Chapter 202
An uncomfortable hush descended upon the room, the faces of those present a jumbled canvas of unease and wariness, none daring to break the silence.
Gioanna, her temper simmering, clenched her fists and shattered the quiet, "Do not presume your innocence simply because you manipulated Kenneth into speaking on your behalf, Layla. His actions were clearly coerced-a performance to absolve you. Do you take us for fools?"
While the others found themselves in agreement with Gioanna, they lacked her audacity and eagerness to confront Layla. They chose to observe the unfolding drama rather than instigate it. Gioanna, however, stepped forward like a valiant warrior, while the rest were content to watch from the safety of the sidelines.
"Words are your weapon, Gioanna. If you insist on that narrative, I won't waste my breath correcting you. People often choose to believe what suits them, rather than face the harsh truth. Even if I laid the evidence at your feet, you would refuse to acknowledge it. Frankly, whether you believe me or not, or what you think of me, is of no consequence to me," Layla retorted with an air of indifference.
"Ah, so you don't care. Of course, you don't. Now that you've cozied up to the higher-ups at the Eilish Group, why would our opinions matter to you? But lies cannot masquerade as truth. That night, you didn't just visit Kenneth. Who else was knocking on Phillip's door at the ungodly hour of one in the morning? How do you explain that?"
"Innocent people have no need to justify their actions."
"Innocent people, indeed. The evidence is undeniable, you can't refute it. Why don't you summon Phillip to explain? I've even thought of an alibi for you. Discussing work late into the night, is that your excuse?"
Alice, who had remained silent throughout the heated exchange, could no longer hold her tongue. With clenched fists and eyes shut tight, she rose to her feet, "Layla visited Phillip on my behalf. I have feelings for Phillip, Gioanna, stop unjustly accusing her."
"Alice..."
Gioanna crossed her arms, "So Layla stole your man? How does it feel? Is there a thrill in sleeping with your best friend's crush?"
"You..." Alice's face flushed crimson, "Phillip rejected me. Layla went to confront him for me."
"That's what Layla told you, isn't it? You weren't there; how can you be certain if Layla was seeking justice for you or if she was using it as an opportunity to get closer to Phillip? Alice, don't be so gullible. Layla has ensnared so many men, can't you see her tactics? No man can escape her clutches."
Gioanna scrutinized her, "Though, you don't seem all that innocent, Alice. Is it because Layla has found herself a new patron and you want to ride her coattails again? When she was slandered a few days ago, you were as elusive as Olivia, talk about being opportunistic."
"Layla is nothing like what you say..."
"Alice, don't waste your breath arguing with her." Layla shot Alice a meaningful look: engaging with a lowlife was a futile endeavor and there was no point in getting upset.
"Gioanna, your time is up. Is your report ready? If you haven't completed it yet, you still have the audacity to quarrel here?"
"This afternoon you'll visit the construction site for an inspection, and by evening, I expect the plans from you."
"You want me to go to the site?" Gioanna gestured to her nose, her eyes wide with disbelief. Ever since her promotion to designer, she had never visited the site herself; that was a task for her assistants.
"I'm wearing high heels, how can I..."
"Find some suitable footwear. If you can't, you'll have to navigate the site in your heels," Layla declared in an uncompromising tone. "I'll delegate more tasks to you in the future to keep you occupied so you won't have time to meddle in other people's affairs."
"You're singling me out."
"So what if I am? You claimed I have connections, right? If I can orchestrate Kenneth's resignation, I can certainly influence the company to replace you. Don't believe me? Go ahead and test it."
"Layla, you..."
At this, the onlookers quickly dispersed, each retreating to their own tasks.
"Let's not dwell on it, let's just focus on completing the report," Jane implored Gioanna, gently guiding her to one side. "Layla holds the upper hand at the moment; any dispute with her would only result in our defeat."
Gioanna's anger was palpable. "I'm so infuriated, I can't even concentrate on drafting a report. Why don't you write it for me, Jane?"
"Me? I have my own colossal pile of tasks to tackle. You'd better get started," Jane retorted, hastily making her exit.
"What kind of friend are you, Jane?" Gioanna's temper surged even higher.
After Layla retreated to her office, she deliberated for a while before picking up the phone.
"Ashton, it's me."
"Did you dial the wrong number?" Anthony's voice floated through the receiver, as calming as a soft zephyr.
"Anthony," Layla began, still feeling slightly uncomfortable, "about that incident with Kenneth, thank you."
"I won't tolerate anyone defaming you."
Layla expressed her gratitude once more.
"A verbal thanks seems rather hollow, don't you think?"
What was he insinuating with that remark?
Layla naturally continued the conversation, "How about I treat you to dinner sometime?"
"Why not tonight?"
The proposal took Layla by surprise, but since she had planned to treat him anyway, sooner was preferable to later. She agreed, "Sure, I'll choose a nice restaurant and text you the details later."
"Sounds good."
After ending the call, there was a knock-
Alice peeked out from behind the door. "Is this a good time?"
"Come in."
"Layla... this is for you," Alice stammered, presenting a package of matcha cookies with an awkwardness akin to a high school girl. "I'm sorry... I didn't want others to know about me and Phillip... I let you take the blame, and I feel so helpless. I wasn't really mad at you; I was angry at myself..."
"I understand," Layla responded with a tender smile, halting Alice's self-condemnation.
Alice's eyes welled up with tears. "You're too kind, Layla. Even when I lost my temper with you, you protected my secret and allowed them to speak ill of you. I'm so ashamed; I don't deserve to be your best friend."
"As good as I've been to you, you'll have to buy me matcha cookies more often," Layla jested, brandishing the treats.
"Absolutely! I'll buy them for you every day."
"You're trying to make me gain weight on purpose," Layla teased.
Both women laughed, their bond stronger than ever.
After a hectic afternoon, Layla selected a mid-range Western-style restaurant for dinner.
Although her budget was tight, inviting someone out meant not being parsimonious. Besides, with a wealthy fiancé, Layla didn't have to fret about finances as much as before.
In addition to the meal, Layla ordered a bottle of red wine priced at fifty dollars.
Anthony was in high spirits, having consumed half a bottle of the wine that Layla had merely tasted. It wasn't until the bill arrived that he realized his assistant had already settled it.
Unbeknownst to them, they had been engrossed in conversation for two hours. Upon exiting the restaurant, Anthony was slightly tipsy, his face flushed with a rosy glow.
Once inside the car, Anthony loosened his tie, exposing his reddened Adam's apple. This relaxed demeanor was something he reserved for those close to him. He wasn't just the handsome, wealthy Anthony everyone knew; he was a man with a zest for life. The closer he got to the crowd, the more captivating he seemed to become.
"I had a great time today," Anthony said, his voice laced with laughter, his face relaxed and lit with a smile.
"I enjoyed our chat too," Layla responded, mirroring his smile.
"Layla..."
"Yes?"
"Nothing."
The words "I like you" teetered on the brink of Anthony's lips, nearly slipping out before he managed to rein them in. He was in an exceptionally jovial mood.
But Anthony, just beginning to experience the stirrings of love, still retained a bashful demeanor.
His heart pounded. Was he about to confess his feelings?
"Oh," Layla said, reaching for her phone to check the time. Suddenly, the car swerved sharply, and she lost her balance, tumbling into Anthony's arms. In an instant, his long arms wrapped around her in a protective embrace.