Fortunately, Laila had the wisdom of two lifetimes and enough experience to not be intimidated by such words. However, those examples made her realize it was better to hire someone less capable but loyal, rather than someone like Mr. Quentin, who had both ambition and ability.
Of course, she knew she was being a bit paranoid. Given her mother's relationship with him, he was unlikely to pull off a dramatic "tragic romance" story where he not only took her heart but also her wealth. Her mother had already dealt with one bad man, and it would be too cruel for her to encounter another.
Still, there was always the fear of "what if." Laila didn't believe she could outmaneuver Mr. Quentin if he ever decided to make a move. So, following her grandfather's advice, she thought it best to keep him out of her company. Collaborating was fine since contracts were closely monitored by lawyers. In a world where money often dictated justice, her biggest fear wasn't legal battles.
Mr. Quentin, ever the devoted husband, left his office in New York as soon as he got a call from his wife.
Laila couldn't help but applaud his quick response. A man who cared for his wife like that was smart, for they would have a happy family.
When Quentin arrived and heard the reason he'd been called over, he looked at his wife's indignant expression and was at a loss for words. This wasn't a situation he could step into easily. Oswald had made it clear that he was grooming Laila to become the next head of the company. The work she was doing now was part of that training and a test of her capabilities. How could he get involved?
"Janet, if Oswald is assigning these tasks to Laila, he must have a reason. We should respect his decision."
But Janet, now in full-on protective mother mode, wouldn't hear any of it. "Dad may have his reasons, but look at how exhausted Laila is! Do you still think his decision is right?"
In Janet's mind, the most vivid memory of her daughter was the times she had almost been taken by death as a child. Even though Laila had recovered and achieved so much, in Janet's heart, she was still fragile. She constantly feared that one wrong move would send her back to a hospital. A company could always find another CEO, but a mother only had one daughter. If something happened to her, Janet would lose the will to live.
She held Laila tightly, as if letting go would cause her daughter to disappear.
Laila could feel the warmth of her mother's concern, and it filled her heart with gratitude.
"Mom, I'm fine. It's just that my company has a big project right now, and everything's piling up at once, so I've had less time to rest. I promise, starting today, I'll rest whenever I have the chance. How about that?"
"No!" Janet rejected her outright. "I don't care what else happens, but your health is non-negotiable!" She turned to Quentin, "Are you going to do something about this or not?"
Quentin smiled bitterly. What could he do? He couldn't do anything.
If he interfered in Moran Group's business, both Oswald and Laila would surely start viewing him as a threat. He knew people like them well—they were the type who thrived on holding absolute power. They wouldn't tolerate anyone they perceived as a potential rival.
"Janet, listen to me..."
"I don't want to hear it!" Janet cut him off. "You always say you'll listen to me, that you'll do whatever I want. But when it matters, you back out!"
"..." How was this the same? He was worried about being misunderstood by his father-in-law! Quentin couldn't help but feel a bit bitter.
Janet, ignoring him, scanned the room and suddenly pointed dramatically. "You! You go help Laila!"
Roy, after checking to see if anyone was behind him, pointed to himself, unsure. "Me?"
"Yes, you! Go help, Laila!"
Roy's expression stiffened. "What can I help with? I don't know anything about running a company." Did she forget he was an actor? Was she asking him to sit in the CEO's chair and play the role of an executive to intimidate others?
"Why can't you help? Do you not love her anymore?" Janet glared at him with eyes that seemed to accuse him of being a heartless man.
Roy was left speechless. What did that have to do with anything?
"I've never done this kind of work before. What if I make a mistake with the numbers? I'd just be adding to her problems. Do you think I'm like her, being great at everything?"
"You're right. My Laila is one of a kind." Janet was once again convinced, swayed by his words.
"..." Everyone else present was at a loss for words.
No one dared suggest that switching between careers was easy, but somehow, for Laila, it was a normal thing. Just look at her achievements in other fields. Whether it was scriptwriting, directing, advertising, or photography, everything she touched turned into success. Even the few songs she wrote casually became some of the biggest hits of the year, and people still listened to them on repeat.
With accomplishments like that, who could doubt her?
Many lamented the fact that she focused solely on film. If she had entered another field, she would surely have excelled just as brilliantly. But then again, considering she had already reached the pinnacle of the film industry, it was understandable.
Laila was like a "game-breaking" character, designed to dominate everything and stand at the top. Ordinary people were better off not comparing themselves to her, or they'd risk losing their motivation.
"So what now? I still don't believe Laila will rest." Janet knew her daughter too well. Once Laila got into her work, it was like she entered a different world, one that nothing could pull her out of.
Laila cleared her throat awkwardly, "I've already promised to manage my time better and make sure I get enough rest during work hours!"
"Really?" Janet gave her a skeptical look.
Laila elbowed Roy, "You don't believe me? Ask him."
Roy nodded, playing along, "I believe she'll find time to rest during work hours." But before Laila could flash him a grateful smile, he added, "Though I also believe she'll find time to sneak in some script reading during her breaks."