Chapter 83

Chapter 83

I shook my head and pointed at William crouching on the ground. "I'm fine. He wouldn't let go, I was just defending myself."

Matthew saw my red wrists, then turned to look at William coldly. "William, you really never learn."

William finally caught his breath. When he looked up and saw me standing with Matthew, his already ugly expression became even more twisted. He struggled to his feet, pointing at me and roaring, "Layla, so you really are with him! No wonder you were so determined to divorce me. No wonder you hid away in Silverlight City. Turns out you've been hooking up with Matthew all along."

I said angrily, "What nonsense are you talking about, William? You cheated first. You did something wrong and won't admit it, and now you want to blame me? Matthew and I are just friends. Don't judge others by your own dirty mind."

William sneered. "Friends care about you this much? Friends go against me for you? Layla, you need to explain to me right now what your relationship really is."

I couldn't be bothered arguing with him. I turned to Matthew and said, "I don't need to explain anything to you. Let's go."

But William wouldn't let it go. He stepped forward to block us. Just then, hurried footsteps came from the end of the hallway, along with Olivia's voice. "William, where are you?"

I looked toward the voice and saw Olivia coming over with her pregnant belly, her face full of anxiety.

"William, what happened?" Olivia came to William's side. When she saw Matthew and me, she instantly understood. She grabbed William's arm and said, "William, let's go back first. There are too many people here, don't let others laugh at us."

William shook off Olivia's hand. "Let go of me. It's all because of you. If it weren't for you, Layla and I wouldn't have ended up like this."

Olivia lost her balance and staggered back two steps, looking like she was about to fall.

Her belly was so big - if she really fell, the consequences would be terrible.

I instinctively rushed over, reaching out to catch her.

Whatever else was true, Olivia was at fault, but the child was innocent. I couldn't just watch her get hurt.

But unexpectedly, just as I was about to reach her, Olivia suddenly reached out and pushed me hard, saying, "Layla, don't pretend to be nice. It's all because of you - you ruined my relationship with William."

I was completely unprepared. Her push sent me falling backward. My heart sank and I instinctively closed my eyes.

The expected pain didn't come. Instead, a strong arm wrapped around my waist, holding me steady.

I opened my eyes and saw Matthew frowning with concern. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," I shook my head.

That was really dangerous just now. If Matthew hadn't caught me in time, I definitely would have fallen hard.

Matthew helped me stand steady, then turned to look at Olivia coldly. "You've gone too far."

Olivia looked a bit scared under his gaze. She shrank back, hiding behind William, and said pitifully, "William, look at them - they're ganging up on me."

William was about to explode, but Olivia held his arm tightly, pleading, "William, let's go back. My belly doesn't feel good. I'm worried about the baby..."

The way Olivia clutched her belly and frowned didn't look fake.

William's expression changed. In the end, he didn't insist. He glared at me hard and said, "Layla, this isn't over!"

With that, Olivia half-pulled, half-supported him as they left.

I watched their retreating figures and let out a long breath. I turned to Matthew and said, "Let's go too."

Matthew didn't move. He just stared at me with some anger. "What were you thinking just now? You knew she's not a good person, but you still went to help her? What if she had really pushed you down and you got seriously hurt?"

I said softly, "I know she's not good. But she's carrying a child. I couldn't just watch her fall. The child is innocent - it has nothing to do with our problems."

"Besides, William and I are completely over. It's better to avoid trouble. There's no need to get tangled up with them over something like this."

After a while, Matthew looked at me and sighed softly. "I knew you'd think that way. You're just too kind, always thinking of others and forgetting to protect yourself."

I smiled and said nothing.

I knew he meant well, but some things - I just couldn't stand by and do nothing.

Matthew didn't continue the topic. He changed the subject and asked, "I didn't get to ask earlier - did Alan explain everything clearly about the 'Spring Meadow' series planning? Is there anything you need my help with?"

When it came to work, I smiled. "He explained everything clearly. Mr. Fields is very optimistic about this design and put me in full charge. So far there aren't any big problems. If I really run into trouble I can't solve, I'll let you know."

Matthew nodded. "Good. Don't try to tough it out if anything comes up. Call me anytime. No matter when, I'll help you."

We talked as we walked out of the restaurant.

The evening breeze outside was a bit cool. Matthew took off his jacket and draped it over my shoulders. "It's windy at night, don't catch cold."

I pulled the jacket tighter and said quietly, "Thank you."

"No need to be polite with me. I'll take you home." Matthew smiled and opened the car door.

The car drove smoothly and soon arrived downstairs at my apartment building. Matthew stopped the car and turned to look at me. "Go on up and get some rest early. You have work tomorrow, don't overthink things."

"Okay." I nodded, unbuckled my seatbelt, and said, "I'll head up then. Drive safe."

Matthew looked at me reluctantly. "Okay. Remember to lock your door, and call me right away if anything happens."

I smiled, pushed open the car door and got out.

When I reached the apartment entrance, I looked back. Matthew's car was still parked there, headlights on.

I waved, then turned and walked into the apartment building.

I got back to Emerald Crest Residences and had just thrown myself onto the couch when my phone started vibrating like crazy.

Emily's name was flashing on the screen. I practically jumped up, my fingers trembling as I swiped to answer.

Emily said, barely containing her excitement, "Layla! There's news about Ethan. Stay calm, don't get too worked up. His situation isn't great, but it's not terrible either."

My hand holding the phone was shaking. "How is he? Is he still in Novaria? Is his life in danger?"

Emily paused, then said gently, "He's still at that private hospital in Novaria. He's safe, but his leg injury is more serious than expected. The doctor says he can't get out of bed for now - he needs to rest and recover. My cousin already went to see him. The hospital security is really tight - outsiders can't get anywhere near him. You don't need to worry about anyone hurting him."