Chapter 11
In the CEO’s Office at Allen Group, Issac slammed the file onto the desk. “What are you doing? You can’t even handle this little thing?”
Mya, almost in tears, quickly apologized. “Sorry, Mr. Allen, Ms. Phillips used to handle this. During the handover, I didn’t pay attention…
Issac slammed his hand on the desk. “Get out. Is everything just Ms. Phillips‘ fault? Can’t you do your job without her? If that’s the case, leave. You’re just in the way.”
“Yes, Mr. Allen.” Mya ran out crying. This was the third time she’d been scolded today. ‘How did Ms. Phillips put up with this before?” Mya thought.
“Oh no, you got yelled at again. Everyone looked at Mya with sympathy. More and more people had been getting yelled at lately, and everyone was walking on eggshells.
“Waah, Mr. Allen is so scary,” Mya cried.
In the office, Issac tugged impatiently at his tic. He thought, ‘What kind of people has HR hired? They couldn’t even handle something this small.
He then cursed Lia inwardly. “Lia, that troublemaker. Ever since she left, everything had been falling apart. But he didn’t believe his work and life would be affected by her absence.
It was just a bit of an adjustment. Eventually, things would go back to normal, or so he thought.
He was sure Lia wouldn’t last long. Layla needed surgery, and with no money, Lia would come crawling back to him. When that time came, he’d show her the consequences of leaving in a huff.
In the park, Lia was enjoying some rare downtime, reading a book under a tree.
She’d always loved reading but never had the time. Her time had never been her own; she was always on call, 24/7.
Her phone rang. Seeing the familiar number, Lia quickly picked up.
Over the past few days, she had gotten a few calls from him. Shed gone from feeling uneasy to now being more relaxed. Coby usually called when he had something to talk about.
“Coby,” she said.
The way she said his name made him smile slightly. “Lia, where are you?”
She looked up at the sky and answered, “In the park.”
“What are you doing in the park?” asked Coby.
“I’m bored, just passing the time, she said.
She had actually planned to be with Layla, but her plans got messed up. Not knowing what to do, she ended up finding a park to sit and enjoy some quiet.
“If you’re bored, come with me to this place,” He twirled the pen in his hand, speaking casually.
“Huh?” Lia was confused.
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The pen dropped onto the table. Coby asked, “Do you have plank tonight?”
“No.” Layla told her not to go to the hospital tonight because Olive was there.
“Which park? I’ll pick you up Coby said.
“No, I’ll go on my own, replied Lia.
“Which park?” He asked again.
Lia finally gave in and said, “Evergreen Park.
“Stay there and don’t move. I’ll see you in 30 minutes. He grabbed his coat and headed out.
“Be careful on the way,” Lia said, staying put to wait for him.
“Mr. Ford, are you leaving?” Just then, Owen walked in holding a stack of documents.
“Put it on the table, Cancel the rest of the schedule,” ordered Coby.
“Got it. Mr. Ford” Owen watched Coby rush out, confused. What’s going on with Mr. Ford? Skipping work? Mr. Ford, who’s always working overtime, is skipping work? Wijo would believe that?
Back when Owen was in the overseas department, he worked as Coby’s assistant. It was exhausting, nearly killing him.
Now that they were back in the country, Coby was trying a more humane approach. The workload here was much lighter than abroad, but still more than other companies.
Now the boss is skipping work–does that mean I can too? Nah, better just stick to work and avoid the risk. No overtime is good enough for me, thought Owen.
Lia was sitting on the grass in Evergreen Park, focused on her book. The sunlight filtered through the trees, and a halo of light surrounded her.
She used to be like that, always quietly doing her own thing.
Footsteps got closer, and Lia turned her head.
Coby walked toward her, hands behind his back. He smiled like he was a completely different person from the cold and distant man Lia had seen earlier.
She quickly stood up and greeted, “Coby, you are here.”
“Reading?” He looked her over.
“Yeah, just browsing Lia put the book in her bag and walked over to him. “Where are we going?”
Coby looked at her outfit and said, “To buy clothes.
“Why?” Lia was confused.
Coby said, “There’s a banquet, and I want you to come with me
“Okay, what kind of banquet is it? Do I need to prepare anything asked Lin
Π
When Lia worked at Allen Group, she would attend banquets, but she always stayed on the sidelines, usually helping Issac’s date with makeup and styling
“It’s Mr. Reid’s golden wedding anniversary at Hanny Group, explained Coby.
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Lia’s expression froze for a second. Golden anniversaries were for couples to attend, so as to celebrate their love. Is it really okay for me to go she thought.
“Mr. F. Coby, I’m not sure it’s appropriate for me to attend Lia had never been to a banquet like this, and she was worried she’d embarrass him
He put his arm around her waist and whispered, “As my girlfriend”
Lia looked at him in surprise. “But it feels like
Robbie Reid from Hamy Group was a big deal in Brighton, and there’d be tons of important people there. If he brought her, it could cause misunderstandings.
He squeezed her waist gently. “Lia, who else do you think I should bring? Or should I just not go?”
She hesitated, murmuring. “You should bring your girlfriend
He smiled, but his tone turned icy. Then who are you?”
“1. Lia lowered her head–unsure of how to respond.
He gently lifted her chin and locked eyes with her. ‘I don’t keep mistresses.”
Even Lia, as slow as she was, understood what he meant. “Got it
“Do you think you’re right for this?” He ran his hand through her shiny hair.
Lia clicked her tongue and said what was on her mind. “Coby, you’re making it too easy for people to misunderstand.”
“Misunderstand what? That you’re my girlfriend? Or that we have some secret thing going on? Or maybe that you’re my kept woman?” asked Coby
Lia swallowed nervously. It felt like he was telling everyone she was his girlfriend
Then she thought about it–he didn’t have a girlfriend, and since he needed a date for the golden anniversary, that was probably why he brought her. There was no deeper meaning
“Okay.” Lia nodded.
“So, no more questions?” asked Coby.
“No.” Lia shook her head, not sure how to argue.
Coby said, “Let’s go.”
Lia looked at their hands still clasped together, then at his back. She felt something unfamiliar rising inside her.
The car stopped in front of a luxury store, G&Q Lia had been here before, but always with Issae’s dates. She never thought Coby would bring her today.
“What’s on your mind?” Coby opened the car door, watching her as she seemed lost in thought.
Lia smiled lightly. Nothing
He naturally reached out his hand. “We are supposed to be a couple. If you’re not even comfortable holding hands, how’s anyone going to believe us?”
“Got it I’ll keep that in mind: Lia hesitated, then placed her hand in his.
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She gripped his hand back, their fingers laced tightly, looking like a couple who was completely at ease with each other.
“Mr. Ford. The manager came out immediately to greet them.
Sofia Knight gave a quick glance at the woman beside Coby. She was surprised but didn’t show it.
Sofia ordered “Let the designer pick something out for her.”
“Sure, replied the assistant.
Chloe was one of the most well–known stylists at G&Q, right after Molly. She’d styled many celebrities and socialites.
Lia had worked with her before, usually bringing Issac’s dates along.
Long time no see, Lia” Chloe admired Lia a lot because she had a great figure. She even invited Lia once to model for a magazine. But Lia had politely declined, thinking about maintaining her image at Allen Group.
“Chloe, thanks for helping out Lia smiled politely,
Chloe worked with highekkiety, and news traveled fast in her circle. Everyone was talking about the Ford and Allen families in Brighton
If Issac had brought Lia. Chloe wouldn’t have been surprised.
But now, it was Coby from Ford Group personally bringing her. Their relationship was definitely not simple.
After all, Coby had only just returned to the country. There were plenty of socialites eyeing him, trying to get close. And Coby was famously uninterested in women. No wonder Chloe was trying to get in his good books.
“Lia, are you working with Mr. Ford now? Chloe casually asked in the changing room.
“Yes” Lia knew what Chloe was thinking. Since Coby didn’t care. Lia could safely say so.
Chloe said, “No wonder Ms. Andrews was with Mr. Allen that day
Seeing that Lia wasn’t talking much, she wisely decided not to ask more.
The high–society world was tricky. People whispered that even though Lia had some tricks, she still couldn’t hold onto Issac, or else Issac would not play the field all the time.
But now, Lia was with Coby, the heir to Ford Group, who was way more popular with socialites.
She’d made it into Ford Group on her own merits. She was clearly capable, and the important part was that Coby had no rumors of being with women, He was seen as pure and uninterested in romance, but everyone had been wrong about him. Lia quietly listened. How many women Issac had been with wash her concern. She didn’t want to know.
“Lia… oh, no, I misspoke.” Chloe slapped her mouth in a quick gesture and hurriedly corrected herself. “Ms. Phillips, your skin is beautiful.”
Thanks replied Lia.
Chloe noticed the faint red mark just under Lia’s neck and collarbone but stayed silent. In her mind, though, she thought, Such obvious show of affection.
Chloe kept showering Lia with compliments, but Läa wasn’t surprised. Everyone was trying to get something out of this. That was how things worked everywhere.
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Meanwhile, Coby, sitting nearby, was flipping through a magazine when his phone rang. He glanced at the screen before answering “What’s up!”
“I heard you’re going to Mr. Reid’s golden amiversary? When Remy first heard this, he thought he’d misheard.
He thought, Coby, a single guy, going to a golden anniversary? How funny!
“Yes,” Coby answered casually.
ar
“Who are you going with? You can’t go alone to a golden anniversary, right? Asked Remy.
Even though Remy was adoctor at VitalCare Medical, he was acally the heir to the Walker Group. VitalCare Medical was just one of their hospitals, and only a few people knew about his true identity.
You really think I’d go by myself?” asked Coby.
“Well, that’s impossible. But the real question is, who are you bringing? Is it that woman you mentioned last time?” asked Remy
Since Remy didn’t have a girlfriend, he wouldn’t usually be invited to these kinds of events. Plus, his identity made it awkward for him to attend.
“Mind your own business. I’m hanging up, said Coby,
And just like that, the call was cut off. Remy looked at his phone Did this guy really start dating someone? A miracle happened?‘ he thought.
Not long after, the curtain to the door was pulled open.
“Mr. Ford. Ms. Phillips is ready, Chloe said, excited.
Lia slowly walked out
The off–white gown with butterfly details highlighted her graceful figure, and her long hair flowed elegantly. Her hands naturally crossed in front of her, giving off a gentle, graceful vibe.
It was delicately unforgettable.
“Mr. Ford, what do you think?” Chloe had instantly chosen this gown because it matched Lia’s temperament perfectly. Normally, Chloe was very confident, but she felt awkward seeing that Coby didn’t show any reaction.
“Mr. Ford?” Chloe asked, embarrassed.
She couldn’t afford to upset Coby; she depended on him for her job,
Coby snapped out of it and cleared his throat. “Hmm? What’s up
“Do you think this outfit works?” Lia lowered her head slightly, feeling nervous.
She wasn’t used to wearing gowns–she mostly wore business or casual clothes–and she wondered if he’d think it was inappropriate.
“Do you like it?” he asked, turning the question back to her instead of answering.
Everyone’s eyes were on her. Lia stiffened and tried to hold a smile. If Mr. Ford thinks it’s good, then it’s fine.”
Chloe said, “Ms. Phillips has such a serene and calm aura. This gown was designed to combine elegance and stillness, and it complements her perfectly.”
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She didn’t hold back the praise. Aside from all the other factors, he truly thought it was a perfect match.
This one’s fine,” Coby agreed.
“Yes” Chloe sighed with relief. Everyone knew how picky Coby was, and if he approved, it was a big deal.
Coby slowly walked over to 1ia and put his arm around her slim waist,
Lia froze and looked around nervously, but everyone else acted like they didn’t notice and looked away.
He smiled, leaning down to whisper in her ear, his voice salt. “You look beautiful