Chapter 97

"I get it. I'm not the other woman... and I won't let you die in the ring," Layla said calmly, her final words leaving no room for doubt.

Owen's heart felt a sharp pang-he remembered how she had risked everything to protect him. A mix of gratitude and an unsettled feeling washed over him.

"Why? I thought you hated me the most."

"I do... well, sort of, but..." Layla paused for a second before adding, "Maybe it's because you're my brother, even though you've never really seen me as your sister." She offered him a wry smile.

Family bonds can behard to break .

"I just came to see that you were alright. Get some rest," she said, and headed for the door.

Her hand was about to touch the handle when Owen stopped her. "Wait." He looked at her, wrestling with his feelings before awkwardly admitting, "I've always seen you as my sister."

"..."

"If that Holland jerk ever gives you trouble, let me know. I'll deal with him."

A smile flickered across Layla's face-the first time she truly felt the protective warmth of brotherhood.

She used to despise the envy of others for her having a brother, wishing she could give him away.

"I can take care of myself. Just keep out of trouble," she replied.

"Got it. Once I'm out of the hospital, I'll find a steady job and quit fighting for good," Owen had learned his lesson this time and didn't want to cause her any more trouble.

Layla gave a faint smile. "Yeah, I believe you."

They went downstairs and got into the car.

"Miss Adkins, where to?" Mr. Vandella started the Bentley and asked.

"Back to the apartment," she replied.

"Alright."

"What about him?" Layla couldn't help but inquire.

"Boss is in a meeting at the office. Last night, around midnight during a pivotal shareholder meeting, when he heard you went to see Arthur, he left immediately, abandoning a conference room full of shareholders to look for you. I've never seen the boss so anxious; he kept urging me to drive faster. Miss, he really does care about you."

Layla bit her lip. She had always thought that Samuel's interest in her was merely possessive and driven by desire. But if that were all, he surely wouldn't have been so concerned for her welfare, abandoning such an important meeting...

Samuel, why do you have to shake my resolve?

I... I can't afford to fall for you.

...

After a night of heavy rain, Layla opened her window in the morning and was delighted to see a rainbow.

The sky was sparkling, adorned with a colorful rainbow, under a crisp and fresh breeze.

Sometimes people give themselves mental suggestions, and Layla was no exception. She wondered: Did this signify that after the storm in her life, clear skies and a rainbow were to come?

Pain surged through Layla's abdomen as blood began to flow down her legs, the air thick with the scent of dust and blood.The baby.

At 21, it seemed too young to be a mom, but the bond with one's flesh and blood transcends age, and she was no exception.

She had to take care of herself, starting with eating well.

She arrived at the office.

Layla entered the elevator.

"Just a second-" a voice called out, and Nora stepped in.

Layla tensed up.

"Oh, it's you. What a coincidence," Nora greeted her proactively.

"Uh-huh." Layla managed a weak smile, instinctively taking a step back, her feelings a mix of subtlety and complexity.

In the presence of Nora, she couldn't help but feel tiny pangs of guilt. After all, Nora was publicly acknowledged as Samuel's fiancée... yet Layla was pregnant with Samuel's child.

But since Samuel had repeatedly denied the engagement, she couldn't be considered the other woman, right?

Layla's emotions were in disarray.

Nora pressed the button for the top floor, her Chanel dress exuding elegance, her slender arm carrying an Hermes limited-edition orange handbag. She initiated small talk, "I heard my mother stopped by the company."

"Yeah."

"Sorry I recommended you to my mom without asking you first. But I really dig your design work, and since she's on the lookout for a designer, I brought up your name."

"No worries." Layla understood that Nora meant well, but that very kindness made it all the more difficult for her to face Nora.

"I hope you two get a chance to collaborate," Nora said politely.

Layla gave a wry smile, "Let's see what happens. Right now, I'm swamped with Miss Layla's project. Just got back from the construction site."

"That's alright, my mom's project isn't urgent."

*Ding*-The elevator reached the design department on the first floor.

"Bye," Layla said, exiting the elevator briskly.

"Goodbye."

As the elevator doors closed, Nora tilted her head slightly, lost in thought. Was she overthinking it? Why did it seem like Layla was acting weird around her, almost as if she didn't want to interact?

But everyone's different, Nora didn't dwell on it-after all, it wasn't a big deal.

Approaching the top floor, Nora adjusted her hair in reflection of the elevator doors.

She laughed at herself.

Men may be visual creatures, but Samuel was not so shallow. Otherwise, how could he develop a liking for another woman?

Nora was supremely confident in her looks; no woman he fancied could outshine her.

She didn't bother investigating her rival. Silly women waste time on fighting over men, but the smart ones focus on securing their man-she considered herself the latter.

This battle was just beginning.

Nora stepped out of the elevator.

"Miss Eilish, welcome," the secretary greeted her warmly, seeing her only a couple times a year, "The CEO is in his office, I'll let him know you're here."

"Thanks."

After hanging up the phone, the secretary said, "The CEO is busy, please wait."

The secretary poured a cup of coffee.

The wait turned out to be nearly an hour, with no one coming out of the CEO's office during that time. Nora couldn't help but suspect Samuel was making her wait on purpose as a warning because he didn't like her showing up unannounced at his company.

She wasn't used to such treatment.

But as soon as she saw that handsome face of his, any trace of upset in Nora's heart was instantly replaced by a stronger desire to conquer.

Accustomed to smooth sailing her whole life, the rare challenge only spurred her on even more.

This man, she was determined to have!

"Don't come to the office looking for me again," Samuel's voice, cold and detached, rang out without him even looking up from his work.

"Isn't it almost time for lunch?" Nora said gently, her soft demeanor not deterred by his coldness. "I thought I'd drop by and grab a bite with you since I was in the area."

"I'm busy."

"How about I order some takeout, or we can just hit the cafeteria? It won't take much of your time."

"Miss Eilish," Samuel looked up, creating a distance with that formality, "I believe I made myself quite clear last time."

"I heard you loud and clear. But now, I'm the one pursuing you. You wouldn't deny me even the chance to try, would you?" Nora's smile was unwavering, "Becoming friends doesn't really affect anything."

Samuel didn't need the backing of the Eilish family, but with the Holland Group having several joint projects in the works, there was no point in causing bad blood. He had made his position crystal clear, and how Nora chose to take it was her concern.

With that thought, Samuel stood up. "Next time you come to the office, give me a heads up. I'm not fond of surprises."

"Got it."

As they reached the lobby, they were coincidentally met by Layla and Alice, returning from lunch.

Layla's heart skipped a beat as she hurriedly pulled Alice aside.