Chapter 59
At the Allen family mansion, the door was forcefully slammed open, and a man walked in with a serious expression, throwing the blanket off the bed.
“Get up,” he said.
Issac casually grabbed a pillow and threw it at him. “Get lost.”
“I won’t say it a second time, Issac,” the man said.
Issac paused. It was his father’s voice. Issac seemed to realize something and quickly opened his eyes, sitting up. “Dad, when did you come back?”
Noah threw those inappropriate photos at him. “Look what you’ve done?”
Issac looked at the photos without panicking, since this was everywhere now. “I was drugged”
“I don’t care what you did. This has already brought shame to the company. Stocks have plummeted. You did great in the beginning. But what has happened? The board is extremely dissatisfied, Noah screamed.
Noah had high hopes for his only son, but time and time again, he was disappointed.
His fists clenched, and he angrily said. This is all Coby’s fault.”
Stealing his woman, scheming against him, and sabotaging cooperation… He had to make him pay!
“Because you’re weak! His achievements abroad have already made the upper management of the Ford Group fully trust him. And what have you done?” said Noah.
Noah didn’t want to admit that his son couldn’t compare to Bruce’s son, but he was angry at his son’s lack of progress.
“Honey, do you look down on your own son that much? Issac just hasn’t used those underhanded tactics.” Luna rushed in. and when she saw her husband hadn’t been home for so long, she immediately started scolding him, feeling deeply dissatisfied.
“Dad, I’ll prove myself. Issac kept a calm face and made a promise. Til definitely get the Floral Island project.”
“From today on, you’re not allowed to go to bars or places like that. Keep yourself clean and get results. Otherwise, I can’t protect you. Where’s Lin? Why don’t I see her?”
Lia was supposed to handle this.
Luna snorted coldly. “You don’t know! Lia has already quit her job.”
Noah looked at his son with a stern expression. “What did you do this time?”
Issac lowered his head, veins bulging in his hands.
Lia, you will regret this,‘ he thought.
Luna held back Her anger and sarcastically said. “You don’t care about Issac, only about her. I wonder who your real child is!”
“Lia’s abilities are well recognized. If your son could stand on his own, we wouldn’t be in this situation. If you keep being stubborn, it’s your precious son who’ll suffer. You two think about it,” said Noah.
Noah knew his wife was still upset about what happened years ago, but he couldn’t do anything about it
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“Honey, where are you going?” asked Luna.
“Mind your own business, said Noah,
Luna glared at his back, certain he was going to see his mistress,
Luna was shaking with anger. She couldn’t cause a scene now, bit once her son took over the Allen family business, she’d have no more worries,
She loved him for a lifetime, but he had also hurt her for a lifetime.
Luna calmed herself and sat down at the edge of the bed.
“Issac, you heard what your father said. This matter has already shocked the board. I used to not care what you did outside, but now everyone knows. You must pull yourself together. Only by securing the Floral Island project can you prove yourself to the board,” she said.
“I know,” Issac replied.
He had to get the Floral Island project.
Luna looked at her son, who appeared determined, but there was still one worry in her heart: the woman in the photos.
“I’ll handle Frances,” she said firmly.
Issac didn’t even want to look at the woman. “Do as you wish,” he replied coldly.
Right now, all his focus was on securing the project.
At Skyview Villa, Coby tilted Lia’s petite chin up. “Lia, why won’t you look at me?”
Since waking up, his wife had been avoiding his gaze, even when helping him tie his tie. She hadn’t given him a single direct look.
Lia mumbled in embarrassment, “I keep thinking about when you were dancing. That image kept popping up in her mind
He encircled her with his arms, gazing at her intently.
“Oh? Was it good or bad?” he asked.
She thought for a moment before nodding slightly. “It was good, but also too… She trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.
“Should I dance for you more often then?”
Lia quickly shook her head. “No need.”
He chuckled softly, grabbing a nearby coat and helping her put it on.
“I’d love to see you dance, but just for me. Would you do that?” he asked.
Under his tender gize, Lia found it hard to refuse his request. “Alright. She agreed.
Love makes people do crazy things.
He took her hand and led her outside. “No rush, we’ll take it slow
I’m having dinner with Cora after work today.” She mentioned casually.
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Lia usually informed him in advance whenever she had plans.
“So you’re leaving me behind?” He teased.
“You have your own engagements. Let’s go together next time, e replied with a soft, coquettish tone.
Coby never interfered with her friendships, as long as the other person was a woman.
“After what happened last time, I’m worried. The bodyguards will follow you,” he said.
“Okay” She agreed. Lia understood his concern. The previous incident still lingered in her mind, and until they found more evidence against Issac, it was wise to stay cautious.
“I’ll pick you up afterward.” He insisted.
“No need. It was too much trouble, and she didn’t want him to make the trip.
“Picking up my wife is my duty,” he said matter–of–factly. “It’s my way of fulfilling my obligations.”
“Alright then.” She relented.
After work, Tia met Cora at a restaurant,
“Lia, why do you have so many bodyguards following you?” Cora asked, noting the well–trained group stationed nearby.
Lia hadn’t told her best friend about the previous incident and only offered a simple explanation. “He’s just worried about
-me
“Coby treats you even better than I imagined. Seeing you so happy makes me happy too, Cora said with a smile.
Lia felt his care deeply. Being with him always left her heart feeling warm.
“You’ll find the right one too, Cora. Your turn will come,” she said
Cora thought of the man at home and shook her head. That man didn’t know anything. “I doubt it. I’ll probably die alone.
“By the way, Cora, has that man remembered anything yet?” Lia asked.
“No, but I suspect he’s not an ordinary person,” Cora replied.
“Why do you think that?” Lia asked curiously.
“He knows all the luxury brands but hasn’t heard of most common street foods,” she said.
Wealthier people were easier to trace since they were rarer, and this was the only consolation Cora had.
“What about that bracelet? Did you bring it?” asked Lia.
“No, he took it back. I have no idea what he’s planning, and I didnt even get a picture of it. Cora complained.
“What a strange man.” Lia commented.
“Exactly. All he does is boss me around. Lia, do you know how humiliated I feel?”
“Let me give you a hug. Maybe you should just find him another place to stay,” Lia said, pulling her friend into a comforting
embrace.
Cora had thought about it, but the man used his status as the injured party to guilt her, acting without restraint.
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“I’ve decided to tougher up. Honestly, I just hit him with my car If it comes down to it, he can hit me back!” she said
She used to be a little tyrant, but now she’d turned into a pushover–it felt frustrating for her.
Lia couldn’t help but laugh. “Cora, don’t be impulsive?
“I know, I know. I’m just venting. But I swear, I’m never listening to him again said Cora.
“Cora, are you sure it’s safe living with him? What if he has bad intentions?” Lia still felt it wasn’t appropriate for them to live together.
“Don’t worry, Lia. That man is a germaphobe and thinks I’m beneath him,” said Cora,
She had never been treated with such disdain. Cora was determined to teach him a lesson and have him completely wrapped around her finger.
Lia listened to Cora’s description and found herself increasingly unimpressed by the man.
Meanwhile, in another neighborhood, Frances was hiding out, too afraid to go home. She even had to rely on takeout for
meals.
Her face and body were covered in shocking bruises. Frances had never looked this wretched before. Staring at her swollen face in the mirror only reminded her of Issac’s violent outburst that night.
That awful man used her like some tool. And after using her, he didn’t even pay. How was she supposed to make money looking like this? She had to get her hands on some cash.
Ding…
The doorbell rang. It must be her takeout. Starving, Frances rushed from the bathroom to open the door.
Seeing the person outside, she instinctively tried to shut the door, but she was no match against the bodyguards.
“Mrs. Allen,” she said,
“Did you really think hiding here would make you untraceable? Luna shot a disdainful glance at the battered woman before her.
“Mrs. Allen, I didn’t do anything.” Frances cowered to the side, terrified by the towering bodyguards.
“As if you’d dare to do anything.” Luna casually pulled out a check. “Here’s 1.5 million. Keep your mouth shut.”
Frances was stunned but overjoyed. She carefully took the check “Thank you, Mrs. Allen. I promise I won’t say a word.”
Luna’s lips curled into a mocking smile. ‘Foolish woman. Does she think taking the money would be that easy? Well, since she likes getting trashed by men. Then she’ll have her way!
Still lost in the joy of her newfound wealth, Frances thought Mr Allen was far more generous than Issac.
Ford Group held its weekly meeting on Wednesday mornings. Department heads would arrive at the conference room promptly.
Lia, along with Phoebe and Millie, had prepared in advance and were stationed at the entrance to greet them.
“Hi everyone, please come in.”
“Good morning
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“Good morning”
The department managers trickled into the room.
“Good morning, Ms. White.”
With her sleek shoulder–length hair, Gwen White stopped in front of Lia. “Ms Phillips, you haven’t been here long, but you’ve already won the favor of many executives. It seems our Sales Department needs to learn from you.”
“Ms. White, you flatter me. I should be learning from you. Under your leadership, the Sales Department has been thriving. Mr. Ford was even praising you not long ago,” Lia replied.
Being the leader of the Sales Department, Gwen could easily read between the lines. Compliments like these didn’t come out of thin air. The saying goes, ‘One doesn’t strike a smiling face After several interactions, she couldn’t help but see Lia in a new light.
However, as a strong and ambitious businesswoman, Gwen naturally favored men who were equally impressive. Few met her standards, but the newly appointed Mr. Ford certainly did.
So she wasn’t pleased that such a beautiful woman like Lia was close to him.
Gwen was self–aware. Liking someone was one thing, but throwing herself at him recklessly was beneath her. Without absolute certainty, she wouldn’t make a move.
She had also heard the rumors about Coby and Lia. People said they weren’t true, but her sharp eye told her otherwise. Truth can’t be hidden forever.
“Ms. Phillips, your knack for winning people over would work wonders in the Sales Department.” Gwen brushed her hair aside and leaned closer to Lia. “No wonder you caught Mr. Ford’s attention.”
Lia’s smile didn’t falter. She showed no reaction to Gwen’s remark. I’m grateful for Mr. Ford’s recognition and for giving me this opportunity.”
Gwen had climbed to the top of the Sales Department thanks to her charisma and exceptional networking skills. She was also an astute observer. It was clear she had her own perspective on the company gossip.
What.com
“What composure, Gwen mused.
“I’ll head in now. Let’s chat next time, Ms. Phillips,” she said.
“Of course, Ms. White.” Lia responded with a smile, watching as Gwen entered the conference room.
“Lia, what did Ms. White whisper to you? It felt like her words were barbed,” Millie asked, frowning-
“Could it be about Mr. Ford? Ms. White used to visit him often. Phoebe chimed in, her gossiping instincts kicking in.
“No, it’s nothing. Let’s focus on our work,” said Lia.
Lia could guess the reason behind her tone. Still, Ms. White was tactful, and that might explain her gradual rise to leadership.
The meeting lasted until noon, and everyone looked uncomfortable–it was pretty much the same every time. “Finally done with the meeting. I’m starving. Phoebe said, rubbing her stomach.
Lia came out of the meeting room and immediately said. “You guys go ahead and eat. I’m on duty for lunch today.”
“Lia, do you want us to bring food for you?” asked Phoebe.
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“No, you go ahead, Lin replied.
“Okay, we’ll be quick, Lia, said, Millic.
The office was left empty except for Lia, who was reviewing documents when she received a message from Coby.
[Lia, you’re on duty today?]
[Yes] Lia quickly replied.
[Come in.]
Lia looked towards the general manager’s office. When she was on duty, she usually worked in the big office, where she could answer calls and keep an eye on the hallway.
[What’s going on?] she asked.
[I ordered takeout.] Coby replied.
He even sent a photo of the table full of food.
He actually ordered takeout? No wonder the front desk staff looked at her strangely earlier.
Lia put her phone in her bag, glanced around, and walked toward the office.
After knocking, she entered and closed the door behind her. Coby took her hand and led her to the sofa.
“Mr. Ford, why did you order takeout?” she asked.
He joked. “My wife didn’t want to eat with me in the cafeteria, so I figured takeout would be a safe bet.”
“People are going to notice,” said Lia.
“I specifically waited until you were on duty to order it,” he said.
Since it was the boss’s will, she might as well enjoy the food.
Although it felt a bit sneaky, it was a happy moment.
“I heard good things about their pasta. Lia, try it,” said Coby.
Lia took a bite, then suddenly thought of something. “But Mr. Ford, weren’t you in a meeting? How did you have time to order takeout?”
Coby raised an eyebrow and said casually. “I was playing with my phone for a bit.”
She laughed. “You shouldn’t do this.”
He had been scolding everyone else for losing focus during the meeting, yet here he was, distracted himself.
Coby obediently admitted his mistake. “Okay, I won’t do it again
“You should try it too,” said Lia.
As Lia was about to feed him, Coby grabbed her wrist, pulling her toward the sofa, and soon she was underneath him.
“I’d rather try you.” He scanned her flushed face. “So how was the food?”
“It’s pretty good. Cheesy, creamy.”
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“I’m hungry now,” said Coby,
“Then come and get some.” Lia teased.
He hughed mischievously. Tm coming”
Her lips parted slightly, giving him the chance, and he quickly k
The taste of cream lingered in their mouths.
It was irresistible.