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.

but Philip silenced him with a wave of his hand.

me, boy. I’ve been on this earth longer than you. I

tease her because he

arguing with Philip. “I’ll take your word for it,” she

leaned back in his chair, glaring at

you really keep on teasing me because you like me. Grandfather is very wise.”

came from her addressing him as ‘grandfather‘ or from the fact that he had finally found an ally in

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Chapter 30

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rubbing his temples, and Izzy couldn’t help but smirk as she reached for her teacup again, savoring his discomfort. For once, she wasn’t the one being teased. The moment reminded her of how his grandfather had always sided with her when they were younger, Good times, she thought, a flicker of nostalgia warming her

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

him a sharp look, his eyes

just an example!”

unimpressed. “I didn’t know I would

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

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watching their exchange with interest. She hadn’t expected this lighthearted back–and–forth between them. Liam always seemed so cold and calculated, and

she’s reasonable,” Philip shot back. “Unlike you, who thinks

Liam insisted, throwing up his hands. “I wasn’t being serious!”

are supposed to clarify things, not make you look like a lunatic,” Philip countered, shaking

of old friends bickering over something trivial. She couldn’t remember the last time she saw

to 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 seeing Liam nearly every weekend

college in the UK, their interactions became sparse, almost non- existent. She hadn’t realized how much time had

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

The garden fell silent, save for the faint rustling of the trees

his legs out. He glanced at Izzy, breaking the silence.