir. I have excess energy to burn, and it¡¯s my responsibility to assist you with your personal matters, Mr. Dawson¡­¡±

    ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be your responsibility. You¡¯re my assistant, and your focus should be on helping me with my work, not getting entangled in my personal matters,¡± Bryan said sternly. ¡°You¡¯re entitled to a work-life bnce, with double overtime pay and a strict eight-hour workday.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, I¡¯m sorry,¡± Raymond sped his hands together and bowed deeply. ¡°I have an annual sry of millions. I¡¯m willing to risk life and limb to follow your orders, let alone put in extra hours to handle your personal matters!¡±

    Bryan leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Raymond. ¡°In that case, what are you waiting for? Get out and do the task now!¡±

    Raymond muttered, ¡°Next time you help Ms. Curtis, could you please tell her that you¡¯ll assign the matter to your assistant?¡± He simply wanted some recognition for doing the work.

    The next second, the documents on the table were swept straight to the floor. Raymond swiftly turned around, flung open the door, and made a hasty exit. The documents bounced off the door andnded on the floor. The office suddenly became quiet, and Bryan scoffed.

    He would always request that thepany acknowledge Raymond¡¯s contributions by adding his name to the projects he had worked on. After all, Raymond had invested significant effort in them. However, Raymond shouldn¡¯t want to take credit for matters involving Eileen!

    As Raymond fled, he dabbed at the cold sweat on his forehead, realizing he had gone too far and possibly offended his boss. What other assistant could possibly earn an annual sry of millions like him?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 871

    ?Chapter 871:

    In addition to his sry, he was also entitled to projectmissions and a year-end bonus, making his earnings potentially exceed the earnings of some of thepany¡¯s shareholders. He couldn¡¯t understand why he had feltpelled to take credit for doing things for Eileen.

    The more he pondered the situation, the greater his anxiety grew, and he couldn¡¯t shake the possibility that Bryan might eventually fire him if he did something like this again.

    Eileen came back to the car with some test results, only to find Emerson had dozed off. His eyshes still glistened with tears, and Dalores¡¯ clothes were also dampened by his cry.

    Eileen gave the examination report to Dalores, exining, ¡°The nurse reviewed it with me, and the levels for eachponent are not too low. You just need to wait for the results of the bone marrow test.¡±

    ¡°Okay, thank you.¡± Dalores took the report, scanned it for a bit, and then set it aside. She couldn¡¯t understand its content anyway.

    Eileen was about to drop Dalores off when she ran into Sariyah at the entrance of the vi district.

    Sariyah recognized Eileen¡¯s car and waved as she walked over. Seeing this, Dalores quickly ducked down to avoid being seen by Sariyah.

    ¡°Are you going home at this hour?¡± Sariyah asked through the car window, chatting with Eileen.

    ¡°I came back to get something,¡± Eileen replied.

    She caught a glimpse of Dalores hiding in the back seat and smiled. ¡°I¡¯m in a rush; let¡¯s catch up another time.¡±

    Step into new worlds at g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s?conn

    Sariyah took two steps back to clear the way and said, ¡°Okay. Bye.¡±

    Eileen then drove into the vi district.

    ¡°Do you know her?¡± Eileen asked Dalores.

    ¡°She¡¯s Sariyah Gonz¨¢lez, Kinsey¡¯s mistress and the daughter of the prominent Gonz¨¢lez family,¡± Dalores exined. She sat up, breathing a sigh of relief. ¡°Kinsey told me to stay out of Sariyah¡¯s sight.¡±

    ¡°Sariyah has beening here daily recently,¡± Eileen said, puzzled. ¡°How have you managed to avoid her, given that she visits Kinsey¡¯s residence every day?¡±

    Dalores let out a deep sigh and confessed, ¡°The past few days have been tough with Emerson not feeling well. Whenever Sariyah came, I¡¯d lock myself in my room, and Kinsey would ensure I stayed there. It¡¯s only after they¡¯ve gone to bed that I can evene downstairs for dinner.¡±

    Eileen was speechless. This was really ridiculous.

    ¡°Kinsey needs to ensure that he stays here every day; he doesn¡¯t stay anywhere else at night,¡± Dalores exined. That was why Kinsey didn¡¯t go to Sariyah¡¯s ce.

    They had been navigating a challenging situation, but now that the storm had passed, Sariyah had been frequenting Kinsey¡¯s vi so much that it seemed like she lived there. However, Dalores had overheard Kinsey talking with Sariyah several times before, asking her to return home and promising to visit soon, but Sariyah had refused to leave.

    ¡°You can take Emerson home. If there¡¯s anything else, feel free to reach out to me.¡± After parking the car, Eileen continued, ¡°If Emerson is diagnosed with leukemia, you¡ª¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 872

    ?Chapter 872:

    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure he gets the treatment he needs. Julio¡¯s bone marrow data is already in the database from his graduation, so we can quickly determine if he¡¯s apatible match for Emerson. If possible, I¡¯ll request that Julio consider undergoing a bone marrow transnt to help him.¡±

    Dalores had spent many years with Julio and was familiar with almost every aspect of his life. Julio was a truly kind person. If he learned his marrow could save Emerson, he would donate without hesitation, even if they weren¡¯t rted. All his unkindness was aimed at her.

    Eileen, recognizing that Dalores already had her own n, chose not to interfere.

    ¡°Alright, take care. You can go home now.¡±

    After confirming that Dalores had entered the house, Eileen quickly turned the car around and headed to thepany.

    At noon, Raymond messaged her to inform her that he had arranged a paternity test for Jessica and Conroy and had requested that the doctors expedite the process. The results were expected to be ready by the afternoon.

    In the afternoon, Eileen was wrapping up her work when she finally received the news she had been waiting for from Raymond.

    Conroy was confirmed to be Jessica¡¯s biological father through the paternity test.

    Since they had provided their true identification details when registering for the examination, the paternity report included theirplete personal information, which could serve as credible evidence.

    However, Eileen still had one lingering question: Why wasn¡¯t she rted to Conroy and Jessica by blood?

    M¦Òr¦Å ¦Ôpd¦Á§äes ¦Én G¦Áln¦Ò¦Íels.c¦Òm

    ¡°I have to go back to the Vazquez Mansion,¡± Eileen said.

    With this new information, Eileen decided to exercise caution and refrain from acting impulsively, opting instead to return and consult with Le about the matter.

    Bryan frowned. ¡°I¡¯ll go with you.¡±

    Eileen replied, ¡°I¡¯m fine driving home alone. I¡¯ll be back before nightfall. Grandma called me earlier to say my aunt left with a suitcase this afternoon, so she¡¯s probablying here. I¡¯ll take Gabri home for the night and return afterward.¡±

    Eileen wasn¡¯t worried about potential spies at the Vazquez Mansion, but she knew it would be difficult to exin bringing Bryan along. On the other hand, taking the child back could easily be exined.

    As she spoke, she gathered her long hair into a ponytail, slung her bag over her shoulder, lifted Gabri into her arms, and said, ¡°We¡¯ll only stay there for one night. I¡¯ll return after I talk with Grandma.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go see you after I finish my work,¡± Bryan said as his fingers flew across theputer keyboard without looking up. ¡°I¡¯m your cousin, so it¡¯s normal for you to take me and the child home for the night.¡±

    Eileen had momentarily forgotten that, from the Vazquez family¡¯s perspective, Bryan was her cousin.

    She nodded. ¡°I¡¯m your child¡¯s nanny here, and you¡¯re my cousin in the Vazquez Mansion. We¡¯re even.¡±

    Bryan sneered. ¡°Even? You work as a nanny for your own benefit, and I act as your cousin to provide cover for you.¡± He was making it clear that she owed him.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 873

    ?Chapter 873:

    ¡°Then you can try to be magnanimous. Just think of the exciting role-ying we¡¯ll have when we pretend to be a boss and his nanny, or cousins¡­ going at it,¡± Eileen said as she reached out to adjust his cor.

    Bryan chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re quite forward with your words, but your body can¡¯t cash the check your mouth is issuing, so stop making lewdments here.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s ears turned red. She quickly turned around and left with Gabri in her arms. Several hourster, they reached the Vazquez Mansion.

    As Eileen returned, the numerous servants of the Vazquez family greeted her, though they also looked wary of her.

    Eileen brushed off the servants¡¯ wary nces. After exining that Gabri was her cousin¡¯s child, she proceeded directly to meet with Le.

    She found an excuse to dismiss Tracey, and once alone with Le, she eagerly got to the heart of the matter.

    ¡°Grandma, are you aware that Conroy has an illegitimate daughter?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard rumors about it before,¡± Le responded, her eyes sparkling with interest. ¡°Have you discovered the identity of Conroy¡¯s daughter and obtained proof?¡±

    Eileen nodded.

    ¡°My Eileen, why are you so amazing?¡± Le took Gabri in her arms and affectionately pinched Eileen¡¯s cheek. ¡°You can present the evidence to Conroy and urge him to marry the mother of his child. Then your task will beplete.¡±

    That would have been the case if the mother of Conroy¡¯s daughter wasn¡¯t Gianna.

    L?t?st ?h??pt?rs ¦Én g??lnov§Ö???.??????

    ¡°But there is one more thing I¡¯m curious about.¡± Eileen hesitated before speaking, fearing Le¡¯s potential distress. ¡°Why is it that I have no blood rtion to Conroy or his family?¡±

    Le¡¯s eyes trembled, and she immediately looked away. The room fell into dead silence.

    Eileen¡¯s frown deepened.

    ¡°Grandma, the Vazquez family¡¯s esteemed reputation spans centuries. When ites down to it, you prioritize our family¡¯s honor, ensuring my mother¡¯s rightful ce in the ancestral tomb.¡±

    Le replied, ¡°Eileen, it doesn¡¯t matter to me whether the Vazquez family continues or not. But the Vazquez family has always had a good reputation in Alverton. It has existed for hundreds of years in a magnificent way. I hope our legacy doesn¡¯t end in disgrace.¡±

    Le gently patted the back of Eileen¡¯s hand and continued, ¡°But the family reputation is far inferior to your mother¡¯s. It¡¯s more important to move your mother¡¯s body back to the tomb of our family¡¯s ancestors.¡±

    Nevertheless, Le preferred to avoid making a scene unless absolutely necessary.

    Understanding, Eileen nodded. Le¡¯s eyes gleamed with a hint of cleverness as she said, ¡°The woman with Conroy, she¡¯s your aunt, isn¡¯t she?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen replied.

    Le sighed. ¡°I knew it. The Vazquez family¡¯s reputation will only be damaged if your aunt is in a rtionship with Conroy.¡±

    Eileen remained silent, letting Lee to her own decision.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 874

    ?Chapter 874:

    Le continued, ¡°Your mother¡­ At one time, there was a man she deeply loved, and they shared a strong connection. However, their rtionship wasplicated by misunderstandings, and that kept them apart.¡±

    ¡°They kept them apart. When your mother discovered she was pregnant, your grandfather insisted she have an abortion, but she refused. Conroy was a supportive assistant to your grandfather at the time. Conroy and your mother entered into a marriage of convenience, initially intended to provide a legitimate birth for you.¡±

    Le¡¯s eyes clouded with memories as she continued.

    ¡°Your mother chose not to divorce Conroy because he treated you well after your birth. She wanted to create a sense of family for you, but she foresaw that you would get lost.¡±

    Their marriage was loveless, and Eileen was essentially Conroy¡¯s adopted daughter, which exined his distant attitude toward her.

    ¡°Then why am I not rted to Jessica by blood?¡± Eileen asked. Since they were family, Jessica would naturally be connected to her through blood ties.

    ¡°Gianna was adopted by your grandfather when your mother was still a young child. He loved your mother greatly and was concerned that having another child wouldplicate the distribution of assets, so he chose to adopt apanion for her instead. However, this notion was fundamentally wed from the start. Biological siblings are still embroiled in disputes over family assets, let alone those without blood ties.¡±

    Le let out a sigh, feeling overwhelmed by the realization that they had made a series of wrong choices, which had led to the current situation.

    Eileen said, ¡°If I reveal the truth about Conroy and Jessica¡¯s rtionship to the public, Conroy will undoubtedly retaliate by threatening to ruin the Vazquez family¡¯s reputation. Thepany won¡¯t be a concern. You only need to decide whether to protect the family¡¯s reputation or to let my mother rest in the family¡¯s ancestral tomb.¡±

    Updates loaded at g??????¦Òv????s.co??

    If Le agreed to let her reveal the matter of Conroy¡¯s illegitimate daughter, she would directly negotiate with Conroy tomorrow. If he refused, she would reveal the truth about Gianna¡¯s identity. Still, having been raised by the Vazquez family, Gianna could still be seen as Conroy¡¯s sister-inw.

    Conroy and his sister-inw had an affair.

    The Vazquez family¡¯s daughter had found herself pregnant out of wedlock, with the father¡¯s identity remaining a mystery.

    These two bombshell revtions were enough to spark a scandal in Alverron, tarnishing the Vazquez family¡¯s reputation and making the family the subject of ridicule.

    ¡°Let me think if there is a better way.¡± Le rose from her seat and moved the chair by the window.

    Seeing this, Eileen departed with Gabri in her arms, allowing Le sufficient time and privacy.

    Conroy, depleted of energy after a prolonged and intense examination forced upon him by Jessica, walked in the door. Gianna hurried over to him, but her expression soon changed to one of concern as she took in his exhausted appearance.

    ¡°You¡¯re back earlier than expected, but you look absolutely drained. What happened?¡±

    ¡°Jessica is to me for this. She imed there were cancer genes in my blood and pushed me to undergo an examination,¡± Conroy said weakly. ¡°Jessica has been draining me of blood for¡­¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 875

    ?Chapter 875:

    ¡°Two days straight. ording to Mr. Dawson, our whole family needs to undergo a medical checkup to ensure we don¡¯t have any gic health issues if Jessica wants to be with him. Jessica has already taken three tubes of my blood, and today, the hospital took even more. It¡¯s really taking a toll on my body!¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you mention two days ago that Eileen was determined to fight you and gather evidence to prove that you and Jessica aren¡¯t biologically rted? Yet, in just two days, your blood has been drawn several times. Something fishy is going on here!¡± Gianna paused for a moment to think before grabbing her phone. She called Raymond and asked, ¡°Has Eileen returned to the Vazquez Mansion?¡±

    Gianna soon received a reply from Tracey. She quickly ended the call, grabbed Conroy¡¯s hand, and rushed out.

    ¡°This is bad! Eileen is back in the Vazquez Mansion now¡ªshe¡¯s probably there to see her grandmother. We need to hurry back!¡±

    ¡°What¡­¡± Conroy was slightly out of breath. ¡°It¡¯s no big deal if she¡¯s back. What are you worried about?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you understand what¡¯s happening? I think Eileen has found proof that Jessica is your daughter. She¡¯s probably going to see her grandmother toe up with a n. If that¡¯s the case, we can¡¯t let Eileen leave the Vazquez Mansion today. If not, it wouldn¡¯t hurt us to go back anyway. I just need to check,¡± Gianna said.

    As she spoke, she ushered Conroy toward the car, urging him to get in so they could leave quickly.

    They didn¡¯t stop driving until the sky turnedpletely dark. The streetlights illuminated their path, guiding them straight to the Vazquez Mansion.

    . is your storytelling hub

    Meanwhile, Eileen spent the evening having dinner with Le. Afterward, she went to sleep in Le¡¯s room with Gabri. After a full evening of activities, Gabri was exhausted. She sprawled out on the bed and quickly fell asleep.

    Le nced at the sleeping Gabri and felt a deep affection. ¡°Eileen, when you were young, your mother and I always shielded you like this. Your mother wanted no one else to look after you¡ªshe did everything on her own, unless absolutely necessary.¡± During the time she had gone to the mountains to find Bryan, the time away from Gabri was a regret she felt she could never fully reconcile. She vowed never to leave Gabri¡¯s side again.

    ¡°Back then, Conroy repeatedly asked your mother to move in with him, but she refused. She believed that, as a young girl, you shouldn¡¯t be around any man except your biological father,¡± Le said. Eileen¡¯s mother had been fiercely protective of her daughter. Yet, she had still lost Eileen. Despite her cautiousness, she couldn¡¯t protect Eileen, leading to her sudden mental copse.

    ¡°I¡¯ve found you for her. Just seeing you is a blessing. When I pass away, don¡¯t be sad. I¡¯ll have good news to tell your mother.¡± Le even felt she couldn¡¯t wait to reunite with her daughter and share that she had found Eileen.

    The atmosphere in the room turned somber. Just as Eileen was about to speak, a light flickered from the yard. Then, the sound of noisy footsteps disrupted the quiet courtyard. The footsteps were clearly heading straight for them.

    Eileen got out of bed. Before she could reach the door, it was pushed open from the outside.

    ¡°What are you doing here at thiste hour?¡± Le sat up, holding Gabri in her arms, and eyed Gianna, who had rushed in.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 876

    ?Chapter 876:

    ¡°Mom, I heard Eileen is back, so I came to check on her. I also need to talk to Eileen about something.¡± Gianna, facing away from the light, concealed her expression from Eileen.

    ¡°Grandma, you should go ahead and sleep. Don¡¯t mind me,¡± Eileen said softly to Le. Then, she followed Gianna out.

    Gianna, from her angle, hadn¡¯t noticed the little girl sleeping on the bed.

    Eileen followed Gianna to the living room and took a seat. Looking up, she saw Conroy rush in and give her a probing look.

    ¡°How can I help you?¡± Eileen lounged on the sofa in her pajamas, her long ck hair giving her a rxed aura. She bore a striking resemnce to her mother. Her authoritative presence was undeniable andpelling, even as she simply sat there doing nothing.

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard that you¡¯ve learned about the rtionship between Jessica and your father,¡± Gianna said cautiously, sitting down. ¡°Your mother is no longer with us, so you can think of me as your second mother. I divorced Kinsey¡¯s father years ago because we didn¡¯t get along. I supported the family with your father. Over time, we developed feelings for each other.¡±

    ¡°My mother has only been gone for a few years, not decades. But Jessica is over twenty years old now. So, your affair with my father happened while my mother was still alive, not after she passed,¡± Eileen interjected, frowning.

    ¡°But back then, your mother wasn¡¯t interested in managing the family business. It was your father and I who handled these matters!¡± Gianna argued.

    Eileen stood up, her eyes narrowing. ¡°Don¡¯t try to justify your actions. You want to be praised as the saviors of the Vazquez family for having an affair. That¡¯s absurd! No one will oppose you being together, as long as you leave the Vazquez family alone. No one cares about your life or how many children you have.¡±

    Fresh content live now g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s

    Eileen looked down at Gianna with disdain. ¡°Are you here for a heart-to-heart conversation at thiste hour, or do you want to persuade me to let you take charge of the Vazquez family while I be a parasite of the family?¡±

    Conroy flushed with anger. ¡°I knew you returned to the Vazquez family for the assets! You¡¯re still so young. What can you possibly understand about any of this? Even Kinsey isn¡¯t capable of leading the Vazquez family, let alone you!¡±

    ¡°So, you mean Jessica is capable of doing it?¡± Eileen mocked. ¡°Is she qualified because her hair reaches her waist or because of her foolish brain?¡±

    Eileen suddenly realized that Conroy was wary of Kinsey. Although Kinsey was a man, he wasn¡¯t Conroy¡¯s biological son. Gianna and Conroy clearly nned to leave the Vazquez family¡¯s leadership to Jessica.

    ¡°Eileen, do you have proof now?¡± Gianna asked. ¡°Do you have the results of the test for your father?¡±

    ¡°Is that why you speak to us with such confidence?¡±

    Raising an eyebrow, Eileen asked, ¡°So you rushed back because you sensed trouble. Did youe back in the middle of the night to negotiate with me?¡±

    ¡°Negotiate with you?¡± Conroy scoffed, mming his hand on the table. ¡°You think you deserve us to negotiate with you? You¡¯re lucky to even dine with us. No matter how well you lived in Onnd before, you were just an ordinary person. But now, you¡¯re wearing designer clothes worth tens of thousands and dining onvish meals because you¡¯re back with the Vazquez family! You should be grateful!¡±

    Had they realized earlier how difficult it would be to deal with Eileen, they might have allowed the impostor to continue the charade. Eileen was angered by Conroy¡¯s words, but thankfully, her true status wasn¡¯t as demeaning as he had depicted. Otherwise, she might have left utterly humiliated by his words.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 877

    ?Chapter 877:

    ¡°How much money do you want?¡± Gianna initiated the negotiation. She believed that if the negotiation failed tonight, Eileen wouldn¡¯t gain anything. All the servants of the Vazquez family were on Conroy and Gianna¡¯s side. If Eileen chose to confront them, she and her grandmother would have no allies.

    Gianna continued, ¡°I¡¯m aware your grandma is pretending to be sick. She¡¯s actually quite healthy. If you decide to stay, you can live in the mansion with her and take care of her. After she passes, we¡¯ll give you five million. Then, you can leave here and return to Onnd. If you don¡¯t wish to care for your grandmother, take the money and leave now.¡±

    Gianna, eager to get ahead, revealed her trump card first.

    ¡°You returned, and I don¡¯t think you have any real connection with your grandmother. You won¡¯t be upset if she dies, so you don¡¯t need to feel guilty. Take the money and leave now.¡±

    ¡°If you let me take the five million and leave now, I wouldn¡¯t think it¡¯s inappropriate,¡± Eileen said, clicking her tongue with a hint of sarcasm. ¡°I¡¯m afraid you two might faint from sheer joy because of this.¡±

    Conroy and Gianna were clearly hoping she would leave, but Eileen wasn¡¯t about to give them the satisfaction.

    ¡°You, c¡¯mon,¡± Conroy suddenly shot to his feet, giving a sharp nod toward the door. In an instant, several men in suits stormed into the room.

    The situation escted quickly.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to die, Eileen, you¡¯d better cooperate. Otherwise, you won¡¯t live to see tomorrow¡¯s sunrise. After you¡¯re gone, I¡¯ll bury you in the backyard myself. No one in the Vazquez family will dare to question me, and no one at Vazquez Group will even notice you¡¯re missing!¡± Conroy said, his words making it clear that eliminating Eileen would be effortless for him.

    1???E$? ?????€?S 1? g¨»l??¦Ïv?l?.§ão??

    Eileen paused for a moment, then said, ¡°Mr. Dawson expects me back at work tomorrow. If I don¡¯t show up, he¡¯ll definitely send someone to look for me.¡±

    Conroy dismissed her words.

    ¡°I have my ways of handling Mr. Dawson. He knows you¡¯re my daughter. If I tell him I¡¯ve decided you won¡¯t be working for him, he won¡¯t suspect a thing.¡±

    ¡°But Mr. Dawson is pursuing me,¡± Eileen lied, her voice steady and convincing. ¡°He said if he doesn¡¯t see me for even a day, he¡¯ll miss me terribly. I only came back tonight to visit Grandma, and he wanted to join for this. Didn¡¯t I tell you about this before? You just didn¡¯t believe me.¡±

    Gianna and Conroy exchanged uneasy nces. Gianna had also heard of Bryan before and was aware that he was a powerful figure. The thought of Bryan getting involved made Gianna hesitate.

    Sensing their doubt, Eileen seized the moment. She held out her phone.

    ¡°See for yourself¡ªhe¡¯s been on the line this entire time.¡±

    Conroy paled as he stared at the phone.

    The call log showed that it hadsted for five minutes and twenty-six seconds, and the call was still ongoing.

    They had just called Eileen out to talk, which meant Bryan had overheard the entire conversation.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 878

    ?Chapter 878:

    ¡°Mr. Finch, your family dynamics are quite interesting,¡± Bryan¡¯s low, authoritative voice came through the phone, dripping with sarcasm.

    Conroy¡¯s throat tightened as he instinctively nced at Gianna. Without a second thought, Gianna snatched the phone from Eileen and hurled it to the floor with all her might. The phone hit the ground with a harsh thud, its screen shattering upon impact. It was clear that Gianna had used considerable strength to destroy it.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think you can hide behind Mr. Dawson¡¯s protection, Eileen,¡± Gianna sneered. ¡°Remember, Conroy is your father, and he still holds all the power. If he disapproves of your marriage to Mr. Dawson, you won¡¯t be able to marry him. And if he doesn¡¯t want you to go to thepany, you won¡¯t be able to do anything about it! As long as your father is firm in his decisions, Dawson won¡¯t be foolish enough to fall out with us for your sake!¡±

    The Vazquez family was, after all, the most powerful family in Alverton. Conroy and Gianna were at the helm now, prepared to sever all of Eileen¡¯s connections to the outside world, imprisoning her just as they had done to Le.

    Eileen¡¯s gaze hardened as she looked down at the broken phone. She pressed her lips together before saying coldly, ¡°You know well that Conroy is really my father, and that you indeed are my aunt.¡±

    Her words struck like a dagger, causing both Gianna and Conroy¡¯s faces to pale. How could Eileen possibly know this?

    Gianna¡¯s eyes narrowed into slits, her malice evident. ¡°You think you know it all, huh? But there¡¯s still so much you don¡¯t understand! If you¡¯re really so curious, you can choose your method of death, and I¡¯ll enlighten you before you die!¡±

    ¡°There are indeed many ways to die, but she is still young and doesn¡¯t understand any of it,¡± Bryan¡¯s voice suddenly echoed from the courtyard. His tall figure emerged from the shadows, and behind him, a dozen impably dressed bodyguards formed a solid wall, blocking anyone who dared approach.

    Your favorite stories g?ln¦Ò¦Íels

    Bryan, d in a ck wool coat, looked every bit the embodiment of power, exuding a cold,manding aura. As he approached Eileen, he removed his coat and draped it over her shoulders. Then, turning his sharp gaze to Gianna and Conroy, he spoke, ¡°Since you¡¯re so eager to demonstrate, why don¡¯t you choose a method of death and show her first?¡±

    Conroy¡¯s blood ran cold. Bryan¡¯s unexpected arrival in the dead of night sent waves of panic through him. It seemed that Bryan hade to save Eileen.

    Conroy realized they were exposed. What should they do now? His mind raced with dread, leaving him unable to speak.

    Meanwhile, Gianna recognized Bryan and her expression faltered.

    ¡°You¡¯re Eileen¡¯s cousin, aren¡¯t you? I remember you. Let¡¯s be clear¡ªshe¡¯s not even rted to us by blood. She belongs to the Vazquez family. So, what¡¯s with bringing all these bodyguards to bluff your way through this?¡±

    As Gianna spoke, the bodyguards from Bryan and Conroy¡¯s sides shed fiercely in the yard. Since they were all dressed in ck, it was hard to tell whose men were winning.

    But in Gianna¡¯s mind, Bryan was nothing more than a temporary ally for Eileen¡ªa person with no real power to back him up.

    Conroy, still in shock, finally found his voice.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 879

    ?Chapter 879:

    ¡°What? Who are you talking about?¡±

    Gianna pointed at Bryan. ¡°He is Eileen¡¯s cousin!¡±

    ¡°He is Mr. Dawson!¡± Conroy growled. ¡°What nonsense are you talking about? Have you met him before?¡±

    The sounds of the fighting in the courtyard provided just enough cover for the conversation between Conroy and Gianna to continue unnoticed. Bryan gently sped Eileen¡¯s cold hands, patiently waiting for Conroy and Gianna to piece together the true nature of his rtionship with Eileen.

    However, Gianna and Conroy were far less astute than he had expected. They stared at Bryan and Eileen in bewilderment for what felt like an eternity. Then, with a bold leap in logic, Gianna said, ¡°Eileen, you¡¯ve probably known since childhood that you¡¯re not your mother¡¯s biological daughter. You must have secretly had an affair with your cousin. Considering your family¡¯s reputation, you wouldn¡¯t tell anyone about your child¡¯s identity there, so you came to Alverton to live your life. Am I right?¡±

    Conroy interrupted angrily, ¡°Gianna, that¡¯s Mr. Dawson! How could Mr. Dawson be Eileen¡¯s cousin?¡±

    ¡°Then how could Eileen be involved with Mr. Dawson?¡± Gianna asked, her confusion deepening. They both turned to look at Eileen and Bryan, seeking answers.

    Eileen finally spoke, her voice calm. ¡°Do you think I might be his wife?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Conroy¡¯s response was immediate and absolute. ¡°Mr. Dawson¡¯s wife passed away long ago. I understand now¡ªhe¡¯s been pursuing you since his wife¡¯s death. Since you were heading to Alverton, he sent you here.¡±

    Find magical tales on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c????

    Upon hearing this, Eileen felt resigned.

    Conroy continued, ¡°Mr. Dawson, there are many good women in the world. Eileen¡¯s mother died from a mental illness, and she might have inherited it. Didn¡¯t you tell Jessica that the Dawson family wouldn¡¯t ept any woman with a gic condition? Eileen is not worthy of you. I¡¯m sorry you had to witness our family¡¯s troubles today, but¡­ I hope you won¡¯t meddle too much in this matter.¡±

    Without acknowledging Eileen¡¯s reaction, Conroy gave what he thought was a sincere offer to Bryan.

    ¡°You mentioned being interested in a project before. Our VQ Group is willing to give it to you. What do you think?¡±

    Bryan ced his arm firmly around Eileen¡¯s waist. His voice was calm but carried a cold edge as he spoke. ¡°You two aren¡¯t deaf, but you certainly aren¡¯t very perceptive. Allow me to rify: Eileen is my legal wife. She¡¯s the CEO and legal representative of EB Group, Apex Group, and Warren Group. Our daughter¡¯s name is Gabri Curtis. She has her mother¡¯sst name.¡±

    Conroy and Gianna were stunned, their gazes locked on Eileen, who was standing beside Bryan. Bryan¡¯s words still rang in Eileen¡¯s ears. He had spoken noticeably faster than usual, and to be honest, this rapid pace shed with his usual detached and calm demeanor.

    Eileen suspected that he had spoken quickly out of fear that she might interrupt him if he slowed down. After all, he had been waiting a long time for this opportunity to speak the truth.

    ¡°You don¡¯t understand?¡± Noticing the bewildered expressions across from him, Bryan felt displeased. ¡°Then let me put it another way. When you meet me, you always address me as Mr. Dawson and shower me with ttery, but to Eileen, I¡¯m just her husband who listens to everything she says.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 880

    Chapter 880:

    His sinct exnation caused Conroy to inhale sharply in shock. He nudged Gianna and asked, ¡°Did I hear that right?¡±

    Gianna snapped back to reality, turned to Conroy, and questioned, ¡°Is this Mr. Dawson fake? How could such a powerful person be like this?¡±

    It was clear that standing within the court¡¯s family was second only to Eileen.

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Conroy grew irritated. ¡°He is the real Mr. Dawson. Why didn¡¯t you tell me before that you had met him?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know before he was Mr. Dawson,¡± Gianna replied, frustrated that Conroy was ming her. But she knew now was not the time to argue with him. She forced a smile and said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, we¡¯re family. I¡¯m your aunt-inw, and Conroy is your father-inw. This has all been a misunderstanding. It¡¯ste now. You should get some rest. We can talk more tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°It is indeedte.¡± Bryan nced at his watch and released Eileen, saying, ¡°Go to sleep. I¡¯ll talk to them.¡±

    Gianna was left speechless. Trying to lighten the mood, Conroy jokingly said, ¡°Mr. Dawson, we¡¯re old and can¡¯t stay upte. Let¡¯s go to bed now and continue this discussion in the morning. What do you think?¡±

    With a frown, Bryan gently pinched Eileen¡¯s chin, pulling her back from her daze. ¡°You can go back to sleep now,¡± he said. His voice was low and soothing, a stark contrast to the noises of the fight outside.

    Despite the simplicity of Bryan¡¯s words, they left Conroy feeling disoriented.

    ¡°Can¡¯t you tougher it out?¡± Gianna snapped. ¡°Why are you so intimidated by him? He¡¯s your daughter¡¯s husband!¡±

    Latest chapters uploaded g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s

    ¡°You don¡¯t understand his influence in the business world. If we provoke him, he could easily ruin VQ Group,¡± Conroy replied. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he desperately tried to find a solution.

    Eileen turned her attention outside and noticed a line of bodyguards in suits, adjusting their attire¡ªthey were all brought by Bryan. Conroy and Gianna, once arrogant, now seemed deted.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll go to bed first. Please keep your voices down. Gabri has already fallen asleep,¡± Eileen said to Bryan.

    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Bryan responded.

    Eileen then turned and walked back to Le¡¯s bedroom. Since Eileen had left, Le had been anxious. She had changed her clothes and was stepping outside to check on the situation. Relieved to see Eileen return, Le grabbed her hand, pulling her inside.

    ¡°These two are ambitious. It seems you¡¯ve backed them into a corner. Don¡¯t confront them directly. We can endure for now and choose the right momentter to teach them a lesson¡­¡± Le advised in a hushed tone, fearing Eileen might risk her life by challenging Conroy and Gianna.

    Eileen understood how Le had managed to survive all these years under the same roof with such ruthless people. Le was clearly good at enduring these kinds of challenges.

    ¡°Grandma, don¡¯t worry. Bryan is here now. He will handle Conroy and Gianna,¡± Eileen reassured her.

    Le was taken aback. She furrowed her brow and asked, ¡°Your husband is here?¡±

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Hope you liked the chapters dear ones, there is gonna be two new novels today. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ??(£Þ?£Þ)??

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 881

    ?Chapter 881:

    ¡°Yes,¡± Eileen replied.

    ¡°Why did you involve him? The situation with the Vazquez family is a mess. Conroy and Gianna are cunning old foxes. Your husband is too young to handle them. He might end up suffering losses!¡± Le¡¯s anxiety grew, so intense that she tried to stand, saying, ¡°I¡¯m going to talk to Conroy and Gianna. Ask Bryan to take you and the child away, or you¡¯ll suffer when Conroy and Gianna retaliate.¡± Eileen quickly guided Le back onto the bed and beside her.

    ¡°Grandma, Bryan isn¡¯t easily manipted. Haven¡¯t I told you how powerful he is?¡±

    Although Eileen had praised Bryan before, Le had assumed it was merely adoration speaking. She believed Bryan might hold some influence, but surely it wasn¡¯t enough to contend with Conroy!

    ¡°Do you know about Apex Group? It¡¯s a century-old enterprise owned by the Dawson family in Onnd,¡± Eileen patiently exined, seeing that there was no other option. She pulled out her phone and showed Le some information about Bryan. ¡°Look, Bryan has significantly impacted the business world, advancing domestic industries and gaining international fame. If he speaks, the businessmunity listens. Apex Group would change hands at hismand. Conroy and Gianna wouldn¡¯t dare harm him.¡±

    Le¡¯s eyes widened, her expression shifting from skepticism to awe.

    ¡°Really? Is he truly that powerful? You¡¯re not just saying this tofort me, right?¡±

    Eileen nodded. ¡°It¡¯s absolutely true. Why would I lie?¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re still unsure, just open the door and see for yourself.¡±

    At that moment, Conroy and Gianna must be standing, while Bryan was seatedfortably.

    Your next favorite is on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s£®??o??

    Eileen was right. Le stood up and cracked the door open. Peeking out, she saw Bryan lounging on the sofa, casually adjusting his cigarette. It dangled from his lips as he exuded an authoritative presence during the negotiation.

    Conroy and Gianna, standing opposite him, seemed diminished in his presence, their usual assertiveness noticeably deted.

    Before Eileen could ask if Le had seen everything clearly, Le swung the door wide open and moved toward Conroy and Gianna, her anger evident. She pointed at them and erupted.

    ¡°Conroy, you disgrace! You¡¯ve done my daughter wrong! You cheated on her and had a child with another woman! And Gianna, you¡ªwhat did you do? You did the same to someone like your mother. You¡¯re worse than an animal! You¡¯ve reaped the benefits from our family, yet betrayed us, even stooping so low as to sleep with your sister¡¯s husband! No, your sister wouldn¡¯t consider him her husband¡ªhe¡¯s trash! Only you would like someone like him!¡±

    Standing at the door, Eileen was stunned to see her grandmother charge out and unleash years of pent-up frustration on the two.

    Bryan, equally shocked, instantly stubbed out his cigarette and rose quickly to walk over to Le.

    Though Le was out of breath, her tirade was far from over. ¡°You two are too shameless! Did you think I was blind to your deceitful acts all these years? If I had any powerful backing, would I ever have feared you? Now, my granddaughter is back, and the man she married is immensely powerful, Eileen.¡±

    ¡°Mom, we are family. Why can¡¯t we sit down and talk things out?¡± Gianna said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 882

    ?Chapter 882:

    She quickly walked over and extended her hand to support Le, but suddenly, Le pped her.

    Le staggered and nearly fell when she pped Gianna. Luckily, Bryan caught her just in time. With Bryan¡¯s support, Le continued to vent the anger she had umted over the years.

    Eileen closed the bedroom door and approached Bryan. The two exchanged looks, both feeling resigned yet finding the situation somewhat amusing.

    ¡°Let my grandmother express her anger. It¡¯s better for her health to let it out than to bottle it up as she ages,¡± Eileen said to Bryan.

    She hadn¡¯t expected that Le, who had seemed near death in bed before, could now jump up and scold others.

    Gianna appeared a bit embarrassed and said, ¡°Mom, this is so unfair. Is it all Conroy¡¯s fault? Haven¡¯t my sister and Eileen done anything wrong? Eileen has been back for so long, hiding her identity just to lead us into making mistakes!¡±

    ¡°She was indeed wrong!¡± Le turned and looked at Eileen a little angrily. She raised her hand and gently patted Eileen on the arm.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me sooner that you¡¯re this powerful? It¡¯s lucky that I¡¯m still alive now to learn about this!¡±

    Eileen¡¯s lips twitched as she said, ¡°I just needed to find a practical method to let Mom return to our family¡¯s ancestral tomb.¡±

    Using direct and inflexible methods could lead to significant losses for the Vazquez family. Moreover, she was well aware of the family rules and feared giving Conroy any leverage over her.

    ¡°I¡¯ll find a practical method for you tonight!¡± Le stared at Conroy and demanded.

    ¡°Conroy, will you marry Gianna or not? If not, I¡¯ll find a ce to bury you two alive!¡±

    Her words sounded familiar, like how Gianna had just threatened Eileen.

    Eileen frowned. Before she could say anything, Le turned and rified.

    ¡°I¡¯m not that cruel. I overheard them threatening you now. If they dare to do it, then I can do it too. What¡¯s wrong with breaking thew? I¡¯m old, and I¡¯m not afraid of taking you two down with me!¡±

    Eileen was left speechless. She sat down next to Bryan. She knew Le needed to personally resolve the issue tonight to vent her anger fully. Their role was merely to provide support.

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s sote. Can we talk about this tomorrow?¡± Gianna attempted to dy, hoping to devise a n.

    Le waved her hand dismissively and said, ¡°Do you still want to y tricks? No way! In the past, I couldn¡¯t handle you, but now, I have Eileen. You have no say in this matter anymore! Tonight, you only have two choices: one is to be buried alive, and the other is to get married tomorrow!¡±

    If Conroy truly died now, he would be buried alongside Eileen¡¯s mother. However, Le would be repulsed by that. That was why she feltpelled to force Conroy to marry Gianna now. In that case, the body of Eileen¡¯s mother could be interred alone in the family¡¯s ancestral tomb.

    Seeing no alternative, Gianna clenched her fists and replied, ¡°Okay, I will marry Conroy tomorrow!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 883

    ?Chapter 883:

    ¡°Gianna!¡± Conroy called out to her in a low voice, wanting to say something. But Gianna gave him a look, and he fell silent.

    Noticing the bodyguards outside the door, Le turned to Bryan and inquired, ¡°Can I borrow some people from you?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Bryan nodded in agreement.

    Upon hearing this, Le gestured to the bodyguards and dered, ¡°All of you,e in and watch this shameless couple. Let them stay here tonight! They can¡¯t leave, and don¡¯t allow them to talk to each other.¡±

    After making this deration, she turned to let Eileen and Bryan rest. As for Gabri, Le simply let her continue to sleep in her room.

    The servants of the Vazquez family, being ordinary individuals, only followed the instructions of those who paid their wages. They did not dare utter a word after being roused in the middle of the night to witness such a scene. Conroy and Gianna were each surrounded by several bodyguards. The bodyguards arranged two armchairs with their backs facing each other so that Gianna and Conroy could sit back to back.

    Eileen finally returned to her room,pletely exhausted. She copsed on the bed and nestled into Bryan¡¯s arms.

    ¡°It seems my grandmother is still very healthy now. I really thought she was dying when I first got back,¡± Eileen said.

    Bryan embraced her from the side, lowered his head, and kissed her forehead. ¡°I guess she¡¯s not only healthy but also clear-headed and clever.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Eileen lifted her head, her eyshes fluttering briefly as she asked. Bryan arched his eyebrows and replied, ¡°Just wait and see how she will vent her anger. Then you¡¯ll understand how clever she is.¡±

    Your favorite stories are on g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s?c?m

    Eileen was confused. ¡°Let Conroy and Gianna get married tomorrow, move my mother¡¯s body into the family cemetery, and then expel Conroy and Gianna from the Vazquez family. Isn¡¯t this my grandmother venting her anger?¡±

    Bryan took a deep breath and gently covered her eyes with his hand. ¡°Go to sleep now.¡±

    Eileen was rendered speechless. She knew Bryan clearly thought she was naive.

    She shifted in his arms, closed her eyes, and settled into afortable position to sleep.

    The next morning, at seven o¡¯clock, Gabri woke up and started crying when she didn¡¯t see her mother. Le quickly brought her to Eileen, and Eileen had no choice but to get up. Le told her toe for breakfast. Eileen changed quickly and carried Gabri to the dining room.

    Upon entering the dining room, she noticed the yard outside was crowded with the Vazquez family servants. Conroy and Gianna were standing on opposite sides of the room, looking exhausted, with dark circles under their eyes from not having slept all night.

    ¡°I have an announcement to make today,¡± Le dered. She was dressed in a sweater, her white hair neatlybed, radiating energy. ¡°My granddaughter is back, and she is the sole heir to the Vazquez family. The entire Vazquez family will belong to her. Considering you are all employees, I won¡¯t hold your past allegiances against you. But from this moment on, anyone who disobeys Eileen will be fired!¡±

    The servants exchanged nces. Seeing Conroy and Gianna silent, they quickly agreed.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 884

    ?Chapter 884:

    ¡°Good. You may all leave now,¡± Le dismissed them with a wave of her hand. Then, she stopped Tracey and said, ¡°You, pack your things and leave right now. You have been part of the Vazquez family for many years, and I¡¯ve treated you well. How could you betray the Vazquez family now?¡±

    Tracey¡¯s face turned deathly pale. She nced at Gianna, whose head was lowered. Although Gianna seemed reluctant to ept the situation, she clearly couldn¡¯t speak up for Tracey.

    ¡°I was forced into this. Please give me another chance. I promise this won¡¯t happen again!¡± Tracey pleaded, falling to her knees in front of Eileen.

    ¡°Somebody, take her away,¡± Lemanded. She directed several bodyguards, supported by Bryan.

    The bodyguards promptly stepped forward and escorted Tracey away. The sound of her crying and pleading slowly faded into the distance.

    Eileen did not intervene. She understood Le¡¯s difort of having been confined in the mansion for so long and the grievances she had suppressed all these years.

    Once seated, Le addressed Conroy and Gianna. ¡°You two will be officially marriedter.

    The words hung heavy in the air. The room fell silent, with only Gabri¡¯s babbling breaking the stillness.

    ¡°Grandma,¡± Eileen said, looking at Le in disbelief. ¡°Are you sure you want to hold a wedding, not a funeral?¡±

    ¡°I might be old, and my hearing isn¡¯t what it used to be,¡± Le replied. ¡°But I know what I¡¯m saying. I¡¯m throwing them a wedding! Gianna is a Vazquez family daughter, after all. In this family for over 40 years. Even a dog gets a parting treat before it leaves, don¡¯t you think? Of course, Gianna will have a wedding since she¡¯s married now!¡±

    Stories live now on galn¦Ò??????????o??

    Eileen fell silent. Le¡¯s sharp irony made her feel amused, but the room remained still. She wanted tough, but it felt inappropriate.

    Le continued, ¡°And don¡¯t forget, Conroy has been part of this family for over 40 years. Since they¡¯re getting married, I¡¯ll throw them a grand wedding!¡±

    Gianna clenched her jaw. ¡°This is a disgrace to the Vazquez family¡¯s reputation! Aren¡¯t you worried people willugh at our family?¡±

    Le patted her cheek. ¡°If anyone loses face because of this, it¡¯s me, not you. And at my age, I¡¯m a little gossip!¡±

    Conroy¡¯s face darkened, but he dared not say anything. He hadn¡¯t gone to work in the morning, and his phone had been ringing nonstop. It had finally fallen silent five minutes ago; the battery had probably died.

    He could have used work as an excuse to leave, but looking at Bryan¡¯s calm expression made him unable to say anything.

    ¡°Eileen, you¡¯ll have to take care of the wedding arrangements for Conroy,¡± Le said, continuing to eat. ¡°I¡¯m too old to handle it myself. And remember, the Vazquez family has enough money for this. The bigger the wedding, the better. Invite everyone!¡± She patted Eileen¡¯s hand.

    Eileen nodded. Weddings here were different; invitations had to be delivered personally. Le was clearly putting her in charge of the wedding invitations.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 885

    ?Chapter 885:

    Most guests would be easy to invite¡ªquick to get on board. But Le warned her about one branch of the Vazquez family in particr.

    ¡°If you go there, don¡¯t think you¡¯ll be able to see Maximo. He seldomes back from work at VQ Group, but his wife is more arrogant than he is. You¡¯ll have to be more intimidating than them.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re Bryan¡¯s wife, after all. I believe you can handle this!¡± Le coached Eileen, her fists clenched. It was clear she had endured a lot from Maximo and his family over the years.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Grandma. I¡¯ve got this.¡± Eileen paused and then added, ¡°I¡¯ll film the whole process when I¡¯m there. You¡¯ll see me put them in their ce.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Le agreed. ¡°Take Bryan with you.¡±

    Eileen shook her head firmly. ¡°No. If hees, he¡¯ll take control of the situation instead of me. I need to do this alone.¡±

    Afterst night, Eileen was furious about what Conroy and Gianna had done. Conroy and Gianna messing with her was one thing, but going after Le? That had crossed the line. Le had endured so much just to survive this long.

    Taking down Conroy and Gianna was just the start. To truly lead the Vazquez family, she needed to win over its members. She saw going to Maximo¡¯s ce as an opportunity to make her presence known.

    Bryan leaned in and whispered in Eileen¡¯s ear, ¡°Just¡­ be careful, okay?¡±

    ¡°Rx. I¡¯ll be back in one piece. I might evene back tougher.¡± Eileen yfully punched the air. ¡°Stay in touch,¡± Bryan said, turning back to feed Gabri.

    Explore captivating tales on g¦Á ? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s

    Once they finished eating, Le stopped a servant from clearing the table. ¡°Leave it,¡± she said sharply. ¡°Conroy and Gianna still haven¡¯t eaten. From now on, they get the leftovers.¡±

    The servant quickly stepped back, her heart pounding as she nced nervously at Conroy and Gianna.

    Le found someone trustworthy to help Eileen invite people to the wedding. Meanwhile, Bryan had the bodyguards keeping a close eye on Conroy and Gianna. The pair would be stuck in the living room after their meal, not even allowed back to their room.

    ¡°My phone¡¯s dead,¡± Conroy said. ¡°There¡¯s a ton of stuff I need to handle at thepany. I can¡¯t dy work at VQ Group, or thepany will suffer losses.¡±

    Bryan didn¡¯t even turn around as he carried Gabri away. ¡°The VQ Group belongs to the Vazquez family, not you,¡± he said coldly. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about it. It¡¯s none of your business.¡±

    His voice trailed off, leaving Conroy and Gianna staring at his retreating back.

    Gianna red at the leftovers on the table and stormed into the living room. She would never eat leftovers!

    Conroy had also lost his appetite. He trailed after Gianna, muttering, ¡°This is your fault! If you hadn¡¯t made mee backst night, none of this would¡¯ve happened!¡±

    ¡°Yali, are you ming me now?¡± Gianna hissed, barely holding back her rage. ¡°You¡¯re the one who provided the evidence! Look at how smug Le is now!¡±

    ¡°She has every right to be,¡± Conroy shot back. ¡°You don¡¯t understand how powerful Mr. Dawson is.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 886

    ?Chapter 886:

    Gianna was furious, but the watchful eyes of the bodyguards kept her from confronting Conroy. She forced herself to focus on devising a n.

    ¡°Le is rushing this wedding so she can bury her daughter in the family cemetery,¡± Gianna muttered. ¡°But even with Bryan at the helm of the VQ Group, he can¡¯t just rece you overnight. We still have a chance.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Dawson can easily rece me,¡± Conroy responded. ¡°He¡¯ll fire anyone at the VQ Group who sides with me. Forget about thepany. Just think about how much we can squeeze out of the Vazquez family when we leave.¡± Conroy knew exactly what Bryan was capable of.

    Gianna¡¯s lips parted, but no words came out. What could she do now? She knew she was at Eileen¡¯s and Bryan¡¯s mercy.

    Eileen sat in the back of the car, scanning the list Le had given her. There were only two families on the list. It would take a whole hour to reach the first family¡¯s residence, and that was the closest one to the Vazquez Mansion.

    Maximo¡¯s ce was next; it would require another half-hour drive. At this rate, she would have to spend the next three days just inviting people to the wedding, since it was only three days away.

    The car soon reached the first family¡¯s ce. The family had met Eileen before at the banquet and were polite to her. When Eileen exined why she was there, they were shocked. They kept asking her if she was serious and finally epted the reality when she confirmed it.

    Eileen¡¯s next stop was Maximo¡¯s house. On the way, the experienced driver who had been with the Vazquez family for years suddenly pointed ahead. ¡°That looks like Mrs. Vazquez¡¯s car.¡±

    Fresh content live on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls?c?m

    Maximo¡¯s wife was driving slowly ahead of them.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just follow her,¡± Eileen instructed. ¡°If we get there too early, no one will be home anyway.¡±

    The driver trailed the car at a leisurely pace and filled Eileen in. ¡°Mrs. Vazquez is quite the gambler. Maximo is doing well among the Vazquez family members working at VQ Group, so everyone kisses up to his wife. They always let her win at gambling, which has made her pretty full of herself.¡±

    So, Maximo¡¯s wife was a gambler. Eileen had never met anyone like that, but Le had warned her that dealing with Maximo¡¯s wife wouldn¡¯t be easy, so she had prepared herself.

    Ten minutester, they reached their destination. Maximo¡¯s wife pulled up, and Eileen got out of her car.

    Maximo¡¯s wife looked at Eileen, confused for a moment, and then sneered. ¡°Well, well, if it isn¡¯t the head of the Vazquez family. Can¡¯t afford to feed yourself at home, so you¡¯vee here begging for food?¡±

    It was almost lunchtime, and everyone was busy getting ready to eat.

    Eileen ignored the dig. ¡°Mrs. Vazquez, I¡¯m here to invite you to Conroy and Gianna¡¯s wedding.¡±

    Maximo¡¯s wife was stunned. She stared at Eileen for a moment and then burst outughing. ¡°Your father and your aunt? Your grandmother is such a coward. I thought she would finally have some backbone now that you¡¯re back, but it looks like you¡¯re just as spineless.¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Vazquez, mind your tone,¡± Eileen¡¯s voice was icy, her gaze unwavering. ¡°Your cushy lifestyle depends on your husband, and he depends on the VQ Group. The VQ Group belongs to the Vazquez family.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 887

    ?Chapter 887:

    Maximo¡¯s wife responded with a burst of mockingughter, her hand mped over her mouth, unable to contain her amusement.

    ¡°The VQ Group indeed belongs to the Vazquez family,¡± she sneered. ¡°But do you have anything to do with the Vazquez family? Who do you think you are, talking to me with that attitude?¡±

    The more she talked, the cockier she got.

    ¡°Do you think returning now means you own the Vazquez family fortune? You¡¯re too naive. Thinking you could.¡±

    Before she could finish, Eileen grabbed her neck and shoved her down, face-first into the ground.

    Something warm oozed from Maximo¡¯s wife¡¯s face.

    ¡°You don¡¯t get to act like that around me,¡± Eileen said.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about how I¡¯ll manage. Just remember, I¡¯m the head of the Vazquez family. And even though I¡¯m younger than you, I hold more power than you in this family.¡±

    Eileen let go, and Maximo¡¯s wife crumpled to the ground, moaning from the pain.

    Before she could react, Eileen threw the invitation to the ground, hopped into the car, and sped away.

    A st of exhaust fumes hit Maximo¡¯s wife in the face, causing her to gag. Ignoring the invitation, she scrambled to her feet and rushed inside the house, calling Maximo while washing her face.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never met anyone so damn rude! Maximo, if you don¡¯t do something about this, I¡¯ll leave you!¡± she yelled into the phone.

    L?t??¦Ó §éh?¦Ñ¦Ó?r? ¦Én g¨»l??¦Ïv?l?.§ão??

    Maximo¡¯s voice crackled with irritation. ¡°Why are you taking her seriously? Conroy¡¯s marrying Gianna. They¡¯ll be running the Vazquez family soon. Conroy is bound to give me a promotion. Then, even Le will have to kiss my ass!¡±

    ¡°Wait, what?¡± Maximo¡¯s wife paused, water dripping from her face. ¡°Are you saying it¡¯s a good thing Conroy and Gianna are getting married?¡±

    Maximo replied without hesitation, ¡°Of course! Conroy must have gotten Le wrapped around his finger. Conroy marrying Gianna will be a disgrace to the Vazquez family. Plus, Gianna is a real Vazquez family member, and she¡¯s already had a kid with Conroy, living off the Vazquez family fortune. If that gets out, Le and Eileen will be furious! They¡¯re making a huge mistake. They¡¯ll regret this, but they won¡¯t be able to do anything about it. They¡¯ll be dependent on Conroy and Gianna¡­¡±

    Maximo¡¯s wife¡¯s face split into a wicked grin. ¡°The wedding will be held three dayster. I¡¯ll handle things in three days. I¡¯ll definitely teach Eileen and Le a lesson at the wedding!¡±

    Two drops of Maximo¡¯s wife¡¯s blood had fallen on Eileen¡¯s hand earlier. Even though Eileen had wiped it on her clothes, she still felt ufortable. The stench grew unbearable during the drive. The moment she stepped out of the car, Eileen mped a hand over her nose and sprinted to thewn, gagging.

    Her stomach heaved, but nothing came up. After a quick tap, she quickly washed her hands, the foul odor lessening.

    She then looked up to find two pairs of eyes fixed on her.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 888

    ?Chapter 888:

    ¡°Mom, you okay?¡± Gabri asked.

    Eileen struggled to find the right words to respond to Gabri.

    Gabri tugged at Bryan¡¯s pants. ¡°Daddy, what¡¯s wrong with Mommy?¡±

    Bryan leaned down and whispered in Gabri¡¯s ear.

    Gabri¡¯s face soon lit up, and she ran toward Eileen.

    ¡°Mommy¡¯s having a baby! There¡¯s another Gabri in Mommy¡¯s tummy!¡±

    Eileen¡¯s mouth twitched. She scooped Gabri up into her arms. ¡°No, sweetie. There¡¯s not another Gabri in my tummy. You¡¯re my one and only!¡±

    Gabri shook her head solemnly, pointing a tiny finger at Bryan. ¡°Daddy said there¡¯s another Gabri in Mommy¡¯s tummy!¡±

    Bryan approached and gently took Gabri into his arms.

    ¡°Shh, sweetheart,¡± he whispered. ¡°That¡¯s a secret. Mommy¡¯s not even three months along yet.¡±

    Gabri quickly covered her mouth, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

    Eileen said, ¡°What are you saying, Bryan? That¡¯s not true. I¡¯m not pregnant. I just¡­ I just didn¡¯t feel so good earlier.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, right,¡± Bryan nodded, then turned to Gabri. ¡°Mommy¡¯s just not feeling well, okay?¡±

    Gabri giggled. ¡°Not feeling well, and there¡¯s no Gabri in her tummy!¡±

    Bryan, sensing Eileen¡¯s rising irritation, quickly changed the subject. ¡°So, how¡¯d things go?¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q??????, the heart of fiction

    ¡°Well, not so good¡­¡± Eileen began,unching into a detailed ount of how she had put Maximo¡¯s wife in her ce.

    Bryan nced at Eileen¡¯s hands, still damp from washing. ¡°So, all that joy I felt just now was for nothing?¡± he asked, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

    ¡°Serves you right,¡± Eileen said. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have jumped to conclusions before hearing me out.¡±

    ¡°Serves you right, Daddy!¡± Gabri echoed.

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Eileen said, taking Gabri from Bryan¡¯s arms and heading toward the mansion. ¡°There¡¯s no baby in my tummy. Your daddy is lying. Let¡¯s go y with your great-grandma.¡±

    Gabri nodded enthusiastically. ¡°Daddy¡¯s a liar! Daddy¡¯s bad! I¡¯m not ying with Daddy!¡±

    Bryan followed them inside, his expression growing increasingly dark.

    Bryan watched as Eileen and Gabri entered the mansion, his mind already working on a n.

    Eileen recounted how she had invited Maximo¡¯s wife to see Le, leaving Le wide-eyed with surprise.

    ¡°I thought you would only use Bryan as an excuse,¡± Le said.

    ¡°But it seems you¡¯ve already got him wrapped around your finger.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant,¡± Eileen replied, feeling that Le had misunderstood her point. She was simply trying to express that Maximo¡¯s wife seemed like trouble and wouldn¡¯t let the matter go easily.

    Le responded, ¡°I just want to see you shine and bring back the Vazquez family! We¡¯ve got good genes, you know. You were a business powerhouse back in the day!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 889

    ?Chapter 889:

    ¡°That¡¯s because I had Bryan¡¯s backing,¡± Eileen admitted. She had to acknowledge that without Bryan, she wouldn¡¯t have been able to be the CEO of EB Group. Without him, her greatest achievement would have been establishing educational organizations across the country.

    ¡°To EB Group, that¡¯s nothing,¡± Le said. ¡°If Bryan backed someone else, they would probably screw it up! Eileen, you¡¯re amazing. The Vazquez family is yours now. You don¡¯t need to be so humble. You¡¯re the Vazquez family¡¯s daughter, after all!¡±

    Eileen sniffled, a hint of pride in her voice. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±

    Le¡¯s eyes narrowed as she thought of something. ¡°Has Bryan mistreated you since he¡¯s so capable?¡±

    Le seemed worried. Eileen had been using Bryan¡¯s influence to handle Conroy and Giannately. What if Bryan was unhappy with this and started making things difficult for Eileen?

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare,¡± Bryan chuckled, walking into the room. ¡°Eileen¡¯s not just a business whiz; she also has a PhD in keeping me in line.¡±

    He patted his jacket pocket. ¡°Every card in my pocket is her supplementary card.¡±

    Seeing that Le¡¯s gaze was gradually turning disapproving, Eileen almost wanted to curse Bryan out. The nerve of this guy! He had practically begged her to get him supplementary cards instead of using his own. And when he maxed them out identally, she was the one who had to go to the bank to fix it.

    This was nothing but trouble for her!

    ¡°Well¡­ that¡¯s not entirely it. It¡¯s just that Eileen is in charge,¡± Le still sided with Eileen.

    More books avable at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv?ls

    Bryan nodded, his expression serious.

    ¡°Exactly. I¡¯d never dream of mistreating her. It¡¯s actually the other way around.¡±

    Le¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°Has Eileen mistreated you? My sweet Eileen? Don¡¯t be ridiculous! She¡¯s not that kind of person.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± Bryan lied without hesitation. ¡°She¡¯s sometimes very cruel to me, making me kneel for half the night.¡±

    Eileen couldn¡¯t believe Bryan was saying this. She pped a hand over his mouth and shoved him. ¡°Grandma, can you watch Gabri for a while? I just remembered something I need to do.¡±

    Le, eyes wide, watched as Eileen dragged Bryan out of the room. He was taller than her, but he let her drag him like a puppy on a leash.

    Back in their room, Eileen pushed Bryan onto the bed. ¡°What the hell was that? You can¡¯t just lie to my grandmother!¡±

    ¡°Hey, I wasn¡¯t lying,¡± Bryan sprawled on the bed, his shirt slightly lifted, revealing part of his abs. ¡°I¡¯m practically on my knees every day, aren¡¯t I?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Eileen scoffed.

    ¡°You think kneeling every day is a punishment? Rx, I¡¯m never going to make you do it again!¡±

    Bryan¡¯s smile vanished. He tried to exin, ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant¡­¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 890

    ?Chapter 890:

    ¡°Toote,¡± Eileen interjected, her voice firm. ¡°I¡¯m handling the wedding. I¡¯ll stay with Grandma and get her opinion on things.¡±

    With that, she grabbed her bag from the dresser and walked out. She definitely wasn¡¯t sleeping here tonight.

    Bryan¡¯s mood soured as hey on the bed, filled with regret. He realized he shouldn¡¯t have made her angry just now.

    At lunch, Eileen and Gabri sat beside Le, leaving Bryan to sit next to his daughter. He nced at Eileen several times, but shepletely ignored him.

    Meanwhile, Gianna and Conroy were ignored by everyone, left in the corner. They had missed dinner the night before and hadn¡¯t had breakfast that day. If they didn¡¯t eat now, they would be starving until dinner.

    Conroy felt he couldn¡¯t hold on anymore, and his stomach rumbled.

    Eileen and the others finished their meal and left, leaving a table of leftovers for Conroy and Gianna.

    A servant hesitantly asked, ¡°Ms. Vazquez, Mr. Finch, would you like to eat now?¡±

    ¡°Hell no!¡± Gianna snapped. She had been pampered her whole life and would rather starve than eat someone else¡¯s leftovers.

    Although she had shared meals with Le and Eileen before, the current situation felt different. It seemed like a deliberate insult.

    ¡°Hold on!¡± Conroy said as the servant started clearing the table. ¡°We¡¯re family. It doesn¡¯t matter who eats first. Let¡¯s not starve ourselves.¡±

    Discover what¡¯s new on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls

    ¡°No way!¡± Gianna said, ring at Conroy. ¡°Take all this away,¡± she told the servant. ¡°Tell Le that if she doesn¡¯t want us to starve, she better let us eat something fresh!¡±

    The servant hesitated, then went to find Le. She returned momentster.

    She looked at Gianna and Conroy, who were staring at her hopefully, and said, ¡°Mrs. Vazquez says you deserve to starve.¡±

    Conroy was taken aback, nearly choking on his own saliva.

    The servant promptly started clearing the table, throwing the leftovers in the trash right in front of Conroy and Gianna.

    Gianna¡¯s face turned red. She hadn¡¯t expected that from Le. She turned and walked into the living room, the bodyguards surrounding her.

    In the dead of night, while the bodyguards slept, a servant tossed two stale pieces of toast through the window. Gianna and Conroy, despite their wounded pride, were famished. They couldn¡¯t resist the food and quickly ate it.

    Unbeknownst to them, a security camera with its red light blinking, captured their every move.

    In the stillness of the bedroom, Eileen¡¯s phone buzzed incessantly. The screen lit up with a barrage of messages from Bryan.

    Eileen put her phone down, raising her eyes to Le. ¡°If you¡¯re worried they¡¯ll starve, just give them some food directly. Why are you doing it in secret?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t understand,¡± Le said with a smirk. ¡°You¡¯ve got the business smarts, but you don¡¯t know how to deal with snakes. Watch and learn how I handle Conroy and Gianna. Once they¡¯re out for the count, after I¡¯ve dealt with them, Maximo and his people will target your next. That¡¯s when you¡¯ll have to step up and handle them.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 891

    ?Chapter 891:

    Being trapped in the Vazquez Mansion for so long had taken a toll on Le, and it broke Eileen¡¯s heart.

    Ever since Eileen disappeared as a child, her mother had been in no condition to work. Le, being old, could only watch helplessly as Conroy took control of the Vazquez Group.

    Le had been juggling so much¡ªprotecting Eileen¡¯s mother, searching for Eileen, and keeping an eye on Conroy. It had worn her down. Le knew how to pick her battles. When Eileen¡¯s mother was in her right mind, Le knew that confronting Conroy directly would only make matters worse. That was why she had endured his treatment for so many years. But now, after all this time, her revenge was going to be epic. She would take down Conroy and Gianna once and for all.

    ¡°Okay, Grandma. Their wedding is done. I¡¯ll handle the rest. You just focus on keeping Gabri safe and having my back,¡± Eileen said.

    Le smiled. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll use this time to teach you everything I know!¡±

    Eileen then shared some funny stories about Gabri with Le, lightening the mood.

    As they talked, Eileen drifted off to sleep. In the darkness, Le¡¯s eyes gleamed with anticipation. She had waited so long for her revenge. The closer it got, the more excited she became. She couldn¡¯t sleep at all.

    Conroy and Gianna¡¯s wedding was set to take ce at the Vazquez Mansion, and the servants were very busy preparing. It was going to be a massive, over-the-top affair, with a guest list a mile long.

    Some distant rtives of the Vazquez family asionally dropped by to help, convinced that Conroy and Gianna hadplete control of the Vazquez family now. After all, whenever they visited, it was Conroy and Gianna who greeted them, nked by a small army of bodyguards. They assumed all the bodyguards were there to protect Conroy and Gianna.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s, the heart of storytelling

    The gossip mill was working overtime. Some even whispered that after Conroy and Gianna got married, Le would die soon. Some said Le would be buried alive¡ªor worse.

    Clearly, they believed Le waspletely controlled by Conroy and Gianna. As for Eileen, they didn¡¯t take her seriously at all. They gossiped about her, thinking she was living the good life because she had caved to Conroy and Gianna. Eileen was tired of their gossip, but she had no choice but to listen, since she didn¡¯t want to spend time with Bryan and endure his ¡°harassment.¡±

    Finally, the day of Conroy and Gianna¡¯s wedding arrived. Guests poured in from the early morning. Le made a grand entrance in her wheelchair, decked out in a fancy gown.

    She was busy greeting everyone. Behind her, Eileen pushed the wheelchair, her constant smiling making her face hurt.

    Trailing behind Eileen was Bryan, impably suited, holding Gabri, who was dressed like a princess. The crowd recognized Bryan but assumed he was simply there for Conroy. Warm greetings were exchanged, along with gushingpliments about how perfect a match Conroy and Gianna made.

    The guests were all under the impression that Conroy was close to Bryan, so ttering Conroy in front of Bryan seemed like a good way for them to get closer to him. Bryan¡¯s gaze was icy, his expression distant. He had little interest in these people. His eyes lingered on Eileen ahead, her elegant figure standing out. His mood was somber.

    For two agonizing days, Eileen had been staying in Le¡¯s room, leaving Bryanpletely shut out.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 892

    ?Chapter 892:

    Gabri¡¯s little hand patted Bryan¡¯s cheek.

    ¡°Daddy, Mommy¡¯s so pretty!¡± she eximed, pointing at Eileen.

    ¡°She is,¡± Bryan agreed, ¡°But I can¡¯t get close to her.¡±

    Gabri¡¯s eyes widened in confusion. She was too young to understand Bryan¡¯s frustration.

    ¡°Hey, Gabri,¡± Bryan said, deciding to try a different tactic. While Le was upied with the guests, he found a quiet corner.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t slept in Mommy¡¯s room for days. How about you sleep in my room tonight?¡±

    Gabri¡¯s chubby arm rested on Bryan¡¯s shoulder. She happily agreed, ¡°Okay, Daddy!¡±

    Even though Gabri was excited, it didn¡¯t make Bryan feel happy.

    ¡°What about your Mommy, Gabri? Wouldn¡¯t you like to sleep in the same room as her too? You¡¯ll have to convince Mommy toe sleep with both of us. Then, we¡¯ll all sleep in the same room. Wouldn¡¯t that be great?¡±

    ¡°I only want to sleep in Daddy¡¯s room!¡± Gabri dered, causing Bryan¡¯s veins to throb in his temples.

    ¡°Sweety, I¡¯m happy you love me so much. But you¡¯ve got to love Mommy too. Convince Mommy to stay in my room with you, alright?¡±

    Gabri wasn¡¯t having it.

    ¡°Nope! I only want Daddy!¡±

    Bryan was left speechless.

    I??¨¨$? ¡é??t?€§ñ? 1n ??l¦Ðo¦Í¦Ål?.c??

    ¡°The wedding ceremony is about to begin,¡± the emcee announced.

    The emcee gave a brief wee before inviting the bride and groom toe to the stage.

    Conroy was shoved onto the stage by a group of burly bodyguards. He looked disheveled, the boutonniere on his suit almost falling off.

    Gianna was also shoved onto the stage. She was still in yesterday¡¯s clothes, her corsage half-destroyed. She had been sleeping in the living room recently. Her clothes were rumpled, her expression dark. She looked nothing like a happy bride.

    The crowd gasped.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? They couldn¡¯t even bother to get her a wedding dress?¡±

    ¡°Something¡¯s definitely not right¡­¡±

    The whispers grew louder.

    Looking at the bodyguards, Conroy and Gianna had no choice but to walk forward until they stood before Le.

    Le¡¯s eyes were like daggers.

    ¡°Kneel!¡± shemanded, her voice booming.

    Conroy almost obeyed on instinct, but Gianna grabbed his arm to stop him.

    ¡°Mom,e on,¡± she pleaded. ¡°We¡¯re family. Don¡¯t humiliate us like this.¡±

    ¡°Family?¡± Le scoffed. She stood up from her wheelchair, moving past the stunned couple. She turned to address the crowd. ¡°Gianna and Conroy are part of the Vazquez family. One is an adopted daughter, the other, the husband of my own daughter. But I think they¡¯ve forfeited their ce in the Vazquez family. Today, I officially remove them from the family. From now on, they will have nothing to do with the Vazquez family! They¡¯re monsters! They cheated on my daughter and had a child, a daughter only a few years younger than Eileen. It¡¯s disgusting!¡±

    ¡°What is happening here?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 893

    ?Chapter 893:

    ¡°Is this supposed to be a wedding? This is nothing like it!¡±

    Guests erupted in a chorus of whispers.

    Le remained unfazed, her gaze sweeping over the room. ¡°Wedding? Why would I throw a wedding for these two snakes? I want the ancestors of my family to see them for what they truly are. This shameless couple nearly ruined the Vazquez family!¡±

    Conroy¡¯s and Gianna¡¯s faces burned with shame.

    Gianna had hoped that Le would hold a wedding for them and allow them to leave the Vazquez family afterward peacefully. She hadn¡¯t expected anything like this.

    This public humiliation was beyond anything she had imagined.

    Gianna whispered to Le, ¡°Do you really want to burn all bridges with us like this? This is not wise!¡±

    Le turned her head slowly, fixing Gianna with a chilling stare.

    ¡°I¡¯m not burning any bridges. I¡¯m kicking you out of the family!¡±

    Then, she turned to the crowd.

    ¡°Everyone, I dere Conroy¡¯s marriage to Gianna invalid. Today, he and Gianna are banished from the Vazquez family! Conroy, you have one week to hand over control of the VQ Group.¡±

    Conroy didn¡¯t dare to refute.

    He was well aware that, with Bryan¡¯s support, even if Eileen were foolish, she could still run the Vazquez family well.

    Discover the best stories at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s

    However, Maximo couldn¡¯t help but speak up.

    ¡°Le, you can¡¯t just change everything because your granddaughter is back! Conroy has kept this family together. Your granddaughter is still young, and she won¡¯t be able to manage the whole family. A lot of us depend on the Vazquez family for our livelihoods. Don¡¯t screw that up for us!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, Conroy has done a lot for the Vazquez family. Besides, he¡¯s Eileen¡¯s father. Why can¡¯t he take control of the family? Eileen is going to inherit it all eventually anyway.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s mother had gotten pregnant before marriage. Conroy was not Eileen¡¯s real father. Exposing this would ruin the Vazquez family¡¯s reputation.

    But with Bryan around, Conroy didn¡¯t dare make a move against Eileen.

    Seeing this, Gianna had to step up.

    ¡°Eileen¡¯s not even Conroy¡¯s kid! God knows who her real father is! Eileen¡¯s mother just used Conroy to cover up her mistake so that she could give birth to Eileen. Conroy and I are just pawns.¡±

    ¡°Protect the Vazquez family¡¯s reputation. Now that we¡¯ve served our purpose, Le wants to throw us out like trash. How is this fair?¡±

    Gianna¡¯s outburst prompted a few others to speak up in defense of Conroy and her.

    ¡°No matter what, we need to think about what¡¯s best for the Vazquez family!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, Conroy¡¯s running things just fine. We¡¯re all getting bonuses thanks to him!¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve got plenty of eyes on Conroy. He manages the Vazquez Group now and will hand it over to your granddaughter in the future.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 894

    ?Chapter 894:

    Le let out a snort. She then leaned towards Eileen and whispered,

    ¡°Make sure you remember who these people are.¡±

    ¡°I will, Grandma,¡± Eileen replied with a slight nod.

    ¡°Eileen is no child. She¡¯s more than capable of running the Vazquez Group. And if she makes thepany suffer losses, you won¡¯t be footing the bill!¡± Le¡¯s confident deration silenced the room.

    Hearing Le say this, no one dared to speak further.

    ¡°Enjoy your meal, everyone. Then, we¡¯ll all show this shameless couple the door,¡± Le said.

    The servants then ushered everyone to their seats.

    It was Eileen¡¯s first time at a gathering like this, and to make matters worse, Le had seated Gianna and Conroy at their table. The table wasden with delicious dishes, but the tense atmosphere kept everyone¡¯s appetites in check.

    Bryan, however, seemed unfazed. He picked food for Gabri and Eileen, piling food onto their tes. The food was delicious, but the awkwardness in the air made it hard for Eileen to eatfortably.

    ¡°Eat,¡± Bryan urged, cing a chicken wing in her bowl.

    ¡°You¡¯ll only hurt yourself if you starve. This is your home. Don¡¯t mind the others. You should feelfortable here.¡±

    He had a point. Eileen wasn¡¯t embarrassed anymore. She shot Bryan a look before starting to eat.

    Updates always at galno¦Íe??s

    No one else had heard Bryan¡¯s conversation with Eileen, since Bryan had whispered. Even Maximo, sitting right next to Bryan, was too preupied with figuring out how to help Conroy to notice the hushed conversation. Maximo turned to Bryan with a smile.

    ¡°Mr. Conroy invited you here, right?¡±

    ¡°Something like that,¡± Bryan replied with a polite smile.

    Maximo nced around and then leaned in closer.

    ¡°You¡¯re close to Conroy, aren¡¯t you? Whose fault do you think this is? Conroy has dedicated two decades to the Vazquez family! And he has stayed even though Eileen isn¡¯t his. He has been running things for the eldest daughter of the Vazquez family¡­¡±

    Bryan raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°I believe you know very well why he has stayed with the Vazquez family all this time.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, I can¡¯t ept that. Sure, Conroy has made mistakes, but everyone does. He¡¯s not a saint, but he has never done anything truly bad!¡± Maximo said.

    Bryan saw right through Maximo¡¯s attempts to defend Conroy and wiped Gabri¡¯s mouth with a napkin.

    Maximo wouldn¡¯t give up.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, is this your daughter? She¡¯s adorable!¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Bryan said. He then gestured towards Eileen.

    ¡°And that is my wife. Isn¡¯t she stunning?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 895

    ?Chapter 895:

    Maximo¡¯s jaw dropped.

    ¡°Your wife? Mr. Dawson, you¡¯ve gotta be joking, right?¡±

    A chill settled over Bryan¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Do I look like I¡¯m in the mood for jokes now?¡±

    Maximo gasped. Suddenly, everything clicked. No wonder Conroy had been so silent. Bryan wasn¡¯t here as his guest¡ªhe was on Le¡¯s side.

    No wonder Le had been so confident.

    A nervous sweat ran down Maximo¡¯s forehead as he forced a smile that looked more like a grimace. He sank back into his seat, the weight of the situation hitting him like a ton of bricks.

    The meal progressed in awkward silence. Only Eileen and Gabri ate well; Bryan barely touched his food.

    After the meal, the servants of the Vazquez family packed Gianna¡¯s and Conroy¡¯s belongings. They threw everything into a waiting truck outside the mansion.

    Le, who had paid for the truck, watched the scene with satisfaction.

    ¡°Those leeches have stolen enough from this family,¡± she said. ¡°I don¡¯t want their trash. Let them have it!¡±

    With no empty spaces left, the packing process descended into chaos. Items of all shapes and sizes were hastily tossed into the truck. Gianna¡¯s lingerie, including her briefs and bras, were draped over the edge of the truck, fluttering in the breeze like colorful banners.

    Fresh chapters uploaded on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls?c?m

    ¡°Lift your head!¡± Gianna rebuked Conroy in a hushed tone. ¡°Though we¡¯re thrown out of the family, we need to leave with some dignity!¡±

    No sooner had she spoken than two burly bodyguards approached, scooped her up, and unceremoniously tossed her into the truck.

    Conroy suffered the same fate, being thrown into the truck with equal force. His bulky frame came crashing down directly on top of Gianna.

    Gianna let out a loud yelp of pain as Conroy¡¯s body fell on her. Though the truck¡¯s walls concealed the impact, her anguished cry resonated through the air, echoing far and wide.

    The truck started and left slowly.

    The wedding guests of the Vazquez family left in silence, none of them brave enough to speak up, particrly after the bombshell news that Bryan¡¯s wife was Eileen, which effectively quashed any potential objections.

    As the servants did the cleaning, Le found herself alone in the courtyard, staring at the empty rooms around her.

    ¡°Eileen, I¡¯ve finally managed to shake off the burden that has been weighing me down for nearly two decades!¡± Le said.

    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re safe now. No one in the Vazquez family will dare to challenge you,¡± Eileen said as she stood next to Le. She couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of sadness when she saw Le¡¯s grey hair.

    Le turned to her and nodded solemnly. ¡°Yes. From now on, I won¡¯t listen to anyone except you!¡±

    ¡°What are you going to do next?¡± Eileen asked.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 896

    ?Chapter 896:

    ¡°I¡¯ll make arrangements for a suitable day to transfer your mother¡¯s remains to our ancestral cemetery. Once that¡¯s done, we¡¯ll return to the city and take charge of the Vazquez family¡¯s business. It will be yours in the future.¡± Le pulled Eileen inside and retrieved a wooden box from beneath the bed. Inside the box were the Vazquez family¡¯s property deeds and VQ Group shares.

    Le said, ¡°I once said that it didn¡¯t matter whether we retained control of VQ Group, as long as your mother¡¯s body could beid to rest in our family¡¯s cemetery. But deep down, I wanted more. Now, I want you to take back VQ Group. It¡¯s rightfully yours, and you¡¯re capable of running it. Conroy doesn¡¯t deserve thepany.¡±

    After a pause, she continued, ¡°Gianna is a proud and entitled woman, and she¡¯s ustomed to the life of a rich woman. She won¡¯t let Conroy leave VQ Group without a fight. So, you should go¡­¡±

    ¡°Back to VQ Group tomorrow morning and face the challenge. I¡¯m unable to help you with this fight, so you¡¯ll have to do this on your own.¡±

    No sooner had she spoken than Bryan entered with Gabri in his arms. She whispered, ¡°Men are unpredictable, so you must be cautious.¡±

    Eileen blinked at her grandmother, struck speechless.

    Le¡¯s hearing wasn¡¯t great, so she was used to speaking loudly. Both Eileen and Bryan heard her clearly, even though she thought she was being quiet.

    Bryan, who had been approaching them, suddenly stopped. He saw from Le¡¯s bowed head that she wanted to whisper something more to Eileen. He put down Gabri and pretended not to have heard anything.

    Explore new stories g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??s.c?m

    ¡°You¡¯ve been staying the night with me for the past two days. Have you two been fighting? When you argue with him, don¡¯t run to me. I don¡¯t want to be displeased with you,¡± Le said, not wanting to offend anyone.

    Now that her concerns had been alleviated, she was happy to talk about the past.

    ¡°Eileen, when you were just a baby, your mother would often cradle you in her arms and sleep beside me. She was too embarrassed to refuse Conroy directly, so she often used me as an excuse. That¡¯s why Conroy has always imed that I was the one who prevented your mother from being with him,¡± Le said, upset that she had to take the me.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t quarrel with Bryan, and he won¡¯t dare me you,¡± Eileen quickly said.

    ¡°In any case, if he wants to me me, I¡¯ll betray you. I¡¯ll tell him that it¡¯s actually you who begged to share my bed,¡± Le dered without hesitation, gesturing dismissively. ¡°Keep him waiting. You¡¯ve both had a long day. Go to bed early with him and the child. Return to VQ Group tomorrow morning. I¡¯ll let you know when your mother¡¯s burial is arranged at our ancestral cemetery.¡±

    Eileen was amused by her words. Seeing that Le had summoned her servants to tidy up the courtyard where Gianna and Conroy used to live, she sensed that Le wasn¡¯t sleepy at all. By her estimation, Le would not want to sleep until dawn.

    Eileen turned to Bryan and asked, ¡°What are you still doing standing there? Didn¡¯t you hear my grandmother tell us to go to bed early?¡±

    ¡°How?¡± Bryan scooped up Gabri and approached Eileen, gently pinching Gabri¡¯s arm as he said, ¡°Gabri has been wanting to snuggle up with Mommy and Daddy together for a while now.¡±

    ¡°I want to sleep with Daddy! Daddy wants to sleep with Mommy!¡± Gabri babbled, stating exactly what was on Bryan¡¯s mind.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 897

    ?Chapter 897:

    Before Eileen could respond, Bryan swiftly ced his hand over Gabri¡¯s mouth, tossed the girl into Eileen¡¯s arms, and then scooped them both up, carrying them back to his room.

    Exhausted from the day¡¯s events, Eileencked the energy to argue with Bryan. She freshened up, then climbed into bed, cradling Gabri in her arms.

    Despite her exhaustion, Eileen¡¯s concerns lingered, and she said to Bryan, ¡°Be good. You need to reflect on yourself and learn from your mistakes, okay?¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡± Bryan nodded without hesitation.

    Bryan¡¯s prompt agreement was unusual, and Eileen suspected that he was afraid, especially since she had given him the silent treatment for several days. She turned around and cuddled Gabri to go to sleep.

    While she was asleep, Eileen sensed something grasping her ankle, and in an instant, a heavy pressure pinned her down. Groggily, she woke up. She ced her hands on Bryan¡¯s chest and gazed into his eyes, which were narrowed with a hint of longing. The intense desire in his eyes made her realize that he had been craving this moment for a long time.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you would reflect on yourself and learn from your mistakes? What are you trying to do now?¡± Eileen asked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think that punishment is too lenient, just having me reflect on myself? Let me kneel.¡± Bryan leaned down and kissed her forehead and the corners of her eyes.

    The touch of her resistance was like a cat¡¯s gentle w, grazing his chest, and his breathing swiftly became deep and ragged.

    He was the one receiving the punishment, but she was the one with a sore body. This felt so unfair!

    Explore new chapters g?l¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    Bryan worried that Eileen would be exhausted and angry, so he restrained himself after midnight and allowed her to rest.

    At the crack of dawn, Bryan gently scooped up the still-sleeping Eileen and Gabri from the bed and took them to the car, heading straight to the city.

    On the way, Eileen woke up to find a warm breakfast tightly wrapped in a bag in her hands. Gabri was in the child seat, already awake and happily munching on the candy Bryan had prepared for her.

    Ignoring Bryan, Eileen pulled out her phone and started tackling a multitude of tasks. She had been too preupied yesterday to respond. Dalores had sent a text to inform her that Emerson¡¯s test results confirmed he was suffering from leukemia.

    Dalores had had her bone marrow tested to see if it would be a match for Emerson¡¯s transnt needs.

    After spending some time consoling Dalores, Eileen decided to visit the hospital at ater time. The most recent message was sent by Lenny. Apparently, the VQ Group was in chaos, floundering without its leader at the helm.

    Without warning, Conroy had arrived at VQ Group early this morning and called an emergency meeting with top executives. Now, everyone in thepany was panicking, with rumors flying around that thepany was on the brink of bankruptcy.

    ¡°How long till we arrive at thepany?¡± Eileen¡¯s voice was hoarse, and she cleared her throat.

    Bryan looked at his watch and replied, ¡°At least an hour.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 898

    ?Chapter 898:

    As Eileen settled back and tried to rest, Gabri¡¯s gentle touches on her face stirred her sleep. Eileen shifted slightly, settling back into her dreams.

    ¡°Don¡¯t disturb Mommy anymore, Gabri,¡± Bryan said.

    ¡°If Mommy doesn¡¯t get enough sleep, you won¡¯t be able to share the bed with her.¡±

    Gabri¡¯srge eyes widened, and she dered earnestly,

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll sleep with Daddy!¡±

    Bryan was momentarily lost for words.

    He really wanted to sleep with Eileen!

    ¡°Gabri, you¡¯re a girl. It¡¯s better if you spend more time with Mommy. I can¡¯t always share a bed with you,¡± Bryan said.

    ¡°Daddy is girly too!¡± Gabri protested. ¡°It¡¯s fine!¡±

    ¡°It really isn¡¯t fine,¡± Bryan exined patiently.

    ¡°You¡¯re old enough to understand the difference between boys and girls. When you¡¯re outside, don¡¯t just hold any boy¡¯s hand. You can¡¯t¡ª¡±

    ¡°Daddy can hold my hand and kiss me!¡± Gabri interjected, kicking her legs in defiance.

    Their conversation seemed like it was about to escte into a full-blown argument. Eileen couldn¡¯t help but smile through her drowsiness, amused by the conversation between Bryan and Gabri.

    Later, as they arrived at the VQ Group headquarters, Eileen straightened her clothes and wrapped herself in a thick down jacket. Stepping out of the car, she tied her long ck hair into a ponytail, looking more energetic. Yet, her casual attire andck of makeup made her stand out starkly as she walked through thepany doors, drawing many curious nces.

    Rumors about Eileen and her father vying for control over the family estate were rampant. Conroy, decisive and d in his sharp suit, had convinced the staff he wasing out on top.

    As Eileen entered the building,cking the forceful demeanor of her father, everyone seemed certain she would be the one to fall.

    Whispers followed Eileen like shadows as she made her way to the top floor, but Eileen remained unfazed. In Bryan¡¯s office, she shed her bulky down jacket.

    Raymond hurried in with the news.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, Ms. Curtis, Conroy has been in the meeting for two hours. You¡¯d better hurry and go.¡±

    ¡°Let Eileen handle it,¡± Bryan said, loosening his tie, his fatigue evident after hours on the road.

    Eileen was resolute. ¡°Ignore Conroy for now. Just gather some dependable people and get the security team here.¡±

    After hanging up her down jacket, Eileen turned to Bryan and said firmly, ¡°Wait here, I¡¯ll handle this.¡±

    Bryan nodded.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 899

    ?Chapter 899:

    Meanwhile, Gabri, attempting to follow her mother, was scooped up by Bryan. Her cheeks flushed with the effort to wriggle free.

    ¡°Why can¡¯t I go with Mommy?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you promise to stay with me today?¡± Bryan teased, holding her gently.

    ¡°I want to be with Mommy¡­¡± Gabri squirmed, pushing against Bryan.

    Bryan, ever prepared, produced a lollipop from his pocket. Gabri snatched it up and began to lick it contentedly.

    ¡°I take it back; I like staying with Daddy!¡± she dered.

    Eileen had just stepped out of the office. She couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at Gabri¡¯s vaciting loyalties.

    Soon, Raymond gathered a few of the newer secretaries, who approached Eileen with cautious politeness, likely briefed by her.

    Eileen pointed towards Conroy¡¯s office and instructed, ¡°Gather some boxes and pack up Conroy¡¯s things. Then take them to thepany gate.¡±

    The secretaries exchanged uneasy nces, shocked by Eileen¡¯s instructions. They were hesitant to get involved in the family feud for control of thepany, preferring to remain neutral.

    Eileen arched an eyebrow, her voice firm. ¡°Are you up to the task?¡±

    One secretary spoke up.

    ¡°Miss Curtis, please, this is your family matter. We¡¯re just employees here.¡±

    Your imagination takes flight on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s

    Another added, ¡°Maybe there¡¯s something else we can do. This just feels out of line for us.¡±

    Realizing she might be pushing them too hard, Eileen reconsidered and said, ¡°Alright, then just help me find some boxes as soon as you can.¡±

    As she spoke, Eileen rolled up her sleeves and marched into Conroy¡¯s office.

    Eileen left the office door open, making her actions visible to anyone passing by. She sifted through the contents of the bookshelf, meticulously distinguishing betweenpany property and Conroy¡¯s personal items, packaging thetter.

    Conroy, who had upied this space for over a decade, had umted a vast array of trophies and medals, disying them as if they were profound achievements¡ªeven minor awards from obscurepetitions found a ce on his shelves. He had turned the office almost into a personal museum. In the adjacent lounge, his wardrobe was stuffed with suits.

    Eileen worked up a sweat as she boxed up his belongings, drawing curious nces from many bystanders. One uneasy observer, ufortable with the unfolding scene, slipped away to the meeting room.

    Therge meeting room was filled with senior executives, all in silence. Conroy had said what he needed to say an hour ago, intending to confront Eileen with a disy of his entrenched power when Eileen rushed into the meeting room.

    However, his n was interrupted when an out-of-breath employee burst through the door, announcing, ¡°Mr. Finch, your belongings are boxed up. Eileen¡¯s taking them to the gate for you to take them away.¡±

    Conroy stood abruptly, his face a mix of shock and indignation. ¡°What? Didn¡¯t anyone tell her we¡¯re in a meeting here?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 900

    Chapter 900:

    Despite knowing the odds were against him with Bryan backing Eileen, Conroy had been determined to fight for his share. Yet, he was now shocked by Eileen¡¯s audacious move¡ªshe hadn¡¯t just outmaneuvered him; she had stripped him of any opportunity to fight.

    As Conroy hurried out of the meeting room, the other executives rose abruptly, the tter of their chairs filling the air with a dissonant chorus.

    Conroy¡¯s pace quickened with fury as he headed to his office, where he discovered his personal items already boxed up by Eileen.

    ¡°What are you doing, Eileen?¡± Conroy eximed in anger.

    Calmly sealing a box, Eileen responded without looking up.

    ¡°I¡¯m helping you pack. Oh, and I found this photo of Jessica and Gianna. Forgot to disy it, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    Her question hung unanswered as Conroy snapped, ¡°It¡¯s none of your business! Why are you putting my things in boxes?¡±

    Eileen wiped her hands and faced him squarely, her voice calm and steady.

    ¡°Then where would you prefer I dispose of them? Directly into the trash? You¡¯ve umted so much that the office bins won¡¯t suffice.¡±

    Conroy was momentarily rendered speechless. After a while, he said, ¡°Don¡¯t y dumb with me!¡±

    He suddenly understood that Eileen had been pretending all along, ying him like a fool. She had known everything from the start!

    ¡°What? Was yesterday¡¯s embarrassment at the Vazquez Mansion not enough for you?¡± Eileen said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. ¡°Are you eager to make a spectacle of yourself again here at thepany?¡±

    1@?€$? ¡é#4??€?$ 1? g??novels.c?m

    Conroy¡¯s face morphed into a scowl. ¡°Keep your hands off my belongings, and don¡¯t even think about discarding them!¡±

    ¡°Then just tell me, what do you mean? You don¡¯t want me to leave? Or do you think you have any room to maneuver?¡± Eileen checked her watch and added dismissively, ¡°There¡¯s still an hour and a half until lunch, but I¡¯m giving you five minutes.¡±

    The onlookers began to murmur among themselves, while the senior executives, who had hastened to the scene, exchanged worried nces, unsure of how to assist Conroy. Clearly, Eileen had no intention of engaging in a rational discussion with Conroy. Her sole objective was to kick him out.

    ¡°I¡¯m still leading VQ Group¡¯s most critical project, and these senior executives have been mentored by me. If I leave, the project will copse. How many of the executives will stay and listen to Conroy?¡± She revealed her secret weapon, banking on the fact that Bryan wouldn¡¯t want to waste time and effort finding new personnel for management.

    Finding a new top-tier management team woulde with a hefty price tag, likely exceeding seven figures. If Bryan and Eileen were willing to negotiate with him, a six-figure sum would be all he needed. That would be the best option for both sides.

    ¡°I have the skill to make them listen, and if they decide to quit, they¡¯ll be the ones suffering losses. You don¡¯t have to worry about that.¡± Eileen took a seat and gestured toward the lounge.

    ¡°Since you¡¯re here, gather your belongings and leave.¡±

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Hope you have a great day dear ones. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ?(^?^ )? ¡ä-

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 901

    ?Chapter 901:

    ¡°As Mr. Dawson¡¯s wife, you depend on him, Eileen. You wouldn¡¯t want to create problems for him, would you? If you pay me one million, I¡¯ll leave thepany, and I¡¯ll remain in thepany to work for you. Isn¡¯t that a great deal?¡± Conroy said.

    Eileen quickly shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not short on funds; I spend money on myself. But getting you out of my way irritates me. As for Mr. Dawson, he would happily use money to make me happy.¡±

    She repeatedly tapped the chair, clearly indicating she was not negotiating with Conroy. She seemed annoyed by him and forced to continue the conversation.

    ¡°Still don¡¯t want to give up?¡± Eileen said. Noticing Conroy¡¯s lingering presence, she surmised that he was desperately trying toe up with something.

    With a tilt of her head, Eileen told the senior executives,

    ¡°I¡¯m offering a million dors to be split among you. In return, dispose of Conroy¡¯s belongings in thepany¡¯s front gate trash can.¡±

    The senior executives earned hundreds of thousands of dors annually. Even if Eileen gave them one million dors, each person wouldn¡¯t be able to get more than one hundred thousand.

    But they could all tell that Eileen and Bryan were on the same side. Conroy had not mentioned this to them. Otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t have agreed to be on Conroy¡¯s side.

    Without hesitation, the senior executives hurried into Conroy¡¯s lounge, swiftly removing all the items from the closet and cing them into paper boxes. Within mere minutes, Conroy¡¯s belongings werepletely cleared away.

    Anxiety and humiliation wrestled for dominance on Conroy¡¯s face as he witnessed the swift removal of his belongings. He couldn¡¯t help but question the senior executives. ¡°Are you certain she¡¯ll follow through on her promise to pay you? Whose side are you on?¡±

    Check updates now on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    ¡°Can you see it? They are my people now,¡± Eileen said. Conroy¡¯s outburst was so infuriating that she couldn¡¯t resist the urge to scratch her ear. Eileen rose to her feet and addressed the gathered employees, watching the drama unfold.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give a thousand-dor reward to anyone who helps carry a box downstairs. And if any of you are willing to drag Conroy downstairs, I¡¯ll bump up your sry by two hundred and fifty every month.¡±

    For a brief instant, the employees grasped the significance of the sry bump. After crunching the numbers, they realized their sry would increase by a steady one hundred and fifty dors each month. If this continued¡­

    In a sh, the eyes of several male employees gleamed with enthusiasm, and they swiftly moved in on Conroy.

    Conroy was dragged and hoisted by the employees, his screams filling the air. The female secretaries coborated, each pair efficiently carrying a box and splitting the thousand-dor reward. In less than five minutes, the office was cleared.

    Eileen just wanted to resolve the issue quickly and decisively. Although she had spent money, she had achieved her goal. Since she had to spend money anyway, she might as well use it to bring herself delight and cause difort to Conroy.

    The senior executives exchanged nervous nces, their eyes then fixed on Eileen. They wanted to bring up the matter of the one-million-dor reward, but they didn¡¯t dare mention it.

    ¡°Return to your desks immediately and collect the summary reports from each department for the past year. I expect to see them on my desk by the end of the day. You¡¯ll have to print them out yourself,¡± Eileen ordered.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 902

    ?Chapter 902:

    The senior executives couldn¡¯t help but feel that Eileen¡¯s presence was even more formidable than Bryan¡¯s. They quickly nodded and left to finish their tasks.

    Raymond shed a smile at Eileen and remarked, ¡°Truly a force to be reckoned with. I really don¡¯t know what Conroy was thinking. After everything, how could he still have the gall to try and manipte you?¡±

    After all, even Bryan had to listen to Eileen. ¡°Tear down everything here and redecorate it in the style of EE Group.¡±

    Eileen rose from her seat and smoothed out her attire. She couldn¡¯t help but feel that the chair Conroy had upied was tainted by his presence.

    Raymond nodded promptly and then paused to collect his thoughts before inquiring, ¡°Regarding the one million dors you promised the senior executives¡­¡±

    With a dismissive shrug, Eileen turned to him and said, ¡°Give them the money if they have the courage to request it.¡±

    She had said she would give them the money, but only if they dared to ask for it.

    Raymond gave Eileen a thumbs-up, impressed that she had saved one million dors in apletely legitimate way. The senior executives wouldn¡¯t dare ask for the money.

    Eileen was particrly fond of the office design and decor at EE Group, which was Bryan¡¯s handiwork.

    She would even drop by the office from time to time, drawn by her fondness for the decor.

    The moment Eileen returned to Bryan¡¯s office, Gabri hurried over, stood on her tiptoes, and ced her candy against Eileen¡¯s mouth.

    L§Ñt?st ch¦Ápt?rs in g??l??ov??ls.£ã¦Ïm

    ¡°Mommy, eat candy!¡±

    ¡°Mommy doesn¡¯t want to eat it. You eat it.¡± Eileen scooped Gabri up and nced at her watch. As she had anticipated, she had handled Conroy in just a few minutes.

    But Bryan was a bit dissatisfied. ¡°You took two minutes more than I expected.¡±

    Eileen believed the extra two minutes Bryan wasining about had probably been used by her to instruct Raymond to decorate the office.

    ¡°I n to visit the hospitalter. Kinsey is in the hospital with her child. After the incident with Gianna, Kinsey won¡¯t return to thepany, and I think he¡¯s nning to divorce Dalores,¡± Eileen said.

    In that case, it would be extremely difficult for Dalores to let her child receive treatment.

    ¡°Go, you can let Raymond handle thepany,¡± Bryan replied.

    After careful consideration, Eileen proposed, ¡°Why don¡¯t we appoint Raymond as the acting president of VQ Group and offer him a five percent share of thepany¡¯s bonus? Once the VQ Group¡¯s situation stabilizes, we can allow him to return to Onnd, but he will still receive the five percent bonus.¡±

    She felt a twinge of unease, realizing that Raymond had be a pawn in her and Bryan¡¯s ns, always carrying out their instructions without question.

    She feltpelled to offer Raymond sufficient incentives.

    As long as Eileen wasn¡¯t angry anymore, Bryan was willing to do whatever she said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 903

    ?Chapter 903:

    After a short chat with Bryan, Eileen entrusted Gabri to Bryan¡¯s care, collected her belongings, and drove to the hospital.

    As she arrived at the hospital, she happened to spot Kinsey at the entrance, dressed in casual attire¡ªa stark contrast to his usual suit. He was wearing jeans and a T-shirt.

    He appeared a lot younger than he used to be. He looked a bit uneasy when he spotted Eileen.

    ¡°Are you here to see Dalores?¡± Kinsey was the first to speak.

    Eileen nodded.

    ¡°Yes. Are you here to give her the divorce papers?¡±

    She had noticed the document in Kinsey¡¯s hand, and even though the cover was obscured, she had guessed its contents.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Kinsey grew increasingly uneasy and struggled to find the right words to exin the situation.

    After a while, Kinsey said, ¡°Can we find somewhere to sit and talk?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have much time. Let¡¯s go to the hospital garden,¡± Eileen said, ncing at her watch. It was almost eleven now.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Kinsey agreed quickly.

    Eileen led the way to the garden and took a seat on a bench. Kinsey stood, nervous to sit.

    ¡°I heard about what happened with the Vazquez family. Part of me wants to congratte you, but¡­ I shouldn¡¯t. I know it sounds hypocritical, but I want to be clear that I¡¯m not interested in the Vazquez family fortune at all,¡± Kinsey spoke slowly, choosing his words carefully. He wasn¡¯t sure how to continue.

    Explore magic at g¦Á ? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s,

    ¡°The girl you love is Sariyah, from the Gonzalez family in Alverron. She¡¯s got a good family, but you didn¡¯t want to get dragged into the Vazquez family¡¯s mess, so you had to put on a facade. You married to throw your mother and Conroy off your scent,¡± Eileen said.

    It had slowly dawned on Eileen that Kinsey wasn¡¯t on Conroy and his mother¡¯s side. He had kept Sariyah hidden to protect her, afraid that Gianna and Conroy would be displeased if they found out about this.

    If his rtionship with Sariyah were exposed, Sariyah would very likely get dragged into the mess.

    ¡°But are you sure things will be smooth sailing with Sariyah once you divorce Dalores?¡± Eileen asked.

    Kinsey sighed, a long silence hanging in the air.

    ¡°VQ Group used to cover all of Dalores¡¯ expenses. Now¡­ her kid is sick. I have the money for it, but Sariyah gave her a card with two hundred grand on it.¡±

    He had done all he could. The more Eileen thought about it, the more she realized that Kinsey was actually a good person. He had just been forced to do things he didn¡¯t want to do.

    ¡°I¡¯ve known Dalores for a long time,¡± Eileen said, her voice sincere.

    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure she¡¯s taken care of. I hope you and Sariyah can find some stability and happiness together.¡±

    After everything that had gone on, Kinsey¡¯s time at VQ Group was clearly over.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 904

    ?Chapter 904:

    Even if Eileen wanted to keep Kinsey in thepany, she couldn¡¯t ask him to stay. He would be dragged into the mess with Gianna and Conroy that way.

    Kinsey nodded. ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll be going now.¡±

    With that, he turned and walked away.

    In the distance, Eileen spotted Sariyah waiting at the hospital gate, scanning the crowd. When she saw Kinsey, her face lit up, and she waved excitedly.

    Kinsey reached her, and they exchanged a few words. Sariyah¡¯s smile widened as she took the divorce papers from him.

    Eileen watched them walk away. Their love was a rare thing, untainted by the greed and maniption that surrounded them.

    Eileen turned and headed into the hospital, making her way to the ward where Dalores was.

    Over the past few days, Dalores hade to terms with Emerson¡¯s illness, so she seemed fine now.

    ¡°The bone marrow test results are in,¡± Dalores said, her voice heavy.

    ¡°Neither Julio nor I am a match for Emerson.¡±

    Eileen didn¡¯t pry into how Dalores had learned about Julio¡¯s results. ¡°What is the n now?¡± she asked gently.

    Dalores¡¯ voice was barely a whisper.

    ¡°Emerson has Rh-negative blood. It makes finding a donor harder. The doctor suggested that I have another baby. The chances of a match would be much higher that way¡­¡±

    Your next tale lives on g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s,

    But there was uncertainty etched on her face. What if she found the right bone marrow donor as soon as she was pregnant? Or what if the baby she gave birth to wasn¡¯t a match for Emerson, either, once the baby was born?

    ¡°Look, you can¡¯t have it both ways. If you don¡¯t try, you¡¯ll never know. But if you do, you have to face the consequences. If Julio¡¯s willing to have another child with you, it means there¡¯s still something between you two. Things could change. I¡¯ll do everything I can to help find a match in the bone marrow database. You can take time to consider this. Don¡¯t worry about money; I¡¯ll cover it.¡±

    Dalores, who had been holding it together by a thread, finally broke down.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± she sobbed. ¡°You¡¯ve been a lifesaver. I swear, I¡¯ll pay you back in the future.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. Just focus on taking care of Emerson. I¡¯ll hire someone to help. And hey, teaming up¡­ Online teaching gigs are always in demand at this time of year. The pay might not cover Emerson¡¯s treatment, but it¡¯s a start,¡± Eileen said.

    With aptop and someone to watch Emerson, Dalores could even work from the hospital.

    Sure, she would have to pay for childcare, but it was nothingpared to the money she could make teaching online during the summer.

    Plus, Dalores needed a distraction now. Eileen didn¡¯t want her obsessing over Emerson¡¯s illness all the time.

    Dalores nodded, a glimmer of hope returning to her.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Eileen stayed with Dalores until the sun began to set, offeringfort and support. Then, her phone rang. It was Bryan calling. He mentioned Gabri had skipped her nap and was now¡­

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 905

    ?Chapter 905:

    Kinsey reached her, and they exchanged a few words. Sariyah¡¯s smile widened as she took the divorce papers from him.

    Eileen watched them walk away. Their love was a rare thing, untainted by the greed and maniption that surrounded them.

    Eileen turned and headed into the hospital, making her way to the ward where Dalores was.

    Over the past few days, Dalores hade to terms with Emerson¡¯s illness, so she seemed fine now.

    ¡°The bone marrow test results are in,¡± Dalores said, her voice heavy.

    ¡°Neither Julio nor I am a match for Emerson.¡±

    Eileen didn¡¯t pry into how Dalores had learned about Julio¡¯s results. ¡°What is the n now?¡± she asked gently.

    Dalores¡¯ voice was barely a whisper.

    ¡°Emerson has Rh-negative blood. It makes finding a donor harder. The doctor suggested that I have another baby. The chances of a match would be much higher that way¡­¡±

    But there was uncertainty etched on her face. What if she found the right bone marrow donor as soon as she was pregnant? Or what if the baby she gave birth to wasn¡¯t a match for Emerson, either, once the baby was born?

    ¡°Look, you can¡¯t have it both ways. If you don¡¯t try, you¡¯ll never know. But if you do, you have to face the consequences. If Julio¡¯s willing to have another child with you, it means there¡¯s still something between you two. Things could change. I¡¯ll do everything I can to help find a match in the bone marrow database. You can take time to consider this. Don¡¯t worry about money; I¡¯ll cover it.¡±

    Feel the magic on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s

    Dalores, who had been holding it together by a thread, finally broke down.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± she sobbed. ¡°You¡¯ve been a lifesaver. I swear, I¡¯ll pay you back in the future.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. Just focus on taking care of Emerson. I¡¯ll hire someone to help. And hey, teaming up¡­ Online teaching gigs are always in demand at this time of year. The pay might not cover Emerson¡¯s treatment, but it¡¯s a start,¡± Eileen said.

    With aptop and someone to watch Emerson, Dalores could even work from the hospital.

    Sure, she would have to pay for childcare, but it was nothingpared to the money she could make teaching online during the summer.

    Plus, Dalores needed a distraction now. Eileen didn¡¯t want her obsessing over Emerson¡¯s illness all the time.

    Dalores nodded, a glimmer of hope returning to her.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Eileen stayed with Dalores until the sun began to set, offeringfort and support. Then, her phone rang. It was Bryan calling. He mentioned Gabri had skipped her nap and was now¡­

    Soon, the car pulled up to thepany. Eileen hopped out and headed straight for Bryan¡¯s office on the top floor.

    She pushed open the door, finding Bryan deep in work at his desk. A yful smile curved her lips as she strode over.

    ¡°Bryan¡­ Oh, I mean, darling,¡± she said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 906

    ?Chapter 906:

    Bryan¡¯s head snapped up, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. He watched Eileen as she shrugged off her coat and tossed it onto the sofa.

    Eileen approached Bryan, her fingertips brushing through his hair.

    ¡°Are you tired? How about I get you a cup of coffee?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not tired,¡± Bryan replied, eyeing her suspiciously.

    ¡°What are you trying to do here?¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Eileen said. ¡°I just haven¡¯t seen you for a day. I missed you.¡±

    Bryan arched an eyebrow. Usually, when she hadn¡¯t seen him for a day, she would be celebrating, not acting like this.

    They had been together a long time, and she had never called him ¡°darling¡± before.

    Something must be going on here. Bryan pinched the bridge of his nose. ¡°Cut to the chase, Eileen.¡±

    ¡°So, now that VQ Group has been taken¡­ it¡¯s mine.¡±

    Eileen took Bryan¡¯s hand, gazing into his eyes. ¡°Right?¡±

    She tilted her head, her hair brushing his hand, sending a shiver down his spine. Bryan fought back a surge of desire and met her gaze.

    ¡°It¡¯s yours,¡± he replied.

    ¡°And you¡¯re my husband¡­ So, what¡¯s mine is yours, right?¡± Eileen teased, leading him step by step.

    Stay connected g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s

    Bryan quickly understood what she was getting at. He pulled his hand back and leaned closer, his arms circling her waist.

    ¡°Yourpany is yours. Mypanies are also yours. None of them are mine.¡±

    Eileen was momentarily speechless. After a while, she said, ¡°You don¡¯t have to do that. Even couples need boundaries. I handle EB Group and Apex Group because I love you, not because I expect anything in return. That¡¯s how much I love you.¡±

    Bryan tilted his chin up, his Adam¡¯s apple bobbing. He grinned, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

    ¡°So, what¡¯s on your mind? You can just tell me.¡±

    ¡°Just because you love me doesn¡¯t mean you have to work for free.¡± Eileen yfully patted his cheek.

    ¡°From now on, you¡¯ll set a million a month from EB Group. You¡¯ll be in charge of LB Group, the Apex Group, the old Warren Group, and the VQ Group. Deal?¡±

    Bryan knew exactly what Eileen was up to, but he pretended he didn¡¯t understand her. He shrugged.

    ¡°I can¡¯t take money from the group; that¡¯s my gift for you. How about you pay from VQ Group instead? That one¡¯s all yours. It¡¯ll be like you¡¯re giving me the money personally.¡±

    He framed it as a symbol of her love.

    Eileen shivered at the cheesiness. She frowned, grabbing his cor yfully.

    ¡°VQ Group is broke. Are you saying I don¡¯t love you if I can¡¯t pay you a million bucks?¡±

    Bryan raised his hands in mock surrender.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 907

    ?Chapter 907:

    ¡°Whoa, I didn¡¯t say that. If VQ Group¡¯s broke, just say so. We¡¯re a couple, we don¡¯t need to be formal about money. How about some other forms ofpensation?¡±

    ¡°Like what?¡± Eileen¡¯s eyes sparkled mischievously.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you a kiss for every hundred dors. I¡¯ll kiss you until it¡¯s enough to cover your sry of one million. Sounds good?¡±

    That would be too many kisses.

    She continued, ¡°Or¡­ how about sex? Same price as before, half a million for a night?¡± Her hand trailed down his shoulder, undoing a couple of buttons on his shirt. She was teasing him. She wouldn¡¯t stop until he promised to give up his sry here.

    Bryan leaned back in his chair, enjoying the situation. It wasn¡¯t often she took the lead like this.

    Just as Eileen was about to unbutton a few more buttons for him, the door was suddenly pushed open.

    Jessica stormed in, her face red with anger. She froze for a second, taking in the scene, then yelled,

    ¡°Eileen, you have no shame! You came back from Onnd just to steal the Vazquez family fortune! You threw my parents out of the family and thepany! You¡¯ve gone too far!¡±

    The smile vanished from Bryan¡¯s eyes, reced by a cold stare.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t your parents embarrassed themselves enough?¡± Eileen said, pulling away from Bryan.

    ¡°Now you¡¯re here to cause more trouble?¡±

    Get the newest chapters g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv??ls

    Suddenly, a swarm of people with cameras rushed into the office. They were all reporters.

    It was the end of the workday, and the security guards were changing shifts. Jessica had seized the opportunity to sneak them in.

    The cameras shed, capturing Eileen and Bryan. Bryan¡¯s expression was dark, but the reporters didn¡¯t care.

    They were all hungry for the scoop. What was the rtionship between Bryan and Eileen?

    Only a handful of people knew that Eileen was actually Bryan¡¯s wife. The reporters knew they were together, but they had no idea Eileen was Bryan¡¯s wife.

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, are you and Miss Curtis together?¡±

    ¡°How long have you two known each other?¡±

    ¡°Compared to yourte wife, what¡¯s the appeal of Miss Curtis?¡±

    These were the Alverton news vultures. Eileen rarely made public appearances before, so they had no clue who Eileen was.

    Bryan¡¯s voice dripped with ice. ¡°Let me set the record straight. This is my wife, the former CFO of the Group. And I hope this is thest time I hear any nonsense about her being dead. Next time, you¡¯ll be hearing from mywyers.¡±

    Bryan couldn¡¯t hold back his anger anymore. If Eileen hadn¡¯t been so determined to keep a low profile, he would have revealed the truth a long time ago.

    The room fell silent. The reporters gaped at Eileen, their jaws practically on the floor.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 908

    ?Chapter 908:

    Jessica wasn¡¯t interested in this topic.

    ¡°You¡¯re focusing on the wrong thing here! I brought you here because Eileen waltzed back into the Vazquez family, stole the VQ Group, and kicked my parents out of the family! She is ungrateful and shameless!¡±

    Eileen said, ¡°ording to the Vazquez family rules, Jim is the rightful heir to the VQ Group. So, what do you mean by ¡®stole¡¯? And by your parents, are you referring to Conroy and Gianna? The nerve of you toe here and make a scene! You¡¯re the product of their affair, the illegitimate child!¡±

    The news was bound to get out eventually.

    Eileen had considered keeping it quiet for a while, but if it meant taking Jessica down a peg, why not let it fly out early? The reporters quickly swarmed Jessica, shing their cameras.

    ¡°Is it true that your parents are Conroy and Gianna?¡±

    ¡°But Conroy is Gianna¡¯s brother-inw!¡±

    Jessica¡¯s expression clouded when she suddenly became the target of the reporters. ¡°Why are you turning this on me? I¡¯m telling you, it¡¯s her fault! She¡¯s the one who is ungrateful! If my father hadn¡¯t kept VQ Group afloat all these years, it would¡¯ve gone under by now!¡±

    Eileen, arms folded, leaned against the desk, looking at Jessica. ¡°Oh, I see. So, if I¡¯m being ungrateful, should I hand the VQ Group to your father?¡±

    Jessica felt something amiss, but she couldn¡¯t help but say, ¡°Absolutely! Why should a woman like you run apany? Isn¡¯t it enough for you to marry a rich man?¡±

    The thought of Bryan¡¯s wife being Eileen gnawed at her, fueling her irritation.

    Discover fresh updates g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í?ls

    Just a few days ago, she had tried to cozy up to Bryan, and Eileen had watched everything she had done.

    In Eileen¡¯s eyes, she must have looked like a clown.

    ¡°Your father doesn¡¯t even have a son. If I handed over thepany, wouldn¡¯t he eventually pass it down to you? But aren¡¯t you¡­?¡± Eileen said calmly.

    Jessica realized she had walked right into a trap.

    She stood there, speechless.

    Eileen¡¯s voice broke through the quiet. ¡°Do you have any more questions or something else to say?¡±

    Jessica stammered, her voice trailing off.

    ¡°If you can¡¯t find the words, then it seems you have no more questions. I guess it¡¯s time to leave you to the reporters,¡± Eileen added.

    No sooner had Eileen finished than the reporters swarmed Jessica, hurling questions at her.

    Words like ¡°illegitimate daughter¡± and ¡°incest¡± flew at her, leaving her reeling.

    Meanwhile, themotion outside roused Gabri from her sleep. She toddled out, barefoot and in nothing but her diaper.

    Eileen and Bryan hurried to scoop her up, retreating to the lounge to dress her before leaving thepany. Jessica, however, found herself trapped on the top floor by the relentless reporters.

    ¡°Mom, I want to have roast,¡± Gabri mumbled as they settled into the car.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 909

    ?Chapter 909:

    Eileen seized the moment to tease Bryan. She replied, ¡°I¡¯m broke. I have to give your father a million dors as his sry every month. We¡¯ll be starving soon.¡±

    Gabri didn¡¯t grasp the humor, but Bryan chuckled, shaking his head. He said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, honey. I¡¯ll take care of you both. As long as I get paid, I¡¯ll give you whatever you want.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t even have the money to pay your dad,¡± Eileen replied without missing a beat.

    Bryan sighed theatrically.

    ¡°Then how can you promise to pay me? I¡¯m out of money too, so it¡¯s up to your mom to buy the things you want, Gabri.¡±

    Gabri had just woken up, her hair a tousled mess. She looked back and forth between her parents, her big ck eyes glistening with confusion. She clearly didn¡¯t understand what Eileen and Bryan were saying.

    Eileen leaned closer to Bryan, her voice dropping to a yful whisper.

    ¡°Honey, how about I have sex with you if you give up your sry?¡±

    Suddenly, the screech of brakes echoed through the empty road. Bryan¡¯s grip on the wheel tightened, his veins standing out.

    He snapped, ¡°I¡¯m driving! Don¡¯t say things like that!¡±

    ¡°Well, are you?¡± Eileen asked, jolting against the driver¡¯s seat as the car came to a stop. For a moment, Bryan¡¯s heart pounded with a mix of frustration and attraction surging through him.

    He growled, ¡°There are six days left until payday. Satisfy me in those days, and you can have my life, let alone the sry!¡±

    Find your next adventure at g¦Á ?¦Ç ¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s

    Eileen couldn¡¯t help butugh.

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t rush! I don¡¯t want to eat toast anymore!¡± Gabri¡¯s small voice cut through the tension, affected by the sudden stop. Thankfully, the child seat kept her secure.

    Misunderstanding the yful exchange, she thought her parents were arguing over the toast and quickly waved her hands.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to eat that anymore. I can be hungry a little longer!¡±

    Eileen turned, smoothing her daughter¡¯s hair with a tender hand.

    ¡°Gabri, we¡¯re not going to starve. I¡¯ll take you to get your toast. Mommy has got plenty of money.¡±

    ¡°Mum¡¯s got plenty of money?¡± Gabri¡¯s eyes widened, a mix of surprise and doubt clouding her young mind. Eileen nodded, her eyes bright.

    The next moment, Gabri grinned.

    ¡°Mom buys me toast, but Dad doesn¡¯t. Dad¡¯s broke.¡±

    Her innocent voice rang through the car like a bell, filling the air with a childish charm. Bryan pressed down the elerator, steering them toward a restaurant famous for its toast. His eyes flicked to the rearview mirror asionally, catching glimpses of Eileen and Gabri.

    After Gabri got the toast she wanted, Eileen swiftly typed a message to Raymond, instructing him to go to thepany¡¯s finance department the next day and cancel Bryan¡¯sbor contract.

    Raymond¡¯s reply came with a thumbs-up emoji. Eileen had indeed gotten the job done sessfully.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 910

    ?Chapter 910:

    He, too, believed that the root of VQ Group¡¯s crisis was Bryan¡¯s sry. Handling that would make everything else a breeze. He didn¡¯t dare take this to Bryan directly; that was why he sought out Eileen instead.

    Eileen nibbled on a piece of toast, her gaze sliding over to Bryan, who was patiently feeding Gabri.

    Dressed in a ck shirt, Bryan exuded cool detachment, but his gentle care for Gabri made him irresistibly appealing.

    ¡°Are you smiling?¡± Bryan asked without lifting his head, sensing her eyes on him.

    Her gaze was so intense.

    If they were in bed, he wouldn¡¯tst two seconds under such a look.

    Eileen continued to smile.

    ¡°I¡¯m smiling because I married a good man and have a wonderful daughter.¡±

    Bryan chuckled.

    ¡°Try saying something sweeter, more open¡ªit might surprise me.¡±

    He had already bared his soul to her, willing toy down his life for her when the time came.

    Eileen pretended not to hear, chewing slowly.

    After the meal, the three of them went home. Eileen didn¡¯t sleep all night.

    But she had anticipated this. With a monthly sry of a million, Bryan was set to rake in hundreds of millions over his lifetime. She knew he wouldn¡¯t let her off easily when it came to paying off this ¡°debt¡± in the bedroom.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s is where magic happens

    The next morning, her body still sore and unable to get out of bed, Eileeny on the bed and read the news on her phone.

    The matter of the Vazquez family was all over the headlines.

    It was like a soap opera, with a flurry of explosive news breaking constantly.

    Initially, there had been buzz about Gianna nning to marry her brother-inw.

    Then rumors circted that Gianna wasn¡¯t the Vazquez family¡¯s biological daughter.

    Andst night, reports imed that Conroy and Gianna had a child who was now grown. The revtion about Jessica being the illegitimate daughter not only drew media attention but also sparked deep investigations.

    An anonymous source revealed that after graduating from university, Jessica had held a prominent post as the director of Vazquez Group, with a six-figure sry to boot.

    Thus, even though the three of them didn¡¯t fully run the Vazquez Group, they had been getting money from it.

    Now that they were ousted from VQ Group, the public cheered their departure.

    As Eileen and Bryan garnered public interest, some media outlets sensationalized the news with headlines like ¡°Mrs. Dawson is actually still alive!¡±

    In a remote, deste house on the outskirts of Alverton, a figure stood, eyes glued to the news about Eileen and Bryan on the phone. A slow, crooked smile spread across the person¡¯s face.

    ¡°It seems she alwaysnds on her feet, no matter where she goes. I was hoping to revel in her downfall. Well, now¡­¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 911

    ?Chapter 911:

    The man tossed his phone onto the bed and settled himself on the edge of the sofa, murmuring, ¡°It seems I must handle this myself.¡±

    He then turned around, picked up his phone again, and dialed a number.

    ¡°Help me get in touch with Conroy. I need to speak with him¡­¡±

    Eileen had to stay at home, caring for her child. Her legs ached so much that she felt like crawling.

    Therefore, she chose not to stand while Gabri scampered around the room. Gabri discovered a bronze key and waved it excitedly at Eileen.

    ¡°Mom, I found the key to open the treasure!¡±

    Eileen was momentarily stunned before recalling that the key had been given to her by Le, who had instructed her to use it only when absolutely necessary.

    She took the key and paused, pondering its secret, her curiosity growing.

    When she called Le to check on her, she inquired, ¡°Is this key still of any use? Should I send it back to you?¡±

    ¡°What do you think? I see your curiosity,¡± Le had seen through Eileen. ¡°If you¡¯re really that curious, go ahead and use the key. But promise me, you¡¯ll do nothing more than look.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I promise,¡± Eileen responded. After hanging up the phone, her curiosity seemed to ease her aches. She quickly got up, grabbed Gabri, and rushed out to the upscale club where the key could be used.

    She handed over the key, and the attendant presented her with an antique box. As soon as she returned to the car, she eagerly opened the box.

    Unforgettable stories on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s??o??

    Inside were a stack of old photos and numerous letters.

    In one photo, a young woman who resembled Eileen clung to a man¡¯s arm, smiling shyly.

    The man¡¯s eyes were warm, his gaze filled with affection. He was handsome, with a distinctive mole at the corner of his eye.

    Eileen lifted her hand to touch the mole at the corner of her eye. Its cement was nearly identical to the man¡¯s in the photo, but she noted that such marks were rare on men.

    The collection included numerous photos. The deep affection shared between the couple in the photo was distinctly evident.

    As Eileen looked through the photos, she also read some of the letters.

    The signatures read ¡°Dottie Barton¡± and ¡°Keith Aston.¡± Both signatures were quite beautiful.

    The sheer volume of letters was overwhelming. Eileen read just a few before cing them back.

    Keith appeared to be her father.

    She wasn¡¯t sure if the reasons for the couple¡¯s separation were detailed in the letters, but she somehow felt inexplicably sad, so she chose not to continue reading.

    Just then, she received an unexpected call from the Vazquez Mansion. It was Adide Norris, the newly promoted servant tasked with caring specifically for Le.

    ¡°Miss Curtis, since the recent incident with the Vazquez family, many people have been visiting to offer their support. Your grandmother has been tirelessly tending to the guests from start to finish. We¡¯re concerned about her health. What should we do?¡± Adide asked.

    After pausing for a few seconds, Eileen responded decisively,

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 912

    ?Chapter 912:

    ¡°I¡¯lle back now. I¡¯ll take over hosting the guests for my grandmother.¡±

    After hanging up the phone, Eileen quickly packed a few clothes and drove to the Vazquez mansion with Gabri.

    A few hourster, Bryan returned home from work to find his wife and child gone and the room dark.

    At the Vazquez Mansion,

    Eileen set off at noon with Gabri. They arrived at the Vazquez Mansion at five in the afternoon.

    As the sun began to set, the house was bathed in a warm, yellow light.

    As soon as Eileen exited the car with Gabri, a servant immediately took their luggage and showed them inside. Le was overjoyed to see them return. She staggered out, supported by Adide, to greet them warmly.

    ¡°Why did youe back without telling me?¡± Le asked.

    Eileen set Gabri down, and the child scampered off to y. Eileen then helped Le sit and took the wooden box from the servant.

    ¡°I¡¯ve taken it out. I think we should keep it ourselves. It holds more meaning for us here, and we can look at my mother¡¯s photos whenever we want,¡± Eileen said.

    Le eyed the wooden box with aplex expression. After a long pause, she said,

    ¡°Eileen, I heard that your adoptive parents in Onnd didn¡¯t treat you very well.¡±

    ¡°My adoptive father passed away a long time ago. I actually had two adoptive mothers. The first left after a divorce, and the second raised me. It¡¯s only because of her that I have what I have now.¡± Eileen hadn¡¯t said anything about this, but she figured Le must have learned some of it through her investigation.

    Don¡¯t miss it: g?l§Úov???.c§àm

    When Le heard her words, she wasn¡¯t surprised but did feel a deep sympathy for her. After a moment of hesitation, she asked,

    ¡°So, you¡¯ve never really felt a father¡¯s love, have you?¡±

    Eileen hesitated before nodding. She had never experienced such affection, only the hardships brought on by Lowell, who was always violent.

    ¡°So, have you ever thought about meeting your father?¡± Le inquired further.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never thought about it.¡± Eileen shook her head.

    ¡°Maybe you should think about it now,¡± Le replied.

    After mulling it over for a bit, Eileen responded,

    ¡°If he has his own family now and is living well, I don¡¯t need to disrupt his life. If he¡¯s not doing well, maybe I can help, depending on the circumstances.¡±

    Tears began to fill Le¡¯s eyes. She sobbed, turned her head away, and seemed at a loss for words.

    ¡°Grandma, did I say something wrong?¡± Eileen gently patted Le¡¯s back.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t.¡± Le shook her head, tears streaming down her face.

    ¡°You think just like your mother. When she discovered she was pregnant¡­ the date your father¡¯s wedding had just been announced. She went to see him once more and asked if he truly wanted to marry his fianc¨¦e. He said yes, and then, your mother returned home. She deleted all his contact information and stored everything she had with your father in this wooden box. She kept it at the club for decades.¡±

    Dottie had never reopened the box; it was evident she had been resolved not to disturb Keith.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 913

    ?Chapter 913:

    Eileen had now made the same decision.

    Le continued,

    ¡°Their separation was due to misunderstandings. Your grandfather was at fault. I feel sorry for them, but there is no going back. Your mother managed to move on. Over the years, she encountered members of the Aston family several times but always kept your identity a secret, never revealing who you really were.¡±

    Despite the current turmoil within the Vazquez family, only some close rtives knew that Eileen was not actually Conroy¡¯s biological daughter.

    As for the media, Conroy had not disclosed it. After all, revealing this would make his intentions to take control of the VQ Group even more apparent, given that he had married into the Vazquez family and lived there for so many years. Being Eileen¡¯s father could still provide some benefits for him.

    ¡°I understand, so I won¡¯t do anything. Don¡¯t worry. I took it out as a keepsake. If you think it¡¯s inappropriate, I can put it back,¡± Eileen reassured Le.

    ¡°That¡¯s not necessary,¡± Le responded.

    ¡°Neither of us will react as emotionally as your mother would have upon seeing this. Since she has passed and you¡¯ve already taken it out, just keep it with you.¡±

    After putting the box away, Eileen shifted the conversation and shared a meal with Le.

    However, Eileen hadn¡¯t anticipated that the very next morning, right after breakfast, she would hear one of the Vazquez family¡¯s servants announce,

    ¡°Mr. Aston is here.¡±

    Every journey starts at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c????

    Le nodded and instructed the servant to usher Keith in. She then turned to Eileen and cautioned, ¡°He¡¯s your father, but remainposed. He¡¯s unaware of your true identity.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen replied. Having witnessed the bitter conflicts within the upper echelons of society, Eileen sought to distance herself from any further family squabbles.

    Despite her initialposure, Eileen couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of nervousness when Le revealed the person¡¯s identity.

    In the distance, a tall figure, who should have been over fifty years old but looked no older than forty, trailed behind a servant. Keith sported a rxed, casual look in his sportswear and hat, yet his expensive watch hinted at a more affluent persona. But the outfit made him appear surprisingly approachable.

    His presence made a positive impression on anyone he met.

    ¡°Hello, Mrs. Vazquez.¡± As Keith entered, he leaned in slightly to greet Le, but his eyes wandered to Eileen several times.

    Eileen nodded at him and said with a smile, ¡°Hello, Mr. Aston.¡±

    Last night, Le had told her a lot about Keith. Even though he and Dottie hadn¡¯t ended up together, they had maintained a peaceful and harmonious rtionship.

    Later on, when Dottie had lost Eileen, Keith had helped her look for Eileen for a long time. To a certain extent, he had been Dottie¡¯s rock, always motivating Dottie and helping her keep the hope of finding Eileen someday alive. After Dottie¡¯s death, Keith visited Le every year.

    ¡°This is¡­?¡± Keith¡¯s lips curved into a relieved smile.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 914

    ?Chapter 914:

    ¡°Is she Dottie¡¯s daughter? I was abroad when I heard she had returned. I just came back recently, so I decided to pay you a visit. It¡¯sing a bitte, but congrattions, Mrs. Vazquez.¡±

    Le gently patted Eileen¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Dottie must be content in heaven, knowing that her daughter is back home. You can focus on your own life; there¡¯s no need to visit me so frequently.¡±

    She led Keith to a chair and started chatting with him as soon as they both sat down. From their conversation, Eileen gathered that Keith was a father of two, a son and a daughter, and that his wife was of aristocratic descent. Both of his children had already tied the knot.

    ¡°It¡¯smon for young couples to dy or forgo having children nowadays. My kids have been married for several years, but they¡¯re still not willing to have kids, which makes my wife upset.¡± At the mention of his children, Keith looked resigned and a little upset.

    Le chuckled and said, ¡°Most young people are like that. But my Eileen is an exception, getting married and having a child at a rtively young age.¡±

    The two of them continued talking about everyday matters.

    Eileen didn¡¯t get a chance to join the conversation. She just listened, feeling flustered when Le suddenly mentioned her name out of the blue.

    ¡°She really looks like Dottie. I heard about what happened in the Vazquez family recently. Have you made arrangements for Dottie¡¯s body to be moved?¡± Keith asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already made the arrangements and set a date. Thank you for your concern,¡± Le replied.

    Keith smiled. ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯ve taken care of the matter. I don¡¯t want to overstep, but if you require any assistance down the line, don¡¯t hesitate to reach out.¡±

    L?t£åst ch?pt?rs in g??lnovels.??¦Ï??

    Eileen caught a glimmer of duty and devotion to family in Keith¡¯s eyes. In his mind and heart, Keith had already wed Dottie and embraced Le as his own mother-inw, even if circumstances hadn¡¯t allowed Dottie and him to be together.

    After a brief conversation, Keith rose to his feet and bid them farewell.

    The moment Keith departed, Le let out a sigh and said, ¡°Since your mother¡¯s passing, he has been visiting the Vazquez family more often. As an outsider, he was able to see Conroy¡¯s true aspirations very clearly. He has approached me discreetly several times, offering to assist me, but I¡¯ve declined. Your mother didn¡¯t want to tear his family apart. How could I possibly allow him to get entangled in our family¡¯s affairs?¡±

    If Keith were to get involved in the Vazquez family¡¯s property dispute, it would inevitably cause discontent with the Aston family. Keith¡¯s wife would also be displeased. It was highly probable that she was already unhappy and resented the fact that Keith came to visit Le every year.

    ¡°I have a good impression of him. My mother didn¡¯t misjudge him.¡± In Eileen¡¯s opinion, it was worth it that Dottie had known Keith and given birth to a child with him.

    Le smiled gently. ¡°It¡¯s worth it. I wish I could die sooner and tell your mother what Keith has done since she passed away, as well as the joyous news of your return.¡±

    Eileen was momentarily stunned. She quickly said, ¡°Don¡¯t you want to witness my future happiness? You can share even more stories with my mother after you¡¯re gone. For instance, will I have another child? If so, will it be a boy or a girl? And if I don¡¯t have a son, will Bryan be disappointed in me? My mother would surely want to know the answers to these questions, and you won¡¯t be able to share them with her if you die early.¡±

    ¡°Wow!¡± Le¡¯s eyes widened in astonishment.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 915

    ?Chapter 915:

    ¡°Eileen, your imagination surely runs wild.¡±

    Eileen said, ¡°I¡¯m being serious. If I passed away early, I would want to know not just who my daughter marries, but also how many kids she has, what their personalities are like, if they¡¯re attractive, and if their father treats her well.¡±

    A smile appeared on Le¡¯s face, growing brighter with every word Eileen spoke.

    In three days, Dottie¡¯s remains would be relocated to the family¡¯s ancestral cemetery, bringing closure to the Vazquez family¡¯s affairs, yet also leaving a trail of regrets.

    Eileen intended to stay here with Gabri until after the ceremony and silenced her phone.

    Sincest night, she had ignored all the calls and messages from Bryan. Based on the tone of the recent messages, she could tell that Bryan was about to get angry, so she sent a text back.

    ¡°My mother will beid to rest in the ancestral cemetery three dayster; I won¡¯t be able to return home before that. You need to wait a few more days.¡±

    After that, Eileen received no messages or calls from Bryan.

    She tossed her phone aside, scooped up Gabri, and eximed, ¡°Oh no, your father is angry!¡±

    ¡°Why is Daddy angry?¡± Gabri inquired, still absorbed in ying with the toy phone.

    ¡°Because we left him there alone.¡± After a moment¡¯s thought, Eileen picked up the phone and opened WhatsApp, saying, ¡°Let me show you how to talk to Daddy. You canfort him, okay?¡±

    Gabri quickly nestled her head against Eileen¡¯s and said, ¡°I¡¯llfort Daddy¡­¡±

    New updates in g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Then, Gabri imitated as Eileen spoke,

    ¡°Daddy, don¡¯t be angry¡­¡± Gabri¡¯s innocent voice echoed through the phone in the VQ Group¡¯s office.

    ¡°Mammy loves you, and I love Daddy. Daddy, smile for me.¡±

    Gabri¡¯s endearing words made a subtle smile creep onto Bryan¡¯s face. He instinctively yed the voice messages all the way to the end.

    Maybe Eileen hadn¡¯t wanted to send any more voice messages. She had discarded her phone but inadvertently left the recording function on, so her conversation with Gabri after sending the voice message had still been recorded.

    ¡°Good work, sweetie! If Daddy gets angry again, just talk to him like you did this time. Mommy will buy you a yummy dinner, okay?¡±

    Listening to this, Bryan couldn¡¯t help but feel resigned.

    He put away his phone and summoned Raymond. ¡°What¡¯s my schedule these days?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no important matter. But thepany¡¯s current situation is precarious, and we need someone on hand to handle any unexpected issues that may arise,¡± Raymond had a sudden guess as to why Bryan had asked this question, so he intentionally emphasized thest sentence.

    Bryan¡¯s eyebrows shot up, and he rose from his seat, walking toward Raymond as he said, ¡°Consider this yours from now on.¡±

    Raymond¡¯s legs trembled beneath him, and he nearly fell to his knees before Bryan.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 916

    ?Chapter 916:

    ¡°Mr. Dawson, I¡¯m not asking for the same kindness you show Ms. Curtis, but please, treat me like a human being!¡±

    Raymond felt like he was in a dilemma.

    How could he be expected to handle so many things? He was already burdened with resolving the chaos in Onnd, and now he had the added responsibility of overseeing the VQ Group!

    Every time a problem arose, Bryan would task him with resolving it. He barely had any time to catch his breath.

    ¡°I¡¯m thirty-two now, but I¡¯m still not married. My schedule has been too full; I don¡¯t have any time for my personal matters,¡± Raymond said. Bryan slung his suit jacket over his arm, leaned against the desk, and pped Raymond on the shoulder.

    ¡°Consider this: Thepanies I tasked you to run have hundreds of thousands of employees, half of whom are women. Yet, you¡¯re still single. Maybe it¡¯s time to lower your standards for a partner,¡± Bryan said.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have time to look for a partner!¡± Raymond retorted quickly. He was so swamped with work that he didn¡¯t even have time to notice whether the person who sent him a document was male or female.

    ¡°When I was in the Apex Group, wasn¡¯t I busier than you?¡± Bryan asked with a straight face. ¡°Despite that, I was still able to win Eileen¡¯s heart, wasn¡¯t I?¡±

    Raymond¡¯s lips twitched. As far as he was concerned, the situation was the other way around. It was actually Eileen who had captured Bryan¡¯s heart.

    ¡°You¡¯re a sought-after man, but your demanding work leaves you with limited time for rtionships. You should learn to utilize your time wisely. And don¡¯t forget, ourpany doesn¡¯t prohibit workce romances. Isn¡¯t that a chance for you to find love?¡± Bryan said as he adjusted his cufflinks and fastened them securely.

    L??t??¦Ó ?h??¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?l??.??§àm

    Raymond replied, ¡°Mr. Dawson, I¡¯m afraid I¡¯m not up for the task. Once you¡¯re preupied, you won¡¯t be able to reach me by phone all the time, and sometimes, you go crazy and call me at midnight, demanding assistance with matters rted to the Vazquez family. I just can¡¯t¡­¡±

    When Raymond uttered the phrase ¡°go crazy,¡± he felt a sudden twinge of unease. Only after he finished speaking did he realize his mistake, and his heart skipped a beat in anxiety.

    But Bryan seemed unfazed by Raymond¡¯s slip-up. He said, ¡°Eileen once told me that I shouldn¡¯t hold others ountable for their mistakes when I¡¯ve benefited from them. You help me run thepany, and in return, I give you leeway to make the asional verbal mistake.¡±

    Raymond was unable to stop himself from leaving and could only watch as Bryan departed. He silently wished that Bryan¡¯s car would experience a breakdown midway.

    As luck would have it, Bryan¡¯s car did indeed suffer a breakdown when he was an hour¡¯s drive away from the Vazquez Mansion.

    Bryan tried calling Eileen multiple times, but his calls went unanswered. He knew that she had silenced her phone.

    Due to the surroundings, devoid of any shops or passing cars, Bryan had no choice but to call Raymond and ask for assistance.

    It took the team two hours to track down Bryan¡¯s exact location. Meanwhile, Bryan perched on the roof of his car, smoking, as the night began to fall.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 917

    ?Chapter 917:

    The glow of Bryan¡¯s cigar was unmistakable, and just then, a car appeared on the horizon, speeding toward him.

    The man behind the wheel slowed down when he noticed Bryan sitting atop the car. He narrowed his eyes. ¡°Bryan?¡±

    Straightening up, he peered into Bryan¡¯s car, muttering to himself, ¡°Eileen¡¯s not here, but that¡¯s irrelevant. I¡¯ll see her soon.¡±

    Bryan got off the roof of his car and asked the rescuers to remain. As he stood by the roadside, he saw a private car slow down and drive past him at a cautious pace.

    The man in the car gazed at Bryan with an unflinching stare. Bryan felt there was something vaguely familiar about him.

    The rescue team took Bryan to the Vazquez Mansion, where they towed his car away for repairs.

    In the dead of night, while Eileen and Gabri slumbered peacefully in the darkened room, Eileen¡¯s ankle was suddenly grasped, causing her to gasp.

    The next second, Bryan swooped in and covered Eileen¡¯s mouth with his hand.

    ¡°If you want to flee, you should go somewhere far away. Don¡¯t let me catch up to you.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t need to,¡± Eileen said, her pulse racing. She turned her neck to the side, evading Bryan¡¯s hand, and asked, ¡°What are you doing here in the dead of night?¡±

    ¡°I came to ask for my sry,¡± Bryan dered with conviction.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t give me one million, and you disappeared. Do you think I¡¯m so gullible?¡±

    New updates uploaded to g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    Knowing she had been caught, Eileen felt a bit awkward and whimpered, ¡°Please, be gentle.¡±

    After being forced out of the Vazquez Mansion, Conroy and Gianna suffered another blow when the Vazquez family repossessed Conroy¡¯s house in the city.

    After all, it had been bought with the money of the Vazquez family.

    Fortunately, Le showed mercy and spared Kinsey¡¯s home, recognizing that Kinsey had no involvement in the situation.

    But the extent of Kinsey¡¯s kindness, and the depth of Gianna and Conroy¡¯s shamefulness, surpassed Le¡¯s expectations.

    Kinsey¡¯s house became a refuge for Gianna and Conroy, who took up residence there. Later, Jessica also joined them after her house was repossessed.

    Kinsey relocated to an apartmentplex, renting a unit, and simultaneously embarked on a new career path at the Gonzalez Group, starting from an entry-level position as arranged by Sariyah¡¯s father.

    The entry-level employees at thepany faced numerous challenges and were paid meager sries, which made it difficult for Kinsey to even cover the apartment¡¯s rent. But Gianna remained indifferent to his struggles. Her thoughts were consumed by how to get back to her luxurious life. She asked Conroy, ¡°You mentioned receiving a message from an unknown individual? He even said he could help you? Who is he?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Conroy replied. ¡°He¡¯s young, and I can¡¯t say he¡¯s reliable.¡± Conroy had only met the mysterious man once, during which the man had offered him a sum of one million and requested information about Bryan and Eileen.

    In particr, the man had carefully inquired about Eileen¡¯s real identity.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 918

    ?Chapter 918:

    ¡°I told the person that Keith was Eileen¡¯s biological father, and he gave me a million dors without any conditions. He just said he would be in touch again soon,¡± Conroy exined.

    Gianna was confused. ¡°Did Eileen offend someone before?¡±

    Conroy shook his head. ¡°I¡¯d rather not know the details. I¡¯ll just take the million and focus on nning myeback. I have connections. It won¡¯t be easy to revive my career, but given time, I¡¯m confident I¡¯ll seed.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Gianna interjected. ¡°One million is nothing! Why aren¡¯t you nning to regain control of VQ Group? It¡¯s great that Jessica and I can have enough food to eat now! But if you still want to do business with that money, what about us?¡±

    Jessica, engrossed in her phone, retorted, ¡°I¡¯ll listen to my father. You can be a conceited woman yourself; just leave me out of it.¡±

    Gianna was stunned at Jessica¡¯s reply. ¡°You¡­¡±

    ¡°Gianna, if we use the million for living expenses, it¡¯ll be gone soon. Let¡¯s be realistic; regaining control of VQ Group won¡¯t be easy, especially with Bryan and Eileen in the picture. They¡¯ve already shown us leniency by sparing our lives, so don¡¯t assume we can simply take back VQ Group!¡± Conroy said. It wasn¡¯t that he wanted to admit defeat, but he realized that doing so was better than losing everything.

    Gianna thought for a moment before saying, ¡°Give me the contact information for that mysterious man. I¡¯ll talk to him and see if I can get more money.¡±

    The person had handed over a million dors for just a single piece of information, which meant he must be very wealthy.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Conroy said, sending the phone number. Gianna swiftly got up to make the call.

    Latest stories on

    The call was answered promptly. Gianna introduced herself before saying, ¡°To be frank, we¡¯re struggling financially, but we won¡¯tpromise our values or break thew. Who exactly are you?¡±

    ¡°Let me introduce myself. My surname is Dawson,¡± the voice on the other end of the line said. It was deep and raspy, but Gianna could detect a youthful tone in it.

    ¡°Dawson?¡± Gianna guessed that this mysterious man might be from Bryan¡¯s family. ¡°I understand. I resent the tradition of inheriting family assets, so it seems we¡¯re in a simr predicament. Can you tell me what you want? Let me see what I can do for you!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t think you can manipte me. Stay put and wait for my notice,¡± the voice warned in a cold tone.

    Gianna¡¯s eyes widened in rm, and she felt a chill run down her spine. When the call ended, she quickly put the phone aside and turned to Conroy.

    ¡°Why is this person so strange?¡± she asked.

    Conroy remained silent. He felt the same. Anyone who spent a million dors for a piece of information seemed a bit crazy.

    His initial intention had been to sever all ties with this individual after receiving the payment. However, Gianna had insisted on contacting him. Since the person had just instructed them to wait for further notice, it seemed they were destined to have more dealings with him now.

    ¡°Quickly! Block his number. You two figure out a way to get back to VQ Group!¡± Giannamanded as she blocked the number. She then forced Conroy to do the same.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 919

    ?Chapter 919:

    Jessica scoffed and continued ying a game on her phone, but Gianna suddenly suggested, ¡°Perhaps we could explore a marriage alliance.¡±

    The moment she made the proposal, Gianna found herself the focus of incredulous looks from both Jessica and Conroy.

    ¡°With whom?¡± Conroy asked, his voiceced with disbelief. ¡°At this point, my situation is so desperate that no family would want me as a husband.¡±

    Gianna¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Who said I¡¯m talking about you?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you feel ashamed thinking about this at your age?¡± Jessica snapped. The moment she stopped speaking, she sprang to her feet and eximed, ¡°You¡¯re the one who should feel ashamed! You¡¯ve never shown me any love since the day I was born. Now that you¡¯re being ousted from the Vazquez family, do you expect me to marry for wealth just so you can maintain your luxurious lifestyle?¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Gianna retorted icily. ¡°Regardless of my ws, I¡¯m still your mother, the person who brought you into this world. Haven¡¯t I done everything for your sake?¡±

    Jessica¡¯s expression twisted into a sneer, her words dripping with sarcasm. ¡°Spare me the theatrics. You¡¯re just refusing to face reality! Do you think I want to be your daughter? To everyone else, I¡¯m just an illegitimate child. I hate you!¡±

    With that, she snatched a cup from the table and hurled it straight at Gianna.

    Conroy was about to rise and intervene, but he instinctively sat back down, dodging the flying cup.

    Seeing Conroy about to rise, Gianna let her guard down. She hadn¡¯t expected him to quickly sit back down, leaving her unprepared for the cup. The cup hit her face directly.

    Don¡¯t miss fresh updates on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    ¡°Ah!¡± Gianna cried out, clutching her forehead as blood trickled down. Conroy¡¯s eyes widened in shock, and he leaped to his feet, eximing, ¡°What are you two doing? Gianna, you¡¯re bleeding! Let¡¯s go to the hospital now!¡±

    Jessica let out a disdainful snort, spun on her heel, and stormed upstairs, leaving Conroy to take Gianna to the hospital by himself.

    When Le had retired to bed the previous night, Bryan had not been there, so his presence in the Vazquez Mansion the next morning left her momentarily stunned. Then she realized what had happened.

    With a knowing smile, she asked, ¡°I didn¡¯t hear your driver park the car. Where did you leave your car?¡±

    ¡°It broke down halfway,¡± Bryan shifted slightly, looking a bit uneasy. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have shown up here in the dead of night if it wasn¡¯t necessary.¡±

    ¡°You entered Eileen¡¯s room, so you didn¡¯t disturb me,¡± Le nced around the living room and only saw Bryan and Gabri. She quickly understood something. She summoned the servant and instructed, ¡°Prepare breakfast, but set aside a portion for my granddaughter.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s still quite chilly, even though it¡¯s May,¡± the servant remarked. ¡°The portion might get cold quickly.¡±

    ¡°A cold breakfast can be reheated, but lost sleep can¡¯t be easily made up for,¡± Le said jokingly.

    Bryan raised his eyebrows and smiled.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 920

    Chapter 920:

    Gabri darted over to them and dered, ¡°Grandma, Mommy can sleep, and Daddy will take care of me!¡±

    ¡°Exactly, Gabri! If you don¡¯t feel like ying with Daddy,e y with me. Remember, don¡¯t disturb Mommy when she¡¯s resting. Come, I¡¯ll take you to breakfast.¡± Le bent down, grabbed Gabri¡¯s hand, and led her to the dining room.

    The Vazquez family was in a flurry of activity, making arrangements for Dottie¡¯s burial in the ancestral tomb. There were numerous traditions to navigate, so people were constantly seeking Le¡¯s guidance for the ceremony.

    Eileen was also thinking about this. If she hadn¡¯t been ¡°punished¡± too hard by Bryan the previous night, she wouldn¡¯t have overslept until almost noon.

    After quickly freshening up, Eileen rushed downstairs and entered the living room, where Le¡¯s meaningful gaze met hers.

    ¡°Once your mother isid to rest in the ancestral tomb, you¡¯ll be able to officiallye home. Make sure to add your name, Gabri¡¯s, and Bryan¡¯s to the family tree,¡± Le brought up this topic to spare Eileen any embarrassment.

    Eileen quickly sat up straight and replied, ¡°Alright, Grandma, I¡¯ll do as you say.¡±

    Le went on to exin, ¡°He was intimidated by me because he coveted the family¡¯s heirloom, knowing that to gain recognition from the family, he needed it to gather everyone in the ancestral hall.¡±

    ¡°Family heirloom?¡± Eileen scrutinized Le from head to toe. ¡°Did you tell me about this on that day?¡±

    ¡°No. The family heirloom was lost during your great-grandfather¡¯s lifetime, but only the previous family leaders knew about it. Conroy and Gianna don¡¯t know this,¡± Le exined.

    Discover fresh tales on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§à??

    Conroy and Gianna feared that if they harmed Le, they would never find the family heirloom and, consequently, lose their chance to control the VQ Group. The corners of Eileen¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°Lost?¡±

    Le was really good at ying the fool. She had pretended to be clueless and on the brink of death before. In reality, she had been masterfully manipting Gianna and Conroy. ¡°If you encounter them again, be sure to share the news with them. They¡¯ll likely be furious,¡± she smiled and winked at Eileen.

    Le¡¯s desire for revenge remained unrelenting, and she refused to give up until Gianna and Conroy were utterly destroyed.

    Eileen was unfamiliar with the rituals of interring a body in the ancestral tomb, so she apanied Le to learn from her. asionally, she yed with Gabri but showed no particr interest in Bryan. Her legs felt sore at the sight of him.

    After dinner, Eileen received a video call from Ruby. She rushed back to her room, cradling Gabri in her arms.

    It had been a while since Gabri hadst seen Ruby, so she eagerly grabbed the phone and nted a kiss on the screen.

    ¡°Miss Grandma!¡± Gabri eximed.

    Ruby replied, ¡°Miss you too, sweetie. Let your mother resolve the issue in Alverton as soon as possible, and then she will take you home to me. We¡¯ll go shopping for new clothes and pretty flowers!¡±

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: Happy monday dear readers. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ©d( ??? )? ? *?

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 921

    ?Chapter 921:

    After a lively conversation with Gabri, Ruby passed the phone to Bailee.

    ¡°Eileen, I have something to tell you. Is now a good time?¡± Bailee asked.

    Eileen gently took the phone from Gabri, gestured for Bryan to watch over the child, and then stepped into the adjacent study.

    Bailee noticed that Eileen was alone in the study now, so she said, ¡°That Miss Sampson, the teacher you introduced earlier, is requesting an advance on her sry.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Eileen thought for a moment and said, ¡°Give her an advance.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll ask the ounting department to give it to herter. And¡­ there¡¯s another thing about Milford,¡± Bailee sighed.

    Eileen¡¯s heart skipped a beat at the mention of Milford, prompting her to ask, ¡°What¡¯s going on with him?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve already handed over the money to the police station, but despite my repeated requests, Milford continues to refuse to see me. I¡¯m getting anxious that something might have happened to him. Should I ask Bryan to help us get updates on his situation?¡± Bailee exined. Despite not having a biological connection to Milford, they had shared a long history of living together as a family.

    The circumstances surrounding Milford¡¯s situation weighed heavily on both Eileen and Bailee, making it impossible for them to simply ignore it.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll talk to him,¡± Eileen replied with a frown.

    ¡°Since he got into prison, we¡¯ve had no contact with him, and we¡¯re uncertain if he¡¯s being bullied. He might be hesitant to see us because of what¡¯s been happening to him. Furthermore, I don¡¯t know if he is receiving the resources Bryan arranged to be sent to him monthly.¡± The more Bailee thought about it, the more upset she became.

    ¡°I¡¯m uncertain if the resources have been delivered, but I believe he¡¯s okay and not facing any bullying. The situation might not be as dire as you¡¯re imagining,¡± Eileen said, trying tofort Bailee.

    Since Eileen didn¡¯t know when she would return from Alverton, she had requested that Bailee keep a closer eye on the situation at the prison.

    Bryan had only briefly mentioned that the police had informed him Milford was undergoing rehabilitation and might be eligible for early release. But Eileen couldn¡¯t see Milford, which was really worrying.

    After ending the call, Eileen switched off the light and returned to her bedroom, where Bryan had already put Gabri to bed. He had also freshened up with a shower and was now lying on the bed, dealing with something on his phone.

    As Eileen approached, he hastily patted the spot next to him and said, ¡°I¡¯ll be upied tomorrow, but I promise to behave and¡­ well, you know.¡±

    Eileen removed her slippers and got onto the bed. ¡°I don¡¯t mind. But can you do me a favor?¡±

    She knelt with her knees apart, maintaining a cautious distance from him.

    ¡°Just tell me what it is,¡± Bryan said, narrowing his eyes.

    As soon as Eileen mentioned Milford, Bryan threw off the covers and got out of bed to make a call.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 922

    ?Chapter 922:

    About half an hourter, he returned, wearing a frown.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Did something happen to him?¡± Eileen asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious. He indeed wouldn¡¯t let Bailee see him. The funds I sent monthly weren¡¯t under his control; others received them. My people were hesitant to return the things to me, thinking it would be hard to exin, so they kept quiet and didn¡¯t tell me,¡± Bryan replied.

    Bryan settled onto the bed¡¯s edge, gazing at Eileen¡¯s concerned expression, and stated, ¡°Milford refuses to ept help from anyone. Even if released under these conditions, it will be challenging for us to assist him.¡±

    Eileen¡¯s face fell as she thought of Milford¡¯s reckless yet optimistic demeanor in her mind. Despite his troubled past, his imprisonment at such a young age made her feel for him.

    ¡°What¡¯s more, Milford¡­¡± Bryan continued, ¡°Trust him. He can do it himself.¡± He offered a reassuring pat on Eileen¡¯s shoulder and said, ¡°The prison guards have reported that he has remained optimistic throughout his incarceration, which increases the likelihood of a sentence reduction. We¡¯ll receive advance notice if that happens.¡±

    In response, Eileen nodded. ¡°When he¡¯s released, we¡¯ll go pick him up together.¡±

    That night, Eileen¡¯s mind was still preupied with the earlier conversation. She had a disturbing dream where Milford was brutally beaten in prison, and she was powerless to stop it, no matter how hard she tried. As a result, she didn¡¯t rest well and had bags under her eyes the next day.

    The current day was the day Dottie would be buried in the ancestral cemetery. Eileen had to go to the cemetery.

    More novels avable at g¦Áln¦Òv???s?c?m

    In Alverton, there was a vast in where affluent families purchased prestigious plots toy their ancestors to rest amid the peaceful surroundings, and the influential Vazquez family was no exception.

    As Eileen ventured into the woods, the air was filled with birds taking flight in every direction, while the ground beneath her was littered with dead branches. To spare Le from excessive emotional distress, Eileen didn¡¯t bring her along, while Bryan was instructed to remain at home due to the Vazquez family¡¯s strict protocols. Eileen was apanied only by a select few from the family, who were responsible for some physicalbor at the tomb.

    Eileen ced the offerings on the ground, then took the shovel from a servant and began to dig into the earth surrounding the tomb.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m here to pick you up,¡± she said.

    Eileen then retreated, leaving the next step to others, who would carefully extract the coffin from the tomb.

    As Eileen took a few steps back, she collided with someone, prompting a hasty apology. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m so sorry.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Keith,¡± he replied calmly, offering a gentle smile. ¡°You seem exhausted. Perhaps you haven¡¯t been getting enough resttely. Your mother would be heartbroken to see you like this. You deserve to be happier.¡±

    Noticing the redness around Keith¡¯s eyes, Eileen nodded and said, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 923

    ?Chapter 923:

    Keith held a bouquet of sunflowers. ¡°These were your mother¡¯s favorite flowers. I brought them for her every time I visited. Once she isid to rest in the Vazquez family tomb, I won¡¯t be able to visit her. But when you go to pay your respects annually, don¡¯t forget to bring a bouquet of sunflowers for her.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Eileen replied quietly, unsure of what else to say. Given her uncertainty about Keith¡¯s connection to her mother, she probably should have asked him why he made it a point to visit Dottie every year. However, she refrained, sensing that Keith¡¯s actions were motivated by deep-seated love. If she asked, he would have had to make up a reason to hide the truth, and that would only make her feel worse.

    She remained still, watching in quiet contemtion as the grave was dug, and Dottie¡¯s coffin gradually emerged from the earth.

    A short distance away, a woman in her fifties stood with an air of sternness, her piercing gaze fixed on Eileen and Keith. After lingering for a while, the woman turned and left, making her way to a car parked by the roadside.

    In the back seat of the vehicle sat a man wearing a peaked cap and ck sunsses, obscuring half of his face.

    ¡°Mrs. Aston, I feel sorry for you,¡± the man said sarcastically. ¡°You¡¯ve been married to Mr. Aston for years, yet you¡¯ve failed to win his heart. To make matters worse, you¡¯re forced to witness him reuniting with the child of his true love.¡±

    ¡°I believe you have no evidence,¡± Kam Aston sat up straight and dered with conviction. ¡°Keith has been kind to me and our children for many years. I refuse to believe he would do such a thing.¡±

    The man leaned in, his voice bing confrontational. ¡°But let¡¯s not forget, Kam, that Keith had a child with Dottie before you. Eileen is that child. Now that Eileen has returned, Keith might decide to leave the Aston family¡¯s assets to her, given his lingering feelings for Dottie. Or, he might divide the inheritance among you, your children, and Eileen. But how is that fair? These all belong to you and your children.¡±

    Stay connected through g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    The man¡¯s words continued to echo in Kam¡¯s mind, causing her to instinctively clench her fists. Her gaze turned icy. ¡°Don¡¯t try to rile me up. Dealing with her doesn¡¯t require my involvement.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to take on the task personally, but you need to do something quietly. I¡¯ll provide you with one assistant. Here are their contact details.¡± The man passed Kam a slip of paper, which she took. Then, he exited the vehicle.

    The car sped away, its interior filled with a suffocating silence. The driver¡¯s fingers itched to roll down the window, craving a breath of fresh air. But one nce at Kam in the rearview mirror¡ªher eyes closed, fingers clutching the paper from the mysterious man¡ªmade him think twice.

    After what felt like an eternity, Kam¡¯s voice finally cut through the tension.

    ¡°How long have you served the Aston family?¡±

    ¡°Over thirty years, Mrs. Aston,¡± the driver replied.

    ¡°What do you know about Keith¡¯s rtionship with Dottie before our marriage?¡± Kam slowly folded the paper in her hand.

    A chill raced down the driver¡¯s spine, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. He had been uneasy about Keith¡¯s secret visit to Dottie¡¯s grave, and Kam¡¯s question filled him with dread.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 924

    ?Chapter 924:

    He shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t know much, Mrs. Aston. I mostly worked for his father back then.¡±

    ¡°Just answer this: when did Keith and Dottie break up?¡± Kam¡¯s voice was steady but demanding.

    Her authority was unmistakable. For years, she had controlled the Aston household. Keith had left most of the household matters to her while he focused on earning money, trusting her to handle everything else.

    The driver knew better than to go against Kam.

    ¡°A month before Keith met you,¡± he admitted.

    Kam¡¯s brows furrowed. She pulled out her phone, her fingers tapping quickly as she searched for information on Eileen. She found detailed records, including her birthdate. The dates aligned.

    She slipped the paper into her bag. ¡°Have the chef prepare some coffee for my husband when he returns.¡±

    ¡°Of course, Mrs. Aston,¡± the driver quickly responded.

    Dottie¡¯s coffin was exhumed and transported to the Vazquez family¡¯s ancestral cemetery. Guards stood watch, barring Keith¡¯s entry.

    Five long hours passed before Dottie was finallyid to rest. As Eileen left the cemetery, she caught sight of Keith¡¯s retreating figure. He was slumped, weary, descending the mountain with the weight of loneliness on his shoulders.

    As soon as Eileen returned to the Vazquez Mansion, Le guessed what had happened.

    Updates loaded at g@lno¦Íe??s

    ¡°Did Keith show up again?¡± she asked.

    Eileen nodded. She then recounted everything that had transpired.

    Le¡¯s eyes welled up with tears.

    ¡°Should we give him the Vazquez family¡¯s pass so that he can visit Dottie¡¯s grave whenever he needs to?¡±

    Eileen shook her head, her voice steady. ¡°Grandma, it¡¯s been so many years. He has a family now, a life of his own. What we need to do is help him move on, not keep feeding his sorrow, trapping him in the past, and denying him peace in his old age.¡±

    Keith had a wife, children, and probably even grandchildren by now. His future should be filled with family gatherings, not endless pilgrimages to a grave that would never bring back what he lost.

    Le sighed. ¡°You¡¯re right, Eileen. After you get things under control at the Vazquez Group, you can go back to Onnd if you want.¡±

    Eileen hesitated. ¡°What about you? Will youe to Onnd with me?¡±

    Le shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m too old for such a journey. I¡¯ll stay here, watching over your grandfather and Yalif.¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s not discuss this now. The VQ Group needs my attention; I can¡¯t leave yet.¡± Eileen¡¯s heart grew heavy. She wasn¡¯t putting things off, but the matters here still required some time to deal with.

    After Dottie was finallyid to rest in the family cemetery, Le¡¯s relief was palpable, and her smile brighter than it had been in years.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 925

    ?Chapter 925:

    Eileen had stayed with Le for two days, but the pressure from Bryan¡¯s work obligations had been relentless. Raymond had been hounding Bryan to return to VQ Group, practically calling him every five minutes.

    After all, apart from VQ Group, Bryan had also left the matters of Group and Apex Group to Raymond.

    Frustrated by the incessant calls, Bryan finally muted his phone.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be heading back? Why are you still here?¡± Eileen asked, eyeing his silenced phone. She could imagine how anxious Raymond must be now.

    Bryan¡¯s response was surprisingly serious.

    ¡°Why should I? I can¡¯t be with my wife and child and go back, and I¡¯m not even getting paid.¡±

    Eileen could only stare at him, momentarily speechless. His threat was as direct as a de. Knowing full well she couldn¡¯t cover his sry, he made it clear he intended to drag her back with him.

    ¡°You¡¯re not getting paid?¡± Le rushed over.

    ¡°Is it VQ Group? Is its condition really that bad?¡± Le asked. ¡°Eileen, you should head back to thepany. Don¡¯t waste time staying here with me!¡±

    Eileen quickly moved to reassure Le. ¡°It¡¯s not as serious as it sounds. Everyone¡¯s getting paid, I promise.¡±

    But Le wasn¡¯t convinced.

    ¡°I know I¡¯ve said over and over that nothing is more important than moving your mother¡¯s body back to the ancestral cemetery. But now that she has beenid to rest, we can¡¯t let VQ Group fall apart.¡±

    L?t??st ch¦Ápt?rs in g??lnovels.c??m

    Eileen caught the undercurrent in her words¡ªLe was determined not to lose anything now.

    Sensing an opportunity, Bryan quickly added, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. With Eileen by my side, VQ Group is in good hands. Why don¡¯t youe stay with us in the city? It¡¯s too far to stay here. Besides, Eileen and Gabri would love to spend more time with you.¡±

    His suggestion, cleverly disguised as concern, aimed to prevent any future excuses for Eileen to return here alone. Eileen, moved after years confined to the Vazquez Mansion, found the idea of a change of scenery appealing. She agreed to go to the city with Bryan and the others.

    Bryan wasted no time in setting things up. He had the apartment prepared in advance, leaving a bright, sunny bedroom on the first floor just for Le. He even arranged for two of the Vazquez Mansion¡¯s servants toe along to ensure Gabri would be well cared for. This way, Eileen could focus on going to thepany with him.

    The next morning, as soon as Eileen settled into the car, sleep imed her. Her long ck hair cascaded over her face, her head tilted in slumber.

    When they reached thepany, Bryan gently scooped Eileen up and carried her to the elevator, taking her straight to the top floor. He tiptoed into the lounge and carefullyid her down. Eileen didn¡¯t wake up.

    Hourster, Eileen stirred, momentarily disoriented. The soft sound of ringing from beyond the lounge door slowly brought her back to reality.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 926

    ?Chapter 926:

    She walked out of the lounge, a hint of frustration in her voice. ¡°Since I can¡¯t help with work, why insist on bringing me here?¡±

    Bryan didn¡¯t bother looking up from his work. ¡°You¡¯re refusing to keep mepany at night, and now, you won¡¯t even let me enjoy your beauty during the day? Paying off a million-dor debt isn¡¯t going to be easy.¡±

    Eileen pouted, then asked, ¡°When are we going home for lunch?¡±

    This time, Bryan met her gaze. ¡°Lunch at home? There¡¯s no time for that. Yalif¡¯s grandmother and the staff are there. Gabri¡¯s well taken care of, you¡¯re staying right here with me.¡±

    Eileen opened her mouth to argue but quickly realized Bryan had already thought of everything. She sighed in resignation.

    Just then, an unwee distraction came.

    As lunchtime approached, Raymond pushed open the door and entered with a message. ¡°Conroy asked to send a message that he wants to meet you and has something very important to discuss, Ms. Eileen.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m busy.¡± Lying on the sofa with her legs crossed, Eileen gestured towards Bryan and added, ¡°I¡¯ll be costing him tens of thousands of dors every minute I stay here.¡±

    Raymond¡¯s mouth twitched slightly. He hesitated to get involved in matters concerning Bryan¡¯s family, managing to say, ¡°Conroy mentioned that if you don¡¯t meet him, he¡¯ll keep visiting until you do.¡±

    It was clearly still a hassle. Without a word, Eileen simply sat up and leaned her head against the back of the sofa, looking at Bryan. Bryan rxed his grip on his pen and raised an eyebrow. ¡°Since someone¡¯s offering us a meal, I see no reason to refuse.¡±

    Your source of stories: g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í??s.c??m

    ¡°I¡¯ll go back and reply to Conroy right now.¡± Raymond turned around and left to respond to Conroy.

    The restaurant where they were meeting was not far from the VQ Group. When Eileen and Bryan arrived, Conroy had already been waiting for a while. Upon their arrival, Conroy pulled out chairs for them and signaled the waiter to hand them the menu.

    ¡°The meal is on me today, so feel free to order whatever you want,¡± Conroy said.

    Bryan selected several well-known specialty dishes, and the cost of the meal easily reached tens of thousands. Conroy wouldn¡¯t have thought twice about such an expense, but now¡­

    He tried hard to y it cool and said, ¡°This restaurant is known for its excellent cuisine. Knowing you¡¯ve been away from here for so long, I chose this ce specifically.¡±

    After ordering, Bryan set down the menu and pointed at Conroy, announcing, ¡°He¡¯ll take care of the bill.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± The waiter presented the bill and stated, ¡°Sir, your total is sixty-eight thousand.¡±

    ¡°Well, we can settle the bill after the meal, right? Feel free to order more if you find something else you like,¡± Conroy suggested, while uneasily pinching the bank card in his pocket. He was worried the money on his debit card wouldn¡¯t be enough to cover the meal.

    He had hoped to threaten Eileen into paying for the meal after their conversation. But now¡­

    Bryan¡¯s expression was stern, leaving Conroy feeling intimidated. Conroy reluctantly pulled out his credit card and said, ¡°Use this card.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 927

    ?Chapter 927:

    The waiter processed the payment with the card and then respectfully handed it back to Conroy.

    Once he had his card back, Conroy dove straight into the heart of the matter. ¡°The real reason I asked you to meet me today is your mother, Eileen. Now that she has beenid to rest in the family cemetery and you have returned to the family, can¡¯t you consider reconciling with me for the sake of our family?¡±

    With her arms crossed, Eileen watched him speak.

    Conroy continued, ¡°I married your mother so that you could be born legitimately. Throughout the years, your mother and I maintained a business-like rtionship with no emotional ties. So, my rtionship with Gianna wasn¡¯t a betrayal of your mother! I¡¯ve looked after the Vazquez family¡¯s interests on your mother¡¯s behalf for many years. I¡¯ve put in the effort. Do you think it¡¯s fair for you to kick me out of the family?¡±

    Conroy looked at Eileen withplicated emotions in his eyes.

    Eileen¡¯s face remained impassive as she countered, ¡°What do you think would be fair then?¡±

    ¡°At the very least, you should provide me with a sum of money to secure my future,¡± Conroy said without hesitation.

    ¡°Future? You¡¯re already an old man. How can you have the audacity to ask for that?¡± Eileen scoffed. Clearly, he didn¡¯t have much longer to live. Discussing his future seemed almostical.

    ¡°I realize you dislike me no matter what I say at this point. You believe I¡¯m deceiving you, but I¡¯m honestly telling you that your mother married me to ensure you had a legitimate background and to prevent any scandal from tarnishing the Vazquez family¡¯s name. You wouldn¡¯t want to damage your family¡¯s reputation, would you?¡± Conroy repeatedly emphasized to Eileen that he held the secret that she was his biological daughter.

    Your escape begins with g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?????m

    Revealing this would not only impact the Vazquez family but also Eileen herself, exposing a truth Dottie had concealed for many years.

    Finally understanding Conroy¡¯s leverage, Eileen responded after a pause, ¡°I don¡¯t care about having a spotless background. It doesn¡¯t concern me.¡±

    ¡°But your mother cared deeply about this!¡± Conroy quickly said.

    ¡°Once your true identityes out, you¡¯ll be seen as an illegitimate child and criticized by others.¡±

    He was anxious to convince Eileen to ept his version of events quickly so he could move on to another subject.

    But Eileen retorted, ¡°I¡¯m not sure if my mother was really concerned about that. Why don¡¯t you die and ask her about it in the afterlife?¡±

    Conroy was left without words.

    Eileen continued, ¡°Also, you could inform her that I¡¯ve been found and that I¡¯ve been ousted from the Vazquez family. Ask her whether I handled things correctly. If she thinks I did wrong, she can scold me in my dreams, but I won¡¯t take your word for it now.¡±

    Conroy was taken aback by Eileen¡¯s words. As the waiter arrived to serve their food, Bryan requested two takeout boxes. While continuing his conversation with Conroy, Bryan packed several of Eileen¡¯s favorite dishes.

    After finishing his conversation with Conroy, Eileen left with Bryan, each of them carrying a takeout box.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 928

    ?Chapter 928:

    Conroy was left with nothing but a credit card bearing an overdraft record. Enraged, he mmed his hand on the table and stormed out.

    ¡°Do you think I¡¯m scared to reveal everything? I have nothing left to lose now! I¡¯m not afraid of you!¡± Conroy muttered as he watched Eileen and Bryan walk away. He clenched his fists and added, ¡°I don¡¯t believe you¡¯ll be this bold in front of the media once I reveal you¡¯re not my biological daughter!¡±

    He pulled out his phone, intending to call a reporter, but was suddenly stopped by a hand. The hand was delicate. Conroy turned to see who it belonged to and was startled. ¡°Mrs. Aston?¡±

    ¡°Are you here for lunch?¡± Kam responded, ncing at the restaurant behind Conroy. ¡°Or are you here to handle some matters?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Conroy was at a loss for words, unsure whether he should discuss his situation with Kam.

    As he hesitated, Kam said, ¡°I heard you were about to reveal that Eileen isn¡¯t your biological daughter, right?¡±

    Caught off guard, Conroy nodded awkwardly. ¡°Mrs. Aston, I didn¡¯t mean to take it this far. It¡¯s just that they were too harsh in kicking me out¡­¡±

    He expressed his grievances with a sorrowful look, criticizing the Vazquez family for their ruthlessness.

    ¡°They may have wronged you, but you shouldn¡¯t expose Eileen¡¯s identity,¡± Kam advised. ¡°She is thest link between you two. In the public¡¯s eyes, you¡¯re still Eileen¡¯s father. Any action you take will reflect on the Vazquez family, and they¡¯ll turn to Eileen for your misdeeds. But if you make Eileen¡¯s real identity public, you¡¯ll have nothing to do with her or the Vazquez family.¡±

    Discover more at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??s

    After mulling it over, Conroy suddenly had a lightbulb moment. ¡°I get it now. Thank you for the insight, Aston!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± Kam replied with a knowing smile. ¡°As the saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend, but our situation is a bit different. You¡¯re in a tight spot right now, so understand this: I¡¯m lending you a hand, not using you.¡± She was keen to make it clear that she didn¡¯t want to be used of using him as a pawn against Eileen.

    Kam added, ¡°If my assistance helps turn the tide for you, it simply means that¡­¡±

    Her words trailed off, leaving the implication hanging in the air.

    Conroy didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°That I¡¯m ipetent. It has nothing to do with you, Mrs. Aston!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a wiser man than you think, and these times, people tend to leave you high and dry. Take my advice¡ªreach out to the Perry family and the Byrd family.¡± Kam handed Conroy two business cards, which he quickly epted, expressing his gratitude repeatedly.

    Yet, doubt lingered in his mind. Instead of heading straight to the Perry or Byrd families, he made his way to the hospital.

    The moment he entered the ward, Gianna approached him.

    ¡°How did it go? Did Eileen agree to cough up fifty million as hush money?¡±

    Conroy¡¯s face fell. ¡°No.¡±

    Gianna¡¯s expression immediately darkened. ¡°What did you say to her? Didn¡¯t you follow my instructions? The Vazquez family is powerful. They care about their reputation. Le wouldn¡¯t want Dottie¡¯s past exposed.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 929

    ?Chapter 929:

    Her aggressive tone made Conroy angry. ¡°I did exactly as you said. Eileen didn¡¯t care at all. What more could I do? Stop ming me for everything!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just anxious, alright?¡± Gianna responded. ¡°Everything I¡¯m doing is for Jessica¡¯s future! She¡¯s my daughter, right? If she inherits the Vazquez family¡¯s fortune, you¡¯ll gain a lot from it too!¡± Gianna¡¯s frustration bubbled over. ¡°How have you been raising Jessica all these years? Every time she sees me, she gives me attitude. She doesn¡¯t respect me as her mother at all!¡±

    Conroy sat on the sofa, his head bowed, listening to her scolding in silence.

    ¡°I¡¯m trying to do right by you and your daughter, but what do I get in return? One doesn¡¯t even acknowledge me, and the other can¡¯t get anything right without me stepping in!¡± Gianna¡¯s voice cracked with hurt as tears welled up in her eyes.

    ¡°I don¡¯t say anything bad about you to Jessica. It¡¯s just that Jessica isn¡¯t close to you because you weren¡¯t the one who raised her. Spend more time with her, and things will smooth over. Why bring this up now?¡± Conroy sighed, pulling a cigarette and a lighter from his packet, along with the two business cards.

    Gianna picked up the business cards. ¡°Do you have these? The Byrd family? The Perry family?¡±

    Conroy told Gianna about his meeting with Kam. Before he could finish, Gianna erupted again.

    ¡°How can you be so dense? Right after you told Bryan Eileen was the Aston family¡¯s child, Mrs. Aston sought you out. She¡¯s clearly ready to make a move. She values your help, since she gave you these contacts. What are you waiting for? Go to the Byrd family!¡±

    M??? ??d???? ?? g????????.????

    Before Conroy could catch his breath, Gianna¡¯s scolding quickly propelled him out of the ward.

    Conroy might not have been a great person, but he sure knew how to pick a good restaurant. The two dishes Bryan had packed were Eileen¡¯s favorites, and she ate with relish as she watched him prepare food for Gabri.

    Bryan had set up a cozy little kitchen in the lounge, and by noon, he was cooking for Gabri. As he cooked, Bryan nced back at Eileen, who was enjoying her meal.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to discuss the matter with your grandmother?¡± Bryan asked.

    Eileen shook her head, a slight smirk on her lips. ¡°You¡¯ve seen Conroy for what he is, haven¡¯t you? When ites down to it, he¡¯s just a spineless idiot. He can act tough when Gianna has his back, but on his own, he¡¯s nothing. I figure if I turn him down this time, he and Gianna will have a fight when he gets back.¡±

    She was still undecided about whether to pay to keep Dottie¡¯s matter under wraps, but for now, she was content to let Gianna and Conroy bicker while she mulled it over.

    Bryan served her a te of spaghetti and then let Gabri finish the rest before feeding it to her.

    The open window let the mouthwatering aroma of spaghetti waft through the room. Eileen, after taking a bite, leaned back with a satisfied sigh.

    ¡°Maybe we should just quit and open a little restaurant. You could be a full-time chef.¡±

    The idea was absurd. They would never leave their business, which was worth hundreds of millions of dors, just to cook for people. Bryan gave her a sideways nce.

    ¡°We would need a sessor first if we were to quit.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 930

    ?Chapter 930:

    ¡°Isn¡¯t she our little heir in the making?¡± Eileen pointed at Gabri, who was watching Bryan intently as he prepared her food.

    When Gabri noticed Eileen pointing at her, herrge, curious eyes darted between the two adults, as if silently asking, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    After a moment of thought, Bryan said, ¡°Haven¡¯t you felt worn out running thepany all these years? Women just aren¡¯t built for this kind of grind like men are.¡±

    ¡°Men?¡± Eileen blinked, cradling her bowl, catching on to his intent. She feigned ignorance.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. Let¡¯s skip the restaurant idea. You can keep managing thepany,¡± Eileen said.

    Bryan replied, ¡°But I¡¯ll age like everyone else. Someday, I won¡¯t be able to work anymore, and I¡¯ll need to retire.¡±

    Eileen shed a grin. ¡°So, when¡¯s this grand retirement of yours?¡±

    Bryan thought for a moment before responding. ¡°I¡¯ll work another twenty years and retire in my fifties.¡±

    ¡°By then, I¡¯ll rece you with three eighteen-year-olds,¡± Eileen quipped.

    As soon as Eileen finished speaking, Bryan leaned in swiftly, his fingers gently grasping her neck as he nted a firm kiss on her lips.

    Eileen felt a twinge of pain and tasted blood. She retaliated by pinching his ear.

    ¡°We¡¯ve only been truly together for a little less than seven years, and now, you¡¯re starting to try to hurt me?¡± Bryan muttered.

    I??€?? ¡é§ß?¦Ñ§ä¦Å?? ?¦Ç g?l§Ú¦Ò¦Í¦Å??.c?m

    After Eileen pinched his ear, he winced as a dull buzz of pain settled in. Gabri, standing nearby, had watched the entire scene with wide eyes.

    ¡°Better she sees us fighting than something inappropriate!¡± Eileen remarked, noticing the scratch her nails had left on Bryan¡¯s ear. She had probably pinched him too hard in her frustration.

    Bryan, still nursing his sore ear, turned back to preparing Gabri¡¯s food. Without a word, he scooped up the slightly cooled spaghetti and ced it in her bowl.

    Eileen reached out to poke him in the back, trying to get his attention, but Bryan remained resolute, feeding Gabri. He firmly turned away from Eileen. Realizing she might have gone too far, Eileen knew she had to find a way to make Bryan not angry. But Bryan wasn¡¯t making it easy¡ªhis silent treatment stretched for days. Even Gabri had sensed something was amiss. Finding an opportunity, she said to Eileen, ¡°Daddy¡¯s mad!¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s mad at me, not you,¡± Eileen whispered to Gabri.

    ¡°Can you help me cheer him up?¡±

    Gabri pondered this for a long moment before saying, ¡°If you let Daddy kiss you, he won¡¯t be mad anymore!¡±

    Eileen was at a loss for words.

    Bryan, focused on his work, couldn¡¯t help but crack a smile. He believed Gabri knew him better than Eileen did now.

    When Eileen turned to look at him, he quickly returned to his serious demeanor, shifting his focus back to his work. But Eileen could see the hint of pleasure in his expression. She got up, grabbed her bag, and said, ¡°I¡¯m going to the hospital to see Dolores. You¡¯ll have to watch Gabri now.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 931

    ?Chapter 931:

    Under Bryan¡¯s shocked gaze, she left quickly.

    It had been a few days since Eileen¡¯sst visit to the hospital. She had been checking in with Dolores through messages asionally and heard that Emerson¡¯s condition had finally stabilized.

    She picked up some baby food and fruit on her way. When she arrived at the hospital, Dolores was nowhere to be found, and Emerson was with a nurse. Emerson had been in the hospital for a while now and was ustomed to the caretaker, but today, he was crying and fussing, which made Eileen feel for him.

    ¡°Miss Curtis,¡± the caretaker said, taking the things Eileen had brought. ¡°Miss Sampson went homest night and hasn¡¯t been back since.¡±

    That was strange for Dolores. She had been by Emerson¡¯s side constantly since he¡¯d gotten sick. What could have kept her away for the night? It was already past ten in the morning, and she still hadn¡¯t returned.

    Dolores was able to continue her online teaching job from the hospital using theputer there. Eileen had noticed that the background in all of Dolores¡¯ teaching videos clearly showed a hospital room.

    ¡°She has been acting differentlytely, and it worries me,¡± the caregiver added after a pause. ¡°I¡¯m concerned that Miss Sampson might do something drastic. She doesn¡¯t arrive until almost each day, and when she does, she seems down and sad. The only time she seems a bit more like herself is when she¡¯s working.¡±

    Eileen reassured the caregiver and then left the room to call Dolores. It took a while for Dolores to answer, and from the background noise, Eileen could tell she was on a bus.

    £í????£å £õ??£ä??£ô£å£ó ??£î ???£ì????£ö??£ì??.??????

    ¡°I¡¯m at the hospital,¡± Eileen said.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be there in ten minutes!¡± Dolores said loudly before hanging up abruptly.

    True to her word, Dolores arrived in less than ten minutes, practically jogging. She was carrying aptop bag and a stack of papers, clearly out of breath.

    ¡°You should have let me know you wereing,¡± Dolores said. ¡°I would have been here sooner.¡±

    Eileen guided Dolores toward a chair at the end of the hallway.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk,¡± she said.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Dolores agreed.

    As soon as they were seated, Dolores took the initiative to speak. ¡°Do you want to know what I¡¯ve been up totely?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Yes, just tell me,¡± Eileen replied.

    ¡°I¡¯ve made a deal with Julio. I¡¯m going to have his baby.¡± Dolores pulled an agreement from her stack of papers and handed it to Eileen.

    The agreement clearly stated that Julio would have full custody of the child.

    Reading the agreement, Eileen realized that Julio didn¡¯t know about Emerson. It seemed Julio wanted a child from Dolores, and Dolores was willing to have one in order to get the umbilical cord blood for Emerson.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking¡­ If I give Julio a child, we won¡¯t bother each other anymore after that. He won¡¯t fight me for Emerson, even if he knows about him. I can protect Emerson. It¡¯s a win-win, right?¡± Dolores looked at Eileen with a serious expression. ¡°I¡¯m not asking for a new life or a new baby¡­ I¡¯m only having it to protect Emerson. I don¡¯t feel anything for it.¡±

    Her trembling voice and white knuckles betrayed her true emotions. It was clear that she would feel something for the new baby.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 932

    ?Chapter 932:

    Eileen couldn¡¯t understand why Julio wouldn¡¯t let Dolores go. She worried that letting Dolores have his child wasn¡¯t his true motive.

    ¡°Do you think I made the right decision?¡± Dolores asked.

    Eileen replied, ¡°If you¡¯re happy, then you¡¯ve made the right decision. In the meantime, I hope you¡¯ll n for the future.¡±

    Dolores¡¯ eyes were vacant. Eileen could tell she was solely focused on having a child to save Emerson, with no other ns for the future in mind.

    Moreover, if the child couldn¡¯t save Emerson, Dolores would likely fall apart.

    But at this point, who could convince her not to try and save Emerson?

    Eileen had no choice but to let Dolores consider her n carefully. She stood up and headed to the ward. Emerson waved excitedly when he saw Dolores and reached out for her.

    The scene was too much for Eileen, so she left after a brief stay. Before she even reached the main road, her phone rang.

    The man on the phone said he was from a karaoke bar. Early that morning, a man named Mr. Ferguson had gone there to drink. He had drunk too much and still hadn¡¯t woken up. They had called Benjamin, who had given them Eileen¡¯s number.

    Benjamin was the only person who knew Eileen was in Alverton and could help Julio.

    Eileen had to go to the karaoke bar now. The ce was empty during the day. She parked her car, and a waiter took her straight to a private room.

    Julio was alone in therge private room. The table was full of half-empty bottles. It looked like Julio had had a wild night, trying all sorts of drinks.

    Get thetest g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    Julio was sprawled out on the sofa, and for a moment, Eileen thought he might be dead. She checked his breathing and was relieved to find he was still alive.

    ¡°Miss, we¡¯re supposed to be closed during the day. The receptionist stayedte to wait for someone to pick him up. Maybe you should¡­¡± the waiter said awkwardly.

    ¡°Could you book a room at the hotel next door and have someone take him there?¡± Eileen asked. She couldn¡¯t move Julio on her own.

    The waiter quickly agreed. He ran to the hotel to get a room and then called over a few other waiters to help carry Julio there. As they carried him, Julio¡¯s head bumped against the door frame. They dropped him onto the bed, and he started to stir.

    Once the waiters were gone, Eileen sshed cold water on Julio¡¯s face.

    Julio woke up fully. He red at Eileen with bloodshot eyes. ¡°Dolores, are you out of your mind?¡±

    ¡°Watch your mouth, and I¡¯m not Dolores,¡± Eileen snapped, cutting him off.

    Julio stared nkly for a moment, then squinted at Eileen before copsing back onto the bed. He squeezed his eyes shut, feeling the pounding in his head.

    After what felt like an eternity, he propped himself up on his elbows. ¡°Why am I here? And why are you here?¡±

    ¡°The people at the karaoke bar called me,¡± Eileen replied, crossing her arms and leaning against the wall, fixing him with a stare.

    ¡°You alive enough to function? Because I¡¯d like to leave now.¡± Julio managed a weak wave of his hand. ¡°Yeah. Go ahead. And thanks.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 933

    ?Chapter 933:

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it,¡± Eileen replied.

    ¡°Just leave me be and don¡¯t drag me into your drunken escapades again. I¡¯m married, you know. If the paparazzi catch wind of this, it¡¯ll be a whole mess to clean up.¡±

    Julio¡¯s expression was dark, and Eileen couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°What¡¯s the deal with you and Dolores anyway? You chased her here asking for your kid. Now, you know the kid¡¯s gone, but you¡¯re still clinging to her, asking her to have another one¡ªwhy?¡±

    Julio was still lost in the fog of his hangover, rubbing the spot between his eyebrows as if trying to clear his confusion. He muttered vaguely, ¡°She had an abortion. Isn¡¯t it only fair for her to give me another child?¡±

    ¡°Fine. But I haven¡¯t settled your hotel bill. Do you have any money?¡± Eileen asked. She wanted to help, but she was worried that he¡¯d call her again if he didn¡¯t have the funds.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Julio sat up abruptly. ¡°Wait, did shein to you again? I didn¡¯t force her to sign the agreement. She sought me out.¡±

    Eileen stopped mid-sentence. ¡°I don¡¯t care who initiated it. I just want to know why you agreed to this arrangement.¡± She didn¡¯t believe what he had just said. If not for Emerson¡¯s ident, Dolores would never have proposed such an outrageous agreement. Julio¡¯s eager eptance was more baffling.

    ¡°It¡¯s not illegal,¡± Julio shrugged. ¡°We¡¯re both divorced.¡±

    Eileen rolled her eyes. ¡°Why am I even discussing this with you?¡± She snatched his bag from the table and strode out.

    Alone, Julio rubbed his forehead, his mind drifting back to the night Dolores had appeared on his doorstep.

    Your next chapter awaits g?ln¦Ò¦Í??ls?c?m

    It had beente. He had just pulled into his driveway after a business dinner when he noticed a figure standing at his door. Dolores, soaked through by the rain, had clearly been standing there for ages. Her dark overcoat masked the shivers wracking her body. It wasn¡¯t until she stepped inside that he realized how drenched she was, her clothes sticking to her closely, revealing her perfect figure.

    She had been trembling from the cold, and after he handed her a towel, she dried her hair absentmindedly before cutting straight to the chase. ¡°Julio, I¡¯ve divorced Kinsey.¡±

    ¡°And?¡± he had paused, then finally sat down on the sofa, crossing his legs as he looked at her casually.

    ¡°I¡¯m leaving Alverton, and I¡¯m here to say goodbye to you.¡±

    Julio¡¯s brows had knitted together in confusion. ¡°What? Are you off to find another wealthy man to marry again?¡±

    ¡°This has nothing to do with you,¡± Dolores snapped.

    ¡°It¡¯s because of you that I got divorced. I need you to stay away from me from now on. We never meet each other again.¡± Her eyes were stormy, full of emotions he couldn¡¯t decipher.

    Blinded by rage, he had missed the real message behind her words. He grabbed her cor, yanking her close. ¡°If you¡¯d had that baby, we¡¯d have gone our separate ways with a clean break!¡±

    Dolores winced at the pain, her face twisting.

    ¡°Then why don¡¯t you just ask me to have another child to make up for it? So you can finally cut all ties with me!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 934

    ?Chapter 934:

    In the stillness of the night, standing so close to Dolores in the dim light, he found himself unable to understand her. Something was amiss.

    ¡°Why? Have you changed your mind? You don¡¯t want another baby, but you want to keep ying this game with me? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve fallen for me.¡± Dolores¡¯ words provoked him.

    Irritated, he crushed his lips against hers, but unexpectedly, they were soft. Amid the roughness, he thought he had heard her sobbing. She seemed to be trying to control her emotions. She hadn¡¯t cried or begged him like the time before when he had hurt her.

    ¡°Julio, it hurts!¡±

    In the quiet room, their heavy breathing mingled with her quiet sobs. His mind went nk, memories of their nights together flooding his senses, desire overwhelming his reason. His mind fixated on the thought he wanted¡ªhe had wanted her since that night.

    Since then, Dolores had visited him several times. After goading him into a verbal agreement, she had returned with a document to formalize their arrangement for her to have another child with him. After he had signed it, she became more proactive.

    Justst night, he had stepped out of her bed, only to watch her get dressed without a word.

    Lately, Dolores had been leaving immediately after sex, her passionate moans in bed seeming almost rehearsed. This had irritated Julio, driving him to drink after she had left.

    Now, rubbing his chin, Julio became more convinced that something was amiss. He lit a cigarette, perched on the bed, unable to figure out what was wrong.

    Eileen left the hotel, adjusting her hair with a troubled sigh. Back at thepany, she picked at her lunch, distracted.

    Fresh updates avable at galno¦Íe?s?c?m

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? It seems there¡¯s something troubling you,¡± Bryan said, noticing how she poked at her food with the fork, barely touching it.

    Eileen put down her fork, rubbing her temple with one hand as she asked earnestly, ¡°Do you think I¡¯m getting old? I can¡¯t seem to hide my thoughts anymore.¡±

    She had nearly spilled the truth to Julio today, revealing the reasons behind Dolores¡¯ actions. Eileen had clearly seen the disdain in Julio¡¯s eyes. He believed Dolores was nothing more than a woman driven by greed, a person without any dignity.

    Eileen then told Bryan everything about Dolores, before adding, ¡°I¡¯ll tell Julio if he won¡¯t admit it. Maybe if the truth came out, things would change for the better.¡±

    Bryan leaned back, crossing his arms, his gaze steady.

    ¡°You think you¡¯ve got sharp eyes, my dear, but can you see how I¡¯m holding back my desires every night?¡±

    Eileen was momentarily speechless. Bryan continued. ¡°Before, with the Ferguson family¡¯s instability, Julio wouldn¡¯t marry an ordinary woman like Dolores, regardless of his feelings. Now that the Ferguson Group¡¯s stable, who knows what he¡¯ll do? If you want to gamble, tell him the truth.¡±

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t risk it.¡± Eileen backpedaled.

    ¡°Let them sort it out themselves. I don¡¯t want to make things worse.¡±

    ¡°How about sparing a thought for me instead of constantly worrying about someone else¡¯s problems?¡± Bryan picked up his fork again, his tone light but with a clear hint ofint. ¡°If you¡¯d pay me a little more attention, I might just return the favor with extra enthusiasm.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, but no. I can barely handle the enthusiasm you¡¯ve got now,¡± Eileen replied.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 935

    ?Chapter 935:

    ¡°You¡¯re not young anymore. How about you focus on our child instead?¡± Bryan quipped, his eyes ncing over at Gabri, who was happily enjoying her food. ¡°She¡¯s doing just fine. Why not give me another one to dote on?¡±

    How had the topic suddenly turned to having another baby?

    Eileen thought for a long time but couldn¡¯t figure it out. She lowered her head and continued eating. ¡°This tastes good.¡±

    Bryan merely smiled, letting the matter drop.

    The next day, Eileen decided to stay at home, using the excuse of letting Gabri spend more time with her grandmother as a reason for not going to work. Bryan, busy with major projects at VQ Group, didn¡¯t object.

    Eileen¡¯s respitested only a week. Then Raymond called, reporting an issue at thepany. With Bryan out negotiating until the afternoon, he asked Eileen to step in.

    After entrusting the child to Le¡¯s care, Eileen headed directly to VQ Group, only to find a crowd of workers gathered at the entrance. Many security guards emerged to restore order, but the intense emotional responses from both sides only escted the situation. The workers¡¯ faces reddened in anger.

    Eileen pulled over and got out of the car, but before she could take a few steps, she was swiftly surrounded by a group of bodyguards, led by Raymond, to protect her.

    Perceiving her as a person of authority, the workers promptly approached her. ¡°Are you in charge of VQ Group?¡± one of them asked.

    ¡°Yes, I am. What can I do for you?¡± Eileen responded, with Raymond positioning himself protectively in front of her, keeping the group of unruly workers at bay. The leader of the group, a man in his fifties, had a weatheredplexion with deep wrinkles etched into his skin, and his fingernails were caked with grime.

    Uncover new worlds at g   alnov els

    Having spent a considerable amount of time outside, he had worked up a sweat. He used the towel draped around his neck to wipe his face and dered loudly, ¡°We¡¯re here for our wages!¡±

    VQ Group had secured several construction contracts, but the foremen in the financial department were responsible for distributing the workers¡¯ sries. The fact that these workers hade to demand payment directly at thepany gate suggested that the foreman at their site must have taken the money and fled.

    ¡°The workers here are employed at the Byrd family¡¯s construction site. Rumor has it that a man named Finch, who imed to be the manager at VQ Group, secured the project for the Byrd family. Despite working for only a short period, their total earnings amount to hundreds of thousands,¡± Raymond exined to Eileen in a low voice.

    Who else could the manager be if not Conroy?

    So, Conroy had assumed control of the Byrd family¡¯s project without settling the wages of the workers.

    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, I have an important announcement. Mr. Finch, who brought you to the Byrd family¡¯s construction site, is no longer employed by VQ Group.¡± As soon as Eileen spoke, the crowd erupted into chaos. ¡°Then what about the sries he owes us? Tell us!¡± they shouted.

    ¡°We earn our money by working hard! Won¡¯t your conscience haunt you for letting us down?¡± their anger was palpable.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 936

    ?Chapter 936:

    The crowd pushed Raymond and Eileen backward, trapping them in a corner. Eileen tried to offer words offort, but the loud shouts of the crowd drowned out her voice.

    Just as the situation was escting, a sleek Land Rover pulled up to thepany¡¯s entrance, its screeching brakes piercing the tension in the air. The door swung open, and Bryan emerged from the driver¡¯s side, striding purposefully towards the crowd.

    Bryan¡¯smanding presence immediately intimidated the workers, who instinctively parted to make way for him.

    Although Eileen was of average height, she appeared vulnerable surrounded by a group of hulking bodyguards and workers.

    Upon seeing Eileen trapped in the corner, Bryan¡¯s expression darkened, his face freezing into a scowl. He looked at her for a moment before turning to confront the crowd. En route, Raymond had briefed Bryan on the crowd¡¯s intentions, but assuming Bryan¡¯s return would be dyed due to the time-consumingmute from the suburbs, Raymond had contacted Eileen toe to thepany.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ve got this under control,¡± Bryan said, his voice firm and authoritative. ¡°Although Conroy has left VQ Group, we acknowledge our responsibility in this matter and will handle it ordingly to ensure you receive your unpaid sries.¡±

    The workers¡¯ faces lit up with relief as they heard this.

    The leader of the group asked, ¡°So when will this be resolved? When can we expect our wages?¡±

    ¡°Three days at the earliest, and one week at thetest,¡± Bryan replied after a moment¡¯s consideration. He turned to Raymond and instructed, ¡°Take down their full details and provide them with temporary financial assistance for the next few days. They can pay the money back once they receive their wages. Additionally, investigate whether they have a ce to live. If not, make arrangements for their amodation.¡±

    When the workers realized Bryan had considered every detail, their anger immediately subsided, reced by a hint of embarrassment for causing trouble.

    In fact, some of them were indeed struggling financially, while others had already secured new jobs and were living on the newpany¡¯s premises. Overall, about a dozen individuals were struggling to make ends meet without a ce to stay. Raymond located some budget-friendly hotels that could amodate them long-term and provided financial assistance. Ultimately, he spent thousands of dors to help with their settlement.

    Bryan grabbed Eileen¡¯s wrist and led her into thepany. ¡°Why are you back?¡± Eileen inquired. ¡°Raymond said you were quite far away to discuss a project and wouldn¡¯t be able to return in time.¡±

    ¡°I pieced together what happened before. When I tried calling him back, I couldn¡¯t reach him because the connection was lost. So, I assumed he would contact you to handle the situation,¡± Bryan exined. As he escorted her into the elevator, he changed the subject. ¡°It¡¯s no surprise Conroy stopped threatening you about not being his daughter. It seems he had other intentions in mind all along. However, in this case, the issue stems from VQ Group¡¯s failure to announce their separation from Conroy in time.¡±

    ¡°Nevertheless, numerous media outlets have reported that you threw Conroy¡¯s belongings out of VQ Group,¡± Bryan added, ¡°and it¡¯s spreading widely.¡±

    After some contemtion, Eileen said, ¡°Something is amiss with the Byrd family. They must not have signed the agreement with Conroy. Otherwise, Conroy wouldn¡¯t have been able to obtain the VQ Group¡¯s seal to sign the contract with the workers.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 937

    ?Chapter 937:

    ¡°They must have managed the operation discreetly and reached a verbal understanding. Afterward, Conroy collected the payment and left, leaving the Byrd family toplete their task, both sides avoiding losses,¡± she continued. ¡°The workers were the only ones who bore the brunt of the losses, so naturally, they turned to VQ Group to ask for their money.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve instructed Raymond to individually interview the workers to determine if they have any proof of working at the Byrd family¡¯s construction site recently. Once we gather this information, we can present it to the Byrd family and get them to admit the verbal agreement between Conroy and them. Then, we can devise a n,¡± Bryan said.

    Without evidence, it was unlikely the Byrd family would acknowledge anything.

    After a while, Raymond sessfully gathered proof within two hours that numerous workers had indeed been involved in the Byrd family¡¯s construction project. The evidence included several meal vouchers from the canteen at the Byrd family¡¯s construction site, as well as a video recording showing the workers disputing with the site¡¯s personnel upon their departure.

    In the video, the Byrd family¡¯s representatives explicitly stated that the workers should seek payment from whoever hired them, and that the funds had already been disbursed to the foreman, Conroy. This statement amounted to a confession that these workers had indeed been employed at the Byrd family¡¯s construction site.

    Armed with this evidence, Eileen headed directly to the Byrd family¡¯s construction site, apanied by Bryan.

    The construction site, located in the suburbs, was deserted, with only the towering scaffold stretching endlessly towards the sky.

    A sixty-year-old man standing at the door noticed their approach and gestured with his hand.

    Your imagination starts at g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s?conn

    ¡°What brings you here? Keep your distance from us during the construction work. If you get hurt, it¡¯s on you!¡± he warned.

    ¡°Hello, we are looking for the person in charge here,¡± Bryan pulled out a cigarette from his pocket and offered it to the old man.

    The old man epted the cigarette and stated, ¡°The person in charge isn¡¯t here.¡±

    Bryan went back to the car, retrieved a carton of cigarettes from the trunk, and offered it to the man.

    ¡°Please, sir, tell us where to find the person in charge or give us their phone number.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s suit and leather shoes looked out of ce here. His sharp features exuded dignity, but his demeanor was rxed. This contrast made it easier for the old man to engage in conversation with him, especially for the sake of the cigarettes.

    The old man eyed the carton of cigarettes.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have my boss¡¯ phone number. Please, don¡¯t put me in a tough spot. I¡¯m just a doorman,¡± he said.

    ¡°I¡¯m not trying to trouble you,¡± Bryan replied. ¡°There are plenty of ways I could get your boss¡¯ number, but I¡¯m asking you directly because it¡¯s easier this way. As long as we keep it between us, no one will know you gave me the number.¡±

    Bryan handed the carton of cigarettes to the old man and gently patted his shoulder.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 938

    ?Chapter 938:

    Eileen, leaning against the car, couldn¡¯t help but smile at Bryan¡¯s demeanor. Her long ck hair cascaded down her back in waves. As she turned to nce at the construction site, her hair obscured her view, prompting her to brush it aside with her hand. Turning back, she noticed Bryan returning with a small note. He ced the note in her hand and wrapped his arm around her slim waist.

    With his arm still around her, he turned to wave goodbye to the doorman. Then he turned and whispered, ¡°Let¡¯s go. Don¡¯t cause him any more trouble.¡±

    Eileenughed softly and slid into the car. As she did, a part of her slender waist was briefly visible. Bryan quickly averted his gaze, shut the door, walked around the front of the car, and took his ce in the driver¡¯s seat. He nced at her long neck and said, ¡°Call the number and invite him out.¡±

    ¡°Got it!¡± Eileen reached for her phone to make the call, but Bryan quickly snatched it away.

    The next second, he handed her his phone instead. ¡°Mine¡¯s easier to use. Call him, use the Bluetooth, and I¡¯ll talk to him.¡±

    As she dialed, Eileen asked with curiosity, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Her voice, soft and alluring, filled the quiet of the car. The innocent expression on her face momentarily captivated Bryan.

    ¡°Just follow my instructions,¡± Bryan replied, loosening his tie, barely resisting the allure of her voice.

    Eileen, still confused, went ahead and dialed the number. However, the call was quickly hung up after a brief ring. The same thing happened when she tried calling again.

    ¡°It looks like this person is cautious now,¡± Eileen said as she ced the phone in the storagepartment.

    ??? ??????? ?? ?????????.???

    ¡°Darling, what should we do now?¡±

    Hearing the term ¡°darling,¡± Bryan abruptly pressed the brake pedal, stopping the car. He reached over and flicked Eileen¡¯s forehead. It hurt so much that she held her forehead with both hands.

    ¡°Why did you flick my forehead? Did I say something wrong? Aren¡¯t you my husband? Isn¡¯t it right for me to call you darling?¡±

    ¡°The issue is that you only call me that when there¡¯s a problem. You need to fix that!¡± Bryan dered. He then steered the car to the side to avoid traffic. Seeing Eileen leaning against the car door, her eyes filled with displeasure, he pulled out his phone and dialed Raymond.

    ¡°Investigate the person overseeing the Byrd family¡¯s construction site immediately. I need his location within an hour.¡±

    He ended the call, rested his hand on the steering wheel, and tapped his fingertips on it.

    Eileen parted her lips and hesitated to use the familiar term again. Addressing him that way had its benefits when used appropriately. However, misusing it could ignite his desires.

    Eileen sneaked a nce at the area between Bryan¡¯s legs, which appeared to be aroused.

    ¡°Eileen, what are you looking at?¡± Bryan couldn¡¯t help but shut his legs. As he turned to her, the tension in his neck stood out, giving him a fierce look. He reached out to grab her cor to pull her closer and stopped when he was just inches from her face.

    ¡°I¡¯m really just trying to solve a problem,¡± Eileen said, grabbing his wrist with a resigned look.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 939

    ?Chapter 939:

    Who would have guessed that a mere nce and a casual ¡°darling¡± would arouse him?

    It wasn¡¯t that she was doing anything wrong. It was his tolerance that was fading.

    ¡°I¡¯ll solve your problem, and you¡¯ll handle mine,¡± Bryan said, managing to contain his urges as he released her. His problem wouldn¡¯t be resolved untilter that night. He would have to wait until then.

    She was like a siren to him. Recently, she had been upset with him and refused to let him share her bed. That¡¯s why he wasn¡¯t able to hold back his desires this time; he had been suppressing them for so long.

    Shortly after, Raymond called Bryan, providing clear information about the identity and location of the person responsible for the Byrd family¡¯s construction sites. Miguel Byrd, a distant rtive of the main part of the Byrd family, managed all their construction projects. He had never caused any trouble for years.

    Though slightlyscivious, Miguel had never done anything wrong. A few years ago, someone had tried to bribe him with a substantial sum, but he had firmly rejected the offer and cut ties with the foreman for good.

    This act had solidified Miguel¡¯s reputation as a loyal member of the Byrd family.

    ¡°It¡¯s impossible for Conroy to bribe someone like him,¡± Eileen said, considering that the amount Conroy could offer was likely less than a hundred thousand.

    Previously, arge bribe from a foreman, possibly amounting to millions, hadn¡¯t swayed Miguel. So why would a smaller sum from Conroy work?

    Leaning his head against the seat, Bryan said, ¡°Conroy didn¡¯t bribe Miguel. He must have bribed an important member of the Byrd family instead. Only the heir of the Byrd family would have the influence to make Miguelpromise.¡±

    Your next chapter is here g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s

    By chance, Bryan had encountered Seth Byrd, the heir to the Byrd family, several times before in Onndi. Seth was a bald man in his fifties, and his voice was always very loud.

    Bryan preferred quiet ces, so he didn¡¯t know Seth very well, typically avoiding him after brief greetings.

    Bryan continued, ¡°Tonight, Seth is going to attend a wedding. If I remember correctly, your grandmother mentioned receiving an invitation two days ago and told you about it. You didn¡¯t want to attend because you didn¡¯t know the couple.¡±

    Eileen recalled the invitation and responded, ¡°Indeed. It¡¯s still possible to go back and get it.¡±

    However, shecked a suitable dress for the wedding and had no time to buy one, prompting her to ask Raymond to purchase it.

    Raymond was smart enough to directly ask Bryan, ¡°What style of dress should I buy?¡±

    ¡°Just pick the most expensive one in the store,¡± Bryan said nonchntly as he drove.

    When Eileen and Bryan returned to the mansion and retrieved the invitation, Raymond had already purchased the dress and delivered it to the hotel where the wedding was being held. A professional makeup team was waiting for Eileen there.

    The dress was crafted from velvet and adorned with numerous gemstones, sparkling brilliantly under the lights.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 940

    Chapter 940:

    Some strands of Eileen¡¯s long ck hair were dyed purple, adding a touch of yfulness to her elegant appearance.

    The dress highlighted her figure perfectly, featuring a high cor that entuated her slender, fair neck. When Eileen emerged from the hotel¡¯s dressing room, Bryan, who was smoking at the end of the corridor, was stunned by the sight of her.

    He watched as she approached. She raised her eyebrows, took his arm, and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Bryan extinguished the cigarette, turned to face Eileen, and enveloped her in an embrace. As his fingertips grazed the soft skin on her back, he was taken aback. He brushed aside her long ck locks to get a better look, and his expression darkened instantly.

    ¡°Is this the dress you ordered?¡± he demanded in a cold tone, his sharp gaze shifting to Raymond.

    Raymond nodded solemnly. Having anticipated this moment, he retrieved his phone to y the recorded conversation.

    ¡°This is the most expensive one in the shop, just as you requested,¡± he said.

    Bryan¡¯s gaze lingered on Eileen¡¯s back, his lips pressing into a line as he took in her smooth skin. The delicate straps of her dress entuated her shoulders, highlighting her natural sensuality. Her curvy back and even the top of her butt were exposed.

    This dress was too revealing.

    ¡°Ml, Dawson, this dress is the most appropriate and expensive option they had. The other dresses they offered were even more revealing, exposing the front of the body,¡± Raymond added, showing Bryan a few more photos.

    ???€$t ¡é?¦Á¦Ñ?§×§ñ? 1¦Ð [dot

    Most of the other dresses were akin to bikinis. Every man in the wedding hall would be mesmerized if Eileen wore one of those dresses, given her breathtaking figure.

    After weighing the options, Raymond had opted for the priciest dress. After all, apart from the back, the dress didn¡¯t reveal anything overtly sensual or provocative.

    ¡°My hair is long. Isn¡¯t it just enough to cover my back?¡± Eileen winked at Raymond before looping her arm through Bryan¡¯s and steering him toward the elevator. ¡°We should head out now, or we¡¯ll bete. That would be rude.¡±

    Momentster, the elevator doors opened on the first floor, revealing the entrance to the wedding hall. Eileen emerged, Bryan¡¯s suit jacket draped over her shoulders, entuating her petite frame and making her appear even more slender.

    Standing beside her, Bryan cut a striking figure. His tall build contrasted with Eileen¡¯s, and he wore his ck shirt with several top buttons undone, giving him a rxed look. He kept a gentle hand on her waist, ensuring the suit jacket stayed in ce.

    Bryan and Eileen slipped into the hall through a side entrance, intentionally avoiding attention. The wedding ceremony was underway, and they went unnoticed by the guests.

    Seizing the chance, Eileen and Bryan searched the room.

    Finally, Bryan spotted Seth and gestured discreetly in his direction, whispering to Eileen, ¡°That¡¯s him. You¡¯ve seen him before.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I have.¡± Eileen nodded.

    ¡°I saw him when I was still your assistant.¡±

    .

    .

    .<hr>

    Message from Noah: New novels in a few hours dear ones. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. (?=?=)? ?

    .

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!