Chapter Nineteen: Deceptive Veil Lifted

Tristan has always been the star student, the one with endless talents since he was a kid. In high school, Layla and he didn't really cross paths. Even though Layla was always hanging around Ashton, Tristan's close friend, they remained distant acquaintances at best.

Layla was aware of Tristan's prideful and standoffish nature.

As a result, she was having a hard time figuring out why he was the male model she had recently slept with.

She couldn't quite grasp why Tristan would even entertain the idea of building a relationship with her.

Regardless, she was determined to put an end to whatever was brewing between them.

Layla believed that someone as proud as Tristan would ignore her after their confrontation. Little did she know that she found his car parked outside the next morning. He stood there in a sleek black suit, tall and striking with his long legs, smoking a cigarette. The smoke swirled around his handsome face, lending a touch of desolation to his deep eyes.

When he laid eyes on her, he straightened up, put out the cigarette, and shot her a conflicted look, torn between approaching her and fearing her anger.

With a deep breath, Layla quickly slipped into her car without a backward glance and told the driver, "Let's head to my Grandma's house."

Today was her usual monthly gathering at her grandmother's place for dinner.

Layla used to bring Ashton along when she went there, but she came alone today. However, surprisingly, she didn't feel the same sadness she used to feel when Ashton bailed on her for other women. Instead, she felt a sense of relief.

However, this peaceful moment was short-lived as the car came to a halt behind a red sports car at an intersection.

Puzzled, Layla asked, "Why are we stopping?"

The driver turned to her and explained, "Miss Hammond, the car ahead is trying to stop us."

Layla looked up to see that it was Ashton's car.

Rolling her eyes, she unfastened her seatbelt and said, "Never mind. You can go find a spot to park. I'll make my own way over there."

The house was just a hundred meters away. She didn't want to get caught up with Ashton, so she opted to stroll over on her own.

On the flip side, Ashton had different intentions in mind.

When Layla emerged from the car, he spotted her right away. Hastily grabbing all the gifts, he trailed after her, enthusiastically saying, "Hey, Layla! I heard there's a big family dinner today, so I brought them some gifts. I even picked out some goodies for your grandma."

But Layla cut in with a blank expression, dismissing him with a simple "No thanks."

Letting out a sigh, Ashton pleaded, "Could you ease up a bit? Grandma just got discharged from the hospital. If she catches wind of our divorce, it might hit her hard. Do you have to bring her down to lift yourself up?"

Unfazed, Layla coolly countered, "Oh, so you're well aware of our split, too? Maybe focus on your own stuff more. My personal life and family affairs are not your business."

And just like that, Layla walked away, leaving Ashton feeling as if his frozen heart was slowly being shredded apart.

He watched her leave, cold and devoid of sentiment.

Her gaze, once brimming with love and affection for him, had dwindled to mere indifference.

Ashton's gentle demeanor crumbled in an instant as he confronted her, "If you're off to scout for male models again, we're over!"

He hoped his request would trigger a familiar reaction from Layla, a plea for him to stay. But this time, his tactic backfired.

Layla hastened her steps, distancing herself from him.

Ashton suppressed a mix of anger and frustration, and his fists clenched tightly as he impulsively hurled the gifts to the ground, spewing curses under his breath.

"Darn it," he muttered to himself.

Coincidentally, Elise, Layla's cousin, caught sight of them arguing.

It struck her that Layla and Ashton were no longer together.

She couldn't fathom why Layla remained composed and poised without Ashton's backing.

Elise had a plan forming in her mind.

...

Meanwhile, at the majestic Hammond family estate, Layla walked in with a stunning deep purple satin dress that captured the attention of onlookers.

The dress perfectly accentuated her figure, and her elegance and allure emanated from every pore.

Tying her long hair with a delicate lace, her simple yet exquisite makeup highlighted her captivating features, solidifying her status as the most mesmerizing presence in the crowd.

Layla was accustomed to being the center of attention.

However, she could sense a different atmosphere this time.

It was clearly not one of admiration but of speculation.

"How did they end up getting divorced? This will have a significant impact on the company's stock market. Doris, maybe you need to have a serious talk with her."

Overhearing someone discussing her, Layla realized the source of the intrigued looks directed her way.

Although momentarily thrown off, she quickly composed herself, her expression turning steely.

Summoning her resolve, Layla approached Doris in the living room, addressing her with a formal "Grandmother."

Doris, visibly displeased, asked, "Layla, are you waiting for me to die before telling me about your divorce? How could you be so impulsive?"

After contemplating for a moment, Layla responded, "I'm sorry, Grandmother, but my decision to get a divorce wasn't made on a whim."

Before Doris could reply, Elise interjected with thinly veiled sarcasm, "You're putting on such an act even after getting divorced. If it weren't for me, Grandma would still be in the dark about it."

Arched eyebrow, Layla coolly shot back, "So, the rumors trace back to you, huh?"