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.

gaze sharp. “You know

but still didn’t lift his head. He didn’t

mean… I know that I am pretty smart, but I couldn’t

“You-”

immediately intervened. “Your father is just tired. He–he wasn’t able to sleep last

done yet. She quickly

in Arizona,” she said quickly. “The one you were reading about last night. What was it called

turning slightly toward Philip. “Father, didn’t you say something

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Chapter 178

proposal made sense. What do your thinks

the newspaper and set it beside his place. He adjusted his chair slightly and looked at Olivier. “What’s the potential

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

a long time. It used to be a small copper operation, shut down decades ago,” Olivier began. “But lat year, a geological survey team working with a private firm passed through the region and ran surface scans. They didn’t drill, but they

didn’t interrupt. He

spike again with demand in battery production,” Olivier went on. “If we secure the lot and do our own private testing, we can either develop it or sell the claim

an eyebrow slightly. “How much is

at sixty million,” Olivier said. “But that’s just to get into the bidding pool. The number might go higher depending on interest. Most of the interest is coming from mid–tier firms. No

“And the infrastructure?”

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

this time he didn’t drink. He tapped the handle with his thumb, then looked at Liam. “What do

didn’t respond right away. He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms, eyes still on Olivier. “Sounds risky,” he said. “But so

his skin, but it worked. He shifted slightly in his seat, then returned his attention to Philip. “If we act now, we secure the position before outside investors catch wind

the mood. “It could be worth it. Especially

him earlier and finally opened it.

do you think about this idea, Izzy?”

why are you asking Isabella about this?”

before. I assume she knows ho read beyond just the mineral