Semua Bab The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die: Bab 301 - Bab 310

Hearing that, Kiera quickly responded, “Yes, Dad. But we didn’t stay long. Sean even took me shopping afterward.”“So that means you two didn’t know Begonia is actually Layla Xander?”Mr. Jenkins got straight to the point, his eyes locking onto Sean. “You know she’s still alive, right?”Sean’s hand paused mid-motion. He knew exactly what Mr. Jenkins was implying, and there was no point in dodging it.“I know,” Sean said evenly, meeting Mr. Jenkins’s gaze. “She’s alive and I’m genuinely happy for her. But that’s it. I have no other feelings for her.”He turned to Kiera, gently taking her hand. “Kiera and I are married. She’s the only one in my heart. I would never betray her. You have my word.”His expression was steady, his eyes full of warmth as he looked at her. But all Kiera could think about was the way he had looked at Layla during the exhibition—that look had been full of love. Real love. The kind she had never seen directed at herself.Still, she forced a smile. “I believ

The photography exhibition had wrapped up successfully, but the buzz around Layla still hadn’t died down.Prominent photography bloggers compiled detailed threads of Begonia’s past work—awards, gallery appearances, even her celebrity shoots. Every post praised her eye, her talent, her unmistakable presence behind the camera.Three years ago, she was on the brink of death. Now, she had returned, radiant and confident, thriving in the career she loved. Anyone watching had to admit: she was a force.But to the Lucases, it was nothing more than a calculated show.“What’s all the fuss about? She’s just a damn photographer,” Mr. Lucas Sr. snapped. He had come across the news first thing that morning and, in a fit of irritation, tossed his iPad onto the table.Around the breakfast table, the rest of the family kept their heads down, quietly chewing their food, pretending they hadn’t heard him.“Where’s William?” he barked suddenly, turning to Scarlett. “Don’t tell me he ran off to see h

Ever since that breakfast, William had been showing up at Layla’s door every few days, conveniently around mealtime.Layla never called him out. Instead, she treated him like a proper guest, carefully preparing three dishes and a soup each time. Watching him eat was surprisingly pleasant. It lifted her mood and even boosted her appetite.Back when she lived abroad, Layla had often been too busy to eat properly. Most days she just grabbed whatever was convenient, and the chance to cook for herself was almost nonexistent.Now, with someone else sharing her meals, she felt a new sense of responsibility. No matter how hectic things got, she would make time to buy groceries and cook. And truthfully, she kind of enjoyed it.For her, cooking had always been a hobby. It naturally became a way to unwind.A week went by like this. Once she wrapped up all the little tasks involved in setting up her new studio, she figured she would head out to buy some groceries and stretch her legs a bit.

The early spring night was bone-chilling, the kind of cold that crept in under your skin. Layla pulled her coat tighter around her as she walked along the roadside. The night breeze brushed against her face, and the tip of her nose had turned red from the cold. She walked in silence, letting the quiet and the cold gradually wash away the heaviness in her chest. In a low voice, she asked, “You knew about Grandpa Perry’s condition, didn’t you?” William glanced at her and answered slowly, “Yeah. He’s getting older and his health’s been going downhill. He had a bad fall last year and never really got back on his feet.“He told me that getting sick and growing old is just part of life. He’s come to terms with most things at his age. All but one…” William paused, hesitating. Layla turned to look at him. “What is it?” Under the streetlight, her almond-shaped eyes glistened with a hint of red. Maybe it was the cold, or maybe she had already figured out the part William ha

In the living room, after the assistant brought in two cups of hot coffee, she quietly left.Layla took a sip of her coffee and immediately got to the point. “If you have any conditions, Miss Jenkins, feel free to bring them up. We may know each other, but we’re not exactly close. Let’s make sure everything is clear.”“This isn’t urgent,” Kiera Jenkins responded lazily. “I heard you visited Grandpa Perry a few days ago.”Layla felt a wave of annoyance. As expected, this wasn’t about the townhouse. The meeting had been a setup.But, since she had nothing to hide, she didn’t feel guilty. “Yes,” she said calmly. “Grandpa Perry was always very kind to me. It’s only right that I visited him.”“Of course,” Kiera said with a smile. “I was just making conversation, nothing more.”If she really didn’t care, Kiera wouldn’t have gone out of her way to meet in person. Layla didn’t feel like playing games. “Miss Jenkins—oh, wait, I should probably call you Mrs. Perry now. It’s nice t