Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife

Chapter 177 The breakfast table was quiet except for the clink of silverware and the occasional sound of a newspaper page turning Olivier sat across from his father, a file folder open in front of him. The smell of eggs, buttered toast, and black coffee lingered in the air, but Philip Horvath hadn't touched his food yet.

"There's a bidding next month." Olivier said, flipping a page. "It's in Arizona. Red Bluff District. The land's been dormant for years, but recent surveys flagged high mineral potential Copper. Possibly even lithium. If we move fast- "Eat your eggs," Philip cut in, reaching for his own coffee.

Olivier didn't respond right away. He pushed the file slightly forward. "We don't need to commit now. Just consider placing a bid. If it turns out to be viable, we'd secure a domestic source. The long-term value- "I said eat." Philip set his cup down and glanced at the file, but didn't open it. Seeing this, Olivier pressed his lips together and picked up his fork. The eggs had gone cold.

Philip finally picked up a piece of toast and bit into it. "You always bring these papers to breakfast." "Because it's the only tyou sit still," Olivier muttered.

Philip didn't answer. He flipped another page of the paper. The room fell quiet again.

A few minutes later, footsteps echoed from the hallway. One of the maids entered, bowing her head slightly.

"Young Master and Young Mistress have arrived." Philip's hand stilled mid-motion. He slowly set the paper down and looked up.

He didn't say anything, but his expression changed. His shoulders shifted back. He leaned slightly forward and Olivier immediately noticed this. Even Margarette, who was peacefully enjoying her breakfast, saw the changes. "Have them cin," he said.

"Grandfather!" Izzy's voice carried through the dining room as she entered, a soft smile on her face. She handed a bouquet of white lilies to the maid standing nearby, along with a small basket of fruits wrapped in clear plastic. She also gave the maid sinstructions and in response, the maid nodded and stepped aside.

Izzy walked toward the table and leaned down to hug Philip. The old man didn't stand, but he didn't move away either. His hands stayed resting on the arms of his chair as she hugged him lightly.

"I guess we just arrived at the perfect time?" she said quietly as she glanced at the spread on the table.

Philip gave a small nod, then looked toward the hallway. "Where's Liam?" "He's parking the car," she answered, adjusting her coat as she took a seat across from Olivier.

"You let him park the car?" Olivier asked, frowning. "Why don't you hire someone? What's the point of having drivers if you're going to do menial things yourselves?" Before Izzy could respond, Philip set his coffee cup down a little harder than necessary.

"Let them be," he said without looking at Olivier. "Young people these days do things their way. It's not your business." Olivier's face turned slightly red. He clenched his jaw and looked back down at his plate.

1/9 Chapter 177 Margarette immediately reached under the table and gave his legek yeying her beat ang her heat feat by erupting in anger However, he didn't look at her. Instead, he turned to mm 177 "le that how you greet your father in law? Olivier asked to fart, be wee je istock de te warring face might ad while he wanted to say a few wonds to Liam, tu benter refused to answer tele He had tried to stop himself from showing his anger, but seeing future pouches wide choday what w of the insub that he felt when he received the news that his own som married swake wengi h As if on rue, the maid returned with a tray of tea. 177y turned toward her with a new dood ook the tray teves the maid's hands herself "In China" she began as she set the way on the table, it's customary for the newlywed to pour tea for the large of respect. The in-laws, of course, are expected to drink it. I know I am not Chinese bet 1 throught it was worth my work way to show respect to their in laws? Olivier didn't respond immediately. Margarette looked surprised, her eyes flicking to the tray Izzy moved with practiced ease. She unwrapped the porcelain cups, then poured tea into each one in a straty meten There was no rush in her movements. Everything was neat, controlled, "I didn't bring the red envelopes though," she added, glancing at Olivier as she handed him the first c Margarette let out a small sound that could've been a laugh but quickly composed herself. Izzy ignored her as she continued, pouring a second cup and placing it in front of Philip. Then one for Margarette. The last cup the poured was for herself, though she didn't sit down yet.

Footsteps approached again. This time, Liam finally entered the room, hands in his pockets. He nodded toward his grandfather. "Morning" In response, Philip lifted a hand in acknowledgment Liam's eyes immediately shifted to the table, then to Izzy-who was standing beside it, her posture straight, hands steady as she handed out tea like she'd done it a dozen times before.

She moved smoothly, with quiet confidence. Even the way she held the pot looked too polished to be casual. Liam raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing?" "Respecting my elders," Izzy said without turning her head.

She poured a final refill, then finally sat down and lifted her own cup.

Philip picked his cup up without hesitation. Margarette followed. Olivier hesitated for a second, then took the cup, expression unreadable.

Liam sat next to her, his gaze still fixed on her. He leaned in slightly. "When did you learn that?" "I read books," she said, taking a sip. “You should try it sometime. Do you want stea?” she asked.

"No. I'll have coffee," Liam said as he gestured for the maid to get him a cup.

Izzy simply nodded before she turned slightly toward Philip. “Grandfather, how's the tea?" She didn't look at Olivier or Margarette.

Philip took another sip and set the cup down. "It's fine." Izzy smiled and picked up her own cup again.

2/3 Chapter 177

"It's a bit too light," Olivier said, without being asked. He held the cup between his fingers and glanced at it.

e. "Leaves were probably steeped too early. It lost the strength before it reached the cup. Water might've been under-boiled too? Izzy didn't flinch. She took another sip, then gently set her cup back on the saucer, She didn't look at Olivier. Instead, she turned to Liam.

"You know, in the old days, a bad tea ceremony could be taken as an insult to the in-laws," she said, casually brushing a loose thread from her sleeve. “There were cases where marriages were called off because the bride didn't know how to serve tea properly." Liam raised an eyebrow. "That serious?"

"Oh, very," she nodded. "The wrong tea, wrong temperature, even the way you hold the cup. It could be seemas a sign of disrespect. She looked at her Cup again, thoughtful. "Sfather-in-laws even refused the tea, and the bride was sent back to her family the sday. Imagine the shame." Margarette glanced between them, her hand frozen on her cup. Meanwhile, Olivier's expression didn't change, but his grip on the handle tightened slightly.

"Of course," Izzy added, turning toward Philip. "Sfamilies were more forgiving. They believed it wasn't the tea that mattered, but the intention. That's why most of them lived longer." Philip gave a small nod and returned to his newspaper.

Izzy leaned slightly toward Liam, her voice low but clear enough.

But sstill insisted on judging the water temperature." Liam didn't look at his father. He simply picked up a slice of toast from Izzy's plate and took a bite.

Then finally, Izzy smiled and looked at Olivier. "I'll practice more next time," Izzy said as she gave the older man a knowing smile. "I hope Mr. Horvath can forgivethis time.” mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliIofifl0&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1