Mrs. Robinson Wants Her Divorce after Rebirth Free Preview

"Defibrillator! Quick! Increase the voltage!"

"Doctor! The patient is having extensive bleeding. The type A blood from the blood bank was just urgently taken!" The intern nurse's hands were covered in blood, and even her voice shook.

The operating room was filled with the pungent smell of blood.

She had never seen so much blood before.

At that moment, a thought flashed through her mind.

Who would need to urgently take all the type A blood from a blood bank?

The woman lying on the operating table was pale, her lips cracked. Her eyes were starting to glaze over. "Logan Robinson."

"What?"

"Logan Robinson..."

This time, the intern nurse heard her. The barely audible woman was calling for Logan Robinson.

Logan—the most powerful business tycoon in Hastin!

The doctor was on the verge of breaking down. He misdialed three times before finally getting the number right. Hastily, he spoke into the phone, "Mr. Robinson, your wife is bleeding severely, but the blood from the bank has been taken. Please, come and see her one last time!"

The man's voice on the other end was cold and cruel, filled with indifference. "She's not dead yet? Call me when she's completely dead."

Click.

The call was mercilessly ended.

At that instant, the light in the woman's eyes dimmed completely.

Logan, do you truly hate me so much? Even now, you won't come to see me one last time?

The machine emitted a flat, icy 'beep' sound. The patient's vital signs disappeared completely.

In a daze, Layla felt her soul left her body.

A withered, frail body lay lifeless on the operating table. Layla felt utterly exhausted. At only 27, she passed away from massive bleeding caused by childbirth complications in the hospital room.

In her lifetime, she loved Logan dearly. As the only daughter of the Kennedys, she should have enjoyed the best life had to offer.

However, she sacrificed herself and even dragged the Kennedys down just to marry Logan.

Ultimately, she met such a tragic fate.

Layla slowly closed her eyes.

If she had another chance to start over, she would never make the same mistakes again.

"Mrs. Robinson, tonight Mr. Robinson wants to take you to the auction. Which outfit would you like to wear?" Miss Cassidy's voice sounded in her ears.

Layla's thoughts snapped back.

Everything around her was eerily familiar. It was her and Logan's new home!

It had been a month since she married Logan, and he had visited her only a handful of times.

She clearly remembered this occasion. Logan had to attend a land auction, in which it'd better bring his wife.

But that's five years ago, how can it be… Wait, am I reborn?

"Mrs. Robinson, Mr. Robinson never spent a night here since the marriage. You should seize this opportunity."

Miss Cassidy selected a white evening gown and hesitated. "Perhaps this one?"

Layla lowered her gaze, smiling bitterly to herself.

Everyone knew Logan liked Harper.

In the past, she often dressed like Harper to please Logan.

Harper liked white dresses, so she wore white dresses, too, to win a bit of Logan's favor.

However, at that auction five years ago, Logan didn't inform her of any change and took Harper instead, making her look utterly foolish in a similar white dress.

Thinking back now, it was truly laughable.

"I'll pass. I'll wear this one." Layla casually picked a vibrant red gown.

She never really liked plain clothes. After all, Harper was just a poor college girl. She must have been out of her mind to wear cheap market clothes for a man's favor.

Not only did it lower her status, but it also invited people to belittle her.

Miss Cassidy hesitated and said, "But Mr. Robinson prefers the white dress."

Faced with her persistent hints, Layla acted as if she hadn't heard.

"I want to wear this." She casually said, "Throw out all the white dresses. I don't like them."

Miss Cassidy sighed at Layla's command but eventually complied.

"Ah..."

Layla looked at herself in the mirror. She still had a bright and beautiful appearance at this moment. However, she would be worn down by Logan after a few years.

Before that happened, she would end it all herself.

In the evening, Layla wore a wine-red fishtail gown with a trailing hem that perfectly highlighted her curves. Her exquisite makeup, complemented by delicate French curls, highlighted by a teardrop mole beneath her eye, made her appear even more alluring. From a distance, she looked like a painting, untouchable and sacred.

Not far away, a man in a white shirt and long leather boots, with a cigarette between his lips, watched her. Zane's voice was deep. "Who is she?"

"You don't know her? She's Layla, the daughter of the Kennedys and Logan's wife!" The dandy young master Fedrick, standing beside Zane, said excitedly. "I just saw that bastard Logan walked in with another woman. We might witness a showdown between the mistress and the wife! I'm already thrilled!"

He received no response from his friend.

Fedrick clicked his tongue. "Logan has terrible taste. How could he abandon a beauty like Layla for a skinny twig? Don't you think so, Zane?"

He turned around, and Zane was nowhere to be found.

"Hey! Zane! Damn you!"

Fedrick cursed as he followed Zane into the auction hall.

Inside, Harper, in a white dress, clung to Logan's arm, looking nervous. "I've never attended such an event before. Maybe I should leave."

Logan coolly said, "You will get used to it soon. You'll be attending events like this often in the future."

Harper only nodded.

As Logan was about to lead Harper into the hall, Leo couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Robinson, aren't you going to wait for Mrs. Robinson?"

He frowned. "Didn't I tell you to inform her not to come today?"

Leo glanced at Harper. She quickly said, "It's not Leo's fault. I am the one who told him not to inform Mrs. Robinson. I was worried about what people might say if someone like me was by your side, so I thought it would be better for Mrs. Robinson to accompany you."

She lowered her head, looking like a timid little rabbit.

Logan rubbed his temples. Right now, he didn't want Layla to show up.

"Mr. Robinson..." She bit her lip and called him cautiously.

"It's okay. It's not your fault."

Logan patted her head and told Leo. "Go to the entrance and stop her. Have her sent back immediately if you see her."

Amid the crowd, there were gasps of admiration.

Leo looked over, and his mouth fell open in shock. "I'm afraid it's too late."

Logan followed Leo's gaze.

A touch of red that stood out in the crowd.

Layla, in a wine-red gown, moved with a grace that seemed to captivate everyone around her. The media cameras were focused on her, capturing her every move. For a moment, she looked like a superstar walking the red carpet.

Layla?

Logan was momentarily stunned before recognizing her. She had always preferred light makeup and simple dresses. This was the first time he had seen her dressed like this.

Harper, on the other hand, looked pale. It was her first time seeing Layla.

Compared to Layla's alluring appearance, Harper appeared overly plain, like an underdeveloped schoolgirl.

"Mrs. Robinson looks stunning," said Harper, her tone tinged with a hint of jealousy which was not easily perceived.

On the other side, Layla had already spotted Logan and Harper. She walked straight toward them.

Harper had expected Layla to be shocked and embarrassed upon seeing her with Logan since Layla was unaware of her presence. However, Layla approached them with a calm and composed smile, as if she had known all along.

"With Mrs. Robinson here, who is the lady next to Mr. Robinson?" whispered some of the media.

Layla approached Logan, taking his arm and extending a hand toward Harper with a smile. "You must be Harper, the student Logan mentioned. Hello, I'm Layla. You can call me Mrs. Robinson."

Harper awkwardly withdrew her hand from Logan's arm and lightly shook Layla's offered hand. "Hello, Mrs. Robinson."

The title 'Mrs. Robinson' felt like a thorn in her throat.

Layla continued, "Logan has mentioned that you're a student he's been supporting. Do you have plans to study abroad in the next couple of years?"

Harper glanced at Logan secretly.

Logan replied, "Harper's studies have been excellent. She plans to go abroad this year, but she's a bit timid, so I brought her here to broaden her horizons."

Sure, this time, he brings Harper just to let her broaden her horizons.

At this point, Logan hadn’t fully fallen for Harper. It was only after she returned from studying abroad that he truly fell in love with her.

However, he had started bringing Harper to all kind of occasions, making it well-known throughout Hastin that he liked a young university student.

Now, none of this mattered to Layla anymore. Her purpose in attending the auction wasn't to compete with Harper for Logan's attention but for a more significant objective.

"Logan, take good care of Miss Hamilton. I'll head inside first." Layla released her hold on Logan’s arm.

Logan was taken aback. He couldn’t believe those words had come out of Layla’s mouth.

By the time he snapped out of his surprise, she had already entered the venue.

Logan frowned. When has the usually hysterical Layla become so agreeable?

As Layla sat in a discreet corner, the entire auction hall was filled with Hastin’s elite.

If she remembered correctly, an abandoned plot of land would be purchased by a small-time businessman during this auction. Later, that land would become incredibly valuable due to the high-end developments around it, turning it into prime real estate. This caused the small merchant to transform into a successful business tycoon.

Since she had decided to part ways with Logan, she needed to find herself a way out.

Meanwhile, after taking his seat, Logan scanned the room for any sign of Layla. Beside him, Harper timidly asked, "Mr. Robinson, am I really the one who should bid later?"

Logan’s thoughts were pulled back by her voice. He replied, "Yes, I trust your judgment."

A faint blush appeared on her cheeks. She had dedicated years to studying finance in school, all leading up to this moment.

Up on the second floor, Layla watched as Logan and Harper chatted happily, discreetly averting her gaze.

Harper did possess some skills, which was one of the reasons why Logan was drawn to her.

In her previous life, Harper had identified a valuable piece of land for Logan, which had caused him to view her differently.

But in reality, that piece of land had always been valuable. With the Robinson Group's properties nearby, Harper freely raised the bid using Logan's funds. Consequently, the value of the Robinson Group's properties surrounding the land also increased. Ultimately, Logan would not suffer any losses.

Even without Harper, Logan would have acquired the land.

As expected, Harper began bidding once the auction started.

She successfully secured the first three prime pieces of land.

Logan sat by her side like a guardian angel.

"Starting bid for Moontown in Hastin, one billion!"

"Two billion."

For the first time since the auction began, Layla's opening bid caused the entire room to gasp in shock.

Logan frowned. What's gotten into this woman?

Harper whispered, "This land isn't worth much. I fear Mrs. Robinson's two billion will be in vain."

He texted Layla. 'Layla, what are you doing?'

Layla glanced at her phone, then casually put her phone away without replying.

"Two billion once."

"Two billion twice."

"Is Layla out of her mind? Two billion for this worthless piece of land?"

Fedrick, on the second floor, was astonished.

"Three billion." Beside him, Zane calmly stated a figure.

Fedrick nearly flipped the table. He gritted his teeth. "Zane! Are you insane, too?"

Across the room, Layla furrowed her brow, wondering who was trying to snatch the land from her. When she looked up, she saw Zane on the opposite side.

She vaguely recalled Zane's involvement in the black market industry. When did he venture into real estate?

"Four billion!" She raised the stakes calmly.

Downstairs, Logan's brows furrowed even deeper. He tapped out a few words on his phone again. 'Layla, shut up!'

This time, Layla simply turned off her phone.

"Five billion."

Facing Zane's deliberate challenge, Layla gritted her teeth in frustration.

Alright, you want to play?

She boldly declared, "Ten billion!"

"She's insane. She's absolutely insane!" Fedrick exclaimed.

Downstairs, Logan stood up. Even he, usually composed, couldn't quite fathom her intentions. To him, the piece of land wasn't worth even one billion. And yet, Layla was willing to pay ten billion to buy it?

Zane looked at Shen Man with a nonchalant expression, smiled faintly, and made a gesture.

"Ten billion once."

"Ten billion twice."

"Ten billion thrice! Sold!"

A sense of relief washed over Layla as the gavel struck.

She finally secured the land, but she needlessly spent eight more billion, all because of this Zane!

She glared at Zane from a distance.

Fedrick nudged Zane. "Hey, Layla is glaring at you. If I were you, I'd watch my back!"

Zane raised an eyebrow, seemingly unfazed.

Downstairs, Harper pulled Logan aside and said, "Mr. Robinson, Mrs. Robinson is going to make you lose money."

He coldly replied, "She set the price herself. No one will bail her out."

Due to this minor incident, Logan's mind was entirely on Layla, ignoring Harper's performance completely.

Layla was about to leave when she bumped into Logan and Harper as the auction ended.

"Layla, please don't cause problems if you know nothing about real estate," said Logan, not sparing her any face.

Harper added, "Yes, Mrs. Robinson. Your actions will waste Mr. Robinson's ten billion.

Layla chuckled. "Miss Hamilton, you must be mistaken. I'm the one buying this piece of land. This has nothing to do with Logan."

Harper couldn't help but say, "But that's ten billion..."

"It's merely a ten billion for us, enough to build a shack, let alone for Miss Kennedy." Fedrick's voice interjected from a distance. "Right, Miss Kennedy?"

It was Fedrick, who Zane accompanied. Layla indifferently responded, "It's just ten billion. It's merely for fun."

Harper's face turned ugly.

Ten billion is insignificant to Logan and even more so to Layla!

Her face flushed with embarrassment, feeling inadequate in front of these people!

Zane unexpectedly said, "I heard Mr. Robinson got married. Is this young lady next to you your wife?"

Harper's face turned red, and she stammered, "No, no."

"This is my love, Layla," said Logan, pulling Layla to him.

She tried to shake off Logan's hand subtly, but he held on to her tightly.

Since the beginning, he had noticed Zane's gaze lingering on Layla.

Men understood men best; Logan immediately saw through Zane's intentions.

"Ah, I see. So Miss Kennedy is Mrs. Robinson! Oh, my mistake. Earlier at the event, when I saw Mr. Robinson chatting and laughing with this young lady, I thought she was Mrs. Robinson." Fedrick slapped his forehead. "This young lady must be Mr. Robinson's secretary then. No wonder she was bidding on Mr. Robinson's behalf earlier."

Layla nearly couldn't hold back laughter.

Although she no longer cared about Harper and Logan, hearing Fedrick say this still made her secretly pleased.

Meanwhile, Harper's face turned from pale to red.

Seeing this, Logan instructed, "Leo, send Harper back."

"Yes, Mr. Robinson."

Fedrick grinned. "Well, we won't disturb you any longer. Goodbye."

After Fedrick and Zane left, Layla finally shook off Logan's hand. "Have you held on long enough?"

Logan hadn't expected her to shake off his hand.

In the past, Layla had been eager to be close to him, even becoming somewhat clingy at one point. But tonight, Layla seemed entirely different from before.

In the end, Logan coldly said, "If it's to get my attention, you didn't need to go this far."

This statement left Layla speechless.

She wanted to argue but couldn't find the right words.

Considering how much she used to care about Logan, it was plausible she might have done something like this to attract his attention. Yet now, she wasn't that person anymore!

Frustrated, Layla decided to give up. "Think whatever you want."

"Wait."

"What?"

"What's up with you and Zane?"

"Nothing. I don't even know him."

Logan's tone was stern. "Layla, remember this: I don't care what your relationship is with him. From the outside, you are publicly known as Mrs. Robinson. You’d better be mindful of your status and keep your distance from other men."

Upon hearing Logan's words, Layla chuckled. "Logan, can you hold yourself to the same standards you demand things from others? Did you consider your status and my dignity when you brought Harper here today?"

"I had Leo inform you today."

"Oh, really? Did you inform him to tell me not to come?"

Logan fell silent. He knew he was in the wrong.

Layla continued, "Even Zane, an outsider, mistook someone else for Mrs. Robinson. What do you think others will think? If you truly like Harper, then let's get a divorce."

"Layla, are you out of your mind?" Logan frowned.

Although he didn't like Layla, that didn't mean he wanted a divorce. After all, theirs was a commercial marriage, not something one could end on a whim.

Seeing the seriousness in Logan's expression, Layla realized his reluctance to divorce was due to her family's background.

In a few years, she knew Logan would discard her like trash when she had no value.

Thinking about the tragic outcome of her previous life, she decided it was better to end things now than to wait for that moment.

"I'm saying, let's get a divorce."

The next day, news of Layla's excessive purchase of abandoned land for billions swept through major platforms.

She possessed the entirety of the family's assets as the only heir of the Kennedys. Hence, a few billion was merely a drop in the bucket.

However, the issue was that the family's enterprises were also in operation, resulting in limited available liquid assets.

Ten billion, in reality, was still a significant amount.

Layla lay on the bed, rubbing her forehead. Shall I reach out to Logan? No, he left without a second thought after I mentioned the divorce yesterday.

She couldn't understand why he didn't want to divorce. She even offered to relinquish the family's assets to him.

Who else can I seek out apart from Logan?

Suddenly, she sat up on the bed abruptly.

She had an idea!

"Zane!"

Connections were important in high society. Layla managed to reach out to Zane with a little help from her network.

She remembered that Zane had a significant influence overseas. In the past couple of years, he had been active in Hastin. While others may not have understood, she knew Zane would soon seize control of Hastin's enterprises in the coming years, engaging in a power struggle against Logan.

Zane remained silent in the Robinson Group's meeting room, fiddling with his lighter.

Layla didn't beat around the bush. "I need to borrow eight billion from you."

Fedrick spat out a mouthful of tea, taken aback.

I've seen people being straightforward, but never this blunt!

"Miss Kennedy, you certainly don't beat around the bush."

Layla blinked. "Last time, you said ten billion would only be enough for you to build a hut."

"Can't you see I'm putting on a show for you? This is the first time I've seen someone biting the hand that feeds them!"

Fedrick shook his head. Indeed, beautiful women are often a bit crazy.

Zane fiddled with the lighter. "First, tell me why I should lend you eight billion."

"I could have acquired the Moontown in Hastin with just two billion, but you had to intervene, forcing me to invest an extra eight billion for nothing."

"That explanation is not convincing enough."

Layla paused for a moment before saying, "Mr. Thomson's businesses are primarily overseas, but you've been showing up in Hastin a lot these past two years. I suspect you aim to relocate your offshore black-market operations here and legitimize them, right?"

Fedrick, in the middle of sipping his tea, froze and glanced at Zane in surprise.

The idea that Layla, a well-known heiress of the Kennedys, could understand such matters was unexpected.

There was a moment of silence. After a long pause, Zane half smiled and said, "Mrs. Robinson, you shouldn't falsely accuse innocent people."

"Exactly. We are all legitimate businessmen!" Fedrick chimed in earnestly, addressing Layla.

"Whether or not you're legitimate businessmen is not for me to decide. However, I believe Logan would be quite interested." Layla calmly continued, "As for me, I'm just a clueless heiress, but Logan is not. If I were to repeat what I just mentioned, I wonder if he would take notice."

"You are a sneaky woman!" Fedrick could not keep his cool.

She looked at Zane seriously. "I won't beat around the bush. Lend me eight billion, and I will repay you with interest in three years."

Fedrick eyes widened. "Are you kidding? Eight billion? Do you realize how much interest there will be in three years? We'll lose eight billion if you cannot repay. You are Logan's wife; who could do anything to you then?"

"I know how much the interest is. I can sign a contract with you. If I can't repay, I'll give you the properties and shares under the Kennedys, and work for you diligently for the rest of my life, at your beck and call." Layla hesitated for a moment and continued, "Furthermore, my marriage with Logan probably won't last three years. He wouldn't protect me even if I'm still his wife after three years."

Upon hearing this, Zane looked up and gazed at her for a while.

Fedrick's ears perked up.

It seemed he had just caught a whiff of gossip.

However, Fedrick quickly collected his thoughts and said, "No, absolutely not!"

Before he finished speaking, a low and calm voice beside him interrupted, "Alright, I'll lend it to you."

"What!" Fedrick jumped up from his chair. "Have you lost your mind too?"

"I'll have the finance department transfer the money to you. We'll draft the contract later."

"Damn you, Zane!" Fedrick stomped his feet.

"Thank you, Mr. Thomson." Layla stood up, "I will wait for your message. I look forward to our cooperation."

Layla smiled and exited the CEO's office.

After watching her depart, Fedrick gritted his teeth and said, "She left quite happily. It's eight billion! Are you out of your mind? Why would you lend her money, she is Logan's wife?"

Zane smirked and replied, "She is attractive."

"Damn it! Why do I have to pay for your flirting?"

Zane stood up and slapped a bank card on Fedrick's chest. "The betrothal gift for the woman I love is naturally my responsibility."

"What? Betrothal gift? She is Logan's wife, what are you talking about?"

Zane ignored Fedrick and walked out of the CEO's office.

"Crazy. Everyone is out of their mind!"

As Layla stepped through the door of Robinson Residence, she immediately saw Logan sitting in the living room.

Layla frowned.

In her previous life, Logan's visits to the home were rare.

Since when has he been so attached to the house?

She assumed he was just home for a brief stay and turned to go upstairs.

Suddenly, Logan spoke in a cold voice. "Layla!"

She stopped in her tracks.

"What's wrong?"

Feeling uncomfortable with her cold demeanor over the past few days, Logan impatiently said, "The people from the auction are here to collect the money."

"I know."

He sighed and continued, "You can tell me if you don't have enough money."

She coldly replied, "No need, I've already taken care of it."

"Where did you get the money?"

One hundred billion was no small amount. Logan knew perfectly well that Layla couldn't possibly come up with that much money in such a short time with the Kennedys assets at her disposal.

"Layla, don't forget that I am your husband."

Layla chuckled self-deprecatingly. Husband? Logan is always embarrassed by this. Why does he suddenly remember that he's my husband?

"You're so anxious because you're afraid I'll lose this ten billion and drag the Robinsons down with me."

Logan fell into silence.

Seeing Logan's reaction, Layla knew she had guessed right.

She casually said, "Don't worry, I won't drag the Robinsons down. I am well aware that ours is a commercial marriage. Your glory is my glory, your loss is my loss. Now, you don't need to always come home."

Logan was left speechless. He had indeed thought that way in the past, treating Layla with cold indifference after their marriage, not even touching her once.

However, he suddenly realized how bad he had been upon hearing these words from Layla.

Logan was about to say something when Layla's phone buzzed with a notification of a funds transfer.

She had not anticipated Zane to transfer the funds so quickly.

Eight billion had been deposited into the account within an hour only.

With the matter resolved, a smile appeared on her face.

Logan pressed his lips together, suddenly remembering how Layla had used to follow him around, displaying such a smile, that he had never cared.

"There is a dinner tonight. Come with me."

"Me?" Layla, who was about to go upstairs, frowned.

Logan asked, "You don't want to?"

"Why don't you take Harper to the dinner?" Layla was confused.

She remembered that in her previous life, Logan would always bring Harper along whenever there was a banquet or dinner.

If she remembered correctly, this was also an international banquet. In her previous life, she had argued and fought to attend, but Logan had still taken Harper, indirectly paving the way for Harper's future return from studying abroad.

Why does Logan suddenly consider bringing me to such an important event?

"You are Mrs. Robinson. Naturally, you should accompany me to such events."

Layla did not buy this excuse. She assumed that Logan only remembered her because Harper had something else going on.

Well, she should participate in such events more often. After all, she needed to expand her since she planned to start her own business.

"Fine. I'll go get ready."

Logan breathed a sigh of relief seeing Layla agree. At least Layla's willing to play the role of Mrs. Robinson.

Perhaps she hadn't completely lost hope in him yet.

Meanwhile, Harper was in her dorm, admiring the dress sent by Logan's secretary.

Her roommate looked at Harper with envy.

"Harper, your boyfriend is so good to you. He always sends you such beautiful dresses."

A blush spread across Harper's cheeks.

"Harper, when will you introduce us to your boyfriend?"

"Yeah! Your boyfriend is so wealthy and always takes you to all kinds of banquets. We're so curious!"

Harper shook her head and replied, "He's very busy with work, he cannot make time. I'll introduce you all to him when I get the chance."

At that moment, Harper's phone rang.

She answered the phone cheerfully seeing that it was a call from Logan's secretary

"Leo, did Mr. Robinson send you to fetch me? I will come down right away."

"Miss Hamilton, Mr. Robinson said you don't need to attend the banquet today."

Harper's smile faltered for a moment. "Why?" she asked.

"Mr. Robinson's got Mrs. Robinson in tow tonight, so it's probably best you skip this party, Miss Hamilton," the voice on the phone explained.

Harper plastered a fake smile and replied, "Oh, Mrs. Robinson is tagging along... Well, I wasn't exactly excited about going anyway."

"Got it," the voice replied, then hung up.

Harper stared at her phone, her lip caught between her teeth, as her roomies exchanged quizzical looks behind her.

"Harper, did your boyfriend just cancel on you?" one of them asked.

Another chimed in, "Isn't this the big international party? I thought he set it up to introduce you to those fancy foreign bigwigs."

Sensing the doubtful glares behind her, Harper shrugged and tried to play it cool, "Well, he's got a major client to entertain. I can't mess that up for him."

She then looked at the evening gown in her hands, a feeling of disappointment creeping in as she wondered, Logan has always disliked Layla. How could he suddenly do this...

Harper tightened her hold on the gown, silently vowing, I've been eagerly awaiting tonight's event. I can't let this setback ruin my night!

…

As the night crept in, Logan arranged for Leo to drop off a stunning black Findella-inspired evening gown for Layla.

Waiting downstairs, Logan watched as Layla gradually descended the stairs with elegance. Though he'd seen her in a burgundy gown, this new look caught him off guard. It was the first time he noticed just how stunning Layla was.

"I'm ready," Layla stated, her gaze meeting Logan's.

"Alright, I'll ask Leo to fetch the car," Logan replied with a nod.

However, she barely caught his words. As she swung open the door, she spotted Leo waiting outside.

Impressed, Leo couldn't resist complimenting, "Mrs. Robinson, you look stunning in that gown, even more so than Miss Hamilton."

Logan immediately shot him a sharp look at the mention of Harper.

Realizing his misstep, Leo promptly clammed up.

Unperturbed, Layla remarked as she settled into the car, "No worries."

Once Layla was inside, Logan leaned toward Leo and whispered, "Looks like your bonus for this month just went out the window."

Leo felt a pang of injustice but stayed silent, knowing he had crossed a line.

As they reached the club, Logan assisted Layla out of the car, earning approving glances from bystanders.

One of them asked, "Who's the lady with Mr. Robinson?"

"I think she's Mrs. Robinson," another replied.

Another chimed in, "Huh, I haven't seen Mr. and Mrs. Robinson at events together before. Well, they do make a good-looking pair."

…

As they strolled, Logan held Layla's hand, and though she wanted to retract it, the scrutinizing gazes of the bystanders made her reconsider.

Scanning the crowd, Layla spotted familiar faces from her past.

Logan held significant sway in the business world, evident by his attendance at such a major international event filled with industry-leading entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and real estate tycoons.

Thinking back, Layla had gone to great lengths to master finance to impress Logan. Yet, it proved futile in the end.

Amidst the chatter, the abrupt sound of shattering glass grabbed everyone's attention. An old gardener had inadvertently knocked over a vase of roses, prompting a sharp rebuke from the club manager.

"Who let this old guy in here? Kick him out!" the club manager barked.

"Wait a second," Layla interjected, stepping forward to gather the fallen roses. As she did, she noticed that they were carefully trimmed, thorns removed, and of a rare variety.

"Mrs. Robinson, this old guy broke Mr. Thomson's roses for everyone and caused a bit of a stir. I'll have him escorted out," the club manager explained firmly.

Trying to keep things chill, Layla advised, "Since it was an accident, can you ask him to get a new vase?"

She then proposed, "Since Old Mr. Thomson brought these roses, it'd be a waste not to enjoy them. Why don't we let all the ladies take one as a token of his gesture?"

Everyone nodded in agreement, and the club manager also subtly gestured to the old gardener to distribute the roses.

Approaching Layla, Logan whispered, "I didn't expect you to be the one to spice things up."

Layla shrugged and replied, "I'm just trying to give Old Mr. Thomson some credit."

Meanwhile, outside the club, Harper hopped out of a cab, clad in a sleek black evening gown.

As she stepped onto the sidewalk, she caught sight of the curious glances coming her way. Shrugging off the attention, Harper was dead set on getting into the club.

The security guard gave her a quick once-over and asked, "Got an invite, miss?"

Caught off guard, Harper realized she hadn't even thought about needing one. This was new territory for her, as she'd always entered with Logan in the past.

"Miss, no entry without an invite," the security guard stated firmly.

"I'm here with Mr. Robinson," Harper lied.

The guard narrowed his eyes skeptically and asked, "Mr. and Mrs. Robinson are already inside. You are?"

Feeling the weight of everyone's stares, Harper flushed. Before she could utter a word, Leo, who had been lingering nearby, stepped in and stated, "Sir, she's with our group."

With Leo's intervention, the security guard eventually permitted Harper to enter.

As she made her way into the club, she felt a sense of relief wash over her, only to be met with Leo's curious gaze.

Leo asked, "Miss Hamilton, what brings you here?"

Harper explained hesitantly, "I... I wanted to break out of my shell. Mr. Robinson always says I'm too reserved. Since I'll be heading abroad soon, I thought trying out events like this would be good. Leo, can you sneak me in?"

Leo hesitated, considering her request.

Harper continued, "My goal is to complete my studies promptly and return to helping Mr. Robinson. Last time, Mrs. Robinson blew ten billion on that land deal, which was probably a bust. She's not exactly a finance whiz, you know? With all the big shots here tonight, I'm worried she won't measure up next to Mr. Robinson."

Leo finally gave in, thinking Mrs. Robinson isn't really savvy with finance. That's why Harper has always been Mr. Robinson's go-to. Her finance skills totally blow him away.

Harper cheerfully entered the club, catching sight of Logan deep in conversation with a foreigner.

Then she bumped into an old man in her haste, causing water to splash onto her gown.

Responding on impulse, Harper blurted out, "Hey, watch it! Are you blind?" Her expression shifted abruptly as she glanced down at her now-damp gown.