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Chapter 225
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The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 226
“Layla!” William bolted into the room, his voice sharp with urgency. The only response was the steady sound of water running. The bathroom door was slightly ajar. He pushed it open, and a wave of steam hit him, thick and humid. Through the mist, he saw her—collapsed on the floor. His chest tightened. Rushing forward, he ignored the water that drenched his clothes, grabbed a towel, and quickly wrapped it around her. Then, without hesitation, he lifted her into his arms. Her body was limp, weightless. Her damp face was frighteningly pale, drained of all color. William strode out with long, hurried strides, his heart pounding so hard it felt like it might burst.So much so that when Carter and Ivan approached him head-on, he didn’t even register their presence.“Uncle William, what happened to Sis?” “William, where are you taking her?” Their voices barely registered. He didn’t stop. He didn’t answer. The only thing that mattered was getting her to the hospi
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 227
“Hey, weren’t you—” Ivan didn’t get the chance to stop William before he rushed to Layla’s bedside. With a sigh, Ivan shook his head in exasperation. “How do you feel?” William took Layla’s hand and pressed it against his chest, holding it as if it were the most precious thing in the world. Layla couldn’t speak, but she met his gaze, trying to tell him with her eyes—“I’m fine. Don’t worry.”That was when she noticed the blood trailing down the back of his hand. William sensed her gaze and immediately let go. “It’s nothing.” Layla’s concern didn’t waver as she kept staring at his hand. Just then, the doctor arrived, giving William a chance to step back. Ivan stepped closer and handed William a tissue, lowering his voice. “What’s the rush? She’s got us here. What could possibly happen? You couldn’t even sit still long enough to finish your IV?” William said nothing, simply taking the tissue and wiping away the blood. Hearing the call from the nurses’ statio
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 228
That night, after emergency treatment, Layla was no longer in immediate danger, but the test results were far from good. The doctor handed the scans to William, advising him to prepare himself mentally. For the first time in his life, the ever-composed William snapped. He threw the scans to the ground, stomping on them as he grabbed the doctor by the collar, forcing him to rephrase his words. In the days that followed, Layla remained unconscious, burning up with a persistent fever. William barely left her side, keeping vigil like a statue, sitting motionless for entire days, refusing to eat or drink. In the end, before Layla could wake up, he was the one who collapsed from exhaustion. Thankfully, Carter had warned him to clean himself up beforehand. Otherwise, when Layla finally opened her eyes, the first thing she’d see would have been a man looking completely haggard and unkempt. From the moment William was born, he had never been anything but composed, meticulou
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 229
If Layla had died sooner, none of this would have happened. Every day, Mrs. Xander regretted ever letting her come back home. “Mom, even you…” “Enough. Stop defending her and focus on taking care of your father.” Mrs. Xander cut Chris off, making it clear she had no interest in discussing anything related to Layla. Chris hesitated, his gaze falling on his father. For a long moment, he said nothing.Mr. Xander lay in bed, paralyzed on one side, his face twisted, his mouth slack. Even with extensive rehabilitation, recovery would take a long time. A proud man all his life, his current condition was nothing short of torture, both physically and mentally. And for Mrs. Xander, who had spent her whole life by his side, watching suffer like this was pure agony.So, in a way, it was only natural that her resentment toward Layla had deepened.Chris sighed, setting aside any thought of convincing her otherwise. Instead, he said calmly, “I need to go.” “What do you mean?”
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 230
“Felix invited me—just a little get-together.” Xena stood outside the private room. “Chris, did you need something?” Chris’s tone darkened. “When did you start hanging around Felix?” “Why? Am I not allowed to?” Xena let out a small laugh. “You all told me to figure out the compensation money myself. Now that I have, you’re questioning me?” “That’s not the point, Xena. Given your current situation—” “My current situation?” She smirked, eyes gleaming with mockery. “Because I’ve been with Sean? Please, if I’m not embarrassed about it, you don’t need to be.” The alcohol was making her bold—reckless, even. She spoke without thinking, words rolling off her tongue with ease. Chris picked up on it immediately. “Have you been drinking? Send me your location. I’m coming to get you. With everything going on at home, don’t make things worse.” “Just a little,” Xena leaned against the wall, lips curling into a teasing smile. “I’m worried about the family too, you know. I want
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 231
“Fine. If you don’t like it, I’ll just pick something else.”As she spoke, Xena reached into her bag again, but before she could pull anything out, Sean grabbed her wrist tightly and shoved her away.She stumbled back several steps, unable to keep her balance, and fell straight into a strong embrace.“I was wondering what was taking you so long. Turns out you ran into an old flame,” Felix said with a smirk, glancing between Sean and Kiera. “Hey, bro, sis-in-law, you two are here too? How about we all hang out together?”Sean ignored him, his gaze cold as he fixed it on Xena. “So, this is your ‘good friend’?”“Good friend?” Felix wrapped an arm around Xena’s shoulders and chuckled. “We’re dating now.”Xena’s eyes widened in shock. Since when?Sean let out a mocking laugh. “Wow, that was fast. When do you plan on telling the family?”Felix raised an eyebrow. “That’s none of your concern. I’ll let Dad and Grandpa know when the time is right.”“Alright. I’ll be waiting.”Sean too
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 232
Meanwhile, in Haven City, Layla had spent another two days in bed since waking up that day, barely regaining a bit of strength. But she was like an empty shell, often gazing blankly out the window, lost in thought. It was painfully obvious that she was letting life slip away. This wasn’t like her. Carter had tried everything to cheer her up, but all he ever got was a tired smile and vacant eyes. Panic gripped him. He clung to Ivan, looking for reassurance. “Ivan, Levi’s bringing the specialists back soon, right? They’ll cure her, won’t they?” Ivan let out a deep sigh. “Right now, the most important thing is keeping Miss Xander’s will to live.” Just then, William walked past them with a group of people, not even sparing them a glance as he headed straight into the hospital room. “That’s Jenny Jasper, isn’t it?” Ivan asked. “Yeah!” Carter’s face lit up. “So that’s who Uncle William went to pick up at the airport! Miss Jasper is my sister’s idol! If anyone can g
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 233
“Even if I were to die right now, I wouldn’t have any regrets…” “Layla.” William cut her off sharply, his voice laced with anger. He didn’t want to hear this. He refused to hear it. But this time, Layla didn’t change the subject like she used to. She stubbornly pressed on. “When I first found out I was sick, I was in complete shock. I couldn’t understand why the heavens would do this to me. I’m still so young. Why am I being sent to the afterlife so soon?“Once I calmed down, I told myself that for whatever time I had left, I would live for myself. But how? I had no idea.“Then, I met you. I met Carter. I did so many things I never even dared to dream of before. I even started to foolishly believe I could survive…” “Stop.” William’s voice trembled slightly, almost pleading. But Layla was too lost in her own thoughts to notice. “The truth is, the heavens have been kind to me. Before I go, they’ve given everything back to me. What else do I have to regret?” S
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The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 502
“No, thanks.”Layla gave a tired smile and gently turned down William’s offer. “I have an early meeting tomorrow, and eating late messes with my sleep.“Mr. Lucas, you should get some rest too. Good night.”With that, she walked past him and returned to her apartment, closing the door behind her without hesitation.The sound of the door clicking shut made William frown slightly. Something felt off.Meanwhile, Layla stood in the entryway, slipping off her shoes as her mind wandered.“Layla Xander, you ruined him. You ruined the Lucas family,” she thought to herself.Gwen’s harsh words echoed suddenly in her mind, stirring the emotions she had tried to bury.All this time, she had avoided thinking too deeply about William’s choices. She was afraid that if she read too much into them, she would just end up fooling herself.But after seeing Gwen today, it finally hit her.William had stepped down from his pedestal for her. And she was still pretending not to see it.If the dista
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 501
“You’re a perfectly decent young woman. Why do you have to go and steal someone else’s man?”“Hannah,” Layla gently tugged on Hannah’s sleeve, giving her a look to stop.As Gwen walked toward the lounge door, Layla spoke up calmly, “The matching engagement ring—the woman’s one. You don’t have it, do you?”Gwen paused for a second at the doorway but didn’t reply. Without looking back, she walked out.That was all the answer Layla needed.She had suspected for a while that Gwen didn’t have the ring.William had always worn the man’s band. And knowing how much Gwen loved him, there was no way she would have hidden the woman’s ring if it had truly been hers.Now it seemed clear that he had never given that ring to anyone. Not yet.“What was that question about?” Hannah asked, suspicious.Layla snapped out of her thoughts. “Oh… nothing. I was just curious.”Hannah rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed. “Seriously? That’s all you had to say after everything Gwen just threw at you? Y
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 500
“I know William went south with you this past month. He stayed by your side the entire time. He’s shown, through his actions, that his heart and eyes are only on you.”Gwen stared straight at Layla, her voice dry and strained. “You told me yourself that you had feelings for him. And now that he’s gone this far for you, you must be proud of yourself, aren’t you?”But she didn’t give Layla a chance to respond. Instead, she pressed on.“Because of you, William was kicked out of the Lucas family. He was forced out of Lucas Corporation. His mom and Mr. Lucas Sr., a couple who’d been loving and devoted for decades, had their worst fight ever. She even moved back in with her family.“If Mr. Lucas Sr. hadn’t landed in the hospital from the stress, she still wouldn’t have forgiven him. The entire Lucas family is in chaos—all because of you.“The William I knew was always calm, reliable, never made his parents worry.“He’s the most capable man I’ve ever met. He was meant to lead Lucas Corp
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 499
“Maybe…” Lucien paused, brows furrowed even deeper. “Maybe Xavier just saw that William left and decided to use the opportunity to renegotiate the deal.“We’re all businessmen. Everyone knows that bringing emotions into business only costs you money. To someone like Xavier, profit is always the top priority.”He picked up the contract and said calmly, “As long as we’re willing to compromise, there’s still a chance to keep the partnership going. Now it just depends on whether we can feed Xavier’s appetite.“For now, don’t let Dad find out. Let’s handle this quietly.”He slid the contract back into the drawer. “Once we’ve secured the renewal, then we’ll tell him the full story that William left the company high and dry just to plan his own exit strategy.“Once that happens, he will finally give up on him. And I’ll officially take the reins. William won’t have any reason or right to come back to Lucas Corporation.”Hearing the plan, Zion gave a bootlicking grin and raised a thumb. “
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 498
Back in North City, a mountain of post-production work was waiting.Layla was in charge of editing the entire promotional video. For a full week, she was working around the clock, leaving early in the morning and coming home late every night.Even though William lived right next door, he only caught glimpses of her through the smart doorbell camera. Knowing how much pressure she was under, he didn’t dare disturb her.Instead, each morning before she left, he would quietly leave a fresh cup of coffee outside her door, along with a sticky note reminding her of the day’s weather.And every time Layla passed his door on the way out, she would peel the note off and stick it on his door in return, letting him know she had seen it.Spring in North City was unpredictable. It was rainy and damp. Thanks to his reminders, Layla always remembered to bring a coat and an umbrella. The coffee in her hand felt extra warm, enough to chase away the chill in the air.*Around the same time, Lucas
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 497
“I never expected him to be some damn heir to begin with. All I ever wanted was for us to live a peaceful life together. You were the one who said he was gifted, different from his brothers. You were the one who insisted on grooming him to take over!“Well, you’re right—he only became heir because of you. And now that you’ve taken it back, congratulations! You got what you wanted!“He may be nothing to you now, but to me, he’ll always be my son. He’s still the best in my eyes. And don’t even think about controlling me with your so-called rules!”The more Scarlett spoke, the angrier she got. Her eyes turned red with frustration. “I may not be your wife anymore, but I will always be William’s mother.”These past few weeks, William’s words had echoed in her mind over and over:“Why don’t you want me to marry someone I actually want to marry? Don’t you want me to be happy?”She was the one person in the world who wanted his happiness more than anything, yet he had questioned her like
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 496
After a long wait, William seemed to realize he might have come off a little strong. He lowered his gaze and added casually, “That compliment you wanted.”Watching him lower his head again to sip the ginger tea, Layla couldn’t help but smile. “Alright,” she said gently. “Whatever you feel like having from now on, I’ll make it for you.”He paused just before taking another sip. A faint smile touched the corner of his mouth.The night was quiet and soft, the warm evening breeze drifting lazily into the kitchen, stirring up something subtle and tender between them.Neither of them said anything else, but there was a silent understanding in the air.After their time in the small town, something between them had changed—unspoken, but undeniable. It felt like there was just a thin veil left between them, one that could be lifted with the lightest touch.*Eventually, the day came when they had to leave the town.Surprisingly, none of the kids cried. Instead, they all beamed with smil
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 495
There was really no getting out of this now. Even if she swore on a stack of Bibles, no one would believe her.Layla shot William a sharp glare, furious he had blurted out the truth for absolutely no reason.William caught the look she gave him and just smiled. His eyes were slightly hazy from the drinks, his lazy smirk pure mischief. He looked exactly like a troublemaker who had just gotten away with it.And just like that, his smile lit up in her mind like fireworks — bright, reckless, and impossible to look away from.She could hear the wind.And she could hear her own heartbeat, quickening without warning.That blurry, half-buried memory slowly sharpened — the dimly lit bathroom, the way he leaned in close and that teasing smile tugging at his lips.And for the first time, it hit her.Her boldness that night hadn’t just come from the effects of the drug.More than anything, it had come from sheer desire.Because she liked William.*The celebration lasted late into the
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 494
”Do more good, and maybe you’ll get into heaven,” William said lazily, his voice drifting on the night breeze.The man on the other end of the line snorted. “If you’re going, I’m definitely not. Dealing with you in this life is bad enough. Why would I wanna be stuck with you in the afterlife too? Sounds like pure torture.”But his joking tone faded as he got serious again. “I’ve already arranged for the donation to the town. Roads, bridges, infrastructure — it’s all in motion.“When Miss Xander’s promo video goes live, we’ll coordinate on the marketing side too. It should get pretty good results.”He paused, then added, “And hey, the first quarter’s almost over. Our contract with the Lucas Corporation is about to expire. If you’re planning to walk away, they’re definitely going to send someone. When are you planning to show your face?”“No rush.”William heard cheers and laughter behind him. When he turned around, he saw Layla in the center of the crowd, tilting her head back as
