Chapter 15: 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 glared 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 muscular shoulder and part of his chest. Droplets of water shone on his collarbone, 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 place and made her way to the car to wait.

Read the newest chapters gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs․cøm 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, compelling her to set aside her phone and start the vehicle.

As the car drove away, her phone chimed. A quick glance revealed a new message from Vivian. Bryan, who had also noticed the message was from Vivian, glanced 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 accommodations. Given the event’s scale, she reserved an entire hotel to accommodate 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 available 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 playful smile.

Eileen passed Vivian the list showing where everyone would be staying. After a brief look, Vivian placed 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 access. 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 or later. 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 uncomfortable 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 place 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 a company 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 plans. 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 might come a time when I wish I could be busy but won’t have the opportunity.”

“Do you remember the young entrepreneur I mentioned last 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, displaying 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 accommodate 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 but laugh.

“Understood. I’ll find the right balance. 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 the company for the team-building event assembly.

There was no need for Eileen to fetch Bryan, as he had stayed late 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-black 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 glances 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 she compare 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.”

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