Chapter 394

At the office.

Across a desk, Layla was alone with Brian, the newly appointed CEO, for the first time.

She didn't know why he wanted to see her, but she silently judged that he wasn't a scheming or sarcastic person.

"CEO, do you need me for something?" she politely asked.

"Business trip tomorrow," Brian said without looking up.

"Tomorrow?" Layla's heart skipped a beat. Tomorrow, she had plans with Samuel to go see a concert by her favorite star. Who knew this would happen so suddenly?

"Any issues?" Brian finally looked up, giving her a deep look.

"I..." Layla was about to speak but was interrupted.

"If you can't accept a weekend business trip, you can resign now," Brian stated.

'Is Nora's purpose in appointing Brian as the CEO to fire her on the first day?' Layla thought.

Layla didn't think it was that simple.

But for now, she refrained from making other speculations. From a professional standpoint, accompanying a superior on a weekend business trip was part of the job.

Before she could respond, Brian said, "See you at the office tomorrow morning at 9."

"Alright," Layla replied.

Back home, dinner was already prepared.

She looked at Samuel, who was serving dishes across from her, wanting to ask about Fanny several times.

"Why are you staring at me? Do you have something to say?" Samuel quickly noticed her hesitant gaze.

Layla moved her lips, eventually swallowing her words and shaking her head. "I was just thinking how much your cooking skills have improved."

Regardless, she wasn't a god. She couldn't save everyone. Even if something unfortunate happened to Fanny, it was the consequence of associating with bad people, and Fanny had to bear it herself.

In response, Samuel joked. "So, am I making you gain weight?"

"Really?" Layla immediately became concerned. "I looked in the mirror this morning and felt my face had rounded, and my stomach had gotten bigger. I've become as fat as a pig."

Samuel nodded, saying seriously, "Seems like feeding the pig has been effective."

"Enough. I don't want to be a pig. I want to be a beautiful young mom," Layla said,

"How about being my sweetheart?" Samuel asked.

Layla's eyes flickered, considering that option.

She was hesitating about how to explain that she couldn't go to the concert tomorrow.

"I'm going to Stellaria tomorrow," Samuel suddenly spoke.

"Alright," Layla agreed without hesitation. She was relieved she hadn't mentioned it earlier. Now the one breaking the agreement was him.

"Do you want me to leave?" Samuel teased.

"Not at all, you know I always support your work," Layla said very seriously, nodding affirmatively. "I'm very reasonable."

Samuel humorously observed Layla's face. "Feels like there's a conspiracy."

"No, you're thinking too much. When have I not put your work first?" Layla questioned.

"What about the concert..." Samuel asked.

"I've put the tickets up for sale online. We bought them at the original price, and now we can make some extra money selling them," Layla replied.

"You're the most shrewd one." Samuel pinched Layla's nose. "When I come back, I'll arrange a private concert with that star just for you."

That would cost at least tens of thousands of dollars!!!

Layla's heart skipped a beat. She thought, ' Money truly can make anything happen!'

"Let's talk about it when you return. How many days are you going for?" Layla asked.

"Four days."

Layla estimated it would be about the same duration as her business trip. She picked up the soup, smiling sweetly. "Wishing you a successful trip. Cheers."

"Silly girl."

At night.

Layla lay in bed, holding a parenting manual and nervously biting her finger while studying it.

The book was suddenly taken from her hands, replaced by Samuel's handsome and wicked face in her line of sight. Samuel was half-leaning on her legs, his upper body muscular and strong, with water droplets on his defined eight-pack abs, wet hair, and a mischievous gaze fixed on Layla.

Layla's voice softened without strength. "My... my book."

"What's so interesting about the book? Aren't I more interesting?" Samuel said, leaning in to kiss Layla, his hands freely roaming her body.

Layla quickly melted into the kiss, her eyes only fixed on his face, which became more alluring with desire. His prominent Adam's apple, solid chest, and robust skin... everything about him made her surrender.

She involuntarily closed her eyes.

The kiss was passionate, and suddenly Samuel lightly bit her lip before releasing her.

Layla was left dizzy from the kiss, innocently looking at him. She thought, 'That's it? I'm prepared, and it's just a kiss?'

Dazed, Layla felt very confused. She was getting into it, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

"What? Want to continue?" Samuel's fingers slid slowly along Layla's body.

Layla pursed her lips, blushing and unable to speak, feeling uncomfortable. She unconsciously shifted her body.

Samuel grunted, his gaze growing more intense. "Baby, if you keep this up, you won't be resting tonight."

"Let's just sleep," Layla added.

"Coward." Samuel lightly bit Layla's apple-cheeked face and rolled over.

"Why are you so easy today..." Layla asked.

"I got carried away the past few days, couldn't control myself, and ended up wearing you out," Samuel said.

Layla was displeased. "You know it too? You're despicable, always making me beg before..."

"I let you rest these past few days. After I return..." Samuel revealed a dangerous smile.

Layla nervously swallowed, shrinking her neck, looking even cuter in fear. Samuel regretted letting her go just now. With a strong arm, he pulled her into his embrace, lips against her earlobe murmuring. "Don't want to go to Stellaria. Just want to be with you. Don't want to go anywhere. Sometimes I find it unbelievable how clingy I've become." He chuckled softly. "I often think you've cast a spell on me."

But wasn't Samuel the one casting spell on Layla? In the whole world, only his arms and chest could provide her with a sense of security. She only enjoyed his breath.

The one and only Samuel in the world. The one Layla loved the most, who was ingrained in her heart.

Hadn't she met Samuel, she wouldn't have known what profound love was and how regretful life would be.

Thinking about this, even being close together didn't seem enough. Layla snuggled closer to Samuel. He once said he wanted to become one with her. If they could truly merge, how wonderful would that be?

Listening to Samuel's sweet words, and inhaling his comforting scent, Layla drifted off to sleep.

Upon waking up, the pillow beside her was empty, with only Samuel's fresh scent lingering in the air.

Layla felt a bit lost. She had gotten used to waking up and seeing Samuel every day.

Placing her fingers on Samuel's pillow, she reminisced for a moment. Thinking about their reunion in four days, she reluctantly mustered up her spirits.

She had to work hard too!

At Nine o'clock.

"Mr. Evans, I'm here." Layla knocked on the CEO's office door.

Brian glanced at his watch, then gave Layla a dissatisfied look.

Although making your boss wait wasn't ideal, Layla had arrived on time, so she softly said, "Didn't we agree on nine o'clock?" She couldn't have remembered wrong.

But as soon as she asked this question, Brian's gaze instantly darkened, and he retorted, "Do you enjoy arriving at the office on time?"