Chapter 429

Brian's eyes had cleared up, and his emotions were back to normal. Layla thought for a moment and then nodded. "Okay."

They sat on a bench by the roadside. Layla pulled out some medicine and dipped a cotton swab in it. "What happened? You were fine a minute ago. Why'd you start fighting?"

Brian sighed. "He bumped into my table and demanded I apologize. I was already in a bad mood."

Layla shook her head. "That guy's a jerk. You just had bad luck running into him. But try to avoid confrontations. He's massive. Weren't you afraid you couldn't handle him?"

Brian snorted. "He got hurt worse than I did."

Layla frowned. "But you got hurt too. Was it worth it? Your face is way better looking than his; it's a bigger loss for you, isn't it?"

Brian smirked. "You think I'm handsome? How about compared to your boyfriend?"

Layla blinked, clearly not expecting that question.

Brian quickly added, "Sorry, just asking."

"My boyfriend is the most handsome man in the world to me. I never compare him to anyone else."

Brian tried to hide his disappointment. "You really love him, huh?"

Layla nodded without hesitation. "Yeah, I really love him. We've been through a ton to be together. Stuff most people wouldn't believe. I treasure him and what we have."

Brian asked, "What if you had to choose between him and your dreams?"

Layla said, "There won't be such a conflict; he respects me a lot."

"But what if?" Brian pressed.

Layla hesitated for a second. "I would choose him."

She realized her heart had long since tilted in Samuel's favor. He was her most important person, more important than her dreams. Their fates were tightly bound together.

Brian smiled bitterly. "He must be really important."

Layla said, "You can't escape your feelings. Someday, you'll meet someone you consider your life."

"I won't lose myself for love or give up my lifelong pursuits. A good relationship should be the icing on the cake, not a choice between two things." Realizing what he had said, Brian added, "Just saying; don't take it to heart."

Layla said, "I used to think like you; but when you meet that person, you'll understand. Love is an irresistible force. There's some bitterness, but there's more sweetness."

Brian muttered, "Maybe."

"About resigning, even though you've already stated your position, I still hope you'll reconsider. There's still a week left; I'll wait for your answer." Brian's eyes were full of hope.

"Okay." Layla had already made up her mind to resign, but there was no need to insist on it with Brian right now. Once she decided on something, no one could change her mind.

A Rolls-Royce drove out of the Holland Group.

Samuel held his phone, staring at the morning's message. It had been ten hours, and he hadn't replied, just to make Layla anxious. By now, she must have checked her phone at least thirty times, right?

It was about time; he should generously and kindly reply to her.

He wondered if she was at the office or already home, probably cursing him in every possible way.

Thinking of Layla puffing her cheeks in anger, Samuel couldn't help but smile. The softest emotions in his heart could only be stirred by her, effortlessly.

Layla was adorable when angry. Too bad Samuel couldn't witness it in person. If she knew he was gloating, she'd likely be furious enough to hit him with her cute little fists.

Samuel chuckled softly.

James saw Samuel's smile in the rearview mirror and felt a huge sense of relief.

Ever since meeting Miss Adkins last night, Samuel's mood had noticeably improved. Yesterday, he had moved from a gloomy phase to a clearing one, and it wouldn't be long before it was all sunshine. Then, James could also enjoy some good days.

A man in love was at the mercy of his emotions. Anger stemmed from Miss Adkins, and a good mood was also thanks to her.

Zero IQ. Negative EQ.

Yes, that was exactly it.

Love was terrifying, but also addictive, sweet as honey.

"Sir, we're almost at Brightness Design Company," James reminded him, seeing that he was in a good mood.

Samuel saw the lights still on from a distance and decided to follow his impulse and call Layla. Just as he dialed and put the phone to his ear, her figure unexpectedly came into view.

However, Layla wasn't alone; she was sitting on a bench with that man, holding medicine and tending to his facial wounds. They were sitting very close.

Was this what she meant by keeping her distance? Was this what Layla meant when she said she was willing to resign for him?

Layla had made so many promises, yet in his anger, she continued to meet this man alone.

Samuel never expected this. His anger surged to his brain, gripping his phone tightly.

Samuel's eyes flared with rage.

James suddenly felt the car grow cold, plunging into a low-pressure vortex. What happened now? James was tense but didn't dare to ask or look around, just gripping the steering wheel tightly.

The two figures quickly passed by.

"Stop the car," Samuel growled.

James braked immediately.

He cautiously followed Samuel's gaze and felt his temple throb.

Miss Adkins, and her boss.

They were sitting on the bench together, with Miss Adkins tending to the man's wounds. They were sitting very close. Even from a distance, he could sense that the man's gaze at Miss Adkins was anything but innocent.

Great, just when things were about to clear up, now it was turning into a storm.

James nervously watched his furious boss. Would he rush down and beat that man to death? Knowing Samuel's temperament, it was very likely.

A human life meant nothing; Samuel could easily cover it up without a second thought. It was just a matter of whether he wanted to do it.

James's eyes involuntarily fell on Samuel's tightly clenched fist on his knee, the veins bulging, the knuckles cracking.

The atmosphere in the car was suffocating. James didn't even dare to breathe, holding it in tightly. He could already foresee a bloody storm.

The pressure kept dropping.

Samuel suddenly reached out and pushed open the car door.

James's heart tightened.