Chapter 28
“Cough, cough…” Mrs. Watson cleared her throat, shootinga warning glance at the young woman, silently telling
her to watch her words.
But the woman deliberately ignored her, smirking as her lips curved into a mocking smile. “Miss Xander, why don’t you teach me a thing or two? I’d love to land a rich man like you.”
The others exchanged awkward glances, unsure of the situation and too nervous to speak up.
Amid the uneasy silence, Layla slowly glanced at the model her expression calm and measured. “With just you?”
The model froze for a moment before springing to her feet What about me? I’ve got the looks, the body, and I’m young!
“And you, an old woman who’s been played out, still think you’re better than me??!
Her harsh words rang clear through the soft strains of the violin music, startling everyone.
Mrs. Watson’s expression immediately darkened. “That’s enough! Do
The
I even know where you are?”
young model, full of bravado, crossed her arms and shot a defiant look at Layla, “I’m just telling the truth. If you don’t believe me, ask her yourself.”
Layla’s lips curved into a faint, amused smile. “You came to me for advice, and I answered honestly. Now you’re blaming me?”
She continued, her tone light but cutting. “Yes, you’re young, but everyone ages, and there will always be someone younger than you.
“You’ve got the looks and the figure, that’s for sure. But you’re missing the most important thing.”
Layla raised her hand and casually tapped her temple, subtly implying that the model lacked intelligence.
“In this circle, you won’t get far. Instead of wasting your time chasing men, you’d be better off figuring out how to leverage your opportunities to build something for yourself.”
Her lips curved into a faint smile. “If you can take my advice, then you’re not entirely hopeless.”
“You-“The young model was fuming. “Are you calling me stupid?”
The atmosphere shifted as everyone exchanged uneasy glances, unsure how to react.
Layla let out a silent sigh, her expression unbothered. Rising to her feet, she turned to Mrs. Watson and said, “I’m sorry for the commotion. I’ll take my leave so I don’t ruin everyone’s mood.”
As Layla moved to leave, the furious model lost her composure and rushed forward. She grabbed the jacket draped over Layla’s shoulders and yanked it off, throwing it to the ground with a defiant sneer,
“Stop pretending! First, you climbed out of Mr. Perry’s bed, and now you’re cozying up to Mr. Lucas. Do you really think you’re so pure-”
15
Before she could finish, Layla grabbed a fistful of her hair and yanked it back sharply.
The model let out a shriek, her head forced into an awkward tilt as she grimaced in pain. “Let go
The next second, Layla tipped an entire glass of red wine into her mouth, leaving her choking and sputtering. Her once–glamorous gown was now drenched and stained.
“I really didn’t want to get physical in a setting like this.” Layla’s voice was calm but icy as she looked down at the
- BONUS
Chapter 28
model. “But your filthy mouth left me no choice, Consider a little help rinsing it out.” With that, she released her grip and gave the model a slight shove. “No need to thank me.‘
The model stumbled and fell to the floor, looking utterly miliated. Her anger flared as she pointed a trembling finger at Layla, “You”
Before she could retaliate, a slap landed on her face.
The man who hit her cursed angrily, “You’re an embarrassment!”
The model was stunned, staring at the man with tear–filled eyes. “Mr. Lawrence, she started it. She bullied me–
“Shut up!” Mr. Lawrence snapped, his head pounding with frustration. If he weren’t worried about her causing even bigger scene, he would have pretended not to know her and left long ago.
When he saw William approach Layla, Mr. Lawrence felt a chill run down his spine. He immediately grabbed the model by the back of her head and forced her to bow in apology.
“Mr. Lucas, I deeply apologize. I’ll make sure to compensate Miss Xander for this.”
William ignored him entirely, his focus solely on Layla. “Did you get hurt?” he asked, his voice low and steady. “I’m fine,” Layla replied, glancing at the suit jacket on the ground. “But your jacket…”
