Chapter 24

As soon as Layla heard Vincent's voice, she wanted to hang up.

"Don't hang up. I have something important," Vincent hurriedly said.

"I have nothing to say to a man who hires prostitutes and abuses women," Layla said coldly.

"I drank too much last night and got jealous. That's why I acted impulsively. Layla, you know I'm not the kind of man who would hit women."

"I don't," Layla sneered. "I don't think I ever really knew you, Vincent. I've already blocked you, so please don't harass me anymore. It's annoying."

"How did you know the man from last night? Are you really involved with him?" Vincent asked.

"That's none of your business. Who do you think you are to ask about my privacy? I'm busy, so stop calling me," Layla replied impatiently.

"If you hang up, I'll go to your company to find you," Vincent hurriedly said.

Layla didn't expect him to be so stubborn. Frowning, she asked, "Are you threatening me?"

"I'm doing this for your own good. Do you even know his true identity? He definitely didn't tell you the truth. You just met him, right? You don't really know him!" Vincent said.

"We've been together for four years, but I didn't know your true face until last night. I don't think the length of time really matters when you really wanna know someone," Layla replied indifferently.

"Layla, it's fine if you hate me, but you must stay away from him. I can't tell you who he really is right now. But trust me, he's dangerous. Being with him will only bring harm to you."

Hearing Vincent's words, Layla rolled her eyes. "He's way better than you. Stop saying bad words about him. You know, you're like a disgusting fly now."

Vincent became angry. "You think I'm disgusting? All because of him? Have you really fallen for him?"

"That's right. We love each other. Don't bother me ever again," Layla warned Vincent.

"You've moved on from me so quickly. Did you meet him before we broke up? I can't believe I trusted you so much. Emilia was right. You betrayed me a long time ago."

Hearing this, Layla couldn't help laughing as the cheater was calling someone else a cheater! "Think whatever you want, Vincent."

"Layla, I'll make you regret this!" Vincent roared.

"Let's see." Layla hung up after finishing her words.

Alice walked over and asked, "Who were you talking to? You look so angry."

"A scumbag."

"Your ex, right? It's all right. Who hasn't come across a scumbag before? We have no shortage of talented young men here in the company. You're young and beautiful. You'll be fine," Alice said.

Layla nodded. "There are indeed quite a few handsome guys. I bumped into several in the elevator this morning."

"Exactly. That's the benefit of being a female employee at the Holland Group. But the most handsome guy in the company is our CEO, Samuel."

Hearing this, Layla thought, 'Samuel? The name sounds powerful.'

She casually gossiped, "Is he married?"

"No. Interested?"

Layla shook her head. The heir to the Holland Group was at the top of the social pyramid, only suitable for high-class ladies. It wasn't something an ordinary person like her could even dream of.

Alice said, "As far as I know, he doesn't have a girlfriend yet. But all the elite families in the city wanna marry their daughters off to him. Our former CEO was the second son of the Holland family. He's also an impressive figure."

"But Samuel is even more remarkable. He's only been in charge for two years, and the company's performance has already doubled, expanding 30% in overseas markets. Some financial experts say that Mr. Holland is an unparalleled financial genius of the past five hundred years and the next five hundred years."

"Oh? That would be a thousand years. Isn't that exaggerating? Are those experts just trying to please him?" Layla smirked.

"No. Trust me, once you've been around him for a while, you'll realize it's not an exaggeration at all. Mr. Holland is unyielding in his methods, but the benefits here are outstanding. That's why the Holland Group has the lowest turnover rate worldwide. Not only is he capable, but he's also incredibly handsome, emitting a deadly charm from every strand of his hair. His features and physique are comparable to Greek sculptures. Well, I can't tell you more details. You'll see when you meet him in person," Alice said excitedly, her face turning red at the thought of Samuel.

Layla's curiosity was piqued. She couldn't help wondering, 'Is there really a man who combines wealth, a strong family background, abilities, and good looks? Unbelievable.'

"Let's have some crayfish tonight. My treat," Alice said.

"You've helped me a lot. Let me treat you instead."

"Then it's hard for me yo refuse that," Alice chuckled.

Layla also laughed happily.

At six in the afternoon, Layla was ready to go off work when Molly handed her a report. As a result, Layla had to cancel her dinner with Alice and work overtime.

She left the office at seven in the evening with a growling stomach. When searching for food near the company, she saw a Maybach stop in front of her, and it honked twice.

Samuel sat in the backseat, looking stunningly handsome in his sharp suit.

Layla furrowed her brow. "Why is it you again? Have you placed surveillance on me?"

"Maybe it's our fate to meet each other," Samuel replied. He didn't deliberately wait for her today. He was going to meet an important client and happened to come across her.

"Meeting you was definitely a mistake," Layla snorted.

"A mistake? Whatever," Samuel said casually.

Layla frowned. "Do I look like I'm interested in you?"

Samuel replied in his heart, 'You may not now, but I'm sure you will in the future. Winning your heart is just a matter of time. I'm in no hurry.'

"Get in the car," Samuel said.

"No. I wanna get some food." Layla tried to avoid him.

A "male escort" living in a mansion worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, he was becoming more and more suspicious in Layla's heart. Her intuition told her that Samuel was definitely not an ordinary person, and Vincent must know something but dare not speak up. She thought she needed to keep her distance from Samuel to avoid trouble in the future.

"We can eat together," Samuel suggested.

"I can't enjoy my food when I'm with you," Layla said bluntly, walking faster.

"Eight thousand dollars. Eat with me," Samuel said.

"What do you wanna eat?" Layla stopped, turned around, and got into the car. As a poor person, she never said no to money, thinking that the earlier she settled the debt, the sooner she could get rid of him.

Layla changed her mind so quickly, making Samuel chuckle, "You're the chef."

As her stomach growled vigorously, Layla protested weakly, "I've been working all day, and I'm too tired to cook. What do you wanna eat? 5 dollars. My treat."

"I give you eight thousand dollars, and you treat me to a 5 dollars meal? You're really daring," Samuel said.

"The meal itself doesn't matter, okay? What matters is that I will eat with you. My time is precious," Layla argued confidently.

At the same time, she thought, 'Besides, is there really a difference between 5 bucks and 8,000 dollars to him? Only the poor will fret over every penny. The wealthy do as they please and focus on their happiness, okay?'

"True. Well, then, is sixteen thousand dollars enough to buy your time for a meal?" Samuel raised an eyebrow.

"Deal," Layla agreed readily.

At Hillside Manor. Dylan greeted the two respectfully at the door, "Mr. Holland, Ms. Adkins, good evening."

Layla felt a bit awkward. She had just said last night that she would only stay for one night, yet here she was now, contradicting herself. If it weren't for her debt, she wouldn't have come back.

"It's already eight in the evening now. I'll make you some spaghetti," Layla suggested.

"Are you trying to fool me?" Samuel glanced at her. Layla's height only reached his shoulders, so when he looked down at her like that, it felt like he was looking at a little bunny, a particularly adorable one.

"Isn't spaghetti a kind of meal? Or do you want me to make a lavish feast for you?" she asked with sarcasm.

"That'll do," Samuel smiled.

Layla felt speechless. "Do you know what time is it now? It's just a meal, okay? Don't be so picky. Besides, my cooking is really good. Once you've tried it, you'll never forget it."

"I have indeed had an 'unforgettable' taste of it before." Samuel nodded meaningfully, and there was a hint of lingering desire in his eyes.