Love On Ice: Don’t Leave Me, My Charming Liar

Chapter 219: Candy continued, "She seemed like she was ready to cause a scene. I didn't want to disturb you, and frankly, I don't think she deserves to barge into your life like this. You've worked hard to take control of your own life, and I wasn't about to let her undo that." For a moment, Nyla simply stared at Candy, processing her words. Memories surfaced-back when her studio was barely surviving, how she'd juggled everything alone. Candy had returned from abroad around that time, facing her own struggles, and Nyla had helped her settle in.

When Candy chose to work at the studio, Nyla couldn't offer her much-a modest salary compared to what Candy could have earned elsewhere. Yet, Candy stayed, loyal and unwavering, helping the studio grow into what it was now. Nyla softened, smiling at her friend. "Thank you, Candy. You did the right thing." Candy looked away awkwardly, her bravado fading. "I thought so too," she muttered. Nyla chuckled, the tension easing. But she underestimated Vicki's persistence. That evening, Nyla stayed late at work, determined to finish a project before heading home.

Ethan had an international conference and wouldn't come to pick her up until much later, so she took advantage of the quiet studio. When the last of her team left, Nyla remained behind, engrossed in her tasks. She had just walked to the water dispenser to refill her cup when she saw Vicki standing in the doorway, her face twisted with anger. Nyla barely flinched. She calmly continued filling her cup. "What do you want?" . Vicki didn't answer. She stormed forward, raising her hand, and slapped Nyla hard across the face. The sharp sound echoed in the empty studio.

The water cup slipped from Nyla's hands, shattering on the floor. A vivid red mark bloomed on her pale cheek as she instinctively covered her face. Vicki's hand hovered mid-air, trembling. "Do you have any idea what you've done?" Vicki's voice was venomous, her anger unchecked. "How could you steal Callie's future husband? How could you get involved with Ethan? Do you even know who he is? The entire Brooks family is terrified of him! Are you trying to ruin yourself?

After everything I've done to pay off our debts, this is how you repay me-by doing something so shameless?" Nyla's shoulders tensed, but she said nothing. Her gaze remained fixed on the floor, her breathing uneven as she fought to keep her emotions in check. Vicki's voice grew louder, her words more cutting. "Do you know what people are saying about you? About me? You've destroyed your reputation-and mine along with it! How could you be so selfish?" Nyla finally snapped, her voice sharp and full of pent-up rage. "Reputation?

Now you care about reputation?" She stepped closer, her eyes blazing. "Where was that concern when people called me names, accused me of seducing men? Where was your defense when I was humiliated?" . . .