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Chapter 8
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The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 9
After some thought, Sean concluded that his repeated attempts to appease Layla had only emboldened her. “Women shouldn’t be spoiled,” he told himself. For an entire week, Sean ignored Layla completely. That day, the company held a shareholder meeting. Sean sat confidently at the head of the table, listening as employees presented the third-quarter performance reports.Suddenly, the conference room doors burst open. Layla entered first, followed by a group of reporters with cameras in tow. Sean shot to his feet. “Layla, what the hell are you doing!” “Nothing much,” Layla replied with a lazy smile. “I just thought the shareholders deserved to know the truth. Oh, and leaking it to the press earns me a little extra cash. The money you offered me isn’t even enough for pocket change.” Sean’s face contorted with rage. “You’ve lost your mind!” “Sure, I’m crazy,” Layla sneered. “You drove me to it.” She turned to the bewildered shareholders. “I have some documents I’
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 10
“Of course,” William replied. “Then… can I move into your place?” Layla asked tentatively. William: “?” Even Mike, the usually stoic bodyguard trailing behind William, couldn’t hide the flicker of surprise on his face. He shot Layla a glance, clearly amazed at her audacity. This was William Lucas she was addressing—someone who valued peace and quiet so much that even his household staff had to avoid him during his hours at home. “Yes, you can.”Hearing William's response, Mike’s expression faltered completely. He stared at William in disbelief. “Did those words really just come out of Mr. Lucas’s mouth?” he questioned himself.“You don’t need to worry. I won’t stay for free,” Layla quickly offered. She pulled out her phone, tapped the screen a few times, and held it up for him. “Add my contact info. You can name your price, and I’ll treat it like I’m renting a room. I promise to keep a low profile. You can pretend I’m not even there if you like.” “That won’t be ne
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 11
When Sean escorted Xena back to the Xander residence, the family immediately swarmed around them with questions. “Sean, is everything they’re saying online true?” “What’s going on with your company? Are you really giving Layla her shares?” “Enough!” Xena interrupted, frustration evident in her voice. “Sean’s already dealing with enough. Stop adding to the stress.” It was only then that Mrs. Xander noticed Xena clutching her arm. “What happened to your arm?” “It’s nothing, just a little bruise,” Xena replied awkwardly, trying to hide it. But Sean grabbed her arm gently and pulled it closer, rolling up her sleeve to reveal a sizable bruise on her fair skin. His brows furrowed. “I’m taking you to the hospital.” “It’s fine,” Xena reassured him with a faint smile. “As long as the injury didn’t land on you, I’m happy.” Sean’s grip tightened as guilt flickered in his eyes, his focus remaining on her arm. “What happened?” Mr. Xander asked, his tone sharp. “It’s
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 12
The next morning, Layla finally noticed the buzz online. Lost in thought, she didn’t realize her other hand was still holding the kettle, pouring water until a firm hand gripped her wrist. Startled, she looked up to meet William's calm, steady gaze.“What’s got you so distracted?” he asked. Snapping out of it, Layla quickly pulled her hand back and placed the kettle on the counter. “I was just checking my phone…” she said, hesitating for a moment before turning the screen toward him. “I went out with Carter yesterday and didn’t expect someone to take pictures. It seems like it’s causing a lot of trouble for him. Should I talk to him and help clear things up?”Layla wasn’t familiar with entertainment news and had no idea Carter was preparing to debut as a celebrity. If she had known, she would have been more cautious.“No need,” William replied just as his phone buzzed with a call from Carter.As soon as he answered, Carter’s anxious voice came through. “Uncle William, is Layl
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 13
Sean hadn’t managed to hear a word from Layla before Xena suddenly dropped to her knees, pleading desperately.“Sis, please, let Sean go,” Xena’s voice was choked with sobs. “You love him, don’t you? How can you bear to let him suffer like this? If Grandpa Perry keeps going, Sean might really get hurt!”Susan quickly joined in, raising her voice. “Layla, do you want my son dead before you’re satisfied?”Layla calmly set down her teacup, her gaze shifting to Xena with an air of indifference. “First of all, whether or not I love him is none of your business. And second, whether or not he’s hurting, you’re in no position to feel sorry for him.“He betrayed me. He deserves this.”Hearing this, Susan raised her voice in protest. “What has Sean ever done to wrong you? You’ve been his only girlfriend, his only fiancée, from the very beginning!“My son is outstanding! He’s already treated you better than most would. What more do you want?”Layla curled her lips into a mocking smile. “Th
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 14
That evening, Carter arrived on time to pick up Layla. When they reached their destination, Layla hesitated as she looked at the bright, flashy bar sign. “Are you sure this is the right place? It doesn’t really seem like my scene.” “What’s not to like?” Carter didn’t give her a chance to back out, pulling her out of the car. “My friends are already inside waiting for us!” Left with no choice, Layla followed him inside. The thumping bass of the music hit her like a wave, mingling with the overpowering scent of perfume. They maneuvered through the bustling crowd until they reached a VIP booth. Before Layla could process her surroundings, Carter tugged her into a seat beside him and started introducing her to his friends. The swirling lights made it hard for Layla to focus, and she could barely make out anyone’s face. Forcing a polite smile, she nodded along, trying to keep up. “So, this is the girl you rear-ended? She’s gorgeous! Don’t tell me you did it on purpose j
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 15
The atmosphere in the car was stifling. Even the sound of Carter nervously swallowing was painfully audible. Layla glanced back and forth between them, hesitating for a long moment before clearing her throat to break the silence. “Mr. Lucas, this all started because of me—” “Twenty years old and still can’t control himself? That’s his problem,” William interrupted her in a deep, displeased voice. Earlier that night, William had received a call from a bar informing him that Carter had been involved in a fight and taken to the police station. He had rushed out without even changing out of his sleepwear. Thankfully, Layla hadn’t been hurt, but if she had been, William might have broken Carter’s legs himself. “From now on, you’re not allowed to take Miss Xander anywhere. If you want to make a fool of yourself out there, fine, but dragging someone else into your mess is unacceptable,” William said, his tone dropping into something almost menacing. “But, Uncle William—” Carter
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 16
At the Perry family estate, Sean instinctively adjusted his shirt collar as he walked through the door, trying to hide the marks left from the previous night. His thoughts lingered on Xena, who was still at the villa. Before leaving, he had promised her he would return early to take her back home. Without wasting time, he got straight to the point. “Grandpa, what did you need? If it’s about Layla again, there’s no point in discussing it. Between her and me…” A teacup came flying toward him. Sean startled and dodged instinctively. The cup shattered on the floor behind him, pieces scattering everywhere. With that kind of force, it would have left him with a bleeding head if it had hit.Frowning, Sean spoke up, “Grandpa, I’m your actual grandson. Layla hasn’t even married into the family yet—she’s still an outsider. Why do you always take her side over mine?” “Shut your mouth!” Mr. Perry Sr. was furious, not sparing Sean a glance despite the visible injuries on his f
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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
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 493
Ryan didn’t answer him. Instead, he pulled out his lollipop and took a big bite of the sausage. To his surprise, it actually tasted pretty good.Paul swallowed hard, eyeing him nervously. “So... does that mean you’ve forgiven me?”Ryan glanced sideways at him, still chewing. “You gonna keep bringing me stuff?”The meaning was clear. If forgiveness came with snacks, maybe he was willing to consider it.Paul caught on right away and nodded like crazy. “Of course! I’ll bring you whatever you want! My mom said I have to make friends with you. If I don’t, she’s gonna make me stand in the corner for half an hour when I get home...”He looked at Ryan like he was his lifesaver. “Finally... I don’t have to stand in the corner tonight.”Ryan gave a small, satisfied hum as he bit into his sausage again. For the first time, this chubby little kid didn’t seem quite so annoying.“I’m gonna go tell my mom right now!” Paul shouted as he ran off happily.Ryan watched him go, then turned back to
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 492
Before Ryan could respond, William had already sat down on another stone nearby.“You think we’re just here to lie to you, don’t you?” William asked casually.“No.” Ryan blurted it out without even thinking, his voice edged with defiance.“You guys aren’t from around here. Sooner or later, you’re all gonna leave. I get that.”He looked out at the other kids running around the courtyard, his expression unreadable.“They get it too. Their parents used to come back sometimes. And every time they left again, they’d tell them the same thing. Study hard. Be good. Wait for Mom and Dad to come home.“But while they were waiting, life didn’t wait. Their grandparents got sick. They couldn’t reach their parents. And they had to drop out of school just to take care of the old folks at home. Feeding animals, splitting wood, running errands—whatever it took to survive.“Then their grandparents passed away. And after all that, school just didn’t matter anymore. What was the point?”Ryan bi
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 491
“It's because of all of you that this town’s getting attention,” Layla said with a smile. “From now on, no one’s going to dare bully little heroes like you.”“Really?” The little girl blinked up at her, wide-eyed.“Really.” Layla nodded seriously. “Fabian already promised me he’ll take good care of you. He’ll make sure you go to school, have enough to eat, and stay warm. And one day, when you’re ready, you’ll be able to go wherever you want.”She paused for a second, then smiled even brighter. “Your payment from this project is going straight to your school fees. The more you study, the more you’ll earn. I want to see which one of you can make it to college, alright?”The kids' eyes lit up. Suddenly, their sadness about saying goodbye was replaced with determination.“I’m going to college!” one shouted.“Me too!” another chimed in.One after another, they all joined in, unwilling to lose to each other.Everyone, except Ryan, who sat quietly, staring at Layla with that stubborn
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 490
It had been over a month since William left the Lucas estate.During that time, Mr. Lucas Sr. never once mentioned his name. It was as if, by refusing to speak of him, he could pretend that son of his didn’t exist at all.But everyone in the house could tell Mr. Lucas Sr. wasn’t doing well. He seemed irritable every day, constantly nitpicking and losing his temper over the smallest things.The staff couldn’t help but miss the days when William was still living at home. Back then, Mr. Lucas Sr. had always been in good spirits, smiling often and treating them kindly.Of course, Lucien noticed Mr. Lucas Sr.’s bad mood too. No matter how busy he was, he always made time to keep Mr. Lucas Sr. company, playing chess and casually bringing up company matters while he was at it.With William gone, Lucien had been working overtime to win his father over. He figured that as long as he put in enough effort, one day, he might just take William’s place in his father’s heart.Until one afternoo
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 489
Nearly a month had passed. Today, Shane heard that Carly was finally attending a class reunion, and he wasted no time getting himself cleaned up and ready to see her.Following the tip from a friend, he quickly found the private room where Carly was.With his usual bright, confident grin, Shane pushed open the door. “Hey, everyone!”For years now, everyone knew Shane had been chasing after Carly. His arrival instantly set off a round of playful teasing.“Well, well, here comes Shane looking for Carly again! Who spilled the beans to you this time?”“Guess that means we’re drinking on Shane’s tab tonight!”Laughter broke out around the room.Shane was completely unfazed. He laughed heartily. “No problem! Tonight, it’s all on me!”“Thanks, Shane!”Amid all the laughter and cheers, Shane made his way straight toward Carly.The moment he sat down beside her, Carly abruptly stood up. Shane quickly grabbed her wrist.Shane tightened his grip, his tone turning a little pleading. “Co
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 488
After hearing what Felix said, Mr. Xander’s expression darkened.Ever since Layla had come back alive, their family had never gone out of their way to mess with her. But her very existence kept getting in their way. And now, she was even standing in the way of Xena’s marriage.Seeing Mr. Xander hesitate, Felix quickly pressed his advantage. “Mr. Xander, you are Layla’s father. Maybe... you could talk to her? Maybe she’d give you some face and agree to let me see my grandpa.“If Grandpa gives us his blessing, I promise I’ll marry Xena properly right away. She won’t have to wait any longer.”That kind of promise was hard for Mr. Xander to resist.After a long pause, he finally nodded. “Alright. I’ll see what I can do.”Felix beamed. “Great! I’ll wait for your good news then, Mr. Xander.”Mrs. Xander had been sitting nearby, watching this whole exchange. Once Felix left, she quickly walked over to Mr. Xander’s side. “Are you really planning to go see her?”“Chris and Shane tried l
