Chapter 14 Is Layla Out of Her Mind
Today was Layla’s university entrance exam day.
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Inside the CEO’s office at the Robinson Group, Logan glanced at the time on his computer and asked, “Has Layla gone to her exam this morning?”
“Mrs. Robinson left early this morning. She should be inside the examination hall by now.
Logan nodded. “Have you notified the dean?”
“Yes, but
“But what?” Logan prompted.
The dean mentioned that since Mrs. Robinson is attempting the postgraduate entrance exam this time, there’s no need to intervene since she is unlikely to pass.”
Postgraduate entrance exam?” Logan had initially presumed that Layla wouldn’t even pass the freshmen admissions exam. He wondered, is she out of her mind? She even attempts the postgraduate entrance exam. Then, he casually remarked, “Just leave her be” He figured if she wanted to make a fool of herself, she was welcome to do so
Meanwhile, Layla had arrived at the examination hall. She was the youngest there, and the examiners couldn’t help but give her a second glance.
Several prominent figures in the finance industry in their thirties were among the candidates. She noticed a few familiar faces on television, which solidified the university’s esteemed reputation in financial education.
At that moment, Harper deliberately loitered in the campus corridor. She knew that the freshmen admissions exams were scheduled in that building. However, she couldn’t see Layla as she passed by several examination halls
Harper contemplated whether Layla had chosen to skip the exams upon realizing their difficulty. The prospect brought Harper a sense of relief, as it would potentially reduce a significant amount of stress for her.
“Harper, what are you doing here?” Crystal entered the building and saw Harper loitering on the first floor.
Harper said, “I was about to go to Building Two. Let’s go together
“Actually, Building Two is being used as an examination hall today. Our class is in Building Three,” Crystal informed her.
“Really?” Harper checked her phone and confirmed that Building Two was indeed designated for the postgraduate exam that day.
However, with only a handful of graduate students admitted each year, Harper was the sole junior preparing for the postgraduate exam. But she would have to wait until the following year to sit for it.
Crystal suggested. “Shall we go take a look? I heard this year’s questions are tough. It might be good practice for you.
“Okay.” With little happening in today’s classes, Harper knew she could rely on Amy for attendance.
“Let’s go then!” Crystal pulled Harper toward Building Two.
Harper couldn’t overlook Crystal’s underlying motives. Visiting Building Two to review this year’s postgraduate exam questions was merely a pretext. Crystal’s true aim was to seek out a wealthy spouse
Given the affluent backgrounds of most university students, it was evident that she had a specific goal in mind. After all, many fmance postgraduate program students were already successful professionals in the industry.
As they walked, Crystal was getting excited and said, “I heard Mr. Baxter is here as well. There’s likely a crowd gathering to catch a glimpse of him. We should hurry, or we might miss out.”
Harper couldn’t help but feel intrigued.
The Baxter family was Hastin’s biggest banking enterprise. Despite maintaining a low profile, whispers suggested their wealth
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Chapter 14 Is Layla Out of Her Mind
could single–handedly rebuild the city.
Crystal scanned the surroundings eagerly before suddenly exclaiming. “This must be the room!”
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Harper followed her gaze and observed a cluster of people gathered outside the examination hall and peering inside.
“Make way! Make way!” Crystal tugged Harper along.
As they peered through the examination hall window, Harper was stunned to see Layla seated at the front. Bewildered, she questioned how Layla could be there.
The commotion at the door caught the attention of the invigilators inside. One of them scolded, “Which faculty do you belong to? Don’t you know this is an exam hall? Stay away!”
The surrounding students dispersed quickly, but Crystal was undeterred. She grabbed Harper and said, “Sir, we’re third–year students preparing for postgraduate entrance exams. We wanted to obtain a copy of this year’s exam paper for study.”
Upon seeing Harper, the invigilator’s demeanor softened slightly. He knew Logan had sponsored her, so he readily handed. her a copy of the exam paper.
When Harper looked at the questions on the paper, she was shocked.
“What a pity we didn’t catch a glimpse of Ashton, Crystal lamented and lowered her head in disappointment. She glanced at Harper, who was frowning. “What’s wrong?” she asked.
Harper shook her head. This year’s exam was tough. I’m not confident about my result if I had taken it.” She realized this also meant Layla wouldn’t have fared well either.
Harper felt relieved that Logan had advised her against taking the exam this year. She knew he must have anticipated its difficulty. The thought of his concern for her brought a smug smile to her face.
Inside the examination hall, Layla diligently scribbled away as time ticked by.
Suddenly, a disturbance erupted outside. The door burst open loudly as two bodyguards dragged in a man with red hair. They pinned him to a seat and restrained him.
Layla couldn’t shake off a sense of familiarity upon seeing him. If her memory served her right, he was Ashton Baxter, the second scion of the Baxter family.
In her previous life, he had gained a reputation for being cynical and having a bad temper despite possessing sharp business. acumen. Before her demise, she recalled him assuming control of the family business from his ailing elder brother. She knew that beneath his wild facade, he possessed genuine skills.
“I’m not writing anything!” Ashton’s deep voice shattered the silence of the examination hall
Layla couldn’t help but notice a difference in him from the ruthless man she remembered. However, she quickly realized he was still the same spoiled rich kid everyone knew,
Who could have predicted that this man would rise to become a top businessman, rivaling even Logan, in just a few years?
She couldn’t help but watch him a bit longer. But when he noticed and glanced at her, she quickly looked away. Unfortunately, his seat was right next to hers.
Throughout the exam, Ashton didn’t write a single word. Layla felt a sense of relief because she knew that she would pass regardless of what happened.
As soon as she exited the examination hall, someone yanked her back by the collar.
“Hey!”
He pinned her against the wall. She was face–to–face with a man whose gaze was sharp and indifferent, like that of an eagle. His muscular frame hinted at a regular workout routine.
“I don’t know you.” She tried to stay calm since he could knock her
rout with one punch.
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Chapter 14 Is Layla Out of Her Mind
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“Why did you intentionally answer the last question incorrectly?” His penetrating gaze seemed to penetrate her thoughts.
Layla’s breath hitched upon hearing that. She had indeed purposefully answered the last question incorrectly, but only after calculating that she would still score above the passing mark. She didn’t want to attract attention or arouse suspicion from Logan by performing too well. Yet, she couldn’t help but wonder how Ashton had found out.
“Did you cheat by looking at my paper?” she accused, “It’s against the rules to peek at others‘ exams. You’re cheating.”
He found her amusing. So, he leaned in closer and said in a raspy voice, “I turned in a blank sheet”
Layla wasn’t intimidated. She lifted her head and said, “You turned in a blank sheet? Does that mean you didn’t know any of
the answers?”
Ashton frowned
“If you didn’t answer a single question, how do you know I got the last one wrong?” she challenged. “Look, your way of hitting on girls is unique, but I’m not interested in guys who can’t perform academically. Goodbye. With that, she slipped out from under his arm.
Ashton couldn’t suppress a laugh. Me, hitting on her? I can’t excel academically? he pondered.
The bodyguard standing outside the hall reminded him, “Mr. Ashton, Mr. Baxter expects you to go home immediately after
the exam.
Ashton whistled in response. He was initially not interested in enrolling at Athena University, but now he found it intriguing. “Inform him I’ll be enrolling here,” he said.
The bodyguard was taken aback, questioning if he had heard correctly. Hadn’t he vehemently opposed the idea of enrolling here!
That evening. Layla stepped into the Robinson Residence to find the lights aglow in the living room. Keena sat stern–faced on the couch, with Logan reading the newspaper beside her.
Layla greeted her with a smile. “Oh, Mrs. Robinson, you should have informed me of your arrival. I would have asked Maria to prepare something.”
“If I hadn’t come, who knows what chaos would reign in this house,” Keena retorted sharply. She shot a glance at Logan, who mirrored her disapproval. “Why didn’t you inform me about your decision to take the entrance exam at Athena University?” she demanded.
“It was my decision. 1 wanted to expand my horizons,” Layla explained calmly.
Keena slammed her hand on the table and said loudly, “You’re our family’s matriarch and Logan’s wife. How could you. possibly consider taking exams after marriage? What sort of message does that send about our family? I’ve assured you previously that we would take care of you. Your actions bring shame upon us.”
Layla remained silent. Her thoughts drified to her previous life when she had pledged to Keena that she would only be Logan’s spouse.
“Grandma, she was just doing this for fun. There’s no need to be upset,” he said calmly and sipped his coffee. He had never entertained the idea of Layla passing the exam anyway.
Just then, his phone rang, and the caller ID showed that it was from the university administration.
