Chapter 85

Facing Samuel's sharp questioning, Nathan composedly responded, "As Layla's immediate supervisor, it's my failure for not guiding her properly, which resulted in her bumping into you. I'm ready to take responsibility for her actions."

Samuel narrowed his eyes. Such lofty words, yet clearly, Nathan had an ulterior motive.

Aspiring to be a hero? He'd need to check if he met the criteria.

Worried about implicating Nathan, Layla quickly interjected, "Mr. Holland, Mr. Marley shouldn't be dragged into this. It was my mistake; I apologize to you, and I will bear all the consequences."

That just fueled Samuel's anger. She was usually so stubborn, and getting an apology out of her was as hard as squeezing water from a stone. Yet, here she was, apologizing so willingly, all to shield another man.

"Rest assured, you will bear the consequences. Come to my office," Samuel stated shortly before striding off first.

Layla frowned, reluctant yet resigned, she followed.

"Layla..." Nathan, concerned, attempted to follow her but Mr. Vandella stopped him, leaving him no choice but to stay put.

...

The air in the elevator was stiflingly tense.

Layla tucked herself in a corner at the back, pressing against the elevator wall for some semblance of security.

After sneaking a glance at the figure before her, she realized that even his silhouette seemed to radiate an unspoken fury.

It was just a stained shirt, for goodness' sake. Was all this really necessary? He was so petty!

She was in deep trouble.

The elevator reached the top floor, and Samuel stepped out, still silent.

"Good morning, Mr. Holland," employees greeted him with respectful nods while casting curious glances at Layla trailing behind him.

Layla followed him into the office and watched as he disappeared into the adjacent lounge, reluctant to proceed further.

A few seconds later.

"Get in here," came his icy command.

With a pout and resignation of the damned, Layla entered, bracing herself for trouble.

The moment she did, she stumbled upon Samuel, shirtless, tossing his shirt onto the bed. His chiseled torso caught her eye, and she blushed uncontrollably as she turned to escape. But he was quick to catch her and pinned her against the wall.

"You think you can run?" His menacing voice boomed overhead. "Believe me, I could break your legs."

Forced to face him, Layla's gaze flitted chaotically, unsure where she should be looking, "Let me go! Please!"

"Cut the innocence. We've already been intimate," Samuel's grip on her chin tightened suddenly, "Someone took the fall for your mistake. Feeling proud, are you?"

"Mr. Marley is my boss. He was just..." She attempted to clarify.

"I haven't seen him treat any other employee that well." Samuel scoffed, finding her excuses pathetic.

"You said you two were an item, that's why he's protecting you, right?" He gritted out, his tone sour with jealousy.

"When did I say we were together?" Layla insisted. She didn't want to drag Nathan into this mess, especially when office romances, though not banned, were frowned upon.

"You're close and cozy even though you're not together?" His implication was clear: was she the kind of woman who got close to any man?

"Can't I have a one-sided crush on him?"

"Say that again?" Samuel was livid; his fingers were exerting so much pressure that Layla couldn't help but cry out in pain, "Let go, it hurts!"

"Don't touch me!" She screamed while pushing against his arm with all her might.

"You like him?"

"I do!"

"I won't allow you to have our child and pine after another man. You can only have feelings for me," Samuel declared with a rare brute possessiveness. She was his, and his alone.

"I don't like you! I hate you!"

"You're the one I detest most in the world, you jerk!"

Enraged, Layla cursed, "I love Nathan - that's who I love!"

"You're asking for it!" Samuel's fury peaked. In a swift motion, he threw her onto the bed and began tearing at her clothes as he loomed over with fury in his eyes.

"Stop it, Samuel, you're out of line. Don't touch me!"

Like a beast, he bit into her neck. The pain was excruciating and brought tears to Layla's eyes.

She cursed under her breath and pleaded, "Let me go."

"Samuel..."

"Don't do this to me," Layla begged as tears streamed down her face.

For a fleeting moment, Samuel's heart softened, but his rage quickly dissolved any compassion. He couldn't tolerate her constant claims of affection for Nathan. He wanted Layla, body and soul, completely and utterly.

"It's not the first time, and you liked it, didn't you? Huh?" He growled, ripping her blouse open to reveal a glimpse of her pale skin.

"Samuel..."

Panic set in. Layla kicked wildly and a sharp pain suddenly pierced her lower abdomen.

"It hurts... my stomach, it hurts so much," she cried out.

"Stop the act. I won't let you go this time," he said coldly.

"It really hurts..." Layla's sobs turned desperate, "The baby..."

Samuel frowned. Though he hadn't been rough, her reaction didn't seem feigned. He abruptly stopped.

"To the hospital!" He decided without hesitation, swiftly putting on his shirt and wrapping her in his jacket. He scooped her up and strode out of the office.

"Mr. Holland..."

"To the hospital."

"Yes, sir!" Mr. Vandella's face tightened with concern.

The three of them entered the elevator, causing the female staff to buzz with speculation. "Is the woman the boss was carrying his arms the same one who went in earlier?"

"Obviously, who else? What happened? I thought she was going to be fired considering the boss's earlier mood, but then he rushed out holding her so urgently."

"Did you see? She's wearing the president's clothes. Did he...?"

"That's unlikely, right? The president doesn't seem to be that type of man. Plus, isn't he engaged?"

...

Inside the car.

"Drive faster," Samuel urged.

"Sir, it's rush hour; this is as fast as we can go," Mr. Vandella replied nervously.

"We're almost there." Samuel comforted Layla.

Cold sweat ran down Layla's face as she alternated between cursing, "You bullied me; I won't let you get away with this," and clinging tightly to his shirt. He was her sole support now. The more pain she felt, the tighter she held on.

Would the baby be alright?

Layla was extremely worried. Although she had decided to terminate the pregnancy, facing the actual moment filled her with fear and reluctance. She didn't want to lose her first child this way.

Tears glimmered in the corners of her eyes as she whispered helplessly, "The baby... it won't..."

"You're going to be fine," Samuel reassured her, "Don't worry, I'm here, and I'll make sure nothing happens to either of you." He held her tighter, trying to offer more comfort and support.

Yet the man who was usually calm and collected shared her worries, feeling a bit anxious himself.

It was his fault. If he hadn't let rage consume him, completely losing his senses and lashing out with violence, she wouldn't have...

He forgot she was pregnant! Damn it!

"We've arrived at the hospital, sir."