Chapter 35: Chapter 35

Chapter 35:

Vivian bit her lip, her gaze clouding over. Kian frowned as he told Bryan, “Her field of study isn’t related 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 semblance of comfort. “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, reclaiming 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 placed 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 flat, and the flavor 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—surely her cooking couldn’t be that dreadful? Bryan had tasted her cooking twice without a word of complaint. Yet the grimace on Huey’s face was unmistakable. Had Bryan merely been enduring it?

Eileen chewed on her lip, contemplating 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 the company chat that had welcomed Vivian.

Lаτєѕτ chɒρτєrs ιn g𝓪l𝗇ovєls.𝒸𝑶𝓶 Vivian thanked everyone in the group chat, playfully beseeching the team to guide her as the newcomer. 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 played 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—urgent business from her boss to handle at the Royal Club. Glancing at the clock, which declared the hour close to nine, Eileen reached for the car keys and accompanied 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, welcome,” 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 clad in black, 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 you come 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 black 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 delay with that document, Bailee? It could ripple through my business—” 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 to come closer and gave a quick introduction. “This is Bailee Brooks, our intern. I asked her to deliver a document for me.”

Kian caught on, glancing 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 handover complete, 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 tobacco filled her senses. It was surprisingly harmonious—almost compelling.

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 contemplative nod, Eileen accepted 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 place 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 to come 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—Vivian stood there. “‘Eileen, once Bryan’s home, give me a call. And don’t stay out late, either—you’ve got your boyfriend waiting for you.”

Vivian’s every syllable 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.

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