Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife

Chapter 179

Chapter 179

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“Women like us… We better avoid all these talks about money and properties,” Margarette said as she started brewing what looked like dried flowers and leaves.

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The garden behind the mansion stretched wide, bordered by trimmed hedges and tall iron fencing that separated the estate from the wooded hills beyond. Stone paths cut through manicured flower beds, and a round wrought–iron table sat in the middle of the open space, partially shaded by a pergola woven with creeping vines. The early sun filtered through, casting narrow strips of light across the table.

Izzy sat down quietly, her eyes drifting toward the rose bushes nearby. A few bees hovered lazily around the petals, and the sound of the small water fountain by the corner wall trickled steadily into the background.

Then she turned her attention to Margarette who stood at the edge of the table, pouring hot water over a small ceramic strainer filled with dried herbs and flower petals. The steam rose gently as she watched the color begin to tint the water.

“It’s called Blossom Dew,” she said. “Mostly hibiscus, rose hips, and lemon balm. A touch of dried apple for sweetness. I’ve had this blend imported for years.”

Izzy nodded, her hands folded on her lap. She didn’t know why she actually agreed to accompany this woman here. She found talking about investments more interesting than flowers and stuff.

Margarette sat down across from her, gently swirling the teapot before setting it aside. “It’s light at first. Soft. A little floral. But let it sit for a minute, and the bitterness starts to come through.” She picked up the small glass teacup and offered it to Izzy. “Like life.”

Izzy took the cup and gave it a small sip. It was warm and smooth, slightly tangy.

“We work hard to grow these flowers, to keep them pretty,” Margarette continued. “Prune them, shade them from too much sun. But at the end of the day, they’re still fragile. A storm could ruin the whole thing overnight.”

Izzy didn’t answer. Her fingers tapped lightly against the side of the cup.

“That’s what being a woman is,” Margarette said, resting back in her chair. “You learn to survive storms, but you still have to look good doing it. You can be clever, even talented, but at the end of the day…” She trailed off and looked at the distant hills. “You’ll never have the same weight as the men in the room.”

Izzy kept her eyes forward. She didn’t argue. Not yet.

Margarette tilted her head. “I’m not saying it’s fair. I’m saying that’s the world. You find your strength by knowing where you can move quietly. Gracefully. Without having to shout.”

She poured herself a cup and took a sip.

“Sometimes, power doesn’t come from winning arguments,” she added. “It comes from knowing which ones not to join.” Izzy nodded slowly and set the cup down on its saucer. “And what if you don’t want to move quietly?”

Margarette looked at her but didn’t respond right away.

when you’ll realize,” she said finally, “how loud the

her cup down and rested her hands on her

her. “Like

said. “There’s a difference between being a woman in the world and being a

Chapter 179

cup from the pot and gave it and up the bad settled the wor The floral edge had softened

don’t think marriage should erase the person you were before

it changes the path. A woman who

leaned slightly forward, her elbows resting on the table. “So what should the

of home you want. What Yad of K do you want with Liam. Do you really need the stress of company meetings and deadlines of being around too many men

an eyebrow but didn’t

face, your body, You can’t buy back time, lubella. Especially if you plan to become a mother one

that’s the

is also a day.

asked. “What’s his responsibility?”

you,” Margarette answered. “To provide. To make sure you don’t have to exhaust yourself keeping up with men who will never treat you as their equal anyway. You think

fingers curled around the cup again, warm and

who stay home look softer. More rested. It’s not just

looked out at the roses

have to agree with me,” Margarette said. “But one day, you’ll see it for yourself. By then, I only hope

refilled her own cup, the soft clink of ceramic the only sound between them. When Izzy didn’t answer, Margarette continued, taking

“about that land in Arizona…. when men bring up things like that, it’s better not to know too much.”

slightly. “What does

“It means they don’t want you to challenge them. They want you to admire them. Act like you’re curious.

her eyes slightly,

smart and feel like they’re in control.

nothing. Her fingers tightened on the

rival,” Margarette added. “They want a partner who

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Chapter 179

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said. He cared that you said it in front of

her chair. “You think Liam wants that?

it. He may not even realize it. But in time, he will feel

mother never played dumb around her father. She was