Chapter 153

“Layla, what’s going on this time? Why have you started rambling again? Sit up and eat your dinner like

a lady,” Owen intervened angrily.

“Right, Layla. Don’t kick up a fuss. If you’re interested in the earrings, I’ll just get them for you. Why

would you buy a second–hand item? It’s not like we can’t

afford new ones,” Susan remarked.

a un to v

Layla couldn’t find Henry’s detestable action to her parents, so she brushed it off. “It’s nothing.”

Sage then said, “Aunt Susan, I sold off the earrings because I thought they were ugly. Layla thought

they were unique though, so she bought them for her research and study. She didn’t know that I was

the seller.”

Susan seemed convinced by Sage’s account and even looked proud of Layla. She said, “Layla might

not be the best in academics, but she’s talented in design. I’m proud that she’s willing to invest her time

in it!”

“I agree,” Sage replied. “Aunt Susan, why don’t you consider sending Layla to the famous art and

design schools in Padova City for two years since she’s interested in design?”

“She’s a young lady. I don’t want her to be alone in a foreign land. There’s no one to take care of her if

something happens.” Susan turned down the idea without

hesitation.

“Layla is an adult. She’s capable of taking care of herself. Besides, she can always. fly home if she’s

homesick. Traveling is pretty convenient nowadays. If you and Uncle Owen miss her, you can always

visit her abroad,” Sage suggested.

She tried to appeal to Susan. “Layla will not only learn some real skills abroad but she’ll be regarded

highly as a graduate when she comes home.”

“Well, everyone is already holding her in high regard because she’s a Joyner!”

“Mom, I like the schools in Padova City. They offer two–year programs. How about sending me there

for two years?” Layla tried to persuade her mom.

However, Susan was a tough nut to crack. She was adamant about the difficulties of studying abroad

and was worried.

lan casually offered, “I have some friends in Padova City. Aunt Susan, I can introduce Layla to them if

need be.”

Layla’s eyes lit up upon hearing that. She had always wanted to study abroad, but Susan had always

been staunchly against the idea. She never expected Sage and Ian to plead with Susan on her behalf.

So, she took Susan’s hand and begged, “Mom, Ian’s friends must be trustworthy. Why don’t you give it

some thought?”

Susan didn’t want to go against Ian in public, so she smiled and replied vaguely, Sure, I’ll get your help

if I need it.”

Layla’s eyes were filled with disappointment because she knew Susan had made up her mind, but

simply didn’t want to tell Ian no.

Sage noticed Layla’s disappointment. It appeared that Layla was eager to go abroad, but she could not

get Susan’s approval. Sage decided to stop persuading Susan, lest she raise Susan’s suspicion.

The revolving restaurant served delicious seafood dishes. Sage ate and ate until she nearly burst. In

contrast, Layla, who had been eager and cheery, looked like she had lost her appetite. She simply

played with her food.

When Sage was nearly done with dinner, she made a trip to the restroom. When she exited her cubicle,

she ran into Layla, who was touching up her makeup in

front of the mirror.

re you

Layla confronted her when she noticed Sage in the toilet. “What cooking up? Why did you try to

convince my mom into sending me abroad?”

Layla had always suspected that Sage had ill intentions. From a young age, she had been

brainwashed by Susan into thinking that Sage would fight her over everything. She even believed that

Dinlad disliked her because of Sage.

After a while, she started harboring resentment toward Sage. Moreover, she hated Sage for outshining

her in everything. All she wanted was to one–up Sage

for once.

Sage laughed at Layla’s accusation. “Why do I need to plot against you when Grandpa is so fond of

me? Besides, your presence doesn’t even matter even if I were plotting something. It’s not like you

know anything about business or hold any influence in Maven Corporation.” e

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