Layson hadn’t left Adela’s study all afternoon. He stayed with her, curled up in that small room, until a servant came knocking to inform them that dinner was ready.Seeing it was Mr. Norman himself who opened the door, the servant was clearly surprised, though she quickly masked it and went downstairs to prepare an extra set of cutlery.Layson returned to help Adela smooth her long hair. Only when he confirmed there were no signs of what just happened did he wrap his arm around her and lead her downstairs.Adela was honestly speechless. She didn’t throw a tantrum this time, though. After all, the ever-so-principled President Norman had promised in front of her that he wouldn’t “do anything” during the day. But thinking about what had just happened upstairs… she couldn’t help grinding her teeth.At least, thank God, it wrapped up before dinner. Otherwise, she really would’ve died from embarrassment in the Norman house.After going downstairs and playing with Ralph for a bit, Marah ret
Layson’s original plan was to reel in the big fish with patience. That truck driver was the only solid lead they had. But now the man was dead, and the lead was gone with him.To say he wasn’t angry would be a lie.At this point, Layson was furious—rage boiling over. And he had nowhere else to vent it but on Richard. If Richard hadn’t meddled, maybe there would’ve still been a window to maneuver.Frustrated, Layson pulled out a cigarette pack, tapped one out, lit it, and sat down heavily on the couch. His whole demeanor radiated a coldness that warned people to stay away.“Your people are way too high-profile. I’ve never liked you interfering in my business, and that hasn’t changed. I want you to back off this time—for good.”His voice was raspy from the smoke, low and gravelly, but clear in the quiet study.Richard let out a cold laugh, his face completely expressionless except for the mocking curve at his mouth. “Since when does a father need his son’s permission to handle things? L
After having lunch with Adela, Layson stayed with her through the full medical check-up. By the time everything was done, it was already afternoon. They still needed to wait for the test results and finish the police report. Adela insisted she was fine and kept saying she wanted to go home.Layson eventually gave in. He carried her back to the Norman family estate.At dinner, Adela barely touched her food. If it weren’t for Layson constantly picking out dishes for her, she would’ve gone straight to bed.Now that the immediate danger had passed, her body finally began to feel the exhaustion. She thought she could stay in the study until ten, but she was already too drowsy to keep her eyes open before nine.After a quick shower, the moment her head hit the pillow, it felt like she’d fallen into darkness—deep, undisturbed sleep.Layson, still in the study, was simmering with rage. The ashtray was already half-filled with cigarette butts, and the whole room reeked of smoke. Swirls of whit
Adela had been watching the countdown as she approached the intersection. Her speed was slow, and the red light was just ticking down to one. She didn’t brake—just kept coasting, and the green light lit up right as she passed the line.Before she even had time to react, something slammed into her car, shoving it into the guardrail.For a split second, she genuinely thought she was going to die.She hadn’t even unbuckled her seatbelt yet, but the airbag had already deployed.Once her brain caught up, she realized—she’d just been in an accident. Her hands and feet were ice cold. She checked herself quickly and, surprisingly, found no visible injuries. Just a wave of nausea hitting her.Maybe it was just shock. She tried to calm herself, touched her belly—it cramped a little, but maybe that was just from hunger. The windshield was still intact, so she could see the front of the truck was completely crumpled.And Layson’s car… Her heart sank. That luxury ride was definitely done for.The
Adela stared at Cici's face, trying to read her expression, searching for any subtle reaction that might give away what she was really thinking. But after watching for a while, she realized—this girl truly had no filter.Cici was visibly excited. “You know her too? That actress who blew up recently in that period drama as the second female lead—she’s so good! I even copied her costume for today. Gosh, it’s such a pity, I didn’t even dare ask her for a signed photo.”Seeing how easily Adela was chatting with the actress, Cici was actually thinking of asking if Adela could help her get that autograph.Adela, however, was feeling a bit drained. She called a waiter to settle the bill, only to be told that Zach had already taken care of it. That just made her more speechless.She glanced at the time—past ten. “Are you eating lunch out today? Layson’s dad warned me I have to be home by noon for lunch.”Cici looked absolutely shocked, her voice cracking. “Seriously? In this day and age, he s
While waiting at a red light, Adela received a call from Cici. She was driving Layson's car and was particularly cautious, so she didn't answer immediately. Once the light turned green, she pulled over safely and returned the call.If she had been driving her own car, she might have used a headset or Bluetooth. But with Layson's car, she was extra careful to avoid any mishaps.The call connected quickly, and Cici's gentle voice came through, "Adela, do you have a moment? I need a favor."Adela was curious, "Weren't you planning to spend the weekend gaming with your brother? What happened?"Cici hesitated, "My mom found that men's trench coat today and scolded me for not returning it. I need to return it today, or she'll get suspicious."Adela chuckled, "I told you to mail it back. Now look. Are you meeting him?"Cici replied, "I wouldn't dare. Besides..."She seemed apprehensive about Zach, feeling she might be losing her admiration for him."Are you home? I'll bring the coat out. He