جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 220

HA connection request popped up on the screen, snapping Layla back to reality. “A well-known agricultural influencer wants to join your livestream. Should I accept?” Carter asked. Layla nodded, wiping away the lingering tears. Soon, a deep, weathered voice came through. “Miss Xander, don’t cry. It’s all in the past now. “Hello, everyone. The school Miss Xander mentioned was under my jurisdiction. I’m a village official, and for years, I’ve been dedicated to agricultural development in our area.“When Miss Xander came to take photos back then, I had the honor of meeting her. My wife really liked her and insisted on hosting her warmly.“Everything she said today is true. We saw those photos with our own eyes. Unfortunately, while the images were backed up to the cloud, the camera itself was lost in the storm.“The village even offered to compensate Miss Xander at the time, but she refused. Later, we still felt bad, but given our situation, the best we could do was buy her a

After the livestream ended, reporters swarmed outside the Xander family estate, completely blocking the entrance. Thankfully, Chris had anticipated this and moved the family into a hotel in advance, successfully avoiding the media ambush. As soon as Xena stepped into the hotel room, a heavy glass ashtray came flying her way, shattering into countless pieces at her feet. She froze in shock, too scared to move. Mr. Xander’s face was livid with rage. “You lying little brat! You really had the nerve to fake an illness and fool us all?!” “I didn’t—” Xena panicked, shaking her head furiously. “I swear, I had no idea that clinic was faking medical records! It has nothing to do with me!“Dad, this has to be Layla’s doing!” Xena cried. “She’s been waiting for us to hold that press conference. There’s no way it’s just a coincidence that the clinic got exposed right after!” “She has a point.” Shane stepped in, frowning. “Dad, all Xena did was happen to visit a clinic that had been

Following Ivan’s arrangements, Layla sat down for an exclusive interview with a leading media outlet. The journalist was professional, focusing on Layla’s relationship with the Xander family and the truth behind the photography exhibition. Every question was measured and respectful, making the conversation feel less like an interview and more like a casual chat with an old friend. Over the years, Layla had kept so much bottled up inside. She hadn’t expected how liberating it would feel to finally say it all out loud. “Regarding your father’s public announcement about severing ties with you, do you have any response?” Layla smiled, meeting the camera head-on. “Actually, I was the one who suggested cutting ties in the first place.” Her voice was calm but firm. “I also want to say this to anyone out there who, like me, has been drained by their birth family. Sometimes, the only way to start fresh is to cut them off completely. If you know it’s a sinking pit, don’t let yours

The next day, Mr. Xander convened a shareholder meeting, with Chris presiding. The moment they stepped into the conference room, the shareholders couldn’t hold back any longer, rising from their seats to bombard Mr. Xander with accusations. “Mr. Xander, how did your family drama get this out of control? Now it’s dragging the company down. What do you have to say for yourself?” “I heard Layla has William Lucas backing her. How are we supposed to fight against the Lucas family? This company is doomed!” “Mr. Xander, no matter what, Layla is still your daughter. Can’t you just apologize and get her to let this go?” Faced with their relentless questioning, Mr. Xander’s barely contained rage erupted once again. “I’m her father! You expect me to apologize to her in public? Where’s my dignity supposed to go?“There’s always a way to fix this. What’s everyone panicking for? Over the years, this company has made you plenty of money. And now that we’ve hit a rough patch, you’re

Xena recoiled as if she had just been dealt the greatest insult, shoving Felix away with all her strength. Her tear-filled eyes burned with fury as she glared at him. Felix, however, was utterly amused. He liked her best when she acted like a feisty little wildcat. Mrs. Xander quickly scolded, “Xena, you can’t be so rude to Mr. Perry!” “It’s fine, Mrs. Xander,” Felix said smoothly, turning to face Mr. Xander. “She’s just upset. I understand why she wouldn’t want anyone getting too close.” Then, as if he had all the time in the world, Felix added, “I’ve delivered my grandfather’s message. How you choose to handle the repayment is up to you. That’s your family’s problem, not mine. And with that, I’ll take my leave.” Before leaving, he cast one last lingering look at Xena—his expression brimming with arrogant certainty, as if she were already his. A shudder ran down Xena’s spine. Her hands clenched into tight fists, her nails digging into her palms. For the first time