Chapter 430
The Rolls-Royce sat idle a few feet from the couple on the bench, its back door ajar. Samuel hesitated, his hand on the door handle.
Finally, he slammed it shut.
James looked shocked. How could this be? He thought Samuel would definitely get out.
Was it because of Miss Adkins?
"Drive," Samuel ordered, his eyes burning with barely contained anger.
"Yes, sir." James didn't dare ask more and quickly started the car.
Brian watched the Rolls-Royce leave, a faint smile on his face.
But when he looked at Layla, his gaze was gentle, hiding any hint of what he felt.
After treating the wound, Layla packed up the medicine. "Three times a day. Apply it first thing tomorrow morning; don't forget."
Brian grinned. "I'll definitely forget. How about you call to remind me?"
Layla didn't answer.
"Just kidding, I'll remember," Brian said with a calm smile.
"Find a girlfriend to take care of you," Layla said, trying to sound casual.
Brian nodded. "Good idea, I'll think about it."
Brian's response suggested he had moved on, though the speed surprised Layla. Maybe when someone was truly heartbroken, they could find peace. If they could go back to being friends, it would be a good thing.
"I'll take you home," Brian offered.
Layla shook her head. "No need, I'll grab a cab."
"Are you sure?" Brian asked.
Layla nodded. "Yes."
"Alright," Brian raised his hand and hailed a taxi for her, watching her get in and waving goodbye.
Once the taxi disappeared around the corner, Brian's smile faded. A cold, calculating glint appeared behind his glasses.
Brian thought, 'Layla, I won't give up on you so easily. I'll make you see that I'm the one who's truly right for you.'
As soon as she got in the cab, Layla eagerly pulled out her phone to make a call.
Brian's question had stirred something in her heart.
She felt foolish. Samuel had surpassed her dreams in importance. Seeing him now was her top priority.
But her phone was out of charge.
Layla had to wait until she got home. The moment she plugged in her phone and it powered on, she called him immediately. But after just two rings, the call was cut off.
Layla stared at the screen, feeling helpless.
Even when Samuel was angry before, he wouldn't hang up on her. At most, he wouldn't answer. Was he really that mad? Things seemed to be getting better yesterday. How did they get worse?
Layla wasn't discouraged and kept calling. But three consecutive calls were all hung up.
It had never happened before!
She tried one more time, and it was hung up again.
Seeing that it was already past ten, Layla reluctantly suppressed her strong urge to go find Samuel. She would try again tomorrow. Right now, she didn't even know where he was, so finding him would be impossible.
With a sense of unease, Layla forced herself to go to bed early.
She turned off the lights and lay in the dark, her phone right next to her, eyes fixed on it.
Even though she hadn't seen the screen light up, she kept nervously grabbing her phone to check, afraid of missing anything.
Layla forced herself to close her eyes, but within seconds, she couldn't help but open them again, and the screen lit up.
Layla shot up, grabbed her phone, and eagerly swiped to unlock it.
Brian: [Good night.]
Her heart sank. She put the phone aside, closed her eyes, and lay back down.
Restless, she struggled to sleep, pulling the blanket over her head only to peek out soon after for air.
Tonight was going to be a long night.
Layla woke up from a dream she couldn't remember. Her mind was blank, but her heart was racing. Instinctively, she grabbed her phone from the bedside table.
At 8 AM, a single message awaited her, this time from Brian: [Good morning.]
Layla sighed in disappointment. She wasn't waiting for a good morning from Brian.
She had too many dreams last night; now she had a headache and felt dizzy, as if she hadn't slept at all.
Dragging her aching body out of bed, she quickly washed up and started calling again. Three consecutive calls, all hung up.
Her unease grew. Something was definitely wrong.
At Brightness Design Company.
"Layla, did you not sleep well last night? You have dark circles under your eyes," Luna asked as soon as she saw her.
Layla, feeling down, responded with a grunt.
"What's wrong? Not happy?" Luna asked.
"Nothing, we need to hand over the Eastside café project today," Layla said.
"Mr. Evans is here," Luna whispered and quickly slipped away, while others kept their heads down, afraid of getting scolded.
Brian walked straight up to Layla and placed breakfast in front of her. "Morning."
Brian smiled. Everyone was surprised to see his smile.
They had been working for a while and had never seen Brian smile so brightly.
"I've already eaten," Layla said.
"Then eat a little more. You're too thin," Brian said with a smile, staring at Layla's face. "Didn't sleep well last night?"
Layla forced a smile. With so many eyes on her in the office, she felt uncomfortable and wished she could disappear.
"Do you want to lie down on the couch in my office?" Brian asked.
"No, no," Layla quickly shook her head. "I slept fine."
What was he doing? Inviting her to rest in his office in front of everyone? Was he trying to make people misunderstand? With Brian's emotional intelligence, he couldn't be unaware of this.
"Bring the design draft to my office later. I want to review it again," Brian said with a slight smile. "I'll be waiting in my office."
"I've already given it to Luna. I'll have her bring it to you," Layla said.
"It's your design, so I want to talk to you," Brian insisted, still smiling. "I'll be waiting in my office."
Ignoring the puzzled looks from others, Brian calmly walked into his office.
For several seconds, the air was silent.
"Layla, you and Mr. Evans made up? He seems to be in a good mood today. He used to always have a stern face, especially towards you, like you were his enemy..." Luna's face was full of curiosity about their relationship, eager to find out more.
See, it was a misunderstanding. Just when the previous speculations had died down, now there would be new waves. Gossip can be terrifying.
Layla didn't know how to explain. "Maybe there was a misunderstanding before."
"So, now that the misunderstanding is cleared up, are you not going to resign?" Luna asked, her tone hopeful but with something off.
Layla could easily tell the difference between genuine and forced enthusiasm.
"I've already decided to resign," Layla said.
"Really? But it seems like Mr. Evans won't be willing to let you go," Luna said.