Love Novel 26

Posted by Adminh, ? Views, Released on December 14, 2024

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Chapter 26

“Clinging isn’t really your style, Ms. Norton His tone was flat and indifferent.

You’re the first man to reject me so directly, said Nancy.

His refusal was so absolute, leaving no room for compromise. It bruised her pride.

Nancy refused to believe she had failed so soon, but the facts were undeniable.

“Aren’t you afraid this might affect our families‘ partnership?” she asked.

The Norton family needs me more than I need them. Coby replied coldly.

Nancy’s face turned pale. The Norton family business was indeed no match for Ford Group.

Knock, knock, knock… The sound of knocking came from the door.

“Come in” said Coby

“Mr. Ford. Ms. Norton, I brought you coffee.” Lia walked in with a tray of coffee, unaware of the tense atmosphere in the

office

“Im not drinking it.” Nancy had no mood for coffee–she was bailing with anger.

Nancy was proud. Though she was rejected, she wouldn’t cry or throw a tantrum.

“Coby, you’ll regret this.” With that, she stomped away in her high heels, leaving without looking back.

Lua quickly put down the tray and followed her. “Ms. Norton, let me see you out.

Coby didn’t stop her. Instead, he casually picked up the coffee from the table and took a sip. It was good.

A few minutes later, Lia returned to the office. While cleaning up the coffee tray, she explained. “Mr. Ford, I didn’t agree to M. Norton’s invitation.”

She noticed the coffee cup was empty–he had finished it all.

Cobry knew she wasn’t involved, but what mattered to him was her reaction.

She didn’t even show a hint of jealousy.

He stood up and slowly walked toward her.

His expression was hard to read, and for some reason, Lia felt uneasy, instinctively stepping back.

“Mr. Ford, the coffee,” she stammered, trying to distract him.

As he drew closer, she felt compelled to speak up

Coby took the coffee cup from her hands and placed it casually on the nearby table, eliminating the barrier between them.

di Phillips, whi

I thought the question was odd bat answered truthfully, Fourty

“Then stay here tonight He grabbed her by the waist and pulled her into his arms.

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Chapter 26

“Mr. Ford, I still have work to do. She protested.

What is he planning? Lia tried to leave, but this time, Coby washit so accommodating. He scooped her up in one swift

motion

“Owen will handle it. Be good. Let’s have a proper talk,” said Coly

The disparity in their strength was too great. Lia couldn’t break free.

His office had a private resting area, complete with all the amenities. It was practically a small apartment. Lia had always

been aware of it.

Coby carried her toward the resting area. Lia’s face turned bright red. “Mr. Ford, put me down!”

“Laa, what did you just call me?” He pinched her soft waist teasingly.

“It’s still work hours” she said.

He sat down on the sofa with her still in his arms, trapping her.

“Do you know why I’m upset?” he asked, his voice low and calm,

“Yes, but…” Lia hesitated, unable to finish.

She was forced to face him, and they were s

“But you’re not jealous,” said Coby

so close she could feel his breath.

Coby had thought that after all this time together, she wouldn’t want to let him go so easily, even if she didn’t like him. But he had underestimated her and overestimated himself.

Lia hadn’t realized he cared so much about this. I don’t have the right to be jealous.” Whatever he did was his business. Their relationship was nothing more than a transaction.

“You don’t have the right? Then who does?” His voice carried a faint hint of exasperation.

Startled, Lia quickly looked up and caught a glimpse of something in his deep eyes–pain? But it was gone in an instant.

She must have imagined it, she told herself.

“Lia I don’t want just any woman.” His forehead pressed against hers, his voice suddenly hoarse.

The warmth of his breath brushed against her checks, and her heartbeat quickened uncontrollably. “I know you’re not like that,” she murmured.

He could easily have many women if he wanted, but she knew he was disciplined and reserved.

Coby gently rubbed his nose against hers. “Then what kind of man am I in your eyes?”

“Calm, deciuve. cold”

Las pursed her i was hard to imagine that in private, he could be so…..

As if he knew her thoughts, his finger brushed againstner delicate skin, sending a sluver through her.

“I ja, believe me, I’m not as composed as I seem I have a darker side too,” he said.

Lia looked at him with pleading eyes. Tve already noticed Leto go now, and we can talk after work, okay?”

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Chapter 26

She didn’t realize how much he wanted her right now.

“Kiss me” he said.

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Desperate to leave, Lia wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her soft lips lightly against his. Just as she was about to pull away, a strong hand cupped the back of her head, turning the kiss into a deep and possessive one.

His lips didn’t stop at hers. Even her neck became a target of his affection

When Lia walked out, her face was completely red.

Unaware of what had happened. Phoebe and Millie felt indignant on her behalf, assuring Mr. Ford had scolded her. Lia felt embarrassed because that was far from the truth.

After work, though Lia didn’t stay at the office, Coby had kept her occupied all night at home, leaving her exhausted and late

the next morning.

A few days later, Nancy hadn’t called again, much to Lia’s relief. The last incident was still fresh in her mind, and she vowed to be more careful in the future to avoid provoking him again.

On Friday evening, Lia and Cora arrived on time at the hotel for their class reunion.

Li will Coby be coming!” Cora asked casually,

He has a banquet to attend, so probably not.”

Lis had thought about asking him earlier, but given his schedule, she decided against it and simply messaged him that she’d

be home late.

“Alright, no big deal. Tonight, we’re going to show Issac that you’re thriving without him, living even better than before. That’ll drive him crazy, Cora said, still holding a grudge on Lia’s behalf.

“Cora, you’re overthinking it. He doesn’t care about me at all. I’m only here to make it clear to everyone that I have nothing to do with Issac anymore,” said Lia.

After all, she might run into classmates at work in the future and didn’t want to keep answering questions about him.

“Anyway. Let’s go Cora smiled.

Class reunions were mostly about catching up, but they often turned into competitions.

For their class, networking was the main focus.

Most of the attendees were heirs of wealthy families, with a few exceptions who excelled academically.

But even poor grades didn’t matter. After graduation, many studied abroad for a better–looking resume, returning to take up family business roles

They were born at the finish line, while others couldn’t even reach their starting line.

Lia was an outlier ju their class. She had only attended the school because of Issac and was academic merit. But to these wealthy peers, academic achievements meant nothing.

one of the few who got in due to

Sare graduating high school, Lia rarely attended reunions. When she did, it was usually because of Issac

Oh my God.

Someune exclaimed, covering her m

surprise.

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Chapter 26

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“Hi, Jasmine Lia greeted politely.

skincare

Lia, you’ve gotten even more beautiful! Your skin is amazing. What’s your secret? Another classmate gushed.

“Cor you and Lia are still so close?”

“We’ve always been close, Cora replied with a smile

“Cora, your brand is incredible. I love it so much!”

As soon as Lia and Cora arrived, they were surrounded by classmates eager to chat.

After exchanging pleasantries, they found seats and sat down.

Lia. I heard you and Issac broke up. Is it true?” another classmate asked, approaching their table.

In their class, Coby and Issac were the two most talked–about figures. Any news about them was a hot topic.

Not only were they admired by many, but as heirs to two of Brighton’s top families, everyone wanted to curry favor with

them

“Lia, were you ever with Issac? I never knew about this, Cora asked, feigning surprise.

Lia took the opportunity to clarify. “I was never with him.”

“What! You were never a couple?”

A classmate clapped their hands, drawing everyone’s attention. Of course, they weren’t! Lia was just a servant for Issar. trying to climb the ranks but failing miserably when he dumped her.”

“What nonsense!” Cora couldn’t hold back and retorted sharply. “Stop spreading rumors. How pathetic!”

“Who’s spreading rumors? This is the truth, Victoria said with a glare.

“Victoria, how are you so sure? The gossip drew everyone’s attention, and they eagerly awaited the details.

“My cousin Jenny got back together with Issac, so of course Lia had to be kicked out,” Victoria said smugly.

Victoria disliked Lia for certain reasons, and since she was good friends with Jenny, she felt it was only fitting to humiliate Lia in front of everyone

“Since when did this happen? Jenny actually got together with Issac again?”

“Lia, is it true that Issac and Jenny are a thing now? Really?” Cora whispered.

I don’t know” Lia answered honestly.

“No wonder Jenny is trying to provoke us. She’s been planning this all along, said Cora.

“Victoria, is this for real?”

Do you!

I’d lie about this? Just wait, Jenny and Issac will arrive together. She shot a disdainful glance at Lia. “Honestly, I don’t know how you have the nerve to come to this reunion”

“Maybe she’s here to hunt for another mun. After all, without hegsugar daddy, things must be tough for her.” One of Victoria’s lackeys clamed in

Cora was about to explode, but Lia held her hand.

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Chapter 26

“I admit I’m not as wealthy as you, but I’ve worked hard for the money I own. Your slander only gives away your own character,” said Lia.

Victoria was left speechless, her anger bubbling over. “Hah, you shamelessly show up here just to find a rich man? Stop pretending to be so high and mighty. Do you think we’d all fall for that act?”

Everyone here, be careful not to be fooled by her innocent face, She’s been through several boyfriends already.” One of her lackeys chimed in

“Shut your mouth! Cork shouted.

“Come on, we’re all classmates. Let’s case up a little. The former class representative stepped in.

“Ease up on what? And honestly, I think that whole mess back then was her fault too” Victoria had held a grudge ever since. If it hadn’t been for Lia, she might have ended up with Coby,

“What mess” Some looked puzzled

You know back in our senior year, the whole school was gossiping that Coby liked Lia” Someone chimed

Yeah, yeah, it was a big deal. Everyone knew about it.”

“Wasn’t it because she got dumped by Issac and tried to go after Coby?” The crowd murmured, their chatter clearly working. acaine Lia

“Her? How could Coby possibly like her? If he liked anyone, it’d be Victoria.

Victoria felt secretly delighted, pleased to see Lia’s reputation in tatters.

Lia stood up calmly, her expression neutral as she looked around the room.

“Believe it or not, Issac and I had an employer–employee relationship, and that was in the past. Now, we have nothing to do with each other,” said Lia.

Issac and Jenny walked in just in time to hear her words.

Hoping to bask in the spotlight with Issac at the reunion, Jenny was deeply annoyed that Lia had stolen the attention.

“Issac, Laa just said she has nothing to do with you anymore,” she said.

After not seeing her for a while, Issac noticed Lia looked much better than he’d expected.

She had just said something so unexpected, which didn’t align with anything he had anticipated. “Is she playing hard to get? Seeing Issat again. Lia felt no strong emotion.

She had thought she’d feel something different, but there was nothing at all.

La stop pretending. No matter how pitiful you act, Issac will never like you” Jenny sneered, intent on belittling her and turning everyone against her.

“Who he likes has nothing to do with me: Lia replied.

Her words leit everyone stunned

No one had ever dared to sprak to Issas like that. After all, anyone who crossed him usually ended up expelled or ostracized. Most people followed him without question

Jenny, do you think everyone is like you, desperate for this tregut man?” Cora wasn’t afraid of Issac

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“Lia, do you even know what you’re saying?” Issac’s nostrils flared his face gloomy,

“Damn it, wasn’t she supposed to come and beg me? Yet she acts like she doesn’t care at all!” Issac thought

“I know exactly what I’m saying.” Lia said without hesitation.

Issac clenched his fists, and even Jenny could feel the rage radiating from him.

Just as everyone was engrossed in the drama, a low and teasing voice interrupted.

“Lia.” At the unnoticed doorway, Coby suddenly appeared.

Everyone knew about the tension between Coby and Issac. The two rarely crossed paths, and now both were here.

“Coby, long time no see. I’m…” Seeing the person she had a crush on, Victoria put on what she thought was her perfect smile and walked over, only to be completely ignored.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming to the reunion?” asked Coby.

Coby only had eyes for one person. Ignoring the eager woman in his way, he walked straight toward Lia, as others stepped aside to make way.

He stopped in front of Lia, casually wrapping a strong arm around her waist.

Lia was surprised to see him. At this time, he should been at the banquet. Why is he here?”

… isn’t there a banquet?” Lia was confused.

Issac’s gaze fell on the hand around her waist, finding it unbearable. She wasn’t resisting.

Leaning close to her ear, Coby whispered, “You’re more important.”

Lia tensed up immediately. His actions made it impossible for others not to misunderstand.

“Coby, the whole misunderstanding about you liking her, that was all Lia’s doing. She just wanted to grab your attention,” Victoria said, jealousy eating away at her as she flung accusations

Seeing their intimacy, Victoria was burning with envy, determined to tarnish Lia no matter how.

Everyone’s eyes turned to Lia, waiting for her response.

“Coby, I didn’t… Lia tried to explain.

Coby’s finger lightly touched her pink lips. He smiled and said, “Who said it was a misunderstanding? I like Lia. That’s a fact.” Eja’s eyes widened in shock, meeting his deeply affectionate gaze. She couldn’t tell if he was being serious or joking

If it was fake, it felt way too real.

“I forgot to tell everyone. We’re together now. From now on, I don’t want to hear any rumors about Lia.” He swept his gaze over the stunned crowd. “Anyone who tried to bully Lia will be ghing against me.”