Chapter 222
The car was illuminated under a streetlamp, gradually coming into Zola’s view. As Jacob drove closer, Zola could make out indistinct shadows inside the vehicle, unsure if she was imagining things.
Her irritation grew, and she snapped, “Why are we going back? Are you crazy? Let’s go!”
Jacob squinted but couldn’t see anything clearly. He sighed and drove away, wondering if Bryan had Eileen completely under his control or if the reverse was true. Jacob was eager to learn Bryan’s techniques; he wanted to have Phoebe under his control as well.
Lost in thought, he didn’t notice Zola’s tense demeanor in the backseat. In the dimly lit car, Zola clenched her hands tightly on her lap, her nails digging into her flesh. Her eyes were glued to the rearview mirror, watching Bryan’s car slowly fade from view. She thought she saw the car tremble, which startled her, prompting her to quickly close her eyes.
Bryan had consumed some liquor, so Eileen was supposed to drive. Just as she was about to start the engine, Bryan grabbed her hand, stopping her. He was slightly drunk, and the faint smell of tobacco and alcohol made him even more appealing to her.
She didn’t pull her hand back and said with a hint of sarcasm, “My hands are rough and tough, not as soft and tender as that girl next to you. Why do you want to touch me anyway?”
After a brief silence, Bryan let out a low chuckle. He rested his head against the seatback, the veins on his neck visible, giving him a wild look. His laughter made Eileen’s heart flutter. When she tried to pull her hand back, he tightened his grip.
“What are you laughing at? Was I wrong about my comment? She’s in her twenties, younger and prettier than me. Can you honestly say she’s not more attractive?” Eileen retorted.
Eileen admitted that she was feeling jealous. For the first time, she realized she felt threatened by the younger generation. Those younger women were beautiful and fit.
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Bryan’s striking looks and dignified demeanor made him irresistible to women. Eileen suddenly wondered what would happen when she aged.
“Stray cats only wander because they’re not fed enough,” Bryan said in a deep voice, leaning slightly toward Eileen in the dimly lit car. His hand reached up to weave through her long hair, his fingers brushing her cheek softly, the slight roughness quickening her breath.
He continued, “So, make sure to keep me well-fed before I step out of the house in the future.” He closed the gap between them, his breath heavy with the aroma of alcohol as he kissed her.
Confined to the driver’s seat, Eileen responded passionately, clutching his muscular forearm. His forearm felt cool and solid. He quickly grasped her wrist, deepening their kiss as if he couldn’t wait to have her right there in the car. His low moans filled the vehicle, resonating in the confined space.
He had indeed had too much to drink that night, considering how Bernard had kept urging him to indulge. Bryan understood Bernard’s intentions clearly; the wine Dora had spilled on him was part of their calculated play. It had crossed the line. If Eileen hadn’t shown up, Bryan would have caused a scene.
Eileen had remained silent when jealous, appearing unaffected. Earlier at the table, Bryan had felt a strong desire to have her immediately, curious to see if she could maintain her composure under such circumstances.
“My legs are getting weak. I won’t be able to drive later if this continues,” Eileen said, turning her head. Bryan’s kisses then found her neck and shoulder instead. The warmth penetrated her clothing, reaching her collarbone and chest. Eventually, he calmed down and let her go.
Eileen composed herself and started the car to head home. On the way, Bryan checked a few WhatsApp messages, his expression turning icy as he blocked a contact.
Eileen and Bryan had been busy recently, with late nights and scarce conversations. Reaching home by eleven tonight was a rare occurrence for them; it was unusually early. Bryan devoted his full attention to Eileen, cherishing every second together.
Their passion left marks in the bathroom, by the sofa near their bed, and on the expansive double bed. Eileen was captivated by their intimate moments, but her thoughts were intermittently interrupted by memories of Dora, causing her mind to drift.
Noticing her distraction, Bryan gently bit her chest and asked, “Don’t you trust me? Do I seem like a man whose affections change easily?” His warm hands softly moved up Eileen’s waist, igniting tingles throughout her body.
Eileen considered Bryan’s words for a moment. He had always been loyal, and his fidelity was unwavering, both in the past and now as their relationship deepened. She had never witnessed him giving attention to another woman; the tenderness and desire in his eyes were reserved solely for her.
“Focus.” Bryan’s voice was a soft growl, tinged with dissatisfaction. He kissed her passionately, wanting to see her fully engaged and consumed by his presence. His insecurity was perhaps more profound than Eileen’s, as her lack of initiative often left him wanting more.
As Eileen drifted to sleep, she noticed the sweat glistening on Bryan’s collarbone and Adam’s apple, his jaw clenched and his lips pressed together…
During the holiday, Eileen allowed several teachers from the education agency to go on a trip she paid for, although she herself could not participate because she needed to spend time with Ruby. But she hadn’t expected that Bryan’s actions would confine her to bed on the very first day of her day off. Bryan departed early for his work commitments.
Despite a sleepless night, Bryan was in a good mood in the morning, planting a gentle kiss on Eileen’s forehead before he left the house. Eileen, drained of energy, didn’t manage to get out of bed until the afternoon. After finally getting up, she sent educational materials to Milford and Adalina.
She then paid a visit to Ruby, who was now adeptly navigating with a walker under Rosa’s diligent training, aiming to help her walk independently soon.
Ruby, momentarily distracted by Eileen’s arrival, nearly stumbled, but Rosa’s quick reflexes prevented her from falling.
“Let’s call it a day. I’ll start on dinner,” Rosa said. She then assisted Ruby onto the sofa and smiled warmly at Eileen before heading into the kitchen.
Afterward, Eileen engaged in conversation with Ruby, patiently awaiting her slow replies. As dusk settled, Phoebe descended the stairs and noticed Eileen’s presence. Clearly curious, she decided to wait until after dinner to talk to her.
Once Rosa took Ruby out for a walk after dinner, she led Eileen to sit on the couch.
“Was that girl who was wiping Bryan’s clothes yesterday showing interest in him?” Phoebe inquired.
Eileen nodded in response.
“How can you stay so composed?” Phoebe questioned, her tone a mix of bewilderment and concern. “Where is Bryan now?”
Eileen’s frown deepened slightly as she shook her head. “I don’t know; he’s likely busy with his new project.”
Phoebe stood abruptly, her voice tinged with urgency. “That project involves that girl directly. Given what you know about her intentions, how can you let Bryan venture out just like that? You need to be by his side and assert your presence!”
“I…” Eileen adjusted her hair, her voice betraying a hint of fatigue from the exhausting night with Bryan. How could she possibly have the strength to be by his side after everything?
“I trust him,” Eileen said firmly.
Phoebe rolled her eyes dismissively. “Jacob told me that the girl made no effort to conceal her feelings for Bryan right in front of you. You should do something before it’s too late! Give me your phone.”
Phoebe swiftly snatched Eileen’s phone from the coffee table, quickly opened WhatsApp, and initiated a video call to Bryan. Eileen was too slow to react, and Bryan picked up the call with surprising speed.
His handsome face appeared on the screen.
Phoebe quickly handed the phone to Eileen.
Eileen cleared her throat and inquired, “Where are you?”
“Sorry, I need to take this. My girlfriend called to check on me,” Bryan explained to someone near him.
As he moved outside, the camera wobbled briefly, and Eileen caught a glimpse of Dora in the background. Bryan reached the corridor, standing by a window as a gentle breeze tousled his collar slightly.
“Why did you step outside just for a casual video call?” Eileen asked.
Bryan’s eyes narrowed a bit, a smile curling his lips. “Eileen, you really have some frustrating habits. You’re too stubborn to admit your feelings.”
“I’m not being stubborn. Have you been drinking? Is your assistant there? Do you need me to come and pick you up?” Eileen was clearly changing the subject, her concern evident.
“No, I haven’t had anything to drink tonight; Raymond drank for me. Since you’ve called, I’ll come back home early,” Bryan replied, re-entering the private room to collect his jacket draped over a chair.
His voice grew deeper, a stark contrast to his previous light-hearted tone. “I’ll cover the bill today. You all continue without me; my girlfriend is waiting for me at home.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Raymond promptly got up to accompany him out. The group in the private room chuckled at Bryan’s words, teasing him that even someone as serious as him could say such things. But Raymond understood that Bryan was typically more reserved and that his words were intended for Dora to hear.
After Bryan abruptly left the dinner, Eileen soon found an excuse to end the video call.
“It’s just dinner; we shouldn’t have done this,” Eileen said, looking at Phoebe and regretting making Bryan leave the event so soon. If he came home early today… Eileen felt a headache coming on.
Phoebe nudged Eileen’s shoulder. “He openly mentioned you. Why do you feel embarrassed?”
At that moment, Phoebe’s phone pinged. She checked her screen and rolled her eyes. “Look, it’s from Jacob.”
She showed Eileen a video from the dinner Bryan had just left. The clip captured Dora chatting with Zola, and Jacob, seated across from them, had secretly recorded the conversation.
“Would the Dawson family approve of a tutor marrying Mr. Dawson?” Dora asked Zola.
Zola smiled. “Dora, I’m not deeply acquainted with the Dawson family’s matters. However, Bryan isn’t overly concerned with such issues; he doesn’t prioritize family background as you might expect.”
This subtly indicated to Dora that Bryan had the autonomy to choose his spouse, affirming that he could marry anyone he loved, regardless of their social status.
Dora pressed her lips together and continued her inquiry. “How long have Mr. Dawson and Eileen known each other? Have they been together for many years?”
“I only returned from abroad earlier this year, so I’m not informed about the details of their relationship,” Zola responded tactfully.