Chapter 189 Resolute Heart
Anthony Eilish was momentarily stunned. He had braced himself for some opposition, yet he was taken aback.
He had anticipated some resistance, but he didn't expect when the first words out of his understanding mother's first words to bemouth struck a blow to his hopes.
Despite feeling a twingeaspirations. A pang of disappointment, washed over him, but he understood.
He was wellacutely aware of the weight of the responsibilities he shouldered.
bore."I've consideredtaken that into account," Anthony said, dispellingreplied, pushing aside his disappointment and confrontingaddressing the issue head-on.
directly."Anthony, your father and I have always had theplaced our utmost trust in you. ," his mother, Brenda, began. "We've supportedstood behind every decision you've made, and you've never letdisappointed us down. Marriage, especially, is something we . We hope you'll approach marriage, especially, with the same level of caution."
Knowing Brenda knew her son's character and thatwell. She knew he would not date someonewouldn't entertain a relationship without serious intentions, Brenda's anxietywhich only deepened.
her anxiety."We're not people obsessed with who obsess over social standing, but compatibility matters, particularlyis important, especially for a family like ours. I don't know much about Miss Adkins well, but from what I gather, her background isn't a good fit fordoesn't seem to align with our family..."
"She's the girl who saved me at the orphanage," Anthony interjected.
Brenda paused, frowning.
Such aher brow furrowing. The coincidence seemed all too peculiar.
peculiarly uncanny."If it weren't for Layla'sLayla risking her necklife to save me, I would've been six feet underburied over a decade ago."
"Your mother has always knewknown you hadto have a good heart, Anthony, but gratitude isn't the same as affectionlove. We wouldn't object to you being friends with Miss Adkins."
"But what I want is more than friendship."," Anthony always had astated, his usual calm demeanor, yet giving way to a resolute tone when it came to his decisions, he was resolute.
."Anthony..."
"I don't fall for someone easily, and once I do, I don't change my mind.waver. Please, let it be. I haven't revealedconfessed my feelings to Layla yet. Once she accepts me, I'll bring her home to meet Dad properly. It's late, get some rest, goodnight." Anthony's expression softened as he nodded and headed upstairs.
ascended the stairs.Brenda was fraughtleft behind, her heart heavy with worry. Her intuition washad always spot onbeen accurate, and she was certainhad a feeling that Miss Adkins would cause a stir up a storm within the Eilish family.
Neither of them noticed Nora Eilish, who had just entered and overheard the entire conversation, a deep frown deeply etched on her brow.
face.Why Layla again? How many men must she lureensnare before she’s satisfied?
Her dirty hands She better not touch lay a finger on the brother she cherished most.
...
I hold dear....The nextfollowing day.
at the Eilish Group.
Everyone, everyone had settled into their placesroles and the tasks for the day were clearly defined.
outlined. In the morning, two female designers were sipping coffee and chatting when one nudged the other and winked.
"Morning"Good morning," Layla greeted them with a, her smile radiant smile.
"Mornin'."Morning, Designer Layla," Gioanna retorted with a sardonicresponded, her tone.
"A dripping with sarcasm."You're the new lead designer, ehhuh? You're glowing brighter than today's sunshine,the sun today, it's blinding me," Jane saidexclaimed dramatically, shielding her eyes.
"Well, her new private office has the best light and feng shui around here. No wonder she's shining. PoorIt's a pity for us, going from private offices at the Holland Group to now envying space in cubicles."
Here we go again. Alice came over to Layla's side, "Did you all have a lemon for breakfast? So sour. We owe this project and this fine office environment to Layla. Be thankful."
Show some gratitude.""Ha! We're award-winning designers. Relying on her to get projects? You must be joking."
"Exactly. Every project we've taken on is five-star class. Our qualifications and skills do justice to our assignments, unlike someone who just rides on coattails."
Alice rolled her eyes dismissively, "Haven't you heard that luck is a part of the skill set? Without the talent to back it up, you couldn't handle good fortune if it hit you in the face. Layla's got enough chops to support her luck. As for you, sour grapes much? Gossiping like some bitter old ladies."
"You dare call us old gossips?"
"We're designers, and we've been with the company way longer than you!" tThe pair shot back.
Alice laughed, unfazed by facing off against two at once, her pluckiness shining through,. "Seems like all those years at the company taught you how to stir the pot, huh? Props to my 'esteemed' seniors."
"Alice, that's pretty harsh, don't you think? Or is the master's lackey just eager to bite?" one retorted.
"Who are you calling a lackey?"
"Alice…" Layla tried to calm her down.
"What's all this commotion so early in the morning?" Susan's voice cut through the argument, bringing a momentary peace.
Gioanna and Jane quieted down but shot covert glares at Layla.
"This is our project's head honcho, Mr. Smith," Susan introduced the elegant, middle-aged gentleman by her side.
"Good morning to all you talented designers," Mr. Smith greeted, nodding with a warm smile.
The two women, Gioanna and Jane, both in their thirties and unmarried, were secretly thrilled. A successful middle-aged man like Mr. Smith was precisely the type of suitor they were aiming for.
"I'm Gioanna, Mr. Smith."
"And I'm Jane. Just Jane is fine. I look forward to working with you," they flirted.
"Nice to meet you, you've been working hard," Mr. Smith said as he shook their hands.
They noticed the telltale absence of a wedding band on his ring finger.
Mr. Smith's gaze rested on Layla, "This must be our lead designer, Miss Adkins. As lovely as the rumors said."
"You flatter me," Layla responded modestly.
"We're counting on you to carry this project. Give it your all," Mr. Smith said, patting her shoulder and giving it a firm squeeze.
Layla tensed at the touch. Mr. Smith had let go, but the brief flash of a sly grin in the corner of his eye didn't escape her. It was fleeting, possibly imagined, but Layla knew she had to be wary.
His smile induced envy in Gioanna and Jane. Even accomplished women sometimes resent the young and beautiful, especially those who seem to get ahead with the help of men.
They believed, with Layla in charge, the project was doomed to fail. They would do the heavy lifting, and she would get all the credit.
The more they thought about it, the more disgruntled they became, yet they dared not lose their cool in front of Mr. Smith.
Mr. Smith spoke up, “So, this weekend, the company has booked a resort to give the designers a chance to unwind and relax before the project kicks off. I hope you'll all join us.”
“Thanks, Mr. Smith.”
“Man, the Eilish Group sure knows how to treat its people.”
“Mr. Smith, will you be attending?”
“Of course, I'll be there to accompany you.”
Gioanna beamed at the opportunity, secretly plotting to win over this man during the retreat.
“I’ll stay back and work,” Layla said.
“The lead designer has to come! Work officially starts next week., Tthere’s no rush for this weekend,” Mr. Smith advised her with a smile.
Gioanna rolled her eyes and muttered, “Show-off, acting all diligent as if the rest of us are slackers.”
“We have this getaway opportunity thanks to our impressive lead designer. If she doesn't go, we might as well not,” someone chimed in.
Faced with the old dilemma of being the odd one out for not joining, Layla gave in. “I was just joking. I am honored by the Eilish Group's hospitality.”“Alright then, tomorrow at ten in the morning, let's meet at the entrance of the Eilish Group.”
“Alright then, tomorrow at ten in the morning, let's meet at the entrance of the Eilish Group.”
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