Chapter 52
It hit her later. She was seduced by him. It turned out her will–power was simply not strong enough
Lia remembered when she had just graduated. Cora took her to a strip club. Lia had felt indifferent and even regretted spending money on it.
Cora had asked if she felt anything when those men were naked.
At the time, Lia had seriously replied, “No.”
Au the reality proved that she wasn’t as calm as she had imagined.
How could she not feel anything when it came to Coby?
And, that feeling was wonderful.
These past few days, he had been watching dancing lessons every night.
She had thought he was just joking, but he was really studying and even dragged her into it
“Lia, what do you think of this?” He held his phone in front of her.
The man in the video was wearing so little that she was surprised the video hadn’t been removed from the platform.
Lia was trapped in his embrace, glancing at the screen but too shy to look longer. “Do what you feel comfortable with.”
“I want to make you happy. His voice was soft, like a gentle spring breeze brushing against her ear, causing her face to flush uncontrollably.
“I… I think this is pretty good,” she said shyly.
It was good enough to see him dance. She couldn’t possibly ask for more.
ན
The man smiled with satisfaction, leaning in to whisper in her ear, “Then I’ll practice.”
*****
A few days later, at Ford Group, Lia placed the file on the desk. “Mr. Ford, here’s the material you requested
He looked up at her. “Schedule for tonight?”
“A private dinner hosted by Mr. Norton of Norton Group. He asked you to attend, Lia answered quickly.
Coby nodded. “Ms. Phillips, you’re coming with me.”
“Yes.” She agreed.
He slowly stood up and walked towards her. “Lia, remember what to do this time?”
Lia looked him directly in the eyes. “I just hope I won’t disappoint you.”
The man gently brushed her small nose. “Don’t just swallow your frustration.”
“Mr. Ford, I’m not the type to just suffer in silence.” She felt the need to defend herself.
Coby raised an eyebrow. “I’m looking forward to it.”
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Evening came.
This private dinner party was full of elites. It was said that Mr. Norton, the head of Norton Group, was looking to choose husband for his daughter, a business marriage to create a powerful alliance–something quite common in high society.
Therefore, most people had ulterior motives for attending.
Coby was there because of the business collaboration between the two families. There were mutual benefits to consider, so he had to show up.
Lia appeared in a champagne–colored, diamond–embellished mermaid gown, her smooth black hair styled in an elegant updo with a few strands falling naturally on either side of her face. She looked graceful yet playful.
She smiled warmly, remaining calm and composed even under the scrutiny of everyone’s eyes.
Lia’s appearance immediately attracted everyone’s attention. If Coby bringing her to Mr. Reid’s banquet was a coincidence, then bringing her as his date this time was almost like rejecting Nancy Norton directly.
“Coby, you made it.” Mr. Norton’s gaze subtly drifted to the woman by his side. The fact that his nephew had brought her was enough to make him look at her differently.
“Uncle Tom, long time no see.” Coby nodded politely.
“Yes, it’s been a while. I was just talking to your dad about you. You’ve really made a name for yourself, Coby, such a fine young man.” Mr. Norton looked at Coby as though he were evaluating a potential son–in–law. “Coby, let’s talk more…
“Uncle Tom, you go ahead and mingle with the other guests, don’t worry about me,” said Coby.
Throughout the evening, he kept his arm wrapped around Lia’s soft waist, never letting her go.
Tom tried to separate them so his daughter could have a private conversation with Coby, but his plan fell through.
He liked Coby, and his daughter liked him, and the two families were on good terms. He thought he could make a move, but now it seemed he was overestimating his own position.
After some small talk with the host, Coby led Lia to the snack area.
“Mr. Ford, you don’t need to keep an eye on me.” Lia felt he was paying too much attention to her. Though she understood his desire to protect her, she didn’t want to keep relying on him.
Coby glanced at the snacks. “I’m getting it for myself.”
“Alright, what do you want to eat?” asked Lia.
“I’ll have whatever my wife eats,” said Coby.
Hearing this, Lia picked up a small snack and offered it to his mouth. “Try this.”
“Sweet.
“It’s mustard–flavored. How could it be sweet?” Lia complained.
He smiled playfully, looking as cute as a kitten. “Because you touched it.”
Lia struggled to suppress her laughter. “I think Mr. Ford is the one with a sweet mouth.”
“So, Lia, do you want to try?” He took the chance to ask.
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Lia glanced around and realized no one was watching them in the corner. For some reason, she suddenly felt bold enough to tiptoe and lick the corner of his mouth.
Coby was momentarily stunned. He hadn’t expected her to actually do it. But unfortunately, he didn’t feel anything.
The man quickly bent down and asked for another one. “Lia, try again.”
Lia handed him a small piece of cake. “Don’t mess around.”
Coby obediently took a bite but couldn’t help asking, “Baby, did you like eating it like that?”
Lia playfully poked his waist, blushing. “Stop!”
Alright, we’ll talk about it later, when we’re alone,” said Coby.
Meanwhile, several pairs of eyes were secretly watching them.
“Nancy, look at that b*tch flirting with your man,” the woman in a black said
gown
scornfully.
“Nancy, you’re too kind. She’s not just a secretary. I bet she’s only trying to climb the ranks,” another woman said, her jealousy evident.
They were both socialites, yet they couldn’t compare to a mere working girl. Of course, they were mad.
“She’s probably already in Coby’s bed.”
They went back and forth, and Nancy had been trying to ignore them, but the more she listened, the angrier she became.
She didn’t understand what had gone wrong.
Her father had already told her to give up on Coby, but to lose like this made it hard to swallow.
She had to know why.
Nancy waited for the right moment, not believing that Coby would always protect her.
After waiting for half an hour, taking advantage of the fact that she was alone, Nancy arrogantly walked over to Lia.
“Lia, I need to talk to you.”
Lia had already known that Nancy wouldn’t back down easily.
Seeing that Lia didn’t respond, Nancy mocked her. “What, waiting for Mr. Ford to come help you?”
Lia kept a smile on her face. “I’m sure Ms. Norton wouldn’t do anything to ruin her reputation.”
“Are you really that confident? You think I won’t do anything to you?” Nancy glared at her, annoyed by her calmness
“I have faith in Mr. Ford,” said Lia.
Nancy already knew that this woman wasn’t simple. She had been thriving at the Allen Group and was doing just as well at the Ford Group. She had to have some skills.
Lia followed Nancy into the private room, not surprised to see a group of high society women.
‘Here we go again. Mean girls never grow out of it,‘ Lia thought.
“She doesn’t look that pretty to me.” A woman folded her arms, arrogantly lifting her chin, eyeing Lia.
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“Her body’s okay, but I bet she’s had surgery before. Mr. Ford must have been fooled by her illusion,” a slightly plump
woman said.
She was especially sensitive about Lia’s body because she didn’t have one herself.
“I think she’s just good at using her charm. She’s nothing like Nancy–so pure and kind.” Another woman chimed in, flattering Nancy.
40%
Nancy was observing Lia’s expression. She was frighteningly calm. Nancy had expected her to get angry after hearing these insulting remarks, but she didn’t.
“I can’t comment on what you’ve said. The truth of the situation lies with Mr. Ford,” Lia replied coolly.
She was telling the truth. How Mr. Ford saw her, no one knew better than him.
“But I don’t think he’d tell you anything.” She added, honestly giving her answer.
“Look at her, so arrogant. I’ll strip her and let everyone see…”
“I’ll slap her to let her know who’s in charge.” A few women eagerly suggested.
“Shut up!” Nancy yelled.
The talkative sycophants exchanged glances but didn’t dare to say anything more.
Nancy may have been spoiled, but she wasn’t a fool. As Lia said, she had come with Coby. They couldn’t afford to mess wit the Ford family or the Norton family.
“I just wanted to ask how Lia earned Mr. Ford’s favor, but now it seems it’s unnecessary.”
Lia thought for a few seconds and replied directly, “He told me it was love at first sight.”
“How ridiculous, how could that be?” A woman in a black gown laughed loudly.
“Nancy, don’t believe her. She definitely seduced him,” the slightly plump woman said disdainfully.
“Yeah, that’s definitely it.”
The women chattered on.
Nancy shrugged. “Actually, I believe her.”
Her words left everyone, except Lia, in disbelief.
“Nancy, how could you believe that?”
“Lia has a kind of calm aura.” Nancy glanced at Lia, slightly displeased. “Honestly, it’s very pleasant to be around you
Nancy had never disliked her, whether when she was working for the Allen Group or the Ford Group.
“First impressions are important, but I’m still not rooting for you two,” Nancy said with her last bit of stubbornness.
“I’m afraid Ms. Norton will be disappointed,” Lia responded with a smile.
“We’ll see.” Nancy huffed.
With that, Nancy angrily stormed out, but for a moment, seeing the man outside made her feel a little better.
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“Mr. Ford.” She greeted him.
Coby walked past her and approached Lia, pulling her into his arms and softly asking, “Did you finish talking?”
“Mm.” Lia nodded slightly.
Nancy became even angrier. “Coby, do you always have to ignore me like this?”
He embarrassed her in front of her friends.
Coby lazily lifted his eyelids, glancing at her. “I’m not ignoring you, I didn’t even notice you,”
ia subtly pinched his waist. ‘Do you have to say it so harshly?”
Nancy was furious, not caring whether Lia was her rival. “Lia, you should just leave him. He’s a jerk!”
With that, she stormed off, not wanting to stay and be the laughing stock,
When the other women saw the main character leave, they followed suit. After all, no one dared offend Coby,
With only the two of them left, Coby pinched Lia’s soft face. “You’ve got some guts, coming here alone with her.”
Lia wrapped her arms around his neck, smiling playfully. “Because I knew you’d be here for me.
He knew he would come to find her, and based on his past understanding of Nancy, he figured she wouldn’t do anything impulsive.
“But still, be careful, protect yourself.” He advised. He couldn’t always be by her side, so the best protection was to be self-
aware.
“I know, I’ll be careful,” she replied.
“You’re already doing great.” He leaned in close to her ear. “Sweetheart, let’s go back and eat some cake.”
Cakes? She felt it wasn’t really cakes he was talking about.
*****
After they were done enjoying the special cakes, Lia got a call.
Molly sounded frustrated on the phone. “Lia.”
“Molly, what’s wrong?” Lia could tell from her tone that something wasn’t right.
“I… “Molly didn’t know how to bring it up. At the charity gala, Remy actually confessed to her. What was supposed to be a fake relationship had turned real, and now he wanted to take it further.
“Molly, why don’t we meet for coffee?” Lia suggested kindly.
“Okay, Lia. I’ll be at the Encounter Cafe. And, um, don’t let Coby know,” said Molly.
After all, Remy and Coby were friends, and she didn’t want to ruin their relationship because of her.
“Why?” Lia was puzzled.
“This is a long story. Lia, let’s meet, and I’ll explain. Please don’t tell my brother for now. I’m begging you.” Molly sounded
serious.
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“Alright, I understand.” Lia felt that it must have something to do with her, offence, stoty wyddat bewing the safe
Half an hour later, Lia arrived at Encounter Cafe.
Molly looked upset. The issue had been bothering her all day, mid the conten’t think of a colision, so deter
“Molly, what’s going on?” asked Lia
“Lia, I want to ask you something,” said Molly,
“Sure, what is it?” Lia listened intently.
folly hesitated for a moment before nervously speaking, I have a friend. Her brother’s good thead wants to darrer tra should she do?”
“Coby’s friend wants to date you?” asked Lia.
Molly took an awkward sip of her coffee. Lia, how did you kno
“Duh. It’s obvious. You look so troubled,” said Liz
Normally, when someone mentions a friend, it’s usually about themselves.
“I didn’t know he was my brother’s good friend. We met when we were Kids, sád Molly,
Somehow, the fake boyfriend she found was her brother’s friend
Molly didn’t have a strong impression of Dr. Walker. As a child, she liked following her brother woud, which is for the met him.
But as she grew older, she went abroad for high school and lost touch with him, not remembering what he looked like or even his name. All she knew was he was her brother’s older friend
Molly didn’t think Dr. Walker was a bad person, but she had always viewed him like an older brother Becoming comate felt strange to her.
“Molly, the only good friend of Coby’s I know is Dr. Walker, said Lia
“Huh? Lia, you know Dr. Walker too? Molly was shocked.
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