Chapter 24
Lia and her coworkers arrived at a restaurant. Several colleagues from the secretary department were already there.
“Owen said he’d be late due to something urgent and told us to start eating first. Susan waved her phone, showing a freshly received message. “But let’s wait a bit and just chat in the meantime
“Alright, let’s chat then. Lia. I heard you used to work at Allen Grup? Millie asked curiously.
Yes. Lia replied, not denying it
It wasn’t a secret–industries like theirs were interconnected.
Though Lia’s position at Allen Group hadn’t been high, the Allen and Ford Groups were both industry leaders. Given her role as a secretary, she was privy to a lot of key information. Logically, Ford Group should have been cautious about her.
“It’s a good thing you left early. I have a classmate at Allen Group, and she said the atmosphere at headquarters has been very tense recently, said Millie.
“Really? I wouldn’t know,” Lia said, maintaining her indifference
It had been a long time since she cared about Allen Group’s situation, and she had no intention of revisiting it.
“I heard the manager’s office has been particularly bad. Employees are being scolded to the point of tears every day- everyone’s on edge” Millie added.
Lia wasn’t surprised. Given Issac’s personality, it wasn’t unusual for him to make people cry.
Susan glanced at Phoebe. “Phoebe, that’s someone else’s company. Let’s not get into it.
Embarrassed, Phoebe quickly changed the subject. “Ms. Norton called again today.”
“Tll handle it,” Susan said decisively.
“Got it, Susan, Phoebe replied before turning her attention to Lia Lia, the company’s team–building event is next month. We’re allowed to bring our partners!”
Susan chimed in. “Lia, if you bring your spouse, their expenses will be reimbursed.”
Team–building? Bringing a partner? Lia hadn’t even thought about it and just gave a polite nod.
“Such a shame I don’t have a boyfriend yet.” Phoebe lamented,
“You still have a month to find one. Millie teased.
“It’s not that easy. I wonder where we’ll go this time. Do you think Mr. Ford will join us?” Phoebe asked.
“Mr. Ford? No way. You’re overthinking it. He’s way too busy for something like this,” Millie replied.
The group animatedly discussed the topic, while Lia occasionally answered with noncommittal remarks.
A little later, Owen arrived, slightly out of breath. “Sorry, traffic was terrible. Why didn’t you all start eating without me?”
“No worries, Owen, please sit down The group warmy welcomed him.
Though Lia had only been working for a day, she could already sense the positive atmosphere in the company. There was no infighting or hidden agendas, which was a stark contrast to Allen Group.
1/7
69%
18.31 Sat, Dec 14 G GO.
Chapter 24
Owen glanced at Lia and then announced. “Mr. Ford knows you’re having dinner together, so this meal is on him.”
“Wow, thank you. Mr. Ford!”
“Mr. Ford is so generous!”
“Thank you. Mr. Ford!”
With the bill taken care of, everyone enthusiastically expressed their gratitude.
“Don’t hold back, everyone. Order whatever you like.” Owen encouraged them.
Owen couldn’t help but feel envious. He could never eat while his boss was hungry.
Lia had sent Coby a message earlier that afternoon, letting him know about the dinner and that she’d be home late. She hadn’t expected him to pay for the meal.
Taking out her phone, she sent him a quick thank–you message.
The reply came almost instantly. [Enjoy.]
[Have you gone home yet? Have you eaten?] Lia asked.
[I’m outside, waiting for you.]
Outside? No wonder Owen had given her such a strange look when she arrived.
[Why don’t you come inside and join us?] Lia asked.
Sitting in his car, Coby smiled and replied. [My wife didn’t invite me.]
He even attached a sad emoji
Lia couldn’t help but stifle a laugh. Is he trying to act cute?”
In the afternoon, when she’d mentioned the dinner, Coby had asked why she hadn’t included him.
When she explained it was a department gathering, he seemed to have misunderstood.
[Do you want to come in?] Lia sent another
ler message.
[It’s fine. Just enjoy your meal] Coby replied.
Knowing he was sitting outside, hungry, and waiting for her, Lia lost her appetite.
“Lia, why aren’t you eating?” Phoebe said. She was clearly a food with no resistance to delicious food.
Tm fine, thanks. Don’t mind me, Lia replied,
“Lia, I’ve noticed you’ve been checking your phone constantly. Is something wrong? Susan asked, quickly noticing her
distraction.
Ms. Phillips, if you have something to take care of, feel free to go.” Owen said, with a knowing glance.
Though the boss hadn’t said he was waiting for anyone butside, was obvious to anyone with common sense that it was Lia.
“Yes, Lia, if you’re busy, don’t worry about us, Phoebe and Millie chimed in supportively.
Thank you. I do have something to handle. I’ll treat everyone next time. Lia apologized to the
group.
18:31 Sat, Dec 14
Chapter 21
“It’s no problem. Go ahead” they said, waving her off.
BK 69%
Meanwhile, Coby idly played with his phone, glancing now and then at the chat screen but finding no messages from her.
Lia stepped out of the restaurant and immediately spotted his car parked across the street.
In the driver’s seat, Lynn noticed her running over and quickly alerted him. “Sir, Ms. Phillips is coming out.”
Hearing this, Coby was about to step out of the car. But as he opened the door, he saw her jogging over, breathless yet smiling so brightly and warmly.
Lia slid into the car. He wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder, his gaze soft yet intense. “Why were you running so fast? Why didn’t you tell me you were coming out?”
“I figured you hadn’t eaten yet and must be hungry. Coby, let’s go eat,” Lia said.
You came out just to keep me company?” His tone lifted slightly in surprise.
Feeling his breath brush her cheek, Lia’s face turned red. “What do you feel like eating?”
“Whatever you want to eat,” he murmured near her ear, his voice both teasing and seductive. “Though there’s only one thing I really want to eat.”
His gaze traveled over her, his expression amused.
Lia had noticed that since they got their marriage certificate, he’d changed a lot. Reserved and restrained no longer described him.
In a restaurant private
room, Lia felt self–conscious under his watchful eyes.
“Is there something on my face?” she asked.
“Yes,” he replied.
His warm fingers brushed the corner of her lips. Her heart raced
She had seen couples in love doing this before. Did he realize how intimate this was!
“There you go,” he said.
“Thank you” she replied.
Embarrassed, Lia returned to eating her food, feeling like she was overthinking.
“Why aren’t you eating any vegetables? Don’t like them?” asked Coby.
“No, they’re good. Lia quickly picked up a piece of broccoli
“A balanced diet is important. Eat the steak as well,” said Coby.
“Thank you. You should pay attention to your diet as well,” Lia replied, “After all, you’re the busy one.”
The dishes were all urdered by Coby, but they happened to match her taste. She wondered if it was a coincidence or if they really had the sartie Laste,
After their meal, they didn’t head back right away. Instead, they took a stroll along the riverside.
Such a relaxed lifestyle was something Lia liad never dared to dream of before.
17
18:31 Sat, Dec 14
Chapter 24
The night breeze was cool, and the riverside was bustling with people taking walks.
Coby took her hand, interlocking their fingers.
Looking at their entwined hands, Lia wondered if they looked like a couple from an outsider’s perspective.
69%4
A few days later, an argument broke out at the Allen family villa
“Get out!” Issac screamed.
A servant stumbled out, terrified.
Moments later, Luna entered her son’s room. “Issac, do you know what time it is? Why aren’t you at work yet?”
Issac rolled over. “Mom, stop letting those annoying servants bother me.
Luna looked at the servants who were all shaking with fear.
Frustrated, she pulled the covers off him. “Issac, what’s wrong with you lately? You’ve been acting recklessly, and the company’s performance is a mess. Is it because Lia left? Have you lost focus? What happened to the promises you made to
“Her? That’s ridiculous!” Issac rubbed his hair in frustration. He refused to admit to himself that Lia was the reason,
Luna said, “If it’s not because of her, then prove it with results. You must secure the Floral Island project. It’s not just about proving your ability to your father; it’s also about showing the world that you’re better than Coby.”
The Floral Island project is a state–sponsored project aimed at transforming the entire island into a large–scale tourist destination. Ordinary companies didn’t have the capability, so the competition was mainly between the Ford and Allen families.
It was the first direct confrontation between the heirs of the two families, and everyone was eagerly waiting to see who would come out on top.
I know, Mom. Please leave. I need to change.” Issac complained
Luna left with a stern expression, wondering if sending Lia away had been the right decision.
Issac glanced around the room and smashed everything on the bedside table into pieces.
Lia had been with the Allen family since she was seven years old always by his side.
No matter how much he bossed her around, she obediently complied. Issac knew she liked him, but he couldn’t stand how mechanical and emotionless she was, following his mother’s orders like a robot.
Damn it! That woman hasn’t come begging for me. Does she really think I would go looking for her? Issac thought to himself.
On the other side, Lia was adapting quickly. Within just a few days, she had familiarized herself with Ford Group’s key board members, senior staff, and operations.
Susan had also returned to her position, with Lia fully taking over her responsibilities.
“Mr. Ford, here are the quarterly reports from all departments. a placed a stack of files on the desk.
Coby put down his pen and looked at Lia. “Ms. Phillips, you’re getting the hang of it.”
4/7
18:31 Sat, Dec 14 G G
Chapter 24
“Thanks to your guidance, Mr. Ford,” Lia replied.
Although
their workplace conversations were strictly business–related, at home, his help allowed her to adapt more quickly.
Coby patted his thigh, signaling her to sit on him.
Lia’s expression turned awkward, and she whispered, “Mr. Ford, we’re at the office.”
“Wait fo
for me after work,” said Coby,
“Alright.” Lia nodded.
Compared to the Allen Group. Lia’s workload at Ford Group was significantly lighter, as she no longer had to handle her superior’s personal errands, and Coby didn’t have any complicated personal issues.
He was scandal–free, with no suspicious women showing up at the office. He even got up earlier than her most days, sometimes needing to wake her up himself.
“What’s wrong with you two? You look so gloomy.” When Lia returned to the secretary’s department, she noticed Phoebe and Millie looking hesitant to say something.
“Lia, you’re here just in time. Ms. Norton called again,” said Phoebe.
“Ms. Norton?” asked Lia.
Millie explained “Yes, the heiress of Norton Group, Nancy Norton. She’s been trying to invite Mr. Ford to dinner.”
Nancy Norton was known for her exceptional status and also her beauty. Countless rich young men were interested in her.
She was notoriously arrogant, dismissive of most people, and only chose those she liked.
Lia remembered Issac chasing after her once. Lia had to deliver flowers on his behalf, only for them to be returned.
Issac had been so embarrassed that he blamed Lia, accusing her of deliberately choosing something tacky, which led to the. rejection
“Ms. Norton likes Mr. Ford?” asked Lia.
Lia had researched Nancy’s preferences before but hadn’t realized she liked him.
“Lia, don’t you know? Ever since Mr. Ford became General Manager, Ms. Norton has been calling frequently to schedule meetings with him, Millie said.
The Norton Group was a business partner, so whenever Nancy called, they had no choice but to answer it.
“But Mr. Ford only meets her during official business and has no private interactions. Still, Ms. Norton persists. She even said if she doesn’t get to see him this time, she’ll come directly to Ford Group. Lia, what should we do? Phoebe looked
anxious
Previously, Ms. Wiles had handled this, and they didn’t dare act without permission.
What’s Mr. Ford’s schedule like next?” Lia asked.
“He’s free from four to five thirty,” said Millie.
“T go ask him then, Lia replied.
Since Norton Group was a partner, Nancy’s demands–though excessive–required Coby’s decision. The matter was serious and had to be reported.
5/7
18:31
Sat, Dec 14
Chapter 24
“Understood, Ms. Phillips–Millie and Phoebe nodded.
Lia returned to the General Manager’s office, “Mr. Ford.”
The man’s smile was mesmerizing as he leaned in slightly. “You e unusually proactive today.”
With a nudge of his foot, the door clicked shut.
“Um. Mr. Ford, Ms. Norton called to ask about your availability. Lia reported.
It seemed he had misunderstood something.
“Ms. Norton Coby frowned slightly.
Yes. Ms. Nancy Norton, the daughter of Norton Group’s president,” Lia answered.
He crossed his arms with interest. “What do you think I should do?”
69%
“You’re asking me?” Lia lowered her head, feeling like she didn’t have the right to speak. “You can do whatever you want.” The smile on Coby’s face gradually faded. “You’re my wife. How generous of you to just let me date another woman!” Lia only wanted to keep it professional, but it was clear she had upset him.
She apologized. Tm sorry.”
I didn’t do much in bed lately because I thought you were too tired!” Coby complained.
“Uh..” Lia didn’t see that coming.
“And now, you’re actually trying to push me away?” Coby’s low voice was captivating but carried a hint of anger.
“No, Mr. Ford. I just.. Lia tried to explain.
Coby scooped her up and walked toward the sofa.
“Mr. Ford!” Lia tried to
push him
away, but it was futile.
Coby placed Lia on the sofa. Just as she tried to get up, he pressed her down, leaving her unable to move.
“I told you before I won’t cheat on you. Don’t you remember?” Coby asked.
“I’m sorry. I’ll call her right away!” Lia’s heart started racing.
His nose gently brushed against her sensitive neck. “If this happens again, I’ll have to punish you.”
Her body tensed, and she stammered, “What kind of punishmen
His lips brushed against her soft ear. “Molly sent over a lot of clothes for you. You haven’t tried them yet. Should we try them.
here?”
She blinked in disbelief at his words, stammering, “Mr. Ford, Lust remembered something important. I need to go.”
Ay mercifully moved his body aside.
Lis never imagined that the calm and composed Coby would become a completely different person when it comes to sex. He had completely overturned her perception of him.
6/7
18-3
Sat, Dec 14
Chapter 24
Watching her hurriedly-retreating back, Goby smiled and rubbed his fingers. She’s so easily teased.
7/7
