Chapter 48 - The Shock Discovery

Layla stood in the middle of Hardin’s luxurious living room, adjusting her sleek evening dress for what seemed like the hundredth time. She glanced at her watch, impatience growing with every second. The launch event was just around the corner, and Hardin still hadn’t come down from his room.

“Where is he?” she muttered under her breath, pacing slightly.

She walked to the bottom of the grand staircase and called out, “Hardin? Are you ready? We’re going to be late!”

There was no response.

Layla frowned, her heartbeat quickening with unease. Hardin was never the type to make people wait, especially not for something as important as his project launch. He should’ve been down by now, dressed to impress like always.

After a few moments of silence, she called his name again, louder this time. “Hardin?”

Still nothing.

A sinking feeling settled in her stomach. Layla’s mind raced with possibilities, but she quickly brushed them aside. He was probably just preoccupied, working on last-minute pr