Chapter 331 Seeking Shelter
"Even though you have money, I'll pay the bill. I've raised the limit to two hundred dollars, which, I suppose, is enough for two dishes." Layla insisted.
Samuel smiled faintly, and even his eyebrows were full of charm. "Every minute with you is precious. I don't want to waste it on such trivial matters."
Layla was left speechless by his sweet words.
Samuel beckoned the waiter and ordered a bottle of red wine.
As far as Layla knew, this bottle of red wine cost several thousand dollars. Her money wouldn't even be enough for a dessert for him. Realizing they were not on the same spending level, she decided not to insist anymore.
"Is work going smoothly recently?"
The two chatted casually.
Samuel swirled the wine glass, exuding an aristocratic air. "For me, I will always handle the work whether it goes smoothly or not. It's never a problem for me."
His problem was Layla, a big problem for him.
But he was immersed in the relationship with her.
He, with such abilities, status, and achievements, fell in love with a twenty-one-year-old girl, which showed that love is unreasonable.
"And you?"
"It's going smoothly," Layla took a sip of water.
"I don't think so. Is it because I was too overbearing before that you dare not tell me the truth?"
It was exactly what Layla was concerned about. She was afraid that when she went to the office tomorrow, she would find half of her colleagues fired.
"Just tell me. I will never do anything you dislike."
With his assurance, Layla spoke up. "Work is actually fine. What really exhausts me is interpersonal relationships. Maybe it's because I'm new to society and not good at dealing with people. Wherever I go, I'm targeted. After numerous incidents, I'm starting to think maybe it's my problem, not theirs."
"That's a wrong way of thinking. In the workplace, being young, capable, and beautiful are all factors that provoke jealousy, and you possess all three advantages, making you an easy target for same-sex colleagues. Being the object of jealousy is a form of success in itself."
Layla was taken aback by Samuel's words. She even felt a bit proud.
"That's true, but they keep causing me trouble. I really don't like handling that and wasting my time. If the time was spent on work, it would be much more valuable."
Samuel looked at her with admiration. One of the reasons he initially liked Layla was because she wasn't like many other women who enjoyed jealousy and competition but instead steadily climbed the ladder step by step. For a twenty-one-year-old girl, this kind of steadiness and composure was rare.
"Work is never-ending. Give it your all, do your duty, and you'll be fine."
Layla nodded.
They had never been as intimate as they were tonight, chatting heart-to-heart like friends. It felt wonderful yet intimate as if their hearts were a bit closer.
That night, they talked a lot, and Samuel drank almost a bottle of red wine.
When they left, it was already ten o'clock at night. Samuel couldn't stand by himself. Layla asked with concern, "Are you drunk?"
"Just a bit tipsy." Samuel smiled faintly. When his face relaxed, he looked gentle and attractive, as if his whole face would glow.
Layla's heart fluttered as Samuel was truly a charming man.
As this charming man took a few steps, he stumbled.
"Be careful." Layla supported him from behind. "Are you okay?"
She looked at him worriedly, but Samuel, with mischief in his eyes, said, "A man can't say he's not okay."
Layla blushed quietly.
They got into the car, the heater was on full blast, and Layla took off her scarf.
Samuel was in a gray suit, leaning back comfortably in the seat, eyes closed. His long eyelashes dropped, with a smile on his lips, as if still savoring something. His face, slightly flushed from alcohol, looked exceptionally vibrant, exuding extreme sexiness.
She could feel his contentment.
"Layla, I'm very happy tonight." Samuel still lies back, his face up, eyes closed, smiling.
Layla pursed her lips. She was also very happy. Tonight they chatted like close friends, relaxed and enjoyable.
She looked ahead, passing by the place where Owen had the accident. But this time, her heart didn't ache as much. The deep sense of guilt that had once weighed heavily on her seemed to be slowly dissipating.
'Can time really dilute everything?' She pondered.
Lost in thought, Layla suddenly felt a weight on her shoulder.
Samuel leaned on her shoulder, so naturally and obedient. His breath rushed into her nose all at once.
Layla's heart trembled.
Samuel's dependence and trust were vividly displayed through this action.
A man as unattainable as him, like a noble lion, would only show his soft side in front of the closest person.
He loved her, and of that, she had no doubt.
Layla saw Samuel's smiling lips, satisfied and childish.
"I'm drunk," he murmured.
"People who are drunk always say they're not; only those who aren't drunk say they are," Layla whispered.
"No, I'm really drunk." Samuel seemed to be coaxing her, "I'm drunk for you."
As if the voice came from the soul.
The Bentley stopped.
"I'm here; I should get off." He didn't move. Layla shook her shoulder. "Samuel?"
"Can I stay at your house tonight?"
Layla's heart raced.
Samuel opened his unusually dark eyes. "I won't do anything, just want to be with you."
'Can I trust a drunk man saying this?' She pondered. Layla instinctively didn't believe it, shaking her head. "Stop kidding. You should go home."
"Take me with you, Layla. Shelter me. I'm really drunk." Samuel held onto her arm.
Until they entered the building, Layla still felt dazed.
'Do I compromise? Do I really bring him home? Why am I doing this?' Layla was lost in thought.
For the first time, the security guard saw her bring a man home and asked with a gossipy smile, "Miss Adkins, is he your boyfriend? He's tall and handsome."
"Husband." Samuel circled her waist, his slender fingers pressing the elevator button. "Which floor?"
Layla looked awkward. "How about you going back?"
"Once taken, no returns."
"You're not a product."
"How am I not a product?" Samuel raised an eyebrow playfully. "Then there's also no reason to return me."
Layla blushed and pouted, "It's like I'm going to punish you on the spot."
Samuel bent down, getting close to her, with only a pair of eyelashes separating them. He smiled devilishly, his husky voice tempting her. "You can do whatever you want to me. I won't resist."
Layla's heart raced and she was completely speechless.
She thought she had invited a wolf to her house tonight.