Chapter 36: Chapter 36

Chapter 36:

Glancing 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 the company 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.

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His kiss was violent, eyes half-mast yet blazing with intent. It was his scent that weakened her resolve, compelling 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 was laced with an assertive edge, silently declaring her his, stirring within her a profound sense of connection. It felt like they belonged to each other.

Unaware of when sleep had claimed her, Eileen’s eyes fluttered open to a sky blushed with the early light of dawn.

Beside her, Bryan lay 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, glancing 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 needless complications. If there’s a straightforward fix, why not use it?”

A crease formed on Eileen’s brow.

Was she the complication he was referring to? If she was considered a hassle, why was she still here?

Bryan’s form rose, the blanket 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 the competition.

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,” Bryan commanded, his voice icy as he put aside the blanket and went to the bathroom to shower.

Perplexed by his anger, Eileen knew it was her cue to exit.

Returning to Bailee’s place, 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 bag last 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 balance in the account. He thought Eileen had prepaid the bill in advance, so he had the staff refund the remaining balance to the original account.

Eileen, momentarily bewildered, shook her head. “I didn’t.”

Huey’s brow creased with thought. “Maybe your boss paid it?” He glanced 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 hospital later?”

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—a subtle hint that Bryan had been within these walls, his slippers now facing a different direction.

Resting on the foyer cabinet 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 necklace bathed in purple—a 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, placing it delicately on the nightstand. Her collection of such boxes from Bryan had grown, each a testament to his generosity. Among them, their marriage certificate lay 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 predicament land you in trouble?”

“My absence from work wasn’t for the reasons you might think. I’m glad 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 place was in a coveted area. The rent was high, and with their expenses, their financial cushion was thin. The combination 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 was laden with regret.

“Okay,” Eileen replied.

Despite Roderick’s flaws, 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—talk 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 clarity. “Eileen’s got her own cushy world. And as for her so-called innocence—she’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 the company!”

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