Chapter 29
Stephen answered matter–of–factly, “I heard it had a romantic ambiance, which ladies seem to love.”
Layla shot him an incredulous look “What ladies?”
There were a few beats of silence before Stephen covered his mouth and chuckled.
“Hello, I just asked you a question! Stop laughing,” Layla snapped.
He stared at her in amusement as he cleared his throat. “I meant ladies in general, but if I must be specific, then it would be…you.” He elaborated after a pause, ” This is my first time here, too. I’ve never been to a stealdhouse alone with a woman.”
Hearing this, Layla realized she had misunderstood Stephen again. She felt a twinge of guilt as she blinked and took in the surrounding decor.
It wasn’t long before their food was served. The waiter had left the wine next to the table. As they dug into their meals, Stephen asked casually, “When’s Grandpa coming back?
“Like Icate,” Layla answered sullenly as she sliced her steal
Achuckle escaped Stephen. It was as if their fight earlier that day had never happened. But that was the magical thing about them: their fights never lasted and were forgotten as soon as they were over.
Layla, in particular, tended to forget about any dispute right after she had lashed out. Stephen never minded her short fuse. He knew that no matter how bad their fights were, they would find a way to make up and go back to normal.
Do you miss Grandpa?” he asked cordially.
“Does it matter? It’s not like he misses me or anything. All he cares about is that stupid retreat,” Layla said grumpily. “He doesn’t even care about anything that goes on athome!”
Stephen pointed out, “Perhaps he would cut his trip short if you behaved.”
Layla leveled a thoughtful look at him and decided to tell him what had been bothering her “My cards were frozen until yesterday. I haven’t gone racing or gambling on horse races, and I’ve even stopped going to bars.
“I’m already bored out of my mind at home, yet Grandpa refuses to come back until I have your baby! That’s something I’ll never do, so he can stay away forever for all I care.”
The more she spoke, the angrier she became. She schooled her face into the most vicious expression she could muster, but Stephen only found it endearing
She was growing into her features, and it was hard to tell whom she took after. Robert thought she was the most beautiful young lady in town, which he supposed for someone who did not have as many outstanding qualities as the other heirs and heiresses was a saving grace
With Layla’s beauty and wealth, she could very well become the most eligible young lady if she just behaved. Thankfully, her beauty could not make up for her foul temper, which had made men reconsider pursuing her romantically.
Even if a bold man had approached her and pulled some romantic gesture, Layla would likely debase him and send him rmning. Stephen hadn’t met anyone whom she might be interested in romantically, so he never got the chance to war off potential boyfriends.
Presently, Stephen cast an affectionate look at Layla as he sliced his steak with a smile. He speared a slice of steak and brought it to her mouth.
“What are you doing? Layla asked.
“Try the porterhouse steak. I think you’ll like it,” Stephen prompted.
She stared at his fork and did not open her mouth. He wasted no time in waming her, “just so you remember, your behavior can either make or break Murray Group’s reputation
“I doubt the company will go bankrupt if I refuse to eat this steak,” Layla argued.
He flashed her a pleasant smile. “No, it won’t go bankrupt. But if you refuse to cooperate, I can’t promise that I won’t swoop in and tear the company out from under you the next time the share prices fluctuate.”
Layla fell silent. She angrily opened her mouth and ate the slice of strak Sure enough, she loved the flavor, but that didn’t make her hate Stephen any less.
He continued feeding her a few more times. “If the media caught you throwing a fit at ine, I’ll let Murray Group descend into chaos.”
She was furious at his threats, but she relented every tume he fed her. Before she knew it, she had eaten half his steak
