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.

forward slightly, his gaze sharp. “You know what

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

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

“You-”

able to sleep

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

quickly. “The one you were reading about last night. What was it

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

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Chapter 178

resources? I thought Olivier’s proposal made

set it beside his place. He adjusted his chair

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

decades ago,” Olivier began. “But lat year, a geological survey team working with a private

He just

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

eyebrow slightly. “How much is the

The number might go higher depending on interest. Most of the interest is coming

“And the infrastructure?”

miles out, inactive but still 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. It’s all federal land.”

tapped the handle with his thumb, then looked at Liam.

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 are most resource bids. Depends on how much you’re willing

Liam just to get under 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 of

“It could be worth it. Especially with everything

picked up the file Olivier had pushed toward him earlier and finally opened it. His eyes scanned the first few lines while the rest of the table waited.

this idea, Izzy?” Philip

about

didn’t look up from the file. “She’s in real estate. She’s dealt with land acquisition before. I assume she knows ho read