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.

said quietly as she glanced at the spread on the

then looked toward the hallway. “Where’s

adjusting her coat as she took a seat

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

set his coffee cup down a little harder than necessary.

without looking at Olivier. “Young people these days do things their way. It’s not your business.”

He clenched his jaw and looked

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Chapter 177

table and gave his legek yeying her beat ang her heat feat

at her. Instead, he turned

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

pouches wide choday what w of the insub that he felt

toward her with a new dood ook the tray teves the maid’s hands

respect. The in–laws, of course, are expected to drink it. I know I am not Chinese bet 1 throught it was worth my work way

looked surprised,

then poured tea into each one in a straty meten There was no rush in her

red envelopes though,” she added, glancing at Olivier

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

room, hands in his pockets. He nodded toward

lifted a hand in acknowledgment

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

she

“What

said without

then finally sat down and lifted

Margarette followed. Olivier hesitated for a second,

sat next to her, his gaze still fixed on her. He

books,” she said, taking a sip. “You should try it sometime. Do you want some tea?” she

as he gestured for the maid to get