Chapter 57

Leyla couldn't wait any longer. She had to see Hector. With so many women admiring him, a few days apar felt dangerous. What if his feelings shifted?

Without wasting time, she found Davin's number, cleared her throat, and dialed.

The call connected swiftly, and a low, weathered voice came through, "Hello, who is this?"

"Hello, this is Leyla Murray," She introduced herself quickly.

Davin might not have saved her number, but he remembered her."Oh,I remember you-the young lady who won the oil painting competition."

Leyla blinked in mild surprise."Yes, that's me. You still remnember me?"

"Of course. Your piece was very creative, blending elements from different countries into one canvas. I still recall it clearly.So,what can I do for you?"

Leyla got straight to the point, asking if he could get her an invitation.

Davin said. "I'd planned to take two students with me, but they're heading abroad for an exhibition.Since you're interested, I'll give you the extra invitations."

Leyla's face lit up. "I really appreciate it! I can come to your place right away."

"Alright, I'll text you my address and wait for you. By the way, there's a competition at this éxhibition. It'd be great if you could take part," he added.

Leyla's smile faltered. Original works had never been her strength-her imagination just wasn't enough. But she knew if she refused, Davin might not hand over the invitations at all. So she swallowed her reluctance and agreed.

But instead of heading to Davin's immediately, Leyla made a detour to the Murray estate. Luckily, Eliana wasn't home to meddle-only Damon and Carl were there.

Stella had gone with Sawyer to thank Miguel in person.

The Clarkes had been gracious with gifts at the banquet, and Stella wanted to show that her family was wvilling to let the past rest. She'd even brought gifts with her today. In their world, more friends were always better than more enemies.

Leyla keyed in the familiar code and strode into the living room.

Carl was making coffee for Damon. The moment his eyes landed on her, his expression soured."What are you doing here again? We made it clear a few days ago-this place isn't yours anymore."

Leyla's gaze swept over the two of them. "Relax, I'm not here to claim the place. I'm here to take what's mine."

Carl snorted, "And what here belongs to you?"

"My room still has plenty of my clothes. Autumn's coming-I need them," she said.

"Your clothes? Those were bought with our family fortune! I'd rather burn them than let you take them," Carl snapped.

Leyla's face hardened. "I don't have time to argue. Those clothes were bought with money I earned over the years. You have no right to touch them."

"You-" Carl started forward, furious.

Just then, Damon's voice cut in from his wheelchair. "Let her take them. I don't want any of her stupid things left in this house."

Leyla frowned.

In the past, Damon had been kind to her. But ever since Eliana arrived, even he had changed. His indifference now only confirmed what she already suspected-she'd been nothing but a stand-in for Eliana.

Not that it mattered anymore. She'd never wanted their affection. She turned to Carl. "You heard him. He agrees."

"Then take your things and go," Damon said flatly. "Don't show up here again."

Carl's voice was equally cold. "Did you hear him? Take your stuff and leave."

Leyla shot them both a cutting glare. Fools-short-sighted and snobbish.

Once she married Hector, she'd make sure they regretted every word.

She didn't waste time arguing. She went upstairs-not to her own room, but to Carl's. The walls were lined with his paintings.

She didn't take any, but she took pictures of each one before leaving.

Then she headed to her own room, packed a few clothes, and dragged her suitcase downstairs.

Carl blocked her way, glancing at it suspiciously. "Everything in there yours?"

Leyla popped it open. Inside were only her clothes.

"See for yourself. Want me to pull each piece out for inspection?" she said, chin tilted high.

Carl's brow furrowed. He had the nagging sense she was up to something, but the suitcase checked out.

Reluctantly, he stepped aside. "Take it-and get lost."

Leyla shut the suitcase, walked a few steps, then looked back."You might feel smug now, but when your money runs dry, you'll come crawling to me. And when that day comes, you'll cry and apologize for what you said today."

Carl scoffed. "We'd rather starve than beg you. And you'd better hold on to Hector. He might decide to leave you one day, and then you'll be the one left crying."

"There's no need for your concern. Hector and I are doing just fine. When we marry, I'll send you an invitation," she sneered.

Damon didn't even blink. "Don't bother. None of us will attend." Leyla's face darkened. That stung more than Carl's barbs.

Then an idea came to her. Her lips curved slightly."1got Brenda's engagement invitation yestero:d yoi get yours,Damon?"

Damon's expression froze, and the color drained from his face, leaving him pale.

Leyla's satisfaction bloomed. Knowing Damon so well, she knew Brenda's engagement would hit him hard.

"If you didn't, I can give you mine," she said sweetly. "Even if you can't be with her, seeing her happy should make you happy too,right?"

Damon's chest tightened painfully.

Before he could answer, Carl snatched up a feather duster and swung it at her."You wretched woman,get out!"

The blow landed on her arm, leaving an angry red mark on her skin. Her eyes blazed. "How dare you hit me?"

"Why not? Now get out!" Carl barked.

He raised the duster again, but Leyla, having made her point, decided she'd had enough. She spun on her heel and stormed out, suitcase wheels rattling behind her.