Semua Bab The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die: Bab 281 - Bab 290

Three years had passed, and another Thanksgiving season had come and gone.By the weekend after the holiday, most families had wrapped up their dinners, family visits, and social obligations. That was when the North City society wives finally found time for their favorite post-holiday tradition: afternoon tea. An excuse to swap stories, share gossip, and casually show off their seasonal flair.Lately, the hottest topic among them wasn’t a scandal or someone’s second facelift—it was an international photography exhibition that had made its final stop in their very own city.The buzz was all about Begonia, reportedly the most gifted protégé of world-renowned photographer, Jenny Jasper. Jenny had praised her publicly on more than one occasion, saying her student would one day outshine her in both skill and influence.And it seemed Jenny wasn’t exaggerating. In just two short years, Begonia had made a name for herself—bold, sharp, and impossible to ignore. Her photographs had sparked

As soon as she stepped out of the airport, Layla immediately spotted the Cullinan parked by the curb.She quickened her pace, pulling open the car door with a smile. “You took your uncle’s car again, didn’t you—”But the moment her eyes landed on the person inside, she froze.It was William.Caught off guard, Layla blurted out, “Mr. Lucas? Why is it you?”“Why, I’m not allowed to pick you up?” William replied casually.“No, I just...” Layla fumbled for words. “I was expecting Carter. I thought he’d be here...”“He got tied up with work and asked me to come instead,” William said simply. He glanced at the suitcase in her hand. “Need a hand?”“No, I’ve got it,” she said quickly, lifting the luggage with one hand. “It’s no big deal.”As she walked around to the back of the car, William’s lips curved slightly, his gaze softening with quiet amusement—like he had just teased a kitten and was enjoying her reaction.Once the suitcase was stowed away, Layla hesitated before getting in

One week after Thanksgiving, the Xander family piled into the car, dressed neatly for their annual cemetery visit.From the moment Shane climbed in, though, he was already grumbling.“I’m exhausted. Couldn’t you have let me sleep a little longer? It’s not like visiting Layla’s grave is some huge deal. What’s the harm in going a bit later?” he yawned as he spoke.“We already told the reporters what time to meet us,” Chris said, clearly irritated. “You want to keep the press waiting?”“Fine, fine. Got it,” Shane muttered half-heartedly, then turned to Mrs. Xander. “Hey, Mom—when are you getting me those tickets to the Begonia exhibit?”“Wait, you mean Begonia’s photography show?” Xena, chimed in.Shane raised his eyebrows proudly. “That’s the one. Mom said she could get them for me.”“For real, Mom?” Xena’s eyes lit up. “I want to go too! If I could meet Begonia in person, maybe I could even book a shoot with her!”She had already brought it up with Felix a few times, but he had

“Why are you even trying to keep her around?” Shane grumbled. “All you’re doing is feeding her ego. She—”“Shut up!” Chris snapped, turning on him with such fury that it made Shane jump.Shane had never seen his brother lose his temper like that. Stung, he muttered, “You’re yelling at me over Layla?”“That’s enough,” Mr. Xander cut in, waving a trembling hand. His whole body was shaking—Layla had clearly rattled him.Xena stepped forward to steady him. “Dad, you’re in this condition, and she still had the nerve to upset you. That’s just too much.”“I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.” Mr. Xander’s voice softened slightly as he patted her hand.One daughter had just tried to drive him to an early grave. The other was caring and considerate. The contrast only deepened his resentment toward Layla.“Layla Xander is dead. As far as we’re concerned, today never happened.”With that, he turned and walked away, leaning on his cane, his back stiff with anger.Shane scoffed. “Hear that? Dad

“Not enough! Another round!” Carter suddenly shouted, raising his hand.Layla jumped and instinctively let go of William’s wrist, quickly sitting up straight in her chair like nothing had happened.When she turned to look at Carter, she realized that he was still facedown on the table, eyes shut. Speechless, Layla could only roll her eyes, her heart still racing like she had been caught doing something she shouldn’t.Under the lights, her earlobes were flushed a telltale red.William’s lips curved into the faintest smile, but he casually set his glass back down as if nothing had happened.“So now that you’re back in North City,” he said smoothly, “what’s next for you, Miss Xander?”Layla steadied herself. “First, I want to see the photography exhibition through. After that, I’m planning to open my own studio.”“So you're putting down roots here?” William’s gaze lingered on her. There was something unreadable in his eyes, but beneath it, a trace of hope seemed to shine thro