Even though she did not know how Liam met such a wealthy and attractive friend in the provincial capital, Lucy's appearance made Layla feel a great sense of crisis."Layla, what's wrong?" Liam asked when he saw Layla lower her head and sigh."It's nothing..."Layla responded in a muffled voice, keeping her head down as if lost in thought."Liam, the family was talking about Howser a few days ago. I was back on campus then, so I wasn't at home! At that time, I thought that if only I had been home, there wouldn't have been so much resentment in the family!"Layla quickly raised her head and, with some grievance, said, "I've always known that you're very capable, Liam. There must've been some misunderstanding in that matter..."Layla seemed to be trying to explain the family's attitude at the time.Liam saw Layla's expression and smiled. "It's okay, Layla, I understand. You don't need to worry. I don't actually care much about those things..."Layla became anxious upon hearing Lia
"Liam, you…"Hearing Liam's words, Layla became even more anxious. Reflecting on her family's recent attitude toward Liam, she understood his reaction but could not accept that Liam wanted to completely cut ties with Serena. A direct conversation would not solve the problem. She had to rely on subtle, persistent communication to change his mind.Layla took a deep breath and asked, "Liam, have you eaten?""Huh?"Liam was taken aback by her sudden change of topic. One moment she was talking about Wendy, and the next, she was asking if he had eaten."Actually, I haven't."Thinking back on his day, Liam shook his head. He had not eaten yet. He had come near the university to reminisce and enjoy some snacks from his past.Layla came over and took Liam's arm. "That's perfect! We were just about to eat. Join us.""Aren't you having a gathering with your classmates?"Liam did not mind eating with Layla, but he remembered that she mentioned a class reunion."It's fine. All my clas
"There's nothing to blame yourselves for," Liam said, shaking his head with a smile as he watched the scene unfold.Jackson Hughes exhaled deeply. "That's a relief, Liam. I'm glad you're so understanding and not holding it against us. Otherwise, Layla would've skinned me alive!"You're nothing like the rumors say," he added, raising his head to look at Liam with small, inquisitive eyes.Liam's smile broadened. "Oh? What do the rumors say about me?"Jackson shook his head. "They say you're unambitious and incompetent, relying on the Lloyd family. Worst of all, they claim you have a terrible temper and even hit your in-laws! Your temperament seems fine to me."Liam chuckled softly at Jackson's words. It seemed the Lloyd family had been spreading quite a bit of gossip about him in South City.Layla's angry voice cut through the conversation. "Jackson, have you said enough? Do you think what I told you is true, or do you believe the rumors outside?""Of course, what you said is true
Jackson grinned widely. "How about it? I've treated you all quite well, haven't I?"Layla rolled her eyes at Jackson. "Considering how sincere you are, if Liam really doesn't blame you, then I'll forgive what you just said!"Soon, they entered a private room. Upon entering, they discovered that the room's decor was incredibly luxurious. After admiring the environment, everyone sat around the central table.Jackson picked up the menu from the table and handed it to Liam. "Liam, take a look and see what you want to eat. Order whatever you like!""You can order. I'm fine with anything."Liam smiled faintly. His purpose for coming was not to eat."Don't worry, Liam. You don't need to worry about the price. My dad's paying for it anyway!" Jackson explained hurriedly, thinking Liam was concerned about the cost.Liam shook his head again. "No need.""Alright then."Jackson had no choice but to take back the menu and start ordering.After a while, Jackson finished ordering and looked
"Liam, don't worry. With me here, when you work for my dad's company, no one will say anything bad about you!" Jackson said confidently, thumping his chest to emphasize his point."Once you start working at my dad's company, everyone will know about your situation, and those who gossip about you will gradually decrease," he added earnestly, looking at Liam.Layla chimed in, "That's right, Liam! If you've not been working, you should give Jackson's company a try. The Hughes Group is well known throughout the Qyn Province! The Hughes Group is quite powerful, even more so than the Lloyd Group!" You should really consider it! After all, your friends are so impressive…"Layla trailed off, concern evident in her eyes. Knowing that Liam did not seem to have a formal job, Layla began to worry for him. After all, having impressive friends only meant that Liam was a decent person.To truly change his situation, he needed to be impressive himself. If he could get a job at Hughes Group, it
The waiter hurriedly turned and left the private room after placing the dishes on the table.Sitting beside them, Jackson boasted proudly, his mouth stuffed with food, "How is it? The food here is really delicious, isn't it?"Layla rolled her eyes at Jackson. "It's really good! Look at you, you're getting rounder and rounder!""Of course—"Just as Jackson was about to say something, his phone suddenly rang. Not just him, but Iman Hughes's phone also rang abruptly.Hearing the sound, Jackson glanced at his phone and was momentarily stunned. "What's going on? Why is my dad calling me at this time?"He struggled to swallow the food in his mouth and answered the phone."Are you at the Velvet Lounge?"Before Jackson could speak, his father's nervous and trembling voice came through the phone."I..."Jackson was stunned. He did not expect his father, Spencer Hughes, the chairman of Hughes Group, to catch him sneaking to the Velvet Lounge!"Dad, you're always so wise and mighty..."
Iman sat at the back, his face equally filled with anxiety. "How could this happen!"Upon hearing Jackson's words, Layla finally realized the gravity of the situation.Jackson lost any desire to eat. He stood up, anxiously pacing back and forth."I have no idea! Everything started when we arrived, but we didn't do anything unusual!"Jackson knew his father's character well. His father was calm even when facing a collapsing mountain, so what could have happened to make his father panic like that?The more he thought about it, the more it made Jackson nervous.He was not sure if it was just his imagination, but he seemed to hear a series of frantic noises coming from outside their private room.Jackson's anxiety affected everyone else in the room.Layla also grew tense but still tried to comfort him. "Don't worry. I'm sure it's nothing!"Jackson could not sit still. "Something must've happened! Otherwise, my dad wouldn't be so worried!"Due to Spencer's orders, he did not dare
A vast crowd appeared in front of Jackson and his group.Spencer kept his head down, his face tense, clearly standing aside as a companion. Seeing the scene, Jackson's face also flashed with tension. He did not understand why his father was acting that way.However, when Jackson saw the middle-aged man at the center of the crowd, he immediately had an answer.Jackson was shocked. "Mister Warchester!"Layla was stunned. "Mister Warchester?"She did not quite understand who Jackson was referring to.Iman, standing beside Layla, suddenly shivered. He clenched both hands tightly together, and his voice was full of tremors."Mister Warchester is the Ship King of Hestia—Joshua Warchester!""The Warchester family dominates half of Hestia's maritime shipbuilding industry. The Hughes Group's logistics often relies on the Warchester family, and the Velvet Lounge is their property!"Iman and Jackson finally understood why they were so anxious and fearful. It was related to Joshua.How