Chapter 189

Anthony Eilish was momentarily stunned. He had braced himself for some opposition, yet he was taken aback when the first words out of his understanding mother's mouth struck a blow to his aspirations. A pang of disappointment washed over him, but he understood. He was acutely aware of the weight of the responsibilities he bore.

"I've taken that into account," Anthony replied, pushing aside his disappointment and addressing the issue directly.

"Anthony, your father and I have always placed our utmost trust in you," his mother, Brenda, began. "We've stood behind every decision you've made, and you've never disappointed us. We hope you'll approach marriage, especially, with the same level of caution."

Brenda knew her son's character well. She knew he wouldn't entertain a relationship without serious intentions, which only deepened her anxiety.

"We're not people who obsess over social standing, but compatibility is important, especially for a family like ours. I don't know much about Miss Adkins, but from what I gather, her background doesn't seem to align with our family..."

"She's the girl who saved me at the orphanage," Anthony interjected.

Brenda paused, her brow furrowing. The coincidence seemed peculiarly uncanny.

"If it weren't for Layla risking her life to save me, I would've been buried over a decade ago."

"Your mother has always known you to have a good heart, Anthony, but gratitude isn't the same as love. We wouldn't object to you being friends with Miss Adkins."

"But what I want is more than friendship," Anthony stated, his usual calm demeanor giving way to a resolute tone when it came to his decisions.

"Anthony..."

"I don't fall for someone easily, and once I do, I don't waver. Please, let it be. I haven't confessed my feelings to Layla yet. Once she accepts me, I'll bring her home to meet Dad properly. It's late, get some rest, goodnight." Anthony's expression softened as he nodded and ascended the stairs.

Brenda was left behind, her heart heavy with worry. Her intuition had always been accurate, and she had a feeling that Miss Adkins would cause a stir within the Eilish family.

Neither of them noticed Nora Eilish, who had just entered and overheard the entire conversation, a deep frown etched on her face.

Why Layla again? How many men must she ensnare before she's satisfied? She better not lay a finger on the brother I hold dear.

...

The following day at the Eilish Group, everyone had settled into their roles and the tasks for the day were clearly outlined. In the morning, two female designers were sipping coffee and chatting when one nudged the other and winked.

"Good morning," Layla greeted them, her smile radiant.

"Morning, Designer Layla," Gioanna responded, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

"You're the new lead designer, huh? You're glowing brighter than the sun today, it's blinding," Jane exclaimed dramatically, shielding her eyes.

"Well, her new private office has the best light and feng shui around here. No wonder she's shining. It's a pity for us, going from private offices at the Holland Group to now envying space in cubicles."

Alice came over to Layla's side, "Did you all have a lemon for breakfast? So sour. We owe this project and this fine office environment to Layla. Show some gratitude."

"Ha! We're award-winning designers. Relying on her to get projects? You must be joking."

"Exactly. Every project we've taken on is five-star class. Our qualifications and skills do justice to our assignments, unlike someone who just rides on coattails."

Alice rolled her eyes dismissively, "Haven't you heard that luck is a part of the skill set? Without the talent to back it up, you couldn't handle good fortune if it hit you in the face. Layla's got enough chops to support her luck. As for you, sour grapes much? Gossiping like some bitter old ladies."

"You dare call us old gossips?"

"We're designers, and we've been with the company way longer than you!" the pair shot back.

Alice laughed, unfazed by facing off against two at once, her pluckiness shining through. "Seems like all those years at the company taught you how to stir the pot, huh? Props to my 'esteemed' seniors."

"Alice, that's pretty harsh, don't you think? Or is the master's lackey just eager to bite?" one retorted.

"Who are you calling a lackey?"

"Alice" Layla tried to calm her down.

"What's all this commotion so early in the morning?" Susan's voice cut through the argument, bringing a momentary peace.

Gioanna and Jane quieted down but shot covert glares at Layla.

"This is our project's head honcho, Mr. Smith," Susan introduced the elegant, middle-aged gentleman by her side.

"Good morning to all you talented designers," Mr. Smith greeted, nodding with a warm smile.

The two women, Gioanna and Jane, both in their thirties and unmarried, were secretly thrilled. A successful middle-aged man like Mr. Smith was precisely the type of suitor they were aiming for.

"I'm Gioanna, Mr. Smith."

"And I'm Jane. Just Jane is fine. I look forward to working with you," they flirted.

"Nice to meet you, you've been working hard," Mr. Smith said as he shook their hands.

They noticed the telltale absence of a wedding band on his ring finger.

Mr. Smith's gaze rested on Layla, "This must be our lead designer, Miss Adkins. As lovely as the rumors said."

"You flatter me," Layla responded modestly.

"We're counting on you to carry this project. Give it your all," Mr. Smith said, patting her shoulder and giving it a firm squeeze.

Layla tensed at the touch. Mr. Smith had let go, but the brief flash of a sly grin in the corner of his eye didn't escape her. It was fleeting, possibly imagined, but Layla knew she had to be wary.

His smile induced envy in Gioanna and Jane. Even accomplished women sometimes resent the young and beautiful, especially those who seem to get ahead with the help of men.

They believed, with Layla in charge, the project was doomed to fail. They would do the heavy lifting, and she would get all the credit.

The more they thought about it, the more disgruntled they became, yet they dared not lose their cool in front of Mr. Smith.

Mr. Smith spoke up, "So, this weekend, the company has booked a resort to give the designers a chance to unwind and relax before the project kicks off. I hope you'll all join us."

"Thanks, Mr. Smith."

"Man, the Eilish Group sure knows how to treat its people."

"Mr. Smith, will you be attending?"

"Of course, I'll be there to accompany you."

Gioanna beamed at the opportunity, secretly plotting to win over this man during the retreat.

"I'll stay back and work," Layla said.

"The lead designer has to come! Work officially starts next week. There's no rush for this weekend," Mr. Smith advised her with a smile.

Gioanna rolled her eyes and muttered, "Show-off, acting all diligent as if the rest of us are slackers."

"We have this getaway opportunity thanks to our impressive lead designer. If she doesn't go, we might as well not," someone chimed in.

Faced with the old dilemma of being the odd one out for not joining, Layla gave in. "I was just joking. I am honored by the Eilish Group's hospitality."

"Alright then, tomorrow at ten in the morning, let's meet at the entrance of the Eilish Group."