Chapter 32
Lia blushed and quickly withdrew her hand
Acting as if nothing had happened, he picked one up and said, feed you.”
“No, no need” Just as she said no, he had already handed it over,
“Tha–thank you,” said Lia
Don’t thank me. Instead… Coby grinned and pointed to his check.
Lia couldn’t help but chuckle softly. “Has anyone ever told you how shameless you are?”
“Only you” He leaned in closer, his tone lifting slightly. “Because only act this way for you, Lia“
She froze for a few seconds, then turned her head slightly, her lips brushing against his. His wonderful scent filled the air between them.
Unable to resist, Lia lightly touched his cheek. “Happy?”
The corners of his eyes lifted as he fed her another piece
popcorn.
Lia ate it, her heart racing uncontrollably. “Let’s watch the
She sat up straight, but his gaze lingered on her face without the slightest hint of restraint.
After that, Coby occasionally fed her, and Lia didn’t refuse anymore.
Even though it was a comedy, there were romantic scenes in the movie.
When a steamy underwater kiss appeared on screen, the audience in the front rows gasped in surprise.
Lia bit her lip, thinking of him.
His kiss–so passionate, so dominant.
Lia, what are you thinking Realizing her wandering thoughts, he mentally scolded herself and hurriedly refocused on the
movie.
She didn’t notice that Coby had been watching her every move all along.
Buzz, buzz…
Suddenly, her phone started buzzing. Lia saw a strange number and instinctively hung up.
Noticing his gaze, Lia awkwardly explained. “Just a spam call.”
“Hmm.” He withdrew his gaze and turned back to the screen.
Meanwhile, in the manager’s office of Allen Group, a phone shattered against the glass; sending shards flying everywhere.
“Mr. Allen” Nate’s expression remained calm. After all, his boss smashing phones was nothing new.
“She still won’t answer my calls,” said Issac.
For Issac, making the call himself was already a concession. For Lia to deliberately hang up on him was unacceptable.
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She wasn’t like this berme i had changed completely
“Nate, she’s grown wings now, hasn’t she?” said
You want to fly away from me? Issac let out a cold langl. He didn’t mind breaking those wings
Nate said cautiously, “Mr. Allen, Ms. Phillips has always avoided answering calls from unknown numbers.
Issac’s reddened eyes glared at Nate. “Have the secretarial team arrange a gathering. If she doesn’t show up, they’re all fired”
“Mr. Allen, but, wouldn’t this.” Nate froze, shocked that the entire secretarial team might be dragged into this
“Do I need to teach you how to do your job?” Issac questioned.
Understood, Mr. Allen. Nate shook his head in resignation and left the office.
Issac slammed a fist onto the desk. He had beaten Coby once, and he would win again.
The movie ended, and Coby held Lia’s hand as they walked out together.
His hand was so warm, and without realizing it, she felt warm, too.
Back in Skyview Villa, neither of them felt sleepy because they napped in the afternoon
-He held her in his arms, doing nothing else, just holding her.
Feeling a bit awkward, Lia asked, “Should we watch some more TV?”
“Sure,” said Coby.
So, they lay on the bed, and Coby hugged her from behind.
What was playing on the screen didn’t matter anymore–what mattered was that she was there with him.
After being single for over twenty years, he had grown used to sleeping alone. But now that this routine was broken, he didn’t want to go back
Morning came.
“Lia, wake up.”
Who was speaking so softly? It was such a gentle voice.
Slowly opening her eyes, she saw his strong, chiseled face, faintly smiling. For a moment, he looked so familiar.
“Not feeling well? Take the day off,” he said softly, touching her forehead when she didn’t respond.
“No, I’m fine.” Lia quickly sat up. “Sorry, I overslept. I’m fine, I’ll get ready right away
She just
couldn’t shake the feeling that the moment earlier seemed so familiar.
“There’s no rush. Take your time. Coby reassured her gently when he saw her flustered.
“Okay” Lia nodded..
She was sure she had set her alarm–why hadn’t it gone off? Staring at her little cat–shaped alarm clock, she wondered if it was broken
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“I turned it off. I wanted you go sleep a little longer He explaine
“Oh, okay. I’ll go get ready, she replied.
Puring the clock down, Lis hurried to the bathroom. Looking in the mirror, she noticed her messy hair and a pimple on her face. Would he think she looked sloppy? She wondered.
Ten minutes later, she finished using the restroom and reached for a hygiene product from her bag, only to realize the had forgotten to bring it
She usually kept personal items in the wardrobe in the dressing room. It didn’t feel right leaving them in a shared space, s she had to go back to get it.
Seeing her go back in, Coby asked, “Lia, are you okay? Is your stomach bothering you?*
“No, I just forgot something,” she replied, feeling embarrassed.
“Next time, just tell me. I can grab it for you,” said Coby.
“Okay.” She responded faintly, thinking that asking him to fetch something like that wasn’t really appropriate.
At Ford Group’s secretary department, Phoebe said to everyone in a mysterious tone, Lia, Millie, have you noticed? Mr. Ford seems to be in a great mood today.
“Really?” Lia thought he seemed normal
“Seriously. Lia. Mr. Ford was so much more relaxed in the meeting Millie chimed in.
“Maybe the overseas project is progressing well,” said Phoebe. Though, he had been smiling more than usual lately.
“Or maybe Ms. Norton from Norton Group has stopped pestering him.” Millie guessed.
“That can’t be it. Mr. Ford wouldn’t let something like that bother him.” Phoebe disagreed. “He might be in a relationship. What else can make a man so happy? It’s either work or a woman. His career is already thriving, and he’s single. Maybe he’s dating someone.”
“No way. Mr. Ford is surrounded by gorgeous women all the time. Have you ever seen him show interest in anyone? Lia, don’t you agree?” Millie looked at Lia.
Lia cleared her throat. “Ma–maybe.
“See? Even Lia thinks Mr. Ford wouldn’t have a girlfriend,” said Millie.
“I… that’s not what I meant.” Lia decided not to explain further. The more she explained, the messier it would get.
“I don’t know. It kind of feels like he might be,” Phoebe said, scratching her head.
After their chat, everyone returned to their desks.
Lia had barely sat down when she received a message from Mya, secretary at Allen Group: [Lia, how have you been lately?]
Should she reply? Although she had left the company, they had been colleagues and friends. Mya had joined the company under her mentorship, and they had a good relationship.
After a few seconds of hesitation, Lia decided to respond.
[I’m good, Mya.] She wanted to ask how things were at work but felt it might not be the right time
Chapter 82
Mya replied: I miss you so much. Lia! And your braised ribs–delicious!)
Lia had brought homemade meals to work before, and Mya always ate them with enthusiasm.
Thank you. She texted back.
Lia, it’s been so long since we last had dinner together. Do you have time to catch up? Mya replied.
In the past, Lia wouldn’t have minded, but now that she works at Ford Group, it’s best to avoid meeting in private whenever possible.
Mya, I’ve been a bit busy lately.] Lia politely declined.
[Lia, I really need your advice. You know how bad I am at this. Mr. Allen yells at me every day. I feel like I’m on the verge of breaking down!] Mya sent several crying emojis.
[Don’t underestimate yourself or doubt your abilities. Mr. Allen st has that kind of personality.J Lia knew his temper well.
[Please, Lia, just tonight. Can you help me out?] Mya had made it so difficult to refuse that Lia suspected she must have been in some kind of trouble
Alright, see you tonight.] Lia recalled that Coby had a social engagement that evening, with his assistant accompanying him, so it wouldn’t be an issue.
See you tonight, and thank you, Lia Mya finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Kiya, did you manage to convince her?” asked her colleagues in the secretarial department, full of curiosity.
Mya felt guilty. “I feel so bad for dragging Lia into this.”
“There’s nothing g we can do. Mr. Allen gave the order. Her coworkers lamented.
“What’s with Mr. Allen these days? Ever since Ms. Phillips left, he suddenly seems to miss her. Another assistant grumbled.
“What are you all whispering about?” Nina Hansen strutted over, pleased to have caught them discussing Lia.
“Ms. Hansen. The group greeted her politely with a nod
“Mya, do you want to lose your job? Meeting privately with an employee from a competitor? Who gave you the nerve?” said Nina.
Nina had long been annoyed by how much these assistants sided with Lia.
Mya protested, feeling wronged. “Ms. Hansen, it wasn’t my idea, Mr. Allen told me to.”
“Mr. Allen Nina frowned, her mouth twisting into a smirk.
No wonder Issac had been so cold to her lately. He must be trying to rekindle things with Lia. And what did that make her? “Don’t even think Lia will come back. It’s impossible.” Nina shot them all a glare before storming off.
The group exchanged glances, dissatisfied but helpless. They couldn’t go against their boss.
At the manager’s office door, Nina adjusted her expression to something sweet and flattering. She even loosened her blouse to reveal a bit of cleavage before stepping right in without knocking..
“Mr. Allen,” she said with a syrupy voice.
Issac glanced up, furious. “Who told you to come in without knocking? And dressed like that–are you here to work or
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seduce someone?”
Nina’s smile froze, thinking. What’s gotten into him?
“Mr. Allen, what’s wrong?” She swayed her hips as she approaches, draping her arms snake–like around Issac’s neck, her red lips brushing his car.
“You’ve been so busy lately. Are you feeling pent up! Let me take care of you. She flirted.
Her overpowering perfume gave him a headache, and her heavy makeup was nauseating. She was nothing like Lia who was so elegant and refined.
He impatiently shoved her away, and she stumbled to the floor. hired you to work, not to seduce people. If you can’t do your job, get out.”
Nina’s face paled, though her thick makeup masked it. “Issac, are you trying to fire me? I just started here, and now you’re kicking me out?”
Issac didn’t mince words. “You’re not a good fit.”
Keeping her around served no purpose. He wasn’t going to waste time like he had in the past.
He didn’t want to lose to Coby, be it the Floral Island project or La
“Issac, are you breaking up with me? Please don’t. Whatever I did wrong, I can change. She clung pitifully to his leg, hoping to win his sympathy.
er away. “I’ve never been the type to stay with
We were never a couple. What breakup are you talking about?” Issac kicked her away. any woman for long”
That
was true in the past, but now he was willing to change for L
Nina had seen his ruthlessness before. She thought she had won, but in the end, she had nothing to show for it.
Unwilling to accept it, she sneered. “Really? But you’ve kept Lia by your side for so long.”
“Nate will arrange a payout for you. Take the money and leave quietly.” Issac never left the women around him empty- handed
“Issac, how cruel you are.” Nina couldn’t hold back her tears.
He chuckled lightly, but his gaze was ice–cold and terrifying. “Don’t tell me you don’t have other men,
They both took what they needed from the arrangement.
Nina”
Nina shuddered. Yes, she had been drifting between men, but her love for him was genuine. However, she loved money
even more.
If he weren’t surrounded by so many women, she would have been loyal to him alone.
But no one could ever capture his heart.
“Mr. Allen, let me know if you need me again.” Nina stood up, adjusting her collar. The outcome was inevitable, and she couldn’t change it.
“This will be the last time,” said Issac.
It was the first time Nina had heard him say this.
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“Do you really like Lia that quch? What’s so good about her?” she asked.
Issac looked at her with disdain. “What would you know?”
Lia was a woman who gave silently and selflessly.
Nina had lost completely, but she still couldn’t accept it.
Lia hesitated about whether to tell Coby about meeting with My
After all, Mya was a former colleague from her old company and now a competitor. It was a sensitive time as they were both competing for the Floral Island project.
After the morning meeting, Coby had left the company. Lia didn’t even know if he was still busy. She didn’t want to disturb
him
At noon, Lia received a message from him. [Lia, have you eaten?]
I have. Have you?] she replied.
II’m eating now.] He also sent a picture of his meal.)
Owen stared at his boss in awe. ‘Since when did he start taking pictures of his meals?
Why are you staring? Aren’t you eating?” Coby glanced at him.
“Uh, yes, yes. Eating now,” Owen was full of questions but dared not ask.
[Alright then, enjoy your meal.] Lia texted
[My meeting with Mr. Tennant has been moved to tonight. I’ll have Lynn pick you up after work.] Coby replied.
[No need, I’m meeting a friend for dinner anyway. I can get home on my own.] Lia texted back.
[It’s dangerous at night. Take the ride.] Coby insisted.
Seeing his message, Lia was delighted. [Alright then.]
Lia thought he must be busy and decided to tell him about Mya after she returned.
At seven, Lia arrived at the place where she was supposed to meet Mya.
As she opened the door, she saw an unexpected man.
Instinctively, she thought she had walked into the wrong place and quickly backed out.
She took out her phone to contact Mya and saw a message that left her disappointed.
[Lia, I’m so sorry, I had no choice. Mr. Allen insisted.] It was followed by a long string of apologies.
She hadn’t walked into the wrong place. Mya had set her up on purpose.
As Lia turned to leave, Issac came out.
“Lia, do you really hate to see me so much?” The man quickly blocked her path, but she wouldn’t look at him.
She tried to walk around him, but Issac wouldn’t let her go.
”
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“Mr. Allen, I came to the wg place,” said Lia
“Lia, let’s talk,” said Issac
“I have nothing to say to you, Mr. Allen Lia rejected him outright.
Issac didn’t mind. He knew she was just still upset. “Lia, Tve alreally fired Nina. Come back to Allen Group. I can let go of everything that happened at Ford Group”
“Let go? Lia scoffed. “Mr. Allen, I’m doing well at Ford Group and have no plans to change jobs for now.”
“Mr. Ford. Mr. Tennant has arrived, Owen said, closely following his boss.
“Okay,” replied Coby.
As they turned a corner, Owen exclaimed in surprise. “Mr. Ford,sn’t that Ms. Phillips?”
Seeing Lia wasn’t shocking, but the problem was she was with Issac, the General Manager of Allen Group. That was big
trouble.
A flash of hostility crossed Coby’s eyes, and he strode forward. “You go greet Mr. Tennant first. Tell him I’ll be there later”
“Yes, yes, I’ll handle it right away.” Owen replied.
Coby was going to be late because of Lia. Owen could only hope there wouldn’t be any drama. He had just started enjoying a few days without overtime and was even planning to find a girlfriend.
“Lia, give me a moment. I have something to tell you,” said Issac
“No!” Lia shook off his hand
“Lia, did you get lost? We’re on the second floor.” A man approached calmly, a faint smile at the corner of his mouth.
“Coby.” Lia looked at the man who had suddenly appeared. Wasn’t he supposed to be discussing business with Mr. Tennant “Coby, Lia is mine. What gives you the right to take her? How dare you get in my way?” Issac blocked his path, his gaze fierce and violent.
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