Chapter 27
Events that someone like William attended were usually gatherings for high–profile deals, often involving some level of business confidentiality.
Layla knew her role well. As a simple date, she was merely there to add a decorative touch, like an ornament. William noticed her composed demeanor and didn’t offer further explanation. His gaze flicked briefly to her hand resting on his amı.
“Let’s go.”
พ
Together, they stepped into the venue, instantly drawing the attention of nearly every guest.
A middle–aged man quickly approached them, beaming with excitement. “Mr. Lucas! Well, this is a rare sight! You actually brought a date with you today!”
As he spoke, his eyes swept over Layla, nodding repeatedlyn approval. “Not bad, not bad at all. Someone as stunning as her is exactly what one would expect for Mr. Lucas’s companion!”
Hearing such direct praise, Layla couldn’t help but feel a bit flustered. “You flatter me,” she replied politely. “He’s just telling the truth,” William said, his tone calm and unruffled.
The man burst into laughter. “Exactly, I’m just being honest! I need to call my wife over to…”
He trailed off mid–sentence, turning back to Layla with a curious look. “And may I ask your name, Miss?” Layla gave a slight nod. “Mr. Watson, you’re too kind. My last name is Xander.”
Mr. Watson looked surprised. “How did you know my name?”
Layla smiled faintly. “Your reputation precedes you.”
After all, Mr. Watson practically owned half the real estate empire in the south. She wasn’t about to admit how, back in the day, she had tried every means to contact him for a collaboration, only to be rejected each time.
Now, ironically, she found herself in the position of someone he wanted to impress.
“Miss Xander, you’re too gracious!” Mr. Watson said, clearly delighted. “I’ll have my wife show you around. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to let her know.”
“Thank you, Mr. Watson.”
Not long after, Mrs. Watson arrived with a cheerful smile. She took Layla’s hand warmly. “Miss Xander, come, let me show you around.”
Though it was their first meeting, Mrs. Watson treated her like an old friend.
As Mrs. Watson led Layla away, Mr. Watson caught sight of William’s gaze following Layla’s retreating figure and immediately understood what was going on.
At gatherings like these, the men discussed business, while the women gathered for conversation.
When Mrs. Watson joined the group with Layla, the women greeted them warmly, their curious eyes fixed on Layla.co
They had all seen her earlier, standing in a spot so many women had dreamed of occupying.
After all, William had never brought a woman to such events before. Everyone understood the significance.
Chapter 27
+25 BONUS
“Miss Xander, you’re so lucky! With Mr. Lucas by your side you’re bound to live a life of luxury!”
“It’s his first time bringing a date to an event like this. You must hold a very special place in his heart!”
“I’d say Mr. Lucas is the lucky one–having such a beautif woman by his side gives him plenty to be proud of!” Layla couldn’t find a moment to chime in and had no way to explain. She could only sit there, awkwardly smiling at the overwhelming flattery.
Amid the compliments came a mocking laugh.
Everyone turned to see a young woman in the corner, dressed extravagantly, her expression full of disdain.
She smirked and looked at Layla. “Miss Xander, no wonder you called off your engagement. Turns out you’ve managed to snag Mr. Lucas.”
Her tone dripped with sarcasm, the implications in her words unmistakable.
Layla’s expression darkened slightly. If she wasn’t mistaken, this woman was one of Xena’s friends, a minor model with barely any recognition.
“Pretty enough, but unfortunately she’s lacking intelligence,” Layla thought.
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