Chapter 35
In a rental house in the suburbs, Olive heard the knock..
“Coming!” Olive muttered a curse under her breath and went to open the door,
“How many times have I told you to bring your key–bring… Mam? Olive’s eyes widened in shock as she saw a group of people at her doorstep. She quickly rubbed her eyes, thinking she must be seeing things.
Luna waved her hand dismissively in disgust. She couldn’t believe people actually lived there.
“I have something to discuss with you,” she said.
“Oh, yes. Madam, please come in and have a seat. I’m so sorry my home is so shabby, so sorry, Olive replied.
Olive was overwhelmed. Her husband had worked as a servant for the Allen family for years, so she knew Mrs. Allen, but only from afar. She never imagined Mrs. Allen would come to her door.
Could something have happened?
Olive immediately thought of Lia. She had a feeling peaceful days wouldn’t last long.
“Madam, I’m sorry. It must be something Lin did–it has nothing to do with us!” Olive’s heart pounded as she rushed to distance herself.
Luna didn’t step inside. The disdain on her face was plain, Coming here was already a tremendous favor. If it weren’t for her
son, she wouldn’t have bothered.
“I’m here to ask Zach to return to work,” she said.
But ber
“What? Madam, it’s not because of…” Olive was overjoyed. As long as it wasn’t to settle scores, it didn’t matter. B husband already had a job.
Luna knew this family well, especially this woman in front of her–selfish, petty, and greedy. She knew Olive wouldn’t turn down a good offer.
This is a one–time opportunity. Whether you take it is up to you,” she said.
“Well…” Olive was hesitant.
Although Olive wanted her husband to return to work, his current job had been arranged by Coby. The pay was good, and he didn’t have to put up with much. There was no reason to leave, especially since there was no guarantee he wouldn’t be fired again.
After thinking it over, she decided to refuse. She didn’t want to lose the good for the uncertain. If she upset Coby, their lives wouldn’t be easy. “Thank you for your kind offer, Madam, but Zach has already found another job, so
Luna’s expression immediately changed. “Olive, think carefully!
“M–Madam, I’ve thought it through,” Olive stammered, nodding. She had just had an argument with her husband and didn’t want to cause more trouble.
Luna eyed the sharp–featured woman in front of her, suspecting she was holding out for a bigger offer.
As they were talking, Frances came out of her room, complaining. “Mom, who is it this early? Can’t I sleep in?”
“Frances! Watch your mouth! This is Mrs. Allen!” Olive hissed, tugging at her clueless daughter.
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Mrs Allen? Frances Troze her hand flying to cover her mouth, he quickly nodded in greeting. “Mrs. Allen, hello.”
Issac’s mom? What’s she doing here? Frances thought.
“And who are you?” Luna asked with a glance.
“Madam, this is my daughter, Frances. Olive quickly introduced
“Olive, don’t be ungrateful, Lun said.
Panicking, Olive explained. “Madam, it’s not that I don’t want Za to return, but he already has a job. We truly appreciate your kindness.”
Frances immediately understood the situation and volunteered. Madam, Mom, I’m willing to serve Mr. Allen.”
“Frances!” Olive was stunned. She never expected her daughter to say such a thing.
Luna scoffed. “You?” She didn’t take Frances seriously at all.
“Madam, anything Lia can do, I can do too. I’ll follow all your instructions.” Frances seized the chance to present herself in the best light.
Luna hadn’t expected this response. Clearly, this woman disliked Lia, but that alone wasn’t enough for her to consider using her.
“What skills do you have?” Luna asked.
“…“Frances paled. What skills did she have? Her only skill was getting men to spend money on her while avoiding work.
Issac was the richest man she’d ever encountered, and she didn’t want to miss this opportunity.
She also wanted to prove to Lia that what Lia couldn’t get, she could. If she could be with Issac, she’d instantly surpass Lia, no matter how wealthy Lia’s partner might be there was no way they’d be richer than Issac.
Luna saw through her instantly–a brainless fool. But such people were the easiest to control.
Placing her next to her son might not be a bad idea
If she proved useless, she could always kick her out. For now, if Zach wasn’t at the Allen family, this younger sister would do.
“Fine, we could use another servant at home,” she said.
The implication was clear. Frances was overjoyed and immediately thanked her. “Thank you, ma’am.
As long as she stepped into the Allen family, whether as a servant or anything else, it would be like stepping into a wealthy world. At that point, she’d make sure Lia knew she could never measure up to her.
“Frances,” Olive said reluctantly. Her daughter was her precious treasure. Even though her husband worked as a servant, she didn’t want her daughter to follow the same path.
After the others left, Olive pulled her daughter aside. “Frances, how could you agree to this? Do you even know how to be a servant? You’re not Lia, who’s done all sorts of things.”
“Mom, do you think I’m worse than Lia? This is my chance to get close to Issac, and I won’t miss it. If I marry into the Allen
to crush Lia beneath me.” Frances was confident that she could family, we’ll instantly become wealthy. I’ll make su
captivate Issac.
However, Olive had little hope. She understood the reality. Lia had been in the Allen family for years and still got dismissed. She knew her daughter’s abilities all too well.
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“Frances, it’s not that I thn’t believe in you, but we… Olive couldn’t even finish her sentence.
Frances impatiently interrupted her. “Mom, I’ve already made up my mind. Don’t worry, I’ll be better than Lia”
She was certain she could find a better man than Lia could.
Olive was filled with worry, not knowing what to do.
75%
Lia accompanied Coby ou a tour of a subsidiary company. This was her first time tagging along since starting at Ford Group.
The Ford Group owned companies across various industries, including technology, tourism, and retail, with a wide business
scope.
During the mall tour, Molly, who worked at the luxury brand store G&Q, took the opportunity to chat with Lia during her
break.
Lia later learned that Molly was not only the general manager of this high–end store but also its designer.
The founder of G&Q was Coby’s grandmother. Since Quinn was an only child, the Marsh family entrusted the luxury brand to Molly to prepare her for eventually taking over the Marsh Group.
“Isn’t it exhausting working under Coby?” Molly complained. “He is so boring.
“Not at all, it’s fine.” Lia didn’t find him boring. If anything, he was hard to describe
“Why didn’t you go on a honeymoon?” Molly asked.
Molly had been sent by her mother to gather intelligence.
“We… uh…” Lia glanced at the man listening to a work report.
“If you’re too shy to say it, I’ll bring it up. How could you not go on a honeymoon? Mom even told Dad to lighten his workload recently
Lia awkwardly explained. “Molly, it’s not because of him. It’s because of me.”
“Oh, I see. Not wanting to press further, Molly grinned. “Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, and I have a gift for you.”
yo
“Molly, thank you for your thoughtfulness, but it’s not necessary Lia was a little embarrassed as she didn’t have anything for
her.
“Please accept it. I’ve already prepared it, and I’ll be sad if you don’t take it,” Molly said, clinging to Lia’s arm and acting cute.
Lia couldn’t refuse anymore. “Alright, thank you.”
“You’re the best. But don’t open it until tomorrow, okay? It won’t have the same special meaning if you see it today,” said Molly
“Alright,” Lia answered without much thought.
Molly’s reminder aiade her think. Should she prepare a gift for him too?
In past years,
Lia’s most common purchase during this time was roses for Issac’s girlfriends.
She rarely bought gifts for men. What should she give him? It seemed like he didn’t lack anything.
After work, back home, Lia was still mulling over the question and even asked her friend Cora for advice.
Chapter 35
“I think a watch or clothes would be good. Cora suggesterl, thou she admitted she wasn’t experienced in this area.
“Aren’t those too common?” Lia asked.
“Jia, you never used to overthink these things. Do you have different feelings for him now?” Cora askerl.
Given how good he’d been to her, Lin felt she couldn’t just choo something casually. “I just think it should come from the heart.”
“Honestly, since that class reunion, it’s been obvious he’s had his eyes on you for a long time. He might not even care about gifis. Cora commented.
Reflecting on Coby’s behavior at the reunion, Cora had a newfound respect for him. Who knew he had been secretly admiring her friend for so long?
“Lia, what are you talking about?” asked Coby.
The man in question suddenly appeared, startling Lia.
“Cora, I have to go. Let’stalk another time.” She quickly ended the call and looked at him awkwardly. “Nothing”
His gaze flickered as he asked casually,
Why are you so nervous?
Not wanting to reveal her plan to buy him a gift, Lia said offhandedly, “I was just thinking about the gift Molly gave me and whether I should give her one in return.”
She gave you a gift?” His mischievous sister was up to something again.
“Yes, Molly told me not to open it until tomorrow. She said it’s a surprise,” she replied.
Lia had left the gift box at the office, worried she might accidentally open it early.
A surprise? Coby smirked. Only Molly could come up with something like this.
He wrapped his arms around her and whispered in her ear, “Lia let’s go see a movie after work tomorrow.”
After all, it was Valentine’s Day.
Lia nodded slightly. “Okay.”
“Should we sleep now?” he asked.
“Mhm,” answered Lia.
Their eyes met and locked.
Lia leaned in, brushing a light kiss on the corner of his lips. “Goodnight.”
Coby smiled, gently patting her head. “Goodnight.”
Meanwhile, Issac received a phone call.
“Mr. Allen, everything has been taken care of.”
He gripped his phone tightly. Lia, do you think you can escape me?‘
Next day at work, Lia got a call from her landlord, saying the house had been sold, and she’d need to contact the new owner
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Chapter as
to renew or end her lente.
Mrs Johnson, why so sudden asked Lia.
She had just paid rent last month, a six–month advance, and the landlord hadn’t mentioned anything then,
“Oh. Lia, I didn’t want to, but the price was too good to refuse, ld Mrs. Johrison.
Mrs. Johnson had always liked renting to Lin–she was tidy and took great care of the house.
“I understand, Mrs. Johnson, Lin said.
After all, it was the landlord’s property. How she handled it was er right.
“Why don’t you find some time today, and I’ll set up a meeting with the new landlord so you two can talk?” asked Mrs. Johnson.
Today? I’ve got plans later. Can we do it another time?” Lia did want it interfering with her evening plans.
“Well…” Mrs. Johnson hesitated for a few seconds before saying, ia, you know I have to take care of my husband, who’s not very mobile. I can’t step out in the evenings. Let’s do it at lunchtime.”
Lia knew about Mrs. Johnson’s husband, who had been in a wheelchair ever since an old injury.
She thought it over. Since the house had been sold, she might as well end the lease and arrange with the new landlord to move out. Now that Layla was being looked after, keeping the rental wasn’t necessary.
“Alright, Mrs. Johnson. Let’s meet at noon,” said Lia.
“Great, Lia. Since you’re at work, how about we meet at…”
During her lunch break, Lia told Coby about the meeting with the new landlord.
He immediately sent her a message. [I’ll go with you.]
Knowing she was planning to end the lease made him quite happy.
Lia figured handling it during her lunch break wouldn’t affect their evening plans, and she could even shop for his gift afterward.
[No need, I can handle it myself. You should take a good rest.] She texted back.
“Take a good rest, huh? For tonight, I see. Coby thought with a smile.
[Where are you meeting them?] He asked.
[Somewhere near the office,] Lia answered.
[Alright.] Goby didn’t push further.
At noon, Lia grabbed a quick lunch. Since the meeting was set for two, she went to a men’s boutique first to pick out a gift.
Meanwhile, Owchllowed his boss through the mall, having no clue what the man was looking to buy.
“Mr. Ford, are you shopping for a Valentine’s Day gift?” he asked cautiously.
“Yes,” Coby said.
“What should I get that she’ll actually accept?‘ he wondered.
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It was their first Valentine’s Day together, which made it extra spelal
Owen didn’t need to ask who the gift was for–he already knew.
“What would you usually give as a gift?” Coby asked.
“Mr. Ford, I’m still single,” said Owen.
Owen had devoted himself to work, and now, as a result, he was ill alone. Watching others enjoy their relationships was painful enough, but now his hoss had to remind him. That’s just cruell
Coby gave him a look of sympathy as if saying, “Poor dude.”
And you know why?‘ Owen thought.
But there was no way he would say it to his face,
Meanwhile, Lia arrived at the cafe right on time after buying the gift.
Mrs. Johnson and the new landlord hadn’t arrived yet. Knowing Mrs. Johnson lived far away, she didn’t call to check.
Lia glanced toward the entrance and spotted a familiar figure.
Why is he here?‘ Instinctively, Lia lowered her head, hoping he wouldn’t notice her.
But her hopes were dashed. The man stopped right in front of her.
Lia immediately stood up, but Nate stepped in to block her. “Ms Phillips, please wait.”
“Nate, I have nothing to say to you,” Lia said.
Nate didn’t move. Calmly, he said, “Ms. Phillips, the apartment is now under Mr. Allen’s name. Please have a seat so we can discuss.”
“He’s the new landlord? I should’ve guessed!‘ Lia thought
Issac’s eyes scanned her every inch, as if asserting she should belong to him.
“Lia, if you like this house, I’ll give it to you,” he said.
Lia chuckled mockingly. She couldn’t understand how he had changed so much–from wanting her gone, practically strangling her, to now pestering her relentlessly. She had no interest in playing his games.
“I’ll move out soon and vacate your place. I have things to do.” Her voice was flat, devoid of emotion. Enraged, Issac grabbed her slender wrist. “Lia, I don’t believe you love Coby.”
“Let go. She struggled with all her strength.
Issac’s eyes burned with intensity.
“Coby only got close to you because you were always near me. He takes everything I want. Lia, we grew up together. If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t even be alive. He doesn’t deserve you–I do. Coby is manipulative… Issac was cut short.
“Enough, Issac Lia–snapped. She couldn’t allow him to insult Coby.
Stap!
He turned his head, pressing his tongue against his reddened cheek, stunned for several seconds.
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“Lia, did you just hit me?” he asked.
The obedient, gentle Lia had actually slapped him for another