Semua Bab The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die: Bab 371 - Bab 380

When Layla instinctively took a step back, Xena’s expression froze with embarrassment.“Layla, I really am happy to see you…” she said, stopping awkwardly. “Last time, we didn’t even get a proper chance to talk.”Her voice was soft and cautious, each word carefully delivered with that oh-so-innocent look on her face. “Layla, it’s a miracle you came back alive. I really believe it’s heaven giving me a chance to make things right. From now on—”“There’s no ‘from now on’ between us.”Annoyance flickered across Layla’s face. She hadn’t expected it, but somehow, Xena’s fake sweetness had only gotten worse after three years.“Layla, I know you’re still angry with me, and with the family.”Xena lowered her gaze slightly, looking even more pitiful. “What we did back then really was too cruel. After we thought you were gone, we’ve been living in guilt ever since…”“Oh?” Layla let out a cold laugh. “And how exactly have you been repenting? I’d love to hear the details.”Xena went quiet.

“You’d better mean that,” Carly said sharply before turning on her heel.Her footsteps picked up speed with every stride, a silent reminder to Shane of just how badly she wanted to get away from him.As soon as she disappeared, Xena appeared behind him.“She’s already gone. What are you still staring after her for?”“None of your business,” Shane snapped, shooting her a glare. “Is Layla still upstairs?”“Yeah. Didn’t Carly just join her studio? Strange she’s not by her side,” Xena said with a tilt of her head.“Keep your voice down!” Shane immediately reached out and clamped a hand over her mouth, lowering his voice. “Carly can’t know that we all know she’s working at Layla Studio. If she starts digging into that night, she’ll find out I was the one who called those thugs to trash the place!“If she finds out, I’m done. She’ll never give me another chance.”Xena pulled his hand off her face and blinked innocently. “So, Shane… are you really going to just let her stay at Layla S

The rest of the team raised their glasses as well. “Cheers!”Caught off guard by their enthusiasm, Carly hesitated, her lips pressed into a thin line, not quite sure what to do.Lily simply shoved a drink into her hand, then grabbed her wrist and raised both their glasses high. “We’re a team now!”Laughter and cheers filled the room as everyone took a sip.Carly followed along, taking a small drink. Her heart was unexpectedly full. These bright, energetic faces were the ones who helped Begonia bring every masterpiece to life.And in that moment, for the first time, she felt a real desire to be part of this team—not just in name, but in spirit.The joyful atmosphere didn’t last long. As the night grew late, team members began to trickle out.Carly volunteered to stay behind and help clean up. Carrying out a bag of trash, she paused on her way back and noticed that the light in Layla’s upstairs office was still on.After tossing the trash, she made her way upstairs and knocked on

“Alright, wait for me.”Layla quickly made a U-turn at the next light and entered the address Jenny had sent her into the GPS.Less than twenty minutes later, she arrived at the venue and followed a staff member who offered to guide her.This tea gathering had been arranged by Jenny herself—not only to thank their friends for showing up in support of Layla, but also to help Layla build deeper connections within the circle.Through the door of the private room, Layla could already hear the cheerful chatter and laughter. She took a deep breath, mentally preparing to apologize for being late.That was when a cold voice rang out behind her.“What are you doing here?”Layla paused mid-step and turned around—only to see Gwen standing arm-in-arm with Scarlett. The two of them looked like the perfect mother-in-law and daughter-in-law duo.Scarlett frowned, sizing Layla up from head to toe. “Even a no-name photographer can get into this place now? The bar’s really dropped. Maybe next ti

In their memory, Scarlett used to talk endlessly about fine art. She would go on and on like an expert, often expressing admiration and even awe for the great masters.So how was it that now, when she actually had the chance to mingle with the masters, she suddenly looked down on them?The other women in the room were all wondering the same thing.Only Gwen knew the real reason behind it all. She stood up to smooth things over.“Mrs. Lucas just meant… it might be a bit abrupt for us to drop in uninvited.“After all, it’s a private gathering of masters. They’ve always preferred a quiet setting. I doubt they want outsiders barging in.”After hearing that explanation, the ladies slowly nodded in agreement. “That’s true…”*Inside the other room, Jenny was still fuming.“That Mrs. Lucas really looks down on people! She actually had the nerve to insult my student!“If it weren’t for the past ties I had with Mr. Lucas, I wouldn’t have been so polite just now.”She turned to the ot