Reclaiming the CEO's Heart

Chapter 185 Confrontations and Concealed Alliances

Randy positioned himself protectively in front of Avery. "Avy, don't look."

Carl, on the other hand, cursed loudly, "I take back what I said about him being a man. Betraying his own wife, he's nothing but scum. Avy, don't look at that kind of trash, or you'll jinx yourself."

Avery's heart ached for a moment. Even though Jacob kept her close, holding her in his arms night after night, it couldn't change the fact that he was going to marry Layla.

Layla, eager to solidify her status, flaunted her affection with Jacob, thus appearing frequently in public spaces.

She hadn't expected to encounter Avery there, but in front of Avery, she clung tightly to Jacob's arm, using this way to assert her victory.

This method, though simple, was very effective.

Jacob watched Avery walk away with the kids to Zone B, and he pulled his arm away from Layla.

Jacob used to be polite to her, but now, he wouldn't even bother with basic courtesies.

Layla's face, heavily made up, twisted with distaste as she lowered her voice. "Are you going to see that wretch again? Jacob, don't forget. I am your fiancée now!" Jacob looked down indifferently at Layla's desperate actions. He had once cared about family ties and their childhood acquaintance.

Apart from being obedient to Layla, he had always treated her with respect.

Having seen Layla's true nature, he found even a second glance at her repulsive.

"You want me to put on an act for you, and I've done it," Jacob replied coldly, devoid of any pity in his eyes.

"Now everyone thinks we're a loving couple."

As she watched Jacob's retreating figure, Layla's face was contorted with rage, her chest roiling with towering hatred.

She had a bad feeling that this man's hatred for Avery was diminishing, turning into love instead.

She had struggled so hard to get to where she was today. If things continued this way, she would definitely lose Jacob for good.

Layla, burning with rage, stepped aside and dialed a mysterious number. A gender-ambiguous voice came through. "I've considered your previous proposal, and I agree.' "Miss White is a smart woman," the voice said, amused.

"What do you want me to do?"

"It means Miss White will have to suffer a bit."

"As long as it makes Jacob change his heart, I can bear some suffering." Layla's eyes were filled with hate. "This time, I want her completely defeated!"

"As you wish, Miss White," the ambiguous voice said with a chilling laugh.

"

...

The lighting elongated Avery's shadow, casting her in a solitary and lonesome silhouette.

Until her body unexpectedly collided into someone's embrace, Avery looked up to meet Jacob's deep gaze.

They were in a blind spot of surveillance, unnoticed by anyone.

Avery calmly stepped away, her voice indifferent. "Jacob, you shouldn't have come. If someone takes a photo, you'll have to spend money on PR again."

She was clearly looking out for him, and the emotion in her eyes was so muted that it seemed almost indifferent, preventing Jacob from sensing any care she might have for him.

He suddenly realized that compared to the calm Avery now, he missed the jealous Avery of the past.

"Is that what you care about?" Jacob's voice was noticeably cold.

Avery puzzled. "A good lover's standard is to be obedient and not trouble their employer."

Jacob's hand tightened on her shoulder, and he scoffed, "Lover? You do have self-awareness."

Avery's heart still couldn't help but feel a momentary sting.

"What else? You're going to be engaged to Miss White. What did they call this situation in ancient times? A concubine? I don't even qualify for that. Nowadays, there are many names for it: the other woman, mistress, lover. Which do you prefer, Jacob?"