Chapter 40: 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 place.”

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 clarify, 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 success, 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 glad to hear that even though Huey had missed the competition, his gaming career could proceed without hindrance.

“I see. How’s your injury now?” Eileen inquired.

Latest stories on gαℓησvℯ𝓁s․com “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’s late, 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 words laced 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, slapping 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 the company. 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, explained, “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 the company 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 Vivian come 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 circulated within the company.

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. Accepting the documents, Vivian explained, “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 the company’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 plans 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 tutelage?

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—”

“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—rumors were swirling that she was soon to be married and would leave her job after marriage. The speculation even suggested that a pregnancy might be the reason behind such sudden news. Eileen glanced 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 slacking, 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, clearly command 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.

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