Chapter 374 Living for Oneself
When Layla heard Fanny's words, she raised her head as if she had heard a joke. "If I succeed, will you reward me?"
"Of course! I’ve always kept my word. If you seal the deal with Ava, I'll double, no, triple your salary. But the question is, can you secure it even if I offer you money?" Fanny crossed her arms, challenging her.
"You said the same thing last time, but when Quantum Crescendo Ltd signed, I didn't receive my pay."
"Let's be clear, I'm talking about Ava. Don't bring up past issues!" Fanny retorted.
The others chimed in. "Exactly, your methods with Leonard Hawthorne weren't honorable, so how can you demand money?"
"You didn’t have to be skilled to sign a male client isn't a skill. Signing a female client would really show how skilled you are."
"Ms. Taylor has offered you triple the salary. If you can't seal the deal, it's your own fault."
"If you can't do it, don't expect such a high salary."
"Stop deceiving us."
"Today is the last day, if you can't seal the deal, you'll lose your salary, and it’ll serve you right."
"That's how it should be. Ms. Taylor is wise."
United in their thoughts, they reveled in their shared delight.
"Ava, Ms. Claire?"
Ava's appearance surprised everyone.
Could Ava be here to sign the contract?
Hearts raced nervously.
Although they didn't know why Ava was here, her demeanor today was different. She had previously been heavily made up, but she appeared natural today. Her freckles, wrinkles, and even pronounced eye bags were visible. Her attire was casual, unlike her usual designer labels.
Ava looked disheveled, like a messy fat pig.
What had happened to Ava?
"Ms. Claire, why are you here?" Fanny was the first to approach her.
"I'm here to see her." Ava's gaze fell on Layla.
After Cassandra recovered from her surprise, she hurriedly spoke, "Ms. Claire, what's wrong? Did you have an argument with your boyfriend and break up? Did Layla steal your boyfriend?"
"Layla, you're despicable. You stole your client's boyfriend?"
"You're shameless!"
"Ms. Claire, this is her personal issue, it has nothing to do with our company. Feel free to confront her, but don't involve us. We're not on her side, we don’t like her. She's our enemy, and she brings negativity to everyone."
"Yes, Ms. Claire. You don't need to lift a finger, just say the word, and we'll beat her up." Cassandra rolled up her sleeves.
"I'm not here to fight her." Ava spoke wearily.
"Then why are you here...?" Fanny had a bad feeling. "It's not to sign the contract with her, is it?"
"I'm closing the bar."
She was thankfully not here to sign the contract. The group sighed in relief.
"I'm opening a hotel and want her to do the interior design. My assistant will bring the contract this afternoon for her to sign."
"What?"
"A hotel? Isn't that bigger than a bar?"
"Ms. Claire, are you sure about this? She stole your boyfriend, and now you want her to be your designer? Have you been deceived?"
"Are you out of your mind?"
"Yes, Ms. Claire. Even though Layla’s putting on an act, she must have a relationship with your boyfriend. How can you trust her..." Fanny's voice trailed off as Ava's icy gaze silenced her, sending a chill down her spine.
"I don't trust her, but should I trust you? Fanny Taylor, do you think I don't know you’ve used me? If Layla is what you say, why did you praise her so much and introduce her to me? You set me up, didn't you?" Ava, who was experienced in society, saw through the ploy. Everything had become clear to her overnight.
"Ms. Claire."
"Shut up! I’ll sign the hotel project with Layla. All the commission will go to her alone. I won’t give a penny to your company. Furthermore, I won't work with conniving people like you in the future."
Fanny flushed and clenched her fists. Her lips turned white.
Damn it!
How despicable!
Last night, Fanny thought that she hadn't lost. At most, it was a draw with Layla. But now, she had lost with Ava's unexpected move, and it was a humiliating defeat in front of her subordinates.
'Layla, why can’t I beat you? How do you keep slipping away time and time again?' Fanny seethed with hatred.
Ava's gaze fixed on Layla. "Come with me."
Layla followed her.
As they left, the others whispered, "Ms. Taylor, isn't Ms. Claire a woman? How did she fall for Layla's tricks?"
"Yeah, she can handle men, but she can't have sex with women, right?"
"I get it, she’s cunning. She even deceived Ava so she would give her the project."
"Ms. Taylor, what happened yesterday? Why did Ava suddenly change her attitude?"
"Shut up and get back to work," Fanny snapped irritably. The others quickly dispersed.
Fanny glared at Layla as she went down the corridor, her eyes bloodshot. 'Layla, I will find a way to destroy you, no, I will make you wish you were dead!'
In the corridor, Ava stared blankly at Layla with swollen eyes. "Don't get the wrong idea, I'm not helping you."
"I know."
"Layla, I still dislike you, your arrogance, your youth and beauty. But I have to admit your designs are good. Now that I want to open my own hotel, I believe you can do the job. And I won't be manipulated by Fanny." This was how Ava was retaliating.
"I didn't sleep all night. I thought about this a lot. Looking back over the past few years, I've spent so much money, but I’ve only received lies. Men's sweet words are all fake. Those men are despicable and willing to do anything for money. I've seen through men, they disgust me.
"Since money can't buy love, I'll love myself. I've enrolled in a business class. I've always wanted to start a business, but men held me back. I've invested a lot in opening stores for them over the years, but they’ve all been losses. My mind is sharper than theirs, so I can definitely make money.
"I've also hired a coach to start losing weight, and I’m going to learn about skincare and beauty. I want to change myself and become slim and beautiful. I don't want to be called a fat pig anymore. I won't let them look down on me. From now on, I won't live for men, I'll live for myself."
Layla listened to Ava's resolute words and calmly replied, "A person should always live for herself."
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