Chapter 40
“You–1”
Xena shot to her feet and strode toward Layla, raising her hand to slap her.
But before she could, a hand shot out and grabbed her wrist
“Miss Xander, a real lady uses words, not fists. You’ve alrearly run your mouth, and now you’re throwing hands? That’s just low.”
Carter still wore his usual carefree smirk, but his tone had cooled. “Then again, considering the bloodline you come from, I guess I shouldn’t expect much better.”
Xena was livid, her jaw clenched tight as she glared at Carte, eyes burning with rage.
He smirked, then shoved her back lightly. “Quit wasting time here. Your so–called ‘lover‘ is neck–deep in trouble, and you’re still standing around showing off?
“Acting like you hit the jackpot when all you got was a useless, washed–up scumbag.”
With that, Carter nudged Layla with his elbow. “Come on, Ss. I just shot some killer photos. I need your expert opinion.”
“Sure.
Η
Layla nodded and left the lounge with him.
Once they were in the hallway, she finally asked, “Sean’s in trouble?”
“Yeah, busted for cutting corners and illegal demolitions.”
Carter shot her a sideways glance. “Don’t tell me you still care about that scumbag?”
“I’m just curious.”
Layla mulled it over. She didn’t know much about the shady construction practices, but she did remember Sean mentioning the demolition issue.
Back then, he had suggested she negotiate with the holdout residents, but she had refused, saying it would only make them more stubborn.
She had repeatedly told him to handle it properly, to protect the company’s reputation and avoid impulsive decisions.
Sean had been so annoyed by her nagging that he went drinting with his friends that night and never came home.
He probably listened to some bad advice, went behind her back, and ordered a forced demolition. He still had the nerve to brag to her about how “efficiently” he got things done.
At the time, she had actually believed him.
Now, the very rock he had lifted was crashing down on his own feet. Justice might be slow, but it always arrived.
The thought made Layla chuckle.
Hearing her laugh, Carter finally relaxed. “That’s the spirit! Watching that jerk crash and burn should make you happy!”
Chapter 40
+25 BONUS
Meanwhile, Xena sat in the lounge, scrolling through the latest news on her phone. The more she read, the more restless she became.
She couldn’t sit still any longer.
Ignoring the fact that her shoot wasn’t even finished, she rushed out, dialing Sean as she walked.
Now was the perfect time to be by his side.
She was going to shove it in Layla’s face and prove that she wasn’t just someone who could warm Sean’s bed, but someone who could stand beside him when it really mattered.
Speeding through the city, she finally arrived at the company.
Familiar with the place, she headed straight for Sean’s office.
The moment she pushed open the door, she was met with his furious roar.
“I said I want to be left alone! Do you not understand simple words?!”
“Sean…
Xena’s voice softened, like she had been startled. She hesitated at the doorway, looking small and fragile.
Sean’s expression darkened when he saw who it was, but his anger slightly eased. “You’re here.”
Xena carefully stepped past the mess on the floor and approached him. “Is it really that bad?” Sean straightened up, forcing himself to stay composed. “Tcan handle it.”
“I believe in you.
Xena gently took Sean’s hand. “A little setback like this could never bring my Sean down.”
Looking into her clear, sincere eyes, Sean felt a mix of emotions surge in his chest. Without thinking, he turned his palm over and clasped her hand in his.
