Chapter 217

As the shroud of night descended upon the Hilton Hotel, the most esteemed annual charity dinner was in full swing.

The event was graced by the presence of business moguls and political powerhouses, transforming the venue into a bustling hive of celebrities and politicians, their faces instantly recognizable from countless news broadcasts.

A ripple of hushed conversation spread through the crowd.

"Isn't that Samuel and Nora?" one guest whispered, disbelief lacing their words. "Why would they be here together?"

"Hadn't they called it quits?" another queried, their tone laced with curiosity. "Samuel seemed so resolute about their separation in the media. I was under the impression their families had severed ties."

"Could they have reconciled?"

"It certainly appears so. After all, there are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests. No one wishes to feud with wealth, not even Samuel when it comes to safeguarding his position as the president of The Holland Group."

"Nora certainly has a thick skin, showing up here with Samuel after enduring such public humiliation."

"Everyone is well aware that Nora has harbored deep feelings for Samuel for years."

"Indeed, Samuel is a handsome man of considerable wealth. Which socialite wouldn't be drawn to him? But only Nora truly complements him. They're akin to a prince and princess, a match made in heaven."

"It seems we may be on the brink of some delightful news."

...

Despite the murmurs of speculation surrounding her, Nora remained unperturbed. She couldn't hear their whispers, but she was well aware of the conjectures they were making. Yet, she remained indifferent.

In her mind, the victor was the one who had the final say. As long as she was the woman standing beside Samuel, that was all that mattered. The rest could only watch with envy or jealousy.

Samuel, on the other hand, wore a tight expression, his face a mask of dark contemplation.

"We're attending this dinner as a couple for the first time, Samuel. Must you look so tense?" Nora teased, though inwardly, his demeanor bothered her.

"Nora, you're too domineering," Samuel retorted.

"Samuel, I'm your girlfriend, your fiancée, and your future wife. Don't I have the right?" Nora didn't want to appear too assertive, but she also refused to be disregarded by Samuel.

She was tired of feeling overlooked and humiliated by Samuel. She knew she had to change the dynamics of their relationship. Otherwise, even if they were to marry, she would always be in a subordinate position.

From this moment forward, she was determined to gradually win over Samuel's heart. She would completely oust Layla and claim Samuel's heart for herself.

Nora had absolute faith in herself!

Suddenly, Samuel's gaze hardened, and he abruptly halted.

Following his line of sight, Nora's eyes landed on Layla, the woman who refused to disappear. Why had Anthony brought her here?

A surge of fury ignited within Nora, causing her to grip Samuel's arm tightly.

She was determined not to let Layla steal Samuel away from her again!

"Anthony's here today too."

"It's a rare sight. Anthony and Samuel seldom attend these kinds of dinners, and today, two distinguished gentlemen from old money families have both made an appearance."

"Who's that woman with Anthony? I've never seen her before."

"A new actress, perhaps?"

"Impossible. Anthony's known for his aversion to mingling with actresses. Besides, the Eilish family is notoriously strict. They would never accept a woman deemed unfit for high society."

"She must be some heiress then, and quite a beauty at that."

The moment Layla crossed the threshold, her eyes locked on Samuel.

A surge of anticipation and dread coursed through her veins, causing her blood to boil. She yearned for his presence, yet feared the harsh words he might spit out. Regardless, she was there, summoning every ounce of her courage to clear the air.

Her gaze was solely fixated on Samuel, a look that stirred a pang of envy within Anthony. He couldn't help but wonder when Layla would ever look at him with such intensity.

"Go ahead," he encouraged.

"Okay," she replied.

With measured steps, Layla moved towards Samuel, careful not to betray her eagerness to the surrounding spectators. She held her breath as she neared him, and with a voice trembling with anxiety, she managed to say, "I have a few words for you."

"This isn't the right time to be clinging to Samuel, this isn't your place," Nora hissed, positioning herself protectively in front of Samuel. She shot a disgruntled glance at Anthony, "Anthony, what spell has she cast on you? Are you trying to embarrass me?"

Anthony's actions led Nora to question his priorities. Was Layla now more important to him than his own sister? His actions showed no consideration for Nora's feelings.

"Give them a moment," Anthony insisted, pulling Nora away.

"Anthony," Nora retorted, her voice laced with fury. She twisted her wrist, attempting to break free from his grip. She dared not create a scene, yet as she was pulled away, she couldn't help but look back, wishing she could tear the two apart.

As the dance music blared, Samuel swiftly pulled Layla by the waist, guiding her into the whirl of dancers. Layla stumbled, a sharp pain shooting through her waist, causing her to frown. Was Samuel angry? Was this his way of punishing her?

"I didn't realize you were so clingy," Samuel's voice was cold and laced with sarcasm.

"I won't accept a breakup," Layla retorted, wincing through the pain.

"This isn't a negotiation."

"Give me a reason."

"I already did. I'm tired of you."

"I don't believe that. Don't think you can fob me off with excuses, Samuel."

Samuel scoffed, his disdain evident. He paid no heed to whether Layla could keep up with his swift dance steps. "It appears you're not only clingy but also stubborn and foolish."

Despite her dizziness, Layla managed to steady herself, her gaze defiant. "Call me stubborn, call me foolish, I still need to know why."

"You've found yourself another boyfriend, does my reason even matter?"

"Anthony? We're just friends. I asked Anthony to bring me here to see you, he and I are not..."

"No need to explain. I've lost interest in a toy I've grown tired of."

A toy worn out from play. Layla's complexion turned another shade paler. Could it be that Samuel, who once was possessive to the point of jealousy at her slightest interaction with other men, was now totally indifferent? The hope within Layla was being steadily ground to dust.

But since she was here, she wouldn't give up so easily.

"Say whatever you want to hurt me, but I won't believe it," Layla resolved, "not until you tell me the real reason, and until then, I will not give up."

Their past seemed like a hopeful flame burning in her heart, giving Layla the strength and the courage to stay.

"I've told you the reason, you're just unwilling to believe it. I don't have time to argue with you. What do you want? Money?"

"I only want you."

"My decision won't change."

"But you decided to marry me before," Layla's eyes welled up, her voice quivering with hurt, "You called off the wedding just like that, Samuel. What am I to you? Was marrying me just a joke to you?"

"Samuel, there must be something you're not telling me, right? Please, tell me..." Layla pleaded, her voice filled with heartache, "I'm in so much pain."

"I have nothing to tell you, and now, you're just annoying to me," Samuel spoke without mercy, his words cutting deep, "Layla, this is the last time we'll meet. Don't bother me again."

With that, he let go of Layla's hand, not uttering another word.

"What about the baby? Don't you want the baby either?" Layla murmured through her sobs, her hand resting ambiguously over her abdomen.