Chapter 187: Layla’s muffled sobs
"Hmm. That explains it," Ruby said with a faint smile. "Layla, I’m really sorry again for not telling you anything. A lot was going on, and I didn’t want to burden you when your problems seemed bigger than mine."
"Please stop apologizing," Layla replied warmly. "Just promise me you’ll tell me whenever you’re in trouble. By the way, do you have a new number now?"
"Yes. Wait, let me call you," Ruby said, pulling out her phone from her clutch.
Layla’s eyes widened in surprise as Ruby dialed. "You remember my number?"
"Of course," Ruby replied with a small laugh, giving her friend a missed call. She hesitated before adding, "I might be getting engaged soon. I’ll let you know when it happens."
"Of course, keep me updated," Layla said, saving Ruby’s number in her phone.
Ruby glanced toward Lucius and David, both sitting at their table with watchful expressions. "We should leave. Our men are waiting," she said with a slight nod toward them.
"Right," Layla agreed.
The two stood and hugged each other tightly. "I’ll head out first," Ruby said before leaving with David, who walked protectively beside her.
Layla made her way to Lucius, who rose as she approached. His sharp eyes softened slightly, recognizing that his wife was at ease now. Whatever had been troubling her seemed to have resolved.
Without a word, Layla slipped her hand into his, and together, they headed toward the café’s exit. But just as they reached outside the door, a bullet sped past them, narrowly missing its target and slamming into the glass door, which splintered into shards.