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Chapter 353
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The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 354
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
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 355
“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 CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 356
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
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 357
As Ivan and Levi stepped forward to congratulate Layla, Carter caught sight of someone in the distance and immediately scowled. “What’s he doing here?”Standing a few yards away was Eason. Ever since their last disastrous collaboration, Carter had refused to work with him. Neither had let it go. They were both too proud, and neither was willing to back down.Eason didn’t even look in Carter’s direction. He simply turned and walked off without a word.Carter bristled. “Sis, why’d you invite a guy like that? Who does he think he is—”“Enough,” Layla said calmly, patting his shoulder. “He’s a respected photographer, and the fact that he showed up today is a show of support. In this industry, his presence sends a message. He might not be your favorite person, but in the photography world, people pay attention to what he says.”Carter still looked annoyed. “Like we need his support? Come on, with all of us backing you, who wouldn’t give you face?”“He doesn’t need your approval,” Carl
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 358
Under the expectant gaze of the crowd, Jenny stepped out of the car.Behind her, the rest of the convoy came to a stop, and one by one, people began getting out—each dressed to the nines, with striking presence and poise.In an instant, camera flashes lit up the scene. The reporters were stunned.Masters of traditional painting, renowned cultural heritage inheritors, celebrated calligraphers, and opera legends—nearly all the most influential figures in the world of traditional arts had come together for the event!People of their caliber, highly accomplished in their fields, usually kept a low profile. They almost never appeared in public, let alone together at the same event.It was a once-in-a-lifetime scene—far beyond anyone’s expectations.As the reporters snapped photo after photo, they whispered excitedly among themselves.“Totally worth coming today!”“I’ve shot so many celebrities walking red carpets, but this is the first time I’ve seen masters like these doing it!”“
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 359
In just three short years, Layla no longer needed anyone like him by her side.Only now did William finally realize it.*That afternoon, news of Layla Studio’s successful launch dominated the trending charts.“Oh my god, what kind of legendary guest list is this? Layla Xander basically invited half the traditional art world!”“Forget the rich heirs from the big three families—next to these masters, they don’t even compare! Their fathers would’ve struggled to meet this many icons in one place!”“If Layla can gather this many heavyweights just to open a studio, her career's only going to get bigger from here!”“Escaping her toxic birth family and getting adopted by a whole squad of cultural legends? She’s living the dream!”Every time Layla made headlines, it was like someone was publicly dragging the Xander family’s name through the mud all over again.Mr. Xander only glanced at the trending page before flying into a rage. “Where the hell is Shane?! Didn’t he say he had a way
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 360
“What nonsense are you spouting?”Mr. Xander glared at his son. “The Xander family needs her? Who does she think she is?”“Dad.”Chris, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. “Shane’s not wrong.“The people who showed up to her studio’s launch were all top-tier figures in the art world. Do you know how many people dream of having connections like that? With their support, Layla’s only going to rise higher and become even more respected.“If Layla were still part of the Xander family, the value she could bring us would be immeasurable.”His voice darkened. “Honestly, ever since she came back, I’ve been thinking about how we could get her to forgive us. She’s our blood, but beyond that, her network is way beyond what any of us imagined.“We shouldn’t treat her like the enemy. We should be doing everything we can to win her back and bring her home.“Dad, if you really care about the future of this family, then calm down and think seriously about what I just said.”Mr. X
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 361
“Sean!”Kiera watched helplessly as Sean walked away. Fuming, she swept the fruit platter off the table, sending everything crashing to the floor.“Just talking?” she muttered.What, did he think she was a child, that easy to fool? Or was he pretending she was blind—unable to see the regret and longing in his eyes for a woman he couldn’t have?*At the Lucas estate, Scarlett opened the same ribbon-cutting photo and stared in disbelief.The masters standing behind Layla in the picture were the same people she’d spent years trying to get close to. And today, they just casually showed up at Layla’s studio opening?Almost instinctively, a thought crept into her mind.“If Layla had invited me, I could’ve used the chance to make an impression on those masters, too,” she thought.But the very next second, Scarlett shook her head hard, as if trying to shake that dangerous thought right out.“What are you doing?”Mr. Lucas Sr. was coming down the stairs and saw Scarlett tossing h
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The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 400
“Don’t tell her I’m awake. And don’t let her come to the hospital,” William said quietly.Ivan frowned. “Why not? She’s been running herself ragged for you. She even made me promise to notify her the moment you woke up…”“Not until I know whether this accident had anything to do with me,” William cut in, his voice calm and unreadable.What Ivan didn’t know was that William had been awake for a while—long enough to overhear the full story Ivan shared about the car crash.Layla had just returned to the country. She couldn’t possibly have made any enemies dangerous enough to try and kill her.And yet the timing of the crash was too perfect. It happened the same night the two families were supposed to meet.Whoever orchestrated it clearly wanted to use Layla to throw him off and keep him from showing up.William’s eyes darkened. “I’ll have someone keep an eye on her—discreetly.”Ivan hesitated. “But… won’t she be really hurt by this?”“Will she?” William closed his eyes slow
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 399
“That accident felt way too convenient,” Wilson said, narrowing his eyes at Ivan. “What really happened?”Given how worked up Wilson had been earlier, Ivan knew he couldn’t keep him in the dark any longer. He gave him a look and motioned toward the window, away from the bedroom door.Keeping his voice low, Ivan spoke cautiously, always watching the door out of the corner of his eye.When he finished explaining everything, Wilson was visibly stunned. “Someone was trying to hurt Miss Xander?”“Yeah. The driver’s still in the ICU. No idea when he’ll wake up.”Ivan’s brows drew together, his expression tight. “I read the report from the scene. For the impact to be that severe, the other car had to be going fast and with all that traffic on the overpass…“If William hadn’t swerved to block it, it could’ve caused a multi-car pile-up. And if Layla had been the one brought to the hospital instead, her injuries might’ve been a lot worse.”“Wait… are you saying—” Wilson’s face went
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 398
At the Harris estate, the moment Gwen heard that William had been in a car accident, she shot to her feet.“I have to go see him!”Mrs. Harris Sr. grabbed her hand, frowning. “What’s the rush? Didn’t the Lucases say he’s not seriously hurt?”Gwen pressed her lips together. “But Grandma, the only reason William didn’t show up last night was because of the accident. Are you still angry with him?”“And that accident happened a little too conveniently, don’t you think?” Mrs. Harris Sr. snapped.“Grandma! You can’t just assume things like that. Do you really think William would risk his life just to get out of an engagement?”Seeing Gwen’s tone shift, Mrs. Harris Sr. frowned. “Look at you—raising your voice to me over this boy.”“I just think it’s unfair,” Gwen said quietly.“You’re letting your feelings cloud your judgment.”Mrs. Harris Sr. gave her a pointed look. “I asked their man for details about the accident and he couldn’t give me a straight answer. He didn’t ev
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 397
Scarlett shot to her feet and stormed toward the door, ready to confront Layla—only to be stopped by Ivan, who rushed in just in time.“Aunt Scarlett, where are you going? William hasn’t even woken up yet. You should be with him.”“Move!” she shouted, shoving at him with all her strength. But Ivan held firm, refusing to budge.“Please, calm down,” he said urgently. “William’s condition isn’t critical. Once he wakes up, we can get the full story. But right now, we can’t blame Miss Xander.”Scarlett was furious. “You’re still defending her? Are you trying to get William killed too?”“No!” Ivan was growing desperate. “I’m just stating the facts. This crash was anything but normal. Miss Xander had no idea it was coming. She’s the one who brought William to the hospital. She stayed up all night with him!“She was the one who asked me to suppress the news. Because of that, we avoided a PR nightmare. She’s done everything she could to help. She doesn’t deserve to be treated like this
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 396
By the time Mr. and Mrs. Lucas Sr. arrived at the hospital, Levi had already been alerted and rushed to the inpatient wing to meet them.As soon as he stepped off the elevator, a sharp slap rang out down the hallway.It was immediately followed by Scarlett’s shrill, out-of-control voice.“It’s you, isn’t it? You brought this on him! You’re a curse—anyone who gets close to you ends up ruined! Can’t you just stay away from William?“Layla Xander, how far are you planning to drag him down before you’re satisfied? He’s my only son! If anything happens to him, I swear I’ll take you with me!”By the time she reached the end, Scarlett had broken down completely, sobbing hysterically as she shoved Layla aside and stormed into the hospital room.Mr. Lucas Sr. followed behind her without sparing Layla a single glance.Layla stood frozen in place, a bright red slap mark across her cheek but her face remained eerily calm, like the sting hadn’t even registered.The whole thing happened so f
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 395
“I heard from Wilson,” Ivan said. “Mrs. Harris Sr. and Mr. Lucas Sr. both blew up when William didn’t show last night. Word is, Mr. Lucas Sr. has people out searching the whole city for him.“If they find out he got into an accident while…” He trailed off mid-sentence, but Layla didn’t need him to finish. She was smart and she already knew what he meant.“This has to do with me. I can’t avoid that,” she said quietly. “If the Lucas or Harris families want to come after me, let them.”Her eyes never left William.Right now, the only thing she cared about was seeing him open his eyes—and asking him why he would risk his life just to block that car.*But the truth couldn’t stay hidden for long.The news of William’s accident inevitably broke.At the Lucas family estate, Mr. Lucas Sr. shot to his feet. “What? You’re telling me William got into a car accident last night?”“Yes, sir,” the assistant said, head lowered. “Mr. Ivan Dixon had the story locked down. We only manag
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 394
That night, news of William’s car accident on the overpass was kept tightly under wraps.When Ivan arrived at the hospital, William had just been wheeled out of surgery. Panicked, he grabbed Levi and immediately started firing off questions.“How is he? Did he lose an arm or a leg? Will he wake up? Is he—”“Calm down,” Levi said patiently.“The impact hit the passenger side. William is mostly okay—just a mild concussion and a fractured right hand. He just got out of surgery.”Ivan finally exhaled. “Thank God… When Miss Xander called and asked me to lock down the news online, I was scared out of my mind.”“Wait—” Levi blinked. “Miss Xander called you?”“Yeah!” Ivan looked curious. “It all happened so fast, I didn’t even get the full story. Was she with him when the accident happened?“I mean, I heard from Wilson Harris that William skipped the dinner with the Harris family but I didn’t think he’d gone to find Miss Xander.”Ivan glanced around. “Where is she, anyway?”“She went
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 393
At this point, Mrs. Harris Sr. was done playing nice.She turned to Mr. Lucas Sr. and said bluntly, “We’re all here now. Just tell me straight—did William actually agree to this engagement or not?”“He did, he did—” Scarlett cut in quickly, trying to smooth things over.But Mrs. Harris Sr. slammed her palm on the table, making everyone jump. “If he agreed, then where is he?”Mr. Lucas Sr. finally spoke, his voice slow and steady. “This isn’t up to him. Whether he agrees or not doesn’t matter. He’s not here? Fine. We can still move forward with the engagement.”“What kind of logic is that?” Mrs. Harris Sr. snapped. “If he couldn’t even bother to show up, that tells me exactly how little he cares about my granddaughter. And you expect me to hand her over just like that?”She glared across the table. “Let me be very clear. Before I agree to anything, William has to look me in the eye and swear that he’ll treat Gwen right for the rest of his life. No sincerity, no marriage.
The CEO’s Obsession: Layla, You’re Not Allowed to Die Chapter 392
Hannah stood frozen in shock, watching as Layla smashed through the car window and reached inside to unlock the door.“William, can you hear me? William, wake up…”Layla’s voice trembled with panic. She had managed to get the door open, but she didn’t dare move him. Her first instinct was to check his breathing. As her fingertips brushed under his nose, she felt the steady warmth of his breath.Only then did the tight knot in her chest loosen slightly. Her mind slowly began to clear.She knew the risks. With an accident like this, unconsciousness could mean internal injuries and without trained medics on-site, moving him could do more harm than good.So all she could do was keep calling his name.“William… please, wake up. Don’t scare me like this…”Her voice cracked, and a wave of helplessness crashed over her. She was choking back tears now, unable to stop her hands from shaking as she pounded weakly on the seat.Hannah finally stepped closer and gasped.Layla’s hands were c
