Mr. Perry Sr. looked utterly disappointed. “Felix, I’ve always known life hasn’t been easy for you. That’s why I never interfered when your father spoiled you.“But I never imagined he’d go so far, raising you into someone who’s arrogant, reckless, and completely without respect for rules or decency.”“Grandpa, I really—”“That’s enough.”Wilfred raised a hand to stop Felix. He had already seen where this was headed.If they didn’t give the girl a proper resolution today, Mr. Perry Sr. would have no problem sacrificing Felix to protect the Perry family’s reputation.Wilfred looked Mr. Perry Sr. in the eye and said solemnly, “Dad, however you decide to deal with Felix, I won’t object.”“Dad!” Felix’s face paled as he looked between them, but one sharp warning glance from Wilfred shut him up instantly.The room fell into heavy silence.Mr. Perry Sr.’s voice was raspy as he spoke slowly, “Young lady, the Perry family will make this right—we’ll compensate you… and this little brat
“Sean, did you hear? Felix is going to be your assistant!”Susan’s voice practically trembled with excitement as she clutched her son’s arm. She and Kiera had returned late and missed the fireworks firsthand but the housekeeper had already filled them in.“You’ve finally made it!” she beamed. “After the way Felix screwed up today, there's no way your grandpa will warm back up to him anytime soon. All we have to do now is stay in his good graces, and the Perry heir title is as good as yours!”Unfortunately, her triumphant words fell right into Wilfred’s ears. He had just come back in from the courtyard after making a call. Felix’s phone was still off, so he had no choice but to send bodyguards out to look for him—just in case he did something stupid again.Already frustrated, hearing that just added fuel to the fire.Wilfred’s expression darkened. “Keep dreaming.”His sudden voice made Susan jump.Sean met his father’s icy stare, not even bothering with a greeting. He just watc
“No, Sean, how could you say that about yourself? You’re not—”“Alright, you don’t have to say more.”Sean glanced in the direction Wilfred had gone, his eyes dark with determination. “Whatever’s meant to be mine, I won’t let anyone take it. One day, I’ll make sure you can hold your head high in this family.”Seeing the ambition brewing in her son’s eyes, Susan felt a deep sense of satisfaction. “I believe in you.”*The next morning, the sound of servants moving luggage stirred everyone awake in the Perry estate.Wilfred caught the butler by the arm. “What’s going on here?”“Mr. Perry Sr. is moving out to rest somewhere quieter.”“Where?” Wilfred pressed.“Not sure yet—it’s up to Mr. Lucas.”At that, Wilfred’s heart sank. Why was William Lucas suddenly involved?This couldn’t happen. If Mr. Perry Sr. left the estate and cut off contact, Sean becoming Felix’s supervisor would be locked in. There would be no reversing it.Just then, Wilfred saw the butler helping Mr. Perry S
After settling Mr. Perry Sr. into his new room at the nursing home and leaving the butler to keep watch, Layla stepped out into the hallway. In the distance, she spotted William speaking with a doctor.Perhaps sensing her gaze, William looked up and met her eyes. He then gave the doctor a polite nod to wrap things up.As the doctor walked away, Layla approached. “What were you two talking about?”“Levi asked me to bring Mr. Perry Sr.'s medical records so the staff here would have a full picture moving forward.”His eyes drifted past her, toward the room behind. “How’s he doing?”Layla tried to hold back a laugh and shot him a playful glare. “Now you care about Grandpa Perry’s feelings? Where was that concern when you sent someone to make a scene outside the house?“He’s spent his whole life protecting the family’s reputation and you used that to force him out. How do you think that made him feel?”William furrowed his brows. “You figured it out?”“Yesterday, the butler called
“One Sean is already more than enough. If Felix keeps going down the same path, I don’t think Xena can take it,” Shane muttered. “Oh, and one of my buddies told me Mr. Perry Sr. just made Felix work under Sean as his assistant.“With that temper of his, I bet that stings more than getting kicked out of the company. That’s probably why he didn’t tell Xena anything. He’s too embarrassed.”He kept rambling on, completely missing the way Mrs. Xander’s expression darkened.“Enough already,” she said, kicking Shane lightly under the table before glancing toward the stairs with a smile. “Xena, sweetheart—you’re up?”Shane froze. He snapped upright and followed Mrs. Xander’s gaze, his voice awkward, “Xena, uh… how long have you been there?”“Since the part where you were talking about Felix’s flings.”Xena stepped slowly down the stairs. “I’ve known for a while he wasn’t faithful. He’s been dodging my questions for so long. I’d already given up on expecting any kind of explanation.“You
While Felix was abroad, he had partied and messed around but he always knew where his path was. Whenever he was by Wilfred’s side, he focused all his energy on the company and had actually helped a great deal.That was why Wilfred believed that, despite his reckless ways, Felix was still worth shaping. If he could just settle down, managing the entire Perry empire would be well within his abilities.As a father, Wilfred knew it was his job to keep a tight grip on the reins and steer this wild horse of a son back onto the right path before it was too late. And right now? It was time to pull hard.“Your grandfather’s health is failing,” Wilfred said, “and no one knows how much longer he has. This is the most important time for you to show him who you are. You can’t afford to give up now.“If he doesn’t leave a will, the company might need to hold an internal vote to choose the next heir. Are you confident you can beat Sean?“Felix, the only way forward is winning your grandf
“The older you get, the more you find yourself chewing on old regrets. Over and over—like gum. And eventually, there’s just nothing sweet left.“But really, what’s the use? What’s done is done.”Mr. Perry Sr. looked up at the sky. A quiet calm settled in his eyes.“What I should’ve wished for… was for you to have a better life. Truth is, the Perry family never deserved you.”Layla remained silent.There was really no point in continuing this conversation. She and Sean had ended a long time ago. In these past three years, she had gradually forgotten the little details about them—so much so that she could no longer remember what made her fall for him in the first place.Now, Sean meant less to her than a stranger.Suddenly, a voice rang out behind them.“Grandpa!”A blur of motion darted across the garden. Felix dropped to his knees with a loud thump in front of Mr. Perry Sr., gift boxes spilling at Mr. Perry Sr.’s feet.A group of bodyguards moved quickly, closing in. Layla
After their last interview, Layla instantly recognized that voice. Her brows knit together ever so slightly. “What’s Gwen doing here?” she wondered.Sure enough, Gwen strolled up beside her, arms folded, eyes glinting with mock curiosity as she gave Felix a slow once-over.“You must be Felix Perry, right? Hi, I’m Gwen Harris. These days, I work as a reporter.“I actually caught wind of something about you recently—a little scandal involving a woman showing up at your family’s estate? Juicy stuff. Care to give me a quote or two? I’d love to share it with my team.”“Shut it!” Felix shot to his feet, voice sharp.He was clearly rattled, but still trying to hold it together. He knew exactly who Gwen was—and more importantly, who had her back.“Miss Harris,” he said through clenched teeth, “I’d appreciate it if you stayed out of this.”“How is this not my business?” Gwen replied sweetly. “I’m just doing my job. Gathering material.”She whipped out her phone and aimed the camera st
Layla stepped forward without hesitation, quietly positioning herself in front of Carly to shield her. Her gaze was cold as she stared down the group of thugs. “Who gave you the guts to storm into my place and cause trouble?”“You’re that... B-something?” the bleached-blond leader squinted, trying to remember the name. One of his guys leaned in to whisper it, but he found it annoying and punched him in the arm.“Why the hell are you even using some fancy, hard-to-remember name?”He raised his bat and pointed it at Layla. “People like you piss me off the most. Always acting like you’re better than everyone else.”Layla blinked. “Excuse me?”What kind of ridiculous logic was that?“I already called the cops,” Carly said, standing tall and fearless. “If you try anything, you’re all getting locked up.”“Well, well. Got some fight in you, huh?” the leader squinted at her. “We only came to rough up that woman. But I really can’t stand loudmouths who think they’re heroes. Guess I’ll
“Drop something off?” Layla blinked in surprise, glancing back at Eason’s lean figure. Could it be… he was the senior Jenny had mentioned?But she had never once heard that Eason Lopez had studied under Jenny.Still full of questions, Layla followed Eason into the lounge. Once they were alone, she finally asked, “Are you the senior Miss Jenny mentioned?”“Yeah.” Eason handed her a scroll with a blank expression. “Miss Jenny asked me to give this to you ahead of time.”A few days earlier, he had actually protested.“Why do I have to go early? You’re going to be there anyway,” he had complained on the phone.But Jenny had chuckled on the other end. “She’s only been with me for three years, and now she’s trying to make it on her own back in the country. She’ll need all the help she can get.“I don’t have much left to give her. The only thing I can do… is connect her with someone who might be able to help.“I know you’ve gotten used to working alone all these years. But iso
The morning of the studio launch, reporters from all major media outlets arrived bright and early.A light reception had been set up in the courtyard, and journalists gathered around, casually chatting over tea and snacks.“Think Gwen Harris will show up today?”“Probably… Didn’t she just interview Miss Xander a while back? The launch of ‘Layla Studio’ is big news. She wouldn’t want to miss it.”“Don’t let her heiress status fool you—she works hard. How else do you think she snagged that international journalism award? If you ask me, she’s not the type to let personal drama get in the way of her career.”“But aren’t you guys just a little curious about their love triangle? Who do you think Mr. Lucas really has feelings for?”They exchanged looks, each one with a knowing grin.Sure, Begonia launching her own studio was newsworthy. But if they could dig up some juicy gossip about the wealthy elite while they were at it, that would be a bonus.No one said it out loud, but they wer
Did his little game of playing hard to get just backfire on him?*After that night, Layla never saw William again.She didn’t want to waste time overthinking all these confusing emotions, so she forced herself to stay busy. Leaving early and coming home late gave her no room to dwell on it.Before she knew it, the grand opening of her studio was just three days away.She picked up a call from Jenny, and her face immediately lit up. “Miss Jasper, you’re really coming to cut the ribbon yourself?”“Of course I am!” Jenny’s voice rang out, bright and hearty over the phone. “My star student is launching her own studio. There’s no way I’d miss it. I don’t care how busy I am, I’ll be there to support you in person.“I heard all about that solo exhibition you did after coming back. You were making headlines left and right!“Layla, I’m honestly so proud of you and a little selfishly happy too. It feels like fate that I got to be your teacher. I must’ve done something right to deserve a
“You’re just going to stand there? Felix is about to leave!”Mrs. Xander rushed over and grabbed Xena’s arm, but Xena shook her off.For once, Xena’s tone was icy cold. “Let him leave. Why should I be the one begging him to stay?“It was Layla who pissed him off. Why should I be cleaning up her mess? Why don’t you go find her and make her apologize to him?”Mrs. Xander froze. “Xena, what are you—”“She’s not wrong,” Shane cut in, stepping forward to help Xena up. “Layla caused this, and now we’re the ones dealing with the fallout? If Felix wants someone to blame, he should take it up with her.”“But…” Mrs. Xander hesitated. “Do you really think she’ll agree to see us? Let alone listen?”“You didn’t hear Felix just now?” Shane raised an eyebrow. “He doesn’t want an apology. He wants her punished.”“So what?” Mrs. Xander frowned. “You’re going to go after her yourself?”“Who else would?” Shane shrugged. “I’m the only one in this family who can play the bad guy.“I heard Layla’s
“William may seem cold on the outside,” Gwen said lightly, “but deep down, he’s a good person. The few of us who grew up with him. Well, we’ve all benefited from his kindness at some point. He really does take care of the people around him.”She turned to Layla with a warm smile, eyes calm and sincere. “You’ve known William for quite a while now too, right? I’m sure you’ve seen that side of him.”It sounded perfectly reasonable. Friendly, even. There was no flaw to be found in her words.But Layla picked up on the deeper implication.Gwen clearly knew that moving Mr. Perry Sr. into a nursing home had been William and Layla’s decision. By bringing up William’s long-standing friendship with Mr. Perry Sr., she was subtly framing the move as nothing more than William repaying an old debt.And then, when she added that William was simply kind to all his friends, it was a quiet reminder that she was not special.That was when it hit Layla that Gwen saw her as competition.But since no
After their last interview, Layla instantly recognized that voice. Her brows knit together ever so slightly. “What’s Gwen doing here?” she wondered.Sure enough, Gwen strolled up beside her, arms folded, eyes glinting with mock curiosity as she gave Felix a slow once-over.“You must be Felix Perry, right? Hi, I’m Gwen Harris. These days, I work as a reporter.“I actually caught wind of something about you recently—a little scandal involving a woman showing up at your family’s estate? Juicy stuff. Care to give me a quote or two? I’d love to share it with my team.”“Shut it!” Felix shot to his feet, voice sharp.He was clearly rattled, but still trying to hold it together. He knew exactly who Gwen was—and more importantly, who had her back.“Miss Harris,” he said through clenched teeth, “I’d appreciate it if you stayed out of this.”“How is this not my business?” Gwen replied sweetly. “I’m just doing my job. Gathering material.”She whipped out her phone and aimed the camera st
“The older you get, the more you find yourself chewing on old regrets. Over and over—like gum. And eventually, there’s just nothing sweet left.“But really, what’s the use? What’s done is done.”Mr. Perry Sr. looked up at the sky. A quiet calm settled in his eyes.“What I should’ve wished for… was for you to have a better life. Truth is, the Perry family never deserved you.”Layla remained silent.There was really no point in continuing this conversation. She and Sean had ended a long time ago. In these past three years, she had gradually forgotten the little details about them—so much so that she could no longer remember what made her fall for him in the first place.Now, Sean meant less to her than a stranger.Suddenly, a voice rang out behind them.“Grandpa!”A blur of motion darted across the garden. Felix dropped to his knees with a loud thump in front of Mr. Perry Sr., gift boxes spilling at Mr. Perry Sr.’s feet.A group of bodyguards moved quickly, closing in. Layla
While Felix was abroad, he had partied and messed around but he always knew where his path was. Whenever he was by Wilfred’s side, he focused all his energy on the company and had actually helped a great deal.That was why Wilfred believed that, despite his reckless ways, Felix was still worth shaping. If he could just settle down, managing the entire Perry empire would be well within his abilities.As a father, Wilfred knew it was his job to keep a tight grip on the reins and steer this wild horse of a son back onto the right path before it was too late. And right now? It was time to pull hard.“Your grandfather’s health is failing,” Wilfred said, “and no one knows how much longer he has. This is the most important time for you to show him who you are. You can’t afford to give up now.“If he doesn’t leave a will, the company might need to hold an internal vote to choose the next heir. Are you confident you can beat Sean?“Felix, the only way forward is winning your grandf