Chapter 4

Simon scanned the crowd more intently. He had worked for Leonardo for years and recognized most of the people he knew, but he saw no familiar faces. "Are you sure?" he asked. "Why don't I see anyone I know?" "Let's go," Leonardo ordered. "What?" Simon remained puzzled about whom Leonardo had actually seen. However, as soon as Leonardo started walking away, he promptly followed him. As Leonardo was about to leave, Matthew attempted to push past the bodyguards to give him his business card. "Mr. Garrett, my company runs a luggage and bags business with our own designers. Are you available to have a drink or meal with me to discuss a potential collaboration?" Leonardo brushed past him without so much as a glance. Matthew wanted to follow, but Simon stopped him. "Just hand me the business card. I'll reach out to you on Mr. Garrett's behalf if needed." "Thank you! Thank you so much!" Matthew exclaimed. Simon accepted the business card and exchanged a glance with the bodyguard beside him, who promptly pulled Matthew away. As they left the club, Simon tossed the business card into a trash can in front of everyone. Matthew forced a strained smile, but his expression couldn't hide his dissatisfaction. … The following evening at 7 o'clock, Samantha enjoyed dinner at home before heading to work early. Upon arriving in the locker room, she overheard a few colleagues deep in conversation. "Have you heard the news? A group of bodyguards dressed in black came to pick her up today. Did she offend someone?" "I saw a long line of luxury cars outside. They were definitely someone influential." "I saw the car's logo. It looks like it belongs to the Garrett family." "Wait, she offended the Garretts? She's doomed. She might not be able to return after this." Xenia Scott warned, "Be careful at work. Don't get involved with anyone. If you ask me, Layla is just a gold digger. She'd do anything for money. Now, she's finally facing the consequences of her actions." She and Layla had been working at the club for quite some time, but their relationship was far from amicable. Given their history, it was no surprise that Xenia had nothing kind to say about Layla. Instead, she gloated over her misfortune. Others rubbed their chests in fear. "That's really scary. I need to be more careful next time." Samantha overheard the conversation and glanced around the locker room. Indeed, Layla was nowhere to be seen. She wondered if Layla was in trouble. Without hesitation, Samantha quickly texted her. Samantha: "Layla, who took you? Are you safe? Do you need me to contact the police?" She felt utterly helpless, unsure of whom to turn to for assistance. She wasn't so naive as to think she could rescue Layla on her own. As she waited anxiously, Layla finally responded to her message. Layla: "No, I'm perfectly fine now. I must have had incredible luck. It feels like I've hit the jackpot and am truly living my best life." Then, she sent a picture and a video to Samantha. The photo showed Layla on a luxurious bed, with a large floor-to-ceiling window and a lush garden outside. The video highlighted the room's decorations. Layla: "I can hardly believe my luck! This is Leonardo Garrett's house. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm now a wealthy woman!" Samantha was momentarily taken aback by the mention of Leonardo. His striking yet distant demeanor flashed through her mind involuntarily. She contemplated the possibility that Layla and Leonardo might actually be a couple. After reflecting on her encounter with Leonardo the previous night, she couldn't help but feel ashamed and guilty. A man who cheated so easily was certainly not a good man. Samantha couldn't resist pointing out. "Layla, didn't you mention before that wealthy club-goers aren't exactly the best company? I think I spotted Leonardo at the club just yesterday…" Layla: "It's unavoidable for men to cheat. As long as they can support me financially, it doesn't matter to me." Realizing her efforts to convince Layla were futile, Samantha decided to give up. To avoid hurting her, she chose to bury the memories of last night and texted, "Layla, I wish you happiness." Layla: "I'll bring you for a visit in a few days. It's incredibly luxurious!" At first, Samantha considered agreeing, but the thought of Leonardo made her hesitate. The private room was dimly lit that night, and they were caught up in the moment. She wasn't sure if Leonardo even remembered her. She didn't want to risk facing him. The last thing she wanted was to invite trouble into her life. Samantha: "I've been scheduled to work a lot lately, so I might not have any free time." Layla: "Don't worry. I'll invite you to come over and hang out once you have an off day." Samantha couldn't find the words to decline. Instead, she simply smiled and expressed her gratitude. Yet, knowing that Layla was doing well brought her a sense of relief. Life continued in its familiar rhythm, and work proceeded as usual. Although it was challenging, she found solace in the fact that she could still earn a living. The following day, Layla arrived at the club to tender her resignation. She was dressed elegantly, like a wealthy socialite, making the other waitresses envious. Before leaving, Layla gifted Samantha a branded white bag to celebrate the start of the semester. Initially, Samantha was reluctant to accept it, but Layla firmly insisted. Afterward, Layla left in a Rolls-Royce while her colleagues watched enviously from the window. "We're all working here. Why is she the only one lucky enough to be noticed by a rich guy?" "She's really fortunate to be stepping into the world of the wealthy." Xenia scoffed. "The man she's with is probably some bald old guy. It's so disgusting. What's there to envy?" Overwhelmed by jealousy at Layla's sudden wealth, she turned and exited the locker room to light a cigarette while the others continued their conversation. "She's undeniably attractive and one of the best-looking in our club." "But with everyone wearing masks, how much can they actually see?" Samantha couldn't help thinking of Leonardo again. His demeanor was distant yet enchanting, disciplined yet unable to mask his longing. A twinge of envy crept into her heart, but she quickly stifled it. She reminded herself that it was unjust to covet Layla's happiness. She had to move on and keep the past a secret.