Shrouded Affections Winning Back My CEO Wife

Chapter 175 Chapter 175: Every tEileen encountered Bryan, she felt compelled to reconsider their relationship. Their connection had largely been physical over the years, and it seemed he had grown accustomed to just that. In contrast, Eileen had invested both emotionally and physically. No matter how this relationship would continue, she felt like she would be the one who suffered a loss.

To manage her feelings, she quickly masked any emotion, maintaining a calm demeanor as if her relationship with Bryan was just an ordinary former superior-subordinate relationship. During the meal, Zola engaged Benjamin in discussions about the Warren family's affairs. She conversed with Jacob as well, though she maintained a courteous distance. Her interactions with Bryan appeared more personal; she often leaned closer to whisper something to him. Eileen, trying to stay detached, concentrated on her meal and made small talk with Phoebe.

Midway through dinner, Zola turned the topic to Milford, expressing concern about his challenging nature. She said, "Milford is difficult to manage. I'm not sure Ms. Curtis is the right fit to tutor him, given that she's a woman and still young." Eileen was initially taken aback by the remark, but upon further reflection on the argument that night, she believed it was reasonable for Zola to think this way.

"Ms. Murray, I appreciate your concern for Milford's education," Eileen responded thoughtfully. "Since he's been out of school and is starting academically from the beginning, achieving even a passing grade under these circumstances is commendable. My goal is to impart knowledge that he can internalize, not to impose it through coercion." Zola's suggestion that a young woman might not be suitable hinted at her preference for a male tutor, perhaps one physically imposing enough to enforce discipline. But Milford's response to discipline would only be defiance. He would resist any attempt to control him.

"Simply aiming for passing grades? Your expectations are too modest. I doubt Milford could secure a spot in one of Onaland's top high schools in just six months," Zola said, unable to abandon her stance.

As Milford's sister and legal guardian, Zola's approval was crucial for the tutoring to proceed. Eileen, attempting to reassure Zola, explained, "I'm content with Milford's progress for now, and you'll need to see more improvement as tproceeds. Mr. Dawson chosefor this role, and I believe he made that decision after careful consideration. But if you remain dissatisfied, perhaps considering another tutor might be an option.” Latest chapters g@lEileen had expressed all she felt necessary. She had mentioned Bryan for a reason, believing that Bryan hadn't chosen her just because he knew her. She thought Bryan had faith in her qualifications and the reputation of her educational institution.

Upon hearing Eileen's defense, Zola turned to Bryan, saying, "From what I gather, Ms. Curtis lacks professional training. Did you overlook this when choosing her as Milford's tutor? I've mentioned before that my goal is for Milford to boost his grades significantly and swiftly." Her words implied that she had evaluated Eileen against other more experienced tutors from esteemed institutions in Wist Land and found her lacking. After a brief pause, Bryan told Zola, "I trust Eileen's capabilities. But Milford is your brother. If you think Eileen's not the right fit to tutor Milford, feel free to choose someone else. There's no need to discredit her efforts. Remember, we've gone through numerous tutors, and she's the only one who has successfully engaged Milford in his studies." Zola didn't know how to respond to that. Eileen was stunned for a moment, recognizing Bryan's efforts to defend her. "I'm not discrediting her efforts," Zola finally spoke up after a long while.

"What exactly are you saying, then?" Bryan asked. Zola paused, searching for the right words, momentarily at a loss. The atmosphere turned tense. Despite being aware of Eileen's capabilities, no one could confidently assert that she would undoubtedly secure Milford a spot in one of Onaland's top high schools.

Eager to avoid making the situation more awkward, Zola realized that she could not directly fire Eileen. With a tempered approach, she said, "I apologize if I seemed overly eager for swift progress. Here's a thought: I'll publicly seek a new tutor for Milford by holding a test. Ms. Curtis, you're welcto join alongside representatives from various educational institutions. Your current role as Milford's tutor will remain confidential.” Zola's words indicated that she intended to handle the situation tactfully to protect Eileen's reputation, ensuring that if Eileen did not meet the expected standards, her prior involvement would remain undisclosed. This proposition placed Eileen in a tough spot, making her feel that declining would reflect poorly on her capabilities. Yet, she also felt very uncomfortable accepting it.

"Okay," Eileen eventually agreed, albeit reluctantly. The meal went on, but the mood had distinctly shifted. Only Zola's demeanor remained unchanged. The meal wrapped up around two in the afternoon, and they got out of the restaurant.

Eileen watched as Zola entered Bryan's car. Bryan gave a meaningful look to Eileen and Benjamin before leaving. Turning to Benjamin, Eileen said, "I'm heading straight back to the educational institution. What about you?" "I've got smatters to handle," Benjamin replied. The matters required his presence in this city, which meant they must be significant for the Warren Group.

Realizing that, Eileen didn't probe further, simply saying, "Letknow before you leave the city." "Sure," Benjamin replied. Following their brief exchange, Eileen returned to the educational institution. Although her formal tutoring sessions with Milford had ended, her responsibilities with Adalina awaited.

Zola was serious about finding a new tutor for Milford, and she quickly sent out messages to several educational institutions, requesting each to nominate candidates for the test. She did not elaborate on the format of the test, focusing instead on attracting top talent with the promise of high salaries. This approach made many ordinary tutors hesitant to apply.

As Eileen continued her tutoring sessions with Adalina, she also needed to prepare for this upcoming test, probably involving performance assessments that she had encountered before. However, the involvement of multiple institutions this thad sparked significant interest and even attracted the attention of the education department, becoming a topic of local news in Wist Land. Success in this assessment seemed to promise success in the field of education.

Phoebe advised Eileen to seek insights from Bryan about the assessment's potential questions. "He won't tellthat," Eileen said. She knew Bryan to be a man of principles. Besides, he would likely assist Zola in achieving her goals.

“Just ask him," Phoebe encouraged. “Maybe he will tell you and wholeheartedly help you. Bryan might be the only one who can intervene when Zola is this focused on the matter." It was late in the evening, just after ten. Eileen had just finished showering when Phoebe talked about this matter with her. After pausing for a moment, Eileen asked, “So, what exactly is the relationship between Zola and Bryan?" "Couldn't stop yourself from asking this question, huh?" Phoebe teased. "Jacob doesn't allowto tell you." Jacob, perturbed by Bryan's earlier remarks about his personal life, felt vindicated. Since Bryan hadn't told Eileen about his relationship with Zola, Jacob had asked Phoebe not to tell Eileen to make her misunderstand Bryan. Jacob, slower than Bryan to marry, found Bryan's potential second marriage an awkward reminder of his own marital status. If Bryan got married again successfully and he remained single, it would indeed be a sore spot for him.

After hearing Phoebe's reply, Eileen turned to blow-dry her hair. Once finished, she relaxed on the bed and scrolled through her phone. Milford had messaged her these days, puzzled about why she had stopped tutoring him. It appeared that Zola hadn't explained the situation to Milford.

Eileen told the whole story to Milford and took the opportunity to explain things to him for Zola. "Your sister really looks out for you. She might seem a bit impatient for results, but she does it with your best interests at heart. I promise to give my all during the test. If I don't succeed, it simply means there's someone more fitting to be your tutor. If you get into the prestigious school in Onaland in the future, remember to tellthe good news. Of course, if I pass the test, get ready to be under my guidance for the next six months." Eileen had sent this message yesterday. Milford had taken a day to respond, his reply arriving just ten minutes earlier. "I won't accept any tutor but you." The pressure was on Eileen's side now. It seemed that she had to put in all her efforts for the test.

Milford was someone who would stand by his commitments, and Eileen knew she had to succeed to ensure he continued his education. The following morning, Eileen woke to find a midnight message from Benjamin stating he would return to Onaland by nine in the morning and inviting her to breakfast at seven. However, realizing it was nearly seven now, Eileen knew she couldn't make it.

As she called to tell Benjamin she couldn't make it, Benjamin replied, "You can cto the airport to seeoff.” After a brief pause, Eileen で agreed. She got changed and left in a hurry. On her way, she passed a shop selling specialty pastries from Wist Land and decided to buy sas a token of gratitude for Benjamin, recognizing that small gestures were her only way to show appreciation, given she couldn't assist him in other areas.

By the tEileen arrived at the airport, it was already half past eight. She found Benjaminyona beneh near the ticket checkpoint, checking the twith a glance at his watch. He got up as soon as he saw her. "Sorry, I'm late," Eileen said. "It's alright. I appreciate that you came," Benjamin replied. He then eyed the bags in her hands. "Are these for me?"

"Yes," Eileen said, promptly handing them over. "You've been a huge help Love in M during my tin Wist Dand and before in Onaland. I haven't really had the chance to thank you properly, so I brought these gifts. I hope you don't mind." Benjamin looked at the gifts but didn't accept them. He said, "Mr. Dawson has helped you a lot as well. Have you shown your gratitude to him with gifts?" Benjamin's sudden mention of Bryan caught Eileen off guard. His words hinted that Eileen had not extended similar gestures to Bryan because she didn't regard Bryan as someone outside her immediate circle, unlike how she viewed him.

Benjamin inquired sharply, "Are you and Mr. Dawson a couple now?" "No," Eileen answered straightforwardly.

"After all this time, do you still have feelings for him?" Benjamin seemed to look right through Eileen, despite her belief that their connection wasn't profoundly deep.