Layla Hamilton, sole heir to the wealthy Hamilton family, lost her mother young. Her father's subsequent immersion in work strained their relationship. Seeking that remembered happiness, Layla joined Kaleido Stage, rising to become its top performer. She won the Circus Festival performing the Golden Phoenix act with partner Yuri Killian. Before Sora Naegino's arrival, Layla maintained a cold, perfectionist demeanor, rejecting newcomers.

Layla initially dismissed Sora for tardiness and criticized her early performances. Witnessing Sora's determination and near-success with the Golden Phoenix prompted Layla's reconsideration. Their relationship shifted during "Arabian Nights" when Kalos partnered them. Despite resistance, Layla accepted Sora after an audition highlighting Sora's diabolo skills. Intensive training, including cohabitation to synchronize movements, fostered mutual respect. During a storm at sea, Layla confided her past to Sora, acknowledging Sora's ability to change hearts.

Layla defended Kaleido Stage against Yuri's attempts to dismantle it. She secretly performed as the Masked Star to support Sora's troupe, Freedom Lights, until Yuri publicly revealed her identity, worsening tensions with her father. Layla later declined film acting, choosing Kaleido Stage believing she and Sora could achieve a "perfect show." They trained for the dangerous Legendary Great Maneuver to save Kaleido Stage, but Layla concealed a shoulder injury sustained during weight loss. The successful performance aggravated the injury, forcing her retirement from aerial acrobatics.

In "Legend of Phoenix: Layla Hamilton Story," preparing for a Broadway "Phoenix" performance left Layla feeling incomplete. A solo bicycle journey through New York prompted reflection on her childhood and Sora's influence. Realizing Sora inspired her rebirth, she returned and performed successfully. During "New Wings," Layla invited Sora to perform in her Broadway show "Salome In Vegas," noting Sora's diminished passion. She later visited Kaleido Stage to recruit for the Circus Festival, hoping Sora would take her place.

In "Good da yo! Goood!!," Layla participated in a cooking segment with Sora and May Wong. She admitted lacking cooking experience due to relying on her maid and expressed nervousness using a kitchen knife. Layla calmly ate May's overly spicy mapo tofu while Sora reacted intensely.