Chapter 52

Layla widened her eyes. No, how did he interpret it that way? She was clearly complimenting him, right?

"I didn't say you're old; you're too sensitive."

As a result, Samuel was once again provoked by the phrase "too sensitive". All his sensitivity originated from guilt, but he didn't consider himself old. He was currently at the prime age of a man.

With a cold hum, he responded, "What's wrong with being a little older? Older people understand how to take care of others, and they also have the corresponding financial means and abilities. Can younger guys do that?"

"Yes, exactly!" Layla clapped her hands. Whatever he said was right; after all, she was about to ask him for a favor. "You're young, strong, and have great stamina."

"Enough nonsense. Could it have lasted the whole night if not?" Samuel retorted arrogantly.

Why bring up that night again? There was still someone sitting in the front seat. Layla blushed, clearing her throat awkwardly, "So, can I stay at your place for a month?"

Among all the terrible options, this was the slightly less terrible one, an act of helplessness.

Layla scratched her head, "I can't stay in the school dormitory anymore, and I couldn't get the company dormitory either, so..."

"So, I'm your last resort?" Samuel sneered, really having to reluctantly accommodate her.

"No, no, your villa is big and the bed is comfortable, it's not a last resort." Layla hurriedly waved her hands.

So, it had nothing to do with him. Samuel had already agreed inside his heart, but he raised an eyebrow and said, "Give me a reason to shelter you."

"Aren't we friends? Friends should help each other."

"Someone said before that she and I are not from the same world, and it's not suitable for us to be friends."

Layla almost choked, saying with a sulky expression, "Isn't that because she didn't know you well enough back then? After spending time together, I actually think you're not bad."

"Well, thank you for that." Samuel said coldly, turning his face to the side.

"When I'm free, I can cook for you for free, as accommodation fee. If I have time, I can also help with cleaning, I'm very efficient with chores. I'm also good at gardening." Layla listed off all her talents, including some bragging, but Samuel remained unmoved.

She felt embarrassed and rejected.

So, did he refuse? After tonight, would she have to sleep on the streets?

Too miserable.

She started imagining herself pitifully sleeping under a bridge, sobbing.

"Five dishes and a soup," Samuel suddenly spoke, his tone still icy.

"What?" Layla's eyes lit up, and she replied eagerly, "Okay, okay, okay, but... wouldn't it be a bit wasteful?"

Samuel glanced at her.

"Not wasteful, not wasteful, I can finish it all."

"But I just started a new project, so I'll probably be busy this week. I'll make it up to you later, no need to trouble you too much. If our schedules align, I'll catch a ride with you back home, if not, I'll take the bus. If you're going to the company in the morning, I can hitch a ride with you."

"Excuse me?"

Layla chuckled, "Is that alright? I mean... It's not as boring when you have someone to talk to."

"You think I like talking?" Samuel coolly retorted, aloof and reserved, like an emperor.

"In that case, I won't talk. You can do whatever you like." Layla smiled innocently.

Samuel found her smile both infuriating and amusing. The cunning little fox only tried to please him when she had something to ask of him, otherwise, she was arrogant and disobedient.

He turned to look outside the window, a faint smile on his lips.

The next month shouldn't be too boring.

Two days later, at Beauty Entertainment, the secretary led Layla and Molly to the waiting room.

"Isabel is in a meeting, please wait here for a moment."

Molly had a cold look on her face in the car, ignoring Layla's attempts at conversation, and now the atmosphere in the waiting room was equally awkward.

"Would you like some water?" Layla tried to ease the tension once more.

Molly, engrossed in her phone, smirked, "If you poison me, do you think you can take my position?"

Layla no longer bothered trying to please her.

They ended up waiting for an hour, during which Layla took out her laptop and worked.

Molly grew impatient of playing games and stood up in frustration, "Why is she taking so long? Is being a big star make your time more important that other people's time? I'm a renowned designer myself, and my time is precious too!"

But the moment the door opened, Molly immediately changed her demeanor, warmly embracing Isabel. "Isabel, long time no see, I've missed you so much."

Isabel pushed Molly away, her face full of arrogance.

Layla had heard before that most celebrities had two different faces, on and off stage. Isabel's public image was that of a sweet little princess, always playing innocent roles, but in reality, she behaved high and mighty, with her eyes seemingly placed on top of her head, accustomed to bossing others around.

"Did you bring the design drawings?"

"I'm not in charge of this project, it's my assistant's responsibility," Molly eagerly anticipated the drama.

"Hello." Layla nodded with a smile.

"Assistant? Are you kidding me?" Isabel furrowed her pretty eyebrows, "If Nathan wasn't so busy, I wouldn't have entrusted the Lifestyle Pavilion to a C-level designer like you. And now you even send an assistant to deal with me."

"Isabel, you misunderstand. This is Mr. Marley's arrangement. You have no idea how much he wanted to take over your project. Layla is quite favored by Mr. Marley himself." Molly interjected.

"So, you're saying that Nathan assigned such an important project to a mere assistant?" Isabel asked, scrutinized Layla critically, her youth and beauty inevitably leading to thoughts of a romantic involvement.

And with Molly's ambiguous remarks, Layla was seen as a cunning vixen, further fueling the misunderstanding.

Isabel, with a harsh tone, questioned, "What's your relationship with Nathan?"

"I only got to know Mr. Marley after joining the company, and we have a regular superior-subordinate relationship. I'm grateful to Mr. Marley for this opportunity and I'm honored to serve you, Miss Isabel." Layla replied confidently.

"Enough with the clichés. I can't let the Lifestyle Pavilion be mishandled by just an assistant. Molly, you'll be in charge." Isabel stated firmly before leaving.

"Miss Isabel, please wait." Layla hurriedly caught up. "I understand your concerns. While experienced designers have their merits, newcomers also bring their own advantages. I believe Mr. Marley assigned me to your project based on your preferences, which shows his regard for you. If you're unsatisfied, you can replace me anytime."

Isabel frowned and stared at her. As a newcomer, she looked down upon her, but Layla's words about Mr. Marley considering her preferences made her feel somewhat at ease.

Seems like this assistant knows about her and Nathan's relationship, so she probably won't dare to flirt with him.

"Hmph, then I'll see if you're capable enough." Isabel challenged.