Chapter 198

The Eilish Group's corporate assembly was nearing its conclusion, each department having presented their noteworthy achievements.

"Is there anything else?" Anthony queried, his eyes darting towards his wristwatch. The hands showed half past eleven, a perfect moment to extend an invitation to Layla for an early lunch under the guise of discussing the project's progression.

It was a plausible pretext.

Anthony had intended to visit Layla at the resort the previous day, but an unexpected illness that befell Nora had forced him to cancel. The missed opportunity to see Layla filled him with regret. An unusual eagerness to meet her stirred within him, a sensation he had never encountered before. Even for a man of Anthony's usual poise, his own urgency was, at times, astonishing.

"Ashton, there have been some distasteful rumors circulating about the five-star resort project recently," one of the directors interjected.

"What kind of rumors?"

"They involve the lead designer, Layla, and a few project managers from our company. One of the manager's wives caused quite a commotion in the design department this morning. The gossip is rampant and is casting a rather unfavorable light on the company."

Upon comprehending the situation, Anthony inquired, "So, there's no definitive conclusion to this matter?"

"But there are chat logs..."

"Anyone with a rudimentary understanding of law knows that these so-called chat log screenshots must be authenticated before they can be deemed as evidence. If the court hasn't validated them, then it's merely hearsay. The corporate culture of the Eilish Group advocates fairness and justice, not the propagation of rumors or the unjust accusation of a young woman without substantial proof."

Anthony's response, delivered in his characteristic calm yet assertive tone, inspired confidence without showing bias.

The room fell into silence.

The director attempted to speak but ultimately chose to remain silent.

"I will have someone look into this matter thoroughly. Until then, I expect no further defamation of Layla within the company. Meeting adjourned."

Stepping out of the office, Anthony instructed his assistant to remove the posts.

"Yes, Boss. I'll take care of it immediately."

"Also, ask Layla to come to my office."

"Understood."

Ten minutes later, Layla entered the office. Anthony was seated on the sofa, brewing tea. Upon hearing Layla's knock, he rose and motioned for her to sit.

"Thank you." Layla bowed slightly and immediately addressed the issue at hand, "Ashton, about that post..."

In contrast to her anxious demeanor, Anthony was remarkably composed and reassured Layla, "Relax, I didn't summon you here to discuss that."

"Then what is it about?"

"The other day, didn't you mention your fondness for Mantenin coffee? I had a friend bring some over for you. I've also got some Blue Mountain coffee, which has a robust aroma. You should give it a try."

Layla shook her head, "I'm not a big fan of coffee. The last time I had it, I couldn't sleep all night."

Layla used this as an excuse, the truth was she'd later discovered on her phone that pregnant women should avoid coffee.

"How about some tea? I've got some excellent leaves here."

"I've never been a fan of tea either, but thanks for the offer," Layla replied, her mind still preoccupied with the recent scandal. "I feel like... I need to clear the air about this rumor."

"I believe you."

Those four words resonated with a gentle force in Layla's heart, instilling strength.

Layla's eyes glistened as she looked at Anthony, his gaze soft, clear, and warm. Eyes were the windows to the soul, and through Anthony's eyes, she could see his kindness.

"Thank you."

"Don't worry, with me here, you won't suffer any injustice. I'll investigate the matter and clear your name within two days."

"Thank you, Ashton," Layla said, moved.

"Call me Anthony. Ashton feels too formal."

Layla licked her lips, hesitated for a moment, and then slowly said, "Anthony."

It was the most endearing way he'd ever heard his name pronounced, "I'll protect you, angel."

Years ago, Layla had protected Anthony.

For the decades to come, it would be Anthony watching over Layla.

Unswayed by the whims of public opinion, Layla maintained her efficiency at work. That afternoon, she clocked out and made her way home, her steps unhurried.

Upon her arrival, Mr. Morris greeted her with a joyous exclamation. "Layla, you've returned! It feels like it's been ages; I've missed you," he said, his face folding into a warm smile.

Matching his smile, Layla replied, "I've missed you too, Mr. Morris. What's on the menu for dinner tonight?"

"Creamy mushroom soup, roast lamb chops, and sautéed asparagus," he announced.

"Wow, that sounds delicious!" Layla responded, her mouth watering at the thought. She had never been one for the ostentatious dishes served at high-end restaurants; it was the simple, homemade meals that truly tantalized her taste buds.

During dinner, Layla indulged in two plates of pasta, and then spent some time immersed in her drawing. At ten o'clock, as per her routine, she retreated to the bathroom for her nightly shower.

The warm water cascaded over her as she lathered her arms with body wash. The promise Anthony had given her echoed in her mind, providing a sense of comfort. She would be vindicated the day after tomorrow.

Suddenly, the glass door of the shower was yanked open, and a man clad in a black shirt stood at the entrance, his eyes predatory, akin to a wolf eyeing its prey. Startled, Layla let out a scream, "Samuel... what are you?"

Before she could finish her sentence, Samuel's lips descended upon hers, silencing her.

He kissed her fiercely, pinning her against the cold, tiled wall. Her head bumped against the hard surface, causing a slight wave of dizziness to wash over her.

"You... your clothes..." Layla murmured, attempting to prevent Samuel's clothes from getting soaked. But Samuel quickly seized her hands, which were pressing against his chest, and pulled them above her head.

Layla's body stretched out like a taut spring, her feet barely touching the ground under Samuel's assertive dominance. She tilted her head back, forced to accept Samuel's passionate kiss.

"Samuel..." Layla whispered.

His kiss was intoxicating, a potent love potion that left her dizzy and warm all over.

Water continued to spray over them, soaking Samuel's shirt until it clung to his well-defined muscles.

"I've missed you so much, Layla... so much..." Samuel whispered into her ear, his longing palpable and primal.

The scent of their mingling hormones began to permeate the bathroom...

Their lovemaking journeyed from the bathroom to the bed, repeated thrice.

Exhausted, Layla lay on the pillow, a silk sheet draped over her waist, revealing the sensual curve of her pale back.

Samuel's fingers traced her back, igniting waves of electric sensation. He kissed her occasionally, as if every inch of her held a fatal allure that drove him to the brink of insanity. He wished to fuse her completely into his bloodstream, investing everything into her until he was utterly spent.

"I'm so tired..." Layla murmured breathlessly.

Samuel chuckled in response, "Who was the one putting in all the effort just now?"

As if she had been merely lying there. Layla had also cooperatively performed a few difficult moves, hadn't she?

Feeling her efforts went unnoticed, Layla glanced back at him with a hint of dissatisfaction, "Stop it."

"Samuel, you're becoming more and more unruly. I should have stuck to the three-month rule from the beginning and not indulged in your games. Now look, you're not gentle at all. For the baby's safety, you can forget about touching me for the next few months."