Chapter 401 The More Pain, The More Love
Brian grabbed Layla's hand and quickly checked it. Fortunately, it was just a shallow cut, and he finally felt relieved.
"I'm fine. Let's sign the contract first," Layla said nonchalantly, pulling her hand back. She looked at him firmly and repeated, "Let's sign the contract first."
"Alright." Brian nodded and then looked at the still-shaken Finnegan. "Let's sign."
After quickly completing the contract signing and taking photos, Brian asked Finnegan to get the first aid kit.
"Maybe we should go to the hospital," Finnegan said.
"It's okay. It's just a scratch, not serious," she replied.
Seeing Layla's calm demeanor, Finnegan nodded. "Alright, I'll have someone get it."
"Please leave us alone for a moment," Brian said. Finnegan waved his hand and led his people out. "Everyone, out."
People gradually left the conference room, murmuring among themselves.
"You really can't judge a book by its cover. Who would've thought Mr. Evans was such a fickle man?"
"With those righteous features, I thought he was a loyal guy. It turns out he fooled me."
"I was even thinking of confessing to him. Good thing I didn't."
"His ex-girlfriend is pretty extreme too, dating and then threatening suicide after a breakup."
"Wasn't she driven to that by a bad man? If a guy made me unable to be a mom, I'd kill his whole family!"
"He and Miss Adkins hid their relationship well. I used to feel sorry for Miss Adkins being worked to the hospital by her boss, but they were together all along."
"Some women just love being mistreated. The more pain, the more love."
"That's pretty twisted."
"Cheating on his assistant right after a breakup. His ex-girlfriend is really pitiful."
"Men are all the same. Staying single is safer. I'll never trust a man again."
In the conference room.
Brian simply treated the wound.
"You're quite skilled." Layla gave him a curious look as if to ask, "Do you often help people with bandages?"
Brian didn't answer her question. He put the antiseptic and gauze back in the first aid kit. "Try not to get it wet for the next few days to avoid infection."
"It's just a scratch, not that serious," Layla said dismissively. To her, it was just a minor injury. She was relieved it would probably heal in two days. She didn't want Samuel to find out and worry.
"Miss Parker, you won't hold her responsible, will you?" Layla guessed based on Brian's character. He probably wouldn't send Evelyn to the police station.
Layla continued, "She's very extreme and desperate, showing a kind of pathological madness. She needs a psychologist."
"That's not your concern," Brian said coldly.
Indeed, it wasn't Layla's concern, but she was sure it was something he was considering.
From today's series of events, Layla could easily deduce that Evelyn had been stalking him and threatening suicide more than once. If this continued, Evelyn would go crazy, and Brian would be driven mad too.
But Layla had no standing to say these things.
The words she wanted to say were swallowed back.
"I'll go get the contract. Wait for me." Brian stood up.
"Okay," she replied.
Brian walked to the door and hesitated, stopping in his tracks. "Why don't you ask about my past with her?"
Layla looked up, her smile calm and gentle. "Everyone has secrets they don't want to share. If you want to tell me, you will. If you don't, asking won't help, right?"
Brian pondered for a few seconds, his gaze towards Layla softening a bit. "Not being curious about others' secrets is a good habit."
Layla responded with a smile, "See, I have my good points too, right?"
After the terrifying ordeal they had just gone through, Layla could still manage such a relaxed smile. Among the women Brian knew, she was the bravest.
Brian nodded subtly.
The next day. It was the fourth day in P City and the day Layla was set to return. Her flight was at 7 PM, but she still had to visit a construction company in the morning.
"Have you booked your ticket?" Brian asked as he drove.
"Yes, it's booked," she replied.
The thought of going home tonight made Layla's heart leap with joy. No matter how comfortable the hotel bed was, it couldn't compare to her little bed, which carried Samuel's scent.
Returning to A City would bring them closer, just two more days to wait.
The longing tormented Layla, like a hundred ants biting at her boiling heart.
"Can't wait?" he asked.
Layla nodded. "Yes, I'm eager to go home. There's no place like home."
"Is someone waiting for you?" he added.
Layla shifted her gaze from her phone to Brian, smiling with interest. "Mr. Evans, are you curious about my personal life?"
"Just making small talk," Brian said.
"Did I hear that right? Are you making small talk?" Layla was very surprised.
"You think I'm a robot, don't you?"
"That's your words, not mine." Layla laughed.
The distance between them suddenly felt much closer.
After a while.
"Mr. Evans, I..." Layla started to say something but suddenly saw through the rearview mirror that Evelyn was driving straight at them.
"Watch out!" Layla lunged to turn the steering wheel, and Evelyn's car grazed theirs before crashing into a tree.
A loud crash with smoke billowing.
At the hospital.
Evelyn was unconscious but not in a life-threatening condition.
Brian sat outside the hospital room, looking despondent.
"Here." Layla handed Brian a cup of hot coffee she had just bought.
"Thanks." Brian took it but didn't open it.
"The doctor said she'll be fine, don't worry," Layla reassured him. "I've already rescheduled my flight for the day after tomorrow."
"You didn't have to do that." Brian shook his head. "Leave tonight and stick to your schedule."
"You won't feel at ease leaving her alone in the hospital," she added.
Brian laughed bitterly. "She always finds a way to come back, haunting me."
Usually indifferent about this matter, Brian finally showed his torment.
"So avoiding it won't help, you have to resolve it," Layla said.
"How? She won't let me go." Brian wouldn't send her to the police. This entanglement had been going on for a year, driving him to the brink of a nervous breakdown. He had been sleeping only two hours a night, functioning like a machine during the day. The mental strain was growing, and Brian didn't know when he might collapse.
"There has to be a way. You need a decisive end." Layla gripped Brian's shoulder, encouraging him with her eyes. "You can't drag this out any longer. Be decisive. Resolve it in the next two days!"
Brian closed his eyes in pain, holding his head.
In the middle of the night, Layla was woken by a phone call.
"Is this Layla Adkins? This is OT Bar. Your friend Mr. Evans just got into a fight and won't leave. You need to come get him."
"Okay, I'll be right there." Layla instantly woke up, didn't ask any more questions, threw on some clothes, and rushed out.
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