Chapter 101
Chapter 101
“I’m sorry, Scott. Don’t be like this. I didn’t mean it that way, and I won’t break our agreement, Lola said, her heart not feeling the joy her words might suggest.
Scott could tell that their youthful love couldn’t survive the test of time.
If he wanted to build a lasting relationship with Lola, he had to cultivate their bond now more than ever.
“Layla, can you promise to come to me first with whatever happens? I’m ready to do whatever it takes to support you. Don’t let others get involved in your life, okay?”
Scott’s sincerity was palpable. Lola looked down, nodding in agreement.
“I understand.”
Dominick had disappeared.
From then on. Lola never saw Dominick again.
That night was the last time they talked to each other, the time when she told Dominick that they were from different worlds.
His absence allowed Lola to get used to life without his unexpected arrival. She began to welcome Scott into her life, trying to accept this man.
But every time she planned a date with Scott, Ethan.
they manage to have a successful date.
somehow intervene to disrupt it. Not once in half a month did
Scott knew Ethan was doing this on purpose, and he couldn’t hold back after the fifteenth sabotage.
“Ethan, I’ve always seen you as a future family, and I’ve put up with a lot from you. But don’t you think you are going too far!
“Me and Layla are doing fine. Why are you poking your nose into our relationship all the time?”
Scott burst out when Lola was away, changing clothes upstairs.
Ethan’s deep eyes flashed a cold indifference. “Did you forget what you’ve done?
“How can I not be wary of you, Scott? You were the one cultivating poison flower, weren’t you? And the abducting… Those were your guys, right?
“You claim to care for Layla, but all I’ve seen is the pain you’ve brought her, Just because I haven’t exposed you yet doesn’t mean I don’t know at all”
Scott’s eyes widened in shock. “What… Don’t talk nonsense. Why would I ever hurt Layla?”
‘Drop the act. I know very well what you have done. You want to ask Layla out? Not happening. Save yourself the trouble.”
Scott concealed the rising panic in his gaze, responding with a frosty tone, “I would never do anything to harm Layla. Watch your mouth! Stop talking nonsense.
“Show me the evidence, or never mention this to Layla again. Otherwise, you are just trying to set us at odds.”
Ethan had guessed it would come to this, so he hadn’t exposed Scott yet. He was just waiting for the right moment.
“What’s going on here?” Lola picked up on the tension and voiced her suspicion.
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“Nothing much. Since your brother wants to see you, I’ll be leaving now. Scott gave Ethan a meaningful look before he left. “Ethan. You need to see e me?”
In the past few weeks, Ethan had run through every excuse and now found himself at a loss for another.
He smiled, casually draping an arm around Lola’s shoulders, and leading her to the couch.
“Layla, did you notice Dominick hasn’t shown up lately?”
This was the first time in weeks that Ethan had brought up Dominick’s name with Lola.
Lola paused, a trace of unease stirring in her heart at the mention of his name.
“Yes, I’ve noticed. Mr. Sinclair must have been very busy.”
Ethan felt he shouldn’t have said his next words, yet he also believed–Lola had grown up enough to understand that there were people shouldering burdens for her.
“Recently, he took all the hurt from the rumors upon himself to protect you. His company has been affected. That’s why he’s been away on a business trip for the last two weeks and hasn’t returned.”
One could tell that Ethan was suppressing his emotions by his looks, but more importantly… Dominick had gone back to confront Jenna, challenging the Richardson family.
Ethan was deeply concerned about whether Dominick could handle the situation, but every time he reached out, Dominick would simply say that there was no need to worry.
And just like that, there were no further updates.
“Ethan.” Lola finally confronted the issue.
“Why does Mr. Sinclair keep helping me like this? I know he’s your friend, but he has done so much for me… I…
“I don’t even know how to repay him, nor do I understand why he’d sacrifice so much to help me without even care about himself. Can you tell me why?”
In fact, Lola wanted to ask why she felt something different about Dominick, but she couldn’t bring herself to say it.
Ethan couldn’t answer her questions, yet he didn’t want to leave the question hanging.
“Maybe…he fell in love from the start. After all, you are so beautiful,” he smiled faintly.”
Lola thought it was just a joke from Ethan and frowned, feigning annoyance, “Ethan, stop kidding around.”
The smile in Ethan’s eyes slowly faded. It was more than a joke.
“Layla.” Jasmine called out. She was helping Mason walk down the stairs, her eyes reflecting with mixed emotions.
“Mom, Dad hasn’t been feeling well lately. He really needs to rest at home.”
Lola moved to Mason’s side to help him. “Are you still not feeling well? Should we go to the hospital?”
Mason waved off the suggestion. “No need for the hospital. I know what’s going on with my body. It just acts up every now and then I think it’s time I retired.”
Lola was worried. He seemed fine just a while ago, after all.
“Layla, listen.” Mason began earnestly.
“Your mother and I have discussed it. We’ve both tired ourselves out over the years, and now, we just want to enjoy the time
left.
“After our discussion, we’ve decided to let you take over the Lewis Group”
“Me?” Lola couldn’t believe it. “But I’m completely in the dark about all of this. Besides, Ethan’s far more qualified than I am. He should take over”
Mason glanced at Ethan and smiled, “Actually, we’ve talked about this. We’ve always felt we owed you something, and this is what you deserve. Don’t worry. Ethan will always be there for you, by your side.”
Ethan walked to Lola’s side. “Just focus on your job, and I’ll teach you until you get the hang of it. And don’t think it’s an easy task. It’s going to be exhausting. I don’t want it. I’m happy with my laid–back life now,
“Just be a good president of the Lewis Group, Lola. The future of our family’s business depends on you now” Ethan ruffled
Lola’s hair.
The sudden burden of such a massive responsibility left Lola feeling both overwhelmed and uneasy.
“Ethan, Mom, Dad. I…
“No need to say more, we’ve made up our minds. Layla, you’re so talented and well–behaved, you’ll definitely be up to the task. Jasmine squeezed Layla’s hand reassuringly.
This decision was seen as a form of compensation to Lola.
Mr. Mason Lewis! Mrs. Jasmine Lewis! Someone just fainted at the door. She’s barely breathing! It’s…it’s her…”