Chapter 417
Downstairs, at the entrance, there were three people.
The atmosphere was incredibly intense, thick with a looming sense of violence, colder than the iciest winter air.
Samuel frowned tightly, his eyes fixed intently on Layla. Every time, she was protecting other men. Every time, she was entangled with other men.
Nathan, Anthony, and now this boss. Samuel had warned her repeatedly, but Layla never learned.
"Can we go upstairs first, please?" Layla pleaded with her eyes, her voice low, almost begging Samuel.
Brian watched this scene and suddenly realized he had made a colossal mistake.
Brian had been deceived!
Or rather, had Layla played him?
He had rushed over, full of passion, seeking a resolution, but never expected this outcome.
Layla already had a boyfriend!
Why didn't she say it from the beginning, leaving him with false hope? Or was he just being overly sentimental?
Brian clenched his fists, his anger causing veins to bulge on his face. But he had no right to be angry, and the man in front of him, whom he didn't know, exuded an intimidating aura. Any man in his presence seemed to automatically feel inferior.
Brian wasn't afraid of him, but his legs felt rooted to the spot, unable to move, as if paralyzed by some unseen force.
"Samuel..." Layla murmured, terrified that he might get violent.
Samuel responded with a cold smile, shook off her hand, and stormed away, radiating hostility.
Layla hurriedly said, "I'm sorry," not even glancing at Brian, and followed Samuel inside.
"Samuel..." Anxious, Layla trailed behind him into the elevator, her expression pleading like a guilty child, desperate to explain but unable to find her voice. His cold stare silenced her.
Layla was so anxious that her body was trembling.
Samuel's face was as dark as a storm cloud, making her heart feel icy cold.
As soon as the elevator doors opened, Samuel strode out.
"Samuel." Layla cautiously reached for his hand, but as soon as she touched his skin, he pulled away.
"Please, don't be like this," Layla pleaded, trembling and at a loss. She tried to grab Samuel's hand with both of hers, but he shook her off again.
Samuel's face remained stern and silent as he changed his shoes and threw his coat onto the sofa.
Layla stood behind him, anxious and helpless. "Are you thirsty? Let me get you some water..."
She hurried to the kitchen and brought back a glass of water, holding it up to him with both hands.
Samuel loosened his tie.
"Let me help you..." Layla reached to help him with his tie, but Samuel yanked it off and threw it onto the sofa.
"The house is a bit messy, I didn't have time to clean."
"Are you tired? How about taking a shower first?"
"Let me get your pajamas, okay?"
"Was your trip smooth?" Layla desperately searched for a topic. But Samuel ignored her.
Her small hands clutched the hem of her clothes helplessly. "Why... why did you come back so suddenly?"
Upon hearing this, Samuel, who had been quiet until then, let out a chilling laugh. He turned his sturdy frame towards her, his gaze mocking. "I guess I shouldn't have returned so soon, huh? To avoid catching you in the act with other guys? To keep me in the dark?"
"No, I wasn't entangled with him." Layla hurriedly waved her hands in denial.
"He was holding your hand, confessing his feelings to you downstairs, asking you to date him, even marry him. And that's not being entangled? Then tell me, what is?" Samuel roared, his voice filled with uncontrollable anger. Each word made her flinch.
Layla wanted to explain that she didn't know beforehand; but she felt guilty, thinking she was at fault. She lowered her head in shame.
"Why the silence? Did I hit the mark? Cat got your tongue?" Samuel chuckled bitterly, his smile tinged with profound disappointment. Whether Layla clarified or not, his anger only simmered.
"I... I didn't know... he would..." Layla spoke slowly, word by word.
Samuel was furious. "Didn't know? No man treats a woman well for no reason. Even if you're naive, you should understand that. I've warned you repeatedly. Are you really that naive? Or are you pretending not to know because you enjoy being chased and surrounded by men?"
Layla shook her head desperately. "It's not like that. I only want you."
Samuel said, "But I'm never the only one around you, especially when I'm not here. What? Are they there to fill your free time? Is it thrilling to flirt with other men behind my back?"
Layla's heart tightened suddenly.
Samuel's words were getting more and more hurtful, painting her as a woman who played with emotions.
"Is that why you haven't contacted me these past two days?" Samuel continued to question with a cold smile.
Layla said, "No, I wanted to contact you. I really did. I was just about to call you..."
"Really? You were so busy being entangled with him that you had time to call me?" Samuel raised an eyebrow.
"I know you misunderstand me, but I truly only have you in my heart." Layla grabbed Samuel's hands, afraid he wouldn't believe her, looking anxiously into his eyes. "We've been through so much together. Don't you trust me?"
"Samuel, believe me, please." she pleaded.
Samuel gazed at Layla, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his mind. Yet, the memory of incessantly checking his phone for two days without a single message from her resurfaced. Her silence spoke volumes. Despite his intense longing for her, he hurried back, only to be greeted by that sight.
Thinking of this, any softening in Samuel's heart was immediately frozen over. His heart hardened, and his face turned cold again. "I believe my own eyes," he said.
"You... you don't believe me?" Layla was deeply disappointed.
She thought they had reached a level of complete trust.
How could there still be misunderstandings over insignificant people?
Samuel silently looked at Layla.
Layla's eyes reddened bit by bit, her nose tingling.
She looked so aggrieved with tears in her eyes.
Samuel felt a pang of guilt, which made him even more irritable. He turned his face away. "Maybe I shouldn't have come back."
"No, it's not like that. I really missed you. I've been waiting for you, Samuel..." Layla's voice trembled. "I understand why you're upset about earlier. It's my fault. I got too close to him. But, I never thought he would..."
"Samuel, trust me. It's only you in my heart," she stressed, "There's no space for anyone else. Brian Evans is just a friend, just a boss. You're the one I love. I can tell the difference. Please don't be angry with me, okay?"