Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife

Chapter 178

Chapter 178

“You should eat more,” Liam said as he pushed a small plate toward Izzy. On it was half of the sandwich he had just finished making from the corner of the table–thick slices of tomato, eggs, cheese, and a light smear of mustard between toaster bread.

Izzy glanced at the plate, then at him. “Thanks,” she said simply, picking it up with both hands

He nodded and grabbed the other half for himself. They both took a bite at the same time as if it was normal to be sharing food at a table like this.

Seeing this. Philip didn’t react. He turned a page of his newspaper and took another sip of tea as if nothing was happening in front of him.

Then Margarette looked at them briefly glancing away, adjusting her utensils even though she wasn’t eating. Her hand hovered over her cup but didn’t lift it. There was a tightness in her posture.

Meanwhile, Olivier hadn’t touched his breakfast since the tea exchange. His eyes were locked on Liam, flicking occasionally to Izzy as if the sight physically irritated him. When Liam reached over and wiped a crumb from the corner of Izzy’s mouth, Olivier’s knuckles turned white around his knife.

They ate in silence for a few more minutes as Izzy leaned into her chair, chewing slowly, still holding the sandwich Liam made. Then he poured her a glass of water from the pitcher without asking, set it beside her plate, and then poured one for

himself.

She smiled at him again, quietly.

The clink of silverware and the faint hum of conversation between the maids in the hallway were the only sounds.

Then Olivier set his cup down–loudly. It wasn’t slammed, but it was hard enough to break the rhythm in the room.

“Are you ever going to apologize?” he asked, eyes fixed on Liam.

The quiet stopped completely. Margarette froze mid–reach. Even Philip paused, though he didn’t look up.

Liam didn’t answer right away. He placed his cup back on the saucer and looked across the table.

“For what?” he asked. His voice was calm, but the shift in the air was obvious. Even Izzy had stopped chewing. Her sandwich lowered slightly in her hand.

slightly, his gaze sharp. “You

turned a page, slower this time, but still didn’t lift

I know that I am pretty smart,

“You-”

intervened. “Your father is just tired. He–he wasn’t able to sleep last night,” she turned towards her husband. “Isn’t

However, Margarette was not done yet. She quickly added, “Last night, your father did some

“The one you were

at first. She continued, turning slightly toward Philip. “Father, didn’t you say something

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Chapter 178

I thought Olivier’s proposal

beside his place. He adjusted his chair slightly and

the table. Father, Philip wouldn’t even look at the file. Now, just because Liam was present, he suddenly wanted to listen. Olivier didn’t understand the logic, but he forced

a small copper operation, shut down decades ago,” Olivier began. “But lat year, a geological survey team working with a private firm passed

He

Possibly lithium. Lithium prices have been fluctuating, but they’re expected to spike again with demand in battery production,” Olivier went on. “If we secure the lot and do our

an eyebrow slightly. “How

into the bidding pool. The number might go higher depending

“And the infrastructure?”

usable. Roads are decent. It’s not perfect, but it’s not remote either. The area’s stable. No major legal complications with the locals.

didn’t drink. He tapped the

in his chair and crossed his arms, eyes still on Olivier.

now, we secure the position before

the mood. “It could be worth

anything yet. He picked up the file Olivier had pushed toward him earlier and finally opened it. His eyes scanned the first few

think about this idea, Izzy?” Philip suddenly

are you asking Isabella about this?” Olivier couldn’t help but ask.

before. I assume she knows ho read beyond just the mineral potential.” He turned another page. “I