Chapter 39: 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 glance at Vivian.

Vivian’s expression soured, but she soon composed 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 tobacco 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 relationship with Eileen?” she asked.

“She’s my husband’s sister,” Judie replied, blinking in surprise.

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“You must be aware of Eileen’s relationship with Bryan, correct?” Vivian’s tone was light, more curious than accusatory.

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 clamped 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 related 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-in-law took my husband but left Eileen with her father and the woman who had disrupted their family.”

Vivian hadn’t anticipated such a complex 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 relationship.

They made their way back to the private room. Though they sat at a distance from each other, their occasional exchanges of glances hinted at a newfound depth in their relationship.

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, placing his fork down. He removed the hair tie from his wrist and placed it next to her hand. “Here you go.”

“Would you mind helping with it?” Vivian asked, turning so her back faced Bryan, her long black hair cascading down her waist.

Bryan’s expression tightened, a mix of emotions playing 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,” someone commented as the group lavished praise upon them.

However, as the flattery continued, a sense of unease crept in. The facial expressions of both Bryan and Eileen betrayed their discomfort. 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.”

The comment made everyone pause, sensing that something was off about the atmosphere. Bryan glanced toward Eileen, noticing her discomfort.

Eileen’s cold stare was directed at Judie, making Judie feel suddenly uneasy, her gaze faltering.

“Go ahead; keep the praises coming. It would be beneficial if the media caught wind of Mr. Dawson and Miss Warren’s relationship, stirring up the same buzz as before and impacting Apex Group’s stock,” Eileen said, her voice laced 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 relations 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 planning 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 relationship 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 black trousers and salmon-colored shirt highlighting his handsome features and deep eyes drawing attention.

“Vivian, it’s late. I’ve come to take you home,” he announced.

Vivian’s frown deepened. “Kian, how did you know I’m here? I specifically told you not to come tonight!” Her glance 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’t come home soon.”

Reluctantly, Vivian glanced 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 streetlamp. 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 street lamps 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 backlash 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 succeed.”

Vivian fell silent, her mind racing with thoughts of Eileen’s comments before. She bit her lip firmly and declared, “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. “Stella 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.

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