Replaced by His First Love, I Found a Better Match

Chapter 5

Meanwhile, Layla carried her computer halfway across Bayhaven before finally finding a top-tier data-recovery shop.

20 minutes later, she had the repaired computer and safely backed up her intact paper to encrypted cloud storage.

With the crisis over, another sharp stab of stomach pain hit her. Only then did Layla realize she had barely eaten all day again.

The thought of returning to that cold, miserable house killed any desire to go home. She grabbed a quick meal at a nearby restaurant, then settled into a 24-hour coffee shop and began revising her paper.

By the time midnight approached, Layla still hadn't returned to the master bedroom.

She carried her computer straight into the study, locked the door, and kept coding until dawn.

In the master bedroom, Gavin waited until late at night. When he noticed the study light was still on, he went over and knocked—but no one answered. Irritated, he kicked the door, then stormed off and slept in another room.

The next morning, Layla woke refreshed and stretched. After getting ready, she entered the walk-in closet to choose an outfit. She was meeting Blake today and needed something professional. Dressed in a light-colored suit that looked polished without being severe, she went downstairs. The same cheerful family of three sat around the breakfast table. Layla pulled out a chair and sat down—and the laughter immediately died.

Sabrina put on a troubled expression. "Ms. Bennett, yesterday was my fault. I should've kept a closer eye on Milo—he's still young. He doesn't understand what he's doing."

"It was your fault," Layla replied evenly.

'Sabrina wants to put on a show? Fine. I'll give her one.'

"Layla!" Gavin frowned, a warning threaded through his voice.

Layla glanced at him without interest. "My property was damaged—you don't get to decide how I should feel about it."

"You..." Gavin choked on his response, his handsome face darkening.

'The fourth time!' In just 2 days, this was the fourth time Layla had openly contradicted him in front of other people!

Gavin stared at her elegant profile, momentarily dazed. Something about her had changed. It wasn't merely that she had developed a temper—even the air around her felt different. He just couldn't say how.

Layla had no interest in spending more time with the happy family of three. She finished breakfast quickly, rinsed her mouth, grabbed her bag, and strode out. By the time Gavin reacted, all he saw was her figure crossing the yard.

Only then did he realize what else was different about her today. 'Why is she dressed for the office?'

Sabrina read his expression and voiced the question for him. "Is Ms. Bennett going out to look for work?"

She pressed her lips together. "I've heard it's difficult to find a job these days. Gavin, why don't you help Ms. Bennett and bring her into Weston Group?"

Gavin pinched the bridge of his nose. "Weston Group has extremely high hiring standards. Layla hasn't worked since graduation. With a 3-year gap on her resume, we'd never hire her."

Besides, he didn't believe Layla seriously intended to find a job. She couldn't live without the Weston family, much less without him.

It was getting late, and Gavin needed to leave for work. He reached for the tie on the couch—but Sabrina rose onto her toes and knotted it for him with a bright smile.

After a moment of silence, Gavin said, "It looks nice, but I'll handle it from now on."

Disappointment flickered in Sabrina's eyes, but she quickly recovered and smiled. "Gavin, I'm grateful you took Milo and me in, but I feel terrible living here without contributing. Why don't you let me help you with something? I could put my professional skills to work for you."

Gavin hesitated. Sabrina bit her lip. "Do you think I'm not capable enough?"

"Of course not." Gavin smiled. "You're nothing like Layla. I know you won first place in several programming competitions in college, and you worked overseas afterward. You're far more accomplished than she is."

"Then hire me. I'll work for free. I don't need to be paid!"

Gavin recalled that the Sinclair family was preparing to expand into Bayhaven. Weston Group's senior executives were eager to secure a partnership with them. If the deal succeeded, the company would be swamped. It made sense to recruit more talent in advance.

With that in mind, he nodded. "All right. I'll have HR contact you later. But you won't be working for free. You'll receive the full salary and benefits for the position."

Sabrina curved her lips. "Thank you, Gavin."

Upstairs, Layla's bedroom door stood slightly open. Hidden in the shadows, she heard every word of "You're far more accomplished than she is."

Her fingers tightened unconsciously around the doorframe, her nails leaving five pale marks in the solid wood. She wanted the divorce finalized even sooner.