Chapter 29
Mr. Lawrence quickly picked up the jacket. “I… I’ll buy an fentical replacement and have it sent to you, Mr. Lucas.”
“That won’t be necessary.”
William cast a cold glance at the model, making her shiver
Understanding the unspoken message, Mr. Lawrence thumped his chest in assurance. “I’ll make sure she disappears.”
The model froze, stunned. Just last night, this man had been glued to her side, promising to marry her. Now, in an instant, he had abandoned her completely?
Watching the color drain from the model’s face, Layla felt no satisfaction, only indifference.
“Let’s go.”
She turned and walked away, with William following close behind.
The commotion ended, leaving the model standing amidst judgmental stares.
Her mind reeled. When had Layla become like this?
In her memory, Layla had always carried herself with the poise of a lady from the Xander family–composed, restrained, and never stepping out of line. Even if someone criticized her to her face, she would swallow her pride and endure it for the sake of appearances.
But the Layla she saw today? Bold, confrontational–she was acting like a total shrew!
The model bit her lip in frustration. What was going on? And why on earth was William Lucas, someone of his status, standing up for a woman like that?
Someone like William could have any woman he wanted. A woman like Layla, who had already been “used,” surely wouldn’t mean much to him. At most, she was just a fleeting novelty, someone he would tire of and toss aside soon enough.
But instead, she was the one cast aside.
The more the model thought about it, the angrier she became. Grabbing her phone, she sent a photo to Xena, accompanied by a feigned casual message: “I just saw your sister. She’s really something now, walking arm–in- arm with William Lucas.”
On the other end, Xena opened the message. As she clicked on the photo, her expression darkened.
In the picture, Layla wore a striking red gown, standing elegantly beside Willam. She didn’t wear any jewelry, yet she exuded an air of grace and nobility.
For years, Layla had dressed modestly, so much so that people had almost forgotten she had once been a stunning beauty.
Xena stared at the photo for a long time, jealousy bubbling inside her. Malice flickered in her eyes as she forwarded the image to Sean. “Looks like my sister is doing well. You don’t have to worry about her anymore.
The call came almost instantly.
“Where did you get that photo?”
Sean’s tone was sharp, laced with urgency and anger.
26 BONUS
Chapter 29
Xena curled her lips into a smirk. In a timid voice, she replied, “A friend sent it to ine. They must’ve been at the
sante event.”
“Ask your friend where they are.”
“Um…” Xena hesitated deliberately. “Sean, you’re not planning to go find her, are you? She’s…”
“Enough with the nonsense.” Sean’s irritation was palpable. “Just ask.”
ra
Xena pressed her lips into a smile, Intentionally staying silent. After a deliberate pause, she pretended to reluctantly agree, “Alright.”
After hanging up, Xena messaged the model for the location but kept it to herself. Instead, she sent another text to Sean: “I got the address. Let me go with you. I’d feel uneasy if you went alone.”
“Fine.”
Reading his reply, Xena clutched her phone tightly, a triumphant smile spreading across her face. There was no way she would miss the drama that was about to unfold.
Meanwhile, William had just finished a conversation with Mr. Watson and returned to Layla’s side. “Let me take you back.”
Layla glanced toward Mr. and Mrs. Watson, noticing their polite and apologetic nods. She responded with a gracious smile, maintaining her composure until they turned and rejoined the party.
William, observing her lingering gaze, asked curiously, “What’s on your mind?”
