Chapter 23: Chapter 23
950 words<html><head></head><body><p>Samuel nodded and asked, "How did you know?"</p> <p>"Nathan is my idol. I got into this field because of him. I know his style inside out." Mentioning her idol, Layla's previously disdainful expression turned into one of excitement, her eyes sparkling with admiration.</p> <p>Layla continued, "Spending a night in a house designed by my idol feels almost like I'm getting to know him. How lucky is that!"</p> <p>Samuel asked, "Knowing him is lucky, but what about knowing me?"</p> <p>"That's super unlucky!" Layla answered without hesitation.</p> <p>Elbert stifled a laugh. Layla's boldness was endearing and amusing.</p> <p>Samuel wasn't a petty person, but he couldn't help feeling a bit annoyed. He asked, "Am I not as good as Nathan?"</p> <p>"Of course not! He's a national treasure, my dream guy," Layla said disdainfully.</p> <p>She then added, "As for you, I'm still wondering what I did to deserve you."</p> <p>Samuel smirked. "Don't be self-conscious. While I may be brilliant, you're quite impressive too."</p> <p>Layla retorted, "That's not what I meant."</p> <p>Layla had never met anyone who boasted so much about themselves.</p> <p>Not wanting to continue the conversation, Layla finished her sandwich, wiped her fingers, and said, "I'm full. Let's go."</p> <p>With 300 feet left to the company, Layla asked Samuel to stop the car.</p> <p>"Are you afraid of being seen?" Samuel raised an eyebrow.</p> <p>Layla replied, "Yeah. You're a high-ranking executive. If people see us together, they'll think I got in through connections."</p> <p>Though new to the workplace, she understood basic survival rules. If she were misunderstood as having connections, she would become a target for colleagues.</p> <p>Samuel asked, "Is it so bad to be associated with me?"</p> <p>Many people would do anything to be associated with him, but she wanted to keep her distance.</p> <p>"Yes, it's bad." Layla shook her head without hesitation, clasping her hands together. "So, if we run into each other at the company, please don't greet me. Pretend you don't know me. Thanks."</p> <p>She was about to get out of the car when Samuel grabbed her wrist.</p> <p>His hand was strong and large, making Layla shiver and look at him warily.</p> <p>"Won't you even give me a kiss before you go, as a thank you for helping you last night or for letting you stay over?" Samuel's cold face showed a hint of playfulness.</p> <p>"I didn't ask for your help, and I was forced to go to your place." Layla knew she sounded ungrateful, but kissing him was out of the question.</p> <p>"Maybe if you kiss me, you'll have good luck." Samuel's eyes gleamed with temptation.</p> <p>"I don't rely on things like that for good luck. Luck comes from hard work. I'm off to work now," Layla said, pulling her hand away and getting out of the car.</p> <p>Samuel watched her back with interest.</p> <p>"Mr. Holland, why don't you tell Ms. Adkins your true identity?" James asked curiously.</p> <p>It was the first time James had seen Samuel put so much effort into a woman. Clearly, Samuel was interested in her.</p> <p>"Have you ever gone fishing?" Samuel asked meaningfully. "The most interesting part of fishing is waiting for the fish to take the bait."</p> <p>This naive fish, unaware of his identity, could reveal her true self without reservations. Once she knew who he was, there would be a barrier.</p> <p>Making money had long become routine for him. The battles within the Holland family were part of his plans.</p> <p>It was rare to find something that could excite him, and he didn't mind taking his time to enjoy this pleasure.</p> <p>Samuel ordered, "She's starting her job, and her boss is tough. She'll have a lot of problems. Keep an eye on her."</p> <p>James replied, "Yes, Mr. Holland."</p> <p>Layla had arrived at the office when she heard Molly yelling.</p> <p>Molly yelled, "Where's Layla? Why isn't she here yet?"</p> <p>"I'm here." Layla walked in quickly.</p> <p>Molly questioned, "Is it acceptable to arrive later than your boss?"</p> <p>Layla apologized, "Sorry, I'll come earlier from now on." Although she wasn't late today, arriving after her boss wasn't good.</p> <p>"Why haven't you sent me the email?" Molly asked.</p> <p>Layla replied, "I sent it last night."</p> <p>"I didn't see it. Are you saying I'm blind?" Molly's tone was harsh.</p> <p>Layla quickly opened her email on her phone, but there was no record in the sent folder. Her face turned pale. "What's going on? I clearly..."</p> <p>Molly questioned, "Didn't send it and now making excuses."</p> <p>Layla replied, "Sorry, I'll send it to you now."</p> <p>Layla opened her computer, but it showed a blue screen. No matter what key she pressed, it didn't work.</p> <p>"It looks like it's not a hardware issue but probably a virus," Alice said as she walked over. "You should contact the tech department."</p> <p>Layla remarked, "Okay."</p> <p>However, when Layla called, the tech staff said they were busy with other tasks and the earliest they could help was by noon.</p> <p>Layla said, "However, it's urgent. I have a meeting."</p> <p>"There's nothing we can do. We don't have extra time," the tech staff said lazily and ended the call.</p> <p>"Did they say they were too busy? Our tech department is the most arrogant. Every time there's an issue, they make excuses. Last time my computer had a problem, they also delayed. I had to get someone from outside to fix it. They just bully interns. If the CEO asked, they wouldn't dare be so lazy," Alice complained.</p> <p>"Haven't you sent it to me yet? The meeting starts in ten minutes." Molly came out to push her.</p> <p>Layla explained, "The computer has a virus."</p> <p>Molly was furious. "What? Are you kidding me? Are you telling me this now? What am I supposed to say in the meeting?"</p> </body></html>