Chapter 431

What did it mean to be reluctant to let her go?

Sure enough, there was already a hint of ambiguity.

Layla was annoyed by this misunderstanding.

"It's not what you think. Mr. Evans and I..." Layla started to explain.

She didn't even know why she was bothering, but Luna quickly waved her hand to interrupt, "That's not what I meant. I meant you're so talented, Mr. Evans values you a lot, so of course, he doesn't want to let you go. I would hate to see you leave too. It would be great if you could stay."

Layla didn't buy it. She didn't believe Luna really wanted her to stay.

Everyone in the office didn't like her.

This work environment was terrible, enough to give anyone a headache.

Better to resign as soon as possible. Layla was even more determined about this decision.

She picked up the documents and walked into Brian's office. "Mr. Evans."

Brian looked up. His usually indifferent expression softened into a gentle smile because of her. "If you're not feeling well, you can lie down on my couch for a while."

"No need. I've given all the design plans to Luna. Next time, you can go directly to her," Layla said in a formal tone.

Brian picked up on her formal tone.

"Handing over your hard work to someone else, doesn't it hurt a bit?" Brian smiled lightly.

"Design plans are meant to be used by others. Besides, I'll continue to create better designs in the future. They're all in my head, constantly being generated. Completing a project is just an end; there's nothing to feel bad about," Layla said.

"But not being able to see your design turn into an actual building, there must be some regret," Brian said.

"I believe others can handle it just as well," Layla replied.

"But every designer has their own ideas. There will be some changes. Your work in others' hands becomes like a stepchild," Brian said.

Brian's down-to-earth analogy caught Layla off guard. However, she could tell that, overtly and covertly, Brian wanted to keep her. She didn't want him to have any more expectations.

"Mr. Evans, I've already decided to resign," Layla said clearly.

"You still have a week. You might change your mind." He raised his hand to stop her. I've always believed in man's efforts, you never know the outcome until the last second."

Layla thought about it and realized there was no point in arguing. More words were meaningless; she had already submitted her resignation letter. Once she completed the handover, she would be done.

"One more thing, please don't say anything that could be misunderstood in front of other colleagues. Our rumors have finally died down; there's no need to stir things up again," Layla said.

"What did I say?" Brian tilted his head, thought for a few seconds, then looked up at her with a clear smile. "It seems like nothing."

He continued, "Didn't we agree yesterday to maintain a normal superior-subordinate relationship? I believe I've kept my promise."

"But others..." Layla started.

"You know very well that no matter how we interact, they will have something to say. That's beyond our control." Brian smiled calmly. "Just relax."

Brian had no sharp edges; he seemed more like a motivational speaker. Layla had a lot to say but could only swallow her words.

Seeing she had nothing more to say, Brian took the design plans, smiling meaningfully. "With your talent, if you stay at Brightness Design Company, you could be promoted to director within two years. You're at your best stage right now, but you're giving it up. I genuinely feel it's a pity."

"I won't give up on design," Layla said.

Brian said, "But missing a year is a pity. Stopping when you should be seizing every moment is a kind of stagnation and waste. Every minute and second, you could be replaced by newcomers."

"If I can be replaced so easily, then I won't be able to establish myself in the design industry in the long run," Layla retorted.

"You're still too young and haven't faced enough setbacks to say something so naive. In the design field, time is money. Every minute and second, you're racing against time. You're wasting your most valuable asset. Alright, I've said enough. Otherwise, you'll find me annoying again. I'm just giving you a heads-up as someone with experience; I don't want you to regret it in the future," Brian said.

"Thank you," Layla said no more.

Two hours later, Layla came out of the office to print some documents.

Luna casually walked over to the copier next to her. "Are you still planning to resign?"

Layla nodded.

"Mr. Evans didn't try to keep you?" Luna asked.

"This is my personal decision," Layla said.

"Then Mr. Evans..." Luna started.

Layla handed her the papers. "People leave and join all the time. Let it go."

"Alright," Luna said.

In the afternoon, at six o'clock.

Layla, feeling heavy-hearted and a bit fatigued, shut down her computer and packed her things into her bag.

"Good news, good news! Tonight, Mr. Evans is treating us to dinner and karaoke," the secretary announced.

Everyone simultaneously glanced at Layla and then cheered. "We're getting a feast! Long live Mr. Evans!"

"Which restaurant?"

"Is it a buffet?"

"Japanese food, maybe? Japanese food is expensive."

Layla left amidst the lively discussion.

"Layla, join us for dinner tonight," Luna grabbed her.

"You guys go ahead. I'm not going," Layla refused.

"You're the guest of honor. How can you not go? I mean, it's Mr. Evans' first time treating us. If you just leave, it would be disrespectful to him, wouldn't it? Not very nice."

"I've already resigned," Layla said.

"But there's still a week left, right? I know you don't like to party, but at least have a meal."

Layla didn't respond and walked away.

An awkward silence fell over the office.

Brian stood at the office door, hands in his pockets. His glasses hid the depth of his gaze.

In the taxi, even after arriving at the Holland Group, Layla was still making her tenth call of the day.

"Sorry, the number you have dialed is currently unavailable..."

"Miss, we're here," the taxi driver said.

"Thank you," Layla said as she paid and hurriedly got out of the car.

A group of impeccably dressed men surrounded their distinguished boss as they walked out of the Holland Group building. The leading man was imposing, with a nose as high and straight as a Greek peak.

However, Samuel's profile was tense, his lips tightly pressed together, exuding coldness and displeasure, causing the board members around him to be on edge, not daring to speak.

A Rolls-Royce was parked at the entrance.

James opened the back door.

"Wait, wait..." a breathless female voice called out.

Everyone turned to look.

Even Samuel's icy eyes showed a flicker of emotion for a moment.

However, Samuel forced himself not to turn his head and got into the car, albeit a bit slower.

"Wait." Layla ran up, grabbing the car door at the last moment, looking at him anxiously.

"Where did she come from, daring to block Mr. Holland's car? Is she out of her mind?"

"Move aside, move aside!"

"Don't block Mr. Holland's way."

"Are you blind? Move!" The board members hurriedly tried to shoo her away, ordering the nearby bodyguards, "Are you guys made of wood? Get her out of here!"