Chapter 751

Ivan shot Carter a look, silently telling him to drop the subject.*Meanwhile, Shane dragged himself home, slumped and miserable. Too dejected to even change into his slippers, he just walked barefoot through the house.“Where have you been?”Chris’s voice stopped him just as he was about to head to his room.Shane turned, frowning as he caught sight of the coffee in Chris’s hand. “You’re still drinking coffee? It’s late. Can’t you give your body a break? You’re not made of steel.”Chris walked toward him, brushing off the concern. “It’s just a couple of busy days. I’ll be fine.” Then, he caught a whiff of alcohol and frowned. “And you shouldn’t be lecturing me. Drinking this much isn’t doing you any favors either. Get some sleep. Don’t wake Mom and Dad.”With that, he stepped past him.“Chris.”Shane called out to him, lowering his head.“Am I… just a burden to you? I mean, I’ve been completely useless. I don’t help with anything. I just mess around all day.”He laughed bi

Chapter 752

The September cover shoot for ‘Fan’ was fast approaching, and Layla had no time or energy left to spar with William.After settling the matters at her studio, she contacted Hannah for the magazine’s office address and casually mentioned over the phone that Haley had agreed to do the cover.Hannah was over the moon and immediately scheduled a meeting so they could finalize the details as soon as Layla arrived.The moment the two met, they skipped the small talk and dove straight into the meeting.In the world of fashion magazines, the September issue was the most important of the year—and for ‘Fan’, a newly launched magazine, its first September cover would set the tone for everything to come.Hannah had waited specifically for Layla to return, which meant there was now less than a month left to finalize the cover. No wonder the entire magazine team was on edge.“Haley Spencer agreed to shoot the September cover.”The moment Layla made the announcement, the room erupted.“Are yo

Chapter 753

“Well, what a coincidence. Miss Xander’s here too.”Stanley walked in like he owned the place, his smug grin in full display as his eyes swept boldly over Layla.Before he could take another step, Hannah quickly stepped in front of Layla, blocking him. “What are you doing here, Stanley?”Layla raised an eyebrow. “So this is Hannah’s older brother? He really does look exactly like the entitled trust-fund brat people describe,” she thought.“I’m just here to check on my little sister,” Stanley said, trying to push past her. But Hannah didn’t budge.“What, I’m not even allowed to meet your friend now?” he snapped.“You think you’re worthy of meeting her?”Hannah stared him down coldly. “I already gave you the company back. Why are you still hanging around? I told you last time that you’re not welcome here.”“You’re a Stone. This company is Stone family property. I’m just here for a look. What’s wrong with that?”He turned to Layla with a falsely charming smile. “Right, Miss Xande

Chapter 754

Everyone turned toward the voice. Sean was standing at the doorway, his gaze cold and fixed on Stanley.But if not for that familiar voice, Layla wouldn’t have recognized him at all.Sean looked gaunt and dangerously thin. His features had grown sharp and hollow, almost unrecognizable.Beneath the brim of his cap, his eyes were hidden in shadow. There was still a glint of sharpness in them, but it was buried under a kind of exhaustion that went all the way to the bone. He looked like someone who had wandered too long through a desert—parched, drained, barely hanging on.Layla knew that look all too well.She had worn that look once herself. She had stood on the edge of life and death, moving through the world like a ghost in the daylight. Her body had gone through the motions, but there had been no soul holding it together. She hadn’t been fully alive, nor had she been truly dead.Maybe sensing her gaze, Sean looked away and pulled his cap lower.Stanley let out a mocking laug

Chapter 755

But looking at Hannah’s expression now, it was clear that there was no way this was just a passing acquaintance. She and Sean clearly had a deeper connection.Sean spoke up first.“Layla, I swear, I was just passing through. There’s nothing going on between Miss Stone and me…”“You don’t need to speak for her.”Layla’s voice was sharp and cold. Her eyes stayed locked on Hannah as she asked, slowly and clearly, “Are you hiding something else from me?”“Layla…”Hannah’s heart was pounding. She reached out and grabbed Layla’s hand.“I didn’t mean to keep it from you. It’s just… because of your history with Mr. Perry, I was afraid bringing him up would upset you.”“That’s the only reason?”Hannah fell silent.Layla’s gaze didn’t waver, pressing in with every word. Backed into a corner, Hannah hesitated for a long moment, then gave up the act entirely.“Mr. Perry invested in the magazine too.”Layla froze. The warmth drained from her face. Her whole demeanor turned cold.Sensin

Chapter 756

Hannah stood frozen, completely stunned.She had gone over this moment in her head countless times, thinking about how to tell Layla the truth and how Layla might explode with anger. She thought she was prepared for it.What she hadn’t expected was how quickly everything would fall apart.One moment, they were laughing and hugging like old times. The next, Layla pulled away without a second thought. Her expression was cold and resolute, and she walked out on the magazine as if it meant nothing at all.“Miss Stone.”Sean’s voice was hoarse but calmer now. He called out softly.Hannah turned toward him, still dazed, then seemed to remember something.“Why didn’t you let me know you were coming today?”“I just happened to be in the area and thought I’d stop by for a quick look. I didn’t…”Sean looked genuinely regretful.“I didn’t think Layla would still hate me this much.”The truth was, he hadn’t "just happened to be in the area" at all. He had come on purpose, hoping for a c