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

hands on her lap.

her.

priorities,” Margarette said. “There’s a difference between being a woman in the world and being a wife. Especially in a family

Chapter 179

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

person you were before it Izzy v

doesit erase. You it changes the path. A woman who keeps walking like she’s alone–she’ll eventually realize her budand

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

kind of home you want. What Yad of K do you want with Liam. Do you really need

an eyebrow

body, You can’t buy back time, lubella. Especially if you plan to become

that’s the trade?”

her cup, “It’s a choice. Pa marriage is also a day. It’s cring for your husband’s peace

Liam?” Izzy 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 you’re respected when you’re working with them. But they will

Her fingers curled around the

women who stay home look softer. More rested. It’s not just money. It’s peace. And peace is what keeps a

out at the

said. “But one day, you’ll see it

cup, the soft clink of ceramic the only sound between them. When Izzy didn’t answer,

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

her head slightly. “What does

to challenge them. They want you to admire

eyes slightly, still holding

not tested. They want to feel smart and feel like they’re in control. Even Olivier–he has his

said nothing. Her fingers tightened on the cup

don’t want a rival,” Margarette added. “They want a partner who follows their lead. That’s how it’s always

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Chapter 179

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what you said. He cared that you said it in front

chair. “You think Liam wants

her hands neatly in front of her. “He may not say it. He may not even realize it. But in time, he will feel it Pride is something built into them. It

never played dumb around her father. She was smart and she was not scared