Chapter 21
roup CEO’s office, Issac leaned on his chin with one hand, a slight furrow between his brows.
In the Allen Group
“Mr. Allen, Ford Group has taken our project. What should we do next?” Nate saw his boss was distracted and nervously
asked.
Issac immediately responded without thinking. “What does Lia think?
Nate said. “Mr. Allen, Ms. Phillips has already left.
She’d left several days ago, but their boss was still hung up on her
Nate had been with Issac for two years and understood their situation pretty well. Even he found Issac’s attitude towards Lia confusing.
“Has she not called back yet?” Issac knew she needed money for Layla’s surgery and figured she would eventually come back to ask him for help.
But now, so many days had passed, and there was still no word.
“No. Mr. Allen. Nate shook his head.
Issac snorted. “How long can she hold out? She’ll come back begging me eventually.”
He was conflicted. He found her annoying when she was around, but now that she was gone, he felt like something was missing.
He had to admit, he had gotten used to her care. Whether it was waking him up in the morning or handling his relationships, Lia always knew the right balance.
Issac knew Lia’s weaknesses. After all these years, for the sake of her life and Layla, she would definitely come back asking for help. At the thought of this, his frustration vanished.
Issac said. “Coby is going against me? He’s not qualified yet. I’ll handle the cooperation negotiations myself.”
“Yes, Mr. Allen.”
In the garden at Ford Manor, Quinn, Molly, and Lia were leisurely chatting.
“Lia, don’t let Coby’s cold attitude fool you. He’s actually very warm on the inside. After all, he was her son, and Quinn knew
him well.
Lia said, “Mm, I know,”
In sex, he was completely different from his usual self.
If this had happened before, Lia wouldn’t have believed it. But now, she had to admit it.
Lia Theard you and my brother were high school classmates?” Molly asked, subtly finding out this important piece of Information.
“Yes, Lia nodded and admitted.
Quinn said, “I was wondering why this guy never had a girlfriend. Turns out, he’s been thinking about you for a long time.”
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Quinn had always found it strange that Coby, while overseas, has never dated anyone, always busy with work. But since returning to the country, he had brought a girl home and even taken her to a golden anniversary. It wasn’t hard to figure out he must have liked her for a while.
Lia felt a bit embarrassed. Quinn seemed to have a knack for making connections.
The reason their relationship had turned out this way was simply because they both had something to gain,
“He’s just like his father. He hides everything in his heart. If I hadn’t been the one to chase your dad, I might have ended up marrying someone else. Whenever Quinn talked about this, she would always complain about her husband.
Molly knew her mother had made the first move, but she didn’t really know the details. “Mom, tell me, so I can learn how to
chase someone.”
Quinn gave her daughter a light smack on the head. “Molly, do you have someone you like?”
Molly replied. “No, not yet. I’m just preparing for the future, you know.”
Plenty of men had chased after Molly, but she hadn’t yet met someone she truly liked.
“You little rascal, don’t learn from me. I only chased your dad because I knew he liked me. For us women, it’s best to find someone who loves you. If he doesn’t love you, the marriage will never be stable.” Quinn shared her thoughts on marriage.
I know, Mom. Now, please, tell me the story” Molly didn’t think too much about it; she believed in living in the moment and enjoying life.
For Lia, marriage was an unknown, even though she and Coby had already gotten their marriage license, the future was unpredictable.
Quinn said. “How did I chase him! It’s simple! I found a man to make him jealous.”
Since Bruce wasn’t willing to overstep and preferred to hide his love for her, she had no choice but to take action herself.
Quinn was beautiful, lively, and had many men chasing her, yet she couldn’t seem to notice any of them and only liked the one who kept circling around her every day.
At first, Bruce coldly ignored her advances and repeatedly rejected her.
Quinn wasn’t someone who gave up easily. She deliberately were on dates with other men and even acted a bit intimate. At first, Bruce could bear it, until…..
Molly and Lia listened intently, just as it was getting interesting. Quinn paused.
“Mom, until what?” Molly believed her mom could do anything
Quinn continued. “Until 1 was about to kiss someone else. Your dad couldn’t take it anymore. He grabbed me, ran into the room, and locked the door so I couldn’t leave.”
Furious. Quinn hit him, but Bruce didn’t budge, letting her vent her frustration.
“Wow, Mom, you’re so cool. Molly knew her dad couldn’t be provoked, especially not when it came to her mom.
Lia listened quietly As Quinn spoke of the past, the happiness on her face was obvious. It was truly wonderful when two people in love could be together.
The love between them was obvious.
“So when did Dad confess?” asked Molly.
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“He kissed me desperately but still wouldn’t admit that he liked me. Since he didn’t like me, I just got bolder and brought men home” Looking back, she realized she had been bold, but Quinn didn’t regret it. She didn’t know how else she could be sure of
s feelings.
Quinn added. “Your dad couldn’t take it anymore. He finally admitted it, and then went to your grandparents to ask for permission to marry me.
“Although we liked each other, our statuses didn’t match at the time. To marry me, he started his own business. Later, your grandparents found out, and it all turned out well.”
Dad always spoils Mom Molly could really feel it, and admired her parents‘ love. “So, Lia, when did my brother confess to
you?”
“Him” Uh. The question was suddenly directed at Lia, and she didn’t know how to answer.
Because there had been no confession, it was just business–related.
Seeing Lia’s silence, Molly started guessing. “Could it be that my brother kept in touch with you while he was abroad?”
Lia said, “No, we only reconnected after he came back to the country.
They just happened to run into each other on the street, and just when he wanted a woman.
If I hadn’t crossed paths with him, would he have gone to find a prostitute? The thought suddenly popped into
surprising her.
But he has a cleanliness obsession, so maybe not?‘ she thought.
“My brother was really fast. As soon as he got back, he confessed to Lia Molly was really impressed.
“Your brother was just taking the initiative. Quinn was very pleased. At least Coby was starting to act like her.
Lia’s mind,
Lia smiled awkwardly. They had misunderstood, but she didn’t dare to deny it, afraid of saying too much and making more mistakes. Maybe it was better this way.
At VitalCare Medical, Layla had changed her room, with no one else disturbing her. Plus, with Lin’s marriage, her health was in great condition these days.
The surgery was about to happen, and Layla smiled as she patted Lia’s hand.
Layla said, “Lia, don’t worry, no matter what the outcome is, I’m already satisfied seeing you get married.”
Lia held back her tears, smiling, “Grandma, the surgery will be successful.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of Lia,” Coby reassured Layla, sensing her concern.
Layla said, “Okay, cool.”
Not long after, Layla was wheeled into the operating room. Lia waited anxiously outside, with Coby staying by her side.
Coby said to her, “If you want to cry, just let it out.”
Those words allowed her to release the emotions shefad been holding back. “Since I was little, only Grandma really cared about me, worried about me… Lia cried softly in Coby’s arms.
“Don’t worry, your grandma will be fine. He gently caressed her back.
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Lia had always pretended to be strong, no matter how the Allen family mistreated her or how Issac humiliated her; she had always faced it calmly.
But Layla was the only one who had been there for her. She was really scared.
The surgery lasted from 10 AM until the afternoon.
When the lights in the operating room went out, and the doctor came out, Lia rushed over. “Dr. Walker, how is she?”
The surgery was a success. She just needs to rest and recuperate. The doctor’s words finally put Lia’s worried heart at ease.
She slumped her body, and thankfully, Coby was there to hold her in time.
You’re too tired. You should rest, Coby said softly,
“Coby. Grandma’s surgery was a success,” Lia said, still shocked by the news.
Yeah, it was successful,” he gently brushed her face with affection
“It was a success” Lia stop on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. Thank you,”
He raised an eyebrow and smiled.
Remy stared, wide–eyed, at Coby’s smile. It seemed so fake.
The change was just too huge to believe.
After the surgery, Layla was moved to a VIP room. Lia adjusted Layla’s blanket and stared at her sleeping peacefully.
Coby took her hand. “Go get some rest. I’ll stay here with her.
Lia’s eyes were bloodshot, and he couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy.
Lia looked up at him. “It’s okay, Coby. Thanks for staying with me. You should go rest”
He had set aside his work to stay with her, and Lia was really touched by that.
Tm not tired” Coby sat down beside her and wrapped an arm around her waist. “If you’re not resting, then let’s wait for Old Mrs. Phillips to wake up together.”
She shifted a little. “Won’t that be a waste of your time?”
Coby said, “Not at all. My parents would be happy if we spent more time together.”
Bruce had cut back on his work, thanks to Quinn’s suggestion. Coby didn’t mind at all–it gave him more time to relax.
Lia remembered what Quinn had said that morning and felt more at ease.
“Your mom and dad really have a great relationship, she sighed,
“What about us? Are we good, or not?” He teased her, his
Lia nodded. “Thank you
eyes curious.
He wouldn’t force her to do anything she didn’t want to; and he was so considerate–how could it not be good?
“Lia, what I want isn’t just a thank you,” Coby whispered in her ear with a soft sigh.
“What does he want? Lia blinked in surprise.
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“Ahem…” Layla coughed.
“Grandma’s awakel” she said, excited.
Coby swallowed the words he was about to say–now wasn’t the right time.
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After the surgery. Lia spent most of her time chatting with Layla to keep her company.
Layla said, “Lia. you don’t have to stay at the hospital with me. Go back and be with Coby.”
Lia had just gotten married, and now she was at the hospital every day–it made Layla feel guilty.
Lia said. “Grandma, he’s busy with work.
Lia was supposed to start her job on Monday, but Coby told her to stay with Layla, so he pushed back her start date by at
week
“I mean, you don’t have to stay here at night Cloe and the others can take care of me Layla knew Lia cared, but she didn’t want to keep them apart.
Lia blushed. Aside from when Coby came to visit Layla, they hadn’t had much time to talk face–to–face. She hadn’t been home in days
Layla said. “You just got married. Spending all your time here with me isn’t right.
“Grandma, I understand.” Coby didn’t say anything, but Lia should’ve realized it herself.
“Good. I’m fine now. You can go home tonight. Layla smiled and patted Lia’s hand. T’m also hoping for
great–grandchild
“Grandma. They had both taken precautions, which Lia insisted on, but only the two of them knew about it.
“I shouldn’t say too much. Let things happen naturally, right?” said Layla.
Just as they were talking, there was a knock at the door.
“Grandma, I’ll get the door.” Lia opened the door to find Bruce. Quinn, and Coby, along with several bodyguards carrying large bags.
Lia said, “Wow, you are here! Didn’t see it coming.”
“Lia, we came to visit Grandma. Why didn’t you tell us earlier?” Quinn walked over, smiling brightly.
She then said to Layla, “Dear Old Mrs. Phillips, apologies for coming so late. I’m Coby’s mom, Quinn Ford, and this is my husband, Bruce Ford. Thank you for raising such a wonderful La………..
Layla was taken aback by the sudden enthusiasm. “It’s nice of you to say so. Please sit down.”
“Quinn, Grandma needs some peace and quiet, Coby reminded her.
“Oh right, I forgot, Quinn said, a bit embarrassed.
When Bruce and Quinn arrived, the room immediately became lively.
The enthusiastic discussion between the two families was mostly led by Quinn.
Layla finally found out who Lia had married.
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The Ford family from Brighton was even more powerful than the Allen family.
That evening. Layla “forced” Lia back home, saying it was so they could spend some quality time together.
Lia and Coby returned to Skyview Villas.
While untying his tie, Lia said, “The gifts your parents gave i
jave us were way too much.
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Lia had planned to return the gifts from last time, but Coby told her, “They’re for you, so they’re yours.”
He gently touched her lips with his finger. “It’s their gesture of kindness. You and Old Mrs. Phillips should accept it.”
Lia said. “But they’ve even arranged for someone to take care of her…”
The Ford family wasn’t like the Allen family. She’d worked hard for Issac to repay past favors.
In the Ford family, Bruce, Quinn, Molly, and even Coby had all treated her really well. How could she ever pay them back?
Coby said. “If you can give Old Mrs. Phillips a better life, why not? Do you really want her to go back to her old house?”
“But you’re giving so much. Her efforts didn’t match the reward she was the one who was benefiting.
“All I care about is whether it’s worth it. I remember you saying that if you really like something, then it’s always worth it.” Coby said with a hidden meaning.
Lia didn’t know how to respond. “But don’t you think it’s too much?”
He picked her up and carried her to the sofa. “For me, it’s totally worth it. Why did Old Mrs. Phillips want you to come back:
Lia nervously fiddled with her hands and said quietly, “Grandma said she didn’t need me to take care of her.”
“Why doesn’t she need help?” Coby asked.
Seeing her blush, he smiled. “Even though we talk every day, Lia I still miss you. I just want to hold you and sleep beside
you
He had been alone for over twenty years, but now that he had Lia, he didn’t want to sleep alone anymore.
She looked down and met his intense gaze, quickly glancing away
“Avoiding me?” Coby laughed softly.
“No,” Lia shook her head and looked at him.
He nudged her cheek with his nose and spoke in a soft, teasing voice. “Lia, are you ready to sleep?”
“Yes.” Lia understood what he meant. They had developed an unspoken connection, though she wasn’t sure if it was a good or bad thing.
He carried her into the bathroom, undressed her, and took care of everything. By the time she thought about stopping him.
was too late.
Hours later, Lia had fallen asleep again, but this time, it was different.
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