Chapter 29 Questions

Tristan got up casually, but the fiery intensity in his eyes didn't dim one bit. He pulled her close and gave her an overwhelming kiss.

Layla resisted at first but eventually melted into the kiss as she was swept away by his passion.

When they finally pulled back, both were left breathless.

Layla leaned against Tristan, her eyes glazed and her heart racing. She fidgeted with the buttons on his shirt while saying, "I really should be heading out now."

The reception was set for 9 a.m., and it was time for her to leave since her office was a half-hour drive from his place.

Tristan planted a gentle kiss on her hand, acknowledging her words yet showing no sign of wanting to let her go.

They held each other quietly without saying more, savoring the moment as if it would never end.

Tristan looked at her tenderly, feeling a warmth in his heart.

He couldn't help but wonder if she knew how long he had been waiting for this moment and how lucky he felt to have her with him.

He wanted to pour his heart out to her, but he knew he couldn't because he was afraid that revealing his true feelings too soon might scare her off.

Tristan let out a quiet sigh to himself.

"I'll drive you there," he said softly.

"It's fine. I'll let Bruno take me. You're the talk of the town now because of the whole thing, and I don't want the press event turning into a gossip fest."

Layla said with a smile as she gently pushed Tristan away.

She then left without waiting for him to answer.

As the door closed with a gentle echo, the light in Tristan's eyes slowly faded, giving way to darkness as deep as the night sky.

He knew her heart had no space for anyone else at the moment.

But if her heart were to open up, he was sure he would be the only one to step in.

...

Layla arrived at Hammond Group headquarters soon.

There was a swarm of media personnel already there waiting for her.

All of them were hungry for any tidbits of gossip they could get.

The scandal involving a love triangle and an actress, with the added spice of Tristan from the Frucht Group, had captured everyone's attention.

This was like a bombshell of gossip waiting to explode.

The reporters all understood the potential value of any information they could extract from her.

Layla had anticipated this scenario and had arranged for Bruno to drive her through a private entrance. She had no plans to engage with the media before the press conference, aiming to avoid stirring up any more trouble.

As soon as Layla stepped out of the elevator, Sally didn't waste a moment filling herself in on the day's progress. After a momentary pause, Sally added, "Oh, and Mr. Hayes is here."

The news silenced the bustling atmosphere of the whole office, with all eyes turning expectantly in their direction.

Layla could practically feel the intensity of their curiosity burning through her, even though she didn't even glance over at them.

With a slight frown, Layla took a moment to compose herself before nodding decisively and striding towards the office.

Opening the door, Layla spotted Ashton sitting on the sofa, looking somewhat impatient as he waited for her.

Upon spotting Layla, Ashton's eyes widened, and he hurried over to her, his grip firm as he led her inside. With a quick motion, he shut the door to block the prying eyes of the eager spectators.

With a fierce expression, Ashton demanded, "You better start explaining why Tristan is taking your side. When did things start between you two?"

Without waiting for Layla's response, he continued to voice his suspicions, his eyes burning with anger as if he were on the verge of madness. "No wonder you didn't plead for us to get back together with you like before. You must have hooked up with a richer guy a long ago. Have you slept with him? How much did Tristan pay you to sell yourself to him? I can't believe how shameless..."

Before Ashton could complete his tirade, Layla's hand came crashing across his face, leaving him momentarily stunned.

Ashton's right cheek reddened and swelled in response to the force of her slap.

Ashton regained his composure after the ringing in his ears finally subsided. He covered his face in disbelief, unable to fathom that Layla had slapped him.

In the past, she had never been cruel to him, not even raising her voice. Always submissive and eager to please, Layla's change in behavior caught Ashton off guard, leaving him feeling deeply ashamed.

A rush of fiery anger flared up inside Ashton. He shot Layla a fierce glare, seizing her arms, pinning her hands above her head, and leaning in for a kiss. Layla turned her head, causing his lips to land on her neck instead. With a furrowed brow, she said, "Ashton, please don't do that. We're divorced now."

Ashton stood frozen in place.

Layla raised her head slowly, her expression calm and composed, making it seem as if he was dead to her. Gone were the days when her eyes sparkled, and every glance and smile were reserved for him alone.

Now, her gaze was cold and empty as she said, "Let's not even go into whether Tristan and I have anything going on. But even if we do, what's it to you? Who do you think you are to have the right to question me?"

Ashton took a hesitant step back, stammering, "I..."