Chapter 64

From William's perspective:

I stood with my hands in my pockets, looking at Layla awkwardly.

I wanted to tell her that I'd heard everything she said in the break room, that deep down she didn't want to divorce me either, right?

But seeing Ember, my friend Tom Stone's sisterstand beside Layla, my pride forced me to swallow the words that were on the tip of my tongue.

Somehow, I raised my head proudly again, forgetting my earlier decision to humble myself and make peace with Layla. "Layla, come out here for a minute."

The moment those commanding words left my mouth, even I was shocked—my heart skipped a beat.

Damn it, how was I supposed to get back together with Layla now?

She was definitely going to be even more upset with me and insist on the divorce.

Sure enough, Layla looked at me with cold, terrifying eyes, like she was looking at a stranger with no emotional response, saying coldly, "This is my workplace. I hope you won't make things awkward for everyone."

I frowned slightly, wanting to soften my tone and talk to her properly.

But catching a glimpse of Ember's mocking expression out of the corner of my eye, my pride got the better of me again, and I threatened arrogantly, "Layla, if you don't want to lose this job, come out with me. Otherwise, don't blame me for blacklisting you in the industry."

Meeting Layla's hate-filled eyes, my heart instantly sank.

I knew she must hate me to death right now.

But I didn't want it to be this way either. It was all Ember's fault. If she hadn't looked at me with that mocking expression, I wouldn't have spoken so carelessly.

That woman knew full well about my relationship with Layla; she still had to get involved. She had no sense of timing at all.

When I got back, I'd definitely talk to Tom about his sister and have their family educate Ember properly.

"William, I have nothing to say to you. If you don't want to embarrass yourself, you can stay here."

Over there, Layla pointed her phone screen at me.

I squinted and looked carefully. When I saw the name "Quinton," I froze.

This woman was actually going to call my father!

She really knew how to get to me!

Unwilling to back down, I said coldly with displeasure, "Layla, my patience has limits. Are you sure you want to go against me? Don't forget that you..."

"My brother isn't in your hands anymore, is he?"

I had wanted to threaten her with Ethan like before.

But this time, before I could finish, Layla spoke first, not only cutting off my words but also slapping me in the face.

The words stuck in my throat. Meeting her clear, bright eyes, I felt nothing but shame and couldn't face her anymore.

I opened my dry lips but couldn't say a word.

The disgust and contempt in Layla's eyes cut into me like knives, making me suffer unbearably.

At this moment, I had no cards left to play and had lost all confidence to act superior in front of Layla.

Watching her determined retreating figure, I felt that the distance between us had somehow become impossibly far.

"Mr. Brown, I finally found you. Are you here to inspect our company's business? How about I call our company's top designers over for you to review personally?" Philip, Urban Muse's marketing director, walked toward me with a fawning expression.

I really disliked this kind of opportunistic person. Plus, I'd heard every word of the break room conversation earlier from the back of the crowd, and I knew Layla was being bullied at work and that this director had given her project to Abigail.

Daring to bully my woman like this—neither he nor Abigail would get away with it.

I smiled mockingly, "Sure, bring over your company's best designers and let me review them personally."

"Yes, Mr. Brown, please wait in the conference room for a moment. I'll arrange it right away." Philip bowed and scraped obsequiously, making me despise him even more.

Led by the receptionist, I went to the conference room. While waiting, I texted my assistant to quickly investigate Layla's situation at Urban Muse and what happened with the project that was taken from her.

There was a knock on the conference room door, and Philip came in with several pretty young women.

As expected, Abigail was among them.

But she was wearing a mask now, not daring to show her face.

Thinking of those slaps from Layla that sounded painful just to hear, my heart turned cold.

I'd known Layla for nearly ten years and had never seen her so angry. I could imagine that Abigail had done more than just spread rumors and steal her project.

In that case, I'd teach this Abigail a lesson today!

"Mr. Brown, these are several outstanding designers from our design department. You can discuss any needs with them."

I glanced at my watch and said with feigned regret, "I have another engagement tonight, and I'm running short on time. How about another day? Or are you designers free tonight? You could join me at a dinner party—there will be several other companies there who are also planning to outsource projects soon."

Without even asking, Philip decided for the female designers, saying with a smile, "Mr. Brown, having dinner with you is an honor. They'd love to."

My phone received a text from my assistant. While casually telling them the bar's location, I opened my phone.

[Mr. Brown, the project Mrs. Brown was working on—the client specifically requested a designer change. Apparently, Abigail told the client's department manager at a dinner that Mrs. Brown had a bad reputation and they were worried it would affect the product, so they requested the designer change.]

That one short message made my anger surge.

Although I'd said Layla and Matthew were having an affair behind my back, I knew in my heart it was impossible.

At most, Matthew had a one-sided crush.

I'd been with Layla for ten years. I knew her temperament and character better than anyone. Her morals and upbringing wouldn't allow her to do anything that violated her principles.

And she loved me.

If she hadn't discovered my affair, our relationship would have continued as always, sweet and happy.

Unfortunately, everything was ruined by that stupid woman, Olivia.

My eyes darkened. Just thinking about that bitch Olivia made me irritated, and I suddenly lost interest in these people. I said impatiently, "That's it then. You arrange it for tonight. I'll wait for you at Brighten Bar."

"Whether we work together or not depends on your performance."

Before leaving, I whispered something suggestive in Philip's ear, then left without looking back.

Leaving Urban Muse, I sat in my car and called my assistant, having him tell me everything about Layla's time at Urban Muse in detail.

Hearing that from the moment she joined the company, she'd been running errands for Abigail and that designer named Scarlett, buying them coffee every day like a servant, picking up takeout, and even cleaning.

Just imagining that scene made my heart ache.