Chapter 57

Grace and Julia approached Layla apologetically. "Layla, we're sorry. We were also misled by Molly. And the things we've done against you before were because of Molly."

"She's our superior, and we could only follow her instructions. Please don't blame us, we have no personal grudges against you."

Layla understood that their words were forced by the situation, and they might not genuinely want to reconcile. But she didn't care about that. Office politics always involved intrigue and maneuvering, so maintaining a superficial peace was already good enough.

"That's alright." she said with a small smile.

"Thank you." Grace and Julia both breathed a sigh of relief.

"As long as you're okay." Nathan walked up to her, a small smile appearing on his usually serious face.

"Thank you for helping me." Layla expressed her gratitude.

"I never doubted you. From now on, I'll personally lead your team." Nathan announced.

This arrangement was for Layla's sake.

He had never taken on an apprentice because so far, he hadn't come across anyone with exceptional talent, and he didn't want to waste his time and energy. But Layla was talented, hardworking, and had good character. He wanted to cultivate her into a true designer, even a successor.

"Great." Layla's face lit up with excitement. She knew that following her idol would surely lead to more opportunities for learning.

To Samuel, however, that smile seemed blinding, and he squinted his icy-cold eyes at her.

From a distance, Layla shivered and anxiously looked at the man with the cold expression on his face. Oh no, could it be jealousy in his eyes?

Samuel was indeed jealous.

Thank you, Nathan?

Wasn't it him who helped her? What did Nathan do to deserve her gratitude? She had thanked the wrong person!

What's so special about being the world's top designer anyway? Why does she worship him so much?

He is Samuel after all!

In the past, Samuel had always despised comparisons. He was a proud person who looked down on everyone else, thinking that comparing himself to anyone would be an insult. Yet now, he was desperately and stubbornly trying to compare himself to Nathan.

The less he wanted to compare, the more formidable the comparison became.

In a cold and stern tone, Samuel's voice resounded, "Today's incident is a warning to everyone present. I will never allow any troublemakers who are detrimental to the company to exist. If there's a next time, don't even think you'll be leaving prison alive!"

"Yes, Mr. President." the crowd responded in a hurry.

"Keep up the good work, I have high expectations of you." Nathan raised his hand, intending to pat Layla's shoulder. But Samuel suddenly stepped in front of him, giving him a warning look.

Nathan paused, realizing that the President's gaze was extremely dangerous.

Samuel glanced at Layla's nervous face and said, "Layla, come to my office."

After speaking to her, he turned around arrogantly and walked away, with Mr. Vandella following his footsteps.

Is there any way I can avoid going? Layla panicked and her heartrate increased slightly. She had just found out his true identity, and now her mind was in chaos. Her heart raced, and she needed time to digest and calm down. She couldn't have a proper conversation with him right now.

Not seeing anyone following him, Samuel stopped and turned around, raising his voice, "Layla?"

"Yes, yes" Layla nervously caught up with him.

As the tall figure departed, the whole room heaved a relieved sigh.

"Phew... Mr. Holland's presence is just too overwhelming. I almost couldn't breathe just now."

"Same here, I almost suffocated."

"Can you believe that Mr. Holland actually took care of such a trivial matter? Could it be because of Layla?" Some people discussed quietly.

"Probably not, didn't you hear what Mr. Holland said at the end? Betraying company secrets is not a trivial matter. If he didn't address this incident, similar things would happen in the future."

"That makes sense!"

"He's so handsome!"

"I envy Layla, being alone with Mr. Holland. I wish I could trade places with her."

"You? Do you have the courage to speak in front of Mr. Holland?"

"Layla is so beautiful. Could the President have taken a liking to her?"

"It's impossible. Wasn't he already engaged to Miss Eilish from the Eilish family?"

In the corridor of the Design Department, there was a tall and imposing figure in a well-fitted suit. Standing tall and upright, surpassing international supermodels.

Behind him was Layla, who was nervously bobbing her head.

He turned out to be the CEO! She had often offended him in the past, even considering him a male escort. Why didn't he kill her and instead help her everywhere? Could it be that he was fattening her up to slaughter her later?

Is it happening now? Layla's temples tightened, and her face turned pale.

Samuel glanced at her from the elevator, seeing her nervously biting her lip, like a little rabbit heading to the slaughterhouse, wanting to escape but not daring to run.

What? Afraid of him? Wasn't she usually arrogant and hostile towards him? Why isn't she being arrogant now?

The corner of Samuel's mouth curved.

The elevator doors slowly opened.

Samuel took the lead and stepped in, while Mr. Vandella smartly did not follow and looked at Layla.

Miss Adkins had a very troubled expression on her face.

"Miss Adkins?"

"I'm sorry." Layla shouted and tried to escape, but Samuel acted lightning-fast, pinning her to the elevator wall.

He struck too fast, like a gust of wind. She didn't even know what had happened.

This man was like a hunting cheetah, striking quickly and hitting the mark.

Layla could feel the masculine power concealed beneath his suit, strong and dominant.

Her heart skipped a beat.

And his gaze revealed a predator's stare that he never showed in front of outsiders, staring directly at her, as if wanting to swallow her whole.

Layla nervously licked her lips.

He was a dangerous man, a man who could easily drive women crazy.

"Want to run? Hmm?" Samuel's "hmm?" sounded particularly flirtatious, sending a shiver down Layla's spine. He was usually cold, rarely showing such frivolousness.

The elevator doors slowly closed.

The CEO's elevator ascended to the top floor, moving slowly.

Inside the elevator, Layla felt like every minute was taking forever, an intense torture.

She knew that every woman in this company wanted to be subdued by Samuel like this, but she didn't want any of it, she didn't like this kind of chaos.

To him, she was just an interesting prey.

"Mr. Holland..." Her throat trembled.

"What's my name?" Samuel's gaze was both wild and full of interest.

"Samuel..." Layla clenched her teeth and involuntarily spoke up.

"Good." Samuel suddenly gripped her chin, "Nervous? Aren't you usually aggressive in front of me? Cat got your tongue now?"

Layla forced out a smile uglier than crying, "I... I didn't know before... Please, forgive me, Sir."

This girl even started using respectful greetings. Samuel laughed and toyed with her chin as if it were an amusing toy.

Layla couldn't decipher his thoughts, but she sensed a dangerous situation and her chin grew hot from his touch. "What if I don't apologize?"