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Chapter 208

Author: Eli Sole
The news of Layla severing ties with her family spread like wildfire online.

“She had a perfectly good life as a wealthy heiress, but she threw it away. What the hell is she after?”

“Families don’t air their dirty laundry unless things are really bad. Just how awful does she have to be for her own father to publicly disown her?”

“If even her own family refuses to stand by her, then she’s clearly the problem. No wonder she’s sick and alone.”

In just a few days, public opinion had flipped entirely.

At first, people had pitied Layla. Now, they couldn’t wait for Xena’s press conference, eager to see Layla exposed and crushed once and for all.

Layla was looking forward to the press conference too.

She stood by the open-air balcony, leaning against the railing as she gazed at the endless stretch of ocean beneath the night sky.

As Thanksgiving approached, Haven City’s temperatures had finally started to drop. The late-night sea breeze was sharp and biting, yet she stoo
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    Carter agreed without hesitation. “Sis, I’m wishing you a flawless victory in advance! Best case? Xena never recovers from this.” Layla didn’t respond, but a faint sharpness flickered beneath her otherwise calm gaze. Xena was finally about to reap what she had sown. Ten minutes later, as soon as the livestream started, viewers flooded in. In just a short time, the number of live watchers soared past 100,000 and kept climbing. Carter adjusted the phone, making sure Layla had a clear view of the chat feed. Seated in the sunlight with a steaming cup of coffee in hand, Layla looked effortlessly relaxed and completely at ease. Not at all like someone at the center of a media storm. Compared to Xena, who had spent her own livestream sobbing, Layla’s composure was even more persuasive. It was hard not to trust her. “Hey, everyone. The weather’s great today—perfect for a casual chat over coffee.” She flashed a small, easy smile, instantly setting a lighthearted tone.

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