Chapter 163

Sarah pivoted, presenting Anthony with a champagne flute, her smile as sweet as the bubbles within. "Let's depart after this drink," she suggested, cradling her own glass with an air of casual elegance.

Anthony accepted the glass with a courteous nod, though he refrained from raising it to his lips. "I'm not one for indulging in alcohol," he confessed. His reputation for moderation was well-known, even in social settings where his status permitted him to decline without fear of reproach.

"But we've yet to toast this evening," Sarah countered, her voice tinged with feigned disappointment. Internally, however, she was gripped by a rising panic. She had exhausted her supply of the drug she had been relying on.

The presence of Layla had ignited a sense of urgency within her. She had to secure Anthony tonight, to ensure an unbreakable bond. In the worst-case scenario, even if he discovered her deceit, he would undoubtedly provide generous compensation after a night spent in her company. Without this, she would be left with nothing.

"Anthony," she began, her voice a soft plea. "Are you upset with me? Is that why you won't share a drink?"

At last, Anthony acquiesced, his glass chiming against hers as he took a sip, oblivious to the triumphant glint in Sarah's eyes.

As they journeyed in the Bentley, Sarah found herself glancing at the time. The drug would take effect within the hour. A thirty-minute drive, followed by another half-hour at the hotel would align perfectly with her plans.

The Bentley came to a halt at the hotel entrance. "Anthony, let's proceed," Sarah urged, her excitement barely concealed. She had chosen to wear a provocative black lingerie set that evening, designed to entice.

However, Anthony announced, "I must return to the office."

"Return to the office? At this hour? What could possibly be so urgent?" Sarah's face drained of color.

She had fabricated a tale of abuse at the hands of her stepmother to secure a hotel room from Anthony. If he left now, her efforts would be in vain. Worse still, what if he encountered another woman who reaped the benefits of her carefully laid plans?

"Yes, I have some matters to attend to," he replied.

"Are they more important than me?" Sarah reached out, her hand closing around his arm. "I've been hurt tonight, and I need comfort. Can't you stay with me? Even just for half an hour?"

"I'm sorry," he responded.

"Anthony, at least accompany me to my room."

"I'll have the driver escort you," he said.

"But..." she faltered.

"Miss Adkins, please exit the vehicle," the driver interjected, opening the rear door.

Sarah gritted her teeth, shooting a covert glare at Anthony. Despite her persistence, he remained unmoved. Did he find her unattractive? Was she not desirable enough?

With no other options, Sarah stepped out of the car.

"Good night," Anthony instructed the driver to depart.

While he did have plans to visit the office that night, it wasn't a strict necessity. His refusal of Sarah's advances stemmed from his belief in the impropriety of a man and woman being alone in such circumstances.

Sarah's intentions were transparent, which only strengthened his resolve to maintain a respectful distance. He would accommodate her requests, but he had no intention of pursuing anything beyond friendship.

He harbored no romantic feelings for her, and thus, he would not touch her.

As the car pulled away, a familiar figure caught Anthony's eye. A woman was being accosted by a drunkard, struggling to free herself.

"Stop the car!" he commanded.

...

Layla found herself in the throes of a particularly vexing string of misfortune.

Having just seen Alice safely to her apartment, she was left waiting for her ride when an inebriated man began to harass her, making unwelcome advances.

"Come on, beauty, have another drink with me," he slurred, his words heavy with the weight of alcohol.

"Don't ignore me, sweetheart. I'm a nice guy," he insisted, his voice a grating echo in the quiet night.

"Come on, let's go to a bar or a hotel, your call."

"Get lost!" Layla retorted, her patience wearing thin. She attempted to push the drunkard away, but before she could, a hand reached out, grabbing the man and shoving him aside with a force that was startling.

"Are you okay?" a voice laced with concern asked.

The voice belonged to a man, gentle and comforting, like a spring breeze caressing her face.

"Anthony," Layla's eyes lit up with recognition. Once again, he had come to her rescue.

"You little punk, think you can meddle?" the drunkard spat, swinging his fist towards Anthony.

"Be careful!" Layla warned, quickly positioning herself in front of Anthony. She hadn't wanted to resort to physicality, but she was more than capable of handling a drunkard.

A strange feeling stirred within Anthony. It was the first time a woman had ever protected him.

Layla stood in front of him, her petite frame reminiscent of a fierce eagle guarding its young, her gaze intense and adorably courageous.

Before the drunkard could land a punch, Anthony's driver intervened, knocking him out with a swift punch that left him howling in pain.

"I'll take you home," Anthony offered.

"Thank you," Layla replied, climbing into the car.

The image of Layla bravely defending him lingered in Anthony's mind, leaving him somewhat dazed. "You shouldn't have stepped in front of me. You're a woman."

"And what's wrong with being a woman? Don't underestimate a woman's fighting capability. My dad owns a martial arts gym; I've been trained," she retorted.

A martial arts gym? Angel's father owned one too.

He had mentioned it to Sarah before, but she always cleverly changed the subject. Layla and Sarah. The names echoed in his mind, eerily similar.

Anthony's mind began to spin with speculation, the edges of a mystery that eluded his grasp. Yet, his fondness for Layla was unmistakable. From that initial spark of recognition and warmth, his feelings had grown stronger with each passing day.

It was, after all, just their third encounter.

Affection was a capricious thing, elusive by nature.

When she was near, he could feel his heartbeat quicken just slightly.

"My place is just up ahead," Layla said, pointing out her apartment.

The driver pulled over.

Layla flashed Anthony a grateful smile. "Thanks, Anthony. I owe you dinner sometime. Goodnight."

"When's that?" he asked before he could help himself.

"Dinner?" Layla scratched her head, slightly embarrassed. She hadn't really thought that through. It wasn't for lack of intention, but more of a 'we'll see what happens' kind of thing.

"Busy with work, Anthony?"

"I can make the time."

"Then how about I give you a call when I'm free?"

"Sure." Anthony nodded, already eager for their next meeting.

"Goodnight." Layla got out of the cab, only to find several police cruisers parked at her building, with neighbors gathered around.

"What's going on?" she inquired with natural curiosity.

"They caught a creep."

"A creep?" Her eyebrows raised.

An old lady nodded affirmatively. "Yep, followed a young office lady into the elevator and started getting handsy. Horrible stuff. Thankfully, the security saw it and called the cops in time."

"There's just too many bad people around these days. Saw on the news a couple of days ago, a woman in her twenties was dragged into a stairwell. They haven't caught the guy yet. Be careful yourself, young lady."

The comments sent a chill down Layla's spine.

"Let me walk you up." Anthony's voice came from behind her.

"Anthony?" She turned and there he was, dressed in a crisp white tuxedo, like a prince straight out of a fairy tale.

"You forgot your purse." He handed her the bag, feeling a wave of relief that he had decided to follow her out. The conversation he overheard convinced him she needed someone - it just wasn't safe for a woman alone.

"The young lady's boyfriend's quite a looker!" The old ladies cooed with dreamy expressions.

Layla shook her head, "No, it's fine. They just caught the guy, it's safe now."

"Not necessarily. Better to be safe with your boyfriend here taking you upstairs," the women insisted, nudging Layla closer to Anthony.

"Good looking, make sure you take care of your girl!"

Feeling cornered, Layla had no choice but to accept his escort with a resigned "Trouble you then."