Chapter 51
The story of sending flowers was buzzing around Ford Group What started as a simple ting hed weret moxuy Lia was arrogant and looked down on ordinary suitors
Some people added fuel to the fire, causing, Lid’s reputation to quickly plummer
In the bathroom, a woman touched up her makeup white complaining Trold you, Me Paillige fontes tiek a She’s got a lot of tricks up her sleeve:
“It’s obvious. She was brought over from Allen Group Another woman was adjusting her spe
oh my gosh, I really liked Ms. Phillips‘ style–low–key and easy to get along with Never thought the waike the
woman was also checking herself in the mirror.
bacter
“Are you stupid? That kind of person doesn’t exist now, especially those who make it to secasty postrone for many of
them are innocent?”
Suddenly, everyone seemed to be an expert on the subject.
“What do you mean?” The woman with the mirror looked at the one adjusting her false lashes
“Who knows, maybe Ms. Phillips is some high–level executive’s mistress This kind of thing was common in the nuts The woman touching up her makeup snorted. “Maybe her goal is even bigger–she might want someting with Me Find
“I’ve heard that too. It seems Mr. Ford has been very attentive to Ms. Phillips
“If it’s true, Ms. Phillips is really something. Mr. Ford only returned to the country not long ago, and he’s never had any rumors before.”
Lia wasn’t hearing this for the first time.
She was helpless as she hid in the corner.
Somehow, she always overheard rumors about herself.
“I think Ms. Phillips must have used some kind of voodoo, otherwise how could Mr. Ford suddenly be so attentive to he After all, Ms. Norton chased Mr. Ford for so long, and there was no result
“Does Ms. Phillips really have that kind of power?” The woman with the mirror didn’t believe it.
“Maybe her skills in bed, you know what I mean.”
Lia wasn’t angry at first since it was a result of her own actions, but as they went on and on, it became more and more ridiculous.
She slowly opened the door and calmly walked over to the sink to wash her hands.
The women fell silent, their eyes wide and panic written all over their faces.
Lia gave them a cold glance. “Instead of guessing here, maybe you should ask me.”
“Ms. Phillips, sorry, we were just repeating what we heard.”
“Ms. Phillips, we apologize.”
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Chapter 51
The women quickly apologized, no longer as arrogant as they were before.
41%8
“I have a recording. I’ll let this slide, but that doesn’t mean I’m easy to mess with Write a report and bring it to me said laa.
“Yes, Ms. Phillips.”
The three women quickly left, not daring to stay another second.
Lia usually didn’t get involved in such matters since it was hard to silence everyone’s gossip. Plus, her relationship with Mr. Ford was indeed unusual.
But their discussion had crossed the line into personal attacks, and she wasn’t going to let it slide.
This was also why Lia didn’t want to make their relationship public.
Because no matter what, people would think Mr. Ford was just doing favors, and the only thing they’d recognize was her identity, not her abilities.
Lia went back to the Secretary’s Department.
“This is too much,” Phoebe shouted.
Millie curiously walked over. “Who upset you? You’re really mad.”
Phoebe, what’s wrong?” Lia saw Phoebe angrily slamming the table.
“Those people are so terrible, spreading rumors when they don’t know anything. Lia, did you hear? They’re actually saying you and Mr. Ford have something going on?” said Phoebe. “Forget whether Mr. Ford is interested, the biggest issue is that Lia already has a boyfriend.”
Lia’s face turned red, and she coughed a few times.
“They don’t know anything, just spreading rumors. You and Mr. Ford are completely innocent, we all know that.” Millie was also upset.
Millie and Phoebe trusted Lia completely.
“Exactly, they’re just jealous of Lia’s abilities,” said Phoebe.
Phoebe and Millie both understood, so they were angry.
“Innocent?” Lia didn’t expect them to believe in her so much, but the truth was, she and Mr. Ford did have something going
- on.
“Lía, don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Both Millie and I know you have a boyfriend. Don’t mind what they say.” Phoebe comforted her, she just couldn’t swallow this anger.
“Thanks, Phoebe.” Lia thanked her, feeling a little guilty.
“Speaking of your boyfriend, we’re really curious. How did you and your boyfriend meet? Who made the first move? Talking about this, Phoebe’s gossip–loving nature resurfaced.
“He and I…” Lia’s eyes flickered to someone walking toward them and immediately reminded. “Mr. Ford’s coming.”
“Mr. Ford?”
The three women immediately stood up straight. They had been caught red–handed gossiping.
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Chapter 51
“Mr. Ford, Owen, good afternoon, they said in unison.
Coby’s gaze fell on Lia, and with just one look, Owen, who was used to reading Cory’s expressions, understood Think overheard something about someone’s boyfriend just now?”
Phoebe instinctively replied, “We were talking about Ms. Phillips’s boyfriend. There’s so much grup qhiq manh, uv
Lia pressed her hand to her forehead and subtly tugged on Phoebe’s sleeve, signaling her to stop
Realizing her mistake, Phoebe quickly shut up. Now was definitely not the time to gossip in front of the bow
Qwen sneaked a glance at her boss. After all, wasn’t Ms. Phillips’s boyfriend standing right there?
What were you saying about Ms. Phillips’s boyfriend?” Coby asked, his voice calm but probing
“We were curious about what Lia’s boyfriend is like.” Millie added quickly, hoping to smooth things over
Her words, however, only made things worse.
Lia sighed. She had stopped one, but the other had managed to step into the same trap,
“Yes, that’s exactly what I meant.” Phoebe chimed in, agreeing awkwardly. They were too far into the conversation to backtrack now.
Coby loosened his tie slightly, clearing his throat. “And what kind of person do you think Ms. Phillips’s boyfriend is Lia’s embarrassment reached its peak. He was actually playing along! All she wanted at this moment was to disappear
Owen jumped in enthusiastically. “Well, he must be like Mr. Fo-”
Catching the cold glare directed at him, Owen wisely swallowed his words.
“I think Lia’s boyfriend must treat her really well.” Phoebe suggested.
Coby’s lips curved into a slight smile.
“And how can you tell?” Owen asked, feigning curiosity.
“A woman’s intuition,” Phoebe replied, though her conclusion was based on observation rather than instinct.
‘Not bad,‘ Owen thought. Her intuition seemed spot–on.
“I think he must love Ms. Phillips very much.” Millie added confidently.
“Well, I…” Lia tried to cut in, but Coby interrupted her.
“Tonight, dinner’s on me. Order whatever you like.” He announced.
Lia glanced at him, only to meet his smiling eyes. He seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood.
“Thank you, Mr. Ford,” Millie said, tugging Phoebe along to express their gratitude.
Both seemed to wonder how that was related to the topic.
“Thank you, Mr. Ford. Where are we going?” Phoebe asked.
“You decide,” he said simply.
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Coby gave Lia a meaningful look before heading toward his office, with Owen dutifully following behind. That left the three
women alone.
Phoebe and Millie still seemed puzzled.
“Millie, why is Mr. Ford suddenly treating us to dinner?” Phoebe asked.
“How should I know? Aside from company events, Mr. Ford has never treated us privately Millie replied, equally curious.
“Lia, what do you think?” asked Phoebe.
“Maybe he’s just in a good mood,” Lia answered casually, trying to brush it off
that makes sense. We can never guess what the boss is thinking,” said Phoebe.
“Let’s get back to work. Even though Mr. Ford didn’t call us out, we should be more careful‘ Lia switched the subject.
“Understood. Lia!”
“Yes, ma’am!”
Phoebe and Millie returned to their desks, and Lia headed back to her office.
She had just taken out her phone when she saw a message from him, making her smile unconsciously.
[So, who is your boyfriend?]
[He’s far away yet right in front of me.]
Reading her reply, Coby’s lips curled into a pleased grin.
****
Dinner took place at a steakhouse.
“So what’s special about this place?” Owen asked, genuinely curious.
“Well, you have no idea, huh? They have firefighters here,” said Phoebe.
Phoebe and Millie wanted to come here for a long time.
“What are you talking about? This is a steakhouse.” Owen was confused.
“You really don’t know what I’m talking about?” Phoebe smiled.
“Should I know?” Owen suddenly felt old. He wondered if this was some young people’s thing.
Lia covered her eyes. She couldn’t believe Phoebe and Millie would pick this place.
Phoebe talked about it once, but she thought it was just a joke.
“Firefighters?” Coby asked her.
Lia remembered the video Phoebe showed her. This steakhouse became popular because customers could order dancers. The male dancers would dress like firefighters, classic fantasy. And the female dancers would dress like hot nurses.
“It’s… uh…”
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Chapter 51
I’ll show you the video, Mr. Ford, said Millie exchedy
“Not said Lia
“Why not? Didn’t you say you’re interested to wied PAR
“Interested in what?” asked Cobry,
Lia wanted to find a place to hide. She only said it for a laugh, but they took her shovely
“So they have firefighters on the menu? Cobry laughed, “Order it thent
Thank you so much, Mr. Ford Phoebe was excited
“What would you like to order? asked the water,
“Are the firefighters available right now?” asked Millie.
“Of course. Do you want them right now?”
“Yes, right now! Millie chuckled,
“Alright, just a minute.
Soon, three muscular men over six feet came, dressing like firefighters but with their abs exposed
They started dancing erotically with the music.
Owen had never seen men dancing like that before.
He couldn’t help but look at Coby’s expression secretly.
Coby wasn’t looking at the dance at all. Instead, he was staring at Lía.
‘So this is what she likes, huh? He glared at her.
Lía was so embarrassed. She just wanted this to be over soon.
Phoebe and Millie, on the other hand, were having a great time.
After dinner, they got out of the steakhouse.
“Send them back, Owen,” said Coby.
“Yes, Mr. Ford,” Owen nodded,
“Thank you, Mr. Ford, Phoebe said politely.
“Thank you, Mr. Ford. Lía, do you want to come with us? Millie asked with concern.
Lía glanced at him quickly. “I… uh…*
“I’ll take Ms. Phillips, the man interrupted.
“Ladies, after you” Owen quickly gestured for them to leave. Unlike the two girls, Owen knew the situation perfectly well.
“Thank you, Owen. Mr. Ford, Lía, see you tomorrow, Phoebe said, waving at them.
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Chapter 51
“Mr. Ford, Lia, see you tomorrow,” Millie added, following behind Phoebe and Owen, her curiosity piqued
“Do you think Mr. Ford is interested in Lia?” Phoebe whispered, clearly intrigued by how he went out of his way to send lia
home.
“Phoebe, Lia has a boyfriend,” Millie said, swatting Phoebe lightly on the shoulder. “Besides, you know Lia and Mr. Ford are just heading in the same direction.”
“Oh, come on, I’m just saying. Mr. Ford is obviously just being considerate of us employees Phoebe laughed awkwards. brushing off her comment.
Owen silently walked ahead, pretending not to hear their conversation. It was torture holding back his thoughts, but he had
o choice but to act like he didn’t know anything.
After arriving at Skyview Villa, Coby trapped Lia on the couch, his hands pressing on either side of her waist, and with a slight pout, he asked, “Lia, so you were planning to see those firefighters with them, huh?”
Lia felt embarrassed. When they were in the car earlier, he had acted so normal, and she thought he didn’t mind, but now he asked.
“Coby, we only mentioned it once,” she said.
His nose lightly brushed her cheek, and his tone became tinged with jealousy. “Are they better than me?”
Lia quickly responded, “No, if you don’t like it, we won’t go there again.”
He felt a bit more at ease, but still teased. “But did you enjoy the dance?”
“No, I was just there for the food. It was funny though. We were just messing around,” Lia said sincerely.
Coby tilted her face toward him, looking directly into her eyes. “Lia, I’ll dance for you.”
‘What? What did he just say?‘
Lia couldn’t even imagine it. It was simply too much.
“No need.” She immediately declined.
“I’ll do it in a few days.” Coby decided to learn first.
“Really, no need.” Lia shook her head, holding onto his shirt.
He smiled slyly. “Then how about you dance for me?”
“But I don’t know how,” Lia said, feeling embarrassed.
Coby kissed her forehead. “I’ll teach you. It’ll be easy for you.”
Lia thought of herself as a person who always stuck to her opinions, but with a man so persistent and charmingly distracting, she was no match at all.
She lost herself in his kisses, and by the time she realized it, it was too late to back out.
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