Layla watched as Lucius’s father’s car disappeared down the driveway, the weight of their conversation lingering in her thoughts. With a quiet sigh, she turned and headed toward her own vehicle. Aiden, her ever-attentive bodyguard and secretary, was already waiting. He opened the back door for her, and she stepped in gracefully.
Once she was settled, Aiden moved to the driver’s seat. The sound of his seatbelt clicking into place was followed by the low hum of the engine coming to life. "Shall I take you to Venice Hall, Madam? Roderick is waiting for you there," he asked in a respectful tone.
"Yes," Layla replied simply, her voice calm but distant as she gazed out the window.
Aiden nodded and began to drive, the car gliding smoothly onto the road. After a mont, he glanced at her through the rearview mirror. "If I may ask, how did your eting with the Old Master go?" he inquired politely, his curiosity tempered by his deference.
Layla leaned back in her seat, her expression thoughtful. "It went as expected," she said, revealing little. She returned her gaze to the passing scenery, lost in contemplation.
"When did you start working for Lucius?" Layla asked after a mont of silence.
Aiden kept his eyes on the road as he responded, "I joined Boss’s side ten years ago."
She nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm. And how was he back then? I imagine he must have been far more aggressive than he is now."
Aiden chuckled lightly. "Yes, Madam. Back then, he was fierce. But now, he’s different—more composed. Since marrying you, he’s been making a conscious effort to improve."
Layla’s lips curved into a faint smile, though her eyes remained contemplative. "Why didn’t he approach sooner? Roger refuses to tell anything about it."
Aiden glanced briefly in the rearview mirror, a knowing smile on his face. "Boss wanted everything to be perfect. He was focused on cleaning up the ss around him and resolving unfinished business. He believed you deserved better than to be dragged into his chaos. That’s why he waited, intending to propose to you at the right ti—right after your graduation."
Layla leaned back in her seat, her gaze shifting to the passing scenery outside. Aiden’s words resonated with her, filling in the gaps she had long wondered about. "So, he was waiting for the right mont," she murmured, almost to herself.
"Exactly, Madam," Aiden affird, his tone warm. "He’s always wanted to give you the life you deserve."
"I want to give him the life he deserves too," Layla said softly. "A life filled with peace and happiness."
Aiden glanced at her in the rearview mirror, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "I’m rooting for you, Madam," he said warmly. "If anyone can bring that into his life, it’s you."
Layla returned his smile with a small one of her own.
~~~~~
When Layla arrived at the restaurant, she spotted Roderick seated near the window, his posture indicating he had been waiting for a while. As soon as he saw her, he stood and extended his hand for a handshake.
Layla accepted it briefly, withdrawing her hand almost imdiately before settling into the chair across from him. "You kept waiting for thirty minutes," he remarked, his tone light but pointed.
Layla’s lips curled into a faint smirk. "That’s still nothing compared to the tis you’ve kept waiting," she retorted smoothly.
A waiter approached, handing them the nu. Layla glanced at Roderick and gestured toward the card. "Order whatever you like."
Roderick shook his head slightly. "No, you should choose. I’ll have whatever you’re having."
Layla gave him a polite smile. "I’ve already had lunch. I’ll just go for a soft drink."
Roderick’s expression shifted, a hint of disappointnt crossing his face. "Fine. I’ll have a soft drink too," he said, handing the nu back to the waiter with their order.
As the waiter departed, Layla retrieved a neatly bound file from her bag and placed it on the table. "Here’s the proposal I have for you, Roderick," she said, her tone professional.
Roderick picked up the file, flipping through its contents with a focused expression. After a few monts, he looked up. "The partnership looks promising, and I’m interested. However, can I take a day to review it thoroughly? There are a few details I’d like to double-check."
Layla nodded. "Of course. Take your ti. Once you’re ready, inform my secretary, and we’ll proceed from there."
Just then, the waiter returned, carefully setting down two glasses of soft drinks in front of them. Layla picked up her glass and took a sip.
"Layla, I’m sorry for what I’ve done. You see, I’ve always held you in high regard," Roderick began, his voice tinged with regret.
Layla exhaled softly, her gaze steady. "Rick, can we stop dwelling on the past? It’s over. The mont you set your eyes on another woman while we were dating, you made your choice. You kept in the dark, and that was the real end. I’ve moved on, and I no longer care about what we once had."
Roderick’s jaw tightened, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "I don’t like seeing you with my uncle. It makes angry."
Layla leaned forward slightly, her tone sharp but calm. "Grow up, Roderick. Whatever feelings you have, they’re your problem. We’re not those people anymore. Let’s focus on maintaining a professional relationship. That’s all I’m interested in."
Roderick’s lips pressed into a thin line, but he gave a reluctant nod.
"Layla, what are you doing here with your ex?" Sylvia’s voice fell into their ears and the two of them looked up. "Don’t tell you are cheating on Lucius behind your back," she remarked.
Layla left her seat when Roderick told Sylvia not to accuse Layla like that.
"I only stated a fact, Roderick. You, Layla and her half-sister have quite a unique relationship after all," Sylvia said with a mocking tone. "Lucius is going to be upset seeing you two like this," she asserted.
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