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Chapter 100
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The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 101
“Why wouldn’t it work?” William responded quickly, without a hint of hesitation. Layla paused for a moment, surprised. Even William trusted her that much?Not wanting her to pick up on anything unusual, William quickly added, “When we went to that photography exhibition, Jenny Jasper seemed to really admire your work. She has a good eye. I doubt she’d be wrong.” “That’s just theory on paper.” Layla didn’t dwell on it. She curled up on the sofa, yawning as she mumbled, “Forget it. I already said yes, so I might as well give it a shot.” Noticing how tired she looked, William suggested, “If you’re sleepy, you should go lie down in your room.” “No need. I’ll just doze off here for a bit.” With that, she closed her eyes and soon drifted off to sleep. William grabbed a blanket and gently draped it over her. He stood by the sofa for a long time, his sharp, deep-set eyes lowered, his dark lashes casting faint shadows.On a stormy night eight years ago, a girl stood dr
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 102
The dry leaves by the lake rustled as a sharp winter breeze swept through, tousling Carter’s hair and revealing a pair of bright, clear eyes that stood out against the blue sky and drifting white clouds.Under Layla’s guidance, Carter moved through one pose after another, his confidence growing with each shot until he seemed to shine from within.Before they knew it, an hour had passed. Layla carried her camera over to the table, preparing to transfer the photos to her laptop. Seeing the brand-new camera and lenses, the team grew even more doubtful. Was she a complete amateur? Had they wasted their time on this? “Carter, are you messing with us? You hired a rookie to take your pictures—what do you think you’re gonna get?” “Yeah, if we’d known this was just some play-pretend photo shoot, we wouldn’t have put in all this effort.” Grumbles and complaints filled the air. But Layla ignored them, focused entirely on her work. Carter stepped beside her, arms crossed, an
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 103
“Got it!” Carter immediately rallied his team, getting everyone moving to change outfits and prepare for the next set of shots. For the remainder of the shoot, Layla pushed through sheer exhaustion, barely holding on. By the time they were wrapping up, her head felt light, and dizziness crept in. Carter and the team gathered around the computer, selecting photos, while Layla stood off to the side, carefully packing up her camera and lenses. She wiped down each lens with meticulous care, treasuring them like a general cherishing his sword. Given her condition, this could very well be the last photoshoot of her life. She was exhausted, but she had loved every moment of it. Thinking about it now, she was genuinely grateful to Carter for giving her this opportunity. Once she was done, Layla tried to stand up and let Carter know she was heading out. But the moment she rose to her feet, a wave of darkness washed over her, and she collapsed backward, completely drained
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 104
Carter scrolled through the comments on his phone while talking to Layla over voice chat, grinning from ear to ear. “Sis, this is hands down the best day I’ve had since entering this industry! “Eason Lopez is probably tossing and turning in bed tonight, wondering who shot these photos for me!“Just look at this engagement—it’s off the charts…” Then, with a hint of regret, Carter sighed. “But why wouldn’t you take credit? You worked so hard on these shots. Wouldn’t it mean more if the whole world knew?” Before posting the photos, he had asked for Layla’s opinion. But she had been firm—no name. So, he respected her decision. “What’s the point?” Lying flat on her back, Layla stared at the ceiling, her voice indifferent. “With my condition, who knows when I’ll drop dead? The less attention, the better.“Besides, this is bound to make enemies. If my name is attached, won’t Eason Lopez come knocking at my door?” She yawned. “I’d rather avoid unnecessary trouble, so d
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 105
In elite circles, flaunting wealth outright was considered tacky. Instead, the truly influential pursued higher forms of sophistication, using culture and refinement to showcase their status. Collecting art had become their new battleground for social competition. A group of wealthy socialites gathered, animatedly discussing Jenny Jasper’s work, each offering their own "insightful" critique. Scarlett, though utterly uninterested, couldn’t let it show. She forced herself to recite, word for word, the art analysis she had memorized the night before. Faking it was exhausting, but hearing the other women praise her expertise? That, she enjoyed. “Oh, it’s nothing,” Scarlett said with a polite smile, though her expression betrayed a hint of smugness. “Once you’ve studied as much art as I have and immersed yourself in enough exhibitions, you’ll develop your own sharp eye.” Just then, one of the women tugged at her arm. “Isn’t that Layla over there?” Scarlett followed her
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 106
“Miss Xander, come with me. I still have something to ask you!” Jenny didn’t bother giving the socialites another glance. She simply took Layla by the arm and led her away. The group stood frozen in place, stunned. The words they had just thrown at Layla had come back like a boomerang, smacking them right in the face. “Why didn’t you tell us Layla actually knows Jenny?!” “We were talking so much trash just now. What if Layla twists our words and tells Jenny? How are we supposed to buy her work in the future?” “Exactly! Were you trying to set us up to offend Jenny on purpose?” All eyes turned accusingly toward Scarlett Duan. Scarlett was speechless. How was she supposed to know Layla and Jenny were close?! But after a brief moment, she straightened her posture and regained her composure. “Oh, so now it’s my fault? You all jumped to conclusions. Even if I wanted to say something, none of you gave me the chance!“Besides, wasn’t it Mrs. Jones who insisted we co
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 107
Layla froze in surprise. “How did you know?” Jenny smiled knowingly. “A photographer’s vision is reflected in their work. Besides, since you’re close with Mr. Lucas, it makes perfect sense that you’d be the one taking Carter’s photos.” Her eyes were filled with admiration. “Miss Xander, you have real talent. If you’re interested in going further, I can help you.” Those were words Layla had once dreamed of hearing. But fate was cruel. Now, she had no choice but to turn her down. “Miss Jasper, I really appreciate it, but photography is just a hobby for me. As long as I can take pictures here and there, that’s enough.” Jenny sighed, clearly disappointed, but she didn’t push. “I see. Everyone has their own path. I can’t force you to take this one.” Then, unable to hide her regret, she added, “It’s just… my instincts as a mentor are kicking in. It’s a shame to see talent go to waste.” Layla lowered her gaze slightly. “I’m sorry, Miss Jasper, for letting you down.”
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 108
Mr. Xander sat in the main seat of the living room in the Xander family estate, his expression stern. Beside him, Xena gently massaged his shoulders, her posture prim and obedient.Meanwhile, Shane paced anxiously back and forth, constantly glancing toward the front door. His frustration was evident. “I don’t know if Chris can pull it off! I told him to let me go with him, but he wouldn’t listen!” “Don’t worry,” Xena reassured him in a soft voice. “Chris always follows through on his word. No matter how unreasonable Layla is, she should at least respect him. Besides, it’s not like this house is some kind of death trap…” “That’s exactly what she thinks!” Mr. Xander slammed his hand against the armrest of the sofa, his face dark with anger. “We begged her nicely to come back, and she refused! She’d rather live under William’s roof and ruin her own reputation! As if we’re some kind of monsters who’d eat her alive!” “Honey, don’t be so harsh,” Mrs. Xander said worriedl
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The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 514
During the celebration dinner, Layla received a call from Jenny.Since it was too noisy inside, Layla grabbed her phone and stepped out into the hallway, finding a quieter corner before answering. “Miss Jasper.”“Did you forget you even have a mentor?” Jenny half-scolded. “Something this big happens, and you didn’t even think to tell me? I had to find out online!“If I don't mean anything to you anymore, then stop thinking of me as your mentor,” she huffed.“Don’t say that,” Layla said quickly, her voice warm and coaxing. “I just didn’t want you to worry. And honestly, it’s a complicated situation. I didn’t want you getting dragged into it.“Besides, it’s not that serious. I’ve been handling it fine. If I ever hit a wall, you’d be the first person I’d call.“You’re not just my mentor. You’re my safety net. You’re my strength.”“Alright, enough,” Jenny said, laughing despite herself. “That silver tongue of yours—how am I supposed to stay mad at you?”She had stormed into the con
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 513
Fabian muttered under his breath, “Weren't you crushing on Mr. Lucas before?”“Nope! I’m all about Miss Xander now!” Diana declared, purposely raising her voice so Layla could hear her loud and clear. “Smart, capable women are the real deal! Who wouldn’t be smitten?”Layla chuckled. “I’ll gladly accept your admiration.”“Aaah! She accepted it! Did you hear that? I knew it! Women really are the best!” Diana squealed in excitement, practically bouncing in place. Fabian could only shake his head and gently push her away, then hurried to wrap up the call with Layla.*As the promotional video’s popularity exploded, the calls started pouring in that very afternoon.Most of them came from the mentors, artists, and family friends that Jenny had once introduced to her. They had only just found out about the troubles Layla’s studio had been facing, after seeing the video hit the trending charts.Normally, those artists lived in their own world, blissfully detached from outside news.
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 512
Scarlett was curled up on the sofa, scrolling through her phone. She had just finished watching the entire promotional video when she muttered, “Looks like a great place to walk around.”“Not bad,” William replied without even looking up.Scarlett shot him a look and said, a little sharply, “Your dad ended up in the hospital because you ran off with Layla to the south.“I’m not saying you can’t go travel and clear your head, but you can’t be following a woman around like that. It doesn't sound good if people start talking, you know?”William furrowed his brows and was about to respond when Scarlett added, “How about this? Next time you want to follow her somewhere, bring me along. If people see a mother and son traveling together, it’ll look a whole lot better than making it seem like you're chasing after her.”Feeling quite pleased with her own cleverness, Scarlett nodded in satisfaction. “I usually only travel abroad, but clearly, there are plenty of beautiful places right here
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 511
“Who exactly was hiding something?” Kiera only muttered the words in her heart. On the surface, she kept her tone casual and said, “I was watching a promotional video Miss Xander produced. I didn’t want you to get the wrong idea if you saw it.“If you don’t believe me, take a look for yourself.”As she spoke, Kiera handed her phone to Sean, her expression calm and composed.Sean frowned slightly. “Layla Xander? Isn’t her studio the one Mr. Lucas Sr. basically shut down?”“You seem pretty up to date on her situation,” Kiera said with a half-smile. “Here I thought you didn’t know anything.”“I just... heard about it. Everyone in the circle has,” Sean said, clearly uncomfortable, avoiding her gaze. “She crossed the Lucas family. Of course she was going to end up like this. When she first came back, everyone was talking about her, but in the end, all it took was one word from Mr. Lucas Sr. and her studio couldn’t land a single project.”“Is that so?” Kiera tightened her grip on
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 510
Kiera had always played the part of the gentle, obedient wife.But right now, the cold sarcasm in her eyes made Sean feel like he was looking at a stranger.Sean sobered up a little in an instant. “What the hell are you talking about?” he snapped. “All I did was ask you to play the harp. Do you really have to twist it into something so ugly?”He huffed and continued, “Mr. Zimmer has sent us quite a few projects over the years. I know he’s into classical music, so I thought bringing you tonight might give you two something to talk about.“How was I supposed to know that asking you to play one song would feel like pulling teeth? You refused to drink, which was fine, but then you just sat there with that sour face. Who would even dare start a conversation with you like that? Anyone watching would have thought I treat you like garbage at home.”Grumbling, Sean let go of her arm and leaned back against the car door, putting distance between them.To his surprise, Kiera didn’t move clo
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 509
“I’ve heard Mrs. Perry plays the harp,” someone across the round table suddenly said. It was Mr. Zimmer, one of the business partners. “There happens to be one here tonight. Mrs. Perry, would you mind playing a piece for us?”“This…” Kiera hesitated, but before she could reply, Sean jumped in with a smile, “Of course not. My wife plays beautifully. Tonight’s the perfect chance for everyone to enjoy it.”Hearing that, Kiera’s heart sank.It was rare for Sean to ask her to attend a business dinner. In all their time married, this was the first time he had willingly brought her into one of his work events.If she didn’t already know better, she might have been flattered, maybe even excited to join him.But she knew too much. She could see right through him. When something felt this out of the ordinary, there was always a hidden reason. Still, she smiled and nodded. “Sure, I’d be happy to.”A few minutes later, the restaurant staff wheeled in a harp and set it up in the private di
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 508
From the moment Mr. Xander stepped through the door, his face was clouded with anger. He didn’t even bother putting on a friendly face for Felix like he normally would.It wasn’t until Felix left after dinner that Xena finally approached her father. “Dad, did you go see my sister today?”“She’s no sister of yours! There’s no place in this family for someone as heartless as her!”Furious, Mr. Xander slammed his hand against the table, the loud thud making Xena flinch.Mrs. Xander rushed over to shield her daughter. “Easy, don’t scare her. She’s pregnant, remember?”“I’m fine, Mom.” Xena lowered her gaze, looking guilty. “Dad only lost his temper because of me. Maybe we should just drop it. I’ll talk to Felix myself. I’ll keep the baby, and we’ll figure the rest out later.”“What are you saying? You can’t have that baby now!”Mrs. Xander immediately objected. “Even if you two get married afterward, people will still talk! If the baby comes before the wedding, everyone will trea
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 507
“If you don’t like it here,” William said coolly, “the elevator’s just to the right.”Scarlett was fuming. Just a few words in and she was already being shown the door? Was she not even allowed to speak?And she hadn’t even said anything bad about Layla. She was just feeling protective of her precious son. Was that so wrong?For the rest of the time, Scarlett sat stiffly on the couch, clutching her glass of water and sipping from it every now and then. William sat across from her on another sofa, silently scrolling through his phone.Neither of them spoke. The only sound in the apartment came from the kitchen, where the soft clatter of cooking echoed faintly.Soon, the scent of food filled the air.Scarlett couldn’t help glancing toward the kitchen. Through the frosted glass, she could only make out the blur of Layla’s figure. Doubts crept into her mind. “Could Layla’s cooking actually be edible?” she wondered.After all, she was still a woman who had grown up with a silver sp
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 506
Layla braced herself as she welcomed William and Scarlett into her apartment. After a quick round of small talk, she headed into the kitchen with the groceries.She had just started unpacking when she heard William call from behind, “Need a hand with anything?”“No, I—”She was about to turn him down, but then thought of Mr. Xander and hesitated. Instead, she handed him a bag of snap peas. “Help me trim these.”“Sure.”William stepped up beside her without hesitation. As he got to work, she lowered her voice. “How’s Grandpa Perry doing?”“He’s fine,” William replied, eyeing her curiously. “Why are you suddenly asking about him?”“Gerald Xander came to see me today. He wants to meet with Grandpa Perry.”Layla said her father’s name without a trace of emotion, as if she were talking about a stranger.William glanced over at her. “Did he give you any trouble?”“Not really. He can barely walk straight, can’t argue, and definitely can’t catch up to me. What else is he going to do
