Chapter 198 Longing
The Eilish Group's company meeting corporate assembly was drawing to a close, with all departments nearing its conclusion, each department having reported their significant work.
"Anythingpresented their noteworthy achievements. "Is there anything else?" Anthony glanced atqueried, his watch. It waseyes darting towards his wristwatch. The hands showed half past eleven, which presented the a perfect opportunitymoment to inviteextend an invitation to Layla for an early lunch under the pretextguise of discussing the project's progress.
progression. It was a good excuse.
plausible pretext. Anthony had plannedintended to visit Layla at the resort yesterdaythe previous day, but had an unexpected illness that befell Nora had forced him to cancel the trip when Nora suddenly fell ill. He regretted missing the chance to . The missed opportunity to see Layla. The filled him with regret. An unusual eagerness to meet her was unusual for stirred within him, a feeling he'd sensation he had never experiencedencountered before. Considering Even for a man of Anthony's usual composure, even he found poise, his own urgency incrediblewas, at times.
, astonishing."Ashton, there have been some unsavorydistasteful rumors circulating about the five-star resort project recently," one of the directors mentioned.
interjected. "What sortkind of rumors?"
"It's about "They involve the lead designer, Layla, and a couple offew project managers from our company. One of the manager's wives caused quite a scenecommotion in the design department this morning. The gossip is rampant and is casting a very negativerather unfavorable light on the company."
After understanding Upon comprehending the situation, Anthony simply askedinquired, "So, there's no clear outcomedefinitive conclusion to this matter?"
"But there are chat logs..."
"Anyone with the slightesta rudimentary understanding of law knows that these so-called chat log screenshots must be verifiedauthenticated before they can be considereddeemed as evidence. If the court hasn't validated them, then it's justmerely hearsay. The corporate culture of the Eilish Group stands foradvocates fairness and justice, not spreading the propagation of rumors or wrongly accusing the unjust accusation of a young woman without evidence."
Anthony spoke with substantial proof." Anthony's response, delivered in his characteristic calm yet forcefulassertive tone, inspiring belief inspired confidence without showing favoritism.
bias. The room went silent.
fell into silence. The director opened his mouthattempted to speak but ultimately said nothing.
chose to remain silent. "I will have someone investigatelook into this matter thoroughly. Until then, I don't want to hear any more slanderingexpect no further defamation of Layla within the company. Meeting adjourned."
Anthony stepped Stepping out of the office and, Anthony instructed his assistant to deleteremove the posts.
"Yes, Boss. I'll handletake care of it right away."
immediately." "Also, ask Layla to come to my office."
"Will do."
"Understood." Ten minutes later, Layla walked intoentered the office. Anthony was seated on the sofa, brewing tea. HearingUpon hearing Layla's knock, he stood uprose and gesturedmotioned for her to sit down.
. "Thank you." Layla bowed slightly and got straight toimmediately addressed the pointissue at hand, "Ashton, about that post..."
Compared In contrast to her nervousanxious demeanor, Anthony was remarkably calmcomposed and even reassured Layla, "Relax, I didn't callsummon you here to discuss that."
"Then what is it about?"
"The other day, didn't you mention how much you enjoyed the your fondness for Mantenin coffee? I had a friend bring some over for you. I've also got some Blue Mountain coffee, which has a strongrobust aroma as well. You should give it a try."
Layla shook her head, "I'm not a big fan of coffee. LastThe last time I had it, I couldn't sleep all night."
Layla used itthis as an excuse, the truth was she'd later scrolled through discovered on her phone and found out that pregnant women shouldn't haveshould avoid coffee.
"How about some tea? I've got some greatexcellent leaves here."
"I've never been a fan of tea either, but thanks for the offer," Layla saidreplied, her mind still preoccupied by her concern over awith the recent scandal. "I feel like... I need to clear the air about this rumor."
"I believe you."
Those four words landedresonated with a gentle weightforce in Layla's heart, filled withinstilling strength.
Layla's eyes shimmeredglistened as she looked at Anthony, seeing his gaze soft, clear, and warm. Eyes arewere the windows to the soul, and through Anthony's eyes, she could see his kindness.
"Thank you."
"Don't worry, with me here, you won't suffer any injustice. I'll look intoinvestigate the matter and clear your name within two days."
"Thank you, Ashton," Layla said, touched.
moved. "Call me Anthony. Ashton feels too distant."
formal." Layla licked her lips, hesitated for a moment, and then slowly said, "Anthony."
It was the most endearing way he'd ever heard his name saidpronounced, “I’ll protect you, angel."
Years ago, Layla had protected Anthony.
For the decades to come, it would be Anthony watching over Layla.
...
Layla didn't allow …
Unswayed by the whims of public opinion to affect her., Layla maintained her efficiency at work. That afternoon, she was efficient at workclocked out and after clocking out, she returned tomade her way home.
"Layla, you're back! It's been days; I've missed you,", her steps unhurried.Upon her arrival, Mr. Morris greeted her happily, with a joyous exclamation. "Layla, you've returned! It feels like it's been ages; I've missed you," he said, his face crinkling with smiles.
"Ifolding into a warm smile.Matching his smile, Layla replied, "I've missed you too, Mr. Morris. What did you makeWhat's on the menu for dinner?" Layla asked with a smile.
tonight?""Creamy mushroom soup, roast lamb chops, and sautéed asparagus."
," he announced."Wow, that sounds delicious!" Layla saidresponded, her mouth watering. at the thought. She had never had much interest inbeen one for the fancyostentatious dishes of upscale served at high-end restaurants; it was the simple, homemade meals that truly sparkedtantalized her appetite.
Attaste buds.During dinner, Layla hadindulged in two bowlsplates of rice,pasta, and then spent some time immersed in her drawing, and at. At ten o'clock, she went to take her shower, right on schedule.
The warm water poured over her, as Layla per her routine, she retreated to the bathroom for her nightly shower.The warm water cascaded over her as she lathered her arms with body wash. The promise Anthony had given her provided immense echoed in her mind, providing a sense of comfort.
She'd She would be vindicated the day after tomorrow.
Suddenly, the glass door of the shower was pulledyanked open, and a man clad in a black shirt appearedstood at the doorwayentrance, his eyes predatory as, akin to a wolf eyeing its prey, and. Startled, Layla let out a startled scream, "Samuel... what are you…?"
"Uh…"
In a flash, Layla's Before she could finish her sentence, Samuel's lips were sealed by Samuel.
Samuel descended upon hers, silencing her.He kissed her fiercely, pinning Laylaher against the cold, tiled wall. Her head bumped against the wallhard surface, causing a slight wave of dizziness.
to wash over her."You... your clothes..." WantingLayla murmured, attempting to prevent Samuel's clothes from getting wet, Laylay struggled gently, but Samuel immediately graspedsoaked. But Samuel quickly seized her hands, which were pressing against his chest, and pulled them above her head.
Layla Layla's body stretched out like a taut spring, her body fully extended.
Barelyfeet barely touching the ground under the force of Samuel's assertive dominance, Layla. She tilted her head back, forced to receiveaccept Samuel's passionate kiss.
"Samuel..." Layla murmured.
whispered.His kiss, was intoxicating like, a potent love potion, that left Laylaher dizzy, her entire body warming up.
and warm all over.Water sprayedcontinued to spray over them, drenchingsoaking Samuel's shirt, which until it clung to his well-defined muscles.
"I've missed you so much, Layla... so much..." Samuel whispered ininto her ear.
Samuel's, his longing was always so directly conveyed through his body—intensely palpable and primal.
The scent of their mingling hormones began to fillpermeate the bathroom...
Samuel and Layla made loveTheir lovemaking journeyed from the bathroom to the bed, a total of three times.
repeated thrice.Exhausted, Layla lay exhausted on the pillow, a silk sheet draped over her waist, revealing a large expansethe sensual curve of her pale, sensually curved back.
Samuel's fingers traced her back, setting offigniting waves of electric sensation as he . He kissed her occasionally kissed Layla, feeling, as if every inch of her hadheld a fatal allure that drove him wild, wishingto the brink of insanity. He wished to fuse her completely into his bloodstream. He invested, investing everything into her, until he was utterly spent.
"I'm so tired..." Layla saidmurmured breathlessly.
Samuel chuckled in response, "Who was the one putting in all the effort just now?"
As if she'd justshe had been merely lying there. Layla had also cooperatively performed a few difficult moves, okay?
hadn't she?Feeling her efforts went unnoticed, Layla glanced back at him with a hint of dissatisfaction, "Stop it."
"Samuel, you're becoming more and more unruly. I should have stuck to the three-month rule from the beginning and not indulged in your games. Now look, you're not gentle at all. For the baby's safety, you can forget about touching me for the next few months."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
