Chapter 33 

A faint, icy smirk formed on Coby’s lips, and a cold gleam shot tward Issac. 

What gives me the right? Because Lia is my wife. Because I love her. Because 

Lia froze, warmth filling her heart. 

Every word he spoke pierced Issac to the core. 

you don’t deserve her.” 

“Wife” Issac squinted, his face darkening with a chilling intensity, like a powder keg ready to explode. 

He grabbed Coby by the collar. “What did you just say?” 

In contrast to Issac’s fury, Coby remained remarkably calin. 

Lia panicked. After being around Issac for years, she knew how violent he could get. Not wanting Coby to get hurt, she cried out in distress. “Issac, let go!” 

“Lia, stay back. Coby slowly rolled up his sleeves, giving her a reassuring look, “Tll be fine,” 

“But, Coby… Lia was scared. 

“You’re worried about him? Lia, you’re actually worried about him?” Issac felt like he’d been punched in the chest. It didn’t hurt physically, but it made it hard to breathe. “Since you care about him. I’ll hurt him on purpose,” 

“No. Coby!” Lia shouted, her heart tightening. 

Issac swung a punch, but Coby caught his fist and countered with a heavy blow to Issac’s face. Issac staggered backward, crashing into the wall, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, 

“That punch was for the old Lia. This one’s for my wife, Lia” Coby’s eyes were bloodshot, and he grabbed Issac’s collar again. landing another fierce punch. 

“Coby, I’ll never let this go!” Wiping the blood from his mouth, Issac struggled to stand, ready to retaliate. Lia stepped between them. “Stop it!” 

“Lia, watch out!” Coby quickly shielded her. 

Issac’s pupils narrowed, his eyes full of rage. “Lia, you’re still protecting him?” 

The once docile woman who had always stayed by his side was now defending another man. 

Lia bit her lip, took a deep breath, and spoke slowly. “Issac, we’re over.” 

She had repaid what she owed the Allen family. Now, she just wanted to live her own life. 

Issac’s mouth twitched, and a sharp, indescribable pain stabbed through his chest. 

“What do you mean, ‘over? Lia, you’ve always been by my side. It’s only been a month. Do you really think I’ll believe this? Do you even know what kind of person Coby is? He’s nothing but a complete scumbag Issac screamed. 

‘Scumbag?‘ Lia thought that word suited Issac himself perfectly 

Coby’s gaze 

burned as he looked at the woman beside him, waiting for her to say what she truly felt. 

Noticing his gaze. Lia turned to him. “It doesn’t matter what kind of person he is. I accept him. Coby and I are married now. From now on, let’s stay out of each other’s business.” 

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Issac clenched his teethand extended his hand toward her. Lia, you’ve always chosen me. We’ve been destined to he together since we were kids. Come back to me 

Lia shook her head and stepped back. “We were just employer and employer before. The moment I left, we were done.” 

Right now, she knew leaving the Allen family was the best decision she had ever made. 

“Issac, listen carefully. If you harass my wife again, it won’t just end with two punches.” Coby’s gaze churned like a storm 

Lia smiled and held out her hand to the man beside her. “Coby, let’s go 

In a flash, his gaze calmed down. He lifted his eyelids and interlocked his fingers with hers. “Let’s go, Mrs. Ford: 

The intimate scene between the two pierced Issac’s eyes like a knife. His dark eyes burned with flames, full of sinister, 

murderous intent. 

Mrs. Ford?’ Issac couldn’t believe it. He absolutely refused to believe they were married. 

How could Lia possibly marry another man? How could he lose to Coby? In high school, he had beaten him once. He wasn’t going to lose this time either. 

r women Issac was convinced Lia liked him. She only found another man to get his attention because he had been with other 

She succeeded. 

Issac pressed his tongue against his sore cheek. He’d repay those two punches slowly. Coby would pay the price. 

‘Lia, how could you leave me? It’s impossible! 

In the elevator, Coby held Lia in his arms, his chin resting lightly on her shoulder. “Honey, you chose me.” 

Lia was stunned by his sudden embrace. He held her so tightly that she could feel his emotions. She gently patted his back. 

“Thank you for choosing me,” he said again. 

Lia didn’t understand why he kept repeating that sentence. She only found out later. 

Much later, she learned they had faced the same situation during their school years. 

Back in Skyview Villa, Coby went to the shower. His phone started ringing. 

Lia picked it up and saw it was a call from Owen. She wanted to hand it to him, but with the sound of running water, it seemed he was still showering. After hesitating for a moment, she answered the call. “Owen, is there something you need?” 

“L… uh… “Owen realized a little too late. “Uh, Ms. Phillips, am I interrupting you and Mr. Ford?” 

The answer was obvious. 

e two were t 

together Owen knew he shouldn’t interfere 

Since Coby went to see Ms. Phillips, he hadn’t returned. Now that the but had no choice. 

Lia looked embarrassed. “No, not at all. What’s the matter?” 

“Well, I haven’t received any instructions from Mr. Ford. Should the meeting with Mr. Tennant proceed? If we delay any further, it might hurt Mr. Ford’s credibility.” Owen sounded desperate. 

He had snuck out just to make this call. 

“Owen, are you still negotiating with Mr. Tennant?” She thought the deal was already finalized, but apparently, it wasn’t. 

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Chapter 33 

“Ms. Phillips, is Mr. Ford available to take the call now?” Owen asked cautiously. 

“Owen, hold on. I’ll take the phone to Mr. Ford,” said Lia. 

They had come straight home and completely forgotten about the meeting with Mr. Tennant 

“Good, as long as Mr. Ford is there. Owen was glad to hear that, 

Lia hurried to the bathroom door and knocked. “Coby.” 

Thankfully, the water had stopped. He must be done. 

“Lia, what is it?” said Coby. 

The door quickly opened. His hair was still dripping, and he was only wrapped in a towel. Water droplets trickled down his well–defined muscles, disappearing into the hidden areas. 

She turned her head away, looking elsewhere, but the redness in her ears didn’t escape his sharp eyes. His lips curved up slightly. 

“Owen called several times, so I answered. The meeting with Mr.Tennant…. he’s still on the line.” 

Lia handed him the phone but accidentally brushed against his abs. Flustered, she quickly said, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to.” 

He teased. “You don’t like it?” 

1 do, but… As soon as she spoke, she realized she’d walked right into his trap. 

Around him, she always felt so clueless. 

Coby nonchalantly walked out of the bathroom while Lia followed, sneaking glances at him. She had never paid close attention before, but now she realized he was really something. 

“Owen. 

make sure Mr. Tennant has a good time. Ill visit him tomorrow,” he said. 

“Yes, Mr. Ford.” Owen finally let out a sigh of relief. 

He hung up the phone and turned around, only to catch a certa wom 

“Lia, what are you looking at?” he asked. 

eavesdropping. 

“Nothing.” She noticed his hair was still dripping and instinctively said, “Coby, your hair isn’t dry. Let me help you dry it 

“Alright.” He happily accepted. 

T’ll grab a towel. You go change into your pajamas.” With that, she walked into the bathroom. 

Coby smiled faintly and obediently headed to the wardrobe. 

When they came out, she was holding a towel, and he was already in his pajamas. 

The man sat on the sofa, gently pulling her closer as she dried his hair. 

“Coby!” She pretended to be mad. 

“Let me hold you.” He smiled. 

“Fine.” She smiled back at him. 

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Chapter 43 

Her gentle touch made him feel utterly relaxed. 

When Lia Buished alrying his hair, she realized he’d fallen asler Coby 

His face unconsciously muzzled against her chest, and Lia’s cheeks Bushed red. 

“Coby, go to bed if you’re sleepy” She patted his back lightly 

Coby opened his slightly reddened eyes, and the moment he saw her, a faint smile tugged at his lips. “Honey, are we going to 

He’d been calling her that a lot lately. 

“Yes, go lie down,” she replied. 

“Why did you meet with Issac today?” asked Coby, 

“An old colleague invited me. I thought it was just a simple catch–up, but I didn’t expect him to be there,” said Lia. 

Coby nodded. “Go to sleep. 

“Coby, I know I shouldn’t have met with them in private. I’m sorry,” she said. 

“It’s not your fault,” he said, pulling her into his arms. “I trust you 

She shifted slightly. 

“What’s wrong?” asked Coby. 

Lia sounded embarrassed. “I haven’t showered yet. I might’ve gotten you dirty.” 

“As Sarah said, you smell amazing.” He nuzzled against her sensitive neck and tickled her. 

“You go lie down first. I’ll take a shower,” Lia said. 

“Alright, I’ll wait for you.” Coby nodded. 

Lia nestled in his arms as his hands wandered, sending shivers through her. 

“Why are you still not used to this?” asked Coby 

Lia didn’t know how to respond. She didn’t know either. 

The man tilted her chin, their eyes meeting. 

His kiss landed on her delicate forehead, then moved lower and lower. 

Lia tilted her blushing face upwards, her hands instinctively clutching his shoulders. 

Owen showed up at work with massive dark circles under his eyes, 

“Owen, what happened? Did you catch a thief last night?” Phoebe couldn’t resist gossiping. 

“Overtime. Can’t you tell?” Owen replied. 

Lia felt a pang of guilt. If it weren’t for her, maybe he wouldn’t have had to. 

Chapter 30 

Owen, thank you for your hard work Beth Millie and Plebeered a little sympathy. 

Owen’s gaze kept drifting toward the silent Lia. When he called last night, she answered. They must’ve made up. Does this mean my days of nine to five might continue? He didn’t dare sk 

At the Allen family villa, the servants stood outside the door wer trembling with fear, not daring to enter. 

The young master hasn’t woken up yet?” asked Luna. 

“No, ma’am” 

Lama was furious. She opened the door. The air was thick with the smell of alcohol, and the room was dark 

“Issac, what are you doing?” She drew back the curtains and saw her son slumped over the edge of the bed, reeking of alcohol. 

Issac frowned and roared. “Get out! 

“Issac. I’m your mother. Luna was livid but kept her temper in check. 

“I said get out!” He forcefully pushed away the woman beside him. 

“Madam” The servants rushed to help Luna up. But she said, “You all leave now.” 

They exchanged glances and reluctantly left. 

What on earth are you trying to do? How did you end up like this?” Luna calmed herself. He was still her child. She couldn’t just stand by and watch him ruin himself. She wouldn’t let the Allen Group fall into the hands of those scheming women. 

“Mom, leave me alone. I’m only falling apart this one time,” said Issac. 

“Because of who?” Luna felt a pang of sorrow as she looked at her son in such a state. “Is it because of Lia?” 

“Leave me alone. Issac screamed. 

Crash! 

Issac smashed the bottle in his hand, glass shards scattering everywhere. 

Seeing her son’s irritation, Luna softened her tone. “As long as you focus on your work and stay away from those women, Lia will be yours for sure.” 

He suddenly lifted his bloodshot eyes. “Mom, why did you adopt her in the first place!” 

Luna froze and instinctively replied. “Wasn’t it because you liked her?” 

“I hadn’t even seen her back then. How could I have liked her? Mom, is there something you’re not telling me?” asked Issac. 

Back then, he would be scolded whenever he tried to be friends with Lia. Issac hadn’t cared before because it didn’t matter. Now, he had to question the motives. 

“Issac, are you doubting me? I’m your mother. Everything I do is for you. Luna was trembling with anger. 

Issac rubbed his throbbing temples. “Let’s not talk about this anymore. Don’t get worked up 

“Your father will be back soon. Show him what you can do by achieving some results,” Luna said earnestly. 

“Then let Zach return to work,” said Issac. 

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Chapter 33 

“Why?” Luna’s face was full of disdain. 

sn’t it your plan for Lia to be my woman on the side? I’m willing now. With Zach back, she won’t be able to avoid me, ad 

“That, that’s not…” Her plan had been for Lia to fall in love with her son, he trampled on, and then cruelly abandoned. She hadn’t intended for her son to become obsessed with her. 

“Mom. I have to have Lia.” Issac couldn’t believe that their years of connection couldn’t compete with Coby’s one month. 

Luna’s face turned ugly. Her suspicion was right–her son really had feelings for her. 

Lia was nothing but trouble. 

At Ford Group’s Secretary Department, Lia received Coby’s message close to the end of the workday. 

[Lia. I’ll wait for you at the usual spot.] 

[Alright, Mr. Ford. Have you finished your negotiations?] She texted back. 

Yes.] Coby replied. 

“Lia, are you in love? You seem so happy,” Phoebe asked with a mischievous smile. 

Phoebe, why are you so nosy? Lia’s mood says it all–she’s definitely in love. No need to ask. Millie declared. 

“Lia, can you bring your boyfriend to our next company trip? I’d love to see what he looks like!” Phoebe asked. 

“Uh, we’ll see,” said Lia. 

Is it really so obvious? How come they all know I’m dating?‘ Lia thought. 

After work, they met at their usual spot. 

Coby was waiting for her in the car. As soon as Lia got in, he pulled her into his arms. 

“Lia, what do you feel like eating tonight?” he asked. 

“I’m fine with anything. How did your meeting with Mr. Tennant go, Mr. Ford? Lia asked. 

His eyes flickered with amusement, and a faint smile appeared on his lips. “What did you call me?” 

Lia awkwardly stuck out her tongue. I’m used to it, Coby.” 

His hands cupped her cheeks, his nose brushing against hers as his eyes softened with affection. 

“Or, you could call me Honey.” He teased. 

Lia opened her mouth to try, but under his intent gaze, she found herself unable to say the word. 

“Not in the car,” he murmured. 

Seeing her discomfort, he didn’t push further. 

“I he said gently 

want you to say it only when you truly 

mead, he kissed her lightly on her soft hips. 

Worried he might misunderstand, she hugged him tightly, burying her face in his chest. In a small voice, she said, “Coby, I 

Sun, Dec 

Chapter 33 

stopped liking Issac a long–time ago.” 

But Lia wasn’t sure if she liked Coby. 

She admitted that his actions had touched her, but she wasn’t e 

He tightened his arms around her and spoke softly, “I know. I’ll