Chapter 69

Chapter 69

Olivia suddenly stopped me and said provocatively, "Stop right there, Layla. You're already divorcing William, so why won't you leave him alone? Can't you stand to see me happy?"

I stopped, turned to glance at her, and let out a scoff. "Olivia, get your facts straight. First, it's William who's pestering me, not the other way around. Second, whether you're happy or not has nothing to do with me. I suggest you keep your man in check and stop letting him run around acting crazy, so he doesn't disgust me."

With that, I walked toward the door without looking back.

"Layla!" William roared, trying to chase after me, but Olivia grabbed him.

Olivia clutched his arm tightly, tears welling up in her eyes. "William, don't go. If you chase after her, what about me and the baby and me? You grabbed me so hard just now, my belly hurts a little."

William was already furious from my breaking free, and being held back by Olivia only made him more irritated. He shook off her hand violently and shouted, "Can you stop making trouble!"

Olivia lost her balance, stumbled back a couple of steps, and crouched on the ground, clutching her belly, crying, "William, how can you treat me like this? I'm carrying your child, and you're yelling at me because of Layla. What if something happens to the baby? What am I supposed to do?"

William ran his hands through his hair in frustration, looked at Olivia crouching and crying on the ground, and said with disgust, "Enough! Olivia, stop threatening me with the baby! If you hadn't set me up back then, I would never have gotten involved with you! Are you satisfied now? You ruined my plans, are you happy?"

Olivia was stunned by his outburst. Her crying stopped abruptly, and she looked up at him in disbelief. "William, how can you say that? I did everything for you, for our child."

William kicked a nearby chair, which crashed to the ground with a loud bang. "Don't talk to me about the child. I'm telling you, if you mess up my plans again, forget the child—I won't let you off either!"

His eyes were fierce. Olivia's face turned pale with fear, and she didn't dare say another word, just sobbed quietly.

William didn't even look at her. He turned and ran toward the door, but I had already left.

He stood in the hallway, staring at the empty corridor, and punched the wall. His knuckles instantly turned red.

'You can't escape. You'll be my woman for the rest of your life!' William thought.

Meanwhile, I ran out of the Brown Legacy Jewels building and realized my palms were covered in sweat.

That scene was really dangerous. Thank goodness Olivia showed up in time, or who knows what William might have done.

I hailed a taxi and gave the address for Emerald Crest Residences. Leaning back in the seat, my mind was a mess.

The Brown Legacy Jewels deal had fallen through, and my situation at the company had become difficult again.

If Walter found out, he would definitely blame me.

And William—he was like a nightmare I couldn't shake off, pestering me again and again. When would I finally be free of him?

When I got back to my apartment, I opened the door to find a package sitting outside.

I picked it up, puzzled. There was no sender information. When I opened it, I found a new security system inside, along with a note in Matthew's handwriting: [Stay safe, don't make me worry.]

Looking at the note, my feelings were mixed.

Matthew was always like this—showing up when I was at my lowest, quietly helping me without asking for anything in return.

But between us stood William and the Brown family's rules. There was no possible future for us.

I set the security equipment aside, took out my phone, and scrolled to Walter's number. After hesitating for a long time, I finally called.

No matter what, I needed to tell him about the failed deal myself.

When the call connected, I had just started to say, "Mr. Wood, the Brown Legacy Jewels deal fell through."

Walter said impatiently, "I already know. Layla, can you do anything right? The Brighton Corporation project fell through, and now Brown Legacy Jewels too. Are you deliberately causing trouble for the company?"

"It wasn't deliberate. William suddenly barged in and tore up the contract. There was nothing I could do," I explained.

Walter's voice paused. "William? Why would he tear up the contract? Are you getting tangled up with him again? Layla, I'm warning you, if your personal drama affects company projects one more time, you're out!"

"I didn't!" I was desperate to defend myself, but Walter had already hung up.

Listening to the dial tone, I sank onto the couch, powerless. It looked like I was really going to lose my job this time.

But I couldn't just give up. I had to find a way to prove myself. I couldn't let William and those people who wanted to see me fail win.

I got up and walked to my desk, picking up the manuscript I'd rushed to finish last night and flipping through it.

Although the Brown Legacy Jewels deal had fallen through, this design was something I'd put my heart into. Maybe there were other opportunities.

I opened my computer and started searching for partnership information with other jewelry companies. No matter what, I had to try again.

Just as I was focused on the computer screen, my phone suddenly rang. It was an unknown number.

I hesitated, then answered. "Hello, who is this?"

"Layla, it's me." Matthew's voice came through the phone.

I was taken aback. "Matthew, why are you calling me?"

Matthew said calmly, "I already know about the Brown Legacy Jewels situation. William went too far. I've already criticized him. Don't worry, I'll help you handle the partnership."

I quickly refused. "No need, Matthew. This has already troubled you enough. I don't want to owe you any more favors."

Matthew chuckled. "Layla, between us, we don't need to keep score like that. Don't worry, I'll have Eddy reconnect with you. I'll take care of the contract. You just need to prepare the follow-up designs."

"But..." I wanted to say more, but Matthew interrupted me.

He said firmly, "No buts. Layla, I know you don't want to depend on others, but sometimes, relying on someone appropriately isn't a bad thing. Give me a chance, and give yourself a chance too, okay?"

Hearing his words, I felt conflicted.

I knew Matthew meant well, but I really didn't want any more involvement with the Browns, especially after experiencing William's harassment.

But if I refused Matthew, I might really lose this opportunity, or even lose my job.

After a long silence, I finally said, "Matthew, thank you. But I hope this is just a simple work partnership, nothing else."

Matthew laughed. "Okay. Just a work partnership. I'll have Eddy contact you tomorrow to reconnect about the contract."