"I didn’t expect you to call Imanuel," Lucius said as he drove the car at a moderate speed.
"While I was speaking with the sales project manager, I noticed Nora running errands. She was carrying stacks of files while everyone else took a break. It infuriated . When the other receptionists left for lunch, she was the only one forced to stay behind. I couldn’t just stand by and watch. It reminded too much of my older self, always overworking, desperate to secure a stable position, afraid of disappointing anyone." Layla let out her frustration while speaking those words.
Lucius nodded, holding the steering wheel. "You did the right thing. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if you fired those employees and replaced them with people who actually respect their colleagues," he muttered.
Layla shook her head. "I’ve considered it, but I don’t want to be seen as a ruthless boss or leave them cursing my na. There has to be a better way. I want to change this toxic work culture, not just in that departnt but across the entire company."
Lucius glanced at her, admiration flickering in his eyes. "That’s a noble goal, but eradicating workplace toxicity entirely is nearly impossible."
"I know," Layla admitted. "But if we can take steps to minimize it, then it’s worth the effort."
"Yeah, that’s true," he agreed, nodding thoughtfully. "By the way, I didn’t expect you to keep track of every small detail in the company. Does this kind of thing happen with others too?" he asked with curiosity.
"I haven’t noticed it with anyone else yet," Layla replied. "But with Nora, I’ve observed it since the very beginning of her ti here."
Lucius humd in thought. "That’s probably because of Demitri," he remarked.
Layla frowned, turning to face him. "What do you an?"
"Well, Demitri knows her, and given his high position in the company, people must have taken notice. The front desk staff might have been jealous after seeing them talk," he explained.
Layla sighed, shaking her head. "That’s an entirely different matter. It’s wrong to bully soone just because of their association with soone else. I’ll make sure no employee is treated unfairly under my watch," she stated firmly, leaning back in her seat.
Lucius smirked at her. "I know the chairwoman won’t let it slide so easily."
As he spoke, he smoothly brought the car to a stop in the restaurant’s parking lot. They both stepped out at the sa ti as they made their way inside.
Just then, Alekis arrived, his face lighting up with delight as he spotted them.
Lucius stepped forward and embraced his father, followed closely by Layla, who offered a warm hug as well.
Alekis smiled as he patted Layla’s head. "The work isn’t too stressful, is it?" he asked with a gentle concern.
"No, Father," Layla assured him with a small smile.
"Good. Let’s take a seat," Lucius said, pulling out a chair for his father. Alekis settled in first, followed by Layla and Lucius.
Once they were seated, Lucius picked up the nu, his eyes scanning the options. "What would you both like to eat?" he asked, looking between them.
"Order whatever you two prefer," Alekis replied, his tone relaxed.
Lucius humd in thought before turning to Layla for a brief discussion. After settling on their choices, he signaled the waiter and placed the order.
Lucius felt the vibration in his pocket just as the phone began to ring. Fishing it out, he frowned at the sight of Carlo’s na flashing on the screen. With a sigh, he stood up.
"I’ll be back in a minute," he excused himself.
Stepping outside, he found a quiet, secluded spot before answering the call.
"Why did you suddenly move the eting to the evening?" Carlo’s irritated voice ca through imdiately. "Do you think I have all the ti in the world for you?"
Lucius let out a low chuckle, his tone laced with quiet nace. "Even if you’re busy," he murmured, "you’ll make ti."
anwhile, inside the restaurant, Alekis and Layla exchanged in a conversation.
"Layla, do you rember the first ti I called for you lunch together?"
"Yes, Father. I was nervous and excited about it," Layla replied.
"You made a promise, and you fulfilled it. I’m so proud of you," Alekis said, his voice filled with warmth.
"Thank you, Father," Layla replied with a grateful smile. "I believe we’ve talked about this before, but truly, none of it would have been possible without your unwavering support."
Alekis nodded, his expression turning thoughtful. "Still, you are the one who brought this family together. I’ve seen changes in my grandson as well. Fiona has beco humbler and more thoughtful. So much has changed since you arrived." His smile deepened as he added, "And now, soon, we’ll have the little one among us."
"Yes, Father," Layla agreed, her eyes shining with happiness.
Alekis exhaled, his tone growing more reflective. "I’ve always worried about Lucius more than anyone. But now, I feel at ease because he has you. I know he won’t stray from his path anymore."
Sensing the shift in mood, Layla tilted her head slightly. "Father, is everything alright? Do you miss having Lucius at ho?" she asked gently. "If you do, I can convince him to move back. He’s not against it anymore. It’s just that he remains cautious because of Roderick. But now, they both have cleared their differences as well."
"No, that’s not what I ant," Alekis said, shaking his head. His tone was firm, but there was a certain depth behind his words. He couldn’t bring himself to tell Layla the truth that his days were numbered. Now wasn’t the ti for such a revelation.
Before the silence could stretch, the waiter arrived, pushing a trolley laden with food. Almost simultaneously, Lucius returned and took his seat beside them.
"Let’s eat," Alekis said, masking his thoughts with a warm smile.
~~~~~
"Demitri, I didn’t expect the chairwoman to call Imanuel Miller. Did you, by any chance, tell her about it?" Nora asked.
She absentmindedly tightened her grip on the glass of hot coffee.
"I didn’t tell anything to Layla. She must have observed all of that," Demitri replied, sipping the coffee. "Honestly, those people deserve a punishnt. I’m glad it happened. They don’t even let you have lunch."
"I was the one who agreed to take on that work," Nora whispered.
"That’s because you’re too kind-hearted," Demitri replied, his voice laced with quiet admiration.
Nora blinked in surprise before a small smile tugged at her lips at his unexpected complint.
"Demitri?!"
A sharp, feminine voice reverberated, making both of them look up.
The warmth in Demitri’s expression vanished in an instant, replaced by a cold, infuriated look. Beside him, Nora frowned in confusion as her gaze settled on the woman standing before them.
"You’re dating?" the woman nad Elena exclaid, her eyes already wide with disbelief. "That’s surprising. You never even spared a mont, and yet, here you are." She glanced at Nora with a smirk before turning her attention back to Demitri. "Or... are you just tricking this woman into staying with you?" she chuckled mockingly.
Nora’s brows knitted together, unease creeping into her expression.
"Let’s go," Demitri said firmly, rising to his feet while taking Nora’s hand. Without sparing Elena another glance, he led Nora toward the exit.
But Elena wasn’t done.
"Demitri," she called after him, her tone laced with amusent. "Make sure you don’t waste this woman’s ti. We both know you’re not the type to commit. Keep that in mind."
Nora shot Elena a sharp glare, but before she could say anything, Demitri had already pulled her out of the restaurant. They walked in silence, until he finally ca to a stop.
"I’m sorry," he murmured, his voice laced with regret.
"Why?" Nora asked, tilting her head. "Who was that woman? And why didn’t you say anything back to her?"
Detri exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "She’s my ex, Elena."
Nora studied him carefully. There was sothing in his tone. An old wound, perhaps. It wasn’t hard to tell that his mories with her weren’t pleasant. Sensing his reluctance, she decided not to push further.
Around them, people bustled past and talking about it now would be appropriate.
"You should head ho," Nora said softly, offering him a small smile. "I enjoyed lunch, thanks to you. We’ll talk later in the evening."
Detri humd in acknowledgnt, gratitude flickering in his eyes.
"I’ll walk you to the front entrance of the company," he offered.
"That’s not necessary," she refused gently. "It’s less than a hundred ters. I can manage. Don’t dwell on it too much, alright?"
Before turning away, she reached up and placed a warm hand on his cheek, her thumb brushing against his skin in a comforting gesture.
Detri stood still, watching as she walked away. "Thanks, Nora," he murmured. He turned toward the parking lot, got into his car and drove off.
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