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Chapter 324
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The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 325
“Mm.” Layla responded with a quiet, flat tone—completely devoid of warmth.Kiera immediately picked up on her coldness, and though it rubbed her the wrong way, she had no choice but to keep up her polite facade. “If there's a chance, maybe we could grab a coffee sometime,” she said with a strained smile. “I’ll try to talk Quinn into apologizing to you in person.”“No need,” Layla replied bluntly. “She’s young, impressionable, and impulsive. It’s the age where mistakes happen. I’m not going to dwell on tonight, and you don’t need to go out of your way for an apology.”Then her gaze sharpened. “Miss Jenkins, I’d suggest you stop wasting your energy on me. Worry about your own life. That’s what really matters.”After all, her own husband had a child with another woman, and here she was, still scheming through a ‘best friend’ to pick a fight with Layla.Layla had nothing more to say to someone that deep in denial. Some lessons, people just had to learn the hard way.Witho
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 326
Inside the Maybach, Gwen sat in the passenger seat, still able to hear Ivan’s booming voice through the phone.She leaned toward William’s phone and teased, “I was starting to think you’d completely forgotten about me, Ivan. You’ve been on the phone forever and haven’t even said hi.”They had all grown up together. Gwen had always been more tomboyish—running around after the boys, never one to shy away. Eventually, the Harris elders, worried about her lack of restraint, shipped her off overseas. Years later, she had grown into an elegant young woman.After college, instead of returning home, Gwen had wandered the globe. But now, with marriage age approaching, her family feared she would never settle down. They pressured her to come home, find a job, and start spending more time with her parents.Ivan shot back through the phone, voice even louder than before. “Says the girl who’s been MIA for years! You never call, never text—what if some foreign guy had run off with you? We w
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 327
“Alright,” Layla replied as she took the stack of résumés and made her way to the center seat at the long table. She flipped through them briefly, her fingers pausing on one particular name.Carly Lucas?There weren’t many people in North City with the surname Lucas. Add to that an impeccable résumé that screamed elite upbringing, and it didn’t take much to figure out that this had to be someone from the Lucas family.What was this? Was she just stopping by out of curiosity, like a secret royal visit? Or was there another motive?Why her studio, of all places?“Miss Xander, should we start?” her assistant asked, snapping her out of her thoughts.Layla blinked, nodded lightly, and shuffled the papers back into place. “Yes. Bring in the first candidate.”The interviews began.One résumé after another passed through her hands, and one candidate after another came and went. Unfortunately, none of them stood out.Her expectations were high. With the studio just getting off the grou
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 328
“The best way to shatter the illusion,” Carly said, looking Layla straight in the eye, “is to own it. That’s why I’m here—to apply for the job.”Her gaze was steady, clear, and unwavering.Ever since discovering that her favorite photographer, Begonia, was actually Layla, Carly had locked herself in her room, staring at her collection of Begonia’s work, spiraling into deep self-doubt.She had adored Begonia’s photography but she couldn’t stand Layla.How could those two feelings coexist in the same person?The contradiction had tormented her for days. Then she saw the job listing for Layla Studio. After thinking it through, she sent in her résumé.She had told herself that maybe, once she worked under Layla, she would see Begonia for who she really was. Maybe even realize she wasn’t all that special. And when that moment came, she could finally move on.But now, standing in front of Layla, Carly wasn’t so sure.She had barged in boldly, yet Layla had responded with patience and
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 329
“You like it, that’s all that matters.” Gwen noticed Carly had makeup on and was dressed rather formally, so she asked curiously, “Did you have an interview today?”“You could tell?” Carly looked a little surprised.“I overheard Mrs. Lucas mention that you graduated last year and started job hunting this year,” Gwen said with a warm smile, sounding every bit like a thoughtful older sister. “How did it go? Was it smooth?”“Yeah, I got the job. I start at the end of the month.”“Oh?” Gwen’s face lit up. “And which lucky company landed someone as talented as you?”Carly went quiet.She had zero plans to tell anyone—especially not Gwen—that she was going to work at Layla Studio. If her grandfather found out, he would probably lock her at home.Gwen assumed it was just a little secret and didn’t push. “Well, no matter where you’re working, I know you’ll do amazing things. When the time comes, you owe me a celebratory dinner.”Carly was grateful for Gwen’s thoughtfulness and smile
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 330
“Gwen, you grew up with William. You know exactly what he wants.“Love is fleeting. Sure, she has him now—but feelings come and go. One day she holds on tight, the next he’s gone. But interests—mutual benefits—those are solid. That’s what lasts.“In families like ours, marriages are built on alliances. It may not be all romance and passion, but it’s solid and unshakable. When two people are tied together by responsibility, by what they stand to gain or lose—they go farther. They hold on.“You’re not kids anymore. It’s time to think about your families. Miss this chance, and there won’t be another one.”That day, Mr. Lucas Sr. spoke at length over the phone, his voice heavy with meaning.At some point, Gwen had stopped hearing the words clearly. Instead, a quiet voice echoed from deep within her.“Try. Even if it doesn’t work out, at least you’ll have tried.”So, she came home to give her years of silent love a proper ending.“Gwen?” Carly called softly.Gwen snapped out of her
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 331
“Pfft.” Wilson rolled his eyes. “Privacy, my ass. And I wasn’t snooping. I was looking fair and square.” He leaned in, eyeing Ivan with mock suspicion. “Look at you now, acting all supportive of Layla and William. Didn’t you get kicked back to North City three years ago because you tried to mess with them? Weren’t you the one dead set against them being together?” He handed Ivan a glass of whiskey, clearly settling in to hear the story. “So what gives? Why the sudden change of heart?” Ivan waved him off. “Don’t ask. Let’s just say... I regret it.”He raised his glass but didn’t drink right away, lost for a moment in the memory. William had punched him like a lion in a blind rage. Back then, Ivan had been pissed that William was throwing away friendship over a woman. But thinking back on it now—if a woman could drive William to that kind of fury, she had to mean everything to him. And him, as the so-called friend? He hadn’t supported William at all. Hell, he had alm
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 332
“Mr. Lucas, what are you standing there for? Come eat,” Layla called out as she waved William over.Seeing someone his height—nearly six foot three—looking awkward sitting at her low coffee table, she let out an embarrassed chuckle. “Uh… want to move to the dining table instead?”“No need,” he said, leaning back against the couch. But his eyes briefly swept over the takeout spread on the table, and his brows furrowed slightly.Layla caught it. She had gotten a little carried away ordering junk food and totally forgot that someone like William might not be used to this kind of thing.She tried again, a little sheepishly. “I can cook something else for you real quick, if you want?”“No need,” William repeated, this time with the look of a man resigned to his fate. If she could eat it, he could too.“Alright then, try it first. If you really don’t like it, I’ll make something,” Layla said—though honestly, she had zero intention of getting back up. It was just a polite offer.She
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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
