Chapter 267 Selfishness
It was late at night; Brenda sat in front of the vanity, lost in thought. She didn't even notice when Ruben entered the room.
"Why isn't Nora in her room? Where did she go? She didn't go to find Samuel again, did she?
"I'm talking to you. What are you daydreaming about?
"Honey?"
Ruben called Brenda several times before she snapped out of it. "Honey, you're back."
"What were you thinking? Why are you so absent-minded?" Ruben handed her the suit in his hands.
He seemed impatient. "I just asked you where Nora went. She didn't go to find Samuel again, did she?"
"She shouldn't. After what happened this time, she should give up on him."
Ruben snorted, "She should have given up a long time ago. If she doesn't give up this time, I'll sever my father-daughter relationship with her. Our family in Avalenia is now a laughingstock. I'm too embarrassed to go out. I want her to stay at home. Why would she still go out?"
"If Nora stays in her room all day, she'll get sick. It's good for her to go out for a walk."
"Why isn't Anthony at home either? They never make me worry about their careers, but I am concerned about their marriage. Anthony has problems too. He disappeared after meeting with Ms. Gabriel twice. He's so irresponsible. Does he take blind dates for a joke? How will others view my children?" Ruben slapped the sofa heavily.
Brenda thought about Layla again, and her mood became heavy and fearful once more.
"But you're the best. You never make me feel troubled." Ruben held Brenda's hand, pulling her to sit beside him. "Do you know why I love you so much? Because you're honest. You never hide anything from me."
Brenda felt a little guilty.
No, she wasn't being honest. On the contrary, she told a huge lie.
Ruben ignored his family's objections and married her in large part because he believed she was a virgin. Ruben considered this to be very precious.
She knew he was a very responsible person, so she concealed the fact that she had been married before and had a child. She even underwent corrective surgery at the hospital to deceive Ruben, otherwise he would never have married her.
Over the years, Brenda had always been on edge, fearing that the truth would be exposed. Ruben hated deception the most. If he found out the truth, he would definitely divorce her.
Brenda was extremely frightened.
"Is it cold? You've been shivering."
"No, it's not cold," Brenda replied quietly.
She couldn't lose everything she had now.
She had to stop Layla from disrupting her own life.
The next day, during lunch break, Layla went to eat with two colleagues. As soon as they left the company, Brenda got out of her Bentley car and politely asked, "Miss Adkins, can we talk?"
Once at the restaurant, Layla didn't speak first.
Brenda discreetly observed the young face across from her.
How could Frank somehow raise an outstanding daughter? All he knew was gambling.
Surely it was because Layla has her genes.
That was why they looked alike.
The more Brenda looked at Layla, the more she felt that she resembled her younger self. Brenda was puzzled as to why she didn't recognize her at first glance.
Back then, she was also a beauty, otherwise, it wouldn't have been possible for her to have a child and marry someone like Ruben, who came from a wealthy family.
Brenda suddenly disliked this face. It was precisely because Layla was beautiful that she could captivate two men at the same time. Layla was luckier than Brenda was back then.
Layla probably guessed what Brenda wanted to say and, after taking a sip of water, said, "I have something to do later."
She wanted Brenda to be more direct.
"You look troubled. Is there something bothering you recently?" Brenda asked with a pleasant expression.
"Mrs. Eilish, just say what you want to say." Layla's personality was straightforward, unlike Brenda's.
Brenda's mood was complicated. She cared about her daughter, but not too much. She was rational. She wanted to maintain her current life.
"What's your relationship with Samuel?"
"We have broken up. We can never be together again," Layla said firmly because she didn't want them to bother her about this matter anymore.
"This is the last time I will respond to this matter. Samuel's business is none of my concerns anymore. Don't come looking for me again."
"What about Anthony? He likes you. You know that. He even explicitly stated that he would marry you even if his family objected." Brenda expressed greater concern about this matter in comparison.
"I understand your concern, but I only see him as a friend. That was true in the past, and present, and would be in the future. I will reject him."
Brenda stared directly into Layla's eyes. Layla didn't flinch, indicating she wasn't lying. She must have loved Samuel, at least for now.
But Anthony was so outstanding. There was a high possibility that Layla would change her mind and be moved by him.
"Miss Adkins, you don't need to have a hostile attitude toward me. I am not here to blame you. As a woman, I understand your feelings. I find this relationship complicated, so I can imagine it's been troubling for you.
"You're still young, with a whole life ahead of you. You don't need to be consumed by a relationship. Girls don't necessarily have to marry a wealthy man. You should find someone who loves you. There are unimaginable pressures within high society. It would be easier for you to marry an ordinary person. A simple and peaceful life is the best. I think you're suited for that kind of man.
"I'm saying this for your own good. I suggest you leave this city and start fresh. Of course, I know it's difficult for you to do it alone. I am willing to provide some help. I have one million dollars here. Please accept it." Brenda pushed a check in front of Layla.
Layla didn't even glance at it.
Did people from prestigious families enjoy giving money and then driving others away?
But then again, all they have was money. In their eyes, everything could be solved with money.
"Thank you for your kindness. But no, I don't need it."
She would leave even if she needed money. She would never accept money from the Eilish family.
"I hope you can accept it. Don't work too hard."
This was Brenda's sincere words. After all, Layla was Brenda's daughter. Brenda felt guilty toward Layla. She hoped that money could make up for it.
With these one million dollars, at least Layla wouldn't have to worry about her life and wouldn't have to marry a terrible man for money. This way, Layla wouldn't repeat Brenda's tragedy from years ago.
Brenda hoped her daughter would live a good life.
Of course, as long as it didn't affect her own family.
"My life has nothing to do with you. I shouldn't accept your money no matter what," Layla said coldly. "Don't worry, even if I reject this money, I won't be with Mr. Eilish."
Layla finished speaking and stood up.
"Miss Adkins." Brenda also stood up and called after her. "Whether you believe it or not, I am giving you this money for your own good."
"You don't have to. We are in different positions. I hope this is the last time we meet."
Brenda helplessly watched Layla's retreating figure.
Why was Layla so stubborn?
It seemed like she would need to find another way.
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