Chapter 48 Mark Pattinson Was Going to be Engaged

The next day, Lyla woke up, took her breakfast, and got ready to work. She took a look at the newspaper to check yesterday’s news but found not a hair out of place. “Mummy, save the hassle. It’s vanished from the internet too!” Hansel said, feeling that his well-planned arrangement was futile. Lyla frowned. “You did it?” Hansel shook his head. “Definitely not me!” He hurriedly cleared his name. If anything, he wished the world knew about his mommy and daddy’s affairs. How could he be the one to wipe out those rumors! Lyla recalled her conversation with Mark Pattinson from the day before. He could be the main culprit. Otherwise, who else would have the power to suppress the rumors overnight. Lyla tossed the newspaper aside. She was relieved as there would be less trouble for her! After she packed her things up, she went to work. Today, the atmosphere in the company was different than usual. Without the rumors, Lyla felt as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. When she entered the office, she went through the gossip before starting to work. At that moment, Kathleen came in with a smile on her face. When she walked past Lyla, she peeped at her from the sideways, with a cold smile arched across her lips. “Ms. Lowe, I really have to thank you this time!” As soon as she had finished her words, she stared at her with rage. Then, she turned her body and walked into her office with a triumphant grin. Lyla frowned. Was she out of her mind? Thank her? Why thank her? Lyla was at a loss. What a jerk! Lily glanced at her, then pouted as she said, “That despicable harlot got the upper hand!” Lyla raised her eyebrow. “What’d happened to her? What did she mean?” “Don’t you know?” Lily was astonished. “What to know about?” Lyla frowned again. “She’s going to be engaged with Mr. Pattinson!” Lily said. Upon hearing Lily’s words, Lyla was startled. Her heart sank. “She’s only getting engaged and not actually getting married after all. Such a smug face!” Lily pouted. Lyla smiled and did not make any response. Lily looked at her. “Lyla, you should rise up and take her down! Claim Mr. Pattinson to be yours lest that bastard keeps showing off!” Lily said. Lyla was speechless. She was speaking in the same manner as Gretel. Has she really been eliminated from the game?! Lyla smiled. “It's fine. Mr. Pattinson doesn’t suit me. Let him sully the others!” Lyla said jokingly. “Unlikely. You’re beautiful, capable, and attractive. Not many women could impress Mr. Pattinson, he will settle down if he meets one!” Lily said. “It’s a myth as well as a joke to say that Mr. Pattinson will ever settle down!” …… Lily grinned. She had never thought herself to be that accurate. After Lily left, Lyla remained in her seat. She had a strange feeling. There was a legendary tale in Alpine city. Mark Pattinson would be a great lover, but never a good husband! He could realize every woman’s dreams, and had everything except trust and faith. As such, Lyla believed that even though Mark Pattinson was engaged with Kathleen, he would still be as flirtatious. Lyla would never allow Mark Pattinson to cross her boundary. All she wanted was true love! She did not bother to claim him to be hers despite being a successful man or even the father of her two darlings! Undeniably, her heart was moved whenever she was with Mark Pattinson. She admired his charismatic working style. Nonetheless, the moment she heard about the news, that feeling was gone instantly. At that moment, Lyla’s mobile phone rang. After reading the number, she answered the call. “Hi, Arden!” Lyla exclaimed with a smile. “Lyla, are you busy now?” The call was from Arden. “Yes, I’m at work now!” “Will you be free in the afternoon? Let’s have lunch together!” Arden said. Lyla thought about it for a moment. Then, she agreed, since she was not occupied during the afternoon. “Alright!” “Good, I’ll fetch you after work!” “Mhm!” The short conversation had derailed Lyla’s thoughts. After she hung up her phone, she focused on her work. Within the blink of an eye, it was already afternoon. After the blueprint was placed neatly, Lyla greeted Lily and walked downstairs. While Lyla was waiting at the entrance, her phone rang again. “Hi, Arden… I’m almost reaching the entrance!” Lyla said “I’m sorry, Lyla. I’m afraid I may be late by a few minutes due to traffic congestion!” Arden said apologetically. “Oh, that’s fine!” Lyla smiled. “Mhm, wait for me, I’ll be right there in a moment!” “Alright!” The phone was hung up and Lyla walked to the entrance door. It was peak hour now, as such, the traffic in the city was slightly congested. Lyla stood at the company’s entrance. At that moment, Mark Pattinson stopped his car in front of the entrance. He frowned when he saw Lyla. “Where are you going?” Mark Pattinson asked as he looked at Lyla. Should she not be in the staff canteen taking her meal at this hour? Why was she here? Lyla smiled at Mark Pattinson without returning his gaze. “Lunch!” “Lunch? Should she not be eating in the staff canteen? Before Mark Pattinson managed to reply to her, Kathleen had turned up. “Mark….” She exclaimed. Her expression changed when she saw Lyla standing beside her. She held her tongue, hurried over, and boarded the car swiftly. She then kissed Mark Pattinson on his cheek. Mark Pattinson was stunned. But, he remained silent. They knew that Kathleen did that on purpose before Lyla. Little did she know, Lyla never even thought of her as her opponent. “Where are we heading for lunch?” Kathleen asked with a smile. “Anywhere will do!” Mark Pattinson gave a lukewarm response. “Let’s go to our usual place then!” Mark Pattinson nodded, yet his gaze fell on Lyla who was standing on the stairway. He grumbled in his heart. “Hmph!” At that moment, Kathleen turned her head over and looked at Lyla. “Do you want to join us, Ms. Lowe?” She showed a proud look. “It’s fine. I have a date!” Lyla replied placidly. That look had upset her. Just then, Arden’s car parked right in front of Lyla. Arden walked down from the car. He was dressed in formal attire. He looked gentle, polite, handsome, and behaved like a gentleman. He walked over to Lyla and said gently, “I’m sorry for keeping you waiting!” Lyla smiled at him. “It’s fine. I’ve just arrived too!” “Let’s depart!” “Mhm!” Lyla smiled. Then she boarded Arden’s car and never looked back. Watching Lyla boarded Arden’s car, Mark Pattinson showed a grim and deep expression. Kathleen had never thought her date was Arden. She recalled when they had lunch together for the first time. This would do her fine as long as she was not interested in Mark Pattinson. She turned her head and glanced at Mark Pattinson. “Looks like Lyla is not a simple-minded woman after all!” Mark Pattinson turned his head and looked at Kathleen, she fell silent. “Let’s go for lunch!” ^^^^^^^^^^^^ Inside an elegant dining hall. Arden looked at Lyla as he helped her with the dishes. “Lyla, take more. You look thin!” Arden said softly. Lyla smiled. “Thank you, Arden!” She savored every bite of the food slowly. Arden watched her. His gaze was soft and gentle. Nevertheless, he frowned as he thought of yesterday’s newspaper. “Lyla….” Arden said hesitantly. Lyla looked at Arden. Despite not having seen each other for many years, he had earned her respect. There was a time Arden took care of her when her family was in deep waters. “Just say it out, Arden,” Lyla said without any hesitation. Arden thought for a while. “I read the newspaper regarding your affairs with Mark Pattinson. Is it true?” Lyla was taken aback. She had never expected Arden to have knowledge of the news. She shook her head instantly. “No!” She said affirmatively. Unexpectedly, Arden believed her. “I’ve never thought a dance party with Mr. Pattinson would spark such ridiculous rumour!” Lyla said calmly, “I heard that Kathleen is going to be engaged to Mark Pattinson. As such, how could that affair be true!” Lyla did not realize her smile was bitter. Arden smiled as if he had breathed a sigh of relief. “I knew it!” “Mhm? I beg your pardon?” Lyla did not hear clearly. Arden looked at her and smiled. “Nothing!” Lyla did not ask further. At that moment, Arden’s phone rang. Arden glanced at Lyla, then he picked up the call. “Hi, Mr. Pattinson….” “What’s the matter?” “Where are you now? I’m at the airport!” “You don’t have to pick me up. I’ll go back on my own. I’m having lunch now!” Arden then hung up his phone. Lyla heard their conversation very clearly. “Arden, did you just come back from overseas?” She asked in surprise. Arden nodded. He did not deny it. “Yes!” “Didn’t you go back?” Lyla asked again. “Mhm!” Arden nodded. The moment he read the newspaper on the airplane, he could not help but drive his car to meet with her as soon as he got off the plane. There was no time spare for him to even drive back there! …… Lyla fell silent. She felt strange. She thought that she might find out something if only she digged further. Arden smiled while looking at Lyla. When the right time came, he would surely grab the opportunity. “I felt hungry after getting off the plane. Therefore, I thought of asking you out for lunch and only returning later!” Arden explained himself. Lyla nodded and smiled. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ After lunch, Arden offered to send Lyla back. Initially, she rejected his kindness, but Arden had insisted. So, Lyla gave in to him. Before she got out of the car, Lyla looked at him. “Arden, do take a good rest!” “Mhm!” Arden nodded. Lyla got out of the car and was about to leave. Just then, Arden shouted her name. “Lyla!” “Mhm?” Lyla looked back. Arden looked at her, then waved to her. Lyla frowned, and walked over to him. “ Is there anything else, Arden?” With the flipping of her long, thick eyelashes, she looked alluring.