Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife

Chapter 177

The breakfast table was quiet except for the clink of silverware and the occasional sound of a newspaper page turning Olivier sat across from his father, a file folder open in front of him. The smell of eggs, buttered toast, and black coffee lingered in the air, but Philip Horvath hadn’t touched his food yet.

“There’s a bidding next month.” Olivier said, flipping a page. “It’s in Arizona. Red Bluff District. The land’s been dormant for years, but recent surveys flagged high mineral potential Copper. Possibly even lithium. If we move fast-

“Eat your eggs,” Philip cut in, reaching for his own coffee.

Olivier didn’t respond right away. He pushed the file slightly forward. “We don’t need to commit now. Just consider placing a bid. If it turns out to be viable, we’d secure a domestic source. The long–term value-

“I said eat.”

Philip set his cup down and glanced at the file, but didn’t open it. Seeing this, Olivier pressed his lips together and picked up his fork. The eggs had gone cold.

Philip finally picked up a piece of toast and bit into it. “You always bring these papers to breakfast.”

“Because it’s the only time you sit still,” Olivier muttered.

Philip didn’t answer. He flipped another page of the paper. The room fell quiet again.

A few minutes later, footsteps echoed from the hallway. One of the maids entered, bowing her head slightly.

“Young Master and Young Mistress have arrived.”

Philip’s hand stilled mid–motion. He slowly set the paper down and looked up.

He didn’t say anything, but his expression changed. His shoulders shifted back. He leaned slightly forward and Olivier immediately noticed this. Even Margarette, who was peacefully enjoying her breakfast, saw the changes.

“Have them come in,” he said.

“Grandfather!” Izzy’s voice carried through the dining room as she entered, a soft smile on her face. She handed a bouquet of white lilies to the maid standing nearby, along with a small basket of fruits wrapped in clear plastic. She also gave the maid some instructions and in response, the maid nodded and stepped aside.

Izzy walked toward the table and leaned down to hug Philip. The old man didn’t stand, but he didn’t move away either. His hands stayed resting on the arms of his chair as she hugged him lightly.

we just arrived at the perfect time?” she said quietly as she glanced at the spread

small nod, then looked

parking the car,” she answered, adjusting her coat as she took

car?” Olivier asked, frowning. “Why don’t you hire someone? What’s the point of having drivers if you’re

coffee cup down a

he said without looking at Olivier. “Young people these days do things their

He clenched his jaw and looked

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Chapter 177

immediately reached under the table and gave his legek yeying her

didn’t look at

be wee je istock de te warring face might ad while he wanted to say a few wonds to Liam,

himself from showing his anger, but seeing future pouches wide choday what w of the insub that he felt when he received the news that his own som married some wake

a tray of tea. 177y turned toward her with a new dood ook the tray teves the maid’s hands herself

it’s customary for the newlywed to pour tea for the large of respect. The in–laws, of course, are expected to drink it.

didn’t respond immediately. Margarette looked surprised, her eyes flicking

the porcelain cups, then poured tea into each one in a straty

red envelopes though,” she added, glancing at Olivier as she handed him the first c

a small sound that could’ve been a laugh but quickly composed herself. Izzy ignored her as she continued, pouring a second cup and placing it in front of Philip. Then one for Margarette. The last cup the poured was for herself, though she didn’t sit

room, hands

a hand

it, her posture straight, hands steady as she handed out tea like she’d done

moved smoothly, with quiet confidence. Even the way she held the pot

raised an eyebrow. “What are you doing?”

elders,” Izzy said without turning

a final refill, then finally sat down and lifted

Olivier hesitated for

gaze still fixed on her. He leaned in slightly. “When did you learn

books,” she said, taking a sip. “You should try it sometime.

have coffee,” Liam said as he gestured