Chapter 30: Don’t play games with me
"Look at that bitch! How dare she show up here?" Ruby muttered, glaring in Orabela’s direction. "And Roderick’s kissing her! Ugh, I want to slap both of them."
"Ignore them," Layla said gently. "Just enjoy your meal. I’m so glad you could make it." She smiled warmly.
"Well, Lucius sent a special car for me," Ruby replied, taking a spoonful of ice cream. "Everyone’s got him all wrong, especially me. I believed all those stupid rumors and even told you some."
Layla’s heart skipped a beat at Ruby’s words. Lucius had gone out of his way to ensure Ruby was here. It was a true act of chivalry, making Layla’s smile deepen as she thought about him.
"Madam, Sir Lucius’s mother requests your presence," a waiter informed Layla politely. She glanced at Ruby and offered a reassuring smile. "Enjoy the food, and don’t let anyone ruin your mood," she said before excusing herself.
Following the waiter, Layla’s steps slowed as she approached the gathering area. Her eyes widened in surprise at the scene before her. Evelina, Lucius’s mother, was beaming as she chatted animatedly with Orabela and her family. Even Lucius’s in-laws were present, their faces reflecting the same cheerful warmth. But there was one conspicuous absence—Lucius. Where could he be?
Layla’s gaze swept the hall, searching for any sign of him, but there was none. Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden, exuberant shout.
"Here comes my sweet sister!" Orabela called out, her voice dripping with enthusiasm. She strode over to Layla, her eyes sparkling with an unusual cheerfulness. Layla couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss.
Before she could react, Orabela’s hand slipped around her arm, pulling her closer to the group. The grip felt almost too familiar, too tight. What was Orabela up to? Confused Layla just stared at her for a brief moment.