Chapter 22

No matter what the Morrison family thought, Amelia wouldn't be swayed from finding a job.

With her grandmother's hospital bills piling up, the money from selling her jewelry would barely touch what she owed Wyatt. Working was the only option left.

But she didn't want Carlee to worry about her, so she quickly changed the subject. "What was up with that photo you sent me?"

Mentioning the photo set off a spark of anger in Carlee's eyes. "Jaxton isn't just sneaking around with Dayna. He's also involved with other women."

Amelia's calm stood in sharp contrast to Carlee's fury. Watching Carlee's anger bubble over, Amelia only shrugged and offered a laugh. "Don't waste your timne being angry at someone like him. He is not worth it."

Carlee had been angry for Amelia. Once she realized Amelia wasn't fazed by it, she cooled off. Then,catching sight of Amelia's shattered phone screen, curiosity got the better of her. "Don't tell me Dayna did this? She's really lost her mind, hasn't she?"

Thinking about Dayna's meltdown, Amelia said in a mocking tone, "She gives her whole heart to Jaxton,but who knows if he even appreciates it? She even accused me of fabricating the photo."

Carlee gave a resigned shake of her head. "That girl's hopelessly obsessed, and nothing's going to fix it."

At the hospital.

Dayna had put on a show of confidence for Amelia, insisting Jaxton's love for her was unwavering.

However, in truth, the sight of that photo had sent her heart tumbling into chaos.

Amelia's blow had dislocated Dayna's hand; her hand looked swollen and clumsy beneath fresh bandages. Pain shot through Dayna every time she tried to grip her phone, sweat beading across her forehead.

Using her good hand, she dialed Jaxton's number.

The call went unanswered, and a heavy chill settled in Dayna's chest.

Could Jaxton havereally betrayed her?

Was that photo real?

The questions gnawed at her until she could barely think straight.

Desperation took over. Dayna called Jaxton over and over, not stopping until he finally picked up

Her frustration boiled over the moment she heard his voice.

She said, "Where have you been? Why haven't you been answering my calls? Are you with another woman right now?"

Shock spread across Jaxton's face as Dayna's accusations rang through the phone.

For as long as he could remember, Dayna had been nothing but gentle. Never before had she erupted with such anger.

After storming away from the hospital, Jaxton had assumed Amelia would come chasing after him with apologies. When she didn't, annoyance gnawed at him.

To distract himself, he wandered into a bar, chasing pleasure with a stranger. Only then did the edge of his irritation dull.

Even though he knew he was in the wrong, Dayna's tone irked him. "Are you interrogating me?"

That impatient bite in his tone was all it took for Dayna's bravado to fade.

Experience had taught her what he liked-submissive, gentle women.

Thinking about this, Dayna dialed down her anger and let her voice tremble. "Jaxton, please don't be upset.I'm not angry at you, just worried. You wouldn't answer my calls, and Amelia hurt my hand. It's really painful. Could you please come see me at the hospital? I need you..."

Just then, the bathroom door opened, and a woman with wet hair and seductive eyes walked toward Jaxton.

Noticing he was on the phone, Layla Palmer paused for amoment, then smiled and wound her arms around him silently. Her fingertips traced slow patterns at his waist.

Desire stirred inside Jaxton at her touch, but then, Dayna's quivering voice reached his ears. He caught Layla's hand and shot her a silent warning, then said to the phone, "Don't cry. I'll come by the hospital to visit you later."

Dayna, soothed by his promise, stopped sobbing.

Once the call ended, Jaxton turned his full attention to Layla, pulling her close and losing himself in the heat of their passion. The room was soon filled with their tangled moans.

Afterward, Jaxton got up from the bed.

Reclining against the headboard, Layla watched him. When he spoke, his voice was cold and direct. "You know the rules. Take the pill now."

Forcing a smile, Layla replied, "Of course, Mr. Morrison."

With Jaxton's eyes on her, she fished out a bottle of pills from her bag and swallowed one.

Her cooperation brought a brief look of approval from Jaxton. He fished a check out of his pocket and tossed it to her.

Taking the one-million check, Layla remained composed, but inwardly,she was ecstatic.

This much money would take her years to earn, but now, she had it from just one night with Jaxton.

As Jaxton gathered his things to leave, Layla moved fast, slipping her arms around his waist. "Mr. Morrison,don't forget about me."

He found her boldness both amusing and appealing. A playful squeeze at her chest drew a sharp gasp, and he grinned. "Wait for me to call you,Layla." She let go of him with a satisfied smile and saw him off.

After Jaxton got inside the elevator, Layla dashed back inside the room, locked herself in the bathroom, and leaned over the toilet, forcing herself to vomit up the pilI she had just swallowed.