Chapter 188
"Susan rapped lightly on the door, her voice carrying a note of urgency. "Layla, accompany me to a meeting."
Without hesitation, Layla fell into step behind Susan, making their way to a brief meeting in another department located on a lower floor. As they waited for the elevator, Layla couldn't help but notice the tension radiating off Susan. Her eyes darted around nervously, as if she were expecting someone to suddenly materialize. It was a stark contrast to her usual composed demeanor.
*Ding*-The elevator arrived, breaking the silence.
They stepped into the elevator, pressing the button for the 49th floor. Just as the doors were about to close, a voice echoed through the hallway.
"Please hold the elevator." A tall man, dressed immaculately in a suit, stepped in.
Susan visibly paled at the sight of him, but upon recognizing the man, she let out a sigh of relief. It wasn't him. Her sudden nervousness stirred memories in Layla of her initial days at the Holland Group, when the mere thought of meeting Samuel would fill her with anxiety.
Could Susan be harboring similar fears about someone at the Eilish Group? A man, perhaps? The thought flitted across Layla's mind, but she wasn't one to pry. She observed, but she didn't question.
...
At seven in the evening, Layla arrived promptly for her appointment. Anthony was already there, waiting for her at the restaurant.
"Sorry, I just wrapped up work. I hope you haven't been waiting long," she said, a hint of apology in her voice.
"Not at all. Sometimes, anticipation is part of the fun," Anthony replied, his voice smooth and reassuring. As the waiter moved to pull out her chair, Anthony gestured for him to step aside, taking care of it himself.
"Thank you," Layla said, appreciating his gentlemanly manners.
"How was your first day?" Anthony asked, his interest genuine.
"The workplace is great. As for the team, it's newly formed, and tasks are still being assigned. We'll need some time to gel," Layla replied, her tone professional.
Anthony's smile widened, his eyes sparkling, his teeth whiter and more even than a model's. "What's so funny?" Layla asked, intrigued by his sudden mirth.
"Are you always this earnest?" Anthony queried, his tone teasing.
Layla chuckled, "When answering the boss, of course, I am."
"Don't see me as the boss, and stop calling me Mr. Eilish. Just Anthony is fine," he said, trying to put her at ease.
"That won't work. If I get used to it and call you that in front of other colleagues, they'll think I have an 'in' even more," Layla joked, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"They say that about you?" Anthony asked, his eyebrows arching in surprise.
"When such a big project lands in my lap, it's natural for some to be jealous. It's normal and I'm used to it," Layla replied, her tone nonchalant.
Her maturity and grace impressed Anthony even more. Yet, he didn't want her to be too sensible-he was determined to take good care of her.
"Still liking the snacks?" he asked, changing the topic.
"I do, but please don't prepare so much next time; I'll gain weight," Layla said, a twinge of guilt creeping in as she remembered indulging in several pieces of matcha cake.
"You're too thin; you could gain some," Anthony countered, his tone light.
"Ah, with the next few months' work, not gaining weight isn't an option," Layla said, shaking her head dismissively.
Their conversation flowed effortlessly, chatting with Anthony was easy and comforting, much like the old times. His prestigious status did not hinder their interaction, and they found plenty of common ground.
"It's really a joy to meet you," Anthony confessed, his gaze growing warmer.
Such a look made Layla feel a bit overwhelmed, sending a tingle through her scalp. Could Anthony truly have feelings for her? Regardless, she couldn't give him any hope.
"Mr. Eilish, I actually already have a boyf..." Layla's unspoken words hung in the air as she turned around, interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Fancy seeing you here, Anthony."
It was Brenda. Brenda and a few friends had come there for dinner when she stumbled upon Anthony and a girl. Anthony rarely hung out alone with girls, so naturally, Brenda's curiosity was piqued. She wanted to see who the girl was but never expected it to be Layla.
Brenda had no ill feelings toward Layla, yet Layla always made her uneasy, reminding her of the daughter she had harshly turned her back on.
Brenda's warm smile stiffened for a second but seamlessly morphed into a light one, "Miss Adkins."
"Mom."
"What brings you two together?" Brenda voiced her inner question.
"Layla is now the lead designer for Eilish Group's five-star hotel project," Anthony answered, his voice steady.
A flicker of surprise passed through Brenda's mind. Just a few days ago, Nora Eilish mentioned her company had switched designers. How quickly things had changed-Layla was now managing a project of that scale for the Eilish Group. She was so young; did she really have the capacity for such responsibility?
Anthony wasn't known to make decisions lightly. Could it be that he...
A twinge of concern tightened Brenda's chest, but she held her skepticism at bay.
"Enjoy your meal, I'll go join my friends. Get home early, okay?" she said, her gaze resting on Anthony for a moment.
"Will do," Anthony nodded assent.
"Brenda seemed worried," Layla observed after Brenda had left. It was normal to have reservations about entrusting a massive resort project to her, and she understood that.
"I trust you," Anthony said, his voice firm.
"The more you say that, the more pressure I feel," Layla said, shaking her head.
"Don't overthink it; just do your best. I've got your back," Anthony reassured her, reaching out to gently pat her head.
Layla shrank a little. She wasn't used to such close contact with anyone other than Samuel.
Brenda glanced back at the scene, her worries deepening.
...
Anthony arrived home around ten at night. His cheeks were flushed from drinking, his mood elevated, his eyes bright. He replayed the evening's moments in his head.
"Anthony."
"Mom, you're still up?" Anthony stopped, noticing Brenda on the couch, and walked around to sit across from her.
"Yes. Have you been drinking?" Brenda asked, her tone laced with concern.
"Just a little," Anthony shrugged off his suit jacket, handing it to the maid, and began unbuttoning his cuffs. From every conceivable angle, their son was the epitome of perfection, as if he were a flawless masterpiece crafted by the divine hand itself.
Brenda had often mused that no girl seemed worthy enough to stand beside her boy.
"Something on your mind?" Anthony asked, noticing Brenda's contemplative expression.
"Just a couple of days ago, Nora mentioned a change in designers, and now you've handed a five-star hotel project to Miss Adkins. Did you two discuss this?" Brenda asked, her tone cautious.
Anthony shook his head. "It was solely my decision."
"Don't you think Miss Adkins might be too inexperienced?" Brenda asked, her worry evident.
"I don't hire based on seniority. Besides, many big projects nowadays are led by young designers. I spoke with Layla tonight. It was only a preliminary concept, but her design was bold and innovative. I'm very pleased," Anthony said, his tone confident.
Brenda took note of the way he said "Layla"-an endearment that wasn't lost on her, given Anthony's usual demeanor.
Brenda had intended to beat around the bush, but her patience wore thin, and she asked directly, "Is Miss Adkins the girl you have feelings for?"
Caught off guard, Anthony's cheeks flared with color, but he nodded honestly, "Yeah."
Brenda felt as if she had been struck. Unease naturally tightened her grip. Every encounter with Layla set Brenda's heart racing; she couldn't bear the thought of Layla becoming her daughter-in-law. Her whole being resisted the idea, and she blurted out, "Your father will never agree!"