Chapter 196

Ever since her middle school days, Layla had been the center of gossip due to her striking beauty and impressive intellect. She had developed a keen sensitivity to the whispers and stares of others, and she could always tell when she was the topic of conversation. More often than not, the discussions about her were far from complimentary.

"There she is. She looks so innocent, doesn't she? Hardly the seductive type," one voice murmured.

"You're clearly out of touch. The manipulators always look innocent these days. Despite her youth, she's already quite cunning," another retorted.

"I heard she's had her fair share of dalliances over at the Holland Group and even got entangled in a scandal with the designer, Nathan. She's only been at the Eilish Group for a few days and she's already causing a commotion."

"Talk about making an entrance."

"Do women these days not care about their reputations anymore?"

"If they can so easily discard their dignity, what's a reputation to them?"

...

Despite the hushed conversations around her, Layla maintained a composed facade as she stepped into the elevator. Upon entering the office, she could feel the weight of her colleagues' curious lances.

Alice emerged from the breakroom, a steaming cup of coffee in her hand.

"Alice, I brought breakfast for you," Layla offered, extending the meal towards her.

"No need, I've already eaten," Alice replied softly, avoiding Layla's gaze as she retreated to her cubicle, leaving Layla with nothing but her back to converse with.

Layla felt a pang of helplessness. Alice was still upset with her.

Feeling dejected, she returned to her desk. Her phone chimed with a notification - a message from Alice containing a link.

With a quick flick of her thumb, Layla opened the website. It was the Eilish Group forum, overrun with threads about her alleged scandals involving Mr. Smith and Philip.

The most popular post featured photos of Mr. Smith entering her room, touching her hair in the corridor, and her visiting Philip, all meticulously timestamped. The detailed narration accused her of dating two men simultaneously.

The comments that followed were a cesspool of vile insults and mockery. Layla clenched her jaw, her face growing increasingly pale. Her fingers tightened around the phone with a white-knuckle grip as she approached Gioanna, "Delete that post."

"What post? Oh, the one on the forum?" Gioanna's smile was laced with spiteful glee. "What's that got to do with me? How can you prove I posted it? Got any evidence?"

"We were the only ones on that corporate retreat; who else could it be but you?"

Gioanna scoffed, "Accusing me outright, huh? Maybe some hero couldn't stand seeing you play the field and decided to expose your scandal. That's got nothing to do with me."

"Mr. Smith, Phillip, and I-we're all innocent."

"Innocent, ha!" Gioanna's laughter escalated into a fit as she shot a glance at Jane, who was equally amused. "Well, those photos beg to differ."

Jane chimed in with a wicked grin, "I was wrong about you not being capable enough to handle the project; you've got quite the capacity indeed. To think you'd hop from Mr. Smith's bed straight to Phillip's door-that's some dedication. I'm impressed!"

"Maybe one man just isn't enough for her," Gioanna sneered.

The conversation descended into unsavory territory.

"Watch your words!" Layla's voice cut through sharply.

"Ha, you may not like them, but we told no lies," Gioanna jeered, placing down her coffee cup with a clang, her face contorted in a sneer, deepening her wrinkles. "I haven't even started on how you're tarnishing the Holland Group's reputation. You're a disgrace, dragging us and the whole company through the mud. You should just resign."

"I've done nothing wrong. Why should I resign?" Layla countered.

"Denying it even after you've been caught?"

"Mr. Smith tried to enter my room; I couldn't stop him."

"And what about Phillip?" Gioanna taunted, "You visit him at 1 AM, supposedly to talk business? Seriously, Layla, do you think that excuse holds any water?"

"So, tell us, what were you really doing with Phillip?" Jane pressed.

Layla fell silent, her lack of response as loud as a shout.

Alice's head drooped even lower, her body trembling slightly.

"With a clear conscience, I stand before you," Layla finally proclaimed.

"Such conviction is only possible for the shameless," came the retort.

"And those with the thickest of skins."

"I will not step down," Layla asserted, her determination unyielding.

"But who is this Layla?"

"Layla, the homewrecker, show yourself!" A towering middle-aged woman stormed in, an Hermes bag swinging from her arm. Despite the designer label, she radiated an intimidating aura of a seasoned fighter.

"And who might you be?"

"Who am I? I am Mrs. Smith. Arabella Smith."

The revelation left everyone in a state of shock.

Mr. Smith was always seen without a ring, leading to the general assumption that he was a bachelor.

Was she here to confront the other woman?

Gioanna's voice wavered with anticipation as she pointed at a woman near Layton City University, exclaiming, "That's her! She's the one who ensnared your husband."

"Oh, it's you," Arabella sneered, her heels clicking aggressively on the pavement as she advanced. She raised her hand, poised to strike the accused woman.

However, Layla was quick, intercepting the impending blow. "I did not seduce your husband."

"You may deny it, but the pictures tell a different story."

"Perhaps you should be questioning your husband about where the blame truly lies," Layla retorted with a calm demeanor.

"Are you suggesting my husband pursued you?" Arabella seethed. "He's a general manager; does he seem like someone who would chase after you? Take a good look at yourself; are you even worth it?"

"Whether I'm worth it is not for you to decide," Layla fired back, her voice laced with cool defiance.

"The audacity of a mistress" Arabella began.

Suddenly, Mr. Smith rushed over, his face a mask of panic. "Darling, why are you here? Let's discuss this at home."

"No! I want answers here and now. What is going on between you and this home-wrecker?

"Have you become so audacious, Lee?" Arabella challenged. "Do you feel free to find someone younger, more attractive? Don't forget who helped you reach where you are today. If you're playing games, my father will ensure you pay the price."

Her words sent a chill down Mr. Smith's spine, and he stammered, "Darling, this is all a misunderstanding. I've been loyal - I would never dare betray you. Please don't mention this to your father."

"Then explain! What's the truth about you and this woman?"

"It was her!" Mr. Smith blurted out in desperation. "She seduced me!"