Chapter 23

Samuel nodded and asked, "How did you know?"

"Nathan is my idol. I got into this field because of him. I know his style inside out." Mentioning her idol, Layla's previously disdainful expression turned into one of excitement, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

Layla continued, "Spending a night in a house designed by my idol feels almost like I'm getting to know him. How lucky is that!"

Samuel asked, "Knowing him is lucky, but what about knowing me?"

"That's super unlucky!" Layla answered without hesitation.

Elbert stifled a laugh. Layla's boldness was endearing and amusing.

Samuel wasn't a petty person, but he couldn't help feeling a bit annoyed. He asked, "Am I not as good as Nathan?"

"Of course not! He's a national treasure, my dream guy," Layla said disdainfully.

She then added, "As for you, I'm still wondering what I did to deserve you."

Samuel smirked. "Don't be self-conscious. While I may be brilliant, you're quite impressive too."

Layla retorted, "That's not what I meant."

Layla had never met anyone who boasted so much about themselves.

Not wanting to continue the conversation, Layla finished her sandwich, wiped her fingers, and said, "I'm full. Let's go."

With 300 feet left to the company, Layla asked Samuel to stop the car.

"Are you afraid of being seen?" Samuel raised an eyebrow.

Layla replied, "Yeah. You're a high-ranking executive. If people see us together, they'll think I got in through connections."

Though new to the workplace, she understood basic survival rules. If she were misunderstood as having connections, she would become a target for colleagues.

Samuel asked, "Is it so bad to be associated with me?"

Many people would do anything to be associated with him, but she wanted to keep her distance.

"Yes, it's bad." Layla shook her head without hesitation, clasping her hands together. "So, if we run into each other at the company, please don't greet me. Pretend you don't know me. Thanks."

She was about to get out of the car when Samuel grabbed her wrist.

His hand was strong and large, making Layla shiver and look at him warily.

"Won't you even give me a kiss before you go, as a thank you for helping you last night or for letting you stay over?" Samuel's cold face showed a hint of playfulness.

"I didn't ask for your help, and I was forced to go to your place." Layla knew she sounded ungrateful, but kissing him was out of the question.

"Maybe if you kiss me, you'll have good luck." Samuel's eyes gleamed with temptation.

"I don't rely on things like that for good luck. Luck comes from hard work. I'm off to work now," Layla said, pulling her hand away and getting out of the car.

Samuel watched her back with interest.

"Mr. Holland, why don't you tell Ms. Adkins your true identity?" James asked curiously.

It was the first time James had seen Samuel put so much effort into a woman. Clearly, Samuel was interested in her.

"Have you ever gone fishing?" Samuel asked meaningfully. "The most interesting part of fishing is waiting for the fish to take the bait."

This naive fish, unaware of his identity, could reveal her true self without reservations. Once she knew who he was, there would be a barrier.

Making money had long become routine for him. The battles within the Holland family were part of his plans.

It was rare to find something that could excite him, and he didn't mind taking his time to enjoy this pleasure.

Samuel ordered, "She's starting her job, and her boss is tough. She'll have a lot of problems. Keep an eye on her."

James replied, "Yes, Mr. Holland."

Layla had arrived at the office when she heard Molly yelling.

Molly yelled, "Where's Layla? Why isn't she here yet?"

"I'm here." Layla walked in quickly.

Molly questioned, "Is it acceptable to arrive later than your boss?"

Layla apologized, "Sorry, I'll come earlier from now on." Although she wasn't late today, arriving after her boss wasn't good.

"Why haven't you sent me the email?" Molly asked.

Layla replied, "I sent it last night."

"I didn't see it. Are you saying I'm blind?" Molly's tone was harsh.

Layla quickly opened her email on her phone, but there was no record in the sent folder. Her face turned pale. "What's going on? I clearly..."

Molly questioned, "Didn't send it and now making excuses."

Layla replied, "Sorry, I'll send it to you now."

Layla opened her computer, but it showed a blue screen. No matter what key she pressed, it didn't work.

"It looks like it's not a hardware issue but probably a virus," Alice said as she walked over. "You should contact the tech department."

Layla remarked, "Okay."

However, when Layla called, the tech staff said they were busy with other tasks and the earliest they could help was by noon.

Layla said, "However, it's urgent. I have a meeting."

"There's nothing we can do. We don't have extra time," the tech staff said lazily and ended the call.

"Did they say they were too busy? Our tech department is the most arrogant. Every time there's an issue, they make excuses. Last time my computer had a problem, they also delayed. I had to get someone from outside to fix it. They just bully interns. If the CEO asked, they wouldn't dare be so lazy," Alice complained.

"Haven't you sent it to me yet? The meeting starts in ten minutes." Molly came out to push her.

Layla explained, "The computer has a virus."

Molly was furious. "What? Are you kidding me? Are you telling me this now? What am I supposed to say in the meeting?"