Chapter 70

It was precisely because she thought of that, that Layla had declined. That would be just another link to knowing the entire Eilish family.

Hatred stemming from a mistress known through acquaintances was far worse than from a stranger.

If her relationship with Samuel were ever to come to light, they would tear her apart.

With that chilling thought, her heart seemed to freeze.

"What's wrong? You suddenly went pale,！" Nathan asked with concern.

"Maybe I didn't sleep well last night," was the only excuse Layla could find.

"You never seem to sleep well. What are you doing at night?"

"...Sleeping."

"Could it be that you're having odd dreams, keeping you from a good night's rest?" There was a mischievous twinkle in Nathan's eyes.

He didn't have a habit of teasing his subordinates, but perhaps Layla's innocence and charm slipped past his usual restraint.

"...No, nothing like that."

"Well, that's good. I was afraid you were dreaming about me."

"..."

The innocent girl blushed, but Nathan didn't tease her further. "Back to the subject, why refuse the offer?"

"I'm just starting out. I want to build my career steadily, step by step. Skyrocketing isn't my style."

"But shying away from opportunities isn't like you either," Nathan said confidently. "The Layla I know likes to embrace challenges and seize opportunities."

"You must have heard the saying, sometimes seizing the opportunity is more important than the talent. If the chance comes and you don't grab it, talent alone is useless."

Layla nodded, "I know that."

Focus on knocking out that Isabel's project, and I'll put in a good word for you with Ms. Eilish. Right now, you're the protégé I proudly boast about-don't let me down."

"Got it, Mr. Marley," Layla nodded, her emotions a complex mix.

"Still with the 'Mr. Marley'?"

Scratching her head, Layla pondered, "What should I call you then?"

"Come on, call me 'Master'," he teased.

"That makes sense." Her thoughts were a mess, her reactions sluggish.

"But Isabel seems to have some misconceptions about me"

"I know, she grilled me over the phone yesterday about our relationship," Nathan remarked, unfazed.

"And what did you tell her?"

"I joked that I was pursuing you unilaterally, and it had nothing to do with you."

"What?" Layla gasped in astonishment.

"Just kidding. Do you believe everything you hear?" Nathan chuckled. "Or maybe you were hoping I was serious?"

"No, no, of course not. You're my respected boss, and you said before"

"What? That I like women who are... voluptuous? Maybe you could try a new workout routine; I've heard it works ," he quipped.

Layla forced a laugh. Why was he increasingly enjoying teasing her? Where'd the stern Mr. Marley from work go?

"I have high hopes for you. Don't disappoint me." Nathan raised his hand, gently patting her head. Her soft hair was like silk, and his fingertips couldn't resist sliding through her locks, sending a tingling current through his heart.

His gaze fell on her lips and, unexpectedly, Nathan felt a stir.

He must have been single for too long. Innocent girls were never his type.

Snapping out of it, he handed her a set of keys. "Your dorm request went through."

Her eyes lit up, "That fast?"

"YepYes. It's a single room. Small, but it's enough for you."

"Aren't single rooms reserved for managers? Won't people talk if I get one?"

"Who cares what they say? What's wrong with pulling some strings for my Celebrity studentstar pupil?"

"I appreciate the gesture, but any place to stay will do; I should stick with the six-person dorm."

"My place has a studio apartment. Take your pick," Nathan said with a half-joking tone, masking his amusement.

"Thank you, Mr. Marley." Layla took the keys.

Nathan inwardly chuckled, feeling unexpectedly disappointed.

"Layla, who was that elegant lady earlier?" Alice asked with curiosity.

"That was Ms. Eilish's mother."

"Huh? She doesn't particularly resemble Miss Eilish; if anything, she sort of looks like you. I was actually wondering if she could be your mom, and you're secretly some kind of wealthy heir in disguise?"

Does she really look like Ms. Eilish? Maybe there's a faint resemblance, at best.

"...Ever seen a rich kid as broke as me?"

"That's the whole point of being 'hidden' wealth. You're quite the enigma, you know? Nobody even knows what you drive to work each morning. Just last week, someone swore they saw you getting out of a Rolls-Royce."

Layla felt a wave of anxiety, "They must've been mistaken."

"Are you sure you're not hiding a fortune?"

"I'm not."

"Well, whatever. I'm sticking to you like glue!" Alice hugged her arm, resting her head on Layla's shoulder with a playful grin, "Don't forget to take your sister here to the Black Horse Club when you make it big."

Layla remained silent. That place was the last on earth she'd ever want to visit again.

All her troubles started there, and she deeply regretted it.

The day dragged on listlessly, with no mood for drafting and designing.

By six o'clock...

"Layla, wanna grab dinner?" Alice slung her bag over her shoulder.

"No, I've got to work late."

"It's not like we're slammed with deadlines. Can't it wait till tomorrow? I was hoping we could try out that new place."

"Maybe next time."

As everyone trickled out, Layla felt stuck, unable to produce anything worthwhile as she sat blankly in front of her computer.

After some indeterminate time...

Her phone vibrated; it was a call from Samuel.

Layla frowned, her finger hesitated on the screen for a few seconds before sliding to answer.

"Come down," the man commanded, brooking no refusal.

"I'm working late."

"Working late?" There was a deep chuckle on the other end.

"I'm not lying; I just took on a project with a tight deadline, as you know."

"If it's that urgent, you'd think the whole design department should be staying late."

Layla's furrowed her brow even more. That detestable man, actually threatening her.

Gritting her teeth, "I'm coming down now."

She hurried downstairs and slid into his Bugatti Veyron as quickly as she could.

Thank goodness he frequently switched cars, otherwise the entire office would know she was riding with him.

Samuel sat in the back seat, suited up, his features tense, exuding an icy presence.

Layla wanted to get out of the car right then - if she stayed in this suffocating atmosphere, it might be the death of her.

"The company apartment's been approved; I'm moving in tomorrow."

"Seems Mr. Marley really 'values' you," Samuel snorted with a hint of disdain.

There had always been murmurs around the department about her and Nathan, and sometimes she'd overhear female colleagues making snide remarks when she passed by the restroom. But she never took it to heart-except when Samuel said it, it really got under her skin.

Layla stood her ground, "Mr. Marley really values me, but he's a total pro-an esteemed designer-his respect comes from recognizing the quality of my work."

"What, did I say otherwise? Why so touchy?" Samuel huffed.

Silence.

He was clearly mocking her.

Layla had no interest in his wordplay. Cutting to the chase, she announced, "Starting tomorrow night, I'm moving into the employee housing."