Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife

Chapter 30

Philip placed his teacup back onto its saucer, steam wafting gently from the delicate ceramic. The teapot sat in the center of the table, a beautiful piece of craftsmanship with an intricate floral design painted in soft blues and gold. It was the kind of a teapot that looked like it belonged in a museum rather than being used for everyday tea. Liam reached for it, tilting it carefully as he refilled Izzy’s cup.

Izzy couldn’t help but watch him, noting the precision with which he poured. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing strong forearms. Yet, how was it possible for someone to look this smug even while pouring tea?

Philip took another sip of his tea, smacking his lips in satisfaction. “Your grandfather loved this tea,” he said, gesturing to the teapot. “I remember we used to sit right here, drinking it while discussing business. Good times.”

Izzy glanced at the teapot again, then at Liam, who had just set it down. “He also brewed it himself?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Philip chuckled. “No, Augustus wouldn’t lift a finger to brew tea. That’s why he had me.”

“Looks like that tradition lives on,” Izzy muttered, taking a sip of her own tea.

Philip leaned back in his chair, watching them both. “Liam can be difficult, you know,” he said, his eyes glinting. “If you have problems with him, you come to me. I’ll punish him for you.”

Liam straightened, his hand pausing over the teacup he was about to pick up. “Grandfather, I’m a grown man. I don’t need you interfering.”

Philip waved him off. “You’re argumentative. And troublesome. Always have been.”

“I’m a good man,” Liam argued, looking at Izzy as if daring her to disagree.

Philip snorted, shaking his head. “You’re smart, I’ll give you that. And compassionate, though you try to hide it behind all that posturing.”

Liam visibly stiffened. “Compassionate?” he echoed, looking mortified. “Where are you even getting that?”

Izzy took another sip of tea, trying not to laugh at Liam’s expression. “I can’t remember him being compassionate,” she said, “Only annoying.”

Philip grinned, tapping the table lightly. “He teases you because he likes you.”

Izzy froze, her teacup halfway to her lips. Liam made a choking sound beside her.

him with a wave

been on this earth longer than you.

her expression carefully neutral. Inwardly, she thought Philip was way off base. Liam didn’t tease her because he liked her. He teased her because he liked tormenting people. That was just

with Philip. “I’ll take

chair, glaring at her. “You don’t actually believe that.”

really keep on teasing me

radiating satisfaction. Izzy couldn’t tell if his delight came from her addressing him as ‘grandfather‘ or from the fact that he had finally found

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Chapter 30

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the one being teased. The moment reminded her of how his grandfather had always sided with her when they were

your grandson! Why are you always siding with her?” Liam exclaimed, frustration clear in his voice. “She’s not even related to you! Shouldn’t you be warning her? Maybe say something like, ‘If you hurt him, I’ll shave your head,

his eyes narrowing. “Shave

was just an example!” Liam

replied, unimpressed. “I

not cruel! I didn’t mean it literally!” Liam argued, his exasperation only growing as Philip

7

an eyebrow, watching their exchange with interest. She hadn’t expected this lighthearted back–and–forth between them.

Philip shot back. “Unlike you, who thinks shaving heads is an acceptable form

a metaphor!” Liam insisted, throwing up his hands.

make you look like a lunatic,” Philip

them looked so animated, like a pair of old friends bickering over something trivial. She couldn’t

his father. She knew that much. His grandfather had raised him, but with Philip’s constant traveling for business, Liam must have spent much of his childhood alone. In the past, her own grandfather often took Liam under his wing, bringing him along to their outings. That was how Izzy had ended up

She hadn’t realized how

this nonsense,” Philip said, standing abruptly. “I’m going to rest. The tea is perfect as always, Liam. Keep brewing like that, and you might just redeem yourself.” He smirked, patting Liam on the shoulder as he passed. “Izzy, if he causes you any trouble, let me know. I’ll sort him

silent,

his chair, stretching his legs out. He glanced at Izzy, breaking