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.

silenced him

on this earth

Liam didn’t tease her

with Philip. “I’ll take your word for it,” she said, nodding politely.

in his chair, glaring at her. “You

Perhaps… you really keep on teasing me because you like me. Grandfather is

satisfaction. Izzy couldn’t tell if his delight came from her addressing him as ‘grandfather‘ or from the fact that he had finally found an ally in teasing his grandson. “Exactly! At least someone recognizes it.” Philip

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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

related to you! Shouldn’t you be warning her? Maybe say something like, ‘If you hurt him, I’ll shave your head,

shot him a sharp look, his eyes narrowing. “Shave your

was just an

“I didn’t know I would raise someone so cruel.”

mean it literally!” Liam argued, his exasperation only growing as Philip

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exchange with interest. She hadn’t expected this lighthearted back–and–forth between them. Liam always seemed so cold and calculated, and yet here he was, bantering with his grandfather like a sulky teenager.

her side because she’s reasonable,” Philip shot back. “Unlike you, who thinks shaving heads is

insisted, throwing up

not make you look like a

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

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

After Liam left for college in the UK, their interactions became sparse, almost non- existent. She hadn’t realized how much time had passed since then until now,

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

left the table. The garden fell silent, save for the faint rustling of the trees and

his chair, stretching his legs out. He glanced at Izzy, breaking the silence. “Are