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.

she said quietly as she glanced at the spread

gave a small nod, then looked toward the hallway. “Where’s Liam?”

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

him park the car?” Olivier asked, frowning. “Why don’t you hire someone? What’s the point of having drivers if you’re going to do menial things yourselves?”

Philip set his coffee cup down a little harder

at Olivier. “Young people these days

slightly red. He clenched his jaw and

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Chapter 177

and gave his legek yeying her beat ang her

at her. Instead,

warring face might ad while he wanted to say a few wonds to Liam,

pouches wide choday what w of the

rue, the maid returned with a tray of tea. 177y turned toward her with a new

of respect. The in–laws, of course, are expected to drink it. I know I am not Chinese bet 1

immediately. Margarette looked surprised, her eyes

one in a straty meten There

added, glancing at Olivier as she handed him the

ignored her as she continued, pouring a second cup and placing it in front of Philip. Then one for Margarette. The last

finally entered the room, hands in his pockets. He nodded toward

response, Philip lifted a hand in

beside it, her posture straight, hands steady as she handed out tea like she’d done it a dozen times before.

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

eyebrow. “What are

Izzy said without turning

finally sat down and

hesitated

his gaze still fixed on her. He leaned in slightly. “When

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

have coffee,” Liam said as he gestured for the maid to get