Chapter 60: Awkward

**Valerie**

It was lunch break already. My meeting with Layla last night kept on replaying in my head, even as I sat at the cafeteria downstairs.

My gaze and Layla's locked as I reluctantly took my seat. She smiled and then settled down too.

“Why are you in hiding though? You can tell me, we're friends after all.” Layla's smile was too wide, her eyes too knowing.

I shifted uncomfortably, the silence stretching between us. "It's personal,” I mumbled.

“Hmm, okay, fine,” she raised her hands dismissively. “Whatever the reason is, that's your business; I won't pry.”

“So what do you want?” I sighed out.

“Don't worry, it's nothing too hard for you,” she answered with a sly smile.

“Okay…?” I raised a questioning brow, waiting for her to continue.

“Well, just five million dollars." Her voice was almost a whisper.

My jaw dropped. “Five what??!”

“Relax. I mean, it's nothing for someone like you, right?”

“Someone like me, or someone like Ashley?” She shrugged but didn't say a word. "Listen, La