Chapter 31
William’s words had successfully tempted Layla.
“Sounds great!” Layla said cheerfully. “Let me go change real quick. Wait for me.”
As she disappeared into her room, William pulled out his phone and searched for highly–rated local restaurants.
That line he said earlier? Only half true.
Yes, he came to the south often, but he had no real preferences when it came to food. Most of the time, he was just attending business dinners. How would he know anything about local specialties?
Layla, however, completely believed him and eagerly followed him into the elevator.
Unexpectedly, as soon as they stepped into the lobby, they on into Sean and Xena at the front desk.
“Layla!”
Xena’s voice was filled with surprise and joy as she hurried toward her. “Seeing you safe and sound puts me at ease. I should let Mom and Dad know too
As she reached out, about to grab Layla’s hand, Layla instinctively pulled away.
Xena lost her balance and fell hard onto the floor.
From Sean’s angle, it looked as if Layla had outright pushed her.
He strode over, helping Xena up while his voice turned sharp. “Wow. You sure don’t look sick at all. Xena came all this way to see you, and you still have the strength to shove her?
“Layla, faking an illness just to see me worry–do you think that’s fun? Do you secretly feel proud of yourself?”
His tone was laced with mockery. “How the hell did you get Grandpa to play along with this ridiculous act? Using your so–called illness to pressure me into giving in. Aren’t you afraid karma will come back for you?”
In just a few short days, Sean’s attitude had taken a complete turn.
Layla instantly knew this was Xena’s doing. After all, twisting the truth was practically her specialty.
But she hadn’t expected Sean to be so utterly blind. He trusted Xena so completely that he wouldn’t even believe his own grandfather?
Had this man been completely brainwashed?
Layla found it downright laughable. She had no interest in wasting another breath on him.
“Think whatever you want.”
She grabbed William’s arm and tried to walk away, only for Sean to step in and block their path.
His gaze was filled with hostility as he turned to William. “Mr. Lucas, I don’t know what your reasons are for helping Layla, but I suggest you stop. Stay out of our business.”
Layla had finally had enough.
“Sean, would you just get over yourself?”
Her voice was sharp with irritation. “You need to find a cure for that arrogant delusion of yours. Let me make one thing clear–my biggest karmic punishment in this life was falling in love with you.
Chapter 31
+75 BONUS
“I would’ve been better off loving a damn dog. At least a dog has a brain. You? You’re nothing but an empty- headed garbage can, swallowing whatever trash people throw into it.”
With that, she shoved Sean aside and stormed off with Will
William followed behind, his lips curving ever so slightly.
Hearing Layla fight back was far more satisfying than stepping in himself.
Sean, however, was frozen in shock.
Layla had never dared to raise her voice at him before, let alone curse him out like that.
Was she out of her mind?
Xena tugged at Sean’s arm and whispered carefully, “Sean, lon’t take it to heart. My sister, she just-”
“Stop defending her.”
Sean’s expression darkened, his voice filled with fury. “She’s lost her damn mind.”
First, she faked an illness to string him along. Then, she flirted with Carter and now had William in the mix?
She was obviously trying to get a reaction out of him.
Trying to make him beg to take her back.
And to think he hadn’t realized before just how calculating this woman really was.
