Laila went on the trip, accompanied by Roy and a group of security guards provided by Oswald, boarding a private plane headed for Saudi Arabia.
The day before their departure, Jia Xiaoming once again climbed in through the window to discuss various details with her, repeatedly assuring her that he would not put her in a disadvantageous position and that her safety would not be at risk.
Even though he spoke reassuringly, Laila couldn't fully trust him. She felt a bit more secure after bringing her original bodyguards and those provided by her grandfather with her.
As she watched the clouds and cities passing beneath the wings of the plane, she sighed softly. This birthday could truly be considered the most somber one. She hoped she would live to see the next one.
"Laila," Roy knew she didn't like flying; her face always turned unpleasant when they landed. "Feeling unwell again?"
"I'm okay." With so much on her mind, she had forgotten about her fear of flying. Laila thought with a hint of optimism, maybe this trip would help her overcome her fear of airplanes.
Roy ordered a hot tea for her. "What's the real reason you came on this trip?"
If she told him she came all this way just for an appointment with Al Nadeem, he would never believe it. He knew how much she disliked that man's presence and how she tried to avoid him. Why would she eagerly run to meet him after receiving an invitation?
Laila hesitated for a moment and then said, "Actually, it's because Jia Xiaoming asked me for a favor." After some consideration, she decided to share part of the truth with him.
"Jia Xiaoming?" Roy only knew him as a makeup artist on set. Since when could a makeup artist summon their boss to embark on such a dangerous journey?
"He's not really a makeup artist," Laila explained. "He has a kind of special job, like a secret agent, I suppose." She had never asked him about his exact occupation, feeling that the less she knew, the better. Her conclusion was based on circumstantial evidence.
Even this revelation surprised Roy. He hadn't expected a scene that might appear in a movie to unfold right in front of him.
"Alright, so he's a secret agent. What's the connection to your trip here?" he asked.
Laila went on to explain what Jia Xiaoming had told her, only mentioning what she felt comfortable sharing. "I just need to have the plane land at the airport, and those people will find their way onto the plane themselves. Then, the plane will take them away."
Roy furrowed his brows. "Why are you involved in this? Do you really think you can take on a group of secret agents? Your safety is more important."
Laila couldn't reveal that she was doing this partly because of the favor she owed Jia Xiaoming, so she smiled and said, "It doesn't matter. I'm just expanding my business and helping out a little. You know, having people like them owe you a personal favor can be quite beneficial. You never know when you might need it."
Roy looked at her, feeling uneasy. They had already left the United States, and in a few more hours, they would reach their destination. He knew she wouldn't want to return now.
"Alright, but promise me you won't personally get involved. You're here for an appointment, nothing to do with secret agents, understand?"
"I got it," Laila reassured him with a smile. "Don't worry; everything will be fine. Don't forget that my grandfather also brought so many people with us. And this time, it's about saving lives. Those people are all unsung heroes, and they don't need to leave their lives in a place like this."
Roy couldn't help but reach out and touch her forehead with his finger. "Your life is the most precious, more precious than anyone else's. Please, don't do such things in the future."
People are inherently selfish. Those people had no connection to him; they hadn't appeared in his life when he needed help, and they hadn't extended a helping hand to a rascal like him. Only she had. So he only wanted her to live well!
Laila understood his concern and placed her hand on his hand. "I know. I won't do it again."
If it weren't for that favor she owed, she wouldn't have taken such a risk. But since she had promised, she would do her best.
With Roy's worries and Laila's reassurance, the plane finally landed at the airport in Saudi Arabia.
As soon as they disembarked, Prince Al Nadeem, dressed in a white robe, hurried towards her and was about to shake her hand with excitement. "Laila, I finally see you!"
However, his actions were unsuccessful this time, as Roy stood in front of Laila. On the other side, the indignant Faiza, the young lady, was also holding onto Al Nadeem's robe.
"What are you doing?" the prince yelled angrily. After finally having the chance to see Laila again, what did it mean for these people to come and disturb him like this?
Faiza also wanted to show her anger, but she knew that she couldn't be too disrespectful to "her man" in public. Otherwise, she might end up back with her very strict father.
"Your Royal Highness, Miss Moran already has a boyfriend. Your actions are quite disrespectful!" Faiza scolded him while shooting a glare toward the opposite party.
Laila rolled her eyes at the glare. That's why she didn't want to interact with Al Nadeem. One idiot and one lunatic - these two were truly made for each other.
"What does it matter if she has a boyfriend? You're an educated Western woman. Don't use such shallow perspectives to judge others, okay?" Al Nadeem didn't give her an ounce of respect. He pulled a dagger from the guard's waist and slashed it across the part of the clothing that she had touched, cutting it off...
This was like a scene where the tables were turned. Laila stared in shock at the drama unfolding, unable to even look at the face of the young lady who had just been humiliated. She knew it must be as dark as night.
"Laila, come with me. Let me take you to the place I've arranged for you to rest," Al Nadeem said, completely ignoring Roy as if he didn't exist, and tried to get closer to Laila again.
But this time, he still didn't succeed, once again being blocked by Roy.
"What do you mean by this?" The prince huffed in annoyance, glaring at Roy. He had never liked this young man from the very beginning. Not only was he slightly more handsome than him, but he had also dared to lay hands on him before, leading to his father severely reprimanding him and his bodyguards.
Now, he had not only become the boyfriend of "his woman," but he also repeatedly prevented him from interacting with "his woman"! Why wasn't he one of his subjects? Otherwise, he would certainly use corporal punishment to make him understand what royal dignity meant.