Chapter 3 

Lia had been in the workforce for two years–there was no way he didn’t understand what he meant. 

Back in high school, Coby had refused to get involved with any women. Even abroad, there were never any rumors about 

him 

And now, on the night they randomly bumped into each other, he said something so bizarre. 

Is he out of his mind? Why is he changing so much thought Lia. 

Then she brushed aside her confusion and calmly asked, “Maybe I should find someone for you? What kind of girls are you looking for?” 

Lia was a loyal secretary. Issac had made such a request before, and she managed to find a good girl for him. What happened after that wasn’t her concern. 

Coby looked her up and down, tightening his grip on her wrist slightly. “I want you.” 

Lia was shocked–she had no idea what was going through Coby’s head. 

She was getting a bit mad, but her professionalism kept her composed. “Mr. Ford, I’m sorry, but I can’t fulfill your request” 

Seeing her fair wrist turning red, Coby let go and hid whatever emotion was in his eyes. 

Just kidding, Ms. Phillips. Please don’t take it seriously,” he said, 

Lia quickly pulled her hand behind her and said, “It’s fine. I’ll go now.” 

She wasn’t sure why she felt so nervous, but the way his calm, deep eyes were fixed on her made her feel really uncomfortable. 

Coby said, “But if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to call the” 

At this, Lia didn’t stop and quickly walked away, 

Coby watched her hurry off and then smiled. He pulled out that box of condoms and inspected it. 

Lia gasped for air, but she didn’t want to guess Coby’s intentions. His actions today had already gone far beyond anything she understood about him 

A few days passed, and Lia just kept working hard like usual. 

At the Allen Group’s Secretary Department, Assistant Mya rushed over, looking flustered. “Ms. Phillips, the meeting is about 

to start. 

but 

Lia handed her the prepared documents. “Don’t worry. It’s okay 

It was normal for new employees to be nervous. She’d been the same way before and understood their feelings 

“It’s just that Mr. Allen is still with that young lady in his office… I didn’t want to disturb them,” explained Mya 

At Allen Group, no one dared to mess with Issac, The whole group belonged to the Allen family, and one wrong move could get Mya kicked out. 

Lia understood Mya’s worry, Tll go check on them.” 

1/7 

18:22 Sat, Dec 14 GG 

Chapter 3 

“Thank you Ms. Phillips Mya sighed in relief. 

Lia stood outside the CEO’s office, knocking repeatedly, but no one inside seemed to notice. After a moment of hesitation, she reluctantly opened the door. “Mr. Allen,” she said. 

Issac, annoyed at the interruption, snapped, “What do you want Did I ask you to come in?” 

A stunning woman was sitting on his lap, and it was obvious what was going on there. 

Lia lowered her head and said politely, “Mr. Allen, the meeting’s about to start. I tried calling, but you didn’t answer…” 

It was also part of Lia’s job to make sure he didn’t delay company matters. If anything went wrong, Luna would be the first to come after her. 

“Lia, who do you think you are to control me? Get out” Issac was pissed. 

He thought to himself, This woman always acts like she has authority. Every time she sees me with another woman, she makes some excuse to intervene. If she likes me, she should just say it. 

Though, he knew he’d never give her a chance 

Lia kept her expression neutral and said, “If you’ve got other things to do, does that mean the meeting’s canceled?” 

“Do whatever you want. Just leave, now.” He hated seeing her. 

He thought, ‘Always acting so serious. Everyone can see she’s jealous, but she won’t admit it. 

“Babe, why get worked up over a secretary? She doesn’t matter, The woman on Issac’s lap cooed, stroking his chest. 

“Secretary! Ha, calling her that’s too generous. She’s just a nanny Issac swiped his hand across the woman’s cheek while mocking Lia. 

Lia had heard stuff like this for years. She knew her place and always kept her feelings to herself. 

Over time, though, her feelings had changed. 

“A nanny, huh? Well, if that’s the case, why not let her go? How about I step in as your secretary?” The woman pushed her luck, taking the chance to speak up. 

Issac had a lot of women around him, and being close to him gave her the best shot. 

Issac shot her a cold look and sneered. “I’ve told her to leave so many times, but she didn’t listen. She’s doing this for that old, useless grandmother of hers.” 

Lia’s expression shifted. She could take the insults herself, but no one could talk about Layla that way. 

“Issac, apologize,” said Lia. 

This was the first time Issac had seen her so angry. He thought, Isn’t she supposed to be indifferent? No matter how much she’s mistreated, she always keeps that deadpan look. Who knew she could actually get mad?” 

“Listen to this, Mr. Allen. She’s telling you to apologize,” the woman laughed dramatically, pretending to be scared as she -clung to him. “Sliceven wants her boss to apologize? Mr. Allen, this one’s so scary. I’m terrified.” 

Issac patted the woman on the shoulder. “What’s there to be afraid of? I’ll protect you. So what? That old, useless grandma of hers… 

Lia’s hands tightened and relaxed. She could endure insults and humiliation for money, but she wouldn’t let anyone disrespect Layla, the only person who really cared for her. 

18:22 Sat, Dec 14 

Chapter 3 

“Issac, I’m telling you terapologize.” Her face was stiff, eyes brimming with tears. 

Issac felt uneasy somehow. “This woman is getting too bokl, and how I’m not going to let her have her way, he thought. 

“Get out. I don’t want to see you. You’re not my secretary anymore. Nina, I think you are a better fit, he said to Lia, and then to Nina Hansen, the woman in his arms. 

“Okay, Mr. Allen. I’ll come work here right away,” Nina said cheerfully, kissing him several times. 

“It’s settled.” Issac was sure Lia would beg him in the end. He knew that without money, she wouldn’t give up this job. 

Lia closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and made the decision she’d been wanting to make but hadn’t dared to. 

She took off her work badge and placed it on his desk. 

“What’s this? Are you threatening me?” Issac frowned. 

“No need for you to fire me. I’m quitting on my own. I’ll explain everything to Mrs. Allen,” said Lia. 

She could put up with beinig insulted for as long as it took, but no one was going to talk badly about Layla. 

Issac scoffed. “You think I can’t do without you? Lia, don’t flatter yourself.” 

“The world doesn’t stop for anyone.” Lia walked out without hesitation. She never thought she was that important. 

“This woman is just trying to play a game. She’ll definitely be back, thought Issac, while staring at the work badge on the desk, furious. 

“Heh, Mr. Allen, you’re so nice.” Nina would proudly tell the other women around Issac that she had won, getting rid of Lia who’d always been by his side. 

“Who said you could touch this? Issac grabbed the work badge from Nina’s hand. Nina seemed a bit annoyed but didn’t show it. 

Lia went back to her desk and started handing over her tasks to her coworkers. 

“Ms. Phillips, are you really leaving? But Mr. Allen…” Mya and some other employees gathered around. 

“Yes, Mr. Allen has agreed. Thank you all for taking care of me,” said Lia. 

Mya said, “Ms. Phillips, we’re really going to miss you.” 

“Thank you. We’ll have plenty of chances to catch up. Just make sure you all keep working hard,” said Lia 

After two years at this job, Lia had some attachment. She got along with everyone, except for Issac. 

Lia lost her job, but she wasn’t upset. In fact, she felt a sense of relief. Even with all the debt, she felt happy inside. 

From now on, she was going to live for herself. 

Lia didn’t have time to waste feeling sorry for herself. She needed to find a new job right away, pay off the Allen family’s debt, and cover Layla’s medical bills. 

Just when she was focusing on job hunting, disaster struck–Layla had a heart attack. Lia rushed to the hospital. 

In the ward, Layla was on oxygen. 

18:22 Sat, Dec 14 GGO 

Chapter 3 

“Dr. Walker, how is my grandmother doing?” Lia asked, clearly anxious, 

Dr. Remy Walker sighed. “I recommend surgery as soon as possible. Medication isn’t working anymore. Family needs to make a decision quickly.” 

Lia nearly collapsed, but luckily a nurse nearby caught her. 

“Oh my God, how could this happen to you? We can’t afford the surgery!” Lia’s adoptive mother, Olive Phillips, cried. uncontrollably beside the bed. 

After steadying herself, Lia calmly asked, “Dr. Walker, how much will the surgery cost?” 

“You’ll need at least 150 thousand to start. There will be additional costs, so the total will be around 200 thousand.” 

Knowing their situation, Remy Walker kept the estimate on the low side. 

When Olive heard the amount, she cried even harder. “Oh my God, it’s not that we don’t want to help, but Zach’s wages as servant barely cover our living expenses. How are we supposed to come up with 150 thousand?” 

Olive grabbed Lia’s hand when she saw her frozen in shock. “Lia, your grandma loves you more than anything. You must save enough money for her, right?” 

If Lia didn’t have the money, there was no other option. Olive wasn’t being heartless; they just had nothing. 

Lia knew their situation well and softly said, “I’ll figure something out.” 

What could she do? 

Luna wouldn’t lend her money, Issac definitely wouldn’t, and now she didn’t even have a job. 

So, who could she turn to? 

She thought to ask Cora West her friend. But Cora had already helped so much. She couldn’t ask for more. 

Lia spotted a business card in her bag and gripped it tightly. 

Looks like she only had one option–Coby 

Lia sat up straight in a private room at Serendipity Café. She was carefully dressed for the occasion. She wore something light and revealing 

It was the first time she dressed like this. She tried to stay calm, keeping a smile on her face. 

Coby briefly glanced at her before looking away. 

She wore a pink bow headband, showing off her fair neck, sexy collarbone, and more. 

Her bold outfit was a stark contrast to her usual work clothes. 

Just one look at her was enough to leave any man wanting more 

She clenched her hand, smiled, and slid the bag on the table toward Coby. 

A 

“Mr. Ford, here’s your coat. Thanks for last time.” Her fair arm moved across, catching the light. 

“You’re too polite, Ms. Phillips, Coby replied coldly. 

18:22 Sat, Dec 

Chapter 3 

Lia had asked Coby out under the pretext of returning his coat, and she dressed up specially for this. 

Now, she had no other choice but to put her hope in him. 

But since they last met, he hadn’t even looked at her properly. She started to worry. Is he losing interest in me? 

After a long silence, Lia decided to make the first move. “Mr. Ford, is what you mentioned before still an option?” 

Coby raised his gaze toward her. What are you talking about?” 

Lia thought, ‘Has he really forgotten!” 

Her smile froze for a moment, and she took a deep breath, gathering her courage. “I was wondering if you would be wanting me tonight?” 

She tried to keep her voice steady, but what she didn’t know was that the blush on her face betrayed her nervousness and 

uncase. 

Coby’s hand tightened slightly under the table. The corner of his mouth lifted just a little before quickly fading away. 

“What’s going on? Ms. Phillips, you just left Allen Group, and now you are in such a hurry to find a new job?” He tapped the table with his long fingers, sounding casual. 

‘Does he know I left Allen Group? thought Lia. 

Lia chidn’t try to hide it. She was still smiling. “Yes, I left Allen Group, but if you don’t want me tonight, I won’t force myself 

upon you. 

She knew he might have some issues with her. After working for two years at Allen Group, Lia met a lot of important people. Some had even offered to keep her as a mistress, and if things didn’t work out here with Coby, she’d just have to find another 

way. 

“Mr. Ford, sorry to take up your time…” said Lia 

Just as she was about to stand, Coby spoke, “Ms. Phillips, you should know, there’s a big difference between me bringing this up and you doing it.” 

Lia gripped her clothes and asked calmly. “Mr. Ford, please, just don’t beat around the bush.” 

Coby smiled faintly. “Come here.” 

At his words, Lia stood and walked over slowly. 

She wasn’t sure what he had in mind, but she had no choice but to follow. 

She stood in front of him. “Mr. Ford, please go ahead” 

Coby suddenly grabbed her waist, and she lost her balance, falling into his arms. 

“Mr. Ford.” Lia was shocked by his actions and put her hand between them to try to push him away. 

He leaned in closer, his expression shifting to one with a slight smile. 

“So, Ms. Phillips, what made you suddenly change your mind?” asked Coby. Lia lowered her eyes slightly and answered honestly, “I’m short on money.” 

It might seem shameful to some, 

but without money, there was no way she could save Layla. 

Chapter 3 

Money was just too mrtant for her now. 

Coby wasn’t surprised by her answer. Ilis fingers lifted her chin, gently stroking her lips. “How much do you want?” 

Her hand clenched into a fist, and she gritted her teeth. “2 million” 

Coby raised an eyebrow, his fingers lingering on her soft lips. “Do you think you’re worth that, Ms. Phillips?” 

It was ironic. Lia didn’t want to admit it, but deep down, she knew she was asking for too much. 

“Whether I’m worth it isn’t up to me. If you like me, 20 million wouldn’t be too much,” she said. 

Lia had no clue if he’d actually want her, but she was taking a gamble. 

Silence filled the room again. 

Lia thought Coby was just calculating if she was worth that amount. 

Waiting felt like torture. She dared not move in his arms, just waiting for his judgment. 

After a long moment, his lips parted. “You’ve got a sharp tongue 

Is that his approval? Lia looked at him, still in disbelief. 

“Kiss me, ordered Coby. 

Lia, following his command, moved in instinctively, but quickly pulled back 

She felt uneasy, unsure if she was doing it right. “Mr. Ford, is this okay?” 

His gaze was fixed on her lips. “Ms. Phillips, haven’t you been kissed before?” 

Lia flushed with embarrassment. He must be a master in matters of the heart, or how else would he know? She should have learned more. 

“Sorry for making you uncomfortable, Mr. Ford.” She didn’t deny it 

His lips curled into a smile. “Kissing isn’t just a light touch. Hast Issac kissed you?” 

“He can’t stand me. Her words were clearly laced with sarcasm. 

Coby’s large hand gripped the back of her head, and Lia watched him lean in. 

A fresh, soothing scent surrounded her as his breath mixed with hers, his presence filling the space. 

Her breathing quickened, and his kiss was so intense that it left her breathless. 

After what felt like an eternity, she went limp in his arms. 

When the kiss ended, Coby said, “Breathe.” 

His voice was low, almost with a hint of amusement. Lia’s mind was too hazy to think straight. 

She gasped for air, her face flushed, clearly showing her shyness 

“That’s how you kiss, you know?” said Coby. 

His thumb traced her soft cheek, unable to stop touching her delicate skin. 

18:22 Sat, Dec 14 

Chapter 3 

“Yes” Lia tried to calm the nervous energy inside her, but what just happened left her feeling unsettled. 

They stayed like that, holding each other, for a long time. 

She was trying to get her emotions under control, but he was losing it more and more. 

Tve thought it through. Let’s go. His voice was calm, but it was enough to catch her off guard. 

Lia was still trying to get her head back in the game. She just stared at him, lost. 

met 

“Do you want me to do it here?” he asked, teasing her. 

“No, no. That’s not it.” Lia quickly tried to stand up but her legs were weak, and she ended up falling right back into his arms. 

He chuckled softly in her ear. “We’re not even there yet, and you’re already throwing yourself at me?” 

Her face turned even redder.