Chapter 262: Chapter 262

Chapter 262:

Eileen had anticipated that Bryan might merely prevent the Warren family from silencing journalists, allowing the story about Kian to be disclosed. To her astonishment, the disclosure didn’t happen through traditional media outlets but unfolded in a strikingly direct manner.

The Warren family owned numerous shopping malls and hotels located in bustling cities. On these properties, massive screens—each spanning fifty to sixty square meters—continuously scrolled images of Kian and Megan in bed, with captions explicitly stating, “The man is the owner of the mall, and the woman is his cousin!”

The revelation required no introduction for people from high society, and it was easy for ordinary people to recognize Kian. Onlookers enjoyed the spectacle, and within just a few minutes, many had used their phones to take pictures of the screen and post them on their social media accounts. When the Warren family realized their systems were hacked and couldn’t halt the display, they urgently cut the power to the buildings. This shutdown resulted in substantial business disruptions.

However, the screens, having been tampered with, were powered elsewhere. They remained operational. Faced with no alternatives, Kian instructed that the screens be physically destroyed. Despite the immediate financial hit from the damage, this was minor compared to the plummeting stock value of the Warren Group’s companies.

Shareholders rushed to the company, demanding an explanation, and it took the entire security team to prevent them from storming Kian’s office. Seated in his office chair, Kian looked both anxious and somber, his usually charming eyes now cold.

Benjamin entered the office, standing before the desk, and reported, “Mr. Warren, the shareholders aren’t leaving. They’ve convened in the conference room and demand an explanation.”

“Explanation?” Kian snapped as he abruptly stood, seizing a document from the desk and hurling it at Benjamin. “If I tell you I didn’t touch Megan, would you believe me?” Benjamin, maintaining his composure, let the document strike his forehead before it fluttered to the floor.

Check out the newest chapters gαlησνℯls․com Kian’s frustration only grew at the sight. He paced around the desk, asking, “Why are Bryan and Eileen still together? Didn’t you sleep with her? How could Bryan possibly go this far for her?”

Overwhelmed by emotion, Benjamin steadied himself and replied calmly, “Because he loves Eileen too much, Mr. Warren. Why are you so obsessed with this matter? Miss Warren is already in a bad situation. Do you think disrupting Eileen and Bryan’s relationship will make Bryan marry Miss Warren?” Unbeknownst to Benjamin, Kian had actually done this for Zola.

Kian harbored deep feelings for Zola, but he had to keep them hidden. He couldn’t let people know that he and Zola were in love with each other; otherwise, it wouldn’t look good for Zola, who had been raised by the Dawson family to be Hwan’s wife. But he didn’t know Zola’s hidden intentions. All his feelings for her were just foolishness.

“Do I need your advice on what to do? Like Eileen? I’ll grant your wish and expose your overnight stay with Eileen at the hotel!” Kian declared, planning to reveal the secret that Eileen and Benjamin had spent a night together at a hotel before. Such exposure would undoubtedly tarnish Bryan’s reputation.

The dilemma was that Bryan had to choose to marry Eileen amidst public ridicule or break up under the pressure; both scenarios promised significant challenges. Benjamin’s expression frowned. Revealing the overnight stay would certainly cast doubts on Eileen’s innocence. No one else would trust her as Bryan did.

Kian, noticing Benjamin’s reluctance, smirked coldly. “Remember who you work for! Find out where Bryan is. I need to see him. As for the matter about the hotel, prepare everything and await my instructions.”

“Yes, sir,” Benjamin responded with a slight nod, then turned and left the office. Once out of Kian’s view, his eyes turned cold.

As the night unfolded, darkness enveloped the city. Stella had a pleasant evening, staying long enough to discuss wedding plans and the possibility of great-grandchildren with Ruby. But then, a phone call altered her joyful expression. She promptly decided it was time to leave.

As Bryan stood to escort her out, Stella stopped him. “Don’t bother; just take care of yourself. Get well soon, and make sure Eileen is ready for the wedding!”

“Eileen!” called out Ruby, motioning for her to see Stella out.

Stella, however, dismissed the idea. “Eileen, stay with your mother. Let Bryan see me out. I have something to discuss with him.”

“Alright then, take care,” Eileen responded, choosing not to press further.

Bryan assisted Stella into the elevator. As the doors began to close, Stella offered a warm smile to Ruby and her daughters. But as soon as the doors sealed shut, her smile vanished. Once alone, Stella turned to Bryan and asked, “What’s so serious that it warranted all this fuss?”

Bryan, succinct as ever, replied simply, “It’s about Eileen.” His expression turned icy upon hearing this. “That Warren boy lacks foresight. His sister is already mad. Does he still think she’ll marry into our Dawson family?”

Bryan was aware Kian wanted to seek revenge on Vivian but chose not to burden Stella with these concerns. Approaching her car, Stella broached a topic that had been on her mind. “Your father’s judgment seems clouded. He has agreed to attend Kian’s press conference tomorrow.”

Even though Bryan didn’t acknowledge Brandon to the outside world, Brandon represented the Dawson family’s attitude. Bryan knew that if Brandon misspoke tomorrow, it could potentially help Kian justify his actions. The important thing was that it could impact the Dawson family.

“Don’t worry; I know what to do,” Bryan assured Stella, confident in his tone.

After that, Stella left. Bryan lingered by the roadside and watched Stella’s car disappear from his view. He lit a cigarette under the dim light of a streetlamp, his figure isolated amidst the swirling insects that scattered as the smoke rose.

After finishing his cigarette, Bryan made a phone call. Raymond had nearly worn himself out from the recent busy days. Today, he got to bed early and was in deep sleep when the call jolted him awake.

“Mr. Dawson, what do you need? Alright… Okay, on my way.”

Getting dressed quickly, Raymond let out a sigh, the weight of the impending night evident as he headed to the suburbs.

After Stella departed, Eileen and Bailee stayed busy into the night, putting away all the gifts Stella had brought. The house was crammed with items, and some boxes simply couldn’t be accommodated.

“Eileen, we don’t drink red wine or champagne. Take them down to Bryan’s place. We have no more room here,” Bailee said. Revitalized from a brief rest on the sofa, Eileen picked up the items and carried them to Bryan’s residence.

The night stretched on, the moonlight sneaking into the living room and casting a sliver of light from the slightly open study door. Quietly, she placed the items inside. It was clear why Bryan hadn’t sought her out upon his return; his commitments had kept him occupied.

Opting not to interrupt, Eileen headed to the bedroom to wait for him after showering, planning to discuss the matters about their wedding.

Half an hour later, Bryan concluded his work, visibly worn since he had foregone sleep the previous night. Post-shower, he slid into bed and drew Eileen into a comforting embrace, her scent filling him with profound satisfaction.

“Bryan, are we really getting married?” Eileen inquired, her head nestled against his chest, her voice muffled.

Bryan’s voice was reassuring. “Yes, if you have any thoughts about the wedding, feel free to discuss them with my grandmother. She’s prepared to accommodate your wishes.”

Eileen grew quiet. After a brief pause, she whispered softly, “So when do you think we’ll start a family?” The question had emerged spontaneously, lodging firmly in her mind.

She was aware that having children would solidify Bryan’s claim as the rightful heir, supplanting Brandon. Yet, the risk of pregnancy seemed too great at present. But even after they got married, the risk still existed. Surely they couldn’t just wait for Brandon to pass away to have children.

The thought of Brandon reaching his eighties or nineties, leaving her and Bryan aged and gray, lingered uncomfortably in her head.

“The right time will come shortly after our marriage,” Bryan said after a few seconds, his tone firm.

This assurance soothed Eileen slightly, her anxiety abating as she realized Bryan had already strategized a plan.

Resting her hand on his robust waist, she felt the reassuring throb of his heartbeat, choosing to stay silent. The room quieted down to just the sound of their breathing, and soon, sleep claimed them both.

The next day was a weekend, and Eileen had to go to the Yates family’s residence to tutor her student in the morning. She rose early to get ready.

“When will your tutoring wrap up?” Bryan made Eileen breakfast and changed into a fresh set of clothes. Upon noticing this, Eileen’s curiosity piqued. “It’ll be over by ten o’clock. Are you going out?”

Bryan nodded. “Yes. I’ll take you there, and after your tutoring is done at ten, we’ll head somewhere else.”

“To Kian’s press conference?” Eileen had caught the news earlier. The scandal involving Kian and Megan was escalating. While Kian managed to keep the images from being published, he couldn’t stop the media from discussing the public display on the giant screens.

With Kian choosing to confront the issue head-on, the event was set to be broadcast live, complete with elaborate promotional efforts. The conference was timed perfectly for half past ten in the morning, allowing Eileen just enough time to make it after her tutoring.

“Yes,” Bryan confirmed. “No need to worry about speaking at the event; I’ll handle it.”

Content with his assurance, Eileen readied herself for the day, trusting Bryan to drive to the Yates family’s residence. Descending the stairs, they encountered Huey, who was on his way to visit Ruby with gifts in hand.

“Hey!” Bailee greeted Bryan warmly, causing Huey to nearly drop what he was holding.

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