"What will you do?" Layla asked, arching an inquisitive eyebrow. Her voice softened as she added, "By the way, you didn’t ask why I t Roderick." Her gaze dropped, her tone carrying a hint of vulnerability.
Lucius, ever calm, draped his arm over her shoulder and gently guided her toward the office couch. "I didn’t see the need to ask," he replied smoothly. "You can tell if you want." He motioned for her to sit first.
Settling beside him, Layla took a deep breath. "I’ve decided to partner with Roderick on a project," she began, "but there’s more to it. Behind this partnership lies a selfish motive. I’ve already taken my revenge on my family, but my ex... he wronged too." Her fists clenched slightly. "And then there’s the way he belittles you. It infuriates . I want to teach him a lesson—not just for , but for us."
Lucius’s lips curved into a smile, one that radiated pride more than amusent.
Layla narrowed her eyes, slightly exasperated. "I’m not jesting," she said firmly, leaning closer.
"I know you’re not," Lucius assured her, his smile softening. "It’s just... hearing those words makes feel incredibly proud. My strong, determined wife fighting for us." His voice carried warmth, and he reached out, gently pinching her cheek before kissing it.
Layla turned fully to him and held his both hands. "I have a question. Why did you start living alone, away from your family?" Though she knew the answer, but she wanted to hear it from his mouth.
"I wanted peace and at the sa ti, I didn’t wish anyone to stop from doing what I desire," Lucius said.
"But you aren’t using gun these days. Only in the beginning you did. I think you wanted to scare as well," Layla remarked.
"Because these days I am more focussed on finding the culprit. I have found so clues. I will head to Russia in a few days. I have sothing to check there," Lucius inford her. ’She always opens up with and tells everything. I shouldn’t keep her in dark either.’
"Russia? Take with you," Layla insisted.
"It’s only a day trip. I’ll be back within a day," Lucius asserted. "Don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to myself. Trust ," he added.
"Alright. But if you get even a single scratch, I’m not going to forgive you," Layla said.
"What?" Lucius chuckled. "That’s a harsh punishnt. Don’t you think?" He lifted her chin, making her look at him.
"Well, if you don’t want to take with you, then this much punishnt is reasonable," Layla replied. "I have learned negotiations from Lucius De Salvo," she smirked.
"I can’t take you to Russia. I have not told you everything and I’m sorry for that. It took four years to find who actually killed Matteo. The man is in Russia. Matteo used to et him frequently and I had no knowledge about it. The witness who saw the man, gave a sketch. I need to check in Russia myself about this person," Lucius explained while revealing more parts of the truth to her.
Layla raised an eyebrow, her tone skeptical. "So, you’re chasing a dangerous killer!?"
Lucius nodded, his expression serious. "Well, yes."
Layla crossed her arms, determination in her eyes. "I’ll go with you to Russia. I don’t want to hear no."
"I’d love to take you there, but I don’t want anyone to see you. I an..." Lucius trailed off, struggling to find the words.
Layla’s gaze softened, but she stood firm. "You think I’ll get into danger. Have you thought that maybe you could fall into danger too? I understand you need to find this murderer at any cost, but what about your own life?" Her voice was steady, but there was an undercurrent of concern.
Lucius stiffened at her words. "You’re acting like my father," he said, frustration creeping into his tone.
"Am I?" Layla chuckled, her smile wry. "I’m just acting like a wife should. It’s not wrong to feel worried. But if you think it’s botherso, I won’t do it."
Lucius’ chest tightened, realizing he’d misjudged her. "Layla, I’m—" But he couldn’t finish, as the office phone rang, interrupting his apology.
Layla walked over to the desk and answered the call. "Yes. I’ll be there," she replied crisply, before hanging up. She turned to Lucius, her tone softening but still carrying an edge. "I’ve got to go. You should head ho. I’ll see you this evening."
As she made her way to the door, Lucius rose from his seat. "I’m sorry. I didn’t an to hurt you."
Layla didn’t respond, her eyes briefly eting his with a cold glance before she walked out of the room without another word.
Lucius ran his fingers through his hair, frustration mounting. "Fuck! I shouldn’t have said that," he muttered, his eyes closing in regret.
Just then, Aiden entered as his expression turned thoughtful. "Madam wants you to go ho. She’s heading out and may not return to the office today," he said.
Lucius raised an eyebrow, trying to mask his frustration. "I see. Where’s she going?"
Aiden hesitated for a mont. "Her father called her for so work. I don’t have any more details, Boss. But Madam Layla looked upset. Did you two fight?"
Lucius grimaced, feeling the weight of his actions. "I... I," he muttered, but before he could say more, Aiden gave him a pointed look.
"I need to go, Boss. Hopefully, you solve this problem soon," Aiden said, before turning and leaving without waiting for Lucius to respond.
Lucius sank back into his chair, his gaze lingering on the door Layla had just walked through. "What the hell have I done?" he whispered to himself.
~~~~
Layla’s eyes turned colder as she spoke, "No. I decided earlier not to let Orabela join this company. You can’t be biased, Dad. You want to rectify your mistake, but this isn’t the house. This is the company, and here, all that matters is profit. I can’t afford to see the image of the company tarnished further. So, you’d better let Orabela survive on her own."
Darius’ expression tightened, his fists clenching at her words. Layla’s gaze remained sharp as she continued, "Did you forget what you said to when I asked to join as an intern?"
She paused for a mont, letting the weight of the past settle between them before she delivered her final blow. "You said, ’Grow up and look outside the world. You have no place in this company.’"
Darius’ fingers curled into fists, but he didn’t reply imdiately. "That ti was different," he muttered, trying to defend himself, but his voice faltered.
Layla shook her head, her voice growing colder than before. "It wasn’t. You’ve always been more inclined to Orabela. You still love her so much that you’re willing to overlook everything she’s done to damage the revenue. I won’t allow any more losses here just because your incompetent, illegitimate daughter couldn’t show her worth."
She stood up, her back straight and poised. "You need to act as a chairman before a father. If you don’t, you’ll keep making the sa mistakes."
Darius took a deep breath, his expression shifting as he finally conceded. "You’re right. I can’t keep making the sa mistakes. Then, send Orabela to a departnt that cos under your scrutiny. I’ve seen your work. The investors, the board mbers, and even so of our important clients are happy with what you’ve done so far. I think Orabela needs your guidance."
Layla’s gaze remained steady, but she didn’t respond imdiately. She gave a slight nod, acknowledging his words. "I’ll think about it," she replied coolly. Then, she turned her attention back to him, her voice carrying an edge as she asked, "Also, Dad, when will you announce to everyone that I’m your legitimate daughter?"
Darius hesitated for a mont before replying, his voice sowhat uncertain. "Soon."
Layla’s eyes narrowed slightly, a determined glint in them. "I hope you declare as the heiress of the Rosenzweig family then, including the future chairwoman of this company."
"Yes, I will. I have made plans for it. Just going through so paperworks," Darius asserted.
"Hmm. I think Orabela is more suited for a sales job. She should know what it feels like to roam on the streets and work hard like a real intern does. She got everything on a sliver platter. I hope Dad doesn’t pamper her more in the office," Layla affird. "Thank you for listening to ." She bowed and walked out of the office.
Darius clasped his hands together. "I think she’s right. I pampered Orabela to the extent that she chose to hide the numbers and presented a wrong revenue report," he murmured and pinched the skin between his brows.
He pressed the bell then and his secretary walked in. "Did you prepare what I’ve asked you?" Darius asked.
"It will take a few more days, Sir," Secretary Victor stated.
"Hmm." Darius’s expression turned serious as he looked at his family photo on the desk.
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