Chapter 373

Layla hurried back home as quickly as she could, but it was already nine o'clock.

She pushed the door open. The house was quiet and warm with soft lighting.

Layla quietly put down the keys, changed into slippers, and walked around, but she didn't see Samuel in the kitchen or bedroom. Upon closer inspection, she found him lying asleep on the sofa.

A lamp had been left on in the living room, and Samuel, who had always been a light sleeper, couldn't sleep with the light on. He had one hand over his eyes, shielding them from the light.

Samuel rolled up his sleeves, revealing his strong forearms. He had a slender figure, and his long legs stretched out from the sofa.

Layla caught a glimpse of Samuel's handsome and masculine chin under his arm.

Samuel must be very tired. He went between the company and home every day, and still had to cook dinner for Layla. She had seen how hard he worked. Samuel was busy almost twenty-four hours a day. Although he didn't say it, he must be very tired.

Layla took a blanket and gently covered him. As Samuel's arm moved, he opened his eyes.

His gaze was still a bit blurry, but as soon as he saw Layla, a gentle light shone in his eyes. "You're back."

"Yes." Layla smiled gently, leaning against Samuel's chest.

"What's wrong? Are you tired?" Samuel asked in concern.

"I'm not tired, just worried that you're tired." Layla's voice sounded muffled as she leaned against Samuel's chest.

"Silly girl, I'm not tired at all. I'm happy when I'm with you."

"But I feel like I've never done anything for you. I owe you too much. You've given me everything all along. You've done many things that have moved me, but I can't do anything for you." Layla felt indebted to Samuel.

"I'm just happy you're by my side," Samuel said sincerely. "I didn't know what true happiness was until you appeared. You saved me."

Layla had pulled Samuel out of that dark world of conspiracies and struggles, showing him sunlight and warmth.

Layla raised her eyes and pursed her lips, looking extremely coy. "But it would be great if I could do something for you."

"Just eat the meal I made. It's still warm in the pot."

"Haven't you eaten?" Layla quickly got up.

"I haven't. I was waiting for you."

"Are you an idiot? I said I didn't know when I could come back. What if I returned at eleven or twelve? Were you going to starve until then? Your stomach isn't well, but you're not taking care of yourself properly. You really are... are you smiling?" Layla looked at Samuel in frustration.

"You care about me, and that makes me happy."

"But you shouldn't make me worry." Layla pouted. "I'll feel distressed, you know? Promise me you'll eat first if I come back late in the future. Don't wait for me to come back."

"But I want to eat with you," Samuel said.

Layla frowned.

"Okay, okay, I won't wait." Samuel changed his tune.

Layla nodded in satisfaction. "Good."

Layla helped Samuel take the food to the table.

"It's been heated for a while. It doesn't taste that good, right?"

Layla ate happily, shaking her head. "It's delicious."

"Silly girl."

"It's strange, isn't it? You're clearly the big boss. I should be the one cooking and waiting for you at home. How did it turn out like this? You're cooking at home, and I've become a career woman."

Layla blinked playfully, biting the spoon, and said, "How about I take charge of making money to support the family in the future, and you take charge of cooking at home?"

Samuel chuckled, handing her a serving of mashed potatoes. "Forget it, I can't bear to see my woman running around outside. I'll be responsible for making money and cooking at home."

"What should I be responsible for then?"

"Shopping."

Layla laughed. "Sounds good."

Every woman dreamed of having a husband who made money so she could go shopping.

Layla's heart trembled as she thought about yesterday's topic.

Marriage.

Layla looked at Samuel. His expression was unchanged and he still looked indulgent, but he must be disappointed inside.

Layla held Samuel's hand.

Samuel looked into Layla's eyes.

"Give me some time," Layla said earnestly.

A glint flashed in Samuel's eyes, and he nodded gently. "Okay." Samuel's life belonged to Layla.

In the morning, at Brightness Design Company.

"She's coming, she's coming..."

As soon as Layla entered the office, the atmosphere changed. More than a dozen pairs of eyes stared at her, all with a look of anticipation. The office was in a state of turmoil.

The female employees nudged each other, unable to contain their excitement.

"Layla, today is the last day, did you secure the project at the bar?" Cassandra was always the first to speak.

Layla sat down.

Cassandra walked to her desk. "I'm talking to you. Stop pretending to be deaf and dumb. Are you planning to stay silent and avoid the question?"

Layla raised her eyelashes to look at her coldly. "You're not helping me, so why should I answer you?"

"I'm asking on behalf of Ms. Taylor," Cassandra said proudly.

Layla turned on her computer, not wanting to engage in small talk with her.

"Hey!"

"Cassandra, stop asking her about that. Isn't it obvious that it didn't work out? Otherwise, she would have told everyone already and boasted about her abilities since she's so arrogant."

"Everyone knows her skills are only useful for men, not women."

"What a pity no one bet with me."

"Everyone knows she can only handle men. Anyone who bet with her would have lost."

Cassandra smirked. "If you can deal with Ava, I'll let you kick my head like a ball."

"Why would I need your head?"

"If you can't handle it, don't say that."

"Let's see how you explain yourself later!"

The crowd mocked Layla.

"Ms. Taylor is here."

"Good morning, Ms. Taylor."

Fanny walked in, wearing exaggerated padded shoulder suit and heavy makeup. However, the makeup couldn't hide her dark circles. She hadn't slept all night as she was seething with anger at Layla. She had thought about how to kill Layla all night and stayed awake until dawn. She felt dizzy and on the verge of collapse.

But for Fanny, the company was a battlefield, and she couldn't show any weakness in front of her enemies. Although she hadn't benefited from yesterday's incident, she couldn't embarrass herself. And she had thought it over and didn't consider it a loss. Layla hadn't won either. At most, it was a draw.

Fanny stopped in front of Layla's desk. "Has the project been signed?"

The onlookers chuckled, waiting for the drama to unfold.

"Has it been signed? You know best, right?" Layla didn't look up.

Before Fanny could speak, the others began to criticize Layla on her behalf.

"Layla, why are you acting like this toward the boss?"

"Didn't your mother teach you to look at the person you're talking to? How rude."

"You couldn't secure the project, but you're still being arrogant. Do you think the company belongs to you?"

"How arrogant!"

"I think she's given up the disguise!"

"Why are we keeping someone like this around? Are you trying to cause trouble for yourself? Hurry up and pack your things and leave."

The crowd was getting agitated, but Fanny remained calm. She smiled slowly, and said to Layla, "Layla, as I said before, if you can't secure this project, your salary is off the table. You couldn't do the job, so don't blame me."