Chapter 439

The next morning at Brightness Design Company.

Layla stood at Luna's desk, one hand on the table, eyes glued to the screen, explaining each design one by one.

"Layla, are you really quitting? These designs are amazing. I can't do them. You have such a talent for design," Luna said sincerely, feeling a pang of regret.

Everyone at the company, including Luna, used to think Layla relied on her looks to get by. But these designs made Luna feel guilty for ever being jealous. Layla's thorough and meticulous handover only added to Luna's admiration.

"And these are your hard work. Can you really let them go?"

As a fellow designer, Luna knew every design was like a designer's child. What mother wouldn't feel heartbroken handing over her child?

"Of course, I can't bear it," Layla murmured, feeling a brief moment of loss. But she quickly smiled. "But different stages of life have their most important things."

"More important than dreams?"

Layla nodded. To her now, nothing was more important than giving birth to a healthy and adorable baby. Dreams could wait, but the chance to nurture a baby was once in a lifetime. She wanted to focus all her energy and love on the baby.

"Is it worth it?" Luna asked.

"You bet," Layla answered without hesitation.

"Well, that's good then. Although I don't know what that most important thing is, good luck to you."

"Thank you."

"Mr. Evans is here." Luna quickly stood up, startled. "Mr. Evans, what happened to you? Did you get into a fight?"

Brian came in with a crutch, moving a bit awkwardly.

Layla nodded politely and turned to go back to her workstation.

But Brian called her, "Come to my office."

"Is it urgent? I'm really busy right now."

Luna was shocked. 'Who's the boss here? With that kind of attitude.'

"Thank you for your hard work," Brian smiled, not giving Layla a chance to refuse.

"Layla, you're so bold, talking to Mr. Evans like that. Aren't you afraid of getting fired? Oh right, you've already resigned, but there's no need to leave on bad terms, right? Did you two have a falling out? No, Mr. Evans was so kind to you just now, and he didn't get angry when you spoke to him like that. And don't blame me for pointing it out, but Mr. Evans looked at you with such tenderness, like he was looking at his girlfriend."

Layla said nothing, thinking to get it over with quickly, and entered the office.

"Close the door," Brian hung his suit on the back of the executive chair.

"Go ahead, I'm very busy."

"Busy, or just mad at me? You don't even want to see me at the office now?"

Everything Brian said sounded ambiguous to Layla, and it was the kind of ambiguity she disliked.

"Because of your violent boyfriend?"

"Please don't speak ill of my boyfriend."

"Are you being too biased towards him and unable to tell right from wrong?" Brian teased her, his tone soft and with a smile. "It was him who wanted to beat me up yesterday, you saw it very clearly."

Layla wanted to say it was because he deserved it, but she didn't say it directly, only replied, "You were provoking him, and he didn't actually hit you."

"That's only because you were there. He wanted to play the good guy in front of you. You think I was provoking him? I was just trying to show you his true colors."

Layla shook her head with a smile. "I know my boyfriend better than you do."

"Men understand men best. You think it's love, but it's just possessiveness. Don't be naive."

"Naive is better than being self-righteous. You have no right to judge someone you don't know. My boyfriend and I are very close. This incident has only brought us closer. Nothing you say can change that."

'Closer?'

Hearing this, Brian's temple twitched, and a shadow passed over his eyes.

'How could this be? My intention was not to bring them closer.'

'So, did I get beaten up for nothing?' he guessed.

"He's cunning, and you're too easy to deceive. You're no match for him. You'll just be led by the nose, foolish!" His displeasure made his words sharp.

Layla had been holding back her temper, but now it showed on her face. "Mr. Evans, people's patience has limits."

"What? You want to hit me too? Being with a violent person, you'll become violent too."

Layla wanted to slap him. The more she loved Samuel, the more she defended him. They could have their own conflicts, but if anyone else said a bad word about her boyfriend, she would be furious.

Layla's tone became harsher. "You should mind your own words and actions."

"Truth is hard to hear. You just don't like hearing the truth. Do all women have Stockholm syndrome? Falling in love with a controlling violent person."

Before Layla could retort, he continued, "I thought you were a clear-headed person. Seems I was wrong."

Layla retorted, "I thought you were a rational and decent person. Seems I was wrong."

"I'm still the same person I was. I haven't changed. It's you who's been brainwashed and controlled," Brian pointed to his temple.

"I'm not that easily brainwashed. But you, I don't know if you were always like this or if you've changed."

Layla felt a physical repulsion towards the Brian in front of her.

"I've never changed," Brian spread his hands calmly. "Don't you remember? We used to be so in sync. Your eyes would light up when you looked at me."

"That was because we shared the same work philosophy. I thought I found a kindred spirit."

"We are kindred spirits, in work and in life. I can be your best partner, but you're rejecting me. But I don't blame you. You're just confused by him."

He doesn't blame her? What right does he have to blame her? Thinking he's some kind of savior.

"My personal life is none of your concern, and you have no say in it," Layla said, turning to leave.

"Stop."

Layla didn't listen.

"I'm the president here. You're my employee. I think I still have some authority."

Layla stopped at the door, turned back with a smile. "I've already resigned."

"I won't accept your resignation letter."

"Mr. Evans, employees have the right to resign. If the company doesn't allow it, it's a violation of labor laws. I can file a complaint with the local authorities or apply for labor arbitration."

Brian seemed to have anticipated Layla's response and replied nonchalantly,"As per our agreement, employees can end their employment with a written notice of thirty days. You submitted your resignation just seven days ago, leaving twenty-three days remaining."