Chapter 425

Not afraid of danger.

Samuel's heartstrings were suddenly plucked.

Nothing could make Samuel more interested than a shy yet brave girl.

Samuel asked, "Really? So, is this what you were expecting?"

In the next second, Samuel's large hand grabbed her waist and pulled her close.

Layla lost her balance, falling into his arms, her eyes wide with nervousness and confusion, filled with panic.

The strong hand on her lower back held her tightly.

Layla went completely limp in Samuel's arms, her vision filled with his possessive gaze. Every breath she took was filled with his heavy breathing.

Layla felt extreme panic, and... excitement.

"Have you been waiting for this moment all night?" Samuel leaned in close, his lips almost touching hers, a wicked smile playing at the corners of his mouth, his breath a tease.

Layla's throat trembled as she felt Samuel's fingers caressing her back, making her shiver.

Samuel was too skilled.

"Are you inviting me to take you upstairs, or inviting me to... sleep with you?" Samuel's hot breath sprayed into Layla's ear, his voice husky.

Samuel asked, "Is this the danger you were hoping for?"

Layla was completely speechless, her mind blank, her body entirely under Samuel's control, her face flushed and heart racing.

This danger excited Layla, completely arousing her.

Before she could say anything, her chin was grabbed, his thumb stroking her. "Don't casually invite men to take you home, understand?"

"You... you're Samuel, not other men..." Layla's thoughts were hazy, but she was very clear on this point.

She only wanted Samuel.

Samuel smiled. Naturally.

In this world, the only one who could be so close to her was him. If any other man dared, Samuel would crush him to dust.

"Do you miss me?" Samuel tempted her, his smile wicked to the core.

"Yes." Layla couldn't help herself, nodding without hesitation.

Samuel said, "Then be good, and you'll get your reward, understand?"

Layla unexpectedly nodded.

She wanted this reward.

Samuel smiled in satisfaction, gently covering Layla's lips with his own; but it was just a soft kiss before he let her go. "This is dessert."

He rewarded her with a kiss.

Layla savored it, such a sweet kiss.

Her mind still buzzing, dazed and confused, she felt like she was floating on clouds.

When Layla regained consciousness, she was already at her doorstep.

When did this happen? Did she walk here herself?

Luckily, Samuel was right behind her.

She opened the door with her small hand, looking up, her face flushed. "Aren't you going to walk me in?"

"Didn't I just say? Be good to get your reward." Samuel's face softened with the intimacy, but still held a hidden danger, tempting like Satan.

Layla obediently nodded. "Then... goodnight."

"Goodnight." Samuel stood there with his hands in his pockets, his tall figure watching Layla close the door with a charming smile.

Layla leaned against the door, breathing heavily, her hand on her flushed face, her ears burning, her eyes still dazed.

What just happened? Layla felt like she was under Samuel's spell.

Layla was captivated by Samuel's charm, as if she were intoxicated.

That night, Layla had a "sweet dream" and woke up so embarrassed that she rolled around in bed hugging her blanket.

How could she?

How starved for "love" was she?

Layla bit her blanket and picked up her phone.

Damn it, that jerk didn't even text her. Kiss and run, bad man!

Layla thought to herself, 'if he ignores me, I won't bother with him either. Let's see who can hold out longer.'

However, as she was leaving, she still sent a message: [Morning, I'm off to work. Remember to drink water.]

Brightness Design Company.

CEO's Office.

"Resign?" Brian's face darkened as he looked at the resignation letter in front of him.

Layla, dressed in a black business suit with her ID badge hanging in front, stood with her hands clasped, her posture exceptionally standard. "Yes, I want to resign."

The office was silent for a while. Brian's face went from dark to black, his eyes shifting, finally turning into a cold laugh as he looked at her sarcastically. "Is this what you meant by not bringing personal emotions into work?"

"I'm not resigning out of spite," Layla clarified.

Brain asked, "Then this was part of your original plan?"

Layla didn't answer.

Brain continued asking, "If that night hadn't happened, would you be resigning this early?"

Layla remained silent. If it weren't for that incident, she would have stayed for another month.

"Such an excuse is as clumsy as saying you didn't intend to mislead me." Brian's deep voice couldn't hide his reproach.

"Regardless, I've decided to resign," Layla said with a smile.

She could still smile. Did she not care at all?

Brian's mood worsened at Layla's smile. "What? Are you afraid I'll harass you if you stay? Do you think so little of me?"

Layla quickly shook her head. "No, I never thought that."

Brain asked, "Then, is it that man who won't let you come to work? Is a man who controls your life really suitable for you?"

Layla said, "He doesn't control me; he always respects me."

"If that's the case, I wouldn't be seeing this letter now," Brian said, glancing at it with disdain, unwilling to look at it, "I'm not a fool; I know the truth."

Layla uttered, "That's just your guess, Mr. Evans. You're clever, but sometimes you're biased. You don't grasp our dynamic, yet you claim he pulls the strings. Remember, you once thought I purposely deceived you, toyed with your emotions."

Layla hadn't explained before because she knew it wouldn't help. But since things had come to this point, she decided to say it all.

Even though they might not see each other again, they had worked together and genuinely connected. Layla didn't want Brian to carry this misunderstanding, making herself uncomfortable.

"Subjective?" Brian let out a laugh of disbelief, almost amused by his anger. "I always rely on evidence and judge based on what I see. From the start, you hid the fact that you had a boyfriend."

Layla said, "I didn't hide it, I just..."

Brain interrupted her, "Not being upfront is hiding."

Layla smiled wryly. "Isn't that subjective? I simply didn't see the need to highlight to a coworker that I'm in a relationship. My personal life doesn't impact my professionalism. Having a boyfriend doesn't hinder my ability to work or engage with male colleagues. I'll uphold the appropriate boundaries."

"Daily meals in my office, driving you home-does that sound like keeping distance?" Brian fired off a series of questions. "Layla, regular colleagues don't get that intimate. Personally, I always maintain a professional boundary with subordinates. Outside work, I don't spend solo time with them."